THE BOOK

The howl of the chimeras book is a deluxe hardcover edition with gold-foil motifs.

220 pages printed in high-quality paper, full-color edition, letter format.

This mysterious and terrifying scenario contains everything the Keeper needs to play an unforgettable experience.

• Complete background of the Dewar mansion and its surroundings.
• Stats and background of the investigators, specially designed with plot hooks.
• A complete main plot of the scenario with a semi-sandbox development, detailed descriptions of each chapter, section and plot events.
• Multitude of events and their triggers, which allow you to gamemaster the scenario again but playing a different development.  
• Full description, role in the plot and possible events for the 40 locations in the Dewar mansion and 16 locations in the Laird's lands.
• More than 23 NPCs with detailed information on their roles, threat level and how to play them. This includes special tips for roleplaying Lord Deward and NPCs.
• Hints and tips for introducing and running the scenario, managing the clues and the plot.
• A helpful section with conversation topics to use with the interactions between the non-player characters and the characters.
• 10 sets of very useful full-color game aids, such as stunning 3D view floor plans of the mansion, posters, letters, excerpts, notes, book pages.

INCLUDES SCENARIO BOOK AND HANDOUT PDF!

The Deluxe bundle includes the three full-color foldable booklet (printed) of the Investigators with:

• The Investigator character sheet.
• Character illustration.
• Character background with plot hooks.

Specially created for this scenario! These pregen characters are not random investigators. Their backstories are tied to the scenario in a relevant way. We should say no more (risk of spoilers).

Note: The Investigators stats, illustrations and backgrounds are also inside the book.

GAME HANDOUTS

You asked for visual and immersive gaming aids for NPCs, high-quality handouts, period documents, pregen characters tied to the story, maps... so you have them! 

If you’re a Keeper that want to enhance your game experience, the Deluxe bundle is what you need. All the full-color game handouts contained in the book but printed… plus a surprise:

• Three Investigator character sheets (letter size).
• 2 posters (letter).
• 2 handwritten letters (letter).
• 1 Sketch with notes (letter).
• 3 book excerpts (landscape open book view) (letter).
• The lands of the Laird map (letter).
• The Dewar Mansion’s floor plans (double-sided A3 booklets).
• 27 NPC cards, ready to be cut and used on the table (printed in letter).

Don’t miss them. Only available in the Deluxe bundle!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Albert Estrada discovered role-playing games through the books “Elige tu propia aventura" (Choose your own adventure) by Timun Mas and started with the classic “The Lord of the Rings (MERP)” by Iron Crown Enterprises published in Spain by Joc Internacional. He is more a fan of science fiction than horror or medieval fantasy. He has been playing role-playing games for more than thirty years and has embarked on all kinds of projects related to his passion, such as the YouTube channel of role-playing theory “Culpa del rol” or the international contest of game directors Portal Awards. He has collaborated in role-playing radio programs such as “Rol Fiction” and in several gamification congresses sponsored by the University of Rey Juan Carlos I. He has collaborated in the organization of several live role-playing events and is also part of the association “Creacions Enigmàtiques” whose raison d'être is to bring role-playing games to the geek days of Catalonia. He has published several works, between role-playing games and adventures, such as “Al Límite RPG” (HT Publishers) or “El Secreto de los Nimblekins” (Nosolorol) as well as free material in electronic format such as the role-playing games “Algo que contar”, “Powered by the zombie apocalypse” or “Vieja Escoba”; the adventures for Karma the Roleplaying Game “Flores de algodón” and “El Exiliado Alemán” and modules such as “El Rey, los capones y la virgen de la campana” (winner of the An Adventure for Roach & Role 2018 Contest), “La Caída” (supplement for “Al límite RPG”), “Ventana de Oportunidad” or “El Colapso”. His Magnum Opus - the “Portal” Roleplaying rules system - is still simmering, although a beta version is available online. He has passed on his passion for role-playing to his daughter, who, he confesses, is going to make the hobby boring.

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SHIPPING SCHEDULE AND COSTS

The howl of the chimeras has been already published and played in Spain with a very successful deluxe edition. The translation is currently being made by a reliable native translator, so as soon as we receive the translated and corrected manuscript, layout and final edition will be done, and production will start.

• Early access to the PDF: December 2024.
• Estimated shipping start date: February 2025.

RISKS AND CHALLENGES

Regarding the process and publication risks.

Publishing a tabletop role-playing game is not an easy process. Throughout its development and production there are a variety of moments when errors can occur. However, this project is, in many ways, a “no risk pre-order”. The reasons:

• The howl of the chimeras has already been published in Spanish. No testing, design or primary editing is needed.
• Illustration is completed, and layout template is waiting for the English translation.
• Translation has already started.
• The howl of the chimeras will be available in stores later (after pre-orders will be delivered). This means that the production of this deluxe edition is 100% sure.

At Shadowlands Games we are committed to seriousness and loyalty in the fulfilment of all our projects, including both in quality and production. This will has led us to publish successfully all our projects for more than 5 years (licensed and self-produced), through pre-sale and crowdfunding campaigns. To date, we published more than 60 games and supplements only in Spain. Now it's time to take the great talent of our authors internationally and expand our market.

All of our books go through a meticulous editing and production process to minimize errors, problems and delays. These are the steps:

1. Pre-production. We carried out important design and editing work to advance the launch of the pre-order on our website. This includes having the game materials, layout, edition and artwork 100% completed. The remaining effort is for the translation and final corrections and layout. Translation is at 20% at the opening of the pre-order, and continues working during and after the campaign until the final product is obtained.
2. Quotes and production agreements. Previously to the campaign launch, we managed everything with printers and manufacturers to get everything ready. As soon as we receive the funds, green light to production!
3. Shipping. This step is complex, but we prepare and manage it in advance with companies specialized in international management and logistics to be able to send a large number of orders in a short time.
4. To all of the above, we add our firm commitment to transparency and communication with backers and customers. We will assist you before, during and after the project to respond to your questions, suggestions and comments through email, our social networks or our website/email.

With your pre-orders, you not only get a discount, also get our sincere gratitude for all your trust and support. Thank you!