Colonial Gothic RPG

What’s Coming, What’s Next, and What’s Almost Here
11 months ago – Wed, May 07, 2025 at 04:35:20 AM

It’s been a while since I’ve shared an update, so here’s a clear look at where everything stands—and where we’re heading.  

As of today, the Rulebook is still en route to the U.S. by boat. I’m waiting for confirmation from the printer regarding the exact status of the shipment. As soon as I hear more, I’ll let you know.  
Once the books arrive and fulfillment begins, both the Rulebook and Guidebook will go live for public sale.  

The PDF of the Guidebook should be in your hands by this weekend. I caught a few last-minute errors and made final adjustments. Once I’m satisfied with the final polish, the PDF will be released. When I receive word that your rewards are shipping, I’ll also send out the at-cost print code for the Guidebook. 

Behind the scenes, I have at least two supplements in development. One is substantial and will likely be divided into smaller volumes. The other continues directly from the Guidebook and builds on its content. I’m also developing a few standalone mini-releases—concepts that don’t quite fit within the larger projects but still deserve their spotlight. These will roll out as focused, downloadable PDFs and chapbooks.  

Looking further ahead, I’ve started assembling the manuscript for a new title: War. This book focuses entirely on the American Revolution, covering every major battle and including complete rules for naval engagements, skirmishes, and large-scale conflicts using the 12° System. 

I’m also considering a revised edition of the Atlas, with expanded coverage of New Spain. If time permits, I’d love to develop a small supplement focused on New Orleans—but that’s currently on hold.  

Finally, I’m actively writing the first three adventures in the long-anticipated campaign. Since I cannot use the original title, Flames of Freedom, due to brand confusion, the campaign now carries a new name: Occam's Razor. The first third of the campaign, Hear the Drums of War, drops you into the early days of the conflict and sets the stage for something much larger. These three adventures form the opening act of a full campaign arc. I may launch a separate Kickstarter once all three manuscripts are finalized and ready for the final edit and art

There’s a lot in motion. A lot completed. And even more still forming. Unlike past editions, I’m committed to launching  Fourth Edition with strong, ongoing support—and this is just the beginning.  

Thank you for your trust, your patience, and your continued enthusiasm. We’re just getting started.

Anchors away! ⚓️⛴️
11 months ago – Fri, Apr 25, 2025 at 03:44:36 AM

Subject? Yes, that should be the update.

The boat left Shanghai last week and, according to the printer, might arrive in the US 5-6 weeks later. After it arrives, and hopefully there are no hiccups, the books will be sent to the warehouse via FedEx, and your order will begin to be assembled.

I am finally relaxing. I will not fully relax until the books and dice are in your hands.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

You should have the Rulebook PDF now—check your inbox!
11 months ago – Tue, Apr 22, 2025 at 03:34:25 AM

This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.

Well...we're done.
12 months ago – Fri, Apr 11, 2025 at 05:39:49 AM

Almost.

I got an email yesterday, and it was a video.

There we have it—the finished book.

So now what?

Get it shipped out.

The book is real, everyone.

Hey, let's talk tariffs
12 months ago – Thu, Apr 10, 2025 at 04:43:52 AM

There’s been a lot of news since the last update—especially around tariffs.

So, tariffs. They’re a mess—a constant source of stress. Every day, something changes. And more often than not, it’s not good news. We—not just the industry, but people like you and me—are trying to make sense of what is and isn’t covered under these new rules. But let’s be honest: most of us aren’t focused on the big picture. We care about the things that affect us directly.

For me, the big question was simple:

Does this affect Rogue Games? Does it affect this project?

The answer?

No.

Maybe.

Not yet.

In the past, I was a law librarian for a few major firms. One of my specialties was the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations and policy—stuff most people never read unless they absolutely have to. So, while I’ve been dealing with my health (and a lot of other things), I went back to what I know best: research.

Are Books Subject to Section 301 Tariffs?

Books and Section 301 Tariffs: Understanding the Current Status

Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 gives the United States Trade Representative (USTR) the authority to investigate and respond to unfair trade practices by other countries. Since 2018, this provision has imposed tariffs on various goods imported from China. While books are not specifically mentioned in the law, their tariff status depends on how they are classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the actions taken by the USTR.

HTSUS Classifications for Books

Books typically fall under the following HTSUS subheadings:

• 4901.10.0000 – Single-sheet printed matter
• 4901.99.0010 – Textbooks
• 4901.99.0093 – Other printed books, including brochures and similar materials

Most hardcover books—whether for general reading, education, or gaming (such as roleplaying books)—are classified under 4901.99.0093.

In 2019, this specific code was included in List 4A of Section 301 tariff actions, initially subjecting it to additional import duties. However, following feedback from industry stakeholders, the USTR granted exclusions for some items under this code, including certain Chinese-language books. These exclusions were first announced on June 12, 2020, and have since been extended.

Current Tariff Status (as of April 2025)

As of the latest update, printed books under HTSUS 4901.99.0093 remain excluded from Section 301 tariffs, with the current exemption extended through May 31, 2025. The other codes—4901.10.0000 and 4901.99.0010—have not been included in any of the tariff lists (Lists 1 through 4A) and, therefore, have not been subject to Section 301 duties.

This means that most books imported from China, including hardcover books, textbooks, and single-sheet printed materials, are not currently subject to additional tariffs under Section 301. However, the situation remains fluid, and these exclusions are time-limited.

So, does this affect this project?

As of now, no.

The books are at the printer and on track to go to press. So far, I haven’t heard anything different. When I do, you’ll be the first to know.

What happens if things change?

Then things change. I’m not going to stress about the what-ifs. I’m focused on the what-now.