Update 24
Exploring deep into the Underswamp![edit]
Mar 1 2015
As of this morning, we are less than $10,000 away from achieving the Underswamp stretch goal!
Crouched on the confluence of two slow-moving subterranean river systems, the Underswamp is a miasma of odd fungus, twisted trees and creeping lichen. Dank and full of life; a menagerie of deadly toothed and venomous predators roam the spongy terrain. But there is also strange beauty to be found, such as shimmering fluorescent air plants floating above the dark waters. Deep within the Underswamp lie ruins of the temple of Ishtass. This extensive complex, nearly a league across and half sunk in the swamp, is said to hold ancient secrets.
With the Underswamp comes the Rotworm Skin Boots, which give adventurers extra speed wading through the swamp. Let’s all put on the boots and make a final sprint to bring the Underswamp home to the Stygian Abyss!
Announcements[edit]
We reached 11,088 backers as of noon Saturday! This means all our Kickstarter backers are going to get their very own Chattering Bart. Plus, 5 bonus fan submitted quips will be selected and added to Bart’s repertoire. If you also get a Jabbering Bertha Add-On, listen in wonder how the odd couple will chat up a storm.
We’re rolling out 2 new rewards into the pledge tiers!
First, the Custom Tabard, made from the finest silk, is a new digital item being added to the LORE SEEKER pledge tier, and above. It can be custom embroidered with a unique design on the front. You will be able to submit a design as a thumbnail image (which we will need to vet to ensure it’s PG-13), or you if you prefer, you will be able to select from pre-created designs that we will make. For Kickstarter backers only, on the back will be a custom logo showing the world that you were an early backer of the game.
Second, for Kickstarter backers only, for the LORE MASTER pledge tier and above, Paul Neurath will sign in silver ink your COLLECTOR’S EDITION box.
Some of you may have read recent stories circulating in the press, warning fans that most, if not all, Kickstarted games overpromise, then fail to deliver anything close.
Against the advice of some who suggested I stay silent, I have decided to wade into the controversy. I feel it is necessary to call the press on what is not simply a gross exaggeration, but an unfair characterization of the entire community of indie developers who have chosen to crowd fund their games. In what comes across as a kind of public service bulletin to forewarn of a scam, some in the press seem to be trying to scare away fans from considering backing Kickstarted games. Or if you follow their logic through --- any Kickstarted film, board game, or other creative project under development.
Crowd funding provides an opportunity for fans to get behind those indie developers who want to make games that might not otherwise have an outlet through the traditional publishers, especially those games that go out on a creative limb. Some wonderful crowd funded games have been delivered, and more are on their way. I believe keeping crowd funding as a vibrant alternative to traditional funding is vital. HERE is a post I wrote on the topic.
Finally, in the submitted Fan Art, SteveC continues to build an old-school rendered menagerie of creatures, here a Dire Faerie. Speaking of fan submissions, please remember to post your favorite t-shirt slogan this weekend in the FORUM.