If you're new here! Hello! I'm Nathan, I run CrypticCrafter with my wife Monique. This is a project of love that once started as a hobby and has now turned into what it is today.
This is the first Production Update email for Batch 3. A semi-regular email keeping you up to date with how the orders are coming along. I don't have a defined schedule, but I try to send one out every month or so.
Batch 3 Pre-orders are now closed! Monique and I can't thank you all enough for your support and excitement about this game.
We are so grateful to be in this position, and very keen to get started on production!
Game Updates
In one of our previous updates, we mentioned we will be adding a "Check Rules" sigil to the game.
This was to be used on a few cards that had special abilities that aren't immediately obvious. Such as the Long Elk dropping Vertebrae cards. Or The Daus attacking any card that damages one of it's Chimes.
These cards aren't an issue in the video game, as it will automatically manage all the special abilities. But in a PVP board game, both players need to be aware of what every card does, and how to manage them.
After some great feedback from a few of you (Thanks James in particular) we've changed from the generic "Check Rules" sigil to a unique new sigil for any cards that require it. The "Check Rules" sigil felt a bit like it broke immersion in the game. Instead of being able to look at the design of a sigil to remember it's meaning, you had to refer to the rulebook and read some technical jargon.
So below are the 4 new sigil designs! We're going to send these off to print in the next few days. So any last minute technical feedback is appreciated! Thanks to Professor Eggnog for the help with the sigil artworks!
I have also decided to include the original unmodified cards in every order. These sigils will be the new default. But the originals will be provided as extras in the back of the deck.
Reborn Sigil Used on the Bonus Ouroboros Card
Same effect as the Unkillable sigil. But upon death, increases its power and health by 1. Resets each full game.
Bone Shedder Sigil Used on the Long Elk Card.
The same effect as the Sprinter Sigil. However, A Vertebrae card is dropped in its previous space each time it moves.
Awoken Sigil Used on the Bonus Child 13 card.
When sacrificed, this card swaps to an alternate version. If sacrificed 13 times, this card swaps to Hungry Child
Itchy Sigil Used on the Pelt Lice Card in Kaycee's Mod
When chosen, gain 2 pelt cards. If a pelt card is played, this card will be taken from your hand or deck and played into any empty adjacent space.
Charity Donations
If you didn't know, we're a member of 1% for the Planet! Which means 1% of all our revenue is donated to environmental charities. Thanks to all of you, we can make a small impact in the world!
In the past we've donated to Wires (an Australian wildlife conservation group), OzHarvest (Feeding people in need) and Carbon Positive (a Carbon offset program).
We're going to make some more donations before the end of this month. But we're open to suggestions! If you'd like to make a suggestion, there's two requirements. We'd prefer Australian charities, as that's where we are based. And it needs to be registered on the 1% for the Planet website here
Shoot me an email to nathan@crypticcrafter.com if you have any suggestions! Otherwise we'll update you next month on what we chose!
Bits and Pieces
Couple of other bits and pieces before I go:
This is our first time offering a 50% deposit option. Less than 12% of you chose that option! Definitely lower than I expected!
Currency Conversion shenanigans This is our first time offering payment in your local currencies! I knew it was coming, but I didn't quite expect all the extra fees on my end. Prices are directly converted from AUD, and since the Aussie dollar has been a bit low lately, many of your would have scored a better deal than usual! Meanwhile some of our costs have gone up (thanks USD). No problems though, just an observation!
Parts Production We've already ordered most of the parts we need! Some of these are local (like all the printed components), and others are overseas (like the metal bells). For overseas on average they'll take 1-2 months to make, and 1-2 months to ship. The rest of the parts we'll start making ourselves. Recently had a delivery of Australian Blackwood arrive so we can start working on laser cutting and assembling the scales in the next few weeks.
That's all folks! Thanks again for all the support and kind words we've received. As always, feel free to get in touch anytime with a question, or even just to say hello! nathan@crypticcrafter.com
