Today we posted our final thoughts of closure on the Kickstarter page, formally inviting all those from the original campaign to claim their reward after an incredibly long and difficult journey. With that, we have done what we set out to do:
Vengeance on Villains
You can read all about it here. This week, we enter into the next phase, where we focus less on crushing our enemies and seeing them driven before us, and instead, on what is right, good and true. The fact is, we did this together, and I think that is more powerful a message than any damage by a nefarious Gus or any other kind on non-Gus might ever accomplish. He has his money. We have this incredible story.
I want to share something very inspiring with everyone.
A Compelling New
What we pulled off was something everyone in the business world would say was foolish, naive, and misguided. In fact, many along the way have said so. But, here's the actual truth:
Of our 900 original backers, nearly half bought in at $99. And, I want to make something very clear; for every person that charitably pledged at that level, their contribution essentially put 1 Core Box and 1 Braga Expansion in the hands of another backer who was unable to come in on this second campaign. And, it is hard times out there, a lot of people are going through it, so to me, this might be the upspoken gem about this entire story.
The backers took care of each other.
You see what I mean? We can tell a different story. About business, about ethical treatment of customers and that when we are charitable, everyone has a chance to share in that success.
Just a thought for today, from a writer on a rainy, autumn day.
The Forward Plan
Starting today, we are going to focus on the good. We conquered the quest of redemption, all games to all backers. The message is to now redeem and make whole the creatives, artists and those who helped us make this possible. As I said in the Kickstarter update, now we quest to also reward all those people who gave charitably, volunteered their time, to get us to this wild point.
Here they are, all these wonderful people (yes, I am on that list, a bit weird to call myself wonderful, but I am amongst incredible company).
We have some marketing expenses to cover, not included in the fund, of course, and once we clear that, every pledge will go to help paying this cast of characters (also real people, with lots of character) as a massive thank you from Talespinner Games for taking a chance on us, and believing in our vision of a market and world that is good.
Please, spread the word, get the story out. Our story. Because it includes every one of you.
The Ally Expansion!
Tomorrow, we will be revealing our third ally to the free Ally Expansion Pack. The story continues, so make sure to read Chapter 2 and follow the link at the bottom of the comic to have your vote and say in what the Queens do next!
That's it for today, the kickoff to a new week and our new, optimistic and hope filled quest! Until tomorrow, I'll just keep moving on! (Little Canadianarcana for everyone!)
You have unlocked Fen Raire, a powerful bard with a specialty in hard flutes. Fen causes distractions with his bardic mesmerisation, and allows the Queens at his gate to ambush the enemy before they even have a chance to strike.
That's right, we have funded. Unreal. With a very difficult fund total, given the unique circumstances of our campaign picking up the pieces of a scampaign, we still managed to clear our goal in three days. We are so grateful to everyone who's showed up in a big way, especially the original backers who lost so much already, and have invested with us again.
From us, here on out, you will see the results of our work and actions, and let that speak for itself. We all know words and promises mean nothing in this day and age. You have our commitment to making art, and a great game.
Every dollar earned from now on pays all the designers, creatives and support team who've given of their time without pay, who have believed in this redemption effort and charitably contributed to this beautiful game that you are buying.
Spread the word. Let's make this a successful redemption story people talk about for years to come.
Thank you, old backers and new. We're just getting started.
Hidden Reward Unlocked!
We are announcing our first big Campaign Unlock! As part of the Vengeance on Villains collaborative comic, we are unlocking a new ally from the Ally Expansion Pack every four days. Today, as a special reward, we are adding our first Ally, Ghastly Gus!
Ghastly Gus - A Totally Fictional Character
I will be doing a more thorough update next week on Allies and what they do, but for now, know that they offer unique options on the board for the Queens to better conquer the waves of Villains.
Speaking of....
Vengeance on Villains
There's a few hours left to cast your vote! Click the embedded link in the above section to read the comic, and follow the prompts to have your say in which way the Queens make their daring escape. When the poll closes at 12pm PST, I will be posting the results, the Ally unlock, and the new Chapter of our ongoing story!
Who will it be? The fat guy or the back alley bardist? ooooo
Campaign Feature - Rat Queens Director's Cut
Many Rat Queens fans are asking how this differs from anything else released, and what it includes. Why is it special?
What is included?
From the 2013 run, Rat Queens Issues 1-10, which was collected in Volumes 1 and 2, and the Sisters, Warriors, Queens finale that saw a limited print run and was very difficult to collect, sadly. We are also including, as an exclusive to this campaign, all the comic panels and pages from the Vengeance on Villains story, as back matter at the end.
What is unique from other published books? This is a collection that is primarily available in everything else that has already been released through Image Comics, with these rad exceptions:
Issues 9 and 10 were drawn by a different artist at the time, and this collection will see all ten issues drawn by series co-creator and the artist on our game, Roc Upchurch. 44 pages of brand new, never before seen art.
The Vengeance on Villains back matter, available only through this campaign.
Digest (Manga) sized edition in a beautiful slipcase, with original and exclusive cover art.
Who is it for?
We included this add-on primarily for people who bought the game and wanted to also get an easy introduction into the comics alongside their purchase, but it is also a neat collector's item for anyone who's a fan of Rat Queens already. It is Kurtis and Roc's direct sale to fans, self-published on their terms, done the way they want it.
What does Director's Cut mean?
This collection can be read as a complete Rat Queens story; beginning, middle and ending, and the story told by the two people who created the series as collaborators 13 years ago. It can be seen as the definitive edition of Rat Queens, as the creators, Roc and Kurtis, imagined and see it, from Day 1.
Tired and Inspired
That is the update for today. We have worked incredibly hard to reach this huge milestone. I am so thrilled to be able to say, out loud, in my office, "WE DID IT". And it's not weird, because I talk to myself a lot in this office and there's no one here to judge me. Yet.
Thank you, to all of you, for believing in us, both Talespinner Games and Team Rat Queens. This feels like a brand new day for me, and all of us here.
Now I have to go write the Vengeance on Villains update!
Last night, we crossed the 100k mark in less than 48 hours. What an incredible, humbling and exciting feat. I can't believe we're so close already, this has excelled all our expectations over here at Team Rat Queens/Talespinner Games.
We are incredibly close to the fund goal! Thank you to backers old and new!
Art Patronage
In other incredible news, all seven art patronage tiers sold out in less than 48 hours! Again, one never knows how those tiers will pan out, but, we again are absolutely destroyed. Literally, we all died last night, but luckily we are immortal so don't worry about us, thank you very much.
Of course, I fully understand why, having a chance to own a piece of original pencilled art by the co-creator and artist of Rat Queens is pretty awesome. Yes, I am Roc's friend, but if I could afford one, I'd buy it myself.
We have decided to open up a few more slots: 1 Villain, 1 Ally, and 2 more Fancy Patron. They are open and ready for pledging as you receive this message, so, happy art hunting folks. Little reminder of what you have in store for you:
Look at this beauty. Roc, you incredible son of a bitch. Love you buddy.
Who Likes Stats?
Apparently I do, lately! Here's some amazing stats, I want to share with everyone, especially our original backers who have shown up in a heart melting, stool softening way.
Total Original Backers Staking a Claim from the 2021 Scampaign: 824 Percentage of Original Backers Joining the New Quest and re-investing in our campaign: 67% Of those, at All In Tier: 67%.
*67
First, I want to say, we are incredibly happy for every single one of you in that 824. This is FOR YOU. We want to bring the game to market, we want a Rat Queens game to see the light of day. Roc and I care immensely about that, of course. But, this whole journey started by wanting to see the fans, those who love Rat Queens, happy.
And for those who are trusting us and wanting to help out that little more, you are changing the game. That kindness, trust and courtesy has flipped the numbers in a way we had never expected. This will be a campaign looked at, years down the road, about what happens when people of good-will show up.
We wouldn't be here without you. Thank you.
BGG and I'll Shut Up
Backer Ben (Great name, might be how I refer to you from now on, buddy) sent this in our Discord. Board Game Geek unfortunately wouldn't let us create a whole new page, so we're inheriting the cursed one. Ben laid out a guide to maybe turn things around for us a bit, and bring that page back to life. If you'd like to help out, here's a way:
Click the image to go to the BGG site and have your say!
We are currently sitting at 931 Backers, and $83,218 so far! Because of our mission to make whole the original backers, our fund goal is a lot higher than most other campaigns, but, I'm happy to say that only 19 hours in we are sitting at 72% funded! Thank you to everyone for your support so far, it's looking good out there for Vengeance on Villains!
Please, spread the word, share with friends and family. We are offering some prizes for those who are able to recruit others, click this image to join our Discord and find out more!
Campaign Features - Vengeance on Villains!
Did you see that as part of this campaign, we are adding a new Game Feature for free! Allies are now part of the game, and you, the backer has a lot of say in what allies will be added over the course of the campaign.
Head over to the Vengeance on Villains section of the campaign page to join the community collaborative comic now, read Chapter 1 and go vote (link at the bottom of the comic). Voting ends Friday, September 11th at Noon PST and will be revealed on Saturday, September 12th, with the Ally Unlock and Chapter 2 of the ongoing comic story.
Gameplay Videos Added
We have revised our campaign page with additional videos that were part of the original 2021 scampaign with an important note that while the base game is nearly the same (there has been additions and changes since), our campaign will feature completely new art from top to bottom by Rat Queens artist and co-creator, Roc Upchurch.
These videos give a very good clue as to how Rat Queens plays, so if you're curious, please check out those videos in the newly titled See, Learn and Play the Game section.
Live Play Thursday!
Don't forget, Kurtis will be hosting a Live Play of the game EDIT: Thursday night at 5pm PST, hosting the event on our Discord. If you own Tabletop Simulator, you can even join in and play. Hope to see you there!
Thanks again, from everyone on Team Rat Queens and Talespinner Games! We're very excited today, and hopeful about where this will all go!
