About production, logistics and delivery
about 10 years ago – Fri, May 13, 2016 at 08:40:47 AM

Ladies & Gentlemen,

This is going to be quite a long update, covering details of manufacturing, logistics and delivery of Heart of the Mists, Mistfall and Heroes of Mistfall Miniatures Pack. It's our way to keep you up to date with what has happened and what we plan to do in the coming months. So, buckle up, it's going to be a long ride... :)

What has happened so far

For the past several months we have been relentlessly working on the art. Around 80% of all artwork in Heart of the Mists is ready and also 50% of the artwork for all possible stretch goals - yes, there is a limit :)

The design of Heart of the Mists is also complete, we're now testing its limits and the quality of the rules. This is where we may ask for your help, we'll probably send some of you (who have already offered to be involved) the rules and cards to proof read.

Last month we took a trip to China to make sure that manufacturing for In the Name of Odin stays on track. We also discussed with the same manufacturing company about making all Mistfall related products with them and we got lots of support. Thus, we chose them again and they have started modeling the miniatures for Heroes of Mistfall.

With this in mind, let me tell you what is the plan forward.

Pre-production

This is probably the most important part as most publishers encounter unforeseen problems and deliver files late. This has never been our case and with this project more than ever we plan to stay on track.

On the Asian side, currently there is a team of sculptors and model makers preparing 3D files for the plastic miniatures. As we speak we are waiting for new models which should be ready for injection and we will share them with you as they come. The estimated time to complete all 3D models (including any heroes which we may unlock via stretch goals) should be ready by the end of June.

On our side of the world, we plan to complete the files for Heart of the Mists by the end of June and the rest of the files in the subsequent 15 days - OK, there are a few surprises we're working on and I promise you won't be disappointed.

The key to a successful preparation is to promise only what we can deliver. We are fully aware that projects which over-promise tend to be years late. NSKN Games has always stayed away from such happenings and we will continue to do so. 

Side story: since November last year we implemented an Agile system of working in our company which helped us increase our efficiency by 40%. It also helped us integrate our strategic plan into our daily routine, therefore we are very confident of our proposed timelines.

Production

At the beginning of July we will take a trip to China to meet the manufacturer and assess the quality of the miniatures (3D printed at this stage) and the proposed pain job. 

Molding and plastic injection is usually the longest process, so while that happens we will finalize all files and submit them for feedback to production experts in China. This step will take about 40 days altogether. We won't be wasting any time, taking care of logistics and preparing upcoming projects.

When the minis are ready, we will most likely visit the production facility again to check the quality, see a final sample of a painted set and approve the colors and die cuts for all printed game components.

In the last part of August, as minis get painted and cardboard components printed, glued and assembled, we will follow up with FedEx and contract containers to transport pallets of games to our fulfillment centers.

By 1st of September, all game boxes should be cased and placed on pallets. 

Logistics

By the end of September, we expect shipments to arrive to USA and Europe, carrying many, many games :)

From the destination port in USA, the shipment will be split in two parts, one for US backers going to Passport Game Studios who has been helping us ever since we starter doing KS projects, and the second one to Board Game Bliss in Canada who will ship games to our Canadian backers.

The European container will also be split in two. The first part will go to UK with games for all backers from Western EU and the second part will go to Poland with games for everyone else (Eastern EU, non-EU Europe and the rest of the world).

If we get enough momentum in Australia and New Zealand, there is a possibility for another shipment to Sydney, but it is too early to anticipate.

If the customs process goes smoothly, by mid-October, most game boxes should be in fulfillment centers, ready to be sent out. Thus, by the end of October, we expect that 90% or more of our backers to receive their rewards.

With that in mind, I am wishing everyone a nice weekend, and Blazej will take over... we told you there will be a few surprises coming up ;)

Andrei

Print and Play with Time!
about 10 years ago – Thu, May 12, 2016 at 11:20:35 AM

Ladies and Gentlemen!

By popular demand, I decided to make a change in our PnP schedule, and go with the Time Charter and the new Quest Charter first. And since they are not that cool to look at, I decided to share another Location image with you. Here, take a look:

So, if you click here or on the slim gentleman above, you will be able to download the new PnP PDF. Before you jump into the fun, there are a few things we need to talk about.

Come closer, Sid will not harm you, as he is... sleeping now.

Here we go...

Firstly, I was a bit reluctant to make the new mechanism widely available this early, as it is still undergoing a bit of callibration. So, please remember that some details may change between now and the final version of Heart of the Mists.

Secondly, you might wonder what the numbers on the Time Track are for, since Time Cards are no longer used. Well, they are there because some of the new Quests make use of them. But there is also another reason: a new Variant!

Time Events Variant

If you want to, you may combine Time Cards and the new Time Charter. If you do this, draw 1 Time Card every time the marker cube on the Time Track stops on or moves over any of the numbers. Ignore any regular marker cube movement (printed at the top of each Time Card), and just use the event, also making use of the number as a replacement for the "?" whenever applicable.

If you decide to use this variant, I strongly recommend removing some of the most vicious time cards from your deck (like "The Mists are Relentless"). This way, you will get a bit of the calssic unexpected event feel, but you will still be able to take advantage of the new level of control the Heart of the Mists rules provide.

Other useful stuff

Although finding the Rules Supplement should not be a problem, let me also provide you with the links here:

- Rules Supplement (improved, ink/toner heavy version)

- Light Rules Supplement (improved version without coloured background).

You can help!

If you take the new mechanism for a spin, be sure to tell us what you think. And if you want to help even more, spread the word of the Mists via your choice of social media. The more excited people we have here, the better we work, as this excitement makes us faster, stronger and sharper. A bit like superheroes, only not quite as cool ;-)

I hope you enjoy this new PnP, and I sincerely hope that you all have a great day! Enjoy!

Błażej

Lore Update: Lands of the Scorching Sun
about 10 years ago – Thu, May 12, 2016 at 06:17:40 AM

Ladies and Gentlemen!

It’s time to tell you a piece of the story of the world of Mistfall, and introduce you to the new lands the events of Heart of the Mists will take place in. I’m also proud to present you with a few pieces of art that will make their appearance on Location Tiles in the game.

And you’ll find a tiny bonus at the end of the update :-)

Rage of the Nightfather

The oldest legends of the world tell the story of its creation, of the fall of Dusk, one of two divine beings that forged lifeless matter into land, sea, sky, and all the beings that exist upon this earth. They also tell of how Dusk became disgruntled with the Firstborn, the children that turned away from him, wanting to forever bask in the warm glow of the goddess Dawn.

Disappointed and enraged, Dusk struck the earth with all of his divine power, annihilating his children in hellish flames, and leaving part of the lands an ever burning desert. A desert now known as Naar.

The History of Naar

After the cataclysm, Dusk and Dawn met only once more, to labour together for the last time. Together they created men, and gave them free will to choose between the Shadows and the Light, and an unquenchable thist for making the world their own.

Neither the cold nor the scorching heat would stop humanity from exploring and settling, and so, from the coldest parts of Valskyrr to the hottest regions of Naar, humans would claim the land as their own. And even though they would have to stand against threats forged by Dusk himself, who once again turned his back on his children, they would make the world their own.

The harsh conditions of Naar spawned in time a tribe of men both strong and resolute, able to not only adapt to the scorching sun and the burning sands of vast deserts, but to even tap into the strength of earth itself. Now the Kerathi, the first people to settle the hot wastelands, are known as fighters and craftsmen, able to wield the sword and arcane powers in the battle that is to decide the fate of this world.

Naar Today

After a great battle, in which men stood against the monsters and abominations of the Mists, for a while it seemed that humanity has finally gained the upper hand. But the devious power was only lying in wait, as only months after what felt like a victory, the Mists have struck again, changing the face of the world forever.

Twisting the paths and almost ripping the world apart, the Mists have done what seemed impossible. Now the burning deserts and the lands of frost and snow, once thousands of miles apart, can be traversed within a day. And it seems that only those with the strongest will can find their way to the same place more than once.

This new world immediately created new alliances. Humanity, now fully aware of the destructive and corrupting power of the Mists united, and heroes from every corner of the world are ready to stand together, to face the new threats spawned by the Mists.

And maybe, just maybe, find the legendary Heart, which will let them finally know how it feels to live in peace.

Bonus: Rules Supplement Update

For all of you who asked about a printer-friendly version of the Rules Supplement, it can be found here. For those of you, who like the background, there is also a regular, heavier improved version here. Also, we already introduced the small correction caught by our backers.

Thanks, enjoy, and – as always – have a great day!

Błażej

The One for the Veterans and Newbies alike
about 10 years ago – Wed, May 11, 2016 at 09:37:42 AM

Ladies and Gentlemen!

It is the first time we are in a situation where a game we’re kickstarting already has fans and people who know how to play it, and new fans and backers. Because of that, I decided to prepare an update that will give all of you a bit to enjoy.

Let’s start with something cool for everyone, and that is an image of a recently unlocked new Enemy. So, fest your eyes on the Corrupted Drake in all it’s glory! Oh, and don’t come too close, as this beast is a vicious one, and it does certainly bite!

If you’re new…

Now, if you’re a new player looking to start your adventure with Heart of the Mists (and possibly bundling it up nicely with Mistfall), you might be interested in a series of videos done by Ricky Royale. Below you’ll find the first part of a complete playthrough of one of the Quests from the base game, with the full series available here.

And if you want a nice read, we’ve also made available a written learn-as-you-play guide for the Mistfall base game. Even if you don’t have a copy of the game on hand, you should be able to easily follow what goes on – and get excited about Mistfall!

If you’re a Mistfall Veteran…

If you’ve been around Mistfall for a while, you’ll probably be curious to take a look at this little document. It lists all of the changes and new rules Heart of the Mists will introduce. This summary will allow you to make use of some of the new stuff immediately, so don’t be shy, and give it a read.

And speaking about playing some of the new stuff, if you click here or at the picture above, you will be magically transported into the dwelling of Elatha the Misthuntress, the first of the Heart of the Mists Heroes you can now print and play in your very own home. And, if you come back tomorrow at roughly the same time, you’ll see that Melekai, another of the Heroes is getting the same treatment! How’s that for something that will port you over until the game is actually in your hands?

And finally, do you like the picture above? If you do, you can get your own Mistfall / Heart of the Mists insert from Insert Here. Just click the photo or follow this link to set yourself up with this awesome baby, and bring your own order into the chaos of the Mists!

As always, share your thoughts on anything you find here, and have a great day.

Błażej

How to pledge for add-ons
about 10 years ago – Wed, May 11, 2016 at 05:16:52 AM

Ladies & Gentlemen,

We have received a lot of messages asking us how to add extras to a pledge, thus we decided to help you through the process. If you already have experience with Kickstarter, you can easily skip reading this update altogether.

If you're about to join the campaign:

1. Choose the add-ons you want. There is a whole list of the on the main project page.

2. Choose your pledge level:

 3. Select your shipping country (e.g Poland):

 4. Manually change the amount pledged, adding the total value of your add-ons. For example, if you want to add 1 copy of Valkskyrr and 1 extra copy of Heart of the Mists, your total should be $98 (selected pledge level + shipping + $9 (Valskyrr) + $43 (extra copy of Heart of the Mists) = $150.

5. Click continue and then follow the instructions from the next page. It's that simple!

If you have already backed the project, yet you still want to add extras:

1. look for the blue "Manage" button just under the project funding details and click on it:

2. On the next page, click on "Change your pledge":

3. On the next page, you will be able to select again a pledge level and manually change the total as previously shown (step 4).

After the campaign ends, we will send out a survey where you can tell us what you pledged for, so you do not need to worry right now about how to communicate this to us.

Hoping this helps and wishing everyone a great day, yours,

Andrei