Courtesy Emerald Press
I recently interviewed Todd Crapper of Emerald Press. Emerald Press PDF Publishing has been producing independent D&D material since 2004 when they released Campaign Options: Mazes for the 3rd edition of D&D. Since then, Emerald Press is one of the few independent 4th Edition (or 4e) publishers working under the GSL with such titles as Risen, The Key Of The Fey, and now the ENnie-award nominated Combat Advantage bi-monthly free-zine.
Michael Tresca: Combat Advantaged #15 was nominated for a Best Free Product ENnie. How did you create such a cool free product?
Todd Crapper: Combat Advantage started off as an excuse to publish small PDF rule supplements for 4e but has grown over time to become a 50+ page bi-monthly free PDF. Combat Advantage #15 (or CA15, as we like to call it) was the first issue to feature previews from other 4e publishers, artist spotlights and more. We're a strong believer in the current version of this classic game and wanted to use CA as a springboard to highlight other products and concepts for the game from an independent point-of-view. With so much attention focused on what Wizards of the Coast is doing with the game, I've always thought independent designs of the game to be much more daring and interesting. The Biohazard preview for the Amethyst campaign setting was one of the best examples out there - it took the fantasy elements of the game and converted everything to a modern/sci-fi setting. With so many others decrying the terms of the GSL, we like to shine a spotlight on those who embrace it and turn it on its head.
MT: What makes Combat Advantage unique?
TC: I think it's the overall highlight of the game from an independent angle that makes us stand out. Rather than just a straight-forward rule set or singular viewpoint, Combat Advantage provides numerous takes on the same rules. It's not just about devising concrete options for use "right out of the box," it's about opening players and GMs to a new possibility. You might not find exactly what you're looking for but you can find the concept and discover the possibilities from which you can branch off to do your own theme with the game. For example, CA15 has a video game theme specifically inspired by all those threads decrying how 4e is like a MMORPG. Rather than prove them wrong, we sought to prove the opposite and embrace the concept by providing tools for introducing video game elements into your campaign. That's what CA's all about.
MT: What type of player will be attracted to your product?
TC: Hopefully, all of them. GMs too. Not every issue will appeal to everyone but there will always be something of interest to even the casual player. If there was a target demographic for this product, it's the experienced roleplayer who might find themselves a little bored with the standard rules and likes to mix it up a little.
MT: Anything else you would like to add?
TC: I'd just like to express my deepest appreciation to everyone who contributed to CA and helped make this nomination happen. Even if we don't win, we've achieved something incredible with nothing more than hard work, sharp minds and moxy. This includes Chris Dias from Dias Ex Machina with the Biohazard preview, Kieron O'Gorman for providing samples of his art, Michael Evans for his reviews, and the rest of my crew for their uncounted contributions over these past couple of years: Vincent Harper, Tim Rose, and Shawn O'Leary. And while I definitely want to thank those fans who have sent in kind words and appreciation, I want to specifically thank those who constructively criticized us during our early days. Rather than beat us down, we were able to use those comments to turn this magazine around to what it is today. There is no such thing as a bad review.
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