As always during a crowdfunder, it is hard to believe when one is almost done – and yet, we’re looking at the last few days and fighting for the Monster Kingdoms. Well, at least the crowdfunding campaign.
We have lots of plans for Monster Kingdoms itself!
Rather than me giving everybody the last big pep talk as we storm the Monster Kingdom battlements, here’s our dark general himself, Matthew Dawkins, with a salutation:
It’s the dying days of Monster Kingdoms on BackerKit everybody! I have no doubt everyone here has already thrown in whatever support they can, but if you could share the campaign – on RPGnet, ENWorld, Facebook, Reddit (we need fans posting on r/rpg!), and wherever you go to talk about games, including your own gaming groups! – we would really appreciate it. It’s so important we get the word out about this fantastic game.
We hear you, sirrah, and we’re right behind you! Charge!
Matthew also has some thoughts about how Monster Kingdoms has been received and hints at more goodness (badness?) coming in the future:
Matthew here! I’ve discussed before how I conduct playtests in my local area, visiting two or three of the local gaming clubs (we’re blessed with several in this part of the UK), buying them pizza or equivalent fast food to last through the afternoon and evening, and providing prospective Storyguides in the club with the tutoring they need to know the ruleset, the setting, and the basics of what they’ll need to run a game of whatever I want tested. While I run games myself (frequently), for playtesting I much prefer putting the game in the hands of others and observing or participating as a player, as I know the rules for a game I’ve developed intimately, and it’s far more useful to see someone unfamiliar come to terms with them.
This past weekend I attended two gaming clubs and observed/participated in six games of Monster Kingdoms (with a little World Below thrown in), quizzing the groups for feedback afterwards. Each group had their own dungeon (I came up with a different hook and a “boss” character for each squad) and each was placed in a different kingdom of Gewinn. It was a real eye opener for what people like from the game (the history, the playable options, the sheer depth of edges and crowns), what they want to spend more time with before feeling comfortable (some of the mass combat material, Tricks – which are now being printed in a handy cheat sheet, and spotlight initiative), and what they kept going back to (ridiculously powerful sceptres). Everyone had a fun time, and I’ve been given some fantastic feedback regarding this game.
More than anything, it was a thrill to see players just *get* Monster Kingdoms. It’s a simple premise with surprising depth, and the idea of playing evil monsters just appeals to gamers old and new at a nice, obvious level. Some interesting reporting for you:
– The most popular heritage was feyborn and least popular was dwarf.
– The most popular Mantle was magus and least popular was harlequin.
– The most popular powers involved meteor strikes.
– When asked which kingdom players would set their own games in, there was a tie between the Nithera Empire and Creuore as highest rated and Scales as lowest. Poor dragons.
I now have a lot of information – mechanical and otherwise – to contemplate before the game’s release, and welcome any feedback you have to give via the feedback form that all backers have access to!
Unlike normally, where I ask for notes and thoughts from the creators, Matthew has actually requested that I write a little bit about the creation of the Gewinn map that you’ve been seeing sections of if, as a backer, you are receiving the Monster Kingdoms travelogue.
First, there was the text as well as a rough map Matthew limned out. As any backer may have noticed, there’s a lot of amazing descriptions for the history and Kingdoms, so there was a lot to parse through. As I read through the descriptions of each Kingdom, I took notes on post-its and surrounded a print out of Matthew’s sketch with these notes, all on a fold-out presentation board, like this:
I then redrew the map in Photoshop at extremely high resolution and sent that first basic map over to Matthew to see if I had hit what he had intended. This was a back and forth we would do many times. Seeing it put together like that, he and I agreed on shifting a few things from his sketch, and adding a bunch of places to more evenly distribute locations for the good of folks wanting to travel and adventure throughout the continent.
Once the various land masses and mountains/terrain were drawn in, we concentrated on putting in all the locations, and then I painted in more terrain like forests and swamps and such. Again, firing pdfs and comments back and forth, until we had this map that we’ve been using for the crowdfunding campaign:
The file for this is huge, but it really has to be in order to contain all the evocative names and titles of the areas of the world. My particular fondness is for the many, many dungeons named on the map – even though not all of the “dungeons” are described in the book itself. There is just so much to delve into!
In no particular order, there’s:
- Menruh’s Tower
- The Dungeon of the Hog
- Keep of the Ash Kings
- The Frozen Idol
- Transmutative Caves
- The Dungeon of the Bone Harvest
- Kaos Hold
And many more that we hope to provide adventure supplements for!
So, yes, we’re excited and looking forward to providing you all with tons more material for playing in this dark fantasy world – so let’s fight this final battle up to and including Thursday afternoon to get Monster Kingdoms as strongly funded as we can!
brb… gotta grab more caffiene
So say we all!
Mostly because the wrap-up of Curseborne and getting the PDF ready, through one proof, tweaked, and through another proof, is grueling – even if we’re thrilled to be finally finalizing the vast majority of another huge project for us. We’re almost…there…mustn’t…black…..out….
On the flip side, being able to prep for the Curseborne Player’s Guide is strangely energizing us back up! We’re still looking at getting the go-ahead from Kickstarter to run this through October, so while we’re cutting it close, things are looking good!
EDIT: We are approved by KS and the Curseborne PG KS starts on October 1!
Meanwhile, we’ve created and posted four teaser vids for your edification and enjoyment – and when I say “we” most of the credit for these has to go to Travis Legge, whose earlier film production experience has really come together to make these spooky teasers:
Venators https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U86dtIOQ_Q
Can you guess what role the Venators play in the world of Curseborne? well, the PG contains the rules to play them!
Orphans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4DZ0mQFFBU
Sometimes, you find that you’ve changed – and no one is there to explain it to you…
Napoleons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfmyMeuu6qU
The Creatures of the Night…what music they make!
Rats https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjdC0Da8bHo
Honey – the rats are back!
Yep, if you’ve enjoyed these videos, as well as the ones from our lead-up to Curseborne campaign last year, you have Travis to thank!
To real-world news, there are new hardcovers at Studio2, and then these will be more available directly on DTRPG with their warehouse program. If you missed that when we first announced it, the program is a way for you to order the traditionally printed hardcovers of several of our books right there on DTRPG, who then places an order for shipping with the crew at Studio2.
Just like with this announcement, we’re hoping to continue to add new books to those available currently as the program proves itself.
Also, I hear there’s going to be a whole Month of Darkness at DTRPG starting next week….
Folks, a month or so ago, a bunch of you reported that you were having difficulties getting onto our website, and even this blog. Don’t like that at all! So we had our computer mavens take a look at the issue and they discovered that two of our external providers were in conflict. We’ve run diagnostics and done some trials, and we think the problem is solved. But, we’ve thought that before only to find that our testers might have been able to do it, but our audience still has issues.
So, if any of you are having problems loading our website, either not at all or if it’s taking a long time to load, please let us know.
Are we coming through better?
We are doing what we can with the corrections we can do in situations we have at least a bit of control over. Once we get into situations that pull us into the stormy waters of international shipping and tariffs, for an obvious example, we have a lot fewer options in terms of actions we can take. Doesn’t stop us from trying, and it sure does feel good when you can put out a fire in your house even if the lands outside are flaring up!
We’re just glad to have all of you helping us with our:
Many Worlds, One Path!
Blurbs!
Crowdfunding!
LAST DAYS! Monster Kingdoms!
OVER 200% FUNDED! Use this link here to join all the monsters!
Coming October 1 on Kickstarter:
The Curseborne Player’s Guide!
Click here to join the prelaunch page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/200664283/curseborne-players-guide
Onyx Path Media!
Check out our attached media schedule for the videos on our Twitch channel this week!
This week on the Onyx Path News, Matthew discusses the Curseborne Player’s Guide, Scion Rock Gods and Road Trips, and the Monster Kingdoms crowdfunder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7CcrfWK_4E
Matthew (the Gentleman Gamer) has also made a video of Monster Kingdoms character creation here: https://youtube.com/live/UM5XTVaWAGA
Matthew also made character creation video demoing some of the upcoming content from the Curseborne Player’s Guide, including the Tormentors family: https://youtu.be/zATDpKi4FoA
Virtual Tabletop!
Scion Demigod Available on Roll20 NOW!
The Scion: Origin and Scion Hero Compendiums are now available on Roll20!
https://marketplace.roll20.net/browse/publisher/1716/onyx-path-publishing
The first of our official Scion sheets designed for Foundry VTT are now available! https://foundryvtt.co
They Came From Beneath the Sea! on Roll20 VTT!
https://marketplace.roll20.net/browse/bundle/22308/they-came-from-beneath-the-sea
Looking for more virtual tabletop resources? We have a selection of tokens, encounters, and more available now at DriveThruRPG! https://bit.ly/3SnrNJ7
Our Sales Partners!
We’re working with Studio2 to provide our traditionally printed books out into your local game stores. Game stores can order via their usual distributors, and can also contact Studio2 directly. And individuals can check out our projects via the links below!
Select Chronicles of Darkness Screens and Monarchies of Mau books,
screens, and dice 50% off at Studio 2:
https://studio2publishing.com/collections/onx-onyx-path-publishing
Some more deluxe books have popped up on Studio 2, with more on the way.
https://studio2publishing.com/collections/onx-onyx-path-publishing
Looking for our Deluxe or Prestige Edition books, dice, and screens? Try this link! http://www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/Onyx-Path-Publishing/
Some last chance/clearance titles at IPR:
https://www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/Last-Chance/
As always, you can find Onyx Path’s titles in PDF and PoD versions at DriveThruRPG.com!
Spooky things are coming to DTRPG this October!
Amazon and Barnes & Noble!
You can now read our fiction from the comfort and convenience of your Kindle (from Amazon) and Nook (from Barnes & Noble).
On Sale This Week!
The Doctor is in! This month’s Curseborne Tasty Bit PDF: Dr. Seth Winston is on call this Weds on DTRPG!
On Sale Last Week!
Roarin’ down the road comes the rockin’ Advance PDF of Scion: Rock Gods & Road Trips now on DTRPG!
Featuring:
- The Mythic Engine, a new system meant to empower episodic storytelling in Scion!
- An entire tour of ready-made scenarios detailing a Band of rockstar Scions’ ascent to fame!
- Tools to enhance mythical stories set on the road, including memorable locations touched by legends, music-themed antagonists, cryptids, and more!
- New Boons and Birthrights meant to be the best equipment roadies and rockstars can count on!
Conventions!
Here’s where you can find out more info on physical and virtual conventions we’re going to be involved with!
We’ll have demo games running at these upcoming conventions:
Paganomicon 10/25 – 10/26
Game Night With Onyx Path Publishing at StartPlaying is this Friday the 26th and through that weekend! Come play some Curseborne that night! (But any of our game lines are welcome all weekend long!)
Here’s a link to give anyone $10 credit to play games on Start.Playing:
https://startplaying.games/referral/clog9y0v10006ju0968iev95m
Please spread the word about GMing games as much as possible! Details on how list a game are at the bottom of the page in the FAQ:
https://startplaying.games/event/game-night-onyx-path
Project Status Updates!
Our full list of projects will be available monthly on our blog! Check out August’s full list report here: https://theonyxpath.com/release-roundup-august-2025/
DEVELOPMENT STATUS FROM EDDY!
Here are the projects that moved to the next stage of production:
MANUSCRIPT APPROVAL
Exalted – Abyssals Companion: Riders from the Sunless Lands
- Another stretch goal project is in Paradox’s hands for their review!
The World Below – Secrets of Kalm and Kaos: The World Below Storyguide’s Handbook
- With the Tableaux, the World Below now has a bardic Calling! These storytellers tattoo tales on their skin and use the powers from them to annihilate their enemies.This fantastic text is all with Rich now…
ART DIRECTION FROM MIKE CHANEY!
In Art Direction
- Ex3 Infernals – Crowdfunder art getting made.
- Ex3 Alchemicals – Yeah…. as that’s the next thing I’m gonna be on…
- TC Aethernaut Collection – Talking to Gaydos about doing me some headshots.
- SPU Core Manual – Getting art going.
- Curseborne PG KS – Finals coming in.
- Monster Kingdoms (BK) – Crowdfunder finishing up.
Layout
- TC Anima AR
- Pugmire 2E Screen
Proofing Queue
- Branch Riders – Working on making second proof.
- Curseborne – Working on making second proof.
At Press
- They Came From the RPG Anthology VTT
- TC Aether – At Studio2, wrapping up shipping physical books to backers.
- Scion God – At Studio2, wrapping up shipping physical books to backers.
- Scion God Screen – Wrapping up shipping out with books.
- TC Aether Screen – Wrapping up shipping out with books.
- SCION Rock Gods – Inputting errata and prepping PoD.
- Ex3 Miracles of the Divine Flame – Errata from Backer PDF being gathered.
- Curseborne Tasty Bit: Dr. Seth Winston PDF on sale this Weds on DTRPG!
Today’s Reason to Celebrate!
As an old Philly boy, let’s celebrate the life of Bernie Parent, who passed over the weekend, the ever-affable goalie for the Flyers hockey team during the time when they were known as the “Broad Street Bullies” and were winning Stanley Cups while throwing checks and punches. The phrase “Only the Lord saves more than Bernie Parent” was bandied about then in reference to his bulwark defense in the goal.
And a happy Rosh Hashanah to all who celebrate, as the New Year holiday starts today!
The exhibitor list for Pax Unplugged dropped recently and I noticed Onyx Path is not on it. I’m sure Studio 2 will still carry the books. Perhaps I’ll run into some people? I missed you and Lisa last year.
We’re not exhibiting this year, but intend to visit at least one day to check in on Studio2 and the Bodhanna Group, who do have a booth and should have copies of Branch Riders for sale!
I love the behind-the-scenes look at the Monster Kingdoms map creation! The detail and collaboration really shine through, and its exciting to see all the imaginative locations and dungeons planned for this dark fantasy world.
Glad you liked it! It’s always fun, but sometimes hard, to look back on an artistic process you’ve used and explain it to folks.
I’ve not backed Monster Kingdoms for the same reason I didn’t back Pugmire Unleashed. The decisions you made on the Essence Players Guide crowdfunder penalising PDF backers have made me look elsewhere for the cash I have to spend.
It’s worth saying I have bought some of your products since that campaign. This decision has come from a place of disappointment in your company and your response to criticism. It’s not a situation where I’m taking my ball and going home, but nor am I essentially giving you a monthly subscription as I was before.
And that’s your right to do, just as it is our right to adjust and adapt our campaigns through time. We have not always provided Stretch Goals to all levels of backers, but the allocation depended on the nature of the campaigns. Like, the Pugmire Unleashed campaign was very different for us as it was the first of our campaigns where the rewards were PDFs and PoDs, and so our Stretch Goals stayed in that zone as well. Other campaigns are and were for traditionally printed books, and the Stretch Goal allocations have varied through the years. Again, because we were trying to match the way the campaign was structured.
And that, bluntly, is exactly the kind of response that made the decision for me. Since you regularly “zone” your stretch goals in that way can you tell me the last time prior to the EPG where the “primary” PDF stretch goal was only provided to the hardcover backers?
If I’m honest, I believe the thinking with the EPG was ” this will do well either way so let’s create a saving on rewards in case of hardcover tariffs being punishing”. Like you say, that’s your right. But it remains the case that you chose to penalise PDF backers – not your fault, but still largely your non US customers – to protect the more expensive to produce, ship, and deliver hardcover customers. Let’s be blunt again, your PDF backers have always subsidised the hardcover backers. The PDF needs to be made for the hardcover to exist. The hardcover is the thing your crowdfunder needs to pay for.
Your decision to “rectify” it on the EPG campaign by allowing me to spend more… spend more to subsidise the creation of your hardcover backers’ books. Yeah, final straw.
I get that you don’t care about the parasocials, only the numbers. But genuinely, I can’t be the only person feeling this way and that will affect those numbers.
Again, this is not a “toys out of the pram” post. You have upcoming projects I am likely to buy. But I have spent several hundreds, possibly triple figures, pounds on products of yours that I’m unlikely to ever play but might enjoy reading. You’ve ended that situation and now it’s only a purchase when I can see some use for it.