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Post by stormberg on Oct 26, 2016 11:46:58 GMT -6
Howdy All, An incredible opportunity has arisen for Dungeons & Dragons players, fans, and historians. Rob Kuntz is releasing an Archive of his collected roleplaying game maps and manuscripts through TLB Games. Here is the introduction to their store front which is now open: TLB Games was founded in association with Three Line Studio to produce the El Raja Key Archive. The Archive contains a treasury of high resolution images of materials from the collection of game designer Rob Kuntz. Rob was there when Dungeons & Dragons was created and served for years as Gary Gygax's own Dungeon Master as well as his co-DM for the Original Greyhawk Campaign. Now you have the opportunity of a lifetime to peek behind the veil of history to play and discover what it was like in those early days of D&D through the artifacts of time. Contained within the Archive are over 1,000 high resolution scans of adventures, maps and keys, campaign notes, character sheets, and manuscripts from the Original Greyhawk, Kalibruhn, and Blackmoor campaigns. That's right, from the very creation of Dungeons & Dragons! Includes all maps & some keys for Rob's Castle El Raja Key, the dungeons where Gary Gygax cut his teeth as Mordenkainen; Rob's manuscript for his lost Dungeons & Dragons Supplement V: Kalibruhn; maps, keys, and notes for over 40 adventures from the Original Greyhawk and Kalibruhn Campaigns including, maps & some keys for 16 of Rob's Original Greyhawk Castle levels, the map for the first ever D&D demo, the Machine Level, at GenCon VII in 1974, and the map for the first ever D&D tournament, Sunken City, and notes, NPC cards, and adventure maps and keys for the Original City of Greyhawk! The El Raja Key Archive is an interactive, searchable, fully indexed, virtual museum of roleplaying game artifacts from the dawn of the Dungeons & Dragons game! Along with the high resolution images of these treasures is extensive historical commentary that is fully linked to our searchable index. The El Raja Key Archive uses your internet browser interface to navigate just like surfing the 'net. It can be used on virtually any computer that has a internet browser and a DVD drive (or optionally, a USB port).  In addition to the El Raja Key Archive, TLB Games also publishes Three Little Books Adventures, a line of smaller than digest-sized, "little" adventure booklets that provide essential companion material for the complete, partial, and incomplete adventures found on the El Raja Key Archive. However, since the full-color and sometimes quite large maps are on the Archive, the modules themselves are more economical in size and cost. Futures Bright, Paul |
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Post by kesher on Oct 26, 2016 14:02:38 GMT -6
Well, THAT'S FREAKING AWESOME!
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Post by geoffrey on Oct 26, 2016 15:55:23 GMT -6
Are the disk contents in PDF format? If not, what format is used?
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Post by kesher on Oct 26, 2016 17:00:55 GMT -6
Are the disk contents in PDF format? If not, what format is used? They keep saying "high-quality images", so I'm guessing jpgs of scans... |
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Post by scottenkainen on Oct 26, 2016 17:11:24 GMT -6
My basic disc should be on its way soon!
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Post by grodog on Oct 26, 2016 18:56:21 GMT -6
An FAQ is being posted to the web site, but here are answers to the first batch of questions:
On Wed, Oct 26, 2016 at 7:33 PM, Paul J. Stormberg wrote:
Here are the questions as fielded by Kevin and I.
At 04:26 PM 10/26/2016, you wrote:
Q1: Is the USB able to be added to the DVD purchase for an incremental cost, or is it a full $160 additional?
A1: Yes, it can be added, simply add a Standard Edition to your order selecting the USB Flash Drive variant above the purple "Add to Cart" button. The price will be $89.99.
Your order would look something like this:
El Raja Key Archive Collector's Edition $159.99
DVD
SKU: 1004
El Raja Key Archive Standard Edition $89.99
USB Flash Drive
SKU: 1002usb
...or
El Raja Key Archive Deluxe Edition $119.99
DVD
SKU: 1003
El Raja Key Archive Collector's Edition $89.99
USB Flash Drive
SKU: 1002usb
Q2: Is it possible to see the full listing of included files for each version of the archive, or at least to get a count on the number of files for each?
A2: The Standard Edition is organized into 295 subject pages with 1045 scans. The Basic Edition is organized into 108 subject pages with 420 scans. As an example: the Dark Druids subject page includes two levels: a 1st level with 1 map and 6 pages keys and Level 2 with 1 map and 5 pages of keys.
Thus, one subject page has 13 scans. A comparative list of the subject pages for the Basic and Standard Editions can be found at this link. (If that link doesn't work, it should be available in the FAQ (comming soon) on the TLBgames.com website.
Q3: What are the differences between the three printed K1 adventures?
A3: The First Print is 40 pages and is over 18,000 words - that is a little larger than G3 Hall of the Fire Giant King which comes in at 16 pages and 17,000 words. The Deluxe and Collector's Prints include an all new encounter area, Tower of Night! The additional encounter area adding about 1,000 words. Additionally, the Collector's Print is both signed and numbered by Rob Kuntz.
Q4: How big are the K1 module booklets, and do they include the maps and keys?
A4: Physically, the booklets have 40 pages and measure 4 3/4 by 7 1/4 inches. The adventure contains the keys and a diagram but the high resolution scans of Rob's original hand-drawn map and legend that go with it ar only in the the Archive. However, you can purchase K1 Sunken City: First Print without any edition of the Archive and then purchase the Map Pack download. As more an more modules come out it will soon be apparent that the Archive represents quite the bargain.
Q5: Are there any sample files available to view/read to help know what they look like (and if they are even readable)?
A5: Find below an image snippet of a map.
[image to appear in FAQ]
Q6: Are there any samples available to view/read the historical commentary, to see how much value that adds to the Standard edition of the archive?
A6: The Basic Edition contains 50+ maps and and some keys for about 40 adventures and dungeon levels, plus about 20,000 words of historical commentary.
The Standard Edition contains all of that... PLUS about 50 more maps (including dozens of regional and area detail maps), dozens of original PCs and NPCs, campaign notes, 100+ magic items, timelines for both Greyhawk and Kalibruhn campaigns, historical documents, memoirs of game play, Rob's resume of work, several beautiful pieces of full-color artwork, plus an additional 20,000 words of historical commentary.
There is no difference in the commentary on the overlapping subject matter between the two editions, i.e., the adventures.
Q7: Are any of the files complete adventures that can be run immediately, or will they require the DM to do additional work beyond reading the files?
A7: Many of the adventures can be run from what is included on the Archive using Old School DM'ing, as Rob often wrote detailed keys but you won't find 4-page stat blocks for the monsters. An example is included below.
[image to appear in FAQ]
Q8: Do the scans include transcriptions?
A8: No these are Rob's original, 1975, hand-drawn maps and hand-written notes. However, a substantial amount of interesting details are written up in the commentary, and it is this commenetary that is indexed and cross-linked. That is over 3,000 linked entries and 1,700 index entries. (See reply to question 8. for a sample of Rob's hand-written text.)
Q9: What are PC/Mac program/system requirements to use the Archive contents?
A9: The Archive is viewable with any reasonably modern Web Browser on any reasonably modern system (including Tablets, Smart Phones, Etc.). Some of the maps are quite large (76 MB, 7461x9185px, 300dpi) and could strain really old systems.
Q12: How is fulfillment and shipping being managed.
A12: Fulfillment and shipping are being handled by The Collector's Trove in the United States. The Collector's Trove has a very high reputation among collectors and provides quality packaging and quick shipping.
Q13: How much is shipping to non-US destinations?
A13: It would depend upon what was being purchased, but as an example: K1 Sunken City alone or the Basic or Standard Edition would cost $15.00 USD each, and the Deluxe and Collector's Editions would cost $25.00 USD each. The difference is based strictly on weight.
Q15: Can the Archive files be printed?
A15: Yes. The files can be printed, although Rob used color-coding on most of his maps, so printing them off in black and white will makes them difficult to read.
Q16: Can the Archive files be moved off of the DVD/USB and stored on a computer?
A16: Yes and this will actually speed up the performance of the Archive for most users. Instructions on how to do this are included on a technical sheet enclosed with each copy of the Archive.
Q17: At what resolution are the documents scanned?
A17: The original documents have been scanned at 300 dpi. That mean's they have the same resolution as the original.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2016 20:02:19 GMT -6
I ordered mine right away this morning and am really looking forward to perusing it.  |
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Post by foxroe on Oct 27, 2016 6:26:17 GMT -6
Just have to convince the missus that it's a Christmas present...  |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2016 14:28:29 GMT -6
Just have to convince the missus that it's a Christmas present... It is an early Christmas present for me, I didn't even have any trouble talking my wife into it. (I must be doing something right! ) |
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Post by foxroe on Oct 27, 2016 18:57:46 GMT -6
I really love the cover for the DVD. Anyone know who the artist is? Is it a Sutherland?
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Post by grodog on Oct 27, 2016 23:15:19 GMT -6
Some further updates: - the FAQ is now posted @ lakegenevaoriginalrpg.blogspot.com/2016/10/el-raja-key-archive-recent-faq.html- the TOC for the Basic edition (108 titled items) vs. Standard+ editions (295 titles items) is now posted @ www.tlbgames.com/pages/archive-subject-page-list- Paul Stormberg mentioned that he and Kevin Maurice are in the process of building a "Test Drive the Archive" page, which will let you see some content in the .html interface, and get a better idea of what some actual content looks like Some highlighted items in the archive include: Expanded Greyhawk Castle Menu Core Level 02 - Invisible Maze Level Core Level 02 (Special) - Bottle City Level Core Level 03 - Gem Room & Crypts Core Level 05 - Sealed Tomb Level Core Level 06 - Black Pudding Doorkeeper Level Core Level 07 - Tsojconth Level Core Level 07.5 - Black Reservoir Core Level 11 - Entrance to Oz Core Level 12 - Boreal Level Core Level 13 - Entrance to Asgard Melnibone & Dying Earth Core Level 14 - Orb Scepter & Crown Level Core Level 18 - Dragon Level East Level 03 (Split) - Garden & Giant's Pool Hall Level East Level 08 - Machine Level West Level 05 - Gallery Level West Level 07 - Barracks Level Core Level (Special) - Living Room Tsojconth Menu Tsojconth 1973 Tsojconth 1976 Daoud's Other Lanthorn Castle El Raja Key Menu Castle El Raja Key - Upper Works Castle El Raja Key - Level 01 Castle El Raja Key - Level 02 Castle El Raja Key - Level 03 Castle El Raja Key - Level 04 Castle El Raja Key - Level 05 Castle El Raja Key - Level 05.5 Castle El Raja Key - Level 06 Castle El Raja Key - Level 07 Castle El Raja Key - Level 07.5 (Special) Castle El Raja Key - Level 08 Castle El Raja Key - Level 09 Castle El Raja Key - Level 10 Castle El Raja Key - Level 11 and many more items of possible interest!  |
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Post by grodog on Oct 27, 2016 23:20:06 GMT -6
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Post by foxroe on Oct 28, 2016 18:50:20 GMT -6
Ah yes, Bottle City. I really like the style - very reminiscent of Roslof (and Willingham's color work). It just drips D&D.
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Post by grodog on Oct 29, 2016 21:43:16 GMT -6
A quick correction: Andy "ATOM" Taylor did the artwork, and Eric Bergeron colored it, so I was half-right above |
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Dohojar
Level 4 Theurgist
Posts: 114 
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Post by Dohojar on Mar 20, 2017 0:05:44 GMT -6
So I just got ordered myself the collectors edition as a early bday present for myself. Anyone else who ordered care to share a brief review of it?
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Post by grodog on Mar 20, 2017 9:49:15 GMT -6
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Post by scottenkainen on Jan 16, 2018 23:57:21 GMT -6
Sauff...?
On the Castle El Raja Key map for level 02, just to the left of room 1, is a room marked only with one word. It might say "SNUFF," but it doesn't look like that; it really looks like "SAUFF."
Any ideas on what that means?
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Post by scottyg on Jan 17, 2018 9:13:17 GMT -6
It says shuff. If the party listens they will hear shuffling sounds within.
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Post by scottenkainen on Jan 17, 2018 17:50:53 GMT -6
I guess that does make more sense. I was thinking it might be "snuff", as in, the party gets snuffed if they go in here...
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Post by foxroe on Jan 18, 2018 2:08:42 GMT -6
Well, the shuffling could very well lead to snuffing...
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Post by Melan on Jan 19, 2018 2:01:01 GMT -6
If you didn't listen to the shuff, you probably weren't up to snuff.
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