Whew, October flew by faster than I would have liked. I'm still in the process of wrapping up the final beta packet for Distal. After that, I'll be moving on to final layout for the book proper. Read on below for a breakdown.

Final Beta Release (Two Weeks-ish)
In the next couple of weeks, you'll get a whole new version of the beta. This one has the full level range, monsters for all tiers of play, expanded (and revised) rules, and looks pretty close to a final product, without the art and embellishments that will tighten the book up.

You'll receive an email when your downloads are ready, so be sure keep an eye out!

Full Digital Release (December)
It's looking like December for the full digital release, at this point. This is in line with earlier expectations, but I was really hoping to jam through it before then, since I had some momentum going into August/September. But, alas.

Full Hardcover Release (Q1/Q2 2025)
For the hardcover release, nothing new here. We're still on track to get books out in Q1 (Q2 at the very latest), same as the original schedule.

Given the backup on this final beta release, the October digest is going to come in a wee bit late, but it'll break down some of the changes that went into this final version of the beta, and discuss the Laithe lineage, which was one of the stretch goals we didn't quite hit during the BackerKit campaign.



I'll be sure to check in again once the beta lands.

Thanks, folks!
-Wrel

Hey there, folks.
As September comes to a close, I wanted to share a brief update on Distal's current state.

The next (and likely final) beta packet is currently in development for Distal. This contains classes at their maximum levels, loads of polish, iteration, and a few substantial mechanics overhauls at the same time. The packet is currently slated to land some time in October, with the full digital release possibly some time in late November if testing goes well and we hit it hard, but there's no need to rush it out the door.

If you signed on for the monthly digital digests, that should have landed in your inbox yesterday. And if you can't find it, just open up your pledge for Distal, and you'll see a link to all available downloads. In this month's digest, we walk through the process of acquiring art, like the Kinsguard lineage art you see above.

When able, I've been posting videos to the channel that overview bite-sized aspects of Distal (like lineage and class.) You can the full playlist of videos here.

Here's the latest one, spotlighting the Tanglefolk lineage.

If you're interested in the development of Distal, and are looking for folks to play with, the Discord is a good way to connect to folks and share your thoughts. You can join us on Discord here.

Thanks very much, folks!
-Wrel

Hey there, folks! Here's a quick update for August.

Beta Packet Cleanup
You'll probably be getting another email today with some minor updates to Beta Packet 01. The "Printable" version is now actually printable in single-page form, so you can more easily turn it into a little booklet if you wanted to; and both the normal (read: pretty) two-page spread and the printable versions received some small updates (and are labeled v01b).

Distal Digest for August
Along with that, if you were signed up to receive the monthly digests, you'll find one of those in your inbox as well. In this month's edition, there's a mini-adventure setup for folks without a lot of time, a concept-preview of the Dervish class (which was originally in pre-alpha versions of the game,) and more.

State of the Project
At this point, there isn't too much left to be done for the project proper. It mainly comes down to getting in more levels, monsters, and refining some rough edges -- which playtesting has been super helpful with. The development Discord has been great to get more feedback on the project. Feel free to join using the link below.

Beyond that, art is still in the works, but almost all of the classes/lineage options are finished now, and there won't be too much else work left to do after that.

Thanks very much, folks!
-Wrel

This Sunday, I'll be running Distal for some folks; a few of which who have no experience with TTRPGs at all. It can be difficult to describe how TTRPGs actually work, let alone get the uninitiated on board to play one.

I tend to approach TTRPGs as just hanging out, laughing, and telling stories with friends. It's hardly a sufficient description, but in a world with the limitless potential to be anyone, and do (almost) anything, the details are way less important than the atmosphere.

Of course. I could be wrong.

If you'd like to see how that all shakes out, one of the players will be streaming the event.
Join us Aug. 11 at 2pm PT/5pm ET on https://www.twitch.tv/lanzr

Thanks, folks!
-Wrel