Great news: All the modules are now complete, and I'm sending the files off to the printer to get proof copies back before I approve the full print run. While the printers are doing their thing, I'll be putting together the digital extras (like item cards and maps), and getting the itch pages ready. Download keys should be to you by the middle of the month, if not sooner.
This is happening a little later than I'd hoped; 'Leaves & Embers' proved a very ambitious and difficult project to work on; but, I'm very very happy with how it's finally turned out. I can definitely see a bit of Roach Motel's DNA in how I approached the layout, which makes sense since they were being worked on at the same time. I think the extra time in the oven was definitely worth it, the project is much better for it.
Shipping Soon
Since we're nearing shipping, I'll be charging cards soon, and then locking addresses. Make sure all your info is all correct, and sort out any errors if you get an email. If your card doesn't charge correctly in time, you'll miss the first wave of shipping!
An important note: If you're using a Discover card (or some other weird America-only card) your charge will fail with the default charging system (Stripe). To avoid this, please use the alternative payment option, PayPal, which I've just enabled in the pledge manager settings.
Bookmarks / Stickers
Fellow Mammal is working hard on the bookmark and sticker designs. I won't spoil the actual artwork, but check out this concept art for the characters that'll feature on the Mausritter half of it.
They'll be having a much better time than the characters on the Mothership half of the bookmark.
I'm super excited to see the artwork finished — you guys are in for a real treat!
That's pretty much it from me! Thanks so much for supporting my work, thanks for your patience, and I'm excited to finally — after what's felt like aeons — get this to you.
Getting Roach Motel printed and shipped took up more of my time that I anticipated, so for this project I'm a little behind were I'd hoped to be at this time. I still made a little progress on Leave & Embers, but less than I would've liked.
The good news is that Roach Motel is now fully out the door; there's no more work left to do on it at all (so it can't take up any of my time). So, actual full attention on Leaves & Embers; the last unfinished module of the bundle. Even with the setback, I still expect to get everything ready to print in March.
Thank you for your patience, and excited to finally get this across the line.
I've been primarily focusing on Roach Motel over the last month, so not much motion on Eight Short. However, Roach Motel is mostly out of my hands for now, since it just needs proofreading. Therefore, for February I'll be focusing on Eight Short and getting it all ready for — all going well — printing in March.
So, status update:
The two pre-existing modules (Stragglers and "I Miss You Very Much") are already done (duh).
Hot Property is finished too!
Leaves & Embers is my main focus 🦭👍
Thanks for your patience, excited to get this all done.
I've just sent out the smoke test. If you're unfamiliar with what this is, here's the normal length explanation:
To make sure I've set up the surveys correctly, I've sent surveys to 5% of you; if everything goes smoothly for those lucky few, then very soon after, I'll send out surveys to the remaining 95% of you. Either you have a survey in your inbox right now, or you've got one coming in the next few days.
Fill out your surveys as soon as you can, lest you forget and not receive your zine because you didn't send me your shipping address.
Thanks for the awesome response, I'm blown away by the support this project has received, and extra special thanks to everyone who donated community copies!
Next steps are for me to finish the last few bits of the zines.
The two pre-existing modules (Stragglers and "I Miss You Very Much") are already done (duh).
Hot Property is finished and in final play-testing. I just finished a play-test before writing this update (it went super well)!
Leaves & Embers is getting all the rooms filled out, and will go into play-testing soon.
I'll send out surveys in a couple of weeks; BackerKit prefers that I wait until the two-week window finishes for people to fix any failed charges.
I'll post updates monthly as things track along, and if surveys/shipping are coming soon.
