This major patch (0.8.16.0) marks the culmination of core mechanics implementation. With this milestone, my focus will now shift toward advancing the story and finalizing the game. This patch introduces significant changes across various aspects of the game, with the primary goal of freeing up player time for exploring the world. To enhance character build flexibility and support multiclassing, I've also added new Aura skills.
New Content: Four New Aura Skills
Four Auras have been introduced to enhance gameplay and provide strategic depth. These skills cost a considerable amount of MP per turn, especially early-game, and provide benefits to allies or debuffs to enemies within range.
Aura of Empowerment
Grants a 15% damage buff to nearby allies.
Consumes 3 MP per turn while active.
Aura of Weakness
Inflicts a 15% damage debuff on nearby enemies.
Consumes 3 MP per turn while active.
Aura of Void
Applies a debuff to all nearby enemies, causing them to take unblocked direct damage at the end of their turn.
Consumes 3 MP per turn while active.
Aura of Wind
Increases the maximum action points of all nearby allies by 2, allowing them to perform a third attack or take other actions during the next turn.
Siege Parties Refactoring
Previously, sieges were deactivated due to their complexity and potential to occur too early in the game. To address this, the world growth system has been reworked for greater predictability:
- Siege party progression is now more aligned with the player’s growth path.
- New enemy party types have been added, ensuring a better fit with the player's development.
- Siege parties now scale their power more gradually, improving pacing and balance.
- Visuals for cultist progression and siege beasts have been enhanced for better clarity.
Transport Upgrades: Healing on the Move
Given that resting is a core mechanic for healing wounds, I’ve introduced new transport upgrades to provide healing capabilities while traveling. However, these upgrades come with trade-offs compared to other transport options.
World Changes
A number of adjustments have been made to resting mechanics and the overall game world:
- Reduced initial building costs: This allows players to construct more starting buildings earlier in the game.
- Rift closures extended: Rifts now remain closed for 1.5 months when sealed, granting players more time to protect regions.
- Lowered village reputation requirements: Slightly reduced, with an additional slot added at reputation level 16.
- Faction gathering spots improved: Increased items (notably alchemy plants) available at faction gathering locations, making them more attractive than spots closer to the player fortress.
- Research cost reductions: Several Tier 1 and Tier 2 research costs have been slightly reduced.
- Free building slot added to player fortress: Offers players more flexibility in fortress construction.
- Dungeon loot tripled: Significantly improved loot retrieved from dungeons.
- Balanced enemy strength: Reduced the strength of Rift Protectors and Dungeon Protectors for better scaling.
- Companion death loot changes: Equipment from fallen companions can now be retrieved as loot upon victory (excluding dungeon battles, as the primary goal there is escape).
- Increased town companions: The number of companions generated in towns has been increased to four.
- Bug Fixes and Improvements
- Various smaller bug fixes and balance adjustments have been implemented to improve overall gameplay and player experience.
Thank you for your feedback and patience as the game continues to evolve! Your input has been invaluable in shaping the mechanics, balance, and overall gameplay experience.