Aqualith's blog

I know I've been a bit absent from Gamer+, but hoping to change that in the near future starting... now! 

I am currently open to new clients. I've been a graphic/digital designer for my entire career and wanted to put my feelers out there and utilize my existing network to make my services available to you. Especially those of you who do self-publishing for tabletop RPG's, I'd be available for assist with layout. Companies I've helped with this in the past include Legendary Games and FASA Games.

Currently I'm building out my new portfolio coinciding with the launch of my site at aqualith.media. In the meantime, check out my Behance to see my previous work.

Interested in working or collaborating? Feel free to find time on my calendar for a free initial consultation.

Steady tides be with you!

Ryan

(This post previously published on Publish0x on 17 March 2020)
Last week, I snagged my first physical Pathfinder order from Paizo.com in years: the Silver Crusade faction pin, to be used in some upcoming Pathfinder Society 1st edition games at local game stores.
I received the pin late last week and all seemed well, until the stores started closing their game rooms, canceling the events. No real surprise, but I had the extra time outside of work available to me so it was a good opportunity to scratch the itch Con of the North left me.


The good news is that the MNPOP community is already mustering on a new Discord server, prepping for Virtual Tabletop (VTT) games in the wake of quarantines. I'll see if I can at least get in on one of them. The pin will just have to wait for it's physical, in-person debut another time.
Speaking of the pin, in terms of quality Campaign Coins really knocked it out of the pool with this one. I've had it sitting on my desk here and occasionally fiddle with it if I'm on a call, and its quite sturdy metal. The one odd part aspect of it was the choice paining the inner portion black. The Silver Crusade emblem that's used in Pathfinder has always been shown silver with blue accents. Perhaps in test runs it didn't pop enough for them. In any case, I'd happily pick up future faction pins if made available. For instance if I took up Starfinder Society, the Dataphiles faction interests me the most. I am more than likely going to play Pathfinder Society 2nd Edition however. Unfortunately like other 1st edition factions, the Silver Crusade did not carry over to 2nd. Lore wise I have found nothing to suggest they folded, which is at least good to hear. With it's absense, I will be aligning my characters to another faction, Vigilant Seal.
In Aqualith business news, I made a slightly new preview image for use when my Ko-Fi link is shared. The message regarding a waterskin never really jived with the hand displaying hydrokinesis. I think the new messaging is a little more straight-forward, but still willing to see improvement. 
With the aforementioned weekend events now canceled, I've got a little more time now to devote to product development. Been looking forward to it. All for now!
Steady tides be with you!
Ryan | Aqualith Media

(Previously posted on Publish0X and BGG on 19 Feb 2020)

I need to confess something. It's likely an unpopular opinion, but this is the internet so I get to have and share it. Sorry. Here we go: I hate the term 'zine'.

Don't get me wrong. I love the concept and the form factor. I prefer the size, it's portability, and affordability. It feels great in your hand and you can take it anywhere or leave them lying around on a coffee table. Spill some coffee on it? No big deal. The one aspect I cannot stand is the name.

I just can't stand the sound of the term, whether or not you pronounce it zeen or rhymes-with-pine. I get that it's been used for decades and spans beyond just tabletop gaming roots. It's got underground history in dozens of entertainment niches I am probably quite unaware of. But the term itself just makes me grit my teeth too much to say it, much less write it. If in conversation, I won't be legalistic or project my prejudice against it's use, but in case you never see or hear me utter it; now you know why!

"But Ryan, it's a great shorthand. It helps me not have to explain what it's about," you might suggest. My counter argument for that is: you're going to explain what it's all about anyway, right? Just call it a magazine.

Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. I tried to keep it digest-able because I know you've got a lot to do today. Let me know how wrong I am in the comments.

Steady tides be with you,Ryan | Aqualith Media

Photo credit goes to Annie Spratt on Unsplash.