Since the last update I completed the formatting of the interior of the book. It is a whopper – currently at 2251 sections and 426 pages. This took me so long for a couple of reasons:
– To maintain consistency, I’m using the same format and software as for the previous Steam Highwayman books. These were completed on a copy of Microsoft Publisher 2007 on a laptop belonging to my wife that was bought in either 2007 or 2008… Once I’m into the swing of things, there are no problems with memory, but I have to treat it fairly carefully to avoid crashes, battery issues and so on!
– I also go through each page manually, editing the layout of the options, spacing the passages in the columns and choosing and fitting spot illustrations (some call them ‘fillers’ but Russ always called them ‘spots’) to make up the space and break up the wall of text. This is also a chance to edit and improve, either editing my writing or fixing links, filling in the shops and changing values for balance. To complete the 2251 passages, this took around 10 days – something like 60 hours.
What then? I have made a first stab at a new Character Sheet (or 3 sheets including the Devon Music Tour) to account for some changes in mechanics. These are still not finalised. Then I looked at refreshing the introduction and rules, but, to be honest, I was pretty frazzled by that stage! These rules may need a bit more attention – and also some inputs.
One of the particular inputs I am thinking about is the fight rules. I have two alternate fight systems – smalls changes to the essential rules – worked out with help from a backer who knows these books almost as well as I do – and I’m intending to share them with you and with anyone who wants to playtest, to see whether they actually improve the gameplay.
So my plan is to share the electronic interior of the book with any of you who want to proof it or playtest it – in fact, you should have already had my invitation to participate by email, and if not, please check your spam… This leaves a lot still to do, but it means I can shift mode away from the very focussed writing, editing and formatting into the production of some of the other rewards. Specifically, I will take a look at the large maps and get them printed as the next phase of the project. They take a long time to fold, so the sooner I have them, the better! Then I’ll move on to look at the logbook and a refreshed Companion, and also find time to produce the Harvest of Death and Dark, Satanic Mills that I promised you.
I also get to do some drawing – like the image of the Red Tiller above – perhaps reminiscent of the Blue Anchor in Helston?
Exciting times!
Next update due: 13.3.26