4/16/2024: The Ronin's Guide to the Sprawl vol 1: Street Cred is released
3 days ago
– Tue, Apr 16, 2024 at 12:34:50 PM
Hi everyone, just popping in to let you know I've just released the street cred supplement I've been mentioning in past updates. I'm sending out complimentary copies to you all via dtrpg, and I'll try to get it up on backerkit sometime today.
This is what the cover looks like:
As always thanks so much for your time.
03/28/2023 Update: Making headway
22 days ago
– Thu, Mar 28, 2024 at 11:39:19 AM
Hi everyone,
This is a short update. I’m continuing to send out books. I don’t have an estimate as to how long this is going to take, but I promise I am sending them. I know this has been a long, long road, but I’m fully committed to delivering these books.
The GM’s Guide
I’m still working on the GM’s Guide, but it’s a painful process. At the end of 2022 I suffered two drive failures and lost almost all of my files for various Interface Zero products and have slowly been rebuilding them. The data was on an external SSD drive I was using as a backup. It failed, and my internal drive also failed, so I was basically screwed.
Some of you might be wondering why I didn’t have them backed up in drop box or some other cloud service. The honest answer is that it was too expensive. Dropbox wanted around 600 dollars (annually) to back up my data (nearly 400gb worth), and I just couldn’t afford the expense. Once I sort the situation out, I will get the GM’s guide done, and go through the process of getting it ready for print, but I’m not precisely sure when that will get finished, as it’s a lot of work.
In other news, I’m trying to wrap the Malmart catalog, and I’m also coming close to publishing the first of a series of supplements I call “The Ronin’s Guide to the Sprawl.” This series takes a look at various aspects of both Interface Zero, and cyberpunk in general. The first supplement deals with Street Cred. It essentially re-works the existing rules in the Player's Guide, removing dice rolls in favor of a simple point-based system that focuses more on Role-play.
It's based on character actions during the course of a game session, rewarding or penalizing the characters depending on what they do. It's designed to help you further flesh out your character's motivations for doing what they do, giving them a loose "code" that they live by.
It's not complete, but the core rules are in place and ready for Feedback. They are available here
Finally, Here’s a preview of the cover for the Malmart catalog. I hope you like it.
2/15/2024 update: Progress Report
2 months ago
– Thu, Feb 15, 2024 at 12:22:54 PM
Hi everyone. I hope all is well with you.
Just wanted to touch base and let you know what's up. The past month has been frustrating. I've had computer issues and lost a lot of my core files, so it's been a pain to recover the data. I'm continuing to send out books. Please be patient. I'm gettign them ordered and sent out as fast as possible.
Right now I'm working on getting the Malmart Catalog laid out and ready for a final proof. The biggest slow down for this will be artwork. I strive to include great artwork in my products, but a gear book is complicated because there's so much content, and I can't do as many images as I would like, partly because of space, and also because good artwork is incredibly expensive. So I have to pick and choose what items get art and which ones don't. Since the book is being formatted similar to a catalog, I'll be augmenting various sections with "Ads" that Highlight specific items. I'll do as many of these as I can.
One thing you should be aware of. In this day and age, some publishers are choosing to include AI generated artwork in their books. I'm not one of them. I firmly believe in (when possible) supporting the various artists in the rpg community. AI generated artwork hurts the ability of these artists to support themselves and their families, and I will never contribute to that. I'd rather publish a book with no artwork than use AI art.
Lately I've been working with 3D programs such as Blender and Substance Painter to create my own artwork. I've been struggling to find the right balance with regards to style. I don't want the models/scenes and such looking too real.
Here's an example of an image that you'll see in the MM catalog. It was 3d modelled. I purchased the rights to use it, and the artist will be credited in the book.
His online handle is Rex Hsu, and you can find a link to his work on Artstation. Just click the image
I'm also considering augmenting the PDF with animations of certain items. For instance, I've done a rough animation of the above drone. I posted it on the GMG discord server if you wish to check it out. I'll add the animations I do as extra files, and people can use them to augment their games. Animations would also include GIFs that can be used in online platforms such as roll20.
Anyhow, I have a lot planned for 2024, the main goal is getting the Player's Guide sent to everyone, getting the GM's Guide revamped/printed/sent, and continuing to finish up the stretch goals. The next major book will be the Guide to the Solar System, and after that the World Book. I have the card deck, but I need to make a Tuck Box for it, which is proving difficult. Throughout the year I hope to put out smaller products to help boost my sales. Beyond that, I have soem other irons in the fire that I'm not yet ready to share with you.
Anyhow, thanks for your time.
01/03/2024: POD Update
4 months ago
– Wed, Jan 03, 2024 at 10:21:10 AM
Hi everyone,
I've recieved the proofs (actually I did last week, but the holidays have prevented me from posting this update) and am very pleased with how they turned out, so I'll begin sending them soon! Be sure and contact me if you've moved.
This time around, I'll be sending POD vouchers to digital backers only. In the past, sending POD vouchers to everyone has caused nothing but confusion, as many print backers thought they had to pay for the books, and that's simply not true.
One last thing: Many of you have contacted me privately offering to help with shipping costs. I REALLY appreciate that. IF you want to help, you can send money via my paypal account at: [email protected]
Let me be clear: You are under NO Obligation to do so, but if you do, I would be eternally grateful.
Thanks for your time.
12/18/2023 Update: Waiting on Proofs
4 months ago
– Mon, Dec 18, 2023 at 10:32:11 AM
Hi everyone,
Sorry that I'm just getting around to this, but I've ordered proofs and am waiting on them to arrive. I'm not positive when this will happen, as it's the Holiday season, but I don't expect any issues and hope to begin shipping the Player's Guide in Mid-January. So let's discuss that a bit.
I won't be shipping in bulk. That costs too much. I'll be shipping either individually or in small batches. Once I get confirmation that the book(s) have shipped, I'll email you with the tracking number, so it's imperative that I have your correct email address.
Also, if you have moved, please send me a direct message here on kickstarter with your new mailing address so I can update it.
Thanks for your time, and I hope everyone has a happy holiday.
