Book 0 - Prologue : the new kickstarter is LIVE!

[Nelyhann]

Hi ObsidianCrane and Ravn,
Thanks for your feedbacks..!

Here is my opinion: Kickstarter allows many things. It is a story of generosity. In fact, this new goal does not give you anything directly. But you will help promote role-playing in another country, you help the creators of an interesting event. In my opinion kickstarter is not only “you pay = one reward”, it is also helping some great idea tobecome real, help funding cool event, and so on. Maybe you now about “Kicking it forward” : http://kickingitforward.org/
You help improve a project but you also help others projects as well with the idea of sharing the amount collected. This is the same thing.

With the support of this Kickstarter, we will be able to fund some nice concept and things, and this one deserve your support in my opinion
And if that happens, it will be thanks to you!

[Ravn]

Absolutely not arguing that it's a bad idea per se; the thought to promote the hobby (and the awesome game) is amazing. Especially in this day and age when what we can call "pen & paper rpg's" are on the decline according to many.

BUT. (there's always a "but" isn't it?)

Of course KS is a story of generosity, but I fully understand how people on the other side of the planet might feel a bit... "what?".
I think many feel that KS is a bit of a "reciprocal generosity" as opposed to a regular "donate button".
Sure; it might get more pledges from Germany, but it hardly incites a Canadian (or a Swede) that much to pledge more.

So all in all: I think it's a good thought behind it, a thought I understand and support, but I also think people might react, if not badly, then at least disappointedly, to it.

[Nelyhann]

Yes Ravn, I understand,

In our case this is just a bonus, it will not reduce the rest. And perhaps more active participation of the German will break a new level? And everyone will benefit because the stretch goal of 50k also unlocks other items
So i don't think is a pure donation, do you know what I mean ? And in our case it also a good thing for Esteren, maybe it will be played more in Germany thanks to this bonus goal!

I fully understand people can, at first think "what is this ?!" : because I react in the same way but know I changed my mind. Particularly through the program "Kicking it Forward" which I found really excellent.

But all in all, I also understand people may not agree and hope that all stretch goal will bring something directly to the project they fund. There are many different ways of doing a Kickstarter, this really a great tool

[tamsyn]

I love KS and I hope you do the next books this way too.

I'm thinking Esteren d10s (second mask)

[Nelyhann]

Thanks Tamsyn yes fo course we will do another KS... For now, we are very close to Kell now and unocking Book 2 Travels...!

The last two days have been dense, we joined the Kermordhran's Citadel and we are on the road to Kell now... What a journey! While the end of the campaign approaches, the pressure begins to rise ... Welcome to all the backers who join us. Let's take Yldiane as far as possible!

Here's a preview of the next stretch goal.

Book 2 Travels

First, this new stretch goal will give access to Book 2 Travels in PDF format.

Here are some information about this book:

Travels will be a more or less 140-page, full-color hardcover book. Intended for Game Leaders, this supplement to the Shadows of Esteren series contains scenarios, signature NPCs, and player aids. These will serve as tools for Leaders to confront their Players with the shadows of Tri-Kazel's peninsula, including:

- Cartography. You will discover the notes of the bard Aeldred Firdh describing more than a hundred remarkable places in Tri-Kazel. Some places will be detailed further.

- Frameworks. Travels contains around seven frameworks–adventures in a short format specific to Shadows of Esteren–that will enable you to put your Players face to face with various elements of the universe, such as Morcail, Tarish, Magience or even Feondas. An included aid also provides the Leaders the means to create their own frameworks.

- A Life Choice. This twenty-page scenario will take your Players on a journey throughout Tri-Kazel's peninsula, climaxing with a tough moral dilemma... A Life Choice can be a stand-alone scenario, or be combined with the frameworks included in the book, to form a complete campaign.

- Personalities. This supplement also boasts a complete gallery of around twenty outstanding personalities who may cross paths with the Characters, including some of the characters done for the Lords of Shadows of Kickstarter (double page with a full page illustration each time).

- Bestiary. Travels details several horrific creatures: the Mudcrawler, Gnawers, Poison Plants, the Sea Drake, Vampire Bats, etc.[/INDENT]

Compared to the original French version, it is an enhanced version (The original version is only 80 pages and is a softcover book).



Book 2 Travels PDF will be included in High Shadows, Farl Collectors and above pledges. For other pledges, it will be possibile to obtain the PDF by choosing the option "High Shadows" ($15 for Tri-Kazelian, $10 for Varigal).

A special poster with the map of Tri-Kazel

This new stretch goal also unlock a special poster. It is illustrated on both sides. One side will display an original illustration which we will reveal soon... on the other side, the map of the peninsula of Tri-Kazel will be printed:



This poster will be added to every pledge with physical contents : Tri-Kazelian, Varigal, Farl Collector and above pledges!

Here is an excerpt of the new illustration. To see it in full, we need to reach Kell ... Hint: Gawain worked from a sketch made for the cover of the "Kickstarter Special Edition” Book 0 Prologue:



A new option...

Last thing, this stretch goal will make a new option available. Those who want it will have to increase their pledge. But we will not say more for the moment ... patience!

Thanks all of you for your great support,

See you very soon for a next update...

Sincerely,
The Esteren Team

[Dragoslav]

So close! I went ahead and upped my pledge a bit so that I could get a standard copy of Book 1 (I only have a PDF version right now).

[tamsyn]

I definitely want a hard copy of Book 2, preferably a limited edition one to match my Book 1. I want to pledge cos I love he game and you guys so much but my sensible head says 'wait until the next KS'. It's tough.

[Clovis]

Well I honestly think the Kickstarters offer good opportunities to acquire the books of the series, and, additionally, to get exclusive content and unique props such as the limited editions, but also the gaming board (that is, if the 60k stretch goal is reached).

Then again, I'll be the first to understand that no one has bottomless pockets, and that no matter how good the game may seem, sometimes, you have to make the reasonable choice and not spend too much of your money on games.

So, all in all, your call! If you pledge for this Kickstarter, you'll most certainly get your money's worth, and you'll also allow us to go further in the accomplishment of our goals, but if you want to wait for a next campaign, or if you simply consider that you're good as things are, that's fine too!

And finally, thank you for your praise about the game; it's always heartwarming to know that people enjoy playing Esteren!

[tamsyn]

Well done on passing 50k!

You can rest assured I will be spending more money on your game, will prob have to wait until next time though

[ObsidianCrane]

Woohoo bring on Book 2!

Ok now onto the next shiney thing: I wants me some Esteren "dungeon tiles" because they will be beautiful! (I also love using minis so I am biased.)