BackerKit FAQ
How does BackerKit crowdfunding work?
Crowdfunding is a collaborative way to bring ideas and projects to life. Project creators post their idea for a project, and backers pledge money to make the project possible. Backers get behind the scenes access and backer-only rewards, which can include exclusive products, special pricing, creative input, content, and more.
To become a backer, select a pledge level that features the reward(s) you would like to receive when the project is successfully completed and make your contribution.
All-or-nothing crowdfunding model: The creator sets a funding goal and a deadline to raise funds. If the project does not meet the goal by the deadline, backers credit cards are not charged and no money changes hands.
Crowdfunding projects can happen at various stages of the creative process. Make sure to check the estimated timeline of when rewards will be delivered. Project creators will keep you updated on the progress toward completion and delivery of your rewards.
Backing a crowdfunding campaign is not the same as purchasing an item from a store. When you back a campaign you are supporting the creation of something new. Rewards are almost always delivered, but are not guaranteed.
When will I be charged for my pledge?
Your payment method will not be charged right away. You will be charged for the amount of your pledge when the campaign ends and the project reaches its funding goal. You will not be charged if the campaign does not reach its funding goal.
What happens after the campaign is over?
The Creator will send out a survey that will ask you for more information about your pledge, your shipping information, additional items you may want to add to your pledge, and collect shipping fees if applicable.
The survey will be sent to the email address we have on file with your pledge.
Any additional payment will be charged when you complete your survey and confirm your order.
Project FAQ
Do I need to know how to play RPGs? Do I need to know how to play Thousand Year Old Vampire?
No and no. SYMATYOV has only a few rules, and the game won't break if you mess 'em up. Anyone can play this regardless of their experience with TTRPGs or the original Thousand Year Old Vampire. For reals.
What about international shipping and VAT?
International shipping is just the worst. The book will be printed in the USA, but I plan to have a fulfillment service in the EU and will try to find someone in Australia. Shipping is hard to predict and VAT... I have zero understanding of VAT and, as a one-man shop, I don't expect to ever have one. My guess is that I will be able to deliver this large book to the EU for 27USD. If shipping turns out to be much more we can refund your pledge until we find a cheaper way to get you the book. That doesn't include VAT, customs fees, or anything else. Rest of the world... Same goes for you. I'll ship as cheap as I can, and I can refund your dough if the shipping is impossibly high. I don't know how to handle shipping any better.
How is this different from Thousand Year Old Vampire?
The fundamental scenario is different: Your character is a mortal who has come to the attention of a dangerous, ancient predator. Different scenario demands different game rules. The game is fundamentally the same: You semi-randomly encounter Prompts, answer them, and build a narrative. But there are lots of differences beyond that. These are two separate games.
Can I import my Thousand Year Old Vampire characters?
Sure, but "import" isn't the right word, but the Prompt system will allow for you to bring in an existing character and use them in the story. Just remember that you are here to play a hapless mortal and not the vampire—it is going to do things that you don't want it to do.
Do I need the Thousand Year Old Vampire book? Is this an expansion?
No and no. SYMATYOV is a self-contained game book that contains new-but-familiar rules. You do not need to own or have played Thousand Year Old Vampire or anything else in order to "enjoy" So You've Met A Thousand Year Old Vampire.
Are there safety tools in the game? Does the game need safety tools?
I am kind of up in the air about safety tools in solo games. Not that they shouldn't be there, but I don't know what they should look like to be truly effective. This game can definitely be dark if you give it its head. Be aware. If you can play Thousand Year Old Vampire then you can play this, I think.
What do I need that isn't included with the game?
You'll want two ten-sided dice, a six-sided die, and a cup or box to conceal one of the dice in or under. You'll also want a pen and paper, pencil and journal, computer text editor, or a hammer, chisel and a smooth new pediment on a handy Greek temple. You technically only need a single ten-sider, really, but that's not a fun way to play.
Are there going to be a bazillion expansions for this game? Will I need to buy more stuff?
The game is self-contained, and you can enjoy it dozens of times with the material just in the book. Later there will be a Book of Worms, which are little scenarios, but you won't need it.
Can I publicly share my SYMA play throughs?
Heck yeah! Share your papers, make a video, stream it, whatever. Have fun! Just tag me in on whatever social media you're using so I can admire your work.
Is this multiplayer? Can a friend and I play TYOV and SYMA together?
This game system isn't optimized for multiplayer as-is. Some of the worms will support multiplayer though. And, regardless, LOTS of people play it multiplayer in different ways: sharing characters, epistolary exchanges between characters in the same setting, etc. Formal multiplayer rules might get an appendix; we'll have to see. Combining TYOV and SYMA for simultaneous isn't something I think I'll address, though. But I certainly encourage you to fumble your way through it on your own.
Where are the books printed?
The books are printed in the US.
Is this appropriate for kids? What is the minimum recommended player age?
No, this is absolutely 100% not recommended for young people. TYOV and SYMA both deal with themes of dehumanization, victimization, and general awfulness. I've been recommending "a mature 21+", and I'm serious about it. You can go find a copy of 500 Year Old Vampire at CMICH Press or an adult can moderate SYMA/TYOV play for a child. To be clear, 500 Year Old Vampire needs a facilitator.