A New Dawn (September Update)
over 2 years ago – Fri, Sep 29, 2023 at 10:03:14 AM

Dear Backers,

It's been a while since our last update, and I sincerely apologize for this delay. Change, they say, is the only constant, and it is in that spirit that we're ushering in a new phase for our project.

To begin with, based on the events and developments of recent months, we are making crucial changes to our Kickstarter team. Alex will now be focusing exclusively on the music and sound project, freeing him from responsibilities related to communication and the backend management of Kickstarter or Backerkit. Moving forward, all such responsibilities will be shared between new team members and me. My primary focus will be on writing, art direction, and the production of the PDFs and printed items related to this Kickstarter campaign. We've realigned our individual roles and responsibilities, ensuring that each one of us focuses on our strengths.

In terms of the adventures and the zine, we've expanded our team for improved communication, regular updates, and streamlined work processes. We're excited to welcome a new writer, proofreader, and editor to the fold. They're here to pick up from where we left off and drive the project with renewed vigor. This restructuring is a proactive step to breathe new life into the project. Rest assured, this endeavor is very close to my heart, and under no circumstances will we abandon it. Recognizing areas of improvement and seeking external help was essential, and I'm glad we've taken that step.

Admitting our shortcomings and navigating through the challenges has not been straightforward. However, it's an essential part of growth and progress. Above all, we owe you, our dedicated backers, better communication and transparency. Your patience and support mean the world to us, and we're committed to delivering on our promises.

The upcoming phases of our journey will focus on the completion of the pamphlets, ensuring their PDF versions are ready for distribution. Furthermore, we are eager to present the first adventure from the book, "DREAM OF A PROMISED LAND", after it gets more revisions done by the new team members.

Once we have the adventures in their finalized (albeit not entirely layouted) form, we will present them to you, our invaluable backers. Your feedback is integral to us. Drawing from your insights, we will roll out each segment of the promised material, refining our work along the way based on your input.

Lets get it forward again, step by step.
Jack Arcanum & the New Arcanum Team

June Update 02
almost 3 years ago – Wed, Jun 21, 2023 at 02:33:39 PM

Hello Backers,

This is Alex reaching out to you after a long period of silence. I want to sincerely apologize for the absence and provide you with an update on myself and the current progress of the soundscapes.

Over the past year, things have been quite disastrous, not just for me but for many people around me as well. Since winter 2020, I have been grappling with serious episodes of depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, I know these struggles have become increasingly common. In the last six months, things haven't been going too well for me. I had to cancel numerous plans as my energy was dedicated to managing even the simplest daily tasks, which only exacerbated my feelings. However, with summer here, I have sought medical help, and I believe things will start improving soon.

I wanted to share this very personal experience for one important reason: if any of you are also dealing with depression or anxiety, please know that you are not alone. Your problems may feel incredibly complex, unique, and difficult to describe or comprehend. However, once you seek professional help, you will realize that many others face similar challenges for similar reasons. Most of the time, there is a way out of the darkest depths. All you need is someone to help you see things that may otherwise remain invisible. It's alright to stumble, it's alright to disappoint others sometimes. Take all the time you need to take care of yourself and learn to be kind to yourself.

Soundscapes: Despite the challenges, I've managed to work on the drones, songs, and ambient pieces intermittently. Together, the three soundscapes, along with the soundtrack, will provide a total playtime of 6 hours. That's a substantial amount of music. As proof of concept, I've prepared a preview playlist showcasing the current state of my work. You can find it here:

https://on.soundcloud.com/1ZY7S

I will continue adding new tracks to the playlist as they become ready. Currently, the playlist has a playtime of 3 hours, so there is still some content missing.

What's next? The goal is to have approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of drones with music and sound effects layered on top, plus about 15 minutes of solo sound effects/atmospheres for each soundscape (90 minutes multiplied by 3). Once the drone part is complete, Manuel will add his sound effects and atmospheres (you can preview some on the SoundCloud playlist), while I will incorporate the non-drone music. Most of the sound effects and atmospheres have already been recorded and are awaiting integration. Subsequently, we'll select the best parts and some "deleted scenes" from the soundscapes to create the soundtrack. Mixing, mastering, testing, and then it's done. The digital download will be made available to you.

I'm unable to provide an accurate estimation of when all of this will be finished due to the unpredictable nature of anxiety. However, we're getting closer to the finish line, and for that, I'm certain.

Thank you all for your patience, and I sincerely hope for your understanding.

Take care,

Alex

June Update 01: Into the Setting
almost 3 years ago – Tue, Jun 06, 2023 at 04:29:53 AM

Hope this message finds you well! So, here's the deal - we're back again with another update to keep you in the loop as promised. Let's dive right into it, shall we?

As previously communicated, the Pledge Manager officially closed its operations last week. We appreciate your contributions and now we eagerly await the conclusive data from the Backer Kit. This information is critical to us as it helps us streamline our processes and set the stage for the next steps.

Regarding the collection of shipping addresses, we'd like to assure you that it's very much on our agenda. However, we'll be reaching out to you for these details closer to the shipment dates to ensure we have the most accurate information.

Now, let's shift focus to the heart of our project - the Pamphlet adventures. We're truly excited to share that our creative team has been making notable strides in bringing this content to life. The work they've put in is progressing, and the outcomes are incredibly encouraging. We know you're waiting with bated breath, eager to embark on these adventures.

With this in mind, we're planning to share a sneak peek of these pamphlets during our key update this month. We hope that this preview stirs up the same thrill in you that it does in us.

But that's not all, we've got another treat for you today - a little insight into the intriguing backdrop and setting of 'Patterns in the Void'. We believe that a deeper understanding of the context will further enrich your anticipation and overall experience.

Setting Assumptions

The Far Horizon Sectors serve as the backdrop for the world depicted in the Patterns in the Void Zine. The following assumptions are foundational elements that provide a basis for creating your experiences within the scenarios of the module. These guidelines serve as the default starting point and should be discussed or summarized when introducing the content of the module to the player group. They will help to ensure a shared understanding of the setting and provide a framework for storytelling.

The Far Horizon Sectors

The Far Horizon Sectors are a dangerous and enigmatic frontier, where humanity has established settlements a few decades ago, long after the first waves of generation ships and settlement programs of the last few centuries failed disastrously. These distant sectors are now home to a rich mix of cultures, but isolation and limited communication between settlements remain common.

The inhabitants of the Far Horizon are pioneers in a largely uncharted realm, where much of the sectors remain in waiting to be explored. With no exception, humanity is the only known intelligent life form, and the presence of other civilizations is limited to rumors about alien remnants in the form of enigmatic and hazardous ruins. This remote frontier is more often than not complete on its own. When a disaster strikes, it is often way to late till the corporations react and send help, if at all.

Technology

The technological advancement has not kept pace with the rapidly expanding frontiers of humanity. The corporations, who hold significant sway over the development and distribution of technology, prioritize profits over progress. As a result, the technology available to settlers and workers in the Far Horizon Sectors can at best be considered slightly advanced, and in some cases, even regressive in comparison to contemporary technologies. This limitation is exacerbated by the scarcity of resources in the Sectors, making resourcefulness and creativity essential traits for survival in this challenging environment.

But the New Frontiers are also characterized by dangerous and experimental technologies that corporations have introduced to the colonies and settlers. Despite the potential dangers, these corporations continue to profit from their implementation without regard for the consequences. Those who have nothing often accept anything that promises to improve their life.

One of the most pressing examples is the use of cryogenic tanks. Although it is a valuable tool for survival in the hostile environment of the Far Horizon Sectors, the technology is still largely untested and the consequences of long-term use are unknown. The same can be said for terraforming attempts that have gone awry, leading to irreversible damage to the local ecosystems and habitats. Another significant risk comes from the genetic engineering experiments performed on both humans and animals.

The corporations ignore the fact that these engineered genes can spread uncontrollably, leading to unpredictable and potentially disastrous consequences. To keep these dangers from the public eye, the corporations declare their technologies as safe and rigorously guard their secrets.

They downplay any reported problems and claim their technologies have undergone extensive testing and are safe for use. This manipulation of the truth allows the corporations to continue their dangerous practices unchecked, putting the lives of colonists and settlers at risk in the pursuit of profit.

Society

Life in the Far Horizon Sectors is a constant battle, not only against the dangers of the unknown, but also against the oppressive corporations that hold a monopoly over the colonies and settlers. These corporations, with their vast resources and advanced technologies, exert their control through dictating trade terms, restricting access to vital resources, and using force or manipulation to impose their will.

The society in the Far Horizon Sectors is flawed, with those in power hoarding resources and technologies to the detriment of the working class. The settlers and miners, who endure harsh conditions, are exploited for their labor and treated as disposable assets. In response, resistance movements such as the miner unions and settler organizations have formed, striving to challenge the imperialistic and oppressive forces in search of justice.

These groups vocalize their dissent when the corporations are not paying attention, but the reality is that the powers-that-be are aware of the underlying tensions and discontent. To avoid destabilizing the status quo, the corporations tolerate, and even encourage, the illusion of resistance and dissent. By allowing the workers a degree of freedom to voice their frustrations, the corporations maintain control while avoiding the appearance of oppression. The carefully crafted narrative serves as a release valve for the anger and discontent that simmers just beneath the surface, functioning much like a well-rehearsed stage play.

The corporations have a tendency to shift the blame for their failures onto raiders and other unsavory factions. However, the reality is often much more complicated and sinister. There are rumors that some corporations are spreading tales of strange discoveries and even alien intervention as a smokescreen to hide their own disasters, which have resulted in the loss of countless lives. Despite these rumors, the corporations maintain a stranglehold on power, using their control over information and resources to maintain their grip on the populace.

Optimism is a luxury reserved only for the top echelon of corporate management. Despite the inherent dangers and unknown perils associated with settling in the far reaches of the Far Horizon Sectors, a great many individuals choose to undertake this challenge in pursuit of a brighter future. However, it is important to note that the actual experience of settling in these uncharted territories can often be grueling and filled with unexpected hardships. Despite this, the majority of settlers view the difficulties they face as preferable to the uncaring and inhumane conditions present in the core worlds of the galaxy. The hope for a better life and a chance to shape the future drives these pioneers to endure the hardships of life on the frontiers of humanity.

____________

This is our first part highlighting the background and lore from the Patterns in the Void Zine. It serves as our backdrop while writing and creating adventure modules for Mothership, but keep it adjustable so you can grab and insert any parts into your ongoing campaigns or homebrew settings.

That concludes this update. We thank you for your patience, enthusiasm, and most importantly, your support. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.

Till the next time, The Arcanum Team

May Update: Delays, Rules & Progress
almost 3 years ago – Thu, May 25, 2023 at 07:52:28 AM

Dear Backers,

We apologize for the silence and lack of updates in recent months. There have been personal health struggles and challenges in progressing with the project. However, we are now slowly catching up and have some important news to share.

Firstly, we will be integrating details from the Shipbreakers Toolkit from Tuesday Knight Games into the ship stats within our module. We will also incorporate tools and mechanics found in the Warden Operation Manual. This will enhance the overall gameplay experience.

Regarding the adventures, "Dreams of the Promised Land" and the Pamphlet Adventures, we are in the process of finishing and updating them to align with the newest Mothership rulesets. However, since the final Mothership Rulebooks have not been delivered and finalized yet, we prefer to adjust the adventures before printing to ensure full compatibility with our Zine.

Originally, the Mothership rule books were scheduled for November 2022, but it seems they are now in the finalization stage by the original publisher. This has caused uncertainty about how to progress with the content. Our current plan is to finalize the digital files, then revise them once the official rules are released. We will then correct and adapt the material of our zine according to the published rules. This was an unforeseen issue in the process, among others.

We have also faced creative struggles due to health issues, but we are committed to resuming regular communication and updates.

In terms of layout work, we have transitioned from InDesign to Affinity Publisher as it is a more user-friendly software, and progress has been made in the layout process.

Lastly, the Backerkit, which has been kept open due to delays, will now be closing. This will allow us to calculate final numbers and process orders efficiently.

We will send out the next update next week, including more samples from the book and the pamphlets as well as more information.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Best Regards, 

J. Arcanum

Januar Update: Backerkit, Rules & Timetable
about 3 years ago – Tue, Jan 31, 2023 at 03:16:22 AM

Dear Backers,

As we embark on the new year, the darkness of the void continues to cast a shadow over our world, both in our fiction and in the current reality of Europe. However, in the face of such darkness, we find glimmers of light.

This update brings you the latest news on Patterns in the Void, straight from Arcanum Games Studio. We have a Backerkit bugfix report, information on the recently revealed new Mothership rules by Tuesday Knight Games, and an update on the current delays we are facing.

Backerkit Update

It's great to see so many of you have already completed the survey - we're at 94%! Just a friendly reminder for the rest of you to fill it out as soon as possible.

We wanted to let you know that we recently fixed two issues with the survey process. If you selected the "No Reward" level, there's a chance you didn't receive the survey email. We apologize for the oversight and have now sent out the emails, so be sure to check your inbox.

Also, we made a mistake by applying shipping costs to pre-orders, even for digital-only purchases. We understand this caused some confusion and frustration, and we've set the shipping costs to zero for now.

Rules Update & Compatibility

As many of you know, Tuesday Knight Games released the new Player Survival Guide and a draft of the Wardens Operation Manual 2 months ago. As a result, we have been busy revising our scenarios and stats to ensure full compatibility with the latest set of rules. This includes updating the rules for Shore Leaves, learning skills, and Weapon Stats.

In addition to these changes, we have also integrated the TOMB structures from the Wardens Operation Manual for threats and dangers into our scenarios, as well as incorporating compatible references to game rules and articles from Hull Break. Our goal is to provide the most seamless and enjoyable experience for our backers and all wardens out there.

Delays

We want to be transparent and let you know that we are currently experiencing some delays in the project due to unforeseen complications and difficulties here in Germany. The economic crisis and the effects of the Ukrainian War are taking a toll on everyone, including us. This has resulted in increased living expenses and financial strain, which is causing stress and problems.

However, we are working tirelessly on Patterns in the Void and have new progress plans to share with you. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to delivering the best possible product and experience to you, our backers.

In regards to this situation, we must inform you that we are facing a delay in the release of our Digital Zine of Patterns in the Void. After careful consideration, we have estimated a delay of approximately 2 months to our original timetable. However, this additional time will be utilized to integrate the latest official Mothership rules into our Zine, ensuring a seamless experience for all players. Our current target release date for the Digital Zine is March, having originally planned for a January release.

Preorder open till end of March

Our preorder store has opened and remains available till end of March! Please share this link to other interested Wardens and Mothership players.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding. Stay tuned for further updates.

The Arcanum Team