210828 plans, roadmaps, etc.

Alright, the last few weeks of heavy work are behind, I can ramble for a bit.  Demo v06 reached a point that I'm basically satisfied with. While there's lots that I could tweak, some edits and feedback, I'm putting all those into the build rather than the demo. I've long had a problem with perfection on the tree and never getting out of the forest, so in efforts to get away from that, the demo is out, v06 will be the last time I update that, and from here on out it'll be full version releases.

While it would be nice to compile everything, the full delve at Alpha, my current plan is to break up the regions into distinct signatures, both for printing ease, and to keep progress more focused rather than scattershot. 

There are 6 regions, subsurface being the first, each between 10-20 rooms each. Currently, I have 8 expansion areas, each planned for around 10 rooms each. Aside from the Maksun Pioneer catalogue, I have 4 additional catalogues planned, some more built than others, each changing how a delver would approach their descent. Assuming I manage to get all that done, I would want to commission some background art, maybe a watermark or catalogue images, then condense everything into bound edition.

On the note of binding, my next releases will be the front matter booklet (how to play, all the stuff before the delve), the first region, subsurface, and the full MS Pioneer catalogue—each an independent pdf. The idea is I can keep adding new areas, new catalogues, and grow the full game without having to print out the same start and finish pages again and again. A bit practical rather than convenient, but there we have it.

I'm not expecting much/anything in terms of return, so until each section is finished, they'll be put up for free, pay what you want, or for 25c each. The finished product will have a higher ticket, but probably around $3 or $5, only more if I end up paying hundreds for art. That's a long way out, and there will always be a free version until there's a bound edition. Lots of writing to do before then.

I think that's all the main things. Region 1 is 20 rooms, I'm getting into split formatting now, so the next upload will be v07 of front, subsurface, MS Pioneer. I've got my layouts and flows for region 2, Crust, and I'm starting to build my mass spreadsheet to track the growing list of tags, go to, and other fun map features. 

My current debate is whether the grip tag is redundant with a climb tag present. Would using a hookshot count as climb, jump, double as a weapon? these and more than these.

There aren't dates of etas for any of this, as job and life, unfortunately, come first. I'm no longer in a position to spend full days/weeks on unpaying work, but I still have the itch to delve deeper, so I'll keep going and *try* to have a devlog every week or so depending on progress.

Next Steps

• Format of v07; Satellite/Surface, Subsurface Region, Catalogue - MS Pioneer
• spreadsheet current entries/tags
• map Crust, place room mechanics
  • find the idea for the Lambda Anxen
• write up/map Ash Ruins and Skylight Grove (if mood strikes)

- A