The Wandering Wizard, Mike Nystul, Comes in at Number 2

It was awesome waking up to this link in my Facebook Messenger.

Of course, Mike has kept a low profile for the last year or so, which probably makes him marginally smarter than Ken. $120k+ between them. I should have realized but seeing the number on the screen certainly does bring it into focus.

Of course, the money did not "mysteriously disappear." It was invested in Castle Nystul, a company with an office, staff, salary, expenses and no income aside from the KS funds. Oh Mikey! Reach for the stars, shoot self in foot, hit the road and then run into hiding. Hell, THIS should be a documentary!

Gotta love Wikipedia :)

Any Wandering Wizard / Mike Nystul Sightings? Last Axes & Anvils Update was May 17, 2015 - Last Infinite Dungeon was August 17, 2015

Yep, the Wandering Wizard appears to have wandered off.

Best as I can tell, he's gone from Facebook.

Last update on the Axes & Anvils Kickstarter was May 17, 2015, and that was from +Andrew Shields (who is still working on the Axes & Anvils rules over at the Axes & Anvils blog)

Last update on Nystul's Infinite Dungeon was August 17, 2015, where he gives us this sample of the dungeon he was working on (not a backer only update, all can find this file link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxgyrXrUYkx-YjVZY1JHMGRYTEk/view?usp=sharing

There are some interesting quotes attributed to Mike on the Infinite Dungeon KS comments section. I'm sharing here for the sake of completeness, such as it is.:

on March 16, 2016 

Here's a post from Mike, he essentially just proved my point. Based off of all he has said, what he recently posted has no merit. In essence he is just looking for more money.
"Off of Mike's page an hour ago:  

"Gamer friends - I am organizing a big book of interesting dungeon rooms that I will be offering KS backers. Many of you have offered to help. This is the time and this is the way. If you are interested in becoming part of "Mike Aid" send me a message describing what you can contribute. I would welcome art, design, editing and people who can check mechanics. I would like to offer rules for Pathfinder, D&D 5th and Old School D&D. 

Any contribution will help. I would like to do this quickly. It would make a great birthday present for me. I can't offer payment but will give you credit and will send everyone a copy of the PDF. If this PDF is ever sold all proceeds will go to KS refunds. Thanks for your time and support!"

and...

July 1, 2015
Now he's attempting to collect more money from people:
https://www.patreon.com/nystul…  

Here's his take on his obligations to us (which, from his own words, shows that he has no intention on making good on his debt to us):  

So Chris, here is the thing. The Kickstarter thing was a disaster on many levels. One of the problems is once it failed and my personal as well as professional finances were trashed I had no resources to do much of anything to move forward. I lost everything. Not asking for sympathy here because it was the result of my bad decisions and miscalculations but i had nothing left and at one point was literally homeless. I pulled down that Indiegogo campaign you mentioned not long after it went up (I collected nothing). It would have been going down that same road, a profoundly bad idea (and in some ways in bad taste). Patreon is a different beast entirely. First, it is meant to be used to support a creator not a specific project. If you like what I'm doing - awesome! Become a Patron and we are both happy! If you don't - don't. The other thing is I went with the "only collect anything when I post" model rather than straight monthly. That way, if i produce nothing - nothing gets collected. There is no way for me to "fleece" anyone. The Patrons have complete control over things like monthly limits and I encourage them to use them. Going back to your original issue, yes, the Kickstarter issues were huge and horrible and I am very very sorry about them. They do not represent my entire career though and my choices were never do this kind of work again or find a way to do it as above boards as i can. People will forgive me for the failed projects and accept the arrangements I was able to make to try to make good or they will not. At this point all I ca do is do better, yes?

I don't think Mike's Patreon is doing much for him these days.

So, any Wandering Wizard sightings? Is he still doing improv in Houston? Driving around in the Wandering Wizard Van exploring the South West? Standing on the side of the road with a sign "Will write games for food and a hot shower"?

Inquiring minds want to know...

Kickstarter - Nystul's Infinite Dungeon Seeks to Become Infinite Weekly Content

When I first read The Wandering Wizard's latest update at the Infinite Dungeon Kickstarter, I was very surprised. It pretty much read like a true confession at first.

I got involved with Kickstarter because I liked the idea of a way to back an idea that might not find backing elsewhere, I had ideas that had no home and this seemed to be a good way to make them a reality. In the case of the "Infinite Dungeon" project I wanted to take my shot at creating a "Mega Dungeon" 

Somewhere along the way I lost this simple motivation and saw a chance to get "back into the business". A series of catastrophically bad business decisions later and I managed to fail to deliver on all three of the Kickstarters I started. 

A few of you have asked "why not just buckle down and do this"? An excellent question. In the case of the Infinite Dungeon it is in part because it had become something other than what i originally intended. The ashcan I sent out was a "Chapter Zero" of an intended series. So for an "Infinite Dungeon" it was a campaign guide and no actual dungeon. It was also the sort of campaign that was not just as series of dungeons, I had set the bar far too high. 

I also had medical issues and then jobs that ate of enough time that I had very few creative hours left. I know some of you have scoffed at this - I maybe could have produced significant material after hours at one point in my life. I can't do that now. I tried. So, to move forward on this and on other areas of my life i have gone back to freelancing and part time work. That is why I have a Patreon account. It is one source of revenue to keep me going while I write and design as close to full time as I can manage.
Starting next week I will be posting a Dungeon level every week - probably on Friday. The Dungeons can be used alone but will also thread together to be one big Dungeon - literally the "Infinite" Dungeon I originally intended. I will post these to RPG Now as "Pay What you Want" - I will keep anything collected in a special account. When there are enough out there - maybe every 12 or so - I will gather them together into a book, add some additional material and add art if there is money in the account to buy it. I will then republish the collections and again - anything collected goes into a special account.
If there is at any point enough in the account to publish physical copies I will do so.
If there is a volunteer among you that we can all be comfortable with I will give them access to the RPG Now account and the bank account. I will also publish updates here so you all know what is going on. 

The Infinite Dungeon will be relatively system agnostic but will need mechanics and notes added for various systems. I'm currently running 5th Edition D&D (because it is awesome) so that will be covered. What else would you like to see?

God bless anyone who volunteers to manage the monies. From what I've seen with Axes & Anvils, working with Mike is not fun.

Now, the golden comment was the following:

I'd like to see, in descending order of preference:
A) Everything I'm supposed to get from backing at $100
B) My $100 back
C) You in prison
D) Your crap plan using Pathfinder rules

To which Mike responded:

Pathfinder it is : )  

Now, my fear was that Mike was going to use this as "content" posts over on Patreon, but my fears might have been misplaced. From the Patreon Page:

Starting next Friday I will be posting a Dungeon a week. They can be used independently but will be designed so they can be threaded together into one big complex.

This is part of my attempt to make good on a long overdue Kickstarter obligation. One of the reasons I went back to full time design is to give me the freedom to do this. I am having to be very careful about  time management because of the nature of Patreon. The weirdness is this - Patreon is a big part of what will help me keep working but the Infinite Dungeon has been paid for by the Kickstarter.

My answer is this - I will not "charge" for the Infinite Dungeon posts (emphasis mine) Patron support is part of what allows me to do them but I wouldn't be comfortable accepting anything for them. If you find yourself liking them and you want to pitch in you will be able to download them from RPG Now and "Pay What You Want" - any monies collected through that avenue goes into a fund for buying art and eventually printing collections for the Kickstarter backers.

The map above is a player handout for the first Dungeon which will be posted next week. Could also be useful if you need a store map.

If there is interest I may start running the weekly Dungeons on Roll20 

Do I believe any of this will play out like Mike states? Not really. Does Mike believe it? Probably. And so the Infinite Nystul Sage continues..

 

Mike Drops "Nystul" - The Wandering Wizard Wants Your Patronage on Patreon

A tip of the hat to +Dyson Logos (and +Joseph Bloch ) for bringing one of my favorite serial Kickstarter failures back to my attention.

Mike Nystul (as he is wisely trying to distance himself from none other than himself) is looking to raise backing on Patreon to support his creation of new games. Nowhere does he mention using the monies raised to actually produce the games he has already been paid for via his Trifecta of Kickstarter Failures.

Now, I have to give the Wandering Wizard credit where credit is due - he doesn't allow the fact that he blew over $75,000 (less fees) from three Kickstarters on a Dwarf Con and a failed business venture (not spent on the Kickstarters themselves) keep him from fleecing more people. He did it with Nystul's Castle over at Indiegogo and now he's trying to use Patreon.

edit - here's the link directly - Mike does his best to not use Nystul anywhere in the pitch, but it's in the link itself - poor Mike - https://www.patreon.com/nystul?ty=h 

Well played Mike. By the time the new folks realize what kinda fucking flake you are, you'll be moving to your next scam.

Is it safe to assume that Nystul's Aura no longer serves it's purpose for you?

Wayward Kickstarter - Nystul's Infinite Dungeon - Infinite Nystulian Magic (update)

As Mike's last update was back in mid August on this project, I figured I'd share the latest:

Update #68

Jan 2 2015

Happy New Year!

3 comments

 Like
 2 likes
Many thanks for the good wishes.

I have the files from D3 I will need to get the final version of the initial project to you. I have to do some layout and put in what art I have to make it look as good and be as useful as possible.

Beyond this I plan to put together some additional materials since even though I will be sending out a version of the Infinite Dungeon that you all will be able to use I would like to get you some resources that will better fit the definition of "Infinite". I will say no more since at this point I think simply getting it to you like I did the dungeon tiles will be more effective.

I hope you are all off to a great start his year!

Best - Mike

oh, and Mike's response to a request for an ETA:

Creator Mike Nystul about 11 hours ago
ETAs are useless. I can post something but people will respond "lies - you have given ETAs before and they mean nothing". Thing is - they would be right, My track record on this project (and the other Kickstarters) has been awful. There are reasons, but they are immaterial. What matters is performance. All that really matters is what I get to you.

I believe we released an ashcan of the original ID some time ago which was the project developed when I had a team working on it and hoped to do a series. It focuses on an island and an order that protects a dungeon. I can see if that ashcan is still somewhere I can repost if you like.

If anything, Mike is perhaps understating how bad his Kickstarter track record is, but he is better at admitting it than most these days. I will give the man credit where credit is due.

Now, about those other Kickstarters languishing under the effects of Nystulian magic...

Axes & Anvils - Resurrected (again) - Andrew Shields Writing (again) - Will Nystul F@ck it up? (again)

"It's like deja-vu, all over again."

Yogi Berra

It certainly is Yogi. It certainly is.

The Wandering Wizard has put Axes & Anvils in +Andrew Shields capable hands. It's not the first time Mike has done so, and I highly suspect the moment Andrew submits something that is highly improved on Mike's last attempt, Mike will inevitably pull a Nystul and pull the plug on Andrew.

Still, in the realm of things Nystulian, there is now a glimmer of hope.

Here's the latest update from the Axes & Anvils Kickstarter fiasco:

New Designer (Update #76)

It has been a tough couple of years. 

At this time, I am attempting to pull my life together and get to a level of stability with my health and my finances. I am also trying to make good on the Kickstarter projects that I owe my backers. Trying to do all this at once is hard on my focus and my morale. In the end, the only way I will ever be able to complete my Kickstarter obligations is if I get to a point where I have more discretionary time, income, and energy. 

I need to concentrate on getting my own life together. However, I do not want to completely suspend progress with Axes and Anvils until I can give it more attention. I have brought Andrew Shields on to get the Axes and Anvils project to the next level of development. He will take the draft that was developed for playtesting and released in July 2013, and continue work on it with his own design style. The foundational concepts and design goals that inspired my vision of Axes and Anvils will be the base for Andrew’s work on the project, and I will still offer feedback and advice. 

On the project home page, I laid out my plan for the game. These principles will guide Andrew as he continues the work on Axes and Anvils. These are the criteria we will use to judge the game’s success: 

What can you expect? 

Dwarfiness: Everything about the game is intended to put players into the right frame of mind to play dwarves. It is a celebration of all things Dwarf from what a Dwarf's beard says about him to what the deal is with Dwarven women. 

Simplicity: Because this is a niche game many people will turn to for a "pick up and play" experience the system has to be simple and character creation has to be fast and fun. It is possible to create a Dwarven clan and a full party of 4 to 6 player characters in under an hour. 

Cooperation: Whenever possible the game places more value on "we" than "me". Your party works together to solve whatever problems face their clan. The combat system is also structured around team play. Work together and victory shall be yours - fight alone and face an ignominious defeat. 

The design is axiomatic, meaning a few simple rules drive everything instead of having a special case rule for every situation that could arise. Character development is based on the idea that you start simply and add depth as the campaign unfolds, which allows players to get started quickly and learn any complexities they may add as they go along. 

A key concept is that the Dwarven Clan is treated as a character unto itself. As you develop as individuals the Clan for which you fight will gain respect and wealth. Your Clanhome will also expand to suit your needs. This gives an Axes and Anvils campaign a focus that many games lack right out of the gate. 

This decision has not been easy for me. However, I believe that bringing Andrew back on the project is what is best for everyone at this time. 

At this point it is too soon to project out reliable timelines. There will be an update at the end of November that will have a lot more information. 

For now, please join me in welcoming Andrew Shields as designer on Axes and Anvils!

Mike Nystul Had a Stroke - So Let's Send Him to an Ultima Con

Sadly, Mike "Wandering Wizard" Nystul, has had a stroke. His second, apparently. He made an appeal for funds that ended last month. He raised $1,000 of a $1,500 goal.

Here's Mike's pitch:

Life is a struggle for everyone. It certainly has been for me. For years now a variety of bad turns resulted in me being penniless and briefly homeless. I hit bottom - hard (complete with a nigh spent sleeping omn a concrete bench).  

Recently I started turning things around. I got a job, a place to live and started working on moving forward.  

Two weeks ago I went to the ER because I was concerned about my high blood pressure. I have had a stroke before and was worried especially in the Austin heat. They admitted me. I spent two weeks learning I had another stroke without realizing it and that it had affected my vision.  

At some point during my hospital stay my vision got really blurry from about a foot to about three feet away. Exactly where I need to see to do my job (I work for a tech support cal center).  

I am in a bad spot. I had not been employed long enough to get far enough ahead of my bills to build a buffer so I was living hand to mouth. I wasn't working for the two weeks I was dealing with hospitals and clinics and I will be off for at least 2 to 4 more weeks hoping my vison clears. I can't cover that and I'm in danger of losing my momentum.  

Because I am a contract worker I don't really qualify for anything like leave so it's just me. I want to stay the course and turn things around. I want my life back. To do that I need a little help. My medical bills from these visits and the ones years ago when I had my first stroke are well into the tens of thousands but all I need now is to have enough to keep going - to keep pushing so that I can come back strong. 

So, he's not asking for money for his medical bills. Rent perhaps? Ah, "momentum."

Now, the Ultima Codex picked up on this appeal:

I had meant to report on his YouCaring fundraiser sooner, and as it is there are just a few days left in it. He has raised just shy of $900, with a goal of $1,500. I’m not sure of how the YouCaring works with respect to completing a fundraising goal; I don’t know if Nystul will receive what has been pledged regardless of whether he reaches his goal. But still…his situation seems pretty dire, so if at all you’re able, you might want to consider chipping in to help him bounce back some. 

Because if he’s able to pull through his present circumstances, I’ve heard tell that he might turn in an appearance at the upcoming Hearth of Britannia Legends of the Hearth event.

Okay. "Let's get him in better financial straights so he can make an appearance at our con."

That became my "WTF Moment."

Now, I've already given to the money pit known as "The Travelling Wizard." I backed two of his Kickstarters that will never be fulfilled.

I would even have been half tempted to throw a few gold his way to help with his hospitalization expenses, but to send him to a con?

Fuck that noise.

I feel for Mike. I wish him happiness and health. That does not include paying his bills so he can go to a convention.

Now, it wasn't Mike asking to go to the con in his appeal, but the folks at the Ultima Codex did a fine time slipping that in.

Hat tip to +Marc Gillham

Wayward Kickstarter - More Infinite Dungeon - Mike Follows Up on D3 Kicking it to the Curb - Time to Put it All on "00"

Some people can handle running a Kickstarter. Some people see it as free money when it comes in, then get caught with their pants down when it comes time to fulfill the project, but they spent the money on hookers and blow funding a company and hiring staff when there is no cash flow coming in.

The Nystulian fiasco is a trifecta - or a hat trick, depending on the sport you follow.

I'm going to avoid commenting further, as Mike pretty much tells it as it is (although how he can afford to consult with an accountant and a lawyer when he has no money to fulfill the projects at hand is beyond me)

Update #66 - For backers only Aug 3 2014

D3 Bows Out / Next Steps

D3 Adventures is no longer going to be publishing this project.

I have to decide what to do now.

Where we stand: I will have an ashcan that I can work to complete. D3 had decided that pretty much all the art I originally commissioned (and paid for) wasn't up to their standards so I'd have to either fit what I had back in or find some more somehow. The development of that ashcan also represents a large portion of the investment of the monies I raised.

I have a box of resin minis. They are very nice but were waiting to be shipped until I had the rest of the physical stuff coming to you. Shipping is very expensive.

Some of you have mentioned refunds. At this point, I would be open to the idea but I am in no position to issue any. Between the failure of my Kickstarters, the company I started  (that also failed) and various medical expenses (nothing to do with the KS but party of what I'm up against). I am deep underwater and am barely covering my living expenses. None of the bills that aren't directly involved in keeping a roof over my head are being paid. Because of this I have been exploring bankruptcy but really don't want to take that step unless I have no other choice.

What I want to do is make good. I have been trying. That's what the D3 deal was about, that's why i have been plugging away at bits of this and why my recent efforts were a push to finally get this done.

The plan until D3 backed out was to get you everything but the game itself - they were covering that bit. It was going to be rough but i just might have pulled it off. That ship has sailed.

Option One: Admit defeat. Send the ashcan as close to done as i can get it quickly, send the minis, and gather refund requests and consult an accountant and a lawyer. I hate giving up but it may be the right move.

Option Two: Soldier on. I'd still send the ashcan but I would continue to send more material. The idea would be to get you enough stuff to make you feel like you got your money's worth or at least a hell of a lot closer than you are now.

I have several board and card game designs - some done and with art all ready to go. I have considered trying to sell one or more to cover things I need to do for this project. The tricky bit is my rep is (rightfully) in the shitter and there is no way I will ever use Kickstarter again (my fault but it is what it is) so I'm not sure how to go about it. If i figure something out I will let you know.

I got into this to get a fun idea into the hands of fellow gamers. I screwed up and chewed through the budget before I got it done. I failed and I'm sorry. I will continue to try to make good as long as you want me to.

I am soliciting feedback but keep it civil please. Anything nasty you have to say I have already heard and I may even agree with you. Point taken. Venom won't help us move forward.

To those of you who have remained supportive thank you. It means a lot to me.

EDIT: I need to make a comment after rereading this - at no point did Mike address failing to pay one of the writers on the project

From D3's earlier post:

The property has, from the beginning, incurred one unexpected roadblock after another. The most recent of these concerned a lack of payment for a completed chapter. I was not made aware of this issue when D3 Adventures picked up the IP, and as of this date, the writer has not received the promised payment.

Wayward Kickstarter - Nystul's Infinite Dungeon - Mike's Shirked Responsibility is Returned to Him

Woe unto you, self proclaimed Wandering Wizard, he that tried and failed to secure land for a Castle, lost his claim to Dwarven kinship, misplaced his Cairn and now has had title and responsibilities for his Infinite Dungeon (yet to be completed) returned unto him. The Infinite Headache is yours and yours alone.

Yes, tho hast failed in your attempt at "passing the buck" whilst failing to provide said bucks for services rendered.

Let it be entered into the Tome of Kickstarters: Failures and Fuck Ups, that Nystul's Infinite Dungeon has landed back in your lap. While we appreciate your work on the key to said dungeon, perhaps it wouldst be wisest to pay your workers for their services.

So it is written!

From an update in the comments section of Nystul's Infinite Dungeon - Kickstarter:

The Last Infinite Dungeon Update 

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Administrator  

It is with a sad heart that I, Jason Yarnell, president of D3 Adventures, must inform all of you that as of this moment, D3 Adventures has returned the IP for Nystul’s Infinite Dungeon to Mike Nystul. 

The property has, from the beginning, incurred one unexpected roadblock after another. The most recent of these concerned a lack of payment for a completed chapter. I was not made aware of this issue when D3 Adventures picked up the IP, and as of this date, the writer has not received the promised payment. 

This is an unfortunate set of circumstances, and this decision was not made lightly. D3 Adventures promised that we would release the Nystul’s Infinite Dungeon in a timely manner, and was able to produce an ashcan copy for the backers. However, in the end, the various unresolved issues proved to be too much, and holding on to Nystul’s Infinite Dungeon was simply holding back on D3 Adventures’ transition into a more productive company. 

From this point forward please address all questions and concerns for Nystul’s Infinite Dungeon to Mike Nystul.

Another Nystulian Sighting - This Time, an Axes & Anvils Update

It seems when Mike get's a spark, it spreads. What confuses me is, A&A was effectively completed, in PDF at least. +Andrew Shields was brought on by Mikey to do so. It was released to backers, then deemed "not worthy" by Mikey, apparently because it lost much of it's Nystulian identity.  The thing is, the torch for Nysul's Infinite Dungeon was passed on to "some other sucker of a company (I forget who right at the moment.) So, why is Mikey messing with something he already washed his hand of, unless it's just to obscure things with new "I'm working on it updates" when in reality, all he is doing is a casting a cheap, 1st level spell.

I am tackling my outstanding Kickstarters methodically so that i can get everything done. The first steps involve figuring out exactly what needs to get done and how to do it. Then I will set about working my way down the list until everything is done. I will also be going in the order the Kickstarters were presented so "Nystul's Infinite Dungeon" is first. I will be generating some material for each of the Kickstarters that will be shared with backers of all three. When I know what you will be getting from the Infinite Dungeon project. I will let you know. At the very least PDFs of some maps and an RPG called "Delve". 

I'll keep you all posted on my progress. 

Thanks as always for your patience and understanding. 

Upwards and onwards!

Wayward Kickstarters - Mike Nysul's Infinite Dungeon - An Infinite Kickstarter

Nearly 2 years overdue, somehow I expect I will not be getting my $75 worth...

Today's update:

I am tackling my outstanding Kickstarters methodically so that i can get everything done. The first steps involve figuring out exactly what needs to get done and how to do it. Then I will set about working my way down the list until everything is done. I will also be going in the order the Kickstarters were presented so this one is first. 

The Book - originally this was going to be several smaller books with a map book, art book and so forth. When D3 took over it made more sense to move it to a standard book to make it easier to print. That means some of the re-usability I sold the project on would be lost so it seems like I should provide some maps.  

A note about D3 - We have been working on eliminating any obstacles to getting the books printed and out to you. 

Hardcover Books - We are looking at a few options including having a print on demand account set up that you can redeem for your copy or copies.  

Art Print, Miniatures and Key - I have the minis and have been waiting to include the other items so they can ship together so it's only one shipping cost. I will have to pick an art print. If we have more than one option I'll set up a way for you to choose which one gets printed. As far as the key goes, is this still what you want or would a piece of terrain, custom die or something make more sense at this point? 

Delve - I offered a standalone RPG. At one point this became Cairn which then became my second Kickstarter. That doesn't seem like fair trade so I will be providing Delve as a digital download.  

Once again - I apologize for not delivering sooner. Digging in and getting everything done without worrying about how massive the task seems as a whole is the only way to untangle this mess and untangle it I shall. Thank you for your patience and your understanding. 

Mike

Well, at least the "wandering wizard" has seemed to have settled down...

Reddit "Flash Mob" at The Tavern Today

Apparently the following post: http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2013/06/mike-nystul-fiscally-incompetent-washes.html got linked in a discussion thread of the ass who burned a bunch of books he didn't ship to backers: Kickstarter Fail: Artist Raises $51K to Publish Books, Burns Them in Alley

Reddit drives amazing traffic. Sadly, I suspect its not quality traffic. Still, it's a fun ride and I've already hit twice my previous high for daily traffic and there's still 3 1/2 hours to go.

Go figure ;)

The Traveling Wizard Nystul's Latest Crowdfunding Campaign

No, I'm not stalking the man. I got no less than three heads up that Mike had found himself a new angle - via email, Goople+ and a comment on this here blog.

I'm all into crowdfunding. I think it's an amazing way to fund projects that otherwise may never get made. In the case of Mike, it's a way to fund project that will never get made. His ability to complete ANYTHING via crowdfunding is right around zero, give or take a few points.

Is anyone that knows anything about Mike's history of failed Kickstarters (and the Indiegogo project to fund those Kickstarters when he ran out of money) really going to entrust Mike with their money on his latest boondoggle? (isn't he supposed to be couch surfing across the country? how the fuck is he making resin dungeon pieces from the back of a family van?)

In Mike's words:

You know that proverb about interesting times? That's been my life. A lot has gone wrong lately. I have the perspective to know that I am still fortunate in many ways but I have been unemployed for quite a while and have not been able to get my head above water.  

Here is the plan - instead of landing the stopgap job I can't seem to land anyway I will start the terrain building business I have been working toward and start looking for ways to go back to school so I can shift careers completely. The trouble is - I have to get by until I can make this happen. That's where you come in.  

I am raising funds to keep me going while I put my plan into effect. I am asking for help but want to work for my supper. I have come up with a series of Rewards that should offer something for almost anyone. 

STARTER DUNGEONS  

These hand made sets include 2 Medium Corridors, 1 90’ Turn, 1 “T” intersection, 2 Small Rooms, 2 Doors, 1 Trap Door, 1 Staircase and 3 Wall Slugs. Sold separately these bits would run $100 but I am pricing this test run at $60.  

My math says I can cast all he bits I need for one "round" of sets in one week. If assembling and painting takes another week that means these will be done toward the end of the month.  

IMPORTANT 

I have priced the sets without shipping - if you want something I'll let you know how much it will cost to send it to where you are and you can PayPal the shipping cost to me.

I must admit - $25 to make Mike write an apology is tempting, but I'm not the "1 in 8" ;)

My Name is "Mike Nystul", and I've Got the Biggest... Balls of Them All!

Earlier today on Facebook

Yesterday on the Axes & Anvils Kickstarter

I'm glad Mike is honest enough to call his latest ideas "schemes". Oh, and he's right. He probably shouldn't share them, as they aren't "unrealistic promises" but further attempts to separate fools from their money.

Still, I will give Mike this much credit - he admits he's a fuck up, that he fucked up and that he can't make due. Oh, and he still posts. And answers posts. If nothing else, that takes a huge set of balls.

Contrast that with Tom from the Myth & Magic Player's Guide Kickstarter - this ass swears he shipped the books 3 weeks ago, promised delivery in "14 business days" which sounds like he's using the Pony Express and now those 14 days have come and gone and not a fucking peep.

Maybe Mike has a right to "The Biggest Balls of them All!" ;)

The Traveling Wizard Goes Dark - No More Social Media for Nystul

So, it looks like Mike Nystul has taken down his blog, his personal Facebook page and the Axes & Anvils Facebook page.

Is there anyone left who truly expects to receive any new version of the rules, let alone ANY physical products?

Mike couldn't pass this project off to others like the other two because the physical rewards owed to backers is simply too high in cost. Anyone picking up the reigns of this project from Mike would be taking on a money pit.

Nuking his social media is yet another sign that Mike is running away from what little responsibilities he had left to his backers.

This is making last year's Dwimmermount fiasco seem absolutely normal in comparison.

His transfer of the other two IPs was simple as neither has the amount of physical product add on like this one did. Here's a list of stuff you could have added on that has little to nothing to do with the core RPG:

Card Set (Add $10)

Runestones (Add $12)

Tankard (Add $16)

Dice (add $6 a pair)

Clan Patches (add $5)

Set of Clan Patches (add $20)

Dwarven Fiction Anthology (add $15)

Signed Anthology (add $30)

TShirt (add $16)

Calendar (add $12)

Giclee Art Print (add $30)

Campaign Integration (add $160) - (including the description of this, as it will NEVER happen)

I have received a lot of questions about, and interest in - the Living Campaign. I have also been asked to provide a way for folks who aren't playing a faction leader to get involved. Here you go -

The Living Campaign will be shaped by the decisions made by the leaders of the various factions involved. This will generate events that can be used by Gamemasters to give color and relevance to their games. At this level, it is a one way system (unless you are playing one of the faction leaders). We generate stuff, you use it or you don't.

With this add on your Campaign becomes part of the Living World. When you set up your Clan I will commission an emblem for you which will be created to your specifications (within reason). I will also work with you to locate you within a Campaign map that will be available to everyone online, along with an online guide to all of the Clans that are involved.

IMPORTANT - you only need one "subscription" per Campaign and it will last at least one full year.

The activities of the Integrated Campaigns will be integrated into the material that will go out to everyone. Your Gamemaster will be asked to submit a monthly questionnaire and may be asked a few followup questions. Will there be the potential for conflict, for alliances, for competition? Yes! Do I know exactly how? Not yet! But I will... : )

It is important to note that because of the amount of work maintaining the Living Campaign will take, I will have to ask everyone to stick to answering the questions I send in the manner I ask. If you feel like offering more there will be Forums where you can share material with other participants. I expect this to be a very lively community!

The Living Campaign begins the 1st of the year. 2013 will be the Year of the Dwarf!

Some Recent Comments by Backers of "The Travelling Wizard"'s Axes & Anvils Kickstarter

We know Mike has no immediate plans to finish Axes & Anarchy - I MEAN Axes & Anvils.

Backers are frustrated but realists as shown below (my favorite line - Mike see's himself as a 'traveling wizard') -

I would link the Big Purple thread myself, but I find the place horrible to navigate.

Of course, it seems like Mike himself doesn't quite grasp the fact that not only hasn't he produced something, but being a "traveling wizard" is about as far from being in a position to produce something that one can be.

I was surprised that Mike's two other projects were signed over to others without any kind of cash changing hands - until you realize Mike probably did less with those two project then he did with A&A. So yes, Mike turned over very little but the concepts themselves.

If this was simple incompetence, I'd have forgiven and forgotten this project long ago. It's the lies, not just to the backers, but folks like +Andrew Shields that stepped up to save this project before being kicked to the curb, that simply piss me off.

The East Coast Will Cast "Summon Nystul" During Peak Blizzard Season ;)

Alex Gray - Mike Nystul - "Alter Self" anyone?

How about: "I'll finish my commitments before living the life of a vagabond"?

Nah! Didn't think so...

Learn RPG Writing and Publishing From Our Very Own Snake Oil Salesman - Mike Nystul!

I will let Mike speak for himself and leave the comments to my readers ;)

As a professional game designer and avid hobbyist with over 25 years of experience I feel that I have a lot to share with others in the gaming community. I have also worked as a teacher and instructor so have the background to develop a curriculum of classes that have something to offer gamers of all levels of experience. 

Here is my initial offering:  

Game Design 101 

Eventually many gamers get the itch to try their hand at creating their very own game. In this class I will cover how to choose your theme, how to choose the mechanics that will best serve that theme, design basics and an introduction on advanced topics such as layout, art direction and publication. All participants will receive a copy of a concise but complete original rpg that illustrates the topics we will discuss.   

Class Length: 3hrs 

Class Fee: $20

Just think of all the wisdom...

Coming to Your Town - Nystul's Castle Traveling Road Show

Maybe you are like me, holding out hope that at some point, Axes & Anvils will not just see a completed manuscript, but may also see print. I mean, the cover is pretty, but ain't worth squat without the words that go behind it.

Don't hold your breath on the print version, as Mike is not going to have a traditional place to call his home -

You know the Kickstarter success stories that go bad? The ones that succeed beyond initial dreams and that very success leads to unfulfilled Kickstarters and folks have lost their homes over such (or so it's been said). Mike went one better and lost (well, i think "left" is more accurate) his employment with the successful Kickstarters, and is now going nomadic, leaving his residence behind.

Without a place to live, there is no place to store physical rewards from the Kickstarter - not that I expected to see any at this point, as Mike no longer has steady employment and the Kickstarter funds have all been spent on non-Kickstarter expenses.

The upside is - Mike may very well be looking for a couch to crash on in your town (at least if you are in the Texas area I guess).

It looks like Mike is going through a soul searching stage in his life - hopefully he finds everyone's Kickstarter rewards during the search.

What is the "Worst" Kickstarter / Indiegogo Project That You Supported?

I know I need to do an updated "Overdue Kickstarters" post (the post is a bit overdue itself) but I figured, in the meantime, I'd ask you, my fine readers, about the worst Kickstarter you supported.

Worst, BTW, is for you to define.

For me, there are a lot of contenders, but only one true wearer of the crown. Quite simply, Axes & Anvils. Worst of the worst. The RPG industry equivalent of Attack From Planet 9, if not in final quality (we don't know yet) but certainly in execution. I've enjoyed on some sick level the sheer amount of horse shit that went into Nystul avoiding responsibility for the project and any sort of accounting for the monies raised.

There you have it. My worst of the worst Kickstarters. What's yours?