Only One Week Left!!!
almost 6 years ago – Thu, May 03, 2018 at 07:51:30 PM

We are entering our final week of the campaign, and you won't believe what we have in store for you! (We've been continually blown away by your generosity and support, so let us at least give you a little shake up when we can.) 

Patrons of the Arts, Step Forward!

You kicked us past $40k faster than we could blink, backers! That is wild! And in return, we offer you two slots in the exclusive Patron of the Arts Reward Tier. 

In addition to everything in the Beloved Edition, at this level you will get a special dedication on our thank-you page as a noble Patron whose generosity allowed us to add one additional piece of Jess Fink’s charming art to the game. We’ll also send you a print of your sponsored piece so you can display the fruits of your philanthropy with pride. (You can pick another piece to have sent to you, too, if you’d rather.)

This level is available now so Fink fans: go get it! 

Star Crossed Story Time Episode 2

This time, Erika and Alexi are giggling and gushing about their sapphic intrigue in the court of a noble family. There are poofy dresses. There is archery. You cannot resist:

3W6 Interview 

The German gaming podcast 3W6 just released an interview where we talk about a lot of the design intentions and inspirations buried in Star Crossed. They asked smart, pointed questions and we get to a level of detail I personally savour. This is a top tier interview imo! 

How are you sharing your #StarCrossedRPG (you know I had to hashtag it) enthusiasm? Thoughtful interviews? Sweet stories? Thrilling actual play? Praise in the nerdy media? Or posts from your own heart to mine? The more you share the love, the closer we get to our final stretch goal. <3 <3 <3

Oh yeah - we're announcing our final stretch goal tomorrow. And it's kind of amazing.

--Alex and the Bully Pulpit Crew

Next Stretch Goal: Patron of the Arts!
almost 6 years ago – Thu, May 03, 2018 at 12:13:35 AM

Hi everyone! Alex here, absolutely dizzy that we're a hair's breadth away from $40,000??? That is a ridiculous number to me, so let's do something ridiculous: 

If you can bring this thing to $40k, you'll unlock a new exclusive reward level: Patron of the Arts. For $400, you'll get the full Beloved Edition of Star Crossed, and sponsor an additional piece of art from our masterful illustrator Jess Fink. To thank you for being an absurdly generous human, we'll add a special dedication to you in the Thank You section of the rules booklet, and send you a print of any piece of art from the game - your choice! 

We have some very cute ideas for additional art. And really, my secret goal with this whole project is to increase overall world cute levels. Like so: 

Can't wait to show you all the finished piece for this one... and hopefully commission a few more! 

(Psst! There are still two slots left at the Patron of Letters reward level, if that's more your style.)

Still more Actual Play! 

A wondering monk in troubled times finds himself in an isolated convent, where a lonely nun finds her commitment to her vows suddenly shaken. Will a spark of love illuminate their lives, or condemn them to burn? Find out on Pod of Love! 

Star Crossed on Geek & Sundry

Geek & Sundry just featured our game! (A great article to share with your friends who might not yet know how rad this thing is.) We're happy to be featured... and wondering if that's where some of our new backers came from? Perhaps a few? Many, even? 

Where did you find out about Star Crossed? And what motivated you to support us? We'd love to hear from you in the comments! 

--Alex and the Bully Pulpit Crew

Star Crossed Story Time Begins
about 6 years ago – Mon, Apr 30, 2018 at 10:53:35 AM

Star Crossed Story Time

The first episode in our special mini-series of chats with Star Crossed playtesters is now available! 

Be enchanted by the sorrowful, but also badass, tale of two monks in love. The rivalry between Xiaolin and Wudang has never been so intense. Thanks to Andy Munich and Morgan Ellis for joining me!

Elsewhere on the Internet... 

Over on the ONE SHOT Podcast, our anxious extraterrestrial and her psychologist conclude the most literally Star Crossed actual play to date. 

Our Reddit AMA was a smashing success - if you're just joining us from there, hello! Don't forget to check out the previous backer updates, especially the first one, which has your preview draft of the rules. 

The Character Creation Podcast just released the last installment of our interview for their show. It's probably the most in-depth look at any aspect of the game; we use the character sheet as a springboard into a much broader discussion. Highly recommended! 

Patrons of Letters

There are still two slots left at the Patron of Letters reward level. If there's a Star Crossed pairing on your mind, or you've just always wanted to commission a piece of fiction from celebrated author Alex "Wrote About Spock and Professor Oak Once and is Inexplicably Proud of It" Roberts, it will be well worth your pledge. 

IMPORTANT REMINDER

We are very grateful for all the support, here and elsewhere, that this campaign has received. You are all seriously amazing <3 

--Alex and the Bully Pulpit Crew 

Patron of Letters Now Available!
about 6 years ago – Fri, Apr 27, 2018 at 03:59:42 PM

Arts and Letters

The exclusive and delightful Patron of Letters backer level has been unlocked–thank you for your enthusiasm and support, everyone. Here at BPG headquarters we are eagerly anticipating your best and most scandalously delightful pairings!

Patrons of Letters, of whom there will be only four (or three and you perhaps?) get everything that comes with the Beloved Edition, as well as the opportunity to commission a piece of short fiction from Star Crossed designer Alex Roberts. Alex will write about 500 blush-inducing words based on her feverish imagination and the pairing you submit (unless, you know, you submit something gross). The result, dear Patron of Letters, is yours to keep private or share as you will. We sort of hope you'll want to share it!

Come Ask Alex Anything!

Speaking of Alex, she's doing a Reddit AMA right now, and we'd love for you to drop by and ask her some questions!

Thanks again!

-- the Bully Pulpit Crew

So many Podcasts!
about 6 years ago – Thu, Apr 26, 2018 at 07:21:56 PM

Tomorrow! Ask me Anything! 

Just a final reminder to hop over to r/IAmA, and bring your pals, so we can all enjoy a lively discussion about tabletop and larp design, romance in games, designing for two players, and probably much more? 

Talking Star Crossed All Over the Place!

Character Creation - In Part 2 of this deep dive into the character mechanics of Star Crossed, co-hosts Ryan and Amelia build a doomed love between magical girls: one betrothed to her miracle romance, the other awoken to protect her. Fanart highly encouraged. 

The Game Closet - Alex gets to talk about her favourite topic (queer game design) and her second favourite too (fine cheese). We also answer some questions from Twitter, so if you're wondering who Alex's dream Star Crossed partner is, listen in! 

Never Tell Me the Pods - And now for something completely different. Alex guests on the galaxy's finest Star Wars podcast to talk Canon, fanon, and who exactly the pope of Star Wars is. 

Almost to $35,000! 

The fic is going to be so spice. 

--Alex and the Bully Pulpit Crew