RPG ESSENTIALS: Acrylic Creature Tokens for TTRPGs

Production is Finished! + Shipping News
over 1 year ago – Sun, Sep 29, 2024 at 01:21:02 PM

Let's Discuss Shipping News

Earlier this week, I wrote an overwhelmingly positive update about how production is finished, but I chose to edit this update to include information about the impending dockworkers strike. As some of you may have heard, there is an impending port strike set to occur in less than a week, stretching from Maine to Texas. While there have been meetings about the strike between officials, the two sides in this manner are unwilling to negotiate. The International Longshoremen's Association has stated their wage demands must be met, and a strike is the best way to have leverage. 

This type of strike is especially damaging to small board game businesses like ours. I received an update today from our shipping partner that shipping costs are going to be nearly double what was quoted in the campaign. This is devastating news that requires attention. 

This is due to the strike, but also a result of the coming presidential election. Every four years, big box stores flood all available container ships in an attempt to get as much product as possible before any potential changes to tariff law. 

What we are doing: We're monitoring the situation very closely and praying for change. Additionally, we have representatives from GAMA who attended briefings with the 38 trade association leaders and the U.S. Maritime Alliance. They are able to speak on our behalf and relay relevant news to us.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please understand we are talking about overseas freight charges and potential delays. Your shipping charge will be based on your individual packages from regional fulfillment centers to your doors.

While this is disappointing news, we do have some REALLY GOOD news to discuss.

Production is Finished!

I just received news this week that production is finished. Our manufacturer has sent us a final proof of what the finished tokens, binders, and dice look like. I must say that they exceeded my expectations. The dice really pop and have a brighter finish than I expected. 

Watch the unboxing video below:

And here are some photos:

Important note: I do want to remind everyone that the tokens have to move to freight so they can begin their journey across the sea. From that point, it will take another 6 to 10 weeks to get from China to our shipping partners for fulfillment. We are one step closer!

Shipping Charges Coming Soon

Since production is finished, shipping charges will be added to Backerkit soon. Unless something drastic changes, expect higher shipping charges. We're sorry for this inconvenience and are deeply sadden by these turn of events.

Thank you all,

Devin, Community Manager

and Darryl T. Jones

Printing and Production Underway + Pictures of the Binder Pages
over 1 year ago – Mon, Aug 12, 2024 at 05:22:16 AM

Printing and Production Underway!

Our manufacturer is in full swing. In fact, I just got another proof from them this morning. We're working to finalize some of the packaging. Between the binders and the packs of acrylics, there's a lot to figure out to ensure they can make the trip across the seas without damage. I'll share some more details on that in the next update. I have full confidence in them delivering great a product to us! 

However, today I'd like to show off samples of the Binder pages.

Binder Pages

I recently received samples of the binder pages, and I am very pleased. How excited can one be for binder pages, you ask? Pretty excited! If you look at the images below, you'll notice that the binder sleeves actually have a flap that covers the top of each pouch to ensure that the tokens won't fall out. For any token fan, you got to be pretty pumped up for that! 

Have a Great Day,

Darryl T. Jones (aka Splattered Ink)

Updated Timeline - Unboxing of New Samples
almost 2 years ago – Mon, Jun 24, 2024 at 01:36:42 PM

Let's talk about the new timeline, 

New Timeline

I want to keep you all in the loop and discuss the new possible timeline. Before getting into it, I should emphasize that the new timeline is not set in stone and is susceptible to change. The new timeline for the completion of manufacturing is 90 days from now. This was likely expected. After all, we're starting over with our new manufacturer. If there's anything I can do to speed things up, I will. Of course, I'll keep you all in the loop.

However, our new manufacturer has already proven to me that we made the right choice! They've already produced a proof of tokens and a binder!  

New Binders and Tokens - Unboxing Video

Click here for an >unboxing video!Or scroll through the photos below.

I am so blown away by how the binders came out. I think you will too, when you see the pictures below. The gold pops off of the black base of the binder, and I love how the binder looks sitting on the self. 

I open it for the first time on camera, and we can react to how it looks together. 

Here is the link to the unboxing video again if you missed it above.

Adventures Await: Arcane Armaments - Kickstarter is Live Now!

"Adventures Awaits: Arcane Armaments is a collection of 200 unique magic items for Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. They’re perfect for filling the chests, vaults, and magical caches hidden across your world, or for spicing up encounters by giving the players’ adversaries tools and tricks they might not expect. Whether it’s enchanted swords, arcane-infused armors, or strange and intriguing wondrous items your campaign needs, this book has them all." - From the Kickstarter page

Go over and check out this kickstarter! This indie publisher out of New England is doing some great things, and we should go show them some love. 

Here is the link to the kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adventuresawait/adventures-await-arcane-armaments-0?ref=3ph9ci

Thank you all,

Darryl T. Jones (aka Splattered Ink)

Pivot! - New Manufactures, Boda Games
almost 2 years ago – Tue, Jun 04, 2024 at 10:38:54 AM

Pivot!,

Firstly, I want to continue saying sorry for all the delays we've faced so far. We've learned a ton from this campaign, and we've been working diligently to try to get you guys your tokens as soon as possible. Last week, we finally had to make the tough decision of changing our manufacturers. This decision was not made lightly. On our end, we're taking a hit financially because we're losing the deposits that we've made with our previous manufacturers. Also, we're cutting ties with the possible progress that the old manufacturer has made, but we no longer feel confident in their ability to provide you your tokens. As mentioned in the previous post, there has been delay after delay on their end, and they're not communicating new timelines or where they are currently with our project. While this is somber news, we're excited by our new manufacturing partners, Boda Games! 

We have full confidence in their abilities to provide great tokens to you all, and I assume that a lot of you have probably heard of them before or at least have received games that they manufactured. They've worked on several big-box hits like Everdell, Hegemony, and Planet Unknown. Additionally, we've worked with them in the past on several other projects, and they've always delivered for us. Here is a link to the BODA Games website if you want to check them out: https://bodagames.com/

I am just sorry that we didn't switch sooner. Of course, you always want to assume the best and not make a decision that is going to make your business lose money, but my priority is to get all your tokens to you. Thank you all for your understanding. The overwhelming support in the last post was so appreciated, and I can't say thank you enough. 

Thank you all,

Darryl T. Jones (aka Splattered Ink)

The Process Continues - April Update
almost 2 years ago – Tue, Apr 30, 2024 at 10:15:10 AM

Hello Adventures,

Thank you guys for all of your continued patience and support. Splattered Ink is a very small team, and we're taking the hits as they come. Currently, the biggest hurdle that we face is manufacturing. 

Sadly, manufacturing is taking longer than I originally planned or expected. I've sent in everything in a timely manner, but on the manufacturer's end, there has been one delay after another. In October, I originally received samples that the color was messed up on due to the manufacturers changing their printers during the course of the project. This didn't get resolved until December, which should've allowed for manufacturing to start in January. In February, Chinese New Year routinely shuts the whole industry down. Work resumed in March, but they have not given me a new timeline for when the project will be finished. I was only given an estimate of 90 days. 

I am yet to receive a concrete completion date. I am as frustrated by this whole series of events as all of you. I wish there were more that I could do, but the process is out of my hands. I thought the project was close to wrapping up and would headed to fulfillment, but sadly, that is not the case. I will continue to regularly check with our manufacturer to try and get your tokens to you as possible. It is unlikely I use this manufacturer in the future, but at this point in the process, I am committed.

Thank you all. 

Sincerely, 

Darryl T. Jones (aka Splattered Ink)