A proposal/Want-Ad.
Posted: 2008-01-02 12:15am
First - please note that this proposal is not limited to people just on SDnet, extend it to anyone who is interested in getting involved in something like this, or talented enough to contribute.
As I've previously posted - I recently suffered a physical HDD failure, taking with it a lot of work which I had done recently on my "Steampunk Rome" game. I've taken a step back now and reviewed my options and would like to see if people would be interested in turning this into a collaborative project. I've gone it alone on developing before and know that I just couldn't face re-doing what was lost. And I would really like to see the setting and game blossom under new input.
My aim would be to develop and test over the course of this year. The basic system mechanics are in place and I am attempting to rebuild a "fluff bible" of sorts from my scattered writings and previous backups. What the project needs is a group of people who are willing and able to provide assistance:
1) Game design - further develop the system, including character design and generation, combat mechanics and a "magic" system (of sorts). In addition to this, development of the basic game mechanics and all sorts of other details.
2) Art - Havekoff and The Muffin King have already provided some great work which have illustrated the world brilliantly, but more art and talent is always appreciated and greatly enhances the "value" of a book.
3) Fluff writers - a game world needs to be detailed, histories written, great characters developed and memorable locations created. This work could involve writing fluff pieces (major or minor) or detailing the world of this Industrialised Empire for setting related chapters.
4) Cartographers - maps are essential to convey the setting. Anyone who has experience with Cartography of wants to give it a try would be required to create maps of the Empire (the major piece) as well as simple maps of provinces, cities and towns for setting chapters and "canned" adventures.
5) Testers - this will come later of course, but testing is a rigorous process which requires many, many trials of many, many revisions. The upside is that you'll get to experience something long before anyone else.
6) Editors - grammar and spelling Nazi's welcome. Dissect every sentence and provide feedback to the writers. Find and fix mistakes and know that you hold the fragile artists egos in the palm of your hand.
7) Layout and design - the final look of the book will be in your capable hands. You'll be the ones who put it all together and make it beautiful. I know from experience that this can be a VERY testing task, but then again, I did it solo.
8) Webmasters/Designers - a website will be needed to promote the book and to provide ongoing, free downloadable content. You won't need to worry about doing secure payment options or anything like as sales will primarily be through an existing account with RPGNow.
Each contribution will be acknowledged in the final book. Every bit of assistance appreciated. But central to this, is that anyone who takes part can get that experience under their belts. Having that experience to put in a resume, or work added to your portfolio can really help in getting future commissions.
And now comes the big thing. I'm going to run this off my own back and out of my own pocket (as far as possible). And ALL of the income received (once vendor commissions are taken into account) will be going to charity. Not one cent will go into my pocket or anyone elses. My charity of choice here would be Child's Play, but other recommendations by those involved would certainly be considered.
If you are interested - please e-mail or PM me. Oce interested parties are determined, I'd be aiming to have initial "meetings" via AIM or other methods to get everyone together and discuss the project, ideas, directions and plans.
As I've previously posted - I recently suffered a physical HDD failure, taking with it a lot of work which I had done recently on my "Steampunk Rome" game. I've taken a step back now and reviewed my options and would like to see if people would be interested in turning this into a collaborative project. I've gone it alone on developing before and know that I just couldn't face re-doing what was lost. And I would really like to see the setting and game blossom under new input.
My aim would be to develop and test over the course of this year. The basic system mechanics are in place and I am attempting to rebuild a "fluff bible" of sorts from my scattered writings and previous backups. What the project needs is a group of people who are willing and able to provide assistance:
1) Game design - further develop the system, including character design and generation, combat mechanics and a "magic" system (of sorts). In addition to this, development of the basic game mechanics and all sorts of other details.
2) Art - Havekoff and The Muffin King have already provided some great work which have illustrated the world brilliantly, but more art and talent is always appreciated and greatly enhances the "value" of a book.
3) Fluff writers - a game world needs to be detailed, histories written, great characters developed and memorable locations created. This work could involve writing fluff pieces (major or minor) or detailing the world of this Industrialised Empire for setting related chapters.
4) Cartographers - maps are essential to convey the setting. Anyone who has experience with Cartography of wants to give it a try would be required to create maps of the Empire (the major piece) as well as simple maps of provinces, cities and towns for setting chapters and "canned" adventures.
5) Testers - this will come later of course, but testing is a rigorous process which requires many, many trials of many, many revisions. The upside is that you'll get to experience something long before anyone else.
6) Editors - grammar and spelling Nazi's welcome. Dissect every sentence and provide feedback to the writers. Find and fix mistakes and know that you hold the fragile artists egos in the palm of your hand.
7) Layout and design - the final look of the book will be in your capable hands. You'll be the ones who put it all together and make it beautiful. I know from experience that this can be a VERY testing task, but then again, I did it solo.
8) Webmasters/Designers - a website will be needed to promote the book and to provide ongoing, free downloadable content. You won't need to worry about doing secure payment options or anything like as sales will primarily be through an existing account with RPGNow.
Each contribution will be acknowledged in the final book. Every bit of assistance appreciated. But central to this, is that anyone who takes part can get that experience under their belts. Having that experience to put in a resume, or work added to your portfolio can really help in getting future commissions.
And now comes the big thing. I'm going to run this off my own back and out of my own pocket (as far as possible). And ALL of the income received (once vendor commissions are taken into account) will be going to charity. Not one cent will go into my pocket or anyone elses. My charity of choice here would be Child's Play, but other recommendations by those involved would certainly be considered.
If you are interested - please e-mail or PM me. Oce interested parties are determined, I'd be aiming to have initial "meetings" via AIM or other methods to get everyone together and discuss the project, ideas, directions and plans.
