Interview: Cross of Fire Saga Adventure Path Kickstarter

Today's Kickstarter interview is about the Cross of Fire Saga Adventure Path. Louis Porter Jr. tells us about the AP, and also discusses Kickstarters in general. Please, read on, and check out the Kickstarter page as well!

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi, I am Louis Porter Jr., owner of LPJ Design. I have been involved in the RPG industry since 2000 and have released over 500 PDF RPG products in various genres during that time. I am also a graphic and web designer with over 20 years of experience working for such companies as Ethan Allen, Macy's, Burdines and Macmillian Publishing.

How did you get into RPG design and what kind of projects have you been working on? What have been your best experiences?

Kind of by accident. I was playing with a friend homebrewed campaign and I kept saying, “I could do this.” And I did, starting with the RPG that would become Haven: City of Violence. From there I went into making product for the OGL which I still do under the Pathfinder banner. I also was one of the pioneers on doing for sale stock art for RPGs. While that is very commonplace now, it was a HUGE taboo when I first announced I was planning to do it. I just love the RPG industry as a whole.

In your opinion, what makes a good Pathfinder RPG compatible product?

My personal rule is: Does is add to the playability of the game without adding MORE rules for more rules' sake? I mean how many books on elves or dwarves can you have before those races becomes tired and boring? I like the concept of mini-gaming in Pathfinder and I think Paizo has done a great job doing those. Playability it more important than rules to me.

When and how did the Cross of Fire Saga Adventure Path Kickstarter get started?

Basically this was idea that I first had nearly two decades ago when Dungeon Magazine was still being published. I wanted to do a huge adventure that was basically a Mind Flayer / Drow / Githyanki / Undead Horde adventure path based in Ravenloft. It was always light on details but great of story idea. So nearly 20 years later, I have been able to hire some of the best writers out there for Pathfinder, including TWO RPG Superstars as writers. What they taken from my vague idea and turned into an amazing adventure only proves the excellent quality of their work. I can’t wait for this Kickstarter to start.

What can you tell about the Cross of Fire Saga Adventure Path?

OK here is the official line: The Cross of Fire Saga Adventure Path is a post-apocalyptic survival horror adventure for the Obsidian Apocalypse tabletop RPG campaign setting for the Pathfinder RPG. The Cross of Fire Saga Adventure Path is the first adventure path for Obsidian Apocalypse, which was released in 2013, as the premiere setting for the post-apocalyptic survival horror genre for Pathfinder. The reason that we are having this Kickstarter project is to generate the funds we need to pay for the cost of development, writing, artwork and printing this adventure path and getting it out to the premiere retail gaming stores.

And with that here is the first part for the Cross of Fire Saga adventure path: Long Way Home.

HURLED INTO ENDLESS NIGHT

Seeking potent magic in the hands of an insane entity, accomplished adventurers find themselves transported to the bleak wasteland of Abaddon. As they explore their new surroundings, they must encounter a host of new terrors and determine whether to save a desperate caravan of nomads. Can adventurers save them, and can their weary new allies help them find a reliable way home?
The Long Way Home is an adventure for use with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. The story and encounters are the first episode of the Cross of Fire Saga, but can also be played as a stand­alone adventure with light modification. The module includes a brief history of the Cross of Fire, an introduction to the world of Abaddon, and a powerful new curse. Characters should take up the adventure approximately half­way through 8th level. If they survive their first nights on Abaddon, they should reach 9th level by the adventure’s conclusion.

Can you give us an exclusive teaser about the adventure path?

This will be a remarkable opportunity for those that are looking to break in to the RPG industry. We are going to have rewards that let donors submit ideas and items to the actually kickstarter that we publish and will give them ACTUAL writing credits. That is right, you will be getting credits with several already known 3PP writers and RPG Superstars. I mean how nice does that look on your resume when you are looking for more 3PP writing work?

What are the best things about the Cross of Fire Saga Adventure Path and what type of players or GMs would you recommend it for?

If you are fans of mythical quests, ancient evil and larger that like bad guys in a walking dead inspired setting, then this adventure path for you. Obsidian Apocalypse is really the magnum opus of undead campaign settings for Pathfinder and this adventure path just expands on that. I think PCs will enjoy the variety of unusual things we have in this adventure, including four armed rhino men wearing Scottish kilts called Kaylethon. That sounds so crazy it is cool.

What are the current goals for the Cross of Fire Saga Adventure Path Kickstarter? What are the biggest challenges?

Out first initial goal is to raise $4,000 which will pay for the first adventure in the adventure path completely. That is our initial goal in this kickstarter but we are looking to go very high moneywise. We have a lot of great awards planned as threshold goals, but better still we give donors the opportunity to submit their own material to this kickstarter to be published.

Is there anything else people should know about the Cross of Fire Saga Adventure Path Kickstarter?

The artwork for this kickstarter is going to be equal to any of the quality artwork done by Paizo. We have spared no expense with the Cross of Fire Saga kickstarter. People will be amazed at the level of quality and detail we are adding to this kickstarter.

In your opinion, what are the most important things to consider when starting a Kickstarter?

First and foremost, why should people support this kickstarter? You should be doing something unique and interesting when doing a kickstarter. My feeling is that Obsidian Apocalypse succeeded so well because it was homage and mash up of Dark Sun and Ravenloft. If Dark Sun and Ravenloft didn’t have such a supported and interested fan base, that kickstarter would have not made it.

What skills, tools or other resources do you consider to be the most important in running a Kickstarter?

Remaining focused on keeping people excited on the kickstarter. 40 days of promotion is a LONG time and it is very easy to burn out. Pace yourself. Most don't and burn out with in the first few days. Best advice I can give you, spend 6 months working on your kickstarter BEFORE you even go live with it it. This is serious business, so treat it as such.

What do you find most rewarding about running a Kickstarter? What about least rewarding?

The most rewarding is really getting in touch with your fan base and letting them see “behind the screen” on how you do things. The least rewarding is the waiting to see if you have actually raised enough money for your Kickstarter. That can be AMAZINGLY stressful. You have no idea.

Is there any further advice you would give to someone interested in running a Kickstarter?

Best piece of advice, actually have the product 90% done BEFORE you even start your kickstarter. The reason for that is you know you never need to have to worry about product coming out late. Think about how many kickstarters have failed to actually get released. The list is only getting longer.