FINAL HOURS: CHECKLIST & WHAT COMES NEXT
over 2 years ago – Sat, Aug 14, 2021 at 12:30:44 AM

Hello Squeaky Toys,

Welcome to the final hours of this campaign. What a fun rodent ride this project has been! I've mentioned this before, but the Pugmire RPG was the very first Onyx Path kickstarter campaign I participated in as a backer, and I'm super happy to be on this side of the update screen as the Realms of Pugmire are expanded once again! I love this game and this setting and think Eddy and the team have done a remarkable job creating this world. I'm also super excited to not only bring mice into the game as playable characters, but to introduce a dungeoncrawl element into the setting as well.

As I prepare to post this, we are not quite 7 hours from the end of this campaign, and approaching an amazing finish! 

Refresher Course

We've had, and will have, many new backers join in during these last days. I want to take a moment to highlight some key Update posts that new backers may want to check out (and existing backers may want to read as a refresher!).

MANUSCRIPT PREVIEW - As noted, the complete Preview Manuscript is available for you to review prior to the conclusion of the campaign. If you're a backer, you'll have access to this preview manuscript after the campaign. Remember, though, there are still some minor edits, development and proofing that need to be done. But, you can consider this about 94.8% finished. Making the manuscript available for review before the campaign ends ensures that everyone know exactly what our goal is - making this book - and are on board with our aims for this project. Thanks for your support, we're all in this together!

Aug 8 update - REWARD TIERS - your best starting point for figuring out which Backer Reward Level to choose to help support this project.

Your key decision:

•  PDF Only - The Short Hair Tier is what you're looking for
•  Hardcover + PDF - The Long Hair Tier fits the bill
•  Wait and See? - If you want access to the manuscript previews but don't yet know if you want the PDF or hardcover rewards, the Hairless tier also grants you access to the Pledge Manager after the campaign so you can upgrade your pledge in the future.

ADD ON REWARDS - the other half of the Reward Tiers update, including information on the second step of pledging, possibly adding on a copy of the Monarchies of Mau Core Rulebook, Dogs & Cats dice or Guide Screens, the Pugmire or Pirates of Pugmire PDFs, or even the Squeaks in the Deep Guide Screen that we unlocked via Stretch Goal!

Aug 11 Update - STRETCH GOAL REVIEW - and check out all of the above and beyond rewards we're getting thanks to the community!  That's a pretty impressive list! Can we add one more before the end?

Shipping is calculated automatically by Kickstarter, based on your location. Remember, Add On rewards are listed in the second stage of your pledge process (before you confirm your pledge), and will also be made available in post-campaign pledge manager sent out in about 6 weeks.

SO: Ensure that you've selected the Reward Tier you want, and select any Add On options you wish to include. AND - make sure that you are comfortable with the Pledge Total amount, in terms of it covering everything you want and its' affordability.

I'm going to speak against my own self interest for a moment, and repeat myself one last time - though 2021 has a potential to be better than last year, the world is still unpredictable and some futures are a little less certain. Ensure that your circumstances enable to afford this pledge at this moment - Kickstarter will begin processing payments after the campaign ends and neither Onyx Path nor I have any involvement in that process. If you are unsure of your financial situation but don't want to miss out, please pledge for a tier you can afford now and know that you will likely be able to upgrade to open pledge levels in our post-campaign Pledge Manager for some time before the book is completed.

2. PAYMENT AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Once you're comfortable with your pledge, please ensure that the payment and contact information in your kickstarter account is up to date and correct. Making sure your e-mail is entered correctly and your credit card isn't expired will speed up the next step process. (I have learned from experience!)

WHAT COMES NEXT?

3. AFTER THE CAMPAIGN ENDS

First, we celebrate. Kickstarter will send out a "Hooray!" email confirming the campaign ended with final totals. We'll give socially-distanced high fives and virtual paw bumps in the comments section.

Then, the Kickstarter payment process begins. Over the next week, kickstarter will begin charging your payment methods for the total amount you've pledged.

If there is an issue with your payment method (expired credit card or incorrect number or pre-paid Visa awaiting funds, for example), Kickstarter will keep trying to process payment during this time.

Once this step is done, which will likely be the last week of August, Kickstarter will confirm everything with Onyx Path and I can begin to set up the project with BackerKit and link it to the Kickstarter data.

BackerKit is a robust fulfillment integration and pledge management program that will allow us to work with all of the data and distribute the rewards to you. It will take me a few weeks to set the project up. Once I've got it all entered and built, the team from BackerKit will review to ensure I didn't mess anything up too badly, and then I'll make any changes they've suggested and we can move on to the Survey stage.

4. BACKERKIT SURVEYS

Once BackerKit says I'm good to go, I will send out a survey to all backers. This is why confirming your e-mail is important!

The BackerKit survey is both a verb and a noun - it will collect data for the analysis of some aspect of a group (enabling Onyx Path to set print runs, prioritize new projects, and fine-tune future kickstarters), as well as providing a general review or summary of the reward tier you've chosen, confirm all of the rewards associated with that reward tier, and confirm your total pledge amount.

I expect Surveys to go out by the middle of September 2021.

During the Survey period, you can choose to increase your reward tier or add on additional options. If you've gone back to work or found an alternate income source and decide it's time to trade up to the hardcover version of the book or include another add-on, you can do so at this time. Note, you will not be able to reduce your reward tier selection, only increase.

If there was an issue with payment to Kickstarter, you should also be able to address that at this point in the process.

The survey will ask you to confirm your shipping address, even though it'll be some time before we ship out the final product. Do not worry about moving before shipping begins - you will be able to update BackerKit right up until the point that we begin fulfilling the final book. We will send out a notice prior to lock down so you can update any information.

I'll also use the Survey to confirm some details for the premium reward tiers.

5. REWARD DISTRIBUTION

This is a long process, but I will send out regular updates (usually at the end of the month) to keep you up to speed on our progress. There will be strings of updates that are just "still working on it," but I will share new artwork or information when I can.

Eventually, we will have a completed PDF of Squeaks in the Deep. We'll take some time to distribute, review, and compile any errata or corrections that need to be made. When we've made any necessary changes, we'll send out updated copies of the PDFs and then begin creating print-ready files for the Print-on-Demand and the hardcover versions.

It's yet another long road ahead, but one that we wouldn't be on if not for your faith and support.

#SqueaksInTheDeep

#Pugmire

#MonarchiesOfMau

#ExploreTheUnderneath

Final Days Review - Stretch Goals
over 2 years ago – Sat, Aug 14, 2021 at 12:29:24 AM

Hello Squeaky Squonks,

We're in the final days countdown - just 29 hours to go - with the campaign ending tomorrow, August 12th at 2:00 PM EDT. While there are still hours left to put out cheese and attract some final backers, the finish line is fast approaching.  With that in mind, I wanted to touch on some of the basics over the past week to make sure that everyone has all of the information they need to support the project in the way that works best for them.

Final Week Schedule

• August 8 - Reward Tiers & Add Ons
• August 10 - Final Backers-only Draft Manuscript Preview (Chapters 7+8)
• August 11 - Stretch Goal Review
• August 12 - Checklist and Next Steps

Whether you've just received your first knack or have vast, amazing psionic abilities, these are good items to review to make sure that we all end up where we want to be.

(An aside, if you're a new backer, make sure you check out the Final Days Countdown/ Resource post. It has links to the manuscript previews, interviews & podcast discussions, and Actual Plays!)

Refresher Course

We've had, and will have, many new backers join in during these last days. I want to take a moment to highlight some key Update posts that new backers may want to check out (and existing backers may want to read as a refresher!).

MANUSCRIPT PREVIEW - As noted, the complete Preview Manuscript is available for you to review prior to the conclusion of the campaign. If you're a backer, you'll have access to this preview manuscript after the campaign. Remember, though, there are still some minor edits, development and proofing that need to be done. But, you can consider this about 94.8% finished. Making the manuscript available for review before the campaign ends ensures that everyone know exactly what our goal is - making this book - and are on board with our aims for this project. Thanks for your support, we're all in this together!

Aug 8 update - REWARD TIERS - your best starting point for figuring out which Backer Reward Level to choose to help support this project.

Your key decision:

• PDF Only - The Short Hair Tier is what you're looking for
• Hardcover + PDF - The Long Hair Tier fits the bill
• Wait and See? - If you want access to the manuscript previews but don't yet know if you want the PDF or hardcover rewards, the Hairless tier also grants you access to the Pledge Manager after the campaign so you can upgrade your pledge in the future.

ADD ON REWARDS - the other half of the Reward Tiers update, including information on the second step of pledging, possibly adding on a copy of the Monarchies of Mau Core Rulebook, Dogs & Cats dice or Guide Screens, the Pugmire or Pirates of Pugmire PDFs, or even the Squeaks in the Deep Guide Screen that we unlocked via Stretch Goal!

Choose Wisely

Choosing the correct Reward Tier for your desired rewards, and then filling in any "gaps" with add-ons, ensures that you'll be claiming all of your desired rewards as a thank you for supporting this project and bringing this world to life.

Remember, your TOTAL PLEDGE AMOUNT is equal to your REWARD TIER + ADD ONS + SHIPPING. You will also be able to select Add On options in the Pledge Manager after the campaign, but remember that only funds added during the campaign count towards Stretch Goal funding targets.

Also to note, only those who participate during the campaign are able to have Stretch Goal rewards added automatically to their rewards lists. If you're waiting to pre-order at a later time, it's better to pledge to the Hairless tier now and then simply upgrade your pledge later to include these bonus rewards.

On Thursday, I'll be posting one further "Final Day" update, covering What Happens Next and outlining what to expect once the campaign ends.

But until then, we're going to hopefully squeak up to a final Stretch Goal achievement as we race through our final day of the campaign!

STRETCH GOAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Over the course of the campaign, we've achieved 10 Stretch Goals!  We've been doing amazingly well, crushing Stretch Goal targets throughout the entire duration of this campaign, and we're picking up steam again as we rush toward the finish line! And there's a solid chance to make that a epic 11 before we end...

REWARDS, OPPORTUNITIES, CELEBRATIONS

Thanks to the success of the campaign, we've been able to unlock an Add On opportunities (the Squeaks in the Deep Guide Screen), some great opportunities to spread some mousey Pugmire love (backer T-shirts, desktop wallpapers), and some helpful digital assets for online play!

PHYSICAL ADD ON OPTIONS

As noted, backers pledged to receive the hardcover copy of the book (Long Hair, Cats & Rats, Mouse Merchant or Bristlecoat) are able to add on the Squeaks in the Deep Guide Screen to their rewards list.

AUTOMATIC REWARDS & OPPORTUNITIES

The following Stretch Goal rewards and opportunities are open to all backers of this project, regardless of which Reward Tier has been selected.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT REWARDS

Here's one of the things I'm most excited about! The Realms of Pugmire have expanded since they were first introduced in the Pugmire core rules, and now we're entering the last shadowy part of the map, or the part below the map - the Underneath! Exploring these new areas adds even more to the game, and this new content helps build on this new part of Pugmire.

Backers who have pledged to the Short Hair, Long Hair, Cats & Rats Combo, Mouse Merchant or Bristlecoat reward tiers will have these Stretch Goal rewards automatically added to their rewards list.

We added RABBITS! We expanded the UNDERGROUND! And we've *just* added the Ready-Made Squeaks reward to get your game running right away!

That's an amazing list! Your support and enthusiasm will be keeping Eddy and his Pugmire team busy for some time!

NEXT STRETCH GOAL

As we head into our final day, we still have time to land another achievement and maybe add a bit more content to our rewards list. 

Looking back on our previous Pugmire setting expansion, the Pirates of Pugmire kickstarter achieved $47,792 in funding during that campaign. So, let's see if we can't squeak past that one by a whisker or two...

Building on the Ready-Made Characters content that we've already unlocked, the team will create an introductory adventure set to explore The Underneath and introduce players to the rodents of the Realms of Pugmire. If you've seen any previous Jumpstart adventures, you know these are perfect gateways into the game and provide amazing and interesting scenarios to kick off a chronicle.

YOUR REWARDS!

That's right! You backed this project to help make and publish Squeaks in the Deep! Our primary reward - the big thank you that we'll send out in appreciation for your support - is a PDF and/or  hardcover copy of this book! BUT AS A BONUS, you may also have the Rabbits supplement, the Additional Underground Setting supplement, or the Ready-Made Characters supplements added to your rewards list as an even bigger thank you for our success in this campaign! Not to mention the amazingly useful VTT tokens and maps, plus the cool desktop wallpaper and more!

More Stretch Goals, Not Much More Time

I know this last number may seem daunting, but it wouldn't be a STRETCH goal if we didn't have to really STRETCH to reach it! I'm confident that final goal is within striking distance, though it won't be easy. I'm sure we'll be watching right up until the end of the campaign, but it is completely within our grasp!

So, as every update concludes: let's keep the enthusiasm rolling! Keep spreading the word and letting others know about this project. They've got this final day to jump in and share the 10 (can we make it 11?) Stretch Goals we've achieved!

And every backer who joins in as we approach the end is not only able to enjoy the additional rewards already added by the early fans and backers, but also help reward those early backers by expanding everyone's stretch goal rewards!

Remember, only the funds generated during the Kickstarter campaign go toward achieving these Stretch Goal targets, so the time to act is now! Together, we can bring this game to life and make great things happen!

THIS CAMPAIGN ENDS AT 2:00 PM EDT on THURSDAY, August 12th, 2021!

#FINAL29HOURS

#SqueaksInTheDeep

#SquonksInTheDonk

Final Week Review - Reward Tiers & Add Ons
over 2 years ago – Mon, Aug 09, 2021 at 03:03:04 PM

Hello Squeaky Toys,

We're in the final days countdown for Squeaks in the Deep on Kickstarter - it ends on Thursday, August 12th at 2:00 PM EDT - there's still time to find additional rodents and bring them with us to the Underneath, but we're definitely getting closer to the finish line. With that in mind, I wanted to touch on some of the basics over these next 4 days to make sure that everyone has all of the information they need to support the project in the way that works best for them.

Final Week Schedule

• August 8 - Reward Tiers & Add Ons
• August 10 - Final Backers-only Draft Manuscript Preview (Chapters 7+8)
• August 11 - Stretch Goal Review
• August 12 - Checklist and Next Steps

Whether you've just received your first knack or have vast, amazing psionic abilities, these are good items to review to make sure that we all end up where we want to be.

(An aside, if you're a new backer, make sure you check out the Final Days Countdown/ Resource post. It has links to the manuscript previews, interviews & podcast discussions, and Actual Plays!)

BACKER REWARD TIERS

Like it says right at the top of the campaign page, we've come together to help create a fully developed PDF and traditionally printed hardcover for this game, introducing rodents, psionics, and the Underneath to the Realms of Pugmire as introduced in Pugmire and Monarchies of Mau.

Squeaks in the Deep is a chronicle sourcebook for both Pugmire and Monarchies of Mau. It’s usable with either game, or as part of a joint experience. Squeaks in the Deep offers a new, bold canvas for your Pugmire and Monarchies of Mau games: the Underneath. This vast world of natural caverns, abandoned tunnels, and forgotten facilities offer enticing adventures to draw in heroes of all kinds. The Underneath holds treasures long lost by Man. It also holds unusual creatures with evolved intelligence like dogs and cats, but who changed in unexpected ways. For all the ways the surface world tried to reclaim what Man left behind, the Underneath twists and turns away from the expected for those who map the depths.

To borrow an analogy that I've used in past Kickstarter campaigns, this process we're a part of works similar to the "Viewers Like You" support campaign from your local Public Broadcasting Station (for those who get American television channels or watched Sesame Street in the pre-HBO era): There are various levels of support that you can pledge to, and these come with various levels of rewards offered as a thank you. Like getting a tote bag or t-shirt when you give money to public broadcasting to fund them doing their thing, you can get rewards for helping Onyx Path work on this project.

Let's review the Backer Reward Tiers to ensure that you've pledged to a Reward Tier that provides all the rewards you wish to receive.

Your Cheesy Choice: Digital or Hardcover?

The main rewards offered in this campaign is, of course, the main goal of the entire proposition: the Squeaks in the Deep book. The first decision you need to make in figuring out your reward tier is whether you want to receive the PDF version or the hardcover version (which includes the PDF as a bonus!)

SHORT HAIR

This is the PDF-only reward tier. So, if you're saving trees or saving shelf space - or avoiding the shipping charges that are absolutely ever-increasing - this is the reward tier options that you should begin with. The PDF will be fulfilled by our partners at DriveThruRPG.com - when it is ready, you will receive a link to add it to your DTRPG library at no cost and be able to download at your leisure.

LONG HAIR

This reward tier includes the traditionally-printed hardcover version of this book. That means the books are produced in a larger offset print run at one time, and will have the best production values, from color clarity and appearance to binding and materials. In addition, this option also includes the PDF version, so you will get a digital copy as described above.

CATS & RATS

Squeaks in the Deep is a sourcebook for the Pugmire RPG and the Monarchies of Mau RPG, and requires either (or both) of those core books to make full use of the rules contained within. While the Pugmire RPG core book is currently hard to find, there are still a limited number of copies of the Monarchies of Mau rulebook available from our previous kickstarter. 

This special Cats & Rats reward tier bundle includes the hardcover and PDF version of Squeaks in the Deep, plus the hardcover and PDF version of Monarchies of Mau as well as one of the limited Monarchies of Mau dice sets. All physical rewards (dice and books) will be sent in a single shipment, when the Squeaks in the Deep hardcover is printed and ready to go. Quantities for these are limited.

In addition to these primary reward pledge tiers, we also offer the following options:

• Hairless: Not ready to commit, or just looking to offer general support? This pledge tier is for you. This does not include our primary reward, but allows you to select some digital optional Add Ons, as well as participating in the post-campaign Pledge Manager as a backer. You'll also be able to read the draft manuscript of Squeaks in the Deep that we post throughout this campaign.
• Merchant Option: We love retailers, but modern publishing methods don’t always make it easy for them to get books into their stores. With this Squeaks in the Deep campaign, we have created a special Reward Tier just for you. Any retailer who pledges at the Mouse Merchant Reward Tier will get 5 copies of the Squeaks in the Deep hardcover book (as well as the PDF versions) at a retail-specific discount so that they can sell in-store.

Limited Premium Reward Tiers: One Reward Tiers offers a special limited premium reward in addition to the basics. Availability for this tier is limited and may be all claimed at this point. If there's one you're really looking for, check carefully over these final days, as many backers will begin settling into their final pledges and you'll see them pop in and out of availability.

• Bristlecoat: In addition to the Long Hair rewards, you'll also submit reference photos of your pet to be used by artists creating interior illustrations for the Realms of Pugmire projects.

PLEDGE MANAGER ACCESS - After the campaign is over we'll launch BackerKit, our post-campaign pledge manager, and invite the backers to set up their rewards via survey. This allows you to confirm your pledge and add on anything that you might have missed, as well as possibly increasing your pledged reward tier, should you choose to expand your reward selection. This option will give international backers additional time to investigate shipping options, should they choose, knowing they can confirm a physical reward at a later date. Funding collected in BackerKit after the campaign does not count toward any campaign Stretch Goals, however.

You'll note that two rewards - Access to the Manuscript Previews and Participation in Post-Campaign Pledge Manager - are included in ALL reward tiers. That's just one of the perks of participating in this kickstarter campaign!

MANUSCRIPT PREVIEWS – All Reward Tiers include access to Backers-Only manuscript previews. With the exception of the final chapters (which will be posted on Tuesday), I have posted the entire manuscripts across multiple sections. You must be a kickstarter backer to access these previews, as the link will remain in a backers-only update post. The manuscript previews may not be available to those who pre-order the book at a later date.

OPTIONAL DISCOUNTED PoD VERSION –  For this Squeaks in the Deep campaign, you will have the option of using DriveThruRPG.com’s Print-On-Demand service to purchase a physical, printed copy of the PDF directly from their PoD partners at discounted cost (this cost is not included in your pledge, and you do not need to increase the cost of your pledge to use this option). When the PoD versions are available to order (which may be some time after the books have gone to print), you will receive links to purchase these versions of the books from DriveThruRPG.com. You DO NOT need to take advantage of this PoD offer as it does not affect in any way your pledge rewards.

SQUEAKS IN THE DEEP PDF VERSION - The digital version of Squeaks in the Deep, fulfilled by our partners at DriveThruRPG.com. Kickstarter backers will receive a redemption links for an early version of this book before it goes on sale to the public. This initial "Backer Version" will be used to get feedback from the fans to make the final version the best that it can be. When it has been updated to the final version, it will automatically be added to your DriveThruRPG library and available for download at your convenience.

SQUEAKS IN THE DEEP HARDCOVER VERSION - The main goal of this campaign is to fund the creation, production, and print run of a beautiful hardcover edition of this book. Note that all Reward Tiers that include the hardcover version also include the PDF version as a bonus. Additional shipping charges are automatically added to your pledge by Kickstarter, based on your delivery location.

Choosing Your Reward Tier

There has been some churn over this past week - a few Reward Tier adjustments and changes by backers, as budgets changed and people have seen the game in play and checked out the psionics chapter. In these final days it's best to ensure that you've selected the Reward Tier that offers you the options and rewards you want to receive and are ready to lock down. This timing - before the campaign ends - is the absolute most affordable and inclusive these rewards will be, and will save headaches and heartbreaks if fully considered now.

This is just the first step, however, in completing your pledge for this campaign. Additional optional extras can be added to your pledge, rounding our your rewards and increasing the overall funding and maybe getting us closer to a Stretch Goal. 

First Step: Reward Tier

To summarize the first part of this post, the absolute best way to ensure that you're getting the primary rewards you want from this kickstarter is to ensure you've selected the appropriate Backer Reward Tier. Selecting the right Reward Tier covers about 85% of the options available to you. If you want a PDF only, make sure you've selected the correct reward. If you want the hardcover version, double-check your reward tier to ensure the proper option is featured. If you're going digital now but want the option of getting a discounted Print-on-Demand copy later, make sure you've got a reward tier that includes it.

Once you've completed that important step, you're going to want to look at the Add On rewards for any reward "bits" that don't automatically fall into your reward tier. That takes us to the Add On step.

Step Two: Add-Ons.

Once you've chosen your pledge tier, you've likely already included the main rewards you want. In addition to the rewards offered as part of the Reward Tier configurations, there are a few other possible rewards you may wish to add. All Add-On rewards are described in our Add On menu below.

Each Add On includes an extra amount to add on to your total pledge amount. Remember that your total pledge amount includes all shipping charges and not just your reward tier level.

The Add On option menu appears in the second part of your pledge confirmation. When you decided to back the Squeaks in the Deep campaign, you first choose a Pledge Reward Tier. Once you've selected that, you can configure your reward with additional options.

You can add or update your Add On choices right up until the campaign ends on August 12th at 2:00 EDT. If you've already pledged, you just have to hit the Manage Your Pledge button on the top of the campaign main page.

Once you've decided to Pledge to the campaign, or to Manage your Pledge if you've already backed, you either Confirm or Change Your Pledge on the first menu.

Pick a Pledge Tier, then Add On Options

Once I click that green "Pledge" Button, I am taken to the second part of the Pledge confirmation, where I can further Configure my reward. There are many optional Add Ons, not just those visible at the top of the page. It pays to scroll down.

Once you've selected your Pledge, and then picked any Add On options, you press continue and review one final time before confirming your pledge.

In this example, I've updated my pledge to include the Squeaks in the Deep Bookmarks, Dogs and Cats Dice Packs, the Dogs and Cats Guide Screens Set, and the Squeaks in the Deep Guide Screen that we unlocked via Stretch Goal achievement. Once I click Confirm, my reward tier and add ons are set for my pledge.

You should also be aware that any available Add On options will be made available in our BackerKit pledge manager, so if you're unsure about adding on something at this point, you will be able to adjust your pledge in the post-campaign phase.

Pledging to the campaign also opens up the Stretch Goal rewards as thanks for your participation. We'll review our Stretch Goal accomplishments on Wednesday, but it's important to note that backers who wait and Pre-Order Squeaks in the Deep at a later date will not have any Stretch Goal rewards automatically added to their rewards list. The Stretch Goal rewards will only automatically be added to the rewards for those who participated in this Kickstarter campaign.

OPTIONAL HARDCOVER ADD ON REWARDS

All Add On and additional hardcovers can only be added to a reward tier that already includes a hardcover version of this book (and has therefore established shipping parameters). The Dogs and Cats Dice Sets, Dogs and Cats Guide Screen Set, and Monarchies of Mau hardcovers are limited stock remaining from previous kickstarter campaigns, so may already be sold out. If you're really interested in a kickstarter hardcover for these books, I suggest managing your pledge as we get near the end to see if any other backers have cancelled these options and made any copies available.

You can also add additional copies of the Squeaks in the Deep hardcover. As with your pledge, additional shipping charges may be included based on your location. Your rewards will be sent in a single shipment when the Squeaks in the Deep books are printed and ready to fulfill.

REWARD DELIVERY

About 6 weeks after the campaign has ended, I'll launch our post-campaign Pledge Manager to collect information from all backers and confirm which rewards you'll be receiving. At this point, you'll be able to review your rewards and also also adjust any Add On Options that you may have missed. Once we have everything confirmed, I'll be able to deliver any rewards that are currently available - like the PDF versions of the Pugmire Core Rulebook, Monarchies of Mau Core Rulebook, and Pirates of Pugmire Chronicles Sourcebook. Backers who have pledged for these options will be sent special redemption links to claim these digital rewards from our partners at DriveThruRPG.com. Clicking these redemption links will allow you to add these PDF titles to your digital library to download anytime. I'll send an update when all of that is happening, though, so you are aware every step of the way.

So, while it will take some time for Squeaks in the Deep to move from manuscript form to a final product, you won't be waiting a year for PDFs that already exist. (You'll be waiting about 6-8 weeks or so, just enough time for us to set up the reward infrastructure.)

Physical Books

It's going to take some time to create the final PDF for Squeaks in the Deep and even longer for the eventual print run for the hardcover book. When the books are at the printer, I will be in touch with all kickstarter backers and go over lockdown procedures and confirming addresses one final time. But that's a long time away, and we'll cover all of that as we get closer to that part of the process.

Don't fret if you had forgotten to select an Add On by the end of the campaign. These Add Ons will be available to select in our post-campaign Pledge Manager for those who participated in our campaign and have full access to the Pledge Manager. So, if you are undecided at this time, you will be able to hold off until we're closer to the final reward shipment goes out.

Step 1: Pledge Tier

Step 2: Add On Options

Again, your first step should involve your main reward selection, and your Add On Options will build upon that. If you selected the PDF-only tier, you will be presented with PDF options. If you select the hardcover tier, you will be presented with physical reward options. You cannot add on additional physical rewards if the Squeaks in the Deep hardcover book is not included in your pledge tier reward list.

Note that all funds are expressed in US Dollars, although Kickstarter displays the approximate conversion rate.

It Adds Up!

That should explain the process of Selecting your Reward Tier and Add On options and confirming your TOTAL PLEDGE AMOUNT. Since increasing your pledge amount increases the overall funding level of the project, add-ons can help us achieve our Stretch Goal funding targets, so it benefits us all to suggest that you double-check to make sure you're getting all of the rewards you want.

Additionally, this may go without saying, please review your personal budget and ensure you've selected the appropriate reward tier and add ons for your current financial situation. Kickstarter will begin charging your payment method once the campaign ends, so ensure you've budgeted correctly.

Conclusion

As we move through these final days of the campaign, please ensure you've chosen the correct Reward Tier for the rewards you want. And beyond that - please make sure investigated and selected any add-ons you wish to receive. If you have any issues with the Pledge process, either selecting the reward tier or Adding On optional rewards, try a different browser or device. Kickstarter is always refining their processes, but sometimes things are a little sticky. Changing browsers often solves the issue.

On Thursday, just before the campaign ends, I will send an update detailing the steps that occur after the campaign concludes, including notes about our Pledge Manager and the communication plan going forward.

So, just like always: Spread the word! Share your excitement on social media! Tell your friends! We're about to enter the rapid rat race to the finish line, so let's make sure that none of our friends miss out!

And I'll be back Tuesday with the FINAL manuscript section for Squeaks in the Deep, making the complete text available for all backers to review before the campaign ends!

#SqueaksInTheDeep

FINAL DAYS COUNTDOWN
over 2 years ago – Fri, Aug 06, 2021 at 03:46:02 PM

Hello Squeaky Toys,

We're officially in the final week - final 6 days, really - countdown on this kickstarter campaign! Over these final days I'll be sharing a handful of instruction and review-type posts about Reward Tiers & Add Ons, and What Comes Next, so if you've got any process questions or are wondering about how the kickstarter steps work, I'm hoping to clarify any remaining questions before we finish. Of course, if you're still wondering about something, please ask and I'll help as best I can.

Final Days Schedule

• August 8 - Reward Tiers & Add Ons 
• August 10 - Final Backers-only Draft Manuscript Preview (Chapters 7+8) 
• August 11 - Stretch Goal Review 
• August 12 - Checklist and Next Steps 

On Tuesday, I'll be posting the final draft manuscript preview. If you're a backer of this campaign, you'll be able to read the entire draft manuscript before we finish, before any pledges are processed, and before we send out our congRATulations. So, if you haven't joined up yet, please do so in these final days and know that you can cancel your pledge before the end if this book isn't for you.

BUT - if it is for you (and if you're reading this, I think you already know that it is), joining up now will help us maybe achieve another Stretch Goal before we review our many accomplishments next Wednesday! I sure would love to squeak another Stretch Goal reward on to the list!

IF YOU ARE already a backer, then another mousey mission for you: 

Be a Squeaky Ambassador

I know, this is something I've already said many times (and seem to say during every project!), but for this final week, you are officially a duly-deputized ambassador for this Kickstarter project. It's time to spread the furry-ious excitement for Squeaks in the Deep! Dungeoncrawling! Psionics! Adventuring Rodents!  Basically, we want to recruit as many interested backers as possible over this final week.

I know I end every update post with "Keep spreading the word! Invite others to join in!" - but what does that mean, and how do you do it?

Easy answer - don't stop talking about Squeaks in the Deep until 2:01 PM EDT next Thursday August 12th (when the campaign has ended). Yes, family and friends are tired of me talking about it in our first reunion in 18 months, but what else have I got to talk about? And they've learned to tolerate me during a kickstarter campaign (at least during the pandemic). But here's the thing - there are others around who haven't heard or don't know about the campaign.

Resources to Share

If you're inviting new backers, or if you are a new backer (hi new backers!), here are a few key resources to be aware of for this campaign.

• Squeaks in the Deep Draft Manuscript Parts 1-4

Backers are able to review the (soon-to-be) complete manuscript for this book before the campaign closes and any pledges are processed. No need to wonder about what lurks in those dark tunnels! Know what you're getting into by checking this book out!

And, if you join now, as I've noted, we'll be posting the final chapters of the book next week before we reach the finish line.

Look & Listen

• Onyx Path Con 2021 Realms of Pugmire panel
• Onyx Pathcast Episode 153: Squeaks in the Deep Dive to the Underneath
• Virtual Horror Con Actual Playtest Video
• Squeaks in the Deep Actual Play Video
• Onyx Path Con 2021 Squeaks in the Deep Game Session
• Squeaks in the Deep - Curse of the Tomb of Wags - Episode 1
• Squeaks in the Deep - Curse of the Tomb of Wags - Episode 2

 Squeaky Story Time

• Miska's Tonic
• The Dragon's Lair

Squeaks in the Deep Discussion

You may also be able to get further insight and possibly some in-depth conversation at these Onyx Path discussion zones:

• Onyx Path's Partner Games Forum
• Onyx Path's Discord
• Onyx Path on Reddit
• Onyx Path's Facebook

Share the Links!

1) Don't forget to share a link to the kickstarter in any discussion you have (where appropriate) - and feel free to pass any of the long list of links above to those who may need more info (or, just point them to this post!)

2) Don't forget to tell us about any post or review or discussion you write! Come to the comments section and let us know so we can all go and contribute! I know I keep saying it, but really - these last days are key. Keep the enthusiasm high (hitting stretch goals certainly makes that easier!) and keep on inviting others to join in, either directly ("Come see...") or just by setting an example of your enthusiasm and interest.

Final Week

We've got one week to go, everyone! Thank you all so much for your support! We work together because it's the right thing to do, and also because it's the mice thing to do! Let's finish strong! And let's see if we can't get another Stretch Goals before we review next Wednesday!

#SqueaksInTheDeep

#RodentsForReal

Enemies
over 2 years ago – Fri, Aug 06, 2021 at 11:32:48 AM

Enemies

The Underneath is full of astonishing sights, bizarre encounters, and enemies big and small. These enemies are designed with a little more complexity than the ones in the Pugmire and Monarchies of Mau core books. We assume that if you are here, you’re a Guide with some experience under your belt and can handle enemies that have more unusual abilities to master.

The special abilities these creatures have are called knacks. They are similar to the tricks and secrets of the dog and cat heroes in that they can bend the rules in the bad guy’s favor. New abilities are explained within each entry, though some common abilities seen in the core books may be abbreviated.

The enemies in this chapter don’t only have to appear in the Underneath. In fact, using them in an encounter elsewhere in the world can be a great way to foreshadow a descent into the unknown darkness. If the players get hooked on discovering where that weird thing came from, pull them into an adventure in the Underneath. Where did that rich cat noble get that astonishing crystalline bird? Why is the dog bandit going on about thieves that melt when you catch them?

Bodok (CR 3)

These teeny, hard squares roughly the size of a rat’s paw look like large ancient microchips when they are asleep. When awakened, the tines of the chip extend into small legs that allow the bodok to scuttle on the floor and up the side of a living being. The bodok’s goal is to attach itself to a target’s neck and override the creature’s personality with the one it contains. A shimmering representation of the override personality surrounds the host. The bodok can be removed with caution, but the host must often be subdued first.

• Defense: 15 (bug-like armor)
• Stamina Points: 21
• Speed: 10 feet
• Proficiency Bonus: +2
• Abilities: Strength -2 (6), Dexterity +3 (16), Constitution +3 (16), Intelligence +0 (10), Wisdom +0 (10), Charisma +0 (10)
• Attack: Pincers (+0 melee, 1d4-2piercing)

Knacks: Resistance to all damage except lightning, weak to psychic damage

• Possession: The bodok may take over any creature at 0 Stamina points. When the bodok takes over, the creature regains Stamina equal to half its total. The bodok has access to all skills and abilities of the creature but none of its memories. The target makes a difficulty 14 Wisdom save every 24 hours to return itself to normal.
• Hostile Takeover: A bodok within 5 feet of a living target can attempt to take over the target against its will. It latches onto the target, crawls up to the back of its head, and inflicts 4d6 psychic damage as an action. A successful difficulty 16 Wisdom saving throw reduces the damage by half. The target may attempt a difficulty 14 Dexterity saving throw to remove the bodok.

Dream Thieves (CR 6)

These fist-sized floating gemstones are called dream thieves due to the extraordinary way in which they survive. The facets of the stone emit a peculiar flashing light that can mesmerize and stop an explorer in their tracks. Once mesmerized, the stone draws their memories and dreams forth though a mist that pours from the victim’s eyes. The Dream Thief appears to absorb this mist. Victims can only regain these memories if the Dream Thief dies in the victim’s presence.

• Defense: 19 (diamond-hard shell)
• Stamina Points: 30
• Speed: 10 feet (flight)
• Proficiency Bonus: +4
• Abilities: Strength -1 (8), Dexterity +3 (16), Constitution +1 (12), Intelligence +0 (14), Wisdom +1 (12), Charisma -1 (9)
• Attack: Mind Erasure Ray (+6 ranged, 4d10+1 psychic)

Knacks: Resistance to piercing, slashing, and heat damage

• Too Much Light:If the Dream Thief starts its turn in direct sunlight, it loses 15 Stamina points and takes any actions necessary to move to a dark place of safety.
• Dream-Like State: The Dream Thief targets anyone it can see within a 30 feet cone of it and lets off a barrage of bizarre lights and sounds. Anyone within the cone who can see or hear the Dream Thief must succeed on a difficulty 16 Wisdom saving throw or enter into a sleepy, dream-like state. The victim is Charmed, and the Dream Thief has advantage over them to use its Mind Ray Erasure attack. The Charmed effect ends if the target suffers damage, takes a long rest, or makes a save as a bonus action.

Drodo

Large predators and underground disturbances often drive these odd, flightless birds to the surface from the Underneath. Their crystalline bodies can merge with one another to repair each other and to bolster their strength to fend off attackers. Drodo types are identified by their conical metallic heads. The more heads there are on a drodo, the more powerful it is, ranging from the smallest, single-headed drodomo, to a larger, double-headed drododo, to the largest, triple-headed drodoto. Rarely, adventurers may even encounter a colossal drodoquo, a drodo with four heads!

Drodomo (CR 1)

This is the most common drodo. It has a crystalline body of one solid color, a long neck, and a single head.

• Defense: 12 (crystal skin)
• Stamina Points: 8
• Speed: 30 feet
• Proficiency Bonus: +2
• Abilities: Strength +2 (14), Dexterity +2 (14), Constitution +0 (10), Intelligence -1 (8), Wisdom -1 (8), Charisma +1 (12)
• Skills: Traverse
• Attack: Peck (+4 melee, 1d6+2 piercing), lightning gaze (+4 ranged, 1d6+4 lightning)

Knacks: Low-light Vision

• Disintegration: A drodo reduced to zero Stamina points crumbles into crystalline dust.
• Reintegration: When two drodo are within 5 feet of each other, they may reintegrate as a bonus action. If a smaller drodo merges with a drodo with more heads, the larger drodo regains Stamina points equal to half the smaller drodo’s maximum total. If the drodo have the same number of heads, they merge into the next largest drodo with its Stamina points at half the maximum.

Drododo (CR 3)

The drododo has two heads that face in opposite directions, allowing it a better chance to notice predators sneaking up on it. When two drodomos reintegrate, their bodies mix colors to form as a solid, new color, or if both drodomos were the same color, the new drododo becomes a brighter version of that color.

• Defense: 13 (crystal skin)
• Stamina Points: 24
• Speed: 40 feet
• Proficiency Bonus: +3
• Abilities: Strength +2 (14), Dexterity +2 (14), Constitution +0 (10), Intelligence -1 (8), Wisdom +0 (10), Charisma +1 (12)
• Skills: Notice, Traverse
• Attack: Peck (+4 melee, 2d8+2 piercing), electric gaze (+4 ranged, 3d8+4 lightning), flaming gaze (+4 ranged, 3d8+4 heat)

Knacks: Resistance to lightning damage

• Battle Frenzy:The drododo makes two gaze ranged attacks per attack action.
• Disintegration: A drododo reduced to zero Stamina points crumbles into crystalline dust.
• Reintegration: When two drodo are within 5 feet of each other, they may reintegrate as a bonus action. If a smaller drodo merges with a drodo with more heads, the larger drodo regains Stamina points equal to half the lesser drodo’s maximum total. If the drodo have the same number of heads, they merge into the next largest drodo with its Stamina points at half the maximum.

Drodoto (CR 5)

The three heads of the drodoto retain their original colors but their body displays them in a tiger striped pattern. The drodoto also can emit a distinctive musical call that can communicate different messages to other drodo depending on how many heads it uses to sing.

• Defense: 15 (crystalline body)
• Stamina Points: 45
• Speed: 30 feet
• Proficiency Bonus: +4
• Abilities: Strength +2 (14), Dexterity +2 (14), Constitution +1 (12), Intelligence -1 (8), Wisdom +0 (10), Charisma +1 (12)
• Skills: Intimidate, Notice, Traverse
• Attack: Peck (+6 melee, 2d10+2 piercing), electric gaze (+6 ranged, 3d10+4 lightning), flaming gaze (+6 ranged, 3d10+4 heat), freezing gaze (+6 ranged, 3d10+4 cold)

Knacks: Resistance to lightning damage and heat damage

• Battle Frenzy Master:The drodoto makes three gaze ranged attacks per attack action.
• Disintegration: A drodoto reduced to zero Stamina points crumbles into crystalline dust.
• Reintegration: When two drodo are within 5 feet of each other, they may reintegrate as a bonus action. If a smaller drodo merges with a drodo with more heads, the larger drodo regains Stamina points equal to half the lesser drodo’s maximum total. If the drodo have the same number of heads, they merge into the next largest drodo with its Stamina points at half the maximum.

We'll get our full Enemies chapter out to backers on Tuesday, when we have final manuscript preview. All backers will be able to read the entire draft before the campaign finishes... which happens in ONE MORE WEEK! So, join in, check it out, and let's finish big!

Over the next week, I'll be posting review and info posts to hopefully answer any process-related questions you may have about backing the campaign, picking Add On rewards, reviewing our Stretch Goals (did you know we hit another one this morning?!?) and the post-campaign process. If you've got any questions, hopefully I'll have some answers, but if you're still wondering about campaign-related stuff, let me know and I'll do my best to provide info.

Until then, let's continue our exploration into the Underneath as we get closer to confronting some enemies...

#SqueaksInTheDeep