Shroud of the Avatar – Update of the Avatar #270
Greetings Friends! Here’s what we have for you in this week’s edition of Update of the Avatar:
The Companions of Truth, Love, and Courage
[From a Dev+ Forum Post by Starr “Darkstarr”]
In Release 30 we introduced the first companion, Fiona Fitzowen, who was the archetype of the principle of Love. Our intent has always been to follow her up with at least two other companions to represent the two other principles of Truth and Courage. It has also been our intent to create unique art for these pivotal characters.
We are excited that in Release 52 not only will we finally be adding the companions of Truth and Courage but we will also be giving these characters unique art! The companions support avatars in the Offline mode by accompanying them along their adventures. They comment on where the player goes during the main quest and will even talk to each other on occasion.
Companion of Courage: Conrad Dupre, Knight of Norgard.
- Conrad’s lineage is that of a soldier’s soldier. He has fought under the banner of Valhold for his entire life, from his childhood as a squire to a dissolute noble to the years of struggle against the Kobolds (a race which he both respects and despises). In addition to his mastery of swords, shields, and heavy armor, he has a veteran’s knowledge of Life magic, as well – not a great deal, but enough to keep himself and those around him fighting when others would fall.
- Most who know him respect him, for he has little tolerance for cowardice or fear. But if he has any failing he also has little of a knight’s respect for those under his care. Norgard is at war, and he will brook no weakness in its time of greatest peril. Conrad knows much of the martial arts, but unlike his impeccably forged sword Silverthorn, the heart of his courage still requires tempering.
- Avatars will meet him early on in their journey through the Path of Courage, in the fortified garrison of Resolute.
Companion of Truth: Ariel Rosehaven
- One of Novia’s most learned scholars, Ariel has been walking the path of Truth longer than many have been alive. Not one for being kept in the confines of a library, she will think nothing of taking up her quarterstaff and a bindle filled with a few of her beloved books and going to test in the field what others are content to merely argue about from safe confines. She has studied alongside Kobold technicians and Elven lorespeakers (racism being one of the many things that will cause her to ‘lecture’) and her knowledge of magic is second to few.
- When she heard that an outlander had been seen at the site of an elven massacre, she, of course, had to meet this person and take their measure. What happens next is hard to predict. Many have underestimated the unassuming older woman in a cloak and quarterstaff, and learned that the truth is not always what it seems.
- “NEVER ask a lady her age, or her past. Or anything else she is likely to tell you.”
- The Avatar will meet Ariel Rosehaven in Aerie. It simply is not up for discussion.
Companion of Love: Fiona Fitzowen
- Fiona is a bard in every sense of the word – a master of the lute, someone who will usually sing a song when prompted (and often when not) and without fail, will have something to say about the situation she finds herself in (and she seems to find herself in many) which will infuriate some and entertain more.
- Fiona is not one for fighting, but does keep a triple crossbow ready when necessary (or when on the road and hunger beckons). She knows a smattering of magical arts, but like most travelling bards, just enough to be amusing.
- Many claim to have stolen Fiona’s heart; it is an illusion she is happy to perpetuate. In fact, if you ask who her current love is, she will quickly change the subject. For someone who makes a living at telling stories, that is a tale she is not yet willing to tell. She is drawn to the Avatar, but not in the romantic way everyone assumes. But… that is a tale she is better off spinning.
- Fiona can usually be found in Peladjar’s Tavern in Ardoris, singing for her lodging and her amusement.
The Making of Northwood
The town of Northwood is located in the grasslands far to the north of Brittany near the western coast of Spindrift Bay in the North Paladis region. Rumors are spreading that the town boasts some remarkable similarities to locations on Earth known as Britannia Manor and Castleton but surely that must be coincidence? Northwood is based on the Grasslands POT template and is being rebuilt for Release 52. As with other town rebuilds the locations of player lots, merchant locations, and scene exits will not be changed.
[From a Dev+ Forum Post by Travis “Vas Corp Por” Koleski]
Here’s some early progress on the uncloning of Northwood (Before and After shots):
I liked a lot of the look and feel of Northwood, and tried to keep to the ‘sleepy forest village’ vibe while still trying to make improvements.
Before: South Entrance
After: South Entrance
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Before: A view of the town
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Before: The Blacksmith Shop
After: The Blacksmith Shop
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More to come soon! Thanks for following our progress!
World Builder
Travis “Vas Corp Por” Koleski
The Making of Blood River Forest
Blood River Forest is a Tier 3 adventuring area in the Longfall region north of Blood River Outskirts. Elves in the region have built a fish hatchery by diverting local waterways. These elves are highly suspicious of all outsiders because of the recent events around Blood River with the vigilante groups. The area also includes the ruins of an ancient stepped pyramid and an abandoned copper strip mine.
[A Dev+ Forum Post by Esteben “SorcerousSteve” Zaldivar]
Hey guys! SorcerousSteve here to give you a sneak peak of my latest map the Blood River Forest!
Located in Verdantis along a tributary of the Blood River the Blood River Forest is a lush area inhabited by wary elves. Located within its forested trails there is a fish hatchery and an open pit copper mine alongside some other mysteries to be revealed in the coming weeks.
The Blood River Forest Fish Hatchery.
Located deep in the forest this fish farm focuses on the breeding, processing, and distribution of fish for market. It has several large fish tanks, 2 fish storage facilities, a smoke room, and full distribution center.A fish pool can be seen in the foreground with a water tower off in the distance.
The fish smoke room where fish are smoked for preservation.
More fish tanks containing different varieties of fish.
A road cutting through the Blood River Forest heading West.
An elven run open pit copper mine deep in the forest. This elven operation was under full swing until they unearthed some copper golems that have now infested the area and begun to push the elves out.
Stay tuned for more progress next week on the Blood River Forest!
World Builder
Esteben Zaldivar
