We're not quite in the final 48 hours, but getting very close! Within these last hours, I wanted to review some important topics, most especially our current Stretch Goal situation! Let's get reviewin'!
We're in our Final Day countdown for this Crowdfunding campaign. Exalted: Essence Player's Guide finishes the crowdfunding campaign on April 25th at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. There's still time to give the spark of exaltation to a few more backers, but we're definitely getting closer to the finish line. With that in mind, I wanted to touch on some of the basics over these final six days to make sure everyone has the information they need to support this project in the way that works best for them.
Whether you're a Dragon-Blooded freshly chosen by the Elemental Dragons or an heroic Solar hero of legend, these are some good topics to review over this week to make sure we all end up where we want to be.
(An aside, if you're a new backer, make sure you check out our Final Week Countdown / Resource Update. It has links to the manuscript previews, Reddit AMA answers, and other helpful information.)
I want to highlight the Reward Tier and Add On Review post.Please review it prior to the conclusion of this campaign, as it outlines important information about your pledge selection, your rewards, and supporting this campaign that you should be aware of before we get to the end.
Refresher Course
Note for New Backers: Please check out the updates listed above. There's a lot of information there that will be important to know about before the end, like how we're not including shippingcharges in our pledges for this campaign and instead will be charging them in our pledge manager before we ship out the books, and you can also read the entire draft manuscript before the end of the campaign and any pledges are processed.
Note for Since-the-Start Backers: It's probably a good idea to review that stuff as well. Never hurts to make sure you haven't missed anything!
In fact, just to make sure I've hit all of the main points several times, here's a quick rundown of some key items:
MANUSCRIPT PREVIEW - As noted, the complete Preview Manuscript for the book is available for you to review prior to the conclusion of the campaign. If you're a backer, you'll have access to this preview manuscript after the campaign. Remember, though, there are still some minor edits, development and proofing that need to be done, but you can consider it most of the way there and a good representation of what you'll get in the final book. Making the manuscript available for review before the campaign ends ensures that everyone knows exactly what our goal is - making this book - and are on board with our aims for this project. Thanks for your support, we're all in this together!
PLEDGE TIERS -This update breaks down your best starting point for figuring out which Backer Reward Tier to choose to help support this project in a way that works for you.
Alchemical Exalted
This is the PDF-only reward tier. So, if you're saving trees or saving shelf space - or avoiding the shipping charges that are absolutely ever-increasing - this is the reward tier options that you should begin with. The PDF will be fulfilled by our partners at DriveThruRPG.com - when it is ready, you will receive a link to add it to your DTRPG library at no cost and be able to download at your leisure.
Sidereal Exalted
This reward tier includes the standard hardcover version of this book. Shipping costs ARE NOT included in the cost of your pledge. You will be charged for shipping after the campaign through the pledge manager. In addition, this option also includes the PDF version, so you will get a digital copy as described above. This reward tier also includes the "Essence Extended" PDF supplement built via Stretch Goal achievement as a free bonus reward.
Lunar Exalted
This reward tier includes the deluxe hardcover version of this book. Shipping costs ARE NOT included in the cost of your pledge. You will be charged for shipping after the campaign through the pledge manager. In addition, this option also includes the PDF version, so you will get a digital copy as described above. This reward tier also includes the "Essence Extended" PDF supplement built via Stretch Goal achievement as a free bonus reward.
Need the Exalted: Essence Core Rules as well? They form the system upon which the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide isbuilt. We've set up three one-click pledge options to get you started! If you don't already have a copy of the Exalted: Essence Core Rulebook, you soon will by choosing any of these reward tiers.
Liminal Exalted contains PDF versions of both the Exalted: Essenc Player's Guide sourcebook as well as the Exalted: Essence Core Rules.
Getimian Exalted gets you both the PDF and standard hardcover books for both the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide sourcebook and the Exalted: Essence Core Rules.
Solar Exalted will get you both the PDF and Deluxe Edition hardcover books for both the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide sourcebook and the Exalted: Essence Core Rules.
ADD-ON OPTIONS - The other half of our Reward Tiers update, including information on the second step of pledging. There are several Add On options that you can add as part of your pledging process, including a ton of interesting Exalted: Essence and Exalted Third Edition books and supplements, plus option to add the "Essence Extended" companion that we built via Stretch Goal to any digital pledge tiers.
Choose Wisely
Choosing the correct Reward Tier for your desired rewards, and then filling in any "gaps" with add-ons, ensures that you'll be claiming all of your desired rewards as a thank you for supporting this project and bringing this world to life.
Remember, your PLEDGE AMOUNT is equal to your REWARD TIER + ADD ONS only - Any Shipping costs will be collected at a later date. You will also be able to select Add On options in the Pledge Manager after the campaign, but remember that only funds added during the campaign count towards Stretch Goal funding targets.
Also to note, only those who participate during the campaign are able to add Stretch Goal rewards to their rewards lists. If you're waiting to pre-order at a later time, it's better to pledge to the Dragon-Blooded Exalted tier now and then simply upgrade your pledge later to have the option to include these bonus rewards.
Additionally, this may go without saying,please review your personal budgetand ensure you've selected the appropriate reward tier and add ons for your current financial situation. BackerKit will begincharging your payment methodat midnight the day the campaign ends, so ensure you've budgeted correctly. Choose what works best for you now and is affordable at this time, knowing that you can upgrade your pledge level or choose Add Ons in the Pledge Manager at a late date.
There are no refunds for regret, and the funds raised start being spent immediately on paying for the work done thus far and the additional work ahead plus the projects unlocked via Stretch Goal. So please be financially responsible.
Tomorrow I'll be posting one further "Final Day" update, covering What Happens Next and outlining what to expect once the campaign ends.
But until then, let's review our Stretch Goal success story!
Over the past 27 days as we've worked through this campaign, we've not only funded the book but also unlocked TEN Stretch Goal targets!
Our Stretch Goals have been a mix of regular "milestone markers" that helped keep our pace in our later days and some new content that will be featured in an XSPG companion supplement or as a new novella. Let's review and see what we've accomlished by coming together to Crowdfund this project!
MILESTONE MARKERS
Monitoring our pace during the mid-campaign, these milestone markers are great celebratory moments allowing us to keep our focus, and fun rewards going out to all who supported this project during the Crowdfunding campaign.
These rewards will automatically be added as bonus rewards to all backers who have pledged to the Dragon-Blooded Exalt tier or any other tier.
REDBUBBLE SHIRT DESIGN
An Exalted: Essence Player's Guide-themed Backer shirt will be hosted on Onyx Path's Redbubble store for a limited time. All backers will be notified when the shirt design becomes available for purchase. [DRAGON-BLOODED PLEDGE+]
DESKTOP WALLPAPER
Exceptional Exalted: Essence Player's Guide artwork will be used to create a digital wallpaper for your computer desktop. The digital wallpaper will be added to the rewards list of all backers supporting this project. [DRAGON-BLOODED PLEDGE+]
VTT TOKEN PACK
Digital assets will be created to support online play for Exalted: Essence, including key character and creature tokens from this book. This online asset pack will be added to the rewards list of all backers supporting this project. [DRAGON-BLOODED PLEDGE+]
NEW EXALTED FICTION
I've shared two fiction pieces that will be included in the book (appearing before the Exalted of Creation and the Exalted from Other Realms in the final book). We also have a great Add On for several Exalted novellas, which are all pretty awesome in my opinion. So, adding another is a great idea.
This reward will automatically be added as a bonus reward to all backers who have pledged to a reward tier that includes the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide PDF as one of their rewards.
EXALTED NOVELLA
A short story written to explore the world of the Exalted and the play experience will be will be added to the rewards list of all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide PDF [ALCHEMICAL PLEDGE+]
NEW CONTENT - BUILDING A SUPPLEMENT
Assembled via Stretch Goal achievements, we've built an additional supplement that will automatically be added as a bonus reward to all backers receiving one of the hardcover editions as part of their rewards list.
ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exalts of Creation Expansion I)
Onyx Path will create a supplement further exploring the Solars and Sidereals. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition[SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]
ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exalts of Creation Expansion II)
Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding material on Dragon-Blooded and Lunars. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]
ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exalts of Other Realms Expansion I)
Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding material on Abyssals and Infernals. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]
ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exalts of Other Realms Expansion II)
Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding material on Alchemicals, Getimians, and Liminals. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]
ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exigents Expansion)
Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding two new Exigent write-ups. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]
ESSENCE EXTENDED (Universal Charms Expansion)
Onyx Path will expand the "Essence Extended" supplement, adding more Universal Charms. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]
This was a different Exalted project than I've helped out with in the past. First up, a supplement for the Exalted: Essence take on the game, which I didn't even expect after the core rulebook and Pillars of Creation supplement (available as an Add On!). And then to have it comprised of player-facing material, tons of Charms and milestones and character advice and suggestions - with no new setting material or lore for the amazing Exalted setting - well, that was a different ballgame. And covering all 10 Exalt types instead of just focusing on one!
I figured we'd maybe be able to cram in 9 or 10 Stretch Goals if things went well. And here we are, with our 11th target in sight, once again exceeding expectations. So, let's see if we can't expand that Stretch Goal supplement one more time!
At $100,000 in Funding - ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exigents Expansion)
Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding an additional two new Exigent write-ups. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]
YOUR REWARDS!
That's right! You backed this project to help make and publish the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide! Our primary reward - the big thank you that we'll send out in appreciation for your support - are PDFs and/or hardcover copies of this book! BUT AS A BONUS, you may also have a digital wallpaper, some online tokens, and an opportunity to add to your wardrobe, plus you may be getting a new novella, or a companion supplement!
NOT MUCH MORE TIME
Unfortunately, we seem to continue to move forward at a regular pace, and our campaign will some come to the inescapable end. We've achieved our primary goal of funding the book, but there is still one possible Stretch Goal reward that is almost within grasp! I know this last funding target may seem a challenge, but it wouldn't be a STRETCH goals if we didn't have to really STRETCH to reach it! It's certainly within reach, but won't be easy, so let's keep at it!
So, as every update concludes: let's keep the enthusiasm rolling! Keep spreading the word and letting others know about this project. They've got this final day to jump in and share the Stretch Goals we've achieved!
And every backer who joins in as we approach the end is not only able to enjoy the additional rewards already added by the early fans and backers, but also help reward those early backers by maybeunlocking thatfinal Companion section!
Remember, only the funds generated during the Crowdfunding campaign go toward achieving these Stretch Goal targets, so the time to act is now! Together, we can bring this game to life and make great things happen!
EXALTED ESSENCE: PLAYER'S GUIDE enters OVERTIME MODE on Thursday, April 25th at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
We will finish up as soon as our backer train ends after that point! So let's see if we can't hit a final Stretch Goal and then keep that train running for an extra 10 or 20 minutes!!
