It's been a hectic month. 

 

I wanted to get this update out before going on vacation, even though I'm taking my archaic laptop with me. So, what's new for August?

 

 

 

To say this has taken a life of its own is an understatement. At 42,000 words so far, this is likely going to be a full-fledged campaign setting like Amethyst, and not a smaller one like Threshold. This post-apocalyptic, retro, alternative reality biopunk extraction shooter RPG already features seven new species, six new backgrounds, and I've started the new equipment chapter, where I have decided, for the first time in eight years, to finally deconstruct ULTRAMODERN5's weapon listings. Instead of using generic terms for firearms, where one entry represents dozens of different guns, actual, real weapons are being listed with UM5 stats. 

                Using UM5 jargon, this is limited to TL0 and TL1, but there are already fifty new entries just for those. If we decide to release a UM5 Armoury, I may continue this pattern and expand the rest. 

                As mentioned previously, we are going to announce a Kickstarter just to fund the additional artwork required. This would be similar to our first KS, where it will be a PDF/POD with a very low goal. Those receiving it as part of a reward need not back, but it would go a long way to helping us get this book to where we would like it.

 

 

By now, many of you have seen the postings about our Ultramodern Bestiary. We collected nearly every monster Dias Ex Machina has created over its 5E history and put them all under one roof. Then we added about a hundred more. 

 

 

Given how popular this title has already gotten in only a few hours, it's likely we'll follow it up with an armoury as well.

 

Last year's magical compendium and cosmic horror campaign setting are now available as print-on-demand books.

 

 

 

I'll have a bigger update in a few weeks. Thanks to everyone for your support!

 

 

 

It’s been a while since I last updated, but things have been moving in the background. 

 

I FINALLY got approval from DriveThruRPG for print-on-demand versions of October’s Arcane Almanac and Threshold. I ordered proofs of both (as well as another book that was previously deactivated), and when they arrive, backers will be able to order physical copies of those. 

 

NOW, I know I said earlier that DTRPG could not handle the large, square format of Threshold’s artbook. It’s been a hell of a journey trying to make that work. I considered reducing its 10” x 10” format to 8” x 8”, but I felt that was too small. I considered using an external POD service like Lulu or Blurb, but while they offer large-format square books, the costs were astronomical. No joke, both were in excess of $100. 

 

Ultimately, I decided to return to DTRPG and reformatted the entire book to accommodate the standard 8.5” x 11” format. That meant a nearly page-one redo of the whole book. It’s now 10 pages longer, features a few more repurposed illustrations and a handful of additional bits of lore. Once the book arrives, I’ll be uploading the “Standard” format PDF alongside the existing 10” square format PDF as an extra bonus. 

 

Just to be clear, only the artbook will be in a POD print. The 5E campaign module is still only in PDF.

 

We are only two illustrations away from finishing the Ultramodern Bestiary. I am really hoping it’ll be released in July.

 

Going forward, DEM will attempt smaller crowdfunding projects that won’t rely on expensive and risky offset print runs. Our first Kickstarter was digital and POD only, and we’ll be returning to that with The Spark Plug Chronicles. It will essentially reserve all funds for art and layout, allowing for pure creativity without a specific allotment for printing, distribution, or tariffs. Expect a launch in September. 

 

I won’t lie, I haven’t written much for almost two months. It’s been difficult as I have been trying to get my groove back. Mounting bills forced me to prioritize non-creative ventures, and, being me, it had to be another entrepreneurial business that required a lot of energy. This involved numerous business trips, bills, and time investment. I managed to squeeze in a short horror film script and an animated comedy proof of concept. We’ll see if anything comes of those. But I am looking to return to game design next week. 

Thanks to everyone for your support and patience.

 

 CHRIS

 

 

 

I admit part of me has been dreading this message. I posted a video three weeks ago detailing the situation, but it took me this long to build the courage to make this broader post. By the way, you can watch said video here:

 

However, let’s review the key points.

 

The distribution of Amethyst and Ultramodern5 proved far more expensive than we had previously expected. It was twice our estimate. 

 

With financial and geopolitical discord running rampant globally and a particular focus between China, Canada, and the United States, I have been forced to postpone, if not altogether cancel, all future print production. 

 

Thankfully, all Amethyst and Ultramodern5 stock is still available from Studio2Publishing, although replenishment, as well as a second Affinity print run, are currently stalled, likely indefinitely. 

 

Dias Ex Machina is shifting back to digital and print-on-demand publishing. We prospered for ten years, focusing on digital and POD products, and we hope to continue producing content in this manner. Our recent Oktober’s Arcane Almanac has proven to be a surprise success for us. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While we have not eliminated offset print production, we have yet to decide how to facilitate it. We’ll be returning to Kickstarter rather than the abysmal Backerkit for crowdfunding, but may shift distribution to Europe and Canada instead of the US. This will mean that European and Canadian shipping prices will decrease while American prices may increase. This is entirely based on assumptions and estimations, as predicting what will happen geopolitically in the next four years is nearly impossible. 

 

Currently, DEM is working in debt. I am using my secondary business to try to keep aspects afloat and to fund future products. Outside of my release schedule mentioned above, I’ll do my best to compensate backers with unfulfilled rewards. This can come in the form of future PDFs or POD coupons, but my options are currently limited beyond this. 

 

It’s been a rough year, folks. I always strive for transparency and communication, even when the news is not the best. DEM isn’t going anywhere, but I apologize for the situation and hope we can recover over the next few months. 

  

 

 

 

 

Hey everyone:

 

While I understand these things happen, it still depressing to hear. 

One of our supporters has passed away. 

 

I was informed by his family that J R Houston of Nevada lost his life. His family does not have a donation page. We suffered a similar loss in 2018 with the previous UM5 Kickstarter, and Drew Leach’s dedication remains within the REDUX books.

 

We’ll be including a similar dedication to J R in a future publication.

 

Our thoughts are with his friends and family.

 

Chris