Swashbuckling and Skullduggery!

At last, we come full circle. I sat some friends down the other day to playstorm some of the concepts I've been batting around for a pirate game using Liar's Dice. You may recall me mentioning this a while back.

As it turns out, the idea held up remarkably well. A few confirmations and several notes later, I'm sitting on the makings for a pretty fun little game! After talking to my favorite artist, I've got some great ideas of how to present and package this little gem.

I've been excited about most of the projects I've worked on. I've learned a lot, even if I don't plan to push any of them toward publication. This is the first time, however, that I've suspected real potential.

Coming soon...

Shark Bone!

What has two thumbs and acts as a co-host on the new rpg podcast Shark Bone?

This guy!!

Project Cyberpunk

Do you want to play Cyberpunk? Do you feel the rules are a bit outdated? Me too! Luckily, there's a nifty little solution that's even been tried and tested with good times by all.

Just download this nifty little character sheet made by my friend John for the best sci-fi rpg that's still not released! (Keep going Matt, we'll be patient!)

Project Vanguard + Cyberpunk = Awesome Fun

Kickstarter.com

I discovered Kickstarter from a thread on RPGnet. The entire site is dedicated to funding projects of all kinds, seemingly any kind, via patronage.

A patronage model means people, fans, strangers, or whoever pitch in money to fund a project or pay an artist for a creative endeavor. Patronage Funding has seen success in several different markets and it's been making quite a splash lately in the RPG industry. Older titles such as Wild Talents and Reign as well as the new Pathfinder Modern project are prime examples of Patronage and Ransom model funding in the gaming industry.

What I find fascinating about Kickstarter is that they've linked up with a trusted site to allow 'backers' to pledge money via the Amazon payment account that everyone and my mother already has. Additionally, if the goal for pledge money isn't reached, none of the backers are actually charged for their pledges.

Let me give you an example: I fork over $50 to help kickstart the Pathfinder Modern project. Not only does that give me access to their design blog and project forums, I'm also promised a hardcover copy of the finished book. So for $50, I'm preordering the book and helping to fund the project. Should the project not raise enough money, the book is never produced and I am never charged!

What a fascinating way to fund a project. What an interesting way to buy into, not only the finished product, but the design process as well.

What does this mean for you? What does it mean for me? Who knows?

But I'll be damned if I can't think up a project worth kickstarting for a $100 or so. You know, just to test it out. :-)