Sylvan Master

If you were one of the 3,400 Feng Shui 2 Kickstarter backers, or have since acquired it from one of several fine purveyors of gaming pdf’s, you may have noticed these strange square symbols on a few pages in the core rulebook. Those are QR codes. They are typically used to connect real world object, signs, brochures, etc. to digital content. You use one of several apps on your mobile device to scan the code and get directed to a web page. A QR code in a catalog might take you to an order page, or a campaign brochure might take you a page to learn more about the candidate.

So, where will the Feng Shui 2 QR codes take me?

I’m glad you asked. If you are using an iOS device and the Sylvan Master app is installed the code will launch the app and load the fight scene with the GMC’s data ready to go. Of course, you want to enter the heroes for your series ahead of time. Once that is done you don’t need to enter any data for adventures published by Atlas Games. And, you don’t have to navigate through the app while your game is in session. Just scan and hit “roll init.”

If you are not on an iOS device, or the app isn’t installed, the QR code will take you a nice web page that tells you about Sylvan Master and how to get the app.

How are you saving me time, if I have to leave the app, open a scanning tool, to be taken back into the app?

The app has a built in scanner. Look for the QR code/magnifying glass icon in the tool bar. The first time you will be prompted to give Sylvan Master permission to access the device’s camera. Once that is done, you can scan the QR codes right from the app. Of course, you can use any other QR code scanner you want to, if that is more convenient.

I can’t scan a QR code when I am reading Feng Shui 2 as a pdf on my device.

Good point. That is why we also made the QR code hyperlinks. Simply tap one in a pdf reader on your device and it will work just like the scanner.

OK, sounds neat. When will I be able to give it a try?

At this point the app is feature complete and in beta testing. I’ve got a good group of testers, which means that they are finding bugs and giving me lots of ideas for improvements. I am on target to put Sylvan Master up for sale on the app store before the Feng Shui 2 books start shipping. However, given the vagaries of getting app store approval and printing/shipping both schedules are difficult to pin down. This is software after all, so I am in good company if I answer with the proverbial “soon.”