Bad news: it looks as though Magnum Opus Press has lost the rights to the Dragon Warriors roleplaying game. This has evidently been known for some time, but since I didn't see it reported on any blogs I follow, I didn't learn about it until recently. The exact details are vague, depending on who you ask, but the end result is that James Wallis is no longer involved - a result I find disappointing.The final releases for Magnum Opus' Dragon Warriors line are a revised printing of the core rulebook (incorporating the errata to which I contributed after it was first released) and the scenario compilation In From the Cold, which should be of interest to any fans of the early days of White Dwarf magazine.
Perhaps most frustratingly, this development means that the upcoming "player's book" for Dragon Warriors, which was intended to introduce several new character careers (including the much-needed Robin Hood-esque Hunter) is apparently going to be scrapped. This is a major disappointment, especially considering that by all accounts, the book was near completion. (Jon Hodgson even showed off the book's cover artwork - which I've used as the image for this post - several months ago.)
Whatever their reasons for revoking the license, the game's owners have expressed their desire to see Dragon Warriors continue, so there may be some hope yet for what is one of my favorite old-school fantasy games.
I didn't know about the player's book. That's a shame. At least they got In From the Cold out there before the axe fell.
ReplyDeleteHopefully I'll get to run some DW in 2011. Considering I'd never heard of the books before the game's resurrection, they at least got one new convert out of the run. Long live Dragon Warriors!
Your continuing support for the revitalised Dragon Warriors RPG has been - and still is - very much appreciated. Thankyou Bliz. In fact, you've posted some decent DW articles on this blog - perhaps you might like to share them on the DW Wiki, too?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jiminy. I think I already posted the only DW article of substance here (my minor tinkering with initiative) to the Wiki. Was there something else you thought worthy of inclusion?
ReplyDeleteNow that I think about it, I may unlock my now-defunct PBP forum to let people peruse it, if they're interested.
Fortunately, i have DW original books in PDF :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, i think the good thing has already been done: i mean, making this game available once again for all the gamers around the world.
This has been a meaningful achievement for the "old school renaissance" movement, even if it's now come to an end.
It would be cool to see the PBEM log, Bliz. That sketch of your PBEM adventurers would be more than welcome on the DW Wiki, too.
ReplyDelete"[Dragon Warriors] ...it's now come to an end."
Has it? Fact: The Dragon Warriors RPG is currently still in print. Other than that I can't comment. Keep the faith and happy (New Year) gaming. 8^)
Actually reports of DW's death have been greatly exaggerated. Fabled Lands LLP, who own the license, didn't revoke it; rather, James Wallis decided he needed to concentrate on his startup Facebook game project instead. But a new company has taken DW on, and they have a powerhouse team of talent lined up to do new books. When they're ready, I'm sure they'll announce it with a bang.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Jamie and I have started discussions about an iOS version of Blood Sword that could tie in with a Krarth sourcebook/scenario pack based on the story of The Sword of Life & The Sword of Death. And possibly a reprint of the Blood Sword books if the reissued Fabled Lands books keep on selling well.
So - possibly not a bad year in store for Legend gaming. In the meantime, as Jiminy says, keep the faith :)
It seems that "revoking the license" was a poor choice of words. My apologies.
ReplyDeleteIt's very good to hear this news, Dave. Thanks for the information!
And thanks for your support of DW. Who would have thought that after a quarter century it would still be going? Or me and Oliver, come to that :)
ReplyDeleteSee www.serpentking.com for the latest news on Dragon Warriors.
ReplyDeleteDamian May