Lords of Vaala is an asymmetrical predictive strategy game where generals and dragons battle to the extent of their within a unique experience.
Race to collect Vaala, the first player that collects 10 units of power wins.
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Split shipping ready! Get the base game before the expansions
about 1 year ago
– Wed, Feb 15, 2023 at 09:27:40 AM
Hello Dragonbonded!
This will be a long update, in here you will find:
As many of you know, Will and I became parents on December and this two months have been a big rollercoaster of emotions and challenges due to some complications with her. We stayed some weeks at the hospital but fortunately, our baby dragon is healthy and getting better and better everyday. Thank you everyone for all the support messages and good vibes sent!
Our little dragon, Arya with her loyal companion, Mrs. Nesbit (our dog)
Split Shipping to receive base game first
As mentioned in past updates, with the change in project scope due to the new expansions and some production issues, we decided to offer youtheoptionof expedite shipping so you could get your base game before your expansions.
Base games in English, French, Italian and Spanish left the factory some weeks ago and are on their way to fulfillment partners' warehouses. Some games already arrived to ports!
If you want to split your shipping to get your base game in March before the expansions (ETA August) follow these steps:
Note: Make sure you are logged in your Backerkit account.
2. Add the add-on for split shipping to your cart
All-or-Nothing Policy: You must add to your cart the same amount of split-shipping add-ons for all the copies of base games in your order. Otherwise, they won’t be expedited and your card won’t be charged. This is important if you are a retailer, have a group pledgeor just ordered multiple copies.
German version is not available for expedite shipping (more details in the Status section below).
You will find the proper split-shipping add-on that matches your region.
Localpickup(MX): No action is required. You will be contacted by the teams in Mexico to notify you when and where your base game will be available for pickup.
Last chance to include expansions! We know some of you still wanted more time to include add-ons so regardless of whether you add split shipping or retain consolidated shipping, surveys have been re-opened one final time and expansions can be added. Remember expansions are printed in limited quantities and might not be available at your friendly local game store.
YOU HAVE ONLY 10 DAYS!SURVEYS WILL BELOCKED AGAIN ON FEBRUARY 24TH.
If you can't locate the add-on section on Backerkit to add split shipping or other add-ons, follow these steps:
1. Log to your Backerkit account or enter your email (the one linked to your Kickstarter account) to retrieve a link via email
2. On the Share page, go to the top right corner and click on "Edit Your Address"
3. On the Order Confirmation page, go to the bottom left corner and click on "Edit Add-ons"
Calendar
Here's the updated calendar we are expecting:
February 24th – Surveys locked & cards charged. Deadline to include split shipping or other add-ons.
February 27th – Retry failed charges on credit cards. Last chance to fix payment.
March – Split shipping fulfillment (only base game in EN, ES, FR, IT)
June – End of production for expansions and base game in German & start of freight shipping
July/August – Fulfillment for expansions & base game
Status
We finally got the final translation files for the German version of the base game and the PnP is ready for those who pledge for it to download it. Here's the link to the rulebook.
All files are up in Panda system and we are awaiting for the digital proofs to arrive. Base game will enter mass production with the rest of the expansions in all languages.
Most expansions pre-production components have already been approved. Translation is still in progress for German version and a few missing bits for the Italian and French copies.
Miniatures samples had several revisions to adjust the scale and making sure they fit in the box and have great quality! We are expecting to receive one final round of samples and if everything is approved, we will move to mass production on March.
Remember that expansions will be printed in limited quantities and might not be available at your Friendly local game store, so you can still go to your survey and include any expansions you missed before. You only have 10 days.
Big Box of Holding
We want back to the drawing board with the Big Box of Holding and we are very pleased with the result.
We heard your comments and we even went one step ahead... this box is massive and right now can hold the insert trays of all the available expansions in this campaign. But we expect to have new releases in the future, event and organized-play promos and because of that, we wanted to have enough space for any future content. Once the future comes, we will most likely have a special insert to fit all current and future content.
Top
Sides
Inside (the empty space is the spot for the Deluxe components box)
Thank you so much for your feedback! We are very happy with the final result.
Dragonbond Legends: The Rise of Itza
Dragonbond is getting its own graphic novel! Dragonbond is a wide universe that we are developing and there's a lot to discover! This has been one of the objectives since the very beginning of Draco Studios, to tellfantastic stories in immersive universes. Stories from us and stories that you create too.
The Story Tells Of A Young Necromancer’s Quest To Protect Her People From A Truly Devastating Threat.
Sunday Times bestselling novelist, comics writer, and screenwriter George Mann (Star Wars, Doctor Who, Sherlock Holmes) and artist Mariano Laclaustra (Doctor Who, Rivers of London, Newbury & Hobbes) combine to create Dragonbond Legends:The Rise of Itza. This stunning graphic novel is the first release from Drakha Press, the new publishing arm of Draco Studios.
Launching on Kickstarter on 14th March, The Rise of Itza explores the origin story of Itza Chapula as she fights to defend her people from the threat of war, armies of both the living and the dead, and a dragon hell-bent on the destruction of her home. Beautifully colorized by Carlos Cabrera (Titan Comics, Marvel Comics, and acclaimed Hollywood movie Black Swan) and with lettering by Andrew James, The Rise of Itza has all the hallmarks of a new cult fantasy series.
Until next update! If you have any questions don't hesitate to send us an email to [email protected]
We look forward to hearing from you and sending expedite shipping on your base games to hear your thoughts!!
Production copies have arrived!
over 1 year ago
– Sat, Dec 17, 2022 at 02:12:12 AM
Hello Dragonbonded!!
Guess what I received a few days ago? Yes! The mass production copy from Lords of Vaala - base game!
As we expected from Panda, quality is outstanding and we are very proud of the result for the game. Take a look for yourself! The promo cards are attached to the side of the box, remember that these cards are meant for you to have 2 variants from Adrael and Elyse and an extra Dragonbond event card. Gift the duplicates to your friends!
When opening the box you will see this:
The plastic insert is designed to fit your cards with and without sleeves, and also to fit all cardboard components in an organized way.
As mentioned above, quality is awesome and the detail on the miniatures is what we were looking for.
Here's the rest of the components for you to see.
The shipping plan remains the same, games will be finished before Chinese new year. Surveys were locked but we can still add any extras you might want. Just send an email to [email protected] and we will help you gladly. Also, we are a few weeks away for locking addresses, please verify your shipping address is updated. Expansions and big box of holding will come in the next update once we receive more news from Panda. We are expecting the files to review the miniatures.
RAGE 2022
This weekend the team will ve in Guadalajara, Mexico for the RAGE convention! Our games are nominated for Quetzalera award and we are excited to show demos of our games.
Happy holidays!
Now, holidays are about to come and we have a free gift for you, a Tetzcoatl's bust with his Christmas hat!
24-hrs left: Final call for add-ons... and for the RPG book KS.
over 1 year ago
– Thu, Dec 01, 2022 at 12:20:20 PM
Hello Dragonbonded!
We can't believe December is here! Time flies and 2023 is around the corner, which is exciting because with it, production for the core game of Lords of Vaala will be finished!
Also, as many of you may know, my time to breed a baby dragon girl is within a few days, please expect a possible delay in answers but make sure we will get back to you all. Ana and Mitzi are taking over but it is a lot to handle. I'll return from maternity leave around March.
Prepress/production progress
Base Game (EN/ES/DE/IT)
We are excited to receive the advance mass production copy for the base game. They will ship this Friday and we expect to receive them within 2 weeks.
Expansions (all languages) and Base Game in German
The factory is finalizing details in the resculpting of the miniatures to see great results in plastic injection. This stage takes some revisions because we really want the miniatures to remain true to our vision and the digital sculpting (considering the limitations of plastic injection).
Translation progress
Spanish: We are just missing the RPG stats rulebook for Creatures of Valerna.
French: Légion Distribution informed us that they are in the final proofreading of everything.
Italian: Giochix is working in the wargame rulebook from Armies of Blood and Dreams and that's the last one.
German: Taverna Ludica has finished the base game and is working swiftly on the translations. We changed the methodology in an effort to catch up with all other languages. As mentioned before, the base game in German will be printed (and shipped) together with the expansions. We are working on the Print & Play files for the German version.
German board
Last call to include add-ons
As you might remember, when it was clear that timeline would shift because of the new expansions and other production delays, we re-opened the surveys for you so you could have more time to include add-ons (and go all-in if that was your intention).
The time to lock them has arrived. In 24 hours, surveys will be locked again. You will still be able to update your mailing address for the next few months (until we start freight shipping).
Any balance due will be charged in the pledge manager on December 2nd. Since re-opening surveys is not typical, Backerkit informed us that it might take 2-5 business days for the charge to be processed.
What if I haven't filled the survey atall?
We strongly recommend to complete your surveys as soon as possible. If you forget to fill your survey by the time of fulfillment, you might have to wait for a 2nd production or fulfillment wave or might be charged extra shipping fees because we may have to send your product from a different region if the items are no longer available in the warehouse from your region.
If you have filled it already, you don't have to worry, just sit, relax and wait until the games arrive at your home. Also, if you have any issues filling it or need help changing your shipping address, please send an email to [email protected] and we will gladly help you.
Split shipping for base game
As mentioned in previous updates, given that the base game will arrive before the expansions, we will give the option for you to select and split your shipment. No action is needed right now, we will let you know how to proceed when the games have departed from the factory.
Last 24 hours to back Itza's Guide to Dragonbonding!
With over 2770+ backers and $274,000 USD in funding we are also in the last stretch for our newest Dragonbond RPG release!
Itza’s guide to dragonbonding is a 300+page volume of exciting new dragon-focused content to enhance your 5e games.
Last chance to get Itza's Guide to Dragonbonding at the best possible Kickstarter price.
With the campaign, our Discord channel for Dragonbond talk has been very active (we know some of you are already joining the conversation). If you would like to learn more about Dragonbond, see worldbuilding art previews, lore snippets or hang around with friendly dragon fans, you can join to our Discord and head to the #db-general channel!
In the next update Will will be in touch before the year ends (and we'll have a baby in the house!). I'll be back with you all in March! Thanks so much everyone for a fantastic year full of dragon-love!
Last chance to include add-ons + updated timeline
over 1 year ago
– Fri, Nov 18, 2022 at 12:52:44 AM
Hello Dragonbonded!
Excited to write this update as it includes photos of the color miniatures, YAAAY!
We received the grey miniatures samples a while ago but the colored ones arrive in the advance mass production copy of the game, which we haven't received yet, but are very close to get.
We have constant communication with Panda and photo updates.
The latest photos we received show the miniatures from the base game in color and they are gorgeous!
We can't wait to have the advance mass production copy of the game in our hands!
Adrael, Elyse, Ferellon & Nagasha
NOTE: We asked thefactory tochange slightly the purple pantone for Adrael and Tyverian to setthem even more apart from Magnifex pieces.
Adrael, Elyse, Ferellon & Nagasha
Miniatures from core game - Lords of Vaala
We can't wait to see the rest of the miniatures in all the expansions and we are even more excited to think about all the painted miniatures you will share! Did you see this colored render of the Fataar, sculpted and rendered by Francesco Orru?
Fataar 3D model render, sculpted by Francesco Orru. Miniature included in Creatures of Valerna
Big Box of Holding
One thing we love about Kickstarter is that we can share our plans with you and hear your preference during the development stage.
We listened to you in our previous update and rejected the option to have the big box as an open sleeve case.
The big box of holding will be a closed box with lid that shows the extended full cover art in all its glory!
We sent the new files to the factory and hope to have pictures of a sample soon. Thanks again for letting us know your preference!
Current timeline
Communication with Panda improved significantly. The advance mass production copy of the base game will depart from China on December 5th so we can review (and approve) the plastic tray and how every component is assembled.
So what does the timeline looks like?
The base game in English, Spanish, Italian and French will finish production and assembly in January 3rd to be shipped from China before Chinese New Year arrives.
The expansions are still in sampling process. All paper/cardboard components have been approved but we are expecting a revised version of the expansion miniatures and finishing the Big Box of Holding. These will enter into manufacture by the end of the year along with the base game in German (which is taking longer for translation).
This means that we willoffer the option to split fulfillment in twowaves: base game first (being March 2023) and expansions later (June 2023).
This will be 100% optional and we will be setting up an option in Backerkit to pay for split shipping with these costs:
US, MX, CN, MO, HK: $15
EU, UK, CA, AU: $18 - $22
NZ, JP, MY, KR, PH, SG, ZA, TW, TH, VN: $29 - $34
Rest of the World: $50
If you prefer to wait, no action will be needed on your end and your game will ship together with all the expansions once ready. It is important to note that several of these expansions and extras won't be available in retail in large quantities for the initial print run so you are getting these expansions first.
Also, for backers who decided to have their surveys re-opened to include more add-ons/upgrades, here's the calendar for when to expect your credit cards charged:
Re-open end date(lock surveys): November 30, 2022
Charge date: December 1, 2022
This means that this is your last chance to include add-ons!
We re-opened the surveys and kept them open as long as possible but with production moving faster now we really need to lock quantities for the expansions.
Thanks so much for your understanding! As noted before, the timeline has shifted because of the increased scope with the new expansions unlocked on Backerkit, the translations taking longer because the language dependency of the game, some setbacks with production that were corrected to have faster progress every week. We are sure the game will not disappoint you and we won't rest until you have them in your hands!
If you enjoy RPGs, the Dragonbond lore, artbooks or all of the aforementioned you will love what's next!
Dragon companions in your RPG!
Recently we completed fulfillment for Great Wyrms of Drakha (a Dragonbond campaign before Lords of Vaala), so our RPG team has been tackling the next stage on the RPG line of Dragonbond...
Itza's Guide to Dragonbonding
The latest Kickstarter from the Dragonbond universe is live and we are truly impressed by the great response it has. Our Discord is very active discussing about the lore: dragon broods, realms, dragonbond mechanic for dragon companions, new subclasses, and more!
With over 1774 backers and $182,000 in funding we have reached exciting stretch goals and more surprises are coming!
Here's a peek at what's on offer—including a deluxe and limited leather bound edition of the book!
You might recall these two guys from your expansion, Scourge of Valerna.
Oryan Yssan is a good-hearted bear of a man, a burly warrior and pious knight, caring for his people and faithful to the Galadyan Light.
Rakzor Exor, on the other hand, is a ruthless hunter with no ambition other than to kill and feed, he has little respect for mortals.
Art by Milivoj Ceran
Here's and excerpt from one of novels being written by Mark A. Latham for you to enjoy:
Oryan and Rakzor glared at each other, neither backing down. Adrael watched, a mix of caution and bemusement etched on his chiselled features. “Are you two sure you’re bonded?” Adrael asked. “It’s just that you don’t seem to like each other very much.”
“When first we met, this Exor tried to eat me and all my crew,” Oryan growled, still not looking away from Rakzor’s gaze.
“This Exor is a predator,” Rakzor replied. “And you, human, were my prey.”
"Funny,” Oryan said. “I don’t remember you coming out of that encounter too well, oh mighty hunter.”
The ensuing icy silence was broken by Adrael’s scoffing laughter. “You fight like an old married couple.”
Now as one, both Oryan and Rakzor broke away from their staring match and glared daggers at the Tyverian instead. “What do you say, human?” Rakzor asked. “Shall I eat the Tyverian?”
For a moment, even Adrael looked nervous. Then, from the darkness of the temple behind him, there came a low, rumbling growl. Great wings unfolded, and a pair of enormous eyes gleamed like candlelight in the gloom. The Magnifex dragon had been dozing, but the very real threat to Adrael, her bonded companion, had awoken her. “I wouldn’t advise it,” Nagasha purred. “At least not yet. We have a job to do, no? Why don’t we all try to get along, and we can try to kill each other later.”
Oryan and Rakzor are included in the expansion Scourge of Valerna!
That's all for this month but we believe December's update will be a very exciting one with the advance Mass Production copy in our hands and the miniature samples of the expansions.
Thanks again for all your enthusiasm, support and patience! We know this is taking a bit longer but you can trust we will fulfill all our promises as we have done with all our previous campaigns. And when you finally play the game, you will absolutely love it!
Thanks for dragonbonding with us!
Plastic Miniatures samples Armies of Blood and Dreams
over 1 year ago
– Fri, Oct 28, 2022 at 11:30:48 PM
Hello Dragonbonded!
We have been making great progress with all the expansions and we recently received the plastic samples for Armies of Blood and Dreams! Before we start, here's what you will find in this update.
------TOPICS-------
Plastic miniatures Armies of Blood and Dreams
Big box of Holding - Deluxe tokens tuckbox
Print and Play - Legends of Valerna - Español
Itza's Guide to Dragonbonding
Art/Lore Segment
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Plastic miniatures - Armies of Blood and Dreams
We received the plastic minis and everything looked fine. We are just doing some rescaling for a couple that looked a bit odd, but the quality is exactly what we were expecting.
Remember that this expansion is also a standalone game that will give you a taste of what we are creating with Battles of Valerna—the wargame designed by Alessio Cavatore and the Riverhorse team. The box will include 2 alternate captains—Eldai of Fion and Baryen—and x6 minis for each unit (cavalry - qirin and skorpikon, ranged - golden gunners and shev alchemists, and infantry - bloodfangs and oathguard duelists). Due to the standalone game, the bloodfangs will include x7 minis.
Big Box of Holding - Deluxe tokens' tuckbox
As we have mentioned before, we have been in constant communication with Panda. They shared a photo of the new Deluxe tokens' box (content shared in the past update).
Lords of Vaala - Deluxe tokens tuckbox
For the Big Box of Holding, we are exploring different options to see which one fits best for all the boxes you will receive.
Sample
The suggestion from Panda is to create a box that holds everything but without a lid, what do you think? We really like the design but we are exploring other options.
We already shared a design with Panda to see how it looks, as soon as we have a preview we will share it with you.
Print and Play - Legends of Valerna - Español
We finished the translation of Legends of Valerna in Spanish and, if you pledged for the All Digital, the PnP is now available in your library through MMF.
The files are also in the Panda system awaiting for digital proofs. Right now our team is working on the Spanish version for Armies of Blood and Dreams, followed by Creatures of Valerna and Scourge of Valerna.
All expansions (including the big box) are now with Panda. Translations from the base game in French, Spanish and Italian are done too. Localization partners are working on the expansions right now.
The German version is a bit behind due to the Essen convention, which delayed the process, but we have been informed that they are working on the core game now and will be sent to us by early November.
Itza's Guide to Dragonbonding
As you know, we have been working on the new RPG line for the Dragonbond fantasy Universe. The original plan was to release three books in a kickstarter this year under the flag of Endless Sagas, but we just have so much content that we want to take some time to do everything justice. Fear not, as the Dragonbond role playing setting is still coming very soon. The three books will still exist, but we wanted you to have the best possible experience as you bond with one of the wyrms from the Red Moon. Introducing Itza's Guide to Dragonbonding.
To ensure the quality of Itza’s Guide to Dragonbonding, Draco Studios have recruited a host of award-winning industry veterans to contribute to the project, including Sarah Madsen (Wizards of the Coast, Cubicle 7), Brian Suskind (Kobold Press, Wizards of the Coast), Mark A. Latham (Games Workshop, Modiphius Entertainment), Daniel Erli (Great Wyrms of Drakha) and Bernardo Alvarez (Eldritch Century). It’s illustrated by Tom Babbey (Wizkids, Paizo), and features concept art from veteran artists including Steve Prescott, Lucas Graciano, Daarken, Tyler Warpole, Jason Engle, Aldo Dominguez, and many more.
Art/Lore Segment
Magnifex concept by John Tedrick
The main descriptor for these guys is a sinuous and sinister beauty; they make the viewer feel uneasy, but remain magnificent while making that happen. Also, all Magnifex dragons have a fair of flensing claws located on one of their limbs; these can be like a velociraptor on the back feet, a baryonyx on the front claws, or even on the wings. - Tom Babbey.
WIP - Exor dragon and rider flying over city by Rodrigo Gil
As the name in the book says, Dragonbonding is the new mechanics we are introducing to your table and we are working in amazing art with that in mind. The image is still a work in progress that shows a bonded dragon and Valernian flying over a city.
“It is a wonder to witness: a storm of color and extrasensory perceptions. What remains is larger than life. Two bodies—two equals—sharing a fascinating future. - Itza Chapula" .
