FINAL WEEK FOR PRE-ORDERS! Shipping Prices and VAT Taxes are now included in the order total.
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
Crazy to think this may be my last update prior to games arriving on doorsteps. I am trying to soak that in, a surreal moment for me!
SHIPPING
This morning I approved the Asian Hub/Region shipping label purchases. Let’s allow a 2-3 week cushion for those to arrive. I am still waiting on the packing details and concrete delivery dates for those, but they are at the fulfillment center. For the rest of us, it will be a bit longer. Please see the freight departures and arrivals below. Please note that arrival dates are subject to change.
USA - Departed: 8/10 | Arrives: 9/12
EU - Departed: 8/20 | Arrives 9/25
AU - Departed: 8/20 | Arrives TBD
Rest of World - at the fulfillment center, delivery begins in the next few weeks.
Please keep in mind that we will need to allow 7 days after freight arrivals to clear customs, and get the units to the respective fulfillment centers before they are packed and sent to you. There will be more details to come as we get closer to the main deliveries in the US and EU. Here is a look at the Freight bound for the US as of AUG 17th. It was off the coast of Indonesia.
Overly Dramatic Sentimental Rant
Since these are my last moments before Hildegard is cut loose into the wild, I wanted to say a few things about this journey.
It’s been the privilege of my life to create this game. I’ve mentioned before that my first file for Hildegard was July 5th, 2020. We’re two years and one month in! For those keeping score, I almost made it under two years. So close, maybe next time…
And what a two years it's been for all of us! I’ll spare you my weepy covid, shipping, and inflation crisis details. We all know the story, and we’re all working our way through it. From the start, I’ve made a concerted effort to keep this campaign an honest, positive, and optimistic experience. These updates (at least most of the time) are intended to mirror the game’s attitude.
If all goes as planned, your adventures with Hildegard should be leisurely and pleasant. My intent is to dial back your clock to a more naive and innocent time where you can relax and unwind. A bit eye-roll-inducing and romanticized, but the game’s mood, color palette, and vibe have helped keep me calm, grounded, and focused.
I cherish every moment working with Diego & Audrey on their marvelous illustrations, polishing up the chapter scenarios with Christian, Nick, and Brendan. The read-throughs, game testing, and editing sessions have been filled with generous people and budding friendships.
For better or worse, I can confidently say that the game you’ll receive is exactly what I dreamt and intended it to be. All four hundred and eight cards have been poked and scrutinized to exhaustion. I hope it shows. It’s odd taking something so personal and shipping it out for the world to experience after living with it for years in relative isolation. It’s like watching a kid go off to college or a roommate move out. It’s a hard thing to put into words, so I’ll stop trying and wrap this up!
Another adventure is about to begin! Thanks for your time, your thoughts, and your support. I hope you have enjoyed the ride and, more importantly, what lies ahead!
Greg
“It’s not the Destination, It’s the journey.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Below is a completed card from the Micro Expansion: Crows & Crawdads!
Hey guys,
Manufacturing is complete! Arrangements are well underway to get everything to its destinations. In a few weeks, I should be able to give details on delivery timelines, but I would expect late September/October unless you are in Asia. They will get it earlier. Australia/New Zealand is supposed to set sail today. Fingers crossed!
Although not the sexiest pictures, here are a few “proof of life” images for you. It’s real!
Hildegard: Great Outdoors
I have received the eproofs today for Hildegard: Great Outdoors, the 2nd Micro Expansion. It’s ready for production. I just need to give the word to move ahead! Hopefully, I can expedite that so it can also come out in the fall.
Hildegard: Crows & Crawdads
Now that Great Outdoors is wrapping up, Diego and I have moved on to Crows & Crawdads, the 3rd Micro Expansion. This one is a bit larger in scale, with 18-20 cards currently (this may change). We're having a lot of fun with this one. Here is a very early look at some Target cards we are working on. As you can see, it's very early in development.
If you are interested in the Micro Expansions, please check spiresend.com for updates, and sign up for the newsletter. To ensure you get a copy of Great Outdoors, click “Notify Me When Available” on its product page.
I think that’s it for now! Thanks for all the continued support. This is starting to get exciting!
Greg
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
On July 24th all add-on items, shipping, or any additional funds you may owe will be charged on BackerKit. This charge will appear on your bank statement as SPIRES END.
Production and Delivery Dates
I have been given word that production is behind about two weeks. The plan was to have manufacturing complete by the first week in July, and it’s looking more like July 18th-22nd. If this holds, I estimate the units will be on Freights in early August. At that time, some worldwide orders could be fulfilled, but as I mentioned in the last update — I am still undecided whether I will do that or deliver them all at once. On this timeline, the majority of the games would be fulfilled in late September, or early October. Let’s all cross our fingers that manufacturing goes smoothly. At this stage of the game, it's out of my hands.
I should mention that the supply chain crisis now transitioning into the fuel crisis could affect September deliveries. I do not intend nor plan on any further charges, but it would be unfair not to rule out the possibility of a fuel surcharge, which could be an additional $1-2 dollars on shipping.
Now onto the fun stuff! Since Hildegard has been in production, the world of Spire’s End continues to grow!
Diego and I are currently working on the 2nd Micro Expansion for Hildegard. It’s called Great Outdoors and will add 12 additional cards to the game. It expands on Chapter 2. If these little expansions are well received, I will make more. I have a ton of ideas and am excited to see where this goes. Sorry, I don't have any illustrations to share from this yet, we are just getting started!
If you are interested in Hildegard: Great Outdoors or additional Spire's End content please follow the newsletter at spiresend.com. Great Outdoors will not be included in this Kickstarter campaign as an add-on (it's a little late for that). It will be sold exclusively at spiresend.com.
I will be posting more fun images of things to come on the Spire's End Instagram @spires_end_cardgame
That’s it for now! Time to get back to work on more Hildegard content! - Greg
