It’s been a month, and that means it’s time for your May update! Thanks again for sticking with me on this ride—we’re getting closer, even if the road’s still a little bumpy.

First off: yes, I did want to show you some layout this month, and no, it didn’t happen. That’s on me. Real life came swinging with a folding chair this past month, and we’re all doing our best to juggle work, life, and this big ol’ game project. Craig, who’s handling layout like a champ, is also balancing a full-time job and multiple other responsibilities. So, it’s a delay—not a derail. You have my word: we’ll have something to show you next month.

Now, onto what did get done.

Included this month is a new section of Optional Rules, which I think you’ll find really exciting—especially if you’ve been following our conversations about the expanded Rank Ladder and real-world martial arts. If the Rank Ladder’s not your thing, I still think the martial arts section will blow your mind. There’s more to come on that front too.

Also in this drop are the first rough drafts of two starting adventures:

These are unedited and raw, so expect a few typos and rough edges, but I wanted you to see where we’re heading with the narrative side of the game. These will be among the first adventures available at launch, and I hope they give you a spark of inspiration.

In addition, Leonard Pimentel of Lakeside Games is hard at work developing the introductory adventure: TRY OUT! for the core rules. It’s coming along really well, and I’m hoping to have something to show you in next month’s update.

Now, about art…

Let’s just say we go through artists the way Spinal Tap went through drummers. But! Good news—Tony is back at it, after a short hospital stay. We’re wishing him a speedy and full recovery. I’ve included a few of his most recent pieces here to give you a sense of the Zenith art direction. There’s lots more behind the scenes, but I thought these were too good not to share.

As for backer art:

We’ve started receiving the first pieces from TJ Frias, and they’re looking great. TJ is a fantastic artist—passionate and professional—and I’m thrilled to have him working with us. If you’ve submitted backer art, please continue to coordinate with Shane. TJ is navigating some personal matters right now (his business and his alone), which may slow things down a bit, but rest assured: the work is being done and the art will come.

Patreon is where I post the updates, lore, adventures, and hundreds of heroes and villains, and sometimes just a little peek behind the curtain. Here’s the link [link will be inserted]. Consider hopping on if you want regular insider access, and hey—it helps us keep the art flowing and the project moving.

Likewise, if you want to help us finish strong, we’ve got a GoFundMe right here [link incoming]. Every little bit helps, and your support directly fuels this game’s journey to completion.

Oh—and don’t forget to check out the live plays on our YouTube channel. They’re a great way to see HEROIC in motion. Links to follow shortly.

Next month, I’m aiming to show off:

Thank you—sincerely—for your continued patience, your encouragement, and your unbelievable support. Given all the hurdles we’ve hit, I couldn’t have asked for a more positive and passionate group of backers. You’ve kept the flame alive. It’s going to be worth it in the end. That, I promise.

You are HEROIC.

—Andrew

Tony Farrar Art