Feb 2012
Map Sample from Colonial Gothic: French and Indian War
02/27/2012 02:45 Filed in: Colonial Gothic
Work continues on Colonial Gothic: The French and Indian War. The layout should be tied up this week, the only thing I am waiting on is Gabriel to finish up the map, and then break it into smaller pieces.
So what does the map look like?
This is not to print size. I just shrunk it down to fit in this post. Up close the map is a thing of beauty – I have only seen lo-rez versions – and will be great looking as a stand alone poster. This is something I am looking into.
There are a lot of maps in this book. Which is what I always wanted. Some are from the period, the others are the work of Gabriel. All really make this book something special.
When can you expect the preorder to go live? I am shooting for next week, but I do not want to rush things. I want Gabriel to have the time he needs to get the maps done. The book will be out next month, just have a little patience.
So what does the map look like?
This is not to print size. I just shrunk it down to fit in this post. Up close the map is a thing of beauty – I have only seen lo-rez versions – and will be great looking as a stand alone poster. This is something I am looking into.
There are a lot of maps in this book. Which is what I always wanted. Some are from the period, the others are the work of Gabriel. All really make this book something special.
When can you expect the preorder to go live? I am shooting for next week, but I do not want to rush things. I want Gabriel to have the time he needs to get the maps done. The book will be out next month, just have a little patience.
Comments
Two examples of race for Shadow, Sword & Spell
02/14/2012 06:32 Filed in: SS&S
A few weeks ago I wrote about the work I am doing on Shadow, Sword & Spell Companion. In that post I mentioned that how the rules behave now, is that in choosing a race is similar to how you choose a Modifier. Your race has you adjust a few Abilities, give you a few skill bonuses, in some cases a trait, and your character stands out from other characters. For the past few months playtesting has been underway and the results have ten encouraging. Some tweaks and some creativity, and the rules for races have been well received.
So what do the rules look like? Here are two example of the races being used. These are still works in progress, and they still need some work. What they will show you is where the thinking lies and what play testers have been using.
Ability Adjustments: -2 Brawn, +2 Quickness
Skill Bonus: Stealth +1, Subterfuge +1
Traits: Bite, Nightvision, Size -1
Ability Adjustments: Brawn +2, Quickness -2, Reason -2
Skill Bonus: Intimidation +2
Traits: Size +1
So looking at this, you notice two things, when the race sections are fully written, there are going to be a lot of choice for GMs when it comes to what type of races they can choose from. The other thing that stands out is the section Traits. Traits are the unique things that make each race standout from each other. These traits are similar to creature traits (as found in Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert), and when you choose a race, your character gains these traits as well.
There are currently sixteen different races being play tested, some are very familiar (elf and dwarf) some are unique mythological beings (centaurs) while others are unique (the ghoulkin).
So there you go a brief look at what is being play tested. Take these two rough text blocks and play with them and see how they work in your games. If you do use them, be sure to let me know what your impressions are.
So what do the rules look like? Here are two example of the races being used. These are still works in progress, and they still need some work. What they will show you is where the thinking lies and what play testers have been using.
Goblin
Ability Adjustments: -2 Brawn, +2 Quickness
Skill Bonus: Stealth +1, Subterfuge +1
Traits: Bite, Nightvision, Size -1
Half Giant
Ability Adjustments: Brawn +2, Quickness -2, Reason -2
Skill Bonus: Intimidation +2
Traits: Size +1
So looking at this, you notice two things, when the race sections are fully written, there are going to be a lot of choice for GMs when it comes to what type of races they can choose from. The other thing that stands out is the section Traits. Traits are the unique things that make each race standout from each other. These traits are similar to creature traits (as found in Shadow, Sword & Spell: Expert), and when you choose a race, your character gains these traits as well.
There are currently sixteen different races being play tested, some are very familiar (elf and dwarf) some are unique mythological beings (centaurs) while others are unique (the ghoulkin).
So there you go a brief look at what is being play tested. Take these two rough text blocks and play with them and see how they work in your games. If you do use them, be sure to let me know what your impressions are.
Figures of Intrest for Colonial Gothic Fans
02/10/2012 12:42 Filed in: News | Colonial Gothic
A close friend emailed me this bit of news and I thought I would pass it along.
North Star has a sale on French Indian War figures, and though postage might be a bit high to get them to the US, the figures are pretty nice. I placed an order this morning for some. Here’s the link:
http://www.northstarfigures.com/list.php?spo=1&page=1
North Star has a sale on French Indian War figures, and though postage might be a bit high to get them to the US, the figures are pretty nice. I placed an order this morning for some. Here’s the link:
http://www.northstarfigures.com/list.php?spo=1&page=1
Quiet but working
02/08/2012 01:21 Filed in: Colonial Gothic
Been a busy few weeks. Working on a number of Colonial Gothic projects, but the big one is the most important one – The French and Indian War.
I just started on the rough layout of the book, and it is already shaping up to be a nice looking work. Maps are being done and this will be ready for preorder in a few weeks. I am really working on something that feels right and honors the text. This is a book that has been in the works for awhile, and I really want to do it right. Below is a very rough snapshot of a two-page spread.
This is very much a work in progress. I simply started and the Orphan header on page 12, will not be there. The text in the chapter header on page 13 is temporary. The point of this is to show that the book is coming, and I really cannot wait till you see it.
What else is being worked on for Colonial Gothic? A book for the summer, and it deals with locations. More on that in a bit.
I just started on the rough layout of the book, and it is already shaping up to be a nice looking work. Maps are being done and this will be ready for preorder in a few weeks. I am really working on something that feels right and honors the text. This is a book that has been in the works for awhile, and I really want to do it right. Below is a very rough snapshot of a two-page spread.
This is very much a work in progress. I simply started and the Orphan header on page 12, will not be there. The text in the chapter header on page 13 is temporary. The point of this is to show that the book is coming, and I really cannot wait till you see it.
What else is being worked on for Colonial Gothic? A book for the summer, and it deals with locations. More on that in a bit.