Thursday, June 6, 2013

[Q&A] Andy Hopp (Low Life 2nd ed.)

[19:04] <+andyhopp> Hello friends. Andy Hopp here. I'm the creator (writer, illustrator, and designer) of the Low Life RPG.
[19:04] <+andyhopp> Thanks for welcoming me.
[19:04] <+andyhopp> Here's the gist of Low Life: Gazillions of years in the future the vaunted Hoomanrace is extinct and Oith's dominant lifeforms evolved from cockroaches, snack cakes, and the dregs that survived the various apocalypses. Society is based on the misinterpreted archeological remains of the extinct Hoomanrace.
[19:05] <+andyhopp> (that's us; we're extinct)
[19:05] <+xyphoid_> oh hey I've seen your art, it rules
[19:05] <+andyhopp> Thank you Xyphoid
[19:06] <+andyhopp> I run a publisher called Mutha Oith Creations, which publishes Low Life and several other related and unrelated products.
[19:06] <+andyhopp> The homepage is (Link: http://www.muthaoithcreations.com)www.muthaoithcreations.com
[19:06] <+andyhopp> (Link: http://www.muthaoithcreations.com)http://www.muthaoithcreations.com
[19:06] <+andyhopp> it's Mutha Oith, like Mother Earth, but with an attitude.
[19:06] <+andyhopp> in case anyone was wondering how to pronounce that
[19:07] <+andyhopp> there is currently a kickstarter happening for the newly redredged version of the Low Life core rulebook at (Link: http://www.lowliferpg.info)http://www.lowliferpg.info
[19:07] <+andyhopp> it has all new writing, all new art, and whole mess of other new jazz
[19:07] <+andyhopp> done
[19:07] <+Abstruse> Why did you go for Savage Worlds for the rules instead of d20/PRD, FATE, or an original system?
[19:08] *** patchouli18 has joined #rpgnet
[19:08] *** ChanServ sets mode +v patchouli18
[19:08] <~Dan> (Welcome, patchouli18! Here for the Q&A?)
[19:08] <+andyhopp> The game originally came out in 2006. I was hired by Shane Hensley, the creator of Savage Worlds. There's a story...
[19:08] <+patchouli18> Yes
[19:08] <~Dan> (We just got started. The floor's open to questions!)
[19:08] <+andyhopp> He was a big fan of my art and asked me to make a setting for his new game. He said it could be about anything I wanted.
[19:09] <+andyhopp> He read some of my writing and asked me to write it too
[19:09] <+fluffykins0> What sort of new information about Oith will you be providing in the new book?
[19:09] <~Dan> (Question pause after fluffykins0's question, please.)
[19:10] <+andyhopp> There are several new locations, a whole bunch of new monsters, new edges and hindrances, new skills, new arcane backgrounds, new information about all the character species, new rules, new adventures, new everything, really
[19:10] <+andyhopp> done
[19:10] <+patchouli18> anything new on the incredibly huge monster?
[19:10] *** SmittyB has quit IRC: Disintegrated: ChatZilla 0.9.90 [Firefox 21.0/20130511120803]
[19:10] <+Abstruse> Who would you consider your artistic influences?
[19:10] <+andyhopp> Absolutely! Several new realms within the Incredibly Huge Monster are explored and the ones described before have been expanded.
[19:11] <+andyhopp> The same is true of all the locations.
[19:11] <+andyhopp> As for artistic influences, there are many...
[19:11] <+andyhopp> Some peopel I really respect and admire as artists who I'm certain have influenced me, directly or indirectly,...
[19:12] <+andyhopp> Tony DiTerlizzi, Dr. Suess, Arnie Swekel, Heronomus Bosch, Tim Burton, many others I can't think of right now
[19:12] <+andyhopp> Shel Siverstein, maybe
[19:12] *** AWOLJoe has quit IRC: Ping timeout
[19:12] <+andyhopp> I majored in Zoology in college, so that has certainly had an influence on my crature designs
[19:13] <+Abstruse> I see a lot of Ralph Steadman personally.
[19:13] <+andyhopp> Cratures are like creatures but with more tooth decay
[19:13] <+andyhopp> Yes, him too
[19:13] <+xyphoid_> q: why do you hate my wallet (backed)
[19:13] <+andyhopp> and Edward Gory, Don Martin,
[19:13] <+andyhopp> Thanks, Xyphoid.
[19:13] <+andyhopp> I like that is says "Bad Mutha Gooser" on it
[19:14] <+andyhopp> We just passed the goal that nabs us a limited edition miniature
[19:14] *** AWOLJoe has joined #rpgnet
[19:14] *** ChanServ sets mode +v AWOLJoe
[19:14] <+andyhopp> Hello Joe
[19:14] <+andyhopp> donme
[19:15] <+J_Arcane> omg awesome. (Link: http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=128722076&searchtext=)http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=128722076&searchtext=
[19:15] <~Dan> Could you describe the races and occupations for us, andyhopp?
[19:15] <+andyhopp> sure thing, Dan.
[19:16] <+andyhopp> Bodul: Supposedly the devolved descendants of the extinct Hoomanrace, these guys are uniquely weird.  Cremefillian: The ancestors of these proud and durable peeps were lowly snack cakes, imprisoned and consumed by the hated Hoomanrace. More...  Croach: Hardy and adaptive, croaches (obviously) evolved from baser cockroach stock. More...  Horc: These bellicose
[19:16] <+andyhopp> Ignore the "more"s on there. I cut and pasted
[19:16] <~Dan> (Cut off at "These bellicose")
[19:16] <+andyhopp> if you go to (Link: http://www.lowliferpg.info)http://www.lowliferpg.info and scroll down about 1/3 of the way you can see some pics of them
[19:16] <+andyhopp> brawlers came to Oith from Middle Oith during the Time of the Flush.  Oofo: Oofos are the vestigial remnants of ancient aliens stranded on Oith gazillions of years ago. More...  Piles: Given life through the mucky art of contanimation, these peeps are peculiarly curious and curiously peculiar.  Smelf: Smelves, the hated enemies and favorite prey of their horc
[19:17] <+andyhopp> ish foes, also came to Oith during the Time of the Flush.  Tizn't: The combobulated stuff of Oith's extinct fauna, tizn'ts stand atop the heap of Oith's most unusual denizens.More...  Werm: Squiggly, wiggly, and often jiggly, werms are far snazzier than their subterranean ancestors.
[19:17] <+andyhopp> I also added some sneak peeks from the book about the races to the Mutha Oith homepage.
[19:17] <+andyhopp> For example: (Link: http://muthaoithcreations.com/low-life-sneak-peek-piles/)http://muthaoithcreations.com/low-life-sneak-peek-piles/
[19:18] <+andyhopp> done
[19:18] <~Dan> And the occupations?
[19:18] <+andyhopp> There are some other PC races in the other books as well
[19:19] <+andyhopp> Occupations are numerous...
[19:19] <+fluffykins0> Could you tell us a little about the religion of Boss Rob?
[19:19] <+andyhopp> There are Beast Punchers, Hocus Pokers, Giggity Giggers, Danged Wranglers,...
[19:20] <+andyhopp> Yes indeed, fluffykins.
[19:20] <+andyhopp> Boss Rob apparently painted the universe into existence from the various excrescences of creation
[19:20] <+andyhopp> according to his devotees
[19:20] <+andyhopp> it's a very minor religion on Oith
[19:20] <+andyhopp> The major religions are:
[19:20] <+patchouli18> (g'night...sorry i couldn't stay longer)
[19:21] *** patchouli18 has quit IRC: Disintegrated: (Link: http://www.mibbit.com)http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client
[19:21] <+andyhopp> Jeezle Freaks, who confuse archeological evidence of Jesus and Elvis
[19:21] <+andyhopp> Jemimah's Witnesses: A cremefillian faith that abhors all remnants of the Hoomanrace
[19:21] <+andyhopp> Stanismist: Who are all about vice and licentiousness
[19:21] <+andyhopp> Hoomanitarians: Who venerate the ancient Hoomanrace
[19:22] <+andyhopp> Boorglezarians: Who worship the cosmic dung beetle, Boorglezar
[19:22] <+andyhopp> and the new book Holy Crap, which will be out next year, describes about 30 more religions
[19:22] * ~Dan chuckles
[19:23] <+andyhopp> It's written by a guy named Credulous Shmeckle...
[19:23] <+andyhopp> He devotes himself wholey to each religion for a few months then moves on to the next. It's called "The Great Sects Chance Operation"
[19:23] <+andyhopp> Change, not chance
[19:23] <~Dan> Nice. :)
[19:24] <+andyhopp> thank you
[19:24] <+fluffykins0> When was the last timeyou ran LowLife, and what was the focus of the plot?
[19:24] <+andyhopp> Low Life isn't actually as silly as it might appear
[19:24] <+andyhopp> good question
[19:24] <+andyhopp> The last time I ran it was at Con on the Cob last October...
[19:25] <+andyhopp> The adventure had the heap (that's what a group of characters is called) trying to defend a gangsta named Dregzie the Schnoz from a contanimator who wanted to steal his nose....
[19:25] <+andyhopp> There was a missing competitive grub gobbling champion who disappeared as well
[19:26] <+andyhopp> it runed out the contanimator was stealing aprts of the most superlative peeps in town (biggest nose, biggest mouth, tallest werm, etc...) to make a contanimatronic minion (like a golem)...
[19:26] <+andyhopp> that looked like Mr. Potato Head
[19:26] <+andyhopp> done
[19:27] <~Dan> Can you describe some of the weird powers available to PCs?
[19:27] <+andyhopp> Sure thing...
[19:28] <+andyhopp> Contanimators are zazz wagglers (magic users) who are able to manipulate the essential spirits of filth and decay (contanimants) to power their magic...
[19:28] <+andyhopp> Smellcasters coalesce the smellemental essences of aroma (the redollescences) to create reeks, which are basically gaseous potions that can be inhaled or hurled amidst ones foes...
[19:28] <+andyhopp> Dementalists are psychic oofos...
[19:29] <+andyhopp> Hocus pokers are more like standard wizards, the poke hoci, which are the Fundamental spirits of magic...
[19:29] <+andyhopp> Danged Wranglers are sort of like Necromancers...
[19:29] <+andyhopp> Holy rollers are priests and clerics...
[19:30] <+andyhopp> and Giggity Giggers gig giggities. Giggities are these weird critters who float around and copy traits form other organisms onto themselves. Giggers can catch giggities and nab the traits for themselves
[19:30] <+andyhopp> They used to just be an Edge, now they have their own Arcane Background and a bunch of Edges, skills, and Powers
[19:30] <+andyhopp> done
[19:31] <+andyhopp> Here's a pic: (Link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/598/694/009daa7c27002a1e457c2179491aee79_large.jpg?1368802926)https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/598/694/009daa7c27002a1e457c2179491aee79_large.jpg?1368802926
[19:31] <+fluffykins0> Could you tell us more about how you changed giggity giggers?
[19:31] <+andyhopp> and another: (Link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/598/695/f413ef81f357f4bae9c649dbeaaeff9b_large.jpg?1368802941)https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/598/695/f413ef81f357f4bae9c649dbeaaeff9b_large.jpg?1368802941
[19:31] <+andyhopp> Yes indeed...
[19:32] <+andyhopp> Well, basically they've been expanded immensley. There
[19:32] <+andyhopp> 's a power called The Hookup which allows them to transfer traits from a giggity to another peep...
[19:32] <+andyhopp> they can send giggities on missions to collect specific traits...
[19:32] <+andyhopp> summon giggities...
[19:32] <+andyhopp> fuse a giggity to their own head...
[19:33] <+andyhopp> make a trait permanent, etc.
[19:33] <+andyhopp> done
[19:34] <+andyhopp> Why would you fuse a giggity to your head?
[19:34] <+andyhopp> I'm glad you asked...
[19:34] <~Dan> Could you say a bit about technology in general and Weirdos in particular?
[19:34] <~Dan> (Why? Because everyone wants to gig a head in the world.)
[19:34] <+fluffykins0> do they work like the other arcane background s?
[19:34] <+andyhopp> You can transfer undesired traits from another giggity to the fused one (called a gig wig) instead of to yourself. Very handy since it's usually random
[19:34] *** jeffszusz has quit IRC: Client exited
[19:34] <+andyhopp> yes they do, they have powers and a Gigging skill just like the others
[19:35] <+andyhopp> To answer you question about technology, dan...
[19:36] <+andyhopp> The tech level is mostly medieval fantasy sort of stuff, but the remnants of eras bygone are sometimes found. Nobody knows how to use the stuff or what it actually is, but that's part of the fun...
[19:36] <+andyhopp> Some characters, such as weirdos, can create all sorts of funky devices and weird contraptions, which you could call high tech, but is usually zazzular in nature more than technological
[19:36] <+andyhopp> also...
[19:37] <+andyhopp> Contanimators can make contanimatronic minions, which are essentially robots, but again fueled by zazz and contanimants instead of tech
[19:37] <+andyhopp> also...
[19:37] <+andyhopp> there is a nifty and newly revised weapon creation system that encourges peeps to make their own weapons rather than stick to the old standbys...
[19:38] <+andyhopp> for example, you can weild a rubber chicken full of nails or a razor edged BBQ tong or a giant pair of scissors...
[19:38] <+andyhopp> or anything at all
[19:38] <+andyhopp> There's a similar system for crating mabobs (vehicles)
[19:39] <+andyhopp> done
[19:39] *** Guest31 has joined #rpgnet
[19:39] *** ChanServ sets mode +v Guest31
[19:39] <+Abstruse> I have to be the bad guy reporter and ask: What separates LOW LIFE from other similar games like GAMMA WORLD and PARANOIA?
[19:39] *** mib_41mno9 has joined #rpgnet
[19:39] *** ChanServ sets mode +v mib_41mno9
[19:39] <+andyhopp> Many things...
[19:39] <~Dan> (Welcome, Guest31 and mib_41mno9! Please set your names with the "/nick" command. :) )
[19:39] <+andyhopp> I've never actually played either of those or read anything of them, so I can't speak directly to the comparisons...
[19:39] *** mib_41mno9 has quit IRC: Disintegrated: (Link: http://www.mibbit.com)http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client
[19:40] <+fluffykins0> Are you going to give a preview of both giggity giggers and the mabob creation rules?
[19:40] <+andyhopp> but Low Life is not a post apocalyptic setting. It's a post post post post every possible apocalypse setting...
[19:40] <+andyhopp> sure it is uttterly ridiculous. So ridiculous that the word utter accidentally has three "t"s...
[19:40] *** Guest31 has quit IRC: Disintegrated: (Link: http://www.mibbit.com)http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client
[19:40] <+andyhopp> but the characters don't know they're ridiculous...
[19:40] <+andyhopp> to them it's all normal...
[19:40] *** Guest45 has joined #rpgnet
[19:40] *** ChanServ sets mode +v Guest45
[19:41] <+andyhopp> so it's weirdness on a grand scale...
[19:41] <+andyhopp> but tempered by intelligence and some pretty deep philisophical jazz
[19:41] <~Dan> (Welcome, Guest45! Please set your name with the "/nick" command. :) )
[19:41] *** Guest45 has quit IRC: Disintegrated: (Link: http://www.mibbit.com)http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client
[19:41] <+andyhopp> the poo isn't funny because it's poo. It's all about context.
[19:42] <+andyhopp> it's not far future...
[19:42] <+andyhopp> there aren't laser blasters and space ships or anything like that...
[19:42] <~Dan> (It's also all about timing.)
[19:42] <+andyhopp> it's about the dregs of creation rising up and becoming the dominant forms of life
[19:42] <~Dan> (You have to be careful to maintain the time poo.)
[19:42] <+andyhopp> hence the name
[19:43] <+andyhopp> yes you do, Dan
[19:43] <+andyhopp> does that help answer that question, Abstruse?
[19:43] <+Abstruse> Yep
[19:43] <~Dan> (Oh, by the way, did Abstruse already introduce himself to you?)
[19:43] <+andyhopp> We met at Comicpalooza
[19:44] <+Abstruse> I met him at Comicpalooza.
[19:44] <+andyhopp> and played drunken Cards Against Humanity together. We bonded.
[19:44] <~Dan> So, what you're saying is that you met at Comicpalooza.
[19:44] <+andyhopp> But they were able to pry us apart
[19:44] <~Dan> Heh. :)
[19:44] <+andyhopp> yes, that is the case
[19:44] <+Abstruse> Even have a secret inside joke: Testicular Torsion.
[19:44] <+andyhopp> HA!
[19:44] <+andyhopp> Prehensile butt cheeks
[19:45] <+andyhopp> that was a crazy coincidence, man
[19:45] <+andyhopp> but it's an inside joke...
[19:45] <+andyhopp> done
[19:45] <~Dan> So in the games you've played/run, how has the comedy meshed with actual "serious" action?
[19:46] <+andyhopp> good question...
[19:46] <~Dan> As you say, the inhabitants of the world don't see the humor of their existence.
[19:46] <+andyhopp> The comedy is not slapstick or even all that juvenile....
[19:46] <+andyhopp> Sure, it's puerile and a bit immature (so I guess it is juvenile after all)...
[19:46] <+andyhopp> but it always serves the narrative...
[19:47] <+andyhopp> Here's a thing that exists...
[19:47] <+andyhopp> Before the game came out...
[19:47] <+andyhopp> when Shane Hensley first announced it on the PEG website...
[19:47] <+andyhopp> there were certain people who were terrible haters...
[19:47] <+andyhopp> they heard you could play as sentient poop and immediately assumed it was stupid...
[19:47] <+andyhopp> they blasted me on the forums...
[19:48] <+andyhopp> and we adamantly opposed to everything that had to do with Low Life...
[19:48] <+andyhopp> then, after the book came out several of them emailed me to apologize and tell me how in love they were with it.
[19:49] <+andyhopp> It's certainly not for everybody, but the peopel who are into it really get into it...
[19:49] <+andyhopp> another thing that happens is this...
[19:49] <+andyhopp> People hear that bodily waste is involved. The girls (mostly) are all like "Ew, how gross!" Then, when they finally play the game all they want to do is cast "Wall of diarrhea" or something liek that.
[19:50] <+andyhopp> If you let yourself get carried along for the ride without worrying about how immature it might be you can really have a blast
[19:50] <+andyhopp> plus, there's really some pretty deep explanations for things, especially in The Whole Hol
[19:50] <+andyhopp> The Whole Hole is a guidebook to Mutha Oith
[19:51] <+andyhopp> (Link: http://muthaoithcreations.com/store/the-whole-hole-volume-01-keister-island-print/)http://muthaoithcreations.com/store/the-whole-hole-volume-01-keister-island-print/
[19:51] <+andyhopp> done
[19:51] <+andyhopp> I felt like that was a rant, but it wasn't meant as one
[19:51] <~Dan> I didn't take it that way.
[19:51] <+andyhopp> good
[19:51] <+andyhopp> it was cathartic, though
[19:51] <~Dan> Besides, it's hard to call a rant any conversation that contains the word "poop".
[19:52] <+andyhopp> for the record, there is no "Wall of diarrhea". At least not officially
[19:52] <~Dan> Good to know.
[19:52] <~Dan> So what tweaks, if any, have you made to the core Savage Worlds mechanics for the game?
[19:53] <+andyhopp> So, I don't mean to imply there's no comedy...
[19:53] <+andyhopp> It's very comedic. It's just that, ideally, the comedy serves the story...
[19:53] <+andyhopp> it doesn't exist for its own sake. That would cheapen it.
[19:53] <+andyhopp> good question, Dan...
[19:54] <~Dan> (Thanks. That's why they pay me the big bucks.)
[19:54] <+andyhopp> There are a few tweaks, I modified the spellcasting a bit...
[19:54] <+andyhopp> I added the Illiterate Hindrance in the original book, which was then made an official SW Hindrance in the Deluxe SW book...
[19:55] <+andyhopp> The weapon creation jazz I mentioned before...
[19:55] <+andyhopp> the number of Edges peeps start with ahs changed a bit too...
[19:55] <+andyhopp> I give everyone a free professional Edge, as a job...
[19:55] <~Dan> (I'm assuming that PCs are literally called "peeps" in the game?)
[19:55] <+andyhopp> I also added a buns load of new Edges
[19:55] <+andyhopp> yes, that is the case
[19:55] <+andyhopp> the GM is "The Boss"
[19:55] <~Dan> (<-- genius!)
[19:55] <+andyhopp> The party is "The Heap"
[19:55] <+andyhopp> thank you
[19:56] <+andyhopp> the GM screen is the Boss Blocker
[19:56] <~Dan> Heh. :)
[19:57] <+Abstruse> One of the stretch goals on the Kickstarter is a conversion for FATE and Pathfinder. Have you already started working on these or done any research? How different do you think the game will be under the different rulesets?
[19:57] <+andyhopp> I have never played either game, but I have a huge mob of fans and friends who are eager to help with the conversions...
[19:57] <~Dan> (brb - please continue)
[19:57] *** Dan is now known as Dan-brb
[19:57] <+andyhopp> One thing I'm excited about is this...
[19:58] <+andyhopp> the books are all set up so that they are written from the point of view of a denizen of Oith. There are no game terms or stats or anything at all for first 90% of the book. It's all flavor and exposition...
[19:58] <+andyhopp> the rules are all in the appendices at the back...
[19:59] <+andyhopp> so to do any conversion we just need to replace the appendices...
[19:59] <+andyhopp> the rest stays the same.
[19:59] <+andyhopp> it also allows you to use the book itself as a prop in the game...
[19:59] <+fluffykins0> will those sections also be purchasa
[19:59] <+andyhopp> since it is written to be an actual in-game book.
[19:59] <+fluffykins0> ble as stand alone pdfs?
[19:59] <+andyhopp> Yes they will.
[20:00] <+fluffykins0> (sorry about that)
[20:00] <+andyhopp> Although if you nab the pdf you'll get the whole book with whichever rules set you want
[20:00] <+andyhopp> no worries
[20:00] <+andyhopp> I plan to do conversions for the other books as well
[20:00] <+Abstruse> If I'm indecisive, can I get all three versions in one PDF? Like "Here's the world. Here's the chapter for SW rules. Here's the one for Pathfinder rules." etc.
[20:01] *** Corinna is now known as Lioness
[20:01] <+andyhopp> yes you can
[20:01] *** Dan-brb is now known as Dan
[20:02] <+andyhopp> There's also a Low Life card game called Dementalism: An Ingenious Game of Ingenious Ingeniousness
[20:02] <+fluffykins0> what other sorts of things will you be offering as previews in the kickstarter?
[20:02] <+andyhopp> I will be finishing off the PC species...
[20:03] <+andyhopp> and then probably expounding upon the various Arcane Backgrounds...
[20:03] <+andyhopp> then maybe reveal some of the new Edges and Hindrances...
[20:03] <+andyhopp> there are a bunch of Sneak Peeks already on the site as well...
[20:03] <+fluffykins0> (Dementalism rocks, by the by)
[20:03] <+Abstruse> Grrrr...for the record, NEVER let your family know you're good at computers. Get an IT job, tell them you dig holes then fill them back up again. On an unrelated topic, I now have to go fix my mother's computer. Hopefully it won't take too long.
[20:03] <+andyhopp> No worries, Abstruse
[20:03] <+andyhopp> Thanks Fluffykins
[20:03] <~Dan> Talk to you shortly. :)
[20:04] <+andyhopp> There's one about Yort and the Yortstick that peeps find especially fun...
[20:04] <+andyhopp> I'll find the link.
[20:04] <+andyhopp> (Link: http://muthaoithcreations.com/low-life-sneak-peak-the-inspiring-yet-pathetic-tale-of-yort-and-his-stick/)http://muthaoithcreations.com/low-life-sneak-peak-the-inspiring-yet-pathetic-tale-of-yort-and-his-stick/
[20:05] <+andyhopp> We also have a full line of Low Life miniatures
[20:06] <~Dan> Hmm. I'm getting a certain vibe from what I've seen and learned of Low Life. I'd like to get your opinion on it.
[20:06] <+andyhopp> shoot
[20:07] <~Dan> It seems like Low Life is akin to a sensory overload of ridiculousness that manages to loop back around to a surreal kind of pseudo-seriousness.
[20:07] <~Dan> Like, when EVERYthing is ridiculous, in a way, NOTHING is.
[20:08] <+andyhopp> exactly! You get it. It's silly but it takes itself seriously within the confines of it's own self ridicule (or soemthing like that)
[20:09] <~Dan> It's like someone sees your setting and says, "It's a world made out of sh*t!" And you're like, "Why, yes. Yes, it is."
[20:09] <~Dan> "But... it's all sh*t!" "Right, we covered that..."
[20:10] <+andyhopp> Some of the sh*t is literal, some is figurative
[20:10] <~Dan> Right.
[20:10] <~Dan> Actually...
[20:10] *** mib_0t9vb7 has joined #rpgnet
[20:10] *** ChanServ sets mode +v mib_0t9vb7
[20:10] *** Kei has joined #rpgnet
[20:10] *** ChanServ sets mode +v Kei
[20:10] <+Kei> heya folks
[20:11] <~Dan> ...it also reminds me of games we used to play as kids.
[20:11] <+andyhopp> Hi friends
[20:11] <+fluffykins0> Aside from low life and savage worlds, do you play any other rpgs or systems? if so, which other ones did you like?
[20:11] <+Kei> what does?
[20:11] <~Dan> Juvenile stuff with "poo-poo guns" and the like.
[20:11] <+andyhopp> don't touch the carpet! It's diarrhea
[20:11] <~Dan> And we'd be giggling about "poo-poo guns"... but then we'd be like, "No, really. I shot you with my poo-poo gun."
[20:11] <+andyhopp> to answer your question...
[20:12] <+andyhopp> I have a poo proof vest on...
[20:12] <~Dan> Yup. :)
[20:12] <+andyhopp> I spend so much time creating games I seldom have time to actually play them...
[20:12] *** mib_0t9vb7 has quit IRC: Disintegrated: (Link: http://www.mibbit.com)http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client
[20:12] <~Dan> Kei: Talking to Andy Hopp, author of Low Life.
[20:12] <+andyhopp> I love just about any RPG, but I haven't played anything but Low Life in years.
[20:12] <+andyhopp> Some of my favorites from the past...
[20:12] <+andyhopp> I really love Planescape, that's my all-time favorite...
[20:13] <+andyhopp> Dark Sun is very cool (haven't seen the new stuff, though)...
[20:13] <+andyhopp> Call of Cthlhu... Silvervine
[20:13] <~Dan> Silvervine?
[20:14] <+andyhopp> Oh yeah, it's a very cool game that's sort of a freeform steampunk/anime setting with some really funky ideas and whimsical attitude.
[20:14] <~Dan> Huh. Haven't heard of that one.
[20:14] <+andyhopp> it's written by John Arcadian, who writes for Gnome Stew and some other guys. It's not very well known, but it has a fierce following among thos ehwo play
[20:14] <~Dan> I'll have to look that up.
[20:14] <+andyhopp> (Link: http://www.silvervinegames.com)http://www.silvervinegames.com I think
[20:15] <~Dan> How big of a bestiary does Low Life feature, and what are some high(or low)lights?
[20:16] *** zombielord has joined #rpgnet
[20:16] *** ChanServ sets mode +v zombielord
[20:16] <+andyhopp> The Whole Hole has twenty pages of monsters. Th enew book has about the same. I haven't done the layout for that section yet...
[20:16] <+andyhopp> some highlights include...
[20:16] <~Dan> (Welcome to #rpgnet, zombielord!)
[20:17] <+andyhopp> ...of the Danged - these are what undead are known as in Low Life. As in Cremefillian of the Danged, etc...
[20:17] <+andyhopp> Hi Zimbielord
[20:17] <+zombielord> Hello Andy.
[20:17] <+andyhopp> Cute little duckies - ravenous ancient beasts that actually jus tlook like little ducks
[20:18] <+andyhopp> there's the dreaded umber cuke...
[20:18] <+andyhopp> the two-headed uncter, the mysterious Sphincs...
[20:18] <+andyhopp> there are these evil smurf like things called shmurves
[20:19] <+andyhopp> various types of contanimant, including a buncho f new ones
[20:19] <+andyhopp> esophagators, hair bares, and tons more
[20:20] <+andyhopp> primordial goon, puddle of yuck...
[20:20] <~Dan> Awesome. :)
[20:20] <+andyhopp> squiggly mass, dim grimacer...
[20:20] <+andyhopp> many many new ones that the peeps have never seen before
[20:20] *** fluffykins0 has quit IRC: Disintegrated: (Link: http://www.mibbit.com)http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client
[20:20] <+zombielord> Ooooo!  New never before seen goodies.
[20:21] <+andyhopp> yep, a bunch of those
[20:21] <+andyhopp> Zombielord is a backer
[20:21] *** fluffykins0 has joined #rpgnet
[20:21] *** ChanServ sets mode +v fluffykins0
[20:22] <+andyhopp> Do any of the idlers out there have any questions?
[20:22] <~Dan> (It's hard to tell with those folks who's actually watching and who's not really there at all.)
[20:22] <+andyhopp> Ooh, I know something that might interest peeps...
[20:23] <+andyhopp> We are currently having a contest...
[20:23] <~Dan> (And then, some of those who are here aren't actually all there, if you know what I mean...)
[20:23] <+andyhopp> We are putting out an anthology of Low Life art and fiction...
[20:23] <+zombielord> (Dan <--- Funny man)
[20:23] <+andyhopp> many industry legends are in on it (larry Elmore, Arnie Swekel, Ed Beard Jr.)...
[20:24] <+andyhopp> there's currently a contest for writers and artists to get their jazz published along with those guys and girls.
[20:24] <+andyhopp> Here's the lowdown: (Link: http://muthaoithcreations.com/low-life-fiction-anthology-a-new-contest/)http://muthaoithcreations.com/low-life-fiction-anthology-a-new-contest/
[20:24] <+andyhopp> It's called Low Brow High Adventure
[20:25] <+andyhopp> it's one of the stretch goals in the kickstarter ((Link: http://www.lowliferpg.info)http://www.lowliferpg.info), which I feel inclined to bump as often as possible (you know, because it's my livelihood and all that)
[20:26] *** Cassandra has quit IRC: Disintegrated:
[20:26] <+fluffykins0> So, did kickstarter really open up you possibilities of working on Low life again? Could you talk a little about your experiences with it as a creator?
[20:26] <+andyhopp> It really did...
[20:27] <~Dan> Yes, how long was Low Life percolating in your head before you wrote it all down?
[20:27] <+andyhopp> The biggest thing is that I am no longer beholden to another person hiring me. I don't have to depend on another company publishing my books and games and I can really let me imagination flow.
[20:27] <+andyhopp> Here's the story about the origin of Low Life...
[20:28] <+andyhopp> and then I'll get back to Fluffykins question
[20:28] *** Le_Squide has joined #rpgnet
[20:28] *** ChanServ sets mode +v Le_Squide
[20:28] <~Dan> (Howdy, Squide!)
[20:28] *** ChanServ sets mode +ao Le_Squide Le_Squide
[20:28] <&Le_Squide> (Heya!)
[20:28] <+andyhopp> Years ago I worked on a series of books with Goodman Games. They were called The Wanderers Guild Guides...
[20:29] <+andyhopp> and they were fairly popular and very well received by the reviewers and critics...
[20:29] <+andyhopp> they were similar to Lwo Life in that the books were made to be used as props in the game. All the game info was in sidebars so you could read the book as an in-game book...
[20:29] <+andyhopp> The first one was Monsters of the Endless Dark: The Wanderers Guild Guide to Subterranean Organisms...
[20:30] <+andyhopp> anyway, they were guide books to various creatures and locales...
[20:30] <+andyhopp> I came up with the idea to do one about molds and slimes and fungus and puddings and things...
[20:30] <+Silverlion> You seem to write about squishy things a lot
[20:30] <+andyhopp> called Low Life: The Wanderers Guild Guide to those things I just mentioned...
[20:30] <+andyhopp> yep, it's my bag, baby
[20:31] <~Dan> (Andy Hopp is top with the slop.)
[20:31] <+andyhopp> Goodman Games got big into DCC and other projects, so the WG kind of reverted back to me... Some stuff happened with another publisher that fell through...
[20:31] <+andyhopp> anyway, when Shane came to me and asked me to do a setting for him I still had that name in my head...
[20:32] <+andyhopp> originally it was going to be about roaches and bugs and stuff that lived in the sewers and under the sink and stuff like that....
[20:32] <+andyhopp> that proved to be too limited a setting, so it kind of just expanded from there.
[20:32] <+andyhopp> fascinating, huh?
[20:33] <+andyhopp> good poem, by the way
[20:33] <+andyhopp> Anyway, to answer Fluffykins' question...
[20:33] * ~Dan bows
[20:33] <+andyhopp> I used ot always work as a freelancer...
[20:34] <+andyhopp> illustrating other people's writing and doing pretty much what was ordered...
[20:34] <+andyhopp> which was fun and presented a lot fo great experiences...
[20:34] <+andyhopp> and I was lucky enough that several publishers gave me free reign with some projects (liek the WG and the original Low Life)...
[20:35] <+andyhopp> but I was always at the mercy of the art director and the project manager...
[20:35] <+andyhopp> plus, as a freelancer, it's hard to make sure people pay you on time, if at all...
[20:36] <+andyhopp> kickstarter has allowed me to really do what I want to do and bring my vision to life (metaphorically speaking; it's not actually alive), for better or worse...
[20:36] <+andyhopp> I've been able to hire an assistant, which makes me way more productive
[20:37] <+andyhopp> and now I'm able (hopefully) to really build on the world of Oith and expand Low Life how I always wanted it to be, without having to worry so much about where my next paycheck will come from...
[20:37] <+andyhopp> I am incredibly humbled by the support peeps have given me...
[20:37] <+zombielord> I must say that your style of art is very distinct.  Originally your art was in sepia tones, but now you have gone into using more color what made you decide that?  Also do you digitally color, or use more traditional methods?
[20:38] <+andyhopp> good question, zombielord...
[20:38] <~Dan> Yeah, your new stuff has a kind of colorful psychedelic acid trip vibe.
[20:39] <+andyhopp> colro was a concious decision I made because every time I tried to get puclished in the world of childrens books they always wanted color. I got hired to do some color work just based on my ink drawings and I decided to learn colored pencils (paint was too messy because i had two small kids at the time)...
[20:39] <~Dan> (The sepia tone stuff looks like the solemn record of a colorful psychedelic acid trip.)
[20:39] <+andyhopp> IU do not do digital art...
[20:39] <+andyhopp> I have nothing against it, I just feel that the art in a book should look liek it could have been made by the peeps in the book...
[20:40] <+andyhopp> digital is fine as long as it doesn't look digital or it is in a setting that would have computers...
[20:40] <+andyhopp> I also like having an actual physcial drawing. You have something to show for it (and hopefully sell).
[20:40] <+andyhopp> As a freelancer I made way more from selling the original drawings than I got from doing the drawings in the first place.
[20:41] <+andyhopp> done
[20:41] <~Dan> What sorts of adventures take place in Low Life?
[20:41] <+andyhopp> All sorts fo crazy stuff...
[20:42] <+andyhopp> Teh one I'm writing at the moment is called "Socks to be You". It's about a creature known as The Sockstrosity, who is a giant sock, made of socks, stuffed with socks, who knits socks. I don't want to give away too much, but it's really fun...  more...
[20:43] <+andyhopp> There's also one I'm working on that explores the haunted salad bar at Stanachio's Swirling Clustergoose in Floom.
[20:43] <+andyhopp> "Goose", in case you haven't figured it out, is used in place of "F*ck" in Low Life. So anywhere you see "goose" you can think "f*ck"
[20:44] * ~Dan chuckles
[20:44] <+andyhopp> the Swirling Clustergoose is this restaurant / orgy pit in Floom where the laws of the city don't apply and everything is allowed (even that)
[20:45] <+andyhopp> the sald bar is haunted by the ghost of Sinful Bulgenoggin, a former Keistermeister of Floom and a real bad guy
[20:45] <~Dan> I'm guessing that the terminology found in Low Life just flowed right out of your head, didn't it?
[20:45] <+andyhopp> most of it, although a lot of people have made contributions
[20:45] <+andyhopp> It's funny...
[20:46] <+andyhopp> Since the kickstarter I have noticed a lot people using my terminolgy, which is very flattering...
[20:46] <+andyhopp> More people are saying "nab" instead of "get", I've noticed.
[20:46] <~Dan> Heh. :)
[20:46] <+andyhopp> I try to find inoffesnive ways to say things that become more offensive once you give them a bit more thought...
[20:47] <+andyhopp> like goose is initially just a waterfowl, but then you start to think about it and it means "pinching someone's butt" then it goes even further and it means doing somehting else to someone's butt.
[20:47] <+andyhopp> plus, it's a silly word
[20:47] <~Dan> It is.
[20:47] <+andyhopp> there are a lot of those sneaky little words
[20:47] <+zombielord> ...and you have a few things written in that give you an A-HA moment when you figure it that they are puns.
[20:47] <~Dan> Because goose sounds like moose. And the word "moose" is freaking hysterical.
[20:48] <+andyhopp> such as pirates are known as "price-o-corns"
[20:48] <+andyhopp> it takes peeps a long time to figure that one out, usually
[20:48] <+andyhopp> it si at that
[20:49] * ~Dan just got it, re: price-o-corns.
[20:49] <~Dan> Well done, sir.
[20:49] <+andyhopp> thank you
[20:49] <~Dan> As one punmeister to another, I salute you.
[20:49] <+andyhopp> lol
[20:49] <+andyhopp> There are some words I can't even say correctly anymore..
[20:49] <~Dan> :)
[20:49] <+andyhopp> like contanimate
[20:50] * ~Dan chuckles
[20:50] <+andyhopp> I really dig making up nor words as well...
[20:50] <~Dan> Do you see a darkly comic element to Low Life? Or is it just too silly for that?
[20:50] <+andyhopp> one of my favorite is used in The Whole Hole...
[20:50] <+andyhopp> it describes food that is really really gross yet somehow still addictively awesome: delicatrocity
[20:51] <~Dan> Awesome. :)
[20:51] <+andyhopp> Liek there's a party in my mouth and somebody pooped on the rug
[20:51] <+zombielord> *LOL*
[20:51] <~Dan> I came up with a term for a small drink that you get before a large drink.
[20:51] <~Dan> Alchatizer.
[20:52] <+andyhopp> very cool
[20:52] <~Dan> (alcatizer, rather)
[20:53] <~Dan> So, while you're welcome to hang out and answer questions -- or just hang out -- as long as you like, we've got just under 10 minutes left in "regular" Q&A time. Anything we haven't discussed that you'd like to mention?
[20:53] <+andyhopp> I'm going to have to get going in a bit anyway. My wife is getting bored.
[20:53] <~Dan> Try capering for her amusement.
[20:53] <+Abstruse> Don't forget to pimp the card game.
[20:53] <+andyhopp> Well, just this...
[20:54] <+zombielord> One of my favorites is Telepathetic.  Its when you fail at mind reading.
[20:54] <+andyhopp> I sincerely appreciate everybody's time and (potential) interest. I'd consider it a real solid if you'd check out the kickstarter at (Link: http://www.lowliferpg.info...)http://www.lowliferpg.info...
[20:54] <+andyhopp> I actually used tha tone in the Dementalist description ;-)
[20:54] <~Dan> Awesome. :)
[20:55] <~Dan> Oh, by the way, Andy: As you may know, I'm a reviewer as well. Just let me know if you'd like me to review Low Life 2e when it comes out.
[20:55] <+andyhopp> I'm working really hard ot bring something new and different to RPGs and gaming in general and I hope you l;ike what you see.
[20:55] <~Dan> (127 reviews and counting.)
[20:55] <+andyhopp> Of course I would. I'd love if you could do a review of The Whole Hole as well.
[20:56] <~Dan> Certainly. Mind you, I have a pretty sizeable review queue, but I guarantee you that the review will get read and get action.
[20:56] <+andyhopp> will you be at Origins?
[20:56] <+andyhopp> If anybody will be at Origins or GenCon please come hang with me in the art show
[20:56] <~Dan> Sadly, no, nor GenCon. Maybe next year.
[20:56] <+andyhopp> also, get your shiny wazoo to Con on the Cob (it's like me, but in con form)
[20:57] <+andyhopp> (Link: http://www.cononthecob.com)http://www.cononthecob.com
[20:57] <+andyhopp> anybody else have any final questions or comments?
[20:57] <+andyhopp> death threats? love letters? marriage proposals? hate mail?
[20:58] <~Dan> Well, I'd just like to thank you for spending some time with us, Andy. It's been great fun, and I hope you won't be a stranger.
[20:58] <+andyhopp> declarations of independence? court ordered apologies?
[20:58] <~Dan> I'd love to add another game author to my "collection" of regulars, as one such author puts it. :D
[20:58] <+xyphoid_> i told some people about your thing!
[20:58] <+andyhopp> I really appreciate the opportunity, Dan.
[20:58] <~Dan> Hey, man, you guys write the games. I just talk to you about'em and tell you what I think. ;)
[20:58] <+andyhopp> I'm always shy about chat rooms for a couple of reasons: 1) I don't want people to think I'm only here to pimp my own stuff. 2) I'm always incredibly busy
[20:59] <+xyphoid_> Also you should do a Dungeon World playbook conversion at some tier
[20:59] <+andyhopp> But I will come by as often as I can
[20:59] <+fluffykins0> (Always happy to help support you Andy)
[20:59] <+andyhopp> that's a great idea.
[20:59] <~Dan> Well, I can't help with #2, but I think you'll find that we're a pretty easy-going bunch.
[20:59] <+andyhopp> I will probably do conversions for all of the open license systems at some point
[20:59] <+andyhopp> Thanks again, man
[20:59] <+andyhopp> talk to you soon
[21:00] <~Dan> Take care!

No comments:

Post a Comment