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Ryan Heilman

@ryanheilman.bsky.social
456 followers 81 following 14 posts

Charles S. Roberts Award winning designer, developer, and graphic designer. Co-owner of Wharf Rat Games.

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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The final player aid for A Forlorn Hope is officially live on BoardGameGeek! 🎨📋 Take a look at the layout and references here: boardgamegeek.com/filepage/329.... Let us know if you have any feedback or corrections before we go to print!
boardgamegeek.com
A Forlorn Hope Final Player Aid | A Forlorn Hope
A Forlorn Hope Final Player Aid | A Forlorn Hope
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
While we await factory prototype files, the final rulebook for A Forlorn Hope is officially live on BoardGameGeek! 📖🎨 Head over to BGG to read through the rules and drop any feedback, questions, or corrections for us before we go to print. boardgamegeek.com/filepage/329...
boardgamegeek.com
A Forlorn Hope Rulebook Final Verson 1.0 | A Forlorn Hope
A Forlorn Hope Rulebook Final Verson 1.0 | A Forlorn Hope
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Check out Wes on Pushing Cardboard. pushingcardboard.com/podcasts/pod...
pushingcardboard.com
57 - Wes Crawford, Sam London, Stalingrad Roads - Pushing Cardboard
A place for tabletop gamers to discuss historical boardgames and wargames.
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
⏳ Real-time decisions. High-tension combat. Zero analysis paralysis. Wes Crawford sat down with @ArmchairDragon to chat about Urgent Commands—our upcoming Battle of the Bulge game! 🎲⏱️ 📖 Read the interview: armchairdragoons.com/5q-crawford-uc
armchairdragoons.com
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Still plenty of great deals here in the vendor room at the WBC. Please stop by and say hello.
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow in the vendor area at the WBC. Please see map below for our location or just look for the large sign with Rat logo. You can't miss it!
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
🎲 Off to WBC today! Find Wharf Rat Games in the vendor area Thursday–Saturday for demos & chat. Can't make it to the con? You can still pre-order A Forlorn Hope! 💥 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
We are very proud to represent Compass Games and Fortress Games at the WBC this year. We will be bringing a fantastic lineup of their titles to our booth. Here is the full list of games we’ll have available at the show: 👇👇👇
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Mountain views, cool temps & non-stop gaming! 🏔️🎲 The Wharf Rat Games crew is heading to Seven Springs for WBC (July 28–Aug 1)! 🗓️ July 28–29: Playing games & relaxing 🛍️ July 30–Aug 1: Vendor Time! Stop by for demos, games for sale, merch & giveaways! See you there!
Seven Springs Resort.  The Home of the World Boardgaming Championships.
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
🗺️ The map in A Forlorn Hope is a tactical puzzle! Across a 9x11 grid, your 9 columns are split into 3 Battalions. Push forward too fast with one unit, and you'll break your Wave—killing your action cards and momentum. Can you survive No Man's Land? 💥
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
🛠️ Digital Component Preview! Custom drawstring token bags for #AForlornHope. These 150mm x 200mm cotton bags are color-coded, marked with clean graphics, and stenciled text for easy blind draws. Green for Tactics, Brown for Shell Craters! 💥 (Final production may vary)
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
🛠️ Component Preview! Check out the digital punchboard layout samples for #AForlornHope straight from our graphic designer. Our $15K stretch goal upgraded these Tactics Chits to a massive 1.25" size. Specs: 250gsm CCNB + 1.5mm greyboard + 250gsm CCNB for a chunky feel! 💥
A digital graphic design sample of a square board game punchboard grid featuring 49 rounded-square green tactics counters. Each counter displays black and white tactical text instructions along with military iconography like shields, crosshairs, and explosions.
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
🛠️ Component Preview! Check out the custom wooden standees for #AForlornHope. 36 total pieces across 4 nationalities (French, German, British, American). They are heat printed on wood with unique art on both the front and back! 💥 (Colors may vary)
Digital Tabletop Simulator render showing a row of four wide, arched wooden game blocks in brown, olive green, sage green, and tan. Each block features a detailed black heat-printed illustration of WWI infantry squads in various combat stances.
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
🛠️ Component Preview! Check out this Tabletop Simulator mockup of the custom scoring meeple for #AForlornHope. Unlocked at $27.5K, it's modeled after the German "Big Bertha" howitzer & will be heat printed on wood for sharp detail! 💥 (Final colors may vary)
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
🛠️ How does #AForlornHope capture WWI tactics? The Activation Deck! Cards feature: 🛡️ Cohesion Loss 💥 Hit Infliction 🏃‍♂️ Movement Watch for modifiers like (C) Cautious Movement (low-risk, 1-space limits) & (R) Recovery (shake off Pinned Status & keep moving)!
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Fresh off yesterday's update, look what just hit our inbox from the graphic designer! This is the layout for the A Forlorn Hope's dual-layer battalion boards you unlocked at $17.5k. Look forward to seeing you at the WBC!
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
A Forlorn Hope is looking stunning! Files are with the printer. We have a timeline adjustment (targeting Fall/Late Fall 2026)—full details in our link. 🎲 Heading to WBC (July 30–Aug 1)? Come see Wharf Rat Games in the Vendor Area! Full update: www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
backerkit.com
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann Project Update: Update: Digital Proofs, Campaign Scope, and Catch Us at WBC!
Hi everyone, It’s time for another look behind the curtain of A Forlorn Hope! We have some major production milestones to celebrate, an honest update on our delivery window, and...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Wharf Rat Games is heading to Origins! Find us in the Wargame HQ Wed 6/17–Sat 6/20. Seats are filling fast—grab yours! 🎲 A Forlorn Hope: Only 2 slots left! (Thurs 2PM) 🎖️ Urgent Commands: Slots open Fri 9AM, 11AM & Sat 4PM. Come roll some dice with us! 🎲 #OriginsGameFair
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Excited for our upcoming WWI game A Forlorn Hope? Then you know the genius of designer Hermann Luttmann! His classic Dawn of the Zeds: Designer's Edition is back for pre-order via Blue Panther until 6/30: www.bluepantherllc.com/collections/...
bluepantherllc.com
Dawn of the Zeds Collection
Dawn of The Zeds is a 1-6 player cooperative survival game set in a zombie apocalypse. The undead are marching on your town. The nightmare ends only if you win. Available for pre-orders on 6/2/2026. S...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
⛺ Wharf Rat Games is hitting the road this summer! Come demo A Forlorn Hope and see a sneak peek of Urgent Commands: Battle of the Bulge at: 📍 Origins (June 18-20) in Wargame HQ 📍 WBC (July 30-Aug 1) in the Vendor Area (with games/prizes from Compass & Fortress!) 🎲 3/3
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
📋 Survey update: We are down to just 15 missing surveys! If you haven't confirmed your shipping address yet, please hit the link below so we can accurately lock in our numbers and get your game to you later this year! 👉 a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com 2/3
a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann on BackerKit
A Forlorn Hope is a WWI trench assault wargame. Commanding a regiment, players use a "press-your-luck" mechanic to cross No Man's Land efficiently. Playable solitaire or co-op, it features SIX histori...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Big production milestones for A Forlorn Hope! 🎨 Final art images land this week, and then we shift entirely to polishing the manual before sending the full package to LongPack for the physical prototype! 📦 We're also locked in with Quartermaster Logistics for top-tier fulfillment. 🚢 1/3
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
A Forlorn Hope update! 🐀⚔️ Final art is in progress! Stretch goals like Scenario 7 mean more content & a better game. 🚢 Shipping/taxes billed late summer. 📋 21 surveys missing! Finish yours so we can ship: a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Surveys are LOCKED and we have surprises! We're including the Custom Insert & Spiral Rulebook in every copy of #AForlornHope. Summer in Sarajevo (our postcard game) has been sent! Check your email for the download. We are on track for Fall fulfillment! a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann on BackerKit
A Forlorn Hope is a WWI trench assault wargame. Commanding a regiment, players use a "press-your-luck" mechanic to cross No Man's Land efficiently. Playable solitaire or co-op, it features SIX histori...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
9 days left! ⏳ We’re at 85% survey completion for A Forlorn Hope! Huge thanks to the 487 backers who have already locked it in. If you’re in the final 15%, head to the link below to finish up before April 15. Pre-orders are also still open! 🎖️ 🔗 a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann on BackerKit
A Forlorn Hope is a WWI trench assault wargame. Commanding a regiment, players use a "press-your-luck" mechanic to cross No Man's Land efficiently. Playable solitaire or co-op, it features SIX histori...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
DEEP DIVE #3: BATTLEFIELD IS YOUR ENEMY ⛈️ In #AForlornHope, you don't wait for an "enemy turn." Hermann Luttmann turned the defense into a force of nature—incoming fire is built into YOUR Activation Cards. 🪖 Full Diary: boardgamegeek.com/thread/36523...
boardgamegeek.com
Designer Diary | A Forlorn Hope
Designed by Hermann Luttmann Published by Wharf Rat Games Crowdfunding on [url=https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/wharf-rat-games/a-forlorn-hope-can-you-make-it-across-no-man-s-land]Backerkit[/url...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Deep Dive #2: Cohesion Cubes 🧊 Winning a trench assault takes more than ammo—it takes Cohesion. ⚠️ The Risk: Every move risks a loss. Lose your last Cohesion Cube and you hit Catastrophic Cohesion Loss. Turn ends. Units Pinned. 🪖 Full Designer Diary: boardgamegeek.com/thread/36523...
boardgamegeek.com
Designer Diary | A Forlorn Hope
Designed by Hermann Luttmann Published by Wharf Rat Games Crowdfunding on [url=https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/wharf-rat-games/a-forlorn-hope-can-you-make-it-across-no-man-s-land]Backerkit[/url...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Deep Dive 1: The Wave 🌊 In WWI, lines were lifelines. In A Forlorn Hope, keep units adjacent to earn Tactics Chits (artillery/grenades). Align all 9 to restore Cohesion! Dress the lines or sprint for the trench? 🪖 Full Diary: boardgamegeek.com/thread/36523...
boardgamegeek.com
Designer Diary | A Forlorn Hope
Designed by Hermann Luttmann Published by Wharf Rat Games Crowdfunding on [url=https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/wharf-rat-games/a-forlorn-hope-can-you-make-it-across-no-man-s-land]Backerkit[/url...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Did you know? 🎲 The engine for A Forlorn Hope was inspired by a traditional German dice game called "Schwein" (Pig). Designer Hermann Luttmann used this simple game to model a WWI trench assault. Read how he did it: boardgamegeek.com/thread/36523...
boardgamegeek.com
Designer Diary | A Forlorn Hope
Designed by Hermann Luttmann Published by Wharf Rat Games Crowdfunding on [url=https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/wharf-rat-games/a-forlorn-hope-can-you-make-it-across-no-man-s-land]Backerkit[/url...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
MISSED THE CHARGE? 🪖 The "A Forlorn Hope" Pre-Order store is officially LIVE! 🎖️ Veteran's Kit ($84): 1 Copy + All Stretch Goals. 📦 Quartermaster's Cache: 5-Copy Retailer Wholesale Bundle. Don't get left behind—secure your mission today! 🔗 a-forlorn-hope.backerkit.com/survey_stores
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 🎖️ A Forlorn Hope finishes at $42,258 with 552 backers! Huge thanks to the community for pushing us to 423% of our goal. ✅ Linen Finishes Locked ✅ Dual-Layer Boards Locked ✅ Mission Secured Surveys land March 26th. Onward to production! 🪖
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
ONLY 3 HOURS LEFT! 🕒 We are in the final countdown for A Forlorn Hope! We just crossed $41,784. 📦 $3,216 to go for the Custom Molded Insert! 🎯 $8,216 to go for the Spiral Bound Rulebook! Join the 540+ backers here: www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
backerkit.com
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann
A Forlorn Hope is a WWI trench assault wargame. Commanding a regiment, players use a "press-your-luck" mechanic to cross No Man's Land efficiently. Playable solitaire or co-op, it features SIX histori...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
THE FINAL 6-HOUR CHARGE! 🪖 We just crossed $41,000! We are less than $4K away from the Custom Box Insert. If you've been waiting for the final countdown, this is it. Join 530+ backers and help us cross No Man's Land one last time! www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
backerkit.com
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann
A Forlorn Hope is a WWI trench assault wargame. Commanding a regiment, players use a "press-your-luck" mechanic to cross No Man's Land efficiently. Playable solitaire or co-op, it features SIX histori...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
FINAL 12 HOURS! 🪖 We just blew past $40,000 and 525+ backers. We’re now only $4,481 from our next objective: the Custom Molded Plastic Insert! 📦 Secure the $79 backer price before the midnight deadline! 🕒 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
backerkit.com
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann
A Forlorn Hope is a WWI trench assault wargame. Commanding a regiment, players use a "press-your-luck" mechanic to cross No Man's Land efficiently. Playable solitaire or co-op, it features SIX histori...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
OFFICERS UNLOCKED! 🎖️ We just hit $40K, adding 4 New Officer Cards to every copy! Now for the final push: 🔥 $45K: Custom Box Insert 🎯 $50K: Spiral Bound Rulebook (The Wargamer's Dream!) Ends TOMORROW at midnight. Secure the $79 backer price now! 🪖 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Only $1121 to go to hit the next stretch goal --- 4 new officer cards, one for each nationality. All with new unique abilities. www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
500 Pledges. $38,000+ raised. ONE goal: Finish strong! 💥 With only a couple of days remaining, let's see how far we can push these final totals. Don't miss out—join the 500 backers already on board! www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
🚀 $35K UNLOCKED! Only $2,415 to the New Officer Cards! 🔓 $45K: Custom Molded Insert 🛠️ $50K: Spiral Rulebook 📚 Finish strong: www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
backerkit.com
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann
A Forlorn Hope is a WWI trench assault wargame. Commanding a regiment, players use a "press-your-luck" mechanic to cross No Man's Land efficiently. Playable solitaire or co-op, it features SIX histori...
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Ryan Heilman @ryanheilman.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Only 8 days left to back! www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w... @wharfratgames.bsky.social
backerkit.com
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann
A Forlorn Hope is a WWI trench assault wargame. Commanding a regiment, players use a "press-your-luck" mechanic to cross No Man's Land efficiently. Playable solitaire or co-op, it features SIX histori...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
🌲 BELLEAU WOOD UNLOCKED! 🌲 We just smashed through $35,000 for A Forlorn Hope! But we aren’t stopping. We’re charging toward $40k to unlock 4 New Unique Officer Cards (one for each nationality) with game-changing special abilities! 🫡 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Join us tonight with Hermann Luttmann live on backerkit at 8 PM EST. www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
backerkit.com
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann
A Forlorn Hope is a WWI trench assault wargame. Commanding a regiment, players use a "press-your-luck" mechanic to cross No Man's Land efficiently. Playable solitaire or co-op, it features SIX histori...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Heading to Prezcon? So are we! 📷 We’ll be set up in the Vendor Hall with a massive selection of titles and live demos. Come say hi, talk shop, and browse our stacks! 📷 Live Demos: Experience A Forlorn Hope firsthand. 📷 Shop: A huge range of new and used games.
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Please join us tonight for an inside look at the artwork for "A Forlorn Hope". Tawa Abiwa and Rebecca Richardson will be live streaming with Wes and Ryan at 8:10 EST. www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
WE DID IT! $27.5K CRUSHED! 🔨🎉 You unlocked the Custom Meeple for the Scoring Track. NEXT UP: The $30,000 Milestone! 🎲✨ 👉 Back the project here: www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
We have a new community stretch goal for a custom insert. Click on the link below. Click share on facebook. We need 150 shares to get the insert. www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
backerkit.com
A Forlorn Hope - A Push-Your-Luck Game by Hermann Luttmann Community Achievement: Custom Molded Plastic Insert
Once we reach 150 Facebook Shares, we will replace the cardboard insert with a custom molded plastic insert(s) that will fit all the counters, cards (sleeved or unsleeved), and standees.
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
THE BIG GUNS ARE COMING OUT! 💣 The Linen-Textured Board is officially UNLOCKED! 🎯 The Next Goal: Custom "Big Bertha" Scoring Meeple www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
BOX UPGRADE UNLOCKED! We hit $22,500! 📷 Next Stretch Goal: $25,000 – Linen Textured Game Board If we hit the $25k milestone, we are upgrading the main game board to a premium linen finish. www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
WE ARE SO CLOSE! ($20k Goal Met!) First off—the Custom Drawstring Bags are officially UNLOCKED! 🎯 Next Stretch Goal: $22,500 – Linen Textured Box www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
📷 THE BOARDS ARE UNLOCKED! We just crossed $17,500, every copy of A Forlorn Hope will now feature three dual-layered Battalion Boards. 📷 Next Stretch Goal: $20,000 – Custom Drawstring Bags www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
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Wharf Rat Games @wharfratgames.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
💥 ANOTHER ONE DOWN! 1.25" Counters Unlocked! 🎯 Next Stretch Goal: $17,500 – Three Dual-Layered Battalion Boards We are only $2,500 away—let’s keep the momentum going and get these boards in every box! www.backerkit.com/c/projects/w...
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