Dappervolk Kickstarter
The Dappervolk Kickstarter, often abbreviated as the KS, was a crowdfunding campaign that was run via the website Kickstarter from August 30th to September 29th, 2017. By this point the Alpha had been completed and the base game was fully functional.
In the last weeks of the campaign, a Thunderclap page was created. Users were able to give permission via Thunderclap to have a message automatically posted at a particular time--in this case, September 20, 2017 at 5:00 PM EST--via their social media accounts for a final advertising push. 363 supporters reached 251,568 people via various social media accounts.
No money was collected until the end of the Kickstarter. Backers would only be charged if the Kickstarter reached its base goal of $20,000 (CAD) in pledges. The campaign ran for approximately one month and 1,369 backers ended up raising $94,161 (CAD). This was over 450% of the original funding goal.
Pledges and Tiers[]
By pledging to contribute a certain amount of money to the campaign, Kickstarter supporters (referred to as "backers") were able to both directly support development costs of Dappervolk and receive rewards.
"We're Funded" Update
A total of 21 tiers were available. Some tiers were limited to a certain number of backers. All of them were previewed on the official Dappervolk Tumblr Devblog with short descriptions and an FAQ section. At the lowest pledge level backers would receive a Beta key that would allow a user to sign up at any time during the Beta testing phase. Higher tiers allowed access to things such as Kickstarter-exclusive rewards, physical merchandise, and backer-designed content.
Early Bird Tiers[]
Early Bird tiers were very limited in quantity and offered the rewards of higher-priced tiers at a discount. There were 200 tiers available and both sold out completely on the first day of the Kickstarter.
Early Sparrow Tier[]
Early Sparrow Tier
According to the Kickstarter, "this is one of two tiers ideal for players looking for a headstart in the form of signing up 2 days early for beta, as well as several other tiers at a lower pledge rate!" 100 were available for the cost of $55 (CAD) each.
Included in the tier:
- Early Headstart Beta Key
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon OR Jeweled Unicorn Tier
- All stretch goals rewards
Early Raven Tier[]
Early Raven Tier
According to the Kickstarter, "This is the second limited Early Bird pledge tier. As well as getting a headstart, it also includes all non-limited digital rewards up to Creature Tamer, allowing for a very complete digital package for collectors." 100 were available for the price of $85 (CAD) each. These rewards sold out in less than a minute into the Kickstarter.
Included in the tier:
- Early Headstart Beta Key
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon Tier
- Jeweled Unicorn Tier
- Creature Tamer Tier
- All stretch goals rewards
Supporter Tiers[]
See Also: Limited Items
Supporter tiers did not include pet or merchandise rewards, though they did include all unlocked stretch goal rewards. These were the most inexpensive tiers available, and the number of tiers available was unlimited.
Seedling Tier[]
The Seedling tier was the most inexpensive at $7 (CAD) per tier. Backers received a Standard Beta Invite Key and all stretch goals rewards. This tier was unlimited. 310 backers purchased this tier.
Sapling Tier[]
The Sapling tier was the second most inexpensive at $20 (CAD) per tier. Backers received a Supporter Post Border for the forums, a Supporter Achievement emblem for the Achievements system, a Standard Beta Invite Key, and all stretch goals rewards. This tier was unlimited. 66 backers purchased this tier.
Themed Tiers[]
"Themed" tiers include one (or all) of the three Kickstarter-exclusive sets of pets, clothing, items, and post borders. They included all lower non-limited digital rewards as well as a forum post border, totem, food item, 2 quaint rarity pets or 1 fantastical rarity pet, a recipe (if Obsidian Dragon or Jeweled Unicorn) to use in pet alchemy, and a 10 or 12 piece clothing set.
Golden Aquarium Tier[]
The Golden Aquarium tier had a "gilded marine paradise" aesthetic. It was the least expensive of the Themed tiers options. This tier did not include a pet recipe for a legendary pet. There is a full pet, item, and clothing preview page on the Dappervolk Tumblr. This tier was unlimited. 144 backers purchased this tier for $35 (CAD) each.
Included in the tier:
- Golden Aquarium Set
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
Bring Your Friends Tier[]
Bring Your Friends Tier
The Bring Your Friends tier included all the rewards of the Golden Aquarium tier plus gave backers two extra Standard Beta Keys. This tier was unlimited. 15 backers purchased this tier for $45 (CAD) each.
Included in the tier:
- 2× Standard Beta Invite Key
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
Obsidian Dragon Tier[]
The Obsidian Dragon tier had a "glittering, obsidian galaxy" aesthetic. This tier includes the recipe to the legendary rarity Obsidian Dragon pet, which can be gotten via pet alchemy. There is a full pet, item, and clothing preview page on the Dappervolk Tumblr. This tier was unlimited. 78 backers purchased this tier for $65 (CAD) each.
Included in the tier:
- Obsidian Dragon Set
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
Jeweled Unicorn Tier[]
The Jeweled Unicorn tier had an "opulent, bejeweled kingdom" aesthetic. This tier includes the recipe to the legendary rarity Jeweled Unicorn pet, which can be gotten via pet alchemy. There is a full pet, item, and clothing preview page on the Dappervolk Tumblr .This tier was unlimited. 42 backers purchased this tier for $65 (CAD) each.
Included in the tier:
- Jeweled Unicorn Set
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
Black, White & Gold Tier[]
Black, White & Gold Tier
The Black, White & Gold tier included all three of the themed tiers, plus the rewards from the Bring Your Friends tier. This tier was unlimited. 70 backers purchased this tier for $85 (CAD) each.
Included in the tier:
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon Tier
- Jeweled Unicorn Tier
Creature Tamer Tier[]
Creature Tamer Tier
The Creature Tamer tier included all of the three themed tiers, plus the rewards from the Bring Your Friends tier, plus gave backers an extra copy of every available pet. This was a popular choice as in order to get the corresponding themed legendary rarity pet, you must alchemize the quaint / fantastical pets from each tier (plus 4 other pets), which removes them from your menagerie. This tier was unlimited. 300 backers purchased this tier for $100 (CAD) each.
Included in the tier:
- Golden Seasnake Pet
- Shining Kelpcat Pet
- Opal Valkyrie Pet
- Onyx Dragonlet Pet
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon Tier
- Jeweled Unicorn Tier
Merchandise Tiers[]
Merchandise tiers included real-life goods such as stickers, buttons, totes, and more. Shipping cost was not factored into the amount; backers had to pay based on their location. Merchandise was shipped out in December 2017.
Stickers, Pins, Prints Tier[]
Stickers, Pins, Prints Tier
The Stickers, Pins, Prints Tier included stickers, buttons, a postcard, a print, and a bookmark. There was an extra print included due to the success of the Kickstarter; it was a thank you card with the NPC Trout on it. There is a full prints, stickers, and buttons preview page on the Dappervolk Tumblr. There were 50 available for $125 each, which were all claimed.
Included in the tier:
- Random Dappervolk Postcard
- Dappervolk Bookmark
- 5× Random Dappervolk Vinyl Sticker
- 3× Random Dappervolk Button
- Early Headstart Beta Key
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon Tier
- Jeweled Unicorn Tier
- Creature Tamer Tier
Pouch & Prints Tier[]
Pouch & Prints Tier
The Pouch & Prints Tier included a Bearnard pouch, postcards, and a bookmark. The pouch is inspired by the Turnip Thief minigame and includes similar sprites. There are full prints and a pouch preview page on the Dappervolk Tumblr. There were 50 available for $175 each. It is the only limited tier where all available slots weren't backed: 36 out of the 50 were claimed.
Included in the tier:
- Dappervolk Pouch
- Dappervolk Towns Postcard Set
- Dappervolk Bookmark
- Early Headstart Beta Key
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon Tier
- Jeweled Unicorn Tier
- Creature Tamer Tier
Dappervolk Tote Tier[]
Dappervolk Tote Tier
The Dappervolk Tote Tier included a canvas tote with a large picture of Buli and the Dappervolk world and logo on it. There is a preview page on the Dappervolk Tumblr. There were 20 available for $175 each, which were all claimed.
Included in the tier:
- Dappervolk Canvas Tote
- Early Headstart Beta Key
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon Tier
- Jeweled Unicorn Tier
- Creature Tamer Tier
Design Your Own Tiers[]
"Design Your Own" tiers included the ability to design an aspect of Dappervolk to be implemented in-game. This included designing your own custom pet all the way up to designing an entire town, all of which will be created by official Dappervolk artists.
Custom Pet Maker Tier[]
Custom Pet Maker Tier
The Custom Pet Maker Tier allowed backers to be able to work with site artists to design and create a unique custom pet. This pet will not be available to all users, there is only one copy for the backer themselves. The design is based on keywords or images provided (with restrictions). The Custom Pet Maker items will be available on site for future users to get custom pets, though will be very rare (less than 1% chance of winning one through a Chance Machine (gacha)). This tier was in extremely high demand and sold out within seconds of the Kickstarter opening. There were 5 available for $135 (CAD) each.
Included in the tier:
- Custom Pet Creator Item
- Early Headstart Beta Key
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon Tier
- Jeweled Unicorn Tier
- Creature Tamer Tier
Custom Clothing Maker Tier[]
Custom Clothing Maker Tier
The Custom Clothing Maker Tier, similar to the Custom Pet tier before it, allowed backers to work with site artists to design and create a unique custom piece of clothing. This piece of clothing is not available to all users, there is only one copy for the backer themselves.The design is based on keywords or images provided (with restrictions). The Custom Clothing Maker items will be available on site, though will be very rare (less than 1% chance of winning one through a gacha). There were 5 available for $135 (CAD) each, which were all claimed.
Included in the tier:
- Custom Clothing Maker Item
- Early Headstart Beta Key
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon Tier
- Jeweled Unicorn Tier
- Creature Tamer Tier
Design Your Own Item Tier[]
The Design Your Own Item Tier allows backers to design a totem or pet food item with site artists. These are both stat-boost items.
This tier will allow you to collaborate with our staff to design an item that will be integrated into the world of Dappervolk, complete with its own stat bonuses and description! You can choose to create either a totem or a pet food. We will work with you to ensure that the item fits into the world of Dappervolk and does not unbalance the game (some limitations will apply). Your username and ID will also be featured in the item's description. - Dappervolk Kickstarter
There were 5 slots available for $275 (CAD) each, which were all claimed.
Included in the tier:
- Design a Totem/Pet Food with staff for release in the game!
- Early Headstart Beta Key
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon Tier
- Jeweled Unicorn Tier
- Creature Tamer Tier
Design A Quest Tier[]
Design a Quest Tier
The Design a Quest tier allowed backers to work with site artists and writers to design and develop a side quest given to the player by an NPC of their choice.
This tier will allow you to come up with a side quest that will be available for all users to experience! You can choose which NPC will have this additional side quest, and gain access to some of our behind the scenes development of the Dappervolk storyline. The quest type will be a side quest containing some backstory of the NPC of your choosing. The NPC will share their story with the player and ask them for some things and/or a task to be completed. The quest can hop between no more than 3 NPCs with one being the central NPC which the quest originates from. As with all design tiers, some limitations will apply in order to ensure that the content suits the theme and lore of Dappervolk. - Dappervolk Kickstarter
There were 5 slots available for $350 (CAD) each, which were all claimed.
Included in the tier:
- Design a Quest with staff for future release in the game!
- Early Headstart Beta Key
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon Tier
- Jeweled Unicorn Tier
- Creature Tamer Tier
Design A Site Pet Tier[]
Design a Site Pet Tier
The Design a Site Pet Tier allowed the backers to design a pet with site artists to be implemented on-site in some way. This is similar to the Custom Pet Maker tier, though the differences are that it's an official site pet, and it's not unique: the pet is attainable by all users.
This tier will allow you to work with our artists to design a brand new pet that will be available to all users in the world of Dappervolk, complete with its own set of characteristics and description. The pet’s rarity can be either quaint or fantastical, with stats that reflect its rarity. You may also work with us to determine where/how users will obtain the pet, and your username and ID will be featured in the pet’s description. As with all design tiers, some limitations will apply in order to ensure that the design suits the world of Dappervolk and doesn't unbalance the gameplay. - Dappervolk Kickstarter
There were 2 slots available for $400 (CAD) each, which were both claimed.
Included in the tier:
- Design a Pet with staff for release in the game!
- Early Headstart Beta Key
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon Tier
- Jeweled Unicorn Tier
- Creature Tamer Tier
Design An Outfit Tier[]
Design an Outfit Tier
The Design an Outfit Tier allowed the backers to design a 6-8 piece clothing set with site artists to be implemented on-site in some way. This is similar to the Custom Clothing Maker tier, though the differences are that it's an entire set, and it's not unique: the clothing items are attainable by all users.
This tier allows you to come up with the designs for an entire outfit drawn by our staff that will be available to all users in the game. Each piece will have its own description and will also feature your username and ID. Together we will determine where and how the items will be obtainable! To ensure gameplay balance, we’ll be keeping the stat boosts of the clothing at a common-uncommon rarity level with no Luck stats added. The set of clothing will consist of 6-8 items and cover up to 85% of the avatar, based on your design ideas. As with all design tiers, some limitations will apply in order to ensure that the design suits the world of Dappervolk. - Dappervolk Kickstarter
There were 2 slots available for $550 (CAD) each, which were both claimed.
Included in the tier:
- Design an Avatar Outfit with staff for release in the game!
- Early Headstart Beta Key
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon Tier
- Jeweled Unicorn Tier
- Creature Tamer Tier
Design An NPC Tier[]
Design an NPC Tier
The Design an NPC Tier allowed the backer to design an NPC with the site artists and writers to be implemented into an existing town.
This tier will allow you to concept a design for a non-playable character (NPC) who lives in an existing town of your choice. The NPC you design will also come complete with up to 2 side quests, an unlockable chance shop containing a full avatar outfit, at least 1 pet, and up to 2 pet items that you get to design with our artists. All items and pets for this NPC will contain your username and ID in their item descriptions.
You will also be able to create the backstory and lore for the NPC with us and be part of our development process for the game! As with all design tiers, some limitations will apply in order to ensure that the design fits within the world and lore of Dappervolk. - Dappervolk Kickstarter
There was 1 slot available for $1,350 (CAD), which was claimed.
Included in the tier:
- Design a complete NPC with staff for release in the game!
- Early Headstart Beta Key
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon Tier
- Jeweled Unicorn Tier
- Creature Tamer Tier
Design A Mini-Map Tier[]
Design A Mini-Map Tier
The Design A Mini-Map tier was the most expensive tier available, at $2,000 (CAD). There was only one available, which was claimed. According to the Kickstarter, "this tier is for those who wish to truly Kickstart our project as well as contribute some major content to the game! Design a hidden mini-map with staff, complete with its own NPCs, stories, shops, and items!"
This tier will give you the opportunity to design an entire mini-map and its contents for all users to explore! A mini-map is a world location that’s smaller than a regular town, which has a few of its own NPCs, pets, and shops. These world locations will normally be slightly hidden in the world map for users to discover. You will get to come up with design ideas and concepts for all of the following: 1 mini-map, 1-2 NPCs, up to 3 quests, up to 2 pets, 1 full avatar outfit, and up to 3 pet items. All designs will go through our development process to fit the world and lore of Dappervolk, with your username and ID credited in all descriptions. This is a rare opportunity to shape the world/lore of Dappervolk and gain a first hand experience of how we design for the game! -Dappervolk Kickstarter
Included in the tier:
- Design a complete Mini-Map with staff for release in the game!
- Early Headstart Beta Key
- Seedling Tier
- Sapling Tier
- Golden Aquarium Tier
- Bring your Friends Tier
- Obsidian Dragon Tier
- Jeweled Unicorn Tier
- Creature Tamer Tier
Post-Kickstarter Shop[]
The Post-Kickstarter Shop was a way for fans who only had Paypal to support the Kickstarter campaign and obtain some of the Kickstarter-limited rewards.
The Post-Kickstarter Shop was on the Backerkit crowdfunding platform and the shop was open a couple weeks after the Kickstarter ended. Only non-limited tiers were available.
Survey Add-ons[]
Kickstart survey add-ons were available to pledgers as a part of the Backerkit survey process, which offered some rewards that people mentioned they wanted to be able to buy in addition to their current pledge (extra merch, extra digital items, beta keys, etc).
This option had some limitations which are stated in the official add-ons list image. Add-ons were not required for backers and were strictly extras.
Stretch Goals[]
Prior to the start of the Kickstarter, various stretch goals were announced in the event the KS beat its original goal of $20,000 (CAD). These goals were unlocked either after certain dollar amounts were raised or a certain number of individuals reblogged a certain post or followed a Dappervolk social media account. Backers managed to unlock all stretch goals throughout the course of the campaign. The two types of stretch goals were called Social Stretch Goals or Regular Stretch Goals. All Dappervolk Kickstarter backers received these stretch goals rewards, regardless of the tier they backed.
Social Stretch Goals[]
Social Stretch Goals did not require a certain dollar amount to be raised, but rather that a certain number of users follow the Dappervolk social media accounts or reblog a certain post.
Stretch Goal: A Month of Premium[]
The A Month of Premium stretch goal was unlocked after the Dappervolk Facebook account was followed by 1,000 people. This goal was unlocked on September 20, 2017.
Stretch Goal: Gold Fish Avatar Item[]
The Gold Fish Avatar Item stretch goal was unlocked after the Dappervolk Twitter account was followed by 2,000 people. This goal was unlocked on September 24, 2017.
Stretch Goal: Gem Serpent Avatar Item[]
The Gem Serpent Avatar Item stretch goal was unlocked after a post from the Dappervolk Tumblr account was reblogged by 2,000 people. This goal was unlocked on September 16, 2017.
Sept 25, 2017 Kickstarter Update #5
Regular Stretch Goals[]
Regular Stretch Goals required a certain dollar amount to be raised in order to be unlocked. The goals included large site features and other cosmetic features. All of the features were already planned to be implemented in the future; the stretch goals allowed for the features to be expedited for an earlier release.
If these stretch goals are met, we'll be able to expedite the new features for early release and send the limited item goals to all backers. That being said, even if goals aren’t met during this campaign, these planned features will most likely be implemented at some point in the future. - Dappervolk Kickstarter
All of the original regular stretch goals were met. After a few weeks, Quis created and released another stretch goal, the Pearlescent Pony. This goal was also met, one day after it was released.
Stretch Goal: Side Wide Events
Stretch Goal: Site Wide Events[]
The Site Wide Events stretch goal was unlocked after the Kickstarter raised $25,000 (CAD). According to the Kickstarter, "if this goal is met, we’ll be able to test out a new site-wide event system during Beta! The system allows for several different types of events for all users to participate in, ranging from collaborative to competitive!" This goal was unlocked on August 30, 2017--the first day of the Kickstarter.
Stretch Goal:Pet Accessories
Stretch Goal: Pet Accessories[]
The Pet Accessories stretch goal was unlocked after the Kickstarter raised $30,000 (CAD). According to the Kickstarter, "this feature will allow for player-generated artwork on our site! When implemented, users will be able to obtain a Pet Overlay item that will allow you to upload a transparent png over an existing pet that you own to give it accessories and other decor. This will allow for a fun and creative environment of customizing your pets with artwork that you’ve created or commissioned from others!" This goal was unlocked on August 30, 2017--the first day of the Kickstarter.
Stretch Goal:Adventuring Feature
Stretch Goal: Adventuring Feature[]
The Adventuring Feature stretch goal was unlocked after the Kickstarter raised $40,000 (CAD). According to the Kickstarter, "this feature will be tied into our much more complex Housing feature that is currently in the early stages of development. It will be a simple side scrolling adventuring game where the player will encounter characters and obstacles offering items, riddles, and other activities. We are also planning to have many future expansions for this feature, such as new areas with unique rewards and a larger variety of encounter types!" This goal was unlocked on August 30, 2017--the first day of the Kickstarter.
Stretch Goal:Animated Clothing
Stretch Goal: Rare Animated Clothing[]
The Rare Animated Clothing stretch goal was unlocked after the Kickstarter raised $50,000 (CAD). According to the Kickstarter, "these rare clothing items will become available onsite as rewards for challenging tasks during special and seasonal events. We will be creating front and back animated item categories for players to incorporate into their outfits." This goal was unlocked on August 30, 2017--the first day of the Kickstarter.
Stretch Goal:Guilds Feature
Stretch Goal: Guilds Feature[]
The Guilds Feature stretch goal was unlocked after the Kickstarter raised $60,000 (CAD). According to the Kickstarter, "this feature will bring players together in the form of player-created guild communities. We are hoping to have them function similarly to MMO guilds, where you can join a group and unlock new embellishments for the guild with player activity. We also plan to have guild-only chatrooms/forums complete with customizable guild ranks and moderation powers." This goal was unlocked on September 2, 2017.
Stretch Goal: Housing Feature[]
The Housing Feature stretch goal was unlocked after the Kickstarter raised $70,000 (CAD). According to the Kickstarter, "this will be our first foray into a fully real-time experience for players on Dappervolk! By real-time we mean that you'll be able to interact with other players inside of player houses with a live chat on the side. House parties can become a thing! In addition to the social aspect, there will also be a skills system where you can garden, cook, fish, and tinker for various in-game rewards. Bring on the life skills!"
This goal was unlocked on September 11, 2017.
Stretch Goal: Pearlescent Pony
Stretch Goal: Pearlescent Pony[]
The Pearlescent Pony stretch goal was unlocked after the Kickstarter raised $85,000 (CAD). It was created and released with only a few days left to the Kickstarter, on September 25, 2017. It is an avatar item.
This goal was unlocked on September 26, 2017.
Funding Breakdown[]
The majority (55%) of the funds raised through the Kickstarter were to be used towards Coding. After that, the funds were to be divided between Server Upgrades (13%), Kickstarter Fees (10%), Art Assets (10%), Writing (10%), and Merchandise (2%).
Data[]
Final number breakdowns and totals from the Kickstarter:
- 1,357 total tiers claimed
- 1,369 backers total
- $94,161 (CAD) raised (approximately $73,037 USD / £52,900 as of Mar 4, 2018 conversion rates)
- 3,031 regular beta keys claimed
- 332 headstart keys claimed
- 14 headstart keys not claimed
- 3,026 Golden Aquarium pets claimed
- 1,227 Obsidian Dragon pets claimed*
- 1,191 Jeweled Unicorn pets claimed*
- 5,444 Kickstarter pets total*
*Important: this is only an approximation based on the numbers publicly available. This does not include the pets claimed via the Early Sparrow tier or via Backerkit or the Post Kickstarter shop.