Originally shared by Jacob Ross
This is URGENT: Hey, folks, I want this post to reach as many small press RPG publishers, writers and artists as possible. We're about to lose a member of our community to a terminal illness. I'd like to get together and brainstorm about what we can do to help. There are GoFundMe pages, DrivethruRPG.com benefit bundles and other ideas.
If you've ever read anything from Conjecture Games then you're familiar with Zach Best. He's posted that he's in hospice care right now, so there isn't much time left.
I am very sorry to hear this. Zach has been a staple of solo gaming ever since I became aware of it.
ReplyDeleteI know. And he contributed some really good ideas to it. He was also the first person to ever offer suggestions to make one of my supplements better.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing we could try to put together a solo bundle, but a GoFundMe is fine as well. Or both. I only have one free product on DTRPG, but I'd be glad to have it as part of a bundle if that's what people want to do.
ReplyDeleteThis is tough news. My thoughts are with him and his family.
ReplyDeleteDo you know how best to send him thanks? Will an email get to him?
I've enjoyed all my interactions with him. As Alex said, Zach has been a staple since I started, and his products and ideas have influenced how I play.
If there is a bundle, fundraiser, or anything, consider all four issues of RND available. I can also make something Zach Best-specific.
So Zach lists his email on his RPG.net profile. Not sure if I should share his personal info here. He was emailing as recently as this morning.
ReplyDeleteBTW, how did you find out about his condition?
ReplyDeleteI have his email address, which will work fine. Didn't mean to suggest giving out his personal information. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAlex Yari he posted a thread on RPGnet about it. Apparently he's had it since last February and posted in May of last year on his MMO blog. I don't play MMOs and didn't get the message until a few days ago.
ReplyDeleteChris Stieha No worries.
I'm new to all this, but I've of course heard of Zach, BOLD, and CRGE. I'd definitely be interested in purchasing a solo-themed bundle in support of Zach, but I would gladly donate what I could to a GoFundMe as well. Please convey my best wishes and condolences to Zach and those close to him. He will be remembered by the solo RPG community.
ReplyDeleteSo I emailed Zach and he said that he would be happy for us to set up a bundle that profits his family. I'm going to be donating at least Kaigaku Premium Edition to it. Please spread the word to any publishers that you know.
ReplyDeleteThat's awful! So sorry to hear that...
ReplyDeleteJacob Ross do you want to take the lead in putting a bundle together? I'm not sure I know how to do it, or even how to get the proceeds to his family, but if I can help somehow, let me know.
ReplyDeleteI'm doing it right now. We have three or four people in on it so far.
ReplyDeleteWords can't express how devastated I am to hear this. His contributions have been invaluable to me. I've been waiting to see what he might produce next. This sucks so bad. I wonder if one were to purchase any of his PWYW products if that would benefit him/his family?
ReplyDeleteI'm going to head over to BGG & post there as well, if someone hasn't already. There is a growing solo RPG community there as well.
Nevermind. I see Alex already did.
ReplyDeleteIf there's anything I can do, please let me know.
ReplyDeleteDo you know any publishers who want to donate a book to the bundle?
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid not. I would be happy to put a solo game into the hat but I'm not a "real" published author.
ReplyDeleteTerrible news I'm very sorry
ReplyDeleteJacob Ross I am not on familiar terms with any designers, unfortunately. I don't know if Sophia Brandt, Tana S. Pigeon, John Fiore, Kenny Norris, +Scott Malthouse, Nathan Rockwood or Rory O'Connor are. Tagging them just in case.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alex. Scott is already donating Romance of the Perilous Lands, so that is awesome.
ReplyDeleteThis is the community where I first encountered Zach Best, and it seems that it was for a lot of you, too. This bundle that we're putting together is going to have a PDF called Zach's Book. If any of you want to write a few words for him and his family, put them in the comments below and I'll include them.
ReplyDeleteGreat. Like I said, you can always add mine to the bundle, even though it's already free: http://drivethrurpg.com/product/218460/1234-Dungeon-Ambiance-Descriptions?term=1234&test_epoch=0
ReplyDeleteLemme message you about that... You have to do it
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much! I just came upon this thread later last afternoon, and it truly made my day! i never expected should wondrous support!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that COPE never made it out of my single-index card idea box, but I am not leaving without another small gift.
I created ISC, an Inferential Scene Crafter. It is still in rough shape, but the bones are good, and playtesting has created some amazing scenes. I hope you enjoy, and thank you again for your support and kind words.
With love,
Zach
drive.google.com - drive.google.com/open?id=0B5nDB8wiP4M0YUVUSzlkNjdORjA
This is definitely going to be in my toolbox. Very solid.
ReplyDeleteZach Best I find it amazing that even at a time like this you're still sharing with the community. Thank you for everything you've given us. :)
ReplyDeleteOkay, so I fixed it but for the first six copies of the bundle Zac was set up as the author of the wrong book. It is fixed and I sent him the cash.
ReplyDeleteJeeze, I was too bummed for words when I heard. I have been relying on UNE and Mythic since I started solo RPGing, and I bought his other stuff as soon as it came out. I can't tell you how many hours of pleasure I've gotten from Zach's stuff, and how much it helped to make my games more unpredictable, interesting, and (most importantly) fun.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I bought Zach's Book tonight, and I'll be watching to see if there's anything else I can do to help. Holding a good thought for you, Zach!
If there's any of you who want to contribute but can't, or know someone who's new to soloing that would enjoy the bundle, I've decided to buy 3 additional copies to give away. Just follow the instructions at the link.
ReplyDeletewispsoftime.com - Zach Best of CRGE / Conjecture Games Family Benefit Bundle at DTRPG - Wisps of Time
I cannot believe the support and love. I truly feel it. This small community has always been a super special place for me, and now it has rocketed up even further (if possible). Hospice is all about support and comfort to lengthen and make the patient's life as happy as can be. You all have definitely made it so much better. I cannot thank you enough!!!
ReplyDeleteHello, I don't have any product I can add to the bundle but I will help promote it. Zach Best all the best for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteYour work has enriched all of our lives.
Jacob Ross thanks for organizing this.
Thanks, Sophia.
ReplyDeleteSo from Monday forward we've sold more copies of Zach's Book/the bundle every day than the day before. As I write this we've hit 311 copies. Thank you all.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to post that I've closed out the giveaway on WispsOfTime.com. Jacob Ross do you know exactly what time the Bundle availability will end?
ReplyDeleteYeah. When I go to bed tomorrow night. Probably around 11 pm PST.
ReplyDelete500 sales of Zach's Book!
ReplyDeleteOh Zach I'm so sorry to hear this. CRGE and UNE have brought me so much happiness! CRGE is my absolute favourite engine and UNE actually allowed me to talk to my NPCS in solo play for the first time. You gave them all their voices. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm only now seeing this and this makes me very sad. I wish I'd seen this earlier, I would have added the Mythic line to the bundle.
ReplyDeleteI saw mention of a thread where people are leaving thoughts and memories, but I can't locate it. Does anyone have a link to it?
It's stickied in this community.
ReplyDeleteJacob Rossit's actually not. This is the sticky thread, so you could edit it with a link to the one that Tana is looking for
ReplyDeleteforum.rpg.net - [+][Chuubo] [101] I just started hospice, and I need your memories!
Just curious if anyone's had any updates on Zach?
ReplyDeleteUm. I heard from him a week ago. He hasn't responded to my last email, which was on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteStill no updates on Zach?
ReplyDeleteI emailed him this morning. Last I heard from him was 9/20. It was a brief update that things were not well. He didn't respond to my response, so I sent another one today. Don't think it'll be good news.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update, Jacob Ross.
ReplyDeleteI still haven't heard back. :(
ReplyDelete