Edgewalkers News

What do you mean, outages?

2008-07-25T08:57:57-05:00

So hi guys, I\'m back. First off, apologies for the site outage the past few days - it was a problem on our end and I think it\'s sorted out now. Site updates have been sporadic once again, but there\'s been a lot going on behind the scenes that it\'s time to update you on.

First off, as hinted on the forums I\'m delighted to announce the Edgewalkers hardback edition. This is going to be a revised and extended version of Edgewalkers, in a pretty sweet 6x9\" casewrapped hardback format. You can expect to see everything present in our paperback edition, along with extra fiction, artwork and flavour for value-added goodness. The book\'s layout is going to be redone due to the new format - more on that later - with new content all over the shop. We\'ll be going over to this new format for all of our forthcoming projects too. We\'ve set a tentative release date of September 15th, and we\'re pricing it at £25.

Secondly, our new projects are coming on in leaps and bounds. I\'m not in a position to talk about the others, but I can say that Nuclear Summer is rocketing forward. We\'ve got a system down now - I don\'t want to give away too much but here\'s a few hints.

The core 3d10 mechanic - your stats, checks and tests - will still form the basis of gameplay. This goes for all of the new Jackalpack games.

Character creation is pretty old school, based around what you do every day and the environment you live in. Basically you\'re made up of race, class and origins.

Edgewalkers\' Traits, Abilities and Skills are being replaced by a single type of ability which allows you to do all of the things that the Edgewalkers system let you do, along with the ability to customise your character\'s abilities according to exactly who you want to be.

I think that\'s enough for now. We\'ll drop you a few more hints later in development.

Last but not least, I\'d like to welcome a new staff member to the fold - our new head of layout, Brooke Balza. Brooke will be taking charge of the Edgewalkers hardback edition, as well as providing her layout skills for Nuclear Summer. Expect to see her mad skillz pretty soon.

That\'s about all for now. We\'ll be back to drop some more information when the next big development comes along.

See you on the flipside,

Tom.

Here Comes The Flood

2008-06-30T13:11:11-05:00

Whew. Well good god damn.

I've been having a lot of trouble recently with getting my teeth into Nuclear Summer. It's not been for lack of enthusiasm; more the sheer size of the endeavour. It's too big to get my mouth round. I was having trouble with the world's backstory, with the system, with integrating magic in a way I was satisfied with, all sorts.

Until last night, when the creative dam in my head apparently breached and a vast searing torrent of ideas flooded through my brain. I may have even peed a little.

So, work is afoot again in earnest. I've spent the day writing up the first drafts of the reference documents for both the setting and system, and made sure they integrate with each other like sheep in honey. Yeeah. They've been submitted to the baying masses in our (hidden) developer forums, so we'll see where things go. Right, better get recruiting!

Tom.

The ReBeginning

2008-06-11T12:56:18-05:00

Okay, I'm getting that 'curried eyeball' feeling.

But I don't care, because everything's done! The Crossbreed rules are now available on the site (or will be in about five minutes' time - I'm watching the progress bar trip its way across as I write), along with five new character sheets - Mister Slate, Rameses '84 and three different levels of cop. The old character sheets have been updated with stats, and I've completed a significant amount on the new-look Resources page. Content-wise, we're completely up to date. Phew!

What else is going on? Oh yeah, the Project Leads of each Jackalpack game are all getting together this weekend to discuss a roadmap of where the forthcoming games are going to go. Work is beginning in earnest on them over the summer, and I'll keep you all well updated on that as it happens.

So, what can you do to help? Well, we're making a new section on the forums, detailing all of the jobs which need doing on our various projects and exactly what we're looking for from you guys to fulfil them. There's a lot to do and we're looking for awesome, enthusiastic individuals to work on it with us.

Look forward to seeing you on the team,

Tom.

An apology

2008-06-11T05:43:39-05:00

Hey guys. It's been a while.

I kinda feel like I need to apologise for leaving the fans of Edgewalkers out in the cold here. Our blog schedule has been sporadic and tailing off, the system updates and extra downloadables are still nowhere in sight, and we've generally been pretty uncommunicative about what's happening here at Jackalpack Games. A lot of the responsibility for this falls on my shoulders as Production Director, and so it's kind of up to me to stand up and take the flak.

So let's call this a new era. Expect a fully revamped and extended Resources page before tomorrow - and I promise here and now that I'm not going to bed before it's done - fully stocked with the existing pre-genned characters complete and new ones added, and all of the content that those of you who bought the preview edition are missing. Also, there'll be another blog post later about exactly what's been going on in our absence, and what you can do to join our ongoing projects and help create the new generation of Jackalpack games.

Yeah we make mistakes, but I tell you what - there's no way we're not gonna put them right, then go higher and further than we ever have.

Down but not out,

Tom.

All Bugs... SQUASHED

2008-04-23T21:19:47-05:00

Well, it looks like we're back in the land of the living. The technical issues with Edgewalkers have been fixed and we've once again opened our doors on Lulu for you lovely people to come buy our wares. The book is now at version 1.1, which includes miscellaneous bugfixes, fixed typos and a couple of minor layout leaks.

If you've already ordered a copy of Edgewalkers and aren't sure if you're gonna get it, here's what you should do:

IF Lulu have sent you an email saying you'll get a refund, and that your order has gone unfulfilled, it's probably a good idea to re-order. If you end up with two books, Jackalpack Games will buy the extra back off you at the price you paid - we can always use extra copies for promos and suchlike. Just post on the forums or email us at admin@edgewalkers.net.

If you've not heard anything from Lulu about the order being cancelled, I'd sit tight, as it sounds like your copy didn't get caught by the error.

Thanks for everyone's patience while we got this mess sorted out. I'm going to collapse in a corner.

Tom.

Okay... okay... here it is.

2008-04-18T00:44:34-05:00

As the lit has been reviewed and the house is mostly moved I thought I'd take some time out to introduce myself. I'm V, or Vee, and I'm in charge of 'Spikeworld', which is the working title for a new game coming 'soon' from Jackalpack Games. To sum the game up in two words it is Supers Horror... and by Supers I mean people with superhuman powers for those who don't know.

As Tom said I ran a systemless version at the Nationals a few weeks ago and it seemed to go down really well. In fact some of my players proceeded to leave me with death threats if I didn't produce the idea as a full game, which I am going to take to mean they liked it ^__^. I was so pleased that my players at the Nationals enjoyed it as it was my first time GMing at the Nationals and also my first time running a game without a system.

But don't worry, fans of the 3d10 system, the full game will include the Spheres of Influence (I always want to James Earl Jones that name up!) and good old checks and tests. But as far as Edgewalkers is concerned that will be the only similarities, apart from it being a cracking game of course, oh and the book having awesome art by our very own Ink Jackal (she is mine, oh yes!) We've taken the basic 3d10 system and basically started from scratch. The mechanics of a game should work with a setting, not just be plonked on top of it. So far we have a completely different system of progression and have made character creation a team effort.

At the moment we are mostly concentrating on the world, setting should always come first. It is a near-future setting, vaguely apocalyptic (well, maybe a bit more than vaguely) where a catastrophic event has twisted a single, huge city out of all recognition. This is where the horror, and in fact the superpowers, lie. Players take on the role of the 'normal' people who for whatever reason (usually decided by the players, and more on that at a later date) have to venture into this city.

I think I'll leave it there for now. You know who I am and a little of what is up my sleeve. I just want to take this opportunity to thank my Nationals groups (if they're reading this) and my original play test group (some of whom I know will be reading this). All of these groups were awesome and so much fun the play with!

Ooo, actually one last thing... I'm thinking about running an online, again systemless (duh), variation of Spikeworld, so if anyone is interested join the forum, the link is up there *points* and PM me.

See you on the flip side.

V xx

Setbacks

2008-04-09T01:45:29-05:00

We've had notification from Lulu that all sales made so far from our online storefront have not been able to be fulfilled. Having checked with their tech department, it's apparently because there were errors in the original PDF documents we uploaded to them.

Naturally, Jackalpack Games don't want anyone to be getting books with problems in, so we're working closely with their tech support department to make sure that the online sales version of the book is absolutely as we want it. Hopefully this should be fixed very soon - in the meantime, Lulu have given a full refund to all those affected by this issue and we've sent letters out to everyone who ordered a copy of the book online. We'll keep you posted as to developments.

Nil desperandum, folks, we'll get your books to you soon!

Tom.

This Was A Triumph...

2008-03-30T22:06:26-05:00

I'm making a note here: HUGE SUCCESS.

I can only really reiterate everything Father Jackal's said here. This weekend was an incredible buzz. The number of people coming up to us and saying "I've been waiting for this since I saw it at the Nationals two years ago", some even remembering it from the previous year when it was barely a glint in Alex's eye, was so utterly gratifying that it alone made it worth the work we've put in.

Also, life ambition achieved: All weekend, people have been coming up to me and unironically asking me to autograph things. Hot damn.

So, I promised you an update on Jackalpack Games' forthcoming projects. There's a few in the works; most are in their early stages but since we've worked out the kinks in the 3d10 system, they should be on track for release in the ***CONTRIBUTORS ARE POINTING GUNS AT ME*** ...er... when they're done. Seriously though, here's what we've got coming up.

The next release will be Edgewalkers: Special Edition. This will be a hardback edition of Edgewalkers, with plenty of bonus art and fiction content. We're not putting any extra rules in it; we don't want to have any situation where there are people who don't have access to the full ruleset. We're not sure how much this will cost yet, and in fact we'd appreciate input from the fanbase on this, but we'll keep you posted.

Vee has taken the Project Lead role on an entirely new 3d10 game, Spikeworld. If Edgewalkers is the supernatural/noir crossover, then Spikeworld is sitting firmly at superheroes/horror. Spikeworld previewed in a systemless form at the Nationals to a great response, and I'll let Vee tell you all about that in her own words.

Once my duties on Edgewalkers are complete, I'm going to be taking on Project Lead on another game, this one powering down the road between High Fantasy City and Post-Apocalyptic Springs. It's called Nuclear Summer, and it's based on an original idea by Clare Jones. More information on that as I have it.

Last but not least, Anthony Lupson has been hard at work on creating a fantasy game based on the 3d10 system. It's currently untitled, but it's already some way along the road. Once again, I'll let Ant tell you all about that himself when the time comes.

So that's a little sneak preview of what's going on in the world of the Jackalpack at the moment - remember, you heard it here first. We'll have more information on that as it transpires.

Once again, my utmost thanks go out to everyone who helped the past weekend go so well - from our own contibutors, artists and playtesters, to everyone involved in running the Nationals, and of course to the people who showed an interest and gave us the drive and enthusiasm to make this book.

See you on the flipside,

Tom.

Well good god damn

2008-03-30T12:14:20-05:00

That was a weekend and a half. We've had a successful launch. We are creating buzz, not only for Edgewalkers but for projects based upon it. We are go, all cylinders firing. Never thought I'd see the day.

Had a great time this weekend; biggest thrill, for me, is having people honestly want me to sign a book. don't think I'm gonna be able to quit that one- might have to just keep making games...

We'll get the Crossbreeds stuff up ASAP for you lovely people who bought the preview copies- might also start a couple of polls in the forums about prices for the putative hardback edition. If you're here looking to buy a full copy, check out our downloads page- you'll be able to get it there.

I'll finish with the immortal words of Doctor Frankenstein:

"It's Alive!"

We Have Launch...

2008-03-29T07:48:15-05:00

Well, it's halfway through the Nationals and we're doing good. The Preview editions have become the biggest marketing phenomenon since someone had the idea of heating cakes, and there's a lot of interest in Edgewalkers: Special Edition, the forthcoming hardback edition of Edgewalkers - crammed with bonus content and meaty marrowbone jelly.

People are reacting really well to this game. It's so nice to see a labour of love appreciated, and it's great to have finished after the months of all-nighters and early mornings waking up with keyboard-prints on my face.

I'm going to post back tomorrow, with photos of the launch and more information, including exciting news about the Jackalpack's forthcoming games!

Viva la revolucion,

Tom.

Let's get ready to motherfuckin' rumble

2008-03-27T04:24:02-05:00

So, Nationals is coming up! I am looking forward to it in a big way- I, in a fit of unfaithfulness, am running a superheroes game in a totally different system. I feel a bit bad about it, but in a good way. You know. Almost... dirty. Mmmmm.

Edgewalkers coming out, and actually being sold to people, for money, is a pretty huge deal. This has taken me three years, and has proved to me that the old saying about inspiration and perspiration is true. This is at least part of the reason as to why I've had Tom and Mogs do most of the hard work, while I lay back in my relaxing chair, eating grapes and drinking martinis as I threw down the occasional new rule for Tom to input into his thinking-device.

Seriously, this has been hard work. I hope you think that it is pretty awesome. I think it is at least 50% awesome; people seem to have a good time playing it, and the rules aren't totally unimpenetrable, so that's cool. If you're at the Nationals, I'll catch you there- if not, I'll catch you later.

FJ

I Have In My Hand A Piece Of Paper...

2008-03-19T22:16:14-05:00

Well, seventy-four, to be exact, bound up, trimmed and tweaked and calling itself by the name 'Edgewalkers: Preview Edition'.

It's finished. It's actually bloody finished. How cool is that? We're putting the final touches on the release edition of the book as we speak - at this moment, the Preview Edition is coming hot off the presses, ready for the launch this weekend. Here's a quick rundown on what the preview edition is about:

- Edgewalkers: Preview edition is a special pre-press edition of Edgewalkers, printed in a limited run of 12 and available exclusively at the Student National Roleplaying and Wargaming Championships 2008.

- It will retail on a first-come, first-served basis at £9.99 each, with sales split equally between the two days of the Nationals.

- It will feature everything that the retail edition of Edgewalkers will, except deep background and rules for the crossbreed races: Chupacabras, sasquatch, nosferatu, and the wendigo. These sections will be available for download from this website for free, in perpetuity.

- It carries a message on the inside cover featuring its number off the production line, and explaining the unique nature of the edition.

So, what if you're not one of the lucky twelve who manage to take home a copy of this edition? Well, never fear, as our online shop will be open for business all weekend at our stand, where you will be able to buy the full retail edition of the game securely online at the same price of £9.99. Soon afterwards, we intend to have full distibution allowing us to sell through high street retailers, Amazon and BarnesAndNoble.com. More on that as it develops.

It's been a long and bumpy ride, and we're almost at the end. And damn, does it feel good. Here come the Nationals - I hope to see you there.

Tom.

Well, that's just great.

2008-03-13T23:53:43-05:00

Tom: "Hmm, let's see, I should be able to knock most of the rest of the book on the head tonight. Just boot up Ratchet here..."

::clunk::

Tom: "Er..."

::clunk::

Tom: "What do you mean, primary master hard drive not found? It's right there! I'm looking at it! ::swivels webcam around:: You're looking at it!"

So, new hard drive. Don't worry though, amigos, Edgewalkers is not only fully backed up, but it was on a different hard drive altogether. The game is afoot!

Tom.

The Beginning

2008-03-10T22:27:29-05:00

Hey there, sports fans! Welcome to the Edgewalkers blog. You know how these things go, so I'll not waste time telling you all about what goes into a blog or what you're likely to see here. Suffice it to say, this should be your first stop for all new Edgewalkers and Jackalpack Games related musings.

Edgewalkers is nearly complete. The book is so close to deadline I can almost touch it. This has been a pretty damn big undertaking - it's taken three years and according to at least one source cost me my degree, so it better be bloody good!

And it is. The team who've been working on this have nothing but my utmost admiration. I know I'm saying this as one of the team, but we've put together a damn fine game world and a damn fine system to run it on - snappy, simple, easy to pick up. The playtests have been really successful and enjoyable - special shout out to all the playtesters without whom we wouldn't have been able to get nearly this far.

There's a whole lot I want to say here about what we've managed to do, and a whole lot of people I want to thank personally, but we'll let that trickle out over the next couple of weeks, when I can think a little more about the book as a whole rather than being zoomed in on the tiny details. Next post, I hope to be able to tell you that the book is finished and out the doors, and how you can get your hands on a copy.

Here's hoping. Peace out,