May 2023 Update
12 months ago
– Wed, May 31, 2023 at 06:49:38 PM
This update is a mixed bag. We've brought on an additional writer who is both a 4HU fan and has experience writing game material for Savage Worlds - this will let us wrap up the text sooner. However, our interior artist for CASPers went radio silent. After multiple attempts to reach out, Mark and I have made the decision to seek another artist for this task.
What does this mean for the timeline? We're getting less ambitious with this component of the art, as starting from scratch as planned with the original artist is likely nonviable. What I'm hoping is to get text and art wrapped up in 90 days (hopefully text a bit sooner as it has to go through edits), then into layout. Once layout is finished and we make a final QA pass, we could fulfill digital only orders. Printing depends on how backed up things are at the press, but since we are using a domestic printer, we won't have months of shipping and customs to deal with.
Hopefully the next update will have better news.
Post FantaSci Update
about 1 year ago
– Tue, Mar 28, 2023 at 04:58:15 PM
FantaSci is over - an important convention for the Four Horsemen fandom, and also an opportunity for Mark and I to meet in person, discuss where we are, and what we need to do next. This always goes much faster in person as opposed to online.
We're currently working on the Setting section - this means reviewing, organizing, and transcribing information for several novels, resolving any conflicting details, and filling in the gaps. From the get go, we wanted "Rules of Engagement" to serve as a sourcebook for both gamers and non-gaming fans of the 4HU. This means you'll see info not appearing in any other book (yet). However, it's a time consuming process. I have a couple of book projects on hold while we get this finished.
Hopefully by the time you get the next update, we'll be done with Setting, and I'll have finished the Aliens section. This is the 'monster manual' as opposed to only playable races featured in Characters, and I already have a large portion of this section done - so many stat blocks!
Until next time Mercs - KA,GP!
February 2023
over 1 year ago
– Sun, Feb 05, 2023 at 05:56:43 PM
Hail and greetings, Mercs.
So what's going on with Rules of Engagement? I'm finally in a position where I can devote the lion's share of my non-day-job efforts to this project. My focus for the next couple of months will be finishing up the text with Mark. Most of the mechanical work is done, but there is still a fair amount of source material to write up and organize, especially where we are fleshing out the Universe as a game setting and to provide GMs with what they need to add their own locales and adventures within the Four Horsemen Universe.
We're still wrangling art as well. I'm hopeful we'll get the remaining art back by the time Mark and I finish the text work.
I also plan on at least monthly updates. Over the past, we've had months with little to report, and should we encounter a dry month again, I still plan on informing you. However, I' hoping we can make rapid progress towards completion - which will be a lot more fun to announce.
Keep your jump jets primed and your MACs armed.
Jon
2022 Year End Update
over 1 year ago
– Mon, Dec 19, 2022 at 12:20:43 AM
Wow - what happened to 2022? When we started this project, I naively assumed it would be in the rearview mirror by now. I apologize for being too optimistic and not taking into account possibly real world complications. Between my sister passing, Mark having to work full time plus, and my own job demanding more time and energy, we didn't make the progress I'd hoped. To give you an idea, I haven't had a book out for over a year, so everything came to a screeching halt for a while.
So where are? The heavy lifting rules parts are done. I'd gauge the universe material about 50% complete. The first layout test on what we have looks solid and I'm really pleased with what Joy is doing with the trade dress. Mark and I touched base with our CASPer artist, who was also pushed behind plan due to job commitments, and we are happy with what he's shown us.
What's ahead? I have to finish a novel project - I'm shooting for end of year - then all that work pivots to wrapping up the text for Rule of Engagement. I won't make any promises I can't keep, but we want this out to you as soon as possible. Some factors also hinge on art.
Thank you for your patience, and have a happy holiday season.
End of Summer
over 1 year ago
– Thu, Sep 29, 2022 at 07:00:28 PM
Hail mercs! Summer may be over, but our work isn't. We've gotten in another batch of artwork, and our layout designer finished the work-up of the character section. Mark has written a bunch of background material to give you a deeper dive in aspects of the Four Horsemen Universe.
We continue to forge ahead. It's still too early to give a solid time estimate, but as soon as I have a reliable idea of when we expect to deliver, I'll be sure to let you know.
- Jon
