A huge expansion for Animon Story, the TTRPG about Kids and their Monster friends!
Latest Updates from Our Project:
November Update - Progress, Timeline, & More
about 1 month ago
– Thu, Nov 07, 2024 at 05:38:08 AM
Hello all,
It's already been well over a month since the campaign finished! I've been on the quiet side ever since, and for good reason - I've had my head buried in the Legend's Wake manuscript almost the entire time!
At this point, there isn't a great deal of news to share, other than that work is progressing at a good pace, but I didn't want to leave it too long before saying hello to you all, so here we are.
Progress & Timeline
In accordance with the estimates we set for reward fulfilment, I'm working towards the goal of having the finished files ready in April - that way they can be sent out in digital form at the same time they're delivered to the printers for production of the physical items.
Between now and April, there are four main tasks to be completed:
Finish and edit the manuscript
Playtest relevant material
Collect art for stretch goal content
Finish layout for book & card deck
As it stands, the manuscript is around 70% complete, and given that there is plenty of time remaining I am not keen to rush this stage. I fully expect layout to take less time, as it will be primarily based on the same layout design as the core rulebook (with certain tweaks and updates), meaning I won't be starting from scratch.
The vast majority of the art for the project was completed before the Kickstarter launched, but seeing as we so successfully met our stretch goals, there are a few new characters, Kid Types, etc. to include. Crowva, the main character artist, is lined up to complete this job late this year/early next.
As I approach the last stretch of the manuscript, I can say for certain this is going to live up to the tagline of a 'huge' expansion! In terms of wordcount, it will likely be at least double that of the core rulebook by the end. It's quite spectacular that a supplementary book raised as much on Kickstarter as the core rulebook did, and I'm determined to show you all that when I do expansions, they're truly worth getting.
Meet the Kids
Continuing the introduction of Legend's Wake Kid Types from earlier updates, lets meet the final two Kid Types from the base book (i.e. those that weren't added via stretch goals).
Racer
You have fire in your eyes, wind in your hair, and a need for speed that never lets up. You’re happiest on your wheels, tuned up just the way you like them, chasing the thrill. There’s so much to do and see, and so little time—you can’t afford to slow down for a second. You’re starting to realise, though, that not everything can be outrun.
Shutterbug
When you look at the world through a lens, you see things differently. Tiny moments of beauty, otherwise unnoticed until you find them in a single frame. It takes patience and subtlety to be in the right place at the right time, to get that perfect shot. Whether it’s to admire the world or to capture precious memories, the camera flash accompanies you wherever you go.
Will you be picked Racer or Shutterbug for your adventures in Dunia?
Other Stuff
One or two other things I wanted to mention here!
Free Module Release
In case some of you didn't see, I recently released a free module for Animon Story on itch, called Sanctuary. This module is based around the idea of building a safe haven for animon of all kinds, getting to know the residents, and improving the Sanctuary either as a downtime activity, or as the basis for a campaign itself.
I am also planning to start up by Twitch channel again soon, streaming monster taming games, chatting about animon, and perhaps doing design streams sometimes as well.
Look forward to more updates as the work progresses, and as always if you have any questions, feel free to comment here or send me a message.
Until next time,
Zak B
Backerkit Surveys & First Wave Downloads
3 months ago
– Thu, Sep 26, 2024 at 04:23:03 AM
Hello all,
Thank you very much for your patience as we've been setting up the Backerkit.
Initial surveys have now been sent, and downloads of existing books are now available once you complete your survey.
There are a couple of minor issues I'm ccurrently aware of:
The 'Legend's Wake - PRINT' item does not show up in the rewards list for backers of the Legend Collection Tier. This is simply a setup error which should be corrected shortly. These backers will of course still get the hardcover expansion book.
Ani-thology PDFs and Card Deck #1 PDF downloads are currently locked. Another setup error that will be fixed shortly.
Digital-only backers are being asked for shipping info & card details. This may be because we're doing a delayed shipping charge (so we could get downloads out asap). We're looking into this. Of course, digital-only backers will not be charged shipping.
I hope you all enjoy getting your hands on the original book PDFs!
If you have any other issues, leave a comment or send me a message.
Thanks again, I'll be in touch with more updates as work progresses.
Crossing the Line! Legend's Wake Funds with All Stretch Goals Unlocked
3 months ago
– Sat, Sep 14, 2024 at 01:45:43 PM
What an incredibly close finish it has been tonight - with less than 10 minutes on the clock we crossed the $60k mark, and so the Solo Play module, along with all previous stretch goals, has been unlocked!
I truly can't thank you all enough for turning out with massive support for Animon Story's first expansion. The fact we have matched the amount raised by the first campaign two years ago is beyond what I'd hoped for, and gives me a great deal of confidence in the future of the game!
As I mentioned in a previous update, the Solo Play Module will be worked on separately so as not to delay production of the main Legend's Wake Expansion, so expect more news about that, and everything else, as we get stuck into the hard work of making this book a reality.
Join the Animon Community
For now, I'd love to invite you all once again to connect with me and other Animon Story players, to make sure you get all the news and discussions along the way.
Work will continue first thing tomorrow morning, as Legend's Wake begins its journey to reality! I'll be sure to share updates on development as we progress.
Once again, thank you all so much!
It's finally time...to follow in the wake of legends!
Final Week! All Goals Unlocked - Solo Play Revealed!
3 months ago
– Fri, Sep 06, 2024 at 06:55:13 AM
Hello all,
Hard to believe, but we are now coming into the LAST WEEK for Animon Story: Legend's Wake on Kickstarter! It's often the case that the middle weeks are slower for Kickstarter campaigns, but even so we've pressed on through all remaining stretch goals, which is incredible.
To celebrate the final week, I've added two more, final, extra special stretch goals, including something that's been asked for a great deal. You remember I said solo play wouldn't be part of this campaign?
Well, I changed my mind. Read on for more!
All Previous Goals Unlocked
Over the past week or so, we've unlocked all the goals I'd lined up - which means the Legend's Wake book has reached its final form! There'll be GM guidance for creating and running villain teams as antagonists in your games, expanded advice and examples of future adventures in Dunia beyond the main campaign, and the all-new Dungeon Den style of gameplay, in which partner animon will delve into strange twisting dungeons without their human companions.
We've also unlocked the poster map, a physical addition to all copies of Legend's Wake! This double sided map will now be inserted within the covers of the book to act as a handy and stylish table accessory for running the campaign. I'm so glad to be able to add this feature to Legend's Wake!
Final Goals Revealed
I just couldn't take us into the final week without a little something extra to offer, so I've added two new goals to the campaign - as we enter the final week rush, help us unlock everything by spreading the word, or increasing your pledge amount if you feel you're able to!
Nameless Showdown
This years marks the 3rd charity Pokémon tournament organised by Hamnah Shahid and Nameless Domain and I'm delighted to be supporting their efforts. I am making a personal donation, which I hope to be able to increase with your help!
Though it isn't directly related to new Legend's Wake content, I hope you'll agree that a TTRPG and Pokémon-themed charity event is a great match, and a worthy cause to raise money for - Nameless Showdown aims to support mutual aid community groups assisting vulnerable people, particularly queer people of colour.
Solo Play Module
Yes, you read that right! Though in a previous update I specifically stated solo play wouldn't be part of this Kickstarter campaign, I've taken some notes from UK politicians and done a massive U-turn. If we reach this goal by the end of the campaign, I will be writing solo play rules.
These solo rules will not be a part of the Legend's Wake book itself though, as I still believe trying to develop solo play rules alongside the Legend's Wake manuscript will delay production too much. Solo rules will be created separately as a digital package and, if the goal is met, every single backer will receive this reward at no additional cost.
Help us have a great final week, help out some people in need, and get an extra reward along the way!
Meet the Kids
Following on from last time, here's a preview at two more of the new Kid Types joining the game in Legend's Wake!
The Artist
To create is to live. To take the familiar and express it in a new way, to unravel the inscrutable, to see what lies beneath the surface and channel it through yourself onto the page—that is true creativity and it exhilarates you. Some might call you eccentric, or even pretentious, but you know that art is never about being right, or being better than anyone. It’s about life.
The Keeper
When the world gives you danger and cruelty, you do your best to return care and kindness, and that goes for all living things, from animals to plants, to humans and animon. It’s not always easy, but whatever problems you face, you’ll be ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. It can be difficult though, always being the carer and not the cared for.
Thanks again for all your continued support, and see you soon!
Zak B
New Stretch Goals Revealed, Break!! Crossover Unlocked, More Details!
4 months ago
– Thu, Aug 22, 2024 at 04:24:30 AM
Hello again!
Coming up on the end of our first week, I am so delighted with how well Legend's Wake has been recieved so far. Not only did we fund within 3 hours, but we've already unlocked a huge number of additions and extras through the stretch goals!
In this update, I want to go over newly unlocked goals and talk about the next ones that have been lined up. We are reaching the end of what I've had planned in terms of goals, but if the campaign continues to power on, I will do my best to make it worth your while!
Now Unlocked
Let's take a look at what's been unlocked, as well as one we've had ticked for a while that I forgot to mention!
Break!! RPG Crossover
Firstly, after only a day, the Break!! RPG crossover announced last time was unlocked as we smashed through the goal!
Reynaldo and I have already begun planning in earnest, and I'm already 100% certain this will be a fantastic addition to Legend's Wake - both for Break!! fans and Animon Story fans! We're excited to include fun crossovers between the Dunia Region and Outer World, but have no fear-the module will be based around fun optional mechanics that can be included in any Animon Story game.
Mythic Animon
A mysterious new animon has been set loose somewhere in Dunia thanks to passing the $24K goal. I don't want to say much about this one - it's a secret to be discovered when you make it to Dunia!
Mystic Kid Type
Another brand new Kid Type has entered the game - the Mystic brings with them a special connection to folklore, fairy tales, and the occult.
Epilogue Adventure
We passed this a while ago now, but I totally forgot to mention it in all the excitement of the last update! The Epilogue Adventure will be a story built specifically for characters who've completed the Legend's Wake campaign - what has changed in Dunia? Where are all the major players, and has everything truly been settled? This will be a really fun way to cap off the story - though it's far from the last adventure Dunia has to offer!
Just Revealed
As new backers come in day-by-day, we continue to climb through the stretch goals! These few are some of the last that have been planned for so far. Let's see how we do, and perhaps we'll even go beyond this!
Here are some quick details on what you can expect from these - more info will follow as we unlock each one.
Villain Team Guide A guide for GMs looking to create and include villainous teams in your own campaigns.
Future Adventures Beyond the campaign and the epilogue, this chapter will suggest and explore further stories that could be told in Dunia, not necessarily connected to the Legend's Wake plot.
Dungeon Dens This chapter will explore the mysterious places called 'Animon Dungeon Dens,' dangerous, shifting dungeons that only animon can enter! A new delving gameplay style inspired by Mystery Dungeon.
Poster Map A physical stretch goal unlock, this lovely poster map will be added to every single hardcover copy of Legend's Wake - a perfect accessory for the campaign! It will be 2-sided, and I'm currently planning for the backside to act as a checklist for all the animon the PCs encounter as they journey through the region. The final version may differ depending on how well the concept works.
Solo Mode? A Future Project
On a different note, I've had a few people commenting on the possibility of a solo mode for Animon Story. I want to be up-front about this - after some initial research and planning, I've decided that creating a fully fleshed out solo mode is beyond the scope of a stretch goal for this campaign. Trying to squeeze it in risks delaying Legend's Wake, or ending up with a solo experience that isn't as deep as I'd want to make it.
That said, I'm really pleased with how enthusiastic people are about this concept, and I will definitely be exploring it in the future, separately to the Legend's Wake project. If I'm going to do it at all, I want to do it properly! I hope that is an understandable decision.
In the meantime, I've heard good things about how Animon Story interacts with various generic auto-GM oracle tools that exist out there. Until a bespoke option exists, you may find this a good way to experience animon solo.
Meet the Kids
Finally, as per request, I want to introduce some of the new Kid Types coming in Legend's Wake! I've talked about those unlocked by stretch goals, but not the ones already included. For today, meet the Ace and the Hiker - our cover art icons for Legend's Wake!
All of these Kid Types, like those in the core rulebook, have been illustrated by the wonderful Crowva.
The Ace
Every single day is an adventure, another step towards the goal that drives you forward. With every challenge faced, every lesson learned, every friend made along the way, you get closer to being your best self. Sometimes your goal can seem so far away, but as long as you trust in yourself and your animon, you know you’ll one day become a champion.
The Hiker
One step at a time, one foot in front of the other, that’s how you live your life. With patience, preparation, and endurance, even the tallest mountain can be scaled in time. Rushing things only makes mistakes more likely, not to mention you’d miss the depth and beauty of the world around you. Even so, it can be hard when you feel you’re always lagging behind others.
Do you think you'll be playing either the Ace or the Hiker? More introductions to come in future updates!
