Field Guide Progress Update
8 days ago
– Fri, Jul 24, 2026 at 01:17:13 AM
Hello Investigators:
I've been hard at work on the Investigator's Field Guide, and it's really starting to come together.
Think of it as Nocturnal's Player's Handbook.
The Core Rulebook is written primarily for the Storyteller. It contains the complete rules, guidance for running investigations, building Patterns, creating hauntings, and everything needed to run the game.
The Investigator's Field Guide is different. It's written specifically for the players.
Rather than presenting pages of mechanics, it teaches players how to think like Investigators. It covers character creation, psychic abilities, Faith, investigation techniques, rituals, equipment, and the philosophy behind solving hauntings. It explains what players need to know without revealing the information reserved for the Storyteller.
The goal is to let players pick up the Field Guide, create an Investigator, and understand how to approach a case without spoiling the mysteries waiting for them.
I'm really excited with how it's turning out. It feels less like a rulebook and more like an actual handbook that an experienced Investigator would hand to someone about to take on their first case.
I can't wait to share more as it gets closer to completion.
Here is the art for the cover. It still needs some work and get a little cleanup.
Back Cover
A haunting is never the real problem.
The moving shadows, impossible voices, restless spirits, and abandoned places are only the symptoms of something deeper. Every investigation begins with a mystery, but the truth is never found by chasing manifestations alone.
The Investigator's Field Guide introduces the world of Nocturnal, where ordinary people confront extraordinary events through careful investigation, psychic insight, unwavering Faith, and the courage to uncover what others refuse to see.
Learn how to build a theory, identify a Pattern's Anchor, Feed, and Trigger, perform supernatural interventions, and survive the consequences of challenging the impossible.
Because the goal was never to hunt monsters.
The goal is to understand the Pattern.
Only then can you bring it to an end.
Feed back is always welcome.
As always, Thank you for making this happen!
~Dan
Survey Reminder
8 days ago
– Thu, Jul 23, 2026 at 08:31:18 PM
Hello Investigators!
I have just a handful of surveys that haven't been completed yet.
If you haven't filled out your BackerKit survey, please take a few minutes to do so. I'll be locking very orders soon so I can finalize the backer list, prepare the credits, and move into fulfillment.
If you've already completed your survey, thank you! You're all set.
As always, thank you for your support and patience. We're getting very close, and I can't wait to get Nocturnal into your hands.
The investigation continues.
~Dan
Update: The Book Has Gone to Print Review!
13 days ago
– Sun, Jul 19, 2026 at 02:57:53 AM
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
Quick up - Where we are now!
15 days ago
– Thu, Jul 16, 2026 at 09:59:10 PM
Hello Investigators,
I wanted to give everyone a quick update on where things stand.
The project is continuing to move forward, and I'm happy to say that the PDF version of Nocturnal is complete. The only remaining step before I can send it out is updating the backer credits with everyone's preferred name as listed in the survey.
I'm currently setting up BackerKit to handle reward fulfillment and collect that information. As part of their process, I first had to send the required Smoke Test emails to verify everything is working correctly. Once that process is complete, I'll do one final review and then send the surveys out to everyone.
I had hoped to have the surveys out a little sooner, but a few unexpected real-life responsibilities pulled me away for a couple of days. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
On the print side, everything is also progressing as planned. The files have been submitted, and I'm currently waiting for the printer to send me the proof copies. Once they arrive, I'll review them carefully to make sure everything looks exactly as it should before approving the final print run.
Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement throughout this project. Seeing Nocturnal come together has been an incredible journey, and I'm excited to get the finished game into your hands very soon.
As always, I'll keep you updated as we move through the final stages of production.
The investigation continues.
— Dan Thacker
Creator of Nocturnal: A Modern Ghost-Hunting RPG
The investigation continues on Backerkit!!
24 days ago
– Tue, Jul 07, 2026 at 10:50:55 PM
Hello Investigators,
I wanted to give everyone a quick update on the next phase of the project.
I'm happy to announce that BackerKit is now set up and will be used to manage reward fulfillment and backer communication as we move toward release.
Over the next few days, you'll receive your BackerKit survey. Please take a few moments to complete it so I have the information needed to deliver your rewards. This is where you'll confirm your reward tier, provide delivery information if needed, and make sure everything is ready for fulfillment.
Development on Nocturnal continues every day.
The Core Rulebook is currently in layout, (you should have a link in your email) with the remaining artwork still being completed and integrated into the book. I'm also hard at work expanding Ashcroft University, organizing the campaign setting, and preparing the Investigator's Field Guide, which will serve as a player-friendly companion and quick-start guide.
As always, I'll continue sharing previews, development updates, and progress as we move closer to release.
Thank you again for believing in this project. Your support has turned Nocturnal from an idea into a game, and I can't wait to get it into your hands.
The investigation continues.
~ Dan Thacker
