Maybe you missed the first Open Design project; after all, word really only spread to the gaming hardcore. Maybe you weren't sure the "patron" approach would produce good results.

Well, the first project is done, and the word is starting to spread. The second Open Design project is underway: you can choose from four possible projects (listed in the next entry). One of them will be chosen and completed for the private use of Open Design patrons.

Formal work will start in JanuaryNovember 2007, but all the informal action starts now, with outlines and votes in October and November. The input from the early patrons will likely set the foundations and direction for the project, as it did for the first one.

All donations will be refunded if the project commission is not met by January 15th.


Patron of the Arts
For $95 and up, you have a designer at your beck and call. Well, ok, I’m not giving out a cell number, but I will work hard to make any suggestion from a senior patron work. If a suggestion fails, the fault is mine, milord.

This is not a license to derail the project. The final decision on text is still mine, and the relationship between a patron and the hired help (that’s me) is definitely a two-way street. Patrons of the arts must allow for a smidgen of artistic temperament on the part of an old-guard designer.

That said, expect a LOT of access to the inner workings of the design. If you just want to be a silent patron and improve the odds of your favorite title/topic and level, this is also the best choice.

The privileges of a patron at this level are:

• Your vote counts triple (quadruple or more for $100+).
  
• You have access to the project manuscript at every stage.
  
• You can suggest topics for the design essay series; the topics to be written will be chosen by a patron vote.
  
• You’ll be able to review the manuscript as every day’s progress is added, and you’ll be able to comment on it even before the first draft stage.
  
• You have access to art sketches, maps, handouts, and other graphic elements as they are created.
  
• I’ll host a private game for senior patrons in Seattle (or buy a round of Patron tequila if you’d rather talk shop). If you aren’t in Seattle but might be at a major convention, it’s possible that a game could be arranged at the convention.
  
• You will be listed in the project dedication and credits. Prominently.
  
• You can suggest topics/titles for the straw polls in future projects.
  
• You will sent a PDF of the completed adventure.

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Patron
For $60, you get a lot of clout. I listen closely to the major patrons, because they fund at least half of the commission (based on the results of the first project, anyway). This group, in other words, can make or break the decisions on title, level, and other elements.

A patron’s ancient rights and privileges include:

• Your votes count double.
  
• Full access to the site and polls.
  
• Design Q&A
  
• You will be sent a copy of the first draft for your review and playtest use.
  
• You may suggest two creatures, templates, or NPCs for the adventure (or one creature/NPC with an applied template or class levels) from this list or any d20 source.
  
• You will be listed in the credits as a patron.
  
• You will be sent a PDF of the completed adventure.

Shadowcrag Patron ($60)

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Member
For $25, you are a full member of the project and have solid influence. It’s more a form of lobbyist influence than the mad dictatorship whimsy of the Lord and Lady Patrons, but your opinion is valued and your comments count. Many of the most influential patrons of the first project were simply members who posted actively on the private boards.

• You have voting privileges on the project topic/title.
  
• You can vote on the adventure level (or suggest one monster for the Beastiary).
  
• You have full access to the site and polls, for comments and suggestions.
  
• You may suggest one creature, one template, or one NPC for the adventure from this list or any d20 source.
  
• You will be sent a PDF of the completed adventure.

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APPRENTICE RANKS ARE FULL Apprentice
Not everyone can be a full-bore patron, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Open Design. If you are a student, a current member of the armed services, or just a gamer with a limited budget, you can participate at a limited level for less money.

For $10, you join the project as follows:

• Full access to the site and polls.
  
• You will be sent a PDF of the completed adventure.

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What You Get
As a patron, you influence the design of the project in many ways. Most obviously, you vote on the title, level, and many other design elements. But there’s a direct view on the creative process as well, with the opportunity to makes suggestions before the design is finalized: in fact, at every stage. You can comment on outlines, sample encounters, monster writeups, or the like. You also get access to the locked posts, design essays, and other materials not visible to the public.

What the Commission Means
The work on this project only begins when it has enough patrons to fund it. Naturally, this means that patrons who donate more will see the project start up sooner, and those patrons will also have more influence over the final design.

When the donations add up to match the required commission for the chosen project, the commission is met. Two things happen at that point:

1. The price goes up. The Apprentice price goes away at this point, and the member price goes up.
   
2. The timer starts. Depending on the project length, you’ll get the final designed PDF within about 90 days of commissioning it.

Previous Patrons Speak Out!
The patrons of the first project overwhelmingly feel they got a great deal:

“I am truly impressed by the quality of the product”
“I am very, very happy I participated.”
“I'm very impressed!”
“I am ecstatic about how easy this will be to convert to my CSI: Sharn campaign … Great work.”

Don’t miss out this time around!