Code Zero - More Images

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**Dark Severance**

KICKSTARTER LINK

Code Zero is a 32mm miniatures skirmish game set in a futuristic alternate universe. Players take control of a small squad of troops, broken up into fireteams, competing with each other to achieve one or several objectives and complete their mission.

We are working on building and developing the miniatures line as we continue working on the skirmish game. The main focus of the Kickstarter is to expand the miniatures and start to build a community centered around the game. The first of our miniatures for this universe are digitally sculpted, 3d printed and cast in high quality resin.

We will be approaching our Kickstarter a bit different than the traditional method.

A traditional Kickstarter sets a goal to create a full game. That goal is usually short of what is actually needed, with stretch goals/add-ons generating the funds for the remainder. This can often cause the core game to run into late delivery issues, creating multiple waves of shipping, or in rare cases, may even result in not delivering at all. By the time the backer receives the product, it has been so long that excitement has worn off or they have even forgotten about it.

The goal of this Kickstarter is to fund the creation of the Anazi Dynasty resin miniatures, one of the factions involved in the Code Zero game. We would like nothing more than for this kickstarter to be hugely successful, allowing us to fully fund the game and miniatures all at once, but decided on taking this different approach for many reasons.

Our plan by creating miniatures for each faction, one faction at a time, allows us to ensure we provide our best in a timely manner. This will let us run a smaller campaign, putting the full focus into each faction as we expand the game bit by bit. That means we can fund at a smaller amount which allows us to put the product into our backer’s hands quicker. Instead of waiting two years for something, you’ll have product within a fraction of the time.

Meanwhile we can start small and build the miniatures line while we release the Code Zero game rules in beta format to our backers. Although we are confident we can test and implement it in the traditional time, that often leads to rules being rushed out too soon. This results in sub-par rules, something that needs to be heavily revised within a few months of release. Our method will give backers a unique opportunity to help shape, adjust, and improve the game as we continue to build the product line. We really do value your feedback, and although we might not be able to implement every suggestion or idea, we will definitely listen and make adjustments where needed.

Although we have chosen the faction to produce first, backers will be able to help determine the next faction moving forward as well as what it could unlock. But don't worry, that does not mean we will be launching multiple campaigns at once! The plan is to fund, deliver, and then move on to the next campaign. That will allow us prove ourselves to you, the backers, as well as continuing to foster the growing trust we develop with you, our community. It also means we can learn, adjusting to any mistakes or issues encountered on the way. The slow and steady pace will allow us to better grow Code Zero with our community.

**Dark Severance**

Update #1 - Funded

Thank you!

From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank everyone for their support in this project. Thank you for backing our campaign and joining us on this journey to create something new.

We appreciate everyone who jumped in early and invite you to stay with us for the whole journey. We have spent a lot of time and resources working on this game, to get it to a point to where we can start production on the miniatures line. We want to breath life to this universe that we have created, which we can not do without your help. For that we are deeply grateful.

We truly want the backers to actually be a real part of this process and feel like they have had an impact on the campaign instead of it feeling like a pre-order. It is important to us that backers, which help make these opportunities happen, aren't simply just a source of blood. We are not vampires... although one us might be one. ^_^ We are not a big company or corporation, but instead a simple family and friends who are gamers first. We want to create games and miniatures that other gamers and families will enjoy.

Promotional Exclusives

We have toyed with the idea of creating exclusive content for Kickstarters and overall felt it was a bad idea in terms for board games. We want people to have the same experience and be able to get the same things whether they are early adopters or recently discovered us. For a miniatures line and skirmish game it can make some sense. After much consideration we have decided to create some miniatures that we would create some Promotional Exclusives.

What that means is that they are not necessarily only available via Kickstarter but that we will not sell them as normal retail items. They could be sold during certain promotional periods like a convention or in upcoming and future kickstarters. Since we plan to do multiple small campaigns to continue growing the line, our initial plan is to only have them be available through this and future Kickstarters.

With that in mind, you can get a sneak peak on the one that is being worked on currently.

She is an ex-Inquisitor originally from the Europa Confederation working as a Corsair, freelance mercenaries, bounty hunters and traders that operate within multiple factions.

Europa Confederation

They are the second largest nation in the galaxy, well known for their strong psion presence. When other nations created pushed for Apartheid against humans who developed psionic abilities, the EC exonerated them. They welcomed anyone with psionic abilities and often put them into positions of power within the nation. That meant most of them were part of the inquisition or church, since psionic abilities were gifts meant to be used for the betterment of all while expanding the influence of the church and the nation.

Inquisitors

Inquisitors are classified as defenders and make up key elements within the Europa Confederation. They are responsible for mediating, handling disputes, investigating psions as well as working as an enforcement and police force. Strangely the majority of inquisitors tend to be female operatives, although there are a few male psions who have the inquisitor rank. Outside of select officials, no one really understands why or how. It seems to be a carefully guarded secret.

The Corsair Accord

The Corsair Accord, an official agreement recognizing licenses that authorizes someone to collect bounties and work as a freelance mercenary. The license will also allow traders to travel between factions, authorizing someone to collect bounties and work as a freelance Mercenary. Mercenaries, Bounty Hunters and Free Traders need to be sanctioned and registered with the Syndicate. The Syndicate is the largest unaligned party with a sizeable security force that rivals many factions because it protects some of the older ship yards and museums protecting much of human heritage.

**schoon**

Can you tell us a bit about the system?

**Dark Severance**

schoon wrote:
Can you tell us a bit about the system?

The backers will get access to the beta and final rules but the Kickstarter is main focus is on building the miniatures line.

The game uses alternate activation with an action/reaction system. From the initial look some will compare it to Infinity but it definitely doesn't play like it. If you are familiar with Magic or WoW TCG, then how the action/reaction system functions will make a bit more sense.

The game is divided into turns with each turn consisting of three phases: Start Phase, Player Phase, End Phase. Start Phase, start of turn stuff happens. During the Player Phase both player alternate between the Active Player and Reactive Player roles. End Phase, end of turn stuff happens.

Game Turn
Start Phase
Player Phase
-- Round A: Player 1 Active Player, Player 2 Reactive Player
-- Round B: Player 2 Active Player, Player 1 Reactive Player
-- Round C: Player 1 Active Player, Player 2 Reactive Player
-- Round D: Player 2 Active Player, Player 1 Reactive Player (and so forth until no more AP to spend)
End Phase

Activation Points which are the currency used to activate units are generated based on the unit type. Single model heroes generate 1AP, while fireteams (3-5 models) generate 3AP. 10 models could be 2 heroes and 2 fireteams (4 models each). The 2 heroes generate 2AP and the 2 fireteams generate 6AP for a total of 8AP. AP is the currency used to activate a unit to allow them to move, shoot, etc.

Instead of a IGO-UGO with action/reaction, we built the system with a action/response system based at certain trigger points. There are two opportunities for a Reactive Player to respond usually. The Active Player spends an AP and chooses a unit to activate, this can be a single hero or a whole fireteam. After they declare their action it creates a Trigger Point, this is the first opportunity that the Reactive Player can choose to respond. It is basically a "Steal Initiative" option, where the response can be to spend an AP and activate one of their own units, which would resolve their actions first. The Active Player could also choose to respond and spend an additional AP to activate a second unit creating

Units can only be activated twice in a turn. You place the AP token next to the unit when you activate it the first time with the green side up. The second time it is activated, the AP token is flipped over to red side. Any additional activations will give it "Fatigue" status which reduces their abilities. A player can also only activate up to two units in a round, if they choose to activate an additional unit, that unit will gain "Fatigue" status.

The second opportunity that a Reactive Player can respond is when the second Trigger Point is when an Active Player unit moves within line of sight of the Reactive Player unit then the Reactive Player can choose to respond.

It sounds a bit wordy and complex at first but really game play is smooth in a MtG type of fashion. Since everything can resolve differently based on the order of events, the game comes out a very different experience than Infinity. The main focus of the game becomes more like a chess match, where one player's actions can have more of an impact or interaction with the other player. It gives the game a good ebb and flow, with the back and forth giving more of a focus on maneuvering. Instead of waiting for a player to move all their units, players can intercept and cause interesting choke points due to the system as well. It also allows you to create a feint or flanking maneuver that is harder to recreate in small objective based battles.

**Dark Severance**

Update #2 - From Concept to Casting

Designing a Miniature

When we look at designing a miniature there are a few things to factor into it. What role will the miniature be taking; Is it a light armored scout or a more heavy armor figure? How big the miniature is size wise to other miniatures; Are they average human height, larger or smaller? In order to be able to properly communicate what you want to an artist, you have to know what you want. That can also mean getting some reference material. Once you have all that then you can find an artist to start working on the concept art.

First Pass Draft

We like to start with a primary draft, which gives us multiple options to choose from. They can be various variations based on the information given to try to hone more into the look we are wanting. This also helps communicate to the artist what we like, don't like, what works and doesn't as well as the why. It helps in the process to ensure that we are all on the same page as to the visual design.

Second Pass

Then a second pass is done with more options to further fine tune the design. We normally ever have to do two passes before we settle on the semi-final design. If we don't feel that any of the options are working, we have done a third pass but we rarely have to go down that route. Once again we look at what options we like and why, which helps the artist create the final piece.

Color Palette

Now that we have the semi-finalized version, we examine the color palette. It is very much similar to the 1st/2nd Passes where we have different colors, patterns to determine what we want. Technically the colors aren't necessary to create the final miniature. However in some cases colors can help determine the final texture/material that clothes and other items are made of.

Validation

Now that we have the final concept piece done. We need to validate it. We give artists certain room for creativity to create. Although some things look great on paper, they don't necessarily translate well when going into 3d. If pieces are too thin, they can cause an issue casting, if something is too large it might require being cut differently. We try to identify what these places are before talking to the sculptor. Sometimes those the issues are found as we enter into the sculpting process. I try to share that information with the artists, so for future projects they start to develop what the limitations are.

Poses

It helps to have some basic ideas of how you will want to pose the final piece because that can effect sculpting in some aspects. It also can effect how and where the 3d sculpt will be cut to create the multi-parts of the miniature. You usually don't have to do a posing sheet for each new artwork, sometimes just having one for a couple sets is enough for the sculptor to work with.

3D Sculpting

3D sculpting I mostly take a back seat and let the digital artist do their things. For the most part they start with the base, build around it. As they work on the items I get WIP pictures which I do give some feedback with.

Once we get the T-Pose done, finish the rest of the detail then we can do some final touches before moving to posing. Some things that may have looked fine with the concept art, visually or mechanically may not work properly in a digital aspect. For example the pocket was in front, but it made more sense to move it.

Now we can finally look at where we want the pieces to be cut and seperated.

We can finally do a master 3d print.

Now that we have our 3D Master, providing everything checks out with sizing. We can begin casting the miniature to get the final piece.

**JohnHwangDD**

Congrats on getting the first set funded!

**Dark Severance**

JohnHwangDD wrote:
Congrats on getting the first set funded!

Thank you! Now just need to work on unlocking a stretch goal or two.

It has been an interesting and hectic few days. I apologize for the brief radio silence. Our dog needed to have an emergency operation and was in surgery a couple days ago. There was a complication that gave us a scare but she is out and recovering. It has been an interesting process since she has to have a lot of medication, while dealing with the "cone of shame" which isn't something she likes. I doubt any dog does. That has resulted in many things we thought were out of the way, discovering they were not so a lot of bumping around and adjustments around the house. The critical part is over with now so we are in recuperating mode... which means back to work.

Here are a couple of our miniatures being painted, still a work in progress so not completed yet.

Stretch Goal Update!

Great News!

We have some great news! We are still finalizing a few things but we have managed to gain some additional funding which allows us to shift the stretch goals. This allows us to unlock the Federated Commonwealth, Corer Fireteam. I was hoping to have the 3D masters by now to take pictures of but they are in customs now. I should have them before the weekend to show everyone. They can be added to any pledge for $35.

The best part is that means all the Stretch Goals will shift up, so the next SG we unlock at $2K will be a couple Corsair Mercenaries.

Here are some WIP of one of our Kickstarter Exclusives miniatures that we have been working on. The final details are still being added, so this is a rough version based on the concept art shown earlier. We will have her finalized soon for everyone to see. She can be added to any pledge for $10.

I will be updating the Stretch Goal graphic and add-ons this evening to accurately represent the changes and additions.

**Necros**

Painted mini looks great so far. Need to get the campaign in front of some more eyes.. have you tried posting it on Beasts of War or Tabletop Gaming News or The Miniatures Page?

**JohnHwangDD**

Oh, those look really nice!

(Sorry about your dog, glad it's better)

**Dark Severance**

Necros wrote:
Painted mini looks great so far. Need to get the campaign in front of some more eyes.. have you tried posting it on Beasts of War or Tabletop Gaming News or The Miniatures Page?

I definitely agree but it isn't from the lack of trying. LOL! I have definitely been making the rounds on BoW, TGN, TMP, BBG as well as various miniatures groups on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

I think ultimately there are a few factors. The first being there are a few other higher profile Kickstarters finishing up, pledge managers wrapping up and a couple launching soon. That keeps those KS in main discussions. The other is that we're approaching things differently, which probably has a few in "sit and wait" which creates that whole catch 22, chicken and egg scenario. On one hand, people want to see SG unlocked so they wait, on the other hand because of that there is slow activity. Despite the focus being on the miniatures line, there are some who also want a full game.

I did expect it to a be a small campaign because of how I was doing things. On the plus side I guess (to look at the positive), the smaller campaign means fulfillment can happen much faster within 2-3 months.

JohnHwangDD wrote:
Oh, those look really nice!

(Sorry about your dog, glad it's better)

Thank you. I can't wait to see the finished versions all together.

She is doing well, probably better than the spouse and daughter though. She is only 7 years old and contracted glaucoma in her left eye which resulted in her losing vision.

**Barzam**

I went ahead and backed it. I'm #30. I can only go in at $10 due to budget and lack of space. But, I have wanted those marine guys for a while. Why not get one now, right? Glad to hear your dog is doing better. Is she a German Shepherd?

**Dark Severance**

Barzam wrote:
I went ahead and backed it. I'm #30. I can only go in at $10 due to budget and lack of space. But, I have wanted those marine guys for a while. Why not get one now, right? Glad to hear your dog is doing better. Is she a German Shepherd?

Thank you for backing, it is definitely appreciated.

Yeah she is a mix German Shepherd/Husky. On one side maybe she won't get hip dysplasia that tends to happen with shepherds. When she was older these are the type of things we are expecting, just was a shock happening to her so young.

She loves watching television with the family. As she recuperates she gets to watch some Doctor Who, Expanse and Magicians as we catch up on things on our DVR.

**Dark Severance**

Update #5 - Terra Fall - Historical Archive Entry

“Greetings and salutations! Welcome to the Archives. I am your guide, HA-L235, or simply Hal. I do not get travelers often. Here at the Galactic Archive VIII, we compile all entries and records within the database to create the most accurate historical account possible. This archive is maintained by Appregio."

WARNING! Historical records after Terra Fall are not complete. Other than what was already downloaded into the existing databases, all other information was recorded manually. It may not be completely factual, or consistent, as records were pieced together. Information may be biased based on individual recordings, thus, we can not vouch for the accuracy of the records. For the most accurate records I suggest you access Archive at /*REDACTED*/.

Terra, once the shining jewel of humanity, is a planet rich in history, and the birthplace for many millenniums of stories and events. Humanity in its inception had not been kind to her, and years of war and pollution took their toll, leaving her scarred and tarnished. To find answers and solutions, humanity had to look to the stars.

Almost two millennia have passed since Terra Fall, when it vanished and was lost to humankind. Humanity was still in their infancy as they spread their influence to the stars to create new opportunities. During that process, and with Terra gone, they lost memory of their origin, and the only remains of humanity's history had to be preserved and pieced together from remnants. Great museums, such as The Record in the Kaelius system and The Census Bureau, hold collections of what is left of Terra's history. Bits and pieces of information have been mended into a story that provides a shell of an existence for humanity.

It is said that things like race and morals are considered social constructs. Nothing tests that theory more than when the history of a whole species vanishes. After Terra Fall, there only existed a few hundred terrabytes of information between the databases in the Orbital Relays, the newer colonies, as well as what was available on the part of the net that survived. Given the circumstances, there were only a couple organizations willing to collect, datamine and archive the information. Historical information was the least of humanity's problems as they struggled to survive.

Cut off from Terra, there was a vacuum of leadership and government for almost every country. A few took this as an opportunity to stake a claim for themselves, while others banded together with other nations to stabilize some of the already established frontier systems. Under the guise of bringing order to chaos, war erupted over control of the best planets. It was swift and deadly, ultimately resulting in the splintering of nations and resources.

/*REDACTED*/

/*REDACTED*/

"Further information is no longer accessible from this particular archive. We have vlogs, audio records, and images but given their incomplete nature, actual events of the following few hundred years are conjecture.”

/*REDACTED*/... ERROR ID10
... ..
/*REDACTED*/
ERROR; unauthorized entry.
...humanity must be cleansed.
...
ERROR...

Betaphage - Viral Outbreak

Knowledge is power and with power comes responsibility. Some histories write that it was God who brought on the destruction that came after finding Adam. Others write about the carelessness and lack of scientific professionalism in the explorers that found the Martian city in the first place. Most theories are believable about how it came about. Theories are inconsistent. It is facts that discern the truth and the fact is that when Adam awoke, so did the techno-virus BetaPhage.

Although new inroads were being made into the main core of the galaxy, there was a large amount of people still back in the Sol system. Humans that were too poor to leave Terra. The rich who lived on the moon and the government officials and corporations that were housed on Mars. Conditions on Terra started to take a turn for the worse.

Violent outbreaks and terrorist attacks started to slowly reappear again. Schizophrenia paranoia started to seemly appear out of nowhere, which lead to violent attacks. Global warming and poor eating conditions were first blamed but it was slowly becoming clear that an epidemic was happening.

It wasn’t until the attacks grew in brutal vehemence that deeper questions were asked. The cruelty of the terrorists bordered on inhumane. Documented footage of attacks exposed consistent symptomatic elements. The attackers displayed irritability with each other and to some degree an inexplicable remorse for the deeds they were committing. A few of the recordings showed terrorists hurling their weapons into the air and crouching into an awkwardly submissive position with their arms wrapped around their heads and their hands clasped behind the backs of their necks.

No one knew at the time but these were the first signs of the Betaphage infection.

Alongside the uncontrollable pollution levels, high crime rate and overgrowth in population on Terra, the outbreak made it near impossible for anyone to live a life that wasn’t riddled with violence, sickness and excruciating death. Those who could afford to evacuate made their way to the sky and settled in “cloud cities” such as Nimbola and Cumulo; a luxury that only fell to those under the title of “corporate executive” or “significant government official.” Those with less money either bought their own vessel or made their way into space where they could learn valuable trades such as andronic engineering or biotechnical sequencing; skills that came of great value to those whose lives depended on machines. Others became pirates or freelancers. Whichever new future the survivors chose for themselves, quite a large number was able to make it off Terra before being consumed. Those that couldn’t developed signs of extreme aggression and paranoia which resulted uncontrollable violence, self-mutilation and that usually didn’t end well for anyone.

Early symptoms of infection lacked in consistency. It was very difficult to discern if an individual had a case or not. One moment a person could be quite literally foaming at the mouth and the next he or she could be passed out on the ground only to wake up a day and a half later unaware of where or, on some occasions, who they are. The early days of the infection remained confusing until the recovery of a very valuable medical log in the ancient city on Mars. The log was contained within a quantum computer system; it took some time before everything could be translated. The information that was translated provided a basic structure as to the origin of the virus. The Betaphage was a techno-organic virus created by the Automated Defense Android Manifesto; A.D.A.M.

Upon revealing the truth, a transmission that historians can only conclude came from somewhere deep in the bowels of the ancient Martian city was initiated. This transmission ignited a hypersonic distress signal to every Jump Drive that had been scavenged from the city, inciting what can only be described as a mass exodus. Every battleship, cruiser, scout, skiff or frigate that had a Jump Drive installed automatically activated launch procedures for out-of-system jumps. Ships that were stationed, unmanned in docking bays or in the middle of repairs also jumped. Hundreds simultaneously vanished from the solar system.

The jumps that the transmission had set were completely random; random automatic jumps without coordinates can be extremely disorienting and it was a very long time before those involved could reorient themselves and make their way back to their point of origin. The best place they could think to restart. But when they returned what they found left them more perplexed; Terra was gone.

It wasn’t just Terra, an entire planet, that had gone missing but Mars and rest of the solar system. According to the Coordination CPU System the coordinates for every planets had not changed. According to the CPU nothing had moved but what remained was empty space. Unmanned Sensors found nothing, no radio signals had been established, no distress communications, just space.

In a blink of an eye humanity’s home was gone. Some say that the disappearing of Terra was nothing short of a blessing; that the planet was collapsing on itself and the entirety of it existed as nothing better than a violent disarray of sickness and death; the domestic cesspool of a race that failed to maintain their home planet. To those who sought to improve Terra and those who zealously pursued the preservation of their home, the loss was catastrophic.

The Human Empire became splintered and greedy. Paramilitary factions formed and were either hired by wealthy colonists and excavation corporations for protection or fought with each other for contracts and systematical dominance. Despite new room and space and the prospect of beginning anew, humanity continued to fight with each other over the first part of galactic territory they could get their hands on. Few sects backed by new corporations or newly established countries opted to avoid violence altogether and search further into the stars.

**Dark Severance**

Her Corsair license allows her to operate within Anazi Dynasty, Federated Commonwealth, and United Republic controlled territories. She has barred from operating within Shingen Empire and Europa Confederation although she can travel to Europa Confederation Code Zero planets, she is just barred from operating as a Corsair. It is unclear what led to her leaving Europa.

Her psionic specialty is with Telekinetic Fields, she has the ability to create a TK-Field which she can create around herself in moments of duress. In game terms it allows her to absorb/deflect 1 damage until she takes a wound then she loses the ability to create the TK field while she is wounded. Her standard equipment that she is armed with is a Battle Rifle and pistol (standard issue for the EC). She also favors and is efficient in the use of a Vibroblade or Ratchet Blade.

**JohnHwangDD**

Does it extend out like a whip?

Spoiler:

**Dark Severance**

JohnHwangDD wrote:
Does it extend out like a whip?

Sort of, I guess it could be considered a whip but it doesn't really function like that... not that someone couldn't do that. I would say it closer to style and use that Renji's Zanpako, Zabarimaru from the Bleach Anime uses it. At least that was the initial inspiration but like the whip it doesn't have an unlimited extension. It is used more for weapon grappling, reach, deflecting than a whip. If someone was in a sword fight or using something to block, it allows part of it to bend so that it can still strike the target or extend to increase the range of a strike.

Spoiler:

**John Prins**

I wish the Corsairs and JK9's were the base for this game. I'm not partial to the starter figures. :-/

**Dark Severance**

John Prins wrote:
I wish the Corsairs and JK9's were the base for this game. I'm not partial to the starter figures. :-/

There technically isn't a base for the game as the focus is expanding and working on the miniatures line. We have not started to work on the starter sets for each faction yet. However I can understand what you are saying, that is one of the obstacles when building up with small, multiple Kickstarters instead of just doing one giant, go all in, Kickstarter. On one hand it lets us do smaller, quicker Kickstarters to turn around and get miniatures into backers hand faster... but that also means the selection is limited in the beginning at least.

The mercenaries that are Corsairs are essentially ranked officers that can serve as the commanders and troops for multiple factions. For example the ex-inquisitor can be part of Federated Commonwealth, Anazi Dynasty and United Republic armies. She however can't be part of a Shingen Empire or Europa Confederation forces. They fill in gaps and can strengthen weaknesses factions have dealing with certain troops for a cost.

We are close to unlocking two more of the Corsair Mercenaries. I think it will come down to the wire in the last 48 hours. It doesn't look like we will get to JK9s in this Kickstarter but that doesn't mean it can't happen. You will be happy to know, that just means as soon as this one is finished casting and delivered, the next Kickstarter will most likely focus first on JK9s and Juggernauts, along with some new mercs. That really comes down to the backer input and it is one of the benefits of backing even if only for $1 or $10 for one of the miniatures. Once this is finished casting, delivered we'll launch another small Kickstarter to expand more miniatures so the backers get to have the most input, since they are ultimately the ones who helped create this line. Each new Kickstarter will bring new backers, input as we continue to grow the community and game. (At least that is the goal, sounds great on paper but execution is a different thing. ^_^).

I imagine when we start showing concept art for Shingen Empire though, some interest will be with them as well ... I mean who doesn't love robots.

Shingen Empire - These are early concepts, not set in stone so final designs will vary just part of the WIP as we go through likes, dislikes.

Spoiler:

**MLaw**

You guys have the same problem as Whisper.. you're showing me stuff I want but it's not in the current KS.. Those Shingen are super sexy.

**Dark Severance**

MLaw wrote:
You guys have the same problem as Whisper.. you're showing me stuff I want but it's not in the current KS.. Those Shingen are super sexy.

It isn't technically a problem per say, just means you are less likely to back for this Kickstarter. We have something that interests you and that you want, so that is always a plus. ^_^ It is just a matter of when (Soontm)

**MLaw**

Dark Severance wrote:
MLaw wrote:
You guys have the same problem as Whisper.. you're showing me stuff I want but it's not in the current KS.. Those Shingen are super sexy.
It isn't technically a problem per say, just means you are less likely to back for this Kickstarter. We have something that interests you and that you want, so that is always a plus. ^_^ It is just a matter of when (Soontm)

Positive attitude is win!

Hopefully soon is sooner than later. Until that cool little walker is a part of a KS, best of luck!

**John Prins**

Dark Severance wrote:
John Prins wrote:
I wish the Corsairs and JK9's were the base for this game. I'm not partial to the starter figures. :-/
There technically isn't a base for the game as the focus is expanding and working on the miniatures line. We have not started to work on the starter sets for each faction yet. However I can understand what you are saying, that is one of the obstacles when building up with small, multiple Kickstarters instead of just doing one giant, go all in, Kickstarter. On one hand it lets us do smaller, quicker Kickstarters to turn around and get miniatures into backers hand faster... but that also means the selection is limited in the beginning at least.

Fair enough. I really would like to see a reptilian alien race that was properly technological rather than just the (more common) crocodile on steroids with a gun, or humans with scaly skin. The JK9's seem to be in that groove.

**Dark Severance**

John Prins wrote:
Fair enough. I really would like to see a reptilian alien race that was properly technological rather than just the (more common) crocodile on steroids with a gun, or humans with scaly skin. The JK9's seem to be in that groove.

Something like the Cha'iza then? Although they do seem a bit steroidy but they are miners. Guns aren't their weapons of choice though but they do have proper technology, just not as advanced as the humans but also moreso in some methods.

**John Prins**

Dark Severance wrote:
John Prins wrote:
Fair enough. I really would like to see a reptilian alien race that was properly technological rather than just the (more common) crocodile on steroids with a gun, or humans with scaly skin. The JK9's seem to be in that groove.
Something like the Cha'iza then? Although they do seem a bit steroidy but they are miners. Guns aren't their weapons of choice though but they do have proper technology, just not as advanced as the humans but also moreso in some methods.

They look neat, Though blunter, more saurian heads would be more helmet friendly (probably easier to cast, too).

I was thinking something more along the lines of this (from Miniature13):

I mean, just because you're scaly doesn't mean you would go to battle unarmored. Icarus Miniatures has some interesting 4-armed reptiles going.

To be honest, I'm not even sure if your proposed JK9 Defenders are even reptiles, though the tail seems to imply it. It's a good design, looks fast, interesting head that will be striking on the table.

**Dark Severance**

John Prins wrote:
They look neat, Though blunter, more saurian heads would be more helmet friendly (probably easier to cast, too).

I mean, just because you're scaly doesn't mean you would go to battle unarmored.

I do like those, actualy have both of them too as I backed both those Kickstarters.

Some things we do will fall into a standard trope but we also wanted to do a few things different. But in concept design we try to think of functionality, how they evolved and planet conditions they live in. Most aliens are humanoid in armor, all based on the human conceptions that they developed similar and have similar society views (ie: wear shoes, clothes like we do, have same body parts covered, etc).

We did initially start with a more draconian or dragonlike design. Then we adapted form there, with Saurian heads it starts to fall into the "human with scaly skin" slightly different head. They were aliens so I wanted to get away of the standard design, that all aliens head are humanshape, with noses and function in the same way as humans. Hence they actually breath from gill-like parts on their neck, not the mouth/nose region. Their tails are a sign of maturity that they lose naturally. They also have different shapes and sizes like humans, these just happen to be more warrior, mining working class, which means bulkier.

Overal their skin is equivalent to kevlar in strength and durability, putting them in armor is reduntant at least to them. More armor doesn't necessarily translate into more protection. They do put on clothes or armor to make other humans feel more comfortable. Their species are unisex, so there won't be female versions with breasts. They same body can be male or female, they identify which based on pheremones.

John Prins wrote:
TTo be honest, I'm not even sure if your proposed JK9 Defenders are even reptiles, though the tail seems to imply it. It's a good design, looks fast, interesting head that will be striking on the table.

The JK9's aren't actually reptiles. Although I can see how with the armored tail might give that impression, layered plates provide easier range of motion.

While the United Republic went along the "human" first route of evolution and structure. Their ideology is about being human, which means looking human. Although they utilize a genetic enhancement program to ensure they have the best human traits. Cybernetics, psionics and mutations are looked down upon, almost racist against and for the most part don't exist in their Core worlds. However it is all about appearance, internal cybernetics would be fine, if no one knew about it. Essentially they will look human or more human (if you could), not in a blue eyes, blond hair fashion but healthy, fit, defined.

Europa Confederation opened their doors to all Psions, which were humans that developed psionic abilities. They are more religious based, as they took that as the next step of human evolution and those with gifts were blessed. They took in the orphans, they took anyone who was outcast (technically as long as they had a benefit). Almost 99% of all psions are registered and work with the church in some capacity.

Shingen Empire is the opposite, they embraced cyberization. They are born in human-like embryo's in which they develop, go to school, train until a certain age. Then they undergo cyberization, in which they shed their frail human bodies to join their society. In order to adapt and survive, humans were frail so the next step was ascend into a metal frame. The process isn't without complications, which is why society requires them to be a certain age and pass some tests otherwise they flunk out.

Federated Commonwelath are sort of the middle ground. They didn't have the size and numbers, but they were mechanically inclined, overal good with a range of skills. Jack of all trades, master of none. They didn't care who someone was, as long as they did their job, provided and worked. Hard work, meant worthwhile pay and existence. Humans, humanoids, those with cybernetic implants, robotic arms/legs, and even a few psions. They are essentially the blue collar workers.

That leaves the Anazi Dynasty, whom are the mutants of the bunch. They didn't have the advances in terms of technology, the resources to create a cyberization process, instead they had biotech edge. That was the result of growing up in a contanimated and quantine zone on Terra due to the fallout from WWIII. A company broke sanctions set up their medical firm in their borders. That also meant their practices and studies were inhumane to some degree as mostly everything was tested on human subjects. There was no laws to stop them because of the quantatine and they had willing volunteers seeking treatment.

The end result was mapping dna sequences that genetic splicing was achieved. Cloning cells, genetic modification led to biotechology. If you needed better eyesight like that of an insect, they could splice the genes to make it happen. If you wanted your ears to be cat or dog like, while having the enhanced hearing. Strength of certain animals, a lot was possible. Some other citizens even started to travel to them so they could get tails or other features, it became a fad for the wealthy. It came at a cost. Once genetic genes are spliced, it is permanent, that meant a passive gene was passed to their children and so forth. After multiple generations, it was when the mutations started to happen. Children started to be born with defects or rather the passive gene became active. However instead of choosing it, it happened at random, depending on the genetic history of the parents.

JK9, which is actually Jackal Canine (J K9, also known as "Jaks" short for Jackal) are dog, cat type mutations. They have animal ears, some have tails, some don't, fur. There was a fad a few generations ago, which is why there are quite a few. Mutants though to Anazi was never looked as bad. They ultimately were created as the police force.

A lot of Anazi Dynasty troop designs come from psychological designs. The helmets and armor was designed so a regular human or non-mutant could wear it. However to others outside the unit, no one would know. Similar to the Blinc, their horns and eyes are real on some but not all. Because of their xenophobic nature, the history that other factions believed them to grotesque, malformed mutants it led to the background. Their Code Zero worlds are open to most, there are a mix of mutants and other things but no one is allowed into their Core Worlds unless you are a citizen. So no real outside person has really seen their home planets or know the true secrets.

Long story short... they are mammals, more akin to dogs as probably more evident by the light armor concepts vs their current medium armor.

**Barzam**

It didn't even register to me that the Anazi were beastmen. How come no tail options were included with the Blincs?

**Dark Severance**

Barzam wrote:
It didn't even register to me that the Anazi were beastmen. How come no tail options were included with the Blincs?

That is a good question.

They aren't technically beastmen, they are a mix of humans with genes spliced from multiple creatures. Although they can control how the genes splicing treatment works on current people, the genetic mutations aren't as easily controlled which results in strange combinations.

There will however be a ranked officer/commander who does have a tail, although they are more because they are more cat. The majority of mutations though for Blinc's comes from a different creature. Blincs are using a genetic makeup from creature that is close to a cousin of Tardigrades. Tardisgrades are an interesting eight-legged, micro-animal that can survive in extreme conditions (they are a real thing, how can I resist not somehow incorporating them). Since they have the nickname 'space bears' because they can survive in space, had to create a 'cousin' of them.

Tardigrade Wikipedia Page

TMites also known as Space Mites are eight-legged microscopic animals that live in space. Specifically they live within warp space or the space generated around ships allowing them to travel faster than light. They were first discovered in the early 2200 during long distance travel. They live in an almost hibernating state until ships pass through, then start to feed on the energy around growing and reproducing. Early ships didn't have detection methods and long exposure proved to corrode or eat away at conduits causing power failures which could lead to the ship dropping out of GSpace.

They are very similar to Tardigrades which were water-dwelling, eight-legged, segmented microscopic animals. TMites are very resilient, able to withstand extreme conditions, toxins and able to feed from radiation. Anazi Dynasty scientists utilized the map genome trying to merge what made it resilient to radiation to human DNA.

Although the effects allowed humans to be more resilient, withstand the harsh conditions on Alora, there were side effects. Anyone who underwent treatment started to vanish. It was discovered later that after feeding on so much energy, the person would blink away. There were traces of a gravity field where those people vanished from. After researching it more they discovered that TMites weren't actually dormant in GSpace, they actually traveled through it.

They found what was left of the people in space. There were dna traces that looked like they jumped into space but the energy caused the whole body to disintegrate. It wasn't until a few years later that they developed an interface to limit the energy that flowed into the TM-Gene. This gave people after rigorous training control over it.

They could discharge energy in short jumps known as Blinks. The person could essentially create a small gravitational bubble around them allowing them to teleport from one place to another in short distances. The gene helped them survive, someone who didn't have the gene could not travel with them. As long as they didn't overload the gene, they would no longer teleport far distances and disintegrate.

As part of the payment for undergoing treatment, those that had a TM-Gene would serve as light infantry scouts with the Anazi Dynasty for a contractual period. Otherwise without the treatment or a method to control the discharge of energy, the person could end up going someplace that resulted in their death (like space).

Blackhole Light Infantry Corp designated as Blinks utilize a small singularity generator which is grafted into their backs. The backpack interface regulates the energy passed into them allowing them to utilize a specific gene which lets them create a field allowing them to teleport short distances. They are are fast moving units that have been specially trained for recon, survival and marksmanship. They are deployed in forward positions and border areas for infiltration, identifying military positions, sniping and surveillance.

Standard equipment is light armor, equipped with assault rifle, blade and at least one person with a sniper rifle. They prefer to engage from a distant, striking, moving, performing flanking maneuvers or capturing objectives.

I was having a Doctor Who moment when I came up with the design and ecosystem of TMites.

**highlord tamburlaine**

Glad to see others fighting the good fight for sensible reptiles here.

Carry on the good work fellows!

I'm interested in seeing those JK9s myself, non-reptiles regardless.

**Dark Severance**

Update # 9 - Closing in on the Last 48 Hours

We are approaching the last 48 hours of the campaign. It will come down to the wire but I do believe we will unlock the Stretch Goal for 2 more Corsair mercenaries.

PLEDGE MANAGER

We will be utilizing some sort of pledge manager. This will allow backers to be able to choose which miniatures and fireteams they are getting as part of their pledge. Backers will also be able to add additional funds. Although they can add them to the pledge manager, if you can, you'll want to add what you can to your current pledge now. That helps the campaign get closer to the next stretch goal, although it is also perfectly acceptable to wait until the PM comes out.

GAME RULES

Questions have been asked a couple times about the game rules so I wanted to clarify. There was an initial concern over the pledge levels only listing "Beta Rules". All backers will get access to the final rules. The only reason the beta rules are listed because as part of fulfillment for 'this' campaign, the beta rules are part of it. All backers will always have access to the rules.

The idea is that the rules themselves should be free and available for download when they are complete. That is the plan as I believe rules should be free. Make great miniatures but provide free, accessible rules with them as well. They won't be available for the public until they are done, only backers get early access to them. There may be a book version for those that like to have a physical copy in their hand but we won't be printing it until we're sure it is in a final state.

FACTION BACKGROUNDS

ANAZI DYNASTY (AD)

The Anazi Dynasty are not the most technologically advanced or have the largest military but they are the indisputable leaders when it comes to medical knowledge, genetic manipulation, and bioware. They are most known for their genetic experimentation as the leaders in gene-splicing, but that came at a great cost.

For decades their tampering with gene-splicing with themselves have left dormant genes which passed to their offspring, births started to happen where there were non-controlled mutations. At first, some of them was considered cute; A boy with cat ears, a girl with a tail, another child covered with fur, and there was a child who developed reptilian skin. Along with those traits came other benefits, but there was no mistaking they didn’t look human anymore.

This caused them to be treated poorly, given the other history of their nation which resulted in them developing xenophobia of the other nations. Although they were called mutants and freaks, it didn’t stop other rich families of other nations seeking them out to ‘enhance’ themselves. Forced to obtain the scraps and choices of planets has required them to live in very harsh environments.

Very few outsiders have gone to the core, most encounters have been through the borderlands or neutral territories. Over decades rumors grew, some people have said they aren’t human or largely grotesque, rumored to be monsters. Anazi Dynasty, of course, have done nothing to change the perception of others, they are perfectly fine with others thinking them monsters. In fact, they embraced much of that psychological profile within their military. That is why many of them have horns, modified armor, to make them seem less human. Even if there was a human underneath without any mutations, their enemies would never know.

The core citizens and initial countries that make up the Anazi Dynasty are descendants that can be traced back to Terra and Africa.

UNITED REPUBLIC (UR)

The United Republic is the oldest, largest and most powerful nations in terms of military, territory, and technology. Although the Shingen Empire would disagree about UR being the leader in technology.

After Terra Fall they were in the best position to bring order to the chaos that ensued. They blazed a path to creating order and maintaining discipline, although this was usually through the means of a strong military. The assumed control of New Terra and secured their seat as the controlling body of what would soon be the failing United Nations.

Their society was built on the back of capitalism and a free market, often the wealthiest were who made the laws and rules. This end result was a strong matriarch in control of most things. Since public image held an important factor, the United Republic became the embodiment of what it meant to be human. That meant there are no mutants, aliens, or cyberoids in their ranks, at least that one can tell from visual appearance. Only those citizens that were part of the productive society were considered able to vote, everyone else was considered second class citizens.

They utilize a natural genetic breeding program, which pairs good “households” with each other. This ensures that the best genes are produced so that the wealthiest, strong, beautiful are the ones who continue to maintain their power.

The core citizens and initial countries that make up the United Republic are descendants that can be traced back to Terra, USA, Canada, Mexico, Russia and the former Eastern Bloc.

EUROPA CONFEDERATION (EC)

Next, to the United Republic, the Europa Confederation is the second largest and oldest nation. Before the Civil War that led to Europa Confederation being formed and the splinter nation Shingen Empire, they were a force to be reckoned with. They were able to stop the further advance of the UR from taking over all the good colonies and planets.

In the early days, they established themselves when fear of the psions started to emerge. Instead of fearing those with psionic abilities or trying to utilize them as weapons, they instead embraced the evolving humans. Other nations created restrictions and apartheid but they welcomed anyone with psionic gifts. They even elevated them to places of leadership and power. Most psions were part of the Inquisition of the Church since psionic abilities were gifts meant to be used for the betterment of humankind. This also served to help expand the influence the Church held. Legends date back to the early days of psions that the royal family themselves had psionic abilities and that was the main reason they welcomed them. It would make sense if that was true since every royal member since after Terra Fall have been psions.

The core citizens and initial countries that make up the Europa Confederation are descendants that can be traced back to Terra, most European nations including United Kingdom, France, Spain and some of the middle-eastern area of China.

SHINGEN EMPIRE (SE)

The Shingen Empire was born from war so it makes sense that their ideology is centered around warfare and bushido. There was a disagreement in what the next evolution step for humanity should be. Europa wanted to embrace psionic abilities while Shingen believed that human bodies were frail and weak. He believed the next step was for humans to shed their broken bodies and embrace cyberization, not just part cyborg or cybernetic enhancement but full blown cyberoid.

Their technological level is on par with the United Republic, if not better. Since the UR technology has safety measures put in place to protect human life, they were able to throw those cautions and safety’s away. There are not many situations or conditions that can prove to be devastating to a cyberoid.

The process to undergo cyberization doesn’t come without costs. Currently there is a psychological strain as well as pain that the person endures. As such they are bred in cybernetic embryo’s, taught in schools until they become a mature age. In which they do an aptitude test to determine if they are ready for cyberization. Although the main core of their society have undergone full cyberization, there some that are still human. There are also some cyberoids that can be made in the image of a human, these mostly interact with other humans since most of their nation are a machine. Having a human-like interface makes people feel more comfortable around them.

The core citizens and initial countries that make up the Shingen Empire are descendants that can be traced back to Terra, Japan, Korea and parts of China.

FEDERATED COMMONWEALTH (FC)

The Federated Commonwealth are one of the smaller nations, only having six planets that comprise their core planets, with a few systems on the outlines around them. They originally were part of different mining corporations who rebelled against the United Republic control. They were being overworked while being forced to defend themselves from raiders and pirates. They just weren’t considered worth sending security forces to defend, at least that was the perception of the workers.

The six planets worked together, deciding to become a Federation forming under a Commonwealth and declared their independence. Although only a few planets, the mining rights they maintain help keeps them in a position of power. Since the majority of the planets are buried deep within systems with chaotic asteroids, which makes great mining, but proves highly unsafe conditions for those not familiar with them.

Their society is very much a melting pot in terms of appearance. They have normal looking humans, those with cybernetic enhancements, a few psions, mutants and even alien species amongst their planets. One could even find a few independent cyberoids as well. Appearance and even money were never important, the only thing that mattered was hard work. If you could work and you did work hard, you got rewarded.

The core citizens and initial countries that make up the Federated Commonwealth are descendants that can be traced back to Terra, Australia and various islands along the Pacific Rim.

**John Prins**

highlord tamburlaine wrote:
Glad to see others fighting the good fight for sensible reptiles here.

Carry on the good work fellows!

I'm interested in seeing those JK9s myself, non-reptiles regardless.

I'm backing at $11 anyways. Maybe there will be a small rush at the end to $2000 for the Corsairs, but the KS exclusive mini is really nice. Hopefully the JK9's can turn up in a later Kickstarter.