DROP BEARS: A cooperative survival game for 1-4 players. Drop Bears lurk in the Aussie bush every night, can you survive until dawn?
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Update #49 - US/CAD + ROW Shipping imminent.
2 months ago
– Tue, Nov 26, 2024 at 04:10:18 PM
G'day campers!
It's been a while since my last update, longer than I'd like if I'm honest. I prefer to have solid information before reaching out, and getting details about the US shipment has been quite the challenge. But today I've got some great news to share for many of you!
First up, our ROW (Rest of World) shipping is finally getting underway directly from manufacturing. The team is working through each location to find the best shipping routes - this means some packages might start their journey before others as we sort out the details for each destination. Don't worry though, I'll be updating BackerKit accounts with tracking numbers as soon as they're available.
For our US and Canadian friends, there's movement on your shipments too. The games have arrived at Quarter Master Logistics in Florida, and we're currently updating all the shipping information. Let's dive into where everything stands across all regions.
US/CAD Shipment UNDERWAY (awaiting departure)
QML now has the stock and all the relevent paperwork from my side of things has been updated and submitted. Sadly I've been informed that at this stage the next avaliable slots for fulfilment are after Christmas. I know this is a pain, I for one was really hoping that their would be Drop Bears in xmas trees.
If you happen to have any questions/information/changes that need to be made then it MUST goto QML directly. They will make any updates to your orders from this point onwards. QML Support form
ROW Shipment - UNDERWAY!
As above packages are being sent out directly from China to their new homes around the world. I'll be keeping my eye on this one as each one of these packages may take different routes/shipping companies etc. But know that I'll keep working until they all arrive saftly.
I'm still your point of call for your region, just bear with me as answers can take some time to get. But I'll defiantly get your question(s) answered.
Expected arrival date: Varied
AU/NZ Fulfilment - Complete
Calling this completed, everyone who has contacted me should have thier goodies by now. But still if I've missed something or there is an issue, please reach out to me and I'll get it sorted for you.
"BUT MATTHEW, I HAVEN'T RECEIVED MY GOODIES?!"
If you haven't yet received your pledge or you're having issues with your delivery, please reach out as soon as possible to [email protected]. I'll get it sorted straight away, faster than a Drop Bear can ambush an unsuspecting victim!
UK/EU Shipment Update
I wish I could bring different news for our UK and EU campers this time around. The situation remains tied to our upcoming US fulfilment and ongoing Australian sales. I know hearing "please wait" again isn't what you want, but I want to be completely transparent about where we stand.
Each successful sale brings us closer to securing the funds needed for your shipments. While this hasn't been the journey any of us expected, your incredible patience and understanding mean everything. I see your comments, I read your messages, and I'm working tirelessly to get your games to you as quickly as possible.
Expected arrival date: To Be Announced
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A few common questions are popping up already regarding rules/gameplay. So I'm going to put together a Q&A that will be available on the Platypus Industries website (just like the already existent Ratcatcher Q&A)
A few so far: Setup Utility Cards - Each camper starts the game with 4 Utility Cards
Endeavours The reward(s) from a completed Endeavour are given to every camper on the location when the endeavour is completed.
Wounds/Death Campers have 6 wounds if they suffer a 6th wound then that camper is dead.
Drop Bears: Targeting: Drop bears will target a camper adjacent to their current location if there are no adjacent campers to target, the drop bear will instead return to the tree (remove the Drop Bear miniature from the map) If the Drop Bear is making a drop attack then proceed using that Drop Bear’s individual target priorities.
Solo Mode Total Survival points required = 5
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Pledge Manager Status
STATUS: LOCKED PAYMENT STATUS: CLOSED Any changes will need to be made manually (email me please). Please only make change requests if they are urgent. Most regions will soon be starting their freight journey, once this happens changes may incur additional changes.
This will be the last opportunity before shipping begins. If changes are made after this cut-off period then additional charges may apply.
Well, that's where we stand for now. Some good news for our US/CAD and ROW campers - your games are finally on the move! I know it's been a long trek, especially for our patient mates in the UK/EU who are still waiting. Every step forward brings us closer to getting the games into everyone's hands.
Running this solo means I feel every delay and every victory right along with you. Sometimes getting information is tricky and time-consuming, but I'll always share what I know as soon as I have solid details to report.
To our US campers - I know the post-Christmas timeline isn't what we hoped for, but QML will get your packages moving as soon as they can. Remember to use their support form for any questions about your delivery.
To everyone still waiting - your continued support means the world to me. This isn't just another project; it's a promise to every one of you who believed in this game, and I won't rest until they're all safely delivered to their new homes.
Update #48 - Regional update US + CAD
4 months ago
– Wed, Sep 25, 2024 at 05:36:39 PM
Hello there campers,
It's time for some more news. As we wrap up shipping in one region and get underway in yet another region.
I'm excited to finally be able to get another region underway and that will bring us one step closer. It's not the end of the journey, but it's a great step forward.
AU/NZ Fulfilment - Completed (Tidy Up)
Australia and New Zealand fulfilment is nearly complete, with just a few outstanding orders at the tail end. I've successfully shipped out nearly 500 orders - a Drop Bear invasion indeed!
My focus in this region now shifts to the traditional distribution model as I begin working with local distributors, retailers, and direct sales (locally restricted). So, local campers, do let your Friendly Local Game Stores (FLGS) know that they need Drop Bears on their shelves. It's simply un-Australian not to have them, really!
"BUT MATTHEW, I HAVEN'T RECEIVED MY GOODIES?!"
If you haven't yet received your pledge or you're having issues with your delivery, please reach out as soon as possible to [email protected]. I'll get it sorted straight away, faster than a Drop Bear can ambush an unsuspecting victim!
The pesky replacement rulebooks finally arrived and were repacked straight away allowing the shipping to get underway again.
US/CAD Shipment Expected arrival date: TBA
Sorry for the delay on this freight end of things here. With a little waiting, we have managed to save a little extra money, which will hopefully be good long term. Either way, the ship is on the water and US and CAD campers are in for some furious furry fun shortly.
Transition, Next Stop: Fulfilment centre
The experts at Quartermaster Logistics will be handling the fulfilment in these regions. But please feel free to add me to any correspondence you may have with the QML team. I'll definitely assist where I can.
I wish I had better news for you regarding UK and EU shipments. Please know that as soon as US and AU regional sales are sufficient to fund I will be getting your games to you, my patient UK and EU campers. I'm working as hard as I can to make this happen.
Expected arrival date: To Be Announced
I can't express how much I appreciate the incredible patience and understanding you've all shown. Running this project solo means your support is not just business—it's personal, and it means the world to me. I'm fully committed to getting your games to you and will update you with the timing as soon as I have more concrete information.
Thank you for sticking with me through this process. Your patience and support keep me going, and I'm truly grateful to have such understanding backers. I promise I'm doing everything in my power to get Drop Bears into your hands as soon as possible.
ROW Shipment
I regret I don't have new information about ROW shipments yet.
Expected arrival date: To Be Announced
While details are still being finalised, I'm working hard to sort out the logistics. I appreciate your patience and will update you as soon as I have more concrete information to share.
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FULFILLED!
So all Campers who chose to support the digital bundles should now have access to the digital content from their chosen support tiers.
Check your emails (the ones used in conjunction with Backerkit) you should have the links within.
A few common questions are popping up already regarding rules/gameplay. So I'm going to put together a Q&A that will be available on the Platypus Industries website (just like the already existent Ratcatcher Q&A)
A few so far: Setup Utility Cards - Each camper starts the game with 4 Utility Cards
Endeavours The reward(s) from a completed Endeavour are given to every camper on the location when the endeavour is completed.
Wounds/Death Campers have 6 wounds if they suffer a 6th wound then that camper is dead.
Drop Bears: Targeting: Drop bears will target a camper adjacent to their current location if there are no adjacent campers to target, the drop bear will instead return to the tree (remove the Drop Bear miniature from the map) If the Drop Bear is making a drop attack then proceed using that Drop Bear’s individual target priorities.
Solo Mode Total Survival points required = 5
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Pledge Manager Status
STATUS: LOCKED PAYMENT STATUS: CLOSED Any changes will need to be made manually (email me please). Please only make change requests if they are urgent. Most regions will soon be starting their freight journey, once this happens changes may incur additional changes.
This will be the last opportunity before shipping begins. If changes are made after this cut-off period then additional charges may apply.
So that's it for another update. Again thank you everyone for your support and patience in this extended journey to getting Drop Bears onto tabletops all around the world. Rest assured I continue to be committed to getting EVERYONE their games.
No doubt I'll be back soon with more updates for you all. Until then look up and live campers.
- Matthew
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EXTRAS
Get your Drop Bears Microbadges on BGG NOW!!
Here are instructions for a user to add microbadges to their profile on BoardGameGeek:
Log in to your BoardGameGeek account.
Go to your profile page by clicking on your username in the top right corner.
On your profile page, look for the "Microbadges" section. It's usually located on the right side of the page.
Click on the "Edit" button next to "Microbadges".
You'll be taken to the Microbadge Market. Here, you can browse or search for microbadges you want to add.
To search for specific microbadges, use the search bar at the top of the page. You can search by keyword, game name Drop Bears.
When you find a microbadge you want, click on it to select it.
Click the "Add to Cart" button to add the selected microbadge to your shopping cart.
Repeat steps 6-8 for any additional microbadges you want to add.
When you're done selecting microbadges, click on the shopping cart icon in the top right corner.
Review your cart and click "Proceed to Checkout".
Confirm your purchase. Most microbadges cost 1 GeekGold each.
After purchasing, the new microbadges will automatically appear on your profile.
To rearrange your microbadges, return to your profile page and click "Edit" next to "Microbadges" again. You can drag and drop the badges to reorder them.
Click "Save Changes" when you're done arranging your microbadges
If you require GeekGold please just let me know ;) ------
EVENTS
Where Cheese is Magic and Bears Drop!
OCTOBER Friday 11 - Sunday 13, 2024 BOOTH 1130
Platypus Industries is heading back to PaxAus for our third year, and I couldn't be more excited to see all of you fine campers again! I'm looking forward to sharing what I've been working on and hearing your stories. The amazing volunteer team will be there to help run demos and keep things running smoothly. We'll have Ratcatcher and Drop Bears available to play, and I might even give you a sneak peek at our upcoming game, Voyage. Most importantly, I can't wait to chat with you all about game design, swap tales from the bush, or just hang about. Your support and enthusiasm are what make this journey so special. See you at PAXAUS '24!
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Community Content
Thanks to everyone who takes the time to share not only their pretty pictures but also their tales of survival. It's truly wonderful to hear that the game is bringing fun and joy to Campers. Please continue this trend, I really appreciate it.
I mean check out these paint jobs! I mean if you don't want to go camping in the bush after seeing those beasts then you never will.
Update #47 - Drop Bears on the loose!
6 months ago
– Sat, Aug 03, 2024 at 08:41:25 AM
Good day campers, Sorry for the absence I have been a busy platypus with the local fulfilment arm. A few things to report, mainly for the AU/NZ campers. However, a slight delay is affecting the US/CAD & ROW shipment.
Fulfilment is underway!
A very wet game designer :/ A massive thank you to my daughter who helped me out with unloading this mass amount of goodies, 10 palettes done by hand in the cold and heavy rain. Thank you Zozo! All in all, it's worth it, we have treasure! Drop Bears stock is safe in storage, and fulfilment is already underway!
A bit of quality control on a few copies to check. This turned up a missing component in the Ratcatcher Upgrade kits, the rulebook. This will be shipped out directly to me for assembly here. These are being shipped over express from China and we'll pack them here as soon as they arrive So if your order includes one or more of these it will await the arrival of these replacements. Our manufacturing partner passes on their apologies.
So far, my rag-tag team have managed to get over 350 orders out the door. So keep an eye out for shipping notifications in your inbox. But at this stage, we are making our way through the orders, so please be patient as we work through the mass of orders. We will get them all done, I promise. Also keep an eye out for emails from me, as I've had a few addresses that the systems flagged for adjustment.
I need my local Campers (AUD/NZ) to spread their enthusiasm and excitement for the game. So make sure you post tons of pictures (I love seeing them!) Feel free to tag Platypus Industries on any of the socials. Also, make sure you go on and give the game a rating on BGG as well. All this helps build momentum for the game and raise the funds we need to get our EU/UK campers their copies. I know I can count on you all.
Awaiting Ship: Set to start in the next week or two (exciting!)
Expected arrival date: TBA
Due to a packing error (detected in the AUD/NZ shipment) - Mispacked cartons - Missing rulebooks in the RC update packs We are just fixing these things up before we can get on the boat. I'm glad we caught it before the ship out.
UK/EU Shipment
Awaiting Ship: TBA
Expected arrival date: TBA
ROW Shipment
Awaiting Ship: Imminently
Expected arrival date: TBA
Due to a packing error (detected in the AUD/NZ shipment) - Mispacked cartons - Missing rulebooks in the RC update packs We are just fixing these things up before we can get on the boat. I'm glad we caught it before the ship out.
*All dates shown are estimates and are liable to change without notice.
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It appears the factory has packed in the core sets. So never fear if you cannot find them separately packed, that is unless you ordered them separately.
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FULFILLED!
So all Campers who chose to support the digital bundles should now have access to the digital content from their chosen support tiers.
Check your emails (the ones used in conjunction with Backerkit) you should have the links within.
A few common questions are popping up already regarding rules/gameplay. So I'm going to put together a Q&A that will be available on the Platypus Industries website (just like the already existent Ratcatcher Q&A)
A few so far: Setup Utility Cards - Each camper starts the game with 4 Utility Cards
Endeavours The reward(s) from a completed Endeavour are given to every camper on the location when the endeavour is completed.
Wounds/Death Campers have 6 wounds if they suffer a 7th wound then that camper is dead.
Drop Bears: Targeting: Drop bears will target a camper adjacent to their current location if there are no adjacent campers to target, the drop bear will instead return to the tree (remove the Drop Bear miniature from the map) If the Drop Bear is making a drop attack then proceed using that Drop Bear’s individual target priorities.
Solo Mode Total Survival points required = 5
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Pledge Manager Status
STATUS: LOCKED PAYMENT STATUS: CLOSED Any changes will need to be made manually (email me please). Please only make change requests if they are urgent. Most regions will soon be starting their freight journey, once this happens changes may incur additional changes.
This will be the last opportunity before shipping begins. If changes are made after this cut-off period then additional charges may apply.
I/Platypus Industries will be attending PAXAUS 2024 as planned. Melbourne - OCTOBER 11 - 13, 2024
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Well, that's it for another exciting update. I sincerely hope that the excitement is building now that the game is getting into the hands of campers. Knowing that I'm organising and packing orders as quickly as I can, we have a pretty good routine now thankfully and I'm confident it will be done here within a week or so.
I'd like to finish the fulfilment here as quickly as I can so I can turn my focus back to making sure we can do the right thing and get the games to our EU/UK campers.
Look up and live campers!
Drop Bears are coming!
- Matthew
----- Community Gallery:
Some campers have not wasted their time in getting some paint on these super cool miniatures.
Keep the images and stories coming folks! I love hearing all the trials and tribulations.
#46 The first ship is away!
7 months ago
– Sat, Jun 22, 2024 at 06:14:13 AM
Hello again Campers, It's time for another killer koala update. It's pretty exciting! so go on, keep reading. I understand moving forward with updates regarding fulfilment is going to be a mixed bag for some of the campers. Just know that the momentum of the project is a good thing for ALL campers. Please try to understand that the more of the game that gets to new homes the quicker the next batch can move to its new home also.
So as per the last update moving forward the method being used is as follows: Option A. Stage by Stage A stage-by-stage fulfilment is still possible. It's not the most expedient option (sadly) but it has the potential to get the job done.
How will this work?
Stage by stage: This would involve fulfilling chunks of the campaign to individual regions. These regions would be selected based on a cost-efficiency basis. with each region chosen based on the volume and cost to fulfil but also the ability to derive more funds from distribution to fulfil the unfulfilled zone(s).
Anyway... let's get on with things shall we. because... That's right folks! The first ship carrying Drop Bears is on the water!
So the plan for regional fulfilment of Australia and the US is now officially underway!
I understand that this can be a mixed bag for some of the campers. Just know that the momentum of the project is a good thing for ALL campers. Know that the more of the game that gets to new homes the quicker the next batch can move to its new home also.
It's been a long journey and here we are at a new (and the most exciting part) Journey.
I want to run at least a single pick-up day for you all to come down and grab your copy and say hello and accept my heartfelt thank you in person. I wanted to start a FB group and discord channel for the event, I hope that works for everyone.
US/CAD Shipment
Awaiting Ship: TBA
Expected arrival date: TBA
UK/EU Shipment
Awaiting Ship: TBA
Expected arrival date: TBA
ROW Shipment
Awaiting Ship: Imminently
Expected arrival date: TBA
*The dates shown are estimates and are liable to change without notice.
Cancellation of PLAYCON. I can officially state that I and Platypus Industries will NOT be in attendance for Placon 2024. It was a tough call but there were just too many misaligned elements to make the trip work. I was looking forward to attending the event as I love the BGBBQ crew and all the wonderful things they do for the community.
I/Platypus Industries will be attending PAXAUS 2024 as planned. Melbourne - OCTOBER 11 - 13, 2024
The question of What's happening with the Ratcatcher upgrade sets and other stock seems to be persisting in my emails.
The Ratcatcher products are included in the shipment plan for each region. All Ratcatcher products will be fulfilled alongside the Drop Bears stock.
The Ratcatcher stock is not treated/shorted or prioritised any differently than the accompanying Drop Bears stock.
As with the Drop Bears project, I am committed to delivering ALL of Platypus Industries games/products to ALL their owning players globally.
Pledge Manager Status
STATUS: LOCKED PAYMENT STATUS: CLOSED Any changes will need to be made manually (email me please). Please only make change requests if they are urgent. Most regions will soon be starting their freight journey, once this happens changes may incur additional changes.
This will be the last opportunity before shipping begins. If changes are made after this cut-off period then additional charges may apply.
Well, that's it, I'm hoping that everyone is excited that things are underway. It's not been an easy journey to this point, but it feels good to be making this rather large step in the right direction. I cannot wait as we get every zone its goodies I'm excited to get the game in your hands and hear your valiant tails of survival ... or deaths at the hands of the Drop Bears.
Updates will continue to come until all Campers have their goodies and as always if there is anything I can assist with please let me know. Until next time campers, get your damper in the fire now, it's nearly dinner time.
Best Regards - Matthew Aslin
The Plan - Adaptation
8 months ago
– Mon, May 27, 2024 at 08:44:20 AM
The Plan must adapt.
So, after the two-week funding period, how did we all do? The grand total was $25,100 AUD, sadly short of the original goal. :( so what now?
So what happens now? Not all is lost, there are options that I have come up with. So what are our options at this stage? Well, the one that involves giving up isn't an option I'm willing to entertain. So Let's look at this as logically as possible.
Option A. Stage by Stage A stage-by-stage fulfilment is still possible. It's not the most expedient option (sadly) but it has the potential to get the job done.
Option B. Direct Shipping The other, unfavourable option would be direct shipping. This would ship directly from China to backers.
However, to all the above, I would like to hear from all of my fellow campers with regards to what option feels best/fairest. You may even have a great idea that I've missed. So please let me know what you think.
How would that work?
Stage by stage: This would involve fulfilling chunks of the campaign to individual regions. These regions would be selected based on a cost-efficiency basis. with each region chosen based on the volume and cost to fulfil but also the ability to derive more funds from distribution to fulfil the unfulfilled zone(s).
Direct Shipping: Sadly, this option is quite expensive per shipment and also makes the receiver liable for local taxes. This is something I would only entertain to do as with the above, all or nothing. I will NOT split the stock up for freight and direct ship out as the logistics and costs will greatly increase. We are all in the together.
Freight and shipping.
To clarify, freight refers to the movement of stock between the factory and the fulfilment partner, while shipping refers to the movement of individual orders from the fulfilment partners to backers/customers.
Stage-by-stage proposal - The most efficient option. The plan remains to deliver to all backers. Despite some regions receiving stock earlier, this is done solely to maximize the chances of successful fulfilment for all. The proposed plan for stage-by-stage fulfilment is as follows:
US & AU: Freight the US and AU stock to their fulfilment points. AU is the cheapest zone to fulfil/store (handled by Platypus Industries), and the US has the largest quantity orders and stock, fulfilling a greater number and allowing for higher potential sales and faster financial return.
The available funds will cover the estimated costs for the fulfilment of US stock. The Australian stock I will manage steadily here from PI HQ.
ROW: The small number of Rest of the World (ROW) orders will be fulfilled directly from the China factory.
UK/EU Sadly, this shortfall leaves the UK/EU stock unable to move forward initially. However, the choice to prioritize the US and AU was made as these regions are most likely to generate additional sales, which will fund the fulfilment of the UK/EU orders. There will be a delay for the UK/EU zone, but I am committed to fulfilling the project for all campers.
The estimated required funds for EU and UK fulfilment is $18.5k AUD. This will become a new goal to achieve. I will be updating you all on the progress toward this one.
I know this proposal is not ideal for everyone, especially those in the UK/EU zone, and for that, I apologise. Distribution and retailers in fulfilled regions will have stock of the range. The planned release schedule for US retail is just the core set, with expansions slated for release 2-3 months later.
Other combinations of zones increase outlay and risk overall failure to deliver. I feel this is the best solution available at this time. Unless there are major objections from the community, I am prepared to execute the stage-by-stage plan, beginning by freighting Drop Bears to the mentioned fulfilment partners and from there initiating the shipping process to those zones campers (exciting, I know).
------ The Ratcatcher
Stock for the Ratcatcher is included in all of the above fulfilment planning. So, The Ratcatcher stock will return to in stock status with distribution and retailers in the delivered zones. This will contribute additional funds that will be utalised to fund the completion of Fulfilment.
------ Timeline Overview
US: Freight to the US fulfilment point will begin in June 2024. We have partnered with a reliable logistics provider to ensure timely and efficient delivery to the fulfilment center.
AUS: Freight to the AU fulfilment point will also commence in June 2024. I myself will handle the logistics, ensuring that this phase runs smoothly.
UK/EU: Freight plans for the UK/EU region are currently being finalised. I I'm aiming to provide a more specific timeline soon, depending on the funds raised from the US and AU distributions. Our goal is to start this phase as soon as the necessary resources are secured.
Shipping:
US: Quarter Master Logistics, experts in fulfilment, will manage the shipping process for the US and Canada zones. Once the stock arrives at their fulfilment center, they will quickly process and ship out all the orders. We expect this to begin in July 2024.
AUS: The Australian orders will be handled by myself direct from Platypus HQ. Once the stock is received, I will process and ship out the orders. Shipping is expected to start in July 2024.
UK/EU: Shipping for the UK/EU region is to be announced (TBA). We will provide a specific timeline once the freight plans are finalized and the necessary funds are raised. Our aim is to minimise any delays and start shipping as soon as possible.
ROW:
Orders for the Rest of the World (ROW) will be fulfilled directly from the China factory. This will streamline the process and reduce shipping times for these regions. Shipping is expected to start in August 2024.
Planned Retail Release:
US Retail: The core set will be available first, with expansions slated for release 2-3 months later. We anticipate the core set hitting retail stores in July/Aug 2024, followed by expansions in October 2024.
------ Pretty Pictures!
Some new images from the manufacturer. They have been so supportive through this whole process and I truly mean it when I say this project could not have been done without the great team at HJM!
I think this is the best shot yet of those yellow dice.
----- Conventions
Playcon JULY 12-14, 2024
Firstly, thank you all for your insights. They were many and very insightful. After all your advice has been great and I've changed up my original plans and if fulfilment is still incomplete, will likely run some form of pre-order system, This will of course depend on the state of fulfilment.
PaxAus OCTOBER 11 - 13, 2024
As per the normal schedule for the year, Platypus Industries will be at PaxAus. I'm looking forward to the event, and I hope to catch up with many of my fellow campers.
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Pledge Manager Status
STATUS: LOCKED PAYMENT STATUS: CLOSED Any changes will need to be made manually (email me please). Please only make change requests if they are urgent. Most regions will soon be starting their freight journey, once this happens changes may incur additional changes.
This will be the last opportunity before shipping begins. If changes are made after this cut-off period then additional charges may apply.
I know this update has been tough for some of you. I really hope the next stage brings us all some joy as the game finally starts its journey across the globe and onto our tabletops. Your continued support and patience mean the world to me. I’m doing my best to get everything done, and your help, kind words, and advice make it so much easier. So, Thank you very much.
As a comforting reminder, I continue my commitment to the project and the 100% delivery to all campers. I know it hasen't been an easy journey, it hasen't been for me either, but this will get done and you will get your pledge.
UK/EU Shipment 
