lawrence.whitaker

Mythras will take a modular approach. We've already started the process by making Mythras Imperative generic (and free), and we'll build on that base with supplements that extend its range into specific genres. But we won't produce a version of the BRP BGB or GURPS. We'll stick with Mythras core, Imperative, and then various supplements that extend the system's range. Some will be free, like Firearms; some will be paid for, like Ships & Shield Walls; and some will be focused, like Luther Arkwright.

A couple of weeks. Watch this space, and others.

On Monday, our time as custodians of the RuneQuest license formally draws to a close. We've felt honoured and privileged to have had the opportunity to work so closely with such an iconic brand, but all things change, and so we transition from RuneQuest to Mythras. We do, of course, wish our friends at Moon Design and Chaosium every success for the next edition of RQ and we look forward to seeing the results of the game returning to Glorantha. Our arrangement with Moon Design allows us 6 months to dispose of all remaining RQ6 stocks, and fortunately we only have a handful of the RQ6 hardbacks left in stock, so this won't be a major issue. We'll leave them on sale until we either exhaust stocks completely or the 6 months come to a close. All our supplements remain on sale and can do so for up to five years, although we are rebranding all our PDFs and will most likely rebrand the physical stock with the Mythras logo. As for Mythras itself, we will be releasing the game in hard copy and PDF around mid-August. We want to ensure that the print process is well underway before opening for preorders - a slight change in our usual procedure. It means that people will get their copies quicker after making payment. It also means that we can release Mythras and Mythic Rome together (or very close together), alongside another product that been our Super Secret project, and will be given its own announcement in due course. We will release a preview of Mythras, so you can see the new layout (and if you have Imperative, you know what to expect already). One thing that we can tell you is that Mythras is 304 pages - a good 34% smaller than RQ6, but with no loss of content (in fact, we've added more). It will also be cheaper - probably around $40. For the new content you can expect: Some new art pieces (courtesy of our friends at Runa Digital in Spain) Reorganized and expanded Animism rules, including Special Effects for Spirit Combat Additional Special Effects, including firearms SEs and a couple of brand new ones developed for Mythras. We're looking forward to getting this book out there. Another piece of extremely good news is our partnership with Aeon Games Publishing. Aeon is based in the UK and is our fully licensed production and distribution partner for the UK and Europe. If you're outside North America you will be able to order all our books from Aeon Games Publishing directly, and receive them quicker and at much reduced shipping than from our US warehouse. As the company's CEO, Oliver Rathbone says: "Aeon Games Publishing is committed to new and innovative role playing games. Our team of dedicated gamers runs the gamut from old school to cutting edge. We are proud that our first publications combine the two in the Design Mechanism's Mythras Ruleset which takes the best of the classic Runequest rules and brings them into the forefront of modern gaming. Please see our website at www.aeongamespublishing.co.uk for more details and forthcoming publications." The website goes live early next week. So it's farewell to RuneQuest 6, but Well Met to Mythras. This is an exciting time in The Design Mechanism's evolution and we continue to be indebted to all our fans and customers for their support, encouragement and enthusiasm. Loz and Pete

It's both.

We have a Saxons book in production, and it's likely I'll release more standalone scenarios that fit with the campaign from the main book.

Indeed - we're on the verge of releasing Mythras in PDF in the next couple of weeks, with the print copy being available in about 6-8 weeks. There'll be a fuller announcement on the Design Mechanism's website and forum this weekend.

We actually have no control over this. Most POD printers add 2-3 blank pages at the end of the file. Our booklet is sized to 32 internal pages (which is divisible by 4, 8 and 16, the signatures required for offset publishing), but Lulu would still add additional pages if we expanded the file to 33, 34, 36 (or whatever).

This is concerning Classic Fantasy. Bang made an error and despatched two copies of the book to seven customers who'd only ordered a single copy. We were alerted yesterday, and Bang told us they would be emailing a return label to those affected. So it is legit, and a second copy of Classic Fantasy has been sent to you in error (probably just hasn't arrived yet). When you do get the additional copy, we'd be really grateful, if you could return it to us with the email label Bang have sent. Do PM me if you need more info or want to discuss one-to-one.

Yes, it's all updated on Lulu.

I can't think why; it was/is the sixth published edition of the game. The waters became muddied around the time that Avalon Hill let RQ lapse into turpitude, and then Mongoose's resurrection of the brand when the trademark became available once more, and was secured by Issaries. We felt it was important to show and acknowledge the game's history, given that the Mongoose releases had been just plain 'RuneQuest' and then 'RuneQuest II'. RQ6, although it's ISBN listing is actually just 'RuneQuest', was a very truthful statement and acknowledgment at a time when the brand needed to be given some guidance given its recent upheaval. I'd hesitate before classifying that as ridiculous.

Everything is fixed, revised, and uploaded.

It is, and already corrected. Couple of other typo captures too, so those are now fixed.

Classic Fantasy has both classes and levels (ranks). Rod Leary, the author, will, no doubt, drop by to discuss, but Classic Fantasy is very much a way of emulating the class/level system alongside d100 mechanics.

For free download: http://thedesignmechanism.com/resources/TDM110 Mythras Imperative.pdf Or for print copy: http://www.lulu.com/shop/pete-nash-and-lawrence-whitaker/mythras-imperative/paperback/product-22732074.html

I think this is a really neat, elegant, innovative idea, Clarence. Great stuff!

I really don't know. Perhaps - that will be their decision. We don't sell the map separately ourselves because it simply isn't cost effective. They may have other ideas and options.

We do. A big one...

It will take a couple of months but everything is almost in place for UK distribution. We hope to have a formal announcement very soon.

We're getting everything ready for a July transition from RQ6 to Mythras, so things are getting close.

Mythras Imperative What is Mythras Imperative? A 34 page introduction to the Mythras system, designed for both newcomers and old hands. It gives you a pared-down, simplified version of Mythras but still with enough options and depth to be a playable game. The rules cover character creation, skills, the core mechanics of the game, spot rules for different circumstances, combat mechanics, and several creatures from fantasy, real life and science fiction. Is this a fantasy game? We’ve made Mythras Imperative generic. Skills cover the ancient, modern and futuristic worlds, and the weapons include firearms. So Mythras Imperative gives you the starting point for adventuring in any time period you want. Other supplements, and the core Mythras rules themselves, expand on things like magic, vehicles, psionic powers and so on. So no magic then? Not in Mythras Imperative. We’ve kept things at a high level to make it easy for everyone to get the hang of the basics. When you’re ready, trade-up to the full Mythras rules for a total of five different magic systems! What else can I do with it? Mythras Imperative can be used by third party publishers to develop their own, Mythras-powered games, in conjunction with the Mythras Gateway License. This simple agreement extends our permission for the Imperative rules to be used wholesale in new systems people want to create. Contact us for more details. What else is available for Mythras Imperative? We have several free scenarios ready for adventurers – fantasy and science fiction so you can see first-hand the scope of the Mythras rules. Does this replace RuneQuest Essentials? Yes it does. From summer 2016, RuneQuest Essentials will be discontinued. If you have a copy already, you’ll find it fully compatible with Mythras Imperative.

It's actually generic, and has modern/SF elements already built into it. More to come on precisely what Mythras Imperative is, soon.

Yes - all our books.

Leisure Games. And, very soon, our new print distribution partner.

Actually, no reason why the wider community can't have these. These characters were created for GenCon 2015 and have seen service in a few games since. They're very tongue in cheek, highly unbalanced (in every sense of the word) and been great fun. Use and abuse them as you wish. Arkwright.pdf