Help create a beautiful Chicago By Night tabletop RPG hardcover source book for Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition !
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
Hello Kickstarter Coterie,
As I mentioned in the comment section, I've been on cold medicine for the past few days, battling a tenacious bug. Whenever I check the funding level for this project, I have to double-check with someone else to make sure it's not cold medicine messing with me.
Uh, we're on fire!
I'm always optimistic and a dreamer, and kept saying "wait and see how well we do" whenever anyone got nervous about the possibility of not hitting a stretch goal (remember trying to get to $95,000? I know, right?!). Well, we're past where I hoped we be. Simply amazing, and really excited to be a part of this!
COMPLETE MANUSCRIPT PREVIEW: Read the entire manuscript for the game now! Remember, though, this is the WW-approved manuscript but there are still some minor edits, development and proofing that need to be done. But, you can consider this about 95% finished.
REWARD TIERS: your best starting point for figuring out which Backer Reward Level to choose to help support this project.
STRETCH GOALS: See what additional rewards and opportunities you have built through your support of this campaign!
Today, I am going to talk about ADD ON reward options. Tomorrow, before the campaign finishes, I will post an update with a Final Checklist & What Comes Next.
The absolute best way to ensure that you're getting all of the available rewards you want from this kickstarter is to ensure you've selected the appropriate Backer Reward Tier, as detailed in our Reward Tier Update. Selecting the right Reward Tier covers about 90% of the options available to you. If you want the PDF only, make sure you've selected the correct reward. If you want the hardcover version, double-check your reward tier to ensure it's featured. If you wanted Let the Streets Run Red, make sure it's included with your choice.
Once you've completed that important step, you're going to want to look at the extra rewards or any reward "bits" that don't automatically fall into your reward tier. That takes us to Add On rewards.
If you've selected one of the "core" Reward Tiers, you've likely already included most of the rewards you most want. In addition to the rewards offered as part of the Reward Tier configurations, there are several additional rewards that have been unlocked thanks to your support. All Add-On rewards will be described below.
Each add on includes an extra amount to add on to your total pledge amount. Remember that your total pledge amount includes all shipping charges and not just your reward tier level.
Using myself as an example, my KINDRED Reward Tier is a $50 pledge, but my total pledge amount is $60 (inclusive of +$10 shipping charges to Canada).
Reviewing the list of rewards with my Tier, I see that it doesn't include a few of the additional rewards that we'd added on. Since I think they look really cool, I'd like to add these on to my rewards list. As noted, the first step should always be to select the proper reward tier to see if there's one that offers everything you want. (For example, the hardcover reward tiers include Let the Streets Run Red, while the PDF-only tiers do not).
I've decided I want to add three more rewards to my list: the OLD TRADITIONS PDF BUNDLE, BECKETT'S JYHAD DIARY PDF, and the PRINCE'S GAMBIT Card Game.
To update my Reward Tier, first I click MANAGE MY PLEDGE
Now I can update my TOTAL PLEDGE AMOUNT to include the cost of the ADD ON rewards I wish to add to my rewards list. I click CHANGE YOUR PLEDGE
I can change the pledge amount to include my Add Ons. My new Total Pledge Amount is now $93:
Once I've updated my amount, I can click CONTINUE
It's important to note that there is NO PLACE in your kickstarter reward tier pledge to indicate which add-ons you wish to include, or give any reason why you are adjusting your pledge to a new amount. You aren't adding items to a shopping cart in this scenario - instead, you're adding pledge dollars that you will assign once the campaign ends. With this in mind, you may want to make a note of which add-on items and the associated add-on dollar amounts you've included if you're forgetful like I am.
Once the campaign ends and Kickstarter processes the payments, I will send out a survey via Backerkit - a complex system of tools used to manage the back-end of the kickstarter fulfillment process. When you receive the survey, you will confirm your Backer Reward Tier and assign your pledged dollars to any add-on items that you wish to include. I'll repeat and expand on this information in an upcoming post about "What Happens Next?" in tomorrow's update.
Note that physical rewards (hardcover books, Prince's Gambit Card Game) can only be added to Reward Tiers that already include the hardcover version of Chicago By Night, and therefore, appropriate shipping charges. Also note the different hardcover Add On prices for US- and non-US residents.
These rewards can be added to any tier that includes the Chicago By Night PDF (anything higher than Ghoul):
See the main Kickstarter campaign page for a description of all rewards.
Again, your first step should always be choosing the proper reward tier. I've had a few backers ask about adding a second (or fifth...) hardcover copy to their Kindred reward tier. You are much better off selecting the Multiple Reward tiers if you want additional copies (Blood Bond and Coterie).
It probably goes without saying that all funds are expressed in US Dollars, although Kickstarter displays the approximate conversion rate.
That should explain the process of Selecting your Reward Tier and increasing your TOTAL PLEDGE AMOUNT to account for any additional rewards you wish to receive. Since increasing your pledge amount increases the overall funding level of the project, add-ons can help us achieve stretch goal targets, so it benefits us all to suggest that you double-check to make sure you're getting all of the rewards you want, and maybe think about Add-Ons like the Old Traditions PDF Bundle or Beckett's Jyhad Diary or Let The Streets Run Red (if you are a PDF-only backer!)
Additionally, this may go without saying, please review your personal budget and ensure you've selected the appropriate reward tier and add ons for your current financial situation. Kickstarter will begin charging your payment method once the campaign ends, so ensure you've budgeted correctly.
As we move through this final hours of the campaign, please ensure you've chosen the correct Reward Tier for the rewards you want. And beyond that - please make sure you've adjusted your TOTAL PLEDGE AMOUNT to include the additional funds that will cover any add-ons you wish to receive.
On Thursday, just before the campaign ends, I will send an update detailing the steps that occur after the campaign concludes, including how and when to confirm your add-on rewards.
So, just like every update: Spread the word! Share your excitement on social media! Tell your friends! We're about to enter the rapid race to the finish line, so let's make sure that none of our friends miss out!
At $115,000 in funding - NEW ADD-ON REWARD: PoD OPTION FOR CHICAGO FOLIO - A new Add-On Reward will be created. For +$5, backers will have the option of using DriveThruRPG’s Print-On-Demand service to purchase a physical, printed copy of the Chicago Folio directly from their PoD partners at as close as we can get to the cost of printing and shipping. You must have the Chicago Folio PDF already included as one of your rewards to add on this reward.
At $120,000 in funding - NEW ADD-ON REWARD: PoD OPTION FOR LET THE STREETS RUN RED - A new Add-On Reward will be created. For +$5, backers will have the option of using DriveThruRPG’s Print-On-Demand service to purchase a physical, printed copy of Let the Streets Run Red directly from their PoD partners at as close as we can get to the cost of printing and shipping. You must have the Let the Streets Run Red PDF already part of your rewards list (either automatic or added on) to add on this reward.
At $125,000 in funding - CREATIVE TEAM REWARD – Additional funds will be allocated to pay a bonus to members of the creative team for this project.
Hello Kickstarter Coterie,
Well, two updates in one day! Unexpected... but look at the rocketship we're riding! We've had a fantastic few days - actually, we've had a fantastic campaign for the entire run - but these last days have been tremendous.
So, as we have just cleared our 18TH STRETCH GOAL, let's review and set more targets!
We've had, and will have, a lot of new backers join in during these last few days. I want to take a moment to highlight some key Update posts that new backers may want to check out (and existing backers may want to read as a refresher!).
COMPLETE MANUSCRIPT PREVIEW: Read the entire manuscript for the game now! Remember, though, this is the WW-approved manuscript but there are still some minor edits, development and proofing that need to be done. But, you can consider this about 95% finished.
REWARD TIERS: your best starting point for figuring out which Backer Reward Level to choose to help support this project.
Choosing the correct Reward Tier for your desired rewards, and then filling in any "gaps" with add-ons, ensures that you'll be claiming all of your desired rewards as a thank you for supporting this project and bringing this world to life.
Remember, your TOTAL PLEDGE AMOUNT is equal to your REWARD TIER + SHIPPING + ADD ONS. And we will confirm your Add On selection with our post-campaign pledge manager, Backerkit, a few weeks after the campaign ends.
Tomorrow, I'll be posting another "Final Day" update, covering Add Ons, how to add them and what you can pick. But until then, we're going to hopefully be racing through our final Stretch Goal(s) of the campaign!
Over the course of the campaign, we've achieved an amazing 18 Stretch Goals! We've hit 6 of those in the past week, so we're absolutely picking up speed as we rush toward the finish line! And there's a solid chance to make that 19 or maybe even 21 before we end...
The Stretch Goals have fallen into a few broad categories thus far: Additional Content, Additional Rewards, and Additional Opportunities.
THE CHICAGO FOLIO - an in-character artifact book compiling diary entries, transcripts, emails, and other treasures to use in the course of a V5 chronicle, especially useful when utilizing the characters and plots from Chicago by Night. All backers receiving the Chicago By Night PDF will automatically have a PDF version of the Chicago Folio added to their rewards list.
The Chicago Folio was expanded via Stretch Goal achievements. Because you are awesome, we've completed the book with four sections:
LET THE STREETS RUN RED - a PDF supplement set in and around the Chicago and Midwest area, incorporating characters absent from V5 Chicago by Night and exploring the activities of Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and the rural Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana areas. All backers receiving the Chicago By Night hardcover will automatically have a PDF version of Let the Streets Run Red added to their rewards list.
Chronicles were added via Stretch Goal achievements. Again, we unlocked all 4 and added:
INCREASED ART BUDGET - Not only will we have more words written about Chicago and the surrounding area, but we'll get more of the fantastic art that we've showcased during this campaign! (And, if each picture is worth a thousand words... well, the math escapes me, but we're doing well!)
All of this extra content will be created because of your support!
Like sprinkles on a sundae, these rewards may not inspire stories of intrigue and action, but can act as little reminders of the beauty and darkness behind the Masquerade. I end up changing my desktop wallpaper with the seasons, and I'm looking forward to adding these into the rotation:
Kickstarter Backer T-shirt. - Hosted on the Redbubble store for a limited time, a Chicago By Night-themed shirt at a steep discount. All backers will be notified when the shirt becomes available.
Dog Might Games Chicago Style Game Gear - Gorgeous, deluxe accessories to dress up your game table. Available to order NOW at their VTM online store: DOG MIGHT GAMES VTM STORE
More Add Ons - I'll be covering these in tomorrow's update, but we've got the following now available to add to your rewards list:
Those are some pretty cool accomplishments, and those are in addition to FUNDING THIS PROJECT in the first place! Your rewards list has likely grown since the start of this campaign. But we're not done, are we? With just over 40 hours to go, we've got another target or two we can look at hitting, and maybe even more... if we really really STRETCH...
At $110,000 in funding - NEW ADD-ON REWARD: LET THE STREETS RUN RED - A new Add-On Reward will be created. For +$10, backers will receive the PDF version of Let the Streets Run Red. This Add On is available to Chicago By Night PDF Backers – Note: Chicago By Night hardcover backers will already have this reward automatically added to their rewards list.
At $115,000 in funding - NEW ADD-ON REWARD: PoD OPTION FOR CHICAGO FOLIO - A new Add-On Reward will be created. For +$5, backers will have the option of using DriveThruRPG’s Print-On-Demand service to purchase a physical, printed copy of the Chicago Folio directly from their PoD partners at as close as we can get to the cost of printing and shipping. You must have the Chicago Folio PDF already included as one of your rewards to add on this reward.
At $120,000 in funding - NEW ADD-ON REWARD: PoD OPTION FOR LET THE STREETS RUN RED - A new Add-On Reward will be created. For +$5, backers will have the option of using DriveThruRPG’s Print-On-Demand service to purchase a physical, printed copy of Let the Streets Run Red directly from their PoD partners at as close as we can get to the cost of printing and shipping. You must have the Let the Streets Run Red PDF already part of your rewards list (either automatic or added on) to add on this reward.
AT $125,000 in funding - CREATIVE TEAM REWARD – Additional funds will be allocated to pay a bonus to members of the creative team for this project.
This may be a big stretch for our funding goals, but having read the text for this book a few times now... I think we can agree that the creative team deserves some extra kudos for this project. If we manage to break all estimates, we'll reward the creative team for a job well done!
I know these numbers may seem daunting, but they wouldn't be STRETCH goals if we didn't have to really STRETCH to reach them!
So, as every update concludes: let's keep the enthusiasm rolling! Keep spreading the word and letting others know about this project. They've got just over 40 hours to jump in and share the 18 (can we make it 19? 20?) Stretch Goals we've achieved!
And every backer who joins in as we approach the end is not only able to enjoy the additional rewards already added by the early fans and backers, but also help reward those early backers by expanding everyone's stretch goal rewards!
Remember, only the funds generated during the Kickstarter campaign go toward achieving these Stretch Goal targets, so the time to act is now! Together, we can make great things happen!
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
Hello Kickstarter Coterie,
We're about to hit the 48-hour countdown, and if the past few days are any indication, it could be a pretty exciting ride! With that in mind, I wanted to touch on some of the basics over the next 2 days to make sure that everyone has got all of the information they need to support the project in the way that works best for them.
Review topics to cover over the next 2 days:
Whether you're a new backer or have been with us from day one, these are good items to review to make sure that we all end up where we want to be.
(An aside, if you're a new backer, make sure you check out the MANUSCRIPT PREVIEWS that have been posted - the entire manuscript is available to review before the campaign concludes)
Like it says right at the top of the campaign page, we've come together to help create a beautiful Chicago By Night tabletop RPG hardcover source book for Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition. To borrow an analogy that I've used in past Kickstarter campaigns, this works similar to the "Viewers Like You" support campaign from your local PBS Station (for those who get American television channels or watched Sesame Street): There are various levels of support that you can pledge to, and these come with various levels of rewards. Like getting a tote bag or t-shirt when you give money to public broadcasting to fund them doing their thing, you can get rewards for helping Onyx Path work on this project.
Let's review the Backer Reward Tiers to ensure that you've pledged to a Reward Tier that provides all the rewards you wish to receive.
The main reward offered in this campaign is. of course, the main goal of the entire proposition: the Chicago By Night setting book. The first decision you need to make in figuring out your reward tier is whether you want to receive a digital PDF version or if you want the physical hardcover book.
PDF ONLY: EMBRACED and CHILDE are PDF-only reward tiers. So, if you're saving trees or saving shelf space, these are the reward tier options that you should begin with. The PDF will be fulfilled by our partners at Drivethrurpg.com - when it is ready, you will receive a link to add it to your DTRPG library and be able to download at your leisure.
HARDCOVER+PDF: the KINDRED reward tier includes the traditionally-printed physical hardcover version of this book. That means the books are produced in a large print run at one time, and will have the best production values, from color clarity and appearance to binding and materials. In addition, this option also includes the PDF version, so you will get a digital copy as described above.
The only Reward Tier that does not include the PDF version of the book is the GHOUL tier. You should select this Reward Tier if you want to read the manuscript previews posted in the Backers-Only updates (and continue to have access to them after the campaign ends) but do not wish to receive either a PDF or hardcover version of the final book.
Once your primary decision between PDF-only or hardcover + PDF (or neither) has been made, it's time to learn about the additional rewards you may wish to receive.
There are 4 Additional Rewards we'll cover before discussing Multiple and Premium reward tiers:
MANUSCRIPT PREVIEWS – All Reward Tiers include access to Backers-Only manuscript previews. With yesterday's #LasombraMonday sneak peek, I have posted the entire manuscript across multiple sections. You must be a kickstarter backer to access these previews, as the link will remain in a backers-only update post. The manuscript previews are not available to those who pre-order the book at a later date.
THE CHICAGO FOLIO - an in-character artifact book compiling diary entries, transcripts, emails, and other treasures to use in the course of a V5 chronicle, especially useful when utilizing the characters and plots from Chicago by Night. All backers receiving the Chicago By Night PDF will automatically have a PDF version of the Chicago Folio added to their rewards list. The Chicago Folio is being expanded via Stretch Goal achievements. So far, we've added:
We've got one more section to possibly add (Heretical threats and Observations), which is our current Stretch Goal target at $105,000.
LET THE STREETS RUN RED - a PDF supplement set in and around the Chicago and Midwest area, incorporating characters absent from V5 Chicago by Night and exploring the activities of Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and the rural Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana areas. All backers receiving the Chicago By Night hardcover will automatically have a PDF version of Let the Streets Run Red added to their rewards list. Chronicles are being added via Stretch Goal achievements. So far, we've added:
Important note: At this time, the Let The Streets Run Red PDF will only be added to backers receiving the hardcover version of Chicago By Night. However, we have an upcoming Stretch Goal to make LTSRR available as an Add-On reward for PDF-only backers. Stay tuned for an update covering Stretch Goals and Add-Ons that may updated information about this option!
"AT COST" PoD OPTION: CHICAGO BY NIGHT – All PDF products will be fulfilled through our partners at DriveThruRPG.com, the largest RPG download store. For Chicago By Night, you will have the option of using DriveThruRPG’s Print-On-Demand service to purchase a physical, printed copy directly from their PoD partners at as close as we can get to just the cost of printing and shipping (this cost is not included in your pledge, and you do not need to increase the cost of your pledge to use this option). When the PoD versions are available to order (which will be some time after the hardcover has gone to print), you will receive links to purchase these versions of the book from DriveThruRPG.com. You DO NOT need to take advantage of this PoD offer as it does not affect in any way your pledge rewards.
While the Reward Tier options include various additional rewards as listed, we've also successfully unlocked stretch goals that automatically add EVEN MORE REWARDS to ALL REWARD TIERS RECEIVING A PDF COPY of Chicago By Night. Thanks to our Stretch Goals, all backers at the EMBRACED Reward Tier level and higher (base pledge amount of $25+) will also be receiving:
ALL REWARD TIERS RECEIVING A HARDCOVER COPY of Chicago By Night (base pledge amount of $50+) will also be receiving:
Thanks to the success of the kickstarter, all supporters of the campaign will have the option of showing their support in style with the Kickstarter Backer T-shirt. Hosted on the Redbubble store for a limited time, a Chicago By Night-themed shirt at a steep discount. All backers will be notified when the shirt becomes available.
DOG MIGHT GAMES have expanded their deluxe Vampire: The Masquerade gaming gear to include Chicago- and Lasombra-inspired items.
That screen is gorgeous! You may have seen a similar LA-themed screen on Geek & Sundry's LA BY NIGHT, a live-streamed tabletop RPG series that featured the 5th edition of Vampire: The Masquerade.
These are deluxe, premium items and the prices reflect the craftsmanship and materials. I splurged and bought myself one of their dice sheaths a few yeas ago, and - while I have no scientific evidence - I'm pretty sure the dice I keep in it have rolled better for me since I started using it.
I'll go over all of the Add On reward options in an upcoming post, but thanks to our success, we've been able to add:
There's been a lot of churn - a lot of Reward Tier adjustments and changes by backers throughout the campaign, as budgets changed and parts of the manuscript were released, or options were contemplated. However, in these final days, it's best to ensure that you've selected the Reward Tier that offers you the options and rewards you want to receive and are ready to lock down. This timing - before the campaign ends - is the absolute most affordable and inclusive these rewards will be, and will save headaches and heartbreaks if fully considered now.
Right! In addition to our "core" Reward Tiers, we've got two other areas for consideration. These are Multiple Copy rewards and Premium Rewards.
If you are backing for yourself and a friend (or just want a second copy for your collection), the BLOOD BOND Tier was designed for you.
If you are the point person for your entire gaming group and need 5 copies of the hardcover, the COTERIE tier is your clear choice.
And, finally, if you are a retailer interested in making this available in your store, a special retailer tier, the SUCCUBUS CLUB (Retailer), is open to you upon prior approval from Onyx Path (please email [email protected] prior to selecting this reward to confirm your status).
These special reward tiers offer some enhanced interaction with the setting, from naming characters, deciding the fate of favored characters from earlier iterations, serving as inspiration for interior illustrations or playing in a special online session with Matthew Dawkins, the lead developer of this book. These options are limited, however, and as of this posting, their are only a few slots remaining.
As mentioned earlier, though, there's always lots of reward churn near the end of the campaign. If you missed out on a premium reward that you really wanted, stay vigilant until the end, as slots may open up if earlier backers shift their pledge. (Just a tip from experience!)
So, with all of that said - consider your Reward Tier selection. Are you backing to receive your copy of the hardcover version of Chicago By Night? Have you considered which additional rewards you're most interested in and selected the configuration that best works for you? Did you jump on one of the limited premium reward options?
Make sure your Reward Tier matches what you're looking for - or, at least, covers most of what you're interested in. Tomorrow, we'll cover Add Ons and talk about how to tweak your Reward List to ensure you're getting anything that's missing from your list.
And, with that, the final countdown begins. Let's lock in our Reward Tiers and keep working towards growing the project so everyone has a chance to join in. DO NOT MISS OUT! And on to the next Stretch Goal!