Elf Lair Games

New 5-star review of Spellcraft & Swordplay!

2012-01-20T10:55:00.001-05:00

http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_reviews_info.php?&reviews_id=65094&products_id=94105

Thanks to Colin Merritt for this excellent review!

I need sources for miniature figs!

2012-01-15T11:39:00.002-05:00

I am trying to put a boardgame prototype together--I need resources for exceptionally inexpensive 20mm or 25mm plastic miniature figures, preferably fantasy races like orcs. I just need 12-15 minis, but of specific configurations. Hit me up if you know of any good sources (or are willing to donate to the cause).

Follow us on Twitter!

2012-01-13T20:33:00.002-05:00

If you're on Twitter, we'd appreciate the following, and some retweets to bring others in!

http://www.twitter.com/elflairgames

Elf Lair Games: Looking Ahead and a Few Updates

2012-01-03T10:50:00.002-05:00

So as I was wrapping up the main text for The God in the Dark, it required me to reference my notes for the forthcoming Wasted Lands: The Dreaming Age roleplaying game (hereafter WLDA). For those new to Elf Lair Games, or who simply haven't been following along, this game was originally announced (with no release date) as Apotheosis. It's to be a pulp swords-and-sorcery game (powered by O.R.C.S., naturally) with a pre-packaged "Meta-setting" (to borrow a term from James Maliszewski). The core rules will be tweaked to represent an even more gritty, pulp sensibility than does the core S&S rules set (which many people seem to feel is already pretty pulp). The God in the Dark (hereafter WL1) will include a hint of what's to come, with very brief peeks at a couple of the WLDA cultures and a new Elite Path designed specifically for WLDA: the Sorcerer.

As it stands in WL1, the Sorcerer is adapted from pre-existing materials so as not to expand the module into a mini-sourcebook with a complete grimoire, but when WLDA finally hits DTRPG it will have a complete original spell list and grimoire for the Sorcerer, which will be a core class replacing the Wizard and Priest from S&S.

This is what brings me writing today. I love game design. I really enjoy putting together a new game that hopefully others will really enjoy playing. For me, however, without a doubt the worst part of game design--we're talking core games, here, not modules--is the grind of putting spell lists together. It's a long and painful process of describing and properly limiting spell effects for their level, and comparing them to all other spells at a given level to ensure that there is rough parity with the power level of the effect in question. At its simplest this process requires combing through reams of OGL material to select what is most appropriate, then copying/pasting and modifying descriptions, and at its most complex is a draining creative process--each new spell can be as involved as creating a new character class (not always, but can be) and there are generally nearly a hundred (if not more) spells in a given core rulebook.

I'm not stating all this as a matter of fact--it's just the way I feel. I'm sure there are designers out there who really dig designing spells and compiling spell lists. I just don't.

However, I realized that since I'm putting WLDA together from a combination of S&S and my Age of Conan booklets, I might actually have 99% of that work done already, save changing a name here and there for IP purposes.

So, it seems that the text of WLDA is much, much further along than I thought it was. Much like Twelve Parsecs, it is actually nearly complete. There will be some tweaks, as with 12P. I'm considering (and will likely do so) dropping Ability Scores and replacing them with the -3 to +3 bonus, as that's what matters in O.R.C.S. anyway. There will be some clarifications to combat insofar as how to handle the multiple attacks issues so that the game doesn't degenerate into "whoever wins initiative wins combat in the first round," and a few other bits and bobs. But by and large it'll be the same system you know from S&S.

Which leaves me with the same problem I've consistently faced for new releases for ELG: No artwork, and no art budget. It was fine to use public domain art for S&S--it matched what the game was about and worked well (though some of it is shamefully low-res). But for things like 12P and WLDA, I'm going to need real artwork. I can get some decent stuff in the royalty-free art purchases available on DriveThru, but will still need some stuff to fill in the gaps, and my income is zero. Elf Lair isn't paying for itself at this point--I'm bringing in $50 a month if I'm lucky (which is going largely to paying off debts so I can get solvent). I have an artist on board for 12P who is quite talented and willing to work for peanuts to get the credits, but she's also quite busy and untested in the RPG waters. So we'll see how that works out. I'm also rather new at "art direction," so I'm not sure what to tell artists about what's needed, should I get some on board. I'm not sure how much art is too much, or not enough, or approximately how often it should appear. Once every other page? Once every three or four pages? No clue. From looking through my other games it would seem one piece of art every three or four pages is about right, with exceptions made for such things as character classes, monsters, and equipment.

Confusing and frustrating. Wish I had a few grand in the bank to get things up and running, do some real art and layout, get a distributor, and run from there. I can handle layout and design work, but I'm no artist or cartographer.

I've had several e-mails from freelancers eager to work with me, but I've had to turn them down due to a lack of funds to actually pay for artwork. So as much as I hate to ask for handouts, at this stage if there are any decent artists out there willing to work for a byline and references, or who have art laying around that they're not using and are willing to donate that is in a pulp swords-and-sorcery or science fiction style, by all means please drop me a line. Who knows? If the next two games sell well enough, maybe I can get up and running for some real, paying gigs down the road apiece.

Okay, I guess that about covers it for ELG developments right now...Oh, I did some editing work on Eldritch Witchery over the past week as well. Not as much as I'd have liked, but the editing phase has officially begun.

So there you have it: the state of Elf Lair Games as of January 3, 2012. Here's hoping with the stuff I have in the wings that 2012 ends up being a productive year for us here.

Pondering Trends in RPGs, and an update or three

2011-12-22T10:37:00.001-05:00

While there is still a strong and vocal contingent out there who support the "toolbox" approach to rpg's, championing the idea that the best games are setting-free and flexible enough to do whatever you like with them, it seems to me of late that the pendulum is starting to swing back the other way. That is to say, people are looking at games--especially fantasy games--and saying, "I'm sure it's a good system and all, but what do I need with another generic fantasy game?" These people (and there are a growing number of them, it seems) are starting to look for packaged settings again.

I started thinking about this recently from observations I've seen on blogs and message boards. When I first put out Spellcraft & Swordplay it sold like hotcakes and got a ton of positive reviews, including ones from such luminary blogs in the old school community as Grognardia. Unfortunately, graduate school happened, and the increased workload forced me to put Elf Lair Games on hiatus. By the time I came back, S&S had faded from the public consciousness and the (let's be honest) glut of old school fantasy games on the market has made it next to impossible to generate any new buzz about it. Sales have been pretty slow as a result.

I'm turning to support materials as a result--let's face it: to be a living game, every game has to have support. Thus, I'm hoping to get our first adventure module out the door soon--"The God in the Dark"--which will be usable with just about any old school game, and will also serve to introduce the forthcoming "Wasted Lands Roleplaying Game," which will be a flagship game for ELG that packages a pulp Howardian/Lovecraftian setting with the O.R.C.S. rules system. For this game I plan to pull elements from my Age of Conan hacks as well as from my original "Wasted Lands" blog postings (removing references to demihuman races in the process) and see what happens.

I still have what I hope will be an epic trilogy of adventures planned, surrounding the machinations of a vampire queen and the surrounding communities, which may end up as a mini-setting for S&S if all goes well. We'll see what happens there.

I'm also working on Twelve Parsecs and have been debating whether to include a packaged setting with it. I think toolkit games are still okay in the science fantasy/space opera field, as that hasn't yet been overly saturated. Still, it looks like that's the next target to see saturation so I'm of two minds. I think I may take a page from James Maliszewski's Thousand Suns RPG and include what he calls a "Meta-setting," which is sort of the best of both worlds.

I don't know. Just some things to think about. As of 3:00 this afternoon I'm off work for 11 days, and at least 8 of those will actually be free days during which I am gearing up to try and get a lot of creative work done. Wish me (and Elf Lair Games) luck in the new year!

Twelve Parsecs News: Impromptu Game Design Rocks.

2011-12-10T21:35:00.001-05:00

In my decade-plus of doing professional game design, I've learned that sometimes it's when you sit down to do something else, and just end up randomly working on one of your design projects that your best stuff comes out, and you get the best work done.

I have commissioned an artist to do some work for Twelve Parsecs. She is a fantastic artist, and working to get her name out there, so she's working for me at a level that I can afford, which is refreshing. I'm still hoping to get Elf Lair to the point where I can pay professional artists what they deserve. For now it'll be great having an awesome artist who is a really cool gal on board for this project--hopefully I'll be able to increase her compensation on future projects...that is, if you all continue to support us strongly!

Anyway, I sat down to night to e-mail her the draft as it stands so she could begin getting ideas. When I opened the file to make sure it was the right one, I just kind of started typing...I've now completed rules for cybernetics and for cyberjacking for the game. As with the rest of the manuscript, it's still a bit rough, but I did cybernetics using an Elite Path of the Tech class (the Cyborg Elite Path), and the cyberjacking rules are very fast, short, and elegant. This is not a cyberpunk game, so there's not extensive rules on the inner workings of computer systems, or how hackers interact in the darkest corners of cyberspace.

That's not to say there won't be a cyberpunk sourcebook somewhere down the line...this game is just a generic toolkit, so I didn't want to overshadow the other elements of sci-fi with cyberpunk tropes. The rules as they stand, I think, are pretty elegant, and work off of Ability Checks just like everything else that is Powered by O.R.C.S.

I think (I hope) you guys will dig it.

Anyway, now all I really need to do is whip up some sample vehicle stat blocks and do the psionic power descriptions, and she should be ready to go.

That's not to say she's close to being done, obviously...those psionic powers are going to be a bear to get done. Not difficult, mind you, just a lot of grunt work. Writing spell, psionic, or other power descriptions is always a horrible bit of grind work. And of course, after that I'll need to get some playtest groups together, obviously, and do some rewrites and edits before layout begins (and all of that is AFTER Eldritch Witchery and my S&S adventure modules are done), but yeah, it's coming along.

And all because I just kinda started typing tonight...neat.

Regarding Our old Lulu Store

2011-12-10T19:01:00.001-05:00

I've had a few e-mails lately and wanted to clarify: if you search online and come across a Lulu store containing Elf Lair Games products, these products are out of date and no longer current! Until I joined Drivethrurpg, my company store was on Lulu.com. I left the Lulu files active at the request of some fans who wanted the support to remain available through that site for the old versions that they had purchased. Elf Lair Games WILL not be supporting these old editions in the future.

Print Edition Discounts on DTRPG

2011-11-18T07:56:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays, everyone. To celebrate the forthcoming holiday season, I have discounted the print versions of S&S and MM on Drivethru. This is a permanent discount: S&S core rulebook is now $25, and Monstrous Mayhem is now $10.Enjoy!

Spellcraft & Swordplay updates

2011-11-04T17:28:00.002-04:00

Gotta say, folks, I'm a little disappointed. I had a ton of people claiming they couldn't wait to see S&S in print from DTRPG, and I went through a lot of hoops to get it there. It went live in late-mid October...and I haven't sold a single print copy of either the core book or MM.

Anyone taken a look and decided not to buy? If so, why? I'm interested to hear what we can do to drive sales. I realize it's a tough economy and yet another fantasy game may not be what people are looking for right now--those two things, in fact, are pretty serious hurdles to overcome.

S&S has sold fairly steady in the PDF arena; I'd like to garner some more hardcopy sales if I can.

So I'll try this. What makes S&S different from OSRIC, Labyrinth Lord, Swords & Wizardry, LotFP, or even, for that matter, Castles & Crusades?

Based on what fans have told me, what makes Spellcraft & Swordplay stand out from the rest is the fact that it is quite distinctly pulp in form and feel. This was not a conscious decision by me when I put the game together--indeed, few conscious decisions were made as to direction. S&S kind of wrote itself. The story behind that is on my website; read it if you like. But after having read over my proofing copies, I've gotta say that I agree. It is quite pulp. A lot of the design decisions from S&S are very, very similar to the Age of Conan "hacks" for OD&D that I threw out there awhile back. The game is gritty, fast-playing, freeform, and lends itself very well to a game that would feature in the worlds of Robert E. Howard, Fritz Lieber, Lin Carter, or other similar pulp swords-and-sorcery works.

We had a rather positive review lately on another blog: Adventures and Shopping, and over at The Other Side Blog, Tim Brannan has posted a whole bunch of popular literary figures with S&S stats, and a few hints as to the contents of his forthcoming sourcebook!

I also think our mass combat system and ship-to-ship combat system are pretty sleek, as are our thug rules.

Certainly there's a lot to S&S that you could mine for use in other games, but I think at its core, O.R.C.S.™* is really worth taking a look at.

Elf Lair was going pretty strong when we first came out back in '08, and unfortunately I was forced to go on hiatus due to grad school. I guess it's possible, or even probable, that people are skeptical about the company and games being back.

I'd like to reassure you that they are indeed back. I just got the manuscript in hand for our second sourcebook, Tim Brannan's Eldritch Witchery, and it promises to be very sweet. I've lined up an artist for Twelve Parsecs, and I am working on several adventure modules which will be released as time permits and I get the art budget for them. I'm squirreling away money from other freelance writing gigs into Elf Lair's coffers so I have a financial base on which to work, and we're going to make a go of this.

Our forums are still live, though conversation there has been dead for some time. I'd encourage anyone who enjoys the game to head over there and check them out as well at http://elflairgames.proboards.com/

You can also follow us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/elflairgames/

Finally, you can help by spreading the word! Get other people to follow the blog and the facebook page. Send them to our website, and for Pete's Sake, get 'em to DTRPG! If you like the game, review it and let me know where the review can be found!

*Oldschool Roleplaying Core System™ - our house system.

In case anyone cares or is curious...

2011-10-24T17:30:00.000-04:00

....Y'know, just in case...

I have the manuscript for Eldritch Witchery in hand.

Monstrous Mayhem in print

2011-10-23T19:17:00.002-04:00

Approvals came through. Monstrous Mayhem is now also available in print format through DriveThruRPG.com. Enjoy!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE ARE IN BUSINESS...OR AT LEAST, PRINT

2011-10-18T17:44:00.005-04:00

http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?filters=0_0_0_0&manufacturers_id=3869&src=CommunityForum1

That's right, folks: the Spellcraft & Swordplay Core Rulebook and the Spellcraft & Swordplay Basic Game are both now available in print from DriveThruRPG. And as a bonus, if you buy the hard copy, the PDF is FREE.

Enjoy.

Monstrous Mayhem is in what I hope to be its final round of approvals. It should hopefully follow soon.

Been awhile!

2011-10-16T20:16:00.002-04:00

It's been awhile since I made any kind of significant post here, but rest assured I have not been idle. The saga of print production continues, but there's good and bad news on that front.

I'll give you the good news first, since everyone always seems to give the bad news first.

The print problems have (ostensibly) been resolved! I've got this bugger figured out, and as I suspected, once you learn the trick it's not all that difficult. So we're well on our way, folks. Spellcraft & Swordplay will be in print very soon.

The bad news: it should've been yesterday for the Basic Game, but that's 100% my fault. The proofing copies of the Basic Game and Monstrous Mayhem arrived, and I found some errors that needed to be corrected. I had an old product sheet at the end of the Basic Game which had inaccurate prices on it, and there were some major formatting issues with MM that arose during PDF conversion.

The annoying thing is, if I'd been just a bit more thorough in my previewing of the PDFs, they could've been avoided. Ah, well, I'm just glad that I didn't make them available to customers like that.

In any case, the errors on both books have now been fixed, and the files re-uploaded. Alas, it can take up to a week or more for Lightning Source to get the files approved for press. However, I now know that both books are good to go, so there won't be any need to go through the proofing process again--the moment they are approved for print, I'll be able to make them available.

I'm still waiting on the core rulebook; however, I don't anticipate any issues with that at all, as LS accepted my original Lulu-formatted document for the core book, so that should go pretty smoothly. As such, it's going to be very soon.

In other Elf Lair Games news:

Tim Brannan is putting the finishing touches on the manuscript for Eldritch Witchery, the long-awaited second sourcebook for S&S, and we're hoping to have that out very soon. I don't want to put an exact release date on it, as once he turns over the files to me, I will still need to edit it, do the layout, and proof it. Tim has the ability to blog here; if he wants to update at all, he can do so.
I am still hard at work on The God in the Dark, our first adventure module, and I will be working with Monica Valentinelli and Tim Brannan on an epic trilogy of adventures whose working title at the moment is The Vampire Queen Trilogy. The first two modules are in various stages of completion; the first will be titled The Hand of Nergal, and we are colloquially referring to the second as Return to the Palace of the Vampire Queen, though it's highly unlikely (for reasons obvious to many old-school gamers) that will be the final title. Personally I am partial to Valley of the Vampire Queen, but we'll see. I'd like to call the last one The Vampire Queen's Revenge, or Return of the Vampire Queen, but we haven't even started on that one yet. Again, if Tim has anything to add I'm sure he'll drop a blog.
Someone on our Facebook page asked about Twelve Parsecs, the sci-fi game I announced I was working on some time ago. The good news is that's about 80% complete, in terms of mechanics. However, if I'm going to do that one, I want it to be done right, which means I want to be able to pull off professional layout and graphic design, and buy real artwork for it. All of that translates into a need for funding. So, if you want to see higher quality games in terms of production value from ELG, there's only one way for that to happen--we need sales! Spread the word, get our name out there.

I guess to whet your appetite, I can give you a peek at the cover for The God in the Dark...

Well, there you have it. I guess that's about all that's going on in the Elf Lair Games front. Game on!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE ARE IN BUSINESS

2011-10-07T21:02:00.002-04:00

Just got the word via e-mail this morning: all three Spellcraft & Swordplay books have been approved for print publication by DriveThru.

AT LAST!

I have ordered my proofing copies; once they come in and I can confirm they look okay and don't need any more tweaking, S&S will be available in print from DTRPG, and hopefully in a nicer format than those available from Lulu.

As always, I will keep you posted.

Printing Woes continue

2011-10-04T16:41:00.003-04:00

Well, after getting the proof back for Monstrous Mayhem, of course I discovered errors in the text, which led to me having to make corrections that involved re-laying out large chunks of the book. Now I'm back to square one.

The other two, apparently, were the wrong PDF format. Yes, apparently there are multiple kinds of PDF format....

So yeah, still trying to get S&S in print and I'm confident that once I figure all this crazy stuff out it will be easy to do it repeatedly in the future. It's just getting over these first few humps...

The Witch and Eldritch Witchery

2011-09-28T11:48:00.000-04:00

I am working hard on putting the final touches on my next two books. The Witch and Eldritch Witchery.

They are not quite ready for full on press releases or product announcements yet, but I am very, very excited about them.

The Witch

"The Witch" is designed to be used with "Basic Era" games. Games that were released in the late 70s and early 80s and whose legacy is being continued with games like Labyrinth Lord and Basic Fantasy RPG.

The Witch will feature a new character class, the witch, and witchcraft Traditions so you can play any type of witch from fantasy, pulp or faerie tale. In addition there are going to be new monsters associated with the witch as well as tons of new spells and magic items. Many of which I have playtested over the last 12 years and some even dating back to my original notes I had written on the witch back in 1985.
Also included are appendices for extending the "Magic-User" class into a proper Wizard and Demi-human witches, something I had never considered doing in '85.

Eldritch Witchery

Eldritch Witchery is a bit different. First it is for the Spellcraft & Swordplay game specifically. Though it should be compatible with nearly any "old school" game or clone.

Many of the ideas that were used in "The Witch" found a home here as well, though in a different way that makes this a very different sort of class. Actually it makes it two different sort of classes since Eldritch Witchery includes a witch and a warlock class. As to be expected there are magic items and spells for both classes included. This book also extends the magic of wizards, clerics and necromancers found in the S&S core rules and Monstrous Mayhem.

This book will also introduce demons to the S&S game and a new demonic hierarchy. Make sure you know your stuff before you go into battle against the demons, a Baalseraph will have different abilities than the Calabim who are different still from the Lilim.

Which Book should You Get?
I am hoping both! There is some overlap (I can only say "an athame is a ritual knife..." so many ways) but I am taking great pains to make sure each book has their own feel and unique material. You could in fact get both and have three different takes on the witch, each one doing their magic a bit differently. The traditions and lodges are not repeated between the books (save for one at present, but it makes sense to do so). Eldritch Witchery has demons, but the Witch goes into greater detail with everything. I would say that either can be played with any version of the World's Greatest Fantasy RPG circa 1975 to 1985 and any clone based on it.

Stay tuned, I'll be posting some characters created with both books and we can see how they fare.

The planned release date is right around Halloween.

One Step Closer to Print, and Regarding the Future...

2011-08-30T17:02:00.002-04:00

At last! I got approvals for Monstrous Mayhem this morning and have ordered the proof copy to review. I'm not sure why MM was approved faster than the S&S Core Book, but can only imagine it's because MM is much shorter. Perhaps softcover gets approved more quickly as well? Who knows. In any case, one of the two is approved, which is definitely a step in the right direction, assuming that the proof looks good.

I won't be putting MM up before the core book; it seems disingenuous to put the supplement up for print sale before the core rules go up. I will, however, now begin working on the design of the Basic Set for print--no, of course it won't be free--but it should be pretty low-priced. I'll keep the margin low as I can.

Meanwhile, my friends, we need YOU to spread the word! Tell people about Elf Lair Games, and about Spellcraft & Swordplay! The more copies I sell, the closer I am to getting my head above water, and giving you all the kind of games and production values you really deserve! I'd love to finish Twelve Parsecs and Wasted Lands: The Dreaming Age, but I'm not going to release them without proper layout and artwork--Spellcraft & Swordplay has a certain charm with its public domain art, and the production has actually been surprisingly well-received, with people saying that the medieval woodcut-style art really suits the game, but for my future works I want to step it up a notch.

Now, speaking of that, I've seen people gripe about companies releasing core games that reprint the rules within. My plan is to do just that--as I release books in the future, they will contain the full rules to play. I don't believe in making people buy multiple books to play a game--people only interested in The Wasted Lands shouldn't be forced to buy S&S.

That being said, I also intend to tweak the rules as needed for each new game. "Powered by O.R.C.S." will mean a certain recognizable core that is easily translatable between games, but Twelve Parsecs will have rules for guns, energy swords, dogfighting and starships, etc. The Wasted Lands will feature a tweaked magic system to represent Howardian sorcery. You get the idea.

Now, I can include a fully detailed rules section like one sees in Book Two of S&S, or I can do something like what AEG has done with their Legend of the Burning Sands game: give you a streamlined set of core rules, likely lifted from the Basic Set, enough to play the game, but lead you to S&S for more detailed rules. There's benefits to both. The latter approach is a sort of happy medium; allows me to release a game without the requirement for two books, but offering the second if more detail is desired. The first gives the full core rules to those who buy any game, but inevitably will cause grumbling amongst those who somehow feel I'm cheating them by selling them the rules twice. Not true, incidentally; whether I include the full rules or not isn't going to affect the amount of other game content in the book, and from what I've seen so far, even an extra 50 pages isn't going to be a huge price bump, assuming I stick with black and white interiors. Glossy color books are expensive to produce, period. You wouldn't believe what they cost publishers to have printed--it's a pretty high end scam the printers have going on there.

I say "scam" in jest, of course. I'm sure the cost of nice, glossy paper stock and full color offset printing is FAR from cheap for printers to produce.

Anyway, what do you all think?

Print Progress Update

2011-08-26T10:38:00.005-04:00

Okay, folks. I think (I hope) I got this worked out. I have now uploaded print files for both the Spellcraft & Swordplay core rulebook and Monstrous Mayhem. Assuming everything works out, we will hopefully have them available within a couple weeks--they should (fingers crossed) be available for me to proof within a week, after which they'll need to ship me the proofing copy. Once I OK it, I can immediately make the books available.

As always I'll keep you all posted, but keep your fingers crossed for me!

Becoming a print publisher is rough!!!

2011-08-24T08:57:00.002-04:00

So I've been trying to get my S&S books into print on DriveThruRPG. The process has been frustrating, to say the least. On Lulu, there is a very simple, user-friendly, step-by-step process to upload your files, which Lulu then converts to print ready format--they have an online template that you can use to do layout for cover files. I had hoped that I could simply transfer my print files from Lulu to DriveThru and be done with it.

Alas, no such luck. DriveThru uses Lightning Source, which is a more traditional printer. This means they have very specific guidelines for layout when it comes to creating interior and cover files. While my print-ready interiors seemed to upload fine, Lightning Source has rejected my first three efforts at cover files. It's a very exacting, fiddly, and detailed process that I don't quite grok just yet. Alas, I don't have the funding to hire a freelancer to do my covers for me. On the up side, I think I've finally got it worked out, but I have to wait for my latest rejection to come back--seems I accidentally submitted while in the middle of updating files last night.

Please note I'm not lambasting DriveThru or Lightning Source. I'm just frustrated with the learning curve--I'm learning to be a graphic designer, now, on top of a writer, editor, and publisher. But in the end, this will benefit both me in the realm of developing new skills, and Elf Lair, as DriveThru is certainly a better and more visible source to support our games.

So, with any luck, we'll be in print on DriveThru within the next week or two. Fingers crossed!

The God in the Dark

2011-08-21T13:44:00.004-04:00

I spent the day today working on what will likely be the first adventure module for Spellcraft & Swordplay, entitled "The God in the Dark." Not only will this be our first adventure module, it will serve as a preview for the forthcoming Wasted Lands: The Dreaming Age RPG, which will, of course, be powered by O.R.C.S.!

We didn't announce "The God in the Dark," as, like S&S itself, this one came about kind of by accident. It served as a scenario I ran for my Age of Conan OD&D group, and I had the notes laying about. It's a damn good module, if I do say so myself, so I thought that I'd flesh it out and release it as a teaser of things to come. The manuscript is coming along nicely, and I've spoken to a few artists who may be in my budget to provide some illustration for it.

In any case, for those in doubt, Elf Lair Games is indeed back in business. We have a lot of ground to regain--a few blog postings of late have shown me that a lot of folks forgot all about S&S during our down time. We need our fans to step up to the plate and remind folks that we're out there! Spread the word that the New Class of Old School is still here!

Elf Lair Games Website Live!

2011-08-21T00:36:00.001-04:00

Elf Lair Games now has a website, which can be found at http://www.elflair.com/

And don't forget to stop by our store at DriveThruRPG.com!

Elf Lair Games joins DriveThruRPG!

2011-08-19T08:58:00.001-04:00

That's right, folks, we are back, and proud to be joining the DriveThruRPG family. Spellcraft & Swordplay, Monstrous Mayhem, and the S&S Basic Game are now all available at DTRPG in PDF format. Soon we hope to offer print versions from there as well. You can find S&S at the following link:

http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=94105?affiliate_id=1762&src=CommunityForum1
The Lulu store will remain active, but changes are coming--soon Lulu will house only the "old school" versions of S&S, and moving forward DTRPG and RPGNow will carry all of our new product.

This new product includes some exciting releases that have been long-promised and hopefully will soon be moving ahead full steam. Products like The Vampire Queen's Revenge and The Hand of Nergal, our first S&S modules, as well as Eldritch Witchery, the second sourcebook for S&S, written by Timothy Brannan. In addition, work has re-commenced on the long awaited Twelve Parsecs science fantasy / space opera RPG.

We are not presenting definitive release dates for these products as yet--we don't want to be one of "those" publishers--but rest assured we're planning to kick back into full production. Late 2011 and 2012 should be a great year for Elf Lair, assuming we can keep up the pace we'd like to keep up. Exciting things are ahead--stay tuned!

Here is our publisher page: http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?filters=0_0_0_0&manufacturers_id=3869&src=CommunityForum1

The Other Side blog: Red Sonja

2010-12-13T17:01:00.001-05:00

Posted stats for Red Sonja using Spellcraft & Swordplay.

The Other Side blog: Red Sonja

Enjoy!

Masters of the Mind: Psionics!

2010-12-07T08:15:00.001-05:00

Now in production: Masters of the Mind, an original edition psionics supplement which will be compatible with Labyrinth Lord, Advanced Labyrinth Lord, and OSRIC, but should work with any old-school simulacra game.

As with Spellcraft & Swordplay, this particular supplement came about "by accident," as I was writing an exegesis on the original psionics rules in Supplement III. I discovered, upon reading, that the only thing difficult to grasp on the original rules was the presentation. Once I had read them through several times, they seemed quite easy and it struck me that it's rather a shame that a good presentation wasn't ever put out there; they may have been adopted into many more games. That's my goal here, to put forth an easy-to-grasp version of these rules that will enhance and expand your old edition fantasy games.

The work will include a restatement and reorganization of the original rules for psychic powers for the game, in as clear and concise a presentation as possible. There will be four sections:

Part One: creating the psionic character will include guidelines and rules for bolting psionics onto your game, the effects they have on existing player character classes, and how to obtain and improve psionic powers.

Part Two: Psionic Powers will include power lists, Psionic Strength Point costs for use, and detailed descriptions of all powers.

Part Three: Psionic Combat will explore the use of psychic attack and defense modes, and how mental battle between two psychics works.

Finally, the Appendix will include a wealth of suggested house rules, expansions, and modifications so that these can be ignored by purists or incorporated to whatever degree one desires. Also included here will be guidelines for using the Psionics rules with Spellcraft & Swordplay (indeed, I would be remiss if I didn't include this).

Elf Lair Games is pleased to be creating our first supplement that will make use the Labyrinth Lord and OSRIC open licenses.

There is no set release date for the booklet yet, but it is coming along, with Part One complete as of this writing.

Alternate Combat System

2010-04-14T08:10:00.000-04:00

So as I've been working on Twelve Parsecs, an alternate combat system has come to light for O.R.C.S. (the engine that powers ELG's games). A number of people have told me their one issue with S&S is that they dislike consulting attack matrices for every attack.

This is rather mind-boggling to me, as it really takes no longer than consulting your attack bonus and performing the calculations every time you attack, but I have heard the complaints.

As such, a new entirely optional combat system will be added to S&S in future releases. It brings combat in line with the ability check system from the rest of the game, and borrows heavily from the "Target 20" concept of A/OD&D combat (so it should still appeal to old-schoolers, I hope).

How it works is thus:

1. Instead of an attack matrix, players make a standard ability check to hit (usually Dexterity, though Strength is recommended for heavy, 2-handed weapons), attempting to get 11 as always. Characters still get any "attack bonus" listed on their level progression chart. Thus, a third-level warrior still gets 3 attacks with one at a +2 (or 2 at +1, as he sees fit).

2. Each weapon, instead of a unique matrix, has a flat attack bonus. A long sword, for example, attacks as +4.

3. The attack roll is then modified by subtracting the opponent's AC.

Example: A character who is a third level thief with a Dex of 16 attacking an opponent wearing Plate Armor (AC 8) would calculate his attack as follows:

2d6 + 2 (Dex) + 2 (Level 3 Ability Check) +1 (Level 3 attack bonus) + 4 (Long sword) - 8 (opponent AC).

The total, then, would be 2d6+1, as the -8 cancels out the rest of the bonus. It ain't easy to damage someone in plate armor with a long sword.

If the opponent was wearing studded leather armor (AC 3), the total attack roll would be 2d6 + 6 vs. TN 11 (a pretty fair chance to hit).

Keep in mind also that in most cases (Wizards excepting) a third level character will have at least two attacks.

Just a preview of something that's come up in design. Still needs a shake down and the bonuses tweaked for proper probabilities, but it seems solid on its core. Please note, also, that this will not replace the default combat system. The Attack Matrices will remain--this is presented as an option for those who prefer bonus calculation to table consultation.

Eldritch Witchery preview: The Succubus

2010-03-18T15:05:00.000-04:00

Hello! Tim Brannan here again to give you a sneak peak at some of things I am working on for Eldritch Witchery!

Sympathy for the Succubus

Succubi are set to appear in the upcoming Spellcraft & Swordplay supplement Eldritch Witchery, as soon as I finish writing it. Among other things, EW will also feature Demons and Devils. Succubi are the daughters of the Queen of Demons.

Succubus

#App: 1

AL: E

SZ: M

AC: 7

Move: 90' / Fly: 120'

HD: 6 (25)

Attacks: Claw/Claw/Special (2 dagger-2)

Special: Fly 120', Energy Drain (kiss), Darkvision, Dominate, Magic Resistance (fire), Immune to mundane weapons

Treasure: 6

XP: 345

These female demons are not found in great numbers and never working together. They claim to be the daughters of the Demon Queen, but this is a claim the Demon Queen herself neither supports nor denies. In any case these demons, while not physically very powerful, are capable of controlling other demons that are far more powerful. Succbi are charged with the tempting of mortals, a task they relish in. They appear as unearthly beautiful women (or men if needed), in their true form they stand 6' high and feature small horns, a tail and large bat-like wings growing from their backs.
A Succubus can cause Darkness 5', have Darkvision, can Dominate any one (1) PC and can become Incorporeal at will. The Succubi lures her victim into acts of passion and drains their life force with a kiss. This Energy Drain takes 1 life level/hit dice. She can also use the following spells as a Witch (wizard) of 6th level, Charm Person, Detect Good, Continual Flame, ESP, Clairaudience, Hold Person, and Polymorph Self. Succubi also have Spell Resistance against fire based magic. If pressed they can attack with two claw attacks (dagger -2), if each attack succeeds then she can also grapple for her energy drain attack/kiss.
A succubus can gate in another demon (expect another succubus) ... details in Eldritch Witchery.

Spellcraft & Swordplay Old School Omnibus Editions

2010-03-08T23:41:00.000-05:00

A few people may note that there appear to be "new" versions of S&S available through our store and the Old-School Renaissance store. I wanted to clarify that this is not the case.

What I have done is "re-skin" the pocket editions as the Old School Omnibus Edition of S&S and the Old School Edition of Monstrous Mayhem.

Why do this? A number of people were adamant that we leave the digest-sized "revised versions" of S&S available when we came out with the Deluxe Edition. I did so, but it's caused some confusion as to the differences between the two versions. This way I have re-skinned the books with different covers, and clarified that the digest-sized S&S is nothing more than the Old-School Edition in one book, and the digest-sized Monstrous Mayhem updates the Old School Edition of S&S to the Deluxe Edition, plus adds some extras.

I think it's a bit clearer as to the differences this way, but I also don't want to mislead our customers into thinking there's a new revision out to buy. The ONLY DIFFERENCE between the Revised and Old School Omnibus editions is the cover.

As always, our Lulu store is at http://www.lulu.com/elflairgames

Updates...

2010-03-03T15:07:00.001-05:00

Update on Apotheosis: The ability score section is complete, as are the cultural benefits/drawbacks, and the following character classes are done:

-Sorcerer (plus Necromancer and Druid Elite Paths)*
-Warrior (plus Borderer Elite Path)
.....*still need to finish spell lists/descriptions.
-Multiclassing rules
-Languages
-Alignment

Long way to go, yet. Fortunately the rules themselves are coming pretty much straight out of S&S, so that's a big chunk covered.

Apotheosis: The Dreaming Age

2010-03-02T14:50:00.002-05:00

A Roleplaying Game of Swords and Sorcery

Millions of years ago, the world was ruled by demons from the Deeper Dark. Then came fire from the sky and disasters that changed the stars. The Ancient Ones are gone. Now is the age of humankind, and these first heroes will one day be remembered as gods...if they survive that long. Fans of Howard, de Camp, and Carter should love it!

Such is how Apotheosis is advertised in our product list. I've received a number of questions about this recently so I thought I'd let you all know I have begun putting my notes together for Apotheosis. It may be renamed to either The Dreaming Age or The Wasted Lands, as I understand there is already a game out there called "Apotheosis."

There is no release date for this as yet.

Let me re-iterate that: There is no release date for this, yet.

It's going to be awhile. I've only just started cobbling it all together. If you want to know what it will look like, however, take my Age of Conan stuff, mix it with my Wasted Lands stuff, remove demihuman races, change the gods to high-powered NPC warriors, thieves, assassins, sorcerers, and emperors, shake well, and season to taste.

My plan at this point is to include brief writeups on the world in the core book, then eventually release full world books for each area, which will be largely system free so that they can be used with any system you like....to a point. Each will likely, for example, include monsters with S&S-specific writeups and generic notes about their power levels for use when converting to other fantasy systems. I'll have to kick it around a bit first and see.

I also need about $5,000, give or take, to get it done properly, and who knows if or when that will happen.

But there you have it. The Apotheosis of Elf Lair Games has begun ;)

Eldritch Witchery, Back to Basics

2009-11-17T23:12:00.001-05:00

TIM: Hey all, guest blooger Tim Brannan here. I wanted to take some time and talk a bit about where I was in the upcoming Eldritch Witchery book for the Spellcraft & Swordplay game. Not sure of a release date yet.

I am returning to work on Eldritch Witchery, my guide to witches and warlocks for the Spellcraft & Swordplay RPG. The idea is simple really; make a witch class for the game. But I want to do this class justice and not just do a retread of the material I have written for other games.

So I am going back to school.

I have been rereading old Dragon and White Dwarf magazines from the 70s to the early 80s to get a proper feel for the game as it was then. What were people talking about and doing in their games. I have also been going over my basic assumptions. Why is a witch needed if we already have Clerics and Wizards? What niche does a witch fill in a Sword and Sorcerery game? For this I am indebted to Jason Vey who has been giving me a crash course in all things Pulp related. Conan (whom I never really read and now understand I know next to nothing about), the works of Robert Howard and how they relate to Lovecraft. Plus I have been thinking a lot about my own influences for D&D. Clark Ashton Smith is a big one for me. I have been rereading all my old D&D books and notes. My first witch character was made in October of 1986, I wrote my first set of rules (20 pages) around her.

What has this done for me?

Well I have a pretty good idea what I want to do and how I want to do it and it is different than say my d20 version of the witch, or even the magic I wrote about in Ghosts of Albion. What does a witch do in the world of Spellcraft & Swordplay. Well the witch is more connected to the primal nature of magic. I hesitate to say “beyond good and evil” but maybe before good and evil. She is like nature. I also want to incorporate a lot of what is old folklore and fairy tales about witches. So these are defiantly more Baba Yaga than Sabrina.

What do Witches Do?

In any game you need to figure out where a character’s niche will be. What is it that the character will do, what can she do and what will she bring to the adventuring party. Where does she fit in this world organically. I also want keep in mind the classical or stereotypical powers of the witch; casting spells, making potions, the evil eye, curses, charms, turning people into animals, flying on brooms, consulting with familiar spirits. The witch then for me needs to provide that air of mystery in a world already full of magic and magical-using characters. She needs to have something special about her, I want the other characters in the group to say, “We need her, she is a witch!”

Hopefully players will say the same thing.

Next time, more on the occult powers of the witch class.

Personal Blog

2009-10-20T08:49:00.002-04:00

If anyone's interested in my more mundane comings-and-goings, I've begun a personal blog at http://grey-elf.blogspot.com/

I did this so as not to clutter up the Elf Lair and Wasted Lands blogs with off-topic postings.

Feel free to pop over, read, comment, whatever.

Status report

2009-09-30T11:58:00.002-04:00

Well, folks, here's the deal.

I have too much on my plate at the moment. This means that something has to give, and right now, the only thing I've got to give...is Elf Lair.

We are not done. Just on indefinite hiatus. I intend to get up and running again just as soon as I figure out how to deal with the stresses of everything I have going on. Unfortunately that means that until the end of the year at least, Elf Lair is closed down.

Fortunately I haven't yet officially set us up as an LLC.

It's cool if you want to keep checking here for updates, as I'll post them as I have them, but hopefully we'll be very visible when it's time to come back. I want to put some money away to do this thing right when it's ready to take off, and hit everyone with a marketing blitz when we're ready to go.

I realize this is a disappointment to our fans, but all I can say is, nothing can prepare you for what hits you when you enter grad school. Between that and my day job, my time is utterly monopolized. I'm told that after you're in for a semester things calm down a great deal. We shall see.

As things calm down...

2009-08-31T09:59:00.000-04:00

The wedding is next week. Within 2 weeks or so I'll know how badly classes are going to kill me.

Best case scenario: I hope to have Twelve Parsecs in playtest by October. Whether we see any releases before that depends on Tim's work on Eldritch Witchery and Vampire Queen.

Thanks for your patience, everyone. We're keeping you updated as we have info to post :)

More Detailed Update

2009-08-10T09:33:00.002-04:00

A bit more of a detailed update than the one below, since I'm sure some folks are wondering what's going on, or if I'm going to let this grand experiment die off.

Elf Lair is (mostly) a one-man operation. Tim gives his input, thoughts, and advice as he can, but he's a busy guy with a lot of expenses of his own (both financial and time-related). I have to call on volunteers to help me edit and proof documents, and that generally isn't conducive to cutting down typos and errors as much as they could be cut down.

Add to that the fact that I'm working on a novel (with interest from a potential publisher), a major freelance project, and gearing up to start grad school in the fall...and the grind has worn down on me.

I'm not saying I'm quitting. Far from it. What I am saying is that Elf Lair has suffered from its inception from inefficiency that needs to be eliminated. I wrote S&S on a whim, from early experimentation with using Chainmail as a basis for role playing. When it was complete I figured some people might be interested so I threw it up for sale. Never expected that a year later I'd be nearing 500 units sold by nothing more than word of mouth and a few postings on message boards!

That many sales means we have a solid fan base, and you guys deserve to have the best delivered to you, by a properly run organization. Until now I have admittedly been haphazard with things, making corrections as I go and letting certain things slide. That needs to stop. Sure, Lulu is conducive to that, but just because you can do something doesn't mean it's the best way to go about it.

So what does all this mean?

What has been going on behind the scenes is a lot of thinking and re-organizing. I'm recharging my batteries and clearing off my plate so that I can sit down and decide exactly how Elf Lair needs to be run. I may look for investors so I can provide you all with high-quality, professionally printed product in distribution. I also desperately want to move away from Lulu. I understand OBS is gearing up (at last) to get their PoD service up and running; I'll be watching that development closely.

Elf Lair Games may have started on a lark, but it's starting to take on a life of its own. I see that as a great thing, and I want to do right by the people who have supported us. So I need to recharge my own batteries and see what I need to do, to give us a place in the industry as a real player. I can only fly by the seat of my pants for so long before I have to step off and work it out; otherwise everything's going to fall apart. And none of us want that.

So I hope you all understand that and will keep watching, playing, posting, and supporting Elf Lair as it moves forward. Thanks again, everyone.

Quick update

2009-07-28T11:10:00.002-04:00

Just so you all know we haven't dropped off the face of the Earth.

Life happens, as it tends to do, and sometimes brings with it chaotic schedules and a general feeling of burnout that is detrimental to a one-man operation like ELG. I'm not closing up shop--far from it, I still intend on releasing all the stuff I advertised. But I'm taking a short break to recharge the mental batteries. Been focused too much on producing gaming material for other people instead of doing it for my own enjoyment.

The down time should be brief; hopefully by September sometime I'll be back on track.

Monstrous Mayhem Deluxe Release

2009-07-16T15:18:00.002-04:00

As promised, we have released the Deluxe edition of Monstrous Mayhem. This version contains only the material that did not make it into S&S Deluxe (which is still a pretty hefty page count!) In addition, we have added "Thug Rules" (also popularly known as "mook rules") to the mix in the Appendix.

Because the Thug Rules were not available in the original MM and I am loathe to make people buy the same product twice to get all the rules, we have made the Thug Rules available as a free download (which also includes collected errata for the first and second printings of S&S).

Now the bad news.

I was able to discount the softcover and e-book versions of this slightly (though not as much as I'd hoped), but not the hardcover edition, which is already priced so low we could never hope to have it in stores (seriously, we make *very* little off of the hardcover versions of these books). This is the down side of dealing with Lulu and their high "production costs."

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the "deluxe" MM, and get some use of the free thug rules.

Amazing post

2009-07-15T11:25:00.000-04:00

For those who lament the editing and typographical errors in micro-press games, and those who complain about price points (though we've had none of the latter thus far), take a look at James Mishler's Adventures in Gaming: The Doom of RPGs: The Rambling, which breaks it down in fantastic detail.

S&S Basic Available

2009-07-13T12:30:00.002-04:00

Despite Lulu's suckage, the Spellcraft & Swordplay Basic Edition is now available. The basic edition of the popular retro fantasy game contains a streamlined (but complete) version of the rules and character progression to level 3, this 48-page book is a perfect introduction to the new class of old school, ideal for introducing new players to the game, or for just having an extra set of rules at the table!

A gift to our fans, Spellcraft & Swordplay Basic Edition is FREE as an e-book, and can be purchased in a saddle-stitched, 8.5 x 11 booklet for $7.00.

Lulu sucks balls

2009-07-13T12:24:00.003-04:00

Seriously. I hate Lulu. Their "manufacturing costs" are outrageous, their shipping rates are insulting, their customer service questionable. If anyone from Onebookshelf is reading this, PLEASE, I BEG YOU, get your PoD services up and running. Many of us in the indie game are waiting with baited breath for that day. I'm tired of feeling like I'm gypping customers when I have to charge them $7.00 to purchase a saddle-stitched book that's only 48 pages long (and that's without making any profit for myself).

Formatting Gaffe in S&S Deluxe

2009-07-09T13:39:00.002-04:00

I discovered an unfortunate formatting gaffe in the columns on page 126 of S&S Deluxe today, which really should've been caught in proofing but just wasn't. Shit happens, but it pisses me off when it does.

Anyway, the gaffe has been fixed. If you've downloaded the e-book, please re-download (Remember: it's FREE through Friday!) and if you've purchased a hardcopy, I have made available a PDF of the offending page, fixed, which you can cut to size and stick in your book, with my deepest apologies.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Elf Lair Games Free RPG Days

2009-07-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

Since we here at Elf Lair didn't have our product ready for Free RPG Day, we would like to, as a gift to our fans, make the Deluxe Spellcraft & Swordplay e-book available FOR FREE from Wednesday through Friday of this week.

No strings, no catches: Wednesday, July 8 through Friday, July 10, head over to the Lulu store, and download the Deluxe edition of S&S for free!

This promotion will be followed by (as soon as I finish cleaning it up and designing a cover) the Spellcraft & Swordplay Basic Set, which will be 100% FREE in e-book format, and available in print for a very nominal cost. The Spellcraft & Swordplay Basic Set is a stripped-down (but complete) version of the rules, allowing for no Elite Paths and only the first three levels of play. It is 48 pages and 8.5 x 11 in size.

The Basic Set will be free in e-book format, permanently. We've had TONS of requests for a free starter kit version of the rules, and we've listened. I hope to have that available within a few weeks.

Growing Pains

2009-07-06T08:12:00.003-04:00

They say you can't please everyone, and as Elf Lair takes steps towards growth into an actual publishing company, I'm finding more and more that's true.

Since the Deluxe Edition came out, I've had a few complaints that I'd really like to publicly address. The crux of these complaints are twofold:

1. Some people don't want to download errata and/or have it posted on our forums. They want me to give them a free PDF of the updated game.

2. Some people are outraged(!?) that we didn't smash Monstrous Mayhem in its entirety into the Deluxe Edition of Spellcraft & Swordplay.

Now, these complaints haven't exactly been legion: there have been four, to my count. But these four have been exceptionally public, and at least one of them is from someone who previously was a vocal supporter of ELG. I do like to try and maintain a good public face, so I would like to address the complaints here in hopes that I can be clear in Elf Lair's policies and the reasons behind them.

Folks, I understand where you're coming from, but in regards to the free/discounted update downloads, Lulu does not give me access to the identities of people who purchased the game, which means I have nothing other than your word that you've got it. Nor do they give me the ability to offer discount coupons like some of the other e-book dealers.

Let's be honest: every single one of us knows that Lulu is far from the best service out there--in many ways, it's crap. Their shipping sucks, their customer service is mediocre at best, their production costs are outrageous, their turnaround time S-L-O-W, and their options for storefront customization basic at best. I am not fond of Lulu. But they are, unfortunately, the ONLY game in town that does what they do, and offers the control that they offer over your project. So for the time being, we're stuck with them.

Given that I don't actually have access to the identities and contact info of customers who buy S&S through Lulu, while some of you out there I know for a fact bought it, others I don't, and if I start giving out free copies to a few people I have to give them to everyone, which quickly makes actually trying to sell the game moot. I did this once, due to my first loud detractor, and suddenly people came out of the woodwork saying, "What about me? Why don't I get one, too?"

Eventually, when DriveThruRPG/RPGNow get their PoD service up and running I'll be looking to move there, as that will give me the ability to offer discount coupons, updated downloads, etc., to customers. As long as I'm at Lulu, however, my hands are tied. Now, I could split my store and offer e-books through DriveThru and print through Lulu for the time being, but I expect people would then complain about having to go to two different places to get their e-books and print books in that case.

In addition, why is it that it's okay for companies like Eden, Palladium, etc., to put out errata documents, but not us? Why is it that Troll Lord Games and Catalyst Game Labs can incorporate errata and rules changes in every new printing, but nobody complains that they should get a free copy of the book, and yet when we do it--just because we're small and upstart--people want us to give them the new version, even though the pre-existing one is perfectly functional? Maybe I'm misreading but it feels like a double-standard that's in place because we're a bit closer to the fan base than some of the more traditional publishers are.

Finally, since I don't have a way to give out free download codes, the truth is that even with the identities of people who have purchased S&S in place I couldn't e-mail copies of S&S Deluxe because it's over 12 MB in size (even after I ran it through file compression in Acrobat) which is over the attachment size cap for AOL, Verizon, Comcast, Yahoo, Gmail, AND Hotmail (all of which have a hard limit of 10-11 MB).

I also can't help but feeling if I were a larger, more traditional publisher people wouldn't be raging about me releasing a new edition of the game that doesn't have everything they wanted in it. S&S is a light game. It's designed to be a light game. The rules we incorporated into Deluxe don't change that or add additional layers of complexity. The rules that are still in Monstrous Mayhem are rules that are OPTIONAL and NOT NECESSARY TO PLAY THE GAME.

Seriously; I meant it when I said that it's NOT a required update. There's nothing NEW in it. I wasn't kidding about that. I'm sorry that a few folks feel like I should've given them the full package of S&S and MM in one big book, but from my end that really feels like people demanding something for nothing, for no reason other than they want more for less. There seems to be a belief that if I smashed the two books entirely together, it just wouldn't cost as much. That may be true and it may not--I'd have to see what Lulu's production cost would be for a book that long. I could get into the licensing issues regarding some artwork I commissioned for MM that I'm not permitted to use in any product that is not an edition of Monstrous Mayhem, but suffice it to say, I'd lose some art if I did that. Some folks may not care about that, but it's a wasted investment if I axe that artwork.

Seriously, I don't want to drive customers away or be seen as though I don't appreciate your business because I do, really. You ladies and gents are what keep Elf Lair alive and progressing towards bigger and better things. Seriously, if I'd known it was going to cause this much of a storm I never would've bothered with the deluxe edition--I'd have just left it, warts and all, the way it was. We're really trying hard to take the next step with Elf Lair, and the more we have to focus on what now in retrospect seems a mistake in releasing S&S Deluxe, the longer it's going to take to finish upcoming projects like Vampire Queen, Eldritch Witchery, Apotheosis, Eiru, and Twelve Parsecs.

Finally, there have been a few grievances that we shouldn't expect people to look here on the blog for news and updates. Given that we've posted that the blog is the official place to keep up with ELG news and updates, I don't think it's that big an assumption to trust that our customers check here for what's going on with us.

NOW, with all that being said, I will look into doing whatever I can to fix these issues, and will post here when I've come to a decision about how to put peoples' fears and doubts to rest.

Thanks for your continuing business--I hope that this blog didn't seem too ranty, self-pitying, or unappreciative. I think we're going through a few growing pains at the moment, and I guess that's a good thing: even the complaints mean people care and are taking notice of Elf Lair as a company, and we have seen that and appreciate it. Hopefully you'll continue to be pleased with our product overall.

Spellcraft & Swordplay Deluxe Edition released!

2009-06-29T13:30:00.001-04:00

Elf Lair Games is proud to announce the release of the Deluxe Edition of Spellcraft & Swordplay.

This 176-page game incorporates all errata to date and includes revised and expanded material, including new Elite Paths, unarmed combat, naval combat, disease, new spells, and more. It is our intent that this will be the final version of S&S to hit the market, barring any true second edition years down the road.

The great thing about PoD is the ability to fix errors as you go, but you can only take that so far. So it is our hope that this version of S&S gives our fans and those who have been undecided the game they've always thought and hoped S&S could be.

As a final note, if you already own S&S AND Monstrous Mayhem, there's no need to purchase this book--it doesn't have anything that S&S and MM don't already include.

The Deluxe Edition is available at our Lulu store, accessible from our web page at http://www.grey-elf.com/. The hardcover retails for $28.00, the 5.5x8.5 softcover for $15. An e-book edition is also available for $6.50.

12P work...

2009-06-22T08:33:00.002-04:00

Well, I got a holy crapload of work done this weekend on Twelve Parsecs. The vehicle rules are progressing well, and I think people already familiar with the system will pick them up instantly. As with most stuff powered by O.R.C.S., they can be as complex (if you include the tactical minis stuff) or simple (if you freeform it) as you like. Generally speaking vehicles work just like characters, with the same 6 Ability Scores (though they combine in unusual ways with PC Abilities--a PC, for example, would make an Intellect check to use a ship's FTL drive, but capped by the ship's Strength, which represents its engines).

Ship combat works off of Ability Checks rather than weapon vs. armor as does man-to-man combat, but I think it works.

Anyway, after I finish with vehicle rules I'll probably get the psychic powers written up--been putting that off. Then I'll decide how detailed I want to get with cybernetics, robotics, and computer hacking systems. After that, "rogue's gallery" and "vehicles" appendices and it should be about ready to move to playtest, editing, and layout.

Twelve Parsecs cover art!

2009-06-20T01:18:00.003-04:00

Well, folks. Here it is: a preview of the cover art for Twelve Parsecs. Enjoy!

Progress

2009-06-19T15:48:00.003-04:00

Well, Twelve Parsecs has taken off at breakneck speed the past couple days. I'm well into the vehicle rules, now. With these done it'll be about ready to start playtest, though without Mystics or cybernetics involved (as I've not done psychic powers or cybernetics rules).

If you follow this blog and would like to be in on discussions about our games and products or whatever, PLEASE by all means stop by our forums at http://elflairgames.proboards.com/ and contribute! I've just put up a forum for 12P and would love to hear about what people would like to see.

Also, I'm pleased to announce that the S&S boxed sets are now OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT. The last four went to my FLGS today. Will we do another run in the future? Depends on a lot of factors, the most important being whether I can find a better, more economical way to do it than sitting at my dining room table for hours ad nauseum stapling booklets by hand and stuffing boxes. Seriously, just doing 30 of them took me WEEKS of work.

If I can find a way to produce the booklets without having to do it by hand, and if I can find a good box supplier (better than the one I used which screwed up three consecutive orders, sending me all lids and no bottoms), then yes, it's a possibility down the road. But for now, they're sold out.

Thanks for your continuing support!

Twelve Parsecs

2009-06-18T08:42:00.002-04:00

Twelve Parsecs is creeping along. A few other things have distracted my attention of late, not the least of which are a major freelance project which I was going to back out of, but which the guy talked me into sticking with, and the fact that I GOT ACCEPTED TO GRADUATE SCHOOL.

However, I have just taken steps to license a GORGEOUS piece of art for the cover. Once that's all settled I'll see about posting a preview. We're looking to have a real art and layout budget for T.P. (hopefully it doesn't bite us) and if that works out, you'll see much nicer, higher-end product from us in the future. This includes Eiru and Apotheosis (which has yet to be given its final title).

Just a quick update. Not much else to post. Sally forth and battle on!

Oops!

2009-06-17T12:42:00.003-04:00

A few minutes ago I posted a ranger variant...that wasn't meant for here; it was meant for my other blog, The Wasted Lands, which is dedicated to OD&D. Apologies if anyone thought I was posting an S&S Ranger Variant.

WOOT

2009-06-16T10:53:00.002-04:00

Our revenue from Lulu this month was our best yet by THREE TIMES what it's been in the past. That means you guys continue to spread the word about S&S! Keep it going, folks! With your help we're going to have some very slick product on store shelves very soon!

On and on we go

2009-06-12T13:44:00.003-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. Nothing really new to report. We're still selling great on Lulu, work continues on Twelve Parsecs, and I've begun to put some notes together for my Swords-and-Sorcery game, while Tim works on Vampire Queen and Eiru. I'm waiting on some in-house playtest comments from a board game I'm developing, then I have to find someone willing to manufacture it, if it's deemed worth manufacturing. The first edition may just be a "do it yourself" set of rules (the board can be drawn on any 1" hex grid, and minis can be used for pawns) on Lulu.

The trials and tribulations of trying to become a real publisher when I don't have a real bank account. Heh.

That's all for now. Sally forth and battle on!

THE PLAN

2009-06-09T08:31:00.002-04:00

Just like the Cylons, we have a plan.

Unlike the Cylons, we know what our plan is.

For now, for the time being, Spellcraft & Swordplay will remain in print-on-demand through Lulu. We are still going ahead with the expanded version of S&S--I will divide the store into separate pages for various product lines, these being Basic S&S and Expanded S&S right now.

It has been brought to our attention that the wide use of public domain art will hurt S&S's chances on game store shelves, and after some careful soul-searching, I tend to agree. S&S is my baby and I love it--as, I'm gathering, do most of you. But presentation matters a LOT in game stores.

So here's the plan.

S&S stays PoD for the time being. Fear not, however: we will continue to support it, and Tim Brannan is currently working on our first adventure module. He's also got a second sourcebook in the works.

We will be using all the profits from S&S for a real art and layout budget on our three (yes, THREE) upcoming games. These games (1 mythic fantasy, 1 weird sword and sorcery, and 1 space opera), we will attempt to get into distribution. Hopefully, with these games on shelves we can make enough to revisit S&S, give it a real art and layout cleanup, commission a great cover, and it can join the rest of its brethren on store shelves.

It is also likely that if all goes well you'll see us at one or more cons next year, and I plan to have copies of the Pocket Edition handy to sell.

Soon as I get my proofing comments back on the Expanded edition of S&S, it'll go live, at which point I'll tear through Monstrous Mayhem to produce a version of it that will go with Expanded S&S. Like as not I'll remove the 9x6 softcovers of S&S and MM basic, leaving the hardcovers and pocket formats. The Old School versions will, of course, remain.

And just to re-iterate one more time: IF YOU OWN THE REVISED S&S AND MONSTROUS MAYHEM, YOU WILL NOT NEED TO PURCHASE THE EXPANDED EDITION--YOU'LL GET NOTHING NEW.

So that's where we stand, now. Sally Forth and Battle On!

Distribution woes...

2009-06-04T12:36:00.003-04:00

It's possible that Spellcraft & Swordplay may not see distribution. I've advice from someone whose opinion I trust greatly that visually speaking, the game isn't up to store standards, though he says it is a great game that he has no doubt is perfect for PoD and will build a strong fan base. This makes sense--I had NO art budget and the layout is modest at best. It was distressing to hear, but not unexpected.

So what does this mean for Elf Lair? It doesn't mean we're giving up, I'll tell you that much. There are other avenues I have yet to examine--one or two direct-sale fulfillment houses who may be amicable to working with us. We'll still be re-examining our sales model on Lulu to tighten it up a bit. We have three other core games planned, two of which are fantasy games powered by O.R.C.S.

We may well end up keeping S&S as a PoD and direct sale generic system, while trying to adopt a higher production value for the upcoming games, so they can find a place on store shelves. It's just a matter of coming up with the funds to do that. To this end, Spellcraft & Swordplay (and its sourcebooks and adventures) will aid in funding our growth as a company. All the profits from the S&S line are going towards developing and building Elf Lair Games. And some day, perhaps, we'll be able to afford a really clean version of S&S with professional artwork, which will find its rightful place on store shelves.

We'll get there. With your continued support it'll be sooner rather than later.

Thanks for hanging in there with us!

Elf Lair Games "Paraphernalia"

2009-06-03T11:46:00.006-04:00

Due to a number of requests from fans, I've set up a cafepress store where you can get tote bags, journals, travel mugs and stickers for S&S and Elf Lair. I also have a Zazzle store where you can buy T-shirts, hoodies, coffee mugs, beer steins, hats, and mouse pads (with more products coming).

In any case, the stores are here:

http://www.cafepress.com/elflairgames

http://www.zazzle.com/thegreyelf

I'll likely update the designs periodically as we become more advanced in terms of art and layout. For now both stores are open for business, though as Zazzle adds more options I'll be gradually moving away from Cafepress, which is just too limited in what I can do and how I get paid. Plus, you can buy from the Zazzle store right at the top of my blog, and there's something to be said for that.

Me and my accidental games...

2009-06-02T14:05:00.001-04:00

I seem to be getting adept at accidentally writing games. Now it's a board game that is reminiscent of Blood Bowl, but again has its own flavor and strategy and is a lot less complicated than BB was.

Best of all, the game can interface with S&S or just about any other class-and-level-based fantasy RPG.

The gist of it (sans game mechanics) is posted over at my Wasted Lands blog as "Orcball!" but I'm now calling it Skull-Smasher. I've just put it into playtest. We'll see if it merits selling.

In other news, I'd like to clarify something. It's been brought to my attention that I've referenced all of our different "editions" of S&S without clarifying what the difference was. I've assumed too much knowledge out of the gate, and it's true, I shouldn't do that. So, just to clarify...there's no textual difference between the editions of S&S.

Our strategy (which seems to have worked) was to put S&S out in a bunch of different formats to cater to a number of different tastes. We have the "Old School" edition, which is 3 little brown booklets. We have the "standard" 6x9 edition, and we have the digest-sized "pocket edition."

Unfortunately, when you go into distribution, unless you have a LOT of money to blow on printing, you don't have the option of maintaining all these different formats. So I am forced to choose. That's what the recent blogs have been about.

Truthfully, I probably shouldn't have used "Edition" when titling these, but rather "Format." In any case, the books are the same as far as the text content. There are layout differences and some differences in artwork, but ALL of the text is identical across the editions. So when I talk about re-examining our sales model, I'm just talking about which size formats we're keeping and which we aren't.

Hope that clarifies things somewhat.

Distribution and the Old School Edition

2009-06-01T12:25:00.002-04:00

or, "Why You Won't See the Old School Edition in Stores Any Time Soon."

The Old School Renaissance is a great and amazing thing. I've been a booster for it, and involved with it since shortly after OSRIC first came out. I was involved with the development of ZeFRS, a lesser-known retro clone of the old TSR Conan rules (done with the blessing of its original creator, Dave "Zeb" Cook.)

I love Labyrinth Lord, Swords & Wizardry, and OSRIC. This is a movement of which I am proud to be a part and with which I'm thrilled to be associated.

That being said, as a burgeoning RPG publisher, I have to tread with great care. Being associated with a movement like this is a great thing--it's something to be proud of. And yet, a publisher involved with such a movement needs to ensure his product has legs beyond the movement if he wishes to expand his venture, like I want to with Elf Lair Games.

I think that, while the Old School Movement has been great for those of us who want to bring back those old games, there's also more that can be done to bring new gamers, younger gamers, into the fold. This is why I do not identify S&S as a retro clone. It is why I incorporated so-called "new school" streamlining to my rules system, allowing for ability checks and background skills that allow for customization and flexibility in character design. It's why I have consistently moved more towards a unified resolution mechanic: 2d6 plus modifiers vs. TN 11. Hell, arguably even our combat system can be broken down to that by changing the weapon vs. armor type table to show modifiers instead of final results (but that would too closely resemble the old AD&D weapon vs. armor table, which is gloriously unpopular--it's far faster just to say, "this is your TN after base modifiers are accounted for.")

In any case, while the Old School Edition is fun, it was mostly a "gift" to our fans in the Renaissance. When we move into distribution, we have to take care not to irrevocably tie ourselves to the movement as "just an old school publisher--I mean, just look at their games!" Because trends in the industry change, and we have to be malleable enough to change with them.

Now, I am an old school publisher. Not only do I not deny it, I'm damn proud of it. However, I also like to think that Elf Lair is more than an old school publisher, that we can have a broader appeal. Our sales on Lulu have been staggering, and it's those sheer numbers that convinced me to pursue distribution. But the Old School books are not our best sellers. Indeed, of the four editions we have up (including the e-book) they're at the bottom of the list.

Not to mention, the Old School Edition is surprisingly expensive to produce.

I'm not saying--or at least, shouldn't be saying--that you will never see the Old School Edition on shelves. I've looked into (and continue to seek) options for doing another, larger boxed set run. But it won't be our first release, or probably even in our first few. We have three other games on the docket--two fantasy games and a sci-fi game that are all powered by O.R.C.S. There's also one or two adventure modules in preparation. Only after we've secured our own niche and identity on game store shelves will we revisit the idea of distributing the Old School Edition of S&S. I'll leave it up on Lulu, though, for those who dig it, and it's available now on Amazon (though you need to search by the individual names of the booklets or by my name due to my stupidity in product IDing).

So that's where we stand with that. I hope that makes sense, and I sincerely hope that our fans within the old school movement don't think I'm snubbing them. I'm really not--I'm just working on balancing old school with general appeal. I also think (and hope) that fans of the Old School Edition will dig the new cover art for the final, "deluxe," expanded edition of S&S that will hopefully see a place on store shelves.

Two steps forward...

2009-05-30T16:04:00.002-04:00

Well, I have turned down my initial offer, so distribution is not imminent, but is certainly still on the docket. Just means we're back to our original plan. Fear not; I still fully intend to get S&S and all of Elf Lair's products to come on store shelves within the year. There are other irons in the fire, and I am determined to do this the right way.

On and on...

2009-05-29T11:18:00.002-04:00

Distribution potential continues to move forward...and sideways...and backwards...and kind of wibbly-wobbly off to the diagonal directions. I'm working a few angles, getting some anonymous advice from industry contacts, and trying to examine this from all directions before I decide what to do. While S&S is definitely an "old school feel" game, and I'm proud to be part of the Old School Movement, I don't want to pigeonhole the game--I'd like to reach as wide an audience as possible while still catering to the old school fans.

On that front, I've worked out the final revision for S&S, and am thinking my sales model is going to change.

I am going to leave the original pocket edition and "old school" pamphlets of S&S and the pocket edition of MM up for sale. The 9x6 versions will come down. This version will be re-dubbed "Spellcraft & Swordplay Basic," and will likely remain available only through the web.

The version that is going to see print in stores is expanded with all of the Elite Paths from MM except for Bard, the expanded unarmed combat rules, the disease rules, and the naval combat rules from MM. This version will be dubbed "Spellcraft & Swordplay Deluxe," and will be followed by an abridged (and likely less expensive) Monstrous Mayhem which includes the rest of the stuff I didn't transplant.

Deluxe will (hopefully, if all goes according to plan) see print in stores, though I haven't decided on the size format. Likely 9x6 or 8.5x5.5 (I will probably do both on the Lulu site for the time being).

Eventually, of course, my intent is to do print runs of these games--Basic and Deluxe--and handle direct sales myself.

Again, still working out all the details, though.

More as things progress.

Holy Amazonian Developments, Batman!

2009-05-27T08:05:00.005-04:00

I got an e-mail this morning that Spellcraft & Swordplay has been selected to appear on Amazon's Marketplace! Apparently a ton of us in the old-school game have gotten similar e-mails (perhaps even every RPG publisher on Lulu), but wow! That's pretty cool.

The prices are higher on Amazon--to cover costs, Lulu imposed a 30% markup. But still, that's pretty rocking, to see my company represented on Amazon.com.

Developments continue on the mysterious "soon into distribution" opportunity. I hope to be able to have a concrete announcement soon, but I will say if this happens the version of Spellcraft & Swordplay you'll see in stores will be the long-promised "Final Version."

Nothing will be changed to invalidate the versions you already have--I will likely incorporate some things from Monstrous Mayhem, as it's questionable whether the distributor will carry the sourcebook. Thus, a few of the Elite Paths (probably just Necromancer and Druid, though I'm waffling on replacing the Paladin with the Ranger, as the latter fits the mood of S&S better), the mass combat rules, unarmed combat, and some of the monsters will likely go into the core book. I'm not 100% on what will and won't go in, yet. I may then do an "abridged edition" version of Monstrous Mayhem (which would cost less) which just includes whatever didn't make it into the final core book.

The Lulu storefront will change dramatically--if I can even still sell through Lulu. It might go away entirely in favor of direct web sales. In any case, I think this will be the best way to go, given that I'm going to have to re-examine my pricing structure, and won't be able to make revisions and changes as we go anymore. I'll need to make sure S&S is in a truly polished, final version.

The Old School Renaissance in general is poised to make a huge leap forward, folks. Look out world; here we come!

Happy Memorial Day

2009-05-25T12:45:00.002-04:00

Just a quick note to wish everyone a happy Memorial Day and a reminder to take some time today to reflect on the sacrifices our soldiers have made (and make every day) for all of us. These are guys who deliberately put themselves in horrific, constantly life-threatening situations day after day just to ensure the safety and security of the rest of us at home. Kudos to the troops wherever they may be, and eternal gratitude.

Interesting developments

2009-05-24T13:13:00.003-04:00

Can't say much right now, but a potentially exciting development has popped up which may enable us to get into distro much sooner than originally anticipated. Alas, if we take this deal our prices may have to go up, as the profit margins in distribution are far smaller than they are in direct sales or through Lulu.

Stay tuned!

Time it keeps a-turnin'

2009-05-23T23:33:00.004-04:00

So I doubt this post will be as long as the first, as it's only been a day and there's not much new to report. The responses to the boxed sets have been truly astounding. I've been flooded with e-mails regarding the possibility of having any left over. These I must (to be fair) address first-come, first-serve, so at this point I think I'm definitely sold out.

That being said, if interest continues to be expressed, I'll certainly continue looking into options for a larger run. Printing and boxes are the big hurdles--if I can find a way to pull it off while still keeping costs manageable, it may very well happen.

The Space Opera game. Okay, since people seem very interested here's what I can tell you so far...but before I do, PLEASE do not take this as an announcement of impending release. This project is FAR from complete and to be considered in "development Hell" until further notice--it's NOT by ANY MEANS something people should stash away cash for now, or expect to see in the next 2 or even 3 months. Too many publishers get too excited about upcoming projects and "announce" them before they're ready to go, and then when the projects don't materialize, people (rightly) get pissed. I don't want to be one of those guys. So right now take this as ideas I am developing and nothing more.

The working title for the game is Twelve Parsecs™. It's every bit as much of a settingless toolkit as Spellcraft & Swordplay™ and the two will be entirely compatible, though TP won't be released under the Open Game License, so you'll need to do a bit of back-engineering work to use them together (figuring out what terms are analagous to what terms, mostly, and I'm keeping that as intuitive as possible).

The game is specifically space opera/science fantasy. Do NOT expect to see hard science, real-world physics, or radiation rules broken down by RADs. This is a game where starships explode spectacularly in outer space. For those Asimov fans out there, my apologies but I can't write what I don't enjoy, and I enjoy Star Wars, Star Trek, and Battlestar Galactica, not hard sci-fi.

It will include some enhancements and advancements to the system--exploding (and imploding) dice for critical successes and failures (called Supernovas and Black Holes, respectively) are an example of one such enhancement.

I do intend to include rules for vehicle combat, as well as modern (and futuristic) weapons (obviously).

I hope to include rules for cybernetics, but we will see if that'll make the core.

There will be psionics and mystical powers rules, which function similarly to the magic rules from S&S.

Alien races are covered with four examples, and quick guidelines on whipping up new ones for your game.

Will there be a bestiary? Honestly, I don't know. Maybe a rogue's gallery would suffice better--some standard stats for space marines, evil armored troopers, smugglers, etc.

Where it stands now: I have character creation mostly done--one class and two elite paths need completed, as well as the list of psionic powers, backgrounds, and one other new customization option I'm dropping in. The rules of the game will mostly be transplanted from S&S, so if you know S&S, you'll pick TP right up. I'll need to finish transplanting those, and revising them for sci-fi rather than sword & sorcery, then do up the expanded rules needed for a futuristic game (guns and high tech armor, among other things).

So that's where we stand on Twelve Parsecs™ at this point. I'll post updates as I progress, though within the next month or so I'm starting work in ernest on a major freelance gig for another company that will likely consume a great deal of my time. Can't say anything about that one (NDA's and all) but suffice it to say it was an honor to be approached for the project and to me it's worth putting Elf Lair on hold very briefly for this one chance to do something really huge (to me).

Again, thanks for following along, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support. With your help and encouragement, before you know it you'll be seeing our logo on game store shelves (and dare we hope major chain stores, too?) within the year.

Sally forth and battle on!

Blog Launch

2009-05-22T10:13:00.000-04:00

Well, all, here we are: the first blog for Elf Lair Games on Blogspot. Some of you may be aware I was doing semi-regular updates on Lulu when they had a blog function, but they killed that functionality, so I've been hem-hawing about doing another. I decided what the heck. It's nice to give people a place they can keep up with the goings-on as we try to build Elf Lair into a real publishing company.

At this point Elf Lair is about 70% me, and 30% Timothy Brannan, who's done a lot of behind-the-scenes work, been an invaluable sounding board, and is doing "free" writing (that is, he's working for copies at this point) for me. He may come on board as an official partner at some point, but we have to work that out, still.

So, what's new? The (very) limited-edition boxed sets of Spellcraft & Swordplay have shipped, save two that I have to send out today. Then I'm going to contact the 3 or 4 holdouts from whom I haven't yet heard, and I may still have a few for sale (I've already gotten four requests, though, so we shall see!) James over at Grognardia gave a wonderful review of the set, and as always I'm grateful to him--he's been a supporter ever since S&S first game out.

The sales of this boxed set are going directly towards setting Elf Lair up as an official business and producing an actual print run (ISBN and all) of Spellcraft & Swordplay, which we hope to see on game store shelves within the year.

On that note, I'd like to address something. We've taken some flak from certain vocal members of the Old School community for not making S&S free like other games such as OSRIC, Swords & Wizardry, and Labyrinth Lord, but I'd like to clarify that S&S is not a retro-clone like those games. It does NOT seek to reproduce an old system. Rather it is heavily inspired by the early days of roleplaying, but it is very much its own game. This is not to say I have anything against the guys producing S&W, OSRIC, or LL--indeed, Dan Proctor is a longtime acquaintence of mine from my freelancing for Eden Studios, and is a stand-up guy all around (and LL is probably my favorite of the retro-clones). S&W and OSRIC are absolutely phenomenal products and I'd heartily recommend them to anyone who enjoys old school gaming.

But what we are looking to do is build Elf Lair into a full-fledged game company, and S&S is our first flagship, which we hope to use as the basis for many products in the future, such as adventure modules, campaign settings (which may or may not be full games unto themselves) and even other genres. I have likened it to OD&D as Troll Lords' Castles & Crusades is to AD&D. So if you lay out C&C, OSRIC, and AD&D on one hand, and S&S, S&W, and OD&D on the other, you get an analagous relationship, with S&S filling the C&C role on the OD&D front. Same feel, very different rules.

I am currently working on a Science Fantasy/Space Opera game that uses the S&S system as its base. Don't want to say too much about that right now as it is in the early stages of construction, but I think fans of S&S will be more than pleased. I think the ideas flowing out are just a great deal of fun.

It won't be OGL, but will be compatible with S&S, this accomplished mostly by simply renaming the same concepts (ability scores, for example, are Strength, Agility, Toughness, Intellect, Willpower, and Presence, all of which have a direct parallel to the OGL abilities).

We had thought to call the S&S System the O.G.R.E. System (Old-school Generic Roleplaying Engine) but I am told that may conflict with Steve Jackson Games, who have a game called OGRE. So we may have to come up with a new acronym.

Thus, we are going to call the system the Old-school Roleplaying Core System (O.R.C.S.).

Well, I guess that's about it for the first blog. I'll try and keep updates here as I have them to post, and welcome! Don't forget to visit our store at http://www.lulu.com/elflairgames and our message boards at http://elflairgames.proboards.com/