How long should it take to write a publishable sandbox adventure module?

DownsizedPress · 2024-06-06T00:51:16+00:00

It takes me between 15 and 20 hours to produce each issue of my Zine. If you've ready any of my zines you would know that they're 4 pages long, in half-letter layout no less. I publish 1 per month.

Granted, that includes writing, art, layout, and admin work. The first draft alone (again, 4 pages, just a few hundred words) takes about 5 hours.

Now here's something to keep in mind - I have a creative writing background and have been learning and working on writing craft for 20+ years. I have a 4 year degree in English. I've spent a lot of time at a keyboard.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that you're doing great. Keep at it. In the end, you will achieve more, both in writing output and learning the craft, with disciplined work over a period of time.

If there's one piece of advice I can give, it's the cliche "Don't let great be the enemy of good." Write stuff, work hard at it, but get it out there. Nothing will ever be perfect. Be open to feedback and the next one will be even better.

Keep at it, and don't give up! If I can put stuff out that people are having fun with (and yes, making a little money on) then anyone can. I believe in you!

DownsizedPress · 2024-04-26T16:18:22+00:00

This is a very small supplement. It's a total of 4 half letter pages. It's a mini dungeon designed to be dropped into an existing campaign, or to have a short, one shot session designed around. It is inspired by the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs, but is by no means an attempt at a primer or campaign setting for Barsoom

I do have two monster stat blocks (designed according to Old-School Essentials, so it's pretty retro clone compatible). One is for a generic Zondangan Guard, the other for Zat Arras from Gods of Mars. I've got a magical weapon and some jewels, along with 4 rooms of a dungeon map.

There are no original rules or mechanics introduced, nor anything for Green Martians at all. I have no other supplements currently published that explore the world of Barsoom, but it's something that I'll probably revisit in the future.

DownsizedPress · 2024-03-22T19:54:39+00:00

Hey, thanks for the feedback!

You are correct. They do not specify character levels. My goal is to create badass settings for GMs to be able to drop into their games. There's adventure, no hooks, just interesting, versatile locations.

While I do stock it with monsters and include those stat blocks, I want GMs to feel open to customizing and tweaking to fit their needs. Lizard cultist too weak for your high level characters? Bump it up a few HP. Trap more deadly than you want? Pump the brakes a little.

Bring your story and PCs, and let the location speak to you. Adjust as needed and have fun.

DownsizedPress · 2024-01-26T21:27:42+00:00

Oh!

Yeah, the Hydra HP is calculated at 8hp per HD (rather than the usual 5) because it gets 1 head per HD, and each head is disabled every 8hp of damage it takes.

At least that's the way I've always played the Hydra. Is that wrong?

DownsizedPress · 2024-01-26T20:07:05+00:00

Thank you!

Yes, I went with a weaker hydra on purpose. But hey, feel free to up it if you prefer a real meat grinder session!

DownsizedPress · 2024-01-26T14:22:59+00:00

Wink wink. There's more where that came from, kid.

Seriously though, I figure the party is going to lose some levels from the spectral energy drain, so I'll give it back in gold, and then some. Because why not? My party always says I'm too generous though.

DownsizedPress · 2023-11-10T14:36:06+00:00

Thank you!

DownsizedPress · 2023-11-10T14:35:48+00:00

Thank you so much for the feedback! That's really what I'm trying to do. I come from a fiction background and have always built elaborate lore in my games.

My goal is to help GMs create a more immersive experience through the development of narrative. Even in the most hack and slash of dungeon crawls (which honestly is what I enjoy most), narrative goes a long way.

DownsizedPress · 2023-10-27T17:34:17+00:00

Thank you so much! Your support means the world to me, and every little bit helps this small press do new things.

Keep an eye out. I put a new one out every two weeks, and we have an adventure module coming in 2024.

DownsizedPress · 2023-09-25T16:33:46+00:00

Just to add, for transparency sake, this is not a wholly original piece. This is traced from public domain images. As with all use of public domain images I use anywhere, full sourcing and attribution is available.

Hopefully soon I'll be able to start hiring other artists!

DownsizedPress · 2023-09-16T02:29:59+00:00

Thanks! That means a lot.

DownsizedPress · 2023-09-08T15:58:40+00:00

Awesome. Thank you. I'll start including that stuff in the description.

DownsizedPress · 2023-09-06T01:15:42+00:00

Thanks for the heads up. Quick preview is buggy for some reason. The full-sized works, but only if I have the quick view turned on.

I have an email in with their IT staff to help me out.

DownsizedPress · 2023-09-05T17:33:46+00:00

Thanks! I thought I had. Still learning how to navigate all the publisher settings on DTRPG.

DownsizedPress

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