A huge expansion for Animon Story, the TTRPG about Kids and their Monster friends!
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Final Week! All Goals Unlocked - Solo Play Revealed!
almost 2 years 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!
almost 2 years 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!
Thanks as always for your support.
See you in the next one!
Cheers,
Zak B
New Reveal: Break!! RPG x Animon Story Collaboration & More!
almost 2 years ago
– Mon, Aug 19, 2024 at 09:04:18 AM
I've been absolutely buzzing about this one behind the scenes for a while, and now I can finally reveal...
Break!! RPG Collaboration
I'm absolutely thrilled to announce a collaboration between Animon Story and Break!! RPG! I'll be working with Reynaldo Madriñan/Naldobean Games (@NaldoDrinan) and Carlo Tartaglia/Grey Wizard Press (@MysteriousPath) on a chapter for Legend's Wake as part of a newly revealed stretch goal.
I, like many others, have eagerly followed the development of Break!! for many years. In 2023, over 10,000 backers helped make the game a reality, and ever since I got my copy I've been absolutely charmed by the vibrant world and illustrations, precise and well-crafted rules, and by just how much fun this game brings to the table.
Rey and Carlo have also been long-term supporters of Animon Story, and we finally organised a proper collaboration. This will be a standalone chapter, usable independently of the main Legend's Wake campaign. Though I can't yet reveal exact details, it will likely include new Break!! inspired mechanics/optional rules, as well as a self-contained adventure/area to explore. Who knows, there might even be a more tangible link between Dunia and Outer World!
Aside from the massive news about the Break!! collab, there have been more stretch goal unlocks, and more reveals - the campaign continues, with new content being added to Legend's Wake every day! Alongside an increased budget for illustrating the book, we are also right on top of a new Kid Type unlock, another Kid Type reveal, and something entirely different!
Outsider Kid Type
The Outsider Kid Type is for those characters who're somewhat out of place. In Dunia, this might mean travellers or tourists from outside the region, while it could also cover the elusive and mysterious transfer student archetype. They bring a new perspective, though always feeling 'other' can make it difficult to fit in. The Outsider will join Sleuth and Specialist as extra Kid Types now being developed!
A Mythical Animon Appears
Known only by playground rumours and theories, mythical animon are those incredibly rare beings not recorded by humans for generations. With this stretch goal, a mythical animon will be set loose into the Dunia Region! While not directly related to the main campaign, perhaps by exploring every corner of the land on their adventure, lucky PCs might encounter this fateful creature!
I heard there's this truck by the docks...
Mystic Kid Type
Animon are wondrous creatures, but some believe there are even stranger powers at work in the world. Some kids feel a greater connection or interest in these odd phenomena, whether they be occult magics, fairy tales, or something else entirely. The Mystic Kid Type may have a strong connection to folkloric traditions, or be part of a secret coven or cult. They might come from a village that worships dragons, or be the sole inheritor of a forgotten rural faith. The Mystic Kid Type joins the gang at the $28k mark.
New Add-on Available
As per some requests I've recieved, the Ani-thology Adventure Collection is now available to select as an add-on in PDF form. For those who wish to collect all the digital releases in one go, you may now do so!
As with all the other rewards, previously published PDFs will be sent out as soon as possible after the campaign ends.
This has been a bumper update, and it's all thanks to the massive support you've all shown so far! Thank you so much.
I look forward to hearing your speculations on these new stretch goals and the big Break!! collab in the comments - and of course I will continue to answer any questions as quickly as possible.
Until next time,
Cheers! Zak B
A brilliant first 24 hours! Come and join the animon community!
almost 2 years ago
– Sat, Aug 17, 2024 at 10:07:33 AM
Hello again!
Following on from a brilliant opening, the first full 24 hours have continued strong, thank you again for your continued support, and for everyone who is sharing and shouting about the campaign - it means so much.
Keeping up with Animon
Firstly, a note to newcomers or those who're looking to get more into Animon Story. There are a few different ways to keep up with all my projects aside from this campaign, along with an animon discord community, and additional bonus game content available via my Ko-fi Memberships.
If you want to chat with myself and other animon players, you're welcome to join us in the Metal Weave Games Discord server. Make sure you head to the 'Channels & Roles' tab and opt-in to 'animon'. Here's the link:
Secondly, my Ko-fi Memberships have been running for over a year now, and there's a whole library of extra animon goodies available - in the near future, some early draft/preview material related to Legend's Wake will be posted there for members to browse. Last month, I also released a short story set in the Dunia Region, called 'The Living Earth.' The Ko-fi keeps me going outside of major events like this campaign, and has been a great way for me to expand what's available for Animon Story. Here's the link for that:
With that out of the way, on to the campaign news!
2 New Goals Unlocked & More Revealed
Having passed the $16k mark (almost to $17K as I write this!), two new stretch goals have unlocked, meaning two new features coming to Legend's Wake!
Secret Bases
It's an absolute fan-favourite feature of the Pokémon series, so I couldn't resist offering a Secret Base-inspired optional rules module for Legend's Wake. The goal is to allow the PCs to create a party base which they can customise and return to throughout the adventure.
The exact details haven't been decided yet, but this will likely involve a mini-quest introducing the concept, new items related to the base, and new functions, such as allowing more rest activities etc. A shared 'secret base sheet' might be a fun way for the Players to keep track of their base together, and work on upgrading and customising it.
I will share more thoughts and updates on the development of these rules further down the line. I hope everyone will enjoy them!
Sleuth Kid Type
Another brand new Kid Type will be added to the roster - the Sleuth. These might be kids who work for their school newsletter digging up stories, or budding detectives and mystery solvers! There are secrets aplenty in the Dunia Region, and all animon worlds, and these kids are set on solving them alongside their animon partners.
Looking Forward
We're still so early in the campaign, with so much left to unlock and reveal - new goals have been added, the Outsider Kid Type and the Epilogue Adventure. I'll talk more about these as we pass them and add even more to the Legend's Wake expansion!
There is some truly special stuff lined up - I hope you'll all keep checking back, sharing the word, and helping us make this book as brilliant as it can possibly be!
Thanks again to all of you,
See you soon! Zak B
Funded in 3 hours - and 2 stretch goals down already!
almost 2 years ago
– Fri, Aug 16, 2024 at 03:23:33 PM
Hello all,
It is an absolute pleasure to finally bring the Legend's Wake campaign to you, and I'm so thankful for the really encouraging reception so far.
The big news: we're FUNDED! Legend's Wake is happening, and the Animon Story range expands!
Beyond that, we already have two stretch goals unlocked:
Legend's Wake grows even more legendary - first with a new 'Specialist' Kid Type, and second with more funding put towards illustrations.
I've also added a new unknown Stretch Goal at the end of the list - yes, we have even more planned depending on how much support the campaign receives!
Specialist Kid Type
The Specialist is a very interesting and unique Kid Type, one who works quite differently to any of the others. As the name suggests, this Kid has a speciality which is woven into their character, and influences the way they approach the adventure, and their life in general.
The Specialist might be a research assistant with a particular field of interest, an animon tamer with a fondness for a certain Element or Classification, or even just a superfan, who wants to share the thing they love most of all with others.
As with all the other Kid Types, the Specialist will be getting a characterful illustration alongside the rules.
New Illustration
A fair bit of any additional funding the campaign raises will go into paying artists and illustrators, to make the book even more lovely to look at! With this goal in particular, I have a feature illustration in mind - something scenic to represent one of the many diverse natural landscapes of the Dunia Region.
I have been working with the wonderful Pokémon artist @Taplaos already, and with this funding, I hope they'll be able to create even more brilliant art for Legend's Wake. More info, and sneak previews, coming soon!
That's all for now - it's closing in on midnight in the UK and I'm handing over Kickstarter monitoring duties to my publisher Andreas from Metal Weave Games, who'll be helping me run things as with the first campaign.
Thank you so much for this amazing first day!
I'm so excited for the rest of the campaign, and looking forward to revealing even more of what we have in store.
