Hello everyone!Well, it is quite late but... Happy New Year 2013! We hope it started well for you!
As January comes to an end, it is time to take stock on the evolution of the production of the contents for Book 0 Prologue. The success of the campaign meant a massive increase of work for us... which is obviously a good thing!
Actually, since the end of the campaign at the end of November, we have worked a lot, and I am glad to announce that most of the additional contents are ready. For example, all of the tile boards are done (just above a sample, you can click to enlarge).
The PDF with the clues for Loch Varn is also complete. For this occasion, we have revamped the visuals of the original version to create new layouts. As soon as we are done, we will send the PDF file to the backers who have pledged for it. Here are a few samples:
Also, we are still working on the portraits and characters of the Lords of Shadows, and of our faithful Seòl Patrons. Here are some of them on your left (click to enlarge).
An Expected Time of Arrival?
Regarding the delivery date, it had been announced for March. As things are, we are going to be a bit late and will only be able to send the packages in April. We are sorry for the delay; we are going as fast as we can, but the success of the campaign did add a lot of work! All of the products will be printed at the same time, so we must finish the last elements before the printing can begin.
Also, take note that our colleagues from Studio 2 Publishing have had a lot of logistic matters to deal with recently. If Jim Searcy has not answered all of your messages yet, rest assured that it will be done as soon as possible. If there is a problem with your rewards, do not hesitate to inform us by sending us a new message or by posting a comment here. These matters will be given due attention.
Meanwhile, in France...
In parallel with all of this, we are also working on the next opuses of the series in France! We have also issued our schedule for 2013: we plan to release the official campaign for Shadows of Esteren, but also a new album and–hopefully–the point'n'click video game. We have been working on it for several years, and soon, it will be possible to start an Alpha testing session.
I am telling you about it because we intend to make an English version of the game available as quickly as possible! Also, in February, we are going to start a fundraiser in France, through Ulule (Kickstarter's French little sibling for French projects), for the campaign. And we are probably going to make something available for you too... stay tuned!
The 2013 schedule for the English version of Shadows of Esteren
For 2013, we plan to release Book 2 Travels in English. Compared to the original version, it will be twice as big, with 160 pages instead of the original 80! It will be a nice full-color hardcover book, like Book 1 Universe. We intend to launch a Kickstarter campaign at the end of spring to finance a limited edition and all sorts of game aids and bonuses we are currently designing. Feel free to come on the forum and share your ideas!
The other project for 2013 is the translation of the Monastery of Tuath. This small supplement will be sold with the music album “Of Men and Obscurities”. The Kickstarter campaign will also be the opportunity to get this supplement without the album, for those who have already gotten it...
More about all of this soon! Oh! And let's end with something that truly thrilled us: Esteren won three "Tabletop Gaming Awards" for the year 2012!
The awards are: Best Art, Best New Game and Best New Core Rulebook. These awards are given by Diehard GameFAN. This year is really starting off on a good note!
Until next time, once more, have a Happy New Year 2013. See you soon!
Nel & The Esteren Team
