Stages of Release

Required to Complete: Kickstarter launch, all creature statblocks, role assignments, developer commentary, backer engagement setup, stretch goals, new mechanics drafting

Primary Focus: Mechanical foundation and campaign launch

Tasks:

• Kickstarter Launch: Initiate campaign during this phase; offer teasers, stretch goal previews, and free sample content.
• Creature Statblocks: Complete core statblocks for all creatures, ensuring variety in challenge rating and role (brute, skirmisher, etc.).
  
• Role Assignment: Identify encounter functions for each creature (pack hunter, ambusher, siege beast, etc.).
  
• Developer Commentary: Draft design notes or guidance for GMs on effective in-game use of each statblock.
• Backer Engagement Setup: Create a centralized hub (Discord, Google Form, email list) for collecting mechanical feedback from backers.
  
• Stretch Goal Strategy: Define stretch goals—additional species, custom mechanics, biome expansions, or bonus encounters.
  
• New Mechanics Drafting: Outline any unique systems (e.g., nesting behavior, herd tactics, predator-prey dynamics).

Progress Tracker

Creature Statblocks: 19/119 (16%)

Required to Complete: creature lore, environmental biomes, encounter tables, adventure seeds, cultural integration

Primary Focus: Lore development, flavor content, setting integration

Tasks:

• Creature Lore: Write behavior, habitats, feeding, migration, and magical mutations for each creature.
  
• Environmental Biomes: Define distinct ecosystems (floodplains, canyons, volcanic fields, shallow seas).
  
• Encounter Tables: Develop random encounter tables and dynamic environment generators.
  
• Adventure Seeds: Design hooks that feature prehistoric threats and mysteries for quick integration into campaigns.
  
• Cultural Integration: Add details for how humanoid or magical civilizations interact with or adapt to prehistoric creatures.

Required to Complete: Playtesting, proofreading and editing, final artwork, layout and graphic design, digital and print file prep, fulfillment planning

Primary Focus: Finalization, polish, and delivery

Tasks:

• Playtesting: Conduct and evaluate playtests for balance, usability, and enjoyment. Implement necessary revisions.
  
• Proofreading and Editing: Ensure consistency in terminology, grammar, and formatting across all content.
  
• Final Artwork: Commission or approve final illustrations. Ensure consistency in creature design and tone.
  
• Layout and Graphic Design: Assemble page spreads with proper headings, sidebars, statblocks, and callout boxes.
  
• Digital and Print File Prep: Finalize PDF builds and prepare files for print-on-demand or traditional printing.
• Fulfillment Planning: Coordinate with printers and digital platforms for delivery timelines and backer rewards.