The Future of HELLAS
I’m gearing up for the GAMA trade show where I’ll be showing off samples of HELLAS to retailers and distributors.
By next week I hope to have a few things nailed down solid-
* The release date of the book
* The format of the book
* The gaming system engine used for the book.
Let me explain the issues a bit
The Release date-
I hate it when I don’t keep a promise and that’s the reason there is no release date as of yet. I don’t want to disappoint anyone out there or rush the book with some artificial time constraint. The book is 90% done but I’m still involved with the artwork, layout, and some of the background writing of the book. Things change all the time and I’m always fine tuning and tweaking something in the game.
I’m hoping for a September of October release date for HELLAS with a few advanced copies for Gencon.
But no promises...yet
The Format of the book-
The idea is to lay the book out as an 11”x8.5” landscape format book in full color. This would be the idea layout for the book and the one I’m shooting for. So far things look good for me to realize this dream but I cant allow myself to assume this will be the case. I’ll know for certain after GAMA.
If I don’t get my wish the alternative is to do color inserts at the chapter head and a two color book (black and orange). The layout would be the traditional standard RPG layout 8.5” x11”.
OR
The last one is just a cool piece of geekery that is the least likely.
I want to do an old school boxed set. The box would include a player’s book and a GM book, dice, a few play maps, an adventure and a full color poster map of the known worlds of HELLAS.
This would satisfy the geek in me and make something cool and old school like my old red box. Maybe I’ll check into the cost while at GAMA
The Rules System-
HELLAS was originally created using the Omni system, the system most known as the system used to run Talislanta. Half way through the process I switched systems to the D6 Legends system. The reason for the switch was obvious; I own a D6 license and I didn’t have the rights to use the Omni system.
The D6 Legends system had to be rebuilt from the ground up to make it work. Some things in the system had to be jettisoned while other things had to be tweaked or added. The final system is very robust and made to fit HELLAS.
The Omni System was the used for the proto HELLAS and has a lot of advantages; one is that resolution in the game is quick and easy using only one die. The Omni System also allows for more Player and GM narration which is something I built into HELLAS.
Both games run quick and I love them both dearly and soon I’ll have to make a decision one way or the other. I want the system to be the one that best serves the themes and play style that I’m shooting for.
I know which ever I choose someone will be disappointed. My intention is to use the system that best suits the game and not compromise on the quality of play.
I hope that this doesn’t put people off. I only want what’s best for the game and the people playing it. If this were just a financial decision or one best on popularity of system I would wait and do D20 fourth editions books with HELLAS as the background setting. That’s not what I want.
I’ll have a decision soon and will announce what I will do after GAMA.
Und: mmmh, Boxed Set mit Würfeln! 
