GenCon Inside(r) Poop [Monday Meeting Notes]

Monday Meeting, News

For the past three years, I’ve been thrilled to be a Gen Con Industry Insider and sit on panels and spread the awareness of just what Onyx Path Publishing is, have a give and take with the audience, and meet other industry folks I wouldn’t have had a chance to.

I’m particularly thrilled that the Gender Representation in RPG Art panel was my best attended and most lively panel each year. But three to five more panels wedged in to Onyx‘s already jam-packed schedule at the con just looked like too much for this year, so I didn’t submit myself for the 2016 honor.

But a bunch of Onyx Path folks did, and so Eddy Webb and Monica Valentinelli will be Insiding this year: yay!

What’s weird, though, is that this year there is overall, I think, one more female Insider than male going to be on panels and some people are freaked out about it.

More women on panels than men? Who could live in such a world?

As long-time readers of this blog probably realize, I’m not much for politics, and I prefer to implement changes that push the world in the direction I think is right, rather than to talk (post) about those things. Lots of people do post and talk and all, and if that works for them, that’s cool.

But this issue with the Industry Insider panelists does hit home.

One of the reasons I stepped back this year was because of that very panel I’m so proud to have been on these last three years, Gender Representation in RPG Art. It never had more than four panelists and each year half of the panelists were either me or me and Johnny Hodgson, at the time Art Director for Cubicle 7. Both of us white, straight, and male. (I’m the older and better looking, and Johnny is from the UK).

Both of us could, and did, talk about how we have art directed our recent projects with an eye towards inclusion in order to represent a wider range of gaming folks in the art, but the impact for us is professional, and I thought the panel was always so much better when people who have been discriminated against talk about how that affects the art they commission.

Their personal history, their human experiences, informed and enlightened the discussion because they were not two “older” white guy art directors with similar career paths. They brought things to the table we could not and that made it better.

The same thing happened in my gaming life as well. Our all-boys high school had a gaming club that was, as you might have guessed, all boys, but of varying racial and socio-economic backgrounds. We had fun with the sorts of adventures and stories you might imagine such a bunch in the late 1970s would enjoy. There was racism and sexism and crude sex and cruder violence.

A few years later, our college-aged and older group started with some of those same guys, several women joined, and we had great stories. The guys came and went, but two of those ladies played with us pretty much weekly for all twelve years. I can’t imagine any better stories and gaming fun if those women, Mickey and Jodie, or my African-American buddy Chaka, had been excluded.

It is offensive to me when I think of those imaginative gamers who for ten years added so much to our gaming being excluded, and it is offensive to think that good speakers and panelists are a threat simply because of who they are and wanting to talk about the games they create.

To sum up, having more diverse panelists better represents the gamers of today and even more importantly, tomorrow. We did it at White Wolf back in the day with books that presented a parity in pronouns and depictions of the spectrum of people in a setting based on the world as we saw it at that time. We brought new gamers into gaming then, and the same excellent thing can happen today.

More gamers is good, because more stuff will be made for folks to enjoy.

Speaking of Gen Con 2016, here’s a link to the Events we have lined up for the con. We have panels, we have games with our friends The Wrecking Crew (Naughty Neall Raemonn Price and Dashing Dave Brookshaw will be running a few games in their area as well), and there are some other demos listed as well. http://bit.do/OPPGenConSchedule

If you are going, sign up SOON! There’s almost always room to squeeze in to our panels, but getting a ticket helps make that a sure thing, and The Wrecking Crew games tend to sell out pretty quickly!

And we’ll be emphasizing demos at our booth this year, with a very specific selection of books for sale. More on that in a later blog.

Hope to see some of ya’ll there!

BLURBS!

PUGMIRE live gaming TONIGHT! 7pm PST/10pm Eastern US http://twitch.tv/geekandsundry Be a Good Dog and enjoy watching the game!

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 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 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)

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

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)

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

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

EX3 Backer Charms

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 – PoD files.

– PoD files. 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.