We've launched an exciting new project of our own! Introducing the Kickstarter app for iPhone!

Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on November 24, 2011.

We're 90% there! Let's get the full 100% guarantee!

Update #4 · Nov 8, 2011 · 1 comment
Dear Friends,

Whew!  Its been a busy past 3 weeks!  We've done a lot and its all been thanks to your help and involvement!  So, first, I'd like to thank all of your for sticking with us, supporting us, and giving us that initial burst of energy to get this started.  Right now we are more than 30% funded and a little more than half-way through our campaign.  Statistically 90% of Kickstarter projects that make their 30% funding mark, make their final goal.  We're in the middle of our campaign though, which is traditionally the slump time when things slow down and it becomes time to buckle down.  


A few things to know - we've been aggressively advertising on Facebook, both by reaching out to individual gamers, gaming networks, designers, and community pages, but also through advertising which has brought us a lot of attention.  We've also been really busy spreading the world within the community.  A few weeks ago we had an art exhibit as a thank you to all of you and to our amazing artists and managed to pick up a few more donations and some friends.  We've been posting in large roleplaying forums like RPGGeek, Paizo, and RPGNet.  And if you've spent any time on the RPGNet forums, you have have seen our beautiful banner advertisements, designed by our incredible layout guy, John Cason.  The amount of viewership we have gotten has really just been amazing.

So, we're looking very good, BUT, we can't do it without your help!

Thanks to you all, we have met that first hurdle, that initial 1/3rd mark, so now I'm asking for something different.  Now I'd like to ask you to take that spirit that inspired you to donate, to take your excitement at seeing this project, at witnessing the birth of our strange brave new world, and spread the word.  This is really about you now.  Something you saw got you excited, something we wrote inspired you to believe in us, so why not spread the word?  That is what community fundraising is all about - a shared experience, a desire to be part of a community that brings an idea to life.  So, whether its your next gaming session, at your favorite bookstore, or with your friends, let them know about this awesome new project you're supporting, this great idea which you are a part of, and which they can join in and become a part of too!  We're 90% there, let's go the 100%!

As a taste of what else we've been working on (we are still working on the project itself!) here is a draft version of artist Ambrose Hoilman's incredible cover for "The Gates of Tarina"! It's an actual scene from the adventure and presents our 4 awesome pre-genertated characters! The ex-legionairre gladiator (check out the trident!), the tegan (our version of halflings) rogue, the glowing eyes of the Brotherhood Adept, or the sword wielding Priest of Septimus - looks like its going to be a hec of an adventure!  Enjoy!

-Chris

Comments

    1. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Loye Greenaway Merwin on November 8, 2011

      GREAT letter Chris. You know I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Please pass on my accolades to everyone who has contributed their amazing talent and wonderful support to this project. Mom

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  • Pledge $5 or more

    7 backers

    Shadowlands Explorer: Patrons at this level will receive a high-resolution copy of the Sæmyyr World Map, designed by acclaimed RPG cartographer Jonathan Roberts of Fantastic Maps.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $10 or more

    5 backers

    Shadowlands Adventurer: Receive the Sæmyyr World Map, as above, PLUS a PDF copy of the adventure "The Gates of Tarina".

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
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    2 backers

    Tarina Adventurer: Receive all of the above PLUS a separate map pack of 5 high-resolution maps designed for use in the adventure and for the city of Tarina.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
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    10 backers

    Shadowlands Gamer: Print editions of BOTH books: "The Gates of Tarina" adventure module AND the "Tarina Guidebook", everything you need to get introduced to the Shadowlands Campaign Setting!

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
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    33 backers

    Tarina Explorer: Receive all of the above PLUS a PDF copy of the "Tarina Guidebook", the source book for the upcoming "Curse of the Raiton King" campaign saga and regional guide to the area surrounding the city of Tarina.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
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    8 backers

    Tarina Patrona/Patronus: Receive all of the above PLUS acknowledgement in the 'Special Thanks' section of BOTH books with either your real name or chosen character name!

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
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    5 backers

    BlackStar Donor: Receive all of the above PLUS a limited edition BlackStar Studios T-shirt (still in design) marking you as a DONOR! Please provide size, etc. when donating.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
  • Pledge $70 or more

    1 backer

    Tarina Retailer: 5 copies of EACH book (10 books total) at a special rate for small retailers. Must share EIN or equivalent Tax ID when making a donation.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
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    0 backers

    Sæmyyr Cartographer: Receive all of the above PLUS a full-color, poster-size printed Sæmyyr world map digitally SIGNED by cartographer Jonathan Roberts of Fantastic Maps.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
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    24 backers Limited (226 of 250 left)

    Tar Sequin Rare Book Collector: Receive all of the above PLUS full-color print editions of both books ("The Gates of Tarina" adventure module and the "Tarina Guidebook"), SIGNED & NUMBERED by the two lead game designers - Chris Merwin & Ben Cacchione.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
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    2 backers

    Shadowlands Shop: Our special rate for larger gaming stores who want a great special! TEN (10) copies of EACH book (20 books total) PLUS 3 copies of the Tarina Map Folio PLUS 1 World Map poster. Must share EIN or equivalent Tax ID when making a donation.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
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    0 backers

    Shadowlands Super-Store: 15 copies of EACH book (30 copies total), 5 copies of the Tarina Map Folio, and 1 World Map poster for the largest gaming stores! Must share EIN or equivalent Tax ID when making a donation at this level.

    Estimated delivery: Jun 2012
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    0 backers Limited (50 of 50 left)

    Tarina Art Collector: Receive all of the above PLUS a full color print poster SIGNED & PERSONALIZED by Ambrose H. Hoilman of the “Gates of Tarina” cover art!

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
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    0 backers Limited (25 of 25 left)

    Black Jewel of Raetia Art Aficionado: Receive all of the above PLUS a limited edition digitally SIGNED and NUMBERED digital print on real canvas of artist Ben Wootten’s painting “Approach to Tarina”.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
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    2 backers All gone!

    Paragon of Tarina: Receive all of the above PLUS you will be able to name and help develop one major NPC in the “Tarina Guidebook” and the forthcoming “Curse of the Raiton King” Campaign Saga.

    Estimated delivery: May 2012
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    0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)

    Shadowlands Playtester: Receive all of the above PLUS one of the game designers will travel to your city (within the continental United States or Canada) and run a specially designed single session adventure for you and your group. You will also be listed separately as a "Very Special Thanks".

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2012
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    0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)

    Local AI: Receive all of the above PLUS you will be allowed to name and give input on a local god/artificial intelligence which will feature in the will be featured in all future listings of Tar Sequin deities (including the forthcoming player's primer) along with an entry in the Sæmyyr Incunabulum -the online encyclopedia of all things Shadowlands.

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2012