Sirens: Battle of the Bards

Backerkit Digital Download Test Update
8 months ago – Tue, Aug 12, 2025 at 01:36:44 PM

Hi everyone! I was informed that many folks have not received the download link to the Player Material or Setting Material. I have done a test digital download email to all who purchased the various SBB book variations. So, either you’ll get one or two emails with the download links to the books, or you just received a whole bunch of notifications with a bunch of links.

I have no idea how to use Backerkit, but I’m learning. Hopefully, this is a better way to get you the files.

I apologize if you just got spammed with a ton of emails.

I’ll check the comments over the next couple days to hear how it went on your side in receiving the digital formats. If it works, then I'll do the same for the STL files to the mini backers, and the CD digital music files to those who purchased the CD.

Have a great rest of your day,
Satine

Aug 7, 2025 Update!!!
8 months ago – Thu, Aug 07, 2025 at 06:10:50 PM

Hello everyone! While Anthony and I are working our way through the Quest Master Material edits, I have some exciting news!

A mysterious benefactor in our community has generously paid for the warehouse fees today!

Now that the warehoused Sirens items are unlocked, the next steps can begin!

Based on the feedback in the comments section and private messages, there are many of you who have voiced that you are willing to pay for shipping again to receive your paid-for merchandise. Thank you for being open to and suggesting this option.

If you are open to paying for shipping again, please fill out this form:

https://forms.gle/6hbsnx9VMGaPgQRL9

Once the form information is collected, I'm coordinating with Backerkit and the warehouse to send your form-provided email an invoice for the new cost of shipping. Once the invoice is paid, the products will be shipped directly to your updated address in the form from the warehouse.

The items that are not available for shipping because they are not in the warehouse: The Books, The David Mack Print, and the Miniature Figure set. The Books are not yet finished, the print I have with me, and the miniatures have not been 3D printed. If you ordered the mini set and haven't received the printable STL files, please email [email protected] with your Pledge #, and I'll send you the files.

This may not seem like a big deal to many of you, but it truly is to me. I am humbled and filled with gratitude that many of you understand the difficulties of coordinating something that was once put together by a massive team of creatives. The kindness of someone so generous, unlocking one piece of the puzzle, opens the door one step closer to fulfilling many other aspects of this project. So, thank you to the generous person in our community who paid for the warehouse fees. I'm purposefully not including their name in this post.

Backer Kit

If you would like to upgrade your pledge, please email me directly at [email protected]. Any funds you pay for in Backer Kit will go directly to Apotheosis and will not be put towards this project. I am working with Backer Kit to transfer Sirens over to me, but it is a slow process on my end.

1 year ago

It has been a full year since I received all of the rights for Sirens: Battle of the Bards in the Divorce. We have come so far in the last year -

• Printable Mini STL files were delivered to backers who pledged for the Mini Set via email.
• Link to Sirens: Battle of the Bards Soundtrack music files were delivered to backers who paid for the CD via email.
• Most David Mack prints have been mailed out to backers.
• Community Play testing, advanced reading, and edits for Sirens: Battle of the Bards Book 1: Player's Material and Book 2: Setting Material have taken place.
• Sirens: Battle of the Bards Book 1: Player's Material (PDF) and Book 2: Setting Material (PDF) are now playable and available for download by link to all Book pledge levels. See UPDATE #50 for the link.
• Warehouse fees are paid for, and merchandise is ready to ship.

What's left?

• Sirens: Battle of the Bards Book 3: Quest Master Material
  • It is in the final Edits with our next meeting tomorrow.
  • Add artwork.
  • Create PDF.
  • Send to Backers as 95% complete Book 3. (some items are finished when **Spoilers** are calculated in the main story)
• Sirens: Battle of the Bards Book 4: Campaign - Story Revamp
  • Remove the extra character from many chapters.
  • After talking to Rick (Red Opera), we agreed that there were a TON of plot holes and it would be best to fix the plot holes and rewrite some of the sections.
  • Remap story - 10 adventures. 5 adventures to keep/modify, 5 to Dev edit/rewrite.
  • Place the various Agents and Muses into the campaign chapters.
  • Set the Faction Tracker.
  • Set **SPOILER** in various chapters & add to Quest Master content.
• Sirens: Battle of the Bards Book 4: Campaign - Side Quest
  • Design the main 10-story content to flow with all 10 guest-written side quests.
  • Add all artwork to Sidequests.
  • Create PDF.
  • Send to Backers with note: Some elements are out of context without the main **Spoiler** information; however, each sidequest may be played as a stand-alone adventure.
• Sirens: Battle of the Bards Book 4: Campaign - The whole thing
  • Edit ready to go chapters.
  • Chapters 1-3
    • Finalize all Statblocks.
    • Draft final rewrites.
    • First Pass Proofing.
    • Send 1-3 to play testing group 1.
    • Make edits based on responses.
    • Send 1-3 to play testing group 2.
    • Make final edits based on responses.
    • Add artwork
    • Create PDF
  • Chapters 4-6
    • Finalize all Statblocks.
    • Draft final rewrites.
    • First Pass Proofing.
    • Send 4-6 to play testing group 1.
    • Make edits based on responses.
    • Send 4-6 to play testing group 2.
    • Make final edits based on responses.
    • Add artwork
    • Create PDF
  • Chapters 6-9
    • Finalize all Statblocks.
    • Draft and finalize rewrites.
    • First Pass Proofing.
    • Send 6-9 to play testing group 1.
    • Make edits based on responses.
    • Send 6-9 to play testing group 2.
    • Make final edits based on responses.
    • Add artwork
    • Create PDF
  • Chapter 10
    • Finalize all Statblocks.
    • Draft & finalize rewrites.
    • First Pass Proofing.
    • Send 10 to play testing group 1.
    • Make edits based on responses.
    • Send 10 to play testing group 2.
    • Make final edits based on responses.
    • Add artwork
    • Create PDF
  • Collect all 10 Chapters of the main story and 10 sidequests into one PDF
  • Send to Backers
• Add final Quest Master elements to Book 3: Quest Master Material
  • Send Updated Book 3: Quest Master Material to backers.
• Organize Appendix
• Create Character Sheet
• Put ALL of the books: 1, 2, 3, and 4, the Appendix, and the Character sheet into ONE PDF.
  • Send ONE PDF to all backers.
• Create Quest Master Screen.
  • Send PDF to Backers
• Sirens: Battle of the Bards PRINTED BOOK
  • Use InDesign to lay out the book with content, art, & QR Codes.
  • Work with a Printer for book printing options and pricing.
  • Make Sirens: Battle of the Bards printed book, print-ready.
  • Get an estimate on Printing & Shipping.
  • Determine how to fund the printing and shipping of the book.
• Sirens: Battle of the Bards - Merch
  • Determine how to fund shipping for the remaining merchandise.
• Sirens Mini Pack
  • Find a new printer for minis since the previous company we worked with went out of business.
  • Get a cost estimate for printing and shipping.
  • Determine how to fund the printing and shipping of the minis.

That is where we stand today, and the details moving forward. Transparency is important, and I'm excited for each step I'm able to take with Anthony, the Editor, and each of you who have offered options and advice on how to keep going and finish this Kickstarter. I want to thank our generous community member who helped out today, and thank all of you for being SO VERY patient. It feels amazing to be able to keep updating you with good news. It might not be every week, as I don't have updates every week. But each update feels special and builds on the momentum and thrill of working on this project.

I know that was a lot, so I'll leave you with some FAC.

Wishing you an excellent whatever time of day it is for you!

With love and play, Satine

FAC or Frequently Asked Comments

• Where's my refund!?!
  • There are no refunds. I have not received any of the Kickstarter money, so I will not give refunds.
• What about those of us who already paid for shipping, who don't want to pay for it again... real sh*tty Satine!
  • I wish I had an answer for you, but I don't right now. The solution above is the only path I have currently. When I have something to update you with, I certainly will.
• Dumb Grifter!
  • I get that you're upset after all of these years. I have not received money from Kickstarter; therefore, I can not be grifting. I am fulfilling the Kickstarter in sections and sending those to the backers, so there is no swindling happening here—just the longest crafting and delivery of a campaign everrrrr.
• You're not working/suffering hard enough.
  • What would successful suffering look like to you?
• When will the book be delivered?
  • I honestly have no idea. At this point, it's been a year since I've been able to work on Sirens, and the book itself is over half complete with story rewrites to go. As things get checked off, I will update you all. See the above Project Map for details.

Update: July 14, 2025
9 months ago – Mon, Jul 14, 2025 at 01:36:24 PM

I just wrapped a meeting with Anthony, the Editor, and it was great! We are just plugging away. Chapter by Chapter. One page at a time. Not much to update other than Edits and approvals are happening.  You can see from previous updates how many documents we are editing in the Quest Master Material section.

For those of you who didn't receive the Player Material and Setting Material, please send me an email and I'll send a direct link to those books for you.

One of the fun elements of the book are letters from different factions to their members. I've attached one of these wonderful windows into the world here.

I'll send another update after Anthony and my's next meeting in 2 weeks.

Have a great summer everyone! 

<3 Satine

June 24th Update - Quest Master Material
9 months ago – Tue, Jun 24, 2025 at 06:24:58 PM

I had a great meeting with Anthony today, who just returned home from Origins! We are well on our way!

Wrapping up the Quests Master Material Section

All 41 documents in Quest Master Material have been refined and proofread, except for documents 2 and 3, and 30 and 31. Anthony has a whole lot of Edits ahead of him, but he can do it. I've been screen-shotting his edits and, hopefully, I can share some of them so you can see the sheer amount of work he is putting into this project to make it all come to life so elegantly!

• 2 and 3 will be written after the Campaign has been written since they are the 'Running This Campaign' and 'Faction Tracker' sections.
• 30 and 31 are the two new characters next in line to be finalized, proofread, and then edited.
• I've also created an additional document to set up the Quest Master Setting Details, which explains the spoilers found in each district.

The Story

Last week, I spoke with Rick and discussed some of the plot holes I've been finding in Sirens: Battle of the Bards. It was a really eye-opening conversation! Between uncovering these plot holes and removing one of the major characters who carried a lot of responsibility and weight in the story, it's time to map the whole story again and piece it all back together so it makes sense. It was a complex story, to begin with; anything out of line seems like a large gash in the system, and I know you will all see it and enjoy trying to tear me apart for it. So, I fix.

One of the things I teach at the college is sequential storytelling. We walk through preventing plot holes and keeping the story concise and simplified. Since the story is already written, this could be a good opportunity to showcase how to fill these plot holes without a massive overhaul to the 20 adventure story. How will I document this: I'm not exactly sure yet, but that's part of the journey. Plus, more educational content is helpful for everyone.

I want to share the story with the general public, but it's MAJOR SPOILER CITY... So, I'm not sure how to share the story map with you. Might have a lot of 'Redacted' sections.

TLDR:

So, yea. Out of 42 documents, two will be written after the campaign, two are being drafted now, and two are in second dev edits because of plot holes, and a new Story Map is being created to sync all 20 adventures in the campaign.

That's the update. WAY closer than we were last week. And this leads into the campaign chapters quite nicely!

Have a great week and hope you are getting a chance to enjoy the summer!

Keep on keeping on,
Satine <3

PS: I just love the way the Maps turned out. We went for a "blueprint" style and Diana did it fantastically!

Backer Update 6/16 – There and Back Again
10 months ago – Mon, Jun 16, 2025 at 08:37:01 PM

So... What’s Done? What’s Next?

Quest Master content. This section is MASSIVE. Honestly, I’m beyond grateful to have Anthony on this project. If you’re ever looking for an editor? He's who you want on your team! His knowledge of mechanics, editions, and his Next Level Editing skills have turned this massive multi-writer tome into a beautifully cohesive book. I honestly could not have done this without him. He’s a dream collaborator, and I’m constantly in awe.

(No, he didn’t edit this post. Obviously)

Chapters Edited by Anthony:

4 – Salvata Salvation Rebellion

5 – Emerald Cabal

10–13 – (Redacted: Spoiler Sections)

15 – Ke’Sava

Chapters Proofed by Me, Awaiting Final Edits:

Anthony has been so patient while I caught up. I recently sent him these, and yes... I made edits to V2 of a couple of sections. I know it might have been annoying, but plot holes needed patching. Swiss cheese. These stories deserve solid structure, and to me, it's worth the extra attention.

1 – Letter by EC

5 – V2 Emerald Cabal

7 – Vlahnya

8 – Calrath

9 – The Herald

10 – V2 (Redacted)

14 – The Grand Invocation

16 – Agents & Muses of Salvata

Still in Progress:

2 – Running This Campaign

3 – Faction Tracker

These two sections are being loosely templated while we flesh out the campaign structure. Expect updates during the Chapter edits as things solidify.

Agents & Muses Chapters (17–31):

We’re restructuring these! Anthony noticed the character bios weren’t consistent, so we paused edits to lock in a unified template. We’re adding quick references for which District and Chapter each character appears in.

These amazing characters were created by some of our backers! Each comes with lore, roleplaying tips, stat blocks, and gorgeous illustrations by DavidGranjo. We’re also adding two new Characters illustrated and designed by me!

17 – Scarlet

18 – Xeik Quam

19 – Quandaries Woodard

20 – Grey Ghost

21 – Splutch Blamhammer

22 – Boo

23 – Martingale

24 – Sanura

25 – Wolfwyn

26 – Shadow

27 – Alka Hoondz

28 – Lady Te’Vara

29 – Radi Krull

30 – Theados (NEW)

31 – Name TBD (NEW)

Quest Master Spoiler Sections by District (32–41):

These sections will include all the behind-the-scenes goodies: government breakdowns, Emerald Cabal influence, and faction overviews for every district.

Most of the writing is done — we’re just finalizing the formatting and templates.

32a – QM Setting Material

32b – QM Procen

33 – QM Aureum

34 – QM Eternity

35 – QM Historium

36 – QM The Viridian

37 – QM Luminarium

38 – QM Vision Heights

39 – QM HighGlory™

40 – QM Elysian

41 – QM The Capstone

For those who are curious, the below is for you. For those not curious, no need to read further.

You know how they say, “things don’t always go as planned”? Well, let’s call that a universal truth. Not good, not bad... just… perspective.

Before my last trip to Asia, I was SO READY to run full steam ahead. I replaced my lost iPencil Pro to paint while I was away in Asia, only to find out it doesn’t work with my iPad Pro’s generation. It's nearly impossible to find it in Bali. So wild the things you learn only when you're on the other side of the world. So… no drawing for me. 8 weeks later, I finally found someone in Denver who bought it off me, and I got the correct pencil, so now I get back on track, full steam ahead!

It’s been a minute since my last update. 

I had plans. I was so excited. Everything felt like it was lining up, and then...

• I tried to surprise-clean my cousin’s apartment in Singapore. Chemical burn. Out for a week.
• Landed in Bali and hit the ground running. Had an incredibly productive week!
• Then I met a mysterious stranger and embarked on a week-long real-life adventure through beaches and jungles like something straight out of a movie.
• And then Bali’s power went out. Mass home evacuations from the heat. Canggu filled with smoke from all of the scooters and cars. I walked 20 minutes to find a generator to charge my phone... and ended up with a second chemical burn. This one got infected.
• On a great note, my last week in Bali, I gifted myself a birthday trip to Komodo Island (YES—REAL. LIFE. DRAGONS.) before making the 5 day journey back through Singapore, L.A., and finally home to Denver.
• The next week was my birthday week where I spent quality time with individual friends rather than having a party. Quality time... definitely my preferred way to celebrate.

I cut my Asia trip short to live with two of my best friends while they go through a major life event. I won't go into details here as it is incredibly private. It's been beautiful, and emotional, and I'm honored to be able to give them the love and attention I have been in this time.

So now… I’m in Denver. Not just passing through, I’m home. My digital nomad adventure has come to a close. I have a place to live, my heart is full, my work is grounding, and aside from needing to get a car, life feels like sunshine again. 

And now back to the regularly scheduled program

Every time I sit down to work on Sirens: Battle of the Bards, I’m humbled at how massive and vibrant this project is. I know that each post gets us closer, and yet there is still so much refinement needed to progress.

I hope you are all having a magical summer with your own stories and adventures, both IRL and at the table.

Here's to getting one step closer!
Cheers!

<3 Satine