With Empire of the Ghouls designed and off to editing and production, it's time to figure out what's what for OD4.

While EotG was big and fun, writing it took too long. It also grew a little larger than the patron format really supports. So my goal for OD4 is that it should be much, much shorter and faster than Empire was. In addition, I'm tweaking the patronage levels for this one in an effort to keep the project small.

I'd like to have something in the patrons' hands no later than January 31st. This implies a length no longer than 20,000 or 25,000 words, or about the size of a Gamemastery module. There are two options on the table:

( Adventures in Zobeck, Pt. I )

( Six Arabian Nights )

( To Support Either Project Regardless )

I hope you will join me for the next round of Open Design!

Sorry I doubted you, ladies and gents! The commission is met, and the project is greenlit. Empire of the Ghouls is officially moving full speed ahead.

Thank you to everyone who donated, and thanks for your patience as I quietly tore my hair out in February when it looked bleak. I will now shut up about the fundraising and start talking about adventure design. Which is a huge relief, frankly.

I'm leaving the door open to latecomers to join until midnight on Friday, the 30th. After that, no more patrons for Ghouls. I'll reconsider that in July, when the playtest draft is done. Which reminds me: I have the rough schedule.

March 31st: Design begins with Monster Selection
April: Design continues with New Monsters, Hooks, and first Encounters
May: Design continues with Encounters, Major NPCs, and Maps
June: Design continues with Ghoul Empire background and more Encounters
July 1st: Playtest draft complete. Start playtest cycle and second draft.

I'll post an updated outline soon, and we'll have the first creature poll tomorrow.

We're off!

Yes, the second Open Design project is now funded and underway. I'm delighted that it happened on Halloween, and I think it constitutes an excellent omen.

I am also delighted that I can stop feeling like one of those Public Television folks during the subscription drives. You know you're offering something good, but I'm still squeamish about saying so. And even more squeamish about asking for donations! It's *just*not*done. Or something.

The patron who put it over the top is varianor, who helped edit "Steam & Brass". Thanks varianor, and thanks to everyone who donated today. Thanks to you, we can now officially ramp up the discussion of monster choices, the Shadow plane, isometric maps, castle design, star & shadow magic, dark fey, and (you know) as much of the AWESOME as I can stuff into this one.

Target date for patrons to have the completed adventure in their hands: March 1.