Anthony Valterra breaks his silence

[herald]

EEEK! the e-tools curse lives!!!!

 

[Angcuru]

how much wood could a dire woodchuck chuck if a dire woodchuck could chuck wood?

Dire woodchuck?

regular woodchucks are capable of 150 board feet, so I'd say...400 board feet.

 

[yangnome]

oh, are you accepting volunteer playtesters?

 

[Anthony Valterra]

First, Anthony, thanks for all the hard work on the SRD and in helping D&D survive the problems at TSR. I feel that the OGL and the D20 movement has truly helped bring several new voices and ideas to the gaming community.

Anthony, thanks for responding.

Now for some questions.

1.) There has been some discussions on the use of the Dungeons and Dragons name brand in the press release for the BoEF. Does the use of the brand name in the press release indicate that WotC will allow other publishers, such as Necromancer Games and Green Ronin, to use the Dungeons and Dragon name in their advertising.

2) There seems to be different views of the Book of Erotic Fantasy. Some hope that sexuality and related topics (for example, tantric magic) will be handled in the manner that Gwendolyn Kestrel described: with humor, seriousness, and good tastes. Others fear that the BoEF will be something that will offend most of the gaming community, and will be lurid. From following the threads, you must know that opinions are all over the map? So what can you say about the book, its topics, the art work, and how the general approach of the Book of Erotic Fantasy.

3) In a previous thread, you discussed the possibility of a line of mature products. This has been compared by some as a line of products similar in tone to Heavy Metal Magazine, or the original movie of the same name? How would you describe the Valar project and the sorts of products you see it publishing?

4) What is your reaction to some of the threads that have appeared here and else where? Specifically, how would you answer those who worry about the BoEF having a negative impact on the gaming community. In one thread, an educator mentioned he would be reluctant to recommend D&D as a game while working in an official capacity. Another gamer I know, who is still in high school, faced an assistant principal who banned an RPG club from his school?

5)You mentioned that your leaving WotC was a planned transition? Can you comment on some of the reasons behind your leaving WotC? Also, what accomplishmets that you made at WotC have given you the most pride and satisfaction? Is there anything you wish you could have done differently?

(Privately, I do support your right to publish the book. However, I do not see it as really appealing to me. However, romance and sex have popped up in my campaign over the past two decades.)

Everyone, let us treat all the opinions expressed on this thread and those who post them with respect. Remember the tag line in my sig. So far, very good questions.

Perhaps some of the other people involved with the BoEF might wish to post to this thread as well.

Moderators: Perhaps it might be wise to update the front page, as many people have wished to hear Mr. Valterra's comments on the BoEF and other issues.

1) Not in advertising - see above post.
2) Gwen is spot on. Yes, the press release emphasised the more controversial aspects. Was that an error? I'm still debating it internally. I will say this - it was my first press release - I'm just glad I didn't mispell the name of my own company.
3) Huh, missed that thread. Heavy Metal magazine eh? I remember reading that when I was a teenager. Yeah that not a bad comparison. I have most often thought of the Vertigo line. We are handling sex currently but I hope we can branch into a number of areas that are adult. But I am very open to suggestion from the gaming community - check our website.
4) That type of prejudice has been around since the 80's. it will never go away and it will neither be made better or worse by a controversial d20 product. The impact of Book of Vile Darkness must be greater. If it is not that is a truly sad statement about our society.
5) My leaving WotC was a planned transition. We parted amicably.

And though it wasn't a question BoEF will cover marriage, conception, finding your true love, sex and birth. As well as variant magic system based on Tantra, Kundalini and Orgone Energy.

AV

 

[MGibster]

Do you think your product is receiving a disproportionate amount of buzz relative to the impact it will have on gaming as a whole?

Marc

 

[Anthony Valterra]

Thanks, Eric!!

(I think this thread should be mentioned on the front page.)

Okay, another question for Mr. Valterra.

Ryan Dancey recently mentioned where he believes the OGL will go in the near future. What are you thoughts on his views and where do you see the OGL and the D20 movement going in the next few years?

Way, way, way big subject. I will likely write up an entire position statement like Ryan's. Way to big to cover here late at night.

AV

 

[Anthony Valterra]

mr. valterra,

how much wood could a dire woodchuck chuck if a dire woodchuck could chuck wood?


good luck with your endeavours....

Valar Project will be devoting a portion of the profits from BoEF to research the answer to this question. A question that has palgued mankind for far to long.

AV

 

[Anthony Valterra]

Mr. AV,

My question is how are you going to market this book? Through what channels will it be sold, i.e. game stores? Will it be "behind the counter" or on the shelf with a warning label, in a wrapper? If you can answer, are distributors accpeting it?

Thank-you for the earlier comments that I snipped. They were astute as well. It is my intention that this book will be sold through hobby channels, book stores and comic book stores. I have had a number of distributors contact me but I have yet to settle on my distribution - though I have strong idea on what I want in that regard. It will be stickered we are debating the shrink wrap option. As to how it will be displayed in your local game store - I have no control over that.

AV

 

[MissDemeanor]

My name is Susan, I am the art director for the BoEF. I’ve greatly enjoyed the posts in EnWorld for the last few days.

Though I am not very available these days I’ll try to answer some art questions on both this board and on the Valar website forum as well.

 

[Anthony Valterra]

First off, good luck with the new company!

Couple of questions:

1. On the scale between light (Xxxenophile) and dark (BoVD, White Wolf) mature material, in terms of tone, where do you see the new book as falling?

2. WOTC seemed, well, pretty pissed about the press release. Some might say this reaction is somewhat hypocritcal considering the BoVD. What do you think?

Balsamic Dragon

#1 I wouldn't compare it to either. It certainly won't have level of humour that XXXenophile has - though it won't be clinical or grim. And it won't have the level of darkness that BOVD has though it will have some grim elements (Fallen Cherub - nasty critter).

#2 My departure from WotC was a planned transition. We parted amicably.

AV