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Journeys to the West: Fantastic Voyages in the Western Ocean
Designer: Christina Stiles (Unhallowed Halls, The Village of Briarton, Faery's Tale)
System: Pathfinder Roleplaying Game
Adventure Levels: 1 to 12
Length: approximately 96 pages, more if the project reaches the higher funding tier
A new six-adventure anthology is underway from Open Design! Set sail from Barsella, the City at the Edge of the world, home of adventurers and pirates, and explore the vast, uncharted waters of the Midgard campaign setting’s Western Ocean.
Discover the lush paradise known as the Isle of Morphoi, where the goddess of Memory seeks lost secrets through her network of cunning lamias and the shapeshifting morphoi. Encounter lost civilizations and their hidden colonies; explore mysterious fog-shrouded islands populated by sharp-toothed, scarred natives; battle epic leviathans of the deep that are rumored to crush villages or swallow whole ships; and gain priceless and unusual treasures!
Backers of Journeys to the West will join lead designer Christina Stiles to:
* Populate and describe the city of Barsella, gateway to the Wine Dark Sea: its high towers and exotic markets flush with strange salvage pulled from sunken ruins and looted from cryptic derelicts.
* Delve into the mysteries of the Isle of Morphoi and the cults of Mnemosyne, whose sorcerer-priestesses wield water and ley-line magic against adventurers, and swiftly leap from port to port as they engineer far-ranging conspiracies in smoky taverns and opulent throne rooms.
* Take to the waves with new ship plans, and master the dangers of the unknown with new traits, feats, spells, incantations, and gear.
Design unexplored islands where terrifying new monsters are worshiped as sacrifice-loving gods.
* Create haunted, treasure-laden ruins to test the mettle and sanity of fortune-seeking adventurers
Journeys to the West is designed for maximum use in any nautical or edge-of-civilization Pathfinder Roleplaying Game campaign. Backers will participate in brainstorming sessions, and some may add feats, spells, traits, and gear to the book as patron designers.
Backers at the Captain level and above may pitch seven islands, six adventures, eight monsters, and eight pirate lords. Their successful pitches will turn into fully credited design in the Open Design style.
Rally your crew, and hoist the sails! Fantastic voyages await!
You can sign up for it on Kickstarter-- here! And check out the addition options, depending on how we hit our funding marks!
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Small But Fierce.
Kobold Quarterly's News Minion.
wow! it set sail 5 times! :)
Is there any way to delete that flood of spam, O News Minion?
I did! I did delete them!
It happens sometimes, the gears fly loose, and the clockwork crossbow fires into the darkness, emptying the whole magazine! I've deleted the extraneous posts, now they just need to be cleared. :/
(You can hide them using the "zero with a line through it" symbol all the way on the right of the thread listing in the forum overview, though.)
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Small but Fierce, and Apparently Too Fast On The Trigger.
Kobold Quarterly's News Minion.
Looks awesome; excellent timing too.
Yep, and it has hit 25% of the funding goal in just 24 hours. I think this one is going to be amazing.
Looks like we've sailed over the 40% mark! I'm looking forward to embarking on this adventure. Please consider joining the crew.
Isn't this going to step on the toes of Skulls and Shackles a bit? I often see this kind of overlap with the game publishers. I wish there was a bit more synergy between them so that they don't overlap genres.
Where you see overlap, I see synergy. If I were running Skull and Shackles, I would definitely still pick this up. Even if I couldn't directly use the adventure, I'm certain there will be encounters I can lift to help flesh out the AP.
I can say that I plan on mixing in some Tales of the Margreve when I run Kingmaker (hopefully sometime next year.) APs always have a little room for side quests.
Isn't this going to step on the toes of Skulls and Shackles a bit? I often see this kind of overlap with the game publishers. I wish there was a bit more synergy between them so that they don't overlap genres.
Personally, I see that as a plus, rather than a minus. Something that I've seen a lot of GMs do while running adventure paths is to sprinkle in outside material in order to add a bit of flavor, give PCs a chance to make up for some XP or loot that they might not have gotten from the AP for whatever reason, or just break up the monotony of a single, focused plotline. Sidequests are a good thing.
From that point of view, having a trove of material with similar flavor and setting that could easily be inserted into a Skull & Shackles campaign would be an unqualified good thing. I'm likely to pick this up for precisely that reason.
I would have considered this if S&S wasn't already on the horizon. If I'm going to buy an "ocean voyage ship themed" adventure it will be S&S, if not then I won't buy either. The two seem similar enough (even in the level range) that I'm not sure who would need or want both.
There will be a series of small, independent adventures and new islands in the book, so this book is not like an AP. The material fleshes out the Western Ocean in Midgard, but these could all be easily dropped into your campaign and played as Side Treks from your AP. Plus, there will be new gear, monsters, and feats/traits to round out a sea-based campaign. We are all about the exploration!
Since S&S will cover levels 1-15 with it's story (like all the APs) it would be great if this targeted levels 15-20. That would be some good synergy and provide a reason for having both.
Having said the above, we do hope to string some bits to an overall adventure hook throughout the book. And if the kickstarter money reaches a certain amount, we want to include a larger high-level adventure (which I envision to be in the level range you are requesting) in the mix that ties in with certain events in Midgard. Otherwise, adventures will basically stand on their own, and will make excellent in-between the AP missions. This book and the Paizo AP should not be viewed as competitors but material that can work well together. Open Design does not have any officially sanctioned Golarion adventure tie-in to this book, like they did with Brandon Hodge's Sunken Empires, but I'd certainly love to write such a tie-in if we did! That would be something.
Btw, please note that Journeys is an adventure anthology. None of the adventures have even been pitched yet, so there is no outline that connects all the adventures together. The patrons will decide from the pitches what goes in the book. If you're familiar with Streets of Zobeck or Tales of Zobeck, this book will be like those: a series of various adventures with connections to the geography more so than to each other. Note that these Open Design books are not at all like an Adventure Path series, and the included adventures are about 7500-8000 words and are things you can easily drop into a night's game or run at a gaming convention. So, the material is easily supplemental to whatever sea-based campaign you plan to run.
Well, you've sold me on being a backer, now I just have to decide if I can spare the full $250 or not.
The fact I'm planning on attending PaizoCon is a solid argument for it. :)
Good to hear, TOZ!!!! I hope to get to PaizoCon, too, in 2012, so you may have your choice of special GMs--though who wouldn't want to play in a Wolfgang-run game? :)
Oh, and please note that our pitching crew includes the illustrious Watcher (Jim Groves)from these boards and the RPG Superstar contest, so there should be some cool pitches offered up. I also believe Terraleon (Ben McFarland) of Open Design/Rite Publishing will be pitching, as well--if you haven't had a chance, check out what a great job he did developing Streets of Zobeck, which I contributed to.
And Wolfgang said he'll be pitching, as well. How can you go wrong with names like those in the mix? This is going to be beyond cool!
One thing to remember about a patron project is that it's more than just a $25 promise for a PDF-- it's four to six months of interaction with designers, of seeing pitches, writing pitches, getting feedback on pitches, and possibly getting material published.
That's a lot more content than just a PDF, it's a PDF you helped shape.
-Ben.
Made my $50 pledge, going to ponder upgrading it for awhile.
Thanks for the support, TOZ! And thanks to everyone else who has signed up. Looking forward to this project!
Well, we've got our five players now. :)
Most excellent!!! Thanks, guys and gals!
Here's a glimpse into the project from the Kobold Quarterly blog from Brandon Hodge and myself:
Journeys to the West: The Isle of Morphoi and its Creatures
I'll be adding more monsters (those mentioned in the article) in the days to come, so keep checking the blog. The Isle is from Brandon's work on the Midgard Campaign Setting, so you also get a peek at what's going on there. It's a win-win!
Kobold Press
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Thanks, TOZ! I've made room for more backers at the Commodore level, and will run 2 games rather than 1.
Also, there's now a video posted featuring my take on why this project is worthwhile. My first attempt at video, mind you, so perhaps not the world's glossiest production ever. Still, gotta start somewhere, and I hope it gives people a sense of where the project is headed.
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Isn't this going to step on the toes of Skulls and Shackles a bit? I often see this kind of overlap with the game publishers. I wish there was a bit more synergy between them so that they don't overlap genres.
I would have considered this if S&S wasn't already on the horizon. If I'm going to buy an "ocean voyage ship themed" adventure it will be S&S, if not then I won't buy either. The two seem similar enough (even in the level range) that I'm not sure who would need or want both.
Since S&S will cover levels 1-15 with it's story (like all the APs) it would be great if this targeted levels 15-20. That would be some good synergy and provide a reason for having both.
I assumed S&S was part of why they decided to do it. I see it as support myself. I mean sometimes things in a AP doesn't match up well with everyones group. Like the Watchers adventure in Carrion Crown AP, not everyone was a fan so a option like this might have worked for people.
For me I am hoping for some side trek idea's since my group never hits everything in a AP and sometimes falls behind in xp. That and some extra stuff about ocean travel, pirates etc.
As for the patron project, someday i will join one. Seems either there is one I am only mildly interested in OR I don't have the money when one comes along I am interested in. Like now. :)
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Yeah, the S&S timing is actually good for this, though the inspiration for this project came from a Midgard forum thread.
As someone mentioned earlier, Lisa Stevens and others used Tales of the Old Margreve to flesh out Kingmaker. I hope this set of 7 islands and side treks provides the same help for S&S. Plus new gear, seafaring spells, a few monster surprises for DMs whose players might sneak a peek at the Paizo AP and think they know what's coming.
And hey, backers for this start at $5, DM. Trying to keep it affordable.
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Yeah, the S&S timing is actually good for this, though the inspiration for this project came from a Midgard forum thread.
As someone mentioned earlier, Lisa Stevens and others used Tales of the Old Margreve to flesh out Kingmaker. I hope this set of 7 islands and side treks provides the same help for S&S. Plus new gear, seafaring spells, a few monster surprises for DMs whose players might sneak a peek at the Paizo AP and think they know what's coming.
And hey, backers for this start at $5, DM. Trying to keep it affordable.
Yeah you do have some cheap ones this time. I am tempted by the 10 dollar one. Will have to see what things are like after black friday when hopefully I make all my final buys of gifts for the year.
Pledged. I'm poor... If I can pony up $10, anyone can! Besides, what's money for except for gaming?
I take it that this will be released for public consumption afterwards?
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Kobold Press
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Actually, it is currently undecided how it might be released to the public. That's sort of an issue to sort out next year.
However, it's clear the limited-edition print version is for backers only. The chart/poster map is also a perk intended for backers.
The PDF is almost certainly going to be available to the public.
Kobolds! You made it very hard to pass on this, particularly when you utilize material from our Tome. I am very proud to have contributed many hours on it and delighted to see others enjoying it.
One question: If I should move, what is the most effective way to get a change of address to you so that I receive my print product? (Not that I can acutally afford this, but here's hoping I can when the project reaches its conclusion.)
Kobolds! You made it very hard to pass on this, particularly when you utilize material from our Tome. I am very proud to have contributed many hours on it and delighted to see others enjoying it.
One question: If I should move, what is the most effective way to get a change of address to you so that I receive my print product? (Not that I can acutally afford this, but here's hoping I can when the project reaches its conclusion.)
Thanks for joining us on the voyage!!!! I truly love the Tome of Horror Complete, and I have the earlier variations, as well. As an adventure writer, I've always mined the Tomes for cool ideas, and now I have a massive book to pore over. Bwah ha ha! Poor PCs...
Shelly Baur handles the address info. You can just drop her a line at subscriptions@koboldquarterly.com when you have the new info. She's wonderful about customer service.
Thanks again.
CEO
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Yeah, the S&S timing is actually good for this, though the inspiration for this project came from a Midgard forum thread.
As someone mentioned earlier, Lisa Stevens and others used Tales of the Old Margreve to flesh out Kingmaker. I hope this set of 7 islands and side treks provides the same help for S&S. Plus new gear, seafaring spells, a few monster surprises for DMs whose players might sneak a peek at the Paizo AP and think they know what's coming.
And hey, backers for this start at $5, DM. Trying to keep it affordable.
I love these types of projects! This is exactly the type of product that I, as a GM, start looking for when contemplating a new AP. And guess what, I think S&S might be my next after Kingmaker. So a few extra islands and side treks would be just what I am looking for!
Btw, for the record, in my Kingmaker campaign so far, I have used parts of these adventures to augment the game: Tales of the Old Margreve, Into The Haunted Forest, Conquest of the Bloodsworn Vale, and Realm of the Fellnight Queen.
-Lisa
...and Realm of the Fellnight Queen.
WOOT!
BTW, congrats, Christina!
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Kobold Press
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I love these types of projects! This is exactly the type of product that I, as a GM, start looking for when contemplating a new AP. And guess what, I think S&S might be my next after Kingmaker. So a few extra islands and side treks would be just what I am looking for!
Btw, for the record, in my Kingmaker campaign so far, I have used parts of these adventures to augment the game: Tales of the Old Margreve....
Thank you for the shoutout, Lisa, I really appreciate it! And of course I agree: the Journeys to the West is all about giving a GM options and few extra tricks.
BTW, congrats, Christina!
Thanks, Neil!
I love these types of projects! This is exactly the type of product that I, as a GM, start looking for when contemplating a new AP. And guess what, I think S&S might be my next after Kingmaker. So a few extra islands and side treks would be just what I am looking for!Btw, for the record, in my Kingmaker campaign so far, I have used parts of these adventures to augment the game: Tales of the Old Margreve, Into The Haunted Forest, Conquest of the Bloodsworn Vale, and Realm of the Fellnight Queen.
-Lisa
Thanks so much for saying so, Lisa! We'll do you proud. :)
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The project is 96% funded. Would love to see Lisa or someone put us over the top!
Also, I've added an Admiral level of reward, which includes a limited edition signed hardcover, a game for you and 5 friends, original art, your own private island, and a special ocean map.
Oooh...More tattooing, or patron-backing Journeys to the West? Hmmmmmm. Tough call.
OK, OK! OSW is now a Captain. Ink of a different kind I guess, and hopefully less painful!
Oooh...More tattooing, or patron-backing Journeys to the West? Hmmmmmm. Tough call.
OK, OK! OSW is now a Captain. Ink of a different kind I guess, and hopefully less painful!
You pushed us over the minimum! Thanks so much, Captain! We'll have to throw in some tattoo magic in your honor. :)
You pushed us over the minimum! Thanks so much, Captain! We'll have to throw in some tattoo magic in your honor. :)
Actually, I think you pushed us MORE over the minimum. It's higher than when I looked first thing this morning. Woot!