Do Me a Favor, Prince [Monday Meeting Notes]

Another fine piece of art from the Prince’s Gambit card set by Mark Kelly. This time, of course, it’s the Sabbat, which makes a lot of sense since part of the game is to figure out who among those playing is the Sabbat infiltrator or infiltrators. There’s more info down below in the BLURBS! section about the Prince’s Gambit Kickstarter, if you want to check it out.

Speaking of Kickstarters, somebody asked me what kinds of KSs I have backed and what compels me to back them. Which was a very different sort of question than I usually get asked, so thanks! So, for me, I’ll back if the project is for a property I’m interested in, or if the KS is for something that couldn’t get made any other way. Sometimes those two coincide.

So, I just got in the giant, and I mean in dimensions, Judges’ Guild book by Goodman Games that reprints a mess o’ JG material at that “tabloid” size they published in back when I started out with D&D, and I just received my Unknown Armies books, from Atlas Games, that I backed because amazingly I never had a UA book in my game collection.

Outside the industry, I absolutely had to back the MST3K revival KS, which might have fit into the next category, but honestly, I never thought it would fail.

But, in that second category, I backed MASHed, RPing in the Korean War by Mark Plemmons, which despite it having a perfect jewel of a triage system driving the operating room tension that was key to MASH, is the sort of ultra-focused game that might not have been made without KS.

Similarly, but outside RPGs, I backed Chris Moeller’s KS that he ran several years ago to fund the creation of the third graphic novel in his Iron Empires series after the mainstream comic book publishers wouldn’t touch it.

And sometimes, if the KS is just so chock full of Stretch Goal stuff then I just have to pledge, even though I don’t “need” more stuff. The sculpts for the Rising Sun game were one of those things that were too cool, and in such quantity, that I couldn’t say no.

 

 

V20 Dark Ages Companion art by Felipe Gaona

 

 

Our meetings today were mostly about process and getting things done. First Eddy and I went through a lot of the efforts he is going through setting up his schedule and his move to Ireland. Then we had our Onyx staff meeting, and that was also about all the projects we are working on, the differences between our properties and our licensed ones, and whether anyone expects us to respond to every comment Tweeted about us.

(The answer is no, we have work to do).

 

 

Changeling 20th Hollystrike art by Melissa Uran

 

 

Mirthful Mike Chaney asked me to remind everyone that we are still looking for artists, and frankly we always will be! If you are interested, you can email your interest and examples of your best work to him at: onyxpathart@gmail.com

Now, here’s the important part.

We want any of you who are considering sending some samples to Mirthful Mike to know that you have just as good a chance to get work with us, and to continue to work with us, as any other artist, regardless of gender, race, creed, or anything about the person you are. We’re interested in awesome illustrations, and if you can do that, and deliver them on deadline, then that’s what matters to us.

And let me stress, because we want you to hear us, if you’ve been unable to break into illustration because of any of those factors, we want you to know that we want you here working with us.

Some people will ask why I felt the need to stress that.

Well, because it’s important for aspiring artists who’ve had the door slammed in their faces because of who they are to know that the door we have opened isn’t just open, but that we’re waving them in because we want to see what kind of artwork they can do.

Then it is up to the artwork to convince us to hire the artist.

There are other ways to phrase this, and other ways to try and get more diversity into this thing of ours. This is what we are doing right now, and how we are phrasing it.

 

BLURBS!

KICKSTARTER!

The Prince’s Gambit casual vampire card game Kickstarter continues to roll with over 1100 backers! We’re almost at the Stretch Goal for adding the Independent Clan Ravnos and then more new art, with more cool rewards yet to come. So please check it out: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/200664283/princes-gambit-casual-vampire-card-game !

Designed by long-time Vampire: the Masquerade tabletop RPG developer Justin Achilli, Prince’s Gambit is a fast-paced social deduction game set within the world of Vampire, but which requires no special knowledge to play. Players must cooperate to gain the favor of the Prince while deducing who among them are secretly the traitorous Sabbat infiltrators.

Next, the Monarchies of Mau KS is scheduled come after Gambit.

 

ON SALE!

 

 

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Looking for our Deluxe or Prestige Edition books? Here’s the link to the press release we put out about how Onyx Path is now selling through Indie Press Revolution: https://theonyxpath.com/press-release-onyx-path-limited-editions-now-available-through-indie-press-revolution/

You can now order wave 2 of our Deluxe and Prestige print overrun books, including Deluxe Mage 20th Anniversary, and Deluxe V20 Dark Ages!

 

 

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: Beneath the Skin (Demon and Skinchangers 1486-1502 Aztec Empire). Ahuitzotl sits on the throne at the height of the Aztec Empire, overseeing his sorcerer-priests’ sacrifices and the endless flower wars his jaguar and eagle warriors carry out in his name to keep the altars well-supplied with victims. The gears of the Aztec Empire turn smoothly and inexorably, but not everything is what it pretends to be. Skinchangers take the shapes of animals to run the wilds or bring down human prey, the Unchained cobble together identities from stolen lives, and stranger things still lurk in the deserts and jungles beyond the walls of Tenochtitlan.

Available Wednesday in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG!

 

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: Into the Cold (Demon: the Descent 1961 Berlin). East Germany erects a wall against its Western counterpart, turning West Berlin into an island within its own country. As the Cold War heats up, demons find themselves the targets of increasing human scrutiny, and begin to realize that the God-Machine’s plans didn’t end with the War.

Available Wednesday in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG!

 

 

 

The splendor and horror of Rio is unwrapped! Cursed Necropolis: Rio for Mummy: the Curse is on sale in PDF and PoD versions: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/205257/Cursed-Necropolis-Rio

Beneath the splendor of Rio de Janeiro seethes a hotbed of occult activity. Over a score of mummies keep their tombs in Rio, their presence seeping into the soil and stones and souls of the city. Over all this reigns the infamous Teshra-Gemet, the pretender Pharaoh.

The city of Rio births marvels both bright and dark… and you never know which kind you have until it’s too late.

Cursed Necropolis: Rio contains:

  • The secrets and schemes of Rio’s Arisen.
  • New Utterances, from the perception usurping Horse and Rider to the cleansing fire of Baal’s Due.
  • “The Serpent’s Tooth,” an all-new adventure to introduce players to the conflicts and power plays of Rio de Janeiro.

 

 

 

Beasts are added to Hunter: the Vigil with Hunter: Tooth and Nail, coming atcha in PDF and physical book Pod versions on DriveThruRPG.com! http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/204066/Hunter-Tooth-and-Nail

Tooth and Nail is a bonus chapter/companion book to the previous released Hunter: Mortal Remains that explores antagonists inspired by the Beast: the Primordial RPG.

Hunter: Tooth and Nail includes:

  • Fiction and story hooks to bring these beasts of legend to your Hunter: The Vigil chronicle.
  • New bestial Dread Powers.
  • New Compacts and Conspiracies which hunt the monsters, but also sometimes hunt the zealous heroes that hunt as well.

 

 

 

The Secrets of the Covenants for Vampire: the Requiem 2nd REVEALED this Wednesday on DTRPG! Physical copy PoD version coming to DTRPG: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/199280/Secrets-of-the-Covenants

Vampires gather under many banners. But five have endured the tumult of Western history better than any other. The Carthian Movement. The Circle of the Crone. The Invictus. The Lancea et Sanctum. The Ordo Dracul. Each has its fierce devotees, its jealous rivals, and its relentless enemies. Now,for the first time, the covenants speak for themselves.
This book includes:
  • A variety of stories from each of the covenants, all told in their own words.
  • Never-before revealed secrets, like the fate of the Prince of New Orleans.
  • New blood sorcery, oaths, and other hidden powers of the covenants.

 

 

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: Fallen Blossoms (Hunter 1640-1660 Japan). Japan is moving into the Edo Period. New laws and new ways of thinking wash over the land, and with a new order come new threats to humanity. Take a look at the Vigil in a time where samurai transition from warlords to bureaucrats, Japan massively and lethally rejects outside influence, and when Edo rapidly grows into a world power.

Continuing our individual Dark Eras chapters, we offer you Dark Eras: Fallen Blossoms on in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG! http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/205483/Dark-Eras-Fallen-Blossoms-Hunter-the-Vigil

 

 

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: Doubting Souls (Hunter 1690-1695 Salem). Immigrants and tribes struggled to co-exist on the Eastern Seaboard in the ever-expanding Colonies. Violent clashes, supernatural beliefs, and demonic influences spelled disaster for Salem Village and its surrounding towns, while others fought werewolves and vampires on the frontier. With so much at risk, only god-fearing men and women were deemed innocent — and those were few indeed.

Available in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/204372/Dark-Eras-Doubting-Souls-Hunter-the-Vigil

 

 

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: The Bowery Dogs (Werewolf 1969-1979 NYC). New York City in the 1970s. Crime. Drugs. Gang violence. Vast economic disparity. And werewolves. It’s a lean, ugly time to be alive, and the lone wolf doesn’t stand a chance out there. In the end, all you really have is family.

Available in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/203762/Dark-Eras-The-Bowery-Dogs-Werewolf-the-Forsaken

 

 

cofd_hurt-locker

The Locker is open; the Chronicles of Darkness: Hurt Locker, that is! PDF and physical copy PoDs are now available on DTRPG! http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/199275/Chronicles-of-Darkness-Hurt-Locker

Hurt Locker features:

  • Treatment of violence in the Chronicles of Darkness. Lasting trauma, scene framing, and other tools for making your stories hurt.
  • Many new player options, including Merits, supernatural knacks, and even new character types like psychic vampires and sleeper cell soldiers.
  • Expanded equipment and equipment rules.

Hurt Locker requires the Chronicles of Darkness Rulebook or any other standalone Chronicles of Darkness rulebook such as Vampire: The Requiem, Werewolf: The Forsaken, or Beast: The Primordial to use.

 

 

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: Ruins of Empire (Mummy 1893-1924). Perhaps the quintessential era of the mummy in the minds of Westerners, this period saw the decline of the two greatest empires of the age: British and Ottoman. Walk with the Arisen as they bear witness to the death of the Victorian age, to pivotal mortal discoveries in Egypt, and to the horrors of the Great War.

Available in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG. http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/178801/Dark-Eras-Ruins-of-Empire-Mummy-the-Curse

 

 

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: The Sundered World (Werewolf and Mage 5500-5000 BCE). At the birth of civilization, in the shadow of the Fall, the Awakened stand as champions and protectors of the agricultural villages spread across the Balkans. In a world without a Gauntlet, where Shadow and flesh mingle, the steady taming of the world by humanity conflicts with the half-spirit children of Father Wolf.

Available in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG. http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/202272/Dark-Eras-The-Sundered-World-Werewolf-the-Forsaken-Mage-the-Awakening

 

 

Night Horrors: Conquering Heroes for Beast: the Primordial is available now as an Advance PDF: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/202615/Night-Horrors-Conquering-Heroes

This book includes: 

  • An in-depth look at how Heroes hunt and what makes a Hero, with eleven new Heroes to drop into any chronicle.
  • A brief look at why Beasts may antagonize one another, with seven new Beasts to drop into any chronicle.
  • Rules for Insatiables, ancient creatures born of the Primordial Dream intent on hunting down Beasts to fill a hunger without end, featuring six examples ready to use in any chronicle.

 

 

 

CONVENTIONS!

Discussing GenCon plans. August 17th – 20th, Indianapolis. Every chance the booth will actually be 20? x 30? this year that we’ll be sharing with friends. We’re looking at new displays this year, like a back drop and magazine racks for the brochure(s).

In November, we’ll be at Game Hole Con in Madison, WI. More news as we have it, and here’s their website: https://www.gameholecon.com/

 

 

 

 


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)

  • Exalted 3rd Novel by Matt Forbeck (Exalted 3rd Edition)
  • Trinity Continuum: Aeon Rulebook (The Trinity Continuum)
  • M20 Gods and Monsters (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • M20 Book of the Fallen (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • Ex Novel 2 (Aaron Rosenberg) (Exalted 3rd Edition)
  • C20 Novel (Jackie Cassada) (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • Pugmire Fiction Anthology (Pugmire)
  • Monarchies of Mau Early Access (Pugmire)
  • Hunter: the Vigil 2e core (Hunter: the Vigil 2nd Edition)
  • DtD Night Horrors: Enemy Action (Demon: the Descent)
  • The Realm (Exalted 3rd Edition)
  • Dragon-Blooded (Exalted 3rd Edition)
  • Arms of the Chosen (Exalted 3rd Edition)

 

Redlines

  • Kithbook Boggans (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)

 

Second Draft

  • V20 Dark Ages Jumpstart (Vampire: the Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • GtS Geist 2e core (Geist: the Sin-Eaters Second Edition)
  • Pugmire Pan’s Guide for New Pioneers (Pugmire)
  • Trinity Continuum Core Rulebook (The Trinity Continuum)
  • Scion: Origins (Scion 2nd Edition)
  • Scion: Hero (Scion 2nd Edition)
  • WoD Ghost Hunters (World of Darkness)

 

Development

  • W20 Changing Ways (Werewolf: the Apocalypse 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • Signs of Sorcery (Mage: the Awakening Second Edition)
  • SL Ring of Spiragos (Pathfinder – Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)
  • Ring of Spiragos (5e – Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)
  • SL Dagger of Spiragos (Pathfinder – Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)
  • Dagger of Spiragos (5e– Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)
  • Changeling: the Lost 2nd Edition, featuring the Huntsmen Chronicle (Changeling: the Lost 2nd Edition)
  • Book of Freeholds (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • BtP Beast Player’s Guide (Beast: the Primordial)
  • M20 Cookbook (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • CtD C20 Jumpstart (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)
  • VtR Half-Damned (Vampire: the Requiem 2nd Edition)

 

Editing:

  • Wraith: the Oblivion 20th Anniversary Edition
  • BtP Building a Legend (Beast: the Primordial)

 

Post-Editing Development:

 

Indexing:

 

 

 

ART DIRECTION FROM MIRTHFUL MIKE:

In Art Direction

  • Beckett’s Jyhad Diary – Waiting on the remainder of the art.
  • W20 Pentex Employee Indoctrination Handbook – AD’d
  • Dagger of Spiragos  – Waiting on maps.
  • VTR: Thousand Years of Night Contracted
  • Cavaliers of Mars – AD’d(ish)
  • Monarchies of Mau Early Access – Sketches incoming.
  • BtP Building a Legend – AD’d
  • Wraith 20 – AD’d
  • W20 Changing Ways

 

Marketing Stuff

 

In Layout

  • Prince’s Gambit 
  • M20 Book of Secrets – Layout in progress.
  • Pugmire Screen – Working on it.
  • Pugmire Cards – Wrapping up.
  • Pugmire – Prepping files for press.
  • M20 Art Book Still in the queue…

 

Proofing

  • C20  Aileen inputting notes from 1st proof and making tweaks before doing 2nd proof.
  • V20 Dark Ages Companion – Getting 2nd proof ready.
  • CtL Huntsmen Chronicle Anthology – Inputting corrections from 1st proof.

 

At Press

  • Ex 3 Scree– Shipping almost completed.
  • Ex 3 core book – Shipping almost completed along with map and bookmarks.
  • W20 Shattered Dreams – Shipping almost completed.
  • Shattered Dreams Screen – Shipping almost completed.
  • Beckett Screen – Shipped to shipper.
  • Beast Conquering Heroes – PoD proof on the way.
  • Dark Eras: To the Strongest – PoD proof on the way.
  • Dark Eras: Beneath the Skin – PDF and physical book PoD on sale Wednesday!
  • Dark Eras: Into the Cold – PDF and physical book PoD on sale Wednesday!
  • V20 Lore of the Bloodlines – PoD file uploaded. Need to order proof when ready.
  • Dark Eras Companion – PDF out to backers, gathering errata.
  • W20 Song of Unmaking – PDF out to backers, errata gathered.
  • EX3 Tomb of Dreams Jumpstart – PDF out to backers this week, gathering errata.
  • C20 Anthology – PDF going out to C20 Kickstarter backers this week.

 

 

 


TODAY’S REASON TO CELEBRATE: The weather has allowed me to enjoy a jog around the park. First real run in months, and to be honest, only was able to stop and start. So 2/3s jog and 1/3 walk. But still, it’s a start!

27 thoughts on “Do Me a Favor, Prince [Monday Meeting Notes]”

  1. I just wanted to say I like the position you take on hiring artists, I think people underestimate how impactful it can be to let people know that everyone with talent is welcome without prejudice. You don’t need quotas and mandates if you are confident you can be fair in this regard, and Onyx Path has consistently shown that they are.

    Reply
    • Thanks! Like I said in the blog, this has worked well for us, and I think for applicants, in the past. Maybe we’ll need to get a bit louder in the future, maybe not.

      Reply
      • Im not really familiar with what your freelance hiring calls look like but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to amend some sort of statement like the one above to them. Give people that reassurance at point of contact.

        Reply
  2. The rate books are coming out is kind of dizzying to be honest. It feels like aside form the brief (and totally unavoidable) pod hiccup the pace that was set last December has become a bit of a new normal. It might be a bit early to be mentioning this but I have to say looking at where things are and how quickly everything is moving through the pipe I’m really looking forward to OPP’s World of Darkness panel at this coming GenCon.

    Reply
  3. Thank you Rich for saying this, and how you said it. It means a lot, and I feel you are continuing to carry the torch lit many years ago by the original WE

    Reply
  4. Are there any restrictions upon your freelance writers for what they can and cannot write on their own free time? Many people interested in writing for a game are active homebrewers. Can they still write and post homebrew and such even if they’re on your payroll?

    Reply
    • Only restriction in the freelance contract is that you can’t take on non-OPP projects that say that they’re “for [GAMELINE]” or “suitable for use with [GAMELINE],” where [GAMELINE] is the line you’re working on. No non-compete otherwise.

      Reply
  5. I would to know more details regarding what “Beckett Screen – Shipped to shipper.” means. Will it stay with the shipper until the book itself is completed and then both are sent to the backers or the products are coming as they get done?
    Thanks already for the answer!

    Reply
  6. Just a quick question that I couldn’t find the answer to elsewhere:

    Are the Ex3 GM screens, maps, and bookmarks for backers only, or will they eventually find their way to DTRPG?

    Reply
    • DriveThru has sort of a screen option, but it involves reconfiguring the screen and you get printouts that can be slipped into a modular screen. So not exactly the same and will mean extra work for us to make it happen. But the KS screen wil be available from IPR at some point like the screens from our other KS projects. The bookmarks, I dunno, I suppose could be available as a PDF you can print and cut apart. The map we will most likely offer on the small poster option from DriveThru, and as a larger map printed on material on RedBubble. Plus extra maps and bookmarks, if any, will also be available on IPR.

      Reply
  7. I wanted to say thanks for saying what you said about hiring as well. Especially with the stories one hears these days coming out of different places.

    “Fight the Wyrm whenever it breeds, wherever it dwells.”

    Reply
  8. Hey guys, any thoughts on recreating something like the WW demo teams from back in the day? Have volunteers host games and sessions to promote the new lines and hand out q&a reports afterwards? Something official maybe?

    Reply
  9. I wish you guys did something with sound, so I could actually give someone who is trying to get into working on interactive game sound design(apparently, out in California, LARP and such have actual theatre grade sound design).

    Reply
    • OPP themselves don’t, but they’re working with Earplay on interactive audio dramas for Scion and Pugmire (and Earplay in turn have collaborated with Vit Varg on an Orpheus drama). Not sure if this is the sort of thing you and/or your friend are looking for, but it’s what I could think of.

      Reply
  10. When abouts is the c20 anthology being released to backers? Wife has been watching her inbox all week :p
    Also, are the add-on PDFs (immortal eyes novels, etc) from the C20 Kickstarter il not being sent til the new book is done!

    Reply
    • Actually just sent a message to BackerKit confirming the steps to send the C20 Anthology out to backers. Just need their thumbs-up.

      Reply
      • Awesome. The wife will be stoked to hear that.

        Rich, when do the add-on PDFs get distributed? I long ago lost my immortal eyes novels so she’s looking forward to reading them.

        Reply

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