CM Simpson: Writer & Gamer

When I started this chapter, I thought equipment would be an easy run. Since Project1 is a rules conversion and the equipment pre-existing, I didn’t think I’d add anything new or have to alter the descriptions too much. Well, how wrong I was. Firstly, the tables needed rejinking to bring them into line with the new rules set. That wasn’t too hard, and then the weapon descriptions needed a little tweaking—also not hard. But then I actually started to have ideas, and thoughts of ‘wouldn’t it be cool if…’ and, well, the weapons section took a lot longer to write than planned. Four new weapon descriptions and their resulting additions to the ‘Equipment’ table and descriptions weren’t enough. Noooo. I had to add crunchy bits to some of the existing weapons as well. New ammunition followed and tables for the new ammunition, and Project1 has grown by 10,423 words to 37,921 words and my timeframe for completing it this week is blown. Now, I know this all sounds like I’m complaini...

Project1 progresses, but I have cut it from 30,000 words to 24,000. It hurt, I’ll admit, but now it’s much more focussed and a better introduction to the setting because of it. On the upside, the cut material hasn’t been wasted. I now have a good start on two supplements that expand on important aspects of the setting, and I have more space for expanding on the other material that’s needed in the basic book. All of which is very exciting. So… Chapter 1: Background, Chapter 2: Classes, and Chapter 3: Skills are all complete. Next I have Chapter 4: Equipment, which is partially complete, and Chapter 5: Monsters. I’m also thinking of adding Chapter 6: NPCs, and Chapter 7: Introductory Adventure. With a week off from work, I may even get this done by the end of the year, but I’ve said that before, so I guess I’ll just wait and see and update you again at the end of the week. Merry Christmas, everyone J .