Thursday, August 20, 2009

News on our upcoming adventures

Just to let you know that I haven't been sitting on my hands since the release of Fabled Curse of the Brigand Crypt, the next adventure has already been written and ready for publication.

The Labyrinth Tomb of the Minotaur Lord will be out soon enough, but not through Prime Requisite Games. I am pleased to announce that as of this writing, Minotaur Lord will appear in the next issue of Knockspell magazine (issue #3)!

While the adventure's title may be a bit self explanatory, the deadly traps and cryptic puzzles within are anything but predictable. The Labyrinth Tomb of the Minotaur Lord is compatible with Labyrinth Lord and Swords & Wizardry and is suitable for character levels 3-5.

I'm excited that Mr. Finch accepted Minotaur Lord to be in the pages of Knockspell (as well as provided some desperately needed line editing of the adventure manuscript). I'm equally excited that Matthew tapped fantasy artist Christopher Burdett to illustrate the adventure! Very, very cool.

While I do not have a time frame of when Knockspell #3 will be released, I'll definitely let you know as soon as I know!

In the meantime I have plans for a high-level Labyrinth Lord release as well as a mission module for the X-plorers role-playing game.

More updates to follow! Woo-hoo!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Grey Area Games releases X-plorers RPG

The X-plorers sci-fi RPG is now in full release. David "grubman" Bezio, famous for his Phoenix Barony fantasy setting, has made both a print and PDF version available at Lulu.

He is also offering a free version at his Grey Area Games web site for you to check it out before purchasing the real deal. According to Bezio, the free version doesn't have the art, sample adventure, and a few other bits which are all included in the full version.

Why have I been hyping up the X-plorers RPG? Well, my regular Labyrinth Lord group will give this game a spin during our next scheduled session. If all goes well, the adventure we test-play might find its way out to the public through Prime Requisite Games! We loves us some space battles! More news on that later.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Am I helping or hurting the OSR?

I was going to comment on Mishler's post on the Doom of RPGs once I had more time to digest it. Then I came across this posting from Labyrinth Lord publisher Dan Proctor.

He writes about what consumers are starting to expect, which are PDFs for free and impractically priced print products. Well, sure, of course. Who doesn't want cheaper products? But they don't consider what it takes to get that fine rule book or adventure out cost wise (as Mishler breaks down for us).

Dan says the reasoning behind this sense of entitlement is, "the people who price their POD books for nothing have a cost of $0 to produce the book, because they either write it themselves, had volunteer writers, did the art themselves, or had volunteer artists."

He then states, "People see these very low prices and wonder why a product of similar page count can't be so cheap, too. more than that, people are now starting to expect that the POD books be priced for nothing much like PDF books."

Knowing human nature for wanting everything to be even and "fair" (blah), I believe that Dan might be right. If that's the case, then Prime Requisite Games would be part of the problem.

I am a basement publisher doing this as a fun hobby. I do all the illustrating, layout, design, editing, writing, map-making, and even a bit of advertising all on my own. Unlike Dan, I don't have to fork over the dollars to some talented individuals to produce a decent product (side note here: I'm not saying that my products are the best, but they don't look like refrigerator drawings either! :) )

Therefore, I can sell my product at cost and it seems cheap compared to others on the market. Also, since the print products are sold at cost, the PDFs are simply given away for free. Is there a chance that making these products available as such makes people believe that it should be the norm? Do OSR consumers believe other publishers have some sort of obligation to sell their modules for $5.90 a pop? I'd like to hope that isn't so.

Why? Because Mishler's breakdown of the RPG product price doesn't affect me in the slightest (since the dollar amount for each cost is zilch) as it does for other publishers. My time is the only thing spent.

That being the case, Dan's products (as well as John's from BHP, Raggi's from LotFP, among others) are fairly priced. On the other hand, I feel my products are also priced fairly in a sense that I want to spread the word about Labyrinth Lord (my game of choice) and I'd like to get my adventures into as many hands as possible.

I love doing this as a hobby! I love the people involved and the excitement they get when playing, producing, and watching the hobby grow and grow. My time is not only spent on adventures, but also going to different forums and Q&A websites to drop a Labyrinth Lord or Swords and Wizardry link here and there. I even got a bit of light-hearted ribbing for my MySpace ads promoting PRG and Labyrinth Lord.

I wanted my products to be a way in helping the OSR grow. I remember when I started PRG, I figured the best way to spread the word is to offer cheap/free RPG materials. However, am I shooting the OSR in the pinky toe by doing just that?

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Bezio's new sci-fi RPG is ready for test play!

Ah! I've been anxious to get David Bezio's new sci-fi game X-plorers ever since he announced the project on the retro forums. His idea of "what if" the fathers of RPGs were more into sci-fi than fantasy when they wrote the original 1974 set - that sounded intriguing to me (and to a couple of my test players who are big sci-fi geeks).

Mr. Bezio has graciously provided the public with a test play version over at Lulu for free. Hopefully, I'll be able to give the game a spin around the game table.

Here's my official good luck to David with his new game. I hope it's a succuesful one.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Idol of the Orcs module from Goblinoid Games

Here's a quick plug for the new Labyrinth Lord module from Goblinoid Games titled "Idol of the Orcs".

Note the all-new cover and logo design!
















Adventure description:

A band of unusually organized orcs has taken to raiding farms and waylaying travelers near the local town. The characters must seek out the orc lair and rid the area of this menace, but things are not entirely as they seem. A sinister voice whispers instructions from the darkness; what demonic force lies at the heart of the labyrinthine orc lair? This adventure is suitable for characters of 1st-3rd level and is intended for use with the LABYRINTH LORD fantasy role-playing game, but is easily used with all editions of the world’s most popular fantasy RPG.

Print copy here.

PDF here.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

The Goodman response. Not surprised, just disappointed.

When I read the responses and the "parody" of Goodman's post, I guess I wasn't surprised, but I did wonder "why?".

Based on his post, I look at Goodman as someone who is smart about his business and actually cares about games. Why pick on someone who HELPS the popularity of RPGs? Especially when he has something noteworthy to say.

Maybe because he burst everyone's ideas about 4e's success OR that he was so "arrogant" about how much more he knows about the RPG business than the rest of us (which is true).

It seems that people in general like to piss in the same pillows on which they sleep. James at LotFP said, "Thanks, everyone. You've made it extremely easy for the people that know things to not bother telling the rest of us about it." You're right, Mr. Raggi. Why would this guy share ANY inside info with the rest of us ever again?

Some people really need to have their diapers changed, and then with a clear head they could realize where they are directing so much ridicule and hostility. Maybe then their shame will show them that we're all in this together.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Significant other's plan for your RPG books

I was searching on good ol' Craig's List for some used RPG books and I came across this. Read the fine digi-print if you can (click the image to make it bigger).
















The main part I want you to read is, "Great news! We've had a baby! But, now my husband doesn't have time for his D&D. Thus, we are getting rid of some of his collection of books."

Just by her language, when she writes "my husband doesn't have time for his D&D", you know that she regarded his gaming as a complete waste of time, daydreaming about her Craig's List plan all the while.

Why do I come to this conclusion? Well...

...I can understand that he might not have time now for some RPGs, with the new baby and all, but forever?! You mean to tell me that since he now has a child, he will never again have time for "his" D&D? The baby will stay 3 weeks old for eternity and there will absolutely be no time to game! Well, I guess the books need to go. Don't place them on a bookshelf or pack them away...sell them! It only seems logical since now and forever until he dies, there is and will be no time for "his" D&D.

Hopefully they also sold their family editions of Monopoly and Scrabble for a tiny profit as there will most likely be no time to pass Go or spell "epoxy" on a double-word score.

Also, notice the "we are getting rid of some of his collection of books." I really doubt there was any "we" involved in this decision.

The poor sap didn't even stand a chance.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Our module is gettin' passed around

I snaked this pic off of ebay a while back. It's cool to see PRG's stuff there, but we're hoping it's because they played it and wanted to pass the fun onto somebody else. *heh heh*















No matter. Our module The Courtyard of Gerald Red is in great company here. Whoever won the bid was a lucky gamer!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Our modules are now on Amazon

I just found out that Lulu has selected Prime Requisite Games adventures to be distributed on Amazon through lulupress.

The downside is that there is a markup in price through Amazon* (while the price on the Lulu site will remain the same).

The upside is that any type of distribution isn't a bad thing, especially with old-school RPG adventures.

*EDIT: Lulu removed the 30% markup in price. Now we have equal pricing on both Lulu and Amazon.

I found players who don't care (in a good way!)

I read a lot of complaints from GMs/Players who would like to run through some old-school adventures but seem to be the only one in the group holding such sentiment. They end up playing 3x or 4e because, well, it's the only game they can get going, and if one truly wants to game, they'll get it any way they can.

It's better than nothing (for most). Put into the same predicament, I would do the same thing.

However, I was lucky. When I got the itch to play again, I found the Labyrinth Lord rules, devoured them, and decided to set up an old-school game. Easier said than done? Actually, it was.

Fortunately I work in a design firm filled with some movie/comic/sci-fi geeks...and not ONE of them has ever played an RPG. Sure they did the online thing for a while, but never a tabletop, pen 'n' paper, fist full o' dice role-playing game. I extended an invitation. they accepted, and we have been going strong ever since.

In fact, after a few gaming sessions, a couple of my players got so into the idea of RPGs, they went out and snatched up everything they could find, such as AD&D1e, Lejendary Adventure, Star Frontiers, Alternity, OSRIC, C&C, etc. They sat in on a 4e game and had a good time (however, it coincides with a 1e game they are deeply involved in).

What's so great is that "old-school" and "edition wars" mean zilch to these people. While my players are my age and older, they did not grow up playing RPGs and seem to shrug off the ideals that bring about so much fist waving. Labyrinth Lord was their introduction into RPGs, they are having a great time, and now they would be up for anything. Sure, they may find a game that they don't enjoy, but to them that doesn't mean others are "playing it wrong" or the game is "wrong" or rules are "wrong" or the type of chips served at the game are "wrong." It's just a game.

Also, the term old-school or new-school means nothing considering they started off with LL. To my players, Labyrinth Lord is new-school! Heck, RPGs in general are new-school to them.

So, really, these guys don't care. Just bring it on, 'cause they're ready to have whatever fun they are looking to have, if that makes any sense. :) (I would just say, "ready to have fun", but Raggi has given me a complex about using the term.)

Monday, May 25, 2009

My One Page Dungeon

This is a cleaned-up and branded version of The Lost Staves of Maurath that I sent in to the Chatty DM/Chgowiz's One Page Dungeon contest.

It was a quickie to slam together, but time was limited while getting The Labyrinth Tomb of the Minotaur Lord ready for test-play. Still, I wanted to submit something and I figure that this fun little cavern-crawl is better than nuthin'. :)

That being said, I had a great time writing this and I plan for more one page adventures to be released under the Classic Deep Level Dungeon Mini Adventure brand. They will remain edition-neutral with minimal monster and treasure details, but will make a great springboard for anyone looking to plug in a quick adventure into their campaign.

So a big shout-out and thanks to our favorite Chatty DM and Old Guy for the idea that inspired so many people involved in FRPGs to produce some adventure material!


*UPDATE

I've noticed that this particular post generates a LOT of noise, and I assume it's because people are searching for One Page Dungeon entries. Unfortunately, ...Maurath is no longer available from PRG as a One Page Dungeon. Fortunately, it has been available for quite a while as a full length free module. Download and enjoy!





Thursday, May 21, 2009

Randall at RetroRoleplaying: a request and offer

Randall at RetroRoleplaying: The Blog is hitting a rough patch on an already bumpy road dealing with the cost of his wife's cancer treatment. He explains more on his blog.

To help with costs, Randall is offering up PDFs of the two issues of The Grimoire, an RPG fanzine he published in the 70s. These 'zines were lovingly produced with a manual typewriter and, according to Randall, "It contained a wide variety of material for D&D and boardgames."

You'll also get a pdf copy of The Second Grimoire of Pharesm the Bright-Eyed, a set of house rules for BECMI.

This stuff was produced when the old-school was new, so it should be interesting to see the dedication poured out for what was a relatively new hobby. Read about issue #1 and #2 if you're interested and then see if you can donate any amount to receive them in PDF format, or if you're unable to donate, spread the word on a blog or two.

RetroRoleplaying: The Blog

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Sunday's test-play successful (so far)

My group began test-playing The Labyrinth Tomb of the Minotaur Lord this past Sunday. We made it about 2/3rds of the way through the adventure, and while the party was knocked around a bit, not one character died! Yes, even Jason's thief survived this first go-around. A rarity and I applaud him.

We'll complete this adventure on May 30th and then it's time for tweaking. As a side note, I should be working on Beyond the Midway Post before I do any work on the Minotaur Lord, but that one's been shelved for the time being. It will see the light of day, just not so soon.

Anyway, this adventure will be the last with my loyal test-players Buzz and Cathy. The married couple are moving 21 hours away, so I don't think think they'll make our bi-weekly (or so) gaming sessions. I guess there's always Skype! *tear*

As a going away present, a few co-workers and I found a Fine-graded copy of Captain America #100 at a local comic convention and snatched it up at a decent price. This is the only Cap issue he's missing from his collection, and he was nearly speechless to say the least. It was awesome.

Buzz and Cathy are fun players and they will be missed. Here's hoping that they plug into a game soon after settling in.

I'll post about our next session and hopefully I'll have a time frame for publication.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Brave Halfling Publishing is live!

The fine folks at Brave Halfling Publishing finally have their home site up and running. The time and dedication paid off and it looks impressive. As I've mentioned previously, with their foot firmly in the OSR as well as getting their other foot wet in C&C and 4e D&D, I'm ready to see some big things come out of these guys. It's a nice bridge from old to new-school (and vise-versa).

Good luck BHP!


Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Knockspell, an apology, and good news

I see that Knockspell #2 is out already. I told Mr. Finch a long time ago that I had an adventure that would be a good one for the magazine and I would get it to him ASAP. He thought that was great.

Well, life happens, and as different obstacles stood in the way and as my test-play games could not get on track, I was not able to get the adventure to him. I know Matt has probably met more than his fair share of fellers who are gung-ho about a project only to fall off the face of the earth the next day, but I didn't want to be that guy. The guy who says he'll do something one minute and then forget your name the next. That guy.

Actually, I'm sure most indie publishers have met that guy while waiting for design, artwork, or whatever. *shudder* Not fun. Especially when you're ready to push your product out the door.

Now although it's not the biggest deal in the world, still I would like to apologize to Matt for not keeping in touch with him, at least just to say, "It won't be ready." From now on, if I have something I'd like to submit (whether it's to Knockspell or to my church's bake sale), I better be on top of my project or my communication skills.

That being said, here's to much success to the new issue of Knockspell!

In other news, I am finaly test-playing The Labyrinth Tomb of the Minotaur Lord this weekend. My usual gang of players will be there sans Dynamic Dan who will be venturing to Wonderfest in Kentucky. Although I have always been more into comic books and heavy metal than models, it does look like a good time for all interested.