More talk, more art!
about 6 years ago – Wed, Apr 18, 2018 at 03:07:56 PM

Hear All About It! 

Alex is once again talking on the 'casts - this time about bleed as a design goal, on Misdirected Mark. 

Bleed is a term, coined by designer and theorist Emily Care Boss, used to describe the overlap that can sometimes happen between a player and their character while (or after!) roleplaying. It might sound like something to watch out for. In designing Star Crossed, I'm driving right into it. That means I have to make sure the players are not just aware, but enthusiastic, about getting a taste of their characters' emotions. We talk about ways to do that, and a whole lot more, on the show. 

Where Are You Sharing? 

A friend of mine just told me he posted about Star Crossed in a Facebook group called Smooch Island - apparently people interested in dating stories and McElroy podcasts are enthusiastic about a two player game of forbidden love! I was also just followed by an adult lifestyle store on Twitter so you know I'll be sliding into those DMs. 

If you're enthusiastic about Star Crossed and want to share, where are you spreading the word? 

And, of Course, an Art Update: 

In addition to the gorgeous full-page artwork we've been sharing, the Star Crossed rule book will feature helpful instructive illustrations throughout the text. It's a tactile game, and some things are better expressed this way. 

Today I'm sharing my favourite one, which will accompany all the "Alex Says" text boxes. I may be a little biased, but isn't she adorable?

 Reminder! 

We're streaming Star Crossed live on Monday April 23rd at 8PM CST. Join me and host James D'Amato on the ONE SHOT Twitch channel for a delightful evening of precarious fun. See you there! 

--Alex and the Bully Pulpit Crew

Hello, Heroes!
about 6 years ago – Tue, Apr 17, 2018 at 06:02:36 PM

Look at this lovely bannerMeeple Mountain put up for our interview! We talk tea, dance, hugs, first-time roleplayers and more! 

I'm also chatting with Brie Sheldon over on Thoughty Blog - a wonderful, thoughtful dive into the feel of the mechanics in play. Absolutely worth reading. 

And finally, we're in queer RPG journal Panoplit today! Very nice writeup. 

Star Crossed Story Time

As of right now, we're less than $3,000 away from our first stretch goal! I can't wait to share Star Crossed Story Time, a short series of interviews with pairs of Star Crossed players. You will be so charmed by their adorable, and probably tragic, stories. I promise. 

And then we can start announcing our next goals :) 

Star Crossed on ONE SHOT

Mark your calendars for April 23rd because Star Crossed will be on the ONE SHOT Podcast that day and we'll be streaming on the ONE SHOT Network Twitch channel that night at 8PM Central! I cannot wait to have a video AP of this game. And I'll be playing with improviser, experienced AP host, and noted romance enthusiast James D'Amato so you know it'll be great. 

<3 <3 <3
Alex and the Bully Pulpit Crew 

Character Creation, Streaming, and Stories
about 6 years ago – Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 09:20:25 PM

This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.

Our First Stretch Goal!
about 6 years ago – Fri, Apr 13, 2018 at 08:20:23 PM

Hello, Star Crossed Lovers!

We could not have asked for a better opening week. We're well past twice our goal amount right now, and a delightful new Actual Play from the Party of One podcast was just released - starring host Jeff Stormer and our own Alex Roberts as early '90s professional wrestlers Champ and Crowbar. It's yet another example of a truly great Star Crossed story.

Stretch Goals  

This Kickstarter is all about producing a high quality game. But gosh I can't resist offering a few exciting extras! In case any of you could be tempted to upgrade your reward level. Or pledge a little extra. Or share your enthusiasm for our project with your various networks. All of these things mean the world to us, so why not offer some cool stuff in return? 

Our first goal comes in my favourite medium: sweet, soothing audio. If our funding total reaches $30,000 before the end of the campaign, we'll release Star Crossed Story Time, a mini-series of interviews with pairs of Star Crossed playtesters. They'll tell you about their pairings, their experience of play, and what set up they can't wait to try next time! We hope these chats will inspire you in your own play, and give you a sense of the breadth of genre, style, and tone that Star Crossed games can work with. Also they're just a delight to listen to.

Exclusive Reward Levels?

Oh yes. We'll have those, too. I can say more if we reach that $30k.

Retailer Level is Here 

Some retailers have asked about a retailer-only reward level so they can have the Beloved Editions on their shelves the moment they're available. How could we say no to such a kind request? We'll have that reward level up asap! 

Sneak Peek  

Jess is working away on the next few pieces of art for the game, and we're buzzing with excitement to share them! I thought a little game might be fun, though - can anyone guess the pairing I took this snippet of? Hint: 🌊

Video Content

We will keep you in the loop as the campaign progresses, but we've been wondering... would anyone be interested in a little backer-only campaign vlog from Alex? Let us know, because she's pretty into the idea! 

Yours,

-- Alex & The Bully Pulpit Crew

Your Print-and-Play Preview is Here!
about 6 years ago – Wed, Apr 11, 2018 at 12:57:12 PM

This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.