Evening All – I hope you all had a spooky and fantastic Halloween! Welcome to the START-OF-THE-MONTH update for November 2024!

Since our last update close to a metric ton has happened while I’ve been writing (and then re-writing sections after my in-game playtests). While also confirming print + layout specs to ensure we’re building CODEX ARCANA in the clearest way possible right from the offset!

With so much to update you guys on I think we need to get straight into everything, ranging from digital releases to add-on prints, slipcases and Collector’s Ed. as well! So let’s begin:

DIGITAL RELEASES:

Digital releases for LOCKED LAIRS, YOUR MONSTERS AND CREATURES COMPENDIUM and RIDDLE REGISTER are scheduled to start in the next few weeks (early November ‘24) via a new online delivery service. This will be beyond the pre-authorised Dropbox links of the past and will ensure your digital files remain accessible in the future should you ever need to re-download the files.

I hope to have this up and running within the next few weeks and (once tested) I’ll release links and maybe an update along side them to ensure everyone is aware. That said, should you have any issues with the links or locating these messages, then feel free to reach out to me directly and I’ll fix this asap.

ADD-ON PRINTS:

Prints for both softcover and hardcover add-on’s have been completed and are ready for packaging. Except… (check out the slipcases section below!

SLIPCASES:

I’ve gone a little beyond here and decided to commission slipcases for all versions of CODEX ARCANA (and a number of the add-on’s as well!). After determining the best printing partner available for the slipcases, it has taken me a few weeks to finalise the overall slipcase designs – I wanted them all to be perfect!

This said, the order for the add-on slipcases were put in earlier this week and are expected to have a circa 2-week production cycle (and a 1-week delivery period). Once these have been completed we’ll know how best to work with the printers on this project and the files for CODEX ARCANA can wait for the overall product to be completed.

COLLECTOR’S EDITION (PRINT SPECIFICATION):

I'm currently working with my printing partners to establish the best print specification I can achieve for the Collector’s Edition of CODEX ARCANA. That exercise is now complete and it’s taken the last few months to finalise the Collector's Edition spec., but I’ve very pleased with the super premium specification, and I hope you’ll all be as impressed with Collector Edition spec as I think I would be as a fellow Backer.

It'll take a number of months but as soon as we’ve received an example I’ll share them with you in the first update I can.

ON A SPERATE NOTE:

While I’m working on CODEX ARCANA I’m keeping myself busy with a few smaller projects also, in fact one I accidently launched a few days ago (instead of just activating projects pre-launch page) is titles: CROWN OF LIEGE ACRE. If you fell like helping me mitigate the loss of a projects ‘Pre-Lauch Period’, then please feel free to check out my first 20-page adventure (details below!).

NEW PROJECTS TO CHECK OUT:

Part of the joy writing a project update is to turn the spotlight on the great work of fellow creators, and in true creator fashion... I wanted to highlight *my* latest project:

CROWN OF LIEGE ACRE: 5e Encounter for New (& OLD) Adventurers

A fun starter adventure to introduce an adventuring party to your game world or add depth (and distraction) to your existing game!

CROWN OF LIEGE ACRE is a quick, fun and engaging encounter for a party of 1st level or early level characters to either save the day, or let loose and power up! CROWN OF LIEGE ACRE features a new form of elemental known as the ALEMENTAL! A form of 'Water Elemental' flavoured with hops, barley, time and malevolent intent.

Will your adventuring party save the patrons of The Pipers Crown!

Check us out here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rye-alboa/crown-of-liege-acre-5e-encounter

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at any time – I’m here to help and we all want to enjoy the journey ahead of us together. Thank you again to your all for your continued support, I can't thank you all enough – This is going to be epic!

Cheers ~Rye

Thank you to all BACKERKIT backers for all your incredible support!!!

With the incredible support of 29 backers, you have all helped us to bring the CODEX ARCANA to life!

BUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?:

Right now... relax and enjoy your week!

Work on the CODEX ARCANA has already hit the ground running, with our Chief Editor (the amazing Laura) looking over my draft text, while I continue to playtest CODEX ARCANA with my regular groups and look to negotiate further with our printing partners on how to make the Collector's Edition as amazing as possible!

That said, in the short period before the Funds arrive (we're assuming about 3 weeks), I like to confirm project artists/editors etc. are comfortable with specification and the timeframes previously discussed. This helps to identify any additional support that may be required prior to commissioning work. Mindful I'm unable to commission additional work for CODEX until the project funds are received, which makes this is a great opportunity to review workflows and plan big!

With this in mind, if BackerKit reaches out please do take the opportunity to review your payment information for your pledge at your earliest convenience. This will be a great help in ensuring we can fully achieve the ambitions I've set for CODEX and in particular it's Collector's Edition.

UPDATES:

Updates will flow regularly - I find that a monthly update at the start of each month works best but if necessary I will update everyone beforehand. There will no doubt be more updates in the coming weeks, but please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions beforehand - I'm here to help (or at least keep you informed!). My view is that we are all on this exciting roller-coaster together, so buckle up!

Thank you again to your all for your incredible support on the COLLECTOR'S EDITION of LOCKED LAIRS, I can't thank you all enough!

Thanks everyone for your support on my LOCKED LAIRS project, I really appreciate it! Drop me any questions you may have anytime and remember that we have an amazing journey ahead of us!

Cheers ~Rye

ALBOA