Lands of Mystery

[the Evil DM]

Over on another board the subject of the J.I. classic "Lands of Mystery" came up. Has there been any discussion about doing a version for the new Pulp Hero line?

[SCUBA Hero]

You are sooooooooo in luck!

linky

[John Desmarais]

You are sooooooooo in luck!

linky

Not quite the same thing. The old Lands of Mystery was really a "how to" book on running a particular type of campaign, as opposed to write-ups of mysterious lands.

[SCUBA Hero]

True; thanks for the clarification. I guess I got overexcited

Maybe Hidden Lands plus the upcoming Pulp Hero and Thrilling Places?

[Steve Long]

First, just to be clear, SCUBA Hero's accidentally pointed you to Hidden Lands, a Champions supplement that has nothing to do with Pulp-era adventuring or Pulp Hero at all. You should buy a copy, 'cause it's cool, but not because it's a Pulp book.

On to the meat of the question. We'd certainly enjoy doing a new version of Lands Of Mystery as a subgenre book (or even sub-subgenre book, depending on how you want to slice it) for the Pulp Hero line. In fact, I've discussed just such a project with Aaron Allston in vague and noncommital terms. It's definitely a candidate for consideration for the 2007 schedule.

In the meantime, coming up next year is Thrilling Places, a book of fun and adventure-filled locations for your Pulp Hero games -- our version of Skull Island, lost cities in darkest Africa, trap-filled Central American ruins, all that sort of cool stuff.

[BigJackBrass]

You should buy a copy, 'cause it's cool, but not because it's a Pulp book.

Nothing like an unbiased opinion, eh?

And of course Mr L. is quite right, because "Hidden Lands" actually is very cool, and full of bits you can pinch for pulp games as long as you tone down the superhero stuff and make some serious changes to the opposition. It's no substitute for "Lands of Mystery," though, nor was it intended to be. LoM is a favourite of mine and although it describes a fairly limited subgenre it does so wonderfully well. Keep an eye on eBay, because it crops up periodically.

[Steve Long]

Nothing like an unbiased opinion, eh?

Lo, I am the very soul of objectivity.

[SAVeira]

On to the meat of the question. We'd certainly enjoy doing a new version of Lands Of Mystery as a subgenre book (or even sub-subgenre book, depending on how you want to slice it) for the Pulp Hero line. In fact, I've discussed just such a project with Aaron Allston in vague and noncommital terms. It's definitely a candidate for consideration for the 2007 schedule.

You do really that I now must purchase everything in the Pulp Hero line, possible multiples copies, to may that a reality.

[Steve Long]

You do really that I now must purchase everything in the Pulp Hero line, possible multiples copies, to may that a reality.

All part of our fiendish plan.

Seriously, though, strong sales of both a genre book and its supplements is, obviously, the best way to encourage us to do more books for that line. A strong-selling genre book by itself isn't enough (witness the SH line). In the case of PH, strong sales also have the effect of making us give more consideration to other "historicals," such as Victorian Hero or Western Hero. Historicals generally don't do real well in RPGs, and while strong sales of PH are no guarantee that another historical will do equally well, they're at least some evidence of interest.

[BigJackBrass]

It's a pity that we're unlikely to see a licensed HERO supplement, because if there's one match-made-in-heaven I'd love to get my hands on it would be Aaron Allston's "Doc Sidhe" for "Pulp HERO." Ah well, adapting it myself will fill the time now that the nights are slowly drawing in again.

[st barbara]

All part of our fiendish plan.

Seriously, though, strong sales of both a genre book and its supplements is, obviously, the best way to encourage us to do more books for that line. A strong-selling genre book by itself isn't enough (witness the SH line). In the case of PH, strong sales also have the effect of making us give more consideration to other "historicals," such as Victorian Hero or Western Hero. Historicals generally don't do real well in RPGs, and while strong sales of PH are no guarantee that another historical will do equally well, they're at least some evidence of interest.

Not "World Domination" AGAIN ! Geez do these evil genius' (genii ?) NEVER learn ? Someone get James Bond or Indiana Jones or Doc Savage or Kim Possible, we got another "brilliant twisted mind bent on world domination" on our hands !

[Chris Bloxham]

A new version of Lands Of Mystery would be great. The 'Lost World' setting is an excellent sub-genre within pulp.
It would also be wonderful to see the return of AA to write said supplement, but, if that falls through we are in excellent hands with Steve.
I own both Justice Inc and the supplement in question and am eagerley awaiting the new PH line.

[Steve Long]

Not "World Domination" AGAIN !

Hey, all I said was we have a fiendish plan. I didn't say it involved world domination.

It would also be wonderful to see the return of AA to write said supplement, but, if that falls through we are in excellent hands with Steve.

Thanx! We always enjoy working with Aaron. It's just a question of finding time in his schedule and such -- he keeps pretty busy writing novels, which pays better than gaming stuff. So, we have to find some free time amidst his other projects, and a subject that intrigues him. Even if I do end up having to write it myself, I'd basically start from what he's already written and embroider upon it. No sense re-inventing the wheel.

[Chris Bloxham]

Even if I do end up having to write it myself, I'd basically start from what he's already written and embroider upon it. No sense re-inventing the wheel.

Yes, Lands Of Mystery really is one of "those" books along with Justice Inc in my opinion. It is a quality piece of work that would have been desirable for many years to come if PH wasn't imminent. I personally also think that every release for Hero 5th will also be sought after too, but then I am a raving fan boy who owns every release so far!

Afterthought: Just glancing the PH playtest manuscript Steve. That's a monster, have you got an estimated page count?

(Sorry I just had to see this smilie on a post as it is insane!)

[TheImperialKhan]

He said in this week's editorial that it's bigger than Fantasy Hero which came in at a whopping 416 pages.

Yippee!!! All that pulpy goodness is only a month away.