Live from the Crack Fox, this is a weekly tournament and show streamed on Twitch with a cash prize package sponsored by Courtesy Diner. I love it. I’ve been focusing all my creative energy on improving it; I’m proud of where it’s at but I know with more support it could be even better. I want to get better cameras, a better computer, better subtitle solutions, things like that. I’ve committed to improving one thing every episode, even if it’s just the way I pack the case. After 32 consecutive streams things have started to take form.
We’ve got a roster of regular players (some of whom have earned $500+!) and in the last few weeks we’ve started offering the winner a choice: Boss Battle, or Dragonfruit. If they choose the Boss Battle, they throw down against me one on one in a timed match. If they choose Dragonfruit, I read their fortune on-stream. So far I’ve read 2 fortunes and lost 3 games — it’s a pretty cool way to end the show.
I’d love it if you’d check it out sometime. I’m learning, and so I’m always open to feedback, or ideas that occur to viewers that I might not think of. We stream the tournament at 8pm CDT, and usually play a 4-player exhibition game before that. The format is evolving, and I’d love for you to be a part of that. Come hang out.
2. I’ve started hosting weekly parlor game hangouts at the south county Courtesy Diner on Tuesdays from 6:00pm to 9:30pm CDT.
These are way more relaxed than the tournament nights, so if you feel intimidated by those, I hope you’ll come out. Many of my friends are often busy on Monday nights, and I miss out on connecting with my community because I’m setting up and running a whole show. I’m excited for Tuesdays at Courtesy.
I’m planning on bringing more games than just Mercenarium; a couple of ancient parlor games, classic decks of cards, and a few Magic: the Gathering Commander/EDH decks. If any of that interests you, you’d be warmly welcomed.
If you want to get reminder notifications for stuff like this, or you want to check in to confirm when and where the next event will be, join our community Discord and drop us a message!
3. I've updated the official 'How to Play' video to make it easier to teach the game.
4. Wella and I are redesigning elements of Anthromancer into something new.
Since the game has been out, I’ve likely clocked thousands of hours showcasing this product in the wild, be it doing Dragonfruit readings at the Fortune Teller Bar, hosting Mercenarium tournaments, or sharing it with friends in private. Spending that much time with something inevitably reveals flaws where it could be improved. Some of my fortune telling clients can’t follow the cards because of their minimal illustrations; and we play the game with adapted rules that improve the flow, especially of Singularity. The game has evolved, and I’ve evolved as a designer. The products should reflect that.
The minimalist plum design for the parlor game, with the new Mercenarium pomegranate logo.
We plan to create 2 new products: a Dragonfruit oracle deck (art nouveau inspired, with a fabric mat and full illustrations), and a Mercenarium pro set (leaning into Grand Prix aesthetics and emphasizing efficiency and readability). Ideally both will contain the necessary design features to be cross-compatible (I can’t wait to play Mercenarium with the fancy, gold-pressed Dragonfruit deck!).
When these products are ready, they will probably cost a lot less to manufacture and ship, and will therefore be cheaper to sell. I’d like to bring it down to $20. They’ll be more tailored to their core experience, and far more accessible. As much as I love what I’ve made with the original Anthromancer, I understand much better how to serve the desires of my target audiences now, and I’m hopeful to end up with a bigger success.
We will be turning to Kickstarter when these products are ready. I hope you’ll consider supporting them.
As always the print-and-play assets will be available for free on Anthromancer.com.
I have a small but wonderful group of patrons whose monthly contributions have helped me achieve so much of what I've outlined in this post. Without their help it would've been nearly impossible for me to acquire the tools to produce these community events, especially since my health has made securing income elsewhere an uphill struggle. It would truly mean the world to me if a few more of you would consider chipping in a few dollars a month. Thank you for your consideration.
Beyond here, a personal note:
I’ve been pretty sick this year. My dermatologist says I have perpetual allergic contact dermatitis (after testing positive for 17 industrial chemical and ingredient allergies). It’s not a very satisfying answer and it doesn’t point to a cause, but I have plenty of theories. It could be epoxy resin exposure; it could be long covid. It could be a latent inherited autoimmune condition that was activated by stress. My personal belief - which is not taken seriously by my doctors - is that the topical steroids I was prescribed (to treat symptoms) have caused dependency and now withdrawal. In any case, it has made living harder than it used to be. I’m taking a long term immunosuppressant medication, I’ve completely stepped away from “day jobs” (and I’m infinitely grateful to Wella for supporting us since then), and I’m doing my best to keep my chin up and practice daily gratitude.
This experience has thrown a few things into stark relief. My mortality is at the forefront of my mind on a daily basis, as I sweep up the dust that sheds off my body like snow. My energy is in a very delicate homeostasis and if I can’t sleep, I become useless as an artist or entertainer. I was prescribed ADHD medication for a time and can no longer tolerate stimulants without an overwhelming eczema attack, making it harder than ever to execute. As such, I’ve had to slow down, listen to my body, and allow time to do its thing. I’ve had to let go of performing my music and I’ve especially struggled just to post on social media.
All that being said, I have a remarkable support system. I am so, so grateful to them. Ryan gets to Mondays early to help run sound; Sam has become an excellent co-host and stream producer; John almost always sticks around to help me set up and break down the stage furniture. Folks show up every week, whether I remember to make a post or not. They tell their friends and sign up to compete in front of the whole world. Even the sponsorship through Courtesy is because of my old friend Will, who now lets us meet at the diner.
I am stupendously proud of what this community is, and what it’s becoming. Not once in my adult life have I had a regular, weekly group event like this, where everybody knows your name, and we’re all just here to play games and be human. It’s amazing.
Thank you so much for being a part of all of this. If Anthromancer hadn’t been funded, it wouldn’t have existed, and I wouldn’t be able to connect with people over it. It’s saved my life these last few years. When I’m feeling tired or sad and I start to set up the stream, all that dourness melts out of me the moment I see someone new walk through that door. I love my life, despite it all, and you helped me achieve that.
I hope to repay you tenfold by making this project the coolest thing in the world. Stick around, and See For Your Self.
Dan
Our 2020 Kickstarter Campgain: A Postmortem // Event Announcement: Monday Night Mercenarium Kickoff Nightfest
over 2 years ago
– Mon, Oct 16, 2023 at 03:40:22 PM
Hey, backers.
A few months ago, I committed to composing a "postmortem", compiling my analysis of some of the mistakes and successes we experienced during the course of this campaign, which brought to life one of my dearest dreams. I have finally composed and published that postmortem, and you can read it on a public Patreon post here.
In addition, I've teamed up with Olyver, a marketing consultant who is helping me organize a Kickoff NightFest to celebrate the new home of our weekly Monday Night Mercenarium series. Starting on October 30th at 6pm, we'll be hosting our weekly event at The Crack Fox (1114 Olive Street in Donwtown St. Louis). I've been hosting this event for more than a year at the legendary Platypus (in The Grove), and we have simply outgrown the venue. We are blessed that the owner of the Crack Fox is opening on Monday nights just for us, giving us enough control over the space that we can make the event into something really special. To ensure the event series is a success, we're planning a huge launch party for this new chapter, and that's what's going on October 30th.
Tonight and next Monday are our last 2 appearances at Platypus; if you want to drop in and experience the immaculate vibes (and maybe do some karaoke with us afterwards) then I hope you'll swing through. Otherwise, we are firing full steam on promoting our event on the 30th, with 10 bands, 15 vendors, video game demos, open play of Mercenarium (and I'm desperately hoping to have my new game rules hashed together by then) and live Dragonfruit readings, plus NA drink specials provided by Ritual Zero Proof and Mighty Kind CBD, THC and dry seltzers. The 30th will also mark my very first headlining performance as Anthromancer, the band. After that, we'll be moving into more of the chill monday get-togethers we've been enjoying, but the 30th is special, and if you're anywhere close to St. Louis, I hope you'll consider attending.
Thank you for your time. These last two years have taught me a whole lot, and I'm confident that things are going in the right direction. I don't think I'm capable of giving up on this project. We're going to keep building, and working towards something we can leverage to bring better and more fantastic games and experiences to you. Thanks for being a part of our story so far.
Cancelled: Foolsday Jubilee
about 3 years ago
– Fri, Mar 24, 2023 at 04:26:33 PM
Due to a shortage of time and logistical complications, we will not be hosting the Foolsday Jubilee this year.
I'm sad about it. I'm also relieved. I have spread myself terribly thin, and I realize that in order to succeed I need to concentrate my efforts.
If you were excited about participating in the tournament, I suggest you come to Monday Night Mercenarium, which we host every Monday night at 6pm at Platypus. My plan is to invest more time and energy in these events (by hosting weekly livestreamed games of Mercenarium with stakes and stats) to build the community over time so that next year we can host Foolsday the way that I keep wanting to. We've got a wonderful group of people and I hope to grow it.
Once we have community momentum, the Foolsday Jubilee makes a lot more sense.
Thank you for caring. That's the important stuff.
This is hard to post. I feel embarrassed and ashamed for promising such an ambitious event. I also recognize that it is what it is. Last year was incredibly chaotic in my life, and I kinda went and time-locked us with the whole 'Foolsday' thing. There were a lot of uncertainties that did not materialize in time for me to feel comfortable moving forward to catch the holiday. There were a lot of changes in my life circumstances - losing a career, landing a full time job, launching a new business and earning back some free time on the success of that business - that kept me from having the time or energy I needed to invest to pull this thing off as promised.
I suppose it's on-brand. I'm hoping not to make a joke out of it.
I am excited to redirect my energy towards Monday Night Mercenarium. It feels like much lower hanging fruit, and something that will grow over time. I'm very excited to have a channel to connect with more of you - streamed games - and I'm excited to build towards a more serious competitive scene.
I hope this isn't too disappointing. I promise, I am doing my best.
Dan
FULFILLMENT COMPLETE!
over 3 years ago
– Sat, Dec 24, 2022 at 03:27:03 PM
It is with profound gratitude I have the pleasure to reveal: We’ve finished fulfillment!!
I dropped the final batch of international orders off at the shipping location Monday, and today I got the chance to slow down, breathe, and appreciate that this debt has been paid.
To be clear, a few orders are in limbo due to out-of-date shipping information and logistical anomalies. If you’ve not received a shipping notification and/or your copy of the game, check your email for a message from [email protected], or [email protected]. If you don’t see one, shoot one of those addresses an e-mail with your name and backer information so I can look you up and sort it out. For anyone who doesn’t get their package in time for holiday festivities, I’m sorry. I hope the quality of the product makes up for the delay.
In the next few days I’ll compose a “post-mortem” analysis. I made some clumsy errors throughout this campaign in preparation, communication, allocation, et al, dealt with some major life changes and personal transformations, and I feel well-equipped to handle the next campaign more gracefully. Plans are under way for some simple rules and additional dice for the 2nd edition, plus variant editions (Wella in particular is pushing for a Dragonfruit Alchemy set). I’m excited to itemize the wisdom this project gave me, and to leverage it in the future.
I’ve had the pleasure of selling Anthromancer at several St. Louis pop-up markets this holiday season and I now feel certain it’ll become a commercially successful product. It might take a while, but most of the people who spend time with it end up walking away with a copy; we’ve sold hundreds of additional games without any marketing budget, very few reviews, and a tiny social media following. It’s on the shelves of several local retailers (Fantasy Shop, Apotheosis Comics, STL Rocks, and Vintage Vinyl because we are a rock band lol) with more deals in the works and more players all the time. Plus, some key creative partnerships are developing in the background, and I expect 2023 to be a year of fresh visuals, new music, and ambitious new projects under the Anthromancer brand.
Best of all: We’ve formally booked our launch party and inaugural tournament on Saturday, April 1st, 2023!!! (You can RSVP at the link, or secure additional tickets here). A whole mess of talent is coming together to make this event exactly what I wanted it to be. If you backed the Kickstarter at most tiers you’ll have your name on the list at the door and can enter the show and register for the tournament for free. If you would like to be a part of the tournament, let me know; I’m in the process of working with organizers to ensure it will be a hit, and having some feedback/knowing there’s some enthusiasm out there will help speed things along.
That’s all for now. I’ll periodically drop new updates over the course of the next few months as the project grows and as we begin to market the next edition, so you’ll be the first to know.
Thanks for taking the time to read, for supporting this project, and for remaining connected to me on this journey. And, as always:
Happy Holidays! Fulfillment Nearing Completion + Fool's Day Jubilee 2023
over 3 years ago
– Sun, Nov 27, 2022 at 04:52:09 PM
Hey. Been a minute.
I have 18 more international orders to fulfill, and I currently have the funds to safely send about 10 without the website going offline. I believe I can mail the last 8 in time for the gift giving holiday.
When I've finished fulfillment I'll write a postmortem about our first successful kickstarter campaign. Oh, the things I’ve learned.
I’ve canceled events for this month and have shifted focus to April 1st 2023, when we’ve booked a proper Fool’s Day Jubilee at Mad Art Gallery here in St. Louis. If you’re a kickstarter backer or an Yggdrasil holder, you’ll receive special admission to this in lieu of a more temporally relevant “launch party”. There’ll be a Mercenarium tournament with prizes for the best in 2v2 team doubles and 1v1 matches; Dragonfruit and other oracle readers in attendance, delivering personalized readings ensconced in the gallery’s historical architecture; and we’ll close the night out with live performances including Anthromancer’s original music, plus (hopefully) some other incredibly dope local talent. Saturday, April 1st – Mark your calendars now. I am soliciting sponsorships to help provide things like tea and liquor specials, prize packages and the like. If you or someone you know may be interested in sponsoring our event or advertising in our program, please connect with me at [email protected]. Thanks in advance.
There are a few new song demos on the Patreon, which continues to be a godsend as I finish fulfillment. Any small contributions there, even as little as $5 a month, adds up quite quickly and makes a huge difference in my ability to move the brand forward. Most of international fulfillment has been completed thanks to the Patreon (we did a couple of cons but booth and signage costs offset a lot of our profits there). Now that most of you have had a chance to play with your copy of the product, perhaps a few more will be interested in funding its continued development. As I said, it helps a lot.
---
I’m quite happy with where things are at the moment. I’ve got a stable income again, an affordable healthcare plan with vision and dental, my strange allergies have been dealt with (it was Tide Pods), and I’m back performing live music. Anthromancer – the band – has played three very low key gigs in the last month, all of which were a blast and sold copies of the game. I’ve gotten positive feedback on our sound, and have the eerie, exciting sense that my silly fantasy of cramming rock music, philosophy, and board gaming into one brand might actually work. People like it. It is making money. That is not nothing.
I’d like to give a special thanks to my friends and community, in particular Derek Parker, Tyson Lauby, Kevin Koehler, Dr. Aly-X, Travis Barton, Darian Wigfall of Certain Media, Jelani BaqBeet Buchanan, Cindy Kelly, Alex Lapp, Jordan Cunningham, Jenna and Ryan, John, Seth, and the rest of the staff at Fantasy Shop, Ace Rowe (for playing our music on KDHX), Vince at Elk & Vine, TJ, Darryn, Emma Obata, Matt at Vintage Vinyl, Abbey and Erik at STL Rocks, Martin at Apotheosis Comics, my cousin Christian Fanetti, Nanyamka Ewing, Julie Lally, Chef Wil Pelly, Techartista and Game Nite, my brilliant and remarkable partners Wella and Jill, my parents and family, and everyone else who has supported, encouraged and assisted me during this chaotic year. I was having a hard time for a minute there. With your help, friendship and loving conversation, I’m so much better off than I was, and with the finish line for fulfillment on the horizon, I couldn’t be more grateful to be alive. Thank you.
When we’ve finally wrapped fulfillment, Wella and I are going back to the drawing board and will be launching another crowdfunding campaign in 2023, this time with a lot more clarity, focus, and intention wrapped into our design. I’ll touch on that more in the postmortem, but be on the lookout for more gorgeous products from Tetra Entertainment.
Until next time, thank you for being here, and as usual, Be Moved.
