Project update: Low priority, high probability, and other difficult life choices

I’ve revised the VI·VIII·X core rulebook and made a number of small tweaks and improvements. The page count has stayed the same because, while I’ve added a few new features (such as skill-less checks), I’ve also reorganized the chapters and the rules within them to make the book easier to read and much more convenient to use when looking for a specific rule.

The result isn’t a new edition, but rather a revised version of the Hackssential Rules I published last year. The digital edition has already been updated on DriveThruRPG and Itch.io (links are in the product page), while I’m currently waiting for the print proof before releasing the updated POD version. The online rules have also been updated and can now be accessed directly from the homepage by clicking on “Online Rules”.

I’m also very close to finishing VIII·XII·XX, and I’m extremely happy with how it’s turning out. The book is shaping up as a companion volume to the core rules. While VI·VIII·X Hackssential already contains everything needed to play, VIII·XII·XX provides all the additional mechanics and procedures needed to round out the game experience. The “Regulæ” chapter includes optional rules, additional classes, and new spells. “Præcepta” gathers procedures and guidelines for a wide range of game situations, many of which have previously appeared here as posts, including procedures for creating factions, alchemical compounds, weapon proficiencies and much more. “Personæ” contains everything from the original book of the same name, revised and expanded to offer GMs a wealth of options for creating and managing NPCs throughout a campaign. The same applies to “Feræ”, which has evolved from a standalone animal guide into a complete animal roster for GMs. The book concludes with “Fœditates”, a chapter containing the full procedure for generating fantastic creatures for fantasy campaigns (and other genres as well!), along with a roster of ready-made creatures. Regarding this roster, I’m still wrestling with one major question. The creatures currently have fully defined descriptions but no stat blocks. There are several reasons for this: it keeps the roster from doubling in length, preserves its universal nature by avoiding VI·VIII·X-specific statistics, and gives GMs the freedom to adapt creatures to their own needs. I’m still undecided whether to add stat blocks or stick with the advantages of keeping the roster system-neutral.

As for the other ongoing projects, there isn’t much new to report. The seventh adventure is almost finished and only needs editing and proofreading. Optimistically, I think I’ll be able to publish it after the summer break. Unlike the previous adventures, this one is particularly ambitious, both in terms of plot and page count!

The setting continues to grow steadily behind the scenes. I have a huge amount of raw material waiting to be organized, and I’ve started developing a clearer vision for how to present it. A major source of inspiration has come from Michael Dozark and his excellent posts on Mythaven, which I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy. My next challenge is deciding exactly what to develop and how far to take it. I don’t want massive books, but I also don’t want to leave out too much of what makes the setting unique. One of my main goals for this summer is to define the setting’s contents with as much clarity and precision as possible.

I’ll finish with a brief note about the cosmology book. Even though it holds a special place in my heart, I have to admit that, from a gameplay perspective, it’s currently the lowest-priority volume because it contains information that isn’t essential for someone who simply wants to try VI·VIII·X. And precisely for that reason, you’ll probably see it published before several much more important books!