Necromancer Q&A: Let's ask Orcus some questions!

[Damien]

NG's upcoming schedule

Not really a question...for those who don't check out Necro's forum regularly, Bill Webb recently posted a listing of anticipated upcoming titles and dates through early 2006!

Bill wrote:

Ok; here you go; dates are approximate (within 1-month):

October-City State of the Invincible Overlord-SSS/JG
December-Crystal Skull-TLG
January-Glades of Death-SSS
February-Grimtooth's Traps-SSS, Family Affair-TLG
March-nothing planned
April-Rappan Athuk Reloaded-SSS, 6-Spheres of Marrach-TLG
May-nothing planned
June-Tome of Horrors 3-SSS
July-Shades of Grey-TLG
August-Diamond Fortress-TLG
September-Wilderlands Box Set-SSS/JG (Gencon), Coils of Set-TLG
October-Eldritch Sorcery-SSS
November-City of Brass-SSS
December-Tegel Manor-SSS/JG
January(2006)-Tales of Brass, 1001 Efreeti Nights-SSS
February(2006)-Bard's Gate-SSS
March(2006)-Dead Man's Chest-SSS

Note that I have 3-4 other books in the hopper; these may see release in the next 18 months w/ TLG. I have yet to received final manuscripts, so I have not placed them.

And yes, Sword of Air is definitely in the works.

*****

Okay almighty Orcus, here's a couple questions for you:

1. Of everything Necromancer has published so far, what would you say are your top 2 or 3 favorite products. Note that I'm excluding upcoming releases!

2. Of everything Necro has done, what would you suggest as the most overlooked thing the company's put out--something you think is excellent, but somehow it slipped by relatively unnoticed? And why?

 

[Gilwen]

Clark:
I am really geeked for Grimtooth as well. When I heard that it was on Necro's schedule I about wet myself and then a very evil smile spread across my face as I considered the death that I would inflict upon the generation of gamers that I GM for., none of which have even heard of Grimtooth... Yes the introduction is long over due....mwahahahaha!

Also, I am glad that you take time out for the fans, far to many publishers don't and that is understandable. But when publishers, especially the big boys, take the time it adds something to the game and helps remind me that at least some of them love them game.
See you around here and on the OGF lists.

Bryan

Oh man I am so geeked for Grimtooth. I just sent it in to layout. The art on the interior is all Steve Crompton original stuff. Plus he did some new stuff. There is a funny running story line of Bill and I meeting GrimTina and getting her to show us into Grimmy's trap lab. Steve did some extra art for that. GrimTina is back. The Dungeon of Doom is in full force. Over 200 traps, fully statted for d20, in a "monster manual" style entry for each trap. New more detailed rules that put some of the fun back in traps, instead of them being a "roll a d20 roadblock".

It is set for a Q1 2005 release.

Here is my dedication in the book:

"To gamers everywhere who appreciate that it is cooler to have your character die in a triple-spear-tilting-passage-reverse-gravity-springing-chair-giant-lobster trap than in a boring 60 foot deep pit with spikes."

Back cover text:

The Wurst of Grimtooth’s Traps™

The Troll Is Back!

More horrible than a nightmare, more feared and loathed than the IRS, Grimtooth the Troll has returned with the best of his traps to try men’s souls and mangle their bodies. This connoisseur’s catalog of condemnable calamities contains over 200 of the most devious traps ever devised fully statted for the d20 system. Includes the famous Traps Bazaar and the Dungeon of Doom, a dungeon of nothing but traps! Contains too much knowledge for mere mortals.

Warning!
Unauthorized disclosure of this material may contribute to the unjustified survival of adventurers, delvers, and player characters…and may result in serious damage to the deadly reputation of the Game Master.

I am really geeked for this one.

Clark

 

[Orcus]

I am geeked for Grimmy. Mike did a great back of book ad for Grimmy that appears in the City State of the Invincible Overlord. I'll have him post it on our website (once greenie gets back from a much needed vacation).

Answers to some questions:

1. Of everything Necromancer has published so far, what would you say are your top 2 or 3 favorite products. Note that I'm excluding upcoming releases!

Boy, that is hard to answer. I love Rappan Athuk because I think it defines what Necro is about. I personally love Tomb of Abysthor because it is my baby. I love Necropolis because of what it is and who it is. I thought Tome of Horrors was a huge contribution to the gaming community and am real proud of that. I think Mesopotamia is outstanding. The Wilderlands PG was amazing.

I'd be hard pressed to pick 3. Its like choosing between your children.

2. Of everything Necro has done, what would you suggest as the most overlooked thing the company's put out--something you think is excellent, but somehow it slipped by relatively unnoticed? And why?

That's easy. I think Book of Taverns is incredible. I also think Vault of Larin Karr is amazing. Both those books are books I have said "damn, I wish I had written those." I also have to add Bonegarden to this list. It is absolutely great.

Basically, I am very very proud of nearly everything we have done.

Clark

 

[Alaric_Prympax]

Basically, I am very very proud of nearly everything we have done.

Clark

You've got every right to be Clark. Everything I have from NG is IMO great, they have caused much death, destruction, and dismay that my group has enjoyed. Thanks!

NG is one of the best RPG companies out there. Except for the very recent things and Truouble at Durbenford and the Encounter Table book I've got everything you've put out.

 

[grodog]

Clark,

You mentioned:

Actually, Bill is working on Sword of Air right now. He and I both said we wanted to take a little break from development and producing and get back to writing. So he is doing Sword of Air.

I'm glad to hear that SoA (and WoO too??) will see the light of day What I want to ask, though, is if Bill's writing SoA, what's your writing project---your return to writing for fun?

 

[Ro3]

Mr Peterson,

Have you apologised to Critical Miss yet? If not, why not?

http://www.criticalmiss.com/issue9/saywhat1.html

 

[Melan]

Clark: Sword of Air is back on track? That's very nice to hear, it is a shame Bill wasn't doing more adventures. Now, how about a follow up to the L series?

 

[mhensley]

Have you apologised to Critical Miss yet? If not, why not?

I'm sure that he has a lot more important things to worry about than what some obscure website (that hasn't been updated in about a year) has to say about him.

 

[Ro3]

I'm sure that he has a lot more important things to worry about than what some obscure website (that hasn't been updated in about a year) has to say about him.

Actually, I believe the issue is what he said about them. I'd think that if he has time to accuse them of unprofessional behaviour, he has time to explain himself, no?

Or does that the fact that Critical Miss hasn't put out an issue recently mean that making unproven accusations is somehow justified?

 

[Treebore]

I think that the issues between Clark and Critical are none of our business and that going public with a private issue just makes it all the more none of my business. In other words, its their problem, not ours. They need to resolve it.