Book price is....

[PG_The Captain]

I know I'm living in the past, but:

IK RPG Core rules: $40 for 400p Character Guide, $40 for 400p World Guide. Black and white hardcover- the most money I'd ever dropped in one dose on an RPG, but well spent. $80 for 800 pages, and none of it was rules basics (since I already had those from D&D).

IK RPG Mk 2 Core rules: $60 for 350p, full colour. Glossy. And this has to contain all the how-to-play info, monsters, etc etc.

Isn't anybody concerned we seem to be moving from something substantial (and stylish) to something extra shiny (but insubstantial)?

I'm hoping that they've been able to condense the rules into a lot less space than before, because they don't need to try to emulate the IK with D&D3.5 rules anymore. Also, much of the background and World guide parts will end up getting released in the next three books, so there'll naturally be fewer pages dedicated to the world itself.

Personally, I'm with Spud. I'd buy it if it cost a hundred. 60 is well within tolerable levels.

[Mastervalrik]

Think of it this way (and I mean no disrespect) 60- for the Core Rule book to play, ok if you and your friends all went to the movie together you are looking at 8-15 dollars each, so 4 friends to the movies cost 45-60 dollars, for 2 hours, 1 book could do a group of 4, and you have countless nights of gaming, do not look at it as wow 60, for a book, look at it how much enjoyment are you and friend/club going to get out of it. When you look at war gaming or RPG look at replay value, that is why its easy for myself to say ok, I am dropping 300-400 into an army, when I know I am going to play it for the next couple years. Then the resale value is there, 40-65% value when u sell it (so long as the stuff is in current editions) I bought a bunch Magic Cards back in 90's, I spent about 300-400 dollars on them, I just sold them all for 450- same thing with Vampire owned almost every vampire book, I sold 1/2 of it for couple hundred dollars, and now working out to move the rest for Cryx, Cygnar and some cash. Gaming stuff (good gaming stuff holds value) and PP is one of the best. Just my thoughts on it........ Now get me my copy of IK RPG, lol

[scout's honor]

Isn't anybody concerned we seem to be moving from something substantial (and stylish) to something extra shiny (but insubstantial)?

I'd reserve judgment on the substance of the book until I have it my hands.

That said, this is the way most RPG lines seem to be going. Those that don't will likely be skipped over in favour of alternatives with better-looking covers unless the prospective player is really specific in what he wants to play, so if publishers want as broad an audience as they can get they more or less have to follow the trend and go with the extra-pretty wrapping.

[Rapier]

I know I'm living in the past, but:


Isn't anybody concerned we seem to be moving from something substantial (and stylish) to something extra shiny (but insubstantial)?

I am highly concerned about this but not because of their chosen price point. (I collect all 4 40k RPG lines; slowly. I play Anima, pathfinder, one ring - I buy new rpg books just to read). However I am very concerned about the IK RPG line because Iron Kingdoms is my favourite 3.5 setting by far.

I want this to be better than that - I want the rules to be intuitive and simple while modelling the world better than 3.5 and giving me as many options and ways to play as D&D 3.5 did. I'm cautiously optimistic based on the NQ 42 preview - I like the sound of their character creation a lot. I like the level they're pitching starting characters at.

I'm terrified their magic system will be focus + fury + all the rest. I want to know exactly how social skills and social rolls are represented. I want to know that the Setting will be as rich as the D&D version. (I don't mind if it takes more books to get their so it can be glossy full colour).

What I really want to know their planned release schedule. I get 3 books to splurge out and provide all the options already implied by the Wargame - this makes sense, they want to sell the product to their current wargame fanbase. After that what's the plan?

Pathfinder and Anima do books themed on concepts (Monsters, Magic, Combat). Is Iron Kindgoms going to do this? (Will I get a book on Warjacks + related careers and monsters? A book on Cygnar + stuff, a Signs and Sigils book (at last)).

40k RPG does books along different lines (Rogue Trader, Dark Hearsay) - this system initially meant releases that filled in holes as best as possible. (So book 2 in each line is a lot of extra options - specialised areas such as looking into the ministorium come a lot later). Is this what we can expect (it best fits the initial splurge - but it's a horrible system for players and GM's imo). - This would work well if they plan only limited books, and it gets worse the more they release.

4th edition D&D did "Wilds 2; Cities 2, GM guide 3" ect - it's just horrible in, information you need is all over the place. I hope they don't do this (though it would also be consistent with the 3 splurge books). If they do this I'll probably not collect the range.

Will they follow the 3.5 method? (Monster books - with related character options. Setting books + related character options. A bit for the gm in every book + a bit for players and some fluff). Personally I find this messier - I could live with it, but I'd prefer the Anima version of more themed books. Can I expect a detailed Khador book or is the Khador stuff in the 350 page book all I'm going to get?

Not knowing won't stop me buying this book - but I would prefer to know what I'm buying into before getting to the 4th book (if their is a 4th book).

[Whimper]

I am not against glitz and shininess, and I want this product to be successful at increasing the player-base by nabbing impulse-buyers. But about those 350 full colour pages...

How many new illustrations will we get? How much will be photoshopped versions of the old edition artwork? How much will be copy&paste from the wargame?

Will we get new maps? New diagrams? Digital resources like printable character sheets?

Will there be a process for using WM/H figures as generic enemies?

It's not really about whether or not I will buy it- it's about what I'll be getting when I do.

[Rapier]

How many new illustrations will we get? How much will be photoshopped versions of the old edition artwork? How much will be copy&paste from the wargame?

I expect coloured versions of some of the old RPG artwork. (This would be fine for me because the old art was black and white, especially some of the fantastic Monsternomicon entries). I expect to get no copy@paste from the wargame because that would just be asking the impulse buyers who already have the wargame to flip through the book and see it has the same stuff they already bought.

In a future book (say the Skorne society setting book) - I could handle some artwork copy@pasted from the Forces of Skorne book - after all new art from that book is barely used and not seen by anyone that doesn't collect all the forces books outside of their own faction. I would also expect to see coloured versions of some of the Skorne artwork/maps from the MN2.

Will we get new maps? New diagrams? Digital resources like printable character sheets?

I want a new map up to date for 608 ar - I will be disappointed if none of the 3 books come with this. I've carefully treasured the old maps as much as possible. As for diagrams, I'd expect some reprints from the old world guide and character guide (but now in colour) - partly because those diagrams were completely sufficient and I don't expect them to redesign perfectly good work for the sake of being new - but mainly because the old books are out of print - new players can't see them any other way.

As for digital content - I will be very disappointed if they don't do a printable character sheet - I mean that's just expected of the high class rpg lines. (Almost all rpgs offer this even if they're 2 man projects).
From the quality and support PP usually provides, I'm expecting an in house made fillable character sheet at least. (Or the provision of a fan made one that they've chosen to endorse if a fan beats them too it with a good quality one)

Possibly a version of Ibodger for making characters and DM support tools - this is just wishful thinking. However; if the tools were good I'd be willing to consider paying for this rather than hoping for it for free. (Although it has to run on windows and not just an Iphone frankly).

I want to see the old maps (603 Ar - 605 ar I think they were) on their as well for people that want to scale back the time frame of the new rpg. If we don't get them I'll be making a thread asking for them.

Will there be a process for using WM/H figures as generic enemies?

This is a question I remember talking about in another thread. PPS_Simon implied that stat lines would not be direct conversions. I asked him if we could expect more difference between say A regular trencher and a regular Stormknight (since in the wargame their stats are quite similar - but the fluff makes one group highly elite).

Answer was that you wouldn't get direct correlations because the stats were not equal. (The Rpg will have more delineation if I remember rightly). I hope this means that the RPG version of a trencher will be noticeably less elite than a stormknight. I also hope it means that the relative power of say the deathjack to a standard helljack will be increased.

I think the phrase "more heroic" was used to describe the wargame - so I'm hoping they'll be less of Warjacks dying left and right in the RPG compared to the Wargame.

Due to all this though; I think their won't be a guide to using WM/H stats as generic enemies in the books. It may be done as a digital article just to give people more options early in the game's life. (Or else the formulae might be extrapolated on the forums by fans). - I don't think any kind of direct tie in is being planned by PP though such that an easy forumulae will exist.

[MidnightFox0083]

I want a new map up to date for 608 ar

You won't get it, it's already been said the setting is placed before 608. I believe it was stated it's placed in 605.

[Sul-Menite]

You won't get it, it's already been said the setting is placed before 608. I believe it was stated it's placed in 605.

No. It's early 608 right after Legends, (I think it was said in a NQ interview), the original one was in 605.

[Weaselcreature]

Is it just 1 book being pre-released, or 2 (like a much earlier rumor suggested)?

[AJ the Ronin]

Only 1. The main book is off to the printers (by Simon in rpg.net) and they are working on book 2.

[Gavriel]

My gaming group would love to get on any lists of external playtesters you might have for future modules. Our group is 12 strong and can be divided into sub groups to test different scenarios. We are veteran gamers who have played dozens of different systems, including the original IKRPG.

I'd also like to offer my services if you are looking for someone who can code books into e-reader and tablet formats.

[Phlippieskezer]

It's probably a bit early to ask, but do we have any idea how long after the release of the first book, book 3 comes out (or at least book 2)? I'd love to have a campaign in the more 'wild' setting, but I'm unsure how long I can wait to get my grubby paws on the first book (I'll probably buy them both/all three at once if there isn't a lot of time between them).

Needless to say, I'm excited for these releases, despite the slightly-higher-than-expected-but-still-worth-it price tag.

[Rapier]

I disagree with the belief that it will be higher than expected (the price tag) - I always expected glossy full colour, because that's how PP have done all their recent books. Escalation was the last book to be in black and white from them in the wargame line. Even that (and Five Fingers) had glossy pages.

If they do a paperback version (unlikely at 350 pages) that would probably be 10$ cheaper - that's about the cost of hardbacking a book.

[Kevin]

Charge $80, I'm unconcerned. What I do care about is availability and the capability to get started. It's summer, thousands of us are sitting around with nothing to do and money burning a whole in our pocket.

If its only going to be available in the near future at gencon I'm concerned that the rest of us won't see it till October. That's a problem.

[AJ the Ronin]

For sure we won't see it until October at the latest since the book is not among September releases.

[HerrDeux]

For sure we won't see it until October at the latest since the book is not among September releases.

Is the source (PP?) of the September releases you're referring to always accurate? October sounds likely, though, as it's usually a couple months after a con pre-release that the item in question seems to show up in stores, right?

[Fuchikoma]

The book is only $10 more expensive than I was expecting, which isn't a huge deal to me. I had budgeted for the first two books to be available at GenCon, and since that isn't the case, I'll be able to pick up the Ashlynn Alt Sculpt and probably a board game or two.

[AJ the Ronin]

Is the source (PP?) of the September releases you're referring to always accurate? October sounds likely, though, as it's usually a couple months after a con pre-release that the item in question seems to show up in stores, right?

Pretty accurate. Is the warstore. Usually if something was missing for the stuff for September we will know already since by this time the official solicitation sheet for September would have corrected whatever was missing from the original warstore posting.

My guess we will know October releases this week and hopefully the book will be included.

[AJ the Ronin]

Is the source (PP?) of the September releases you're referring to always accurate? October sounds likely, though, as it's usually a couple months after a con pre-release that the item in question seems to show up in stores, right?

Pretty accurate. Is the warstore. Usually if something was missing for the stuff for September we will know already since by this time the official solicitation sheet for September would have corrected whatever was missing from the original warstore posting.

My guess we will know October releases this week and hopefully the book will be included.

[CrypticApathy]

So how soon before we start seeing IK content (useable stuff - not preview stuff) in NQ?

The latest NQ has monster info for bog trogs, dreggs a pistal wraithe, an I think one more I don't rember..

[gundark]

My question is will the PDF come out when the book does at GenCon ? There doesn't seem like there is much reason for it not to.

[lifelesspoet]

My question is will the PDF come out when the book does at GenCon ? There doesn't seem like there is much reason for it not to.

I'm pretty sure the pdf will come out 6 months after a new ruleset is released. If the game is successful you can hope for a digital game assistant utility. Pdf's are not a part of their business strategy thus far.

[Mastervalrik]

For sure we won't see it until October at the latest since the book is not among September releases.

As they in the south, that dog wont hunt, I dont want to wait till October, have to get someone who is going to GenCon.....

[gundark]

I'm pretty sure the pdf will come out 6 months after a new ruleset is released. If the game is successful you can hope for a digital game assistant utility. Pdf's are not a part of their business strategy thus far.

That makes no sense to me , but meh

[Sthiel]

Pretty accurate. Is the warstore. Usually if something was missing for the stuff for September we will know already since by this time the official solicitation sheet for September would have corrected whatever was missing from the original warstore posting.

My guess we will know October releases this week and hopefully the book will be included.

But does Warstore post pre-orders for RPGS? I don't recall seeing them do so in the past.

[Sthiel]

My question is will the PDF come out when the book does at GenCon ? There doesn't seem like there is much reason for it not to.

Sure there is - they want to encourage you to buy the tree version . Its pretty standard to put the tree version out for several months before putting out the PDF version.

[lifelesspoet]

That makes no sense to me , but meh

Its old media logic. If you prevent a digital copy you hinder piracy. Not that its hard to get it these days, Just prevents you from paying for it. I get the idea, but once someone with a scanner puts in on a torrent or usenet its over.
It also has the dual purpose of supporting local shops, which I love. Of course local business provide game space and game space sells products indirectly. But digital purchasers also shop online for deals and that skips local shops too.
The community outcry for digital content is growing and I'm sure they are working on something but I'm willing to bet its not gonna be a straight up pdf.

[AJ the Ronin]

But does Warstore post pre-orders for RPGS? I don't recall seeing them do so in the past.

Yes they do. But like I said had warstore being wrong someone with the retailers pdf (the Alliance stuff) would have said something by now if it was available for September. Remember Alliance requires a 3 month window for solicitations.

[Whimper]

I think a great way to handle it would be to issue a coupon for a digital version with every hard copy purchased.

[PG_Zorz Muaddieb]

Really looking forward to this release. Break a leg PP.

-Z

[AJ the Ronin]

I think a great way to handle it would be to issue a coupon for a digital version with every hard copy purchased.

Margaret Weis had a "Preferred Retailer Program". If a Brick and Mortar store join the program each time the sell a copy of a MW product the person buying gets a coupon on drivethru for a free pdf copy. Note how you don't get a coupon if you buy online (with the exception of buying directly from MW).

Pathfinder have the free PDF for the Adventure Path subscription. I don't think that is a business plan that PP will follow.

[WarpedWolf]

From here

We are currently exploring digital publishing options.

Thus PP is looking into digital publishing options. And in all honesty, there are issues with any digital publishing method. So I can't blame them for considering their options carefully.

PDF is, at least in my opinion, the easiest digital publishing option. Yes, it's ridiculously easy to pirate PDFs, but there is no perfect way to prevent piracy. Advantages of PDFs:

• Not tied into any particular reader hardware or software
• Preserves the appearance of hardcopy book
• Easy to produce from desktop publishing software
• Bookmarks for easy access

I'd love to have a digital copy of the IK RPG. I run Mutants & Masterminds a lot, and having all the books in PDF on my Kindle Fire makes it a lot easier to do session planning, work on NPCs, etc.

[TheIronclad]

Price is no matter considering other comparable game rule books cost above 60. What I want to know is the release date.

[Bubbles]

This thread has single handedly gotten me intrigued enough to buy whatever RPG book PP releases and I don't even play RPG's. Im kinda glad the rest of the world isn't getting this until abit later so I can get a job and be the first of my aussie buddies to have this glossy pretty book/books.

[Sthiel]

This thread has single handedly gotten me intrigued enough to buy whatever RPG book PP releases and I don't even play RPG's. Im kinda glad the rest of the world isn't getting this until abit later so I can get a job and be the first of my aussie buddies to have this glossy pretty book/books.

If the book is anything like the 3.5 settings, they will be worth having just for the art and fiction.

[WarpedWolf]

Yeah, the book does look to be absolutely gorgeous.

[Asgardx]

Yeah, the book does look to be absolutely gorgeous.

That's actually the one thing I don't like. The art is great but it looks like a Warmachine book. I'm not a huge fan of the Warmachine style books when compared to the original IK books. The original IK book art and feel was just wonderful and gritty. The new book style doesn't look or feel right to me. I'm still gonna buy a bunch of copies but I was sad to see it this way.

[Bubbles]

when was the origional IK books set in. Were they before jacks had been invented and guns were mainstream (I'm just basing that off the Cygnar Guard Model). What are the differences in the maps during 605ar compared to 608ar.

[Sul-Menite]

when was the origional IK books set in. Were they before jacks had been invented and guns were mainstream (I'm just basing that off the Cygnar Guard Model). What are the differences in the maps during 605ar compared to 608ar.

Original books were set in 605 ar I believe. And no Warjacks have been around for centuries and guns are pretty mainstream. Like no one would be shocked and amazed to see your character walking around with a pistol.

Mapwise the main differences are that the Protectorate of Menoth now has a presence in Eastern Lael (the city of leryn) and Khador "controls" the thornwood, though that's pretty tenous. Also Ord has de facto control of the cygnaran city of Fellig. And the Skorne are in the bloodstone marches. That's all I can think of off the top of my head. Hope that helps some.

[Munindk]

when was the origional IK books set in. Were they before jacks had been invented and guns were mainstream (I'm just basing that off the Cygnar Guard Model). What are the differences in the maps during 605ar compared to 608ar.

If the Cygnar Guard models you're referring to are the Corvis City Guard, they're carrying firearms