Chicago By Night - for Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition
Created by Onyx Path Publishing
Help create a beautiful Chicago By Night tabletop RPG hardcover source book for Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition !
Latest Updates from Our Project:
February 2020 Update
almost 5 years ago
– Fri, Feb 28, 2020 at 11:46:50 AM
Hello Kickstarter Coterie,
Feb 28, and still plenty of time to sneak in my regular month end update. We've had a busy few months so far this year, so nothing earth-shattering to tell you yet. Before we get to our regular procedural stuff, let's review recent posts in case you want to go back to get some more info:
One other quick note, for those who missed the kickstarter campaign, Onyx Path's next hardcover supplement for V5, Cults of the Blood Gods, is now available to pre-order in the BackerKit store:
REWARD TRACKING - Completed Rewards (Sent to Backers)
Old Traditions PDF Bundle (Update # 37, Dec 28, 2018)
Beckett’s Jyhad Diary PDF (Update # 37, Dec 28, 2018)
Vampire 5th Edition PDF (Update # 37, Dec 28, 2018)
Digital Wallpaper: Beckett’s Jyhad Diary (Update # 37, Dec 28, 2018)
Digital Wallpaper: Prince’s Gambit (Update # 37, Dec 28, 2018)
Redbubble T-shirt Link (Update # 42, May 16, 2019)
Chicago By Night Backer PDF (Update # 46, July 25, 2019)
Chicago By Night Hardcover (Update #53, Jan 14, 2020)
Prince’s Gambit Card Game (Update #53, Jan 14, 2020)
Chicago By Night PoD Coupon (Update #55, Jan 30, 2020)
Chicago Folios Backer PDF (Update #56, Feb 13, 2020)
REWARD TRACKING - PENDING
The Chicago Folio PoD Coupon
Let the Streets Run Red PDF
Digital Wallpaper: Chicago By Night
Looking at the latest Onyx Path blog, Let the Streets Run Red is in Post-Editing Development and art has been contracted, so moving ever closer. Once all of the errata has been collected and the PDF revised and updated at DriveThruRPG.com, we'll be able to send out the discounted PoD redemption links for The Chicago Folios to backers who've got that in their list of rewards.
I'll post our list of delivered and pending rewards with each monthly update, so that we can track everything that's needed and keep on the same page. Also, feel free to check out Onyx Path's Monday Meeting Notes posts that I mentioned (linked here) which will give you a weekly status report on ALL of the projects Onyx Path has on the go (you may see spoilers for my monthly updates, or see what other kickstarter campaigns are currently running or about to launch).
TO CONTACT ME
Via E-Mail: Onyx.Kickstarter [at] gmail.com
Via Kickstarter: Click Richard Thomas under the "Created By" heading on the main page, and then press the "Contact Me" button - the message will come to me!
Via BackerKit: Click "Need Help?" from your page, and then fill in the Contact Us form. BackerKit will pass your message along to me.
The book is amazing.
FINAL HOURS ON KICKSTARTER
Vampire: The Masquerade – CHAPTERS
A thrilling co-op adventure set in the World of Darkness. An unforgettable story-driven board game for 1-4 players.
Digital Reward Distribution
almost 5 years ago
– Thu, Feb 13, 2020 at 08:30:18 PM
Hello Kickstarter Coterie,
It's time for the Chicago Folios!
It's my Valentine's present to you!
Before we get to the goodies, I just wanted to have a quick refresher course on some recent topics.
ALL BOOKS HAVE SHIPPED & MOST SHOULD HAVE DELIVERED
With the exception of a few stragglers, all books have delivered. There are a handful that are still in transit, and a couple of final orders that left distribution this week. If you have not received your book, please check your tracking number.
I've dealt with several situations where shipments were marked as "delivered" but the backer hadn't checked the tracking information for months, unaware that the package had been sitting at a neighbor's house or stuck in a local postal facility.
If Package status indicates it was delivered but you never received it
Double-check your Backerkit CONFIRMATION PAGE (as detailed in Update #53) that the correct address was provided, and maybe check with your neighbors to make sure it wasn’t accidentally left there. If that doesn’t turn up anything, contact the carrier or your local post office to report the package as not received and please contact me using the Contact Creator button on kickstarter to let me know you didn’t get your order.
I've seen so many orders sitting in a local post office for 8 weeks while the recipient was left unaware that it was waiting. Additionally, other backers have solved issues almost immediately with a quick call to FedEx and providing their tracking number.
ERRONEOUS CUSTOMS FEES
As noted in previous updates, some orders went out with customs information that mis-classified Chicago By Night as a board game, and that resulted in some non-EU international orders being charged erroneous customs fees.
Accounts of vampire mysteries in the heartland of America, spanning the activities of Camarilla, Anarch, Independent, and other, even more terrifying Kindred.
Dozens of chronicle hooks laid out in a way that any Storyteller, new or old, might use them to start a new chronicle of Vampire: The Masquerade or add fresh content to an existing one.
Over 20 individual Kindred with biographies, aspirations, secrets, connections, and purpose for inclusion in any chronicle, whether as antagonists, a supporting cast, or inspiration for playable characters.
Loresheets for new vampires introduced in the book and chronicle threads from the Vampire: The Masquerade metaplot.
New Blood Sorcery rituals, handling the Thaumaturgical powers devised in the domains of Chicago and Milwaukee.
It's on the way!
REWARD DISTRIBUTION
Your links to claim your ChicagoFolios Backer PDF will be sent out by our BackerKit pledge manager over the next day. Since we are using our partners at DriveThruRPG as the host for this, you will need to set up a DriveThru account if you don't have one already. If you encounter any problems with downloading your rewards, please contact DTRPG's customer service to resolve the matter, they've always been top-rated for customer service. http://www.drivethrurpg.com/contact_us.php
Again, you will receive an e-mail from BackerKit with links for the Chicago Folios PDF today if it is on your expected list of rewards.
The easiest way to see if you've got digital downloads available is to login to your backerkit account: https://chicago-by-night-v5.backerkit.com/backer/digital_rewards and it'll show anything available. Your backerkit account should also confirm all rewards that you should expect from your reward tier selected.
BACKER PDF VERSION
This is the first version of The Chicago Folios to be released. We've sent you this initial Backer PDF for three reasons:
1) To thank you for your support! You enabled this supplement to be created via Stretch Goal achievements - it wouldn't exist without you!
2) So you can start using these supplemental rules in your game right away! Who doesn't love taking the new stuff out for a spin?!
3) To make the final version the best it can be! The design and development teams have done their best to proofread and correct any errors and typos - but some always sneak through. If you catch any typos, incorrect math, visual glitches, and the like, we want to hear about them and correct them before we send the book off to print.
With that in mind, it's time for the errata and correction process!
Onyx Path has launched a special ChicagoFoliosErrata Form, which you can access here:
Generally, we try to keep errata collection open for the next 2 weeks, so please report what you can as soon as possible to make sure we're getting everything covered.
We won't be collecting errata from other spots, just this specific form. Please note this form will be for errata only - typos, incorrect math, page elements that overlap incorrectly, etc. It won't be for book discussion - you can do that in a different thread, or on the Kickstarter comments page.
Also, they already know about the Page XX notations - those are usually corrected after any changes are made and the books are being finalized.
After any needed corrections are made (based on your feedback!), we will prepare an updated final PDF version of the book and you will receive a notice that you can re-download your file with the latest version. This will happen closer to when the final prestige hardcover books are getting ready to ship.
You've already made the game a reality with your Kickstarter support. Now you can make it even better by helping us crowdsource any minor errors and corrections.
NOW ON KICKSTARTER
Vampire: The Masquerade – CHAPTERS
A thrilling co-op adventure set in the World of Darkness. An unforgettable story-driven board game for 1-4 players.
The scales have fallen from your eyes. A fire is lit — is it a lamp perched over the inscription on an ancient blade or a roaring conflagration consuming the house in which the howling fiends wait? Things will never be the same after this. You’ve set forth on a damning path. Carry the Vigil. Fight back the shadows.
Hunter: The Vigil Second Edition is a standalone game that can be played by new or existing players. The lore has been updated to not only reflect the uptick in monsters, but also the fact that hunting monsters is not exclusive to a location, group of people, or time period. There may be more monsters than ever before, but now there are more ways to fight them, too.
In Hunter: The Vigil, anyone can be a hunter — provided you are committed to the hunt. It is a game of personal horror and sacrifice that tests relationships and encourages teamwork within a cell, compact, or conspiracy.
Will you heed the call? Will you uphold the Vigil?
January 2020 Status Update - Shipping, PoD, Reward Tracking
almost 5 years ago
– Fri, Jan 31, 2020 at 02:40:36 AM
Hello Kickstarter Coterie,
Lots of stuff to cover in this first official month-end summary of 2020. Let's dive right in...
It's James By Night, your Kickstarter Concierge.
The good news for Chicago By Night is that most backers (roughly 97%) have received their books and are enjoying a whole host of Kindred excitement!
The less good news is that the remaining 2% are still in transit (we had a few shipments that were waiting for a stray box of Prince's Gambit to be located. It's been found and remaining orders have shipped!).
The bad news, for that final 1% of backers, is that your books are still clearing customs, either held up awaiting payment of (possibly incorrect) customs charges, or in your hands after paying an extra customs fee.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING- CUSTOMS ISSUES
As detailed in our last update, there was a classification issue that affected a portion of our non-US, non-EU backers, where the Chicago By Night BOOK was mis-labeled as a boardgame. This may have resulted with some backers facing additional charges for customs clearance. In my case, for example, books are except from PST (our provincial sales tax) but boardgames are not, so I ended up paying more than I normally would. My friends in Brazil faced some massive fees and taxes. It's been rough.
Accidents happen, of course, but it can be very frustrating to have to deal with extra paperwork and not have a clear direction on how best to handle the issue. There are no perfect solutions, but we've finally got a path that will hopefully help as much as possible.
Course of Action for Additional/Erroneous Customs Charges
Any backer that has paid unexpected taxes, is encouraged to contact GamesQuest Customer Service team at the following e-mail: [email protected]
Please provide GamesQuest with your name and shipping info (tracking number / order number), as well as proof of payment to DHL/customs (and/or invoice with breakdown of the fees if you were given one), along with a PayPal e-mail address which GamesQuest can use to make reimbursement payments and to confirm the amount paid).
Again, this may only apply to a few dozen non-EU, non-US backers, but GamesQuest is deeply regretful of the error and wants to do what they can to make it right. I understand the frustration of having to do the work to clean up errors caused by areas not in your control, but I'm hopeful that the excellent book finally getting into your hands will make up for the extra effort a bit.
REWARD DISTRIBUTION
OK, let's get back to a fun topic! With the books (mostly) in your hands, it's time to launch the Print-on-Demand versions!
Print-On-Demand Coupon Reward Distribution
Pretty much everyone receiving this update should have the PDF already. If you haven't already downloaded, make sure to check for your redemption code in the BackerKit digital rewards locker. If you have downloaded the PDF previously, you will be able to download the latest version when you log in to your DrivethruRPG library.
Similarly, for those who were scheduled to receive the Print-On-Demand Coupon (check your rewards list if you're unsure), you should have a coupon link available in your BackerKit digital rewards locker for two different versions of the Print-On-Demand copies of this book.
You will receive an e-mail from BackerKit with a redemption link for the Chicago by Night "Near Cost" Print-on-Demand option today if it is on your expected list of rewards.
The easiest way to see if you've got digital downloads available is to login to your backerkit account: https://chicago-by-night-v5.backerkit.com/backer/digital_rewards and it'll show anything available. Your backerkit account should also confirm all rewards that you should expect from your reward tier selected.
For those backers who did not pledge to a tier that included the hardcover, or those backers who might be looking for a second copy for the table, there are two different versions of Print-On-Demand options available.
Standard Color Heavyweight uses a thick 70# white paper which has better page opacity. (that's "70 pound" for reference, but does not mean each page weighs 70 lbs!). Standard Heavyweight Color uses inkjet technology. (These are not the same inkjet printers you have at home - these are often as big or bigger than a car!) This option offers lower cost but the colors won't be as sharp or bright as a Premium Color book.
Premium Color Heavyweight uses the same 70# paper, but uses a digital offset press. This option offers superior color quality but is more expensive to produce.
I've told this story before, but it a cute anecdote of the difference in method: I have a friend with more than 20-years in the printing business, the kind of guy who smells the page to find out which ink was used and can tell the type of printer by touch. He's been very impressed with the Standard Heavyweight PoD productions I've received ("They've done a great job"), and is astounded by the quality of the Premium digital offset books I've ordered ("Really, really amazing quality!").
My suggestion: If you did not order the hardcover books and want a top-notch copy to collect, go with the Premium Heavyweight and you wont't be disappointed.
If you're ordering a second copy or mostly use your PDF away from the table, or want a really good copy that you can use frequently at the table, the Standard Heavyweight is up to the task!
(Remember to order via the coupon link in your BackerKit digital rewards locker, if you that was part of your rewards list! That link is your coupon and must be the first step in your PoD order.)
REWARD TRACKING - Completed Rewards (Sent to Backers)
Old Traditions PDF Bundle (Update # 37, Dec 28, 2018)
Beckett’s Jyhad Diary PDF (Update # 37, Dec 28, 2018)
Vampire 5th Edition PDF (Update # 37, Dec 28, 2018)
Digital Wallpaper: Beckett’s Jyhad Diary (Update # 37, Dec 28, 2018)
Digital Wallpaper: Prince’s Gambit (Update # 37, Dec 28, 2018)
Redbubble T-shirt Link (Update # 42, May 16, 2019)
Chicago By Night Backer PDF (Update # 46, July 25, 2019)
Chicago By Night Hardcover (Update #53, Jan 14, 2020)
Prince’s Gambit Card Game (Update #53, Jan 14, 2020)
Chicago By Night PoD Coupon (Update #55, Jan 30, 2020)
REWARD TRACKING - PENDING
The Chicago Folio PDF
The Chicago Folio PoD Coupon
Let the Streets Run Red PDF
Digital Wallpaper: Chicago By Night
Looking at the latest Monday Meeting blog, the Chicago Folio is awaiting second proof corrections, so getting closer! Let the Streets Run Red is now in Post-Editing Development, so moving along as well!
I'll post our list of delivered and pending rewards with each update, and I'm hoping we'll slide one from pending to delivered by our next update. Feel free to check out Onyx Path's Monday Meeting Notes posts (linked here) which will give you a weekly status report on ALL of the projects Onyx Path has on the go.
COMING TO KICKSTARTER ON FEB 6th AT 2:00 PM EST
The scales have fallen from your eyes. A fire is lit — is it a lamp perched over the inscription on an ancient blade or a roaring conflagration consuming the house in which the howling fiends wait? Things will never be the same after this. You’ve set forth on a damning path. Carry the Vigil. Fight back the shadows.
Hunter: The Vigil Second Edition is a standalone game that can be played by new or existing players. The lore has been updated to not only reflect the uptick in monsters, but also the fact that hunting monsters is not exclusive to a location, group of people, or time period. There may be more monsters than ever before, but now there are more ways to fight them, too.
In Hunter: The Vigil, anyone can be a hunter — provided you are committed to the hunt. It is a game of personal horror and sacrifice that tests relationships and encourages teamwork within a cell, compact, or conspiracy.
Will you heed the call? Will you uphold the Vigil?
JOIN US ON FEBRUARY 6 AT 2:00 PM EST
SHIPPING UPDATE - INTERNATIONAL BACKERS
almost 5 years ago
– Wed, Jan 22, 2020 at 11:57:30 PM
Hello Kickstarter Coterie,
From messages and tweets and online pics, I can see that Chicago By Night has started to deliver into the hands of backers around the world.
For this project, Onyx Path has teamed up with a second UK-based fulfillment partner called GamesQuest to handle worldwide, non-US shipments for this Vampire: The Masquerade book. Now that the books are out the doors and en route to backers, we've stumbled across one issue that may affect some of the non-US, non-EU international shipments. Thanks to all the backers who have contacted me and helped us discover the issue.
INCORRECT ITEM CLASSIFICATION
On some of the international orders shipped out, the sku data pulled into the customs form was incorrect, and the Chicago By Night book was declared a "boardgame" rather than a "book." In some instances, this mis-classification can impact import duties, customs brokerage fees, taxes, or other charges that may arise on imported items.
Again, this won't affect everyone, but may be an issue for some of you. Our fulfillment partners at GamesQuest are now aware of the issue and offered this advice:
Since GamesQuest and Onyx Path are not the recipients of the goods we cannot directly get DHL to change the declaration of each order, however the individual backer themselves can get into contact with DHL and ask for their expected items to be re-declared as books.
This should solve the problem and mean that the tax exemptions are upheld for the customer. However, as with all customs dealings there may be complications. If that is the case, it's advised the customer gets into contact with GameQuest's customer services team, who should be able to liaise with DHL and confirm that the re-declaration is correct. This should solve the majority if not all cases.
Again, if you have any issues with customs information being incorrect, please reach out to the carrier (DHL in most cases) and get the GamesQuest customer service team involved if it needs to be escalated.
They are aware of the issue, well-versed with DHL practices and have working relationships with DHL CS teams and account managers.
Apologies for all international (non-US, non-EU) backers that may be affected by this issue. It's frustrating to see the books shipping out but knowing that some may experience one final hurdle before it lands in their hands. I'm still waiting for my copy - soon! - but I've heard it's gorgeous and well with the extra effort. Hopefully we'll have news soon on the Chicago Folio and Let the Streets Run Red that will get everything back in proper order.
#NeverEasy
#OneFinalHurdle
REWARD SHIPPING UPDATE
almost 5 years ago
– Tue, Jan 14, 2020 at 09:54:35 PM
Hello Kickstarter Coterie,
Part of the fun of being your humble Kickstarter Concierge for this project is the opportunity to overcome new hurdles and challenges that pop up during the fulfillment process. I'm very happy to say that, with the help of some friends and some promising new partnerships, we've been able to get within sight of the finish line on this one.
It's James, the only person who wants your Chicago By Night rewards delivered more than you!
I've been writing and re-writing this update for the past few weeks, but I finally have a timeline to share for our hardcover book reward delivery!
SHIPPING UPDATE
There were A LOT of books to ship out for this project! Our logistical complications on this one included the usual unrelated delays and scheduling conflicts when you wrap everyone's 4th Quarter needs around a 2-3 week holiday. Add in the stock that'll be sold into the hobby and book trade, and TWO fulfillment partners shipping from different continents (and Brazil's last minute customs change! Those guys gotta keep me on my toes!) and it's been a whirlwind of e-mails and testing and ... waiting... and more e-mails.
Anyway,the cosmic tumblers have finally clicked into place, and we have entered the PICK & PACK phase of the process, with shipment pick-ups scheduled for the end of this week and beginning of next week.
This means that your order information has been printed, your book is being packed up, and a shipping label is ready to be affixed. Massive skids of product will be assembled, and trucks are scheduled to start taking them out to the various shipping organizations this week.
HUGE THANKS TO ALL BACKERS FOR THEIR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING. The Onyx Path team is incredibly eager to get these books out into the world, and these minor delays have been an exhausting struggle, but the end is finally in sight.
TRACKING INFORMATION
Orders should start delivering the week after they leave the warehouse, so backers should begin seeing orders landing around January 22-24 for the easiest, closest backers, with the bulk of deliveries happening over the following days and weeks. The vast majority of backers should have their books by February.
I'll note there are a handful of stragglers that'll take a nudge or two, and a few labels that we've still got to sort, but 99% of backers will be able to read Chicago By Night by February 4th, which is Thank Your Mail Carrier Day (or Delivery Person alternative), and could be very appropriate.
As the orders ship, you will (*should*) get an e-mail with Tracking Information.
Once the orders ship, I will also be able to take the Tracking information and load it into the BackerKit Pledge Manager system. Your tracking information may take 2 days to update at any given time, so you may see "Pre-Shipment" as it filters out to the various shipping agencies, but it should update as it travels and eventually delivers to you.
Again, we're dealing with a new fulfillment partner on some of these shipments, so it may take me a bit to upload the Tracking Numbers on some orders into BackerKit. You'll still receive the e-mail when it has shipped with your tracking number, but I'm still learning the new process so may be a step behind the experienced crew. We'll get there!
Again: You'll have your tracking numbers sent via the e-mail provided to Backerkit, and shortly thereafter, you will also be able to access your Tracking number in Backerkit by reviewing your Order Confirmation.
Your BackerKit page has:
1 - Your Reward Tier
2 - Your BackerKit e-mail
3 - the TRACKING NUMBER for your shipment (once I've uploaded it)
4 - Your confirmed shipping address
5 - A link to your digital redemption codes
6 - Your list of rewards
If you need to review your information or pledge status, you can return to your survey by clicking the link in your survey email or requesting your survey link under "Lost your survey?" on our BackerKit project page at https://chicago-by-night-v5.backerkit.com
TRACKING YOUR ORDERS
As noted on these pages, it may take up to 48 hours for Tracking Information to update. That said, tracking your packages - especially for international orders - can provide great assistance in solving minor issues before they become major issues.
International Shipping costs have gone up considerably - that's an understatement - since this project was first put together. The funds we collected during the kickstarter campaign now cover about 20%-50% of the cost of international shipping, so it's pretty important that we avoid any re-ships or additional shipping charges as much as possible. And that's where your help can really come in handy.
I've dealt with several situations where shipments were marked as "delivered" but the backer hadn't checked the tracking information for months, unaware that the package had been sitting at a neighbor's house or stuck in a local postal facility.
So, please, check your tracking number over the next few weeks. If you haven't received your package by, let's say February 7, review the tracking number to see where the issue might be.
Again, it may take up to 48 hours for any status updates to appear, and depending on the country and carrier, each package may enjoy a different transit time. But if we're three weeks into February, let's see if we can sort out any delivery issues while everything's still fresh.
For example, if Package status indicates it was delivered but you never received it
Double-check your Backerkit CONFIRMATION PAGE (as detailed above) that the correct address was provided, and maybe check with your neighbors to make sure it wasn’t accidentally left there. If that doesn’t turn up anything, contact the carrier or your local post office to report the package as not received and please contact me using the Contact Creator button on kickstarter to let me know you didn’t get your order.
I've seen so many orders sitting in a local post office for 8 weeks while the recipient was left unaware that it was waiting. Additionally, other backers have solved issues almost immediately with a quick call to FedEx and providing their tracking number.
It's a HUGE help to me and Onyx Path if we can solve any wayward shipment or stuck orders in February, rather than waiting until the spring when shipping systems finally give up delivery attempts and return the items to our fulfillment partner (at an extra cost to Onyx Path). Let's avoid paying for multiple return shipments if we can! Thanks for your help in advance.
SO EXCITING!
Now, all of that stuff out of the way, I've got to say that I'm so excited for this round of kickstarter rewards to ship! I'm part of the International batch, so will be excited to see how our new non-US partner does, but that just gives me time to finish building my Matthew Dawkins shrine/shelf. (I'm sure when the books start landing in Canada, you'll hear meshouting in celebration!)
I'll send out our regular month-end update in another few weeks, and list all of our rewards and the delivery status. We're about to move our key reward from the pending column and it's going to be amazing to have that under a new heading!
Thanks again to everyone for their support and excitement throughout this process!
#V5Chicago
AND, FINAL TWO DAYS... DON'T MISS OUT
Meanwhile, our current kickstarter is in the final two days of the campaign! We're over 445% funded, and have unlocked twelve Stretch Goals (funding two new complete supplements), with even more stretch goals (and another supplement) within reach! Last call to join in and get more blood for the Blood Gods!
