Frog God: So... ummm... Rappan Athuk additional levels sub status?

So... does anyone from FGG have an update re: the Rappan Athuk additional levels subscription? (Not to mention the Cyclopian Deeps sub...)

I got it some time ago, and 2 have come out, and then... nothing. (Same with Cyclopean Deeps, of which 3 have come out, and there's supposed to be a lot more of those...)

I understand the Frogs are pretty busy right now, but that's cold comfort for those of us with the sub. :(

Yeah, considering it has been well over a year since the RA kickstarter and only 2 have come out I don't think I will be renewing if it is offered.

I subscribed to both. A bit disappointed by the lack of releases.

That is the problem when you pay for something ahead of time. There is no incentive to get the work done. They are going to work on other projects that bring in money and not on projects that do not bring in any more money. Maybe in 2 or 3 years when they get it finished they will be good enough to give us what we already paid for last year.

It may take longer than we expected, but Bill and the other Frogs will get it done. If I recall correctly, Slumbering Tsar took a lot longer than planned to be fully released, but it was eventually completed.

-Aaron

While I can understand that people are angry, I have no doubt in FGG delivering the content. These guys got us Razor Coast. Delays can happen, but I think we'll see the completed modules.

I have the Rappan Athuk and Cyclopean Deeps subs and have the same concerns as everyone else. I see Frog God coming out with tons of new products and Kickstarters but it seems like they have almost forgotten their subscribers. Eventually, that will take a big toll on their reputation. I hope they will focus some resources on making good on their previous commitments. I also believe a little more communication with their subscribers on where things are at would go a long way in reducing anxiety. I love their materials and want to feel like I can trust them.

Skeeter made the last comment I'm aware of in early August. It seems that RA3 and CD4 are close (not sure what the "issues" he refers to were).

I believe the plan was six of each this year, then six next year. Hopefully as the issues resolve they'll come out a little more regularly.

While I can understand that people are angry, I have no doubt in FGG delivering the content. These guys got us Razor Coast. Delays can happen, but I think we'll see the completed modules.

I have no doubt as well, but that's not what my original post was about.

(I can't even imagine not receiving what I paid for when it comes to FGG.)

Edit: Thanks for the info, Steve!

I must say that I have rarely been disappointed in a Necromancer/FGG product so this rare exception is one that I can overlook in an otherwise fine line of products. I did not get the CD sub partially die to the fact that I felt it was not a good value FOR ME paying for 6 and only getting 4 new ones as I already have 1&2 from the KS.
I am not at all angry and understand that delays happen and FGG has to set priorities. Just if I am going to pay for a subscription for 6 a year I expect to receive more than 2 and the rest, eventually. I had an interview yesterday and the last question was "What do you do if you are going to miss a deadline?"
Cool Hand Luke.

I'm a little disappointed in this myself. I'm fairly forgiving when it comes to game companies and deadlines, but this is getting a little silly. It will certainly make me more picky about what level I will pledge future Frog God Kickstarters at (why bump a pledge for a bonus if it takes forever to get it?).

Next RAub is about ready to upload--sorry for the delay guys--convention season kicked our butts

ps--taking some time off this fall from the day job to get all caught up:)

Starting late Sept. I will be working on FGG stuff a great deal more

I apologize for the delay.

I can't offer any excuses that do not sound defensive/snarky, so I'm going to lay this out best I can:

Razor Coast took quite a toll on available resources form the beginning of the year. I know that has nothing to do with the RA subscribers, but it was a lot more than we had bargained for.

We had 2-3 project go completely sideways while RC was going on. We didn't alert anyone, because we wanted to handle it in-house.

We have had some personal issues, and they were bigger than we thought (losing houses, deaths in the family, moving, new families, etc.)

We have had some personnel changes that have had a major impact.

None of this excuses our responsibility to you guys, and I/we take it all very seriously. RA SUB 3 is in the process of being uploaded, but that ties in to the personnel changes, so its taking some time. I have SUB 4 in edit. Sub 5 is close to completion.

CD ran into some legal snags. i can't go into that further.

The goal for the rest of this year is to get as much RA SUB and CD out as we can. The recently announced Sword of Air project WILL NOT impact the subscriptions.

Again, as the Director of Operations, I feel worse than you know. I feel like Ive personally let everyone down that has backed the subscription service. And not to be a martyr, but we WONT be doing a continuation of that service. It's just not fair to you guys if we miss something. I'd rather not sully the rep we have for great products by missing deadlines.

All I can ask is that you keep the faith, we WILL be getting the content out ASAP; this is not going to be vaporware, even if I have to write all the rest myself ( I wont put you through that!) lol

I think you laid it out very well for us Skeeter and thank-you. My condolences to those who lost loved ones, homes and were up-rooted. And no, you didn't let us down, you have reset our expectations as to where things are going from here. Sounds like it will be a great fall! It does get me curious though what a sub written by you would be like though:)

It does get me curious though what a sub written by you would be like though:)

My off hand answer would normally be "Crap!", but I did write a short little PF module for Center Stage Miniatures, to be included with their Tsathogga model. It'll be exclusively in print with that model set; color art and digest size, under 20 pages.

We are going to release it through FGG with different art and B&W, for both PF and S&W as pdf only to help the exclusivity of the print product. the Tsathogga model is already a great deal, and this just helps bump it up a bit more.

If you want an example of my writing, read RA Level 14A, B and C. It's not the typical FGG line; I'm much more Lovecraft and horror than Conan and high adventure. Against Tsathogga, the mod for CSM, is pretty slimy as well.

I apologize for the delay.

You'd be surprised how much a little communication can soften people's stances...!

RA 14A is one of my favorite levels in the book - and any level that can get me excited is definitely NOT crap. So yeah, I'd be down for more modules you've written. ^^

Also: Thanks for being as open as you've been and my condolences for all the ones who had to endure losses. I have the utmost respect for and confidence in FGG even if I don't like everything you guys and gals do. *takes a bow*

Again, as the Director of Operations, I feel worse than you know. I feel like Ive personally let everyone down that has backed the subscription service.

Not everyone. For me it doesn't count until its in hard copy anyhow, so you're not even behind schedule yet. :p

I appreciate the details you gave - sounds like a rough year. :(

brvheart wrote:

It does get me curious though what a sub written by you would be like though:)

My off hand answer would normally be "Crap!", but I did write a short little PF module for Center Stage Miniatures, to be included with their Tsathogga model. It'll be exclusively in print with that model set; color art and digest size, under 20 pages.

We are going to release it through FGG with different art and B&W, for both PF and S&W as pdf only to help the exclusivity of the print product. the Tsathogga model is already a great deal, and this just helps bump it up a bit more.

If you want an example of my writing, read RA Level 14A, B and C. It's not the typical FGG line; I'm much more Lovecraft and horror than Conan and high adventure. Against Tsathogga, the mod for CSM, is pretty slimy as well.

Very nasty levels! It will be awhile before my players are level enough to get down here as they are 8th level. I like a little Lovecraft and horror with my high fantasy.

I am disappointed that the subscriptions will not continue. I was looking forward to years of RA and CD additions.

I am disappointed that the subscriptions will not continue. I was looking forward to years of RA and CD additions.

The areas around Rappan Athuk will absolutely continue to grow (as adventurers continue to explore, and die, around said place).

You just wont be getting to hear about the places they discover in a subscription-based model format. We have a couple of writers, one of whom has done a bunch on the subscriptions, that we're not letting go of. So plenty of material for RA, and the Lost Lands in general, coming next year.

2014 is going to be a BIG year for the Lost Lands, I assure you (that's part of why all the confusion and mess with production right now; as of January 2014, its full steam ahead on Lost Lands products!)

Skeeter,
Sorry to hear about the difficulties. As I've said before, you guys do great work and I'll keep buying it. I really hope that CD can keep coming; I've loved reading them and have been looking forward to implementing them into my game. Look forward to more updates, particularly in regards to the future of these great products. Thanks.

That all means that the subscriptions we paid for will be fulfilled/completed, but there won't be any new subscription products offered, correct?

(i.e. 6 total levels for Rappan Athuk and 12 total levels for Cyclopean Deeps will be eventually completed, but nothing more will be offered on a 'subscription' basis)

My off hand answer would normally be "Crap!", but I did write a short little PF module for Center Stage Miniatures, to be included with their Tsathogga model. It'll be exclusively in print with that model set; color art and digest size, under 20 pages.

*ears perk* I wasn't aware of that. Is it RA-specific?

That all means that the subscriptions we paid for will be fulfilled/completed, but there won't be any new subscription products offered, correct?

(i.e. 6 total levels for Rappan Athuk and 12 total levels for Cyclopean Deeps will be eventually completed, but nothing more will be offered on a 'subscription' basis)

Oh yes, everything is continuing for what was paid for. All subscriptions will be fulfilled as intended. We just wont do ADDITIONAL subscriptions once these run their course.

We'll continue to release other areas around RA, both above and below ground, as new modules. All of these areas, as well as new areas around the Stoneheart Valley (and other locations of the Lost Lands) will seed adventures for years to come.

You guys have to understand; Bill's campaign's have been going for DECADES. He has binders FULL of locations that haven't been written out yet. We have plenty of material to torture player's with for quite some time.

We just want to change the retail model to something a little easier to manage (that's become my job, yikes!)

Skeeter Green wrote:

My off hand answer would normally be "Crap!", but I did write a short little PF module for Center Stage Miniatures, to be included with their Tsathogga model. It'll be exclusively in print with that model set; color art and digest size, under 20 pages.

*ears perk* I wasn't aware of that. Is it RA-specific?

Not even related to RA. It's for 4-6 level 16+ PCs, and is ridiculous. Not in a funny way, but if you can complete the last Area, my hats off to you.

Plus there is a teaser for some things that will eventually be included in a section of the Lost Lands, and boy, they're baaaaaad...

This will be released in a modified pdf only format through FGG, but color print is exclusive to CSM's Tsathogga mini. Get 'em while you can, I believe there are less than half those models availible fro pre-order...

brvheart wrote:

It does get me curious though what a sub written by you would be like though:)

My off hand answer would normally be "Crap!", ....

Now, to be fair, when you're in a company with Bill Webb, Greg A. Vaughan, Matthew J. Finch, and have people like Owen Stevens, Nic Logue, Dale McCoy, Lou Agresta, Tim Hitchcock, Tom Knauss, and the host of others I'm going to get $hit from for not including them here, you really get the sense of how your writing doesn't measure up.

My work is serviceable, but I don't consider myself in their collective league. That's why I use my super-powers for other things, like getting their words into books that make it into the fans possession. I'm pretty good at that part...

SG

Skeeter Green wrote:

brvheart wrote:

It does get me curious though what a sub written by you would be like though:)

My off hand answer would normally be "Crap!", ....

Now, to be fair, when you're in a company with Bill Webb, Greg A. Vaughan, Matthew J. Finch, and have people like Owen Stevens, Nic Logue, Dale McCoy, Lou Agresta, Tim Hitchcock, Tom Knauss, and the host of others I'm going to get $hit from for not including them here, you really get the sense of how your writing doesn't measure up.

My work is serviceable, but I don't consider myself in their collective league. That's why I use my super-powers for other things, like getting their words into books that make it into the fans possession. I'm pretty good at that part...

SG

It's kind of like being King Arthur or Professor X.

Now, to be fair, when you're in a company with Bill Webb, Greg A. Vaughan, Matthew J. Finch, and have people like Owen Stevens, Nic Logue, Dale McCoy, Lou Agresta, Tim Hitchcock, Tom Knauss, and the host of others

Don't forget the mighty Pett! - when are more details about The Blight due? - or did I totally miss some announcement?

Rather than subscriptions--I will focus on "annual updates" of hardcover books--maybe 6-8 levels/areas each--that way delays don't happen like these did.:)

Just think,

Rappan Athuk 2014
Rappan Athuk 2015
Rappan Athuk 2016

etc.

Now your talking Bill.

I am looking forward to all of them.

Skeeter Green wrote:

Now, to be fair, when you're in a company with Bill Webb, Greg A. Vaughan, Matthew J. Finch, and have people like Owen Stevens, Nic Logue, Dale McCoy, Lou Agresta, Tim Hitchcock, Tom Knauss, and the host of others

Don't forget the mighty Pett! - when are more details about The Blight due? - or did I totally miss some announcement?

See what I mean? lol

Blight, 2014, stay tuned.

Sounds like 2014 will be a year when I will have to pick and chose what I can get again like when Necromancer stuff exploded with modules and I could only get some of them.

2014, Year of the Frog, sounds good to me!!

2014, Year of the Frog, sounds good to me!!

So, we have some movement on the CD issue. It looks like there will be a flood of issues once we are able to get them out again.

And....a bonus is in the works! I got Matt to scan almost all the maps for the CD series (except for a couple special ones that will remain a surprise), and we're going to be getting those out to people as soon as we have our website back up and running smoothly (extremely long story there too).

So, we've mostly righted the train, we picked up some additions, and as soon as the tracks are cleared, the Frog Train to Slaughterville is going to be going full steam ahead!

SG

'Frog Train to Slaughterville' sounds like a great adventure title!

So...
When's it come out?

hell comes to frogtown? :)

It looks like RAsub 3 is up. Is this one a bonus installment since its all encounters and not an actual level/area?

I apologize for the delay.

I can't offer any excuses that do not sound defensive/snarky, so I'm going to lay this out best I can:

...

None of this excuses our responsibility to you guys, and I/we take it all very seriously. RA SUB 3 is in the process of being uploaded, but that ties in to the personnel changes, so its taking some time. I have SUB 4 in edit. Sub 5 is close to completion.

...

The goal for the rest of this year is to get as much RA SUB and CD out as we can. The recently announced Sword of Air project WILL NOT impact the subscriptions.

Whatever you do, please, for the love of the Frog God, DO NOT RUSH THINGS!

I cannot stress this enough.

I would much rather have quality work delivered late than a rush job to get it out on time that I am disappointed with.

===
Taffer

It looks like RAsub 3 is up. Is this one a bonus installment since its all encounters and not an actual level/area?

No bonus, this is part of The Plan. I'm shaping up 4 now (formatting and such), and I hear that 5 is looking good already. Doubt we'll finish up before the end of the year, but by the beginning of next for sure on the RA SUB.

But never Fear...

There is another project starting up after RA SUBis done, that detail seven more of the areas of The Lost Lands...

Is there some way for subscribers to receive email notification when a new installment is made available?

Skeeter, do you know when part 2 of the Tunnels of Terror (the RA sub 1) is going to be released?

I only ask because this is a low level entry level that at this point is incomplete but a bit critical if I want to get this mod started for a level 1 characters.

So, we have some movement on the CD issue. It looks like there will be a flood of issues once we are able to get them out again.

Great news! Thanks Skeeter. Looking forward to reading and gaming them!

Skeeter, do you know when part 2 of the Tunnels of Terror (the RA sub 1) is going to be released?

I only ask because this is a low level entry level that at this point is incomplete but a bit critical if I want to get this mod started for a level 1 characters.

Hmm, I'll have to look into this tonight. I guess I thought it was complete...more info tomorrow.

SG

Skeeter?

Skeeter?

We're changing over the person who deals with our online notifications, downloads, etc. So getting info about what we can and cant do right now is ......difficult.

We're also changing our website design/layout/hosting service (or something, I'm not clear), so I'm having a bit 'o trouble getting everything sorted out.

I do know that Sub 3 is available for download, and Sub 4 is in layout. Ill post here when that's done and ready.

SG

Auxmaulous wrote:

Skeeter, do you know when part 2 of the Tunnels of Terror (the RA sub 1) is going to be released?

I only ask because this is a low level entry level that at this point is incomplete but a bit critical if I want to get this mod started for a level 1 characters.

Hmm, I'll have to look into this tonight. I guess I thought it was complete...more info tomorrow.

SG

OK, looked at this. What part is missing?

SG

On the map on page 7 there is a tunnel that goes to level 3D. There is no level 3D which is why everyone was expecting another level later. Also, did Bill ever get a chance to look at the scale? It appeared to me that half of it was done in 5' scale and half of it in 10' scale. Neither seemed to work well when I ran it and had to sort of combine scales.

On the map on page 7 there is a tunnel that goes to level 3D. There is no level 3D which is why everyone was expecting another level later. Also, did Bill ever get a chance to look at the scale? It appeared to me that half of it was done in 5' scale and half of it in 10' scale. Neither seemed to work well when I ran it and had to sort of combine scales.

This was the point made that the Tunnels of Terror were going to be in a few parts, at least one other part. I can always make my own - I love that dungeon. I guess for the purposes of maybe running it in the next year, should I make my own or will the rest of it come out.

I know much of this material is based off of old notes and conversions - I'm not demanding that a part be made if it never existed/was written. I just wanted to know if it was slated to come out or if I should just write the rest on my own so I know what I need to get that access way to RA viable in my game.