The Slumbering Tsar Saga

[Greg A. Vaughan]

Slumbering Tsar is live at Frog God Games. The purchasing codes should be completed this week allowing orders to be placed, and the first adventure updated to PF RPG goes on sale May 15th for $2.00!!!

talesofthefroggod.com

1 part sandboxy wilderness, 1 part sandboxy ruined city, and 3 parts sandboxy dungeon crawl (did I mention the sandbox aspect?), the Slumbering Tsar Saga can take your old school campaign from 7th level to 20th and above. Plus it features artwork by the Paizoboards' own James Keegan who has been featured in Wayfinder, KQ, and other fine venues.

I had a much more detailed post prepared, but it was eaten when I tried to post it, so head on over to Frog God Games (scion of Necromancer Games) for more info.

[Sharoth]

Thanks for the update Greg.

[Greg A. Vaughan]

Think nothing of it. :-)

[Eric Swanson]

As one who is currently searching for the Slumbering city of Tsar, I must say I am excited by this, (even though my character shuld be terrified by this).

Thanks so much for this Greg, now can I get the subscription without Chris finding out, he he.

[Heathansson]

here's a useful n.p.c. name generator for you.

[Dark_Mistress]

You beat me to posting here too.

[Chris Mortika]

Eric... don't be naughty.

--+--+--

Heathensson, neat, but I imagine it would get a little confusing after a while. For the NPCs I've needed, I've just stolen them from other products Greg's written.

--+--+--

Greg,

There was some mention at one point that those of us who have already purchased the Desolation might be able to get on the bandwagon as soon as the project hits the city, or something. This appeals to me because I don't really care to pay for the same material twice.

In the final version over there, I don't see any allowances for those of us who've already purchased the original 3.5 version of the Desolation, which is a shame, because that would be a deal-breaker for me.

[Eric Swanson]

Chris Mortika wrote:

Eric... don't be naughty.

--+--+--

Heathensson, neat, but I imagine it would get a little confusing after a while. For the NPCs I've needed, I've just stolen them from other products Greg's written.

--+--+--

Greg,

There was some mention at one point that those of us who have already purchased the Desolation might be able to get on the bandwagon as soon as the project hits the city, or something. This appeals to me because I don't really care to pay for the same material twice.

In the final version over there, I don't see any allowances for those of us who've already purchased the original 3.5 version of the Desolation, which is a shame, because that would be a deal-breaker for me.

Darn, foiled again, he he.

Seriously Chris, maybe the current players in your game could pitch in and help you purchase some of the chapters in the game. I am certainlyy enjoying this game and it seems only fair, you do work hard on this game, and it seems only fair to help you out. i would be willing to pitch in, heck I was going to buy this outright, he he.

What do you think of that idea?

[Dark_Mistress]

Bill has said he is researching ways to do that Chris. Including sending a discount coupons for the price of TS1 price. I don't think he has found a method he likes yet. Only that he said he would find one. So i wouldn't worry about it to much. I am pretty confident he will figure something out. I mean it is in his best interest for several reasons. Increasing sales, customer loyality etc.

[GM Chris Mortika]

Eric:

Spoiler:

Thank you for your generous offer. I think Bill will probably appreciate working with just one customer rather than a bunch of guys chipping in for a single purchase, though.

[Eric Swanson]

GM Chris Mortika wrote:

Eric:** spoiler omitted **

Chris:

Spoiler:

No problem, Chris, just let me know if you do need help later with this.

[Greg A. Vaughan]

Chris Mortika wrote:

Eric... don't be naughty.

--+--+--

Heathensson, neat, but I imagine it would get a little confusing after a while. For the NPCs I've needed, I've just stolen them from other products Greg's written.

--+--+--

Greg,

There was some mention at one point that those of us who have already purchased the Desolation might be able to get on the bandwagon as soon as the project hits the city, or something. This appeals to me because I don't really care to pay for the same material twice.

In the final version over there, I don't see any allowances for those of us who've already purchased the original 3.5 version of the Desolation, which is a shame, because that would be a deal-breaker for me.

If you (or anyone else) has purchased the 3.5 version (which covers the first three installments) send Bill an e-mail at the frog god games address and tell him. My understanding is that upon purchase of those three or the full subscription he will refund your Paypal account for the cost of those (the 3.5 version cost $21.99 and the first three installments together cost $21.98, so it's basically a wash). From talking to him he said we would need to do it this way so that the system would show that you had purchased all the installments and give you credit for the hardback order at the end. Or if perchance you are not interested in the hardback, you could just start buying at installment four and pick up where the 3.5 version leaves off (though there are a few changes from the 3.5 version other than just system conversion). That was my understanding from talking to him, anyway. He's the guru on this stuff and can give you more info. But yeah, our goal is not to punish people that got on board from the beginning by double charging them.

[Greg A. Vaughan]

Heathansson wrote:

here's a useful n.p.c. name generator for you.

Heh, Retard Pitch is actually what I call him in personal correspondence. :-)

[Chris Mortika]

Greg, nice!

Spoiler:

Is the Pathfinder RPG version of Gurg the Hill Giant barbarian still Lawful Evil?

[bigkilla]

so if you purchase each PDF separately not in the 125$ package deal do you get the hardback book when its done?

[Greg A. Vaughan]

Chris Mortika wrote:

Greg, nice!

** spoiler omitted **

Spoiler:

Nope, looks like he slid to CE with the system change.

[Greg A. Vaughan]

bigkilla wrote:

so if you purchase each PDF separately not in the 125$ package deal do you get the hardback book when its done?

Well...I thought so, right up until I read your post and realized I might be wrong on that. It looks like the subscription is the way to get the hardback for the price of shipping alone. I'm not sure I know that answer to if you just buy month-to-month and yet ultimately get the whole thing. From reading more closely it looks like that might be the higher-priced non-subscription model mentioned at the bottom of the page since we can't plan for it and get the book preorder discount. Yet that is also listed as a lump-sum deal.

Hmmm...that's a good question. Let me ping Bill and get back to you on that.

[sanwah68]

Greg, in which case ignore my question in the Necromancer section, as it is basically the same question. I will look for the answer here.

[Greg A. Vaughan]

Bill tells me yes.

For details on stuff like that, it is also a good idea to e-mail him at the "Contact Us" link at talesofthefroggod.com. That way Bill can address any specific questions you have. He knows far more about how the website and purchasing works.

I'll continue to peruse these boards and answer what questions I can, though. :-)

[tsathogga]

Full chapter buy gets you the hardcover, yes (you still pay shipping).

[Greg A. Vaughan]

What Bill (Tsathogga) said. The Frog God website has been updated to reflect this.

[Werecorpse]

tsathogga wrote:

Full chapter buy gets you the hardcover, yes (you still pay shipping).

So if I subscribe I get the monthly chapters by PDF (or is it deadtree?) then at the end I get the hardcover for free ( I just have to pay shipping - which to australia is significant)? Right?

(sorry about being a bit dense about this. ..... I feel like those guards in Holy Grail guarding the prince... "so I stay here unless he leaves in which case I leave too?")

[bigkilla]

Werecorpse wrote:

tsathogga wrote:

Full chapter buy gets you the hardcover, yes (you still pay shipping).

So if I subscribe I get the monthly chapters by PDF (or is it deadtree?) then at the end I get the hardcover for free ( I just have to pay shipping - which to australia is significant)? Right?

(sorry about being a bit dense about this. ..... I feel like those guards in Holy Grail guarding the prince... "so I stay here unless he leaves in which case I leave too?")

same problems i was having which i got cleared up in emails with froggods customer service.

you get the monthly chapters in PDF. Then at the end you get the hardcover for shipping cost. You can do the 1 time 125$ buy in which i was told you will also receive some thing special at the end as well. or you can buy them monthly for a total of 131.87$ and get the hardcover for shipping cost.

[Dark_Mistress]

Yep as big says, weather you op for the monthly plan or the 125 all at once. You get all the PDF's and the hardback book. But keep in mind if you do go the 125 all at once. You still get the PDF's monthly and won't get the book till the end like everyone else. It just saves you 6 bucks and helps them pay for art, maps etc.

[Matthew Morris]

the Divine willing, I'll know by next paycheck if I'm onboard.

[Alizor]

Greg, why do you have to make this so tempting. The playtest was so tempting (after nearly not being able to get into the temple... I'm looking at you two Knock spells needed.

bigkilla wrote:

You can do the 1 time 125$ buy in which i was told you will also receive some thing special at the end as well.

Interesting. I'm probably going to go for the pay it now option, but I wonder what that "something special" will be?

[w0nkothesane]

I'm looking forward to this quite a bit. Not sure how well the lump sum subscription will go over with the wife, but Cayden Cailean willing I'll get that 'something special' at the end.

Even if she doesn't go for it, I'll definitely be buying them one way or another.

[d20pfsrd.com]

I plan to be in the "pay it all now" group, regardless of whatever that something special at the end is, as soon as the blasted PayPal buttons work. I just want this... bad.

[tsathogga]

Something special will be a secret until subscriptions end in about 6 months. Anyone who has followed my stuff w/ Necro knows my little bonuses are usually pretty good. The bonus thingie may be available later (at a cost) or may not, depending on what happens in the future. The one bonus I will discuss is a "for sure" signed copy w/ a sub. The monthly may or may not get you a signed copy, as Greg and I will only be signing the first batch we ship (after flying him here from OK).

Bill

[d20pfsrd.com]

Please post a note here (or email me directly at [e-mail] - Charles knows me well) as soon as you guys are ready to accept money :)

[Dark_Mistress]

I am sure Bill, Greg, myself or one of the other Necromancer faithful will be going around posting on all the forums about it when it goes live.

[tsathogga]

money---probably tomorrow--I almost have the subscription links working...then to finish testing them....

[Black Moria]

Good, cause my PayPal trigger finger is twitchy.

A question about Frog God in general. Is the plan to have multiple projects ongoing at the same time or is the next project after Slumbering Tsar going to start after ST's final chapter is out some 14 months from now?

[bigkilla]

Black Moria wrote:

Good, cause my PayPal trigger finger is twitchy.

A question about Frog God in general. Is the plan to have multiple projects ongoing at the same time or is the next project after Slumbering Tsar going to start after ST's final chapter is out some 14 months from now?

i hope not , i cant afford multiple 8)

[tsathogga]

Probably only 1 subscription at a time; thought I do have a couple of loose manuscripts that could be done as not 500 page books...

News on that soon.

[Greg A. Vaughan]

Alizor wrote:

Greg, why do you have to make this so tempting. The playtest was so tempting (after nearly not being able to get into the temple... I'm looking at you two Knock spells needed.

Zip it, Alizor!

Oh, and the "something special" is the picture of Bill without the robe. ;-)

[Dark_Mistress]

Greg A. Vaughan wrote:

Alizor wrote:

Greg, why do you have to make this so tempting. The playtest was so tempting (after nearly not being able to get into the temple... I'm looking at you two Knock spells needed.

Zip it, Alizor!

Oh, and the "something special" is the picture of Bill without the robe. ;-)

The boys of Necro one size to small Speedo calendar?

[Sharoth]

~grumbles and wishes I had $125 to spare right now~

[Dark_Mistress]

Sharoth wrote:

~grumbles and wishes I had $125 to spare right now~

So you want the boys of Necro speedo calendar too huh? Yeah i don't blame you.

[DaveMage]

Dark_Mistress wrote:

Sharoth wrote:

~grumbles and wishes I had $125 to spare right now~

So you want the boys of Necro speedo calendar too huh? Yeah i don't blame you.

I'm thinking...no.

[Werecorpse]

As someone who pre-ordered Razor Coast I am a little cautious about the $125 up front.

Can you tell me how much of the 14 episodes are currently written?
How confident are you of getting out the every month episode?
Is it all by Greg Vaughan or are there other authors?

[Sniggevert]

Werecorpse wrote:

As someone who pre-ordered Razor Coast I am a little cautious about the $125 up front.

Can you tell me how much of the 14 episodes are currently written?
How confident are you of getting out the every month episode?
Is it all by Greg Vaughan or are there other authors?

I was bitten by Razor Coast as well. However, in reading through all the threads for this, I am eagerly awaiting being able to buy it.

They have stated that the book itself is written in its entirety. Part II & III never got printed before in part due to the change from the dropping of 3.5 by WotC to go to 4.0 (at least that is what I understand from my readings of the various forums). The main work they have to do is convert it from 3.5 to PFRPG and get maps made for them. Bill has already hired a cartographer for this front. I think a monthly format should be highly reasonable for this team.

I believe Greg is the author for the entire work (though there will be others for editing I'm sure).

Just my 2cp, but I'm sure you'll get official word shortly.

[Dark_Mistress]

Werecorpse wrote:

As someone who pre-ordered Razor Coast I am a little cautious about the $125 up front.

Can you tell me how much of the 14 episodes are currently written?
How confident are you of getting out the every month episode?
Is it all by Greg Vaughan or are there other authors?

All of it is written and all of it was done by Greg Vaughan. Now with that said, they are updating it to Pathfinder rules, currently it uses 3.5 rules. They are getting art and maps for parts 2 and 3. Which also needed to be edited and have layout done etc. The reason they are doing it this way, is because by the time the 1st one is sent out, part 2 should be done and so on.

[Greg A. Vaughan]

Werecorpse wrote:

As someone who pre-ordered Razor Coast I am a little cautious about the $125 up front.

Can you tell me how much of the 14 episodes are currently written?
How confident are you of getting out the every month episode?
Is it all by Greg Vaughan or are there other authors?

Good questions, and well answered by the others, but I'll add my 2 cents.

I too eagerly await my copy of Razor Coast. :-)

We wanted to avoid that sort of situation for any who may be gun shy as a result. That's why we're offering the month-to-month plan as well.

As for the writing, it is completed, though the conversion is ongoing. However, these each take a week or two to convert (some longer some shorter depending on length). So month-to-month releases are very doable. In addition the maps for the first three are done, and the cartographer is already working on those for number 4 so we're well ahead of schedule on that, and the individual art orders are not large, so the artist is able to keep pace as well.

There should not be any problem getting these out month to month since all of the heavy lifting is done on them. It may not be exactly on the 15th each month (in fact, it looks like the first chapter may be early, but don't tell anyone I said that) but it'll be out each month.

However, $125 is a lot of money to drop on faith, even to an established reputation like Bill's, so that's why we offer the month-to-month buy option to eliminate any sort of feeling of risk to a consumer. We do want to encourage the subscription and offer a lower price and some special features (as Bill as hinted at) because it allows us to do preorders for the book at a better price plus gives us the capital to pay for the art, maps, etc. as we go without having to go out of pocket ourselves until the revenues come in from multiple months to cover those costs.

So while we prefer the subscription ourselves, we totally understand that it may not be every purchaser's cup of tea and don't want to try and force people into buying decisions they're not comfortable with.

Hopefully that sheds a little more light and maybe relieves a little apprehension with the situation.

Greg

P.S. Almost forgot. I did write it all.

[Mr Baron]

Greg,

This is excellent news!

Cheers!

[Nyarlathotep]

So does this replace the Slumbering Tsar that was released by Necro?

[Dark_Mistress]

Nyarlathotep wrote:

So does this replace the Slumbering Tsar that was released by Necro?

Yes and no. It is the same book, just updated to pathfinder. Parts 2 and 3 which is part of this is all new though. Currently only part 1 is for sale in 3.5 rules. Though if you bought the first one they are offering your credit if you get this new one. So if you payed X for the current one, you get X amount off the new ones. You would have to email Bill about the details on exactly how it works.

[tsathogga]

Razor Coast? This is news to me.

Did it actually go on pre-order sale at K&K? I thought no pre-orders were taken by Kenzer until the book went to press. If so, did everyone get their money back? If not, please let me know. I certainly hope no one got burned on this.

I still have the manuscript...but it never made it through the 3.5/4.0 thing (like never made it to art buy). Tsar 1, Demonheart and Eamonvale all made it to (but not back from) China right at the 3.5/4.0 cliff.

[Dark_Mistress]

tsathogga wrote:

Razor Coast? This is news to me.

Did it actually go on pre-order sale at K&K? I thought no pre-orders were taken by Kenzer until the book went to press. If so, did everyone get their money back? If not, please let me know. I certainly hope no one got burned on this.

I still have the manuscript...but it never made it through the 3.5/4.0 thing (like never made it to art buy). Tsar 1, Demonheart and Eamonvale all made it to (but not back from) China right at the 3.5/4.0 cliff.

Razor Coast is from Sinister Games by Nick Lounge not Necro Bill. But it is a product that is now going on 3 years late I think. I don't know but it has been a unreal amount of time.

[Kthulhu]

Heh. Sinister Games hasn't even been in existence as long as I've been waiting on Pulp Cthulhu. Chaosium is the king of putting projects on the shelf for years at a time.