The Groundskeeper by Wyrmwood (Produced by the Gentleman Wake, ill. Dan Greta)

[TheGentlemanWake]

Dan’s updated (now completely custom) courts. No repeated elements.

[laitostarr777]

What is the endgame plan for this project? Will everything needs to be completely finished first before sending to the backers OR things that are finished first are sent out first?


Person A backed three decks
Person B backed the Poker Cabinet
During production: decks finished first, the cabinet still in production

So, will it be?
- Person A has to wait longer, wait for the cabinet to finish, then get the decks and Person B got his cabinet
OR
- Person A got the decks first, production resumes, then Person B got the cabinet

[TheGentlemanWake]

The intent is for all customers to receive their items in the same window. All Cabinet Tiers and all Display Deck tiers are receiving decks with their orders. So there really isn’t a scenario where a lot of backers would be waiting on their wood products while decks are being produced. In fact the likelihood across the the board is that the wood products will be completed far in advance of the deck, chips and metal components.

[TheGentlemanWake]

We will have more info soon but as of now Cartamundi has had some massive delays. They are in the process of relocating custom playing cards production from Belgium to a Fournier facility in Spain with ramp up being Jan 2024. This is too much delay and uncertainty. As a result we are likely to shift production of Groundskeeper and other projects to WJPCC or Legends. We are discussing the projects with both manufacturers.

[Adamthinks]

We will have more info soon but as of now Cartamundi has had some massive delays. They are in the process of relocating custom playing cards production from Belgium to a Fournier facility in Spain with ramp up being Jan 2024. This is too much delay and uncertainty. As a result we are likely to shift production of Groundskeeper and other projects to WJPCC or Legends. We are discussing the projects with both manufacturers.

Just a general heads up, but I've seen multiple kickstarter projects complain about poor communication from Legends in the last year, with there being delays and them not responding to emails. Whatever issues they were facing might have been sorted by now and all of those projects eventually got done, but just something to be aware of.

[hsbc]

I would rather wait for Cartamundi

[TheGentlemanWake]

I would rather wait for Cartamundi

There are a lot of factors here.

1) will the quality of new decks out of Spain match the existing product? Hard to know for sure. Seems like a gamble.
2) on this particular campaign I don’t have final say.
3) even if I did, time is money. For the last four years I’ve been busting my butt to try to shave delivery time from my campaigns. Tacking on 5-6 months could be financially ruinous.
4) Cartamundi has been making some mistakes as of late (outside of tardiness). Including very poor communication. I only learned about this latest delay after several emails asking where my decks that were promised the week of Aug 4th were.
5) I have several decks in various stages. It would be unwise to put all my eggs in one basket.

No one loves the Cartamundi end product more. But I’m willing to entertain other options (especially when they present features Cartamundi cannot: I.e. hot foil stamping and color gilding).

[montenzi]

WJPC is a risky option for printing the majority of decks there. They are more suitable for small print runs or decks priced at $10-15.

In the past few months, I have tested new decks from various factories, and in my opinion, TWPC (Taiwan) is one of the best in Asia. Check out RS decks or Jetsetters (EPCC via TWPC?)

Legends is perhaps the next option, but I believe their new Viper finish is a bit of a mixed bag as it is too thin. Classic stock + Legends?

The full list is still the same:
1. Cartamundi
2. TWPC
3. WJPC / Legends
4. USPCC

[PiazzaDelivery]

I've never had any complaints about decks printed by TWPC. Seconded

[TheGentlemanWake]

WJPC is a risky option for printing the majority of decks there. They are more suitable for small print runs or decks priced at $10-15.

In the past few months, I have tested new decks from various factories, and in my opinion, TWPC (Taiwan) is one of the best in Asia. Check out RS decks or Jetsetters (EPCC via TWPC?)

Legends is perhaps the next option, but I believe their new Viper finish is a bit of a mixed bag as it is too thin. Classic stock + Legends?

The full list is still the same:
1. Cartamundi
2. TWPC
3. WJPC / Legends
4. USPCC

Thanks for the recommendation. Do you have a contact for TWPC?

[montenzi]

Thanks for the recommendation. Do you have a contact for TWPC?

Unfortunately, I don't have their contacts. You can try asking Riffle Shuffle or @Decknowledgy. I am not sure if it's their site https://tw.cards/ It's better to get their contacts from another source to confirm.

[guru]

WJPC is a risky option for printing the majority of decks there. They are more suitable for small print runs or decks priced at $10-15.

In the past few months, I have tested new decks from various factories, and in my opinion, TWPC (Taiwan) is one of the best in Asia. Check out RS decks or Jetsetters (EPCC via TWPC?)

Legends is perhaps the next option, but I believe their new Viper finish is a bit of a mixed bag as it is too thin. Classic stock + Legends?

The full list is still the same:
1. Cartamundi
2. TWPC
3. WJPC / Legends
4. USPCC

Thanks for the recommendation. Do you have a contact for TWPC?

Go through Legends. Ask them specifically that you want to print the decks in Taiwan. Last deck I printed there was Bosch - complex printing due to full bleed and for the 54 cards to make a full trnasformation when assembled into a complete set. If Legends still work with Taiwan factory, then it is a great option on the table.

[vasta41]

Latest update:

Tomorrow we have a Wyrm Lyfe going out that covers us dealing with a pivot in our card manufacturing. We wanted to share it with you all here first, so you hear it from us rather than via YouTube later on. This will go live tomorrow (8/10) at 8:00am ET.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26h_5l_ ... l=Wyrmwood
While Wyrm Lyfe is dedicated to showcasing all of the things we are dealing with on a day to day basis, especially problems, we actually foresee this being a net positive for the project, and for you, our backers! The video covers the situation, but here are some key takeaways:

Cartamundi is in the middle of moving production from their facilities in Turnhout, Belgium to Fournier facilities in Spain and has currently suspended all custom playing cards production pending the move until at least January 2024. Unfortunately that would mean us. This is likely to cause significant delays, and the card production is already the key bottleneck in our fulfillment.
We just learned of this, despite these plans being in place for months, due to Omar uncovering the information while following up on his other projects, which have been having their production estimates shifted back several times by Cartamundi with vague explanations until recently.
The shift of production facilities to Spain from Belgium is not a simple undertaking. And the risk of additional delays is very real. Additionally, although Cartamundi assured Omar of continued quality it's hard to predict the exact outcome of the newly produced decks. Things as simple as weather and climate in much more southern regions can have a big effect on paper product manufacturing.
Therefore, we can either accept the delay, uncertain outcomes and whatever else comes with the shift of production to Spain, or locate the project to another manufacturer ourselves.
We have identified one such manufacturer, and they've already been brought up to speed on our project. They are currently quoting a much faster turnaround, for products of comparable, excellent quality and features. We've received samples of their previous work and hope to order an additional round of Groundskeeper prototypes to further verify their capabilities, prior to committing to this new manufacturer. But even so, this will be done WAY before Jan 2024.
While we regret having to make this change, we wanted to inform you as soon as possible in the interest of transparency.
We genuinely believe this will ultimately be for the best: we will be able to get you fantastic products, potentially even faster than scheduled!

I, for one, would MUCH rather wait for C. This is bad news as far as I'm concerned. What is this mystery printer??

[TheGentlemanWake]

Latest update:

Tomorrow we have a Wyrm Lyfe going out that covers us dealing with a pivot in our card manufacturing. We wanted to share it with you all here first, so you hear it from us rather than via YouTube later on. This will go live tomorrow (8/10) at 8:00am ET.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26h_5l_ ... l=Wyrmwood
While Wyrm Lyfe is dedicated to showcasing all of the things we are dealing with on a day to day basis, especially problems, we actually foresee this being a net positive for the project, and for you, our backers! The video covers the situation, but here are some key takeaways:

Cartamundi is in the middle of moving production from their facilities in Turnhout, Belgium to Fournier facilities in Spain and has currently suspended all custom playing cards production pending the move until at least January 2024. Unfortunately that would mean us. This is likely to cause significant delays, and the card production is already the key bottleneck in our fulfillment.
We just learned of this, despite these plans being in place for months, due to Omar uncovering the information while following up on his other projects, which have been having their production estimates shifted back several times by Cartamundi with vague explanations until recently.
The shift of production facilities to Spain from Belgium is not a simple undertaking. And the risk of additional delays is very real. Additionally, although Cartamundi assured Omar of continued quality it's hard to predict the exact outcome of the newly produced decks. Things as simple as weather and climate in much more southern regions can have a big effect on paper product manufacturing.
Therefore, we can either accept the delay, uncertain outcomes and whatever else comes with the shift of production to Spain, or locate the project to another manufacturer ourselves.
We have identified one such manufacturer, and they've already been brought up to speed on our project. They are currently quoting a much faster turnaround, for products of comparable, excellent quality and features. We've received samples of their previous work and hope to order an additional round of Groundskeeper prototypes to further verify their capabilities, prior to committing to this new manufacturer. But even so, this will be done WAY before Jan 2024.
While we regret having to make this change, we wanted to inform you as soon as possible in the interest of transparency.
We genuinely believe this will ultimately be for the best: we will be able to get you fantastic products, potentially even faster than scheduled!

I, for one, would MUCH rather wait for C. This is bad news as far as I'm concerned. What is this mystery printer??

This is BAD NEWS regardless. I have two projects Goldsmith and Beetlebacks Prototypes that were in production at Cartamundi. This delay is a massive inconvenience. Luckily the order for Groundskeeper was not yet placed which allowed us to find alternative options. We looked at several printed including USPCC. The choice that came most reccomeneded by people I trust like (Lorenzo Gaggiotti and Giovanni Meroni) was WJPCC. I'm deep into discussions with them, bringing them up to speed. We are planning on producing a SECOND prototype run (on our dime) to further assure backers (and ourselves) that this is the right choice. Even with this back and forth, production would still begin before Cartamundi can get started.

EDIT: Additionally I think I TOO would be inclined to wait for Cartamundi if (a) the new Fournier Spain quality was IDENTICAL to what the Turnhout facilities produce (which we won't know) and (b) if it were entirely up to me.

[vasta41]

I obviously can't speak for everybody but I always prefer the cards be printed by the printer mentioned in the campaign and wait as long as it takes then get it quicker from a different printer. Especially from a producer such as yourself who has always delivered in the past.
I guess I will have to keep my eyes on this and all other campaigns that intended to print with C for any changes.
Best of luck, Omar, dealing with all this!

EDIT: IMHO While you can never please everyone, if the decision was to delay the project, all backers should understand it has nothing to do with you. Anyone who is upset should direct their complaints to C.

[Adamthinks]

I'm excited to see the results of the change. I'm not as high on Cartamundi as some. They're great for standard decks, but I don't like how they do foiling. I think the foiled decks done by WJPCC will end up looking better.

[vasta41]

I'm excited to see the results of the change. I'm not as high on Cartamundi as some. They're great for standard decks, but I don't like how they do foiling. I think the foiled decks done by WJPCC will end up looking better.

Just to put things into perspective, you did still pledge for the project knowing it was going to be printed by Cardimundi, correct?

[Adamthinks]

I'm excited to see the results of the change. I'm not as high on Cartamundi as some. They're great for standard decks, but I don't like how they do foiling. I think the foiled decks done by WJPCC will end up looking better.

Just to put things into perspective, you did still pledge for the project knowing it was going to be printed by Cardimundi, correct?

Yes, and I'm still glad for the change. The campaign is still ongoing. It's not like the printer was changed after the campaign was funded.

[hsbc]

Anyone who is upset should direct their complaints to C.

Not that I think they would listen to a random customer, but they're too busy with USPCC's Bored Ape deck

[vasta41]

I'm excited to see the results of the change. I'm not as high on Cartamundi as some. They're great for standard decks, but I don't like how they do foiling. I think the foiled decks done by WJPCC will end up looking better.

Just to put things into perspective, you did still pledge for the project knowing it was going to be printed by Cardimundi, correct?

Yes, and I'm still glad for the change. The campaign is still ongoing. It's not like the printer was changed after the campaign was funded.

Wow, I'm dumb. Very good point. I missed that. So much Omar it's hard to keep track.

[crazy_lazy]

As someone else mentioned, I think Cartamundi's foiling wasn't great. The foiling on the limited edition Tempest decks (printed by Cartamundi) were pretty washed out and hard to see. I'm actually kind of excited to see a new printer step in and do the foiling aspect better hopefully without sacrificing handling. Idk how Cartamundi makes foiled decks handle so well

[laitostarr777]

I am fine with any printers as long they produced good decks and all.
Unlike USPCC who still sacrifice on centering :/

[kevork]

If I can fan it well, I'm a fan.

[TheGentlemanWake]

I just received the Midas deck from Gio. And I already had the 17th Kingdom experimental. BOTH printed by WJPCC. I AM SUPER IMPRESSED. The decks feel fantastic. Silky smooth Gilding on MIDAS is top notch. No clumping. Easy fans and springs. Just really really impressed. I opened a USPCC deck gio sent me and its not nearly as nice. I already thought USPCC was sub-standard to Cartamundi. I'm on the record for saying it. BUT NOW? Heck WJPCC is definitely better.

[Timmargh]

If I can fan it well, I'm a fan.

You're a fan fan?

[vasta41]

I just received the Midas deck from Gio. And I already had the 17th Kingdom experimental. BOTH printed by WJPCC. I AM SUPER IMPRESSED. The decks feel fantastic. Silky smooth Gilding on MIDAS is top notch. No clumping. Easy fans and springs. Just really really impressed. I opened a USPCC deck gio sent me and its not nearly as nice. I already thought USPCC was sub-standard to Cartamundi. I'm on the record for saying it. BUT NOW? Heck WJPCC is definitely better.

I felt the same way with his Frog deck (viewtopic.php?p=222455#p222455). If it is decided to land on WJPC for this project, I will still be in.

[TheGentlemanWake]

Tomorrow 1pm eastern.

[laitostarr777]

Ah well, “here we go again”

[hsbc]

Was planning to add the Prismatic Edition, but $85 is too much for me

[Harvonsgard]

The standard edition(s) look better. Classic case of gimmick over design.