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 a credit card to pledge?
Yes, you do, so please keep it at hand when you pledge for the first time on Backerkit.
How do I update my personal information?
Once you have set up a Backerkit account, you can change this information at any time during or after the campaign by logging into the account and click onto "manage account" in the pop-up menu behind your profile picture. This will lead you to a page where you can edit your payment method, you mailing address and more. You will also have a chance to do so in the pledge manager, to which we invite you after the campaign.
How do I update my pledge?
During the campaign: After you have pledged to our project, a box will appear on the right hand side of the project page, with a link that says 'Manager your pledge' (pic below) This will allow you to edit their pledge tier. After the campaign: You will be invited to fill out a survey in the pledge manager, where you can update your order.
Are shipping costs included in my pledge?
No. Shipping costs fluctuate highly these days. In order to give you the best possible rate, we will ask you to pay for the shipping costs in the survey (Pledge Manager) towards the end of the year. Read more about the survey in the respective FAQ.
When will I receive my rewards?
Digital items will be distributed in February 2026. Physical items will be shipped in April 2026. Please remember that in order to receive your rewards, you need to answer the survey in the Pledge Manager to which we will invite you in autumn 2026.
When will you send out the survey?
We will invite you to complete the survey (also called Pledge Manager) in late autumn 2025. The reason that we open the Pledge Manager relatively late is because we want to calculate realistic shipping costs. Prices fluctuate a lot and we want to offer you the fairest price possible! Note: You can only collect your rewards, if you actually fill out the survey. So please check your mails and answer as soon as we send you the invitation.
Do you ship physical rewards to my country?
Very probably. However: Due to logistical reasons, we do not deliver to countries where there is war or where there are other difficult conditions. This includes: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Syria, Palestine, as well as many countries in the Middle East or in Africa. It is highly unlikely, that someone living under dire circumstances would want to buy an RPG, but please contact us, if we are mistaken. We will check, if delivery is possible after all.
Should I pledge now or buy later in your shop or on DTRPG?
We strongly encourage you to pledge during the campaign rather than wait until the book hits our store. Here’s why: Better value: All items are offered at significantly lower prices during the campaign. Early access: You’ll receive your rewards before they’re available anywhere else. Exclusive physical editions: After the campaign, only the main book will be available in print. All other add-ons—such as the street maps, battle maps, The Magical Renaissance Player’s Guide for 5e, and the Ars Magica Guide to Serenissima Obscura—will only be offered digitally. Limited stretch goals: Special extras like player handouts, unique characters, and the deluxe campaign box will only be unlocked and available to backers during the campaign. Pledging now means getting more content, at a better price, in higher quality—and helping bring Serenissima Obscura to life in its fullest form.
Where is Serenissima Obscura produced?
We are a German publisher and Serenissima Obscura will be printed in Lithuania, EU. Our printer is STANDART IMPRESSA (www.standart.lt), who use an FSC-certificated press and FSC paper for this project. FSC certification is considered the "gold standard" designation for wood harvested from forests that are responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious, and economically viable. Note for US American backers: Depending on the taxes imposed by the US American Government, we might have to print your items in the USA. Printing costs in the USA are much higher than in Lithuania. But when the shipping costs and taxes rise as anticipated, it might still be a viable option. This is something we will have to decide by January 2026.
I am a retailer. How to I complete my order?
At the end of the campaign we’ll contact you to customize your pledge level allowing you to add on more items if desired. We will then also ask you to send us some proof that you are actually a retailer, like a link to your shop or some business certification.
My English is not sufficient. Can you help me?
Probably. Melina, the campaign manager, communicates in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. She will be super busy, but will try to help you with whatever questions you have that cannot be answered by Google Translate or Deepl. 😉
In which languages will Serenissima Obscura be available?
In English. If you are interested in publishing our works in another language for your country, please contact us in regarding licensing.