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This month we mostly have a heavily requested VTT update from Jonesy, but I do want to help clear up a few concerns at the top before we get into it.
INTERNATIONAL BACKERS!
It's come to our attention that the tracking links provided to our International Backers are a little strange and often don't seem to be working. For folks in the EU in particular, you will often see a tracking number that starts with GPPI. This is a Global Post tracking number, even though it was picked up by USPS and shipped domestically in the US to the Global Post hub, before it then goes through customs. Shipstation, which is the software our warehouse is using, automatically flags the number as a USPS number because that's who has it initially, but the USPS tracking page doesn't seem to like Global Post numbers at the moment.
If you have one of these numbers, try plugging it into Global Post directly at: https://www.goglobalpost.com/tracking/
If all else fails, you can even try a Universal Parcel Tracking page which should both identify the courier used, and give you any available updates if your link isn't working. This is a really handy link to bookmark if you have a lot of packages sent to you from other countries.
https://parcelsapp.com/en/tracking
If your package is coming FedEx, you may be contacted by someone at FedEx asking you to confirm the package, and possibly its contents. They should already have all the needed information, such as the type of items being shipped, the value, and the country of origin. But if anyone gets confused (you or them), feel free to contact me at [email protected], and I'll get things straightened out.
ALL BACKERS!
Unfortunately there was an error in the estimated count for the Protogen Dice promotional offer, and we ended up not having enough. So, we will need to order more, and those will go out with the remaining physical rewards.
And finally for backers with miniatures plus something else in their order, shipping for these has slowed somewhat. Atlas Games is doing fulfillment for us, and we are not their only client. They also have their own campaign that they are working through, a little game called The Ars Magica Definitive Edition. So, no need to worry if you do not have a tracking number just yet, even though it says "shipped" in Backerkit. They are working through those orders as quickly as possible.
Now, let's get to Jonesy's update for VTT!
The Expanse VTT Update Aug
While working on the text we have to also update any art used in the book to sizes and formats that works for VTT, as well as creating tokens for any adversaries. Since some adversaries might not have art, we are also sourcing suitable art for those NPCs who do not have art in the book, mimic lizards would be a good example.
Along with loading in the content there is QA testing and revisions as adjust page breaks and data structures to support better flow and use during a session.
Completed
Roll20 Screen shots of the work in progress
Gen Con
But on to the big news! We are beginning fulfillment!
So, a couple of things to keep in mind here: Firstly, there are a whole bunch of you, and this is going to take a few weeks. Secondly, we are going to go in waves, so if you don't see a tracking number right away, there's no need to panic. Thirdly, we are not shipping in a specific order, so it is entirely possible someone in your area might see a tracking number before you do, but that does not mean there's a problem or that you've been skipped.
Also, for those of you who are attending Gen Con, you may see some copies of the core rulebook for sale in our booth (unless we sell out). We had those shipped overnight to Indianapolis to help with sales during the convention, but rest assured, your copy is on the way!
We'll be back in a few weeks with an update on how things are going, and status updates on the items that aren't covered in this round of shipping.
Back again with the monthly "Hey where's my stuff?!" report. And even though we're just a few weeks away from things starting to ship, this is all still subject to change.
The Core Rulebook is finishing up its print run and will be shipping to our warehouse in the next few weeks. The timing on this is raising my blood pressure a little because we need to start shipping to backers before Gen Con, and it looks like that is going to be extremely close. Some of you may have your books still in transit during the convention, particularly our international backers.
The Crew Companion PDF is finished, and I will get that sent out to folks as soon as I'm finished typing this. Unfortunately, it was not finished in time to ship with the Core Rulebook, so we are going to hold off on printing it until we are closer to the other two books being ready. We would really rather send out rewards in as few shipments as possible.
So here is the stuff coming with the Core Rulebook.
- Ships of the Expanse Miniatures
- Spaceship Crew Miniatures
- Q-Workshop Dice
- Campaign Journal (pretty sure)
- Character Portfolio (also pretty sure *fingers crossed*)
- Existing Expanse supplements if you selected them as add-ons (except Ships of the Expanse. see below)
Here is what's NOT going to make it.
- Norse Foundry Dice
- Condition Deck (this could change, but right now it is unlikely)
- Crew Companion
- Free Navy Conflict
- Daemon's Gambit
- Ships of the Expanse book add-on. (This ran out of stock and needs to be reprinted)
And hey, the Audio Soundtrack we unlocked as a stretch goal is ready for delivery as well. That should also be in your Digital Downloads rewards on Backerkit along with the Crew Companion.
Here is a preview of the final box art for both sets of Miniatures.
Super short and sweet update this month.
Everything is still moving forward, and it's looking like we're still more or less on track to start fulfillment of finished/ready items in July. The Crew Companion is out of editing, and we should hopefully have a preview PDF ready for backers soon. Character Folio, Campaign Journal, Card Sets, and Norse Foundry Dice are likewise on schedule.
Currently waiting on more info from Wargames Atlantic on the status of miniatures production, but we have painted samples that will be used for the boxes.
Also, check out these foil and edging samples we're going with for the Special Edition!
If I get more info in the coming weeks, I'll add it to this post.
~Templar
For the most part, this month's update looks remarkably similar to last month's update. The primary difference is that we've been getting a lot of finished art in for the Crew Companion, and it's looking very likely that we'll have it ready in time for the core book going to press.
So here's an updated bullet point list, and once again, this schedule remains tentative and subject to change.
- The printing of the core rulebooks (Standard and Special) has slipped by 1 to 2 weeks. There was a delay with the Fifth Season core rules which were in the queue ahead of Expanse. But things should be getting back on track quickly. I should know more about how this impacts our schedule overall, very soon.
- Crew Companion should be on track to print with the core rulebook, but there's always still time for things to go unexpectedly awry!
- The Q-Workshop Dice have arrived in the warehouse and are staged for fulfillment once everything else is ready.
- No update this month on Miniatures, but as far as I know they are still expected to arrive in the warehouse by late June. Some preview minis are in the process of being painted for the back of the box, and should be finished this weekend.
- Character Folio and Campaign Journal are going through final review. They are definitely going to make it for shipping alongside the core books. We will be using a domestic US printer for these, so turn around should be no more than 2 weeks.
- VTT UPDATE! We have a new Ship Sheet! Check out the preview images below. This preview shows Roll20, but Foundry work is continuing as well.
- Backer fulfillment still tentatively scheduled to begin in July, with the core rulebook and Crew Companion, miniatures, dice, etc. debuting to the public at Gen Con.
And that should do it for April!
~Templar
Not a whole lot to report this month, as things are mostly in a similar place as they were last month regarding the three supplement books. Of note however, is that we have a projected date to send the book to press.
Since it has been requested, let's try bullet points this time around. Please note this schedule is tentative and may be subject to change.
- We are currently scheduled to begin printing the core rulebook (both standard and special editions) by the end of April.
- The plan is to also get Crew Companion to press alongside the core Rulebook. If something comes up to cause that plan to slip, we are going forward with just the core book.
- The Q-Workshop Dice are on their way now and should be arriving in our partner warehouse by the end of this week.
- Miniatures should be arriving in late June.
- Character Folio and Campaign Journal are in progress and are expected to make it through production in time to be included. We will be using a domestic US printer for these.
- No word on VTT yet, other than the compendium is still in progress. I'm sure Jonesy will be excited to show off a preview as soon as it's ready.
- Backer fulfillment scheduled to begin in July, with the core rulebook (and hopefully Crew Companion), miniatures, dice, etc. being debuted to the public at Gen Con.
- Unrelated to this crowdfunding campaign, Ian has two more Expanse Transmissions freebies coming up soon for the Atomic Think Tank. For those who would rather not participate in the ATT, we'll upload them to freeronin later.
That's all for now.
~Templar
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Previously backed this creator's crowdfunding project
Engaged with this project 20+ times 🌟
Just as a friendly public service announcement I'd like to share with any new (and old) backers that there are vibrant communities for this game on Facebook, Discord, and Reddit (and possibly on other platforms that I'm forgetting now). Also, there's a fan site with shared resources from the community, the Expanse RPG Fan Community site. Join the community, enjoy the shared community resources, and participate! Links are in the comments.
Previously backed this creator's crowdfunding project
Engaged with this project 20+ times 🌟
The wonders of the U.S. justice system (using the term "justice" very loosely indeed) never ceases to amaze me. Green Ronin has legally binding contracts that in any truly civilised country would make all of this moot from the beginning, but still Diamond's creditors and Sparkle Pop are able to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in Green Ronin's property ... in full view of the judicial system ... while the judges and courts look on and shrug their collective shoulders. Meaning that with GenCon and all its expenses around the corner, Green Ronin urgently needs its fans' support in order to hire legal counsel competent and influential enough to convince the judges that the banks and SparklePop actually need to follow the law. Below is a link to the GoFundMe that Green Ronin started a year and a bit ago, when all this malarkey was fresh. Every little bit helps — they're not out of the woods yet... Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!
Previously backed this creator's crowdfunding project
Engaged with this project 20+ times 🌟
Got my Collector’s Edition, in reasonably good order — a minor stubbed corner, but I shan’t raise any stink over it. Great looking book — looks spiffy beside my 1st Edition CE! Q Workshop dice were there, too — just as lovely as the previous ones! …anyone know why the Laconian Dice "1" face (only) has the same graphic as the TU dice’s, though? I was under the impression that the Journal and the Dossier would be in this wave, too, but clearly, they didn’t make it. Oh, well — all the more to look forward to in the second wave!
Recieved my physical copy of The Expanse TUE. The book looks great! Eagerly awaiting the VTT content (The primary reason for backing in the first place). Apologies if this has already been answered (I've been out of the loop for a few years, busy overseas with work) - the new rule book roughly looks the same as the origional one. I know the art and some rules have been updated, but is there a change log for the new edition to save me having to compare the two page by page? I'm concerned moreso with the updates to the game rules. For example, I note that there are now special ammo types in the TUE. Im dissapointed that the income/currency system remains entirely unchanged; I found that aspect of the game abstract and unfulfilling as both the GM and for my players (who want to constantly loot and sell items). We will continue to use our home rules for keeping track of money. Otherwise, I'm excited to continue playing with my group into the next phase of future history! Cheers, Chang
Previously backed this creator's crowdfunding project
So I see the crew companion is out in pdf to purchase, when do we get our copy to download for being a backer?
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