It's one month(ish) since we successfully funded, and the good work continues. I (Josh) continue writing, deleting and rewriting things. Something which is top of mind for me currently is the module's atmosphere, and how that can be interacted with.
Clearly the Folk Horror aspect of Rites of Renewal sets it apart aesthetically, but Folk Horror means more than Maypoles, masks and Morris dancing (though that stuff is here too). Folk Horror is ultimately about people and their underlying subculture. In order for that "underlying subculture" to be satisfying, scary and interesting, there has to be regular culture there to be engaged with.
That contrast is a difficult balance to strike but it is at the core of the module. In order for the horror to work, the Grove has to be a functional and fun place to explore. Which is where the Aphelion Solstice Festival comes in, it shows the community in a heightened state. It is on paper the perfect Shore Leave destination for weary Crewmembers to shake off their stresses. But of course, the Folk Horror of it all is bubbling beneath the surface.
Anyways that's where I'm at.
More importantly, Alice (@pickledpennies) is continuing to make wonderful art for the book. Below you'll see a slice of the sprawling Tangle, the Grove's favella. It home to thousands of Grovers, plus two roll-tables for Locations and Encounters, which ran the whole gamut of festive to fearsome.
Thanks for all the support.
I hope you all have a good festive season, as we continue to work on this fake space one!
Josh
A look at The Tangle. The favella which spans the Grove. By Alice Gribble.
