Hello everyone,
This update brings everything from the beta to the main branch—minus the bugs (we fixed those)—along with several exciting new features. Settlements can now be fortified with walls and defensive towers, bodyguards protect lords from nighttime dangers, and surprise attacks add a new layer of strategy to warfare.
We’ve also overhauled the guest system, added deeper intrigue mechanics, and made major landscape improvements.
This update is compatible with your saves.
Read on for the full breakdown of what’s new (I'll keep it brief since I described these features in more detail in previous updates for the beta branch).
Walls, Towers, and Gates
You can now build walls, gates, and defensive towers in your settlement, assigning archers to defend them. Cities on the global map will also construct fortifications, which are now reflected in their sprites (they can't do that in the beta branch yet).
3D Landscape
While working on walls, we realized the need to modify our landscape. Water now has depth, and the map features elevations and uneven terrain. This currently doesn’t affect gameplay, but we’ll change that soon.
Guest System Overhaul
Guests who visit you now have specific goals, which they discover shortly after arriving. You can decide what to do with them once they reveal their purpose. No more pointless visits.
Puppets
You, your lords, the bishop, and your neighbors can now create puppets from other lords (including your own). A puppet is bound to its master's will and can do their dirty work—such as shady dealings, intrigues, kidnappings, and even rebellions.
Local Map Intrigue
You can now praise or slander others on the local map, allowing for more subtle manipulation of other lords’ feelings.
Bodyguards (new)
One of the most popular suggestions on our Discord. You asked—we delivered. Now you can assign bodyguards to lords. At night, when criminals roam the streets, bodyguards will follow their lord and protect their home.
Sudden Attacks (new)
Now that kings on the map can build fortifications and are protected from your guys rush attacks, we’re introducing sudden attacks. You can now launch attacks without prior warning or additional diplomacy. But be careful—your enemies can do the same. So when sending your army to fight in distant lands, make sure your walls are strong and your garrison is ready.
Bugs and Fixes
We’ve fixed a lot of bugs and crashes. A lot. But since the changes are radical (especially regarding walls and terrain), some issues might still remain. Let us know if you find anything!
To the Community!
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Join the discussion on Discord, BlueSky, Twitter, YouTube, Reddit, and our wiki for updates, feedback, and community conversations.
Your input helps shape the future of Norland, so be sure to share your thoughts and stay connected! Let us know what you think about the update, share your feedback, and leave a review on Steam—it helps us continue improving Norland.
Thank you! We’re in great shape and gaining momentum!