A long overdue update.
almost 5 years ago – Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:30:35 PM

Hi folks,

Firstly I must apologise for the lack of an update recently. I've only just realised that the last one was February! No excuses, I should have been keeping you lovely people up to speed, rest assured that I have been working hard on the book and on other elements of the project. I'll be honest and say that having my daughter home schooling due to the Covid lockdown hasn't been easy and has been distracting but we're getting back on track now. 

Last word on Covid, I know that most countries are now making steps with vaccinations, I myself am waiting on my second dose and I know a lot of people are in the same boat. It's been a tough time for everybody and I can't wait to see gaming groups back around a table.

OK, update time.

The Secret Files of Section D is nearing completion from a writing perspective. Since my last update I've added in some cool new stuff including a simple mechanism for generating NPC motivations and relationships on the fly. We've tried this out and it works really well for when the GM needs a little more than "the shopkeeper", for example. I'm sure you're going to love it. 

On top of this, I've been doing a lot more research. On occasion this research has resulted in some sections that were written a while back being revised and, in some cases, rewritten entirely. It's all about presenting an accurate picture so GMs and players can really immerse themselves in the setting. 

Lastly, work has begun on revising the trade dress for the book. this is evolution rather than revolution so many of the familiar elements will be there. Some the sub-headings have been altered and the line spacing has been tweaked a little. I'll post an example as soon as I can.  

We're still on schedule for a June release for the main book and I'll keep you posted on that. I promise to get better with the updates!

In the meantime, here's another piece of Mat McGawley's excellent artwork that will be in the book. What could possibly be of interest to a section D team here?

Please take care and stay safe,

Allan.

Cover art update
about 5 years ago – Wed, Feb 24, 2021 at 09:34:07 AM

Cover art

Work on the front cover of the book is now finalised! The sharp eyed among you will spot the changes but some might think there's little difference to what you've already seen. That's kind of intentional. We were happy with the Taster Edition cover but needed to do a lot of work to create a full hardback version that was consistent across the front and back.

Myself and Mat have re-made all the graphical elements of the cover to ensure the ability to re-create consistently as time goes on and the Section D product line expands. The images have also been tied together to create one composite image which is in keeping with the design format of many pulp dime books of the 30s and 40s.

Much debate was had about using just the main image or the composite with advocates on both sides of the fence, in the end it came down to what we felt gave the best "at a glance" impression of what Section D is all about.

We hope you like it!

Editing and re-writes

In other news, as the editing process has gone on I've realised that some sections of the book that were written over a year ago needed to be reworked a little. In some cases it was just to be more succinct, in others it was that further research needed to be worked in. This was the case with some of the American intelligence services of the time, for example. 

I'm striving to make Section D the very best product I can for you guys!

Happy gaming folks,

Allan.

Section D Project update.
about 5 years ago – Thu, Jan 14, 2021 at 02:56:40 PM

Hello everybody,

It's been a while since I posted on happenings at Imaginarium towers so I thought today I would give a little update on things.

2021 has already seen some big changes here in the UK with another national lockdown in place and children once again being home schooled. On the bright side, we are told that the two COVID vaccines are rolling out in increasing numbers but it will still be some months before things are even close to normal. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everybody a happy and safe 2021, the light is there at the end of the tunnel but there still a couple of twists and turns I feel.

As for The Secret Files of Section D, work has continued at pace over the last few weeks. Mostly in play testing.

Projekt Moreau, the Stretch Goal adventure by Tavis Hill, is shaping up really nicely. Rather than a one off adventure, Projekt Moreau is shaping up to be a nice series of foreshadowing encounters that will slot into a campaign and then culminating in a final mission and climactic battle. Tavis has really grabbed the intelligence gathering side of Section D and run with it.

I've also play tested the first part of the follow up adventure to Trouble In Tripoli, the adventure published in the Taster Edition. If I'm honest, that didn't go as well as I had hoped but hey, isn't that what play testing is for?

The book itself is also marching on. I'm currently researching and writing a new section introducing American intelligence capability in the pre-war period. It's a fascinating subject and I hope our readers will enjoy the fruits of this labour.

Lastly, Mat McGawley is progressing really well with the new artwork. I honestly think you folks are going to enjoy his evocative and period accurate work. I'll be posting some teasers in the near future.

Take care and happy gaming folks!

Happy New Year
about 5 years ago – Tue, Jan 05, 2021 at 01:52:46 PM

Firstly, a Happy New Year to all, I hope that 2021 is better for everybody!

In truth, learning that my little one is to be home schooled for at least 6 weeks due to new Covid restrictions in the UK wasn't the best of starts, but we press on. I'm sure I'm not the only person in that position. 

So after a break for Christmas and for my 50th Birthday it's back to work. I haven't exactly been doing nothing though. We've been working with Tavis Hill on play testing Projekt Moreau which is shaping up really nicely and may actually end up being a mini PPC rather than just a single adventure!

Last thing for now, I'm close to getting the Backerkit Pledge Manager completed and it should be live soon. I'm completing the layout for the front cover of the book to go on there so expect a preview of that soon. 

Love, happiness and prosperity to you all for 2021!

Allan. 

Playtesting!
over 5 years ago – Mon, Dec 21, 2020 at 07:20:34 PM

Hi everybody,

Firstly, I'm sorry it's taken a while to post an update. Christmas is fast approaching and it's been a weird one to prepare for as I'm sure you are all aware. 

The Section D project rolls on though and this evening we are play testing Tavis Hill's Projekt Moreau adventure along with some of the new firearms edges. I can't believe that after about four years of development, this is the first Section D session where I will just be a player! I'm really looking forward to it!

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all of the Section D backers a Merry Christmas if you celebrate it, and a happy holiday season if you don't. 

Love and happiness to you all,

Allan.