There have been significant diversions of late which have prevented me from updating the site and for that, I apologize. We're working on the front and back cover composition for Amethyst currently. We're already starting a small erratum for the final product but so far, it is only three points. This is thanks to the NeuroSpasta playtest, which is populated by 5 times the number of testers as the Amethyst playtest. As we stated before, Amethyst - Foundations has been expanded to 288 pages. It now includes an introductory module and four pre-generated techan characters. Just to cover what is included for those still paying attention: Six new races (chaparran, damaskan, gimfen, laudenian, narros, tilen), four techan classes (grounder, marshall, operator, stalker), nineteen paragon paths, 200+ techan weapons, and 30+ new monsters. This in addition to the setting, which I personally think is the product's greatest strength.
As many already know, the second issue of Level Up has a non-crunch article on Amethyst written by yours truly. The third issue ALSO has an Amethyst article. This one introduces a race mentioned but not expanded in the core rulebook, the tenenbri. The article introduces the race, several lifepaths, and a monster anathema which is branched from the tenenbri race. Oh, we're not done yet. The fourth issue ALSO is going to have an article, this one dealing with Amethyst epic destinies. Once again, these are all techan-based.
To coincide with the release, we will be posting a sneak preview of the final product relatively soon. Keep your eyes open for that.
As for NeuroSpasta, it continues to grow and perfect itself. Just yesterday, we added expanded rules with the garrote, including feats and an assassin paragon path with abilities and powers that use the garrote exclusively. Following that, we are developing an expansion to the Engineer skill to include sabotage. And after popular request, we have included alternate ammunition for your favorite weapons. This includes tracer, armor piercing, and hollow point rounds. Explosives have been expanded and we recently included a new rule to allow players to create their own skill challenges to enemies (and vice versa).
One an unrelated topic involving equipment, a recent...ahem...colorful conversation with someone else on the WOTC board has given me the inspiration to play with finances. I am inspired by the Wheel of Fortune...yes, Wheel of Fortune. You remember those final rounds of WoF. Contestants were allows to pick 5 consonants and a vowel. Well, they always picked RSTLNE, without fail. So eventually, the show just gave them those for free and asked them to pick a few more (of course, those ended being all the same as well). We are doing that same thing. So all classes are being given options for standard equipment. Non-combat classes are given substantially more than combat classes (just 'cause). This way, 1st level equipment carries costs that are more realistic. There are still substantial options for standard equipment but it seemed ridiculous to make a sniper class pay for his sniper weapon.
Finally, I am leaving you with concept art for NeuroSpasta. These do not represent final visions but concepts in progress. As always, all artwork is by Nick Greenwood...