Shroud of the Avatar – Update of the Avatar #150
Greetings Fellow Avatars!
Here’s what we have for you in this week’s edition of Update of the Avatar:
- The Fortress at Hilt in Nightshade Pass – Part 4
- Mariah Overlook Teaser
- The Making of North Naryad Pinelands
- Thou are Invited to the Release 23 Postmortem!
The Fortress at Hilt in Nightshade Pass – Part 4
[Continuation of A Dev+ Forum Post by Scottie Jones]
And so here we are with the final series of images from the completed exterior of Hilt Fortress and Nightshade Pass…. Quite a few last-minute touches carried the end of this one past our big office move, but it was certainly worth the extra time spent! In this first image below you can finally see, with terrain decorations complete, one of the great scenic views of the fortress from the opposite side of the valley on the trail leading past the travelers’ encampment as it heads toward the forgotten exit near the volcano itself.
Further up the overgrown trail, more evidence of the volcanic nature of the area can be seen in steaming fumaroles that have formed here and there. As you climb higher, the sulfur-rich waters seeping into the ground leave barren patches of soil and dead trees, opening up even more vistas of the distant fortress.
But it’s heading into the fortress itself where you’ll see evidence of the final pass I made to fill out all the areas of interest in this locale. At the base of the fortress, by ruined walls and the roots of a twisted old oak, waits the pale troll who delights in accosting those who dare try to cross “his” bridge.
In the levels above, if you choose to walk deeper into the brush-choked overgrowth between the cyclopean walls, you’ll find ruined remnants of the Obsidian occupation over 200 years earlier. In the image below you can see a crumbling decorative courtyard, and even the remnants of a walled grave-site.
As you finally emerge onto the last level leading to the front of the fortress tower itself, the way is illuminated by the undying light of Obsidian crystal sconces. This was once an impressive grand avenue of approach for those who dared present themselves before the might of the generals of that ancient army. This avenue would lead through the main gate to empty out into the primary courtyard of the tower itself, as seen below in a convenient bird’s-eye view.
Standing within this courtyard, long after dusk has fallen, it’s easy to see how time has taken its toll. Ruined pillars lay crumbling before the great entrance, pines now grow where once soldiers marched, and vines cling to its ancient façade. At either end of the great central structure, long abandoned barracks lay filled with relics of the troops that once occupied them. And above, the eyes of the enormous attendant statues which flank the main doors stare down accusingly…
Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this little journey through the build process of the Hilt Fortress exterior and the valley of Nightshade Pass. Now I officially begin work on the interior map of the bowels of Hilt itself!
Scottie ^_^
Mariah Overlook Teaser
[From a Dev+ Forum Post by Keith “Sannio” Quinn]
Here’s a quick peak of Mariah Overlook, a new adventure area crafted by Richard Matey and conceived & spawned my me…coming soon!
Nestled in the Mariah Mountains, Mariah Overlook once hosted an entertainers’ commune, with actors, singers, animal trainers, clowns, and more. The shows were frequent and diverse. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors enjoyed the region’s nightly improvisations, weekly shows, monthly extravaganzas, and the annual Mummers’ Festival…but no longer. Now, the Mummers’ Parade is a ghost of its former glory. Brutal Satyrs now patrol the aged streets, the cages that were once home to trained animals now imprison slaves waiting to be sold to the highest bidders, and wild beasts slaughter any visitor to the once-grand Amphitheater.
Mummer’s Parade
Welcome to Mummer’s Parade. Abandoned long ago by the thespians, acrobats, tamers, and others that made this their home, this village has recently been appropriated by nefarious Satyrs.
Grand Amphitheater
Generations ago, visitors to the Grand Amphitheater would take in plays, witness feats of skills, or enjoy tricks performed by exotic animals. Now, visitors are lucky to escape the area with their lives.
Keith Quinn
The Making of North Naryad Pinelands
[From a Dev+ Forum Post by Esteben “SorcerousSteve” Zaldivar]
Hey guys, I’m Esteben Zaldivar, level designer on Shroud of the Avatar and this is a foray into some of my world building adventures! Here is a sneak peak at the upcoming North Naryad Pinelands (a new adventure scene).
The North Naryad Pinelands was an area largely driven by logging and lumber production until recent events have forced much of the area to be abandoned, now only signs remain of a once thriving regional center. As the Avatar you will explore the northern Verdantis wilderness and uncover what truly happened here.
Inspiration for the area has come from the Black Forest region of southwest Germany, as shown in the following image:
Throughout the level, you’ll discover how hardy lumberjacks chopped pines from the rugged terrain and hauled them off to a nearby shipping and processing center.
One of the many threats to the settlers of Northern Verdantis are bands of savage barbarians who have utilized the land to craft their homes up on the trees. Initially conceived by chatting with level designer @Sannio from this rough sketch, I then took the plan into action and a few hours later we had the start of a new location.
Stay tuned for more progress…
Esteben Zaldivar
Thou are Invited to the Release 23 Postmortem!
Please join the dev team Thursday, November 12th at 3:00 PM Central (20:00 GMT) for our monthly Hangout of the Avatar! Richard, Starr, and Chris will be chatting about Release 23 and looking ahead to a very special release indeed; Release 24! And as usual, FireLotus will be taking your questions and feedback live in the chat-room and also in advance in the comments section of the original post.*
They are giving out some prizes during the 90 minute extended Hangout, and all you have to do to qualify for one is to come hang out with us in the IRC chatroom during the broadcast. Be sure to tune in… the link to the hangout will be in the original post before the hangout begins.
