I've been asked a ton of questions regarding Swords & Wizardry Light / Continual Light, whether on the blog, via direct message, email or the like. I figured I'd take some time to address what I can -in no particular order...
Q) I like the sepia color cover. Will that be an option upon release of Swords & Wizardry Continual Light?
A) In truth? No idea. In PDF I'm sure we can do it. For the print release, it depends on the route taken to print. More on that with a later Q / A.
Q) Is Swords & Wizardry Light a "cash grab"?
A) Neither Zach, James nor myself got paid for the work on SWL (although I am getting comped in part or in whole on two conventions). Frog God Games printed thousands of copies of SWL in print to give away for free, along with other freebies that should be debuting at Gary Con. If you define a "cash grab" as "giving stuff away for free", then yes ;)
Q) Isn't the point of Swords & Wizardry Light to get gamers to play Swords & Wizardry Complete? What is with this Continual Light crap?
A) The point of SWL is getting gamers to play an OSR game with little buy in. Swords & Wizardry in its various flavors is my go to game. I LOVE Swords & Wizardry Complete. Still, some gamers are drawn to the "rules light" gaming of SWL, so why not expand their options with Swords & Wizardry Continual Light?
Q) How do you make money on Swords & Wizardry Light?
A) Referring to the Magic 8 Ball - Answer is fuzzy. Ask again later ;)
Q) When will Swords & Wizardry Continual Light release?
A) We are aiming for Gary Con. What we are referring to as the SWCL Beta is really the rules alone without the support material. That should be ready for Gary Con, at about 16 to 20 pages, in a limited edition Gary Con release, signed and numbered, printed at my house. We are guessing 30 or so printed copies followed by a release of the PDF for free and possibly POD (or Print from my Home - not sure yet) The print version will be relatively close to cost - This will be followed later in the Spring / Early Summer by what we are tentatively calling the SWCL Deluxe Edition. 32 to 40 pages, seven adventures (one for each level) and a sandbox setting. Truly a complete game, just add dice. This PDF will have a nominal price. The print version will be either POD or "other". Still in discussions.
Q) What got you started on a minimalist OSR ruleset?
A) Ask Zach Glazer. I blame him. Seriously, I wanted a ruleset that could be left at game stores, libraries and cons that would invoke memories of gaming in the 70 and 80s without being being heavy. From such ideas grew Swords & Wizardry Light.
Q) What can you tell me about the Torchlight Zine?
A) The current idea (which is subject to change) is to have a theme with every issue. Want a SWL Western hack or Sci-Fi Hack or something else? Half the issue will be devoted to a genre hack and the rest to general SWL adventures, classes, magic, NPCs and such. Looking at 12 to 20 pages, digest sized per issue.
Q) Why is Swords & Wizardry Light Three Levels?
A) Party because the D&D Basic set covered the first three levels but mostly because that was a comfortable range that allowed level advancement while also allowing use to keep to four pages. As a follow up, SWCL covers seven levels for much the same reason. Its a also a good place to stop before spell powers throw things outa whack.
Q) What are your plans to support Swords & Wizardry Light / Continual Light?
A) I think much of this has already been covered. Aside from the Torchlight Zine we may throw the occasional SWL / SWCL stand alone adventure into the mix (we, meaning +Zach Glazar , +James Spahn and myself.) In truth tho, the success of SWL / SWCL will reside in the hands of the community. Folks like +Tim Shorts and +Thom Wilson are already producing SWL content via their Patreons. +Timothy Brannan has written a Witch Class for SWL. +Michael Badolato is working on an expanded monster book for SWL / SWCL. We are building a vibrant community and amazing content. Join us :)
Q) Someone posted online that games such as Swords & Wizardry Light are too small to be useful for long term play. What do you say to them?
A) Everyone has their own opinion. I respectfully disagree. I think SWCL is an excellent ruleset for campaign play and I think SWL is perfect for Convention Play or a short campaign. In the end, to each their own. No one is forced to play SWL just like I'm not forced to play Pathfinder.
I think it is going to be a great project.
ReplyDeleteMy plans are to have a few of these printed out and ready to go to give newbies when we game. People at conventions already have buy in, but people that my kids or I game with might not.
For a couple of bucks (for me) I can have a few of these laying around.
You guys didn't get paid? Man, I made a bundle. Better get better agents next time ;)
ReplyDelete