Raging Heroes [official] Toughest Girls of the Galaxy Kickstarter - $698,548 Finish!

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**Alpharius**

Buzzsaw wrote:
Not to belittle the concerns for forum decorum, but... this thread doesn't honestly seem all that bad.

Perhaps the mods were exceptionally quick at removing the offending posts, or I simply have a very high threshold for argument, but the only thing that really seemed all that out-of-sorts has been rending of garments in the aftermath.

Finally, I apologize for not having my post mortem up yet, been a busy week and it will hopefully prove worth the wait.

It always is!

And thanks for taking the time and putting in the effort to write one, of course!

**Mathieu Raymond**

Yeah, I was going to say thank you as well. It's not like you really owe us anything. It's all from the goodness of your heart.

**Kroothawk**

Project Update #73: We're back!
Raging Heroes, 18th July, 2013

(This is our first update now that we're back, so there's quite a bit of a mish-mash of info here. We'll come back with more details in our next updates.)

We're back!

In fact, we've been back for a few days already, and we've been focussing on re-organizing several aspects of Raging Heroes to properly manage the size of the Kickstarter. We must say that the success of the Toughest Girls of the Galaxy went way beyond our expectations! So, this reorganization is keeping us quite busy for the moment.

We are increasing the size of our sculpting team beyond what we had planned, and are also pushing out some walls to accommodate the new staff. We are also reorganizing the logistics of packing and shipping to increase efficiency and better manage the increased volume.

Being in the middle of this reorganization means we can't provide you with a detailed roadmap of the production for the next 3-4 weeks. However, please know that we are also currently working on finishing all the troops' sculpts, and this is moving along quite briskly. We are also adding new top-level sculptors whose mission will be to handle the most complex heroines. We are pretty happy with how everything is lining up so far.

Paypal Option still available for a short time

As promised, we are keeping our Paypal option open for a few more days to help you finalize your transactions, whether you wanted to spend more that what you could afford by the time the Kickstarter ended, or in case you had a problem paying for your pledge with Amazon, or if you decided to get just a little bit more than you originally intended, or if you forgot to add Shipping, or in response to any other situation that prevented you to take part in the Kickstarter.

Pledge Manager

The final Pledge Manager is not quite ready yet, as we want it to be as efficient as possible for you to make your choices, and for us to be able to suitably manage the orders. As you know, there are many items available in this Kickstarter, and furthermore, the wave shipping system adds a layer of complexity to the project. As there are almost 3000 backers selecting their choices between 100 different items shipped in several waves and you can understand that the management of your order means that we have to set up something pretty much comparable to a full-blown online shop.

Meanwhile, you can use Kenneth Gray's Pledge Calculator to figure out how you are thinking of spending your pledge

What's next...

As we told you on the KS video, the possibility of a great result on our Kickstarter would open up new opportunities for yo you and us. And so it has! Many improvements have now become possible. And we already have some wicked plans for not just one, but two games!

One will be a mass combat rule system, and the other one will be a board game with a unique, very cool and fun setting.
The board game had been in the back of our mind for over two years. We've already laid out many of its concepts, but we did not have the resources to develop it fully before. This has now become possible and we can't wait to tell you more about it.
The new resources generated by the TGG Kickstarter will also allow us to make these games and their background available to you in a very new, innovative form that will truly enrich the gaming experience.

Many of you have been asking us about our next Kickstarter for the Sci-Fi mass combat game, for the Dark Elves army (image 1, image 2) (and also for a Sci-Fi version of them), and for the Sisters of Eternal Mercy army.
Before we make any firm plans about another project, Kickstarter or otherwise, the first thing we want to do is make sure that we release the first wave of the Toughest Girls of the Galaxy as soon as possible.
Then, if everything goes smoothly, we will decide on what happens next.

What is absolutely certain is that we won't launch any project that could impede the production of the TGG minis that you are waiting for. It is crucial for us that we honor the trust you've placed in us and we will be very careful that nothing gets in the way of that.

At the same time, today, our concept artist is sitting idle and chomping at the bit! His work on the Toughest Girls of the Galaxy is done and he's ready to work on our next crazy ideas. So we need to feed the beast! And the same is true for the game designers we've worked with to lay the foundations of our games in the past few months.

Therefore, we are very much interested in what you guys want most. Of course, the game, the DE army and the Sisters army are all at different stages of development. But understanding more about your interest could help us decide where we should place our focus. Also, even if a project like the Dark Elves is already nearly ready for a Kickstarter, for example, we must also take into account what the competition is doing and what is the best timing for each project to be released. So, your comments and intentions will be appreciated on this.

In the meantime, we hope that you are having a good summer (or winter if you're on the other side of the planet) and are able to enjoy a few days of vacations. We'll be back with a new update next week!

**Azazelx**

I really hope they complete the TGG KS fulfilment before starting a new one. Mantic and Red Box have both shown us what a mess starting subsequent ones before the first is finished can become.

**Makaleth**

Azazelx wrote:
I really hope they complete the TGG KS fulfilment before starting a new one. Mantic and Red Box have both shown us what a mess starting subsequent ones before the first is finished can become.

Yet for Stonehaven I almost want them to do 5 at once!!

**RiTides**

Raging Heroes wrote:As we told you on the KS video, the possibility of a great result on our Kickstarter would open up new opportunities for yo you and us. And so it has! Many improvements have now become possible. And we already have some wicked plans for not just one, but two games!

One will be a mass combat rule system, and the other one will be a board game with a unique, very cool and fun setting.
The board game had been in the back of our mind for over two years. We've already laid out many of its concepts, but we did not have the resources to develop it fully before. This has now become possible and we can't wait to tell you more about it.
The new resources generated by the TGG Kickstarter will also allow us to make these games and their background available to you in a very new, innovative form that will truly enrich the gaming experience.

Although it is plausible/predictable at times that a company will use funds from a campaign to fund new ideas not related to it... probably would be best not to come right out and say that

when still just starting out on fulfilling the original campaign.

**Alpharius**

This one's not due to deliver for quite some time.

I don't think seeing the Dark Elf (and didn't GW actually win that argument vs. CHS?) Kickstarter campaign from them before delivering on this one is all that much of a stretch.

I'm definitely interested in this proposed board game too though - especially given their awesome art direction!

**Eggs**

Looking at the post-kickstarter comments, I'm pretty happy I backed out at the last minute. So far, they've said they are using the money for building an extension on their premises, and developing non-kickstarter products. If I understand kickstarter correctly, the money should be getting used for developing the products advertised in the kickstarter no?

If they are currently a 3 person team, and they are hiring a couple of new sculptors, I can't really see why they need an extension. 5 people could work in my living-room quite comfortably. I'm sure they have more space than my living room already.

**RiTides**

Well, the extension obviously could be very necessary given the increase in workload. I thought the non-KS products comment was a bit unwise (even though I'm sure Many companies do this... they just don't say so

).

Anyway, hopefully their reorganization helps with the fulfillment of this... could be a very good thing in the long run, if they do it well!

**KalashnikovMarine**

Eggs wrote:
Looking at the post-kickstarter comments, I'm pretty happy I backed out at the last minute. So far, they've said they are using the money for building an extension on their premises, and developing non-kickstarter products. If I understand kickstarter correctly, the money should be getting used for developing the products advertised in the kickstarter no?

If they are currently a 3 person team, and they are hiring a couple of new sculptors, I can't really see why they need an extension. 5 people could work in my living-room quite comfortably. I'm sure they have more space than my living room already.

More sculptors, more storage space for product, possibly adding staff to aid with graphic design and game design, order processing, packing/shipping, there's always use for more space beyond just what you need for one small part of the team.

**Sergio Tulkas**

Eggs wrote:
Looking at the post-kickstarter comments, I'm pretty happy I backed out at the last minute. So far, they've said they are using the money for building an extension on their premises, and developing non-kickstarter products. If I understand kickstarter correctly, the money should be getting used for developing the products advertised in the kickstarter no?

If they are currently a 3 person team, and they are hiring a couple of new sculptors, I can't really see why they need an extension. 5 people could work in my living-room quite comfortably. I'm sure they have more space than my living room already.

They should develop the products advertised in the ks? I think so.

They are supposed to make no money out of that? I disagree.

They should not use the money thay made (thanks to the ks) to product other projects, but just to buy coke and pizzas? I disagree.

**Eggs**

I'm not saying they shouldn't make money, but profits are only profits once the goods have been delivered no?

Say they run into problems, and they've already spent their profits on an extension and other projects. Then say they don't have the capital left to overcome said problems.

Will you still be happy if they don't deliver everything you've paid for because the capital has been spent on other things?

Automatically Appended Next Post:
Just curious to see if anyone has a business address for rh. I can't seem to find one. I was going to nosy on street view to see if they are expanding a business premises, or working out of a house, and essentially extending their domicile with ks money.

**Kroothawk**

RH started with a single miniature. They then went to make a set of three, then more single ones and small sets. They then dared to make unit boxes for a larger market. The purpose of the kickstarter was to expand the business to sell the equivalent of three armies. So creating the infrastructure to cope with this enlarged number of products including packing and delivery is of course part of the kickstarter. Actually expanding a business to a new level is intended with kickstarter projects. So hiring new people and tearing down a wall is not surprising or something to frown upon.

The boardgame is not meant as part of the kickstarter, as I understand it. Maybe a second use for a selected few of the miniatures. It is meant as an outlook, what e.g. the concept sketch man is doing, now his work for the kickstarter is mostly done. Some work for the next kickstarter has to start parallel though, as not all production steps work at the same time, e.g. concepts and kickstarter bureaucracy.

Azazelx wrote:
I really hope they complete the TGG KS fulfilment before starting a new one. Mantic and Red Box have both shown us what a mess starting subsequent ones before the first is finished can become.

I have no proof for this, but I believe that Mantic in its first kickstarter sold the production of 6-9 months for not much more than production cost. They were forced to line kickstarter after kickstarter to not go bancrupt, with later projects a bit more reasonable priced. At RH the situation is different, as they were fully aware of these problems and eager to avoid them.

**Alpharius**

If you have no proof of that, it isn't that cool to go around spreading that...

**Eggs**

It's not like they are doing the casting themselves, so I'm not sure exactly what infrastructure they need. Maybe another couple of computers, and a couple of sheds to keep stock in? An extra pair of hands or two to pack boxes?

There are less than 3000 orders to fulfil. It hardly warrants a new wing.

**PsychoticStorm**

I think their latest update is quite logical, an update framing the near future, stating troops are worked and giving a tease for the future, I see nothing bad with it.

**Alpharius**

Eggs wrote:It's not like they are doing the casting themselves, so I'm not sure exactly what infrastructure they need. Maybe another couple of computers, and a couple of sheds to keep stock in? An extra pair of hands or two to pack boxes?

There are less than 3000 orders to fulfil. It hardly warrants a new wing.

This is also uncool and most likely unnecessary speculation.

PsychoticStorm wrote:I think their latest update is quite logical, an update framing the near future, stating troops are worked and giving a tease for the future, I see nothing bad with it.

Agreed!

It is what it is!

As long as they deliver what they promised to deliver - great!

**Azazelx**

Alpharius wrote:
If you have no proof of that, it isn't that cool to go around spreading that...

Kroot is pretty open about how he doesn't like Mantic. So.. grain of salt.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Eggs wrote:
It's not like they are doing the casting themselves, so I'm not sure exactly what infrastructure they need. Maybe another couple of computers, and a couple of sheds to keep stock in? An extra pair of hands or two to pack boxes?
There are less than 3000 orders to fulfil. It hardly warrants a new wing.

With the expansion of a business, often new infrastructure and space is needed. It's also a good thing if this can be done. Reaper added a new wing and bought a moulding machine. Trollforged moved out of a basement or back room and into a proper business space. Red Box is working towards setting up in-house casting. I see no problem if RH give themselves some more space, particularly since we don't know how cramped their entire setup was. It's not like they're buying sports cars, hookers and blow.

The KS isn't (and shouldn't be) just about fulfilling our pre-orders, but setting them up with more product to sell beyond fulfilment and the means to efficiently do so.

**keltikhoa**

Azazelx wrote:
It's not like they're buying sports cars, hookers and blow.

they could be. If they make a live action Jailbirds movie then it is very possible they are buying these thing

**Makaleth**

Azazelx wrote:

Eggs wrote:
It's not like they are doing the casting themselves, so I'm not sure exactly what infrastructure they need. Maybe another couple of computers, and a couple of sheds to keep stock in? An extra pair of hands or two to pack boxes?
There are less than 3000 orders to fulfil. It hardly warrants a new wing.

With the expansion of a business, often new infrastructure and space is needed. It's also a good thing if this can be done. Reaper added a new wing and bought a moulding machine. Trollforged moved out of a basement or back room and into a proper business space. Red Box is working towards setting up in-house casting. I see no problem if RH give themselves some more space, particularly since we don't know how cramped their entire setup was. It's not like they're buying sports cars, hookers and blow.

The KS isn't (and shouldn't be) just about fulfilling our pre-orders, but setting them up with more product to sell beyond fulfilment and the means to efficiently do so.

Very well said, this KS is about Kickstarting the business and these models are not pre-orders, they are part of a broader business plan. I really hope they get this phase right, because the more successful miniature companies that launch to a fully fledged gaming system the better

**OrlandotheTechnicoloured**

Alpharius wrote:
If you have no proof of that, it isn't that cool to go around spreading that...

It's certainly true that the KOW KS did no more than break even (of course it did pay for a bunch of moulds/sculpts/concept art),

as Mantic have said that the reason the command sprues for certain units are metal is that there was not enough cash in the KS pot to pay to do them in restic, so they had to be paid for out of general Mantic funds.

as to the rest, no idea (but I doubt it)

**Azazelx**

There you go - even if it "only" "broke even", Mantic have ended up with a pile of new product that will be able to last them for years. While it's a shame that much of it is average and a lot is seriously sub-par, that's more a matter of their own quality control issues. The over-the-top levels of add-ons for the KoW KS are also because of the way they got taken completely by surprise and kept adding more and more as they really didn't expect it to blow up in the way it did. Of course, this happened with RH as well, but they had the benefit of having seen multiple KS campaigns over the last year, and while I don't think that RH handled it as well as they could have, clearly they didn't want to end up like Mantic's campaign.

**Kroothawk**

Eggs wrote:
It's not like they are doing the casting themselves, so I'm not sure exactly what infrastructure they need. Maybe another couple of computers, and a couple of sheds to keep stock in? An extra pair of hands or two to pack boxes?

There are less than 3000 orders to fulfil. It hardly warrants a new wing.

1.) They didn't talk about building a new wing or buying a Lamborghini, just tearing down a wall in the house.
2.) Not sure if development of new miniatures needs more room, but packing and storing 700k $ of orders and basically tripling the nuber of products offered certainly needs some space.

Concerning Mantic: Thanks Orlando for backing my assumption with facts. I can't only post things I can prove, being rumour poster and all, but one post clearly labelled as personal believe in a huge "Misc.Miniatures" thread is not really "spreading" bad rep. I didn't post that in the Mantic thread for a reason. Now let's get back posting unproven bad things about RH now

**Erzanj**

Kroothawk wrote:

1.) They didn't talk about building a new wing or buying a Lamborghini, just tearing down a wall in the house.

Are they really tearing down walls ? I mean, they said they were "pushing some walls" - I'm not sure that's to be taken literraly. That could just mean they're reorganizing their workspace to accomodate new people, or something.

We French sometimes speak in a funny way, you know.

**Azazelx**

Kroothawk wrote:
Now let's get back posting unproven bad things about RH now

I understand that they're going to be cancelling the girls, and replacing them with an extensive range of WW2 German-themed Orcs.

**Eggs**

Just in case I've been misunderstood, I genuinely hope everything goes well with the kick starter; I almost pulled the trigger on a few hundred dollars' worth myself, and I'll be buying a fair few once they hit retail. I just question the sense of spending profits on things other than the ks lines before they are officially profits. And telling such stuff to the backers.

I'm a fan of raging heroes work, and the more competition and variety out there the better.

**Kroothawk**

Azazelx wrote:
Kroothawk wrote:
Now let's get back posting unproven bad things about RH now

I understand that they're going to be cancelling the girls, and replacing them with an extensive range of WW2 German-themed Orcs.

... cast by Puppet's War

Erzanj wrote:
Are they really tearing down walls ? I mean, they said they were "pushing some walls" - I'm not sure that's to be taken literraly.

You could be right, I was just interpreting what was written.

**RiTides**

Kroothawk wrote:
... cast by Puppet's War

Don't even joke about that...!

**02Laney**

On a different note, has anyone thought about what they might get?

Obviously I'll wait till I have as much info as possible, but based on concepts...

Lieutenant Early Bird...
One-shot Blondie
Karmina Knoxx
Ilsa Wolfenstein
Arthemisia Rosenkrantz

Vankaree Werewolf

IE heavy troopers command
JB troopers
JB troopers command
JB troopers command
JB snipers

Anyone else got their ideas?

**Azazelx**

$10 heroines, pretty much. I dropped my pledge in the end from the almost-$400 to almost-$200. Sure, I could get more figures by going for troops, but unknown material without renders doesn't quite stack up to getting hero models in metal, which is what brought them (and me) to the dance in the first place.