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Update #30: Sample Layout
First look at the basic layout for each monster-- although this is an unusual full-page illustration placement.
(She deserves it.)
Update #29: Patronage Monsters (x2) and Progress Update
Mushroom Folk courtesy of James Patterson; Frog Folk courtesy of Jeff Vincent.
These two monsters have a lot in common. Both are an homage to monsters of past editions (myconids and bullywugs); and we've designed both with a fairly neutral outlook, so that GMs can use them as either villains or allies as his needs arrive. They're both protectors of their natural habitat, and both races are natural producers of their own poisons (ranging from the amusingly hallucinogenic to deadly toxic).
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On the update front, we're very nearly there! Our biggest setback to date will, we hope, end up being a major step forward. When we began the project, our print-on-demand service did not offer a full-size (8.5 x 11) book with enough pages to hold all the monsters and all the new rules we wanted to include. The only way we could possibly hope to contain all of the monsters was to go with a 7x10 format, but this quickly ballooned the project to over 800 pages!
Nevertheless we soldiered on. But with editing complete and layout nearly done, I began growing more and more nervous that the book binding simply wouldn't hold up. Rather than risk it, I headed back to explore other print and layout options-- and was happy to discover that the printer now offers full size books of up to 500 pages.
We've had to make some other concessions in the layout. Most notably, we had to scrap our early plans to feature just one monster per page. Although that layout was gloriously roomy (perfect for printing out from the PDF and making notes during game sessions) it was just too terribly extravagant for a printed work. Instead, we'll print the monsters at one per column, one per page, or one per page spread. What you still definitely won't see are monsters that flow together one after the next with no clear break for the eye. We'll condense where we can, but not at the expense of muddying the clear presentation we've worked so hard to establish.
And, of course, we'll still offer a "gloriously roomy" PDF version with just one monster per page, so you can still print exactly the monsters you need for your game session and have plenty of white space left over for notes.
Finally, this adds up to one last piece of good news for those of you who are fans of the Trailblazer RPG: we'll be able to re-release Trailblazer (previously in 8x10 format) in standard 8.5 x 11 format, with a larger font face throughout; and the main rulebook will match the format size of the monster book on your bookshelf.
Update #28: Monster Template Double Feature
Today's double feature is a pair of monsters-- both requests from patrons-- that will serve my design needs to showcase some easy monster templates.
The first, the Dreadnought, is a construct template that can stand alongside the shield guardian, the retriever, or any of the golems. (Courtesy of Nathanial Taylor.)
The second, the Bearhemoth, is a template along the lines of the owlbear-- take two critters and fuse them into one-- resulting in either a magical beast or an aberration. (Courtesy of Desi Durbin.)
Update #27: SUCCUBUS
Courtesy of patrons Sean Silva-Miramon and Shane O'Connor.
(Yes, it's a femme fatale double feature! See below for her infernal counterpart!)
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joela on April 17, 2011
That...is amazing. Nuthin' I've ever seen in any rendition of the harpy. Barely looks humanoid, nevermind female.
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Update #17: LILLEND
I was surprised to see that the Lillend was a popular 2nd and 3rd place choice for a lot of folks. I'm happy we're able to deliver a "must have."
Me? I don't even know what a Lillend is.
In over 30 years of D&D, I've never encountered one of these...
Update #16: ROPER
The Roper, courtesy of patron Randy Dorman.
This looks like a big 'un!
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Randy Dorman on May 9, 2010
Outstanding! I've always thought that the roper was a monster with tremendous potential (think of it as a Cthulhu servitor race) that had been crippled by a silly name and a history of terrible art. This picture is one of the best treatments yet.
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on March 21, 2010.
Pledge $10 or more
As a patron at this level, you will receive a copy of the electronic (PDF) version of the final work, in addition to showing your support and solidarity with small-press game publishers, illustrators, and like-minded fans. Your name will be listed in the credits of the book along with other patrons (if desired).
Pledge $25 or more
As a patron at this level, you will receive a copy of the PDF, as well as a personally signed copy of the final printed work. Your name will be listed in the credits of the book along with other patrons (if desired). Because you're getting a printed copy as a reward, this is basically a pre-order of the book.
Pledge $50 or more
You will receive a PDF copy of the book in addition to a personally signed copy of the final printed work. In addition, these patrons may specify one monster (chosen from the list of monsters in the System Reference Document) to ensure that your favorite monster is illustrated. Your name will appear as a patron on that page, in that specific monster's entry, as well as in the credits of the book (if desired). (This reward is offered on a first come basis, so we will work with you to find an alternate monster for you to sponsor, if necessary.)
Pledge $75 or more
You will receive a copy of the PDF as well as a signed copy of the final printed work. In addition, patrons at this level can work with the game designers and the illustrator to create a unique, personalized NPC, monster, or templated monster. (Certain editorial controls enforced: Pun-Pun need not apply.) Our game designers will work with you to polish up your NPC or monster entry, ensure that it is balanced and ready to play, and help you choose a name for your creation. Your name will be listed in the credits in a place of honor as the designer of your own personal monster.
Pledge $150 or more
As one of only three patrons at this level, you'll receive everything listed in the $75 entry, but your printed copy of the book will be one of the first "proof copies" hot off the presses. A keepsake, to be sure, but this also means you'll have your copy in hand before it is available in general release. Who knows? We might even screw up and have to make some changes, making your Proof copy a unique collector's item!
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Connected as Benjamin Durbin (225 friends)
Drawing on the talents of professionals from within and without the industry, Bad Axe Games has a twofold approach: Provide great game materials from a genuine players’ perspective, and maintain the most professional standards in writing, design, illustration, and production.
