Game Design and Redesign

After two weeks since the last update it feels as if both a ton and barely anything has been accomplished. February's issue of Alone Together is wrapped save a bit of play testing for the Key-Lock scenario.  I'm very proud of this issue and everything I was able to pack into the 15 pages. March's issue is slowly chugging along as I finish reviews for pre-written modules, work on layouts, and  put the finishing touches on a linked couple of Key-Lock scenarios which will be play tested some time next month.

One of the most exciting things coming in the next few months will be a self-contained solo adventure I am calling 'Tea Leaves and Gunpowder Schemes.' Using a simple d6 system (Cepheus), players will take on the roll of a ronin who discovers a deadly plot within the capital city. Self-contained and playable in one or two sessions, TLGS is a structured writing aid that can help new players find their footing in the solo arena. It also has enough meat on the bone for seasoned solers to have a good time. 

Play testing has been a bear, even though the final adventure will only be around 20ish pages (A5). Lots of work testing and then tearing things down before rewriting and retesting. I am close to the final stages, however, and am putting some finishing touches on things like item and monster balance, scenario wording, and then PDF layout.

Did I mention this will be completely free? 

Prewritten Module Review

Currently the roomie and myself are playing GM-less through Legend of the Five Ring's Mark of the Oni adventure. I am a huge sucker for L5R and love narrative dice, but this has been a big undertaking, especially with my limited time.  Lots of prep went into making this a smooth playable experience and I am excited to pen up a review of my final thoughts when we finish. Most likely coming sometime in the next few issues.

Up next on the plate for prewritten modules to play and then review, we have a ton of options available. Free League has loads of adventures and campaigns from Coriolis, Symbaroum, and Forbidden Lands. Fantasy Flight's Star Wars Edge of the Empire has two introductory adventures, The Jewel  Of Yavin and Under a Black Sun, which both look interesting. And of course a ton more. It will be a project in itself just choosing another system tor had through and run.

Happy Saturday!

-= theNwDm