project-image

Dystopia Rising: Evolution Tabletop RPG

Created by Onyx Path Publishing

Help us create a traditionally printed, full color, hardcover game book and then get it into stores.

Latest Updates from Our Project:

May 2020 Status Update
almost 4 years ago – Mon, May 25, 2020 at 09:24:21 PM

Hey there, Kickstarter Community!

I'm sending out our May 2020 month end update a little early, 'cause it's jam-packed with stuff and I wanted to get it out to you asap!

Before we get to our regular reward summary and progress report, I wanted to highlight the launch of the Dystopia Rising: Evolution Community Content program. This is something that came about as a result of your support and is now open and ready for your participation.

Do you remember that Stretch Goal? One of the many we unlocked during the campaign! Well, that brings us to ...

Welcome to the StoryPath Nexus!

As a Storyguide for Dystopia Rising: Evolution, you might be looking for something new for your game. A new story, perhaps, or some new enemies to thwart the Player Characters in your next adventure. Or maybe you’ve come up with something amazing, and you want to share it with the world. The StoryPath Nexus can help!

The StoryPath Nexus is Onyx Path's imprint that allows you — the StoryPath community — to create and sell self-published material for Dystopia Rising: Evolution. You can offer your work for free, set a price, or make it pay-what-you-want. Onyx Path will give you some resources to help you out, and a marketplace for other Dystopia Rising: Evolution fans to use.

If you’re just a busy Guide who needs a little something extra, you’ll find ready-to-run adventures, along with enemies and non-player characters to menace your players with. You can also find new antagonists, equipment, and other resources. And that’s only the beginning!

How do I publish content for the StoryPath Nexus?

Your first step is to read the StoryPath Nexus Content Guidelines and the Frequently Asked Questions, to get a sense of what you can and can’t put up for sale. The creator resources include templates and artwork for you to use that meet our specifications for DR:E content.

After creating your content, go to your account page and look in the “My Content” section. You can use the “Add a new title” link after you agree to the Community Content Agreement.

Once content is published, it can be found with the rest of the StoryPath Nexus. You'll be able to check your sales history, view reviews, and check on book royalties using your Account page on DriveThruRPG. The My Money section of your Account page will allow you to withdraw royalties via PayPal.

The following content for Dystopia Rising: Evolution Community Content Creators is now available:

With the addition of Dystopia Rising: Evolution to the Storypath Nexus, I'm so excited to see what new things this community can come up with! Also - I'm ready to grab a bunch of new ideas for my game!!

REWARD TRACKING - Completed Rewards (Sent to Backers)

  • Redbubble T-shirt Link (Update #30, posted 11/01/18)
  • Dystopia Rising: Evolution Core Book Backer PDF (Update #41, posted 07/23/19)
  • Dystopia Rising: Jumpstart Backer PDF (Update #43, posted 09/24/19)
  • DR:E Reference Charts PDF (Update #44, posted 10/11/19)
  • DR:E Digital Wallpaper (Update #44, posted 10/11/19)
  • DR:E Threat Guide PDF  (Update #45, posted 10/23/19)
  • Dystopia Rising: Evolution Core Book Hardcover (Update #52, posted 2/19/20)
  • DR:E Reference Screen (Update #52, posted 2/19/20)
  • Creed Symbol Enamel Pin(s) (Update #52, posted 2/19/20)
  • Dystopia Rising: Evolution Print-On-Demand coupon (Update #55, posted 4/14/20)
  • Community Content Program (Update #57, posted 5/25/20)

REWARD TRACKING - PENDING

  • DR:E Fiction Anthology PDF

OK, we've still got that one last reward - the fiction anthology. But, I said this update was jam-packed, and I think I've still got some more jam here... so how about a little more information and a sneak peek!

The Dystopia Rising: Evolution Fiction Anthology will feature stories set in the exciting world of DR:E and have works from many awesome authors, including Joshua Doetsch, Gerald Coleman, Carina Bissett, Peter Woodworth, Caias Ward, Philippa Ballantine, Richard B. Wood, Michael Pucci, Catie Griffin, Jacqueline Hart, Nina Bellio, Shoshana Kessock, Jenn Tharp, Christine Beard, and more!

But that's not all for now... here's an Excerpt from

"We Were Something Once?" by Caias Ward

I’m cold. I’m naked. I shove through the walls, through the crystals embedded in the walls. I fall to the ground. A young girl, no more than twelve, silently hands me clothing. I slide them on. They are baggy and plain, but sturdy, as are the shoes. It’s dark here, outside the glow of the windup electric lamp someone holds in their hand, the light showing evil glares in the crystals on all the walls. It’s dark here, in my thoughts. The child helps me stand.

“Hello,” a woman’s voice says from behind a polished brass mask with a slit for a mouth and circles for eyes. The eyes are the blue of the sky and summer, the blinking lids flaked and dried. I’m looking at her, seeing my own face a rippled mirror reflection in the mask. Retrogrades pick their masks deliberately, and the Mütter, the Grave Robber of Philly Del Phia, was no exception. She wants people to see themselves; she said seeing yourself, knowing yourself, was the only way to be once you died.

I am Marla Winthrop, I say.

“I remember you,” she says. “Quiet Folk family, farmers to the north with the others. I spoke with your children.” She examines me, making sure I am a person, a strain of humanity, rather than a zombie with the appearance of me.

“What are your children’s names?” she asks me.

“Andre, nine. Sonya, four.”

“Emperor of Water Giraffe or WG Hoagie?” she quizzes me, her canvas and leather robes moving like an unstuffed scarecrow in the wind.

WG Hoagie, I say, remembering one of the stands has better food. She seems disappointed, but satisfied that I am not a zombie. She shines the light around, then to our feet. We’re in the Morgue, where the dead among us come back to life and Graverobbers perform miracles. It’s an oldcester operating theater, this Morgue, fungus and medical instruments and whispers I swear I can hear coming from the walls.

Who’s talking? I ask.

“Many people,” the Mütter says. “You are not trained to listen. Let us go. They are waiting outside.”

Who?

“The ones who care about you. We will exit through the gift shop.”

She hands me a bag. I take it and notice the veins in my wrist are green. She tells me it's the fungus which makes us all racing through me. It should fade in a few days, since this is my first death. Eventually, the fungus will overtake me, and I will be one of the undead. But not today. The bag has papers in it, notes on identity, how to reacquaint myself with people. I’m not much of a reader, but it’s written simply enough from what I can tell. Maybe it’s “Baby’s First Morgue Trip,” like the book we had on the ABCs from the oldcesters.

R is for Raider, who stabbed me in the heart.

“Marla?”

I jump. We aren’t in the Morgue anymore. I remember watching us walk out of the Morgue through swinging doors, through a shop of some gruesome kind, then to a gathering room. I was watching us on a sheet, like a Magic Lamp show. The Mütter opens the doors and gestures for me to walk out. I do, through stone pillars, through wrought-iron gates, holding my hand in front of my face from the bright light of the afternoon sun. I died in the morning. Hours passed since I died.

There are people standing and sitting, waiting for me. Some I do not recognize; for them, waiting is a courtesy, and they hope others would do the same should they pass through the Grave Mind. Others, I know in passing: the Brayers, the Merican family down the way from our farm. Still others are more known: Antony, wrapped in light-blocking robes, a Lascarian who speaks like rust and sings like angels; Sally Jane, a Merican, quiet for the first time in a long time, dressed in denim and flannel.

Then, there is my family. The man I remember is my husband steps close to me and stops for a moment before hugging me. The boy and the girl I remember are my children come to me, grab onto my waist and hip and leg, squeezing me and crying with wide Quiet Folk eyes. I hug them back, because it’s hard not to hug back when you feel you are being hugged.

I’m being hugged by strangers I feel like I have read about for years.

I'll post our list of delivered and pending rewards with each monthly update, so that we can track everything that's needed and keep on the same page. Also, feel free to check out Onyx Path's Monday Meeting Notes posts that I mentioned (linked here) which will give you a weekly status report on ALL of the projects Onyx Path has on the go (you may see spoilers for my monthly updates, or see what other kickstarter campaigns are currently running or about to launch).

TO CONTACT ME

  •  Via E-Mail: Onyx.Kickstarter [at] gmail.com
  •  Via Kickstarter: Click Richard Thomas under the "Created By" heading on the main page, and then press the "Contact Me" button - the message will come to me!
  •  Via BackerKit: Click "Need Help?" from your page, and then fill in the Contact Us form. BackerKit will pass your message along to me.

FINAL DAYS ON KICKSTARTER

Almost 20 Stretch Goals unlocked! Final 75 Hours!

COMING SOON TO KICKSTARTER

Grab your friends and escape to another world!

You've found an enchanted portal — a transition point — between worlds. The portal, called a Crossing, takes you to a world you thought only existed in novels and films: a magical land where dragons roam the skies, orcs and hobgoblins terrorize weary travelers, and unicorns prance through the forest. It is a world where humans join other peoples such as elves, trolls, dwarves, changelings, and the dreaded creatures who steal the night. It is a world of fantasy — of imagination.

It is the Realm.

It is Legendlore.

April 2020 Update
almost 4 years ago – Sat, May 02, 2020 at 07:24:51 AM

Hey there, Kickstarter Backers!

As we get closer and closer to the end of April, my pile of notes starts to form into some sort of messages... time for an update!

I can hear you, but can you hear me?

REWARD TRACKING - Completed Rewards (Sent to Backers)

  • Redbubble T-shirt Link (Update #30, posted 11/01/18)
  • Dystopia Rising: Evolution Core Book Backer PDF (Update #41, posted 07/23/19)
  • Dystopia Rising: Jumpstart Backer PDF (Update #43, posted 09/24/19)
  • DR:E Reference Charts PDF (Update #44, posted 10/11/19)
  • DR:E Digital Wallpaper (Update #44, posted 10/11/19)
  • DR:E Threat Guide PDF  (Update #45, posted 10/23/19)
  • Dystopia Rising: Evolution Core Book Hardcover (Update #52, posted 2/19/20)
  • DR:E Reference Screen (Update #52, posted 2/19/20)
  • Creed Symbol Enamel Pin(s) (Update #52, posted 2/19/20)
  • Dystopia Rising: Evolution Print-On-Demand coupon (Update #55, posted 4/14/20)

REWARD TRACKING - PENDING

  • DR:E Fiction Anthology PDF

And, just like that, we've got one final reward to go. It's still early early stages on that one, but I'll continue to track our status and follow up with Onyx Path as we work through this list.

I'll post our list of delivered and pending rewards with each monthly update, so that we can track everything that's needed and keep on the same page. Also, feel free to check out Onyx Path's Monday Meeting Notes posts that I mentioned (linked here) which will give you a weekly status report on ALL of the projects Onyx Path has on the go (you may see spoilers for my monthly updates, or see what other kickstarter campaigns are currently running or about to launch).

TO CONTACT ME

  • Via E-Mail: Onyx.Kickstarter [at] gmail.com
  • Via Kickstarter: Click Richard Thomas under the "Created By" heading on the main page, and then press the "Contact Me" button - the message will come to me!
  • Via BackerKit: Click "Need Help?" from your page, and then fill in the Contact Us form. BackerKit will pass your message along to me.

NOW ON KICKSTARTER

Welcome to the Future

As the third decade of the 21st century dawns, the Technocratic Union stands on the cutting edge of a future imperiled. As science and technology draw humanity closer than ever before, certain factions within the Masses display gross negligence, undermining the Union’s work and endangering the world for shortsighted gains. Despite global telecommunications, new frontiers in virtually every field of study, and an understanding of the universe only dreamed of by earlier generations, humanity faces threats on all sides.

Can You Save It?

Climate change threatens to destroy life as we know it. Religious fundamentalism breeds terror around the globe. Diseases, once eradicated in the developed world through vaccination, have returned due to antivaxxer movements. Totalitarian, nationalist governments rise as the Masses succumb to fear of the other. The world stands on the brink of destruction, and it is up to the agents and operatives of the Technocratic Union to save it…or be its ultimate destruction.

Technocracy Reloaded peels back the curtain and examines the role of the Technocracy in Mage 20th Anniversary Edition. The various Future Fates presented in Mage 20 are examined and this book introduces a few of its own. This book provides a detailed look at life within the Technocracy, expanded information on the Conventions, a wealth of equipment, Adjustments, and Procedures, a breakdown of the various shadow conspiracies and factions within the Technocratic Union, and tips for running your own Technocracy Chronicle.

NOW ON KICKSTARTER! CHECK IT OUT!

Reward Distribution: Discount Print-on-Demand Redemption Link
about 4 years ago – Wed, Apr 15, 2020 at 04:00:48 AM

Hello Kickstarter Backers,

Hopefully, most of you are able to use your time reading your new Dystopia Rising: Evolution book while we're managing through this global pandemic. 

Every day is casual Friday now...

REWARD DISTRIBUTION

OK, let's get back to a fun topic! With the books in your hands, it's time to launch the Print-on-Demand versions!

Print-On-Demand Coupon Reward Distribution

Pretty much everyone receiving this update should have the PDF already. If you haven't already downloaded, make sure to check for your redemption code in the BackerKit digital rewards locker. If you have downloaded the PDF previously, you will be able to download the latest version when you log in to your DrivethruRPG library.

Similarly, for those who were scheduled to receive the Print-On-Demand Coupon (check your rewards list if you're unsure), you should have a coupon link available in your BackerKit digital rewards locker for two different versions of the Print-On-Demand copies of this book.

You will receive an e-mail from BackerKit with a redemption link for the Dystopia Rising: Evolution "Near Cost" Print-on-Demand option today if it is on your expected list of rewards.

The easiest way to see if you've got digital downloads available is to login to your backerkit account: https://dystopia-rising-evolution.backerkit.com/backer/digital_rewards and it'll show anything available. Your backerkit account should also confirm all rewards that you should expect from your reward tier selected.

For those backers who did not pledge to a tier that included the hardcover, or those backers who might be looking for a second copy for the table, there are two different versions of Print-On-Demand options available.

Standard Color Heavyweight uses a thick 70# white paper which has better page opacity. (that's "70 pound" for reference, but does not mean each page weighs 70 lbs!).  Standard Heavyweight Color uses inkjet technology. (These are not the same inkjet printers you have at home - these are often as big or bigger than a car!) This option offers lower cost but the colors won't be as sharp or bright as a Premium Color book.

Premium Color Heavyweight uses the same 70# paper, but uses a digital offset press. This option offers superior color quality but is more expensive to produce.

I've told this story before, but it a cute anecdote of the difference in method: I have a friend with more than 20-years in the printing business, the kind of guy who smells the page to find out which ink was used and can tell the type of printer by touch. He's been very impressed with the Standard Heavyweight PoD productions I've received ("They've done a great job"), and is astounded by the quality of the Premium digital offset books I've ordered ("Really, really amazing quality!").

My suggestion: If you did not order the hardcover books and want a top-notch copy to collect, go with the Premium Heavyweight and you wont't be disappointed.

If you're ordering a second copy or mostly use your PDF away from the table, or want a really good copy that you can use frequently at the table, the Standard Heavyweight is up to the task!

(Remember to order via the coupon link in your BackerKit digital rewards locker, if you that was part of your rewards list! That link is your coupon and must be the first step in your PoD order.)

I'll be back at the end of the month to update our reward delivery status! Everyone stay safe and take care of yourselves. 

March 2020 Update
about 4 years ago – Sun, Mar 29, 2020 at 11:40:24 PM

Hello Kickstarter Backers,

As we hit the end of March, it's time for our regular Month End status update. Although, there's been nothing "regular" about the past month at all. I hope this update finds each of you as well as possible, and managing through this global transition. Transition into what, I'm not sure, but I'm hoping we end up understanding the importance of building and maintaining our communities, as felt throughout the Dystopia Rising: Evolution core book.

Social Distance James

REWARD TRACKING - Completed Rewards (Sent to Backers)

  • Redbubble T-shirt Link (Update #30, posted 11/01/18)
  • Dystopia Rising: Evolution Core Book Backer PDF (Update #41, posted 07/23/19)
  • Dystopia Rising: Jumpstart Backer PDF (Update #43, posted 09/24/19)
  • DR:E Reference Charts PDF (Update #44, posted 10/11/19)
  • DR:E Digital Wallpaper (Update #44, posted 10/11/19)
  • DR:E Threat Guide PDF  (Update #45, posted 10/23/19)
  • Dystopia Rising: Evolution Core Book Hardcover (Update #52, posted 2/19/20)
  • DR:E Reference Screen (Update #52, posted 2/19/20)
  • Creed Symbol Enamel Pin(s) (Update #52, posted 2/19/20)

REWARD TRACKING - PENDING

  • Dystopia Rising: Evolution Print-On-Demand coupon
  • DR:E Fiction Anthology PDF

We've got two final rewards pending. I know that the Onyx Path team is putting the finishing touches on the PDF and will soon have the final version posted on DriveThruRPG.com, where you'll be able to re-download to your digital library. Once that's set up, I'll have the discounted PoD redemption codes ready to go out, so another update coming before too long!

I'll post our list of delivered and pending rewards with each monthly update, so that we can track everything that's needed and keep on the same page. Also, feel free to check out Onyx Path's Monday Meeting Notes posts that I mentioned (linked here) which will give you a weekly status report on ALL of the projects Onyx Path has on the go (you may see spoilers for my monthly updates, or see what other kickstarter campaigns are currently running or about to launch).

TO CONTACT ME

  •  Via E-Mail: Onyx.Kickstarter [at] gmail.com
  •  Via Kickstarter: Click Richard Thomas under the "Created By" heading on the main page, and then press the "Contact Me" button - the message will come to me!
  •  Via BackerKit: Click "Need Help?" from your page, and then fill in the Contact Us form. BackerKit will pass your message along to me.

I do know that I've found myself with a little more time to consume some books and movies and TV and games. As a reminder, the opening chapter of the Dystopia Rising: Evolution book suggests the following list, if you're looking for ideas to keep busy:

ON SALE UNTIL MARCH 31ST

All Scion 2nd Edition, Trinity Continuum, and Scarred Lands (5e OGL and Pathfinder) PDFs are DriveThruRPG are 50% off for the rest of the month!

This sale includes StoryPath Nexus and Slarecian Vault Community Content PDFs!

Also on sale are Scarred Lands, Scion, and Trinity Continuum print books and dice via Indie Press Revolution and Studio 2 (Scarred Lands,
Scion, Trinity Continuum, Trinity Continuum: Æon)!

(New titles activated on or after March 25, are not included.)

Until next time, stay safe and be well.

February 2020 Update
about 4 years ago – Fri, Feb 28, 2020 at 10:05:08 AM

Hello Survivors!

I know it hasn't quite been 10 days since my last update, but I wanted to get our regular month end status report out to you so that we keep on schedule and on the same page.

And speaking of pages...

I haven't stopped flipping through this!

Hooray! My book delivered. And, from what I've seen online, many of your shipments have landed as well! That's excellent news. I've got a few loose ends and wayward shipments that I'm still following up on, but if you haven't received your book yet, make sure you check your tracking to watch as it works it's way to you.

You can get a refresher on how to check your tracking from our last update here <Link>.

If you have any issues with your delivery or your book, please get in touch with me. Contact info is listed later in this update.

REWARD TRACKING - Completed Rewards (Sent to Backers)

  • Redbubble T-shirt Link (Update #30, posted 11/01/18)
  • Dystopia Rising: Evolution Core Book Backer PDF (Update #41, posted 07/23/19)
  • Dystopia Rising: Jumpstart Backer PDF (Update #43, posted 09/24/19)
  • DR:E Reference Charts PDF (Update #44, posted 10/11/19)
  • DR:E Digital Wallpaper (Update #44, posted 10/11/19)
  • DR:E Threat Guide PDF  (Update #45, posted 10/23/19)
  • Dystopia Rising: Evolution Core Book Hardcover (Update #52, posted 2/19/20)
  • DR:E Reference Screen (Update #52, posted 2/19/20)
  • Creed Symbol Enamel Pin(s) (Update #52, posted 2/19/20)

REWARD TRACKING - PENDING

  • Dystopia Rising: Evolution Print-On-Demand coupon
  • DR:E Fiction Anthology PDF

We've got two final rewards pending. I know that the Onyx Path team is putting the finishing touches on the PDF and will soon have the final version posted on DriveThruRPG.com, where you'll be able to re-download to your digital library. Once that's set up, I'll have the discounted PoD redemption codes ready to go out, so another update coming before too long!

After that, we're just waiting on the Fiction Anthology. I haven't heard a status on that project yet - I believe it's still in the outlines and assignment phase - but I'll poke around and see what I can dig up.

I'll post our list of delivered and pending rewards with each monthly update, so that we can track everything that's needed and keep on the same page. Also, feel free to check out Onyx Path's Monday Meeting Notes posts that I mentioned (linked here) which will give you a weekly status report on ALL of the projects Onyx Path has on the go (you may see spoilers for my monthly updates, or see what other kickstarter campaigns are currently running or about to launch).

TO CONTACT ME

  • Via E-Mail: Onyx.Kickstarter [at] gmail.com
  • Via Kickstarter: Click Richard Thomas under the "Created By" heading on the main page, and then press the "Contact Me" button - the message will come to me!
  • Via BackerKit: Click "Need Help?" from your page, and then fill in the Contact Us form. BackerKit will pass your message along to me.
Dystopia James: Reading.

FINAL WEEK ON KICKSTARTER

FINAL WEEK - Check it out!

We're down to the last week of the Hunter: The Vigil Second Edition Kickstarter campaign, and heading towards 400% funding and lots of Stretch Goals already achieved! Folks seem really excited about how HtV has been brought into 2nd Edition Chronicles of Darkness, so c'mon and check it out if you haven't already!