Nova Praxis Status Update

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Due to "real life" issues, I'm having a hard time getting through the final read through and getting the last edits in. Shooting for a PDF release on the 18th. I'd wanted to hit the 11th, but I'm afraid it's just not possible.  

Frankly, I've spent more time editing than I would have liked. But it needed a few more coats of polish, so it's getting it.

The current version is a big improvement over the last playtest doc, with large portions being re-written for clarity and readability; and I made a few organizational changes.  

There have been a few mechanical changes as well. Most notably, the WR on all weapons has been reduced, and so has the ARs on all armors. The bonuses provided by Agents have decreased as well. Bonuses/modifiers have been lowered pretty much across the board. And the execution difficulties on most Savant Programs were reduced.

Extended actions work a little differently now. And what FATE Core calls "Boosts", Nova Praxis now calls "Effect Aspects". 

My plan going forward is thus:

1. Get the PDF released on the 18th.
2. Get the GM Screen PDF done (1 week).
3a. Layout for the print version (1 month).
3b. Incorporate any errata collected since the PDF release. Send files to printer. Release PDF update. Printing may take up to 2 months or so depending on their schedule.)
4. Finalize the outline for the GM Companion (1 week).
5. Publish the GM Companion (4 months? Too early to say).
6. Finalize outline for The Vantage Strain (Should happen parallel to GM Companion's development).
7. Publish the The Vantage Strain (5 months? Still too early to say).
8. ?? What happens after this point depends on fan feedback, sales, my sanity, etc.

FATE Core Compatibility

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I've had several people contact me to ask if Nova Praxis will be compatible with FATE Core.

The answer is YES!

I've spent the last month going over Nova Praxis with an eye toward making it as compatible as possible. So if you are a FATE Core fan, you'll be able to pick up and play Nova Praxis with no problem. 

There are two major factors in play here. 

First and foremost, there are parts of FATE Core that are less than ideal for representing certain elements of the Nova Praxis setting. So we'll need to make some adjustments to capture the feel that we're going for, and to make sure the rules properly support things like resleeving, augmentations, etc.

Second, the OGL for FATE Core has not been released by Evil Hat yet. That means that certain terms are currently off limits. For example, instead of using the phrase "create and Advantage" or "success with style", we're keeping the classic FATE terminology of Maneuver, Assessment, Declaration and Spin. Mechanically it all works the same way, but some of the terms are different by necessity. I'm planning to post a document whenNova Praxis releases that clearly highlights how it differs from FATE Core and Strands of Fate.

That's the good news. FATE Core features several improvements to FATE's core rules, and Nova Praxis will be better for it.

The bad news is that these changes have set our development time back a bit. Right now we're working very hard to get the PDF released at the end of the month. It's looking likely, but it is possible that there might be a delay as we iron out that last few remaining bugs. I very much want to hit our February release window, but I'm not willing to sacrifice quality for expediency. So we'll just have to see how much we can get done in the next week or so.

Nova Praxis Status Update and Map

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Just wanted to post a little update. 

Today I finished the last major editing pass over the first half of the book. The second half should be finished by mid-February and I'm planning to make the final version of the PDF available by the end of the month.

After that, we'll be going back into layout mode to convert the PDF layout to the print layout. Normally that only takes a few hours, but Nova Praxis is different. The PDF is formatted specifically for tablets and computer screens. The print version will be a full sized hardcover, so that means it's going to take a lot more effort. I'm hoping to nail it down and get the print copies ordered by the end of March.

After we wrap on the core book we'll start hammering on the Companion and The Vantage Strain.

In the mean time, you can check out the poster map that will come with the print copy. It also makes for a cool desktop wallpaper.

 

Taking Advantage of the PDF Format

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There is something I haven't been entirely pleased with in regards to the Nova Praxis PDF. Along the left side of every page in the PDF is a list of the chapters in the book. When you tap/click them, you are taken to the splash page at the beginning of the corresponding chapter.

That's neat, but then you have to start skimming through the chapter to get to the specific section you need within that chapter. Often times it's still better to go to the table of contents instead of using the chapter navigation buttons.

I'm fixing that. This is the new splash screen for the Overview chapter. 

So when you hit the Overview button, you are taken to this page. And from this page, you can leap to a location within the chapter by pressing the "buttons" associated with each section. The other splash pages for all the other chapters are getting this same treatment. 

This means that frequently used pages, such as the weapons table, the stunt list, etc; are never more than two clicks/taps away.

Also, if you are a playtester and haven't already, I want to remind you to please take a moment to give us some feedback.

Last Phase of Beta Testing for Nova Praxis Begins!

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If you backed the Kickstarter at any of the following tiers:

{{{SUBSTRATE INDEPENDENT MIND}}}

{{{INFUSED SIM}}} 

{{{HUMANIST}}}

{{{TRANSHUMAN}}} 

{{{FULL-SYNTHESIS TRANSHUMAN}}}

{{{POST-HUMAN}}} 

{{{TRANSCENDENT BEING}}}

{{{Paradigm Shifter}}}

...you should have received a message from me via Kickstarter with playtest instructions and a link to download the files.

If you did not, and you are sure you backed one of those tiers, please contact me.

Nova Praxis 298% funded!

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The Nova Praxis Kickstarter has come to an end, and I would like to thank each and every one of you for making it a success!
I'm looking forward to seeing the feedback from our new playtesters. And I'm looking forward to getting back to work putting the last few coats of polish on what is surely to be Void Star's greatest product to date.

What is "The Vantage Strain"?

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If we can hit our next Kickstarter stretch goal, most backers (depending on the backer tier you've selected) will get a copy of "The Vantage Strain" when it is released.

The Vantage Strain is the first official scenario for Nova Praxis to be produced by Void Star Games. It is written with the intent of providing both an introduction to the setting and a fully playable campaign.

During the christening ceremony of a new state-of-the-art warship, Vantage Station is brutally assaulted by what appears to be an new strain of the technophage. The ensuing battle results in the deaths of several high ranking House members and the Praetorians charged with protecting them. Your crew finds themselves caught up in the fray, with little choice but to fight or die.

In the aftermath, they are empowered by the Senate to seek those responsible for the horrors on Vantage. Their hunt will send them down a twisting path of mystery, corruption, and betrayal. They will be forced to travel the galaxy, forge alliances, and unite foes in a desperate struggle to defeat the Vantage Strain.

So come on folks! Spread the word! Talk to your gamer friends and link to this Kickstarter on your favorite social networks. Let's unleash the Vantage Strain!

Nova Praxis Update - Stretch Goal #2 Unlocked!

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You did it! We have raised enough funds to unlock our next Stretch Goal. This means that all printed copies will now come with a full color poster map of the Sol system and its relationship to the other inhabited systems.

Now let's hurry and hit that next Stretch Goal before the Kickstarter ends! We only have 11 days left! You can help to insure we hit our goals by spreading the word. Please take the time to share this post and/or mention Nova Praxis on messageboards, Reddit, Twitter, Facebook or any other social media tools you use.

With your help, we can unleash The Vantage Strain!

Nova Praxis Preview - A Look at Earth

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Posted an update on the Nova Praxis Kickstarter page today. This update is a preview of the book. Specifically, it's a look at how Earth went from being the happy home of humanity to a vertiable nightmare factory.

$15K! - Stretch Goal #1: GM Companion Unlocked

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Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Nova Praxis Kickstarter so far!

By hitting $15K, you've unlocked the "GM Companion". I put the name in quotes because it's very likely it will change before release. 

The GM Companion (or whatever we end up calling it) will contain additional NPC write-ups, a sample introductory scenario, and suggested plot arcs for missions and campaigns.

NOVA PRAXIS 100% FUNDED

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We made it! Nova Praxis has been in development for a few years now. It's been the source of countless sleepless nights, and it's truly awesome to see that its finally going to come to life. 

I owe it all to you guys! Thank you very much!

But we're not done yet! We still have 37 days to go. So please, keep spreading the word and let's knock out those stretch goals. 

Mike

Nova Praxis Kickstarter is Live!

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The Nova Praxis Kickstarter is live folks!

Nova Praxis is a long time in the making, we need your help to make it to the finish line!

So you know what you've got to do folks! Spread the word. Shout it from the mountain. The more people that contribute, the more stretch goals unlock, and the more you get for your money!

Nova Praxis vs. Strands of Fate

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For those familiar with Strands of Fate, here is a quick overview of how Nova Praxis differs:

  • Nova Praxis uses Skills are instead of Abilities
  • Advantages in Nova Praxis are all in the same tier instead of being split into Expert, Heroic and Power tiers.
  • Characters begin play with 5 Aspects and use a different Aspect Alphabet.
  • Specialty Aspects are not standard for every character and are only gained by taking an Advantage.
  • Nova Praxis uses the "Single Set" stress rules as default. This is very similar to the stress system used by Starblazer Advantures.
  • Nova Praxis assumes players will roll all the dice. (GMs can roll when they want to, but they don't have to.)
  • The default dice mechanic is d6-d6 instead of Fudge dice. (Fudge dice can be used, but you should use5dF or even 6dF)
  • Nova Praxis adds Clarifications and expanded uses for Declarations.
  • Adds "Stall" as a mechanic. Stall is the opposite of Spin and can trigger certain effects.
  • Nova Praxis supports a single "power level", so it doesn't need the CamPL rules.
  • Extreme Consequences don't go away. Instead they eventually become an Aspect that sticks around for a while.
  • Adds the option to take a Distress Consequence under certain circumstances. An example of this would be taking a Mental Consequence as a result of a physical attack.
  • Armor stress is not used. Armor has been adjusted accordingly and can be customized with Armor features.
  • Vehicles rules are getting a minor revision.
  • Instead of earning XPs, Nova Praxis characters are able to make adjustments and upgrades to their characters as they reach Minor and Major Milestones.
  • Instead of using a GM Fate Point pool, NPCs each have their own set of Fate Points. This creates a "use them or lose them" position for the GM. This means NPCs will likely be utilizing Aspects more frequently, thus resulting in more dynamic conflicts.

As you can see, Nova Praxis uses some of the optional rules in Strands of Fate that more closly resemby "tradiional" FATE. But, of course, it adds a whole lot more. The Reputation system adds a whole new type of stress track, it features rules for resleeving into a new body after death, and brings the Savant (first published in Strands of Power) into the spotlight.

Instead of Strands' generic power system, Augmentations and Savant Programs are fully detailed and purpose built to work with the setting.

Nova Praxis is designed to allow you to play unmodified humans, transhumans, and bodiless AIs in the same party.