Hi y'all

Last we updated y'all, we were about to send out the bulk of the surveys. We sent out a few as part of our Smoke Test, and we are going to send the rest out once we've solved a minor issue or two.

On to the actual zine, after play testing and handing off the manuscript to another Warden to read and playtest, we've gotten some great feed back! We decided to pivot from finishing the random tables for character and investigation generation, and turn back to revise the general mechanics of the procedures themselves. The system is strong, but we want to make sure that it's both easier to follow and a little tidier mechanically. We want to focus on creating dynamic missions that don't feel like they were just a set of random charts rolled behind the scenes. To that end, we are tweaking the systems and holding off on some of the tables. All of that said, three missions were generated procedurally and went over well with the players.

Speaking of another Warden playtesting, we gave the current version to another 3rd party Mothership RPG creator. They're help in identifying points needing clarification and ambiguous mechanics is going to be instrumental in polishing up the drafted investigation mechanics. An expert warden, they have run the first session for a crew of 6, all retrievers. They were able to complete the mission but came to the attention of Null Soul. Stay tuned for more details about the recap!

We're still revising the draft, but haven't finished all of the rest. Mechanics still need work. Playtesting continues. Is there anywhere we're ahead of schedule though? Yes, actually.

Check out these spreads!

For the burnt paper effect, Ryan... burnt some paper. That's it. That was the trick.

We have a few more spreads we could show off, but we don't want to spoil everything just yet. All of this is subject to change.

Hey Folks!

We just wanted to give you an idea of the progress we've made so far.

So far, we're 5 character illustrations in of roughly 10 and have several collage illustrations. The second map is well underway.  We've also been doing some layout work, but that is subject to change pending copy editing and post play test revision.

Speaking of play testing, we've completed 3  sessions of play testing and have iterated on some of the core systems. These core systems include a reputation system that goes beyond a strictly numeric value of affinity from various factions. We're going for nuance and a system that changes how characters interact with the PCs in an organic way, without adding a huge layer of mechanical complexity. It revolves around blank d5 and d10 tables for each reputation group. When a deed that would be deemed noteworthy by the group, an entry is added to the table that is describes the deed and/or the impression it gives the reputation group about the player characters. The word on the Street gets around fast, so they have a d5 chart and it therefore fills up quickly compared to the Teamsters or Illicit Substance Task Force. Different groups find different deeds noteworthy and have different potential to pick up gossip from each other. The cartel, Null Soul, for instance has moles in the Cygnus 7 station security and keeps a watch on the Hewitt Spring streets, so they have the potential to pick up gossip from either. Mad props to Luke Gearing for this system, which is pretty much lifted (with permission) from one of his twitter threads.

Another core system is the procedural patient and investigation generation procedures. The achievement that was unlocked in the campaign is far from a mere add-on or afterthought. We are very pleased to be able to incorporate it into the systems and believe it will add to the longevity of Straight Arrows campaigns as well as make NPCs and investigations easier to run. More details will be forthcoming as we continue to develop these procedure but we are already in the phase of play testing them. We intend to have a complete draft of these systems by the 20th, but we may need to have to push that until after the holidays.

In addition to the procedurally generated patient targets, we've made some detailed NPC targets. Special, shiny, VIP patients. We're working up on finishing them, but each present unique challenges and interesting opportunities for interaction. We'll be posting more about them later.

So far, we've learned a lot and were able to make changes and have been revising and expanding the manuscript as we go. In order to make sure the module reads well and plays well when YOU get it though, we're commissioning another Warden to run a play test. The play test will be an entire short to medium length campaign of between 4 to 6 sessions.

We're aiming to finish a full draft by the 11th of January, which we think is both a realistic goal, and something we intend to do our best to hold to. While we've been revising as we go, mostly whenever we see an idea, mechanic, sentence, etc. that could be improved upon, we're trying not to get too far into the weeds on that and am saving most of that for our first full revision pass, after we finish up a few more sections from our comprehensive outline. This revision pass will take place some time in mid to late January after we have more feed back from the second round of play testing. We have more milestones planned, but those projected dates are more tentative. These include another revision pass based on play testing feed back, copy editing, completion of layout and illustration. We're doing our best to keep to a tight schedule, but if we miss any of our milestone dates, it's because we are prioritizing quality of writing and content over quick fulfillment. Make no mistake though. We are committed to fulfilling in a timely fashion and intend to remain transparent. You've given us your faith in backing this project and we ask that you continue to trust us in that you trust the process.

Oh, and here, have a preview of what we've been working on. Bare in mind, these are subject to change and part of a work in progress.

With Gratitude,
Your Straight Arrows Team