Memorial Monday Meandering [Monday Meeting Notes]

Monday Meeting, News

Right now, I’m writing this on our US holiday of Memorial Day, which is supposed to be a day we honor those who have given their lives in service to their country. (Not to be confused with Veterans Day, where we honor the living who have and continue to risk those lives.)

Here in the US this long holiday weekend is also considered by many as the start of Summertime.

It’s a holiday, and we’ve still had our weekly Onyx Path Meetings, and I’m writing this blog, because that’s what we do. No rest for the wicked.

I’m actually pointing this out not as a cheap ploy for pity, “Aw, you poor Onyx Path team. You have to work on a holiday…”, but to illustrate the nature of how we do what we do. Back in the day, at White Wolf, I was famous (infamous) for completely not noticing that we had a national holiday. I’d expect the full-time crew to be in the office, and make plans like they would be, only to be reminded that nope, nobody was coming in.

Not because I was a cruel taskmaster, although I’m sure there were plenty of folks who did think that, but because I’ve never stopped thinking like a freelancer.

To a freelancer, an official holiday just means another “extra” day to get more projects worked on.

Maybe you can trot downstairs from your studio, or writing sanctum, and grab a burger and say hi to a few folks, but then it’s back to the project. That was my life for years before I got to WW, and now, running Onyx Path, I’ve just eased right back into that kind of thinking. The great thing is, everybody at Onyx Path right now has recently, or is right now, a freelancer. So the idea that we’d have a meeting on a national holiday is not at all strange.

I’ve found my people!

Also, in the same area of thinking, and so I cover all the bases with this, being able to choose when to work on what (or on a holiday), is one of the things I wanted out of Onyx Path Publishing when I first considered starting my own company. You can certainly overwork that way, and just be doing projects all the time. After all, these are amazingly cool projects we’re talking about here.

But, what I prefer for myself, our Onyx Path crew, and gang of freelance creators we have the pleasure to work with, is having the flexibility to make our own decisions on what we work on when. I want to work on this cool project, but it needs to get done now, so I work all night and this holiday. But I also take Wednesday off to spend the day walking through college registration with one of my kids.

It’s a question of balance and how to achieve it, and the way we are doing it now, with Onyx Path, is the closest I’ve seen in practice since, well, ever. Which is kind of why I bring up the whole thing. There’s a pretty big difference in how we’re doing things if you’re imagining Onyx is put together like a 9-5 business.

Anyway, I’ve got this blog to finish, and one of the Scarred Lands 2nd adventure covers to finish illustrating.

If you’re also working; work well. If you’re enjoying a day off; have a great one!

BLURBS!

KICKSTARTER:

Please check out this Kickstarter from our long time illustrator and friend, James Stowe, for his Sidekick’s Quest RPG/comic: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/778640200/sidekick-quests-secret-of-the-sewer-wizard

It is a really clever and fun simplified version of classic fantasy RPG playing for kids, and adults will love how Sto has written both the RPG and the comic, too!

ON SALE!

Looking for Deluxe or Prestige Edition books? Here’s the link to the press release we put out about how Onyx Path is now selling through Indie Press Revolution: http://theonyxpath.com/press-release-onyx-path-limited-editions-now-available-through-indie-press-revolution/

Servants of the Damned: coming this Wednesday from DTRPG is the Advance PDF for V20 Ghouls & Revenants!

There has always been…Darkness. Coming at you through time itself, the Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras PDF and physical book PoD versions are noe available at DTRPG! http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/178583/Chronicles-of-Darkness-Dark-Eras

Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras reveals the world throughout its long and storied past. Through sixteen eras, you’ll learn the secret history of the world, from the flame-lit tales of the Neolithic to the drug-fueled rebellion of the 1970s. Delve into the past, and learn that the Chronicles of Darkness began long before the modern nights.

Dark Eras includes historical settings for Chronicles of Darkness game lines:

Vampire: the Requiem

Werewolf: the Forsaken

Mage: the Awakening

Promethean: the Created

Changeling: the Lost

Hunter: the Vigil

Geist: the Sin-Eaters

Mummy: the Curse

Demon: the Descent

Those howls you hear? The pack is on your trail! The Pack for Werewolf: the Forsaken 2nd, that is! The Advance PDF is selling at DTRPG.com! http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/181760/The-Pack

Alone you die. Together you will feast on the blood of your prey.

This book contains:

The pack from within and without, including a number of sample packs.

Other organizations of werewolves, including protectorates and Lodges.

New systems for pack creation, hunting nature, and pack tactics..

Three new hunting grounds that show different sides to the pack.

NOTE: This is the Advance PDF version. A final PDF version and PoD versions will be available at a later date. If you have purchased this Advance PDF, you will be automatically updated to the final PDF and receive a link to enable you to purchase the PoD at a discount designed so that your total price matches our usual PDF and Print combo offer.

You must have your DTRPG account set to accept messages from Onyx Path Publishing before the link messages are sent out, though, so please adjust your settings if you want that discount.

Mage: the Awakening 2nd Edition Advance PDF NOW available at DTRPG.com! http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/181754/Mage-the-Awakening-2nd-Edition

You are a mage, one of the Wise. You see, know, and explore what others can’t imagine, from the depths of the human soul to the hidden corners of reality. Armed with your spells, driven by an addiction to Mysteries, you delve into the secrets of the world. Knowledge has a price, and the dangers are many.

This book contains:

The complete guide to playing a mage in the Chronicles of Darkness.

Reimagined Paths, Orders, and powers to create your Awakened characters and their allies, including an updated version of the most comprehensive free-form magic system in gaming.

Five example settings across the world, from Los Angeles to Salamanca, each with a central Mystery.

A brand-new look at all the strange places of the Fallen World, from the Lower Depths to the Emanation Realms, and what mages might find within.

NOTE: This is the Advance PDF version. A final PDF version and PoD versions will be available at a later date. If you have purchased this Advance PDF, you will be automatically updated to the final PDF and receive a link to enable you to purchase the PoD at a discount designed so that your total price matches our usual PDF and Print combo offer.

You must have your DTRPG account set to accept messages from Onyx Path Publishing before the link messages are sent out, though, so please adjust your settings if you want that discount.

Children of the Unconquered Sun arise!

Exalted 3rd Edition in both PDF and PoD versions is now on sale at DriveThruRPG.com: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/162759/Exalted-3rd-Edition

This is your tale. This is Exalted. What legends will they tell of your deeds?

Exalted 3rd Edition depicts both a revitalized and expanded Creation, and the triumphant return of the Solar Exalted—but whether their rebirth will herald the salvation or destruction of the world, none can say. The system redesign takes the best parts of the previous editions and streamlines the mechanics for maximum playability.

Exalted 3rd Edition includes:

New Fiction – Read a new tale by original Exalted developer and author Geoff Grabowski.

– Read a new tale by original developer and author Geoff Grabowski. New Artwork – See the Realm in a new light with stunning artwork by both new and classic Exalted artists working under the direction of Maria Cabardo.

– See the Realm in a new light with stunning artwork by both new and classic artists working under the direction of Maria Cabardo. Expanded Locales – Expand your campaigns with a detailed overview of the sprawling and decadent Second Age of Man. In addition to classic locales such as Chiaroscuro and Nexus, find many new locations not detailed in previous editions, from the treacherous intrigues of Port Calin to the proud warriors of the frigid plains and forests of Medo, held in check only by the iron hand of the Realm.

– Expand your campaigns with a detailed overview of the sprawling and decadent Second Age of Man. In addition to classic locales such as Chiaroscuro and Nexus, find many new locations not detailed in previous editions, from the treacherous intrigues of Port Calin to the proud warriors of the frigid plains and forests of Medo, held in check only by the iron hand of the Realm. Intrigue and Mystery – Discover a revitalized Realm, still standing at the brink of civil war, but more dangerous than ever before; and the Lunar dominions which harry its borders, seeking redress for ancient crimes while pursuing modern ambitions.

– Discover a revitalized Realm, still standing at the brink of civil war, but more dangerous than ever before; and the Lunar dominions which harry its borders, seeking redress for ancient crimes while pursuing modern ambitions. Expanded Character Creation – Create and play Solar Exalted characters and compelling mortal heroes with more information and fleshed out details.

– Create and play Solar Exalted characters and compelling mortal heroes with more information and fleshed out details. Combat System – Fight with a new cinematic combat engine, primed to deliver dynamic, exciting, and easily resolved battles between heroes, gods, and armies.

– Fight with a new cinematic combat engine, primed to deliver dynamic, exciting, and easily resolved battles between heroes, gods, and armies. Charms – Explore a vibrant new Charm set encompassing both classic Solar powers from previous editions and all-new powers to shift the course of Creation.

– Explore a vibrant new Charm set encompassing both classic Solar powers from previous editions and all-new powers to shift the course of Creation. …and much, much more!

Beware the Beast: the Primordial PDFs and PoDs NOW on sale at DTRPG.com! http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/162443/Beast-The-Primordial

You are a Beast, and you must feed. Your Hunger drives you, and your Hunger might damn you. Indulge too lightly and your Horror will take matters into its own hands, roaming the Primordial Dream for sustenance and awakening murderous hatred in spiritually weak individuals. Feed too deeply and too often, and you become sluggish, sacrificing the raw edge of Hunger for the languor of Satiety. You must decide how to grow your Legend – will you be the monster incarnate, the thing that all other monsters fear? Or are you doomed to die under a Hero’s sword?

This book contains:

The complete guide to playing a Beast in Chronicles of Darkness

A game system designed for crossover with the other Chronicles of Darkness lines

A look at the Beasts and their broods all around the world, from Vancouver to Tokyo

Rules for Heroes, the deluded individuals who think that this is their story

CONVENTIONS!

Gen Con 2016 Onyx Path events registration has now been posted on the Gen Con site! A LOT of our events have sold out already, so please jump in ASAP if you’d like to attend: https://www.gencon.com/event_finder/Host/Onyx%20Path%20Publishing

These don’t include the demos and playtests we’ll be having at the booth.

Dapper Dave Brookshaw will be at the UK Games Expo this coming Saturday, June 4th! Pop in and challenge Dave with your Mage: the Awakening 2nd questions!

And now, the new project status updates!

DEVELOPMENT STATUS FROM ROLLICKING ROSE (projects in bold have changed status since last week):

First Draft (The first phase of a project that is about the work being done by writers, not dev prep)

M20 Book of Secrets (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)

Exalted 3rd Novel by Matt Forbeck (Exalted 3rd Edition)

CtL fiction anthology (Changeling: the Lost 2nd Edition)

Ring of Spiragos (Scarred Lands)

VtM Endless Ages fiction anthology (Vampire: the Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition)

BtP Building a Legend (Beast: the Primordial)

Trinity Continuum Core Rulebook (The Trinity Continuum)

Trinity Continuum: Aeon Rulebook (The Trinity Continuum)

M20 Gods and Monsters (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)

VtR A Thousand Years of Night (Vampire: the Requiem 2nd Edition)

Scion: Origins (Scion 2nd Edition)

Scion: Hero (Scion 2nd Edition)

BtP Mortal Remains (Beast: the Primordial)

BtP Player’s Guide

Pugmire Core Book

Ring of Spiragos (5e)

Dagger of Spiragos (5e)

Redlines

Dagger of Spiragos – Pathfinder Version (Scarred Lands)

EX3 Quickstart (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Scarred Lands Player’s Guide 5E: Ghelspad (Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)

V20 Dark Ages Anthology (Vampire: the Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition)

Second Draft

Arms of the Chosen (Exalted 3rd Edition)

The Realm (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Dragon-Blooded (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Cavaliers of Mars

Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition

Wraith: the Oblivion 20th Anniversary Edition

Development

W20 Changing Ways (Werewolf: the Apocalypse 20th Anniversary Edition)

Changeling: the Lost 2nd Edition, featuring the Huntsmen Chronicle (Changeling: the Lost 2nd Edition)

W20 Pentex Employee Indoctrination Handbook (Werewolf: the Apocalypse 20th Anniversary Edition)

Signs of Sorcery (Mage: the Awakening Second Edition)

Night Horrors: Conquering Heroes (Beast: the Primordial)

SL Ring of Spiragos (Pathfinder – Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)

SL The Wise and the Wicked (5e – Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)

SL The Wise and the Wicked (Pathfinder – Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)

SL Dagger of Spiragos (Pathfinder – Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)

V20 Dark Ages Companion (Vampire 20th Dark Ages)

Editing: Still nothing here this week…

Post-Editing Development:

The Prince’s Gambit (Vampire: the Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition)

V20 Lore of the Bloodlines (Vampire: the Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition)

CofD Hurt Locker (Chronicles of Darkness)

Beast Ready Made Characters (Beast: the Primordial)

Indexing:

ART DIRECTION FROM MIRTHFUL MIKE:

In Art Direction

W20 Shattered Dreams

Dark Eras Companion

Necropolis Rio

Beckett’s Jyhad Diary

CofD Hurt Locker

Mummy Novel

V20 DA Tome of Secrets

V20 Lore of the Bloodlines

Beast RMCs

SL Wise and Wicked Update

In Layout

Promethean: the Created Second



Secrets of the Covenants

Ex 3 core book – From RichT: Prepping the actual deluxe traditionally printed files, waiting for OK from printer about their specs for this size book.

– From RichT: Prepping the actual deluxe traditionally printed files, waiting for OK from printer about their specs for this size book. Scarred Lands PG

Dark Eras Screen

SL Wise and Wicked Update

Proofing

Curse of the Blue Nile – At WWP for approvals.

– At WWP for approvals. Ex 3 Screen – At WWP for approvals.

– At WWP for approvals. EX3 Backer Charms – At WWP for approvals.

– At WWP for approvals. Mage: the Awakening 2nd – Waiting for errata from DaveB.

– Waiting for errata from DaveB. V20 Ready Made Characters – At WWP for approvals.

– At WWP for approvals. W20 The Pack – Errata gathered.

At Press

Beast Screen – At shipper.

– At shipper. Beast Prestige Edition – reviewed printer proofs.

– reviewed printer proofs. Dark Eras – PDF and PoD versions on sale at DTRPG.

– PDF and PoD versions on sale at DTRPG. V20 Black Hand – PoD proof ordered.

– PoD proof ordered. V20 Ghouls & Revenants – Advance PDF out this Wednesday.

Special- projects on hold in the art and production area until an external factor is resolved

Wraith 20 – Art direction and layout can’t go further until art notes come in, still being developed by Rich Dansky.