Meaty Gaming Goodness from the creators of Aega Mythea, HAGIS, and Shadows of Reality
Though it has been available as a pdf for some time now, the Dungeons and Dragons Rules Cyclopedia (you know that compendium and update of Basic/Expert/Companion/etc. from the 80’s) is now available print-on-demand. You’re welcome!
http://www.dmsguild.com/product/17171/DD-Rules-Cyclopedia-Basic?it=1
~AoB
I did mention this on Twitter, but it opened up again in the “Chrome” memory….so I was pissed anew. These guys (White Wolf people involved in this suit) are a bunch of douchebags. I said it then and I stand by it. Dane of War.
And we’re back! I’ve been MIA for a few months really (wow it goes fast). Between work, family, and a general high-level of entropy in my corner of the Universe, gaming just hasn’t been able to fit into my life of late (other than reading on odd blog here or there). That being said, we’ve turned a corner and a little bit of space has opened up…so we’ll snatch it and add some gaming back into the mix.
One of the topics that I read of late (in blog posts by The Ogre Lair Times and Purple Pawn) was the “revelation” by Boston Herald staff writer Laurel J. Sweet that the U of Alabama shooter was a gamer….It seems equally coincidental that she also studied biology, watched TV, and wiped her own ass (sources close to the aledged shooter indicated that her ass-wiping activities dated back to childhood, but declined to be quoted as the investigation is ongoing and they were not authorized to speak with regard to said ass wiping), and voted for Barack Obama……all, subversive activities that obviously led to her murderous rampage. All sarcasm aside, I declare:
Shame on you, Boston Herald! You’ve sunk to tabloid status in my book. Any journalistic organization worth its grit wouldn’t have posted such a sensationalist piece, especially since there have been studies that refute any link to violent crime/suicide and role-playing games….other than to reduce them.
~AoB
I was sorry to read that Rupert Grint has contracted swine flu….hang tight Rup.
Actor Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films, pictured here in February 2009, has contracted swine flu, his publicist said Saturday, three days before the latest Potter blockbuster premieres in London. (AFP/DDP/File/Sebastian Willnow)
~AoB
It is pretty much common knowledge that D&D 4E is coming out this year. The question in all the small-press d20/OGL people had in mind was, “When will we get the new SRD?” Well, WotC has answered that…It seems like a bit of a kick in the teeth to me. Anyway, it is being discussed both on the WotC boards and EN World.
For convenience, I’ve also included it below.
~AoB
D&D 4th Edition System Reference Document and OGL Designer’s Kit
Wizards of the Coast has developed a new, two-phased release structure for the Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition System Reference Document (SRD) and Open Gaming License (OGL).
Phase One
The first phase of the 4th Edition developer materials release will be marked by the January 2008 availability of the OGL Designer’s Kit. This kit is designed for independent publishers looking to obtain early access to 4th Edition rules in order to develop compatible products to release just after the 4th Edition launch. These publishers will pay a one-time fee of $5,000.00 USD for access to the OGL Designer’s Kit, which includes first looks at the 4th Edition rulebooks, the SRD, final galleys and more.
The OGL Designer’s kit includes:
- Pre-publication versions of the 4th Edition rulebooks:
4th Edition Player’s Handbook 4th Edition Dungeon Master’s Guide 4th Edition Monster Manual
- Pre-publication version of the System Reference Document (SRD)
- Open Gaming License (OGL)
- License Guide
- FAQ
- Registration Card
- Updated documents as the rules are finessed and finalized
- Final galleys including typeset text and artwork
- Advanced copies of the finished core rulebooks
Developers purchasing the OGL Designer’s Kit will receive updated pre-publication versions of the 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons core rules through the time of launch. They will also receive the right to publish OGL products on August 1, 2008, five months earlier than the general public.
Parties interested in the OGL Designer’s Kit must possess a business license and execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to contract communications.
Phase Two
Wizards of the Coast will release the second phase of the developer materials on June 6th, 2008 with the free, public availability of the Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition SRD and OGL. The SRD will be live immediately upon release. The OGL will go-live on January 1, 2009.
For further information contact linae.foster@wizards.com.
FAQ
Q: Why are you charging for the OGL Designer’s Kit?
A: We want to encourage publishers who are serious about the business of OGL publishing to create compelling, quality products to complement the hard work we’ve put into creating 4th Edition material.In that spirit, the OGL Designer’s Kit helps to establish a minimum bar for early entry into the OGL publishing world. We feel that publishers and developers with a proven track record of creating quality products will be able to cover the cost of the OGL Designer’s Kit and continue to create new material for 4th Edition.
Q: What about new publishers that can’t afford to pay for the kit? Won’t they be left out?
A: All of the material included in the OGL Designer’s Kit will be available for free starting on June 6, 2008. Parties who find the cost prohibitive can begin developing their products at that time.Q: Can anyone purchase an OGL Designer’s Kit?
A: Interested parties are required to possess a business license. Wizards of the Coast reserves the right to limit participation in this program as appropriate to the business.Q: When can I start publishing OGL products?
A: Purchasers of the OGL Designer’s Kit can begin publishing their OGL products on August 1, 2008. Other publishers may begin publishing their OGL products on January 01, 2009.Q: Why do I have to pay to publish an OGL product for 4th Edition?
A: You don’t. Starting in June, the core rulebooks will be available on shelves everywhere, and you can use those books to craft your OGL product for sale on January 01, 2009.Q. What about the d20 license? Will that still exist in 4th Edition?
A: We are making the OGL stronger by better defining it. We’re rolling certain elements that used to be in the d20 license into the OGL, things like community standards and other tangible elements of the d20 license.
~AoB
High Adventure Games 