Why’d you choose mothership (a horror game) as the base system for your game instead of, say, Troika! or something else doing this sort of science fantasy?
I picked the Mothership rules system for Cloud Empress because of the way it conveys human fallibility and models the impact of violence on both the body and the mind. It’s also a simple system to teach with a generally friendly/queer-friendly community and a 3rd party license. I think the industry has way too many rule systems so I thought hacking something established would fit my needs better than something new. The other consideration about Mothership that I don’t see a ton of people talk about – using the Panic system makes for some particularly funny moments. I like presenting instances of conflict and violence as unfolding chaos rather than badass moments of wish fulfillment!
Last updated: April 01, 2024 16:25
I'm a previous backer/retail buyer, when will I see my discount?
Previous backers at physical reward pledge levels and folks who bought physical copies of Cloud Empress retail receive a $5 discount on the Starter Box pledge and $8 off the All-books box and the all-in pledge.
Discounts will be applied as credits in the Backerkit pledge manager and will be used to decrease the cost of your shipping.
Later in the campaign fulfillment, retail purchasers will need to email watt with an image of the physical copy and their Kickstarter email address to receive their discount credit.
Last updated: April 01, 2024 16:03
What advice would you give to a new Warden about to introduce and run Cloud Empress to a table? What aspects would you highlight for a new group?
The advice I’d give to new Wardens running Cloud Empress - first set/agree on expectations related to how deadly and dangerous the world is. Characters have an average of 30-40% chance of success on rolls, so help new players understand that great ideas, de-escalation, and smart plans avoid rolls. Rolling usually means something bad is about to happen and every Wound could be a character’s last (curses mitigate this slightly). Cloud Empress take inspiration from Miyazaki’s darkest works, which can throw some people expecting a purely cozy game.
I like to highlight both the humor (bodyhoppers, magic chalk, foolish Lordlings), alongside the danger. I usually start to see the game click during character creation when folks roll their age and pick their jobs. Send the Rulebook (free on DriveThruRpg) out to your players to soak up the art and get excited about the theme.
Finally, I recommended starting with a one or two-session game before diving into the hex crawl. Last Voyage of the Bean Barge, the Seed Vault, or Penance Farm can all be used as single-session experiences. I find players are a lot more likely to keep playing something they’re already into than commit to a longer campaign in a system/setting they’ve never played before.
Last updated: April 01, 2024 16:25
Why is Cloud Empress being reprinted in hardcover?
After careful consideration, discussion on the Cloud Empress Discord, and communication with potential manufacturers, Cloud Empress returns to Kickstarter in hardcover. I’ve said for the last year that a hardcover release wasn’t in our future, so I wanted to talk through why I’m making the change.
Why is Cloud Empress moving to hardcover?
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Frequently fan requested
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More space in all Cloud Empress books to combine previous adventures and add additional content
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Less limited manufacturer options (many printers, including our currently preferred manufacturer, do not print 60-page staple-bound zines)
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Moving to international manufacturing means hardcover production is now within our project budget
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Hardcover books are much easier to stock with retailers
Last updated: March 29, 2024 11:52
What steps are you taking to ensure international/Chinese manufacturing is as ethical as possible?
Only manufacturers with positive industry-leading reputations, stringent levels of worker safety, and good pay are being considered to print Cloud Empress. I am verifying what I am being told as best as possible.
Last updated: March 29, 2024 11:52
Do you sell Cloud Empress to retailers?
Yes! Email me at worldsbywatt [ at ] gmail [dot] com for more information!
Last updated: April 01, 2024 16:26
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