Anansi's Tapestry of Lives: 110 NPCs, 40 items, 20 side quests, 70 locations & more

Updated PDF live on DriveThrRPG! Get Yours!
about 2 months ago – Sat, Jan 24, 2026 at 12:57:41 PM

Hi, amazing wonderful person! Quick update that if you've previously downloaded your copy of Anansi's Tapestry of Lives from DriveThruRPG you should have an email from them with a new download link. If not, go here:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/444617/anansi-s-tapestry-of-lives-updated

We still have some typos to fix, but all 268 pages of content are in their final layout (ignore the badly placed isbn, we'll fix that). There's even a few additions (mostly small stuff, like box text). Check out the new splash art on page IV - it's so good!!!

We could have waited for the final proofreading, but it's taking some time, because it's a LOT of work. Thank you to Shannon Kelly for all the many, many hours of work so far. I could not have done the incredible work you've done so far. Your feedback has been amazing.

And super grateful to Ennio Pino for stepping in to help finish out the layout. We put him through the ringer with changes, but he was so wonderful to work with. Thank you!

NPC Voices

We have all the audio files! Finally! (yes, I know I am using a lot of exclamation points for this. I'm super happy). I'm still looking for help with two things: EQ for the audio files and then some Javascript React/Python Django help so we can figure out the login issue. That said, if someone has Javacript React and also either Node.js or Next.js we could just do a quick backend rewrite for the NPC Voices App. If all else fails, I can do this work myself, but not until March.

No More Major Updates Until March

Unfortunately, I have to be in full work mode until March. But if all goes well, we'll have the cash to begin delivering on the print products (books, NOPC cards, dice) shortly thereafter. Just send me good vibes (prayers, etc) for Monday, January 26. I have an important meeting that I need to go well, that will set us up. That's all I can share without jinxing it, ha ha

Thanks for sticking with me on this. I know we've had some hiccups. In spite of that, we've hit an important milestone and the momentum and progress is gonna continue.



Best,

Jamie Van Doren

Just days away from the final Digital versions of Anansi's! *phew*
3 months ago – Sun, Dec 21, 2025 at 01:43:14 PM

Hey, and hello. Quick status update. We're nearing the finish line on the digital copy of the book. See the September/November updates where I talk about printing if you hadn't seen those.

NPC Voices
Same as November - we’re down to the final 4 monologues. Everything else is recorded. It’s just the holidays slowing down our last few voice actors a bit. As soon as those four come in, the NPC audio set is effectively “done,” minus any last EQ/level tweaks and working in some pick up lines. AND having a python/django and javascript/react person help with debugging the voices app.

Art + Layout
All the new art is finished. And you’ve hopefully seen some of it already in previous updates. There's quite a lot!

 Layout fixes are about 95% complete. At this point, we’re in the “days, not weeks” stage. That said, I’m almost certain we’re going to miss the Christmas finish line. The new target is: before New Year’s. I know that sucks - but I hope it's good to know we're closer than we've been.

We need your input on a font change
We’re changing the fonts in the monologue sections to improve readability. There are two finalists: Journal and Wordy Diva.

I’ll include two images in this update showing each option. Please comment and tell us which one you prefer. If you have a strong opinion, say why. It genuinely helps.

First up: Wordy Diva Font

Next: Journal Font

We're down to the wire, so I need any font feedback by Monday, 12/22 at 5 pm Eastern.

Proofreading / Content
The great news is that I think our proofreader is almost done. The bad news is that he told me he’s finding an average of ~12 typos per page. Oof. 

The upside is that once we get his notes, they’re fast to apply. They’re mostly clean swaps and small fixes, not heavy rewrites. 

There is a little new content. Nothing major, we had some holes to fill and instead of doing all art, there's a couple of new tables, an adventure seed, and things like that. 

 

As always: thank you for sticking with me on this. You’re very close to having the finished digital book of Anansi's Tapestry of Lives in your hands. Then it's on to figuring out printing with crazy tariff prices.


Happy holidays to everyone. I'll do an update as soon as I have more news (and definitely before the new year).


 - jamie

Anansi's November Status Update
4 months ago – Sun, Nov 09, 2025 at 09:34:32 AM

Hey, all. Thank you again for the words of encouragement and support. This update is a quick status update (in no particular order).

NPC Voices/App: We had 15 monologues that still need casting/recording (that turned into 16 when I rechecked some files) - but we're down to only 4 left! So progress. And we have offers out for those final 4. I'm working through finding someone to help with EQ. So, again, if you know anyone, let me know!

I have figured out some of the issues with the app (https://voxstoria.beneverending.app/). I need to find the time to manually open up every user profile for the backers who have this reward, and check a checkbox. Ideally, I'll get someone to write a script to do it. I'd write it myself, but I am NOT good at all with Python/Django!

I still haven't tracked down why it has some login bugs, like not sending verifications, or the password reset not working.

Main NPC Book: I've done a pretty thorough review and documented all the layout fixes that need to be resolved. AND I contracted a fantastic layout person to help. We're targeting December 12 (maybe as late as the 19th) for that to be done.

We're also filling in some empty holes in the book with fresh art. Check it out.

Don't worry, it's not slowing anything down. Our layout person can only work weekends. And because this project was a primary source of income for two of our illustrators (one in Brazil, one in Indonesia), I've kept them on on a part-time basis so they can still meet their basic needs at least. This has been out of my personal funds, and in a lot of cases this new art for the book is either repurposed from Anansi's Journal of Common Places or it's very simple art (the monochromatic stuff). It will add to quality, without impacting the timeline.

As soon as the layout fixes are complete, I'll send an updated version to everyone. We'll still have some proofing, but I want you to have the nearly finalized version.

We have a killer person who is taking on the final proofing! He's just waiting for the layout to be complete, so we minimize rework issues, since sometimes layout fixes require rewrites when we're trying to get something on one page. 

Also, I don't know why I put in the last update that it's about 230 pages - it's like 258. o.0 
 

NPC Cards. No updates yet.

Other physical rewards. I haven't started collecting new quotes yet. But once we get passed having the digital versions completely done, I'll tackle it.

 

I'm working a LOT, so trying to keep the momentum moving forward. Thank you again, everyone.

One a personal health note, we have my LDL cholesterol down to 56 (you don't want to know what it was lol), but they added a new medication to try to drop it down between 30 - 50. The goal is to get rid of some of the plaques and further reduce the risk of another heart attack. This medication blocks the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines and it does NOT agree with me, ha ha ha BUT, better than another bypass surgery! :)

Thanks again for your support and patience. I'm happy to share some good news and progress.

Best,

Jamie

Anansi's Tapestry of Lives Status Update
6 months ago – Sat, Sep 13, 2025 at 09:30:58 AM

Hi everyone,

It’s been a while since my last detailed update. I apologize. My recovery has been harder than expected. Regardless, I want to be open with you about where things stand.

As a reminder, on May 7, I underwent triple bypass surgery after an unexpected series of heart attacks and an ER visit April 30. The surgery was a success, but as I said - recovery has been harder than I could have imagined (physically, mentally, and financially). I was supposed to take 12 weeks off for recovery, but had to return to work mid-June so my insurance wouldn’t lapse. If it had lapsed, my hospital stay and surgery would not have been covered. That would have turned thousands in medical bills into tens of thousands. Anyway – this means progress was (unfortunately) put on pause. 

Budgeting Hiccup

I had consulting projects lined up that I was working on prior to the heart attack that were intended to cover final production and printing. Because of my time off during recovery billables dropped from about $15k to about $7k. That said, as of July I’m back to about 60+ hours per week to rebuild – and so money will start flowing back in. That said, the budget to finish everything is TIGHT. I’m open to suggestions on help for some of the next steps. Speaking of…

What’s Left & Current Budget

Here’s where things stand as we move toward the finish line. Some tasks already have people lined up, but others still need support—and if you know someone who can help (especially with proofreading/layout, audio EQ, or affordable React/Django (JavaScript/Python) development), please send them my way!

• Main Book of NPCs – Proofreading (~230 pages) and light copy editing for one adventure. A proofreader is set to start in about 2 weeks (~$1,000 budget). One challenge: the file is in Affinity Publisher, so edits need to be applied directly in-layout. I also have a lead on layout help to tweak a few things and I'll follow up next week.
• Journal of Common Places – Ready for printing once we get new quotes and I figure out how we want to handle printing (see printing bullet).
• NPC Audio – 15 monologues still need casting/recording in part because some VAs didn't get their audio turned in or respond to contracts -- I don't think this piece will take long, and I'm reaching out to past VAs to see if they want to pick up an additional NPC or two, 23 files need EQ or light editing (including incorporating pick up lines). Budget is $300–$600 which is admittedly lower than I'd like. Regardless, I’d prefer to start with a small pilot to make sure we can get through audio post timely/effectively and within budget - or make budget changes if necessary.
• App Fixes – Some users can’t log in or aren’t getting verification codes, and the marketplace feature isn’t working. I’ll need to bring in a React/JavaScript–Django/Python developer (~$500–$1,000 budget). My previous devs have full-time jobs now, so referrals here would be especially helpful.
• NPC Cards – About half of the personality/quirk text still needs editing down to fit card size. Layout is mostly in place.
• Dice – Ready for production once funds allow.
• Printing – This will be the biggest hurdle. Tarrifs have hit overseas printing HARD. Last time I got quotes the $5.75 per book for the main book went up to over 7 (I think near $8) which for 1,000 books is a big jump. I’ve heard prices are even higher now. Once proofing starts, and I get my next billable out, I’ll start gathering updated quotes. Because of the costs I may have to pursue phased printing/shipping to spread out the expense.

 Timeline goal: A Christmas Miracle

My goal is to have all digital content finalized and delivered BEFORE Christmas. Printing will follow as soon as possible after. Printing and dice timing all depend on quotes and budget. I'm working my ass of to make sure the latter is covered. My workload means little time for other stuff, so if I'm slow to reply - that's why.

Again, if you know affordable EQ/audio post talent or React/Django developers, referrals are welcome. Every connection helps. Feel free to email me at [email protected] or DM me here on Kickstarter.

In Conclusion
 

Sorry again for the delay in updates. After surgery, a bad ICU stay, and then trying to recover and going back to work full-time way, way earlier than I was ready, and blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda – it’s been a freaking lot. Ha ha. I basically went from just trying to get my brain and body working to actually working, and it took a toll. Thankfully, I'm finally feeling human again (for the most part). 

Also - a big shout out and thanks to my cardiac team. I was VERY fortunate to have Dr. Kimmaliardjuk (first female Inuit heart surgeon and so, so brilliant and skilled). She's the only heart surgeon in my region that does "Off-pump" meaning my heart was allowed to continue beating and I breathed on my own during surgery, which greatly reduced my recovery and dramatically reduced the severe risks of cognitive decline and other complications. I still had a lot of short-term cognitive issues, sleep issues, and other stuff post surgery - but it was WAY better than it could have been and I recovered way faster than anyone expected.

Regardless, I haven’t forgotten my commitments to deliver this project and your rewards. Happy to answer any questions on stuff I wasn’t clear on or if there are questions about anything (within reason).

Thank you again for your patience and support. This project has taken way longer than any of us hoped, but it will get done. I’m determined to see it through—for you, and for the stories we set out to share together.

Best,

Jamie
Best,

Jamie

Next Steps for Anansi's Tapestry of Lives
11 months ago – Tue, May 06, 2025 at 01:46:09 PM

This video update covers next steps for the project, updates on physical products (sort of), an acknowledgment of some missteps along with an apology, and a confirmation that we're still working to deliver all of the rewards. Oh, and an update on my heart surgery tomorrow (5-7-2025). Feel free to watch at double speed, if you're short on time. 

Thank you for your patience and support. Hang in there a bit longer, please.

Send some prayers and positive thoughts for me, please. I'm legit scared.


Best,

Jamie