Nova Aetas is a co-operative board game inspired by tactical RPGs, mixing an innovative system of player activation and an original AI.
Latest Updates from Our Project:
The final countdown!
almost 8 years ago
– Wed, Apr 25, 2018 at 12:35:33 AM
Hi everyone,
first and foremost, I’d like to thank you all once again for your patience.
We have finally reached the end of this long, tortuous journey. The second wave is about to arrive.
The most recent delays were due to problems with printing the miniatures; some of them had been slightly ruined and we had to remake them.
As you know, everything will be shipped by plane in an effort to speed things up. The packages will be sent in the first week of May directly to single backers in the USA and subsequently to backers in the EU, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Many of you have contacted us to request that we postpone the imminent Black Rose Wars campaign until after the arrival of NA, and we’d like to explain why this is not possible.
We are still a young company and the NA project has been characterised by lots of unexpected problems.
For us it was like a battlefield where we were always on the front line. We hope the quality of the final product helps improve our rank.
Having said this, as many Ashes readers would know, the company has grown, and with it our focus on the development of quality products in terms of both game mechanics and design.
At the moment, our team is made up of 10 professionals and boasts numerous third-party collaborations.
All this has a cost.
Although the success of Sine Tempore helps us sleep at night, a company that intends to keep growing and developing cannot stay with their arms folded, wasting precious time and money.
That’s why, just like many other production companies, at the end of one project we need to start preparing the next one.
For this reason and due to a number of NA production delays, the two projects have overlapped.
If you appreciate the quality of our products, then we ask that you please renew your faith in us. We are confident that we have done everything in our power to guarantee a quality product and transform our inexperience into our biggest strength.
There were bound to be a few mistakes along the way, but sometimes it’s the only way to learn.
We have launched lots of initiatives to try and make up for it, which is more than what a lot of other companies do: a miniature, the reprinting of all manuals and cards from the 1st wave (about 500 cards and 3 manuals) and now shipment by air without any additional costs to you.
To encourage you to back us in this new adventure, all Nova Aetas and Sine Tempore backers that join the Black Rose Wars campaign will receive free - with the second wave of the project (scheduled for June 2019) - all the rules and cards to play Crono in our two previous games, plus a further $5 discount in the PM (which added to an EB translates into a discount of $15 with respect to the base pledge).
If you don't know what I’m talking about, take a look.
We’ll be in touch during the BRW campaign with comments on the pledges that start to arrive.
Stay tuned!
Production Update - Episode 1
almost 8 years ago
– Wed, Apr 11, 2018 at 01:10:34 AM
Welcome to what will be a technical update to keep up with the production’s progress!
First of all, I would like to apologize for the lack of updates last month: we were waiting for certain news from the factory and we didn’t want to provide other updates with information on which we are not confident, but at this moment it seems right to update.
In these days the factory is completing the production of miniatures, and will soon finalize the assembly of boxes. Unfortunately, as we have repeatedly said, the production of miniatures has taken longer than expected in order to maintain the high-quality level of the models we have promised.
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Our factory has committed a lot, but there have been structural problems with the creation of some molds. Actually, during the production, some molds were damaged and it was necessary to make them again. Now they are trying to make up for lost time due to these unexpected events. By next Monday they will tell us the definitive date of the end of production.
As you can see in the attached pictures, we are now almost done.
For our part, we do not in any way discharge the fault of the delay all on our factory, NA it's our project and it is our responsibility to make you receive the II Wave as soon as possible. For this reason, in order to make up such problems, we decided to use air shipments instead of the maritime ones, it will be fully charged to LMS, so no baker will have additional shipping costs. Air cargo will allow us to reduce shipment times from 6/7 weeks to 2/3 weeks. We hope this can make you happy :).
That's all for now, see you next Tuesday for more information on Episode 2.
As always, thank you!
LMS
Production Update! (and a lot of picture!)
about 8 years ago
– Fri, Feb 09, 2018 at 01:03:56 PM
Hi all!
Here we are with a new update on the production!
Our first news, unfortunately, confirm that the factory will not be able to complete the final phase of production before the end of the Chinese New Year, as we anticipated in the last update, the production will finish immediately afterward and its fulfillment right after. So the boxes will arrive to you by the first half of April and finally, the first chapter of the history of LMS will come to an end.
Cards, cards....and more cards
Despite all the problems and delays, carrying out a challenging first-project like Nova Aetas is a great result for a little company like ours. We think the quality and the quantity of stuff you will get can easily compete with projects that collected funds 10 times more than NA. This makes us really happy!
Tiles and 3D elements texture
After the initial shock of this further delay, we didn’t break down! Two weeks ago, we have received all the printing proofs of the paper material of the second wave plus all the revised material of the first wave.
New city and map of Italy
As you can see from the pictures, it’s a really impressive amount of material! This last check assured us that you won’t be disappointed when you’ll get your package and (hopefully) you can feel rewarded for your patience.
New and old friends!
In addition to the printing tests, we received also the famous “Blank” actually all the punchboards of the new boxes, this allowed us to assemble the new 3D elements that you will find in the II wave, and also that made us excited!
The tower, the ugly and the beast
Another view from above
In the pictures, you can enjoy a preview of these new elements, for sure the Passetto and the new Tower are so impressive, but also the cannons (falconetti), that you’ll manage during the Under siege campaign, have conquered our hearts!
The lovely Passetto
Passetto form above
Imperial deadly weapon
Finally, we received a video from our factory where are shown the three main boxes of the II wave: Pandora's Box, Under siege, and Mater Iginis, and of course, we are happy to share it with you.
After watching the video we asked to make some changes, for example, the box of Pandora will be even taller to allow you to store the material more comfortably and the plastic tray of the Mater Ignis box will have an additional compartment to store all cards. We have also requested that all the card compartments be wider and deeper to allow you to store the playing cards inserted in the sleeves!
And also for this update that’s all! With the next update, we hope to have good news on the production and tell you more precise dates for shipping!
Stay tuned!
LMS
Happy new year!
about 8 years ago
– Wed, Jan 17, 2018 at 11:37:53 PM
Hi all!
Welcome to the first update of 2018! A very important year for LMS and Nova Aetas, given the much-anticipated second wave will finally see the light along with the very important review of all first wave materials! As we wish you all the best for the upcoming year, we waste no time diving into this rich and important update!
Production report
As you know, all the material is already in the hands of the producer and printing has been in progress for some time now, of course. In spite of this, and much to our disappointment, having monitored the production process together with the producer over the Christmas holiday period, at the moment we have no choice but to communicate an additional delay due to technical issues encountered during production at the Chinese factory.
The reasons for this delay are essentially two and (fortunately) relate to the level of quality we want to achieve with the second wave products. But we’ll explain the problems in order:
1) Quality of the miniatures - as you will have seen in the photos in update 84, the quality of the details and print has significantly increased with respect to our first models. We have achieved a 30/40% increase in detail, which has obviously also increased the complexity of production. Due to this complexity, the factory has asked for some extra time to complete the production of all models without compromising on quality.
2) Reprinting of the first wave printed materials - as you know, in the second wave you will also receive all the printed material from the first wave, reviewed and corrected. This was something we at LMS had firmly wanted to achieve and we have worked hard to complete a high-quality review, at zero-cost to all of you. However, unfortunately, the review and reprinting of all these additional materials have incurred extra costs in terms of time and resources for us and for the factory.
These two factors mean the factory is taking longer than expected to complete production, which will, therefore, be delayed until the Chinese new year (16th February 2018), which as you know will block all production activities in China for around 15 days.
Our supplier has renewed their commitment to do everything possible to complete production before the Chinese new year but was unable to guarantee a certain completion date. We firmly believe in the professionalism and commitment of Whatz Games and are certain they will do what they’ve said, but from our end, our commitment to you is what’s most important.
Unfortunately, our hands are tied during this phase. All we can do is keep you up to date on the progress of production and ask for your continued patience. There is a possibility that the factory completes production before the Chinese new year with immediate fulfilment (mid-February), but if production is completed too close to the Chinese new year, fulfilment will begin immediately afterwards, or halfway through March.
Asking for your additional patience weighs heavily on us, but we hope the quality of the final product will repay your patience and trust. Believe us when we say that we literally cannot wait for all of you to receive your “big box”!
On our part, we will try and ease the wait separating you from the second wave, offering as many previews as possible! On our support site, you can already find and download the P&P pdf with all NA playing cards and Skirmish rules. The cards cover all miniatures in the core box, so you can use them to play your skirmish missions with the miniatures you already own, and from next month you will be called to arms to participate in a world league that will determine the best of the NA Skirmish Factions! Follow our FB page to find out more!
On our support page, each week we are publishing all the second wave expansion manuals. The hefty Pandora’s box and Under Siege rulebooks have already been available for some time and we are daily uploading the rest!
Of course, we will continue our “Waiting for II wave” rubric, and in fact....
Waiting for the II wave ep. 4
This episode is entirely dedicated to "Under Siege" the Nova Aetas second expansion!
Let's start the spoiler with the new Hero class: the Lancer!
The Lancer artwork...
As the Cabalist this Hero was created together with a backer, in this case, we thank Miranda “Fenryr” Coman who also gave her features to our beautiful Lancer.
...and the stunning model!
The Lancer keyword is ground control. Thanks to skills like Rally and Break the Line, she can move allies and enemies on the battlefield and then inflict damage with Flying Lance.
Lancer skill cards
Her equipment exalt her skills, supporting her teammates and at the same time relying on her martial skills!
Lancer/Herald/Valkyrie equipment cards
Passing to the other materials this is the map of Rome that you will explore during the events of Under Siege. Remember that each of these places will be the scene of epic battles, show your courage!
City of Rome
the new punchboard that you will find inside the box. Can you imagine how you will use some of this tokens and 3D elements? Do you need some "Falconetti"? And you can build the "Passetto" or an aqueduct?
That's all for this episode! In the next update, we speak about Undersiege Enemies, Boss and... Werewolves!
Just a final note of this long update to answer a question that many of you have been asking lately though the socials:
“Can I start playing Nova Aetas now, or is it better to wait until I receive the second wave materials to enjoy the complete game experience?”
Well, the answer is... why wait? The NA campaign has the enormous advantage of being replayable with the mathematical certainty that one campaign will never be the same as the last, even if you’re only using the core box materials, think if you re-play using all the fantastic novelties of the second wave!
How will the final battle against the Doge unfold using a Cabalist instead of a Novice? Which new hunts or secondary missions can I take on before confronting the treacherous Egidio? Which new Formulae can I create? And the list of variables goes on and on!
Those who haven't yet played Nova Aetas for fear of missing out without the additional material should start playing straight away. Enjoy the game in its entirety, and once you receive our new materials, play it again and appreciate the infinite variability offered by NA!
See you on the board to discuss the production and more ;)
Stay tuned
LMS Team
Waiting for II wave - Christmas edition (and much more!)
over 8 years ago
– Tue, Dec 19, 2017 at 04:07:28 PM
Hi guys!
To accompany you during the Christmas holidays we have prepared a very rich update, full of pics and images of everything you will receive with wave II. But let's start with the important stuff...
Production report
At the moment we’re still waiting for official confirmation from the factory regarding a specific end-of-production date. There is a good chance that production will be completed by the first half of January, so unless we experience further delays from the factory, the ships with your boxes should be full steam ahead by the end of January. Considering the time frame of the first wave, you’re likely to receive everything between the end of February and March (based on your country).
Of course, as soon as we get any additional news we’ll let you know straight away!
I don’t know how to get across in words just how anxious we all are for you to receive the second wave and know that your patience has been justly repaid :). We're nearly there now!
Waiting II Wave
And now the usual rundown of "Waiting II Wave", today entirely dedicated to the new enemies contained in Pandora's box !!
Let's start with the Venetian Assassins, a new lethal and elusive addition to the Venetian faction, who will put a strain on your heroes.
Venetian Assassins
The order of the Seraphine sisters, a sacred support to the papal troops in battle!
Seraphine Sisters
Harlequin is an incredibly elusive and smart enemy, and is also the promotional miniature you will receive as thanks for your patience!
Arlecchino
The mighty Head Cultist! This exclusive Kickstarter miniature shows the scarface leader at its pitiless best! Will you be able to defeat it?
Head Cultist
Alabaster is the faun champion with a special coat colour, which recalls the mineral by which it is named. The Shamshir, the two twin swords, have increased the terrible fame of this unscrupulous boss.
Alabastro the Faun champion
The Obsidian Beasts, terrifying flaming monsters that live inside the famous Italian volcano. Vesuvio breeds and trains these superb mastiffs, keeping them as guards of his forge.
Obsidian Beast
Valiant men of the past, have assumed the appearance of pigs: a wet snout and curled tail. But their eyes reveal something beyond their bestial ferocity: the memories of being a man.
Pig-men, Circe servants
Goddess, daughter of day and night. Lady of the island of Eea, Circe is the one who transforms men into wild beasts. Will you be able to resist her spells?
Circe the enchantress
That’s the end of this edition of “Waiting II wave”. But before we go, we’re happy to inform you we’ve uploaded a pdf with all the enemy cards you've just seen on our support page, but even more importantly, a pdf of the entire Pandora’s Box manual! You can already go right ahead and see all the fantastic things waiting for you in the shipment!!
Download, read and comment here with us! We can't wait to receive your feedback!
