Drope. Somehow, the Obscura took us lower than Longdeep. This strange place of deep stone and Kaos rock, and its stranger inhabitants are watching us as if we’re contaminated with something. We assured them we haven’t been to the toxic surface, but at that point I just don’t know.

Joanne is prepared to leave by herself, and Fyrn is listless. I’ve given them both my honest feeling that the party that sticks together survives. For now, I think they believe me, but how much more can we take?

We should have never passed through that Kaos portal.

The Faceless priests tell me there’s an emerald dragon not far from Drope, though it respects the settlement’s boundaries. Is it reckless that I want to converse with this dragon and discover why it’s so placid? Maybe it could advise us on a way through this stratum?

Or maybe I’m ore-addled. I’ve been away from Telver’s Hearth for too long.

Hello Diggers!

We're officially in the Final Week Countdown for this Crowdfunding campaign! Over this final week I'll be sharing a handful of instruction and review-type posts about Reward Tiers & Add Ons, Stretch Goal reviews, and What Comes Next, so if you've got any process questions or are wondering about how the Kickstarter steps work, I'm hoping to clarify any remaining questions before we finish. Of course, if you're still wondering about something, please ask and I'll help as best I can.

I know, this is something I've already said many times (and seem to say during every project!), but for this final week, you are officially an Underground Ambassador for this project. It's time to share your excitement for The World Below! Basically, we want to recruit as many interested backers as possible to form our own Community of Backers over this final week.

I know I end every update post with "Keep spreading the word! Invite others to join in!" - but what does that mean, and how do you do it?

Easy answer - don't stop talking about The World Below until 2:01 PM EST next Tuesday November 14th (when the campaign has ended). Yes, family and friends are tired of me talking about it. The end, that's all I can say. But what else have I got to talk about? And they've learned to tolerate me during a crowdfunding campaign. But here's the thing - there are others around who haven't heard or don't know about the campaign.

There are many groups that might love The World Below but haven't heard because they're not in the right cavern at this time! OSR fans who would love the difficult odds and survival aspect of the game. Community builders who would love the rules for the Kalm season and generational play! Ed Greenwood fans who remember the old articles in Dragon magazine or the early days of the Forgotten Realms. World of Darkness fans who see some of the familiar themes that Matthew Dawkins is so fantastic at exploring. Scarred Lands fans who may find many familiar names and ideas buried deep in The World Below.

All groups that may not have founds this project as it's not their usual type of game. But all of these groups could find something within this manuscript, and join in the many more who love this latest upgrade to the Storypath system and the Onyx Path crew!

Anyway, I'm saying: please continue to spread the word and let's see if we can't make some new tunnels and reach some new communities!

 

If you're inviting new backers, or if you are a new backer (hi new backers!), here are a few key resources to be aware of for this campaign.

Backers are able to review the (soon-to-be) complete manuscript for this book before the campaign closes and any pledges are processed. No need to wonder about which Paths to take or how sorceries work, no need to guess at the creatures that dwell in the deep darkness. Know what you're getting into by checking out the draft manuscript!

And, if you join now, as I've noted, we'll be posting the final Antagonists and Monster-focused chapter of the book next Sunday before we reach the finish line.

Not only can you read the draft manuscript for this book, you can get a peek behind the curtain and hear the writers talk about how it came together and their thought processes in creating the game!

I love reading the manuscript and hearing the team talk about the game, but a great way to get a sense of the game is to sea and hear it in action! These Actual Plays showcase the gameplay and the setting of The World Below.

I mean, that's A LOT of people playing the game!

And, finally, you can hear it right for the horse's mouth, as it were! Matthew Dawkins, developer of The World Below, gives overviews of much of the game in his guise as the Gentleman Gamer.

If you're trying to explain the game to someone, the easiest thing to do is just to send them that final link! I think all of these are great to watch for potential backers - BUT ALSO for current backers! In addition to reading the chapters, I've watched these videos and got a much better understanding of the system and setting. Great stuff!

You may also be able to get further insight and possibly some in-depth conversation at these Onyx Path discussion zones:

1) Don't forget to share a link to the campaign in any discussion you have (where appropriate) - and feel free to pass any of the long list of links above to those who may need more info (or, just point them to this post!)

2) Don't forget to tell us about any post or review or discussion you write! Come to the comments section and let us know so we can all go and contribute! I know I keep saying it, but really - these last days are key. Keep the enthusiasm high (hitting stretch goals certainly makes that easier!) and keep on inviting others to join in, either directly ("Come see...") or just by setting an example of your enthusiasm and interest.

We've got one week to go, everyone! Thank you all so much for your support! We work together because it's the right thing to do, and because backers make it better! Let's finish strong! And let's continue exploring this new game together, sharing our feedback with the writers and delving into the draft manuscript, and let's see if we can't get another Stretch Goals before we review next Monday!