Monday, November 13, 2023

Current Progress & Projects

Reaver Sword & Sordcery Role-Playing logo on left, on right the glaring face of an angry berserker

It's been a while since I offered a progress report for Reaver, so here goes.
Since the Quickstart release, I've made a number of changes largely due to playtesting efforts, but also due to my desire to distance the game from OGL-related things. I want to keep the game squarely in the "Bran Mak Morn" style of sword and sorcery, wherein the fantastic elements just overlap with historical adventure, and I've been working to maintain and improve that feel. We've tried some rules that made the PCs even more heroic, which I liked, but the sense of danger slackened so I've relegated them to the sidelines. Some of the rules we've tried may appear as "optional rules" at some point.
Some of the major changes include:
  • Fortune/Misfortune were removed in favor of a focus on the die chain mechanic.
  • Hit Dice removed; PC hit points are generated differently.
  • Resolve has been changed—PCs have a lower base Resolve, but have more opportunities to get Resolve through gameplay.
  • More focus on opposed die rolls—attacking and defending are still player-facing; otherwise, if your action is directly opposed an opposed roll is used.
  • Related to the above, Adversary Rank, though simple and straightforward, wasn't delivering what I wanted, so it has been removed. PC attacks/defenses are modified by the Adversary's combat statistics. PCs are still very competent, but fighting feels a bit more challenging. Enemies might be good at attacking, but easy to hit due to their size, sluggishness, etc.
I'm currently updating the Quickstart to "version 2" to reflect the changes and have it released as soon as possible. The Kickstarter will follow in spring of 2024, later than desired, but you'll see a better game. I've also secured a cover artist, but have to keep that name under my hat for now---I'll just say that I am very excited!

Demimonde Update

Darkness of the Demimonde has received some minor typo corrections and one rules clarification—Scientist now governs first aid throughout. The PDF has been released and the POD version is also being updated; look for it to drop soon!
 
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Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Darkness of the Demimonde Released!

Big News!

Our Kickstarter campaign for Darkness of the Demimonde is complete! With the help of our glorious backers, we created a 37-page, rules-light game of Victorian pulp horror and two sets of Victorian-themed VTT character tokens totaling 14 individual characters and 70 tokens! We also created 12 pre-generated characters (that match the tokens!), three scenarios included in the book, and separate, high-detail scenario maps depicting different areas of London---all designed to help you jump right into the game!

These are all now available at DriveThruRPG!

Darkness of the Demimonde RPG

Victorian VTT Tokens Set 1

Victorian VTT Tokens Set 2



Saturday, February 11, 2023

Reaver Quickstart Print Available!

What's this!?

The Print-on-Demand version of Reaver: Sword & Sorcery RPG Quickstart is now available from DriveThruRPG! Overall, I am very happy with the print version and everything looks as intended. The only thing to expect is that the colors are a bit muted and dark compared to your digital version. This is normal for the "Standard Print" version from DTRPG, and I wanted to keep costs low.

Also, don't forget to check out our ZineQuest offering, Darkness of the Demimonde on Kickstarter--funded and currently chasing stretch goals!




 

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Darkness of the Demimonde Kickstarter Update!

Greetings!

We have reached the end of the first week of this project, and what a week! Quite unexpectedly, we funded on the second day, and over the next few days, backers helped us crush the three stretch goals we had planned! Every version of the book will have an additional scenario included in the book and every backer will receive a separate digital pack of twelve pregenerated characters with matching VTT tokens, each with custom art by me. This should be plenty of material to allow you to jump right in and start playing Darkness of the Demimonde!


I mentioned last week that I would be considering adding a few additional stretch goals to improve the product and I've chosen two that won't delay fulfillment nor hinder shipping of the Deluxe Edition.


First, we've again contacted Scott Malthouse who has agreed to pen another adventure! Upon reaching $2,000, we'll add that scenario directly to all versions of the book! You'll have three scenarios in the book, ready to be played!


Second, at $2,500, we have a special improvement to the limited edition print run! We will increase the weight of the cardstock cover from 110# to 130#. This will only affect Deluxe Limited Edition print version of the book, but will make the book more resilient to table wear and give it a nice tactile feel.

Thanks to all of you who have supported the project! If you haven't yet, please do visit the Kickstarter page and see if its for you!

Cheers!


 

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Interview with The GMologist Presents!

This week, I was invited on and honored to be interviewed on The GMologist Presents! The host of the show, Karl Rodriguez, and I talked about a wide variety of topics, from our gaming history to current projects, the newly released Reaver RPG Quickstart and the upcoming Darkness of the Demimonde Kickstarter, and more. Direct link to the interview.

Karl is a regular in my Reaver playtest group and an all around great guy; if you haven't been following his show, you can find it on Apple Podcasts, Anchor, and Spotify!

And a quick reminder that you can sign up to be notified when the Demimonde Kickstarter goes live at the above link! The KS runs from Feb. 1--Feb. 28 2023, can we hit 100 followers before it starts!?



Thursday, January 19, 2023

Darkness of the Demimonde Kickstarter Page!

Lots of things happening at Raven God Games this year! 

Not only is the Reaver Quickstart now available, we've just completed set-up of our first Kickstarter project, Darkness of the Demimonde, a rules-light, RPG of Victorian Pulp Horror. 

You can sign up on the Kickstarter page to be notified when the project launches on February 1st! 

 


Monday, January 16, 2023

Reaver Quickstart Released!

What ho, Reavers!?

I am happy to announce that today, Reaver: Sword & Sorcery Role-Playing Game Quickstart Rules and Scenario has been released! You can find it on DriveThruRPG or by simply clicking the previous link. The PDF is free, unless you'd like to offer a few dollars to support further development (which is GREATLY appreciated!). A softcover print-on-demand book will follow in the coming weeks!

What's in the book?

  • 28 pages of game rules covering things like combat, healing, and travel.
  • 13 pages of sorcery rules and spells.
  • 10 pages of Adversaries.
  • 18-page sandbox, The Slavers of Sebek and Other Tales, with two adventure hooks!
  • You'll also receive 6 pregenerated 3rd-level characters ready for the adventures ahead.

This Quickstart is aimed at helping us finalize the game, so please offer feedback! We are officially opening out Discord to the public to offer a forum for comments, or you can leave comments here, or find @ravengodgames on Twitter and Instagram!

Enjoy! 


 

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Announcing Darkness of the Demimonde!


What is Darkness of the Demimonde?

Coming to Kickstarter for Zinequest '23, Darkness of the Demimonde is a rules light RPG about vampires and psychics, occultists and investigators, and all things supernatural, set in the Victorian Age. Did you like Penny Dreadful, Hammer Horror, The Alienist, and Sherlock Holmes? That's what we're trying to bring to your table!

Based in Tunnel Goons (by Nate Treme) and The Midnight Chimes (by Scott Malthouse), Darkness of the Demimonde uses a simple 2d6 system with the majority of the rules on three pages. The game will let you play normal human PCs as well as a variety of supernatural characters, like vampires and werewolves.

Look for it in February!