Don't put a pin in it - limited quantity reward
almost 6 years ago – Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 12:24:46 PM

Hello Kickstarter Barkers!

When perusing the various Reward Tiers, as well as the Reward Descriptions on the main campaign page, you may have noticed the mention of the Pugmire pin set.

When the original Pugmire RPG kickstater ran back at the beginning of 2016, one of the Add On options was a thirteen pin assortment of the Breed and Calling symbols introduced in the roleplaying core rules. 

The pins were created and ordered, based on the kickstarter numbers, post-campaign pledge increases, and production error allowances. That means, you usually order extra in case things get messed up. Usually, you're left over with a few boxes that maybe collect dust until needed or are sold at various gaming shows.

While we were putting the Fetch Quest campaign together, Rich managed to dig out the sets of remaining pins - just over 100 sets remain from the initial production run. These pins haven't been produced again, and aren't likely to be produced in the future. What Rich had on hand is the last of the stock.

So, we added them to the kickstarter reward tiers as a way of making them available for fans of the Realms of Pugmire materials and to celebrate Eddy's latest game.

I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew - these are more than half gone! We've got 40 of 100 sets remaining, and once these are claimed, they'll only be found in legends and rumors... like the items our brave dog warriors hunt for from the Time of Man.

I've been through something similar with the past few Onyx Path kickstarter campaigns, so I just wanted to give everyone a heads up on the limited quantity and let you know to jump on them if you were interested. We've got 8 days left in this campaign - it's time to make sure you are getting the rewards that you want as part of your reward tier.

I get so many (SO MANY!) e-mails from backers and almost-backers after a campaign ends asking about limited quantity items, and wishing they could somehow secure anything that slips through the cracks, and I have to send the sad replies that they've unfortunately missed out. So, if you were thinking of maybe moving to the Pioneer Pointer with Pins reward tier... don't put a pin in it and wait, because it may end up being too late.

OK, tomorrow we start our Final Week countdown, and I'll share the story of using my new dog to talk to everyone in the neighborhood about this campaign! That's what walks are for, right?!

#FetchQuest

- James

FINAL WEEK DISCUSSION: BE AN AMBASSADOR DOG
almost 6 years ago – Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 12:24:35 PM

Hello Kickstarter Barkers,

As I type this, we've got just over one week left in this Kickstarter campaign. We've just about cleared the difficult middle section of every Kickstarter project - the dog days, where excitement is a bit thinner and funding plateaus for a bit. This is normal - the biggest parts of a campaign are the launch and conclusion, but these middle weeks are a crucial build-up for an exciting finish.

So, to reiterate what I say at the end of every update, we need to make sure all of our friends, family, and fellow gamers know about this project.

Be An Ambassador

I know, this is something I've already said many times (and seem to say during every project!), but for this final week, you are officially a duly-deputized ambassador for this Kickstarter project. I know I end every update post with "Keep spreading the word! Invite others to join in!" - but what does that mean, and how do you do it?

Easy answer - don't stop talking about the Fetch Quest Kickstarter until 2:01 PM next Thursday EST (when the campaign has ended). Yes, family and friends are tired of me talking about it (believe me!), but everything will go back to "normal" in just one week, and they've learned to tolerate me during a kickstarter campaign (for now). But here's the thing - there are others around who haven't heard or don't know about the campaign.

I've attempted to explain the kickstarter process and what we're doing to my immediate neighbors on a few occasions, in those quick "So, what do you do?" conversations. I've handled it best by saying it's loosely like the PBS "Viewers Like You" pledge drives. Usually, I update them about the latest project when we're taking out the garbage.

This time, however, I've got a new angle, and it's opened up a bigger circle. Nearly 4 weeks ago, my family adopted a dog. Eddy congratulated me for being caught up in the spirit of Fetch Quest, but really it was all part of my plan. Normally, I'm fairly reserved and even shy, but this new undertaking of daily dog walks has got me out and about the neighborhood, and it seems all other pet owners love to check out the latest animal to join the community.

In previous campaigns, I've shared info on the projects with friendly customers as we waiting to have our hair cut, or get our tires changed. I've informed distant relatives during family functions of the exciting opportunity the latest Kickstarter project presented. But now, I've got a twice-daily circuit and regular small-talk options, and our shy dog is the perfect start to those conversations! I may not get all of the block into this campaign, but I'm starting the process and now have a regular point of discussion to revisit. For many of them, this will be the first they've learned of this whole crowdfunding thing (I love the surprise when you tell people how big this platform is. $3.5 BILLION raised since it's inception!). You never know where your conversations will carry, and potential backers are EVERYWHERE!

So share at the pet store, the grocery store, on your neighborhood walk and at the dog park. And share online! In your social media, and in your social circles.

 What Excites You?

Thumbs up to everyone who's shared a link to the kickstarter in an online forum, or posted an "I just backed this project" message to their social media - you've done all of the first steps that are critical during the first weeks of the campaign. Now, it's time to let others know why you are backing this project (and, therefore, why they should consider it as well).

That's the thing - for the next 7 days, you don't only have to tell people the kickstarter exists. You also need to tell them what's got you excited about the game. For me:

• I love the theme and presentation. Eddy's Pugmire RPG was one of the first Onyx Path kickstarter campaigns I backed - long before Rich talked to me about helping out with their crowdfunding projects. I like the dogs and cats and the entire aesthetic.
• I like that it's family friendly. I'm the big gamer in the family, but there are a handful that my wife or kids will join me in playing. They are not interested in skirmishes between Space Marines and alien invaders, or dungeon crawls, or running terraforming corporations. But they like dogs and understand fanatasy tropes and Fetch Quest makes sense to them.
• I like that it's co-operative. I know there are families where typical family games are forbidden - sibling rivalry plus competition have long-ago removed Sorry! and Trouble! from our playing options. Even as they've gotten older, it's amazing how fast pop-o-matic grudges can return. With Fetch Quest, we play together, as a family, for a common goal. The option to pass cards on to the next player and actually help them achieve objectives is amazing and is team-building for the most important team I'm part of.    

I'll also, of course, play this game with my regular gaming group. We like talking about game mechanics, and develop strategies using different combinations of Pioneers when there's only 3-4 of us playing. But to have a game that I can also play with my family - playing as a team - is a rarity.

This is the stuff that I love to read online, and the stuff that inspires me to add a game to my already-too-large collection. When I start seeing discussion points like that, or reviews that cover those ideas, I get intrigued about the game. And that's when I click on the link. So, share your enthusiasm and your interest! Let people know what excites you about this, and what mechanics you think are cool. And let people know the game can be played with *everyone*!

Remember, this project is already funded - it's going to happen! We need to grow our pack to add even more excitement and options to the game! We've already achieved our main goal - now we're just adding more bite to our bark!

So, celebrate! Share the love! Share your enthusiasm! And be an ambassador for the next 7 days... and then we'll all be exhausted and get a rest! And, if you're like me, sleeve your print-and-play preview version of the game and play a few more times between daily dog walks! I may even invite a neighbor or two over to try it out!

And come join us in the comment sections and indulge in discussion about our pets! We've already heard about Uli, O'Neill, Apollo, Maggie & Boris, Dorito and Billy - come tell us about your brave (or not) Dog or Cat (or other pet!) and how they'd be represented in Fetch Quest!

#FetchQuest

- James

Stretch Goal - Help us get to Canis Minor
almost 6 years ago – Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 12:24:29 PM

Hello Kickstarter Barkers,

We've got less than a week, and some big hurdles to jump. We've seen a bit of a pause (paws?) these past few days, as the mid-campaign plateau takes effect. But we really need to marshal our forces and rally the pack and push on toward our next Stretch Goal.

 
At $20,000 in funding - Community Content from Canis Minor can be added to DriveThruCards.com.

Here's Eddy to tell us more about what that means:

 
Canis Minor content is a stretch goal I’m really hoping we get to. I designed Fetch Quest so that people could make their own pioneers, missions, and challenges to completely customize their games. So many people make their own pets (past and present) into Pugmire and Mau characters, and allowing people to make their own cards seemed like a great way to do that.

For those that aren't familiar with the idea, Canis Minor is what we call a "community content" program. We provide templates and guidelines for everyone to use, and people can use those templates and guidelines to create and sell their own content. So in this case, you can not only make your own cards (which are then printed on demand and sent to you), but you can also sell them to others, allowing everyone to experience your unique card ideas.

This means that there will always be new quests to explore and new dogs and cats to adventure with through Canis Minor. We've already had a number of good dogs put up similar content for the tabletop RPG -- go ahead and check it out! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/cc/17/canis-minor

 
It may seem like a big challenge to achieve our next Stretch Goal, but no more difficult than battling Bone Bugs or dealing with Demon Hounds! They are, after all, called STRETCH GOALS, so we do have to put in some effort. But, together, we can spread the word and recruit new barkers for our campaign. We've got one final week - but it's usually the most exciting part of a kickstarter project. So, tell everyone on your social media and in your social circle, share the news while walking your dog, visiting the vet, buying pet food. Let's grow this game and open it up for ongoing expansion.

#FetchQuest

- James

Final Days: Reward Tiers
almost 6 years ago – Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 12:24:10 PM

Hello Kickstarter Barkers,

We've got just a bit more than 4 days left in this campaign, so I just want to touch base a few times over that period to outline some of the basics. Today, I'm going to review the Reward Tiers and Reward Descriptions for this campaign.

 
Backer Reward Tiers

Like it says right at the top of the campaign page, we've come together to help fund the purchase of additional art and to produce and distribute a boxed edition of this card game. 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): 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.

 <Click HERE to see a complete version of this Reward Chart>

Reward Descriptions

Fetch Quest Boxed Edition - the main reward of this campaign: a boxed edition of the game, containing all cards and rules to play. This is a physical reward, and additional shipping costs may be automatically added to your pledge based on your location.

 
Fetch Quest Booster Pack - additional cards to expand your Fetch Quest adventure! These cards have been added via Stretch Goal achievements during this campaign. So far, we've unlocked 6 Monarchies of Mau Cat alternate Pioneer cards.

 
Print & Play Preview - a pre-print PDF version of the game, allowing you to print your own copy at home and play immediately.

If you haven't already downloaded this, backers can <click HERE> to gain access to the core game, and <click HERE> to gain access to playtest versions of the Cat Pioneer cards added to the Booster set.

Fetch Quest Digital Wallpaper - as part of the campaign rewards, we'll send out a cool hi-res image that you can use as a background on your computer!

Pugmire Digital Bundle - a bundle of digital files for previous Pugmire releases. Fulfilled by our partners at Drivethruprg.com, the bundle contains:

• Pugmire RPG Core Rulebook PDF 
• The Secret of Vinsen's Tomb Jumpstart RPG adventure PDF 
• Thank You, Darcy Cat - an audio adventure in the world of Pugmire
  

 
These core rewards are offered in multiple configurations, so please double-check your selected Reward Tier to ensure that you're getting the backer reward items that you most want. Not all reward tiers include a copy of the boxed edition of the game, for example (you must select the Pioneer Pooch $30 reward or greater to receive this).

Limited Quantity Rewards

In addition to these core rewards, there are three Reward Tiers available in limited quantity, either due to supply or premium nature.

 <Click HERE to see a complete version of this Reward Chart>

Pugmire Pin Set - Thirteen full color buttons featuring Breed and Calling symbols designed by Richard Thomas for the original Pugmire Kickstarter campaign. These are the final sets from the initial production, and only available in limited quantity.

 
Pioneer Portrait Premium Reward: Pictures of your dog or cat will be used as an art model reference for a Fetch Quest card (or a future Realms of Pugmire product, if necessary).

Purebred Pioneer Premium Reward: Fetch Quest designer Eddy Webb and the art team will create a new Pioneer card based on your pet, to be included as a Fetch Quest Booster card or a future realms of Pugmire product, if necessary.

 
Reward Tier Selection

During the campaign, there's some movement on Reward Tiers, as backers test options and go back and forth on adding in the digital bundle or buttons or other options. 

Once we hit these final days, however, 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.

Wait! You've Missed Two Reward Tiers!

Right! In addition to our "core" reward tiers and the limited quantity rewards, there are two multiple copy tiers for some to consider.

If you are backing for yourself and a friend (or just want a second copy for your collection), the Pioneer Companions Reward Tier was designed for you.

If you are a retailer interested in making this available in your store, a special retailer tier, Pet Shoppe, is open to you upon prior approval from Onyx Path (please email [email protected] prior to selecting this reward to confirm your status).

Summary

So, with all of that said - consider your Reward Tier selection. Are you backing to receive your copy of the boxed edition of Fetch Quest? Have you considered which secondary rewards you're most interested in and selected the configuration that best works for you? Are you jumping on one of the limited premium reward options? Make sure your Reward Tier matches what you're looking for.

As we approach the end of the campaign, I'll talk about the Next Steps, so that everyone understands the process and knows what to expect once we move into the post-campaign phase.

And, with that, the final days countdown begins. Let's lock in our Reward Tiers and keep working towards growing the project so everyone has a chance to join in. Let's see if we can add another one (OR TWO) Stretch Goals before we cross the finish line!

#FetchQuest

- James

72 Hour Countdown
almost 6 years ago – Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 12:22:00 PM

Hello Fetch Quest Barkers,

No big update today - just the start of the Countdown Clock - we're about to enter our final 3 days, the last 72 hours of the campaign.

This is the time to really push for our next Stretch Goal, opening up the game to the Community Content program and getting templates and examples set up so that we can all continue to expand and add to Fetch Quest.

 
We've been picking up steam again, and getting ready to race to the finish. We've definitely picked up the scent of the next goal, and I think we can make it!

So, spread the word! Be an Ambassador! And let's fetch that next reward!

#FetchQuest

- James