Hi everyone!
Amazing news today as we release the incredibly successful Era: The Empowered Core Rulebook!
The Kickstarter finished earlier this year and Keith Draws and I have worked night and day since to finish the rulebook. We sent it out to all Kickstarter backers about a month ago and now it’s your turn to try out the epic universe of Empowered.
Your actions could shape the world, so choose carefully!
– Ed
Hi everyone!
Well, as you know, all of our games are outstanding, but that’s not quite what I meant by the title…
Evil Overlord‘s Kickstarter rewards have now been fully fulfilled. Era: The Consortium‘s “Universe of Expansions Volume 2” have almost achieved the same (just waiting on a couple more book deliveries for the last 2 people!). Era: The Empowered is in the printing process and we expect books to arrive with us within a few weeks.
That means that almost all of our Kickstarters are fulfilled, which is fantastic! But we’re not sitting still…
Battlecruiser Alamo‘s Proofreading is well underway, and on schedule for delivery in December, and Era: The Chosen‘s editing is underway as well. Life on Gaia – our first audio book – is live on Kickstarter now, and doing quite well!
We are also preparing our final game of the year, Era: Survival Colony, for launch on Kickstarter in a few weeks.
In short, it’s a very busy time, but we’re loving every minute of it! I hope you’ll check out some of our newest releases and join us in exploring new universes!
– Ed
Hi everyone!
If there’s one thing no-one can deny about Penumbra, it’s that she gets around. That’s the story of the “Penumbra Adventures” miniseries Johnathan Lewis and I have been working on.
The first issue has already been released, but did you know there’s also a second?
Well, you do now! It’s on the store from today!
https://www.era-games.com/product/penumbra-adventures-2-digital/
https://www.era-games.com/product/penumbra-adventures-2-physical/
– Ed
Hi everyone!
A couple of years ago, I worked with the amazing John Serembe and long-time artist Keith Draws to bring his vision for Order of the Link, a cross-genre RPG, to life.
The book we produced with the outstandingly successful Kickstarter is now available for the first time on DriveThruRPG!
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/247231/Order-of-the-Link–Rulebook-Primer
Don’t miss out on seeing this!
– Ed
Hi everyone!
The latest episode of Stiletto Unit 447CE has just been released – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXQqo7hkxqg!
Personally, I can’t believe we’re already 14 episodes in!
Join us on Youtube as we start to think around the details of the next mission… and worry a little about what we might have gotten ourselves into in the previous…!
– Ed
Hi everyone!
I apologise for the lack of news post last week, but things have been crazy over here at Shades of Vengeance HQ!
We did RTX in London a week ago, and then the 4-day EGX (formerly EuroGamer) in Birmingham. If you’re a new fan from meeting us there, welcome! That’s kept us very busy indeed for the last couple of weeks.
Along with that, we’ve launched the Life on Gaia Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shadesofvengeance/life-on-gaia-an-audio-anthology-of-post-apocalypti?ref=9180c6
Leo has been working night and day to get the stories which we spent the last few months edited and the book is sounding fantastic. You don’t need to take my word for it – visit the Kickstarter page and you’ll be able to listen to several stories already as a sneak peek!
We also have a brand new card game coming at you in just a couple of weeks
Era: Survival – Colony
This game has been described as “Dead of Winter but with only cards” and “a fantastic co-operative experience” by our brave playtesters. It’s going to be for 1-4 players and I have an idea for a small expansion (which I intend to offer as a Kickstarter Expansion deck) which would also allow play with a “traitor” mechanic.
It’s fantastic fun and a real struggle for survival, so I’ll let you know when we get close to having that launch on Kickstarter!
We also, of course, are continuing work on various other projects, including Era: Lost Legend, finishing off our Lobo Comic which was funded last week, sending out Evil Overlord decks to the over 300 backers, getting the Era: The Empowered books printed, editing Era: The Chosen, proofreading Battlecruiser Alamo, sending out the last Era: The Consortium Expansions Volume 2 books and more! The team’s all very busy, but we’re running on schedule with everything, which is fantastic.
We’re also just finishing work on the next Champion of Earth expansion – Dinosoids – which will be released next year, as you may know from a previous post. I’m going to leave you today with a new enemy from that expansion: the D’yuthinkesaurus – the featured image – which has to be seen to be believed (See what I did there?!)!
– Ed
Hi everyone!
Today, I wanted to remind everyone about our first full-length Era: The Consortium comic, Counting Down From One!
With themes around time travel, how immutable the timeline is and how much people really care about what happens around them, this comic is pretty unforgettable – I still get people quoting it at me at conventions!
You can grab it on Comixology here: https://www.comixology.co.uk/Era-The-Consortium-Counting-Down-From-One/comics-series/72432?ref=cHVibGlzaGVyL3ZpZXcvZGVza3RvcC9saXN0L3Nlcmllc0xpc3Q
or, if you’re into physical comics, you can get it on our store, here: https://www.era-games.com/product/era-the-consortium-comic-counting-down-from-one-physical-version/
Step into the Era: The Consortium universe in the only way you should: with foreknowledge!
– Ed
Hi everyone!
There’s no better time to leap into our podcast than now, as the team completes their first mission and debrief about what they accomplished!
Join us on Youtube for our latest adventure’s close… and the start of a new one: https://youtu.be/rwnOjtI-jwM
– Ed
Hi everyone!
We’ve just released Declaration: The Bug War #1 on DriveThruComics, so you can grab the story which describes the start of the Bug War in Digital format there right now!
https://www.drivethrucomics.com/product/252719/Declaration-The-Bug-War-1
– Ed
Join the team in the exciting final episode of their first mission, where they finish their escape from the station, but not without casualties. Will they all make it through the wrath of the C&C: Colonisation and Construction guards? Only time will tell…
Join Ed (the creator of Era: The Consortium) and the regular crew as they try to finally complete their mission in this next episode of Stiletto Unit 447CE!
Hi everyone!
Missed out on the Kickstarter and want the Player’s Guide in Paperback?
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Grab it right here from our Store from today: https://www.era-games.com/product/era-the-empowered-players-guide-paperback/
It contains the complete Rules and Character Creation, the Equipment List and summaries of the various time periods of the Empowered Universe – everything you need to play the game!
– Ed
Hi everyone!
I’m pleased to announce that our leading lady of the Empowered Universe, Penumbra (have you noticed she shows up everywhere?!), has her first comic available on DriveThruComics!
Check it out here to grab your copy: https://www.drivethrucomics.com/product/252074/Penumbra-Adventures-1
– Ed
Hi everyone!
Era: The Chosen has broken multiple Stretch Goals and more await. If you want to get hold of not only our latest RPG but some awesome free extras, this is your last chance!
You can join us right here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shadesofvengeance/era-the-chosen-a-horror-rpg-defend-our-dimension-0?ref=bydwhy
Lobo: Dauntless ends on the same day. This comic is approaching Funded, so we hope you’ll join us in pushing it over the line! Just $2 will get you a digital version of our latest comic in the Era: The Empowered universe…
You can get it here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sovcomics/lobo-dauntless?ref=cjeqw0
Both of these projects have been an amazing experience, so I really hope you’ll consider helping to support us on one or both of them!
And, of course, there’s more coming soon, so watch this space…
– Ed
Hi everyone!
Today’s your chance to grab the character sheets for Era: The Chosen for the first time if you’re not a Kickstarter backer!
This draft of the character sheet already looks incredible, and there’s still a little refinement to come…
Check them out here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/w5niyq0unpz6v0p/AADDT4zQcSGk4p81-4jCzMkBa?dl=0
Don’t forget it’s the last few hours of the Era: The Chosen Kickstarter! I hope you’ll join us there for this amazing game! (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shadesofvengeance/era-the-chosen-a-horror-rpg-defend-our-dimension-0?ref=771dzv)
– Ed
Hi everyone!
I just want to remind you that audio stories have been produced and released throughout the Kickstarter campaign, and it’s a great chance to listen to a slice of life in the war against the Anonassi!
You can listen to the first one here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmujjBVEIxQ
And the remainder are available on our Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shadesofvengeance/era-the-chosen-a-horror-rpg-defend-our-dimension-0?ref=13zm4k
I hope you enjoy the stories our team have put together!
– Ed
Hi everyone!
Great news for Era: Survival fans: we’ve got a brand new map available, and some premade characters which you might have played with if you’ve ever joined us at a convention…
and it’s all available for “Pay What You Want” on DriveThruRPG now!
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/247236/Era-Survival–Dead-End-Town-Map
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/247235/Era-Survival–Premade-Character-Sheets-Pack
It’s never been a better time to try to survive the world of Gaia, so get out there and show those Infected you mean business!
– Ed
Hi everyone!
The team’s attempt to escape has been further hampered by the arrival of a squad of rather angry guards. Not taking kindly to Nara’s joke, they open fire, while the team frantically seek the cable they need to open the doors…!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoaqFzFPVJ4
Join Ed (the creator of Era: The Consortium) and the regular crew as they try to power up their shuttle to escape in this next episode of Stiletto Unit 447CE!
– Ed
Hi everyone!
From today, you can get hold of the Wave 2 Era: The Consortium expansion, “New Worlds”!
https://www.era-games.com/product/era-the-consortium-new-worlds-expansion-digital/
https://www.era-games.com/product/era-the-consortium-new-worlds-expansion-paperback/
This expansion opens up an entire new star system, Ritona, for players to explore, and offers new Background options for characters, along with a 13-session campaign for you to brave, if you dare…
Do you have what it takes to chart the New Worlds?
– Ed
Hi everyone!
Today, I want to share a unique opportunity which Talking About Games had for our latest game, Era: The Chosen!
I gave him the chance to have a look over the (very) early draft which I am currently working on – v0.1! He had some thoughts about it, what he was looking forward to and the content of it, and I thought I’d share all of that with you! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKp2JfRvZRY]
Secondly, I want to give a quick update on two games:
Battlecruiser Alamo is currently undergoing proofreading with our grammatical shield extraordinaire, Hande Barutcuoglu. This is a vital step in finishing the book, and it’s beginning to look close to that level as she works through it! I’ll keep you updated on progress as we move forward.
Evil Overlord is currently awaiting a customs number before our second card game is sent over to me for distribution to Kickstarter backers.
Other projects are ongoing as well, so keep an eye out for more news, and don’t forget to check out the Era: The Chosen Kickstarter if you didn’t already:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shadesofvengeance/era-the-chosen-a-horror-rpg-defend-our-dimension-0?ref=353tep
– Ed
Hi everyone!
The images are still coming alone, and Keith only has 6 more to finish as of today. I’m hoping we will get them completed during the next week, as the print deadline to have it ready for the end of September is approaching!
As soon as they are done, they can just be dropped into the layout that already exists and, after a very fast double-check, sent to the printer.
We’re all poised to go this end the moment the artwork is finished!
Please let me know if you have any questions.
– Ed
Hi everyone!
Today I want to point out the Era: The Chosen Gameplay video we did. I’m unsure whether you’re aware, but the game works very well even with newbies to the system and all three people who joined me had the hang of it in no time at all!
Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j7TRgXlg6U
Feel free to let me know if you have any questions which weren’t answered in there! I think it’s a great little taster…
– Ed
Hi everyone!
With the society of Harbour City reaching modern levels of technology, the Anonassi also raise the stakes. Huge beasts, unlike anything Chosen have ever seen before, and horrible living weapons such as the Swarms and the Ethereals appear on the battlefield for the first time.
The Anonassi now believe there is a chance they are losing this war… but they won’t let the Chosen banish them from the Lost Lands without a fight.
After all, their continued existence as a species depends on escaping Erebus.
– Ed
The team’s attempt to escape goes awry when the alarms go off and the inner airlock doors are closed. While trying to investigate, the team sustains an injury. Will they be able to overcome this obstacle and get a ship out of the station before guards arrive to investigate?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6qJ1dXoXFQ
Join Ed (the creator of Era: The Consortium) and the regular crew as they try to escape Britannia and the C&C: Colonisation and Construction guards in this next episode of Stiletto Unit 447CE!
Hi everyone!
Today, I’m talking about the second era of Era: The Chosen.
In this era, the war takes a turn. Human technology advances, providing new discoveries, new opportunities and new understanding. The realisation that the technology strewn over the Lost Lands is not just metal shards which look pretty drive society forward, especially after the discovery of electricity.
This opens the door for “mad science” adventures, where inventors create all kinds of strange things by integrating this technology into other objects, people and more.
Guns are now more commonplace and the addition of the Chike and Nakamura Clans to the fight changes the face of the Chosen for ever: the native tribes begin to be brought on board and are welcomed to the fight, along with the new Aether-based Clans.
– Ed
Hi everyone!
Hi everyone!
Today I’m going to tell you a little bit about the First Era of Era: The Chosen and the sorts of games you might play in it!
In the first era, technology is limited and primitive. It’s a time for swords, flintlocks and metal armour. The Anonassi are seen as some kind of magical force, or as demons, which have to be fought for the good of humanity.
There’s no real thought about where they come from, or how they travel to our world – that’s not the focus. Surviving their attacks and driving them back is all that matters.
To be a Chosen in this era is to face creatures many times your size and strength with only your wits, brains and cunning. Your survival is far from certain…
– Ed
Hi everyone!
Welcome to the last of the #RPGaDay questions. I hope you’ve enjoyed these – they’ve certainly had some reaction from people!
Share why you take part in RPG-A-DAY.
I actually shared this on the first day, so I think it’s sort of appropriate we finish up with it as well.
I’m told people like to get some insight into how I create games and why. Part of that is what I talk about in panels at the various conventions we attend.
But part of that is giving insight into this sort of thing – development blogs, stories about how the books got made, where ideas came from and the playtest or game experiences I have had.
I find #RPGaDay a great chance to share those experiences – it always helps to have a prompt! – and I hope you also have found it interesting. We have a lot of laughs here, and many of them stay behind closed doors because they are about projects which aren’t known to the public yet. I’ve been pleased to share a few of those, as well as some idea of how I work, and why!
Thank you very much for following all the way through this #RPGaDay month, and I hope to see you next year! In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to ask, I’ll be more than happy to write an ad-hoc #RPGaDay-type question post!
– Ed
Hi everyone!
Join Lacuna on his first adventure, now through DriveThruRPG!
When he discovers he has superpowers, he knows what he needs to do: deal with the kind of people who ruined his life.
But everything becomes a little less clear when he encounters Penumbra, another Empowered with control over Shadows.
Their adventure is just the first in the Empowered universe… stay tuned for more, but start right here: https://www.drivethrucomics.com/product/250914/Lacuna-Revelation
– Ed
Hi everyone!
Share something you learned about playing your character.
Hmmm… That’s tricky, because I play so seldom.
However, I have learned a lot from one of our players:
Gruff does not have to mean anti-party. Different morals (whether Evil or not) does not have to mean homicidal. Sarcastic doesn’t have to mean immersion-breaking.
I won’t embarrass this individual by saying their name, but I’m grateful to them for showing me what can be done.
This is a skill I don’t share – I’m not the best player out there, because everything takes practice and I am nearly always stuck behind the rulebook as the GM. I wish I could have more practice at playing, but that does not seem likely for a good long time yet – There are more games to create, and not many other people to run them!
– Ed
Hi everyone!
Share a friendship you have because of RPGs.
There are a massive number of people I could mention here. Darren Pearce, who’s sat shoulder-to-shoulder with me on more panels than I can easily remember now; Simon Burley, whose dedication is long-term and completely open to new ideas at every turn; Angus Abranson, who is fantastic to work with; Keith Draws, who has supported every one of my creations in one way or another…
But I’m going to talk about a writer who heard an idea of mine and was inspired.
Johnathan Lewis is now the Head of Comics for Shades of Vengeance, but he started as another writer who applied to work with me on the first Era: The Consortium rulebook. We got on immediately, and ended up going to a convention in Canada.
That’s where we suddenly understood that there was more to this than just making a single Tabletop RPG and trying to sell it – this was about inspiring people to understand that anyone can be creative.
Since then, he’s taken time out to fly over to the UK every year, we’ve worked together closely on some of the best projects Shades of Vengeance has ever produced (I’m looking at you, Revival!), and we’ve built a series of comics around the roleplaying universes.
I’m pleased and proud to call Johnathan my friend, and it’s all thanks to Tabletop RPGs and the desire to create that we both share.
– Ed
