After Midnight -- it's baaaaaack.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 8:43 pm

After Midnight, the fake tabloid which came packaged with the BtS sourcebook, Boxed Nightmares is one of the best gaming props ever produced. For those unfamiliar, it's a Weekly World News-inspired newspaper with a variety of weird short articles. Many of these articles were adventure hooks which were explored in more detail in the sourcebook.

I'm working on a new edition of After Midnight for inclussion in Rifter #0. At the moment, I'm recruiting volunteers to help make strange articles. Anyone interested?

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 9:54 am

Good idea.

maybe you can make a few New Npc,s?

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:23 pm

It's great to see some interest.

Here are a few things to keep in mind. First, Rifter #0 is considered Rifter for legal reasons, so the normal conditions apply -- no conversions, everyone signs a release form, etc. Second, Rifter #0 is released as a .pdf document. That means artwork, photographs, .mpg sound effects or music, and even flash animation can be incorporated into the product. Third, the original Boxed Nightmares is our model. That sourcebook had NPCs, one new monster, maps, hook-line-sink mini-adventures, full adventure modules, etc. If you don't have Box nor even BtS, that's okay. Not every article needs to have a corresponding adventure in the book. Fourth, this is a volunteer effort. You will not be paid money.

Mephisto, that is exactly the type of headline we need.

I think I've picked up a couple of volunteers from other forums, and I've recruited a friend. I'll ask to start a new forum somewhere or maybe a mailing list. Watch this thread for updates.

mrloucifer · Unread post by **mrloucifer** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:43 pm

Lord Z wrote:It's great to see some interest.

Here are a few things to keep in mind. First, Rifter #0 is considered Rifter for legal reasons, so the normal conditions apply -- no conversions, everyone signs a release form, etc. Second, Rifter #0 is released as a .pdf document. That means artwork, photographs, .mpg sound effects or music, and even flash animation can be incorporated into the product. Third, the original Boxed Nightmares is our model. That sourcebook had NPCs, one new monster, maps, hook-line-sink mini-adventures, full adventure modules, etc. If you don't have Box nor even BtS, that's okay. Not every article needs to have a corresponding adventure in the book. Fourth, this is a volunteer effort. You will not be paid money.

Mephisto, that is exactly the type of headline we need.

I think I've picked up a couple of volunteers from other forums, and I've recruited a friend. I'll ask to start a new forum somewhere or maybe a mailing list. Watch this thread for updates.

Count me in taco!

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 1:01 am

Discussion threads have been set up here! We will have to all register with Nexus Nine, but I can attest to this site not being a pain in the neck. It's got no forum trolls, a very laid back attitude, and I am certainly the most negative person on N9 boards.

Tearstone · Unread post by **Tearstone** » Sun Feb 15, 2009 12:23 pm

Count me in too. It would be nice to get some of the crazy ideas bouncing around in my head and then get to hear about other players running with them.

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Sun Feb 15, 2009 1:04 pm

Great

can't wait to see all the Ideas and Npc,s you guys will come up with.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Sun Feb 15, 2009 5:50 pm

Well aboard! Follow the link above and sign up or send me a private message with your contact information.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:43 am

Is anyone working on an article? It's been like four weeks since I started this thread, and I haven't received articles from anyone on this board yet.

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:34 pm

I like to known if you Update the Backstory of the After Midnight,s Npc,s,Telling what happed to them after the Original Boxed Nightmares?

Ther things I liketo known like the following
Where will you put ther H.q?,do all the Npc,s still do the same Jobs? and what about New Characters?

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 5:49 pm

Those are great questions, and I have been thinking about that. Nearly twenty years have passed, so there should be some sort of change in the staff over that time. I will try to use the established characters when it's feasible to do so, but they will be updated somewhat. I've been writing my articles under Raven Davenport's name, so I think he should still be around (and his writing style is very easy to copy). I am starting to think about making Raven the editor-in-chief instead of that nega-psychic in the original, because Raven actually does believe in the paranormal and would support PCs working under him. He doesn't, however, care much about the paranormal so long as he has a good time, so he wouldn't be a dependable ally if the GM doesn't want that. I was also thinking that Julie Starr should be given a pseudo-psychic class (from Rifter #1) which came out after Boxed Nightmares but fits her well.

In a broader sense, I'd like to discuss the direction of After Midnight in the 21st Century. Has it folded like so many other papers and become a website like Weekly World News? Is After Midnight still on the shelves of grocery stores across the country and going strong because the SN is actually real in the world of BtS? Or is there a balance between these two outcomes, a release of After Midnight which comes out a periodic e-book in .pdf format?

The Beast · Unread post by **The Beast** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 12:22 am

The only issue I had with Boxed Nightmares was that the newspaper had notes in it telling the reader which story went with which adventure. I thought that was stupid. I understand the need for there to be something for the GM to know which story went with which article, but that info was also included in the book.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 1:59 am

Okay, that makes some sense. The update probably won't be nearly as long as the original. We can more easily do without the references. Let me know if you have any more suggestions, B.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 5:58 am

Well, we are sort-of doing both tasks. The After Midnight Staff are being updated in a where-are-they-now sort of way but with 2nd edition stats. The three new monster classes are being directly upgraded to 2nd edition. The older articles are being left alone. We're writing new articles and sourcebook materials inspired by the original publication. Then the whole mess is being submitted to Mathew for an upcoming Rifter #0 e-book release.

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 1:06 pm

Good to known,I hope it will be soon.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 5:02 am

Brian appears in the credits page of Boxed Nightmares, so I think he is a real dude. Not being certain, I'm just ignoring him for now. Julie and Raven are definitely getting updates. As for being soon -- I doubt that. Supposedly, Mathew already has collected all of the raw materials he wants for the 2009 edition of Rifter #0. If so, the earliest we are likely to see this stuff officially released is the summer of 2010.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 4:16 am

Thank you for the update, Mephisto. I have received only two articles from other people so far. I've written three or so myself and I have notes for maybe four others.

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Wed May 27, 2009 12:16 pm

Doing Great Lord Z.
Your two Dark Astrology adventure are totaly Excellent.
Will you do the Third adventure of Dark Astrology on Nexus nine,s boards soon?

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Thu May 28, 2009 7:28 am

Wow, thank you. I'm amazed that someone actually read those -- and so quickly. I just posted those articles a couple of days ago. I was actually thinking that those were a little weak compared to the Rumble in the Pasteur. The April Fool was severely chopped and rewritten because I didn't like the first version at all. It was only in the re-vision that the evil Ludicrous Mage was added.

I've got an edit to do for another article writer at the moment. I might get around to writing that third adventure in about three weeks or so. I have a vague idea about an assassin who day-works as a stunt double in a Hong Kong movie studio. It isn't really well formed yet.

I actually feel encouraged. It's a strange feeling. It's like being dizzy.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 5:37 pm

Here is a quick update. Boxed Nightmares 2[i] (including the tabloid, :09 Minutes After Midnight[/i]) is mostly done. Matthew Daye (Prince Artemis on these boards, I think) has stated that he doesn't have enough material for a Rifter #0.1 yet. As such, I am trying to quickly piece together an slightly abbreviated version to get it into his hands. Some of the articles which need more work are being pushed back to Boxed Nightmares 3, next year. The Plushy Birds are an example of an article that is being delayed. Mephisto is working on something great, but at the moment, I am assuming that it will be pushed back as well. I would also love to do something with Shadow People, Chupacabras, and the Doppleganger Entity. I also will have to go forward with just the first two chapters (out of four or five adventures) of the Dark Astrology Mini-Campaign. I just don't see myself having time, and we have about forty pages of material anyway. I have the first 10 pages of the tabloid laid out. I still need to write the Hell Hound adventure from the notes of one writer, update the NPCs of the After Midnight staff, and piece it all together. I could still use some cover artwork, and any filler that anyone has to offer. I really, really hope to get this and the Unsolicited Manuscript Forms to Matthew sometime in August so he can put out another Rifter #0 close to a year after his initial Zero.

mrloucifer · Unread post by **mrloucifer** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:20 pm

I make no promises, but let me see if I can come up with a new tabloid article and a creature and adventure to go with it. I used to do it for the lazlosociety.org all the time so it should be like riding a bicyle. I'll get my cards in spokes and see what happens.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 1:22 am

I have a suggestion, ML. I really liked your adaptation of the Tazmanian Devils to 2nd ed. We mentioned in another thread that they would make great chupacabras. If you write a Chupacabra-themed article, you can recycle that older monster.

mrloucifer · Unread post by **mrloucifer** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 9:33 am

Let me see what I can do for ya.

wildhood · Unread post by **wildhood** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 10:02 am

I still got that paper in my room somewhere.

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 11:01 am

I can't wait to see more of your wokr LordZ.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:09 am

I was able to wrestle my computer away from my housemate and get a little editing done today on Boxed Nightmares 2. That's really been the hold up for the last three months. I'm doing the sourcebook instead of NaNoWriMo this month.

I've got just one short article more of the tabloid to finish writing. Then I have to copy what is in the printer friendly version to the color version as well. On the sourcebook side, I cleaned some unclear wording early in the text and got a little bit more of the Hell Hound adventure written. An fantastic new artist named Frank and I created a new ghoul which we can drop almost word for word into the big file. The only submission left to collect is the character sketch that my girlfriend never quite finished. I think I have all the Unsolicited Manuscript Forms from the contributors. It's darn close to finished.

Several good ideas got shoved off the plate for Boxed Nightmares 3 -- chupacabras, shadow people, and doppleganger entities. I really wanted to do something with the shadow people, but I had to cut myself off at some point.

Revised Monster RCCs from first edition: 1
Updated NPCs from first edition: 4
New Monsters RCCs: 3
New NPCs: to darn many to count
New Complete Adventures: 4
Tabloid Page Count: 18
Sourcebook Page Count: 101

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:13 pm

Great,Can't wait to see it.

Tell me when it is up.

DtMK · Unread post by **DtMK** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 5:57 pm

Here's another idea that might work. People hear a lot about characters from other Palladium properties being sent to Rifts Earth, but you never hear too much about people or creatures from Rifts Earth landing in other settings, like the Beyond the Supernatural world. What if there was a tabloid story in After Midnight where someone claimed to come from the apocalyptic future, either by accident or on a mission? That sounds like tabloid fodder to me.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:37 pm

D to the K,
I like it. It seems like something that would work.

Wait! No it won't. I just remembered something. Kevin said in a recent Gateway to the Megaverse interview that all of the Palladium lines are now being kept separate for marketing purposes. That is why the dragon breeds were changed in Rifts:UE instead of using the same species that have been in Palladium Fantasy forever. A character from Rifts Earth showing up in a BtS product would complicate the rights of usage for anyone who is optioning either product line.

DtMK · Unread post by **DtMK** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 12:23 am

Oh for...

Okay, I think that this segregation of worlds is starting to get nuts. Does this mean that Victor Lazlo, sited in BTS 1 and 2 can no longer be mentioned as being on Rifts Earth? Crossovers are SUPPOSED to be able to happen! I can understand to a point about keeping things separate if you get a deal for movies, video games, television, etc. but even then, what's wrong with cameos from one world's characters or monsters as a respectful nod? If this become canon, then I'm sorry, in my humble opinion, the arteries going to all the extremities of Palladium Books will eventually be cut off and starved out to the point of amputation. I'm not saying that the games can't have the strength to carry on by themselves alone, but it's always been the diversity and potential for crossovers that make for wonderful and exotic possibilities. If that becomes forgotten for fear of something that may or may not happen, then that's letting apprehension win over the spirit of gaming within the stats of the same company owning different properties.

I'm sorry, I'll get off my soapbox. I just disagree that potential for movie deals has to make characters placed in one genre crossing over into another so divided that they're not just being forced to the back of the bus, but having to wait for another one entirely.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 1:33 am

Well, I was wondering about poor old Victor also. As best as I can tell, he personally shows up in three product lines (he is quoted in Mystic China which is part of the N&SS line). That isn't counting his appearance in the classic movie, Casablanca.

The segregation of the product lines clearly wasn't how Kevin set up his megaverse, but it isn't so bad of a situation either. I think it's honky dory for a Juicer to pop on over to HU or NB so long as it doesn't happen in any published product.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 4:34 pm

That could be cool. M.O.M. implants and such would fall into the techno-terror category which has still never been well explored. Any game which pits the BtS heroes against something other than a supernatural monster or an evil human mage/psychic would require some heavy tweaking or expansion of existing material for balance.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 4:15 am

Update! The compiled work was sent to Matthew last week. The signed forms were mailed this week.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Sat May 08, 2010 5:18 pm

Update! If anyone is still interested, Boxed Nightmares 2 is still out there. A friend spoke with Matthew about Rifter #0.1. He said that he would look through the materials (which includes BN2) and maybe put together 0.1 after all. Soooo, it's back in Matt's court.

krate · Unread post by **krate** » Mon May 10, 2010 7:24 pm

Lord Z wrote:Update! If anyone is still interested, Boxed Nightmares 2 is still out there. A friend spoke with Matthew about Rifter #0.1. He said that he would look through the materials (which includes BN2) and maybe put together 0.1 after all. Soooo, it's back in Matt's court.

Glad this projet is sill alive. Thanks for the update, Lord Zed.

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Tue May 11, 2010 7:01 am

Good to known,it is still going.

mrloucifer · Unread post by **mrloucifer** » Tue Jun 01, 2010 10:19 am

And what Ive seen of it thus far, its pretty swank!

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Sun Aug 15, 2010 11:25 am

I have started a discussion about what to do with these materials. The thread is at Tank Nine. If you don't have a Tank account but would still want to make your voice heard, send me a PM. I will pass it along. http://forums.nexusnine.net/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=7;t=121;st=120;r=1;&#entry127

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Sun Jan 02, 2011 1:08 pm

Speaking of sourcebooks, let's talk about Boxed Nightmares 2 some more. There is a fresh 2011 discussion thread about the fate of this and other materials developed for Rifter 0.1. I would very much like some input from our contributors and anyone else interested. As was the case 2010, most of the discussion is taking place at Tank Nine. There is also that new thread here in the Forums of the Megaverse; look in the Rifter Zero sub-forum, please.

Gallahan · Unread post by **Gallahan** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 3:23 am

Z, count me in, too. ----Do you need any kind of special "niche?" If so, or if you have any personal direction (as we've shared many posts), please send me a personal message. Very exciting.

Gallahan · Unread post by **Gallahan** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 3:26 am

Hmmm... I posted my last before I read all of your updates. I hope it's not too late. If so, then I'm in for the next project...

dante144 · Unread post by **dante144** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 4:08 am

sounds great!

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 3:24 pm

Thank you for the support, folks. The consensus among the contributors is that we should stop. I have been speaking with Wayne since the Spring of 2010, and we just have not received the permission we need to go forward. I intend to call Wayne one last time and let him know what happening. The materials already compiled may or may not show up as an e-book which is kept inline with Palladium's internet policy?

Gallahan · Unread post by **Gallahan** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:54 am

Lord Z wrote:Thank you for the support, folks. The consensus among the contributors is that we should stop. I have been speaking with Wayne since the Spring of 2010, and we just have not received the permission we need to go forward. I intend to call Wayne one last time and let him know what happening. The materials already compiled may or may not show up as an e-book which is kept inline with Palladium's internet policy?

It's a REAL SHAME that Palladium has not gotten back with you and provided "permissions." This, afterall, is the LIFEBLOOD of BEYOND THE SUPERNATURAL: the fans who want to keep it going in the UTTER ABSENCE of support from Palladium. Without supplemental material YEARS tardy, this form, this message board keeps BTS alive and well. I am gravely disappointed that Palladium has neglected to support an endeavor which would provide some continuity of support to its best fans.

Personally, their lack of RESPONSE speaks volumes....? I love the game, but perhaps it is time to move on?

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Fri Jan 21, 2011 3:22 pm

viewtopic.php?f=74&t=119704&p=2309167&sid=3e08c25b804209b851c4b8df546998d7#p2309167

Update there -- the short version is no news.

Gallahan · Unread post by **Gallahan** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 5:18 am

Call back next week...

I'm a glass half FULL kinda guy... But really, "I'll call you next week."

My *faith* in Palladium in general is at an all-time LOW. I love the games, the systems... yet... lately it seems for lack of a better phrase, they LACK when it comes to BEYOND THE SUPERNATURAL.

For any of the FEW Kolchan fans... Sorry we couldn't finish the interactive story. Palladium just sucked the air out of my bag.

mrloucifer · Unread post by **mrloucifer** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 9:47 pm

I assure you G-man, no one is more frustrated about the BTS situation than I.

That being said, Kevin's got every intention to build and support the BTS world, its all a matter of circumstance that his work on the BTS world was ground to a halt when it did. Ive mentioned this in the past, but ive talked in person with Kevin, Alex and Wayne at great length about the progress they were making on the BTS books when the Treachery of crisis began. I looked at the artwork complied for "Tomb Grotesque" first hand (ive got photo's if you want evidence). Ive even got some insights of the research material (via Alex) being used in the books. They've already put in a lot of man hours and energy into the project and they intend to finish what they started.

If they didnt intend to support the product, they wouldnt have spent the serious amount of time and energy to release the 2nd edition (I think Kevin said that it was one of the longest and most challenging books he's ever created), they wouldnt accept Rifter submissions for BTS (The latest issue of the rifter in fact includes my latest update), nor would they wouldnt have made the pre order info for the other BTS books available on their website if they didnt intend to support the game.

P.S. As long as its taken me to get as far as I have on the "Victims" and the "Ghost" sourcebooks for BTS (both of which are projects Kevin's asked me to work on) I completely undrstand how hard it is to write these books.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 5:06 pm

Like the Lazlo Agency book of old, the two initial sourcebooks are no longer a factor. They were not mentioned in Kevin's list pof books for 2011 in the latest press release. There is no longer the market for them that there omay have been at one time. I am okay with that. I would have much rather had the various Rifter articles that. The After Midnight project was never about what Palladium was or was not going to do for us anywya.

If Gallahan feels this strongly, maybe he should stay away for a while. I enjoyed his contributions to this forum, but no game is worth the stress and frustration that he seems to be experiencing.

Back to the topic, I did speak with Wayne yesterdsay. I need to contact all of the Rifter 0.1 contributors individually and privately. Public announcements will follow that.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 5:49 pm

Lord Z wrote:Back to the topic, I did speak with Wayne yesterdsay. I need to contact all of the Rifter 0.1 contributors individually and privately. Public announcements will follow that.

Maybe I'm being hopeful. This sounds like it is a good thing.

Lord Z · Unread post by **Lord Z** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 5:00 pm

I know there are some contributors here whom I have not contacted yet. I am having difficulty remembering who did what, and I won't have access to the Credits Page and other notes until tomorrow night. If you contributed to Rifter 0.1, including Boxed Nightmares 2, please step forward.