Small update
11 months ago
– Tue, May 06, 2025 at 07:33:03 PM
Check in for May! We will try to be more regular in our updates.
The ASPS softcover proof arrived, and it is FINALLY PERFECT. So we are placing the order on those, and will get the hardcover file adjusted to match now that we know what to fix.
Our layout person is hard at work on Keepsakes still, so we hope to be ready for a print proof on that by June.
Seamstress has completed a batch of the button joint bears, so now all that's left are the foxes. There's a pattern snafu she encountered with it, and the original pattern maker is no longer reachable, so we may have to pivot to find a similar but different fox pattern to complete those. The dragons and bunnies are complete.
Meanwhile, a different team of ours is hard at work on a tarot project that is currently live on Backerkit.
Troubleseekers is available to pre-order as well, if you want to give Blackjack mechanics in lieu of dice a try! It also has a soundtrack being made by Downupright. This game is already completed, only the art is still in progress (our artist for it is caring for his 4 children who were in a horrific accident in April, so things are a little behind but we would rather he focus on his kids' care right now; it should be ready for fulfilment by the end of summer).
Progress!
about 1 year ago
– Fri, Apr 04, 2025 at 03:26:14 PM
Sorry for the delays, folks, but we're back on track. Our COO who handles most of this had multiple hospitalisations last year and then had to deal with removing housemates that had become toxic and threatening and required a restraining order and sheriff's removal. That finally resolved last week.
There have been a number of issues with the print file for ASPS, but we think we've finally gotten it right! We will know for sure when the proof arrives in another week or so.
The seamstress is hard at work, most of the bears are completed, and the foxes have all their parts cut out.
Our layout person has recovered and is working through Keepsakes this month. Ideally they will be done by May, and we won't have the same file issues as ASPS has had. 🤞
I would share progres photos but Kickstarter doesn't have that feature. :(
The dice have been done and we have those and the plush dragons and bunnies in hand.
Behind the scenes our devs and artists have been busy with other projects, since both ASPS and Keepsakes are at stages that no longer require their input. We just wrapped a project on BackerKit for Pocketopia- Troubleseekers.
You work for Dame Fortuna, stealing luck back from the Oligarchs who have taken it from others to enrich themselves. Instead of dice, you play Blackjack against the GM to determine outcomes. We partnered with Downupright to create a soundtrack to accompany the game, too! You can preview some of the songs here: https://soundcloud.com/downupright/sets/troubleseekers-ost-previews
The game is completely written and edited, just awaiting some of the art and the cover. The artist will be handling layout, too, so it won't interfere with Keepsakes' layout person. We anticipate delivery by September. If you're interested in checking it out, the preorder store is here: https://troubleseekers.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders
As always, feel free to leave questions below. 🙂
Happy New Year
about 1 year ago
– Wed, Jan 08, 2025 at 12:22:22 PM
Happy new year!
We hope your holidays went well, or were mercifully short if they went poorly.
The end is still in sight, we promise. Our seamstress is back to work finishing the remaining plush. Our Keepsake layout person was in the hospital, but is home and recovering. Their affected arm caused them to be unable to work for a while so they are just now easing back into it. And our DTRPG contact has identified the print file errors for ASPS so those are being fixed as well.
Our enamel pins for Paragon are coming along nicely, and a new set for Keepsakes will be crowdfunding later this month.
In March we are participating in Backerkit's Pocketopia. The game, Troubleseekers, is already written and edited. We have art starting, maps made, and music being composed to accompany it! A different layout team will be working on it, so it is expected to be able to fulfil MUCH faster.
We again apologise for the delays, and hope to have the finished products in your hands soon!
So Close You Can Taste It
almost 2 years ago
– Fri, May 17, 2024 at 06:27:46 PM
While we are still struggling with the print file for ASPS, Keepsakes is officially out of editing!!
What this means for you -
While layout goes through to add all the art, and format everything so it looks good, we will be sending all Keepsakes backers a copy of the edit. Think of it as an exclusive raw look at how editors leave notes for the layout team! All the content is there, and you'll still receive the official pdf (and eventually print for those who ordered them) version but with this you can finally FINALLY read what we've made and begin play if desired.
Just keep an eye on your Backerkit account, as that is where you'll be able to download Keepsakes: Final Edit!
And while I'm on the subject of Backerkit, we have a small project running over there for enamel pins in a tarot theme featuring races of D&D. It funded in 7 hours, and ends Monday, so check it out this weekend! There's a free Fool's Moon pin for everyone if we can reach 100 backers (just need 22 more!) and the more you back, the more designs we can unlock!!
Three tiers offer customisation options: work with our artists and developers to make your Tabaxi on The Moon card, Kobold on The Hierophant, or Tortle on The Hermit. These will then be available for all backers to choose as a design, and you will receive 10 to keep or give away, along with one of each unlocked design.
Here's a peek at some of what's available, what's possible, and how they're designed for the manufacture to make! They'll have transparent stained glass effects, with some screen printed details, and sandblasted textures.
And a custom pin board to display them!
Happy 2024!
over 2 years ago
– Wed, Jan 03, 2024 at 10:59:27 AM
I know it feels like forever but we really are so close!
Now that we're through the holiday season, the team is back and hard at work. The revised ASPS file has been submitted to the printer. Once approved, we'll order the proof and hopefully it will look great and we can begin shipping!
Keepsakes had been headed for layout, when the lead designer was hit with an inspiration bug. This has sadly delayed things, as they added a whole slew of new content and tweaked a couple of things. It's now back with the editor but should be completed soon! Then back to layout, after which we'll send y'all who ordered it the PDF while we await the approval from the printer. I know it's a setback, but the end result is more and better content for you!
In other news, a separate part of the team have been working on social justice subclasses for D&D 5e, and a third are hard at work on a 2nd edition for Fox Magic which uses ASPS mechanics. Fox Magic has 2 stand alone adventures we have now published - Kuromori Hill, and Fox Dreams of the New Year. They include sample characters and enough rules to run without the core book, so if you're curious about the setting or want to see ASPS in action, feel free to pick those up on Drive Thru RPG. We need more playtesters to run the 5e classes and provide us feedback on what works and what doesn't. Please drop us a line at [email protected] if you'd like to volunteer.
We were out at Big Bad Con in September, and it was great to see those of you who made it out and to make new connections in the industry. We even got noticed by Matt Mercer (yes, *THAT* Matt Mercer) who gave our stuff a look and took our business card.
For you UK folks, we'll have our partners at Bindwood Gaming selling some of our games at Bedford Tabeltop Expo in February. Drop in and show them some love!
We're hoping to get out to more conventions this year and in the future. Is there any in your areas that you'd like to see us at? Let us know in the comments!
