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Monster Kingdoms

Created by Onyx Path

A fantasy TTRPG world where the monsters we fear are the rulers, and we are the monsters.

Latest Updates from Our Project:

Final Days Review: Pledge Tiers and Add On Options
9 months ago – Mon, Sep 22, 2025 at 10:21:50 AM

Hello Monsters,

I've got a lot to go over today, so let's settle and prepare for review.


Final Week Program

  • Sept 22 - Reward Tier & Add On Review (that's today!)
  • Sept 23 - Manuscript Preview # 6 - Chapter 6 + Appendix I
  • Sept 24 - Stretch Goal Review
  • Sept 25 - Final Day Checklist & What Comes Next

Whether you're just setting out to make a name for yourself and build your legion or a seasoned warleader with a fiery crown returning after a victory, these are some good topics to review over this week to make sure we all end up where we want to be.

(An aside, if you're a new backer, make sure you check out our Final Week Countdown / Resource Update. It has links to the manuscript previews,  youtube videos, our travelogue, and other helpful information.)




PLEDGE REWARD TIERS

Like it says right at the top of the campaign story page, we've come together to help create a fully developed PDF and two hardcover versions for this book full of monsters, scepters, crowns and the compelling setting that is the Monster Kingdoms. This is the third entry in the loosly-connected Earthbane Cycle, and an unusual take on fantasy adventure, so great to see it get so much love and support.

PLEDGING YOUR SUPPORT

To borrow an analogy that I've used in past campaigns, this process we're a part of works similar to the "Viewers Like You" support campaign from your local Public Broadcasting Station (for those who get American television channels or watched Sesame Street in the pre-Netfllix era): There are various levels of support that you can pledge to, and these come with various levels of rewards offered as a thank you. Like getting a tote bag or t-shirt when you give money to public broadcasting to fund them doing their thing, you can get rewards for helping Onyx Path work on this project.

Let's review the Backer Reward Tiers to ensure that you've pledged to a Reward Tier that provides all the rewards you wish to receive.

Hardcover Book or PDF Version

The main reward offered in this campaign is, of course, the main goal of the entire proposition: the finished book for Monster Kingdoms. The first decision you need to make is what form your rewards will take. Do you want your main rewards in digital form and are going for the PDF rulebook? Or do you have space on your shelf for the hardcover book? Or, better yet, do you go all in with the limited deluxe edition?  (Note - both hardcover versions include the PDF as a bonus!).

With that decision in mind, we've got three key reward tiers to choose from:



  • WRAITH: This is the PDF-only reward tier. So, if you're saving trees or saving shelf space - or avoiding the ever-increasing shipping charges - this is the reward tier option that you should begin with. The PDF will be fulfilled by our partners at DriveThruRPG.com - when it is ready, you will receive a link to add it to your DTRPG library at no cost for you to download at your leisure.

  • DWARF: This reward tier includes the standard hardcover version of this book. Shipping costs ARE NOT included in the cost of your pledge. You will be charged for shipping after the campaign through the pledge manager. In addition, this option also includes the PDF version, so you will get a digital copy as described above.

If you're really excited to take the journey into the Monster Kingdoms and  want to really impress your gaming friends, we're also offering a special edition Deluxe Edition Monster Kingdoms hardcover book.

  • DRAGONKIN: This reward tier includes the limited edition deluxe version of Monster Kingdoms hardcover book, with a leatherette cover, special cover design, and bound-in silk bookmark. Shipping costs ARE NOT included in the cost of your pledge. You will be charged for shipping after the campaign through the pledge manager.  In addition, this option also includes the PDF version, so you will get a digital copy as described above.

An important reminders at this stage:

  • Shipping Costs: We’ll be charging for shipping in the Pledge Manager once the books are being printed and we can deal with the actual shipping charges rather than using our best-guesses this far out. We’re still anticipating pretty hefty costs to ship the book internationally (see our current guesses on the story page) so be forewarned, but we’ll cross that enormous bridge when we get to it.


In addition to these primary reward pledge paths, we also offer the following options:

  • ELF: Not ready to commit, or just looking to offer general support? This pledge tier is for you. This does not include our primary reward, but allows you to select some digital optional Add Ons, as well as participate in the post-campaign Pledge Manager as a backer. You'll also be able to read the draft manuscript of Monster Kingdoms that we post throughout this campaign.

  • SHAPESHIFTER / FORLORN / VAMPIRE: A few Reward Tiers offer special limited premium rewards in addition to the basics, including participation in an online game session run by Matthew Dawkins, an option to supply a name to be used by an NPC and their sceptre which will be incorporated into the game, and the ability to name and describe a dungeon which will be added to setting's lore. Check each of the Reward Tier descriptions for more details.

Those premium reward tiers have limited slots, but we're not quite at the end, so there's still plenty of room right now. Things usually tighten up as we get into the final days and hours and budgets are calculated and pledges locked down, so act quickly if you're thinking about a premium reward tier.



After the campaign is over we'll launch our BackerKit Pledge Manager and invite the backers to set up their rewards via survey. This allows you to confirm your pledge and add on anything that you might have missed, as well as possibly increasing your pledged reward tier, should you choose to expand your reward selection. This option will give backers additional time to investigate shipping options, should they choose, knowing they can confirm a physical reward at a later date. We will also use BackerKit's Pledge Manager to charge actual shipping costs for orders when we're approaching order fulfillment. Funding collected by BackerKit after the crowdfunding campaign does not count toward any campaign Stretch Goals, however.

Again, after the Crowdfunding campaign, in the Pledge Manager, you 'll be able to:

  • Review and update your Pledge Level selection - for example, you can pledge to the DWARF level during the Crowdfunding campaign and then switch to the DRAGONKIN level once we know shipping costs and are preapring to fulfill the hardcover rewards

  • Confirm and Update your Shipping information - you'll be able to update your final delivery address up until we're shipping out the hardcover rewards

  • Pay for Shipping and additional Add On Options - we'll process payments for shipping costs and additional add-ons selected in your Pledge Manager survey when we get closer to hardcover reward fulfillment

  • Download Digital Reward Redemption Links - the Pledge Manager will have links to access all of your digital rewards as they are fulfilled


You'll note that two rewards - Access to the Manuscript Previews and Participation in Post-Campaign Pledge Manager - are included in ALL reward tiers. That's just one of the perks of participating in this crowdfunding campaign!

OPTIONAL DISCOUNTED PoD VERSION – For this Monster Kingdoms campaign, you will have the option of using DriveThruRPG.com’s Print-On-Demand service to purchase a printed copy of the PDF directly from their PoD partners at discounted cost (this cost is not included in your pledge, and you do not need to increase the cost of your pledge to use this option). When the PoD versions are available to order (which may be some time after the books have gone to print), you will receive links to purchase these versions of the books from DriveThruRPG.com. You DO NOT need to take advantage of this PoD offer as it does not affect in any way your pledge rewards.

MONSTER KINGDOMS PDF: The Monster Kingdoms PDF will be fulfilled by our partners at DriveThruRPG.com. Crowdfunding backers will receive redemption links allowing you to add the item to your cart at a $0 cost. Once you check out, it will be added to your DriveThruRPG library and available for download at your convenience.

MONSTER KINGDOMS HARDCOVER BOOKS - The main goal of this campaign is to fund the creation, production, and print run of a standard and limited edition deluxe hardcover editions of this book. Note that all Reward Tiers that include the physical hardcover version also include the digital PDF version as a bonus. Shipping costs ARE NOT included in the cost of your pledge. You will be charged for shipping after the campaign through the pledge manager prior to hardcover reward fulfillment.



Choosing Your Reward Tier

There has been some churn over this past week - a few Reward Tier adjustments and changes by backers, as budgets changed and people have read the manuscript previews. In these final days it's best to ensure that you've selected the Reward Tier that offers you the options and rewards you want to receive and are ready to lock down. This timing - before the campaign ends - is the absolute most affordable and inclusive these rewards will be, and will save headaches and heartbreaks if fully considered now.

This is just the first step, however, in completing your pledge for this campaign. Funds for additional extras can be added to your pledge by selecting Add On options and increasing the overall funding and maybe getting us closer to a Stretch Goal.

First Step: Reward Tier

To summarize the first part of this post, the absolute best way to ensure that you're getting the primary rewards you want from this crowdfunding campaign is to ensure you've selected the appropriate Backer Reward Tier. Selecting the right Reward Tier covers about 95% of the options available to you. If you want a PDF only, make sure you've selected the correct reward. If you want the hardcover version, double-check your reward tier to ensure the proper option is featured. If you're going digital now but want the option of getting a discounted Print-on-Demand copy later, make sure you've got a reward tier that includes it.

Once you've completed that important step, you're going to want to look at the Add On rewards for any reward "bits" that don't automatically fall into your reward tier. That takes us to the Add On step.

Step Two: Add-On Options

Once you've chosen your pledge tier, you've likely already included the main rewards you want. In addition to the rewards offered as part of the Reward Tier configurations, there are a few other possible rewards you may wish to add. All Add-On rewards are described in our Add On menu below.

You can select an Add On option, which will increase the amount of your pledge by the listed amount. Add on options will be selected and confirmed again in the Pledge Manager when that's up and running.


We offer Add On options that will let you add additional copies of the PDF or either hardcover to your rewards list, as well as the Storyguide Screen we unlocked via Stretch Goals earlier in the campaign. Beyond that, the first two PDF entries in the Earthbane Cycle are available to add on to your rewards list.


The World Below is a game of adversity, heroism, terror, and awe. Your characters will overcome or be defeated by terrible beasts, environmental calamities, and Kaos storms ravaging their surroundings and the souls around them. They will chart their journeys, chronicle their tales, and pass their stories down to their descendants, who will in turn become your characters when your old ones perish or retire.

Expect threats and risks, joys, and discoveries. The World Below promises a hard, harsh existence, but when the light of hope gleams in the thick darkness, it feels as bright as the sun.

At the Gates is a high fantasy tabletop roleplaying game about burgeoning heroes struggling to survive, fighting for what’s right, exploring dangerous places, and saving the world.

You play as heroes who have chosen to buck the status quo and try to change the course of things. Your characters may attempt to change the course of the war, delve into the secrets of daemons and the Void, fight against tyranny to protect what they love in the world, fight to restore balance to Gaia, or all the above.




Pick a Pledge Tier, then Add On Options



Ready to join in? If you're backing for the first time, you can click BACK IT and select your Pledge Tier and finalize funding amount in the next menu.

Using myself as an example, I'm looking at the Monster Kingdoms hardcover book.  Once I click BACK IT, I see my pledge level options. If I want to know a bit more about each level, I can click Learn More, or if I know what I'm looking for, I can click Back It.


At this time, I think I'm sticking with the standard hardcover.  It should be pretty self-explanatory, but you can click on the "Learn More" button to expand the Pledge Level info. For example, Clicking Learn More on the Dwarf pledge gives you...


While I'd love the deluxe limited edition hardcover, I've also spent the week patching together 18-year old appliances to hopefully keep 'em going for another few years , so going to stick with the standard version at this time whiel I save up for replacements, and so this reward tier fits my needs for this project.

Once you're ready, you can click that BACK IT button and go right to Add On options.

For example, I've decided on the $65 Dwarf pledge path, so I select BACK IT for that pledge, and then I want to add on a few of the Add On optional extras to my rewards list. I'll pretend I don't have the other Earthbane Cycle books, so I'll add The World Below and At the Gates PDFs as well.


My total starts at $65 for the Dwarf pledge tier, and then I add
+$ 20 for The World Below PDF
+$ 20 for At the Gates PDF

To bring my final total pledge to $105 USD. Once everything is correct, you can select NEXT and then Confirm Your Pledge. You'll get an e-mail confirmation of your choices.

If you're already a backer but want to update your Pledge tier or Add On choices, here's what you look for:


Select Manage Your Pledge at the top of the campaign page, and then you can Edit Your Pledge



Select "Edit Pledge" on your review page, and then you can revise your pledge tier or Add On selections.


You can select a new Pledge Level from the available option menu, or Change your Add On selection.

As before, you'll confirm all of your choices, and then receive an e-mail confirmation once that's done.

And with that, my pledge level and Add On options are set. At this time, you don't need to worry about setting shipping information.

You should also be aware that any available Add On options will be made available in our BackerKit pledge manager, so if you're unsure about adding on something at this point, you will be able to adjust your pledge in the post-campaign phase.

Pledging to the campaign also opens up the Stretch Goal rewards as thanks for your participation. We'll review our Stretch Goal accomplishments on Wednesday, but it's important to note that backers who wait and Pre-Order the Monster Kingdoms book at a later date will not have any Stretch Goal rewards automatically added to their rewards list if applicable.




REWARD DELIVERY

About 4-6 weeks after the campaign has ended, I'll launch our post-campaign Pledge Manager to collect information from all backers and confirm which rewards you'll be receiving. At that point, you'll be able to review your rewards and also also adjust any Add On Options that you may have missed. Once we have everything confirmed, I'll be able to deliver any rewards that are currently available - like existing The World Below PDF. Backers who have pledged for these options will be sent special redemption links to claim these digital rewards from our partners at DriveThruRPG.com. Clicking these redemption links will allow you to add these PDF titles to your digital library to download anytime. I'll send an update when all of that is happening, though, so you are aware every step of the way.

So, while it will take some time for Monster Kingdoms to move from manuscript form to a final product, you won't be waiting a year for PDFs that already exist. (You'll be waiting about 8-10 weeks or so, just enough time for us to set up the reward infrastructure.)

Physical Books

If you're waiting to see the shipping costs before upgrading your PDF pledge to any of the hardcover reward tiers, you'll have lots of time for that. We won't close the Pledge Manager until the books are ready to print and we know what shipping costs will be, so you'll be able to go back and adjust your pledge tier at that time.

It's going to take some time to create the final PDF for Monster Kingdoms and even longer for the eventual print run for the hardcover books. When the books are at the printer, I will be in touch with all backers to outline timeline for pledge adjustments, as well as lockdown procedures and when we'll be confirming addresses and processing BackerKit Add Ons and Shipping payments. That's a long time away, and we'll cover that as we get closer to that part of the process.


Don't fret if you had forgotten to select additional rewards by the end of the campaign. These Add Ons will be available to select in our post-campaign Pledge Manager for those who participated in our campaign and have full access to the Pledge Manager. So, if you are undecided at this time, you will be able to hold off until we're closer to the final reward shipment goes out.

Step 1: Pledge Tier

Step 2: Add On Options

Again, your first step should involve your main reward selection, and your Add On Options will build upon that. If you selected the PDF-only tier, you can investigate PDF and digital options. If you select a hardcover tier, you will be able to add additional copies of the hardcover. 

Note that all funds are expressed in US Dollars, so take into account your conversion as needed.

It Adds Up!

That should explain the process of Selecting your Reward Level and adding Add On options and confirming your TOTAL PLEDGE AMOUNT. Since increasing your pledge amount increases the overall funding level of the project, add-ons can help us achieve our Stretch Goal funding targets, so it benefits us all to suggest that you double-check to make sure you're getting all of the rewards you want.

Additionally, this may go without saying, please review your personal budget and ensure you've selected the appropriate reward tier and add ons for your current financial situation. BackerKit will begin charging your payment method at midnight the day the campaign ends, so ensure you've budgeted correctly. Choose what works best for you now and is affordable at this time, knowing that you can upgrade your pledge level or choose Add Ons in the Pledge Manager at a late date.

There are no refunds for regret, and the funds raised start being spent immediately on paying for the work done thus far and the additional work ahead plus the projects unlocked via Stretch Goal. So please be financially responsible.

Did I stress that enough? I hope so.




Conclusion

As we move through these final days of the campaign, please ensure you've chosen the correct Pledge Level for the rewards you want (at least at this point). And beyond that - please make sure you've investigated and selected any add-ons you wish to receive. If you have any issues with the Pledge process, either selecting the reward tier or figuring out the Add On options, you can reach out to me or to the support team at BackerKit. I've found them to respond quickly and offer great support.

On Thursday, just before the campaign ends, I will send an update detailing the steps that occur after the campaign concludes, including notes about our Pledge Manager and the communication plan going forward.

So, just like always: Spread the word! Share your excitement on social media! Tell your friends! I'll be back tomnorrow with our final manuscript section, so let's make sure that none of our friends miss out! Anyone supporting this project will be able to read the entire draft manuscript before any pledges are processed or payments collected, so you'll know exactly what you're getting! And you'll be able to submit your feedback directly to the developers who will use your notes to take the manuscript through the final stages of editing and development to make it the best it can be.

So, review your pledge, make sure it works for you in this moment, and let's carry on to our big finale on Thursday!  And we'll squeeze a couple more travelogues in there as well!

#MonsterKingdoms

Breaching the Wall [Travelogue #10)
9 months ago – Sun, Sep 21, 2025 at 07:15:18 AM

Hello Monsters,

We're in our final week and still making great progress as we head toward the finish line! Tomorrow, I'll have a big update that reviews all of the Pledge Tiers and Add On options, so keep an eye out for that. On Tuesday, we'll have the final two manuscript sections from the Monster Kingdomes draft version; backers of this project will be able to read the entire book in it's current form, before any pledges are processed or payments collected. No monsters on this end - the Onyx Path team wants you to know exactly what you're supporting and make sure you're on board with the project!

On Wednesday, we're gonna take a look at the Stretch Goals we've unlocked. Just a reminder about our current target...



At $37,000 - DIGITAL WALLPAPER

MONSTER KINGDOMS DIGITAL WALLPAPER - Marvelous Monster Kingdoms artwork will be used to create a wallpaper for your computer desktop. This digital wallpaper will be added to the rewards list of all backers supporting this project.



Monster Kingdoms Travelogue

Our journey so far...



X: Breaching the Wall

Dearest reader, I have a tale I doubt you will believe, but I shall regale you with it all the same. I have sworn that every recent entry in this journal is truth, and I abide by that vow. In the last season, I dined with an emperor and entered a realm I could hardly believe existed, the light within was so bright. It seemed to scour the sin from my scales.

Be at ease, good reader: I have accumulated plenty more since then.

In my flight from Pandemion, I made good company with a renegade dreadnaut by the name of Atticis. How he was free from his master’s whip, I do not know, but on promise of paying him well and bringing him to the safety of Draoidahaek (it seems Pandemion is not to his tastes), he agreed to lead me across the Nithera Empire once more and to a sanctuary. He described this place of safety as Carnaton, which I confess is not a town I knew of before he named it. In need of an ally and a strong spear (Atticis’s sceptre was a great shaft of black wood with a sharpened obsidian tip that he named the Purity, rather arrogantly) I agreed to his offer.

It's a fine thing that Atticis was with me as without him I would not have known to give the Nitheran town known as Rebel’s Moan a wide berth (tis a prison camp worse than Mudriven, I am told). We remained low, dressed as peasants, and availed ourselves of the tender mercies of villagers, farmers, and Alfaith priests we encountered on our journey. Atticis was surprisingly verbose for a gauntlet, and taught me much of the empire’s dreadnauts, how depending on one’s armor a dreadnaut can become utterly enthralled to an emperor’s will (I knew they were slavishly devoted, but had no idea there was a magical component), and of the positions and outposts along the great walls dotting this land.

We reached the water in good time, despite having to cut our way through a squad similar to the one I forged long before and fight off a pack of harpies coated in the skins of their enemies. It was Atticis’s intent that we find a means to cross and reach a “friendly” town named Glimmerton, before taking a longboat south, past the giant’s toll gate at Lotide (which would have taken some good bluff work), and ultimately turn due east-south-east for Draoidahaek.

Dear reader, my pursuit has always been the writing of this journal. To return before visiting the remaining kingdoms was never a part of my agenda. Yet I told Atticis that I would follow his plan, because I needed his aid. Archlich Khufu: I never once entertained the idea of returning to my kingdom without a complete accounting. I swear it.

We were out of good fortune. The crossings to the Nithera isle and Glimmerton were all adrift. Apparently a recent clash between the Scorpion Legion and dreadnauts resulted in six bridges’ destruction, implying great success on Pandemion’s part or that the empire has no desire for the north’s chaotic forces to access their central island. Therefore, we constructed a raft from driftwood and tried paddling to Glimmerton ourselves. This was an extreme error, for the empire suspects all who use their waterways without the appropriate clay tablets. Unidentified folk such as ourselves would be picked up by the first passing patrol. 

It so happens, dear reader, that a dreadnaut patrol did not intercept us. Our raft — a pathetic construction, all told — was caught in the backtide washing us northwest, past Glimmerton, away from Draoidahaek, and into the swell of the royal skiff sailing out of Canalcrown. We were fortunate to not end up beneath the water, but for reasons that remain elusive, we were plucked from the depths and brought aboard.

This is where I met my first emperor, dearest reader. Emperor Fier the White intended to have us tortured and executed for his own amusement. Certainly, when Fier discovered Atticis was a traitor he had him pulled apart at the joints with everyone aboard the skiff to act as witness to his screams, cries, pleas, and final breaths. I was sure that my fate would follow a similar path, but instead Fier invited me to dine with him.

Fier is known for his cool, detached demeanor. He is also recognized for his dragonkin heritage, which he displays proudly. Mayhap I was spared because he felt we shared a common background? No, that thought was put from my mind when he made me eat from a bowl on the ground as he fed on a banquet of luxurious food and drink from around Gewinn. I never lied, good reader. I said I dined with him, but never stated it was at the table.

Emperor Fier was intrigued enough by my presence as to want to read my journal, which his dreadnaut guards located in its hiding place. I felt that terror again, my reader, that this journal and all of my accumulated data for Draoidahaek would be destroyed for no reason other than some imperial’s amusement. But Fier was interested and questioned me repeatedly. This wasn’t an interrogation such as the one in Mudriven; it was closer to a conversation. He took great delight in my remarks regarding other kingdoms’ weaknesses and flaws. He even described Mudriven as a shame on the empire. And then he gifted me my own journal and commanded me, on behalf of the Nithera Empire, to complete my work and ensure it was published far and wide.

To describe myself as stunned would be an understatement beyond reckoning. I thanked him profusely, groveled like a fool, and was soon thrown from his skiff onto the southern bank of the Lasting Canal. I did not know this place as I did others, and so I spent many days wandering alone before discovering the largest amassed army I have ever witnessed. Legion upon legion, banners fluttering in the wind, monsters and men, weapons, armor, and siege engines by the thousand. I tried to identify who they were attacking, but I came to understand they were there preparing for a massive assault that hadn’t yet begun. The target: the Kingdom of Shards.

Now, reader, you must understand that while I have no sympathy for those servants of light and delusion, for this journal to find completion I was compelled to enter the Kingdom of Shards before its destruction. I was certain the empire’s forces would demolish the huge wall of entangled limbs (some claim it’s constructed from the fossilized remains of angels known as ananephilim) and march into the kingdom, annihilating all in their path. To do so would require mass military coordination and maneuver, however, and a solitary traveler can more easily breach such a wall without notice.

With no time to lose, I clambered over the hillside, nearly losing my footing as I sped across the landscape toward the Empyrean Wall. I cared not that imperial forces would see me — a dragonkin in filthy magus robes laden down with satchels filled with books and using a curved longblade (my sceptre) as a walking stick — as I knew deep in my soul that the Empyrean Wall would part for me.

Part it did. I have wondered if it sensed Zeldera on me still and identified me as one of the forlorn. Whatever the truth, I approached that enormous barricade of bodies and an aperture made itself known, a knot of necks and torsos stretching and splitting so I could climb through. I was hit by such blinding, devastating light as I entered that it felt as if my scales were being burned from my body, but soon I grew used to the radiance.

This Kingdom of Shards, my reader, my archlich, is a thing of miracle. I am not suggesting it is great and glorious! No, not at all. I am stating that its presence should not be, yet here it is. A vast garden of giant statues, each of them a heavenly body. A twisted woodland of ripe berries and pleasing shade. Fields of rich crops and healthy livestock. A people who seem sad, resigned to doom, but determined to fight on until they can fight no longer. How can this exist if not by a miracle?

The secrets of the Kingdom of Shards I am determined to retain in my mind alone. Penning them as I have these other entries seems to disrespect the miracle. Dear reader, do not assume I am won over by the truth and beauty of this place. It hurts me to be here. The light is too bright, the joys and loves too saccharine sweet. The misery pervading Shards was my anchor, but I knew as I explored the realm (oddly, I was rarely challenged despite my not being from there — mayhap the wall allowing my entry was test enough for the people) that my time would need to be short as the Nithera Empire were due to launch their campaign of obliteration.

Dear reader, my most persistent confusion is this, even as I sail south to Frontereton and the Kingdom of Branduur: as I departed, the invasion had not yet begun. And from what the forlorn told me, the Nitheran army had been held in position for four seasons, quickly draining the surrounding towns and villages of Nithera of all resources in order to feed this huge conglomerated force. The forlorn were convinced that the attack would never come, that there was something preventing it on the Nitheran side. What that might be, I cannot say. Perhaps one of the emperors has not given the decree, but if that is so, one must wonder at their motives.

Infamous Dungeons [Draft Manuscript Appendix IV]
9 months ago – Fri, Sep 19, 2025 at 06:39:40 AM

Hello Monsters,

With the chapter earlier this week covering much of the setting of the Monster Kingdoms, it's time to dig a bit more into some of the most infamous dungeons!

From the Caverns of Mount Vorkun to the Martyr's Fortress, these vaults are detaild in Appendix IV from our draft manuscript.




Shipping Costs will be Collected in the Pledge Manager

First up, it's amazingly expensive to ship, especially from Onyx Path's home base in the US. And that's as of today - we're all in the dark about how things will look in 2 years. We get that, but there's not much we can do at this time. Onyx Path is in a difficult space where the company is big enough that they're not saving money by fulfilling out of Rich's garage, but small enough that they haven't been able to set up ongoing international partners to handle portions of the fulfillment. So we are where we are - for now.

The best we can do at this point is to plan carefully, advise everyone up front that shipping will likely be expensive (see our projections on the main page) and only charge what it costs us when the time comes. We’ll be charging for shipping in the Pledge Manager once the books are being printed and we can deal with the actual shipping charges rather than using our best-guesses this far out. If you aren't sure you want one of the hardcover editions, you can pledge to the PDF tier now and upgrade your pledge in the Pledge Manager once we know the final shipping costs.


Draft Manuscript Previews

Over the course of this campaign, backers will receive the entire current draft manuscript for Monster Kingdoms, but it's not going to come to you all in one go. The previews will come out in monster-sized sections throughout the campaign. This helps me seem interesting over the next several weeks, but it's more about guiding the conversation and helping steer feedback for the developers.

Because they want your feedback! These manuscript previews are of the current draft manuscript – the document in its latest, approved form. This may not be the final form after editing and any additional development, but you can consider it about 95% finished, so keep that in mind.

In fact, you can help guide the team through the next stages of development by providing feedback on these manuscript previews! The Onyx Path team has set up a special Feedback Form just for campaign backers for this very purpose: https://forms.gle/TpaaPsUqJ79zD1kE6



You can use this Feedback Form to share your thoughts directly with the Monster Kingdoms creative team to help guide them through the next rounds of development and editing.


DRAFT MANUSCRIPT PREVIEWS - BACKERS ONLY

Remember, thanks to BackerKit magic, these download links are visible to Backers only - you must be logged in and reading this on the website to have access to the manuscript preview links. So, if you're reading this via e-mail, click that "Learn More" link on the bottom and I'll see you below the banner.

Final Week Countdown!
9 months ago – Thu, Sep 18, 2025 at 11:02:34 AM

Hello Monsters,

There are moments it feels like we just started this campaign, but in truth we've been running since the end of August and we're now officially in our FINAL WEEK COUNTDOWN!

Next week I'll be sharing a handful of instruction and review-type posts about Reward Tiers & Add Ons, Stretch Goal reviews, and What Comes Next, so if you've got any process questions or are wondering about how the Crowdfunding steps work, I'm hoping to clarify any remaining questions before we finish. Of course, if you're still wondering about something, please ask and I'll help as best I can.

Final Week Program

  • Sept 19 - Manuscript Preview - Appendix IV
  • Sept 22 - Reward Tier & Add On Review
  • Sept 23 - Manuscript Preview # 6 - Chapter 6 + Appendix I
  • Sept 24 - Stretch Goal Review
  • Sept 25 - Final Day Checklist & What Comes Next




The Campaign ends on September 25th at 2:00 PM Eastern Time... sort of.

Between our deadly dwarves, eerie elementors, ghastly goblins, and viscious vampires we're able to unleash the full strength of our legions and claim mighty crowns. In this case, that's called "OVERTIME MODE" and it allows us to keep the campaign rolling as long as backers are pledging.

Overtime Mode

Overtime Mode extends the campaign past its original end time to give backers a final chance to make their pledge and adds an interesting twist to the end of the campaign. How long will it extend? That’s entirely up to backers: The campaign will keep going for an additional 10 minutes as long as pledges keep coming in – a chain of back-to-back pledges is called the Backer Train. The campaign will end only when the Backer Train stops after a period of 10 minutes passing without any pledges.

You’ll know we’re in Overtime Mode when the campaign’s Backer Train counter displays a bright rainbow border and a new countdown that resets to 10 minutes after each new backer joins that final Backer Train ride.

So, we've scheduled the campaign to conclude on September 25th at 2:00 PM Eastern Time, but it'll be extended in 10 minute chunks as long as backers keep pledging. Will we add an extra 10 minutes? An extra 20? Or will it all finish up as planned? Who knows, but we'll find out together!



Expanding our Regiment

I know, this is something I've already said many times (and seem to say during every project!), but for this final week, you are officially a Monster Kingdoms recruiter. It's time to share your excitement for Monster Kingdoms! Basically, we want to recruit as many curious backers as possible to see how long we can keep our Backer Train running over this final week.

I know I've ended many update posts with "Keep spreading the word! Invite others to join in!" - but what does that mean, and how do you do it?

Easy answer - don't stop talking about Monster Kingdoms until 2:01 PM Eastern next Thursday September 25th  (and then as long as we continue running in Overtime Mode). Yes, family and friends are tired of me talking about it. But what else have I got to talk about? The state of the world? That gets a little depressing fairly quickly. And -  they've learned to tolerate me during a crowdfunding campaign. But here's the thing - there are others around who haven't heard or don't know about the campaign.

We all know this project is quirky and niche - it's an unusual take on monsters battling to control nations or defy destiny - with lots of amazing setting bits and strange ties to the other Earthbane Cycle games thrown in as well. This book covers a lot of different ideas and topics, and surely something in there will be interesting to potential players! Yet those backers haven't yet heard about this campaign and would love to join in. We're right in the middle of relentless news and events so it's not surprising that new backers are just finding out about the campaign every day. If you have an opportunity to let someone know, please do and let's make sure they have a chance to join in before the end.

For me, one of my main ways of coping with these exhausting times is to dive into a game world with my friends. Reading the Monster Kingdoms manuscript has been a much-needed escape over the past weeks, and my friends and I will absolutely be designing our own cultists and marauders as part of our self-care in the future.

So, let's help out our awesome TTRPG fans and make sure that we've spread the word as best we can and everyone has an opportunity to participate in this campaign!




Resources to Share

If you're inviting new backers, or if you are a new backer (hi new backers!), here are a few key resources to be aware of for this campaign.


Backers are able to review the (soon-to-be) complete manuscript for this book before the campaign closes and any pledges are processed. With the exception of the Storyguide/Bestiary chapter and two of the smaller Appendicies which will be posted by next Tuesday, the entirety of the rules and options from this book are available for download and review by backers, including all of the information needed to build your own character. We even have a draft character sheet for you to  use!

Anyone who pledges to this campaign before the end can read the entire book now AND provide feedback directly to the developers to help guide the manuscript through the final phases of development and editing!

And, if you join now, as I've noted, we'll be posting the final chapters of the book next week before we reach the finish line. These final chapters have advice for Guides, along with new adversaries and possible allies.



Interviews, Videos, and an Article

Over the past few updates, I've shared some informative videos from Matthew Dawkins on his Gentleman Gamer youtube channel and a video of some Monster Character Creation in a Session Zero stream on Onyx Path's channel.

Matthew has made a video of Monster Kingdoms character creation here: hhttps://youtube.com/live/UM5XTVaWAGA

An interview with Monster Kingdoms writer Ferne Milton at https://youtu.be/RmrWP0BDtnA

An interview with Matthew Dawkins where he answers your Monster Kingdoms questions at https://youtu.be/4nljRS6Wzic

Dixie Cochran joins the GM Talks podcast to talk about Monster Kingdoms at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2_L_UBV5KM

TTRPG Insider has an article about Monster Kingdoms here:  Morality, Power, and Politics in Onyx Path's Monster Kingdoms

If you're looking to learn more about Monster Kingdoms, there's lots of info out there.

Touring Around the Map

But you can also learn more about the setting from one of the characters in the game! Domina Neferkare is writing a travelogue charting a course across the Monster Kingdoms and you can read the adventures so far here:


This is something new in an Onyx Path crowdfunding campaign, in-game fiction that runs over the duration of the campaign, and it's AWESOME. It's interesting and intriguing, and illuminating, and hilarious. AND it has sections of the map!!

We'll have ... three? ... more entries before the end. Catch up and read along with us as we travel to the finish line!


Talk to the Backers!

The Discord is particularly lively and fun, but you might be able to gain further insight and some in-depth conversation at any of these Onyx Path discussion zones:




Share the Links!

1) Don't forget to share a link to the Crowdfunding page in any discussion you have (where appropriate) - and feel free to pass any of the long list of links above to those who may need more info (or, just point them to this post!)

2) Don't forget to tell us about any post or review or discussion you write! Come to the comments section and let us know so we can all go and contribute! I know I keep saying it, but really - these last days are key. Keep the enthusiasm high and keep on inviting others to join in, either directly ("Come see...") or just by setting an example of your enthusiasm and interest.

Final Week
We've got one week to go, everyone! Thank you all so much for your support! We work together because it's the right thing to do, and because backers make it better! Let's finish strong! And let's continue exploring this amazingly interesting setting together, sharing our feedback with the writers and delving into the draft manuscript, and let's see if we can't get another Stretch Goal or two before we review next Wednesday!



At $35,000 - JUMPSTART PDF

MONSTER KINGDOMS JUMPSTART PDF - A basic rules overview and a starting scenario will be added to the Ready-Made Characters PDF, expanding it to a full Monster Kingdoms Jumpstart PDF supplement. Everything you need to kick off your own story in the Monster Kingdoms in one PDF that will be added to the rewards list of all backers receiving the Monster Kingdoms PDF as one of their rewards.



At $37,000 - DIGITAL WALLPAPER

MONSTER KINGDOMS DIGITAL WALLPAPER - Marvelous Monster Kingdoms artwork will be used to create a wallpaper for your computer desktop. This digital wallpaper will be added to the rewards list of all backers supporting this project.

Chaos and Corruption [Travelogue #9]
9 months ago – Thu, Sep 18, 2025 at 06:19:56 AM

Monster Kingdoms Travelogue

IX: Chaos and Corruption

Having spent a full season recuperating in the Kingdom of Scales, learning of its people, its secrets, and its dragons, I elected to depart under cover of night. It was no easy decision, but word had reached me that I was to be brought to the capital in Nest. I cannot say to a certainty what the dragons’ intentions were toward me, but I suspect they felt that having been generous to me for a whole season, I would feel indebted, and might reveal what I knew of Draoidahaek’s secrets.

If my feelings are accurate, then the dragons overestimate their power. I had no desire to return to the Nithera Empire, so I located an old map and noted a small fishing village to the west of Nosfair. From there I cut open a docker (I could not risk their revealing my activities to the Scales’ enforcers, not that I need to justify my actions) and stole his sloop, putting into practice the sailing knowhow I gained when traveling from Creuore to the Kingdom of the Malignant Mind, and from there to Tsul Gazar. By the gods and the archliches, that feels a lifetime past.

I knew the Kingdom of Pandemion could be found due west and based on the maps in my collection, that the eastern shores of Pandemion lack cliffs, each of them being flat beaches of sand, dust, weeds, or stones. With such knowledge on my side, I found my way to Pandemion and believe that upon landing I was only a handful of miles off course. Few magi are trained in the arts of sailing, so I award myself a sense of pride for my accomplishment.

Pandemion is a bizarre place, but this is hardly a revelation to you, dear reader. Everyone knows that Pandemion is the kingdom of chaos, where a mad goblin king reigns, where gladiatorial combats, contests to conquer monster-filled dungeons, obscene and deadly tricks, and weird pageantry are all common. What isn’t quite so well known is the mutability of Pandemion law. It’s not just that the high king can change laws and codes on a whim to suit his daydreams and humor; it’s that anyone with a strong enough personality or cult following can do the same, and there’s little rebuke from civic enforcers. This is not a kingdom fit for blindly obedient dreadnauts, it must be said.

The geography of Pandemion is thankfully not as maddening as that of Iom (I cannot shake that place or the fear that I’m still captive there), though tis strange. Deserts and golden plains make up Pandemion’s heartland. The farther north you travel, the more strewn with hills and plunging valleys, before you reach the frozen north coast. I understand the center of Pandemion’s power is on an island far to the west of my location, but have yet to find a means of travel to Frost Harbor and explore it.

My welcome in Pandemion was scarcely as warm as that in Scales. As dragonkin, many of the elves and goblinoids in this realm looked upon me as a spy or agent of the kingdom I’d recently departed. Telling them I was actually a chronicler from Draoidahaek endeared nobody to me. Instead, it resulted in my being pursued from Lake Driss across the expansive Stinger Fields for sport, along with other suspected agents of foreign powers. I tried to protest, claiming to be hiding nothing, but when the Scorpion Legion appeared on the horizon, I realized any breath I wasted on this master of ceremonies was contributing to my premature demise.
I remind you, dear reader, that doom comes to us all. But this journal has confirmed to me that while doom will come to others soon enough, mine is to be deferred until this work is finished.

Across the Stinger Fields I fled, only occasioning to fight back when enough of us were clustered to form a defensive circle, at which point crowns and sceptres were unleashed. Even as we struck riders from their giant scorpions and cracked open those massive beasts’ shells, Pandemion’s observers applauded and cheered. They celebrated the deaths of their own! This kingdom is bizarre indeed.

It was as the air grew thicker and the ground softer, more mossy and fungal, that I realized Pandemion’s legion wasn’t merely hunting us across the wilderness; they were driving us into the warm, wet, welcoming mulch of Verot.

Allow me to write with clarity on the subject of Verot, good reader. Most thinking entities thereof (they exist, for I have read their work) are dedicants of doom just as I. Do not think this makes them kin or peers to me or my philosophy, however. I believe in a single, mostly painless snuffing out of life and light. I believe this is a worthy cause and an inevitable conclusion for this world. Verot’s doombringers believe in a long, drawn out doom, consisting of infection, mutation, wailing, and agony. They have no respect for the end of things. They want to make the end a desire; to make those infected with this kingdom’s vileness to want nothing more than to embrace the void.

This is a corruption of my philosophy. I know all that I need to of Verot. Nothing can be gained through entering that kingdom and tasting its poison. Therefore, I nestled myself in the hills and low purple mountains of Pandemion, watching my fellow prey as they fled into the “safety” of Verot, the Scorpion Legion and the assembled audiences standing back to witness their exploitation, where it happened within sight.
As a chronicler, I must ask the question whether Pandemion chases folk into Verot to allay the spread of corruption, as with the tributes to dragons made in Scales, or because they are truly so ignorant or uncaring as to not realize the threat that comes with feeding a ravenous monster. When you place morsels into the mouth of such a beast, it does not tame, and it does not become one’s friend. It wants more.

Verot is growing. I witnessed its tendrils snaking across the surface of rocks, bones, and earth. The sooner I find a way out from Pandemion, the safer I shall feel.