Monte Cook's legendary Ptolus campaign setting, updated for Fifth Edition and the Cypher System.
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Grip of the Ebon Hand Unlocked! And Exciting Backer Level News!
over 6 years ago
– Sat, Feb 22, 2020 at 11:28:48 PM
Greetings, delver—
We have returned from our first foray up the Spire. It’s dangerous territory, but we came back alive and with our bounty: Grip of the Ebon Hand!
Grip of the Ebon Hand is an adventure by Monte that pits the PCs against a chaos cult, introducing the players to one of the many major conflicts that make Ptolus such a dynamic, hook-laden setting. Originally run as a Gen Con adventure when Ptolus launched, this adventure presents some of the original campaign PCs as playable characters. It will be released in PDF, and every backer at the RESIDENT level and higher will get it! That’s because. . . .
RESIDENT Backers Now Get PDF Stretch Goals!
We had previously committed to giving all PDF rewards to backers at the GUARD level and higher. Some backers pointed out, though, that if you’re a PDF user who’s already a loyal fan of Ptolus and have most or all of the older products, you’re probably backing at the VISITOR level. Making the $60 jump to GUARD is too much to ask for just the stretch goals (particularly if the Cypher System Rulebook holds little appeal to you). We want to recognize the loyalty of those fans and make it easier for them to get the stretch goals they want and deserve—and this makes RESIDENT an even better deal for those just looking for PDF rewards!
Print Stretch Goals Go to HERO Backers and Above
Likewise, the print stretch goals make the EMPEROR level a great deal. But it is also pricey, and it comes with extras that some backers don’t want—even if they’re an excellent value for the money. Some backers want access to just the book and its stretch goals, and that’s a reasonable ask.
We listened. (We always listen!) We sharpened our pencils, and went back to the drawing board. Ptolus is an expensive endeavor, but this campaign has been really successful so far, so that gives us a little leeway. We’re extending the print stretch goals down to the HERO level.
There’s one caveat: We’re specific about the term print stretch goal, as opposed to physical stretch goal. Print stretch goal, by and large, applies to anything that goes on a printing press. There may be other potential physical stretch goal items that will make great additions to the Ptolus line, but can only be offered as add-ons. We’ll be clear about that if or when such stretch goals come up.
Where to Next?
As we explained in our first update (and also on the Kickstarter page), as we unlock stretch goals we’re asking you to choose the directions in which we explore. To recap:
Roam the city to expand and improve the Ptolus book itself.
Delve into the dungeons to unearth related treasures—separate items that benefit your Ptolus game.
Or ascend the Spire to unlock entirely new content and products. But beware: the Spire is not for the meek. The further up the Spire we aim, the more experience we’ll need to gain in the other regions beforehand.
With each new stretch goal, we’ll open a survey to poll you, the backers, about this choice. The poll will be open for a limited time, after which we’ll tally the results and announce which way we’re headed—and what the next stretch goal will be.
Once we have those poll results, we’ll announce them on the Kickstarter page, so be sure to stop by and see what’s next. Whatever the result, we’ll unlock the stretch goal when we get to $440,000.
We can’t wait to see where you take us next!
We Are Headed Up the Spire. And the Next Stretch Goal Is. . .
over 6 years ago
– Wed, Feb 19, 2020 at 10:57:45 PM
Greetings, delver—
Voting for the next stretch goal has closed—thanks for helping us decide where to go next!
Following two excursions out into the city, and one down into the dungeon darkness, you have opted to head up the Spire! This bastion of evil literally looms over the streets below, portending who knows what future dangers. It’s in the Spire, though, that we uncover new content for Ptolus.
And here’s what waits for us there: A new adventure!
Grip of the EbonHand is an adventure by Monte that pits PCs (of about 5th level) against a chaos cult that’s been kidnapping young people and transforming them into . . . well, that’s probably saying too much. But perhaps we can say this: The fight against chaos is one of several major conflicts that make Ptolus a dynamic city, ripe for both urban and dungeon adventuring. There’s no shortage of hooks in Ptolus for building entire campaigns around! Originally run as a Gen Con adventure when Ptolus launched, this adventure presents some of the original campaign PCs as playable characters.
When we reach $380,000 (we’re a good chunk of the way there already!), we’ll include Grip of the Ebon Hand for both 5e and Cypher System. Every backer at the GUARD reward level and above will receive it in PDF.
The GM Screen Is Unlocked! Time for Another Stretch Goal!
over 6 years ago
– Wed, Feb 19, 2020 at 09:29:11 PM
Greetings, delver—
Our first foray into the dungeons beneath Ptolus has been successful. You’ve unlocked the GM screen!
(This is just a mockup. Final art may be different.)
We are now going to produce a high-quality GM screen filled with useful Ptolus-related GM info on one side, and fantastic Ptolus art on the other. This four-panel, landscape-format screen will be printed on nice, heavy board stock, making it sturdy as well as beautiful. It’s equally useful to GMs of 5e and the Cypher System.
The GM screen will also be available as a PDF. Every backer at the GUARD level and higher will get the GM screen in PDF as part of their rewards. Automagically. And here's some even better news: As we move forward and unlock other rewards in PDF, those backers (GUARD and above) will get those PDFs, too!
The GM screen in print is now available as an add-on. To get it, select the Manage Your Pledge button on the right-hand side of the Kickstarter page and increase your pledge by $18. After the campaign closes, we’ll be using a service called BackerKit to collect your information, and at that time you’ll specify what you’ve paid that extra $18 for.
It's also being added to the rewards at the EMPEROR level. All future physical rewards, unlocked via stretch goals, will also be added to this level.
Where to Next?
As we explained in our first update (and also on the Kickstarter page), as we unlock stretch goals we’re asking you to choose the directions in which we explore. To recap:
Roam the city to expand and improve the Ptolus book itself.
Delve into the dungeons to unearth related treasures—separate items that benefit your Ptolus game.
Or ascend the Spire to unlock entirely new content and products. But beware: the Spire is not for the meek. You’ll need to accumulate some experience in the other regions before attempting the Spire.
With each new stretch goal, we’ll open a survey to poll you, the backers, about this choice. The poll will be open for a limited time, after which we’ll tally the results and announce which way we’re headed—and what the next stretch goal will be.
Once we have those poll results, we’ll announce them on the Kickstarter page, so be sure to stop by and see what’s next. Whatever the result, we’ll unlock the stretch goal when we get to $380,000.
This is fun! We’re going to discover so much cool stuff!
Stretch Goal 2 Is Unlocked! What’s Next?
over 6 years ago
– Mon, Feb 17, 2020 at 10:15:03 PM
Greetings, delver—
You have roamed the streets of Ptolus and returned with another stretch goal! Again we upgrade Ptolus: Monte Cook’s City by the Spire, this time adding new handouts, props, and game aids to the materials included in the packet that’s bound into the book.
Where shall we go next?
As we explained in our first update (and also on the Kickstarter page), as we unlock stretch goals we’re asking you to choose the directions in which we explore. To recap:
Roam the city to expand and improve the Ptolus book itself.
Delve into the dungeons to unearth related treasures—separate items that benefit your Ptolus game.
Or ascend the Spire to unlock entirely new content and products. But beware: the Spire is not for the meek. You’ll need to accumulate some experience in the other regions before attempting the Spire.
With each new stretch goal, we’ll open a survey to poll you, the backers, about this choice. The poll will be open for a limited time, after which we’ll tally the results and announce which way we’re headed—and what the next stretch goal will be.
Once we have those poll results, we’ll announce them on the Kickstarter page, so be sure to stop by and see what’s next. Whatever the result, we’ll unlock the stretch goal when we get to $320,000.
We hope you’re enjoying this exploration of Ptolus as much as we are. Where will you lead us next?
Our First Stretch Goal Is Already Unlocked!
over 6 years ago
– Mon, Feb 17, 2020 at 09:55:57 PM
Greetings, delvers, and thank you so much for your enthusiastic support of Ptolus!
We have already unlocked the first stretch goal, which means, just hours into the campaign, we’re already making upgrades to Ptolus—even though it started out as a very premium product!
So let’s talk about what’s next.
As we explained in our first update (and also on the Kickstarter page), we are asking you to choose the directions in which we explore. To recap:
Roam the city to expand and improve the Ptolus book itself.
Delve into the dungeons to unearth related treasures.
Or ascend The Spire to unlock entirely new content and products. But beware: The Spire is not for the meek. You’ll need to accumulate some experience in the other regions before attempting The Spire.
With each new stretch goal, we’ll open a survey to poll you, the backers, about this choice. The poll will be open for a limited time, after which we’ll tally the results and announce which way we’re headed—and what the next stretch goal will be.
You can vote for this stretch goal now! Because the campaign is moving so quickly, this poll will only be open until 3:00 pm EST (noon PST).
Once we have those poll results, we’ll announce them on the Kickstarter page, so be sure to stop by and see what’s next. Whatever the result, we’ll unlock the stretch goal when we get to $240,000.
Our exploration of Ptolus begins now. We can’t wait to see where you lead us!
