Car crash last night. Not sure about the details. There's a news story with video, but ugh.
I'm still trying to process it. I have in my inbox an recent email from him about an upcoming piece of writing I was going to do, and had plans to chat with him about a batch of stuff for the line.
I can't imagine how many other people are in shock right now. He was a friend to so many, and he was one of the most enthusiastic and tireless people I've ever known in this industry.
RIP, Steve. You should have had much, much longer with us.
Thank you for believing.
Quote from: Jason D;907106Car crash last night. Not sure about the details. There's a news story with video, but ugh.
I'm still trying to process it. I have in my inbox an recent email from him about an upcoming piece of writing I was going to do, and had plans to chat with him about a batch of stuff for the line.
I can't imagine how many other people are in shock right now. He was a friend to so many, and he was one of the most enthusiastic and tireless people I've ever known in this industry.
RIP, Steve. You should have had much, much longer with us.
Thank you for believing.
Jesus Christ...
My condolences, Jason and sympathies for Steve's family and friends.
Edit: I don't really know how to express my feelings. RITE published LoGS and Demolished Ones, former being my most favorite game lately and the latter - the game that made me rethink coming back to FATE... It probably sounds selfish, but I hope this doesn't mean the end for those products... :(
Good God. I remember Steve back from the Okay, Your Turn forums, when he was developing the Jade Oath line. He struck me as very dynamic and outgoing small-press publisher.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
Terribly sorry for you Jason, and his family, and all LoGaS fans.
Such a tragedy. He was a prolific creator and a nice guy from what I've heard. I only corresponded with him once. My sympathies to all.
I don't have the words.
I'm so sorry.
:(
I lost a loved one to a car crash last summer. It's sudden and you can't prepare for it. It really sucks. My heart reaches out to Steve's family.
I didn't know him personally, but I was impressed with his publications.
Condolences.
Another of those reminders kicked in today.
I keep all of my ongoing writing tasks on little notecards, usually broken down into achievable chunks. Periodically, I lay out the ones I'm going to work on at any given time and put completed tasks into a "done" pile as a means of visually tracking progress.
These cards are also good for high-level concepts and brainstorms. If a task becomes unfeasible or superfluous, I tear it up and toss it.
I was sorting through them today looking for a particular item when I sorted out ten separate ones for Rite and LoG&S, including at least three different new games using the diceless rules set. It's probably too early to tell what's going to happen with Rite, but I'm going to keep those cards.
Quote from: Jason D;907853Another of those reminders kicked in today.
I keep all of my ongoing writing tasks on little notecards, usually broken down into achievable chunks. Periodically, I lay out the ones I'm going to work on at any given time and put completed tasks into a "done" pile as a means of visually tracking progress.
These cards are also good for high-level concepts and brainstorms. If a task becomes unfeasible or superfluous, I tear it up and toss it.
I was sorting through them today looking for a particular item when I sorted out ten separate ones for Rite and LoG&S, including at least three different new games using the diceless rules set. It's probably too early to tell what's going to happen with Rite, but I'm going to keep those cards.
Color me very interested. LoGS alone is a masterpiece worthy of maintaining and expanding.
Ah, well...
Some might call it inappropriate, since wounds are still fresh, but I think that it's a good way to respect the memory of Steve and perhaps convince anyone involved that RITE shouldn't be disbanded.
Quote from: JesterRaiin;907856Some might call it inappropriate, since wounds are still fresh, but I think that it's a good way to respect the memory of Steve and perhaps convince anyone involved that RITE shouldn't be disbanded.
I'm the King of Inappropriate, so yeah, I'm going to go there.
Before you jump down my throat for talking about this too soon, read my post. If you read my post and decide to jump down my throat anyway, go ahead. I probably deserve it. I'm just not a good judge of these things.
No, I'm not going to speculate into Rite's future...in any detail. But there are a few things I want to get off my chest.
First, I am absolutely reeling from this.
I shouldn't be. I didn't know Steve personally; I only knew him from his work, his posts, and his vlogs. I was stunned the first day I got the news, but usually I recover from this kind of thing very quickly, even with people I personally know. Not this time. I still haven't recovered. It baffles me. It baffles me because I have no right to react this way. I never even met the guy.
It's not because I think LOG&S is done. I'm not even thinking about that. All I'm thinking about is his wife and unborn kid. Jesus.
This brings me to my second point.
I don't expect the LOG&S line to continue. Sure, maybe Jason will step in and take over, or whoever Steve had working for or with him as editor will take over, or some other miracle will take place to carry on the company. I'd like that, I really would. Not merely to satisfy my own selfish hunger for more LOG&S books, but because I'd like to see what I consider Steve's masterpiece carried onward into the future, at least for a little while longer.
I don't think that's going to happen. Why? Cold, calculating reasons. That, plus I'm a pessimist. The great thing about being a pessimist is you're usually right, and the very few times you're wrong, it's a joyous thing.
I'm hoping I'm proved wrong. I'm praying for it.
Third, regardless of what happens with Rite, there's going to be some severe delays before we, the customer base, know what's going to happen. it will likely take weeks if not months before whoever's supposed to deal with Rite can even begin to pick up the pieces. They'll have to sort through Steve's work, his notes, the finances, even the legal and licensing issues, just a name a few. And their hearts are going to be breaking the whole time they're doing it. Delays are to be expected.
I'm not expecting to hear anything resembling official news or decisions from Rite for at least six months to a year. And I'm okay with that. We've still got the Long Walk, the Gossamer Worlds Compendium, and whatever else they had planned still pending. And you know what? Fuck those books. Fuck 'em. I can do without. If they aren't released, if whatever's left of Rite can't get it done, I can live with that. If there's not a single other book released for LOG&S, I can live with that too. Forget the books and don't you dare offer me a refund for the Kickstarters I backed.
A man is dead. I understand. If Rite has to stop and rest, even if it needs to walk away completely, I understand. I want the people Steve left behind, both in general and those who were working at/with Rite, to take care of themselves. I'd rather they heal than struggle to meet deadlines or finish products. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way.
The full value of the entire current and any potential catalog of LOG&S books is meaningless when measured against the life of Steve himself. His true legacy rests with his unborn child and the memoires of those who knew and loved him.
I can't go to Ohio to visit Steve's grave to pay my respects, but I've got the books he produced. For me, those are his memorial, and its enough.
That's all I have to say. I apologize if what I've written seems callous.
Quote from: noman;907914That's all I have to say.
There's strong probability it'll turn to be exactly like you predict it.
It would be unfortunate, but heck, being resourceful enough to work little official material is kind of prerequisite for people who want to play Amber-like games, so it's not that we are gonna cease to play. Still, it was only a few weeks ago when Jason hinted he had an idea about Gossamer
Sorcery redesign, more elegant and functional one. Now it seems it's one of those project that won't see the daylight... :(
I can't speak for others, but any future involvement I have with the game line would be contingent on a portion of the proceeds going to Steve's widow. Unless he made other arrangements, she is likely now the owner of Rite Publishing.
Quote from: Jason D;908033I can't speak for others, but any future involvement I have with the game line would be contingent on a portion of the proceeds going to Steve's widow. Unless he made other arrangements, she is likely now the owner of Rite Publishing.
Good to see you again, Jason.
I understand it's painful, but are you aware about any details concerning the circumstances of what actually happened?
And btw, I'm glad to hear there's even a tiny chance for the LoGS to continue getting support. It means a lot to me.
Quote from: JesterRaiin;907991Still, it was only a few weeks ago when Jason hinted he had an idea about Gossamer Sorcery redesign, more elegant and functional one. Now it seems it's one of those project that won't see the daylight... :(
The sorcery expansion (and everything else they were planning) would have been great. However, the game line really
needed the Long Walk. I have never considered it complete, due to gaps in the rules. The Long Walk promised to fill those gaps. That's the book I've been holding my breath for. Now, I doubt I'll ever see it. But that's how it is, see my rant about the books above.
Quote from: Jason D;908033Unless he made other arrangements, she is likely now the owner of Rite Publishing.
That's exactly what I suspected.
Quote from: JesterRaiin;908034I understand it's painful, but are you aware about any details concerning the circumstances of what actually happened?
I'm pretty sure I don't want to know.
Quote from: noman;908039The sorcery expansion (and everything else they were planning) would have been great. However, the game line really needed the Long Walk. I have never considered it complete, due to gaps in the rules. The Long Walk promised to fill those gaps. That's the book I've been holding my breath for. Now, I doubt I'll ever see it. But that's how it is, see my rant about the books above.
This reminds me about the hardships
Shadow Knight went through. Are Amber-based/influenced games cursed or what?
Quote from: JesterRaiin;908066This reminds me about the hardships Shadow Knight went through. Are Amber-based/influenced games cursed or what?
I'm kinda glad you brought this up, because I'm wondering if I'm the only guy that's freaked out a little by this.
The personal, human tragedy of these deaths aside...
Erick was taken from this world much earlier than he should have. Amber Diceless was never able to grow beyond its infancy.
Steven was taken from this world
way too early. LOG&S was never able to grow beyond its adolescence.
Of the three guys responsible for producing Amber-related products*: Erick, Steve, and Pundit, two of them died before their products could reach full maturity.
Curse? I don't believe in curses. I do believe in luck, and this is some pretty ridiculous bad luck when considered in total.
*Note: I'm talking the business side, not the writer's side. Jason wrote LOG&S; it couldn't have happened without him, but Steve handled the publishing, IIUC.
This was posted to Rite Publishing's page on Facebook:
QuoteHello Rite Publishing Family,
My name is Miranda Russell. I first want to thank everyone for their kindness. I have been so touched to read all the stories of Steven and how he impacted the lives of so many. I have always known of his love of the game and desire to see others succeed, but it truly is something special to hear those first hand stories. I have been so touched and overwhelmed by the caring and generosity of this community and I am so grateful for that. I have begun receiving a number of inquiries as to the future of Rite Publishing. As many can imagine, this is a difficult time for my family and I. I did, however; want to take a moment to address this. My intentions at this point are to ensure any projects that were started are completed. I can think of no better way to honor my husband by seeing what he loved so much finished. Once we get those projects back on track I will be taking some time to meet with a number of people to determine the more long term future of RiP and once I know I will ensure we share another update. I thank you for your patience, understanding, and care during this time.
Please feel free to share this information with others.
Sincerely,
Miranda Russell
Quote from: noman;908074Of the three guys responsible for producing Amber-related products*: Erick, Steve, and Pundit, two of them died before their products could reach full maturity.
There was also this Roger Zelazny fellow, who was laying out the groundwork for another series of books.
Quote from: Jason D;908147This was posted to Rite Publishing's page on Facebook:
Thank you.
There's a hope!
Quote from: JesterRaiin;908034I understand it's painful, but are you aware about any details concerning the circumstances of what actually happened?
No, I am not.
Quote from: Jason D;908153No, I am not.
Let's leave it as it is, then.
I just heard about this today. I'm shocked and saddened at the news. Steve was a really nice guy. I exchanged emails with him a few times as part of some LoGaS work and he was really friendly and helpful. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts go out to his friends and family in this terrible time.
Quote from: Jason D;908148There was also this Roger Zelazny fellow, who was laying out the groundwork for another series of books.
I didn't mention him because I thought he was a little up in years at the time of his death. Looked it up to see that he died at 58, a little too early by 90s standards.
Quote from: Jason D;908147This was posted to Rite Publishing's page on Facebook:
I have begun receiving a number of inquiries as to the future of Rite Publishing.A little early for that, you know. I wouldn't be hassling the widow about this when she just laid her husband to rest.
I'm impressed that she took the time to post this. I'll be even more impressed if if she follows through. Whether she does or not, I wish her well.
Edit #1:
The comments replying to her post are heart-warming. Every single one of them doesn’t press the matter of any outstanding products, and instead urges her to take care of herself.
Edit #2:
I'll note for the record part of my assessment was wrong. Ms. Russell just sent an official post to us LOG&S backers, explaining the situation. It was a cut-and-paste of what Jason wrote above, but still, it was something. I wasn't expecting any news for months. I'm glad I was wrong. I tip my hat to her.
Quote from: JesterRaiin;908163Let's leave it as it is, then.
The only people who are going to know the full details of the accident are the police and any relevant insurance companies (they're the only ones who get a copy of the police reports by default). Even the bereaved, such as Ms. Russell, won't know the full details. The police will only tell her what they think she needs to know, and no more. They're obligated to notify her, nothing else.
Quote from: noman;908203I didn't mention him because I thought he was a little up in years at the time of his death. Looked it up to see that he died at 58, a little too early by 90s standards.
He was dying of colon cancer while writing the second Chronicles, which is why they end so abruptly.
Quote from: daniel_ream;908225He was dying of colon cancer while writing the second Chronicles, which is why they end so abruptly.
Not quite.
Prince of Chaos appeared in 1991 and he died in 1995.
In the interim, he wrote five Amber short stories,
A Night in the Lonesome October, started two novels with Jane Lindskold, helped design a computer game, assembled a volume of new and older poetry, cowrote the three demon comedy books with Robert Sheckley, edited four or five anthologies, wrote
Flare with Thomas T. Thomas, published a chapbook, and wrote
Wilderness with Gerald Hausman.
Quote from: noman;908074Of the three guys responsible for producing Amber-related products*: Erick, Steve, and Pundit, two of them died before their products could reach full maturity.
Curse? I don't believe in curses. I do believe in luck, and this is some pretty ridiculous bad luck when considered in total.
*Note: I'm talking the business side, not the writer's side. Jason wrote LOG&S; it couldn't have happened without him, but Steve handled the publishing, IIUC.
If you're not talking writers, I shouldn't be on that list. The publisher of Lords of Olympus was Brett Bernstein, who is luckily still with us!
If you're talking writers,then it was Erick, me, and Jason. Two out of three still here.
Though Amber-related projects have had their share of bad luck, I don't think we need to invent the idea of there being some kind of curse.
Quote from: RPGPundit;908357If you're not talking writers, I shouldn't be on that list. The publisher of Lords of Olympus was Brett Bernstein, who is luckily still with us!
I'm talking publishers, but you're absolutely correct about Brett. Error on my part.
Quote from: RPGPundit;908357Though Amber-related projects have had their share of bad luck, I don't think we need to invent the idea of there being some kind of curse.
Just to clarify my early post on this subject, I'm not suggesting or promoting the idea of any kind of supernatural factor, curse or otherwise. I stated specifically that I don't believe in curses. I'm noting it as some horrendously tragic bad luck. Bad luck that had the effect of ceasing (possibly slowing (unlikely) in the case of LOG&S) production of Amber and LOG&S.
My ears were burning :)