🌸 Action Required: Your BackerKit Surveys have been Sent!
4 months ago
– Wed, Jun 03, 2026 at 02:25:05 PM
Hello everyone!
The BackerKit surveys for Trial of Lotus have been officially sent out to all backers! This is a crucial step to ensure we have your correct shipping address and any add-ons you selected during the campaign.
If you’ve already completed your survey during yesterday's smoke test or finished earlier today, thank you! You can safely ignore this update.
📥 Didn't receive your survey email?
If you cannot find the survey invitation in your inbox (please be sure to check your spam and promotions folders first), you can access the survey recovery page directly via the link below:
⏰ Important Deadlines
5 Days until Lock Orders: After this point, you will no longer be able to change your item selection or add-ons.
7 Days until Charge Cards: Please ensure your payment information is up to date for any add-on or shipping balances
Why is the "Lock Date" important? Once orders are locked, your physical order contents will be finalized for production. While you will still be able to update your shipping address for a short period after this, you will not be able to add or swap items.
At this point, I've already started ordering components to be manufactured, so to keep us on schedule for production and fulfillment, please try to complete your survey as soon as possible. If you run into any technical issues or have questions about your pledge, please feel free to reach out via Kickstarter messages or share in the comments.
Thank you for your incredible support in bringing this project to life!
Best,
Tian
Backer Survey Coming next Wednesday
4 months ago
– Sat, May 30, 2026 at 05:49:09 PM
Hi everyone,
Just a quick heads-up: the survey is facing a slight delay and will now be sent out next Wednesday instead of today. My apologies for the wait!
To give you some context，I had originally opted to use Kickstarter’s own pledge manager, but ran into some unexpected technical hurdles with their system access. To keep things moving efficiently, I’ve decided to switch over to BackerKit instead.
Rest assured, everything else is moving along perfectly. I'll follow up as soon as the surveys are in your inbox. Thanks for sticking with me!
Tian
Backer Surveys Tomorrow + Upgrades & Sample Previews!
4 months ago
– Fri, May 29, 2026 at 02:56:53 AM
Hello everyone,
It’s been a busy few weeks behind the scenes since the campaign closed. I’ve been hard at work refining the production details and playtesting to ensure I deliver the best version of Trial of Lotus to your tables.
Here is a look at what’s been happening:
1. Packaging & Logistics
I’ve made two significant updates to the Traveler’s Edition packaging based on retail feedback and logistics requirements:
The O-Wrapper: While I personally love the minimalist look of the core box, it doesn't provide enough information for a retail environment. To make the game more "commercial-ready," I’m adding a more illustrative O-wrapper. This allows us to keep the pristine, minimal aesthetic on the box itself while ensuring the game stands out and communicates clearly on a shop shelf.
From Magnetic to Lid-and-Tray: This was a tough call, but a necessary one. After in-depth discussions with shipping partners, I learned that magnets are often restricted in certain freight services. To ensure a smooth global delivery, we have transitioned to a high-quality lid-style box.
The Silver Lining: This change comes with a functional perk! The lid now doubles as a submission tray for Heart tokens, which is incredibly handy for gathering votes on a large table.
2. Player Aids
You asked, and I listened! We are adding postcard-sized Player Aids to both the Traveler and Deluxe editions.
These cards are double-sided: one side features the standard reference, while the other lists all roles. This allows you to check role abilities quickly and discreetly. No more worrying about people wondering why you’ve been staring at the "Evil" page of the rulebook for too long!
3. Gameplay Depth: The Ruyi Card System
During recent playtests with new players, I felt the game needed more "agency tools." I’ve upgraded the Ruyi token system with a more dynamic Ruyi Card system:
Beyond Swapping: Previously, Ruyi was only for swapping players. Now, you can ALSO consume a Ruyi token to draw a Ruyi Card. These cards allow you to gain minor intel on others or trigger unique tactical abilities.
Forced Ruyi Action: To keep the late-game momentum high, I’ve implemented a "Forced Ruyi" rule. If all three Ruyi slots are occupied, a player can use their token to clear a slot AND force another player to immediately take a Ruyi action (either a swap or drawing a Ruyi Card). This creates intense "checkmate" moments as alliances begin to solidify.
Rulebook Status Update: With all of these exciting recent changes and mechanical upgrades and playtesting, I am currently back in the editor updating the rulebook to ensure everything is crystal clear and fully integrated. I’m working hard on it right now and will share the updated rulebook with you in the next update!
4. Audio Progress: Meet the Voice of the Moon Goddess
I am thrilled to share that we’ve collaborated with a voice actress Erica Chang to record the setup script! Her mysterious, calm, and atmospheric tone perfectly sets the mood for the game.
Check out the sample here - https://trialoflotus.com/audio
5. A Surprise Upgrade: Heart Tokens
If you looked closely at my stretch goal during the campaign, you might have spotted a blurry graphic for a Heart token upgrade. Even though we didn't officially hit that goal, I’ve gone through three rounds of sampling and realized this is how I truly envisioned the tokens.
Because this first Kickstarter Deluxe Edition is so exclusive, I’ve decided to include this upgrade regardless. I want you all to hold the version of the game that truly matches my ultimate vision.
These are hard enamel tokens featuring raised 3D details and pearlescent glitter with hand-applied gradients. I’m personally in love with how they turned out, and I can’t wait for you to see them in person!
What’s Next? The Backer Survey will be hitting your inboxes tomorrow, May 30th. Please keep an eye out for it, as your timely responses help us stay on track for production!
Thank you for your continued support and for joining me on this journey.
Best,
Tian
We are funded! 🪷 What happens next?
5 months ago
– Wed, May 06, 2026 at 12:09:22 PM
Hi everyone,
We did it!
I’m incredibly moved by the support you’ve shown for Trial of Lotus. Seeing this project reach its funding goal is truly a dream come true, and I can’t thank you enough for being part of this journey with me.
Now that the campaign is officially funded, I’d like to share a clear look at what will be happening behind the scenes over the next few months.
May – June: Processing, Polishing & QA
Kickstarter will now begin processing payments, which usually takes about two weeks.
For this campaign, I plan to use Kickstarter’s built-in Pledge Manager so we can keep everything simple and avoid moving backers to another platform. The Pledge Manager will be sent out later this month to collect shipping addresses, add-ons, and any additional information needed for fulfillment.
Over the past few months, I’ve also been organizing continuous playtests with both new players and friends to make sure the gameplay is as balanced, smooth, and easy to learn as possible.
At the same time, I’m continuing to polish the rulebook so that every detail is clear for first-time players. I’m also working on an interactive rulebook for the Trial of Lotus website, as well as an audio page for the non-moderated version of the game.
While you’ve seen the prototype in the campaign videos, I’m still working closely with the factory on final color calibration and small production adjustments. There may also be minor rulebook refinements based on the latest playtesting feedback.
My goal is to have all final files handed over to the manufacturer by mid-June, once the campaign funds have been processed. Digital rewards will also be sent out during this stage!
Late Pledge
For anyone who missed the campaign, Late Pledge will remain open for a short time. The Deluxe Edition will be available for about 48 more hours before it closes, as part of the limited first-edition campaign run. The Standard Traveler’s Edition will remain available for now as the retail-friendly version of the game.
July – September: Manufacturing & Shipping
I’ll share another update once the factory begins printing and provides a more detailed production timeline.
After production wraps up, August through September is reserved for ocean freight and logistics.
September – October: Fulfillment
If everything goes according to plan (fingers crossed smooth sailing!), fulfillment is expected to begin in late September or October.
I’ll continue to keep you updated every step of the way. This project is truly a labor of love, and I can’t wait to get the final, polished version of Trial of Lotus into your hands.
Best,
Tian
36 hours left, a small surprise gift
5 months ago
– Mon, May 04, 2026 at 07:50:20 PM
Hi everyone,
We’re down to the final 36 hours. Seeing Trial of Lotus come to life has been a surreal experience, and I’m so grateful you’ve stayed on this journey with me.
As a thank you for your trust and support, I’m adding a 4”x6” sticker sheet to every physical pledge for free. It’s a small piece of the game’s heart that I wanted to share with you all.
We are so close to the finish line. Thank you so much for making this possible!
Best,
Tian
