Hardcover Cha'alt Sale!!!

 

There's no other eldritch, gonzo, science-fantasy, post-apocalypse campaign setting I know of that's as rich and deep and fucking awesome as CHA'ALT...

Let's get it done!

• The original Cha'alt hardcover for $35 + $5 shipping ($35 shipping outside the USA)
• Cha'alt: Fuchsia Malaise hardcover for $40 + $5 shipping ($35 shipping outside the USA)
• Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows hardcover for $55 + $5 shipping ($40 shipping outside the USA)
• The Cha'alt trilogy for $120 + $10 shipping ($65 shipping outside the USA)

FYI, if you need to get ahold of me for any reason, my email is: Venger.Satanis@yahoo.com

Incidentally, that's my paypal email address, too.

Thanks,

VS

Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows

 

By now, you've probably heard about the third book of the Cha'alt trilogy - Chartreuse Shadows.

I'm only a couple days away from finishing my shipping duties.  By next Tuesday, all Kickstarter backer rewards should be out the door (pre-sales, as well).  Damn, that was a long time coming, but I'm so glad the end is in sight.

That means I'm officially opening the way for regular old sales.  Here's the price guide...

• Cha'alt - $50 (add $40 for non-USA shipping)
• Cha'alt: Fuchsia Malaise - $50 (add $40 for non-USA shipping)
• Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows - $65 (add $40 for non-USA shipping)
• The entire trilogy - $140 (add $60 for non-USA shipping)

All books are fancy, hardcover, first editions, signed, numbered, and personalized by me.  These gorgeous tomes will go up in value, just as Cha'alt will take over the world one day!

Below is a testimonial from a KS backer...

I honestly didn’t know what to expect from physical editions of your work. I’ve supported a lot of KS with physical printings, most of which were zine-styled stapled prints, but some were hardbacks and full-color and just felt cheap. I know there are lots of reasons dictating printing bla bla bla, but I was a little nervous of pledging for physical editions.

Dude, these are great. Thank you so much! Honestly, I didn’t get far into Chartreuse Shadows, but my group knows I have pulled from Fuchsia Malaise. I think there might be a tableflip when I show up with a hard copy 🤣

What is Cha'alt?  Glad you asked, hoss...  Cha'alt is my home campaign, my own little slice of heaven (or Hell, depends on your point of view), an eldritch, gonzo, science-fantasy, post-apocalypse world where I come home to hang my Game Mastering hat.

Also, I'll be launching a new Kickstarter campaign towards the end of September... and it's for Encounter Critical III.  

What else?  I've got some new (publicly available, not behind the paywall) content over at SubscribeStar.  If you want to support me at $5 a month and get the occasional freebie along with first pick of the online games I run, I'd love to have your patronage.  

Don't forget about VENGER CON II: Electric Boogaloo.  Just a nice, intimate (50 - 75 attendee) convention for those who love old-school, OSR, and traditional RPGs in Madison, WI next July.  Join us!

VS

Hardcovers Have Arrived

 

So, the big news is that two pallets of Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows hardcovers were delivered yesterday afternoon.

I checked out several boxes, and all the books look amazing!!!  Here's a video of me flipping through the book!

To those attending VENGER CON this weekend, yours will be there.  To everyone else who either backed or pre-bought the hardcover, I'll start sending them out on Monday.

If you want yours sooner than later, paypal me $75 (that includes the shipping/handling domestic - foreign shipping add $40) at Venger.Satanis@yahoo.com

Speaking of the convention, I thought it would be fun to have a d100 random table that everyone can use.  I'll be using it in my own Cha'alt marathon this weekend, and I hope others will, as well.  That way, we can all be kind of connected.

You can find that random table PDF (NOT behind the paywall, everyone has access) over on my SubscribeStar page.

Is there any danger regarding our occultism infecting this reality?  Possibly... 

Enjoy,

VS

p.s. Just this morning I uploaded the Cha'alt Criterion campaign / adventure checklist to SubscribeStar... however, that is behind the paywall. 

Worth More Than Gold

 

I made a video as a sort of response to Prince of Nothing's three-part review of Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows.

Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.

As I mentioned in the video, I'm friends with PoN.  He's an awesome guy.  Sometimes, we agree on RPG topics; other times we don't.  That's ok.

Rather than relying on Metallica to make my point, in the video, I should have included other examples, some of which would certainly be more relatable.  After all, not everyone loves 80s Metallica...

Let's say, we discovered an entire missing season of Tom Baker Doctor Who, somewhere between 1979 and 1980.  How glorious might that be?  Yes, it would be familiar, even comfortable... dare I say derivative?  Of course, it would be totally weird by today's modern standard, but for those who love that style and aesthetic, it would be nothing less than a gift from God!

Not a fan of vintage Doctor Who, either?  Who the fuck are you and why are you reading this blog?  Lol.  How about imagining a "lost" season of your favorite TV show.  Even just an episode - it would be amazing to find that and enjoy it here and now, right?

You don't have to be a time traveler, assuming you're the one creating the content.  All you have to do is keep making it.  But don't do it for the money or fame, do it because that's your passion, because doing what you were put on this Earth to do makes you an instrument, a demon-slaying sword perhaps, of God... even if that sword takes Satanic form.

Well, that's how I feel about expanding on what you love.  If you love it and want to explore more of that thing, don't be afraid to do just that, no matter who disagrees.  Know thyself!  There's an enormous urge to start doing something else or subvert expectations or reboot your vision with a mid-season pivot that goes in an entirely new direction.  

New is always better, right?  Not always.  For me, old school isn't just preserving the ancient ways... it's an appreciation for everything I love from the past (and anachronistic stuff happening in the present) that still seems objectively better than modernity fare.

I don't know if you'll enjoy Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows.  A lot of people do, some people don't.  If you like the idea of an eldritch, gonzo, science-fantasy, post-apocalyptic campaign setting that uses humor, sleaze, and pop-culture references, I think that probably answers your question.

Cha'alt!

VS

p.s. VENGER CON is only 5 weeks away.  Madison, WI's throwback "garage days" gaming convention exclusively for old-school, OSR, and traditional RPGs.

New Adventure Coming Soon!

 

First off, I'm back home!

It was another Satanis family vacation and boy is my left arm tired...

What else?  About 6 weeks before VENGER CON happens!!!  Can't wait for the greatest old-school, OSR, and traditional RPG convention in the midwest.  Haven't gotten your ticket yet?  Giddyup, hoss!  Also, please tell your friends.  Anyone who loves the bygone days of yore in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Minnesota should attend.

As I stated in the last blog post, my anti-abortion scenario, The Good Syma'arian, was officially "blacklisted" from the virtual shelves of DriveThruRPG.  But you can still get it through me, click on that link for details.  Thanks to everyone who downloaded it, read it, played it, reviewed it, etc.

I've got a new Cha'alt adventure in the works (this could be a one or two-shot, we'll see) to "celebrate" the prideful month of June.  So, if you have any suggestions, feel free to submit them with a comment below.  No promises if any will be included, but I'll try... especially if they're funny and gameable.  

I'm still waiting on a delivery date for the Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows hardcovers.  Prince of Nothing has started his multi-part review over at his Age of Dusk blog.  He's just finished the appetizer course.

The way he feels about Artpunk is kind of how I'm starting to feel about "Jaquaying the dungeon".  Yeah, it can be really cool, on occasion, but sometimes I just want the dungeon to serve as a place for exploration, combat, and social interaction.  It doesn't have to be a whole thing unto itself.  But that's a topic for another blog post... 

Anything else?  New Encounter Critical stuff is getting pushed back.  Will try to get something on paper before VENGER CON.

Alright, talk to you soon!  Thanks for your continued support, hoss.  ;)

VS

Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows

 

This is it, my friends... book 3 of the Cha'alt trilogy.  

The PDF was just released today, like some slavering, incontinent demon determined to shit the bed of conformity, woke-ism, vanilla fantasy, and corporate D&D.

It's a whopping 360 motherfucking pages!  Now, before you get too excited, it contains some previously released material.  Namely, the Saving Cha'alt and Cha'alt After Dark material.  If you already own those, and also missed out on the Kickstarter a few months ago, just paypal me $10 and I'll send you the PDF so you're not paying for material you already own.

Just to warn you, Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows is sleazy and depraved in spots.  Imagine taking the eldritch, gonzo, science-fantasy, post-apocalyptic campaign setting you already know and love, then pouring in some sweet, sweet Alpha Blue.  Yeah, it's going to blow your mind, hoss!

If you're wondering about the hardcovers, the digital files will be ready to go soon.  I should have the books in my slimy green tentacles this summer.

Oh yeah, if you find something that needs fixing, let me know ASAP!  I'm updating the PDF next week, and want all those little typos, layout glitches, errors, and whatever brought to my attention BEFORE sending the digital files to the printer.

Email me at: Venger.Satanis@yahoo.com

I'm still exhausted from my family vacation, so will end this blog post here.  Good night!

VS

p.s. Still 80-something tickets for VENGER CON... a small old-school, OSR, and traditional RPG convention in Madison, WI this July.

Chartreuse Shadows coming soon...

 

The raw text for Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows was completed yesterday.  I'm going to give it one last look today before sending it over to the proofreaders.  

I fully expect the PDF to be finished by the end of March, and hopefully (tentacles crossed), I'll have 1,000 gorgeous, luxury, hardcover books in my hands by July.  That's assuming supply chain issues don't cause delays.

The main feature of Chartreuse Shadows is the megadungeon Cremza'amirikza'am.  I'm excited to show everyone because it's really cool.  I don't know, maybe it's the most awesome (certainly in the running for the most Venger) gaming thing I've ever written.

Not everyone's going to love it, of course.  And that's ok.  If I wanted bland, beige content that didn't risk offending anyone, I'd take one of those low-paid internships at D&D, or simply hop onto DM's Guild.

Thanks to everyone who's attended my playtests, the amazing artists and crowd-source dudes on social media who gave me suggestions, backed the Kickstarter(s), supported me, bought my stuff, helped with promotion, and is doing their own thing, their own way.  I appreciate you!

VS

p.s. Now, that January is here... it's time to rev-up promotion for VENGER CON in Madison, WI this July. Nothing but old-school, OSR, and traditional roleplaying games for an entire weekend.  Attendance limited to 100 people.  Grab your ticket before they run out.  The hotel is saving a block of discounted rooms, as well.

GameHole Con 2021 [part 3]

 

I'm not going to do a blog post for each and every game I ran at GameHole Con this year, but this one was really cool.  If you want to see part 1 or part 2, check 'em out.

On day two (Friday), I got a chance to run players through my latest creation, and one that I'm still working on.  It's the subterranean cave and tunnel megadungeon known as Cremza'amirikza'am.

This session was billed as a little spicy, but still very much a dungeoncrawl... maybe that's why I had seven dudes at the table (the only game where there wasn't at least one woman).

I do have openings written down ahead of time, but am always tempted to create something new in the moment, when inspiration strikes.  For whatever reason, I decided to start this session with the PCs overhearing the discovery of that demon-fabled system of caves in the tavern, just before the lizardman who spilled the beans had his intestines spilled out from a dagger in the gut.

And then a princess-witch was sunbathing on top of the platform in the lost city.  That set the tone.  As usual, a few players didn't know what to make of these odd and mildly sexually charged encounters.  But enough players were ready to roll with the punches, so it's ok if some are hesitant or don't know how to feel about encounters like a redhead with banana-men bodyguards who just inherited a chicken shack and bordello down here in Cremza'amirikza'am.

Soon after, the prospect of combat and treasure seemed to invigorate the players.  Monks, security droids, and a stockpile of loot owned by Pizza the Ha'at (if you've seen Space Balls, then you know who I'm talking about), using Monsieur Froma'aj as an alias on Cha'alt. 

The PCs did well for themselves, taking pretty much all of it - including a circuit board that seemed really valuable for no discernible reason.  Maybe just because Pizza the Ha'at wanted it?

After that, there were crests and troughs of high weirdness and standard sword & sorcery tropes.

One of the funniest parts, for me and I think a few of the players, was the replicant film crew who decided to film the PCs' exploits as a documentary with their camcorder.  So, the second half of the session was expertly documented for posterity.  I wish we, the gamers, could actually see the footage they captured.

The PCs cleared the entire first floor and then a cave or two on level 2.  I had maps of Cremza'amirikza'am (the first three levels) printed and laminated for the event.  Those looked good, and the players appreciated the visual aid.  All combat was theater of the mind, though.

Also, I should mention, for every game, except for Alpha Blue, I used my laminated Crimson Escalation visual-aid tracker for extra crits.  As usual, Crimson Escalation favored the players, which they greatly enjoyed.

I've been running playtests of Cremza'amirikza'am on Roll20 for the last couple months prior to my Kickstarting Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows right now - please back it!  But what I came up with only a week ago in terms of puzzles had never been playtested.  

Turns out, what I wrote worked like a charm.  And led the player who successfully pulled a sword out of an effulgent indigo crack in reality to say that in all his life, he's never had a character wield a blade that powerful and awesome.

I won't go into any more detail other than to mention the nudist colony, empress trapped in ice, and Ta'arna on a mission of revenge.  All in all, Cremza'amirikza'am is coming along nicely.  I feel it's a solid mix of eldritch, gonzo, science-fantasy, and post-apocalypse... along with my trademark humor, sleaze, and pop-cultural references. 

Everyone said they had a good time, and I even got an email after the convention thanking me again for running that session.  I'll copy/paste it below...

Dear Vengar,

Thank you for running Cha’alt for us at GameHole Con, it was a great introduction to you as a person and what you value as a designer.

You’re absolutely right about the masks, issues of speaking volume, and noise. The noise got so bad by the end of the convention I was asking people to pull down their masks to speak (shockingly, nobody had a problem with this).

Things I loved

• Crimson Escalation was a great idea! Some kind of large red d20 that changes between rounds with the number you crit on would have been a good addition.
• I like how you brought up erotic things, but did it as a matter of genre, and kept the narrative moving along.
• You kept the story moving. I think we got more done in your game than any other con game I’ve ever been at.
• Giant Maps! Who doesn't love a giant map?

I don’t have a google account, so I couldn’t post this on your blog, but I thought it would be worth sending you anyway.

Sincerely,

—Colin

That getting more done is a testament to my laser-focus on one-shots over the last 5 years.  When these blog posts are done, I'll be turning my attention to One-Shots Like A Fucking Boss, as well as finishing up the megadungeon for Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows.

Thanks to Colin, the Cremza'amirikza'am players, and GameHole Con.  I'll try to get the next blog post out tomorrow.

VS

Kickstarting Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows

 

It's been a long time coming, but the wait if finally over...

Today, I launched my Kickstarter campaign for book 3 of the Cha'alt trilogy.  Here's the link.

If you're interested in eldritch, gonzo, science-fantasy, post-apocalyptic campaign setting, adventures, and a brand-new megadungeon, back Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows (and get the previous two luxurious hardcover books while you're at it).

As the last two installments, this cover art is also by Monstark.

I'm putting my nose to the grindstone for the next few months, attempting to squeeze every last bit of non-standard genius juice out my brain.  This might be my coolest project yet... we'll see.

Thanks,

VS

p.s. Hope to see some of you at Game Hole Con next weekend!

NFT, Blockchains, Cryptocurrency, and Cha'alt

 

Welcome to the very first crypto-campaign setting... CHA'ALT!!!

Since they're numbered and finite, the gorgeous hardcover books for both Cha'alt and Cha'alt: Fuchsia Malaise are already unique, non-fungible tokens [NFTs] on a Blockchain.  Basically, collector items that will appreciate in value over time.

But instead of opening up an Ethereum wallet in the real world, I've decided to create a highly lucrative cryptocurrency storage facility in the eldritch, gonzo, science-fantasy, post-apocalyptic world of Cha'alt.  Cryptocurrency, such as Ethereum, was introduced into Cha'alt's economy by the Federation.  Specifically, Federation outlaws and criminal organizations.  

Ethereum is traded throughout Cha'alt, above and below ground.  Currently, a signed and numbered hardcover Cha'alt book (either one) is worth 100 Ethereum or 100e.  At the moment, a single unit of Ethereum on Cha'alt is worth 93 talons (equal to 31 gold pieces or credits).  That's already a substantial amount, which is no surprise as the precious tomes have received their fair share of praise.

As the supply of books diminish, the value of Ethereum will increase - that's just basic economics.  The valuation formula is not open to the public, but investors can ask me about it privately: Venger.Satanis@yahoo.com

What can you do with the money?  Ethereum can be used to buy goods or services, like regular currency, not only on Cha'alt but all Federation controlled space.  Ethereum is tied to a real world individual (you), not Player-Characters.  That should be of particular interest to investors.

As a player, you can distribute Ethereum to one or more characters as you see fit via access crystal.  You receive 3 complimentary access crystals upon opening up your Ethereum account, which has automatically processed.  If you already own a hardcover Cha'alt book, then congratulations - you're already an investor!  

Ethereum is recorded at the Cryptocurrency Storage Facility in A'agrybah (I've heard rumors that a subterranean branch has already been approved in the dark-elf city Ba'al-Tan).  Your Ethereum is accessible in-game with an access crystal.  If an access crystal is lost or stolen, even if the character who owns the access crystal dies, your Ethereum is safe.  The amount of Ethereum you own fluctuates when authorized individuals make in-game purchases with the cryptocurrency.  

Purchases made with Ethereum are protected transdimensionally.  Let's say, you save up enough Ethereum to buy a starship so you can tool around the galaxy.  Even if that starship is blown-up in the campaign run by your current Game Master, the starship still exists somewhere in an alternate universe.  Given that there are nearly infinite dimensions, your starship should still be somewhere, even if finding its location may be a pain in the ass.  

Of course, the number of hardcover Cha'alt books owned also changes the amount of Ethereum in your account.  FYI, another Kickstarter, Cha'alt After Dark, is coming June 10th, followed by a Kickstarter for book III, Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows, in January 2022.

As stated, the value of Ethereum can fluctuate.  On the 1st of every month, I'll make a blog post reflecting Ethereum's current value.  Generally speaking, the more books sold, the higher its value.  Does that mean the remaining few books will increase in price?  Well, if a single tweet or abstract digital drawing can be auctioned off for millions of dollars, anything's possible.  

Months from now, I have no idea if the last dozen or so books will be sold for thousands of dollars or not, but the chances are good that prices could skyrocket, especially if the predicted hyperinflation comes to pass.

Last but not least, how do you order Cha'alt books?  Details right over here!

Happy speculating, hoss!!!

Venger As'Nas Satanis

High Priest of Kort'thalis Publishing

Cha'alt Book 3 next year?

 

Ok, so the first two Cha'alt books turned out great.  The Kickstarters were both successful, and the quality is off the charts!

Next year... yes, I'm talking about 2022, I'd like to Kickstart the third Cha'alt book.  To the right, you can see a quick concept sketch for the Cha'alt: Chartreuse Shadows cover art.  

It's a mish-mash of awesome stuff I've grown up with over the years... Beastmaster, Indiana Jones, Conan (sword), Lovecraftian tentacles, and hot fantasy ladies.  What do you think?

However, I've been reliably informed by my wife that until I get the 1,000 print run of Cha'alt: Fuchsia Malaise sold (200 of those already out the door), I can't move forward - except for commissioning the cover art, of course.

So, in the meantime, I'm launching an in-between Kickstarter to help sell Fuchsia Malaise books, as well as, one or more short PDF adventures set in the eldritch, gonzo, science-fantasy, post-apocalyptic campaign setting of Cha'alt.  The further we break stretch goal barriers, the more adventures will be released into backers' hands.

That KS has already been submitted for approval with a launch date of February 5th.  It'll run a full 30 days.  Should be pretty cool.  The more $ it makes, the better value backers will get.  I have many adventure ideas just waiting to be uncaged!

So, check back here for details.  If you have questions or suggestions, definitely let me know.

VS

p.s.  Why wait for the Kickstarter when you can order your luxury hardcover Cha'alt: Fuchsia Malaise right now!