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Whew! The playtesting document is out to backers. That is a HUGE step, in my mind. Book I is the core the project is built around, so the more solid and smooth it is the easier it will be to do the rest of the game.
December is dedicated to playtesting, for me. I have three groups lined up, and I hope to get maybe ten sessions. That will help me see the game more clearly through experience rather than theory.
After December my priority will be to first tighten up Book I with what I’ve learned, and then to work with backers on fleshing out the world of Aventyr. Now that a basic history of the area is released, I plan to work with backers who control factions and clans to rough out a revision of the geography. With the geography and history in the background, we can get more specific about some things.
To me, Book I should be self-sufficient. All you need to run your dwarf game, right there. But Book II will help people who want a setting built around the assumptions reflected in Book I. Also, tools to help generate adventures quickly and tinker with some sub-systems and optional stuff that makes some gamers (like me) happy.
I do not plan to share lots of timeline information as far as when various things will be done. Instead, my plan is to work on the project and notify backers and followers when various parts are available for their use.
I hope to see some actual play reports posted, I will link to them from this site! The game is meant to be played, and I expect it can provide lots of fun.
Axes and Anvils 
I just wanted to thank you for stepping up and taking charge of this project!
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I appreciate that, thank you. I hope the results answer the original goals.
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I’m only through chapters 1&2 so far, but i must say this looks astonishingly promising. Like , this-might-actually-hit-the-table promising!
I’ll let you know as I continue through. Though I haven’t read the rest of the book to know just what balances it, the first glance of ranges attacks having no defence feels a little off at first mention – what’s the trick here? Low damage ratings or the like? Just seems like ‘shelter beneath your shield’ would be an intuitive option, perhaps…
How are you planning to deal with the world building if none of the high level baskets volunteer to input? I love the stuff, but if I’m not meant to help… Must be tricky to strike the right balance?
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I am glad you like it so far, Reiver!
Ranged attacks–currently it is binary. You have enough cover to not get hit, or you get hit. I know that’s counter-intuitive. That’s one of the things I’ll be looking at closely as I playtest through December. I’ve looked at a number of ranged rules, but I keep coming back to the simplicity, because it’s so key to the system that it be easy to pick up and play. In our tests so far, ranged attacks are deeply annoying to characters–but in a way this is okay because they are dwarves, who heartily dislike those who hang back and pelt them with missiles. I’ll keep an eye on it, and I welcome your feedback.
I will make a concerted effort to draw in the high level backers when December is over. I can offer them the overall history (which is in the playtesting draft) and I also have a surprising amount of material they already offered. I plan to show them what’s already done (especially for the Thanes) and ask them to react to proposed shifts in geography in the game world.
If they do, then they’re engaged! If they do not, I want to make sure they’ve got several opportunities (unless they tell me they’re not interested) and see how the feedback is shaping the results.
I’m saving the intensive world building until after I’m comfortable that the rules are solid, workable, and not likely to undergo major changes.
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