As of 22:07 local time, Portent wrapped and was successfully funded! We blew past 1000% funded... I'm trying to make a coherent update as we speak, but you know how it goes.
Portent started out on a whim this February. "Hey, I just finished Pintopia, what's next?" And then that thought connected to the idea I've been having for over a year now about doing a solo RPG. There was no concept yet. Long before February, people had asked me at conventions on several occasions if I had anything that could be played without a party and planted a seed, and a friend sent me a video of Koriko, and then that had already rabbit-holed. But kami? Not really.
This might sound extremely whimsical. If it helps, this is how I usually start <3
To be honest, I don't remember how Portent became exactly what it is today. I didn't keep my old notes; I just replaced them with better concepts, and then shaved and fit those into ones that better fit my vision. What I do remember is wanting to combine tarot, rococo, and kami. Somehow. That was the first seed.
Backerkit's deadline forced me to make decisions quick. And here we are today. No rococo. A cozier art style than I've done before. And a very proud, slightly chaotic, creator.
I have, as of yet, 75 pages of artwork ready for the concept art book. I have an entire Obsidian vault dedicated to the contents and the side products (like the game mat and the enamel pins). I started working with Obsidian bases, I ditched Notion, I went over the game mechanics and made flow charts on paper, then cut out unnecessarily complicated bits. The book is looking at 120 pages as we speak, give or take. Three months of work.
At this point, roughly 80% of the game itself is ready to go, and the kami gazetteer that chronicles 22 kami has all the kami fleshed out. I'm creating more random tables to customize the game as you see fit. Wrapping the v1 that can be playtested will be my focus throughout June and July. Then artwork. Because with the yokai expansion also unlocked, that will be another 22 illustrations. And honestly, I can't wait <3 (while probably, admittedly, being a bit more mindful than usual of my wrist during that time)
Portent wrapped, so let's get cracking! Here are all the stretch goals we managed to unlock:
Yes, that is all of them!
Plus, as a bonus on my end, the hardcover will have red sprayed edges!
I am going to take a breath this weekend. Then, I am going to make sure that your overwhelming support will be reflected into the game.
