Iconica Players Guild Update

We wanted to give you an update on our progress with IPG (Iconica Players Guild). In short, it's gonna be awesome. Since it's start in 2009, Iconica has gained the support of the indie gaming community and received critical acclaim for it's unique art style.

Our approach to table top card gaming has taken many by surprise. Iconica is like nothing many have played. The game is growing methodically, one expansion at a time. Each expansion adds new elements of strategy to the overall experience. We think Iconica has tons of potential due to one main fact: it's different.

If Iconica is different, why create a "fan club" when we can create a guild with purpose. Here are some things we think this guild should accomplish. Feel free to add your voice through comments.

1) IPG should be meaningful - We should have a mission. Guildmates should be part of a movement.

2) IPG should reward members - This means being part of IPG will give guildmates access to exclusive content, opportunities to collaborate on new Iconica characters and chances to increase their rank and priviledges within the guild by completing specific achievements.

3) IPG should not be free - "Free" carries the perception of "low value." Our supporters want great value. This means guild membership will mean an entry fee which will be used towards yearly tournament prizes and awards, guild patches and wearables, exclusive guild cards and other game expanding content.

These are just some of the things we've decided should be part of building a meaningful, active and desirable guild. Launch of IPG is scheduled for Q1 2012.

What are your thoughts? Please feel free to share them.

-Iconica Development Team

Iconica Series Two - UPDATE

Over the past several months we've changed some of the direction we're taking for Iconica Series Two, so this post is an update to previous information I've posted here back in May of 2010.

Iconica Series Two - Sanctum

The first Iconica set was named Prelude, after my first book. As announced in May of 2010, the next Iconica series will indeed be named Sanctum.

Those of you familiar with the stories set within Rynaga may be wondering: "Why is this series named Sanctum?" Well, here's some general backstory for you.

After realizing the dangerous course of action taken by the Sarion government against the native peoples of Rynaga, a large group of Sarion citizens separate themselves from their ruling parties and the Legion agenda. In doing so these rebels are banished and put under penalty of death should they be found roaming Sarion lands.

While resolute in their decision to abandon their governments ideals, the exiles face much hardship. Families are separated, Sarion townships are thrown into chaos and city states suffer economically. As a show of solidarity and rebirth, these former Sarion citizens - made up of farmers, merchants, freelancers, soldiers and even ruling officials - rename themselves Saraja, which loosely translates to "a people remade" in the ancient Dahrian language.

After some time existing as a nomadic people, the Saraja settle within a region of Veratar they come to refer to as Sanctum. Here they cultivate good relationships with the native peoples and gain the trust of their neighbors. Eventually, the lands of Sanctum commit themselves to an alliance with the Protectorate states, putting them on a collision course with the ideals of their former kinsmen.

Development Updates for Series Two

Previously, it was thought that the archetypical Saraja protector might be called a Knight. Yet, after further consideration this approach seemed too plain and too predictable. Where possible, we want to infuse unique sounding characters into our stories. So based on the world lore and back story content, we've decided to create a new archetype called the Haladron.

Haladron are armored fighters which patrol the lands of Sanctum. There are several different types of Haladron and they're comprised of both men and women. While it is possible for anyone to become part of a Haladron fellowship, admittance is granted only after candidates complete three quests. (More about this another time.)

Back in May 2010, I had announced that Sanctum would be a new Faction. This direction has also changed. Sanctum affiliated characters will be part of the Protectorate Faction. This is more in line with the world lore and helps maintain a good balance between factions as the game grows.

Release Information

Iconica Series Two is more than halfway done in terms of content creation and I plan to have all of the cards done by the end of Winter. 

I plan to release the complete Iconica Series Two at this years Phoenix Comicon in May. Here are the different ways you'll be able to aquire the new characters:

New Iconica Starter Set - A new Iconica Starter Set with six new cards from the Sanctum series will be released. This will give newcomers to the game an opportunity to experience the game on a smaller scale, just like the Prelude Starter did. (The six character cards in the previous Prelude Starter Set will be available for individual purchase once series two is released.)

New Iconica Series Two Boxed Set - A new boxed set for Iconica Series Two will be released. There will be a price break over buying each card individually.

Individual Iconica Cards - Each card in series one and series two will be available for individual purchase. In addition, there will be other cards released which are not part of boxed sets. In fact, they are not numbered as part of a series and are released randomly.

Let me know if you have any questions. Check back again this week for the lineup of series two characters! If you have not yet, consider following Rynaga on Twitter. I send out alerts via Twitter letting followers know when new information is released.

As always, thanks so much for your support!

-Safe travels!

Announcing Iconica Series Two

I wanted to take a few moments to outline my plans for Iconica Series Two, which will be called the Sanctum Series. 

Wrapping up the Prelude Series

The first series of Iconica game cards was named after my first book, Prelude. This is because several of the characters in this series are referred to in my book. The book also served as an introduction to the World of Rynaga, while Iconica was created to be a way for players to experience the people and places of this world while having a social experience.

The Iconica Prelude Series is due to wrap up this summer with a new Sentinel and two Special character types: the Brew Master and a mystery character that's not being announced just yet.

In the end this series will have 22 cards in all. It's completion will mark a milestone in the Rynaga project and I'll be celebrating by offering a boxed set which will include ALL of the cards in series one. Heck, I'll probably raise a pint or two in celebration as well!

Setting the stage for Series Two

As is outlined in the rules for Iconica, the Sarion are an antagonist race on Rynaga. They're busy working on a project they call Legion. The details of this project are not fully known, however, evidence concerning the purpose of the Legion initiative points to a sinister plot.

In view of this, a large group of Sarion citizens turn against their own government. They forfeit their citizenship and vow never to support Sarion tyranny. Led by a group of courageous leaders, a mass exodus takes place and thousands of rebels leave Sarion held lands, seeking asylum with the Protectorate. 

At first, the members of the Protectorate hesitate to welcome these rebel Sarion. They do not fully trust their motives. As a show of solidarity and rebirth as a people, the Sarion rebels name themselves Saraja, which means "a people remade." The Saraja eventually gain not only the support of the Protectorate peoples, but their respect as well.

After a long journey, the Saraja settle themselves and begin work on their first city, called Sanctum. From here, they begin living in harmony with the native races of Rynaga while defending those in need of protection, healing and respite from oppression.

Iconica Sanctum Series

Series Two will be characterized by several Sanctum characters and thus will be referred to as the Sanctum Series.

Some of the characters in this collection will include Knights, Dyads (not Dryads), Haladrons and Apothecarys. I'll have more information on these new characters later. 

The important thing to note is this: Sanctum will be a new Faction. Yup. Instead of three factions, Protectorate, Legion and Independent, there will now be four. The Sanctum faction may be partnered with Protectorate or Independent characters, but not Legion characters. Again, more information will follow.

Full speed ahead

By Phoenix Comicon 2011, I'd like to be finishing the Sanctum series and preparing to start the third. I'm so thankful for all the support Iconica has received so far. My goal is to continue creating an enjoyable fantasy-themed, indie-gaming experience that exists in it's own category, set apart from the norm yet approachable.

As for the future, I've raised the anchor, opened the sails and I've got my hands on the helm. Iconica is sailing full speed ahead on open waters with a clear direction. I hope you'll continue the journey with me. 

-Safe travels!

Iconica Series One - UPDATED Checklist

I've made some adjustments to the previous checklist I posted for Iconica. The reason I've changed the lineup a bit has to do with how series two will be themed. I'll have more info on this in my next post. 

The update to series one means there will be eight Protectorate characters, eight Legion characters and six Independent characters. 

Here's the new lineup for series one:

Iconica Series One (Prelude Series)

#001 - Featherune Sentinel - Comes with Starter Set
#002 - Karkalan Dreadnaut - Comes with Starter Set
#003 - Silentwood Hunter - Comes with Starter Set
#004 - Featherune Bow Maiden - Comes with Starter Set
#005 - Shadowhand Agent - Comes with Starter Set
#006 - Northern Rim Ranger - Comes with Starter Set
#007 - Kril Assassin - Available individually
#008 - Araylian Pathfinder - Available individually
#009 - Phaedran Sentinel - Available individually
#010 - Vanmark Nightwatcher - Available individually
#011 - Black Door Shrieve - Available individually
#012 - Symetran Songsayer - Available individually
#013 - Drakhan Raider - Available individually
#014 - Thornholde Sentinel - In development
#015 - Greystalk Vaygr Slayer - Available individually
#016 - Karmethian Chemist - Available individually
#017 - Blue Hollow Avenir - Available individually
#018 - Vanessian Paragon - Available individually
#019 - Lunaen Masquer - Available individually
#020 - Ithilian Cipher - Available individually
#021 - Hirojan Brew Master - In development
#022 - ??? - In development 

The Paragon and Cipher will debut at Phoenix Comicon this year! Stop by, introduce yourself and take a look at the new additions. (These two new cards will be available at my Etsy shop starting 5/31/10.)

The Thornholde Sentinel, Brew Master and Mystery card (#22) will be released within the next few weeks. Once they're released, it's on to series two. 

Safe travels!

Iconica Game Night

I'm excited to announce the beginning of an ongoing series of Iconica gaming events, called Iconica Game Night. I'll be partnering with several local establishments around the valley to deliver what I hope to be a fun experience for us.

For those who may not know, Iconica is an indie card game featuring characters from the World of Rynaga, a fictional world of my own creation.

I had the privilege of being featured on Wired.com's GeekDad Blog. Take a look at this review of the game on Wired.com. Here's an interview I did as well for Wired.

"I can't overemphasize how impressed I am with the quality of the game, both the appearance and the actual gameplay." 

-Jonathan Liu, GeekDad Blog/Wired.com

How Game Night Works

Meet me at the location announced. Grab a treat, take a seat and challenge me to a quick game of Iconica. (We'll each choose one character and face off against each other.) If you defeat me, you'll win a unique Iconica character card. If I win, that's when I practice my diabolical laugh: Muahahahahahhaha! It's all in good fun, and hey, you'll still win something for playing. 

Are you game?

First Stop: Blueberry Deluxe

Jessica at Blueberry Deluxe Boutique is a friend I made through Etsy. Her shop features vintage clothing, art and accessories. She named her shop after her Pug Blueberry.

So here's the address:

Blueberry Deluxe

702 W. Montecito

Phoenix, AZ 85013
602.717.8376

I'll be there on Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. We'll have homemade treats on hand as well as cool summertime drinks. I'll have books, prints and Iconica game sets available too.

Over the coming days I'll be announcing new locations, dates and times. In the end, Iconica is really about bringing people together. I look forward to sharing some time with you. Thanks for your support!


-Safe travels!

New Iconica Character Releases

Ok, printer stuff is out of the way and I'm moving on! On or before Monday, April 19th at 7pm, the following three characters will be available from my Etsy Shop:

1. Greystalk Vaygr Slayer
2. Lunaen Masquer
3. Drakhan Raider
4. Araylian Pathfinder

These characters hail from the eastern regions of Veratar. All three of these characters are aligned with the Legion, which serves to balance out the available selection between Protectorate and Legion a bit more.

Safe travels!

Iconica Series One - Character Checklist

I recently received a request from an Iconica player (Thanks Wayne!) to post a checklist for Iconica Series One Charcter Cards. I thought "Hey, now that's a pretty good idea." So, here it is.

Iconica Series One (Prelude Series)

#001 - Featherune Sentinel - Comes with Starter Set
#002 - Karkalan Dreadnaut - Comes with Starter Set
#003 - Silentwood Hunter - Comes with Starter Set
#004 - Featherune Bow Maiden - Comes with Starter Set
#005 - Shadowhand Agent - Comes with Starter Set
#006 - Northern Rim Ranger - Comes with Starter Set
#007 - Kril Assassin - Comes with Prelude book exclusively
#008 - Araylian Pathfinder - Available individually
#009 - Phaedran Sentinel - Available individually
#010 - Vanmark Nightwatcher - Available individually
#011 - Black Door Shrieve - Available individually
#012 - Symetran Songsayer - Available individually
#013 - Drakhan Raider - Available individually
#014 - Sanctum Knight - In development
#015 - Greystalk Vaygr Slayer - Available individually
#016 - Karmethian Chemist - Available individually
#017 - Blue Hollow Avenir - Available individually
#018 - Vanessian Paragon - In development
#019 - Lunaen Masquer - Available individually
#020 - Ithilian Cipher - In development
#021 - Hirojan Brew Master - In development
#022 - Thornholde Sentinel - In development
#023 - Tanglewood Survivalist - In development

Four characters are due to be put into circulation within the next two weeks so watch for updates to this list. Can't wait to share!

Safe travels!

Preview - New Iconica Cards

I'm getting ready to release three new Iconica cards so I thought I'd post a preview featuring the new characters. This post may answer some of your initial questions about the cards, but be sure to email me if you have more questions. These three cards are due for release this April.

Description

Masquers are celebrated performers of Sarion lore. Often found traveling with theatrical productions, the Masquer is a passionate story-teller, exquisite dancer and skilled acrobat. Masquers have a talent for mesmerizing their audiences, leaving onlookers in a state of wonderment that is not easily broken.

Skills

The Lunaen Masquer possesses Clarity and Evasion, making her resistant to Blind and Stun. She also has a Parry tile for blocking damage and a Reaction tile that deals 10 damage back to any attacker. While she is a Disruptive Class character, she is capable of healing herself to a small degree.

Action Style

Look for this Masquer to deal out lots of Status Effects, primarily Confusion. She also has the ability to use Actions from opposing characters. If you want a character that will complicate your opponents decisions, she's the one.

Description

Raiders work on the fringe of Sarion lands. Much of their time is spent harassing traveling merchants in search of valuable goods and resources to loot. They abduct dignitaries, politicians and members of royalty whenever they can. Raiders are in the business of holding others for ransom and business is booming.

Skills

Raiders are masters of Evasion. In fact seven of their 17 Health Meter tiles are geared towards avoiding Stun. In addition, Raiders have a Reaction damage potential of 50 points.

Action Style

The Drakhan Raider is well-suited to dealing out damage and has an ability that removes negative status effects from his allies. He also has an Action called "Ransom" which prevents three opposing characters from using any #6 Actions until they roll doubles.

Description

The misty region known as Greystalk is home to a high concentration of Vaygr; powerful, intelligent, and carnivorous beasts that consistently threaten Sarion citizens. Hunters of this realm specialize in suppressing the Vaygr threat. Without Slayers, Sarion towns would be overrun with these beasts.

Skills

The Vaygr Slayer is a survivor. He has a good amount of health and uses Parry tiles to block incoming damage. He also carries an herb called Lilander with him, which comes in handy for healing.

Action Style

The more damage this Slayer receives, the more damage he is capable of delivering. His Actions are geared towards endurance and adaptability throughout all stages of the game. He may not deal great amounts of damage early on, but he's a great game closer.

I'm excited about these new cards and I can't wait to share more with you in the coming weeks.

-Safe travels