Greg A. Vaughan wrote: I hope it turns out to be well worth your wait when are able to get it locally. We're printing extras so they'll be available. Gould you point to some FLGSs that carry your products in Europe? I'm in the same shipping boat and can't really find any European retailers with Lost Lands products.
Thanael wrote: Sphaerenmeister in Germany has FGG products Oohh... Interesting. Thanks. Only €9 for shipping a brick like Tsar. Hope they get FFG in the future, especially with Northland's, Blight and Lost Lands coming up.
Any other European 'dealers' people know about?
(And sorry, Frogs. I would prefer to support you directly, but shipping *plus* the risk of being charged an additional 25% of product and shipping cost as VAT *plus* an additional $30 for being charged those additional 25% - yes, I live in a horrible country - unfortunately makes this a no go ).
Question, FGG people - Are the stretch goals that are not add-ons available to all pledge levels?
Matrix Sorcica wrote: Thanael wrote: Sphaerenmeister in Germany has FGG products Oohh... Interesting. Thanks. Only €9 for shipping a brick like Tsar. Hope they get FFG in the future, especially with Northland's, Blight and Lost Lands coming up.
Any other European 'dealers' people know about?
(And sorry, Frogs. I would prefer to support you directly, but shipping *plus* the risk of being charged an additional 25% of product and shipping cost as VAT *plus* an additional $30 for being charged those additional 25% - yes, I live in a horrible country - unfortunately makes this a no go ). You can probably preorder at Sphärenmeister, drop them a line here.
Greg A. Vaughan wrote: Auxmaulous wrote: I have a question for Greg - does Shades of Yellow have anything to do with a Tattered King?
Or is Yellow just your favorite color?
Like brave Sir Robin, my favorite color is also yellow...no, blue! AAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!
I can neither confirm nor deny the involvement of any kings tattered or in any other states of disarray. Completely unreltated then, how about theatre productions in Shades of Yellow? I do so like cultural events in my RPGs for the PCs to participate in.
Auxmaulous wrote: Now I have another question - and this is more in regards to how much I back, and what works best financially for FGG. So this may end up being more of a Bill Webb question, unless one of the other frogs want to chime in (or Greg).
So, I went ahead and padded my initial pledge amount for the players guide (yes, only 5 bucks - thanks Greg), the vellum map, Fields of Blood and CD2. I did this to ramp the numbers up out the gate and because that is what I am going to pay at close anyway (maybe more, depending on what else gets offered).
All that being said, would it make sense to drop down my pledge total to the bare minimum before the close of the KS (or right now) and then re-add it on the back end after close?
KS is getting a sum of money no matter what, but I do know that the more that is pledged - the greater their cut. This is sort of a catch 22 situation from a backer perspective.
As backers of a 3pp for what amounts to a niche hobby - we want this thing to go to the stars and draw more backers in due to passing certain thresholds and breaking stretch goals (and thus getting a bigger incentive to lure more backers in) - but at the same time, the more we put up the front end, the more KS takes at close. I am thinking in terms of maximum profit for FGG. Best revenue scheme means more KS projects are undertaken by FGG, with less risk/exposure.
So should I reduce it now, near close or what?
Thoughts?
Thank you for your question, Auxmaulos. That level of thoughtfulness means a lot to us. This community is great in that there are so many people who aren't just fans of the products but are fans of the company itself and its personnel. That's what makes this game great. Plus then we can go to cons and get to meet and hang out and simulate killing each other with dice rolls and sheets of paper. :-)
Financially FGG pays fewer fees for Backerkit add-ons than for KS pledges. I think the difference is something like 5% of what one pays versus the other (I haven't seen the actual numbers but I think it's something along those lines). Ideally, we'd make plenty of money through the pledges and easily hit all the stretch goals, and then at the end everyone would add an equal amount in Backerkit. :-) However, the reality is that we're grateful for pledges and purchases regardless of how they come. So if you'd like your higher pledge to go towards bumping towards stretch goals, we're cool with that. If you'd like to hold out the Backerkit amounts until the end to maximize what we make, we're cool with that too. Like you said, it's a catch-22. One pays us a little more, but one gives us a little more exposure and momentum which potentially pays us a little more if it ramps up the excitement just that much. So really just do whichever you feel most comfortable with. We wholly appreciate your support either way. Thanks!
silverhair2008 wrote: I removed the Backerkit add-ons from my pledge amount. Apparently they can be added in after the KS ends and you can still get them. If you add the amounts in to your pledge KS gets part of that money.
At least that is my understanding. If I am wrong would someone from FGG please clarify it?
Sorry, Silverhair. I answered Auxmaulos before I saw your post. Yeah, the same answer for you. Whichever you prefer. One gives us slightly more of the money, the other boosts the KS and potentially contributes to giving us more money. It's really a win-win for us with you guys backing at all. So you'll get no complaints from us. Many thanks to you too!
El Ronza wrote: Greg A. Vaughan wrote: El Ronza wrote: Backer #5 (was a spur of the moment thing) and first-time FGG pledger. Any chance of picking up just the pdf versions of stretch goals? International shipping costs an arm and a leg. :/ Thanks for taking the plunge, El Ronza!
All stretch goals and add-ons will have pdf options available in Backerkit at the end of the campaign. So even though they're not listed as being available now, they will be? Because I'm considering picking up Dunes of Desolation and Fields of Blood in pdf, and I'd like to know how much to budget :-) Bill would have to tell you the exact numbers (I don't know them), but the Dunes pdf is normally 16.99 on our website, so I'd guess it'd be in the $10 range, probably a couple bucks less. The pdfs usually run about half of what the print edition costs. The Fields of Blood would then probably be $16.99 since it's not at a discounted price like Dunes is for this KS.
So I'd think if you budgeted about $25 for the two pdfs, you'd be pretty close to spot on. In the meantime, I'll see if I can get Bill to post something about the prices on the KS page. He's out of town on business for much of this week, so he's a little tough to catch right now.
Shem wrote: Just saw the Complete Northlands S&W for pre-order on the Paizo site. I thought there was going to be a kickstarter on this... There is. We'll be kickstarting Northlands in July. I don't know what that's about.
Matrix Sorcica wrote: Thanael wrote: Sphaerenmeister in Germany has FGG products Oohh... Interesting. Thanks. Only €9 for shipping a brick like Tsar. Hope they get FFG in the future, especially with Northland's, Blight and Lost Lands coming up.
Any other European 'dealers' people know about?
(And sorry, Frogs. I would prefer to support you directly, but shipping *plus* the risk of being charged an additional 25% of product and shipping cost as VAT *plus* an additional $30 for being charged those additional 25% - yes, I live in a horrible country - unfortunately makes this a no go ). We totally understand, Matrix. I wouldn't want to pay that either. That said, I don't know the specifics on who all carries our products in Europe, though I believe there are several who do. Bill would have to answer that question. You can ping him at bill_at_talesofthefroggod_dot_com.
Readerbreeder wrote: Question, FGG people - Are the stretch goals that are not add-ons available to all pledge levels? The unlocked stretch goals will be available to all backers, though if a backer is a pdf-only backer, then the shipping charges not covered under a print copy pledge would still have to get added to ship the print copy add-on book. If that is the case, let us know and we can figure out what that would be for you. Adding on print copies of the player's guide is unlikely to add to the book shipping charge unless somebody decided to but a whole bunch of them.
*Edit*
D'oh. I just noticed that Bill had snuck an answer in there.
Voadam wrote: Greg A. Vaughan wrote: Auxmaulous wrote: I have a question for Greg - does Shades of Yellow have anything to do with a Tattered King?
Or is Yellow just your favorite color?
Like brave Sir Robin, my favorite color is also yellow...no, blue! AAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!
I can neither confirm nor deny the involvement of any kings tattered or in any other states of disarray. Completely unreltated then, how about theatre productions in Shades of Yellow? I do so like cultural events in my RPGs for the PCs to participate in. Alas, there are no theatre productions in Shades of Yellow, unless perhaps you consider the danse macabre as a form of theatre. I personally think of it as more of a flash mob with more spilled blood. ;-)
Less than $3700 away from unlocking Fields of Blood!
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Okay, you guys are officially killing me, dancing so tantalizingly close to unlocking Fields of Blood yet staying just out of reach like a horrible tease. Let's get this thing over the line. Tom has written a pretty freakin' cool book, and you are going to want us to print it. So let's take a look at some of the stuff in it.
For starters, here is your Table of Contents:
Introduction............................................................... .............. 3
Chapter One: A Plains Primer....................................................4
Chapter Two: Plains Travel...................................................... 11
Chapter Three: Plains Hazards...................................................17
Chapter Four: Skills and Feats.................................................... 31
Chapter Five: Plains Equipment................................................. 37
Chapter Six: New Monsters...................................................... 50
Chapter Seven: Spells...............................................................72
Chapter Eight: Archetypes........................................................82
Chapter Nine: Faiths of the Plains..............................................95
Chapter Ten: Feast of Fury..................................................... 107
Chapter Eleven: Red Wedding.................................................. 131
Chapter Twelve: Madness Grows...............................................168
Appendix: Random Plains Events and Monster Encounters.............. 214
Legal Appendix................................................................... . 219
Here's a new monster out of Chapter 6 that I think is kind of cool and different:
Hestovato
Jagged barbs protrude from the elbows of a leprous humanoid with two faces on its head. A kind, human face looks forward, while a sinister, demonic face looks backward.
HESTOVATO CR 8 XP 4,800
CE Medium monstrous humanoid
Init +3; Senses all-around vision, darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +17
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AC 21, touch 13, flat-footed 18 (+3 Dex, +8 natural)
hp 95 (10d10+40)
Fort +7; Ref +12; Will +9
Speed 30 ft.
Melee 2 elbows +15 (1d8+4)
Special Attacks paralyzing gaze
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Abilities Str 19, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 14, Wis 15, Cha 16
Base Atk +10; CMB +14; CMD 27
Feats Blind-Fight, Cleave, Lightning Reflexes, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (elbows)
Skills Acrobatics +9, Bluff +9, Climb +15, Disguise +13, Intimidate +12, Perception +17, Stealth +18, Survival +13; Racial Modifiers +4 Perception, +4 Stealth
Languages Common, Elven
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Environment temperate plains
Organization solitary, gang (2–4)
Treasure standard
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All-Around Vision (Ex) A hestovato has two faces that allow it to see in all directions. Hestovatos gain a +4 racial bonus to Perception checks and cannot be flanked.
Paralyzing Gaze (Su) Paralyzed with fear for 2d4 rounds, 30 feet, DC 18 Will save negates. This is a mind-affecting fear effect. The save DC is Charisma-based.
The tribal peoples of the plains generally refer to the malevolent hestovato by a more colloquial name — two-face. The wicked creature’s first appearance in folklore practically dates back to the dawn of man, yet despite its lengthy history, its origins remain shrouded in uncertainty. The most plausible myth claims that an angry god transformed a traitorous mortal into this wretched creature as punishment for his betrayal. Other legends relay a similar tale with subtle nuances. Whatever their history, there is no doubt that the grasslands’ nomads greatly fear the hestovato and always keep a wary lookout for this hideous monster in the glow of their evening campfires.
Hestovatos roam the open plains under the cover of darkness. They avoid large humanoid communities, preferring to stalk small parties of men and women from afar as they travel across the vast prairies. Like predatory animals, hestovatos target the group’s weakest members, particularly children, pregnant women and the injured. The creature moves through the grasses with great stealth as it approaches its prey. In the warm light of the dying flames, the hestovato turns its back to its victim and gazes at the terrified creature with its demonic face. The ghastly sight is enough to paralyze the bravest of men, let alone a frightened child or expectant mother. The hestovato then uses its barbed elbows to finish the deed, tearing its target into pieces. Though carnivorous, these monstrous humanoids kill other sentient beings for the sheer thrill of doing so. They take greater delight mutilating the corpse than consuming the raw flesh.
From the front, hestovatos look no different than the average man. During the day, the creatures keep their distance from other humanoids and often wear loose fitting clothing to conceal their blotchy skin and elbow barbs, as well as a headdress to cover their demonic face. Hestovatos caught spying on their future victims quickly concoct a bogus explanation for their odd behavior. They typically claim they are lost merchants, hunters and even holy men en route to a sacred site. Hestovatos are usually encountered alone, but small groups of these asexual monsters occasionally band together to pursue a large, humanoid party. These alliances never last long. The greedy creatures soon squabble over their choice of victims and the allotment of spoils.
And here's an interesting new druid archetype (one of many new archetypes in the book):
Moon Stalker
When the moon is full and a bloodcurdling cry rings out in the distance, the moon stalker springs into action. He is all too familiar with the sound of a tortured creature undergoing an involuntary and accursed transformation into something no longer human. Whereas other druids defend the wilderness, the moon stalker spends his nights hunting his unnatural quarry — lycanthropes. In his mind, the very existence of these monstrous men and women blasphemes nature itself. Though druids can and do transform into animals, the moon stalker believes that nature granted this gift to her willing servants. Lycanthropes, on the other hand, are cursed beings that nature condemned. As members of a damned race, he sees them as scourges that he must rid from the world. In this pursuit, the moon stalker makes no distinctions between good and evil or law and chaos. There is only one absolute in his mind — that all lycanthropes are a blight to nature that he must destroy. None may be better suited to eradicate these monsters than the moon stalker.
Nature Bond (Ex) A moon stalker may not select an animal companion. Instead, he must choose from the Darkness, Madness or Trickery domains in addition to those normally available.
Detect True Form (Sp) At 1st level, a moon stalker can detect the presence of creatures with the shapechanger subtype, including lycanthropes. This ability functions like detect undead. This ability replaces wild empathy.
Track Prey (Ex) Starting at 2nd level, a druid gains a bonus on Perception and Survival checks equal to his druid level on skill checks made to locate and follow tracks made by creatures with the shapechanger subtype, including lycanthropes. He also gains the same bonus on any Knowledge check made to identify a creature with the shapechanger subtype and their special powers or vulnerabilities. This ability replaces woodland stride.
Resist Shapechangers (Ex) Starting at 3rd level, a druid gains a +4 bonus on saving throws against the exceptional, spell-like and supernatural abilities of creatures with the shapechanger subtype, including lycanthropes. He also gains a +2 dodge bonus to AC against creatures with the shapechanger subtype and a +2 morale bonus on attack rolls and weapon damage rolls against such creatures. These bonuses increase by +2 at 9th level and every six levels thereafter. This ability replaces resist trackless step and nature’s lure.
Natural Purity (Ex): At 9th level, a moon stalker gains immunity to all curses, including lycanthropy. This ability replaces venom immunity.
Enemy Tactics (Ex): At 13th level, a druid gains DR/silver equal to 1/2 his druid level. This ability replaces a thousand faces.
So hop on board and get this book to print. If you play Pathfinder, you're going to want to see it. If you don't want to buy the full hardcover on top of the existing pledge, you can just get the pdf. I'm trying to get that updated on the KS page (this has now been done).
Let's get Fields of Blood out of the dugout and onto the field!
Greg
In addition to being an environment book, Fields of Blood has some strong Native American influences.
Is there a S&W version of Fields of Blood? Or is that PF only?
Pathfinder only. There's a lot of rules mechanics.
MichaelSandar wrote: Is there a S&W version of Fields of Blood? Or is that PF only? Yeah, it doesn't make much sense as a S&W book. Most of the rules in it our built off of existing PF mechanics that don't exist in S&W and aren't needed because of the nature of the game. The parts that could be useful would probably fit in a decent-sized pamphlet, so there's not much point in it.
The adventures, however, will be converted and put into a S&W compilation as a future product, so you'll be able to get a S&W version of those.
Tom Knauss wrote: In addition to being an environment book, Fields of Blood has some strong Native American influences. What Tom, said. The book is influenced by and builds off of themes from the plains peoples of North America, Africa, and Asia.
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and SW version would be a very short book--we will release a compilation of the adventures for SW at some point though--late this year I think--maybe 5e too
Glad to see the adventures will still get converted. :)
The second of the free sample short story pdfs has been posted under the Updates.
Come check 'em out here!
Fields of Blood is unlocked. Also one of the Temple Dallas levels is claimed.
This year or next, Silverhair?
Chuck, you let the cat out of the bag. But this year if you can, but next year if it's too late to get a room. Just glad I had the funds to get us over the hump to the Fields of Blood.
Let the savagery begin!
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Silverhair2008 has descended to a new level of insanity. Not only is he pledged for the leather copies of all versions, the awesome vellum poster map, and various and sundry other things, he has taken his life into his own hands and decided he wants to hang out with the Frogs at North Texas RPG Con. Truly a sign of a disturbed mind. I wouldn't want to hang out with us, and I have to! :-)
Seriously though, Silverhair. Thanks a ton! YOU pushed us over the 30k stretch goal for Fields of Blood and have taken your life into your own...oh, right, already said that. Anyway, it'll be cool to have you joining us down in Dallas. Look forward to seeing you there!
Bill is contacting the hotel today to try and get a room for you. He'll get in contact with you about details.
Thanks again, Silverhair!!!
Just a note. Dallas is down for you but up for me. I am in Houston. So not a major trip.
Room reserved Silverhair!
Rest your liver! (And email your cell number)
Ah, he hails from the planet Hoo-Stonn.
Wow! See you in Dallas in just over a month, Silverhair! I am running a couple sessions of Grimmsgate on Friday and Saturday. Assuming the Frogs allow you to leave their inner sanctum, that is.
If only I wasn't so fiscally responsible, I'd be at the Convention. I'll just have to write more stuff.
Yep, that's what you get for fiscal responsibility. ;-)
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Just a quick reminder that you can get two, yes two, EZG nominees for top 10 of 2014 (Dunes of Desolation & Cyclopean Deeps Vol 1) at a discounted price ($25 as opposed to $34.99) as part of the add on packages for this kickstarter.
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That's a great point, Tom. :-) And let's not forget that your newest book Fields of Blood was recently unlocked as a stretch goal and is now available as an add-on to the Kickstarter too. It's a great follow-up to Dunes of Desolation and prequel to the forthcoming Mountains of Madness (D'oh! Did I spill the beans on anything?) ;-)
And just for everyone's viewing pleasure, here is a cute picture of a puppy that will appear in the Cults of the Sundered Kingdoms book.
"Here, boy! Come get the ball! Good boy."
I haven't read Cyclopean Deeps Vol 1 yet, but I can attest to Dunes of Desolation being well worth the price.
As I've posted before, two of my favorite adventures from last year are contained in Dunes. Child's Play, in particular was a masterpiece, IMHO.
Gerald wrote: I haven't read Cyclopean Deeps Vol 1 yet, but I can attest to Dunes of Desolation being well worth the price.
As I've posted before, two of my favorite adventures from last year are contained in Dunes. Child's Play, in particular was a masterpiece, IMHO.
Thanks so much. Fields of Blood also has three amazing adventures IMHO. The first adventure is a level 1 adventure. The second and my personal favorite is a level 4 adventure and the third is a level 7 adventure.
Greg A. Vaughan wrote: That's a great point, Tom. :-) And let's not forget that your newest book Fields of Blood was recently unlocked as a stretch goal and is now available as an add-on to the Kickstarter too. It's a great follow-up to Dunes of Desolation and prequel to the forthcoming Mountains of Madness (D'oh! Did I spill the beans on anything?) ;-)
And just for everyone's viewing pleasure, here is a cute picture of a puppy that will appear in the Cults of the Sundered Kingdoms book.
"Here, boy! Come get the ball! Good boy."
I thought they were kittens. Then again, I'm a cat person.
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Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber
I'm super excited about this kickstarter and all Frog god products. The people that run this company go above and beyond to not only produce a high quality product but they take care of any problems that arise. They truly care about their customers and they go the extra mile to keep their customers happy. Their customer service is top notch. And on top of all that they are great people to. You can count that they will deliver a top notch product within a reasonable time. I know it sounds like I am gushing but they deserve every gush. I admit I am a fangirl. :)
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To Lisa,
+1000.
I am a fanguy as well. I have had excellent response every time I have asked a question or made a request. Their Customer Service is top notch, as I have said before. I know you get tired of hearing it but I never get tired of saying it because it is true.
I'm still trying to get over the $55 (or $67 with Fields of Blood) shipping charge, but this looks like it's going brilliantly anyway.
And all the FGG is amazing both quality and quantity-wise. Which reminds me I should probably post what I got in the 'Bundle' in the appropriate thread.
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Yes, please do DSXM. And I know what you mean about the shipping charges. They are awful for overseas. :-( Thanks for the endorsement, though!
That said, hey everyone, we're just over 3k away from the first of the Tales of Lost Lands free pdf stretch goal. You can see two of the sample stories by the authors we've hired under the updates for "A Snare for Mephistopheles" and "The Chase", and I'll be posting a third sample story for you in an update tomorrow. Please help us get past these stretch goals and launch this new fiction line! You guys are the best!
Greg
Let's keep the momentum going.
Will any Frogs be at Origins?
I'm trying to get down to Columbus for a day that weekend.
justmebd wrote: Will any Frogs be at Origins?
I'm trying to get down to Columbus for a day that weekend.
I don't think there will be an official Frog presence at Origins, though I believe that Kenneth Spencer (author of the magnificent Northlands Saga books) will be there.
Okay guys, slow weekend. We're still right at $2700 away from launching our first ever Lost Lands fiction line at the $35,000 stretch goal. I updated the third preview story Coowahchobee that you can check out. I'm dying to hit this stretch goal so we can launch the Lost Lands stories these guys have written. They're good stuff and will give you info and additional detail about the Sundered Kingdoms not available in the adventure book and gazetteer alone.
Also, I have received the completed turnover for Anthony Pryor's player's guide for the Sundered Kingdoms and posted the intro to it here for you to see. It's a really neat book written as the memoir of the infamous rogue Titus the Grey, but we don't get to unlock it unless we reach the $40,000 stretch goal.
We're down under 20 days now and really need your help to spread the word and get us there. Thanks!
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