We've gotten a significant amount of revision done over the past month and think things are really starting to take shape. Chris's edits have really helped us hone the writing and design and I think we're going to have something really special for you by the time we're done.
Some highlights include:
Making the Doptown community center more engaging with rumors and NPCs that spur action.
Making astrological omens easier to run as a Warden and do more to engage the player.
Fleshed out the Sun Market with cool vendors and items
The work in progress layout is still using an older draft, but this is mostly for placement and spacing on the page.
Here, I'm working on a spread with Amanda's Onus art.
Bonnie is still mixing the Sunlit Path hymn, but shared a demo! We're frankly bowled over. Who knew theremin could sound so good? (Probably Clara Rockmore)
Joshua here with with the monthly update. We're ahead of schedule right now, with Chris Airaiu having finished their first editing pass already. They have given Ryan and I some excellent tips on how to best bring our vision of the Sunlit Path to life.
As her and I are working through these revisions, we've also begun setting up playtests which will provide more valuable feedback. All of this puts us well on track to deliver the pre-print PDF to y'all in Q2. I also wanted to share one of the coolest gifts I've ever received: a crocheted Sunlit Path banner!
A crocheted banner with pink yarn for the background, and SUNLIT PATH in black yarn letters.
Alright, that's all for this month. Until next time...
Ryan here with a quick progress update. We're on schedule with the writing and that's what Joshua and I are primarily doing right now.
Bioascetic Monk Class
The Bioascetic carves liturgical tattoos into their flesh and implants photosynthetic bacteria into the wounds. These monks commune directly with their sun Gods and Goddesses, taking nourishment from their light so that they can walk the sunlit path in harmony with other beings. The Bioascetic is paradoxically frail and resilient.
What does this mean in practice though? Well, first, the trauma response: whenever a bioascetic fails a body save, instead of gaining any stress, they relieve 1 stress, but suffer any adverse effects that might happen for failing the save. The bioascetic has a good fear save to represent them being spiritually prepared for their own mortality and an even better sanity save to represent their mental discipline.
Second, the tattoos: the tattoos are randomly selected in addition to standard bioascetic load-outs. Tattooed characters can survive in low oxygen environments for extended duration and can forgo eating. Additionally, there is a small mechanical effect. For instance:
The tattoos become bioluminescent at will, providing modest illumination allowing instinctive communication with bioluminescent creatures and the ability to attract light sensitive creatures in the dark.
The Onus Umbra
The Onus Umbra is a shadow personality that is ever present in the person's mind who willfully created it. The Onus Umbra exists to absorb negative feelings and intentions, in order to contain them from the physical realm. Filipia Sol's Onus Umbra does the unthinkable, and jumps from her mind and takes control of a bystanders body. What does the escaped Onus Umbra want, and how far is it willing to go to get it?
Idk, but it probably have something to do with this dope map Worne is working on.
There's a bunch more that we've worked on such as:
We did it! This project is coming to life thanks to everyone who donated. We're happy to have found the folks who are keen to explore the Sunlit Path. Ryan and I have both been hard at work getting the writing ready for editing (which should be end of December at the latest), as well as putting together more art.
Here's the latest, Hayashi:
Hayashi
The deity of mischeif, whimsy, innocence and children. They often come in visions as a small animal. While many kids are naturally drawn to this deity, new and prospective parents, as well as teachers will call upon Hayashi. I think that for one-shots with a sillier tone or campaigns with a need for more light-hearted session, they'll fit right in.
We'll check in monthly from here (so again in early-mid December) to let you know how things are progressing. If you have any questions about the project, please feel free to ask!
Joshua here! We're deep into the crowdfunding campaign for Sunlit Path now, and have surpassed our original funding goal. There's still time to hit the next stretch goal though: more Solarian music! Tell your friends, tell your enemies, the Sunlit Path is open to all!
Rubidea, the deity of love and war
Ryan and I have been refining the module, and are well on track to have things to Chris Air for editing by the end of December. We'll be previewing more parts of the module as we move along, but if you missed it we did a deep dive on the Solarian Astrology system:
Next update will likely be towards the end of the campaign to avoid clogging up your email inbox. If you've got questions in the meantime, feel free to drop 'em here! Thanks again for all your support.
