Esper's Emporium of Esoterica

Jan 2021 Update
over 3 years ago – Tue, Jan 26, 2021 at 09:31:34 AM

Hello everyone! I hope your new year is off to a good start. Things continue much the same for me, which I am happy for—working hard on the Emporium every single day, which is a big mixture of love, inspiration, and long days & nights working. Well, I must say this project is something like grappling with a hydra or perhaps a kraken with a hundred arms. It's way more complex and involved than I even imagined (and, to quote Han Solo, "I can imagine a lot.") ...  but hey, it's my first book ever, so that's to be expected I suppose.

I have hired an editor, with whom I'm corresponding and working regularly. I have also allocated more funding to artists, which will get us a bit more illustrations. And I'm figuring out the layout bit by bit with the graphic designer. Aside from all the continuous communicating with these fine individuals, it's write, edit, draw, playtest, game, get feedback, edit, write, etc. etc. Things are going really well, it's just such a massive undertaking. Some days I feel like I'm working in slow motion.

I am close to finishing all the monster stat blocks (though they'll still get more edits/revisions). A bunch of art is finished, around half, probably more than half. The paragon class continues to receive lots of revisions and extensive playtesting. And the other various sections (spells, feats, subclasses, races, magic shops, traps, etc.) are getting concepts as I go along, then they'll get a lot more focus once the paragon and monsters are wrapping up.

So, does an April delivery still seem feasible? Well, it depends if we want the rushed version of the book or the refined version of the book. As I've stated before, I will choose quality over speed. This is something that will be going into print forever, so I'd rather get it done really well than cut corners and regret it later. Hopefully a "spring release" will still work out!

Thank you all for your patience, understanding, and support. I will keep the updates coming, and I can't wait till the day that we have this tome of wonders in hand!

(more art previews below)

Esper

End of 2020 Project Update + Art Preview
over 3 years ago – Wed, Dec 30, 2020 at 10:24:30 PM

Hello everyone! Wow time is flying by. I have been deep into work on the Emporium, which is like grappling with a hundred-headed hydra. It's a thrilling challenge in many ways, but it is also very complex. I will be honest and say that things are not going quite as fast as I had hoped (being my first project, I could only attempt to imagine and guestimate). Despite that, I and the artists are making progress every single day. Literally each new days brings us a step closer to realizing this wondrous tome.

2020 was in some ways a terrible year and in other ways an awesome year. I have learned so much and made big strides this year. It has also been a time for reflection. Part of that reflection has reminded me once again to appreciate and never forget all the good things in life. So I want to give you all a HUGE holler of thanks for your support and your words of encouragement.

I'll end this post with another preview of the art that's developing for the book. We technically didn't hit that final stretch goal to add in some extra art budget, but I've have decided to spend a bit over the prior level's art budget, and hopefully come to a happy middle ground. There is a lot of great work being made, from a variety artists with different styles.

Artwork Update
over 3 years ago – Wed, Dec 09, 2020 at 01:31:33 PM

Hello everyone!

The artwork production for the Emporium is going slower than I had hoped. I'm doing my best to stay in regular contact with the artists and keep them motivated and supported. Unfortunately a few artists have left the project or gone a bit ghosty. I am looking into hiring a couple more artists because I really want to hit the April deadline. Either way, I'll keep posting updates here. As I said before, when it comes down to it, if I have to choose between quality and speed, I will choose quality. 

On the bright side, there are some really cool pieces finished already. Here's a little sample.

Overall, I've been enjoying my role as art director. It feels natural to me, and I've been striking a good balance between the images in my mind and the artists' own creativity. Much of this is still a new learning experience for me, and I truly hope to deliver a wondrous tome to you all!

Until next time, my brave companions.

Esper

Surveys Have Been Sent! Art Is Being Made! Content Is Being Created!
over 3 years ago – Mon, Nov 23, 2020 at 02:20:09 AM

Hello backers, supporters, and well-wishers!

I'm pleased to say that all surveys have been sent out. Check your emails. Check your ravens. You should see the surveys coming from Backerkit, who is lending a big hand in managing everyone's pledges.

Meanwhile, I've been deeply involved with directing the art for the Emporium, and many wondrous illustrations are being crafted. At the same time, I've been doing a bunch of playtesting of the paragon class, which has already gone through a major revision that I'm really liking. Thanks as well to my friends/playtesters who are giving some very good feedback. And also at the same time, I am developing lots of other things, from spells and feats, to DM content and [spoiler hidden].

I will report again in 1d10 days.

Esper

Surveys Coming Soon
over 3 years ago – Sun, Nov 22, 2020 at 03:22:46 PM

Hello everyone! I'm glad to say that the Backerkit surveys are coming soon (getting things finalized as we speak). This the pledge manager step where you confirm your address and items, as well as set up the payment method for shipping. It keeps everything organized and on track.

I am looking into the possibility of getting a lower shipping rate for US residents. While the quote I've received so far is within what I posted on the campaign, I'd like to get it down a bit. 

Shipping won't actually be charged until it's close to the books being ready to ship.

As always, much appreciation for you all helping to make this dream a reality.