Rules of Engagement - Pick up your dice, power up your battle armor, and experience the Four Horsemen Universe. Kill aliens, get paid!
Latest Updates from Our Project:
2022 Year End Update
over 3 years 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 3 years 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
Plot Complications and Progress
over 3 years ago
– Fri, Jul 29, 2022 at 10:13:00 PM
Greeting Mercs!
Real life has thrown us a couple of curveballs - those of you who follow us on social media probably already know Mark had to take up a day job (and by day job, I mean all day), which has put a huge crimp in all his other work. Meanwhile, I had my own complications - my sister was found unresponsive in her home, and after three different hospitals she passed away. As I'm the only other member of our family left - things have been a handful.
Now onto where we are. Our layout person is taking Chapter One (the greatly expanded character chapter), and laying it out to see where we fall with space once you add in trade dress, so we can see which races need trimming or expanding and where we can fit in sidebars. This will also give us a good idea going forward of how much fits on a page once you factor in art and trade dress.
I'm expanding the material in Chapter 2 - Equipment, increasing the variety of gear, adding more background information, and increasing the detail for those who want a bit more nitty-gritty in their game. Note that this chapter does not include CASPers - that was the first chapter finished so we could get to play testing to mechanics.
I wish I could give you an ETA, but as traditional for Kickstarters, life had other ideas, and I don't want to make promises we can't deliver. Stay tuned for continued updates as we forge ahead.
Roll to resist real life
almost 4 years ago
– Tue, May 03, 2022 at 12:40:01 PM
There's not exciting news, but I wanted to touch base with everyone. Our original hope was to have to book out by Liberty Con - this won't happen. Between the one-two punch of the book massively expanding (yay!) and real world intruding (boo!), we've fallen behind our admittedly optimistic goal.
What's going on now? Mark is writing up a bunch of behind-the-scenes sidebars, providing some deep lore for the 4HU. I've finished the overhaul of the character section, expanding the info provided for each race, adding more races, and including more character building options. This section is three times as large as the original would have been.
I'm now going through the gear and equipment chapter, and expanding it, providing not only more choices within the book, but also more in-universe info on the gear itself - especially weapons. Mercs love weapons.
Our goal has always been to make this a sourcebook for fans of the Four Horsemen Universe, whether you're a gamer or not. This extra material supports that mission, but it takes time - a precious commodity, especially nowadays. I don't want to give a new estimate only to disappoint you. If you've paid attention to the news, there's a lot going on in supply chains, including impacts on the printing industry.
We'll continue to forge ahead, and keep you updated. Kill aliens, get paid!
Quick Update!
about 4 years ago
– Thu, Mar 10, 2022 at 03:32:05 PM
Artwork depicting the alien race known as the Padda, a frog-like being standing on two legs in a martial arts pose.
Hi Friends,
Just wanted to drop a quick note here to let you all know that the physical items are starting to arrive, and looking awesome! Work is proceeding apace on the book also, with Jon working hard on the writing of all the details, Mark kicking in when he can or is needed. The Dice are in and exactly as we hoped they would be, and the coins have arrived, also looking excellent. T-shirts will be ordered soon, and the poker chips are in hand at present. The artwork has been coming in and we are stoked about it. We are all excited about this project and want to get it done and out to you all as soon as possible, but we also want to make it the best we possibly can.
To tide you over and give you something to enjoy, here is the artwork for a newer race, the Padda.
