project-image

Exalted: Essence Player's Guide

Created by Onyx Path

An expansion for the Exalted: Essence tabletop roleplaying game, full of roleplaying advice and new mechanical content for players to enjoy.

Latest Updates from Our Project:

Pledge Manager Surveys Coming This Week!
about 1 year ago – Wed, May 21, 2025 at 09:18:33 AM

Hello Essence Players,

Welcome to the final third of May and the first update of this new phase of the project.

We finished up the Crowdfunding portion of our campaign almost four weeks ago with a successful run, adding many backers and funding additional projects. Now it's time to start the next phase of the project - the Post-Campaign, where we track the progress of the various projects we helped fund and send out rewards as they become available.

To help with all of that we use BackerKit's Pledge Manager.

Today's Topics

  •  BackerKit Pledge Manager Surveys Coming Soon 
  •  Compiled Draft Manuscript (available in BackerKit Digital Rewards) 
  •  Coming Next 

BACKER SURVEYS

Over the next handful of days (May 21-24), you’ll receive an email from us with a special link to your Pledge Manager survey. It’s important to respond to your survey as quickly as you can since we need this information to fulfill your rewards.



You don’t need to create a BackerKit account to fill out your survey (although you probably already have one from pledging to this campaign). When you receive the email with the survey, click the survey invitation link to respond. Answer the questions about your reward preferences, provide shipping information, and purchase add-on items if you like. You don’t have access to this survey link yet, but it will be available later this week via email!

The e-mail will have a button that looks something like this:



After you respond to your survey, you can go back later and change your responses at any time before we close the surveys and get our final counts, and that won't happen until the books are being printed and we're preparing to ship.

If you need to review your information or pledge status, you can return to your survey by clicking the link in your survey email or requesting your survey link under "Lost your survey?" on our BackerKit project page at https://exalted-essence-players-guide.backerkit.com/

If you have any other questions or concerns, you can post them to the comments for this update, the comment section, or message me via one of these methods:

TO CONTACT JAMES

  •  Via E-Mail: Onyx.Kickstarter [at] gmail.com
  •  Via BackerKit: Click "Need Help?" from your page, and then fill in the Contact Us form. BackerKit will pass your message along to me.

If there are any issues you find with the Pledge Manager, please contact me as soon as possible to let me know. It rolls out in waves so that I can correct issues on the fly and make it work as best possible as people come on board.

I had initially expected to be sending this out in June, but managed to get to it a little early! That said, the chances of a few errors in the Pledge Manager set up are ... greater than zero ... so let me know if you see something off and I'll fix it as quickly as possible.



Within the BackerKit Survey and Pledge Manager, you can:

  • Review your Pledge Tier Selection and Rewards
  • Upgrade your Reward Tier pledge selection
  • Confirm Add On selections
  • Set up payment information for any failed payments from the Crowdfunding campaign or to pay for any new Add On options selected.

When you click on your BackerKit invitation link, you should see something like this...



From the Pledge Manager welcome page you can choose to

  • Review Your Pledge Level and Rewards
  • Start Your Survey, confirming pledge rewards, confirming or selecting new Add On options, and confirming any shipping and payment info that may be needed
  • Switch Your Pledge Level

If you've pledged to a reward tier that includes physical rewards, you can enter your shipping country at this stage. As noted during our campaign, we haven't set shipping costs yet - those will be calculated and added in when we're preparing to ship the book. That won't be for a long time, though, and there will be plenty of opportunity - and notice - for you to make changes.

If you click on your Pledge Level, you will see a list of all items included in your Pledge Rewards (including Stretch Goals and the Draft Manuscript), and also have the option to switch your Pledge Level, in case you've decided to get the hardcover pledge instead of the PDF-only pledge tier for example.


Once you've confirmed that your Pledge Level is correct and where you want it to be, you can GET STARTED with your BackerKit Pledge Manager Survey.

Once we've got a fair response to our survey and collected a reasonable amount of info, I'll be working on fulfilling rewards that are available now - like the PDFs of the titles included in our Add On section (for example, the various Exalted: Essence and Exalted Third Edition books). Those will likely be coming to you in the first week of June, and I'll send another update with more info when that time comes.

So, in summary:

  • Look for an e-mail invitation to BackerKit's Pledge Manager sometime over the next 2-4 days
  • Get Started on your survey
  • Confirm your Pledge Level (or SWITCH your Pledge Level if you want to change it)
  • Confirm and Select Any Add On options
  • Confirm Your Shipping Information (if needed)
  • Confirm Your Payment Information (if needed)

I will post an update in another two weeks as I begin outlining the delivery of our first Add On rewards (the existing title PDFs, as noted above) and beginning distribution of those PDF rewards.




DRAFT MANUSCRIPT

Looking in the example pledge list above, you can see a listing for the Draft Manuscript. In your BackerKit digital rewards page, you will have access to the compiled draft manuscript. It won't be different from the sections we shared during the campaign, it'll just be those bits all mashed into one compiled version. There's a link for that compiled version at the bottom of this update post (when viewed on the BackerKit site), but I'll also have a download link sit alongside your other rewards on the Pledge Manager's Digital Reward Page. The Draft Manuscript link may not be active when you first login to your BackerKit survey, but I'll throw the switch and it'll send you a notice next week after all of the invitations have gone out.

I will talk about how to access your BackerKit digital rewards links in an update coming early next month, when I send out the first wave of available rewards.

COMING NEXT

In a few weeks or so, I'll send an update with details about the distribution for that first wave of existing XS / Ex3 rewards. I'll also get the compiled draft manuscript up and ready for you to download from your Pledge Manager page (though you can download it now from this page, as noted above).

At the end of June we'll begin our regular monthly check-ins, tracking the progress of this project as it moves through this phase. It'll take some time, but we'll have regular updates all through the process. I'll also have notes on how to check the weekly and monthly All Project Progress updates on Onyx Path's website.

TO CONTACT JAMES

  •  Via E-Mail: Onyx.Kickstarter [at] gmail.com
  •  Via BackerKit: Click "Need Help?" from your page, and then fill in the Contact Us form. BackerKit will pass your message along to me.

Excelsior! The XSPG Campaign has Concluded!
about 1 year ago – Fri, Apr 25, 2025 at 11:07:59 AM

Hello Players,

Thanks to the support of more than 1500 backers, Onyx Path will be able to develop and print the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide!


Not only did we rally a large number of backers, we extended the campaign with a last minute Backer Train taking us into Overtime!! That was cool! It's still a recent feature, but we love testing out new bits and seeing how much more fun we can have with our campaigns.

There's more to celebrate! Not only did we fund the project in the first day, we also unlocked THIRTEEN Stretch Goals. From standard Onyx Path milestone markers to an expanded Companion full of more options for your gameand TWO short stories!

It came down to the last few days but we managed to hit every Stretch Goal we'd posted and then unlocked ONE MORE STRETCH GOAL in the final hours of the campaign! I hadn't even posted this one. It was in the dare-to-dream file folder.

EXALTED NOVELLA II

A second short story written to explore the world of the Exalted and the play experience will be will be added to the rewards list of all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide PDF [ALCHEMICAL PLEDGE+]


Great job!


MILESTONE MARKERS

Monitoring our pace during the mid-campaign, these milestone markers are great celebratory moments allowing us to keep our focus, and fun rewards going out to all who supported this project during the Crowdfunding campaign.

These rewards will automatically be added as bonus rewards to all backers who have pledged to the Dragon-Blooded Exalt tier or any other tier.

REDBUBBLE SHIRT DESIGN 

An Exalted: Essence Player's Guide-themed Backer shirt will be hosted on Onyx Path's Redbubble store for a limited time. All backers will be notified when the shirt design becomes available for purchase. [DRAGON-BLOODED PLEDGE+]

DESKTOP WALLPAPER 

Exceptional Exalted: Essence Player's Guide artwork will be used to create a digital wallpaper for your computer desktop. The digital wallpaper will be added to the rewards list of all backers supporting this project.  [DRAGON-BLOODED PLEDGE+]

VTT TOKEN PACK

Digital assets will be created to support online play for Exalted: Essence, including key character and creature tokens from this book. This online asset pack will be added to the rewards list of all backers supporting this project.  [DRAGON-BLOODED PLEDGE+]

STREAMING OVERLAY

A set of overlays for your online game will be created, for your use when streaming your Exalted: Essence session. This reward will be added to the rewards list for all backers supporting this project.  [DRAGON-BLOODED PLEDGE+]


NEW EXALTED FICTION

I've shared two fiction pieces that will be included in the book (appearing before the Exalted of Creation and the Exalted from Other Realms in the final book). We also have a great Add On for several Exalted novellas, which are all pretty awesome in my opinion. So, adding another is a great idea.

These rewards will automatically be added as bonus rewards to all backers who have pledged to a tier that includes the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide PDF as one of their rewards.

EXALTED NOVELLA

A short story written to explore the world of the Exalted and the play experience will be will be added to the rewards list of all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide PDF [ALCHEMICAL PLEDGE+]

EXALTED NOVELLA II

A second short story written to explore the world of the Exalted and the play experience will be will be added to the rewards list of all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide PDF [ALCHEMICAL PLEDGE+]


NEW CONTENT - BUILDING A SUPPLEMENT

Assembled via Stretch Goal achievements, we've built an additional supplement that will automatically be added as a bonus reward to all backers receiving one of the hardcover editions as part of their rewards list. Digtial rewards backers can add this as an Add On option to their rewards.

ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exalts of Creation Expansion I) 

Onyx Path will create a supplement further exploring the Solars and Sidereals. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]

ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exalts of Creation Expansion II) 

Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding material on Dragon-Blooded and Lunars. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]

ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exalts of Other Realms Expansion I) 

Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding material on Abyssals and Infernals. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]

ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exalts of Other Realms Expansion II) 

Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding material on Alchemicals, Getimians, and Liminals. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]

ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exigents Expansion) 

Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding two new Exigent write-ups. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]

ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exigents Expansion) 

Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding an additional two new Exigent write-ups. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]

ESSENCE EXTENDED (Universal Charms Expansion) 

Onyx Path will expand the "Essence Extended" supplement, adding more Universal Charms. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]



And all of that is, of course, on top of our main purpose here - the creating of the actual book itself! This is the real reward - everything else is a bonus!

So a huge congratulations to Monica and the team on this project, and to all of the backers who've joined in to make this possible. I'm happy about the goals we hit and rewards we introduced, but I'm also always amazed and excited about having more than 1000 backers join in during this campaign, and we really surpassed that dream target! Exalted fans are always a delight, and I'm happy that I get to share in the excitement and enthusiasm in my own little corner of the project!


AN EXTRA THANK YOU! 

So, thank you to all the backers who supported us and made this happen. And an extra thanks to everyone who participated online, either in the Community comments section of the campaign, and on social media around the web. Thanks to everyone who talked about the project on the Discord and thanks to the Onyx Path team who answered questions and provided insight.


COMMUNICATION

So, as noted in today's earlier update, starting in May I'll be sending out updates once a month and whenever we've got a new goal, survey, or other item to cover. If you have any questions or need clarification on something related to the campaign, feel free to get in touch. I may take a bit to answer as I handle some family business and recover from the past few weeks, but eventually I'll have an answer!

I'll also see if I can sneak a compiled draft manuscript out to you maybe in a few weeks. Nothing changed, just smashed together in order.


TO CONTACT ME

  • Via E-Mail: Onyx.Kickstarter [at] gmail.com
  • Via BackerKit: Click "Need Help?" from your forthcoming survey page, and then fill in the Contact Us form. BackerKit will pass your message along to me.

ONYX PATH DISCUSSION CHANNELS

If you've got questions about the rules or setting, or just want to discuss this game with other fans (as well as the Onyx Path writers and developers!), you can check out these Onyx Path discussion zones:



Backers make it better! That's the real Charm happening here.

The Discord is particularly lively, and I loved seeing the thoughts and jokes as the chapters came out bit by bit. 

BackerKit will begin collected pledges and processing payments later tonight, so be ready for that.

I hope everyone is able to finish April in a good place, and I'll be in touch next month.
 
High fives all around in the comment section and on the Discord, and you'll hear from me again in a month-or-so when I've got the pledge manager set up and ready to roll out!

#XSPG

FINAL HOURS: CHECKLIST & WHAT COMES NEXT
about 1 year ago – Fri, Apr 25, 2025 at 05:58:53 AM

Hello Players,

Welcome to the final hours of this campaign! We've had a pretty great run - funding very quickly and coming up to the end with more than 1,540 backers! We've unlocked TWELVE Stretch Goals, adding some cool bonus rewards for supporters of this campaign!

That's right - we've unlocked every posted Stretch Goal for this project, including the final one that I hadn't even announced yet! There was a longshot chance that I'd be sharing it today and maybe we'd need a mighty backer train to achieve, but we're already there! Amazing Work!

ACHIEVED At $105,000 in Funding - STREAMING OVERLAY

A set of overlays for your online game will be created, for your use when streaming your Exalted: Essence session. This reward will be added to the rewards list for all backers supporting this project.  [DRAGON-BLOODED PLEDGE+]

The most important part of this campaign, though, is that we have successfully funded this project! Thanks to everyone who's come out to support this campaign, we'll be getting this cool book!


As mentioned, backers have unlocked some Stretch Goal milestones, a new novella, and a companion book that will be added to all pledge tiers containing one of the hardcover editions or available as an Add On for digital reward tiers.

FINAL DAY CHECKLIST

Whether you're a Dragon-Blooded freshly chosen by the Elemental Dragons or an heroic Solar hero of legend, these are some good topics to review over these final five hours...


1.  KNOW WHAT YOU'RE SUPPORTING

Backers can read the entire current draft of the manuscript <HERE>. Please make sure you read the manuscript before the campaign concludes so you know exactly what you're pledging to support.


2. PLEDGE TIERS and ADD ONS

 This update breaks down your best starting point for figuring out which Backer Reward Tier to choose to help support this project in a way that works for you.

The first decision you need to make in figuring out your reward tier is whether you want to receive the PDF, the standard hardcover version or the deluxe hardcover edition (all hardcovers also come with the PDF version).

Alchemical Exalted

This is the PDF-only reward tier. So, if you're saving trees or saving shelf space - or avoiding the shipping charges that are absolutely ever-increasing - this is the reward tier options that you should begin with. The PDF will be fulfilled by our partners at DriveThruRPG.com - when it is ready, you will receive a link to add it to your DTRPG library at no cost and be able to download at your leisure.

Sidereal Exalted

This reward tier includes the standard hardcover version of this book. Shipping costs ARE NOT included in the cost of your pledge. You will be charged for shipping after the campaign through the pledge manager. In addition, this option also includes the PDF version, so you will get a digital copy as described above. This reward tier also includes the "Essence Extended" PDF supplement built via Stretch Goal achievement as a free bonus reward.

Lunar Exalted

This reward tier includes the deluxe hardcover version of this book. Shipping costs ARE NOT included in the cost of your pledge. You will be charged for shipping after the campaign through the pledge manager.  In addition, this option also includes the PDF version, so you will get a digital copy as described above. This reward tier also includes the "Essence Extended" PDF supplement built via Stretch Goal achievement as a free bonus reward.

Need the Exalted: Essence Core Rules as well? They form the system upon which the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide is built. We've set up three one-click pledge options to get you started! If you don't already have a copy of the Exalted: Essence Core Rulebook, you soon will by choosing any of these reward tiers. 

  • Liminal Exalted contains PDF versions of both the Exalted: Essenc Player's Guide sourcebook as well as the Exalted: Essence Core Rules.

  • Getimian Exalted gets you both the PDF and standard hardcover books for both the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide sourcebook and the Exalted: Essence Core Rules. 

  • Solar Exalted will get you both the PDF and Deluxe Edition hardcover books for both the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide sourcebook and the Exalted: Essence Core Rules. 

As noted, shipping charges will be calculated later and charged in the BackerKit Pledge Manager. We'll have exact shipping costs once the book is in production and we know the specifications, but we do expect it to be expensive. See our estimates on the front pate. If you're an international backer, you can pledge to the Alchemical Exalted tier and upgrade in the pledge manager to one of the hardcover tiers once the shipping costs are known before we lockdown orders.

ADD-ON OPTIONS -  The other half of our Reward Tiers update, including information on the second step of pledging. There are several Add On options that you can add as part of your pledging process, including a ton of interesting Exalted: Essence and Exalted Third Edition books and supplements, plus option to add the "Essence Extended" companion that we built via Stretch Goal to any digital pledge tiers.


ADD ON selections will be available in the post-campaign Pledge Manager as well.

Also to note, only those who participate during the campaign are able to add Stretch Goal rewards to their rewards lists. If you're waiting to pre-order at a later time, it's better to pledge to the Dragon-Blooded Exalted tier now and then simply upgrade your pledge later to have the option to include these bonus rewards.

Additionally, this may go without saying, please review your personal budget and ensure you've selected the appropriate reward tier and add ons for your current financial situation. BackerKit will begin charging your payment method at midnight, so ensure you've budgeted correctly. Choose what works best for you now and is affordable at this time, knowing that you can upgrade your pledge level or choose Add Ons in the Pledge Manager at a late date.


There are no refunds for regret, and the funds raised start being spent immediately on paying for the work done thus far and the additional work ahead plus the projects unlocked via Stretch Goal. So please be financially responsible.

  • Choose a Reward Tier You Can Afford
  • Read the Manuscripts and Make Sure You Know What You're Getting
  • Be Aware of the Projected Delivery Date (Onyx Path will try to deliver earlier than this, but the book will take some time to get perfect, and we're dealing with an imperfect world. Schedules sometimes go awry)

3. PAYMENT AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Once you're comfortable with your pledge, please ensure that the payment and contact information in your BackerKit account is up to date and correct. Making sure your e-mail is entered correctly and your credit card isn't expired will speed up the next step process. (I have learned from experience!)



4. OVERTIME MODE

Overtime Mode extends the campaign past its original end time to give backers a final chance to make their pledge and adds an interesting twist to the end of the campaign. How long will it extend? That’s entirely up to backers: The campaign will keep going for an additional 10 minutes as long as pledges keep coming in – a chain of back-to-back pledges is called the Backer Train. The campaign will end only when the Backer Train stops after a period of 10 minutes passing without any pledges.

You’ll know we’re in Overtime Mode when the campaign’s Backer Train counter displays a bright rainbow border and a new countdown that resets to 10 minutes after each new backer joins that final Backer Train ride.

Evidently we've scheduled the campaign to conclude on April 25th at 2:00 pm Eastern, but it'll be extended in 10 minute chunks as long as backers keep pledging. Will we add an extra 10 minutes? An extra 20? Or will it all finish up as we programmed? Who knows, but we'll find out together! The power of rolling dice!


WHAT COMES NEXT?


5. AFTER THE CAMPAIGN ENDS

First, we celebrate. The campaign page will subtly change, locking out the ability to pledge and showing the final totals. We'll give socially-distanced high fives and digital fist bumps in the Community section and over on Discord.

Then, the BackerKit payment process begins. Starting late tonight and continuing over the next week, Backerkit will begin charging your payment methods for the total amount you've pledged.

If there is an issue with your payment method (expired credit card or incorrect number or pre-paid Visa awaiting funds, for example), BackerKit will keep trying to process payment during this time.

Once this step is done, which will likely be by mid-May, BackerKit will confirm everything with Onyx Path and I can begin to set up the project in the Pledge Manager and load in all of the campaign data.


In addition to providing the crowdfunding platform for this campaign, BackerKit is also Onyx Path's regular Pledge Manager partner.

BackerKit provides a robust fulfillment integration and pledge management program that will allow us to work with all of the data and distribute the rewards to you. It will take me about a month to set the project up. Once I've got it all entered and built, the team from BackerKit will review to ensure I didn't mess anything up too badly, and then I'll make any changes they've suggested and we can move on to the Survey stage.

6. BACKERKIT SURVEYS

Once BackerKit says I'm good to go, I will send out a survey to all backers. This is why confirming your e-mail is important!

The BackerKit survey is both a verb and a noun - it will collect data for the analysis of some aspect of a group (enabling Onyx Path to set print runs, prioritize new projects, and fine-tune future campaigns), as well as providing a general review or summary of the reward tier you've chosen, confirm all of the rewards associated with that reward tier, and confirm your total pledge amount.

I expect Surveys to go out before the end of May 2025.

During the Survey period, you can choose to increase your reward tier and add on additional options. If you've found $20 in your spring jacket or got a big tax refund and decide it's time to trade up to the deluxe hardcover version of the book or include another add-on, you can do so at this time. Note, you will not be able to reduce your reward tier selection, only increase.

If you selected Add On options, they'll be added to your reward list automatically.

Note that you'll be able to upgrade your pledge tier for quite some time - until we're getting ready to print the book itself and have figured out shipping costs. So don't feel pressure to have it all figured out right away - we'll make sure there's plenty of time to get it all sorted before the books go out.

Similarly, if you have a hardcover book as one of your rewards, the survey will ask you to confirm your shipping address, even though it'll be some time before we ship out the final product. Do not worry about moving before shipping begins - you will be able to update BackerKit right up until the point that we begin fulfilling the final book. We will send out a notice prior to lock down so you can update any information.

I'll also use the Survey to confirm some details for the premium reward tiers.


7. REWARD DISTRIBUTION

Once the surveys are up and running, I'll prepare fulfillment for the existing rewards - the Add On options that are all currently available, like the Exalted core rulebook and expansions as well as the fiction and music bundles. Depending on how smoothly the Pledge Manager process goes, those should be out fairly soon after the survey stage starts. So, let's say the existing PDF rewards will be out to you by the end of May. That's only the beginning, though.

This is a long process, but I will send out regular updates (usually at the end of the month) to keep you up to speed on Onyx Path's progress. There will be strings of updates that are just "still working on it," but I will share new artwork or information when I can.

Eventually, we will have a completed PDF of the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide. Onyx Path will take some time to distribute, review, and compile any errata or corrections that need to be made. When they've made any necessary changes, they'll make an updated version of the PDF available in your DriveThruRPG digital library and then begin creating print-ready files for the Print-on-Demand and the hardcover versions.

It's yet another long road ahead, likely full of twists and turns and surprises, but one that we wouldn't be undertaking if not for your ongoing support.

So - one final time - please spread the word to any potential backers and fans, and thanks so much for a great campaign! 

I'll see you on the other side!

#XSPG

An Extra Day for Exalted: Essentials!
over 1 year ago – Wed, Apr 23, 2025 at 11:32:21 AM

Hey Players,

I've got a few schedules on my computer and a print-out of my project calendar for the month. But the year that is 2025 doesn't care about plans, so I've got a quick update to our schedule.

Despite planning on ending the campaign on Thursday, April 24th at 2:00 PM Easter time (or, at least, heading into Overtime Mode at that point) - the project was set up to actually end on April 25th!

So, our 24-hour countdown has become a 48-hour countdown!

I've spent the past 12 hours sitting with a very sick old dog as she struggles through a vestibular incident, so I'm going to use the extra time to spend some more time with a struggling pet and regroup and I'll be back on FRIDAY MORNING with our FINAL DAY checklist!

Exalted: Essence Player's Guide finishes the crowdfunding campaign on APRIL 25th at 2:00 PM Eastern Time

Final Days Review - Stretch Goals
over 1 year ago – Wed, Apr 23, 2025 at 09:49:35 AM

Hello Players,

We're not quite in the final 48 hours, but getting very close! Within these last hours, I wanted to review some important topics, most especially our current Stretch Goal situation! Let's get reviewin'!


We're in our Final Day countdown for this Crowdfunding campaign. Exalted: Essence Player's Guide finishes the crowdfunding campaign on April 25th at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. There's still time to give the spark of exaltation to a few more backers, but we're definitely getting closer to the finish line. With that in mind, I wanted to touch on some of the basics over these final six days to make sure everyone has the information they need to support this project in the way that works best for them.

Final Week Guide


Whether you're a Dragon-Blooded freshly chosen by the Elemental Dragons or an heroic Solar hero of legend, these are some good topics to review over this week to make sure we all end up where we want to be.

(An aside, if you're a new backer, make sure you check out our Final Week Countdown / Resource Update. It has links to the manuscript previews, Reddit AMA answers, and other helpful information.)

I want to highlight the Reward Tier and Add On Review post. Please review it prior to the conclusion of this campaign, as it outlines important information about your pledge selection, your rewards, and supporting this campaign that you should be aware of before we get to the end.


Refresher Course
Note for New Backers: Please check out the updates listed above. There's a lot of information there that will be important to know about before the end, like how we're not including shipping charges in our pledges for this campaign and instead will be charging them in our pledge manager before we ship out the books, and you can also read the entire draft manuscript before the end of the campaign and any pledges are processed.

Note for Since-the-Start Backers: It's probably a good idea to review that stuff as well. Never hurts to make sure you haven't missed anything!

In fact, just to make sure I've hit all of the main points several times, here's a quick rundown of some key items:

MANUSCRIPT PREVIEW - As noted, the complete Preview Manuscript for the book is available for you to review prior to the conclusion of the campaign. If you're a backer, you'll have access to this preview manuscript after the campaign. Remember, though, there are still some minor edits, development and proofing that need to be done, but you can consider it most of the way there and a good representation of what you'll get in the final book. Making the manuscript available for review before the campaign ends ensures that everyone knows exactly what our goal is - making this book - and are on board with our aims for this project. Thanks for your support, we're all in this together!

PLEDGE TIERS - This update breaks down your best starting point for figuring out which Backer Reward Tier to choose to help support this project in a way that works for you.

Alchemical Exalted

This is the PDF-only reward tier. So, if you're saving trees or saving shelf space - or avoiding the shipping charges that are absolutely ever-increasing - this is the reward tier options that you should begin with. The PDF will be fulfilled by our partners at DriveThruRPG.com - when it is ready, you will receive a link to add it to your DTRPG library at no cost and be able to download at your leisure.

Sidereal Exalted

This reward tier includes the standard hardcover version of this book. Shipping costs ARE NOT included in the cost of your pledge. You will be charged for shipping after the campaign through the pledge manager. In addition, this option also includes the PDF version, so you will get a digital copy as described above. This reward tier also includes the "Essence Extended" PDF supplement built via Stretch Goal achievement as a free bonus reward.

Lunar Exalted

This reward tier includes the deluxe hardcover version of this book. Shipping costs ARE NOT included in the cost of your pledge. You will be charged for shipping after the campaign through the pledge manager.  In addition, this option also includes the PDF version, so you will get a digital copy as described above. This reward tier also includes the "Essence Extended" PDF supplement built via Stretch Goal achievement as a free bonus reward.

Need the Exalted: Essence Core Rules as well? They form the system upon which the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide is built. We've set up three one-click pledge options to get you started! If you don't already have a copy of the Exalted: Essence Core Rulebook, you soon will by choosing any of these reward tiers. 

  • Liminal Exalted contains PDF versions of both the Exalted: Essenc Player's Guide sourcebook as well as the Exalted: Essence Core Rules.

  • Getimian Exalted gets you both the PDF and standard hardcover books for both the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide sourcebook and the Exalted: Essence Core Rules. 

  • Solar Exalted will get you both the PDF and Deluxe Edition hardcover books for both the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide sourcebook and the Exalted: Essence Core Rules. 

ADD-ON OPTIONS -  The other half of our Reward Tiers update, including information on the second step of pledging. There are several Add On options that you can add as part of your pledging process, including a ton of interesting Exalted: Essence and Exalted Third Edition books and supplements, plus option to add the "Essence Extended" companion that we built via Stretch Goal to any digital pledge tiers.



Choose Wisely

Choosing the correct Reward Tier for your desired rewards, and then filling in any "gaps" with add-ons, ensures that you'll be claiming all of your desired rewards as a thank you for supporting this project and bringing this world to life.

Remember, your PLEDGE AMOUNT is equal to your REWARD TIER + ADD ONS only - Any Shipping costs will be collected at a later date. You will also be able to select Add On options in the Pledge Manager after the campaign, but remember that only funds added during the campaign count towards Stretch Goal funding targets.

Also to note, only those who participate during the campaign are able to add Stretch Goal rewards to their rewards lists. If you're waiting to pre-order at a later time, it's better to pledge to the Dragon-Blooded Exalted tier now and then simply upgrade your pledge later to have the option to include these bonus rewards.

Additionally, this may go without saying, please review your personal budget and ensure you've selected the appropriate reward tier and add ons for your current financial situation. BackerKit will begin charging your payment method at midnight the day the campaign ends, so ensure you've budgeted correctly. Choose what works best for you now and is affordable at this time, knowing that you can upgrade your pledge level or choose Add Ons in the Pledge Manager at a late date.
There are no refunds for regret, and the funds raised start being spent immediately on paying for the work done thus far and the additional work ahead plus the projects unlocked via Stretch Goal. So please be financially responsible.

Tomorrow I'll be posting one further "Final Day" update, covering What Happens Next and outlining what to expect once the campaign ends.

But until then, let's review our Stretch Goal success story!


Over the past 27 days as we've worked through this campaign, we've not only funded the book but also unlocked TEN Stretch Goal targets! 

Our Stretch Goals have been a mix of regular "milestone markers" that helped keep our pace in our later days and some new content that will be featured in an XSPG companion supplement or as a new novella. Let's review and see what we've accomlished by coming together to Crowdfund this project!

MILESTONE MARKERS

Monitoring our pace during the mid-campaign, these milestone markers are great celebratory moments allowing us to keep our focus, and fun rewards going out to all who supported this project during the Crowdfunding campaign.

These rewards will automatically be added as bonus rewards to all backers who have pledged to the Dragon-Blooded Exalt tier or any other tier.

REDBUBBLE SHIRT DESIGN 

An Exalted: Essence Player's Guide-themed Backer shirt will be hosted on Onyx Path's Redbubble store for a limited time. All backers will be notified when the shirt design becomes available for purchase. [DRAGON-BLOODED PLEDGE+]

DESKTOP WALLPAPER 

Exceptional Exalted: Essence Player's Guide artwork will be used to create a digital wallpaper for your computer desktop. The digital wallpaper will be added to the rewards list of all backers supporting this project.  [DRAGON-BLOODED PLEDGE+]

VTT TOKEN PACK

Digital assets will be created to support online play for Exalted: Essence, including key character and creature tokens from this book. This online asset pack will be added to the rewards list of all backers supporting this project.  [DRAGON-BLOODED PLEDGE+]

NEW EXALTED FICTION

I've shared two fiction pieces that will be included in the book (appearing before the Exalted of Creation and the Exalted from Other Realms in the final book). We also have a great Add On for several Exalted novellas, which are all pretty awesome in my opinion. So, adding another is a great idea.

This reward will automatically be added as a bonus reward to all backers who have pledged to a reward tier that includes the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide PDF as one of their rewards.

EXALTED NOVELLA

A short story written to explore the world of the Exalted and the play experience will be will be added to the rewards list of all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide PDF [ALCHEMICAL PLEDGE+]

NEW CONTENT - BUILDING A SUPPLEMENT

Assembled via Stretch Goal achievements, we've built an additional supplement that will automatically be added as a bonus reward to all backers receiving one of the hardcover editions as part of their rewards list.

ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exalts of Creation Expansion I) 

Onyx Path will create a supplement further exploring the Solars and Sidereals. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]

ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exalts of Creation Expansion II) 

Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding material on Dragon-Blooded and Lunars. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]

ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exalts of Other Realms Expansion I) 

Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding material on Abyssals and Infernals. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]

ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exalts of Other Realms Expansion II) 

Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding material on Alchemicals, Getimians, and Liminals. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]

ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exigents Expansion) 

Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding two new Exigent write-ups. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]

ESSENCE EXTENDED (Universal Charms Expansion) 

Onyx Path will expand the "Essence Extended" supplement, adding more Universal Charms. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]


This was a different Exalted project than I've helped out with in the past. First up, a supplement for the Exalted: Essence take on the game, which I didn't even expect after the core rulebook and Pillars of Creation supplement (available as an Add On!). And then to have it comprised of player-facing material, tons of Charms and milestones and character advice and suggestions - with no new setting material or lore for the amazing Exalted setting - well, that was a different ballgame. And covering all 10 Exalt types instead of just focusing on one!

I figured we'd maybe be able to cram in 9 or 10 Stretch Goals if things went well. And here we are, with our 11th target in sight, once again exceeding expectations. So, let's see if we can't expand that Stretch Goal supplement one more time!

At $100,000 in Funding - ESSENCE EXTENDED (Exigents Expansion) 

Onyx Path will expand the new supplement, adding an additional two new Exigent write-ups. This supplement will be released for purchase on DriveThruRPG and added as a free bonus reward to all backers receiving the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide standard hardcover or Deluxe Edition [SIDEREAL PLEDGE+]



YOUR REWARDS!

That's right! You backed this project to help make and publish the Exalted: Essence Player's Guide! Our primary reward - the big thank you that we'll send out in appreciation for your support - are PDFs and/or hardcover copies of this book! BUT AS A BONUS, you may also have a digital wallpaper, some online tokens, and an opportunity to add to your wardrobe, plus you may be getting a new novella, or a companion supplement!

NOT MUCH MORE TIME

Unfortunately, we seem to continue to move forward at a regular pace, and our campaign will some come to the inescapable end. We've achieved our primary goal of funding the book, but there is still one possible Stretch Goal reward that is almost within grasp! I know this last funding target may seem a challenge, but it wouldn't be a STRETCH goals if we didn't have to really STRETCH to reach it! It's certainly within reach, but won't be easy, so let's keep at it!

So, as every update concludes: let's keep the enthusiasm rolling! Keep spreading the word and letting others know about this project. They've got this final day to jump in and share the Stretch Goals we've achieved!

And every backer who joins in as we approach the end is not only able to enjoy the additional rewards already added by the early fans and backers, but also help reward those early backers by maybe unlocking that final Companion section!

Remember, only the funds generated during the Crowdfunding campaign go toward achieving these Stretch Goal targets, so the time to act is now! Together, we can bring this game to life and make great things happen!


EXALTED ESSENCE: PLAYER'S GUIDE enters OVERTIME MODE on Thursday, April 25th at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. 

We will finish up as soon as our backer train ends after that point! So let's see if we can't hit a final Stretch Goal and then keep that train running for an extra 10 or 20 minutes!!

#XSPG