It's been a minute, so i hope everyone is doing well!
Shipping - To TKG's it goes!
I've got some exciting news. Your shiny products have begun shipping from myself to the TKG fulfillment centers. I've sent the bulk of the USA boxes, and after some final organizing, i should have the EU boxes out the door soon as well.
I'll admit, coming from Australia, and with all the new Tariffs and shipping issues world-wide, its been a painful affair. And i was fairly nervous about the packages arriving safely and may have been overly friendly with the packing tape. Environment forgive me.
Books - Corrections & Sizes
Another nice update for everyone that grabbed the add-on books (or the All-In bundles), the books coming to you are now more uniform and error-free.
You may recall from an earlier update that, for the Mayday Files book, i needed to order more copies. So, i chose to re-size the book from A5 to Half-Letter, to align with Mothership standard zine size. In this process, however, i mixed up a page and the 300 copies arrived with a full page print error.
Initially, the plan had been to put stickers over the pages with the correct info, with most commenters seeming happy with the compromise. After some trial and error, however, it just wasn't working. I ruined probably 10 copies of the book trying to get the stickers to look 'nice' and it just wasn't going to happen for the 90 or so i needed. So my wallet took a hit and i did a re-print. However, instead of the book being hard-bound, i re-printed it staple-bound to match the other two books (and save me a few dollars).
And, seeing as i was already doing a re-print, i also re-printed a small run of Syndicate Wastrels so that it too was Half-Letter instead of A5. In for a penny, in for a pound, kind of thing.
The end result is that all three books are now error-free, the same size (half letter), and the same style (staple bound).
Digital Downloads - Grab em!
After fixing up some missing files, I'm fairly certain everything should be available for download from the Mega-Pledge manager. Please reach out if it isn't. You should all have DTRPG codes for Terminal Directive (from an earlier update), and once shipping has been sorted completely from my end, I'll try and work out a way to grab emails and send out DTRPG codes for everything else. Backerkit downloads work in a pinch, but DTRPG is where files get updated and maintained (plus where you can grab physical books if you change your mind at a later date).
What Now?
Hopefully, by the end of the week I'll have all your products in the post to the TKG warehouses in the EU & USA. And, with prayers to the shipping gods, they will arrive safe and sound.
Honestly at this point it's almost out of my hands. We are all still new to this Mega-Pledge thing, and the TKG staff have been working their collective asses off in the background. So please know that any delays or issues are not on purpose or from a lack of trying.
RatCatchers & Cross-Collab Rewards
This one is a bit of a harder topic to cover. At the moment, the PDF is near complete, awaiting review by Zoey of Hunters. However, unfortunately, due to some personal issues she has been facing, the work has stalled. I can't really speak much more on it, as it's not really my place. Nor do i really know anything of value to add to conversation, except that at this point it's in limbo.
Worst comes to worst, I'll finish the project myself and at least deliver the PDF. It's honestly fairly usable at the moment, however, as it contains rules and information from Hunters, I'm hesitant to release anything unreviewed.
It also means the physical print is up in the air. I hope it can be finished in time, but it'll come down to when TKG can receive final products for shipping, and whether or not it can be completed by then. While the brochure was a bonus of a bonus, not being able to fulfill something isn't something I've actually faced in 20+ projects, and sits uneasy on me. So this isn't the end of the conversation by any means, but I'd rather be upfront.
Hopefully more news on this soon.
Other Stuff
If you haven't seen, while doing the logistics and packaging of Terminal Directive in the background, I've also been working on a heap of other small projects.
I've released FOUR small zines for Fatherfog. The TKG grim fairy-tale fantasy game. These work as a great little series of entry one-shots (including a town) for those wanting to give the game a crack. Physical print omnibus of Issues 1-4 coming soon!
I've also released Life-Paths for Mothership. A character book offering rollable tables filled with boons and banes for your PCs. Its a fun way to create a backstory and flesh-out new characters. Or change things up a bit from the standard starting build.
That's about all I've got. Thanks again for your support and being here. The next update should hopefully be me over-the-moon happy about shipping to the warehouses going well, and with any luck, some more news on Ratcatchers.
Hope everyone is kicking along well. I come bearing a heap of good news!
Surveys
For those that haven't seen, TKG is closing the Mega-Pledge Manager store THIS FRIDAY to finalize numbers. If you haven't filled out the MEGA-PLEDGE survey please go do so. Contact [email protected] if you're having issues.
This caused a little confusion in my last update due to poor wording on my part. There are no individual project surveys (for the most part), and you WONT have received a survey directly from me specifically. It's from TKG and will cover this project.
The store closing allows final shipping numbers to be sorted, and means i can finally send your goodies to TKG's warehouses! We are getting closer to you getting your hands on stuff!!!
DTRPG CODES
Terminal Directive has been uploaded to DTRPG and the POD version created. Below you'll find a code to add the book to your DTRPG account, and the POD code should you desire a print copy.
The POD version of the book came out great. While obviously not as vivid or thick as the custom print that you've backed from this campaign, it will do in a pinch. Plus you can grab it now!
New Goodies
Since running this campaign, I've also run another, plus created some products from the all-new Fatherfog. It's been a busy few months!
First, we have Life-Paths: Mothership, the sci-fi continuation of our Life-Paths supplements.
The original Shadowdark book is one of my most purchased (and loved) products, so hopefully I’ve kept the standard up with this new entry. We used a heap of talented writers to help bring the book to life. It covers all four main classes for Mothership, offering five backgrounds per class. It’s a big book!
Next, we have a spooky Fatherfog zine, the new grim fantasy ttrpg by TKGs. The game is inspired by grim-dark fairy tales and from what I’ve been seeing/writing/playing, it’s a solid mix between the Mothership core system, and Shadowdark’s fantasy mythos. Well worth checking out!
It's been a little while since we talked so i thought it would be good to throw out an update. Biggest take away, besides you can grab the updated downloads here, is to please go fill out your PLEDGE SURVEYS if you haven't already.
Current Status:
Everything is done (minus Ratcatchers bonus), mostly packed in boxes for shipping, and awaiting final numbers for TKG as they are conducting the MEGA-PLEDGE MANAGER.
Hopefully, in the next week or two i can get final numbers and have all your products on the way to the warehouses.
Digital Delivery: Sorry to say this still hasn't been fully completed due to the whole mega-pledge manager and me not having access to any form of backend, and just the general newness/confusion of it all.
I'll either organize sending all the files to TKG for uploading to the Pledge Manager (though i have concerns it might get messy) OR I'll get email addresses from the Pledge Manager and send everyone DTRPG codes. Either way, should hopefully be soonâ„¢.
I've attached to this update, the slightly updated (and final), version of Terminal Directive. Grab it if you missed v1.0 in the last update. Includes all the extra goodies.
Ratcatchers: This is still being worked on. Being a bonus it got placed at the back of the queue, but its on my list for this week and shouldn't be too far away. There will be no issue getting it printed and shipped with everything else.
Hopefully I'll have another update in a week or two letting you know everything is on its way to TKG.
Over the last two days I've had the final products (the book and suspect cards) delivered. It's all here and ready to be packaged up again. Which is pretty handy timing with the Mega-Pledge Manager rolling out.
Books, Cards, Patches, & Shipping Bags.
With more stuff in the cupboards hidden away.
Some of the "stored" add-ons and past books
Where we at? What next?
Great questions!
The pledge manager is rolling out this week, meaning everyone can confirm their orders and we can all collectively cry a little at shipping costs. I'm already guessing mine will be over $50... that's what i get for being in Aus though.
I assume, it will work like normal pledge managers in that you can grab additional add-ons, change pledge tiers, and all the usual options. Don't quote me on this. Reach out if you need help.
I'll be uploading the updated version of Terminal Directive to DTRPG, and once emails are all confirmed, sending out everyone's download links.
I need to go through the process of packaging all the orders, patches, and everything else in between. Once it's ready, I'll ship it off to the US & EU warehouses so TKG can organize delivery.
I've got another project going!
You've probably been spammed about this already (if so my apologies), but i have another crowdfunder on the run. With this one hitting the shipping phase, i dove back into a project that got delayed from last year.
For now that's about it everyone. Hopefully the pledge manager operations go smoothly, and i can get the DTRPG links out soon. I'll keep everyone updated if anything changes/progresses.
I would LOVE feedback. From missed spelling to if something doesn't make sense.
We still have a week until this goes to printers. After that don't send feedback, I'll cry haha (just kidding please do still).
View this as more of a Final Final Draft. There maybe very minor changes between now and full delivery.
Speaking of full delivery, we are obviously still waiting for the Mega Pledge Manager. No real news sorry, hopefully next week.
I'll be doing delivery via DTRPG as well. Future event.
Thanks for your patients folks, this is probably 2 weeks later than I'd hoped, but it is what it is. Hopeful the module is a useful addition to the massive pile of PDFs I'm sure we all have.
Keep well, next update should be when we have more info on pledge managers and the like. And probably when i get the sample print of the Book + Suspect Cards.
Cheers, - Dan.
PS. I've got another Mothership project coming up once this one is squared away (2-3 weeks hopefully). Check it out!
I come bearing good news, the book is on the verge of being done! Alongside this, I've had some products and packaging delivered, the 24-min audio-track completed, and the NPC Cards are pretty much ready for print. Awesomely, everything is coming together. Well... except for Mayday Files which I'll talk about below.
The Book: We're currently doing some final edits/reviews/design choices, and if all pans out well, I'll be sending out v1.0 to everyone this weekend (or mid next week at the very latest). The cards are also ready for print, we're just making sure all the text is finalized before we send anything away. Here's some shiny previews.
Book Final Draft
Round-Cornered Post Card. The same as the Bounty Cards from Syndicate Wastrels.
Patches & Packaging: I've also received the patches and packaging for those that grab Bundled Rewards.
Audio Track: The talented ajsherwoodmusic has finished the massive 24-minute audio track. While I'm 100% biased, i think it came out amazing. I've been listening to it on repeat in the background as I've been typing this last week. It'll be the perfect ambiance for running the module.
Bonus Goodies: As I've been finalizing the book, I've also realized a few extra printables and
Mayday Files: On to some less than perfect news. To put it simply, I stuffed up and created a print error. When pledge numbers started rolling in, it became clear I'd need to do another small print run of Mayday Files to fill the orders. As an Aussie, the smaller books I've designed have been A5 sized. With MM25 (and therefore Terminal Directive) being Half-Letter, and that being the standard size zine for Mothership, i decided now was a good time to re-do the book in the slightly different sized configuration (its a few millimeters different in height and width for those that haven't ever looked at paper differences).
It was a pretty simple affair, transfer the pages to the new page design, slightly reshape them, make sure everything fit, send it to the printer. It took less than two days to do.
Andddd that's where i stuffed up. Pages 38/39 & 40/41 hold the Marine/Marine Captain and the Marine Zealot respectively. I stuffed up and copied the Marine ZealotText Page twice.
After many angry expletives aimed loudly at myself, i began trying to work out how to fix the error. Unfortunately, i simply can't afford to reprint the books. It's $1,500-ish i don't have spare. I also can't just leave the error, that's terrible. So the solution comes in the form of copying MCDM who made the same mistake a few years ago. I've organized printed full-page stickers with the correct Marine/Marine Captain text, and I'll be sticking them over the incorrect page.
On top of this, as a bonus "i stuffed up here's a freebie", I'm going to throw in 6x bonus Bounty Cards left over from the cross-collaboration of Syndicate Wastrels and 90 Seconds to Midnight.
It's not a perfect solution, but it solves the issue and hopefully leaves everyone happy (or at least not upset).
To those that grabbed Mayday Files, thank you for picking it up. I'm deeply sorry I've made the book a bit worse than it should be. It is one of my favorite products to have created due to all the awesome art and the connecting mayday audio logs, so It's incredibly frustrating that in trying to make the book a bit more compatible/easy to store I've created an unnecessary error.
Anyone that has ordered Mayday Files, through a bundle or on its own, and they DON'T like the sticker solution, send me a message here or an email - [email protected] - and I'll see about getting you a refund/credit.
For those glass half-full kinda people, hey, you got a limited edition copy!
Those with a keen eye can see that the text and images don't quite match...
Thanks for being here everyone! Keep your eyes out for the digital files real soon.
It's been a minute, so i hope everyone is doing well!
Shipping - To TKG's it goes!
I've got some exciting news. Your shiny products have begun shipping from myself to the TKG fulfillment centers. I've sent the bulk of the USA boxes, and after some final organizing, i should have the EU boxes out the door soon as well.
I'll admit, coming from Australia, and with all the new Tariffs and shipping issues world-wide, its been a painful affair. And i was fairly nervous about the packages arriving safely and may have been overly friendly with the packing tape. Environment forgive me.
Books - Corrections & Sizes
Another nice update for everyone that grabbed the add-on books (or the All-In bundles), the books coming to you are now more uniform and error-free.
You may recall from an earlier update that, for the Mayday Files book, i needed to order more copies. So, i chose to re-size the book from A5 to Half-Letter, to align with Mothership standard zine size. In this process, however, i mixed up a page and the 300 copies arrived with a full page print error.
Initially, the plan had been to put stickers over the pages with the correct info, with most commenters seeming happy with the compromise. After some trial and error, however, it just wasn't working. I ruined probably 10 copies of the book trying to get the stickers to look 'nice' and it just wasn't going to happen for the 90 or so i needed. So my wallet took a hit and i did a re-print. However, instead of the book being hard-bound, i re-printed it staple-bound to match the other two books (and save me a few dollars).
And, seeing as i was already doing a re-print, i also re-printed a small run of Syndicate Wastrels so that it too was Half-Letter instead of A5. In for a penny, in for a pound, kind of thing.
The end result is that all three books are now error-free, the same size (half letter), and the same style (staple bound).
Digital Downloads - Grab em!
After fixing up some missing files, I'm fairly certain everything should be available for download from the Mega-Pledge manager. Please reach out if it isn't. You should all have DTRPG codes for Terminal Directive (from an earlier update), and once shipping has been sorted completely from my end, I'll try and work out a way to grab emails and send out DTRPG codes for everything else. Backerkit downloads work in a pinch, but DTRPG is where files get updated and maintained (plus where you can grab physical books if you change your mind at a later date).
What Now?
Hopefully, by the end of the week I'll have all your products in the post to the TKG warehouses in the EU & USA. And, with prayers to the shipping gods, they will arrive safe and sound.
Honestly at this point it's almost out of my hands. We are all still new to this Mega-Pledge thing, and the TKG staff have been working their collective asses off in the background. So please know that any delays or issues are not on purpose or from a lack of trying.
RatCatchers & Cross-Collab Rewards
This one is a bit of a harder topic to cover. At the moment, the PDF is near complete, awaiting review by Zoey of Hunters. However, unfortunately, due to some personal issues she has been facing, the work has stalled. I can't really speak much more on it, as it's not really my place. Nor do i really know anything of value to add to conversation, except that at this point it's in limbo.
Worst comes to worst, I'll finish the project myself and at least deliver the PDF. It's honestly fairly usable at the moment, however, as it contains rules and information from Hunters, I'm hesitant to release anything unreviewed.
It also means the physical print is up in the air. I hope it can be finished in time, but it'll come down to when TKG can receive final products for shipping, and whether or not it can be completed by then. While the brochure was a bonus of a bonus, not being able to fulfill something isn't something I've actually faced in 20+ projects, and sits uneasy on me. So this isn't the end of the conversation by any means, but I'd rather be upfront.
Hopefully more news on this soon.
Other Stuff
If you haven't seen, while doing the logistics and packaging of Terminal Directive in the background, I've also been working on a heap of other small projects.
I've released FOUR small zines for Fatherfog. The TKG grim fairy-tale fantasy game. These work as a great little series of entry one-shots (including a town) for those wanting to give the game a crack. Physical print omnibus of Issues 1-4 coming soon!
I've also released Life-Paths for Mothership. A character book offering rollable tables filled with boons and banes for your PCs. Its a fun way to create a backstory and flesh-out new characters. Or change things up a bit from the standard starting build.
That's about all I've got. Thanks again for your support and being here. The next update should hopefully be me over-the-moon happy about shipping to the warehouses going well, and with any luck, some more news on Ratcatchers.
Hope everyone is kicking along well. I come bearing a heap of good news!
Surveys
For those that haven't seen, TKG is closing the Mega-Pledge Manager store THIS FRIDAY to finalize numbers. If you haven't filled out the MEGA-PLEDGE survey please go do so. Contact [email protected] if you're having issues.
This caused a little confusion in my last update due to poor wording on my part. There are no individual project surveys (for the most part), and you WONT have received a survey directly from me specifically. It's from TKG and will cover this project.
The store closing allows final shipping numbers to be sorted, and means i can finally send your goodies to TKG's warehouses! We are getting closer to you getting your hands on stuff!!!
DTRPG CODES
Terminal Directive has been uploaded to DTRPG and the POD version created. Below you'll find a code to add the book to your DTRPG account, and the POD code should you desire a print copy.
The POD version of the book came out great. While obviously not as vivid or thick as the custom print that you've backed from this campaign, it will do in a pinch. Plus you can grab it now!
New Goodies
Since running this campaign, I've also run another, plus created some products from the all-new Fatherfog. It's been a busy few months!
First, we have Life-Paths: Mothership, the sci-fi continuation of our Life-Paths supplements.
The original Shadowdark book is one of my most purchased (and loved) products, so hopefully I’ve kept the standard up with this new entry. We used a heap of talented writers to help bring the book to life. It covers all four main classes for Mothership, offering five backgrounds per class. It’s a big book!
Next, we have a spooky Fatherfog zine, the new grim fantasy ttrpg by TKGs. The game is inspired by grim-dark fairy tales and from what I’ve been seeing/writing/playing, it’s a solid mix between the Mothership core system, and Shadowdark’s fantasy mythos. Well worth checking out!
It's been a little while since we talked so i thought it would be good to throw out an update. Biggest take away, besides you can grab the updated downloads here, is to please go fill out your PLEDGE SURVEYS if you haven't already.
Current Status:
Everything is done (minus Ratcatchers bonus), mostly packed in boxes for shipping, and awaiting final numbers for TKG as they are conducting the MEGA-PLEDGE MANAGER.
Hopefully, in the next week or two i can get final numbers and have all your products on the way to the warehouses.
Digital Delivery: Sorry to say this still hasn't been fully completed due to the whole mega-pledge manager and me not having access to any form of backend, and just the general newness/confusion of it all.
I'll either organize sending all the files to TKG for uploading to the Pledge Manager (though i have concerns it might get messy) OR I'll get email addresses from the Pledge Manager and send everyone DTRPG codes. Either way, should hopefully be soonâ„¢.
I've attached to this update, the slightly updated (and final), version of Terminal Directive. Grab it if you missed v1.0 in the last update. Includes all the extra goodies.
Ratcatchers: This is still being worked on. Being a bonus it got placed at the back of the queue, but its on my list for this week and shouldn't be too far away. There will be no issue getting it printed and shipped with everything else.
Hopefully I'll have another update in a week or two letting you know everything is on its way to TKG.
Over the last two days I've had the final products (the book and suspect cards) delivered. It's all here and ready to be packaged up again. Which is pretty handy timing with the Mega-Pledge Manager rolling out.
Books, Cards, Patches, & Shipping Bags.
With more stuff in the cupboards hidden away.
Some of the "stored" add-ons and past books
Where we at? What next?
Great questions!
The pledge manager is rolling out this week, meaning everyone can confirm their orders and we can all collectively cry a little at shipping costs. I'm already guessing mine will be over $50... that's what i get for being in Aus though.
I assume, it will work like normal pledge managers in that you can grab additional add-ons, change pledge tiers, and all the usual options. Don't quote me on this. Reach out if you need help.
I'll be uploading the updated version of Terminal Directive to DTRPG, and once emails are all confirmed, sending out everyone's download links.
I need to go through the process of packaging all the orders, patches, and everything else in between. Once it's ready, I'll ship it off to the US & EU warehouses so TKG can organize delivery.
I've got another project going!
You've probably been spammed about this already (if so my apologies), but i have another crowdfunder on the run. With this one hitting the shipping phase, i dove back into a project that got delayed from last year.
For now that's about it everyone. Hopefully the pledge manager operations go smoothly, and i can get the DTRPG links out soon. I'll keep everyone updated if anything changes/progresses.
