After seeing all these awesome campaign books in 5e, and getting a few on Kickstarter, I figured I might try to write my own book!
The idea behind the book, which I still haven't decided on a name for, is at its current state less of a book and more of a dumping ground for ideas. I've got quite a few story hooks, and a nice pantheon of gods, as well as general details of the world and the races. I do love me some races. In addition, I'm also trying to make some new spells, which I'll probably post in my homebrew as I made them for reviewing and feedback as I add and refine content into the book!
I have three main candidates for the crowning focus of this book.
The first is an ancient civilization that, after a century-long world war, completely destroyed pretty much every facet of their society in a global cataclysm, with only a few members of the race locked away in vaults. Very Fallout 76.
The second is a living curse, totally not Calamity Ganon haha why do you ask, that is responsible for the death of an entire race (undecided who, probably humans or elves) that gained sentience and creates monsters to spread its corruption across the world.
The third is the basic prevalence of elemental magic, and the struggle between those that harness it for others and for themselves. Gives me an excuse to make lava octopi and cloud dogs. :)
I'm interested in hearing what you guys have to think about it! I've lurked for a while but never actually put out anything on the forums, but now I'm looking to change that and maybe meet other like-minded individuals who can give me pointers on how to up my game on what appears to be the forever-DMing in my future! TvT
I wouldn't necessarily dive into putting a book on Kickstarter till you get some play tested design experience under your belt. I put this in another thread, but I think this James Introcaso, formerly of here I think and now with MCDM Studios plus maybe some experience at WotC) video gives good guidance for people who want to get seriously involved in game design, be it as an independent designer, a way into a studio, etc. It's only 15 minutes, but it's a pretty comprehensive talk and tracks with paths for other creative, particularly writing based, work.
I've bought a few kickstarters, but my main thing when I back one is what work does the designer have to speak of prior to this Kickstarter. So for example I went with Monte Cook Games Planebreaker book because recognizable studio and written by folks with significant D&D writing creds. I backed Heckna on Hit Point because I really liked Humblewood. I did Griffon Saddlebags not because I was a prior patron, but I knew they were sort of an established designer and the book was a good project.
What I'm saying is, I think the video gives good guidance on breaking in. Finding a cohort of other designing types here on the forum is probably a good start because you're going to want people you don't play with to test stuff, see video for "what makes sense at your table and from your notes into your head doesn't necessarily mean good content for an outside consumer." Basically start with small quality products and build your way up from there. The Homebrew Forum is a great resource for that sort of community.
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Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
Firstly, the ideas seem pretty cool. The first seems like a fun and a genre not covered especially well by the published adventure modals, so it's a solid choice. The second one seems hard to pull off in a way that writes a unique and interesting story, but not impossible by any means. The third idea makes a good basic concept but needs expanding upon. All of the ideas are great though.
I also agree with MidnightPlat though. Kickstarter is usually a good choice after you have gone through a bunch of testing, reviews, ect to make sure it's top notch, and also have a good deal of experience with this type of game design. I'd recommend for your first adventure using the DM's Guild, or making it publicly avalible for reviews.
Aw, thanks! That video is super helpful! And yeah, the end goal is a Kickstarter, though I do have a long way to go before any kind of final project is done. DM's Guild does sound like a good place to get started, as soon as I have material to put there. I might use this thread to just explore ideas, get feedback, et cetera, as I develop the process, streamline the stuff, and maybe even put out some playtest links!
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After seeing all these awesome campaign books in 5e, and getting a few on Kickstarter, I figured I might try to write my own book!
The idea behind the book, which I still haven't decided on a name for, is at its current state less of a book and more of a dumping ground for ideas. I've got quite a few story hooks, and a nice pantheon of gods, as well as general details of the world and the races. I do love me some races. In addition, I'm also trying to make some new spells, which I'll probably post in my homebrew as I made them for reviewing and feedback as I add and refine content into the book!
I have three main candidates for the crowning focus of this book.
I'm interested in hearing what you guys have to think about it! I've lurked for a while but never actually put out anything on the forums, but now I'm looking to change that and maybe meet other like-minded individuals who can give me pointers on how to up my game on what appears to be the forever-DMing in my future! TvT
I wouldn't necessarily dive into putting a book on Kickstarter till you get some play tested design experience under your belt. I put this in another thread, but I think this James Introcaso, formerly of here I think and now with MCDM Studios plus maybe some experience at WotC) video gives good guidance for people who want to get seriously involved in game design, be it as an independent designer, a way into a studio, etc. It's only 15 minutes, but it's a pretty comprehensive talk and tracks with paths for other creative, particularly writing based, work.
I've bought a few kickstarters, but my main thing when I back one is what work does the designer have to speak of prior to this Kickstarter. So for example I went with Monte Cook Games Planebreaker book because recognizable studio and written by folks with significant D&D writing creds. I backed Heckna on Hit Point because I really liked Humblewood. I did Griffon Saddlebags not because I was a prior patron, but I knew they were sort of an established designer and the book was a good project.
What I'm saying is, I think the video gives good guidance on breaking in. Finding a cohort of other designing types here on the forum is probably a good start because you're going to want people you don't play with to test stuff, see video for "what makes sense at your table and from your notes into your head doesn't necessarily mean good content for an outside consumer." Basically start with small quality products and build your way up from there. The Homebrew Forum is a great resource for that sort of community.
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
Firstly, the ideas seem pretty cool. The first seems like a fun and a genre not covered especially well by the published adventure modals, so it's a solid choice. The second one seems hard to pull off in a way that writes a unique and interesting story, but not impossible by any means. The third idea makes a good basic concept but needs expanding upon. All of the ideas are great though.
I also agree with MidnightPlat though. Kickstarter is usually a good choice after you have gone through a bunch of testing, reviews, ect to make sure it's top notch, and also have a good deal of experience with this type of game design. I'd recommend for your first adventure using the DM's Guild, or making it publicly avalible for reviews.
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Aw, thanks! That video is super helpful! And yeah, the end goal is a Kickstarter, though I do have a long way to go before any kind of final project is done. DM's Guild does sound like a good place to get started, as soon as I have material to put there. I might use this thread to just explore ideas, get feedback, et cetera, as I develop the process, streamline the stuff, and maybe even put out some playtest links!