March Project Update
8 days ago
– Sun, Mar 01, 2026 at 08:42:52 AM
Physical Book Proof!
Things are moving along! I've placed my order for the first physical proof of the book. That's scary and exciting all at once. If we've done our job, we should likely not need any further proof, or at most one more. If we do find anything super minor, I don't plan to make us all wait for a printed proof just to fix a missing comma.
Book PDF - Proofreading
The book's PDF also needs a final pass. I've edited the PDF to remove a few unnecessary pages and added hyperlinks.
Beast Deck 2024 - Proofreading
We're starting the last rounds of proofreading on the PDF. And I've decided to increase the number of beasts by 25% to 125! That means there's a lot more hyperlinks to check.
So close!
20 days ago
– Tue, Feb 17, 2026 at 01:46:57 PM
We are so close to wrapping up the proofreading. I've been working in and around publishing long enough to know how important this stage is. And it would not surprise me if something still slipped past us.
Once that is done, I'll upload the files for the printer to look over and give me the thumbs up for a printed proof. Once I get that, I'll do a dance of joy because there's nothing to fix and no reason to wait for another proof 🤞; production will begin!
For the 2024 Beast Card Deck, I'm waiting on a few illustrations to wrap that up.
While I've been waiting, I've been working on redesigning the 2024 Druid stat cards. Once this project is 100% in production, I'll begin working on that campaign. But I can't consider launching anything until the current one is nearing completion.
Here's the new design. I wanted to give it a bit more of a cataloging or field guide flavor. They will still feature the 3 colors related to movement and be fully compatible with 2014 or 2024 tables.
Quick Update
about 1 month ago
– Tue, Feb 03, 2026 at 02:57:35 PM
I've sent the PDF off for final proofreading!
Once that's done, it's the little things. The final cover and coordinating to make sure the file is perfect for the printer. While that's happening, I'll then be working on the hyperlinked PDF.
Other updates
We have a few more beast illustrations to work on for the 2024 beast deck. I can't believe I missed the Giant Squid in the MM. Since it's not in the SRD, we created our own version, which we'll add.
I'll also lock down whatever I need to so I can begin sending out PDF emails.
Less exciting info
Two folks had their payments declined. I'll send an email to you soon.
Four more folks have not responded to the survey. If you feel like that's you just send me a message.
Writing Update
about 2 months ago
– Mon, Jan 19, 2026 at 06:25:41 AM
Hey Everyone!
Inti and I had a long editing session last night while our DM was unable to play. I thought we were on a quick smoothing over a final read. The creativity was flowing, and the pizza was fresh and hot.
We're going to need a few more editing sessions to make this an even better book. We don't need a ton of time, but a little more than I thought. We covered about 25% of the book. So 2-3 more sessions and we'll have it ready for a final proof.
We are super close!
Surveys are out
about 2 months ago
– Fri, Jan 09, 2026 at 04:44:01 AM
Surveys were emailed about a week ago. We are 80% complete!
If you haven't seen it, it might be in your spam folder. You can check your name or email address using this link: https://primal-encounters-5e.backerkit.com. I've messaged a few of you directly about your status.
If you have any questions or would like me to resend your survey directly, just let me know.
Progress on the book
I'm going through some final edits before some final proofing can be done. Once it is ready, it will take some time to produce a test copy to approve before I can order and ship the final product.
The one section that does need your help is the thank-you page, which is completed when you fill out your survey. I know it's not 100% necessary to complete the book. As with all campaigns, there are stragglers who haven't completed the survey. I've noticed that most have had adjustments to how their name is presented, so I will use only first names for any folks who have not filled out the survey by the time the book goes to press.
Progress on the 2024 Beast deck and other PDFs
All that is left is the hyperlinked indexing and completing some new illustrations. Once the survey period has closed, I will begin releasing PDFs via Backerkit. They will be available as they are completed.
