NECROMANCER GAMES IS ALIVE!! Sort of....

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 5:47 am

Posted by Bill Webb over on the Necromancer boards: (please spread the word to other boards, especially ones I cannot got to, like rpg.net)

OK guys--website will be live in a few days. Greg and I are a go. A few details to still work out---but here is the plan. I have to make it a non-Necro release for various reasons..but Clark has passed me his infernal blessings, so here we go.

The Sleeper Awakes!

At last, after languishing in its crypt for an age, the secrets of the slumbering city of Tsar burst forth in all their macabre glory. Poured forth from the eldritch furnaces and crucibles of the Necromancer and Orcus himself comes Frog God Games bringing you at long last The Slumbering Tsar Saga.

Something Stirs in the City of Evil

Over the distant northern hills, beyond The Camp, and past the Desolation stand the pitted walls of Tsar. A hundred armies have crushed themselves against this bulwark in futile attempts to breach the city. Even the combined might of the Heavens and Earth were unable to break through in the final battle of Tsar. So why was the city suddenly abandoned on the verge of victory, and what waits for those foolish enough to enter the Temple-City of Orcus?

The Black Gates Await

Only the bravest and most powerful of heroes dare the depths of the Desolation and live to tell of it. But what happens when they penetrate that blasted landscape and look upon the gates of the very center of evil on the earth. Can even heroes of such renown breach the Walls of Death and live?

The Slumbering Tsar Saga began its journey years ago as a single mega-adventure for the masters of Third Edition rules and First Edition feel, then became a trilogy of adventures, then a trilogy of mega-adventures, and now finally comes to you as a monthly series culminating in a massive book with over a half million words of pure First Edition-style adventure. Updated to the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game to accommodate todays audience of the classic fantasy roleplaying game, The Slumbering Tsar Saga brings you 14 chapters, released monthly in electronic format, each chapter the size of a full adventure in its own right (30-50 pages) . Then when the final chapter has been released, the whole will be available in a classic edition, hardcover adventure book.

The Slumbering Tsar Saga will begin its run with the release of its first chapter, Slumbering Tsar: The Desolation, Part 1 The Edge of Oblivion. Then each month will follow a new chapter in the saga:

Slumbering Tsar: The Desolation, Part 2 The Ghosts of Victory

Slumbering Tsar: The Desolation, Part 3The Western Front

Slumbering Tsar: Temple-City of Orcus, Part 1 The Tower of Weeping Sores

Slumbering Tsar: Temple-City of Orcus, Part 2 The Lower City

Slumbering Tsar: Temple-City of Orcus, Part 3 The Harrow Lanes

Slumbering Tsar: Temple-City of Orcus, Part 4 The Crooked Tower

Slumbering Tsar: Temple-City of Orcus, Part 5 Foundations of Infamy

Slumbering Tsar: The Hidden Citadel, Part 1 At the Feet of Orcus

Slumbering Tsar: The Hidden Citadel, Part 2 Echoes of Despair

Slumbering Tsar: The Hidden Citadel, Part 3 The Throne of the Demon Prince

Slumbering Tsar: The Hidden Citadel, Part 4 In the Belly of the Beast

Slumbering Tsar: The Hidden Citadel, Part 5 The Mind of Chaos

Slumbering Tsar: The Hidden Citadel, Part 6 Caverns of the Barrier

COMING SOON

Coming May 15th to Frog God Games Slumbering Tsar: The Desolation, Part 1 The Edge of Oblivion in pdf format for the introductory price of $2.00.

Each month following, the next chapter of The Slumbering Tsar Saga will be released for the low price of $9.99. A subscription option is available to ensure that you dont miss a single installment. Upon the release of the final chapter, the whole will be available as a hardcover print adventure and is included as part of the purchase price for those how purchase all 14 installments of the series or for a one-time purchase price of $120.00 (includes hardcover). Non subscription hardcover books will be available for $150.00 (when we are all done) at Drive Through RPG (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com) . As soon as Slumbering Tsar Saga is complete, look for our next release!

Dont miss out

You have waited long enough for The Slumbering Tsar Saga. Now it is waiting for you
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Omote · Post by **Omote** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 2:10 pm

Holy crap-sticks! That is 'spensive. Though I have been pleading and begging the Necro powers-that-be for at least 5-6 years to get Slumbering Tsar out!!! Finally, I can complete my Necromancer campaign! Huzzah!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ouch, that is still 'spensive though.

Great news tho. Thanks for posting Tree.

~O
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Deogolf · Post by **Deogolf** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 2:24 pm

Hmmm...you're right, dat sure be expensive. I may not bite on this one - something to definitely ponder.
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Omote · Post by **Omote** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 2:31 pm

Unless the book is something spectactualar, normally @ $120+bones I wouldn't either. However, Necromancer Games with their $75 box sets (Wilderlands of High Fantasy, Rappan Athuk Reloaded, City of Brass) in the mid-2000s never dissapointed. Out of the RA box set alone I ran a campaign that lasted nearly 3 years, and was probably my favorite campaign that I ever ran.

So I'm going to throw my cash-moolah to the Undead Nemesis and pray that Slumbering Tsar is as good as the watered down "preview" .pdf was about 6 months ago.

~O
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Post by **Breakdaddy** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 3:00 pm

They've had consistent quality in the past. I dont think there is any reason to suspect that the new stuff will be of lesser quality. And since OMOTE IS RICH, I say he will be first in line to buy!

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 3:24 pm

Breakdaddy wrote:
And since OMOTE IS RICH, I say he will be first in line to buy!

Sugary delicious, indeed. Buddy, I done got in that line years ago.

~O
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Post by **Breakdaddy** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 3:40 pm

Omote wrote:
Sugary delicious, indeed. Buddy, I done got in that line years ago.

~O

/me is now scared of Omote.

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 4:12 pm

No need to worry B-diddy. It's all succulent gravy.

~O
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Frost · Post by **Frost** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 4:14 pm

It is expensive, but keep in mind it was originally meant as a huge, 3-part series (3 big books). So the overall price isn't that bad in that respect.

I guess it is all about how you break it down or look at the price.
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Omote · Post by **Omote** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 4:17 pm

I hope due to the 12-month release schedule of the individule chapters, that FGG is going to gussy up the project with nice new maps. Because if ST1 was any indication, they need more maps on this project.

~O
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Post by **Breakdaddy** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 4:50 pm

Omote wrote:
No need to worry B-diddy. It's all succulent gravy.

~O

PS- Brown or Cream Gravy?

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 5:03 pm

Your choice chief!

~O
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Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 5:37 pm

I agree this thing is expensive, but when I consider the page count, the fact it is being done the POD route, the fact it is definitely going to be "Necromancer" quality, that it includes the PDF's with the book if you go the subscription route, which I am, its a good price.

It would definitely be cheaper if it was printed in a conventional manner, but thats not the way they are going with this.
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Post by **Breakdaddy** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 5:57 pm

Omote wrote:
Your choice chief!

~O

I'M ALL IN!!!11

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 6:04 pm

Installment plan, or wait until it is "finished" and pay way too much...hmm, no thanks all around. Maybe if it does get finished and I can find it somewhere. But no new product is worth $150. None.

Now, that doesn't mean I think the product will suck... but, I don't get a lovey-dovey feeling about a "subscription" to a product, either. I'd rather wait and see it all together, or not at all. This sounds like it will be, like City of Brass, something that looks pretty on a shelf and is never read or used... I just can't see myself spending money on something that will not even be opened.
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Frost · Post by **Frost** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 6:52 pm

serleran wrote:
This sounds like it will be, like City of Brass, something that looks pretty on a shelf and is never read or used... I just can't see myself spending money on something that will not even be opened.

If I opted for this approach, I think I'd own about 10 gaming books....
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Omote · Post by **Omote** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 7:11 pm

I'm definitely not a fan of the subscription dealio either, but at least this will get out... *hopes* and you end up getting a .pdf version of what will probably be a 500+ page mondo adventure.

~O
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serleran · Post by **serleran** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 7:27 pm

Quote:
If I opted for this approach, I think I'd own about 10 gaming books....

Yeah, me too, actually. But with space at a premium and no more places to add bookshelves until I get my own house, I have to be real damn careful I buy things I'm going to use. I guess I could sell off stuff I know I won't... hmm.
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Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 7:32 pm

Well, this adventure screams "USE ME!!!" when I read over it, besides, my daughter has art in the first 3 chapters.
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Deogolf · Post by **Deogolf** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 7:50 pm

Ah, we'll see...

I'm still trying to catch up with all the other "stuff". I've said no before and caved. It just might happen again for all I know!
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Julian Grimm · Post by **Julian Grimm** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 9:54 pm

I have gotten to the point that if a new product is not made for the system(s) I am using (C&C and S&W) it is not worth my time or money. I am getting tired of being forced to convert the 'cool' material to my chosen systems.
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Hrolfgar · Post by **Hrolfgar** » Fri Apr 23, 2010 1:16 pm

serleran wrote:
Yeah, me too, actually. But with space at a premium and no more places to add bookshelves until I get my own house, I have to be real damn careful I buy things I'm going to use. I guess I could sell off stuff I know I won't... hmm.

I've filled all my closets to the point I don't have any space for my clothes. I should sell alot of stuff, but I can never bring myself to do it.

Last year, I foolishly stayed in the same overpriced apartment because I dreaded the idea of moving all my game junk. Boxes of books are heavy.

Oh, and this Slumbering Tsar release might by cool, but I would been more interested 3 years ago or so.

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Fri Apr 23, 2010 4:12 pm

Already contemplating running some Slumbering Tsar using The C&C. In fact, considering converting the whole Necroworld experience over to The C&C.

We'll see what the group is open to.

~O
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Maliki · Post by **Maliki** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 12:39 am

Nice to see Necromancer Games back in action, but I will have to pass on this one, way out of my gaming budget.
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Omote · Post by **Omote** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 12:12 pm

Well, it's Frog God Games, but close enough Mal!

~O
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Joe · Post by **Joe** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 9:49 pm

Julian Grimm wrote:
I have gotten to the point that if a new product is not made for the system(s) I am using (C&C and S&W) it is not worth my time or money. I am getting tired of being forced to convert the 'cool' material to my chosen systems.

I will never understand the "conversion" issue. I have used old school, 3.x, C&C products without any issues and I never had to "convert" anything.

It's the price tag and subcription gimic that has me rolling my proverbial eyes. Sounds like 1st edition feel with Pathfinder marketing gimics.

What is so hard about printing a hardbound book, placing a price tag on it and letting me choose to buy or not to buy?

I am curious though...Treebore whats the deal with the daughters art?
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Omote · Post by **Omote** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 12:18 am

Joe wrote:
[What is so hard about printing a hardbound book, placing a price tag on it and letting me choose to buy or not to buy?

That option will be available at the end of the subscription for Slumbering Tsar. If you didn't want the .pdfs, than you can purchase the hardback book. At least as I understand it.

As for converting material on the fly without converting, many CKs/GMs are just not comfortable doing that. Not all CKs are created equal, and some do not want to play an on-the-fly method of adventure telling. Some feel safe having hard stats in front of them without having the uncertainty of making a game time decision on a ability or damage value. I used to think in the same manner, never understanding why CKs/GMs need to convert. However, when reading all of the stories and gamestyles of various Gms over the years, try not to judge so harshly. You may even pick up a tip or two that can change your games from average to spectacular!

~O
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Pale Writer · Post by **Pale Writer** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 3:50 am

Joe wrote:
It's the price tag and subcription gimic that has me rolling my proverbial eyes. Sounds like 1st edition feel with Pathfinder marketing gimics.

What is so hard about printing a hardbound book, placing a price tag on it and letting me choose to buy or not to buy?

I am curious though...Treebore whats the deal with the daughters art?

Hey guys, I'm Pale Writer from the NG boards and the layout guy for this project (some of you know me, some don't). I'm obviously not the head honcho, but I'll try and answer the questions above.

Printing copies of a hard-bound book costs money. If it were easy, I'm sure that everyone would be doing it.

The "Patronage Program" allows for 2 things. It raises the money needed for printing costs and reduces the overall "sticker shock". It was also considered that in today's economy, it would be a much more affordable alternative payment method for those who choose to participate. I believe that Bill is also setting up an option for paying the subscription costs up-front. There will also be an option to buy the book once it's final.

In the end, it's not a "gimmick" it's a marketing strategy. One that I personally feel is good for everyone all around. I'm sure that there are those that don't feel this way. That's fine.

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 8:26 am

Joe wrote:
Julian Grimm wrote:
I am curious though...Treebore whats the deal with the daughters art?

My daughter did some art for the final 3 books Necromancer did, the first 3 chapters of Tsar was one of them, so their should be several pieces in there by her.
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Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 8:55 am

Plus keep in mind these guys are checking out POD for the first time, so they have yet to realize one of the main "powers" of POD is that they can offer their product in as many formats as they are willing to layout.

So when all is said and done you will see a HC and SC version (h=hard, s=soft, c=cover).

They can also break up the book in as many ways as they are willing to lay it out.

They could sell each monthly installment as one book as well, giving both a SC or HC option.

They could sell it as a 3 volume set as well.

They can offer it as B/W or as full color.

In other words they can offer it in as many options as they are willing to create.

So wait and see what they do, they may offer up a version that suites your tastes.
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