benlehman

Starting now, for the next three weeks or so, I will be accepting pre-orders for Polaris my rapidly forthcoming role-playing game.

I would like to get at least 15 pre-orders, which will cover printing costs for me, hopefully. Here are some anticipated questions.

What is the first edition like?

This first print run of Polaris will be the All Men Are Brothers edition. It will be limited to 108 copies, each one will be numbered, and have the name of a protagonist from the novel All Men Are Brothers (aka Water Margin aka Outlaws of the Marsh) inscribed in the cover in both Chinese and English. All copies will be signed by me, either written in English or stamped in Chinese or both, depending on my whim and your preferences if you ask.

Exactly 106 copies will be available for sale (one goes to me, the other to my mother, the rest for sale.)

The books will be digest-sized, and around maybe 100-200 pages, depending on how layout goes.

If I pre-order, when will I get the book

I will be sending the books either right before GenCon or right after, so US customers can expect the books before the end of August. International folks will get it before the end of September.

I'm going to be at GenCon. Why should I pre-order?

Well, for one, you get the warm, fuzzy feeling of helping me out with printing costs. But, in addition, pre-orders will allow you to select which book number you like, and also request various sorts of signatures and personal messages.

You can pre-order the book now and then pick it up at GenCon, if you like.

Why should I buy the game?

If you think you'll like it. To make this more clear, see the teaser text on the website.

How much does it cost?

The pre-order price is $22, which includes free shipping anywhere in the whole wide world (even hand-delivery if you happen to live in Plainfield, Mass ; Indianapolis, IN ; Heidelberg, Germany ; or Helsinki, Finland.)

Do I get a copy for free?

Unless you are my mother, no.

Please?

No.

What's this about "heavenly stars" and "earthly stars?"

In the novel "All Men Are Brothers," 36 characters are more central to the story than the otheres, and are classified as "heavenly stars." The remaining 72 protagonists are secondary in the rest of the story, and are referred to as "earthly stars."

In honor of those folks that helped out with the writing, playtesting, development, and promotion of the game, I will be offering the first 36 books exclusively to them. Of course, if they don't want them, they will go on sale to the general public. #37-108 are going to be generally available.

If you have a question about whether or not you count as a Heavenly Star, chances are that you do.

If you aren't someone who helped with the game's development, but you really want #17 or something, feel free to request it anyway. You'll probably get it. It's just that others will have priority.

Any questions should be sent to taogames@gmail.com If you wish to pre-order, please PayPal money to that same address. If you don't have access to PayPal, but want to pre-order, let me know and we'll work something out.