Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika - Kickstarter is live!

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**RiTides**

I'm still leaning towards Continuum out of the first 3 factions - but tempted to wait and see if they might have some true aliens coming in the next set...

**Kanluwen**

Speaking of the Continuum, they posted up the variant Warcaster render:

There's also a render of the Marcher Worlds hero, "Artemis Fang" but it's a video rather than an image. Here's what the video has as its image.

Also they'll be painting Continuum stuff on their "Get Your Paint On!" today.

**chaos0xomega**

RiTides wrote:
I'm still leaning towards Continuum out of the first 3 factions - but tempted to wait and see if they might have some true aliens coming in the next set...

I think at this point they've basically confirmed that there are no aliens in the setting. Only humans come to the Cyriss galaxy from the Iron Kingdoms (because only human souls are being harvested by the Infernals) and when they arrive they find the galaxy basically devoid of intelligent life (though in the ancient past before humanities arrival intelligent life had flourished throughout the setting, but by the time humans get there they are all gone). The only exception is the "architects" who built the void gate network, but by the time of the games timeline the architects are more or less extinct or in hiding (I imagine they may come back into relevance down the line, they are being set up to be the Ogrun or the Infernals of the setting from the sounds of it).

IS THIS THE IRON KINGDOMS IN SPACE? ARE THERE ALIENS?

This is not the Iron Kingdoms in space, but the settings are inexorably linked, and if you happen to have followed the Henge Hold Scroll storyline, then you already know how. But saying Warcaster is the IK in space is like saying a giant redwood tree is just a tall seed. We planted seeds in the Iron Kingdoms, and we brought some of the DNA of warcasters and warjacks into the new setting, and you might even see the occasional nod to an Iron Kingdoms character, but it’s a new setting with new stories and characters and worlds to explore. You don’t need to know anything about the Iron Kingdoms to dive into Warcaster, but if you’re a lore expert on the Iron Kingdoms, you’ll likely enjoy some of the Easter eggs that have found their way into the game and setting.

Aliens are a different subject altogether. In a sense, humanity is the alien invader of the Cyriss galaxy. And at one point, the galaxy was populated with all manner of intelligent life. But when humanity shows up, the only intelligent life they encounter are the architects responsible for the network that connects all the worlds in the galaxy. Suffice it to say, that meeting doesn’t go so well, but that’s a story for later.

The current focus is on the human factions, but as we go forward, we’re pushing further and further out from what defines something as human, and we have some pretty far-out ideas we intend to explore.

https://home.privateerpress.com/2020/02/20/warcaster-neo-mechanika-answers-to-your-burning-questions/

**RiTides**

Ah, well that's a bummer

. Thanks for the headsup, chaos!

**Overread**

If they copy-cat their own game then Aliens might come in a "Hordes" style release. So the first game might be several human factions then suddenly XENOS EVERYWHERE

They might also have Xenos human hybrid armies - ergo xenos survived by interbreeding/melding/blending/whatever.

I hope for Xenos as well as they are often my favoured (actually right now I don't collect any human armies - at least if elves don't count as humans).

**Kanluwen**

And the 5 variant weapons for the light warjacks are unlocked!

Additionally, this:

Greetings Warcasters!

We’re in the home stretch, with just over 36 hours to go. On behalf of everyone at Privateer Press, I want to thank all of you for your incredible support, your feedback and suggestions, and for being part of the launch of an amazing new tabletop miniatures game.

As everyone across the world grapples with an unprecedented event, we know these are uncertain times, and we know that many backers have had to make difficult decisions. We understand and want you to know that all of the rewards and value offered in the Kickstarter will be honored after the campaign in the pledge manager. For those unable to participate in the campaign right now, we will keep the light on for you however long it may take to overcome the current challenges faced by everyone on our planet.

THE $425K STRETCH GOAL

While it looks reasonable to expect we’ll pass the $400k mark in short order, we know there is concern about whether or not we’ll reach the next, very important $425k stretch goal. Put concern aside, and consider it unlocked. Regardless of what the funding ticker says at midnight tomorrow night, the $425k stretch goal that unlocks Captain Jax Redblade and Baron Cassius Mooregrave will be unlocked. This stretch goal is too important to the reward levels the miniatures get added to as well as being important to the meta of the game in general by offering balanced options for Wild Card heroes across all factions. We’ll update the graphics later today to reflect the unlocked status of this stretch goal. So, if you are backing at a reward level that is set to include these miniatures as rewards, rest easy, and if you’re backing at a different reward level and wish to add them on, feel free to do so now or later in the pledge manager. We’ve come to far and we’re not going to end this campaign without Redblade and Mooregrave.

RETAILER PLEDGES

After many conversations with our retailer backers about how we can tailor purchasing options to best support them, we want to let you know that all qualified retailers will receive their 50% direct-to-retail discount on all items pledged for now and in the pledge manager, with no minimum quantity or case requirements. We hope this will offer the most flexibility for you to customize your order to the needs of your customers. This goes for all items offered in the Kickstarter, including any models unlocked as stretch goals during the course of the campaign.

SHIPPING OPTIONS

For our international backers, in addition to the Super Saver Shipping option that ships all of your items in Wave 4, we will offer a ‘First and Last’ shipping option where you can have all Wave 1 releases shipped in our first wave and then the remainder of your rewards consolidated to ship in Wave 4. This way, you can get started with the game at the same time as everyone else, but can save on some of the shipping fees by not shipping in every wave.

Expect more updates as we cross stretch goals and march toward the final minutes of the Warcaster: Neo-Mechanika Kickstarter campaign! And thank you again for backing this project and joining us on our journey to the stars.

Matt Wilson

Chief Creative Officer

Privateer Press

So the two Wild Card heroes are also unlocked.

**RiTides**

Well shoot - if they'd come out with that retailer decision earlier, it would have made organizing a group order through our store so much easier. Time is short now, so not sure if we could get it organized fast enough...

**Kanluwen**

I'm assuming the whole reason they're doing it now is so that stores going big won't feel as obligated to pare things down.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

So the shoulder mount on the Dusk Wolf here is called a "Wildflower".

Wildflower Dusk Wolf Warjack Weapon
Location: Shoulder
Weapon Cost: 2
Eruption -When this model chooses to use Eruption it makes its attacks during its activation. If it does so, all other models within 3 ̋ of it each suffer a POW 3 explosion damage roll.

**RiTides**

Ends tonight, and the retailer change did let my store put an order in! Hopefully they keep that retailer policy going forward for future campaigns / direct orders, so that small stores can support the game.

**Overread**

UPDATES
First the most recent regarding the upcoming pledge manager - set to END on April 30th at present (provincial date and they've not yet launched it).
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/privateerpress/warcaster-neo-mechanika/posts/2806128

Also some new pictures of some of the models.

Spoiler:

**RiTides**

Hmm, that paint job isn't too flattering imo. Just says "generic evil" to me... hope that isn't the official scheme?

**Kanluwen**

It is the official scheme, yes.

The Continuum aren't exactly the Easter Bunny.

**Sacredroach**

Heh. Classic Therian paint scheme.

**Overread**

Sacredroach wrote:
Heh. Classic Therian paint scheme.

I, wait, what's it got to do with marsupials?

**Mangod**

Overread wrote:
Sacredroach wrote:
Heh. Classic Therian paint scheme.

I, wait, what's it got to do with marsupials?

#NotSureIfJoking

It's an AT-43 reference.

Spoiler:

Joking aside, the Aeternus Continuum are clearly sharing their colour scheme with the Infernals from WarmaHordes. I like that: it gives a small sense on continuity between Warcaster and it's older siblings, even if Space-Khador or Space-Cygnar isn't directly present.

**Barzam**

I feel like the Aeternus Continuum are probably the closest we'll get to some actual Destiny miniatures. I might get some just to make a few Guardians.

**Overread**

I'd never heard of AT-43 - but DARN that's some beautiful art and faction design! A shame that Rackham died off and has functionally remained dead. They had some really creative designs and ideas.

**Sacredroach**

That and AT-43 was (and is) and amazing game. Pity nobody reputable has picked up the license. Seems to be the Rackham curse...

**Mangod**

Overread wrote:
I'd never heard of AT-43 - but DARN that's some beautiful art and faction design! A shame that Rackham died off and has functionally remained dead. They had some really creative designs and ideas.

I will never forgive the free market for letting the space gorillas die.

Spoiler:

**Sacredroach**

Reminds me of a great battle I had against a Red Blok buddy...he rarely rolled anything higher than a 3, and while I could hit him with everything, nothing would pierce his armor.

I miss playing Karmans. And Oni. And Therians.

**BobtheInquisitor**

I loved the background in those AT-43 army books. If Warcaster fluff and art is even half as good, I’ll be happy to pick up some (reasonably priced) books.

**Shrapnelsmile**

Sacredroach wrote:
Heh. Classic Therian paint scheme.

I noticed that as well.

**kodos**

AT-43 re-released with modern PCV/HIPS models would be much better than to try to get Warmachine into the future

**Sacredroach**

If AT-43 was relaunched in a non-prepainted, non-assembled format I think there would be TON of potential there. That would also kill the need for so many SKUs...Leader, Support and Line troops all in the same box. Drool.

Also, a streamlined rulebook would be no bad thing.

Well, a gamer can dream.

**RiTides**

I share the dream, guys, but let's take AT-43 discussion to an appropriate thread

(feel free to link here) rather than one dedicated to Warcaster news. Thanks

**Overread**

UPDATE

The Pledge Manager and Late Backer are now both live until May 4th (pledge manager date was originally April 30th - announced today it was extending to May 4th)

https://warcaster-neo-mechanika.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders

They've also confirmed that it will now be two shipment waves not the original four shipment waves that they estimated that they'd have before.

Check their KS updates for some new general photos/art of things.

**Ernestas**

I had checked out their prices. They seem to be what you would expect on retail for what you get. Are those discounted prices? Do you get something for buying during kickstarter? I hope someone would explain me quicker as I'm new to that whole site is confusing to me in how it is giving laid out.

**LunarSol**

Ernestas wrote:
I had checked out their prices. They seem to be what you would expect on retail for what you get. Are those discounted prices? Do you get something for buying during kickstarter? I hope someone would explain me quicker as I'm new to that whole site is confusing to me in how it is giving laid out.

They're expected retail prices. No discount beyond a couple bonus models.

**insaniak**

Ernestas wrote:
I had checked out their prices. They seem to be what you would expect on retail for what you get. Are those discounted prices? Do you get something for buying during kickstarter? I hope someone would explain me quicker as I'm new to that whole site is confusing to me in how it is giving laid out.

They're retail prices. This is a new business model that PP is trying out, where everything is preorded and the points don't matter!

The bonus that you get for going in on the Kickstarter in this case is that you can pay for things earlier than you otherwise would! Yay!

**Overread**

Because PP is aiming to deliver this KS so quickly they are basically using KS as a pre-order service to help generate funds to put the game into production. There's no discount likely because they want 3rd party stores on board and thus flooding the market with ultra-cheap discounts wouldn't be in their short term interest.

There's a selection of bonuses and addons you get for pledging, so you get some discounts and offers.

PP's plan is instead of one huge KS with heavily discounted prices and a huge range of models in one go; is to instead fragment it into multiple short term KS with limited discounts (save for retail purchases of course for stores).

It's an interesting move with a big bonus that it should deliver fairly one time (though one must keep in mind that Corona could cause issues either at their end with some supplies - though PP is casting in-house - and at your end with regard to international and local postage systems.