Hello everyone! 

Just a few core update on where things are at! 

I am currently working to complete an Alpha V0.1 that will be ready for backer release!

The first plan before that can happen however is playtesting with a small group, this will be done via our Discord and anyone who backed the project and is in that server can take part in playing early builds to help shape it!

If you haven’t already be sure to join our Discord to be able to join all future testing and play all of our titles early!

https://discord.gg/JsBnwpMq

The aim with this release is to update it over time with changes, errata etc based on wider community feedback and any outstanding artwork to get it ready for final print.

I don't have an ETA on this release just yet but I will need to release the Backer Surveys first so please do keep an eye out for those and remember that you will only get your early access copies once the surveys have been completed!

As for when the Backer Surveys are coming, we are currently working out the Tax Rules/Import Charges since we have certain bundles which have both taxable and non taxable items so things become a bit messy and I would not want anyone spending more on fees than they should, I am working with the shipping experts to get this done, so I will keep you updated as things progress.

In the meantime, here is more art we have had completed for the game!

I can't wait to share the early build with all of you and get some solid feedback on how things play!

-- Ash

Hello Scions,

Thank you for your support through the campaign and I am just blown away at what we managed to achieve.

I wanted to cover some points as we are now officially post-campaign.

You should have already been or will be charged for your pledge up until the 12th July. This is the 2 week period that Backerkit needs to collect your funds. If you have had an error or failed payment - Do not worry!

Simply head here: https://www.backerkit.com/c/users/pledges > Find Ashes in that list and click "View Pledge"

On this page you will be able to change your card info and reattempt your payment!

If after this period you still haven't completed it then your pledge will be dropped. This means you won't be able to claim any rewards until your payment is completed during the Backer Survey stage of this campaign.

I should have backer surveys done in the next few months, I try not to rush this area of the campaign due to Taxes, shipping and other really delicate areas that could blow up in my face if I'm not careful so if you haven't gotten a survey in the next month, do not worry. I will make a full update when they become available for you to fill out!

Thank you for your hard work in trying to reach the final goal for the campaign! We were literally 21 away from hitting it so as to give you one more chance, this goal will happen if we get an additional 20 backers during the pre-order period.

So tell your friends that the Pre-Order Store is officially open! You can pick your pledge level here: https://ashes-rpg.backerkit.com/survey_stores

Anyway, I wanted to firstly give you all the promised Discord invitation. 

You will need to verify yourself as a backer but as the process is manual (the bot I had has died) I will need to verify you when I am able to so you may see no movement on your joining for a few days but I promise I'm doing it. Once you have joined I will be opening up playtesting of V0.1 if you wish to play the very first edition of this title in all it's clunky glory and be part of it's development.

I want to be upfront about how I manage the running of this company/publishing house. I don't take projects to crowdfunding until they are atleast 80% done and have had a good round of playtesting.

Ashes got that and I am very pleased to say that the current version of the game, as rough as it is, is more than 80% finished and playtesters have had the ability to play from start to finish if they so wished.

Writing, testing and retweaking mechanics takes time. Outside of the writing, alot of this is hands-free time where I have to await feedback before being able to impliment anything and so during that period I work on other games, write other content and really try to push other areas.

The reason I mention this, as old backers know, is that I do tend to have a new project out after my last but with my workflow and trusted team, I manage to stay on top of things.

In September, I have been invited to take part in Backerkit's Booktopia Event. This event is where creators who have had an idea for a novel or book can bring it to crowdfunding in a fun community event so if you see my book there know that I’ve been working on it personally for the past year and I delegate projects to certain teams both internally/hiring externally, so I won't be letting it effect the release/development of Ashes, do not worry! 

Finally, I wanted to take a moment to thank you once again for your support and leave you with this final surprise;

With all my titles, I like having ambient music. I have curated a playlist of hand-picked tracks to get you into the mood of exploring the depths of Mayfalls.

I hope you enjoy this and I cannot wait to show you more as this game gets finished!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart

-- Ash