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 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
Hey folks, I wanted to take a few minutes to give you an update on the VTT versions of The Expanse corebook and a little look under the hood as to what it takes to port a book to VTT.
So, let's start with a general overview of the VTT conversion process.
To make sure that the text stays consistent between the print/PDF edition and the VTT port, we wait until the PDF is finalized before starting to move the text into the VTT.
Once any typos and errors found as part of the early access PDF release are incorporated, the VTT team gets to work on porting the text. As part of that process, we identify where to put in page breaks, since our pages may be shorter or longer than an 8.5 x 11 print pages, our goal is to maximize user flow and reduce excess scrolling.
As part of that step, we are also identifying all game elements that need to turn into what we call structured data, examples are focuses, talents, gear, and adversaries. In this step we basically take the text and move it into spreadsheet format so it can be loaded into database tables so when you drag to your sheet it loads all the right data into the correct areas.
Example Data Sheet
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.
Once all the text is loaded, we can format the pages with headers, italicization, and hyperlinking as well as adding the updated art, all of which are manual steps.
Example, on the left is just text, and on the right is the page with text and links.
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.
Building out the table of contents, marketplace page and the like, wrap up the process. So, as you can see it is just a little bit of work. One other thing I want to highlight is that there are only a couple of us VTT team members and we have day jobs. So, while the porting isn’t going as fast as everyone has hoped we are making great progress.
So where are we on Roll20 and Foundry Editions?
Completed
● Text has been added for both.
● Art has been adjusted for both.
● Tokens build for non-Alien Adversaries, still sourcing the last few.
● Roll20 Sheet updates to support Drag and Drop for weapons, talents, and specializations.
In Progress
● Data for Drag and Drop is being revised.
● Adding Art and Hyperlinking
Here are some screen shots for Foundry work in progress.
Gen Con panic excitement is in full swing as the convention starts tomorrow! We are in booth 101, right next to our friends at Paizo if you want to come say hello!
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.
Track Listing
Here is a preview of the final box art for both sets of Miniatures.
Spaceship Crew Miniatures Set
Ships of the Expanse Miniatures Set
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.
