Little progress update

[Rob Lang]

I'm currently writing the introductory missions for the Scav Setting and doing graphics for the GM section.

The first mission is a simple wreck investigation that focuses on using skills and perhaps a little fire fight. The second Mission has a bar fight with close combat ending in a car chase. The last mission will be a mix of fire fighting and space combat. Across each of the missions, there is some room for movement but they are railroading sorts of missions, the last one being a little open ended so the GM can choose to hand the Botchery Clipper to the player team or do a few more missions under Stuo. If you are brand new to Icar, doing a load of missions might be more fun to begin with, whereas those more used to full-on sandbox will be able to shed the chains of Stuo.

The GM guide I originally did with nice neat graphics for relationship diagrams. However, while editing the text, I felt that this wasn't really representative of the way in which they were actually intended. I don't draw neat boxes like a laser printer, I scribble at speed. The diagrams remain meaningful. So I've broken out the graphics tablet and remade all the diagrams by hand. It looks a little bit odd in amongst the sharp lines of the 3D but it feels more honest and that is worth the jarring look of them.

I've decided not to do any more 3D models except those I have to (the Kestrel, for example, was lost). I was starting a habit of redoing them all. I will re-render in high res for the new Equipment Index (which must be released with the rules) but the models will not be updated.

I am looking to get a very rough alpha out (full of typos and missing graphics) very soon so that you lovely people can have a good look and feedback nice and early.

[misterecho]

I think the intro missions are a great idea for newbies. If the GM thinks they're too railroady then simply reading them gives him examples of of in-play resolutions etc.

Bravo Mr/Dr/the Lang, i'm looking forward to reading it

[I think you should steal (be inspired by) the Diaspora system creation rules. they are cooler than an exceedingly cool thing on a very cool day]]

[Rob Lang]

Diaspora is one of those games I shouldn't buy until I have Icar down pat. Otherwise I might inadvertently steer Icar toward it. Perhaps no bad thing but I am trying to be different and you can't do that by borrowing from lots of other games. I would like to buy it, along with Victoriana 2ed but am waiting for Jon Hicks (the Farsight blogger, author of Sketch) to set up his online store before I do. Supporting a mate.

[misterecho]

most excellent.

I have just bought Diaspora today. I think you'll love it. I look forward to a deadtree copy of ICAR any estimates on price? Do you intend to profit from your labours, whilst keeping your promise of keeping the PDF free, or is the book likly to be at cost?

no need to answer of course, just curious is all.

[Rob Lang]

I have no idea on price, sorry. Not a job. Prolly about 20 quid. I did a test print of 3.5 and that was 90 pages full colour for 12 quid (I think) so I imagine something bordering on 200 pages in B&W will be about 20. Oh, and it's A4.

[misterecho]

nice. Have you found redoing the artwork a major headache?

[Rob Lang]

An enjoyable headache. The only problem I have is the guilt I feel when I do artwork and feel like I should be writing words. Get the words in first, then do the artwork. Artwork last! It's the most important thing because you end up changing your mind. I am already changing my mind about the inline graphics way of explaining the character sheet. Now I think it should be a single example sheet either right next to the text or at the back of the book. If I keep doing graphics, I'll end up moving everything around, which is a terrible waste of time.

Do the graphics last!

[misterecho]

sage advice. Illustrate the book AFTER its written!

[DOC_Agren]

Rob we look forward to this being released.

[Rob Lang]

The alpha will definitely be worth a look. The 3.5 space combat system is rubbish, the version 4 one is finished and much, much better!