The Lone Wolf Game Jam is over. So what now? 

Now I'm addicted to making RPGs. Seriously, this was so much fun. 

Skep started as a character class and simple beekeeping mechanic. But when I finished those things, I just..kept...working on it. Eventually, it sort of had the vague shape of a game.  I’m grateful for the jam deadline because otherwise, I would have kept adding and adding and adding and never actually finished anything.

This was my first game and I really struggled with deciding how much info to include. I wanted it to be robust enough that anyone could pick it up and play, but I didn’t want it to be overwhelming.  I wanted it to be solo-first, but compatible with group play. It's a tricky balance.  And, like I said, this is all new to me. I'm so grateful to the Lone Wolf RPG, New School Revolution, and Cult of the Lizard King Discords for their insight! Thank you! 

That said, there's a lot I got wrong. In a week or two, I hope to upload Skep v1.1 with the following changes:

• There were some good questions about basic mechanics, so I'm going to add a complete "How to Play" section. This text will be largely adapted from Durf, with some additions and adjustments made for solo rules, simplified combat, and level advancement.
• Speaking of combat, I'll be changing the Hit Dice (HD) stat to Hit Protection (HP). A personal preference that I think is more intuitive and easier for people who don't have 5-10 d6 or d8 laying around. 
• Improved layout. There are a few inconsistencies I want to resolve.
• Character background table and more starting equipment options. 
• Blank hexes and tables so players can create their own flower fields, flower types, and honey.
• PDF bookmarks

Longer-term (but hopefully not too long) plans include:

• Hex Arcana. AKA beekeeper magic. I'm excited about this and may not be able to wait. Maybe an early version will make it into v.1.1
• A hex flower and encounter tables for generating thematic dungeons.
• Expanded instructions and tables for generating an overworld hex-map. 
• More playtesting and balancing 
• Rules for different seasons
• Factions. Can't wait to introduce the Tallow Syndicate, Secret Garden, and The Foul Brood.
• Expanded bestiary
• Pollination rules

Very long-term, possibly-never-depending-on-life  plans;

• Royal Jelly: A Slaptstick Eldritch Beekeeping Adventure (working title)
  
• More classes and world-building.  I want to create an arts- and craft-based world where the only magic is in making things. A world where regular craftspeople like potters, candle makers, coopers, and gardeners, all heed the call to adventure.

Thanks to everyone who has downloaded and read Skep! Especially those who paid for it and those who took the time to share their insight and help me get better. I really appreciate it.

See you in The Yard,

Jimmy

Pictured at top: One of the earliest pictures of bee dress, from Sebastian Münster's Cosmographia, 1545. (Courtesy of Bee Research Association)