The next set of stretch goals is in sight: "Einfühlung", a Haunted House Starter Adventure (PDF $120,000 / physical zine $150,000). When we hit the $120k stretch goal that means all backers (even the $20 digital only tier) are going to get the pdfs for The Deluxe Edition, Investigators, Case Files 01, Einfühlung, The Mall Remastered, The Bureau (original), One Night at the Shelterwood Inn, The Bloom and The Parthenogenesis of Hungry Hollow.
And if we're honest, I can definitely see a world where we unlock The Bureau Remastered (which is an update of the original zine with some added content, procedures, and goodies). So if you're thinking of backing, or if you know someone who is (or if you just want to share the campaign), now's the time!
But on to the main events: 1. Layout Update 2. Podcasts 3. Cults Preview
LAYOUT UPDATE
One of the goals for the dev team was to have the manuscript ready by the launch time. We wanted to be prepared as possible and be able to really devote the post campaign time to the nuances of building the book. For the most part we hit that goal. Of course there are a few bits left to polish up (and some additions that get revealed during layout) but this has really allowed us to keep momentum on the text/book.
One of the key portions is that Josh has been building templates for each of the sections. This allows us to create a unified design for each section that is clean and usable both in print and digitally. The process has been that I (Goblin) have been putting the sections into a draft layout that Josh will then go back through and do a final tinkering/design pass on. It lets them devote their pass to more of the minutia while I work on getting the bulk of the pieces in place.
As of today I have completed the draft layouts for the two largest sections in the book: The Catalog of the Strange (130 pages) and the Haunted Pacific Northwest (71 pages but still has one adventure, Cult Classic, left to go into layout).
Thumbnails for the Catalog of the Strange Draft Layout
Thumbnails for the Haunted Pacific Northwest Draft Layout
As for whats left to do: - Layout on Investigators Guide, Facilitators Guide, Appendices - Final design tweaks and flourishes. - Josh gets to finish making all the Generic Location Maps!!! - Final edit pass - Annotating and hyperlinking - Indexing - Layout and finishing of Case Files 01 - If we unlock it, finish the last bits of Einfühlung, then go into layout and finishing up.
There's definitely work left to do, but we've been making good progress, and as summer starts there then is more time to dedicate to some of these pieces. Our timelines were super intentional and we aimed to be very realistic with our own pacing. And we have the benefit of being a pretty well oiled team which helps immensely.
PODCASTS
If you're into podcasts, we've been featured on a few as of late!
THE LOST BAY PODCAST The most recent was on The Lost Bay Podcast for a two-part interview that Iko so kindly called A Liminal Horror Masterclass. PART 1:
We couldn't do modern horror without including a section on cults. These groups are presented on a smaller scale than factions, but are still major players in the world of Liminal Horror.
WHAT IS A CULT IN LIMINAL HORROR? Cults are relatively small human organizations bound together by strange beliefs that strive to access terrible powers. Their unorthodox practices are generally religious or spiritual in nature, though some practice an extreme devotion to the arts and sciences. What sets cults apart from other organizations in their fanaticism and the lengths they go to complete their goals. While some cults are relatively harmless, it is often those with more esoteric goals that pose a threat to all around them.
Presented in the text is advice on using cults, creating your own, hierarchies, rituals, rites and sacrements. And of course, a generic cult stat block:
Rituals: There is a 1-in-6 chance that a cultist has access to Rituals (p. X) granted by their specific communion.
Devout: Something about the teaching of the cult has drawn the cultist in, and so they give of themselves completely.
Safety in Numbers: Cultists are rarely alone, as power is derived in number, and it is hard to waver if always with another.
Each of the cults in this section include a description, notable members, a cult specific rite they are trying to complete, known rituals, and assets or entanglements that act as hooks for your game.
Lets take a look at one of the cults you can encounter within the Deluxe Edition (both in the Catalog of the Strange and in the Haunted Pacific NW): CHURCH OF THE DIVINE MUTILATION
A group of individuals that shed their flesh in order to prepare their body of integration in the “Divine Machine”. The construction of their “Divine Machine” is their main focus. Ritual self-mutilation is required to attain higher status within the cult.
And a special treat for backers below...a look at the Cult Generator
