Branded! [Monday Meeting Notes]

Monday Meeting, News

Anybody else remember the amazing art Guy Davis did for Dark Reflections: Specters, a book branded with the Black Dog label for Wraith: the Oblivion? Everything Guy ever drew had stories woven through it beyond the depiction for the book. He is just a fantastic storyteller.

But Rich, I hear at least one of you ask, why are you talking about Black Dog? Wasn’t that just a parody of White Wolf in Book of the Wyrm?

Oh no, my questioning friend, Black Dog was also a logo, a brand if you will, that we at WW put on certain books back in the day.

Last week, a few fun forum folks raised the question of whether Onyx Path was going to do new Black Dog projects because of the 20 year anniversary thing we do so well. While giving the answer (We have no plans at this time), it became obvious that maybe it’d be helpful if I explained a bit about why WW adopted the Black Dog brand and just what the purposes of such brands can be.

In the 90’s we were pushing all the boundaries. Sex, violence, language, representation, book structure and layout, you name it and somebody at White Wolf wanted to smash through the standards and tell their story their way. But standards then were not standards now. A lot of what we take for granted now in our books, on TV, and especially online, was taboo back then.

With guardians of the public good willing to catch and punish those who transgressed.

We put “Games For Mature Minds” on the books and added, laughingly, disclaimers about how the material in our game books was fictional, and figured that we had done just enough to warn the public.

On the creative end of things, we kept pushing to make the things we made the way we imagined them, without a filter. But our sales guys heard a different story. They would pass on stories about losing retailers who didn’t like the “goths” coming into their stores, or how one distributor called us “a bunch of faggots and Satanists”, and we’d all agree they were dinosaurs, so “Screw ’em!”

As far as I remember, and bear in mind it was a while ago, it wasn’t the RPG biz that actually was the issue, it was those stores that had games but were mostly comic book stores that were the ones under scrutiny. They were the ones who were sued, their owners jailed, and their doors shut forever, because of the “adult material” on the shelves with the comic books considered to be aimed at kids.

Bear in mind that whether you or I believed said material was inappropriate was not the point. There were local law officials and outraged parents who drew that line and issued those warrants.

This became a thing that loomed over any such store. It was actually a pretty scary threat for retailers.

Around this time, and into this environment, we published Clan Book Tzimisce.

Now, CB Tz, was a very typical book for that time. Filled with writing and art that described the inhuman and inhumane Clan, it was nevertheless the back cover art that caused an uproar among retailers and distributors as it featured a portrait of a vampire whose face had been fleshcrafted so their mouth ran vertically. From our point of view this was a horrific warping of a vampire, but from theirs, White Wolf had just put a book into their stores with a vagina on the back cover.

(I’m not going to dig up that art, but go ahead and Google it. I’ll wait.)

There was much sturm und drang, and ultimately we had each book shrink-wrapped to cover up the art. Big picture though, the result of all that was WW torn between the poles of whether we should just publish what we wanted and damn the consequences, or whether we would restrain our creative impulses because of the standards of the marketplace outside our cozy, black-draped, office.

The Black Dog Game Factory brand was the result of those discussions and a middle-road where we could still publish what we wanted, and in fact go further than ever, but by having the logo on a book we alerted Retailers to the idea that this contained content that could be considered objectionable. Some of our creators took to the spirit of the brand, and others found it annoying or added material that pushed boundaries just because they could. Those decisions aren’t the point.

The point was, and is, that Black Dog was created as a brand to satisfy our needs to create without external censorship but while still being seen as responsive to the somewhat perilous environment store owners were working in. It was made for that particular period in time, and as the storms passed and our culture grew more used to the very “objectionable material” that caused the ruckus, we began putting what would have been labeled as Black Dog stuff into the projects we were publishing as White Wolf.

There are other brands that are relevant forever, that are used to shepherd a new genres, or which take on lives of their own in publishing. Black Dog was never one of those, it was always a creature of its time. It always shielded the other books in its game-line, but was never a line itself. Its purpose has passed.

Fuck, now our fucks are in the fucking books.

We could not do that before Black Dog.

We might create other brands down the road that aren’t just game-lines. They’ll be put on our books for different reasons than Black Dog was, and they’ll hopefully serve their purpose as well as Black Dog did.

Good Dog.

Besides that look at brands and one specific use for them, we’re thrilled by how well Mage: the Awakening 2nd Edition is doing, having gone platinum on DTRPG last week. (See below in Blurbs!) Keep your comments coming folks! Now that the “First Four” of the Chronicles of Darkness 2nd Editions are out, I think I’ll be whipping up a CofD 2nd Edition blog soon to explore the whys and wherefores of the whole 2nd Edition plan.

Speaking of which, if there’s a subject you’d like me to cover in a blog, please let me know in the comments here, and I’ll consider it. Thanks!

BLURBS!

ON SALE!

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/

Those howls you hear? The pack is on your trail! The Pack for Werewolf: the Forsaken 2nd, that is! The Advance PDF will go on sale on Wednesday after 2pm EasternUS at DTRPG.com!

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.

Some…things. Arise. The Primordial Feast fiction anthology for Beast: the Primordial is on sale at DriveThruRPG.com in PDF, ebook and PoD versions!

http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/178807/The-Primordial-Feast-An-Anthology-for-Beast-the-Primordial

The world of the Chronicles of Darkness is a strange place… For the human masses, it is terrifying and brutal, full of monsters waiting to drink the blood and taste the flesh of those foolish enough to delve into forbidden corners. For the Begotten, though, it is home, and those who transgress serve to feed the Horrors within. The Primordial Feast contains nine new stories inspired by Beast: The Primordial.

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!

The Black Hand returns! V20 The Black Hand: Guide to the Tal’Mahe’Ra Advance PDF is available on DTRPG! http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/179023/V20-The-Black-Hand-A-Guide-to-the-TalMaheRa

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 planning has started. We’re starting to plan our booth demo schedule and our 2016-2017 Brochure and a Scion/Trinity/StoryPath brochure, too.

Here’s a con Fast Eddy Webb will be attending! Talk to him about V20 and Pugmire and Sherlock Holmes and Oxford Commas:

MomoCon ( May 26-29, 2016 , Atlanta, GA)

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)

V20 Dark Ages Anthology (Vampire: the Masquerade 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)

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

V20 Dark Ages Companion (Vampire 20th Dark Ages)

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)

Editing V20 DA Tome of Secrets (Vampire 20th Dark Ages)

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

CofD Hurt Locker (Chronicles of Darkness)

Beast Ready Made Characters (Beast: the Primordial)

Post-Editing Development:

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

MtC Mummy Novel (Mummy: the Curse)

Indexing:

ART DIRECTION FROM MIRTHFUL MIKE:

In Art Direction

W20 Shattered Dreams

Dark Eras Companion

Necropolis Rio

W20 Kinfolk

Beckett’s Jyhad Diary

CofD Hurt Locker

Mummy Novel

V20 DA Tome of Secrets

V20 Lore of the Bloodlines

In Layout

Promethean: the Created Second



V20 Ready Made Characters

Secrets of the Covenants

Ex 3 Screen

V20 Black Hand

Ex 3 core book – From RichT: Prepping the actual deluxe traditionally printed files.

– From RichT: Prepping the actual deluxe traditionally printed files. EX3 Backer Charms

Scarred Lands PG

Dark Eras Screen

Proofing

V20 Ghouls – At WWP for approvals.

– At WWP for approvals. Curse of the Blue Nile – At WWP for approvals.

At Press

Beast Screen – At shipper.

– At shipper. Beast Prestige Edition

Dark Eras – PoD files.

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.

Art direction and layout can’t go further until art notes come in, still being developed by Rich Dansky. Pentex Employee Indoctrination Manual – Some added and amended text needs to come in.