Life as a Wanderling
The Cloud Empress Creator Grant, a new poll for expansion content, and more!
Cloud Empress Creators Grant applications open
One of the most exciting stretch goals on the Cloud Empress Kickstarter project (for me at least) was the creation of the Cloud Empress Creators Grant. I've set aside money to support the independent creation of Cloud Empress content. You can review the full details of the grant and application process at: https://cloudempress.com/cloud-empress-creators-grant/
How To Apply to Receive Grant Funding
Draft an idea for a project related to Cloud Empress.
Fill out the Cloud Empress Creators Grant application, checking to make sure it fits with our Values Statement (see below).
We’ll review your application and we’ll send you an email if you are selected, and at what funding level. (If you are not accepted, we will notify you too).
You reply to that email within 2 weeks with a signed contract that covers the project, and a method for us to pay you.
You start creating your work!
Ideally, I'll be selecting some of the first recipients in late December/early January. Please consider applying and sharing the opportunity with the creative ttrpg folks in your life!
Questions? Post them in the comments below or email me at worldsbywatt (a) gmail.com.
New art on BlueSky
Given how social media is shaking out right now, my central social media platform is now Bluesky and you can follow me here: https://bsky.app/profile/worldsbywatt.bsky.social
You can also join the Cloud Empress Development Discord here: https://discord.gg/bUDshcdZ
In the next few months, I'll be sharing images and information about upcoming Cloud Empress books planned for 2024 on BlueSky. I had originally intended to share the next Cloud Empress project in this newsletter, but I didn’t want to upstage the Cloud Empress Creator Grant opportunity.
Life as a Wanderling
After death, some lives remain as distortions. Wanderlings make strange whirlpools, riptides, and echoing ripples in this reality.
As a Wanderling, you peer into the Hereafter as if from the bottom of a well. You freeze and whimper in a world without physical touch – relics and chalk magic — your only source of warmth.
What good can a Wanderling be in the company of their fellow travelers? Plenty…provided they hold no superstitions about traveling beside the dead. Wanderlings make for great scouts; floating far above the trees, passing through padlocked doors, or diving deep into the Earth for trinkets, chalk, or Imago.
When playing as a Wanderling:
Wanderlings have a single wound. They do not take damage from conventional means, but can be harmed by chalk; i.e. crests, spells, the Imago, Slip-stuff, and ancient relics.
Wanderlings can only physically interact with Slip-stuff and Ancient Relics.
Wanderlings are magnetically drawn to Slip-stuff and ancient relics. If you do not possess a Slippery item or ancient relic, roll Disadvantage on all Checks and Saves when nearby one of these items.
Wanderlings cannot truly rest. Lose 2 stress and heal 2 Damage during each sunrise, but you may not heal or reduce stress any other way.
Expansion content poll
Each month I write free Cloud Empress expansion content based on your interest. The top two or three subjects will be featured in upcoming newsletters. Answer the poll below to choose what I create for the newsletter next!
What I’ve been reading & playing
This is a new section I thought I might include as a way to highlight the writing and game design of others.
Shuna’s Journey by Hayao Miyazaki
Hard Times by Studs Terkel
Final Fantasy XV by Hajime Tabata/Square Enix
Nemesis by Adam Kwapiński/Awaken Realms
Let me know if you think I should continue sharing what I’ve been reading and playing in the comments!
I just played a session of CE last night and had a player end up cursed as a wanderling so this is a great way for them to keep playing! We are planning to have the party search for a relic said to return the cursed to their original forms or locate the Cloud Empress to get their wish...
Great update! Congrats on the launch of the Creators Grant. I personally like seeing what people are reading and playing, so my vote is to keep sharing!