The City of Sands adventure module starts where the Domes of Ishaq-Zahur leaves off, sending a party of heroes from the peril of the desert tombs to the streets of the sandy metropolis, Archensheen. There the players will find themselves caught in the middle of a fierce struggle for political power and ancient artifacts as factions from all across the city vie for control of relics from the Nartheneen's glory days. Choosing a side may make more enemies than it does friends, but can the heroes survive if they choose to stand alone?
Latest Updates from Our Project:
By Popular Demand - New Rewards!
about 7 years ago
– Fri, Feb 17, 2017 at 04:53:32 PM
Thanks to everyone for your support thus far! My apologies in advance for a text-heavy update here, but there are a few items to address we just don't have pictures for ;)
New Rewards (Print Copies & Previous Modules)
With some great comments and understandable confusion, we've decided to implement some new rewards allowing easy-access to both print copies during the Kickstarter campaign (rather than after it), and the previous module in the series, Domes of Ishaq-Zahur, for those who haven't already picked it up. As such, you'll notice five new reward tiers available which cover the new options!
City of Sands - Print Package ($22 + Shipping)
This includes the digital PDF *and* a printed softcover copy of City of Sands. We'll be sorting shipping through Backerkit, so you won't need to add to your pledge to cover shipping until after the campaign.
Newcomer - Digital Package ($30)
This includes the digital PDF of both the City of Sands module and its predecessor, Domes of Ishaq-Zahur. The latter will be delivered immediately after the Kickstarter funds, the former when we finish the module.
City of Sands - Complete Package ($37 + Shipping)
This tier includes the digital PDF of City of Sands, as well as the digital assets (maps, music, tokens, objects), and the printed softcover of the module. Again, shipping will be collected later.
Newcomer - Print Package ($45 + Shipping)
This includes the digital PDF and printed softcover of both the City of Sands module and its predecessor, Domes of Ishaq-Zahur. The digital copy of Domes of Ishaq-Zahur will be delivered immediately after the Kickstarter, the prints will ship together when City of Sands is completed.
Newcomer - Complete Package ($75 + Shipping)
Everything. This includes the printed copies of City of Sands and Domes of Ishaq-Zahur as well as digital PDF copies of both modules and all digital assets for both modules (maps, music, tokens, objects). Similar details regarding the delivery dates on these and shipping costs.
Backerkit
For everyone who has already backed (or wants to wait until after the campaign), everything is still going to be available through Backerkit. If you'd rather grab your print copies then, they'll still be there for $10 a copy.
Similarly, you can pick up digital assets (creatures, maps, music, objects) from both modules through Backerkit.
An Eye to the Future
Thanks to the feedback, we'll be launching future modules in the series under a similar model, including both the print copies and copies of previous versions. The 'Newcomer' rewards will grow a little with each future Kickstarter for this series, covering both the current module and all previous ones.
We're splitting forces this weekend, attending Strategicon's OrcCon convention in Los Angeles and DunDraCon convention in San Ramon, and will be talking up City of Sands at both venues! If you're in the area, stop by!
That's all for now - keep sharing the City of Sands Kickstarter and we'll push through and get this funded!
Best,
Jon Kelly - The 2CGaming Team
50% Funded!
about 7 years ago
– Sun, Feb 12, 2017 at 03:53:58 PM
The big five-zero! Thank you for your generous support, and for spreading the word about this project! To celebrate, here's another illustration by the talented Jason Strutz, and another look at the inner workings of Archensheen!
The Djinn Assassin
WIP Sketch of the Djinn Assassin by Jason Strutz
Rumors abound in Archensheen of a noble house that has managed to bind a Djinn to their service. Many claim that House Quintar is behind the mysterious entity's latest killings, but there has yet to be definitive proof. With the lamp that holds the genie so easily concealed, its carrier can skulk through the streets of Archensheen undetected, until they find their prey...
Finished Illustration of the Djinn Assassin by Jason Strutz
Armed with a magical blade, potent spells, and the cunning Djinn are famous for, the assassin is a deadly foe indeed. None have yet crossed its path and lived to tell the tale. Will your players defeat this formidable adversary, or will they acquire its lamp and gain the aid of the Djinn? He makes a powerful ally, but without binding magic to guarantee his loyalty, trusting him may be their last mistake.
Thank you again for all of your support, and please keep spreading the word about this project! I hope you're enjoying these peaks behind the scenes at the world of Archensheen, and I'm looking forward to sending out more of them as we continue to hit milestones along the way to fully funding City of Sands!
Best,
Jon Kelly - 2CGaming Team
100 Backers!
about 7 years ago
– Mon, Feb 06, 2017 at 10:01:22 PM
The big one hundred! Thank you so much for your support so far, we couldn't do it without you! Work on the module is proceeding steadily, and we've got some art to show off! Jason Strutz has been hard at work creating some of his amazing illustrations to help bring Archensheen to life.
The Wyverns
Initial Sketch of a Wyvern Duel by Jason Strutz
Disputes between the Noble Houses of Archensheen are often settled by duels between their champions, but horses are a poor choice of steed in a desert. Wyvern breeding is a well refined art in the City of Sands, and the beasts are worth more than their riders! Duels are fought 'til first blood is drawn from the rider. Injuring an opponent's wyvern during a duel causes an immediate forfeit, while killing the rider merely gets a slap on the wrist.
The Finished Wyvern Duel by Jason Strutz
Most of the Noble Houses have just a single wyvern, if that. Larger factions like House Quintar might have two, and only the wealthiest elite in the city can claim three wyverns to their name. The Ruling Council of Archensheen strictly regulates the breeding of wyverns, but that doesn't stop the Thieves' Guild from occasionally snatching eggs from a breeder's lockbox.
Your players will certainly witness a few wyvern duels during their time in Archensheen, and depending on where they put their loyalties, they may be called to mount up and take to the skies themselves to defend their honor! And if they really play their cards right, they might get a wyvern of their own...
Thank you again for your support so far, and please keep spreading the word about this Kickstarter! We're still a young company, and posting on twitter, facebook, and just telling your friends about this project is incredibly helpful.
Best,
Jon Kelly - The 2CGaming Team
Two Days and 20% Funded!
about 7 years ago
– Sun, Feb 05, 2017 at 06:15:07 AM
Away We Go!
First off, we'd like to thank all the backers who've already pledged for this project! We're very excited to bring you the City of Sands module, and your support is greatly appreciated! We've reached 20% of our funding goal in under 48 hours, and that's awesome. Thank you! This update has some teaser details about the city of Archensheen, giving you a glimpse into the sunbaked world of intrigue your players are about to dive into!
Archensheen
Known for its University, its ever-shifting political landscape, and its opulent resorts, the City of Sands attracts both the rich and the destitute. The Noble Houses, united by the flimsiest shreds of loyalty, work to better their own interests beneath a veil of concern for the city. There is no standing army in Archensheen, the city is defended by mercenaries and adventurers who will raise the banner of any faction offering them enough coin. Even the High Priestess of the Wellspring Eternal is not above backstabbing a competitor or two. One doesn’t become High Priestess by accident. Fortunes are made and lost here. Keep your wits about you, and you might be one of the lucky ones.
The Imperial City of Bladewater, by John Stevenson
John Stevenson lends his artistic talent to the City of Sands module with an intricately-detailed map of Archensheen. For reference, we're using his previous work, the Imperial City of Bladewater, to get an idea of the level of detail and minutia associated with the city.
The Factions
The Factions of Archensheen (Titles currently placeholders)
The Guards: The few. The impatient. The unquestioned arbiters of justice. Endowed by the Ruling Council with absolute authority, most citizens do whatever they can to avoid provoking the guard.
The Merchants: A coalition of merchant barons and baronesses founded to give themselves lobbying power against the other factions of Archensheen, the Merchants care about their profits and little else.
House Quintar: Some say they are the rightful heirs of the Nartheneen empire. No evidence has yet been found to support that claim, and the current Lord and Lady of the house have done their best to distance the Quintar name from that particular rumor.
The Temple: The Wellspring Eternal is the only source of reliable, clean drinking water in Archensheen. Their fountains serve as central hubs in every single neighborhood of the city.
Mercenaries: Aside from the Ironwall Mercenaries who distinguished themselves in defending Archensheen from a Dunewyrm attack, most of the mercenary groups in Archensheen are faceless and indistinguishable.
Archensheen University: Archensheen began with its University. Founded to act as a base camp for expeditions into the deep desert, the University remains the foremost authority on the Nartheneen and a great repository of magical knowledge.
Thieves: Every city has a thieves’ guild. Big cities have bigger thieves’ guilds. Archensheen is a very big city, and a very rich one too. There's no shortage of thieves here.
And there we are! Update #1 - thanks for sticking through to the end here and again, for your support of the project! As always, let us know in the comments below (or via message) if there are any questions or thoughts!
