It’s been some time since the last blog post.
I did not spend that time idly. Some weeks I put out ten thousand words for clients.
That, plus editing and other pursuits, has left this blog behind.
Which is fine; this is supposed to be a low-priority website. My clients came first and will continue to do so.
However, I’ve decided to change this website’s focus away from being a general me-ish website toward specific endeavors.
Especially Wutianqi.
My Plans For Wutianqi
Wutianqi, my board game, is getting to an exciting place.
It’s feature-complete. If you want to try it out then pop over to my Wutianqi page, where you’ll find the rules along with printable boards and pieces
Quick References?
In fact, I just finished the first version of the quick reference sheet!
Wutianqi is an intuitive game when you know how to play.
And it’s not hard to learn how to play. I’m still proud of losing to a nine year old.
But the difficulty curve at the beginning is more like a curb. Not too hard to overcome but annoyingly easy to stumble upon.
The rulebook is, in my opinion, pretty good (I’ve integrated lots of feedback!), but it’s still a book.
What Wutianqi needed was a quick reference card.
And now it has one!
It’s a half page full of reminders. The reference sheet also has diagrams explaining the two most fiddly rules:
- Knight-style movement
- The Palace Walls
Plus, it’s been tested on someone who’s never played. More feedback would be excellent, though.
You can find it here.
Wutianqi and This Website
Until now, all of Wutianqi’s updates have been to modify the Wutianqi page.
I’m going to expand Wutianqi’s content on this website into multiple pages.
There will still be the overview.
Downloads might go onto their own page.
Wutianqi has many pieces, some esoteric, so I’ll establish a database explaining what exactly a Shanlin is. (A bandit living in the wild who maintains a good relationship with the peasants.)
Plus, I’ll delve into the history and design decisions of Wutianqi in a series of blog posts.
Expect the first one (relatively) soon!
Wutianqi’s Other Short-Term Plans
There are still tasks to be accomplished before Wutianqi is released for sale.
First of all, that quick reference sheet needs more feedback.
Second, I should finish up the section on illegal moves. I’ll likely use something similar to chess’ rules.
Also, there are some good boards you can print, but Wutianqi needs durable, professional boards.
Wutianqi game boards are an odd size, according to the gaming industry, but I have some ideas.
In addition, Wutianqi needs illustration and fiction.
My plan is for the paid version of the rulebook to contain decorative imagery (sorry, the free rulebook will be bare except for diagrams).
Plus, illustrated boards would go a long way toward snazzing up the game. Simple colors are great but, if you’re going to pay for a board, it should look nice!
I have some illustrators in mind but nothing is finalized yet.
Finally, the last major step planned is to send this game off to folks experienced in reviewing as-of-yet unpublished games.
Once I have globs of unbiased feedback I can tweak the game and get into the administrative stuff required to sell Wutianqi!
Where Will Wutianqi Be Sold
I’m not expecting multi-million dollar deals with a big publishing company.
My plans are a cottage industry wherein I’ll manufacture the pieces myself. The boards may be printed elsewhere and I’ll look into which method is better for printing the rulebook on a small scale.
So, you can expect to find starter sets and pieces for sale on this website and at my etsy page.
And at conventions, if some other plans go through!
Final Thoughts
This blog may not have been the most active but much business lurked behind the scenes.
Especially exciting are my plans for Wutianqi.
This game has come a long way from its beginnings as a piece of background fluff.
I can’t wait to see what it’ll look like in the future and I want you on that journey with me, too!
Ravenspear Designs 