TabBlog | Tab Creationshttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/2024-03-19T03:37:48+00:00TabBlog
Official news and updates from Tab Creations LLC.Saga Machine Unified: Winter Playtest Packet2024-02-21T17:11:21+00:002024-03-19T03:06:44+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-winter-playtest-packet/<p>Thank you to everyone who participated so far in the <strong><em><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/saga-machine-unified/" target="_blank">Saga Machine Unified</a></em></strong> playtests. Your feedback is critical in helping define the future of <strong><i>Saga Machine</i></strong>. This month we continue the playtest by releasing our eighth packet: <em>Fighting Styles & Powers</em>.</p>
<h4><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7FRd9FqAW86EoWd9zJ_tZZYLfQsF7fQw4WZmdPRSHnD8gjw/viewform">Click Here to Open Winter's Playtest - Fighting Styles & Powers</a></b></h4>
<h3>About Saga Machine Unified</h3>
<p><b><i>Saga Machine</i></b>, our in-house RPG system, has evolved significantly since the release of <b><i>Against the Dark Yogi</i></b> in 2014, all the way through <b><i>Age of Ambition</i></b> in 2020. As we look to the future and consider the possibility of new editions of our games, we want to streamline and unify our mechanics in a way that supports our fans' preferences and makes it easy to go from one game line to another.</p>
<h3><b>Timeline</b></h3>
<p>Below is a projected timeline of the playtest packets and when they are expected to be available. Note that this timeline is subject to change, as we may decide that certain aspects of the system need additional focus and require an extra round of revisions.</p>
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<li><b>February:</b> Base Mechanics<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEN-6bOTFoaDSVohcknpqOTnfxv-HEUzDss_3BUPdEWCnx8w/viewform"></a> (closed) (<a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-february-playtest-results/">playtest results</a>)</li>
<li><b>March:</b> Actions, Skills & Luck (closed) (<a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-march-playtest-results/">playtest results</a>)</li>
<li><b>April:</b> Character Creation (closed) (<a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-april-playtest-results/" target="_blank">playtest results</a>)</li>
<li><b>May:</b> Initiative & Combat (current) (<a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-may-playtest-results/">playtest results</a>)<span></span></li>
<li><b>June:</b> Health & Damage<span> (closed) (<a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-june-playtest-results/">playtest results</a>)</span></li>
<li><span><b>Summer:</b> Revised Health (closed) (<a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-playtest-report/">playtest results</a>)<br/></span></li>
<li><b>Fall:</b> Traits & Equipment (closed) (<a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-fall-playtest-report/">playtest results</a>)</li>
<li><b>Winter:</b> Fighting Styles & Powers (<em>current</em>)</li>
<li><b>Spring:</b> Game Mastering (enemies, optional rules, GM systems)</li>
</ul>Saga Machine Unified: Fall Playtest Report2024-02-14T16:35:40+00:002024-03-19T03:37:48+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-fall-playtest-report/<p>It's been three months since the release of the <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfknUtbhkILj1nCcMPCPBvHyWYbmAQu9BrTN52eq0huVd1tKA/viewform" target="_blank">Fall Playtest Packet</a>, and we're busy preparing for the release of the Winter Playtest Packet next week. Meanwhile, multiple internal playtests are well underway. Let's review the feedback that we've received this playtest cycle and what you're likely to see in the next packet:</p>
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<li>The traits and weaknesses in the fall packet were mostly well received, particularly Esoteric Background. In the next packet, expect the trait list to remain fully intact, although we may tweak the cost and requirements of a few traits.</li>
<li>The equipment and lifestyle rules received glowing feedback. In the next packet, expect a tweak to a few weapon and armor properties, as well as a general reorganizing of the equipment lists into low-, high- and future-tech categories.</li>
<li>The latest version of the health and damage rules were also rated highly, although there was some concern about the severity of the Fatigue consequence's effects. In the next packet, expect some tweaks to the way Fatigue works.</li>
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<p>We're looking forward to the winter packet's release. It will include powers, as well as fighting styles (maneuvers, stances and opening moves). With its release, the player options are mostly complete. What then remains is to rebalance, revise and build up the various game mastering options.</p>
<p>That's all for now. We look forward to your continued feedback!</p>Ballgame Diplomacy is released!2024-02-07T16:11:57+00:002024-03-19T00:08:39+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/ballgame-diplomacy-is-released/<div class="alpha omega prod-content">
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<p>Brought to a diplomatic summit as professional ball players, the heroes are secretly tasked with rescuing a kidnapped spouse. The truth of their mission, however, is revealed once they arrive. Can the heroes escape with their lives intact? Will they choose to complete their mission? And how many nefarious enemies will they make along the way?</p>
<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/dime-adventures-ballgame-diplomacy/">Ballgame Diplomacy</a> </strong></em>is a One-Sheet Scenario designed for use with <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/dime-adventures/"><strong><em>Dime Adventures: Pulp Alternate History Roleplaying</em></strong></a>.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/dime-adventures-ballgame-diplomacy/"><img class="img-responsive" src="https://www.tabcreations.com/media/uploads/dimeadventures/ballgame-diplomacy-dtrpg.jpg" width="450"/></a></p>
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</div>Tab Update: First Quarter 20242024-01-31T16:53:18+00:002024-03-19T02:11:22+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/tab-update-first-quarter-2024/<p>Hello, friends, fans and gaming family! Welcome to 2024. Here at Tab Creations big things are brewing, but first let's take a look at this past year in review.</p>
<p>To start, we had a variety of <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/age-of-ambition/"><em><strong>Age of Ambition</strong> </em></a>releases in 2023. This includes the public release of <strong><em><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/age-of-ambition-what-lies-beneath/">What Lies Beneath</a></em></strong> and its unlocked extras, <strong><em>The Forslin Job</em></strong>, <strong><em>Heights of Power</em></strong> and <strong><em>The Honey Trap</em></strong> one-sheet scenario. For <em><strong><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/shadows-over-sol/">Shadows Over Sol</a></strong></em> we released <strong><em>The Violet Strain</em></strong>, and for <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/dime-adventures/"><strong><em>Dime Adventures</em></strong></a> we released <strong><em>Peril of the Amazon</em></strong>. We also launched and released seven playtest packets for <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/saga-machine-unified/"><strong><em>Saga Machine Unified</em></strong></a>, our largest and most ambitious playtest to date.</p>
<p>Business-wise, 2023 was an odd year for us. We ran two Kickstarters and experimented with a new release model. At the beginning of the year we funded <strong><em>T</em></strong><strong><em>he Forslin Job</em></strong>, which was released under the "Quickstarter" model we used throughout 2021 and 2022. That is, we first released the supplement on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/tabcreations">Patreon</a>, then shortly thereafter ran a quick, two-week, no frills Kickstarter campaign.</p>
<p>While it did fund, we had (and still have) concerns that a quarterly quickstarter isn't sustainable -- that our fans are getting crowdfunding fatigue. So in the later part of the year we decided to try a "3-pack" model: Three supplements were released as usual to our Patreon, then we Kickstarted them together shortly after the third release. This model also had the side effect that our Patreon fans got access to some of the releases months ahead of the general public.</p>
<p>On final analysis, we have now concluded that the 3-pack model is not a significant improvement over doing quarterly quickstarters. While it did fund, the levels were not much better than three quickstarers in aggregate. Plus, it also had the side effect of slowing down our release cadence on DriveThruRPG throughout 2023, which we believe negatively impacted our sales.</p>
<p>For 2024 we are still formulating our full release strategy, but two <strong><em>Shadows Over Sol</em></strong> scenarios are likely to be crowdfunded in the spring.</p>
<p>Speaking of which, we've already made a number of public releases this quarter. This includes: the <strong><em>Game Master's Toolkit</em></strong>, <strong><em>The Chemist's Gambit</em></strong> and <strong><em>Melanoc Adventures</em></strong> for <strong><em>Age of Ambition</em></strong>. It also includes <em><strong>The Lotus-Eaters</strong></em> for <em><strong>Shadows Over Sol</strong></em>. Furthermore, in the coming month, we plan to release <strong><em>Ballgame Diplomacy</em></strong> for <em><strong>Dime Adventures</strong></em> and the next playtest packet for <strong><em>Saga Machine Unified</em></strong>.</p>
<p>As you can see, we've been busy. So let's talk about the road ahead.</p>
<p>We currently have four scenarios written and queued up for either editing or release. Three of these are for <strong><em>Shadows Over Sol</em></strong>, one is for <strong><em>Age of Ambition</em></strong>. In fact, one of them, <em><strong>The Cytherean Malignancy</strong></em>, is being released to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/tabcreations">Patreon</a> backers tonight. Another, <em><strong>Mercurial Ruin</strong></em>, is set for a Patreon release in April. These are the two scenarios due for some form of crowdfunding in the spring. The final two scenarios (order not yet determined) are likely to see release in the summer and coming winter.</p>
<p>In the fall we have plans to release a major <strong><em>Age of Ambition</em></strong> campaign focusing on high-powered play and domain management. It can either serve as a sequel campaign to <strong><em>What Lies Beneath</em></strong>, or stand on its own as a story politics, peril and power. What happens when the player characters are the ones who rule?</p>
<p>We also have plans for two more <em><strong>Saga Machine Unified</strong></em> playtest packets: one in February and one in the late spring. After that, <em><strong>Saga Machine Unified</strong></em> leaves system development behind and enters the next stage of its evolution. Oh, and did we mention that it already has <a href="https://github.com/tmtabor/saga-machine-foundryvtt">Foundry VTT support</a>? Development of <strong><em>Saga Machine</em></strong>'s Foundry integration is ongoing and has come a long way since its inception. Expect a public announcement when it reaches its first stable release.</p>
<p>Looking further to the future, there are major things in the pipeline that we can't talk about quite yet. None of those are likely to materialize in 2024, but they appear to be on target for 2025. Expect to hear more about them near the end of the year.</p>
<p>That's where everything stands right now. Have a brilliant year and good gaming, everyone!</p>The Lotus-Eaters is released!2024-01-24T21:00:45+00:002024-03-17T00:38:11+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/the-lotus-eaters-is-released/<div class="alpha omega prod-content">
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<p>On the moon, Odysseus, a small archaeological expedition has gone silent. The team has been sent to investigate why they stopped sending reports and to determine their fate. What awaits them is enough to send a chill down the spine of even the most hardened explorer.</p>
<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/shadows-over-sol-the-lotus-eaters/">The Lotus-Eaters</a></em></strong> is a One-Sheet Scenario designed for use with <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/shadows-over-sol/"><em><strong>Shadows Over Sol: Science Fiction Horror Roleplaying</strong></em></a> and the <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/shadows-over-sol-sirens-call/"><em><strong>Siren's Call</strong></em></a> sourcebook.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/shadows-over-sol-the-lotus-eaters/"><img class="img-responsive" src="https://www.tabcreations.com/media/uploads/sos/the-lotus-eaters-dtrpg.jpg" width="450"/></a></p>
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</div>Melanoc Adventures is released!2024-01-17T15:14:39+00:002024-03-18T22:20:36+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/melanoc-adventures-is-released/<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/age-of-ambition-melanoc-adventures/">Melanoc Adventures</a></strong></em> is a compilation of seven short, one-shot scenarios for <strong><em>Age of Ambition</em></strong>. These adventures may either be played independently or serve as companion scenarios to the <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/age-of-ambition-what-lies-beneath/" target="_blank"><strong><em>What Lies Beneath</em></strong></a> campaign and sourcebook. The adventures are:</p>
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<li><strong>Digging Deeper:</strong> The party is hired by a group of miners. Three workers have disappeared in the mines in the past month, and they believe that a snake-like beast called the Grootslang is to blame.</li>
<li><strong>The Clockwork Plot:</strong> When the party is hired to break into an unhinged engineer’s laboratory, they stumble upon a criminal undertaking, an arcane secret and the ire of an ambitious Thieves’ Guild lieutenant. </li>
<li>T<strong>he Dreaming Day Heist:</strong> When the party is charged with protecting a holy relic from a group of politically motivated thieves, the heroes must thwart the heist, follow a trail of clues and beat the thieves at their own game.</li>
<li><strong>A Night at the Circus:</strong> When the heroes are called to prevent chaos from breaking out at the circus, they uncover a plot involving experimental alchemy, an extortion racket, a spurned lover and a kidnapped ringmaster.</li>
<li><strong>Body Problems:</strong> Tasked with tracking down a family’s wayward son, the heroes stumble upon a Thieves’ Guild plot, an unscrupulous physician and a dangerous arcane relic. But even then, not all is as it seems.</li>
<li><strong>The Chemist’s Gambit:</strong> When an anonymous tip warns of a scheme to poison Melanoc’s outlying farms, the heroes must track down and stop the culprit, all the while uncovering evidence of further espionage.</li>
<li><strong>The Honey Trap:</strong> Pressure from a sitting member of Melanoc’s Ruling Council leads to an investigation of a radical political group and a plot to sway the balance of power in the city.</li>
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<p><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/age-of-ambition-melanoc-adventures/"><img class="img-responsive" src="https://www.tabcreations.com/media/uploads/aoa/melanoc-adventures-dtrpg.jpg" width="450"/></a></p>The Chemist's Gambit is released!2024-01-10T13:41:46+00:002024-03-18T22:20:41+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/the-chemists-gambit-is-released/<div class="alpha omega prod-content">
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<p>When an anonymous tip warns of a plot to poison Melanoc’s outlying farms, the heroes must track down and stop the culprit, all the while uncovering evidence of further espionage.</p>
<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/age-of-ambition-the-chemists-gambit/">The Chamist's Gambit</a></strong></em> is a One-Sheet Scenario designed for use with <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/age-of-ambition/"><em><strong>Age of Ambition: Fantasy Roleplaying in an Age of Promise or Peril</strong></em></a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/age-of-ambition-the-chemists-gambit/"><img class="img-responsive" src="https://www.tabcreations.com/media/uploads/aoa/the-chemists-gambit-dtrpg.jpg" width="450"/></a></p>
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</div>Game Master's Toolkit is released!2024-01-03T16:07:58+00:002024-03-18T22:20:35+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/game-masters-toolkit-is-released/<p>The world of Trystell is overflowing with the potential for stories of change in a brave new age. Now game masters have a variety of new options for telling these tales, challenging their parties and deepening the ongoing mysteries in their <strong><em>Age of Ambition</em></strong> campaigns.</p>
<p><strong><em></em></strong>The <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/age-of-ambition-game-masters-toolkit/" target="_blank"><em><strong>G</strong><strong>ame Master’s Toolkit</strong></em></a> is a key supplement for the <strong><em>Age of Ambition</em></strong> roleplaying game. Its features include:</p>
<ul>
<li>A variety of new hazards, rules for generating encounters and options for more dynamic villains!</li>
<li>A wide selection of alternative rules, developed over the course of three years of experience and fan feedback.</li>
<li>A selection of deep secrets that lie at the heart of the ever-changing world of Trystell.</li>
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<p><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/age-of-ambition-game-masters-toolkit/"><img class="img-responsive" src="https://www.tabcreations.com/media/uploads/aoa/gms-toolkit-dtrpg.jpg" width="450"/></a></p>Happy Holidays From Tab Creations2023-12-27T17:34:48+00:002024-03-18T22:20:35+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/happy-holidays-from-tab-creations-4/<p>As we spend the holidays with family, friends or (for some of us) sick, we want to reach out to all of our fans and supporters to say Merry (belated) Christmas! Happy (belated) Hanukkah! Friendly Kwanzaa! Happy New Year! Or even Super Saturnalia! We couldn't have gotten to this point without you guys, and we hope that all of you have the very best of holidays!</p>
<p>That's it for now. Seasons Greetings from all of us at Tab Creations!</p>The Honey Trap is released!2023-12-20T18:00:24+00:002024-03-16T13:07:43+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/the-honey-trap-is-released/<div class="alpha omega prod-content">
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<p>Pressure from a sitting member of Melanoc’s Ruling Council leads to an investigation of a radical political group and a plot to sway the balance of power in the city.</p>
<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/age-of-ambition-the-honey-trap/">The Honey Trap</a></strong></em> is a One-Sheet Scenario designed for use with <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/age-of-ambition/"><em><strong>Age of Ambition: Fantasy Roleplaying in an Age of Promise or Peril</strong></em></a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/age-of-ambition-the-honey-trap/"><img class="img-responsive" src="https://www.tabcreations.com/media/uploads/aoa/the-honey-trap-dtrpg.jpg" width="450"/></a></p>
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</div>Heights of Power is released!2023-12-12T16:29:11+00:002024-03-16T13:08:53+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/heights-of-power-is-released/<div class="editable-original">
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<p>The lifepath system presented in the <strong><em>Age of Ambition</em></strong> core rulebook is great for generating starting characters, but it is less apt at producing the most powerful of heroes—those with exceptional abilities and legendary skill. This book remedies that, providing a selection of options suitable for more experienced and renowned heroes!</p>
<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/age-of-ambition-heights-of-power/">Heights of Power</a></em></strong> is a key supplement for the <strong><em>Age of Ambition</em></strong> roleplaying game. Its features include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Numerous powerful capstone traits, each representing a masterful ability suitable for veteran heroes.</li>
<li>A selection of arcane fighting styles, each containing superlative techniques for those who mix magical with martial prowess.</li>
<li>A new system of archmagery, presenting myriad options for those seeking to eschew common spells in favor of working their will on the raw energy of magic itself.</li>
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<p><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/age-of-ambition-heights-of-power/"><img class="img-responsive" src="https://www.tabcreations.com/media/uploads/aoa/heights-of-power-dtrpg.jpg" width="450"/></a></p>
<h2>Saga Machine Unified Playtest</h2>
<p>We're still collecting feedback on the <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/saga-machine-unified/"><strong>Saga Machine Unified</strong> Fall Playtest</a>! Your feedback is critical in helping define the future of <i><b>Saga Machine</b></i>. Join the playtest and fill out a feedback form today!</p>Peril of the Amazon is released!2023-12-06T16:02:44+00:002024-03-16T13:08:58+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/peril-of-the-amazon-is-released/<div class="editable-original">
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<p>On a relief mission, bringing much-needed medicine to a settle- ment in the Amazon Territory, the heroes witness the crash of an alien vessel. This thrusts them into the middle of a conflict between competing powers, racing through the jungle, all seeking the perilous technology in the alien ship for their own.</p>
<p><strong><em>Peril of the Amazon</em></strong> is a One-Sheet Scenario designed for use with <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/dime-adventures/"><strong><em>Dime Adventures: Pulp Alternate History Roleplaying</em></strong></a>.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/dime-adventures-peril-of-the-amazon/"><img class="img-responsive" src="https://www.tabcreations.com/media/uploads/dimeadventures/peril-of-the-amazon-dtrpg.jpg" width="450"/></a></p>
<h2>Saga Machine Unified Playtest</h2>
<p>We're still collecting feedback on the <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/saga-machine-unified/"><strong>Saga Machine Unified</strong> Fall Playtest</a>! Your feedback is critical in helping define the future of <i><b>Saga Machine</b></i>. Join the playtest and fill out a feedback form today!</p>The Violet Strain is released!2023-11-29T14:46:42+00:002024-03-17T15:18:12+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/the-violet-strain-is-released/<div class="editable-original">
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<p>A murder investigation in an isolated colonial outpost morphs into a creature feature, where the team must struggle to avoid infection by the deadly Violet Strain.</p>
<p><strong><em>The Violet Strain</em></strong> is a One-Sheet Scenario designed for use with <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/shadows-over-sol/"><em><strong>Shadows Over Sol: Science Fiction Horror Roleplaying</strong></em></a> and the <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/shadows-over-sol-sirens-call/"><em><strong>Siren's Call</strong></em></a> sourcebook.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/store/product/shadows-over-sol-the-violet-strain/"><img class="img-responsive" src="https://www.tabcreations.com/media/uploads/sos/the-violet-strain-dtrpg.jpg" width="450"/></a></p>
<h2>Saga Machine Unified Playtest</h2>
<p>We're still collecting feedback on the <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/saga-machine-unified/"><strong>Saga Machine Unified</strong> Fall Playtest</a>! Your feedback is critical in helping define the future of <i><b>Saga Machine</b></i>. Join the playtest and fill out a feedback form today!</p>Heights of Power Kickstarter Success!2023-11-22T17:58:18+00:002024-03-16T13:09:03+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/heights-of-power-kickstarter-success/<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tabcreations/heights-of-power-a-revolution-in-the-age-of-ambition-rpg" target="_blank">Heights of Power</a></strong></em> for <em><strong><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/age-of-ambition/">Age of Ambition</a></strong></em> is a success on Kickstarter! You, our fans and backers, are all awesome! And I know we say this a bunch, but we really couldn’t have done it without your support. Thank you from all of us at Tab Creations!</p>
<p>As you likely know by now, the funding period ended an hour ago with a final pledge total of $2,009! This means that not only have we been fully funded, but we more than doubled the goal!</p>
<p>We’re really excited about this, but this isn’t our first Kickstarter. We know that for us, now that the funding period is over, it’s time to buckle down and deliver rewards. Expect all PDF rewards to be sent out later today! Print rewards will follow in a couple weeks, once Kickstarter sends us the funds.</p>Saga Machine Unified: Fall Playtest Packet2023-11-08T14:46:42+00:002024-03-17T14:06:55+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-fall-playtest-packet/<p>Thank you to everyone who participated so far in the <strong><em><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/saga-machine-unified/" target="_blank">Saga Machine Unified</a></em></strong> playtests. Your feedback is critical in helping define the future of <strong><i>Saga Machine</i></strong>. This month we continue the playtest by releasing our fifth packet: <em>Health & Damage</em>.</p>
<h4><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfknUtbhkILj1nCcMPCPBvHyWYbmAQu9BrTN52eq0huVd1tKA/viewform">Click Here to Open Fall's Playtest - Traits & Equipment</a></b></h4>
<h3>About Saga Machine Unified</h3>
<p><b><i>Saga Machine</i></b>, our in-house RPG system, has evolved significantly since the release of <b><i>Against the Dark Yogi</i></b> in 2014, all the way through <b><i>Age of Ambition</i></b> in 2020. As we look to the future and consider the possibility of new editions of our games, we want to streamline and unify our mechanics in a way that supports our fans' preferences and makes it easy to go from one game line to another.</p>
<p>Throughout 2023 and into 2024, we plan to release a series of playtest packets, each accompanied by a feedback form. Each month we will focus on a different aspect of the system. <span>At first these playtest packets will be relatively small, as we determine the direction the revised system will take. But as they go on, each subsequent release will be more and more of a complete game.<br/></span></p>
<h3><b>Timeline</b></h3>
<p>Below is a projected timeline of the playtest packets and when they are expected to be available. Note that this timeline is subject to change, as we may decide that certain aspects of the system need additional focus and require an extra round of revisions.</p>
<ul>
<li><b>February:</b> Base Mechanics<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEN-6bOTFoaDSVohcknpqOTnfxv-HEUzDss_3BUPdEWCnx8w/viewform"></a> (closed) (<a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-february-playtest-results/">playtest results</a>)</li>
<li><b>March:</b> Actions, Skills & Luck (closed) (<a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-march-playtest-results/">playtest results</a>)</li>
<li><b>April:</b> Character Creation (closed) (<a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-april-playtest-results/" target="_blank">playtest results</a>)</li>
<li><b>May:</b> Initiative & Combat (current) (<a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-may-playtest-results/">playtest results</a>)<span></span></li>
<li><b>June:</b> Health & Damage<span> (closed) (<a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-june-playtest-results/">playtest results</a>)</span></li>
<li><span><b>Summer:</b> Revised Health & Consequences (closed) (<a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-playtest-report/">playtest results</a>)<br/></span></li>
<li><b>Fall:</b> Traits & Equipment (<i>current</i>)</li>
<li><b>Winter:</b> Fighting Styles & Powers (spells, special attacks)</li>
<li><b>Spring:</b> Game Mastering (enemies, optional rules, GM systems)</li>
</ul>Age of Ambition: Heights of Power 3-Pack is Live on Kickstarter!2023-11-02T00:25:48+00:002024-03-16T13:09:04+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/age-of-ambition-heights-of-power-3-pack-is-live-on-kickstarter/<p>Today is the day! This morning we finally launched the Kickstarter for the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tabcreations/heights-of-power-a-revolution-in-the-age-of-ambition-rpg"><strong><em>Age of A</em></strong><strong><em>mbition: Heights of Power 3-Pack</em></strong></a>! It funds three short supplements take your <em><strong><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/age-of-ambition/" target="_blank">Age of Ambition</a></strong></em> game to the next level! They are:</p>
<h3 class="page-anchor" id="h:Heights-of-Power">Heights of Power</h3>
<h4 class="page-anchor" id="h:Masterful-Options-for-Experienced-Heroes">Masterful Options for Experienced Heroes</h4>
<p>The lifepath system presented in the <span class="text-italic"><span class="bold">Age of Ambition</span></span> core rulebook is great for generating starting characters, but it is less apt at producing the most powerful of heroes—those with exceptional abilities and legendary skill. This book remedies that, providing a selection of options suitable for more experienced and renowned heroes!</p>
<p><span class="text-italic"><span class="bold">Heights of Power</span></span> is a key supplement for the <span class="text-italic"><span class="bold">Age of Ambition</span></span> roleplaying game. Its features include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Numerous powerful capstone traits, each representing a masterful ability suitable for veteran heroes.</li>
<li>A selection of arcane fighting styles, each containing superlative techniques for those who mix magical with martial prowess.</li>
<li>A new system of archmagery, presenting myriad options for those seeking to eschew common spells in favor of working their will on the raw energy of magic itself.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="page-anchor" id="h:Game-Master-s-Toolkit">Game Master's Toolkit</h3>
<div class="editable-original">
<h4 class="page-anchor" id="h:Alternative-Rules-Setting-Secrets-Options-for-Adventure-">Alternative Rules, Setting Secrets & Options for Adventure!</h4>
<p>The world of Trystell is overflowing with the potential for stories of change in a brave new age. Now game masters have a variety of new options for telling these tales, challenging their parties and deepening the ongoing mysteries in their <span class="text-italic"><span class="bold">Age of Ambition</span></span> campaigns.</p>
<p>The <span class="text-italic"><span class="bold">Game Master’s Toolkit</span></span> is a key supplement for the <span class="text-italic"><span class="bold">Age of Ambition</span></span> roleplaying game. Its features include:</p>
<ul>
<li>A variety of new hazards, rules for generating encounters and options for more dynamic villains!</li>
<li>A wide selection of alternative rules, developed over the course of three years of experience and fan feedback.</li>
<li>A selection of deep secrets that lie at the heart of the ever-changing world of Trystell.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3 class="page-anchor" id="h:Melanoc-Adventures">Melanoc Adventures</h3>
<div class="editable-original">
<h4 class="page-anchor" id="h:Seven-Short-Scenarios-Set-in-the-City-of-Melanoc">Seven Short Scenarios Set in the City of Melanoc</h4>
<p><span class="text-italic"><span class="bold">Melanoc Adventures</span></span> is a compilation of seven short, one-shot scenarios for <span class="text-italic"><span class="bold">Age of Ambition</span></span>. They are:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="bold">Digging Deeper:</span> The party is hired by a group of miners. Three workers have disappeared in the mines in the past month, and they believe that a snake-like beast called the Grootslang is to blame.</li>
<li><span class="bold">The Clockwork Plot:</span> When the party is hired to break into an unhinged engineer’s laboratory, they stumble upon a criminal undertaking, an arcane secret and the ire of an ambitious Thieves’ Guild lieutenant. </li>
<li>T<span class="bold">he Dreaming Day Heist:</span> When the party is charged with protecting a holy relic from a group of politically motivated thieves, the heroes must thwart the heist, follow a trail of clues and beat the thieves at their own game.</li>
<li><span class="bold">A Night at the Circus:</span> When the heroes are called to prevent chaos from breaking out at the circus, they uncover a plot involving experimental alchemy, an extortion racket, a spurned lover and a kidnapped ringmaster.</li>
<li><span class="bold">Body Problems:</span> Tasked with tracking down a family’s wayward son, the heroes stumble upon a Thieves’ Guild plot, an unscrupulous physician and a dangerous arcane relic. But even then, not all is as it seems.</li>
<li><span class="bold">The Chemist’s Gambit:</span> When an anonymous tip warns of a scheme to poison Melanoc’s outlying farms, the heroes must track down and stop the culprit, all the while uncovering evidence of further espionage.</li>
<li><span class="bold">The Honey Trap:</span> Pressure from a sitting member of Melanoc’s Ruling Council leads to an investigation of a radical political group and a plot to sway the balance of power in the city.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h1><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tabcreations/heights-of-power-a-revolution-in-the-age-of-ambition-rpg">Check out the project on Kickstarter!</a></h1>
<p><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tabcreations/heights-of-power-a-revolution-in-the-age-of-ambition-rpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Heights of Power" height="288" src="https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/042/330/394/f11746d05efa472a1c9a18353c689211_original.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&crop=faces&w=1024&h=576&fit=crop&v=1694930465&auto=format&frame=1&q=92&s=2b69e9e8c9cd0b7cc83c4800b2469e1a" width="512"/></a></p>Tab Update: Fourth Quarter 20232023-10-18T13:53:51+00:002024-03-16T13:09:04+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/tab-update-fourth-quarter-2023/<p>Hello, 2023 has flown by, and it's time for the year's final Tab Update!</p>
<p>In case you aren't aware yet, our next <strong><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tabcreations/heights-of-power-a-revolution-in-the-age-of-ambition-rpg" target="_blank">Kickstarter launches November 1st</a></strong>. So follow that link and click "Notify Me on Launch." It's for an <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/age-of-ambition/"><em><strong>Age of Ambition</strong></em></a> 3-Pack, containing <em><strong>Heights of Power</strong></em>, <em><strong>Game Master's Toolkit</strong></em> and <em><strong>Melanoc Adventures</strong></em>. The first two of those have already gone out to our <a href="https://patreon.com/tabcreations" target="_blank">Patreon</a> supporters, but this is for their public release, and the third one is entirely new!</p>
<p>Speaking of our <a href="https://patreon.com/tabcreations" target="_blank">Patreon</a>, its next drop is coming later this month. We'll be releasing a sextet of One-Sheet Scenarios for <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/shadows-over-sol/"><em><strong>Shadows Over Sol</strong></em></a>, <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/dime-adventures/"><em><strong>Dime Adventures</strong></em></a> and <em><strong>Age of Ambition</strong></em>. Those scenarios will then see a general, public release later in the year or into the first part of the new year.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, we continue to develop and release new packets for the ongoing <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/saga-machine-unified/" target="_blank"><strong>Saga Machine Unified</strong> playtest</a>. Since the last quarterly update, we've released a substantial revision to the health and fatigue system, as well as the full list of standard consequences. The next packet is due out in November. It will contain a full list of character traits, as well as rules for equipment, lifestyle and gear lists for a variety of technological levels. But first, if you haven't filled out the <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScy-aQTvb-808LojUF065jsxC1MjEgeZl86F1J3mKfrjNwBrw/viewform" target="_blank">Summer Playtest questionnaire</a>, go do it now!</p>
<p>Looking further to the future, three <strong><em>Shadows Over Sol</em></strong> scenarios and one <strong><em>Age of Ambition</em></strong> scenario have been commissioned, and the writing has wrapped up on two of those. Expect them to be released through our Patreon next year, followed by some sort of crowdfunding effort. The exact format for that effort is to be determined by whether the 3-Pack model we're experimenting with this fall is a success.</p>
<p>Finally, progress is still being made on the next big <strong><em>Age of Ambition</em></strong> campaign. It's a higher-powered campaign, focusing on organization / domain management and heroes who are truly political movers and shakers. Expect to hear more about it next year.</p>
<p>That's all for now. Good gaming, everyone!</p>Save the Date: Heights of Power 3-Pack2023-10-14T16:48:09+00:002024-03-18T22:20:40+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/save-the-date-heights-of-power/<p>The Kickstarter for <em><strong><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tabcreations/heights-of-power-a-revolution-in-the-age-of-ambition-rpg" target="_blank">Heights of Power: A Revolution in the Age of Ambition RPG</a></strong></em> launches November 1st! Mark your calendars. Or better yet, follow the included link and click "Notify Me on Launch."</p>
<p>This crowdfunding campaign is for <strong><em>Heights of Power</em></strong>, <strong><em>Game Master's Toolkit</em></strong> and <strong><em>Melanoc Adventures</em></strong>, three short supplements for the <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/age-of-ambition/" target="_blank"><strong><em>Age of Ambition</em></strong></a> roleplaying game. They feature powerful new traits, arcane fighting styles, alternative rules, new hazards and seven one-shot scenarios.</p>
<p><em>Just follow the link below and click "Notify Me on Launch!"</em></p>
<p><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tabcreations/heights-of-power-a-revolution-in-the-age-of-ambition-rpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Heights of Power" height="288" src="https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/042/330/394/f11746d05efa472a1c9a18353c689211_original.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&crop=faces&w=1024&h=576&fit=crop&v=1694930465&auto=format&frame=1&q=92&s=2b69e9e8c9cd0b7cc83c4800b2469e1a" width="512"/></a></p>Saga Machine Unified: Playtest Report2023-09-15T16:45:59+00:002024-03-18T22:18:13+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/saga-machine-unified-playtest-report/<p>It's been a month and a half since the release of the <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScy-aQTvb-808LojUF065jsxC1MjEgeZl86F1J3mKfrjNwBrw/viewform" target="_blank">Summer Playtest Packet</a> and our internal playests are well underway. This is also the halfway point of its playtesting, and we're just beginning to gear up to work on the upcoming Fall Playtest. Here's what we can tell you so far:</p>
<ul>
<li>We expect to release the Fall Playtest Packet in early November. It will include character traits, rules for encumbrance, equipment properties and additional GMing options. It will likely not include restricted skils, such as fighting styles and paranormal abilities; those will be included in the playtest packet that follows.</li>
<li>Expect some tweaks to the way ambitions are handled, as well as to the way face cards are handled when using card-based action resolution. We also plan to tweak the group effort rules, some of the default stats for skills and include a new GM option for quest ambitions.</li>
<li>We are still undecided about the new Health and Wound consequence rules, as introduced in the Summer Playtest Packet. Any additional feedback fans could give us regarding the new rules would be appreciated.</li>
<li>It's clear to us that high-tech weapon options, such as automatic fire and overwatch, need better rules support. This is one of the primary reasons equipment properties are being expedited for inclusion in the fall playtest.</li>
<li>In an ideal world we will also include a worked campaign example for demonstrating how to use origins and paths in the next playtest, but that may get pushed back due to time constraints. The fall is a busy time for us, with a <a href="https://www.patreon.com/tabcreations" target="_blank">Patreon</a> release at the end of October and a three-pack booster of <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/age-of-ambition/" target="_blank"><strong><em>Age of Ambition</em></strong></a> supplements being kickstarted in November.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/foundry-support-for-saga-machine-unified/">Foundry VTT support</a> for <em><strong><a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/saga-machine-unified/">Saga Machine Unified</a></strong></em> continues to improve. Tracking of fast and slow turns has recently been added, and improved handling of Defense, damage and consequences due to failed actions is due soon.</li>
</ul>
<p>That's all for now. We look forward to your continued feedback!</p>Foundry Support for Saga Machine Unified2023-08-17T17:34:12+00:002024-03-18T22:20:35+00:00Thorin Taborhttps://www.tabcreations.com/blog/author/beholdsa/https://www.tabcreations.com/blog/foundry-support-for-saga-machine-unified/<p>Last month we released the <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScy-aQTvb-808LojUF065jsxC1MjEgeZl86F1J3mKfrjNwBrw/viewform" target="_blank">Summer Playtest Packet</a> for <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/saga-machine-unified/" target="_blank"><strong>Saga Machine Unified</strong></a>, the future of the <a href="https://www.tabcreations.com/saga-machine/" target="_blank"><strong><em>Saga Machine</em></strong></a> system. This month we'd like to announce preliminary <a href="https://foundryvtt.com/" target="_blank">Foundry VTT</a> support for it!</p>
<p>Currently, support for the system is in an alpha stage of development, but is nevertheless quite playable. Just open up Foundry VTT 11, click on Game Systems -> Install System and enter the URL below as the Manifest URL. This will install the system into Foundry and allow you to create games using it.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><a href="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/tmtabor/saga-machine-foundryvtt/main/system.json">https://raw.githubusercontent.com/tmtabor/saga-machine-foundryvtt/main/system.json</a></p>
<p>The software development of the system's Foundry VTT support is taking place on GitHub at the <a href="https://github.com/tmtabor/saga-machine-foundryvtt" target="_blank">repository linked here</a>. Please report any bugs or issues using its ticketing system.</p>
<p>As the playtest continues and we make further updates, we look forward to hearing from you about how your games have gone! Also, if you haven't yet filled out a playtest survey for the Summer Playtest Packet, please do so soon!</p>