The Event Deck and An Exciting Announcement
almost 2 years ago – Fri, Mar 03, 2023 at 03:27:03 PM

Good afternoon, Pilots. As 3301 welcomes the first Friday of March, we want to take a moment to wish you all an enjoyable day in what is hopefully the start of a relaxing weekend. As we turn the page on February, it feels like the perfect opportunity to peel back the curtain a bit with some exciting announcements as well as continue to update you with SALVAGE’s progress.

The Team Grows

First and foremost, we would like to make an announcement that we are incredibly excited for - the official addition of Ben Danforth to the 3301 team.

A student of physics and art, Ben has always enjoyed merging the logical and the creative. Games have long been a part of his life, from growing up with video games and AOL text RP Chats, to years working in a board game store, to years of running and playing in TTRPG's.

The collaborative nature and emergent storytelling places cooperative games and TTRPG's amongst his favorites. An avid collector of rulesets he loves to dissect elegant systems that support interesting storytelling. Recently, Ben has worked professionally as a data scientist but looks forward to pointing his analytical wizardry towards more creative endeavors.

Ben will be joining co-founders Matt and Sean as part of the ownership group. You can expect to see him working the booth at all of our Cons this year, so feel free to walk up to him and give him a high-five! Yay Ben!

The Event Decks

At its core SALVAGE: Deep Space is a co-operative, tactical skirmish game.  The Missions your crew of Exo-Suit Pilots embark on will drive many aspects of the playthrough. However, as we have often said, that is only part of this tabletop game. An inseparable part of the full experience will be what your crew chooses to do in-between the tactical scenarios, causing the environment to adapt around you.

With that we’d like to shine light on one of the game mechanics that speaks directly to that practice - The Event Decks. Event Decks will be one of the most consistent devices for your crew to interact with the environment in a highly narrative way. There is a lot of nuance to how these Decks are accessed and their ebb and flow throughout the campaign, but for now we will stick to their basic function - to provide moments where the Pilots are able to impact the story, specifically when they are not at the helm of their powerful Salvage Suits.

When you unbox the game there will be 6 different Event Decks - each clearly categorized and tied to a specific area of Sol System. The system is a big place, but even in its fragmented state there is no shortage of perils. When you and your crew travel it will necessitate the drawing from one (or more) of these decks with the number of cards drawn being related to the distance traveled. When multiple cards are drawn they are fully resolved in the order they were pulled.

In order to more fully understand what that means, let’s break down the mechanical components of one example.

All Event Cards regardless of deck-type will have one side of narrative text. This side always begins with The Prompt. The Prompt is the initial narrative hook of the Event Card and is usually some sort of call-to-action for the crew which directly leads to the next component - The Response. The Response is displayed as 3 options at the bottom of the Event Card, meant to represent the different decisions your crew could make.

After the players collectively agree on the crew’s Response, they are guided to a specific section of the Narrative Book. It is here that multiple Pilot-customization mechanics become relevant, the most notable being Qualifications. Qualifications are one of the most defining customization decisions you make when crafting a Pilot and are meant to highlight a particular individual skill-set as part of your larger crew. We will go into Qualifications in detail in the near-future, but for now it is enough to know that it is at this step in the Event sequence that they become relevant due to what is known as a Qualification Check.

A Qualification Check is completely dependent on the Response your crew agreed upon and seeks to test your crew’s ability to deal with the moment at hand. While the Response choices will always be leading, what particular Qualification will be tested is not revealed until after the crew’s decision has been made and the players have turned to the appropriate section of the Narrative Book. During the check the crew adds the total amount of the relevant Qualification that is present amongst the entire crew. Using our example from above, you could expect something similar to play out as:

Check 1: Engineering

• 0 - Disastrous Result (Pg. 38C)
• 1 - Substandard Result (Pg. 43A)
• 2 - Neutral Result (Pg. 109K)
• 3 - Favorable Result (Pg. 222B)
• 4 - Masterful Result (Pg. 86A)

In this version of our example your crew opted to get out of the way of your engineers and hope they can solve the issue. The subsequent Engineering Check would’ve added up all the Engineering Qualifications spread throughout the crew.

Depending on the success of the Check, the players are prompted once more to turn to another section of the Narrative Book. This (most often) will be the final component of the Event, known as The Result. The Result will scale proportionally to the seriousness of The Event, the significance of The Response, and the success of the Qualifications Check. While the Result will almost always provide closure to the Event, it is possible for specific sequences, as dictated by your decisions, will lead to additional Prompts, Responses, and Checks.

Events will vary dramatically in severity and scale. Some Event Cards will simply highlight the vastness of space with no needed Response. However, let us be clear - the decisions your crew makes matter. Depending on the Prompt, these moments can be impactful in ways that reach outside of the Event sequence. Considering blowing through that Martian blockade, and engaging with all hostile interlopers? You have the tools to do so, but be cautioned - the world will not forget.

PAX East Game Convention

PAX East - just 3 weeks away! As a reminder, the event runs from March 23rd to March 26th. We will be showcasing Salvage and all its newest components at Booth 12098 in the Main Expo Hall.

In addition to showcasing SALVAGE: Deep Space, we will have a trove of 70mm Statuettes on-hand. If your pledge or add-on included the selection of one or more of these hero-scale miniatures and you are going to be at the convention, feel free to swing by and pick them up! If you are interested in a Statuette but have yet to pull the trigger, please visit the pre-order store in Backerkit or stop by the booth to take a look.

In addition to these Backer Updates, we typically preview and display our progress a couple times each week across our various social media platforms. If you are interested in digesting our new visual assets as soon as they roll out, please consider following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter - plus TikTok for any video content.

With sincerity and respect,

Matt, Ben, and Sean, 3301 Games

Cybernetics and Additional PAX East Info
almost 2 years ago – Fri, Feb 17, 2023 at 02:33:38 PM

Greetings Pilots - Happy Friday!

We sincerely hope you crushed it this week and are heading into the weekend with a positive head of steam. Today’s update will focus on a particular mechanic in SALVAGE that we are excited to share as well as some additional details surrounding PAX East!

Cybernetics

In the world of SALVAGE: Deep Space, cybernetics have become a common occurrence and are found across all walks of life. Due to widespread environmental and societal degradation, those with sufficient means have turned to cybernetic enhancements as a means of survival or simply to improve their quality of life. From basic implants for improved physical capabilities, to complex neural augmentations for enhanced cognitive function, cybernetics have become an integral part of daily life. In the generations since The Event, the line between human and machine has become more blurred, as many individuals seek to fully integrate cybernetic components into their bodies. However, with the increasing prevalence of these enhancements comes a host of societal implications, as individuals grapple with questions of what it means to be human in a hostile and unforgiving world.

As Salvage Pilots each of you will start out with your own selection of Cybernetics. As the story progresses your crew will accrue wealth allowing individuals to upgrade or install new enhancements. While on-mission, these enhancements will afford the Pilots impactful abilities that can be used in tandem with their other Suit Systems.

Serum Injector

With its sleek and compact design, the Serum Injector delivers precise doses of various medical serums directly into a host's bloodstream and uses advanced algorithms to monitor the patient's health and adjust the serum delivery accordingly.

While completing an Action during the Action Phase, the Pilot may Execute this cybernetic to remove one Negative Status from their own Suit.

Subdermal Armor

Requiring prolonged and highly-complex surgical procedures, this armor plating implant not only provides enhanced protection, but having been integrated with the host's nervous system is optimized for seamless movement and control.

During the Action Phase the Pilot may Execute this cybernetic to reduce all damage values against them to zero for the remainder of the Round.

Targeting Optics

Embedded with advanced motion sensors and cameras, the optical targeting system enables the host to quickly and accurately identify its target, making it an indispensable tool for various military, surveillance, and search and rescue applications.

(Reaction) After rolling the Pilot’s D10 to determine the attack value of a ranged system, the Pilot may Execute this cybernetic to reroll.

PAX East Game Convention

With PAX East just five weeks away, 3301 is looking forward to being able to connect in-person with so many of you. As a reminder, the event runs from March 23rd to March 26th. We will be showcasing Salvage and all its newest components at Booth 12098 in the Main Expo Hall.

In addition to showcasing SALVAGE: Deep Space, we will have a trove of 70mm Statuettes on-hand. If your pledge or add-on included the selection of one or more of these hero-scale miniatures and you are going to be at the convention, feel free to swing by and pick them up! If you are interested in a Statuette but have yet to pull the trigger, please visit the pre-order store in Backerkit or stop by the booth to take a look.

That concludes this week’s update, Pilots. Stay tuned for another mechanical spotlight in our next update - Event Cards!

In addition to these Backer Updates, we typically preview and display our progress a couple times each week across our various social media platforms. If you are interested in digesting our new visual assets as soon as they roll out, please consider following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter - plus TikTok for any video content all at @3301Games.

With respect,

Matt and Sean, 3301 Games

Reminders, Exciting Announcements & Progress
almost 2 years ago – Fri, Feb 03, 2023 at 03:34:46 PM

Happy Friday, Pilots! We at 3301 hope all of you are staying warm and the beginning of February finds you prosperous. Today’s update will touch on a few reminders, exciting announcements and detail a couple ways in which SALVAGE continues to progress towards fulfillment.

PAX East Game Convention

As announced in our last update - 3301 is ecstatic to have been given the opportunity to exhibit at PAX East in Boston, Massachusetts from March 23rd to March 26th. We are very much looking forward to another event where we can not only showcase SALVAGE to a large audience, but also connect with fans, supporters and backers like you.

As the project marches forward, we will be hard at work updating our booth assets, including rolling out several never-before-seen goodies.

Statuette Production

Some of this effort has been dedicated to setting up, streamlining, and perfecting our 3D Asset production capabilities. After many rounds of iterative design, aesthetic tweaking, and quality testing, we are deep into production of the 70mm Suit Statuettes! This is imminently relevant for a few reasons. Most relevant for many of you is that the statuettes will be readily available well before our original fulfillment targets. For those of you that backed or pre-ordered these collectibles, you can expect correspondence in the upcoming weeks over the timing of when you’d like to receive your Suit(s)!

Additionally, for those of you that have backed/supported the project in other ways, there is still time to order your own 70mm and receive them before we begin selling them retail. Please visit the pre-order store in Backerkit and/or reach out with any questions.

Narrative Updates

Things are truly in full-swing as the writing team continues to fine-tune the various mechanisms that the game will use to maximize player agency throughout the interactive story. Remember, SALVAGE is very intentionally a meld between a tactical-skirmish board game and a highly-narrative RPG. It is critical to us that the story of Sol System that unfolds before your crew of pilots is not only compelling, but that the devices that help inform your decision-making are immersive and mechanically elegant. You can expect more specific details on some of these mechanics later this month.

Art Updates

We have a lot of new art to share. Seriously.

In tandem with our narrative team, our art department has been hard at work bringing the world of SALVAGE to life. In addition to a new Space Map (game board), Pilot Portraits, Cybernetics, and Adversaries, there has been significant development in the visual art that will populate the Rulebook, Narrative Book, and other game assets.

In addition to these Backer Updates, we will continue to preview and display our progress a couple times each week across our various social media platforms. If you are interested in digesting our new visual assets as soon as they roll out, please consider following us @3301Games on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter - plus TikTok for any video content.

That's it for now, Pilots. We hope that the enthusiasm and dedication towards this project is evident. We cannot wait to get SALVAGE: Deep Space into your hands.

As we continue game development, asset production, and Pax East preparation, please know that we always value hearing from you. We love talking shop and equally enjoy giving interested parties peaks behind the curtain. Please, never hesitate to contact us.

With gratitude,

Matt and Sean, 3301 Games

Salvage Types and First Con Announcement of the Year!
almost 2 years ago – Fri, Jan 20, 2023 at 11:38:07 AM

Pilots,

Today’s update contains an exciting announcement for 3301 as well as a closer look at one of SALVAGE’s core components.

First and foremost - we are excited to announce that 3301 has been accepted to exhibit at PAX East in Boston, Massachusetts from March 23rd to March 26th. This is another great opportunity for us to showcase SALVAGE to a wider audience and continue to connect with other industry professionals. We look forward to meeting up with any of you that can attend as well as introducing new players to our brand. Mark your calendars and feel free to reach out with any questions!

Salvage Tokens

As all of you know, playing SALVAGE necessitates the creation and curation of a small, elite crew of Exo-Suit Pilots who are trying to carve out their place in Sol System. While your party will quickly become involved in a dramatic and customizable plotline, your core, in-fiction medium for generating wealth will always be the same - the discovery and accrual of.. well.. salvage.

Salvaging useful material most often takes the form of an in-mission mechanic that allows your pilots to pick up and store Salvage Tokens. At the end of each mission, the total amount of looted tokens is added to the ship’s storage and earmarked for sale/exchange. Once the crew gets back to station the profit from the salvage sale is split up amongst the crew members or added to the ship’s general fund.

Salvage can take many forms in Sol System. The type of salvage, its abundance, and what stands between you and its recovery will vary depending on the mission. As a member of a salvaging crew, if everything goes well, you can expect to come across the following:

Tech

Reclaiming lost, abandoned, (and sometimes) forgotten technology is a common job for a crew of Salvage pilots. Robotics, Med-tech, O.T., and various forms of NBI are just some of the types of technology that your crew will be asked to seek out and claim. As is often the case, the rarer the find - the larger the reward.

Munitions

As inner-system politics return to Sol, there is a premium placed on the recovery of various munitions. Competition for these armaments is fierce, with Salvage crews competing with sanctioned Munitions Retrieval Units (MRU) that operate out of most major stations. Rockets, power cells, cartridges, and depleted uranium are some of the caches Salvage pilots will be expected to accrue, store, and sell.

Geological

It takes a particularly experienced group of Salvage pilots to be able to properly identify and then extract valuable geological assets that permeate Sol System. While geological salvage often has a less dramatic pay-out as other reclaimed resources, its abundance can provide a steady stream of income for those that know where to look and possess the proper tools.

Chitin

Chitin, a complex carbohydrate found in the exoskeletons of Xenomartians, is a highly valuable resource with a wide range of industrial and medical applications. A Salvage crew may use advanced spacecraft and cutting-edge technologies to locate and extract chitin from asteroids, planets, and other space objects.

Valuables

Some forms of salvage are so rare and so valuable that they are worth pursuing in almost any circumstance. Always in search of ‘that one big job’ most pilots jump at the opportunity to chase down hard to produce chemicals or scarce materials. Rarer still are pre-event artifacts such as art, trinkets, and other luxury items that can result in major payouts from the right bidder.

BackerKit Surveys

If you haven't yet, please fill out your BackerKit Survey. It's a huge help to us, and it's going to make it easier for us to project the more nuanced portions of our development process. We've got some exciting things we're trying to make a reality (beyond the bits you see on the surface) and the sooner we hear from the everyone the sooner we can share what we're cooking up!

With gratitude,

Sean and Matt, 3301 Games

New Year, New Designs!
almost 2 years ago – Sat, Jan 07, 2023 at 06:47:30 AM

Greetings Pilots!

We at 3301 Games hope that everyone had a wonderful New Year's celebration and that the start of the new year has been treating you well so far.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to the Backerkit surveys - currently sitting at 70%! Your participation is essential as we continue to march towards fulfillment. As always, please reach out with any questions.

Over the next few weeks you can expect to see a steady stream of announcements pertaining both to SALVAGE and 3301’s Con schedule for 2023. It is already shaping up to be an exciting year, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, take a peek at the latest update to one of Salvage’s core game components - the Adversary Profile Card: