Second Level Publisher... continuing the Adventure

Two Giants have a wizard over for dinner.
Art by Brian Lee
You can learn more about Brian: HERE

                                 
I've gained some experience in these first few weeks.

One of the things I've learned, is that I need to distribute the art workload a bit.

Fortunately, the artists who have been working with me were kind enough to refer other artists to me. This has been a huge boon for me as now I can focus more on writing, and spend less time finding an artist to do particular pieces.

You may ask, "What is this reaching second level stuff?"

Let me tell you:

I now have eight (8) freelance artists, actively working on art for a variety of projects.

The module, originally titled as "Pieron's Keep", has been sent to the play testers and their feedback has been heard.  I'm making changes I think will enhance the book's appeal and play experience.

One of the big things that testers indicated needed a change... the title.

So after two weeks, (give or take), of polling testers and artists as well, the title has been changed to "The Draw of Glenfallow".

I have taken my own advice and made a point to listen to criticism, as well as the positive reviews the books have received.

What is very encouraging to hear, is something all of the play testers have said... "What happens next?"

This is how the sequel began development, which will continue though this coming week.

I take it as a very positive sign that all of the groups have asked for more modules involving the character, Pieron.

Artists have been tasked for the new adventure module, and I'm pleased to announce that two new artists have agreed to take up the challenge as well.  I am very much looking forward to seeing what they come up with!

The artists who started working with me from the very first book, continue to work and are in good spirits.

Morale on the team is high (though the new artists are coming in with all due caution of any venture with an unproven publisher).

I have been seeing talent evolve to higher levels as the artists continue to impress me with their work.

Concept sketches come in that just light my imagination up, that hint at what is coming, and that prove what my most experienced artists/graphic designer on the team has said... "You've put together one HELL of a TEAM!".

So I have.

One thing I have made all efforts to do, is to promote the work of the freelancers.

Not just the work they do for my publications, but also highlighting their talents for the world to see.

To that end I have begun adding artist's biography pages, linked to the blogs.   There the artist's biography statement, and my thoughts on their work, as well as a link to the artist's online gallery/collection/store can be found.

Why do I do this?

I get asked that question a surprising number of times.
My answer:
No one who succeeds at anything, does so alone.  No matter how capable you may be, someone has provided some form of aid that contributed.
To my thinking, if you should be successful, you should see to the success of those who made such success possible.
So I will continue to make it easy for you, my dear comrade, to see what they do.

As we, you and I, continue on this adventure, we will see many fine pieces of art created to enhance the books I've been writing.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

As always, I ask that you please share this adventure with others.

Lets bring the fun to our table-top games.

I hope you will join me next time, as this journey continues.

You can find Sinopa Publishing LLC on Facebook:  Here

Psychics and integrating the power of the mind into game design!

                                             

Art by Brian Lee
You can learn more about Brian: HERE

It has been a busy week for my adventure in writing and publishing.

If you think it seems that I've been busy, you would be correct.

Not everything that has happened this week has been pleasant though.

So for my blog entry this week, I'll start with the rough spots so we can finish this entry on a positive note.  So here they are, the rough spots....

First, I got some feedback concerning the cover art.  I am very much a huge fan of Phoenix O'Faery and her work.  Having her do the cover art for my books is a great boon to me.  I was suddenly getting feedback though, that the covers needed to be punched up a bit. So I spoke to Phoenix, and like a true professional and a genuine artist (who happens to be remarkably interested in honing her skills, and is very receptive to input), took the feedback I had received and expressed a genuine interest in working with that feedback.   I have to confess that I was very impressed with that mindset.   So once again I was reminded of something I often tell people, be receptive to criticism, it can help you grow.

Second, life has been rough on some of my artists.  The kind of things beyond my ability to help them through, beyond just providing a supportive attitude and a listening ear.  So I listened and I am being as supportive as I know how.  This is probably well outside what anyone would expect, other than the fact that my artists are also friends of mine.  So I step away from the publisher role and focus more on my friends (which should be the more important anyway).

Finally, a bit of fatigue set in.  I have been a bit under the weather myself and it has made finding time to write a bit trying.

But there has been some positive points that have made my week shine brightly regardless of setbacks:

Firstly, I was able to complete a children's book that had been giving me some trouble.  On this particular title, Phoenix will be conducting the illustrations, and she contributed to cleaning up the writing draft enough to earn co-author credit.  Looking forward to putting that book out to, hopefully, bring some joy through reading to children.

Secondly, I was please to accept some suggestions regarding the title for Pieron's Keep. A number of play testers and artists have offered suggestions for a more appealing title, and I am considering changing the title based upon their suggestions.

Thirdly, I received word on more play testing for Pieron's Keep, which will be occurring in the coming week.  Sessions being scheduled for later tonight (April 22nd), Tuesday and Wednesday of this coming week, and possibly another next weekend.  I really am grateful to have so many people who have volunteered to play test the modules and the Rose of Relange rpg mechanics... which brings to mind...

As a fourth boon for the week, I was able to write out another 1000 words for the play test material for Rose of Relange, the rpg.  This consisted of the first part of the custom character creation material and was actually great fun to write.

Then, finally, I was very fortunate to get to have a nice conversation with the legendary game designer Steve Sechi (of Talislanta, Atlantis, and the Compleat supplement series fame).  If you are not familiar with Mr. Sechi, you can learn more:  HERE   It was really great to speak to such an experienced designer, writer, artist, and musician about my work.  Thanks Steve!!!

Thank you all for once again coming along for my adventure.  The journey is just beginning, and there are more challenges left to come, but treasures are in the works.  Hopefully the story of this adventure will be fun for all of us.  Wish me luck on finding some gold 😁


Fun thoughts:  Designing your own games can be fun, challenging, sometimes difficult, but really very rewarding.  I have found it to be an exercise in storytelling, a good work out for my math skills, and a way to express myself creatively.  I hope that some of that joy comes through here, and that I can share it with you.


Oops, still not done 😀

Pieron's Keep has had some interesting feedback so far.
Most of the people who have looked it over and/or played through it have asked, "What happens, next?"
That is probably the most flattering question I could imagine.  It tells me that the players have seen enough in the module to want to see more.

In response, I will be writing another module in the story line of Pieron's Keep in a few weeks (need to prioritize the play test documents for Rose of Relange).  So look for more things to happen in the life of dear Pieron. (coming soon to a role-playing game near you!)

Please like/follow/share this blog as you like.  I am hoping that, in addition to raising awareness of what I'm getting to publish, this blog will encourage others to take that step and start writing and producing games of their own.

Let's bring some joy to our games, and enjoy our time with friends.

Have fun, and I hope I will see you for the next entry in this continuing adventure.

As always, you can find Sinopa Publishing LLC on Facebook: HERE!

Game design, character creation, and the need for flexibility

Art by Brian Lee
You can learn more about Brian: HERE

                                                 

It has been a busy week for my adventure in writing and publishing.

If you think it seems that I've been busy, you would be correct.

Not everything that has happened this week has been pleasant though.

So for my blog entry this week, I'll start with the rough spots so we can finish this entry on a positive note.  So here they are, the rough spots....

First, I got some feedback concerning the cover art.  I am very much a huge fan of Phoenix O'Faery and her work.  Having her do the cover art for my books is a great boon to me.  I was suddenly getting feedback though, that the covers needed to be punched up a bit. So I spoke to Phoenix, and like a true professional and a genuine artist (who happens to be remarkably interested in honing her skills, and is very receptive to input), took the feedback I had received and expressed a genuine interest in working with that feedback.   I have to confess that I was very impressed with that mindset.   So once again I was reminded of something I often tell people, be receptive to criticism, it can help you grow.

Second, life has been rough on some of my artists.  The kind of things beyond my ability to help them through, beyond just providing a supportive attitude and a listening ear.  So I listened and I am being as supportive as I know how.  This is probably well outside what anyone would expect, other than the fact that my artists are also friends of mine.  So I step away from the publisher role and focus more on my friends (which should be the more important anyway).

Finally, a bit of fatigue set in.  I have been a bit under the weather myself and it has made finding time to write a bit trying.

But there has been some positive points that have made my week shine brightly regardless of setbacks:

Firstly, I was able to complete a children's book that had been giving me some trouble.  On this particular title, Phoenix will be conducting the illustrations, and she contributed to cleaning up the writing draft enough to earn co-author credit.  Looking forward to putting that book out to, hopefully, bring some joy through reading to children.

Secondly, I was please to accept some suggestions regarding the title for Pieron's Keep. A number of play testers and artists have offered suggestions for a more appealing title, and I am considering changing the title based upon their suggestions.

Thirdly, I received word on more play testing for Pieron's Keep, which will be occurring in the coming week.  Sessions being scheduled for later tonight (April 22nd), Tuesday and Wednesday of this coming week, and possibly another next weekend.  I really am grateful to have so many people who have volunteered to play test the modules and the Rose of Relange rpg mechanics... which brings to mind...

As a fourth boon for the week, I was able to write out another 1000 words for the play test material for Rose of Relange, the rpg.  This consisted of the first part of the custom character creation material and was actually great fun to write.

Then, finally, I was very fortunate to get to have a nice conversation with the legendary game designer Steve Sechi (of Talislanta, Atlantis, and the Compleat supplement series fame).  If you are not familiar with Mr. Sechi, you can learn more:  HERE   It was really great to speak to such an experienced designer, writer, artist, and musician about my work.  Thanks Steve!!!

Thank you all for once again coming along for my adventure.  The journey is just beginning, and there are more challenges left to come, but treasures are in the works.  Hopefully the story of this adventure will be fun for all of us.  Wish me luck on finding some gold 😁


Fun thoughts:  Designing your own games can be fun, challenging, sometimes difficult, but really very rewarding.  I have found it to be an exercise in storytelling, a good work out for my math skills, and a way to express myself creatively.  I hope that some of that joy comes through here, and that I can share it with you.


Oops, still not done 😀

Pieron's Keep has had some interesting feedback so far.
Most of the people who have looked it over and/or played through it have asked, "What happens, next?"
That is probably the most flattering question I could imagine.  It tells me that the players have seen enough in the module to want to see more.

In response, I will be writing another module in the story line of Pieron's Keep in a few weeks (need to prioritize the play test documents for Rose of Relange).  So look for more things to happen in the life of dear Pieron. (coming soon to a role-playing game near you!)

Please like/follow/share this blog as you like.  I am hoping that, in addition to raising awareness of what I'm getting to publish, this blog will encourage others to take that step and start writing and producing games of their own.

Let's bring some joy to our games, and enjoy our time with friends.

Have fun, and I hope I will see you for the next entry in this continuing adventure.

As always, you can find Sinopa Publishing LLC on Facebook: HERE!

Cover art for the adventure "The Draw of Glenfallow", an ogl adventure

Cover Art by Phoenix O'Faery
You can learn more about Phoenix: Here

I am pleased to announce that Phoenix sent the cover art for "The Draw of Glenfallow" (originally titled, during development as "Pieron's Keep") to me today.

I like the way her blending of digital images and sketch work grabs the eye.  It will get title information and such once formatting begins.

You will see Pieron's Keep on DriveThruRPG.com this summer.  I hope you all enjoy playing it as much as I did writing it.


Have a wonderful time, and thanks for coming along on this adventure!

I hope you will join me next time.

Pieron's Keep, Tale of Ages, the Rose of Relange RPG, and children's books... the writing continues...

Art by Brian Lee
You can learn more about Brian: HERE

                                               

It has been a most productive week.

I stopped counting pages written when I hit 25 pages this week.  I can tell you its been a lot.

So here is my little update as to what got done this week and what is going on.

Tale of Ages is still awaiting a few key pieces of art, but the art team assures me it will be completed on deadline by May 1st.

I would like to tip my hat to their diligence and attention to deadline.  Great job folks!!!

What else?    Well, quite a lot actually.

The first adventure module released by Sinopa Publishing LLC for the 5th edition rule set of the classic dungeon and dragons game has been sent to play tester groups for analysis and feedback.

Most of the original art for this new module has been assigned with a few pieces left to schedule as artists time allows.

Titled  "Pieron's Keep", this module is designed to be a single session playable adventure, for 4 to 6 player characters of levels 1 through 3.   Without giving too much away, this module is generic with regards to setting to allow for incorporation into any published or home brew world.  It introduces an npc which will also play a part in future single session playable modules.   Price point will be low to make it readily affordable to game masters and groups, and will be available on DriveThruRpg.com this summer (sometime in late June of in July).

More writing occurred on the Rose of Relange rpg, more refinement of concept, and I am very excited about how it is developing!

Children's books...  I received constructive feedback on the Wendy and Fiona book,  I'll be doing a rewrite on it this evening.    This brings to mind a good point for all authors... accept criticism and use it to improve your writing.  Do not take it as a personal slight or let it hurt your feelings.  Criticism of your work helps you to overcome your own perspective in your writing and will make you a better writer overall.

Art is coming along nicely for the children's books as well.  Samantha has been doing AMAZING work on her first project with Sinopa Publishing LLC.

A small sample of her work!   Like I said folks, she is amazing!
You can find other samples of Samatha's work here:  Samantha's work on devianart


So the children's book projects are going along at a nice pace.

As an item of interest, I have been invited to interview on a podcast.  It will be my very first, but I think its cool.  When that happens I will certainly put links up here.


Today is Easter, so I'm spending this weekend celebrating with my wife and children.  I hope this weekend is wonderful for all of us on this little ball we call Earth.

Thank you joining me today on my continuing adventure.
I hope to see here for my next post.

Remember you can follow Sinopa Publishing on Facebook and see new art produced for coming releases.

Sinopa Publishing Facebook Page Here!

As usual, if you like my posts please share and/ or follow.

Thanks again for joining me!

Spear and Magic Helmet, and a lot of other things on mind....

Art by Phoenix O'Faery
You can learn more about Phoenix: Here

April 10th, 2017

This adventure continues to be one that is rich in encounters.

I have secured a very talented artist to work on illustrations for my children's books.  This is great news as it means I'll be able to focus other artists on role-playing game material!

I will also be releasing an adventure module in June for the classic role-playing game that really started it all.  This module to be released under Dungeon Master's Guild, with a projected release date in the later half of June 2017, will be nod to classic adventure scenarios.  This module, written for characters of level 1 through 3, will provide game masters with a readily playable adventure, that can be completed in one session.

Do you want to play?  Comment below, please 😉

Work continues on preparing the text for the play testers.  Due to availability of art for the Rose of Relange RPG at this time, our play testers will be making due with a limited amount of art.

This is a bit disappointing to me, but I'm looking at it as an opportunity to see how well the "naked" game mechanics and material are accepted by the players and game masters.

Play testing is scheduled to begin in late June and July of 2017, so prep work on those play test documents is of high importance.

What has been done on that front?

Template characters for quick playable character creation has had a lot of attention.
For a sneak preview, I am including a brief glimpse into some of those templates (at this time a total of 20 templates are planned for the Rose of Relange RPG release).
Do note, that the game will include a custom character creation system.  The templates are their for players who are new to the game or who want to be able to pick up character and play very quickly.

examples:

Pirate:  A brigand of the high seas.  These characters can be as varied and as colorful as you might suppose.    Pirates are a danger on the high seas, and must be ready not only for their victims, but also to face the creatures of the deep.

Spirit speaker:  A psychic who has focused her psychic development to commune with the spirits and forces of nature.  Each of the tribes is blessed to have at least one of these talented folk in their numbers.

Brochelin Rochaelin:  Elven holy warriors.  These elves are members of a sacred order which dates back to the founding of the old Elven Empire.  Though the empire is but a shadow of its former self, these knights remain a brilliant reminder of the glory of the empire.

Gnome Warlord:  With a keen strategic mind, the ability to apply the right tactics, and a strength at arms that humbles the common soldier; the gnome warlord is an expert in war.  Leading her forces against monstrous enemies, the warlord may one day carve out her own domain and take the title of queen.

Wee Folk Summoner:  "They look down upon me as I am shorter.  They boot me from my path with their large muddy feet!  Then they pinched my cheeks!   Soon I shall call down upon them the demon's breath.  Let them tremble before the might of my minion!"  Consorting with powers beyond this world, the summoner brings entities into the world to serve his whims and fuel his power.

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Thank you joining me on my adventure, dear reader.

I hope you will join me next time.😉

You can follow Sinopa Publishing on Facebook, and see new art produced for my products (I try to release  a bit of new art every week or two).

Sinopa Publishing LLC
Sinopa Publishing Facebook Page



P.S.  I finally remembered to turn on the "Follow" button, so if you like my adventures, please follow.

Development on the Rose of Relange RPG

Art by the talented: Rebecca Elisbet Coulthart

Setting development continues to evolve for my role-playing game.  

These last few days have been filled with activities such as contacting additional artists, responding to artists wishing to publish, correspondence, research, and writing (thankfully the writing part is coming along easily and feels very natural and relaxing in comparison to all the other activities).

The writing over the last few days has been touching upon various areas. Setting development has been a particular focal point as I have been working to flesh out elements that haven't seen play in previous incarnations of the setting. 

Below you will see some of the things I've been working on these last couple of days.  I hope that these little snips give you a taste of what is to come.

Some things you can look forward to with the Rose of Relange RPG:

1)  A broader range of cultural references.  There are tribal lands occupied by peoples whose cultures are based on traits seen in certain north american native tribes.  Myths, monsters, spirits, and certain practices carry over in the game.  These are not direct translation of existing beliefs.  They are fictions influenced by certain traditional practices and stories.  They are also not all from the same tribal sources, so you will find a rich culture among the tribes.  Not simply barbarians, far from it in fact, these tribes revere nature and live in close harmony with the land.  These tribes are animists in their religious outlook, revering natural spirits and beings while practicing their own unique ways of life.  These tribes share a continent littered with the ruins of Elven cities, thriving kingdoms, small settlements and villages of various sizes, and strange cultures on the eastern coast and along the western shores. A variety of cultural elements are explored in the setting.

2) Tolkien-esque fantasy races and creatures as well as creatures and monsters whose legends are known in India, Japan, China, Australia, and Africa.  The world is a large place, and players will soon be encountering legendary monsters of whom they may have never before been aware.

3)  Game mechanics that encourage unique character advancement.  (more on this after the play testers have had the chance to try things out)

4) A pantheon of divine beings, a great variety of nature spirits, demonic entities, forgotten gods, and cults.  Religion and clergy take many forms.  Players can enjoy playing a wandering priest who reveres the pantheon while practicing devotional invocation, and later have that character join a cult devoted to one particular deity.  Religious / Cult rites and rituals carry unique abilities into the game.  Marriage rituals bind spouses in mystic as well as symbolic ways, blessings aid the common folks, and exorcisms can banish possessing entities. 

5) Psychic abilities that explore the potential of the mind. Not merely a collection of powers, the psychic abilities explore the classical psychic phenomena as well as integrate legendary abilities.  Those characters pursuing psychic abilities can do subtle and amazing things.

6)  Diverse magical abilities.  Beyond combat spells, characters can practice magic for many different benefits.  Design spells and rituals of your own, or discover spells eons old. Undertake rites to infuse magic into the character for particular benefit. Summon creatures from other dimensions and barter with them for service or bind them to your will.   Grow more powerful to enhance the effects of your magical pursuits.

7) Earn experience based on the fun of the session.  Play to have fun, and earn experience from laughing with your friends.  Do you like the game enough to play again?  If so you earn experience when you come back for the next session.    Do you share the role of game master in the group?  If so, earn experience for your character based on how well your group enjoyed your adventure.  😊

8)  The forbidden art of necromancy and its many dark paths will tempt the casual practitioner to unspeakable dark acts.  Then reward them for their sins, while tainting the necromancer's soul.

These things are a tall order to pull off.  I'm feeling very confident that things are coming together nicely.  Play testing should begin in the end of June or early July (2017).  I'm looking forward to hearing from the groups what worked and what didn't.

I was very fortunate to get some great advice from Steve Sechi (the creator of the Talislanta role-playing game), this week as well as some kind words of encouragement.  Thanks Steve!

I want to thank you, dear reader, for joining me on my adventure.  Less than a month of blogging so far, and I find it remarkable how many people are reading these musings.  

I hope you enjoyed these insights to what is in development.  

I hope you will join me next time.😉

You can follow Sinopa Publishing on Facebook, and see new art produced for my products (I try to release  a bit of new art every week or two).

Sinopa Publishing LLC
Sinopa Publishing Facebook Page

The Adventure Continues.... Game Master Stuff

Art by Jennifer Fraggle Dee
You can learn more about Jennifer: HERE

My adventure continues:

As work continues on the first modules being released (still on schedule for June of 2017), I came face to face with an interesting question.

While playing in my weekend game, where two of us take turns as game master for the group, the question came up regarding how to account for the difference in experience awards for the characters we weren't able to play because we were running for the group.

Oh my.

While this question is still vexing our group, it occurred to me that creating a rule for this circumstance may be in order.

So I am presently working to design a rule set for players to award experience to the game master, for use on character advancement, when the game master role is shared in the group.

This is surprisingly difficult to formulate but I enjoy the challenge.

Feel free to offer comments below.  I welcome opinions on any of these.

Switching gears a bit.  Let us put the spotlight on the role of game master.

Understand that I am using the term game master in the generic sense, as that person who is handling the non-player character narrative aspects of the role-playing session.

Game masters running a table-top rpg session are generally appreciated not so much based upon the effort they put into preparing for the session, but upon the level of immersion their players experience.

When I say immersion I am referring to the suspension of disbelief, the depth to which the players are immersed in the story, and how involved the players feel as a result.  Basically the sense of "we were there" that the players can associate with the session.

To state my opinion bluntly:  a good game master facilitates immersion in the game at hand.

So how does one facilitate immersion in their game?

The game master has to be prepared.  This may seem obvious, but it is critically important.  Very few things interrupt the flow of play, thus disrupting immersion, quite like having to break the narrative to look up something.

Be prepared.
Assemble notes and make them easy for you to understand and reference.
Where possible, ready a visual reference for creatures or characters the group encounter
(Like the Gruff above) 😇  {cue shameless self-promotion}  😇

Be descriptive.  Know the sensations that would be stimulated in the encounter.  Does the Troll coming out from under the bridge smell of wet dog or of rotting meat?  Does the armor on the Elf knight sparkle in the starlight?  Can the characters hear the wailing screams of damned souls as they cross the portal into a hellish dimension?

These "little" touches can illicit a response in the players' imagination.  There is no need to overdue it. A little descriptive touch on your part can help the player build the image in her/his mind.

Know your players.  Different people respond positively to the various forms of encounters you may set up for their adventure.  Make every effort to format these encounters in a manner that makes them plausible, while still structuring such encounters as to engage the interests of all players.  (This can be tough, but is very worthwhile).

Be prepared to adapt.  Just as the old saying goes, "no plan survives contact with the enemy", so to do well planned sessions play out differently than the game master expects.  Accept this, as it is true far more often than not. (It also part of the fun of being the game master!)

Remember that as the game master you are not opposing the players.  You are narrating the non-player components of your game.  Together, you and your players are constructing an entertaining, dare I say "exciting", story that you cooperatively create.  Don't get dragged into the "me vs. them" trap so many people fall into.

Rose of Relange will have experience awards that are largely based on how much the players enjoyed the session.  This is an abstract measure of the group's fun for the session that will let the group directly affect the speed at which character development progresses and serves as feedback to the game master.

Table-top role-playing games are cooperative, after all.

                               Another piece by the very talented: Jennifer Fraggle Dee

Comments are welcome below.  Please join me next time.😉

You can follow Sinopa Publishing on Facebook, and see new art produced for my products (I try to release  a bit of new art every week or two).

Sinopa Publishing LLC
Facebook Page : Sinopa Publishing LLC Facebook Public Page