Kuntz launches new company with DVD Archive project


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grodog

Hero
An FAQ is being posted to the web site, but here are answers to the first batch of questions:

On Wed, Oct 26, 2016 at 7:33 PM, Paul J. Stormberg wrote:
Here are the questions as fielded by Kevin and I.

At 04:26 PM 10/26/2016, you wrote:

Q1: Is the USB able to be added to the DVD purchase for an incremental cost, or is it a full $160 additional?
A1: Yes, it can be added, simply add a Standard Edition to your order selecting the USB Flash Drive variant above the purple "Add to Cart" button. The price will be $89.99.

Your order would look something like this:

El Raja Key Archive Collector's Edition $159.99
DVD
SKU: 1004

El Raja Key Archive Standard Edition $89.99
USB Flash Drive
SKU: 1002usb

...or

El Raja Key Archive Deluxe Edition $119.99
DVD
SKU: 1003

El Raja Key Archive Collector's Edition $89.99
USB Flash Drive
SKU: 1002usb


Q2: Is it possible to see the full listing of included files for each version of the archive, or at least to get a count on the number of files for each?
A2: The Standard Edition is organized into 295 subject pages with 1045 scans. The Basic Edition is organized into 108 subject pages with 420 scans. As an example: the Dark Druids subject page includes two levels: a 1st level with 1 map and 6 pages keys and Level 2 with 1 map and 5 pages of keys.

Thus, one subject page has 13 scans. A comparative list of the subject pages for the Basic and Standard Editions can be found at this link. (If that link doesn't work, it should be available in the FAQ (comming soon) on the TLBgames.com website.


Q3: What are the differences between the three printed K1 adventures?
A3: The First Print is 40 pages and is over 18,000 words - that is a little larger than G3 Hall of the Fire Giant King which comes in at 16 pages and 17,000 words. The Deluxe and Collector's Prints include an all new encounter area, Tower of Night! The additional encounter area adding about 1,000 words. Additionally, the Collector's Print is both signed and numbered by Rob Kuntz.


Q4: How big are the K1 module booklets, and do they include the maps and keys?
A4: Physically, the booklets have 40 pages and measure 4 3/4 by 7 1/4 inches. The adventure contains the keys and a diagram but the high resolution scans of Rob's original hand-drawn map and legend that go with it ar only in the the Archive. However, you can purchase K1 Sunken City: First Print without any edition of the Archive and then purchase the Map Pack download. As more an more modules come out it will soon be apparent that the Archive represents quite the bargain.


Q5: Are there any sample files available to view/read to help know what they look like (and if they are even readable)?
A5: Find below an image snippet of a map.


[image to appear in FAQ]


Q6: Are there any samples available to view/read the historical commentary, to see how much value that adds to the Standard edition of the archive?
A6: The Basic Edition contains 50+ maps and and some keys for about 40 adventures and dungeon levels, plus about 20,000 words of historical commentary.

The Standard Edition contains all of that... PLUS about 50 more maps (including dozens of regional and area detail maps), dozens of original PCs and NPCs, campaign notes, 100+ magic items, timelines for both Greyhawk and Kalibruhn campaigns, historical documents, memoirs of game play, Rob's resume of work, several beautiful pieces of full-color artwork, plus an additional 20,000 words of historical commentary.

There is no difference in the commentary on the overlapping subject matter between the two editions, i.e., the adventures.


Q7: Are any of the files complete adventures that can be run immediately, or will they require the DM to do additional work beyond reading the files?
A7: Many of the adventures can be run from what is included on the Archive using Old School DM'ing, as Rob often wrote detailed keys but you won't find 4-page stat blocks for the monsters. An example is included below.

[image to appear in FAQ]

Q8: Do the scans include transcriptions?
A8: No these are Rob's original, 1975, hand-drawn maps and hand-written notes. However, a substantial amount of interesting details are written up in the commentary, and it is this commenetary that is indexed and cross-linked. That is over 3,000 linked entries and 1,700 index entries. (See reply to question 8. for a sample of Rob's hand-written text.)

Q9: What are PC/Mac program/system requirements to use the Archive contents?
A9: The Archive is viewable with any reasonably modern Web Browser on any reasonably modern system (including Tablets, Smart Phones, Etc.). Some of the maps are quite large (76 MB, 7461x9185px, 300dpi) and could strain really old systems.

Q12: How is fulfillment and shipping being managed.
A12: Fulfillment and shipping are being handled by The Collector's Trove in the United States. The Collector's Trove has a very high reputation among collectors and provides quality packaging and quick shipping.

Q13: How much is shipping to non-US destinations?
A13: It would depend upon what was being purchased, but as an example: K1 Sunken City alone or the Basic or Standard Edition would cost $15.00 USD each, and the Deluxe and Collector's Editions would cost $25.00 USD each. The difference is based strictly on weight.


Q15: Can the Archive files be printed?
A15: Yes. The files can be printed, although Rob used color-coding on most of his maps, so printing them off in black and white will makes them difficult to read.

Q16: Can the Archive files be moved off of the DVD/USB and stored on a computer?
A16: Yes and this will actually speed up the performance of the Archive for most users. Instructions on how to do this are included on a technical sheet enclosed with each copy of the Archive.

Q17: At what resolution are the documents scanned?
A17: The original documents have been scanned at 300 dpi. That mean's they have the same resolution as the original.
 

grodog

Hero
Some further updates:

- the FAQ is now posted @ http://lakegenevaoriginalrpg.blogspot.com/2016/10/el-raja-key-archive-recent-faq.html
- the TOC for the Basic edition (108 titled items) vs. Standard+ editions (295 titles items) is now posted @ http://www.tlbgames.com/pages/archive-subject-page-list
- Paul Stormberg mentioned that he and Kevin Maurice are in the process of building a "Test Drive the Archive" page, which will let you see some content in the .html interface, and get a better idea of what some actual content looks like

Some highlighted items in the archive include:

Expanded Greyhawk Castle Menu
Core Level 02 - Invisible Maze Level
Core Level 02 (Special) - Bottle City Level
Core Level 03 - Gem Room & Crypts
Core Level 05 - Sealed Tomb Level
Core Level 06 - Black Pudding Doorkeeper Level
Core Level 07 - Tsojconth Level
Core Level 07.5 - Black Reservoir
Core Level 11 - Entrance to Oz
Core Level 12 - Boreal Level
Core Level 13 - Entrance to Asgard Melnibone & Dying Earth
Core Level 14 - Orb Scepter & Crown Level
Core Level 18 - Dragon Level
East Level 03 (Split) - Garden & Giant's Pool Hall Level
East Level 08 - Machine Level
West Level 05 - Gallery Level
West Level 07 - Barracks Level
Core Level (Special) - Living Room

Tsojconth Menu
Tsojconth 1973
Tsojconth 1976
Daoud's Other Lanthorn

Castle El Raja Key Menu
Castle El Raja Key - Upper Works
Castle El Raja Key - Level 01
Castle El Raja Key - Level 02
Castle El Raja Key - Level 03
Castle El Raja Key - Level 04
Castle El Raja Key - Level 05
Castle El Raja Key - Level 05.5
Castle El Raja Key - Level 06
Castle El Raja Key - Level 07
Castle El Raja Key - Level 07.5 (Special)
Castle El Raja Key - Level 08
Castle El Raja Key - Level 09
Castle El Raja Key - Level 10
Castle El Raja Key - Level 11

and many more items of possible interest! :D
 

delericho

Legend
The product sounds cool, but...

Why a DVD (or USB key)? Surely simply making the files available as a digital download would be both cheaper to produce and also more convenient for customers?
 

grodog

Hero
The product sounds cool, but...

Why a DVD (or USB key)? Surely simply making the files available as a digital download would be both cheaper to produce and also more convenient for customers?

I think that since TLS is a new business venture, they don't have the infrastructure in place to provide a subscription-based service yet. It's something that some other folks have suggested as well, and it's definitely a good idea!
 

grodog

Hero
The FAQ is updated again @ http://www.tlbgames.com/pages/faqs:

FAQs

Q: Is the USB able to be added to the DVD purchase for an incremental cost, or is it a full $160 additional?

A: Yes, it can be added, simply add a Standard Edition to your order selecting the USB Flash Drive variant above the purple "Add to Cart" button. The price will be $89.99.

Your order would look something like this:

El Raja Key Archive Collector's Edition $159.99
DVD
SKU: 1004

El Raja Key Archive Standard Edition $89.99
USB Flash Drive
SKU: 1002usb

...or

El Raja Key Archive Deluxe Edition $119.99
DVD
SKU: 1003

El Raja Key Archive Standard Edition $89.99
USB Flash Drive
SKU: 1002usb


Q: Is it possible to see the full listing of included files for each version of the Archive, or at least to get a count on the number of files for each?

A: The Standard Edition is organized into 295 subject pages with 1045 scans. The Basic Edition is organized into 108 subject pages with 420 scans. As an example: the Dark Druids subject page includes two levels: a 1st level with 1 map and 6 pages keys and Level 2 with 1 map and 5 pages of keys. Thus, one subject page has 13 scans.

A comparative list of the subject pages for the Basic and Standard Editions can be found at this link.


Q: What are the differences between the three printed K1 adventures?

A: The First Print is 40 pages and over 18,000 words - that is a little larger than G3 Hall of the Fire Giant King which comes in at 16 pages and 17,000 words. The Deluxe and Collector's Prints include an all new encounter area, Tower of Night! The additional encounter area adding about 1,000 words. Additionally, the Collector's Print is both signed and numbered by Rob Kuntz.

Q: How big are the K1 module booklets, and do they include the maps and keys?

A: Physically, the booklets have 40 pages and measure 4 3/4 by 7 1/4 inches. The adventure contains the keys, a diagram, and pre-generated characters but the high resolution scans of Rob's original hand-drawn map and legend that go with it are only in the the Archive. However, you can purchase K1 Sunken City: First Print without any edition of the Archive and then purchase the Map Pack download. As more and more modules come out it will soon be apparent that the Archive represents quite the bargain! So far we have 5 modules in the line-up!


Q: Are there any sample files available to view/read to help know what they look like (and if they are even readable)?

A: Find below an image snippet of a map.
Sample snippet from a scan of a map

Q: Are there any samples available to view/read the historical commentary, to see how much value that adds to the Standard Edition of the Archive?

A: The Basic Edition contains 50+ maps and some keys for about 40 adventures and dungeon levels, plus about 20,000 words of historical commentary


The Standard Edition contains all of that... PLUS about 50 more maps (including dozens of regional and area detail maps), dozens of original PCs and NPCs, campaign notes, 100+ magic items, timelines for both Greyhawk and Kalibruhn campaigns, historical documents, memoirs of game play, Rob's resume of work, several beautiful pieces of full-color artwork, plus an additional 20,000 words of historical commentary.

There is no difference in the commentary on the overlapping subject matter between the two editions, i.e., the adventures.


Q: Are any of the files complete adventures that can be run immediately, or will they require the DM to do additional work beyond reading the files?

A: Many of the adventures can be run from what is included on the Archive using Old School DM'ing, as Rob often wrote detailed keys but you won't find stat blocks for most monsters other than hit points. An example is included below.

[]

Q: Do the scans include transcriptions?

A: No these are Rob's original hand-drawn maps and hand-written notes. However, a substantial amount of interesting details are written up in the commentary, and it is this commentary that is indexed and cross-linked. That is over 7,000 linked entries and 1,500 index entries. (See the reply to the above question for a sample of Rob's hand-written text.)


Q: What are PC/Mac program/system requirements to use the Archive contents?

A: The Archive is view-able with any reasonably modern Web Browser on any reasonably modern system (including Tablets, Smart Phones, Etc.). Some of the maps are quite large (76 MB, 7461x9185px, 300dpi) and could strain really old systems.


Q: How is fulfillment and shipping being managed.

A: Fulfillment and shipping are being handled by The Collector's Trove in the United States. The Collector's Trove has a very high reputation among collectors and provides quality packaging and quick shipping.


Q: How much is shipping to non-US destinations?

A: It would depend upon what was being purchased, but as an example: K1 Sunken City alone or the Basic or Standard Edition would cost $15.00 USD each, and the Deluxe and Collector's Editions would cost $25.00 USD each. The difference is based strictly on weight.


Q: Can the Archive files be printed?

A: Yes. The files can be printed, although Rob used color-coding on most of his maps, so printing them off in black and white will makes them difficult to read.


Q: Can the Archive files be moved off of the DVD/USB and stored on a computer?

A: Yes and this will actually speed up the performance of the Archive for most users. Instructions on how to do this are included on a technical sheet enclosed with each copy of the Archive.


Q: At what resolution are the documents scanned?

A: The original documents have been scanned at 300 dpi.
 


grodog

Hero
I am so tempted. How much of the castle was Robs?

That's a much more complicated Q then it may seem at face value. We've got some ongoing discussion about this over on Dragonsfoot @ http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1795070#p1795070 (and in some other threads, too; if you're really interested, I can provide some more links to check out), but the net of it is that we don't have a full inventory of the levels to be able to compare and assign ownership to them yet (Rob Kuntz and Paul Stormberg are probably the only two people who have a complete picture of the levels as a whole, atm).

How much of Gary's stuff makes into this collection?

None. All of the materials in the collection were Rob's work; Gail Gygax owns all of the rights to Gary's works.
 



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