A huge expansion for Animon Story, the TTRPG about Kids and their Monster friends!
Latest Updates from Our Project:
January Progress, Stretch Goal Plans, New Art
about 1 year ago
– Wed, Jan 22, 2025 at 01:58:39 AM
Hello again,
A belated happy 2025 to all of you! It has been a pretty hectic time with typical seasonal diversions and lots of work being done on Legend's Wake. Allow me to share some of the plans and progress being made.
Project Progress
In the last update, I said I wouldn't be rushing the final stretches of the manuscript, and that remains the case. To be completely honest, I underestimated just how big the campaign would be. Happily, I set an estimated timeline with plenty of buffer time included. Although I was hoping to deliver the PDF version ahead of schedule, it is now looking like the April release estimate was accurate.
To give you a better idea of how the project looks at the moment, here's a contents list and the status of each section:
Welcome to Legend's Wake [COMPLETE]
Using this Book
The Kids
Legends in the Making [COMPLETE]
Kid Types [COMPLETE]
Connections [COMPLETE]
Secret Bases [IN PROGRESS]
The Animon [COMPLETE]
Marvellous Monsters
Classification Expanded
Signature Attacks
Building a Team
Support Animon
The Legend's Wake Campaign [COMPLETE]
Introduction
PCs in Legend's Wake
Running the Campaign
Ani-Tool Research
The Legends of Dunia
The Wake of Legends
Team Steele
The Tamer Challenge
The Rebel League
Beyond the End
The Dunia Region
A Land of Coasts and Moors [COMPLETE]
Kids in Dunia [COMPLETE]
Animon in Dunia [COMPLETE]
Locations and Scenes
Iscalon City [IN PROGRESS]
Heartshire [COMPLETE]
Burrowshire [COMPLETE]
Veilmoor [COMPLETE]
Daggershire [COMPLETE]
Skybloom Mountains [COMPLETE]
Loamacre [COMPLETE]
Wymoor [COMPLETE]
Paddleshire [COMPLETE]
Clovershire [IN PROGRESS]
Steele Island [IN PROGRESS]
Mt. Archimore [IN PROGRESS]
Campaign Events [IN PROGRESS]
Gamemaster's Toolkit
Animon Battles [COMPLETE]
Legendary Animon [COMPLETE]
Villain Teams [COMPLETE]
Dungeon Dens [IN PROGRESS]
Adventure Sites [COMPLETE]
Items and Ani-Tools [IN PROGRESS]
NPCs [IN PROGRESS]
I am currently expecting writing to continue through the end of January and into early February, after which point editing and layout will begin immediately, running into March. Finally, proofreading and final file adjustments, which will bring us into April.
In order to make sure that happens, I've made an adjustment to the Stretch Goal material plans.
Stretch Goal Plans
I have made the decision to shift the 'Epilogue Adventure' and 'Future Adventures' Stretch Goals into a PDF release that will be completed after work on the Legend's Wake book is done, rather than a chapter in the book.
This is for a few reasons. The book is already larger than I originally expected it to be, and I don't want to be rushing through the main campaign and rules materials in order to squeeze in work on a secondary section. Also, the epilogue and future adventures will only be of use to those who've completed the campaign already, so I don't feel that delivering them down the line will in any way affect the usefulness of the contents of Legend's Wake.
Work of the Solo Mode rules is already planned for after the main bulk of Legend's Wake, and I'm currently expecting that both this and the epilogue/future adventures stretch goals will be released before the end of 2025, hopefully lining up with the physical delivery of the book.
I hope that you can understand my decision. At this stage I am heads down, focusing on delivering the digital book in April, and I think this change is a necessary part of that.
More Illustrations
The last few pieces of art are coming in at the moment. The new Kid Types are not quite ready to show off yet, but I do want to introduce you all to Mordini, a mythical animon (added to Legend's Wake via stretch goal). Precious little is known about this unique being, so far only known by rumours and glimpses.
Though Mordini isn't necessarily part of the main Legend's Wake campaign, Players may discover them as they explore and investigate the Dunia Region. Make sure you check the docks in Iscalon City - I heard Mordini is underneath a truck.
The mythical animon, Mordini. Art by TheSmallestShaun.
I've also got new artwork of Meknight and Mage-Meknight who appear in the core rulebook, and an alternate Evolution, Heavy-Meknight! These animon are commonly used as battle partners by Team Steele in the Dunia Region.
Meknight, Heavy-Meknight, and Mage-Meknight. Art by Addriano Divino.
There'll be more coming soon.
I'm very excited to be reaching the stage of the project where everything is coming together.
When writing is finished and layout has begun, I'll also be able to put more visuals into these updates, like page spreads, so you can get more of an idea how the final thing is going to look.
Until then, thanks for sticking with me.
Cheers!
November Update - Progress, Timeline, & More
over 1 year 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
over 1 year 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
over 1 year 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!
over 1 year 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!
