Steve Jackson's Blog, page 139

February 5, 2022: Crowdfunding Focus: The Undying Sands And Bottled Sea

Now on Kickstarter is The Undying Sands and Bottled Sea , two roleplaying game settings presented in what is described as "hex-n-screen" format. I originally ordered The Undying Sands from the Games Omnivorous website when the supplement was first released, and it was so imaginative that I had no choice but to back Bottled Sea as fast as I could. 

So just what is the "hex-n-screen" format?

Imagine a hexcrawl, but instead of a printed hexmap you're given a bag filled with hex-shaped tiles. By randomly drawing tiles from the bag as the PCs explore the world, you construct your hexmap in such a way that your own land is different from the land of another game group. An included three-panel gamemaster screen provides the GM with some basic info on the numbered tiles, and there are tables for rumors, treasures, and random encounters that you can turn to when the party enters one of the unnumbered hex tiles. It's a fun, imaginative approach to the hexcrawl, and as a systemless work it is useful for almost any fantasy RPG.

Bottled Sea is a new expansion following the same format, and this is your chance to grab both works. The Kickstarter campaign ends on February 9, so please check it out while there's still time to support this creative game supplement.

– Phil Reed

Warehouse 23 News: 40 Years Of Car Wars!

Commemorating 40 years of  Car Wars , and fortuitously appearing just when  Car Wars Sixth Edition  exploded onto the arena, this pin is a classy salute to autoduellists everywhere. Represent with the  Car Wars 40th Anniversary Pin , now on Warehouse 23!

February 4, 2022: February Freebies Sale On Warehouse 23!

This month we wanted to show you all how much we love our fans with a special sale on Warehouse 23! But not just a sale; we're going to throw in some freebies with orders of $20 or more, and the swag stacks the more you spend. These February Freebies include:All orders of $20* or more include one random pocket journalAll orders of $35* or more include one random set of six-sided diceAll orders of $50* or more include one random pack of coastersAll orders of $75* or more include one Candy Heart d6 Dice Set *Before tax and shipping, print items only.  This means that if you spend $75, you get all the swag thrown into your order. But I did say sale before, right? Well, we're discounting select Munchkin titles and GURPS PDFs by 13% as well! I knew 13 was my lucky number for a reason . . . Toss the chocolate and get your sweetheart some games this Valentine's Day! Don't worry, we won't tell them that you kept the bonus Candy Heart Dice for yourself.

– Hunter Shelburne

Warehouse 23 News: Overcharge!

Dress up your cyberpunk or far-future games with this set of three 16mm d6. The colors (gold on green) and pattern suggest a circuit board, and the pattern runs over the edges of the dice! Get connected and order Circuit Dice now on Warehouse 23!

February 3, 2022: A Change In Dice Included In Munchkin Games

For several years now, we've included specific dice color combinations (plastic and ink) in the different Munchkin games, sometimes running through five or six different color tests before settling on a new title's exact dice colors. That was fun while it lasted, but now we're simplifying the process and making a change in the dice we pack inside our new (and reprint) Munchkin games.

Going forward, there will be no One True Way when it comes to dice colors for the single six-sided die packed inside a Munchkin game. Instead of every game of the same name including the exact same color of die, the dice will be randomized at the factory. It is even possible that opening multiple copies from the same print run will result in a variety of different Munchkin -headed dice. (We're not changing the mold – the games will still include a custom die – it's just that the exact colors will be random.)

This change is for a few reasons, the biggest of which is how the global pandemic continues to impact supply chains and manufacturing. To make our lives easier, and simplify a step for the factory, the randomized die color(s) decision was made, and you'll see the change go into effect as new Munchkin games and reprints of existing Munchin games start to hit shelves later this year.

– Phil Reed

Warehouse 23 News: Adorable Munchkin!

Munchkin Babies  delivers 168 cards full of sweet, adorable baby adventurers . . . who are just as good at backstabbing and loot-grabbing as their elders from  Munchkin . Play a cute Orcling, Dwarfling, Elfling, or Quarterling (half a Halfling). Start backstabbing with this adorable Munchkin  version now on Warehouse 23!

February 2, 2022: Now I'm 3D Printing (Part 6)

I made a mistake that left me awfully embarrassed. I've been told that everybody does it once in a while, but it's clear that if YOU can NOT do it, it will improve the average IQ of the human race.

I have my printer set up with a magnetized build plate that makes it much easier to get the finished figures off. Well, what do you suppose happened when I forgot to put the magnetized plate onto the magnet?

It actually completed one of the 13 bases, right on the magnet. And that base detached all right and was perfectly usable. The rest of the build was wasted resin, requiring cleanup of the resin vat. But evidently my cleanup succeeded, because my next build turned out fine.

I went ahead and tried the giant scorpions again, starting with the unsupported version, then blowing it up 250%, and then letting the Chitubox system generate supports automatically. This function is not well documented, to say the least. But apparently I guessed right. Supports appeared, and they were easy (though time-consuming) to remove once the prints were done.

I made two scorpions, in case I ruined one, but both came out fine. The one menacing the skeleton will get painted; the one still on its supports will go into the door prize pool for FnordCon.

– Steve Jackson

Warehouse 23 News: Pocketbox Autodueling!

Car Wars is a game of the freeways of the future – where the right of way goes to the biggest guns. Players choose their vehicles – complete with weapons, armor, power plants, suspension, and even body style. Return to the classic that started it all with Car Wars Pocket Box Bundle 1 now on Warehouse 23!

February 1, 2022: Kickstarter Reports, February 2022 Update

At the moment, the majority of our open Kickstarter campaigns are either in the fulfillment process or about to move into the fulfillment process, with only one project (Hexagram #9, now funding) still in the pre-printing stage. We're finding that even the "easy" projects that we print in the U.S. —  Random Fun Generator 2 , I see you! — aren't exactly all that simple. (Fortunately, we planned for supply issues and set an estimated delivery date that bought us the time we needed to deal with printing delays.) Basically, there is no fast, reliable printing option at the moment, and everywhere you go, you may encounter delays.

Please follow us on Kickstarter — Steve Jackson Games and Warehouse 23 — to receive notice when we launch new campaigns. 

Hexagram #9, an old-school RPG zine for The Fantasy TripJanuary 26 to February 2491 backers and still fundingThis latest project for The Fantasy Trip brings us into the third year of our Hexagram series and also adds two new playmats and a new micro-adventure to the catalog. The project has met the goal, is working on stretch goals, and you can join in the action today by backing the new issue on Kickstarter.The Fantasy Trip Foes, STL Miniatures for Fantasy RPGsDecember 13, 2021 to January 4, 2022611 backers and on scheduleThose backers who completed their surveys quickly have already received their digital rewards, and digital fulfillment is ongoing. Print rewards and add-ons will start mailing just as soon as Warehouse 23 can fit the work into their overloaded schedule. GURPS Girl Genius October 20 to November 82,915 backers and ahead of scheduleDigital rewards were delivered before the end of 2021. UK and EU backers who selected the hardcover already have their books. U.S. fulfillment will begin just as soon as the books reach the warehouse. (Likely in March.)Random Fun Generator 2, Dice Games from Steve Jackson GamesSeptember 23 to September 301,533 backers and ahead of scheduleThe books are printed and physical rewards start shipping just as soon as our partner warehouse can fit the job into their schedule. We fully expect to deliver all print rewards ahead of schedule. (Digital rewards were delivered before the end of 2021.) Car Wars Sixth Edition by Steve Jackson Games November 29 (2019) to January 6 (2020)3,936 backers, behind scheduleInternational shipping started last month. It will not be a fast process. We have to pack rewards and then ship them to different fulfillment points around the world. (Canadian rewards were packed last month.) We'll update the Kickstarter campaign as international fulfillment moves ahead.Coming up soon is what may be our biggest Kickstarter campaign of the year: Munchkin . . . wait, we're not yet ready to reveal that one. This project has been years in the making (no joke; the earliest discussions happened way back in the mid-2010s), and it is great to see everything finally coming together. What's the new game? You can be certain we'll have a lot to say about this one just as soon as the Kickstarter landing page is ready and we've secured the last of the necessary approvals.

Please follow both Steve Jackson Games and Warehouse 23 on Kickstarter so that you don't miss any of our upcoming campaigns.

– Phil Reed

Warehouse 23 News: Adventures 2!

This 64-page hardcover book contains five exciting new adventures, each with die-cut game counters, for  The Fantasy Trip . Grab your friends and get adventuring now with Adventures 2 on Warehouse 23! 

January 31, 2022: Knightmare Chess Pre-Orders At Warehouse 23

Out of print for a few years, we're happy to report that the combined edition of Knightmare Chess (both of the 1990s sets in a single box) has reached our primary warehouse and the game is now available to pre-order at Warehouse 23. Skip the after-market prices — which have gotten out of control recently — and add a new, factory-fresh copy of the game to your collection!

You're unfamiliar with Knightmare Chess ? You're in for a treat: this game breaks the rules of chess in wild and unpredictable ways. Some cards affect a single move, and some change the entire game. Knightmare Chess plays quickly out of the box, but it also includes variants, and it's easy for players to customize. The possibilities are endless, and so is the fun!

Note: Knightmare Chess requires a working knowledge of chess, and a chess set, to play.

Pre-order Knightmare Chess today!

– Phil Reed

Warehouse 23 News: Circuit Overloaded!

Dress up your cyberpunk or far-future games with this set of three 16mm d6. The colors (gold on green) and pattern suggest a circuit board, and the pattern runs over the edges of the dice! Order these awesome Circuit Dice now on Warehouse 23!

January 30, 2022: Warehouse Find: Car Wars Classic

For those of you who missed out on our reprint of the Car Wars Classic game in 2014, the warehouse crew found a small number of copies and we've listed them for sale at Warehouse 23. This is effectively a reprint of the 1990 edition of Car Wars 4th edition , and is a great addition to your collection if you're looking for something that fits between the Pocket Box and Car Wars Sixth Edition in the evolution of the game.

There is no telling how long these will last. We're down to a small number, so it could be anywhere from a day to a year, depending on who sees this post and exactly how many of you are missing this edition.

You can find Car Wars Classic at our online store, Warehouse 23, while supplies last.

– Phil Reed

Warehouse 23 News: It's A Conspiracy!

It's the 21st century and everyone is talking about . . . conspiracies. In this exciting game from  Illuminati  designer Steve Jackson, each player takes turns acting as the Judge to read a card outlining a conspiracy. Then the other players choose from their own cards, competing to create the wildest, silliest, or most believable theory. Pre-order Conspiracy Theory now on Warehouse 23!

January 29, 2022: Remembering Warren "Mook" Wilson

On Wednesday, January 27, freelance writer Warren "Mook" Wilson passed away after an illness. Author of How to Be a GURPS GM and Pyramid contributor, Mook was a beloved member of and force for good in the GURPS community. He was extremely active on the SJ Games forums, and his Discord server was the place for real-time GURPS discussion. He also created videos and other resources in support of the game. To quote GURPS Line Editor Sean "Dr. Kromm" Punch, "I might be the foremost expert on creating game content, but Mook was the foremost expert on using it to have fun." Happy trails, Mook, and thanks for all the fun you gave gamers over the years. 

– Sean Punch

Warehouse 23 News: Munchkin Meets Farkle!

Play the classic game of Farkle in a whole new way! Munchkin Farkle marries the classic dice game with the Munchkin sense of humor and stab-your-buddy mentality. Rather than the traditional race to win, Munchkin Farkle is a race to win . . . and make your companions lose! Pre-order now on Warehouse 23!

January 28, 2022: Circuit Dice Are Electrifying!

Circuit Dice have delivered to backers of the crowdfunding project, and are now available to purchase on Warehouse 23! These custom d6 dice feature circuit board-inspired designs in a very apt gold and green color scheme. It's like we cracked open an Apple II and turned the chips into dice. We didn't, but we thought about it. 

Folks on social media are sharing some great unboxing pics and videos of the dice sets if you want some second opinions. As with all our dice, they're great for GURPS , but maybe these particular dice can slide into a cyperpunk setting for a bit more thematic flair when you roll a crit. You may not be able to hack the planet, but Circuit Dice can help you hack your favorite tabletop game. 

Pick up a set (or two) on Warehouse 23 now. 

– Hunter Shelburne

Warehouse 23 News: It's A Nightmare!

No . . . a Knightmare!  Knightmare Chess  is chess played with cards! The cards break the rules in wild and unpredictable ways. Some affect a single move, and some change the entire game. Enjoy this classic and preorder now on Warehouse 23!

January 27, 2022: Hexagram 9 On Kickstarter Now

Hexagram 9, the newest issue of The Fantasy Trip dedicated zine, is now available (and funded!) on Kickstarter, along with a host of new items to add to your campaign! If you're new to Hexagram, you'll find it features a wide range of things you can add to your TFT game, like scenarios, new monsters, articles, and even FAQs from the community. This issue features: Questions and Answers by Steve Jackson and Peter von KleinsmidThe Piroboli Stones by Howard KistlerPacing Your Party by Timm Meyers Questions Three – David Blanchard, interviewed by Steve JacksonThe Circus Job by Stefan Jones60-Minute Heroes by Steven MarshOrc Clans by The SJ Games StaffBattlefield Weather by Phil ReedServants of the Slime by Dan VerganoRandom Meetings on the Road by Jean McGuireBrass Skeletons by Steve JacksonThe fun doesn't stop there, however! This campaign also features the new Quick Quest #5 . This trifold brochure-style adventure is intended to be a one-shot or can be used as part of a larger adventure. Will you find out the mystery of Black Top Hill? 

But everyone needs a place to put their tokens, right? We thought of that as well, and added the Graveyard and Wilderness Road playmats to the campaign. These new mats feature full-color art of some exterior scenes that can be used with a variety of campaigns.

The campaign is open for one week, so we still have time to unlock even more goodies via stretch goals. Thanks for all the support! 

– Hunter Shelburne

Warehouse 23 News: Go To Town!

The city never sleeps. Neither do action heroes. GURPS Action 9: The City brings the power of GURPS City Stats to your GURPS Action campaigns, with fast-paced and frenetic options for your high-powered adventures. Heed the call of the nightlife with a download from Warehouse 23!