Latest from the Creator
James Bell
3 days ago
February 2025 Monthly Update
Hello Ultra-backers, It's time for our February update. It's the shortest month of the year, so I'll keep this update quick! Rewards Still Pending No big changes from last...
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James Bell
about 1 month ago
January 2025 Monthly Update
Hello Ultra-backers, It's time for our first monthly update of 2025. As a reminder, I'll be posting these updates at the end of every month as we track the progress of our C...
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James Bell
2 months ago
December 2024 Monthly Update
Hello Ultra-backers, As noted last month, I'll be posting a regular check in to keep everyone on the same page while the Onyx Path team works on this project. I'm a littl...
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James Bell
3 months ago
November 2024 - Regular Monthly Update
Hello Ultra-backers, It's been just over three weeks since we sent out the first wave of rewards - the existing PDFs that were Add Ons for the campaign. Now, as we hit th...
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James Bell
4 months ago
Reward Distribution - Existing Rewards Going Out to Backers!
Hello Ultra-Backers, It's been two weeks since we started sending out our Pledge Manager invitations. If you haven't yet filled out your backer survey, please do so as soon as ...
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James Bell
4 months ago
Pledge Manager Surveys Coming Soon!
Hello Ultra-Backers, It's time for our first update of the post-Crowdfunding campaign phase! We finished up the Crowdfunding portion of our campaign just over three weeks ago ...
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PROJECT UPDATE
James Bell
CREATOR
5 months ago

Project Update: Pinfall from Grace, Bodyslams from Hell - Manuscript Preview #6

Hello Ultra-Backers,

At last we come to the final manuscript preview. With this update, the entire current draft manuscript is available for Backers to download and read, before any pledges are processed or any payments collected.

We've actually had the bulk of the rules and systems from Storypath Ultra for a bit now, and with today's chapter we're going to see what it could look like when you use all of the building material from SPU to assemble your own game.

The final version of the Core Manual will present three different settings that use Storypath Ultra as a system. They won’t spell out absolutely everything, but each of them will be a complete game to run for your players. We'll just leave some room for you to adjust and expand on them to suit your own taste.




The first example, presented in today's download, is Pinfall from Grace, Body Slams from Hell, which showcases alternative history, supernatural player characters, and a way to add more granularity to combat. Unlike the other chapters, this one also contains a variety of “Under the Mask” sidebars, explaining some of the design decisions of this setting to better illustrate how to create your own Storypath game.

Two additional game examples will be added to the final book, one flavored with a science fiction theme and the other with fantasy trappings. For our Sci-Fi example, backers have chosen "An experimental space flight flings the player characters into a distant galaxy full of strange and alien sights."

For the final poll, you'll be voting on a Fantasy setting example. Your options:

  1. A cozy fantasy game where explorers look for ingredients to help heal their sick dragon friend.
  2. A war-torn world ripped apart by a devastating magic war, and a few surviving wizards try to prove who is the best among them.
  3. A group of young heroes are blessed with magical armor and weapons in order to defeat an evil sorcerer queen seeking to destroy their land.

>>> CLICK TO VOTE ON THE FANTASY SETTING HERE <<<

Voting will run until the Crowdfunding campaign ends on September 26th. You must be a backer of this project to vote for this setting.


WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK

I've now shared the complete draft manuscript over this campaign. Along the way, the team has gathered feedback to help guide the manuscript through the next steps of editing and development. To that end, they've created a special Feedback Form for you to submit your comments after reading each section!

Here's the link to the SPU Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/1fGuU881zBHPsktz7



International Shipping – Collected in the Pledge Manager

One last note about Shipping before we get into the manuscript previews.

First up, it's amazingly expensive to ship, especially from Onyx Path's home base in the US. We get that, but there's not much we can do at this time. Onyx Path is in a difficult space where the company is big enough that they're not saving money by fulfilling out of Rich's garage, but small enough that they can't really set up international partners to handle portions of the fulfillment. So we are where we are - for now.

The best we can do at this point is to plan carefully, advise everyone up front that international shipping will likely be expensive (see our projections on the main page) and only charge what it costs us when the time comes. We’ll be charging for shipping in the Pledge Manager once the books are being printed and we can deal with the actual shipping charges rather than using our best-guesses this far out. If you live outside the US and aren't sure you want the hardcover or other physical items, you can pledge to the PDF tier now and upgrade your pledge in the Pledge Manager once we know the final shipping costs.



DRAFT MANUSCRIPT PREVIEWS - BACKERS ONLY

Remember, thanks to BackerKit magic, these download links are visible to Backers only - you must be logged in and reading this on the website to have access to the manuscript preview links. So, if you're reading this via e-mail, click that "Reply to this Update" link on the bottom and I'll see you below the SPU logo.

Includes Backer-Exclusive Content
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PROJECT UPDATE
James Bell
CREATOR
3 days ago

Project Update: February 2025 Monthly Update

Hello Ultra-backers,

It's time for our February update. It's the shortest month of the year, so I'll keep this update quick!

Rewards Still Pending


No big changes from last month. I will note that one of our unlocked stretch goals not listed here - because they're not rewards that I distribute, but rather undertakings by Onyx Path that will just be generally available - is the Storypath Discord Dice Bot. It is now in the testing phase, so that's great to hear. I'll post any information related to that as it becomes available.


Rewards Distributed to Backers

  • At The Gates Draft Manuscript (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • The World Below Backer PDF (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • Storypath Seeds Jumpstart Digital Bundle PDF titles (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • Storypath Seeds Corebook Digital Bundle PDF titles (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • They Came From the RPG Anthology Backer PDF (sent Jan 17, 2025 via BackerKit)
  • They Came From the RPG Anthology discounted PoD links (sent Feb 20, 2025 via BackerKit)


If you need to review your information or pledge status, you can return to your survey by clicking the link in your survey email or requesting your survey link under "Lost your survey?" on our BackerKit project page at https://storypath-ultra.backerkit.com/



Onyx Path Project Tracking

You can read Onyx Path's most recent monthly summary, covering all projects and their status up to that point here: <January 2025 Project Status Summary>

You can find the weekly Monday Meeting blog updates <here>, which note any projects with status changes since the previous Month End summary. The project statuses listed are current as of last Monday, so do check it out each Monday night to see if anything may have progressed!

I will continue to post regular updates every month until the final reward has gone out.

Remember: You can use the links at the bottom of this e-mail to unsubscribe from updates or Manage your notification settings. These status updates are available on the campaign page for you to review at any time.

Onyx Path Discussion Channels

If you've got questions about the rules or setting, or just want to discuss this game with other fans (as well as the Onyx Path writers and developers!), you can check out these Onyx Path discussion zones:



To Contact James

If you've got a question about your pledge or BackerKit page or any part of the process, you can contact me with any of these methods
  •  Via E-Mail: Onyx.Kickstarter [at] gmail.com
  •  Via BackerKit: Click "Need Help?" from your page, and then fill in the Contact Us form. BackerKit will pass your message along to me.


Currently Funding


In Trinity Continuum: Steam Wars, your player characters are the crewmembers of a war rig, venturing into battles against people from far off countries, aligned to ideals different than their own, and trying to preserve their peace, their way of life, or their rich deposits of a new, bizarre energy source: condensed coal. Your characters — the crewmembers of these war rigs — are as likely to be enlisted crooks as they are commissioned officers; gung-ho patriots as common as conscripted people from the imperial powers’ colonies. They fight because they have to. But in the fear and fog of battle, bonds form, friendships and rivalries grow, and legends are made.

Trinity Continuum: Steam Wars takes place outside the Trinity Continuum's "Alpha" timeline -- the worlds explored from Aegis to Æon -- taking place in a parallel reality, setting the stage for new adventures and discoveries.

Trinity Continuum: Steam Wars contains:

  • A complete setting based on the acclaimed graphic novel Steam Wars® with writing by Larry Blamire.
  • Detailed rules on piloting, managing, and fighting massive coal-powered giant war rigs in a parallel 19th century.
  • Six different roles you can perform on a steam rig, along with more than half a dozen Alliances involving in the Second Steam War that you can fight, ally with, or sabotage.
  • Storyguide advice, secrets, hooks, and plots, to enable you to start your game of Trinity Continuum: Steam Wars 

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PROJECT UPDATE
James Bell
CREATOR
about 1 month ago

Project Update: January 2025 Monthly Update

Hello Ultra-backers,

It's time for our first monthly update of 2025. As a reminder, I'll be posting these updates at the end of every month as we track the progress of our Crowdfunding campaign rewards.

Rewards Still Pending


The writers have submitted their drafts of the new setting material to the developers. The Onyx Path team described these settings as "meaty" so I'm excited to see what they've come up with! Now the developers work with the writers to revise and adjust, making sure the material all makes sense when it comes together and nothing is missing. We'll watch these dots fill in as the material is finalized.

Rewards Distributed to Backers

  • At The Gates Draft Manuscript (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • The World Below Backer PDF (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • Storypath Seeds Jumpstart Digital Bundle PDF titles (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • Storypath Seeds Corebook Digital Bundle PDF titles (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • They Came From the RPG Anthology Backer PDF (sent Jan 17, 2024 via BackerKit)


If you need to review your information or pledge status, you can return to your survey by clicking the link in your survey email or requesting your survey link under "Lost your survey?" on our BackerKit project page at https://storypath-ultra.backerkit.com/



Onyx Path Project Tracking

You can read Onyx Path's most recent monthly summary, covering all projects and their status up to that point here: <December 2024 Project Status Summary>

You can find the weekly Monday Meeting blog updates <here>, which note any projects with status changes since the previous Month End summary. The project statuses listed are current as of last Monday, so do check it out each Monday night to see if anything may have progressed!

I will continue to post regular updates every month until the final reward has gone out.

Remember: You can use the links at the bottom of this e-mail to unsubscribe from updates or Manage your notification settings. These status updates are available on the campaign page for you to review at any time.

Onyx Path Discussion Channels

If you've got questions about the rules or setting, or just want to discuss this game with other fans (as well as the Onyx Path writers and developers!), you can check out these Onyx Path discussion zones:



To Contact James

If you've got a question about your pledge or BackerKit page or any part of the process, you can contact me with any of these methods
  •  Via E-Mail: Onyx.Kickstarter [at] gmail.com
  •  Via BackerKit: Click "Need Help?" from your page, and then fill in the Contact Us form. BackerKit will pass your message along to me.
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PROJECT UPDATE
James Bell
CREATOR
2 months ago

Project Update: December 2024 Monthly Update

Hello Ultra-backers,

As noted last month, I'll be posting a regular check in to keep everyone on the same page while the Onyx Path team works on this project. I'm a little early this month, just setting up some time off over the year end holiday, but I'll be back in 2025 before the calendar flips to February!

Let's get to our review! As a reminder, despite my shining personality, many of these may be a little repetitive - or even boring. But making sure our communication is constant and consitent will hopefully keep everyone in the loop and help keep Onyx Path's info top of mind.

Rewards Still Pending



The team is working on the new sections we voted on. 


Rewards Distributed to Backers

  • They Came From the RPG Anthology! Draft Manuscript (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • At The Gates Draft Manuscript (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • The World Below Backer PDF (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • Storypath Seeds Jumpstart Digital Bundle PDF titles (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • Storypath Seeds Corebook Digital Bundle PDF titles (Oct 31, 2024 update)

As rewards are sent out and become available, I'll note that in our Distributed Reward list. I'll also note any relevant updates or dates so if you need more info, you can go back and dig up the relevant post. Also remember that a link to the draft manuscript is available in your BackerKit Pledge Manager digital rewards page.



If you need to review your information or pledge status, you can return to your survey by clicking the link in your survey email or requesting your survey link under "Lost your survey?" on our BackerKit project page at https://storypath-ultra.backerkit.com/



Onyx Path Project Tracking

You can read Onyx Path's most recent monthly summary, covering all projects and their status up to that point here: <November 2024 Project Status Summary>

You can find the weekly Monday Meeting blog updates <here>, which note any projects with status changes since the previous Month End summary. The project statuses listed are current as of last Monday, so do check it out each Monday night to see if anything may have progressed!

I will continue to post regular updates every month until the final reward has gone out.

Remember: You can use the links at the bottom of this e-mail to unsubscribe from updates or Manage your notification settings. These status updates are available on the campaign page for you to review at any time.
 

To Contact James

  •  Via E-Mail: Onyx.Kickstarter [at] gmail.com
  •  Via BackerKit: Click "Need Help?" from your page, and then fill in the Contact Us form. BackerKit will pass your message along to me.


Final Hours To Pledge







Final Hours to join in on Crowdfunding by BackerKit

The Alchemical Exalted are the Chosen of the Machine God, biomechanical demigods forged from divine metal and heroic souls. They do not rule the Eight Nations, but serve as Champions of the people, a sacred duty greater than any ambition. The eldest of Alchemicals transcend their human forms to become metropoli, living cities that offer the Eight Nations a stronghold against Autochthonia’s perils.

The Realm of Brass and Shadows is unforgiving, and the Eight Nations find themselves faced with many challenges: cataclysmic upheavals of Autochthon’s world-machinery, incursions of gruesome techno-organic gremlins, and the ever-present threat to their livelihoods. All the while, the slumbering Autochthon grows ever sicker, his corrupting Blight metastasizing throughout his world-body. Despair not. There is work to be done.

Alchemicals: Forged by the Machine God is an expansion for the Exalted Third Edition tabletop roleplaying game. It’s set in a mythic world where spirits walk openly among humanity, warring demigods topple kingdoms, and the restless dead roam on moonless nights. Heroes granted divine power contend against one another for the future of Creation. These are the Exalted!


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PROJECT UPDATE
James Bell
CREATOR
3 months ago

Project Update: November 2024 - Regular Monthly Update

Hello Ultra-backers,

It's been just over three weeks since we sent out the first wave of rewards - the existing PDFs that were Add Ons for the campaign. Now, as we hit the final days of November, it's time to start our regular monthly update schedule.

MONTHLY UPDATES

With the Pledge Manager up and running, this is officially the first "regular" monthly update for our project. I'll send these updates out every month to let you know where we sit. We're still in the earliest stages of this post-campaign, where projects make incremental movements along the progress path. A lot of months will be pretty similar, just a quick note to let you know that the Onyx Path team is still working on it. Any time we have a new reward or something of interest to share, I'll include that as well.


At the end of each month, I'll include a summary of our rewards and their current status (they'll either be delivered or marked as still pending, possibly with additional details if I know more). I'll also list any relevant Update posts, in case you want to go back and check into something.

Each month, I'll list our "Pending" rewards and our "Delivered" rewards. We'll track the project status of our pending rewards by filling in the stage dots, and I'll note which update (and include a link) with each delivered reward, in case you want to go back and re-read the relevant update for more information. If any of these rewards were on your pledge list, you can access download codes in your BackerKit Digital Rewards page. And once they've been added to your DriveThruRPG library, you can access them through your DTRPG digital library at any time.


REWARDS STILL PENDING


The chart isn't perfect, but it's a fun way to show progress on a project by filling in dots. Right now, I've set our main reward in "First Draft" status, as the two example settings we voted on during the campaign are currently being written for the book. We'll be able to follow the progress each month, as dots get filled in, until eventually we get a Backer PDF and another chance to provide feedback beore the book is finalized and prepared for PDF release and the eventual hardcover print run. It's still a long road ahead, but I'll check in every month and make sure we're all on the same page.

There are other rewards from the campaign that are not listed as part of this tracking. The Add On pre-orders for They Came from the RPG Anthology! PDF and At The Gates PDF have both had the draft manusripts out to backers who selected those as Add Ons, and they will receive the backer PDFs once those are ready. Backers who selected The World Below have already received the backer PDF for that book. Those will all go out as they become available and we won't need to track them here.

Beyond that, we had a few Stretch Goals that are different than our usual rewards in nature and won't be tracked here. The Storypath Nexus Community Content progream for Storypath Ultra and the process for applying to license the SPU system will be sorted by Onyx Path, and I don't think we'll necessarily see regular progress reports on those until they just appear. I'll make sure I mention it in our regular updates when that happens.

Similarly, the Discord Dice Bot reward will be created and released by a third-party that is working with Onyx Path. We won't get progress reports on that one either, but I'll make sure it's noted when it becomes available.

So, left with our core SPU rewards (and the Starbearer Dice, which was another add on, and I just want to track it because it'll go with the hardcover books when they ship), I'll post this chart in each monthly update, and fill in dots as projects move along.


REWARDS DISTRIBUTED TO BACKERS

  • They Came From the RPG Anthology! Draft Manuscript (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • At The Gates Draft Manuscript (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • The World Below Backer PDF (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • Storypath Seeds Jumpstart Digital Bundle PDF titles (Oct 31, 2024 update)
  • Storypath Seeds Corebook Digital Bundle PDF titles (Oct 31, 2024 update)

As rewards are sent out and become available, I'll note that in our Distributed Reward list. I'll also note any relevant updates or dates so if you need more info, you can go back and dig up the relevant post.



If you need to review your information or pledge status, you can return to your survey by clicking the link in your survey email or requesting your survey link under "Lost your survey?" on our BackerKit project page at https://storypath-ultra.backerkit.com/





ONYX PATH PROJECT TRACKING

You can read Onyx Path's most recent monthly summary, covering all projects and their status up to that point here: <October 2024 Project Status Summary>

You can find the weekly Monday Meeting blog updates <here>, which note any projects with status changes since the previous Month End summary. The project statuses listed are current as of last Monday, so do check it out each Monday night to see if anything may have progressed!

I will continue to post regular updates every month until the final reward has gone out.


TO CONTACT JAMES

If you've got a question about your pledge or BackerKit page or any part of the process, you can contact me with any of these methods



  •  Via E-Mail: Onyx.Kickstarter [at] gmail.com
  •  Via Kickstarter: Click Richard Thomas under the "Created By" heading on the main page, and then press the "Contact Me" button - the message will come to me!
  •  Via BackerKit: Click "Need Help?" from your page, and then fill in the Contact Us form. BackerKit will pass your message along to me.

CURRENTLY FUNDING


Now Funding on Crowdfunding by BackerKit

The Alchemical Exalted are the Chosen of the Machine God, biomechanical demigods forged from divine metal and heroic souls. They do not rule the Eight Nations, but serve as Champions of the people, a sacred duty greater than any ambition. The eldest of Alchemicals transcend their human forms to become metropoli, living cities that offer the Eight Nations a stronghold against Autochthonia’s perils.

The Realm of Brass and Shadows is unforgiving, and the Eight Nations find themselves faced with many challenges: cataclysmic upheavals of Autochthon’s world-machinery, incursions of gruesome techno-organic gremlins, and the ever-present threat to their livelihoods. All the while, the slumbering Autochthon grows ever sicker, his corrupting Blight metastasizing throughout his world-body. Despair not. There is work to be done.





Alchemicals: Forged by the Machine God is an expansion for the Exalted Third Edition tabletop roleplaying game. It’s set in a mythic world where spirits walk openly among humanity, warring demigods topple kingdoms, and the restless dead roam on moonless nights. Heroes granted divine power contend against one another for the future of Creation. These are the Exalted!

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