Alzrius
The EN World kitten
Just for the record, I'm down for one of these.
Immortals Handbook: Ascension 3.5E Print version...do you want one?
- Thread starter Upper_Krust
- Start date
Upper_Krust
Hero
Hello again elpp!
Okay I'll put you down for one.
Just to clarify if I have the book on Drivethru for Thursday and send the files to Mixam the day after, it will take Mixam 10 working days (likely 2 weeks) before I get the copies to my house and another 2 weeks for postage from here in Northern Ireland to reach North America. So you would be talking a month.
EDIT: Just realized you are in the UK elpp. So I think likely 4-5 days on postage after I get my copies. I think postage costs to the uk were around £5.50 ish, plus packing and the Mixam printing, we are probably talking £30-35 (haven't worked it out exactly yet, but somewhere in that ballpark).
Alzrius would know better than me how long Drivethru take to post PoD copies, I'd be guessing less than a week.
Okay I'll put you down for one.
Just to clarify if I have the book on Drivethru for Thursday and send the files to Mixam the day after, it will take Mixam 10 working days (likely 2 weeks) before I get the copies to my house and another 2 weeks for postage from here in Northern Ireland to reach North America. So you would be talking a month.
EDIT: Just realized you are in the UK elpp. So I think likely 4-5 days on postage after I get my copies. I think postage costs to the uk were around £5.50 ish, plus packing and the Mixam printing, we are probably talking £30-35 (haven't worked it out exactly yet, but somewhere in that ballpark).
Alzrius would know better than me how long Drivethru take to post PoD copies, I'd be guessing less than a week.
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Alzrius
The EN World kitten
DriveThruRPG tends to be fairly quick in getting PoD books out to customers, but it still takes several days for a book to be printed and then get through the mail. As a very loose generalization, I'd say you're looking at around two weeks altogether (if you use the cheapest shipping option, which I always do), but it can vary a lot depending on how much backlog their printer has and how quickly the postal service is operating.
As I recall, DriveThruRPG sends out a notice when the book is printed and put into the mail, but otherwise there's no tracking available (at least for the cheaper shipping).
Upper_Krust
Hero
Hey guys, progress on Ascension 2023 going well. Might even be able to get it finished (or near finished) today.
One idea I have had though is that to differentiate the Mixam copy from the Drivethru PoD copy is that I might remove the cover titles on the Mixam copy and just have the art. What do you think?
One idea I have had though is that to differentiate the Mixam copy from the Drivethru PoD copy is that I might remove the cover titles on the Mixam copy and just have the art. What do you think?
Upper_Krust
Hero
As of right now the remaining things to do are:
1. Add three illustrations.
2. Come up with two items for Horus and four items for Hecate.
3. Fix the page numbers (which you think would be simple in a document but maybe because the pages are all jpgs I have to manually send each page to the back so the new page numbers can be seen...and even though I did this before, each new illustration I add bizarrely resets the jpgs to the front for all following pages, grrr.) ...and yes I have tried "Bring to Front" for the Page numbers - doesn't fix the issue.
4. Change the page numbers on the Contents page (easy but somewhat time consuming).
5. Get Drivethru & Mixams cover templates.
6. Add a Book Spine.
7. Upload the pdf to Drivethru - check its all good.
8. Upload the PoD file to Drivethru - fingers crossed.
9. Send the files to Mixam (probably Friday).
So very nearly there. Even with my crazy sleep patterns* I should get it all sorted by midnight tonight.
*About to grab a few hours sleep at 11am after being up all night.
1. Add three illustrations.
2. Come up with two items for Horus and four items for Hecate.
3. Fix the page numbers (which you think would be simple in a document but maybe because the pages are all jpgs I have to manually send each page to the back so the new page numbers can be seen...and even though I did this before, each new illustration I add bizarrely resets the jpgs to the front for all following pages, grrr.) ...and yes I have tried "Bring to Front" for the Page numbers - doesn't fix the issue.
4. Change the page numbers on the Contents page (easy but somewhat time consuming).
5. Get Drivethru & Mixams cover templates.
6. Add a Book Spine.
7. Upload the pdf to Drivethru - check its all good.
8. Upload the PoD file to Drivethru - fingers crossed.
9. Send the files to Mixam (probably Friday).
So very nearly there. Even with my crazy sleep patterns* I should get it all sorted by midnight tonight.
*About to grab a few hours sleep at 11am after being up all night.
Upper_Krust
Hero
Okay, the pdf is 99% finished. The art is done. Page Numbers and Contents set. Book spine is sorted. I basically just have to add the Horus and Hekate items.
However, there are two small snags.
1. The Drivethru RPG Cover template for some reason has the gap for the front and back cover 8 inches wide instead of 8.5. Weirdly the height is okay. So I need to work out what went wrong.
2. Once I upload the file for Print on Demand. I need to order a Proof copy and have it shipped to my house BEFORE I can okay the book for Printing. So as far as I can see that could take 1-2 weeks from the point of upload. I was planning to get one anyway to check the quality, but I didn't realize there is that forced delay in green lighting the Print version for everyone else. That would mean it was probably on the same schedule with my Mixam copies.
I'll try and sort problem #1 out as soon as possible and then I can upload the files and get the ball rolling.
However, there are two small snags.
1. The Drivethru RPG Cover template for some reason has the gap for the front and back cover 8 inches wide instead of 8.5. Weirdly the height is okay. So I need to work out what went wrong.
2. Once I upload the file for Print on Demand. I need to order a Proof copy and have it shipped to my house BEFORE I can okay the book for Printing. So as far as I can see that could take 1-2 weeks from the point of upload. I was planning to get one anyway to check the quality, but I didn't realize there is that forced delay in green lighting the Print version for everyone else. That would mean it was probably on the same schedule with my Mixam copies.
I'll try and sort problem #1 out as soon as possible and then I can upload the files and get the ball rolling.
Beefermatic
Hero
Everything is gonna have some snags. I can't wait to see the final product. Take some pictures when you get the prototype.
Upper_Krust
Hero
Going to add this here to show what I mean. I dropped a grid over the cover template with 1 inch intervals. Note that the designated area for the cover is 11 inches tall (as it should be) but only 8 inches wide (when it should be 8.5". Same problem on the back cover.
I have emailed Drivethru on the matter but I may take this elsewhere in the forums to see if anyone has a solution.
Beefermatic
Hero
Well it looks like it's gonna be awesome! I'm really excited.
Alzrius
The EN World kitten
Hm, if I'm looking at it right, the measurements in the lower-right corner say that it should be 8.5 x 11, so maybe their template is assuming a half-inch for the spine?
Impeesa
Explorer
As well as can be expected! Right now I'm doing the stay at home parenting thing, and I'm not sure whether to say I don't even have the work excuse for my personal projects, or whether the pervasiveness of distractions is even worse.
You know, that reminds me of how that always seemed to be part of the problem... writing the core important parts is one thing, filling it out with 100 monsters here, 200 divine abilities there, that takes some time! Glad to hear the core material is all there in the new version, I haven't had much interest in 5E but I'll have to pick it up for general reading and back-porting. There's never as much time to actually play as I'd like, and we've been playing more of other games when we do play for a long time now, but I'd still really love to run a proper divine/epic level game. To confirm, do put me down for a personal copy whenever you get them going.
Upper_Krust
Hero
Hey Alzrius amigo!
Possibly, but the Cover Template itself has very specific frames (as in actual frames you click on and place your images inside) for adding your cover, spine and back cover images.
So it doesn't make sense that they would go to the trouble of making those frames and then for some reason make the front and back frames half an inch too short and then not explain it on the template (the template has a bunch of explanatory text on the frame where you put the front cover).
Hopefully its something simple though.
Possibly, but the Cover Template itself has very specific frames (as in actual frames you click on and place your images inside) for adding your cover, spine and back cover images.
So it doesn't make sense that they would go to the trouble of making those frames and then for some reason make the front and back frames half an inch too short and then not explain it on the template (the template has a bunch of explanatory text on the frame where you put the front cover).
Hopefully its something simple though.
Upper_Krust
Hero
Hey Impeesa buddy!
Well they say Family First.
Getting stuck on one thing is about 50% of the battle for me. It will be one part of a monster stat-block just doesn't work (or a game mechanic or something) and it means you have to leave that page and come back to it at a later date. Then you basically have to reread all the page to remember what the problem was in the first place and then solve it.
The other half of the problem (for me at least) is that I seem to have new ideas faster than I can finish pages. The page count just seems to snowball exponentially. I think the page count has doubled every year since I started the project - it will be over 600 when finished now...assuming it doesn't double again, lol.
It actually seems perfect for Immortal Level Play. Its very simple to pick up and play, doesn't suffer from feat/skill/magic item bloat, scales well* and I think I have solved all the issues I had with the mechanics of immortal play from 3.5E. I have a bunch of really cool (IMO) game mechanics that will make it awesome to play and easy to DM. I'm honestly busting to tell people everything and spill the beans but I know that would be counter productive.
*Don't listen to the naysayers about the failings of Challenge Rating; the only problem is not balancing the monsters TO their CR in the first place.
I'm playing in a fortnightly game of 5E now (using Group Chat voice mic on Discord and Roll 20).
Hopefully have my Immortal's ruleset ready by the time we need it.
Cheers amigo, thank you!
Well they say Family First.
Getting stuck on one thing is about 50% of the battle for me. It will be one part of a monster stat-block just doesn't work (or a game mechanic or something) and it means you have to leave that page and come back to it at a later date. Then you basically have to reread all the page to remember what the problem was in the first place and then solve it.
The other half of the problem (for me at least) is that I seem to have new ideas faster than I can finish pages. The page count just seems to snowball exponentially. I think the page count has doubled every year since I started the project - it will be over 600 when finished now...assuming it doesn't double again, lol.
It actually seems perfect for Immortal Level Play. Its very simple to pick up and play, doesn't suffer from feat/skill/magic item bloat, scales well* and I think
I have solved all the issues I had with the mechanics of immortal play from 3.5E. I have a bunch of really cool (IMO) game mechanics that will make it awesome to play and easy to DM. I'm honestly busting to tell people everything and spill the beans but I know that would be counter productive.*Don't listen to the naysayers about the failings of Challenge Rating; the only problem is not balancing the monsters TO their CR in the first place.
I'm playing in a fortnightly game of 5E now (using Group Chat voice mic on Discord and Roll 20).
Hopefully have my Immortal's ruleset ready by the time we need it.
Cheers amigo, thank you!
Upper_Krust
Hero
Quick update, still waiting on the second reply from Drivethru about the Cover Template (for almost a week now). I emailed them again Wednesday, but no response as yet.
I have downloaded the basic Mixam template (just to see what was what), however, they don't give you the "proper" template until after you order due to spine width from page count.
If I don't hear back from Drivethru by next week (I'll email them one more time on Monday morning) I will upload the pdf (we can sort the print version out when they eventually reply) and go ahead with ordering a few Mixam copies.
I have downloaded the basic Mixam template (just to see what was what), however, they don't give you the "proper" template until after you order due to spine width from page count.
If I don't hear back from Drivethru by next week (I'll email them one more time on Monday morning) I will upload the pdf (we can sort the print version out when they eventually reply) and go ahead with ordering a few Mixam copies.
Upper_Krust
Hero
Okay finally got a reply from Drivethru last night. They apologized for taking so long (apparently they have been super busy the past two weeks). Anyway. Basically spent 6 hours sorting everything today and then just now noticed a tiny mis-alignment between the printers marks and my cover wrap (the small bit that wraps and gets folded around the cover). So just need to repaint the top of the cover edge so that the fire/lightning/smoke better blends in with the wrap and then I'll send it to Drivethru. That will be either later tonight, or (since I am going to be busy tonight) likely early tomorrow. Either way, its pretty much a done deal.
I actually bought a Print Book from Drivethru yesterday (called Five Torches Deep - basically a 5E-Lite system that looks interesting) so it will be cool to see how fast I get it shipped to me. I think they said 4-5 days. I should get them to send me a Print copy of Ascension 2023 either tonight or tomorrow.
Not going to make the pdf version "Live" on Drivethru until I can also enable the Print Copy (after I get my own Print copy from them and check everything is okay). When you buy the print version you will also get the pdf (I am sure I have seen that option).
I will also be contacting Mixam this weekend. I did notice that Mixam UK allow US Letter sized books but doesn't carry the US Letter sized Template; and Mixam US don't give you the full template until AFTER you order. I am hoping Mixam UK just allow me to use the same one I have from Drivethru and that will simplify the process. Either way I will find out over the next two days.
As a slight aside, some good news/bad news in that I'm likely going to be losing my job in a few months time. While on the face of it, its a bit scary not to have that job security, I was contemplating taking 3-6 months off anyway to get these new Ascension books completed. So, don't worry, I won't be out on the street or anything like that. I have been meaning to set up a 'Merch Store' (or two) for a while and see if I can make enough that I wouldn't need a 'proper' job. So I will likely give that a shot in 2023. I have a few ideas.
I also have almost 12 weeks holiday to take between now and the summer. So expect a FAR more productive and focused Krust from about the end of February onward.
I actually bought a Print Book from Drivethru yesterday (called Five Torches Deep - basically a 5E-Lite system that looks interesting) so it will be cool to see how fast I get it shipped to me. I think they said 4-5 days. I should get them to send me a Print copy of Ascension 2023 either tonight or tomorrow.
Not going to make the pdf version "Live" on Drivethru until I can also enable the Print Copy (after I get my own Print copy from them and check everything is okay). When you buy the print version you will also get the pdf (I am sure I have seen that option).
I will also be contacting Mixam this weekend. I did notice that Mixam UK allow US Letter sized books but doesn't carry the US Letter sized Template; and Mixam US don't give you the full template until AFTER you order. I am hoping Mixam UK just allow me to use the same one I have from Drivethru and that will simplify the process. Either way I will find out over the next two days.
As a slight aside, some good news/bad news in that I'm likely going to be losing my job in a few months time. While on the face of it, its a bit scary not to have that job security, I was contemplating taking 3-6 months off anyway to get these new Ascension books completed. So, don't worry, I won't be out on the street or anything like that. I have been meaning to set up a 'Merch Store' (or two) for a while and see if I can make enough that I wouldn't need a 'proper' job. So I will likely give that a shot in 2023. I have a few ideas.
I also have almost 12 weeks holiday to take between now and the summer. So expect a FAR more productive and focused Krust from about the end of February onward.
Obly99
Adventurer
Man, I'm sorry, losing your job in this period of crisis is hard.
Upper_Krust
Hero
Hey Obly99 buddy!
Well its a bit more complicated than that. The counter offer being proposed is me having to work evenings rather than nights; which on the face of it sounds good except that I would need to work 5 evenings a week to match the same money I get from 2 nights a week. So it doesn't seem to make much practical sense, as a result my plan (as of right now) will be to take 6 months off, try a few interesting e-commerce ideas I have had planned for a while now (and just not had the time for) and see if I can do anything with them over the course of this year.
So not to worry, this may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. I'll have more time to work on these RPG projects with the even bigger incentive that I will be able to get my sleep patterns back to normal and that will double my productivity again.
Well its a bit more complicated than that. The counter offer being proposed is me having to work evenings rather than nights; which on the face of it sounds good except that I would need to work 5 evenings a week to match the same money I get from 2 nights a week. So it doesn't seem to make much practical sense, as a result my plan (as of right now) will be to take 6 months off, try a few interesting e-commerce ideas I have had planned for a while now (and just not had the time for) and see if I can do anything with them over the course of this year.
So not to worry, this may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. I'll have more time to work on these RPG projects with the even bigger incentive that I will be able to get my sleep patterns back to normal and that will double my productivity again.
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