Its Been A Crazy Year

Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 2:39 pm

Hey folks,

Things here at TLG began very, very good this year. We had a strong showing out the gate. But events overwhelmed us.

Gary's passing away threw us for a horrible loop, that took me a long time to get over. But you know that.

Other things rolled across the scene that I had not expected.

The GSL was far more gruesome a piece of work than expected which shut down my desire to expand Yex into 4e (though the authors have vanished and Davis hadn't approved that idea and probably wouldn't have anyway, opting for a Paizo Pathfinder approach (though we never talked to them waiting for the GSL..hahah okay that was way too complicated though I'm curious how long i can keep this sentence going...).

Free RPGDay caught me off guard, I don't know why but getting those 6000 books together proved more of a struggle than planned. We expanded the print shop that month taking on outside jobs as well, so that too caused an adjustment (and I should note that the air conditioner went out and Mark and I had to install a new one (something we had never done before; a hose on the cutter burst and we had to replace that (took a day but it was interesting as we had never done that) and then a sheer pin on the cutter broke and Mark and I learned how to dissemble the whole damn 1.5 ton piece of equipment and put it back together again.

At any rate, these and smaller events, helped derail a bunch of our efforts here. BUT its not as bad as it has been in the past. We have greater resources than we have had and things are quickly getting back on track.

Crusader is going monthly this month, issue 11 shipping next week.

SS, delayed a smidge will be at Gencon.

Upper Works is coming out.

Jim Ward's Towers of Adventure is rocking and near completion.

Gen Con will be a nice water shed, and when we get back from it, two of the years biggest projects will be in the bad (UW and SS) and we will shift focus to the CKG. No more nothing until that is done.

For the future. TLG will hit the ground running, first in my stable is good old Casey Christofferson and his Battle Rules for C&C. This is going to be a box set with all manner of goodies. Davis, Peter and I will look Aufstrag in the face and start finally putting a wrap on the A series and get tackling to that....that plays in the Aihrde adventure box sets with the towers of Nulak Kiz Din.

And of course the Basic and other and sundry finished items!

The Crusade is set to grow this year and I'm pretty jazzed!

Trollzah

Steve
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tylermo · Post by **tylermo** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 2:50 pm

All of the hard work is appreciated. And being a guy who (because of my stepfather being Mr. Backyard mechanic and jack-of-all trades) should know how to fix all sorts of sh*t, I would be LOST on that air-conditioner job. That was the best part of your story. Maybe a write-up in Crusader? Anyway, you guys have had a tough year, especially with Gary's departure. We all miss Col. Pladoh. Keep up the good work! Two-thumbs up for TLG from your over-talkative Egyptian Campaign friend. Say hello to Todd for me. I'll see you guys at GC. P.S. will James Ward be at the con, as well?

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 2:51 pm

Just let me know what this little serleran can do, boss.

The year has, indeed, been crazy, unexpected, exciting, and depressing... and its only barely halfway over!

Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 3:13 pm

You got that right Robert. I got stuff for you to do....er right now. I'll drop you an email.

Tylermo, one the most interesting events occurred while I was on the phone with you. I heard a slam and some grumbled moaning. Turns out my daughter had her pinky slammed in the door jam and crushed flat. Broke like a twig. Of course you probably remember me tossing the phone done and the convert ending. haha

The best repair was on the sheer pin. Mark called and said something broke and fell out of the cutter. So I went to the shop and we stared at it forever. He's real deliberate (engineer by training) and we slowly took it apart looking for something broke. Finally found it but we were covered in grease and there were parts all over the shop. We looked at the mess and one of us said, "oh getting it back together will be fun." The next part was even goofier, while the machinist was manufacturing us a new pin his machine broke and he had to get parts for it.
Honestly is was a nice break from working at the computer all day. Thinking about it that cutter has been a hilarious addition to the crew, from the day we bought it out of a Mexican dude's garage...I only comment on his being Mexican because he didn't speak English and Todd only speaks a spot of Spanish, the conversations were funny as hell with gestures and mumbled idiocy until the dude's son arrived to help us out... the whole mess ended with us having to rip a wall out to get it in the shop. Fun fun! hahah

Steve
_________________
The High Lord, Coburg the Undying

He who sits on the elephants back

Castle and Crusade Society
troll@trolllord.com

cleaverthepit · Post by **cleaverthepit** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 3:28 pm

Funny stories abound.

As I kept trying to work for TLG, I would show up at the print shop at 10 pm and work to midnight or 1am. Get up at 5am and start the day all over.

Needless to say, the cutting machine has a very shapr blade on it. I kept scraping my fingers (kniuckles) across the blade and cutting them. I got t wearing duck tape across my hand to prevent the innumerable cuts. Once i was simply too tied to even make take that simple action. At ome point I was inspecting the cuts and noticed a red stain across many modules. My first thought ws the printer ws bleeding red.

Ding dong

I had cut my knuckles so bad they were bleeding quite a bit. But i hadn't noticed. We had to throw away narly 200 books i bled all over LOL.

It was at that point we decided I was not doing TLG much of a favor. Mark came on full time (thank god) and I started to hand over projects.

Sorta funny.

Lesson: exhaustio + machinery with sharp parts = pain (I cut off my finger many years ago in a similar situation - it was re-attached)

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 3:45 pm

So, you purposefully made us miss out on a perfectly valid Cleaver the Pit collectible: Vials of Spilled Blood from the Floor of the Pit? Damn you! I needed that DNA evid... errr... yeah. Probably a good idea.

cuchulainkevin · Post by **cuchulainkevin** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 3:47 pm

When people look back in a few years I think this may be the period where everyone says that that the Trolls really came into their own in the game industry.

I expect great things from you crazy kids.
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seskis281 · Post by **seskis281** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 3:48 pm

Man, the marketing writes itself!!

"Real Troll Blood!" 9.95 a vial!
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Go0gleplex · Post by **Go0gleplex** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 3:53 pm

Better than autographed copies! No way to forge that sort of signature!
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Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:02 pm

Yeah, I remember that day. Mark called the next day (he was still part time) and asked why there was blood all over the cutter. I said I don't know. Later in the week he discovered a stack of books with the covers on upside down. Davis never noticed it.
Lots of fun!

Steve
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The High Lord, Coburg the Undying

He who sits on the elephants back

Castle and Crusade Society
troll@trolllord.com

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:11 pm

I'm not I'm qualified to speak for all the fans, so I won't. But what I can do is speak for myself (at least when my wife isn't speaking for me) and say that I apprecaite all the effort you guys put forth. Steve, Davis, Robert, Mark, Casey, Peter, Jim, and everyone else I forgot to mention - thanks for doing all that you do. I wish I could do more than a simple "thank you," but I want you to know that it's well meant.

Hey! Maybe someday I can put something together and submit to the almighty Troll Lords. Oh wait - then I'd be thanking myself...and that's just too weird.

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:39 pm

I don't claim to speak for the Trolls, but the fans do everything for us -- you buy the stuff we make. And, you make this forum, and the Society, something to be proud of. It is never you who should thank us.. but us who should always strive to ensure you guys are happy, and willing to come back.

So, thanks for staying with us, even when we have rough patches. As Trolls, know we will regenerate.

Aladar · Post by **Aladar** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:55 pm

My hat is off to all you Troll Lords. Dispite all the adversity, you keep putting out great products. Many thanks.
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Greg Ellis · Post by **Greg Ellis** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:11 pm

Having worked in the corporate world for many years, I'm very familiar with the catch-phrase "refocussing on our core competencies".

It's generally used as a nice way of telling folks that some chunk of the business has been sold off, or shut down, or otherwise cut loose. Usually some people are let go along with it. Often it's because that piece of the business was not profitable, or because tough economic times have made it hard to pay the bills all around, and it's time to downsize a bit to cut down expenses so they fit better with the current revenues.

Many folks get depressed at times like that, even folks who aren't directly affected by the job cuts, or the "refocussing".

But there are just as many others who take the attitude that "you know, we can look at this as a good thing, a chance to put some serious effort into the things we do the best, and stop spreading ourselves so thin".

It's that second group who go on to do the bigger and better things, and drive the company onward into prosperity and success.

I hope you guys can see the silver lining in the events of the past little bit. I know it's been a bumpy time this year. Our thoughts are with you.

Deogolf · Post by **Deogolf** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:23 pm

As some would say from our area, "Ain-ah". A local version "Ain't it!".

So, yes, it has been a tough, crazy year. Even though it has been, things still are looking good! Everyone deserves an "Attaboy!"
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Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:17 pm

I don't want to color the year as horrible. The C&C line is gaining steam and the Crusader is in general as well. Things have been good, if bumpy. But we're all pretty pumped. The best part of the year so far, for me, was getting a bunch of the Trolls together the night before Troll Con and having a dinner, and sitting back and talking. Everyone got along smashingly and we had a blast. It was nice for folks to meet each other and put faces to names and so forth. If only we could get Robert to come forth...hahahaah

Steve
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He who sits on the elephants back

Castle and Crusade Society
troll@trolllord.com

Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:26 pm

I do want to echo Roberts comments. You guys make this a while lot easier and these boards are just down right nice to visit. Its probably because of Deogolf's Hippy Karma !!!

Steve
_________________
The High Lord, Coburg the Undying

He who sits on the elephants back

Castle and Crusade Society
troll@trolllord.com

Deogolf · Post by **Deogolf** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 7:04 pm

Troll Lord wrote:
I do want to echo Roberts comments. You guys make this a while lot easier and these boards are just down right nice to visit. Its probably because of Deogolf's Hippy Karma !!!

Steve

Heeeeyyyyy, far out man! You dig my groooovy skunk avatar?! Don't make it mad, man. It could get very unpleasant in here if you do!!
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Eulaliaaa!!! Give those rapscallions blood and vinegar, wot?!

Be sure to check out Jim's artwork for sale:
http://jimhollowayart.com/id5.html

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 7:04 pm

Wouldn't that be a scary day: when all the Trolls are gathered thusly, bound together in drink, food, and good gaming. I have nightmares now, and I'm not even asleep... much.

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 7:15 pm

One thing I wish you would do is at least use your blog to let us know what kind of road blocks are in TLG's way. I understand about not posting about the daughters surgeries, thats pretty darn personal, but understanding helps patience. So having an idea of what is holding you guys up/down/back/whatever would help our patience, as well as allow us to blow the rude internet idiots out of the water when they make fanboi insults against TLG and C&C.

Other then that I love C&C and the company. I just hope I can make GenCon again, and more importantly, to me anyways, the LGGC.
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Greg Ellis · Post by **Greg Ellis** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 7:21 pm

Troll Lord wrote:
I do want to echo Roberts comments. You guys make this a while lot easier and these boards are just down right nice to visit. Its probably because of Deogolf's Hippy Karma !!!

Wow! You know, I'm very fond of Deogulf, but it would never occur to me in a million years to use a word like "hippy" to describe him.

Now Rhuvein... well, that's another matter entirely....

DaveyB · Post by **DaveyB** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 7:49 pm

Just like to chime in and say thanks for all of the wonderful products and reading materials as well! Definitely looking forward to StarSiege as well as many other products such as Upper Works, CKG, M&T2, etc. Quality over quantity is what I'll take any day! Thanks again guys! Keep up the good work.

Deogolf · Post by **Deogolf** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 7:54 pm

Greg Ellis wrote:
Wow! You know, I'm very fond of Deogulf, but it would never occur to me in a million years to use a word like "hippy" to describe him.

Now Rhuvein... well, that's another matter entirely....

Why, thank you, Greg! I do like the outdoors a great deal, but I wouldn't consider myself a hippy either! But, in this case I just go with the floooowww...
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Eulaliaaa!!! Give those rapscallions blood and vinegar, wot?!

Be sure to check out Jim's artwork for sale:
http://jimhollowayart.com/id5.html

Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 8:10 pm

Treebore wrote:
One thing I wish you would do is at least use your blog to let us know what kind of road blocks are in TLG's way. I understand about not posting about the daughters surgeries, thats pretty darn personal, but understanding helps patience. So having an idea of what is holding you guys up/down/back/whatever would help our patience, as well as allow us to blow the rude internet idiots out of the water when they make fanboi insults against TLG and C&C.

Other then that I love C&C and the company. I just hope I can make GenCon again, and more importantly, to me anyways, the LGGC.

Very Very good point. One my webmaster makes for other reasons pretty constantly. I'll endeavor to make more entries.

Okay, so starting today I'll try to make daily entries at the end or beginning of the day. Short and sweet with longer ones from time to time.

Steve
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The High Lord, Coburg the Undying

He who sits on the elephants back

Castle and Crusade Society
troll@trolllord.com

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 8:15 pm

Troll Lord wrote:
Very Very good point. One my webmaster makes for other reasons pretty constantly. I'll endeavor to make more entries.

Okay, so starting today I'll try to make daily entries at the end or beginning of the day. Short and sweet with longer ones from time to time.

Steve

Short and sweet is great. Daily isn't needed if nothing really happened. Still, daily would get you into, and keep you in, the habit. So maybe it should be daily just to create and keep you in the habit.

Yeah, a daily, "got this layed out, this stuff mailed out, the art came in for this, this broke, radiator went out and kept me from getting "X" in the mail, etc... would be good. Who knows? Maybe down the road you'll find it handy to look at your blog to find out when "X" happened.
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Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 8:33 pm

You know about two months ago I started keepin glists of things I need to do that day. Its got more busy which is good and keeping all the engines running is a little effort...which is all good...so maybe I'll do my list on the blog as well.

Your right though, that's what I was thinking if I don't start off right and make many posts it slips from my mind. I can honestly say I haven't thought of my blog in over a week. Not a whim of a thought. So it would be a good habit.

Trollzah for Treebore!

Steve
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He who sits on the elephants back

Castle and Crusade Society
troll@trolllord.com

Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 8:55 pm

Thanks for the info/update/news. It's going to be a great TLG year!

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Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 1:40 am

Blog up Treebore! Just for you.
Steve
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He who sits on the elephants back

Castle and Crusade Society
troll@trolllord.com

Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 2:03 am

Troll Lord wrote:
Blog up Treebore! Just for you.
Steve

That old man is sleeping, Steve.

I'll read it now and wake old Tree up tomorrow so he can read it with his porridge.

_________________
Count Rhuveinus - Lejendary Keeper of Castle Franqueforte

"Enjoy a 'world' where the fantastic is fact and magic really works!" ~ Gary Gygax

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes:" - Macbeth