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 - Updated Character List

On February 11th we released the initial take on the Iconica Series Two lineup. It's changed a bit. Here's the updated list:

#023 - Sanctum Haladron - (Variant 1)

#024 - Marconian Bard

#025 - Karmethian Nervapath

#026 - Sanctum Curic

#027 - Acasian Arc Warden

#028 - Tanglefern Dead Eye

#029 - Sanctum Haladron - (Variant 2)

#030 - Pykonian Dark Trader

#031 - Farpoint Mercenary

#032 - Dragathan Aeronaut

#033 - Sanctum Ranger

#034 - Tanglefern Venomist

#035 - Karkalan Nightstalker

#036 - Sunhold Mercenary

#037 - Acasian Arc Adept

#038 - Varthan Radia Hunter

#039 - Sanctum Lancer

#040 - Algadoni Mercenary

#041 - Sanctum Savant

#042 - Thorvald Anchor

#043 - Galaeon Spicer

#044 - Inkwater Mimic

Numbering System
This Iconica series will continue where it left off with card numbers 23 through 44. The mysterious Iconica X-Cards will be numbered in sequence as well, but will not be part of series two. They will be part of an ongoing "X-Series." (Hey, that makes sense.)

Character Names
Remember, the first name in a character name is where they hail from within the world. It may be little wordy but hey, these characters just want you to know where they're from. Our giant traveling map will help visualize their homelands even further. Be sure to get one when they're released in May.

Phoenix Comicon 2011
Iconica Series Two will be launched at this years Phoenix Comicon. Our booth is # 613. Come say hi. We can't wait to see all of you!

-Safe travels!

RinCon 2010

I want to thank everyone who came out to support our demos, tournaments and products at this years RinCon gaming event in Tucson. We had a wonderful time demoing games, talking about the world of Rynaga and most importantly, getting to know all of you a bit better.

Congrats to Melissa who was the winner of our first ever Iconica tournament. She was undefeated during demo play and went on to win three straight matches to be our tourney champion on Saturday!

Sunday was equally exciting when a challenger named Mark, new to Iconica, entered Sunday's tournament and won a close victory against runner up Scott. Their battle was one to remember.

A couple of comments we received really reinforced our belief that Iconica is something special in the gaming world:

"I've been gaming for 15 years and I can say Iconica is game that is not only different, but fun." -Chris

"You guys have created a game with so much potential. Keep doing what you're doing." -Ed

"The art style drew me in, the gameplay kept me playing." -Chrissy

Thanks again everyone! We're excited about what's coming and look for information on Iconica Scenario cards very soon.

-Safe travels!

RinCon AZ

This weekend we'll be in Tucson for RinCon!

The plan is to be running Iconica demos every hour on the hour and to also hold two small tournaments - one on Saturday and one Sunday morning. We'll also be testing some new elements of Iconica as well!

You can learn more about RinCon here. Hope to see you there.

-Safe travels!

Iconica Series Two Update

Work on Iconica series two continues and is coming along well. Initially, there were questions around whether or not to offer a new starter set and how this would impact the current card releases. We've answered these questions and I think we're on track now.

We're also working on increasing the RPG factor with this next series by introducing Scenario Cards. These cards will provide specific rules for an engagement and will activate new elements of the game.

Are you interested in an Iconica tournament? Well, we're continuing plans to start an annual tournament. However, we're trying to gauge interest and get feedback from players. Email me with any input or feel free to comment here.

I'll have more updates on this as we near our late summer / early fall release date. Thanks 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 Tip #2

Watch Your Tiles

During an Iconica game, it's important to observe what tile a character's damage marker lands on. If you're not paying attention, you're bound to miss an opportunity to prevent incoming damage, status effects, and other negative actions. Just one overlooked detail is enough to unravel your tactical approach to the game and can lead to disaster pretty quickly.

It's true, Iconica was created with layers of complexity. So you don't have to play the game using Strengths and Nullifiers to have fun. Yet, incorporating these elements into your game is really the only way to get the full Iconica experience.

Hey, you want to be prepared come tournament time right? I thought so.

-Safe travels!

Iconica Game Tip #1

Choosing Your Party Members

Iconica is a strategy game. You do a fair of amount of planning and building of your collection. Some favor Offensive characters, while others favor Defensive characters.

Consequently, much of the strategy in Iconica is applied before you even play the game, specifically when you're choosing your party members.

As the rules point out, you and your opponent will take turns choosing characters to play. While this is happening, pay close attention to which characters your opponent is selecting. Choose your own characters based on which cards you believe will be effective against your opponents characters.

How does one know which characters will be effective? Get to know your characters. Once you know the characters, you can begin forming strategies for playing against them.

For instance, playing a Songsayer against an Assassin = not good for the Songsayer 9 times out of 10. However, the Songsayer does well against Defensive class characters.

So, get to know the characters you possess. If you don't own some of them, read their profiles online to find out more about them. After all, in life or in Iconica, knowledge is key.

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!

Thanks Wired.com!

Amazing.

The past two weeks have been buzzing with questions, orders, and interest over Iconica. I want to sincerely express my gratitude to Jonathan Liu for such a favorable review of Iconica. (I'm finally a GeekDad! My wife always knew though.)

Developing Iconica is one of the most fun and satisfying projects I work on as a creative. Its progress is supported by players who love the indie-gaming experience and want to spend time exploring content with soul.

While I maintain a clear vision for Iconica's growth, I welcome suggestions and feedback from the gaming community. In fact, one upcoming character - the Brew Master - is based on a recommendation offered up by an Iconica player! It was a great suggestion because it fit into the lore and culture of Rynaga. I can't wait to share more about how this character was created.

I'm thankful for all of the questions, accolades, and support I've been receiving. Just know this is only the beginning!

-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

Iconica Update

Ok, the Iconica 2-Player Starter set is available on my store now. Next is to get all of the individual Iconica cards up on Etsy as well.

I've had some questions lately about Iconica:

1. "Are you still creating cards?" - Yes, definitely. The Iconica project has only just begun. Being an indie creator gives me great control over my content, yet sometimes this means longer development times. I'm trying to be smart about which cards are released and when. This has an impact on game balancing.
2. "When can we expect new cards?" - Three new cards will be released within the next 60 days. I'll give you a preview on my blog here very shortly.
3. "How many cards are there in the first series of Iconica cards?" - The first series of Iconica cards, called "Prelude," just like my book, contains 21 cards in all. This series will wrap up at Phoenix Comicon in May. There might be some other Iconica surprises at the Con, so save the date if you can!

Here's some more Iconica game images. Let me know if you have more questions!