Something, Something: Pun About May [Monday Meeting Notes]

Monday Meeting, News

For some reason, today feels like catch-all day. This month has been crazy and fulfilling in terms of releases, both for sale and to backers of our many Kickstarters, and now we end it with putting the Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras on sale in both PDF and PoD versions!

Once again, this is a biiiig book. Totally my fault as I just couldn’t resist adding too many of the Dark Eras voted in by backers of the Kickstarter. The thing is, the sequel book, the Dark Eras Companion, is going to be pretty much as big! So we’d have had to have done three books coming out of the KS, and maybe we should have, but my head was about adding value for the original book with extra Eras, and then a cool and meaty overflow book. Singular.

So it was a failure of mental flexibility, I’m afraid. I try to leave room in our plans for the unexpected, and this time I didn’t run with the concept as far as I could have.

Nevertheless, and despite my self-perceived flaws, there are going to be two whoppin’ cool big books of Dark Eras coming at you, the first starting Weds!

Now, Dark Eras going on sale was as one of the things we talked about today, but hardly the only thing. Let me touch on them in order, so you can get an idea of the kinds of subjects we roll through each Monday.

As we tend to do from Jan 1 on, we started with Gen Con prep. For those of you who have never had the life-altering pleasure of attending Gen Con, or any other convention, I know we sure do go on about it. Let me say, though, that while I know it might seem like we obsess over Gen Con beyond the point of reason, there are actually strategies (or strategeries) that represent further into our plans for Onyx Path that we have keyed off of this convention.

First off, because Gen Con is our best single event to talk to folks that aren’t aware of who Onyx Path is, what games we create, or how we relate to the White Wolf of yore, we design our presence at the con to inform folks of that. Our booth, the brochure we release each year, our panels, and our gaming events, are all set up to catch somebody’s eye and then inform them about our stuff.

The first time we had our own booth, the effort was towards catching the eye with familiar White Wolf imagery and design, and last year we shifted that a bit to include Pugmire images and discussion. This year, a new added part of our conversations will be about Scion 2nd Edition and its Kickstarter slated for after the con.

These things take time to work through exactly how we want to proceed. We don’t want our devoted World of Darkness fans to think we are only focused on new gamers, and we don’t want folks excited about our new games to think we only create Vampire: the Masquerade books because our friend Martin as the Tzimisce Dracula signature character is on our signage. We want to see and talk with everybody!

And we also try and improve folks’ experiences with us each year. For example, this year we’re emphasizing playtests and demos at the booth in order to better show the different play experiences our variety of game worlds can deliver. So that means a different booth set-up and a different set of skills we need from our crew in the booth.

Actually, here’s a good time to ask before I move to the next topic: let me know in the comments if you have a specific aspect of one of our games you’d like us to be demoing at the Gen Con booth. The throwing rules in Scion 2nd? Pugmire combat? Mage 2nd Edition investigation rules? Let me know, as we are just setting those things into our plans.

W20 Shattered Dreams art by William Obrien

Next, we discussed reaction to my blog last week about Gender Inclusivity for panelists at the Gen Con Industry Insider panels as well as gaming in general, as well as some reactions to the various related FB and other posts by such luminaries as Monica Valentinelli, Eddy Webb, Matt McFarland, and others of our freelancers. They actually seemed to get more nasty comments than my blog (where I only had to trash one very long post , always a warning sign, ranting about SJWs and the like).

So thank you all for that.

In general, and as always, I want our Onyx Path social media venues and forums to be places where folks feel comfortable hanging out and talking, regardless of their individual political, racial, gender, religious, and any other persuasions. I want folks to be able to post without getting attacked for any reason, so long as their posts aren’t attacks themselves.

Nobody needs that.

We also took a look at everyone’s schedules for the next couple of weeks. Both LisaT and myself have a hellacious end of the school year couple of weeks where we will be in and out constantly going to kids’ events – thank Steve Jobs for our iPads so we can still keep in touch and do some work. Eddy will try and keep up with our meetings, but his schedule is red hot with demands on his time outside the tabletop RPG area. Our weekly meeting is the right place to spread this info among our core Onyx team, so folks can adjust their thinking and schedules.

As always, we end our general meeting topics with very specific looks at the weekly project status reports. Our info is the same as most of what I post in the Updates below, but we tend to delve into the whys and wherefores. So and so is late, because of this reason, which will affect that, etc. First Rollickin’ Rose presents her list that covers the ideas right through each stage of the text until it gets handed over to Mirthful Mike for art direction and layout and all that. And the Mirthful One fills us in on his area after Rose.

With that, we have some last minute “I almost forgot”s and we head out.

And I write this blog.

Every week!

🙂

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/

There has always been…Darkness. Coming at you through time itself, Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras PDF and physical book PoD versions will be going on sale on Wednesday (after 2pm Eastern US time)! 16 Dark Eras brought together by our CofD creators as well as our awesome Dark Eras KS backers.

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!

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 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.

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)

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

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: Nothing here this week?! A rare sighting.

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

W20 Kinfolk

Beckett’s Jyhad Diary

CofD Hurt Locker

Mummy Novel

V20 DA Tome of Secrets

V20 Lore of the Bloodlines

Beast RMCs

In Layout

Promethean: the Created Second



V20 Ready Made Characters

Secrets of the Covenants

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

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

At Press

Beast Screen – At shipper.

– At shipper. Beast Prestige Edition – waiting for printer proofs this week.

– waiting for printer proofs this week. Dark Eras – PDF and PoD versions on sale this Wednesday.

– PDF and PoD versions on sale this Wednesday. V20 Black Hand – 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.