Greetings, Noble Lords and Ladies of the Realm,
The grand halls of the castle have been quieter than I'd like these past months, but for good reason: even a game dev must occasionally venture forth to slay the dragon of real-world bills! The quest was a success, and I am now thrilled to return to the kingdom full-time, with the next two and a half seasons dedicated solely to bringing Before Arthur to life.
But fear not, my absence was not idle! I've been weaving new threads into the very fabric of courtly romance. Let's pull back the curtain on what's new.
Courtly Love: More Than Just a Glance
The ladies of the kingdom are no longer mere portraits; they are now individuals with wit, memory, and desires. I've poured my soul into writing a trove of new dialogue, ensuring every noblewoman you meet will greet you, challenge you, and react to you based on her own unique personality.
But here's the real magic: they remember.
Your words now echo in future conversations. A clever compliment to Lady Eleanor might earn you a knowing smile weeks later, while a clumsy jest told to Lady Isolde could come back to haunt you. This is the foundation for building truly complex and believable relationships.
Once a relationship has begun, those playing as a male character will have the option to date willing ladies of the realm and thus sparking the courtship ritual. How will you win a lady's heart?
The Poet's Path: Craft verses from the heart, learning or writing original poems to recite in whispers under the castle's halls.
The Charmer's Gambit: Engage in witty repartee and playful flirtation, walking the fine line between confidence and arrogance.
The Grand Gesture: Invite them to a private dine with you at court, showcasing your status and devotion in a setting fit for royalty.
Love & Legacy: Forging a Dynasty
So, you've won a lady's heart. The poetry, the flirtation, the grand dinners-it has all led to this. You are in love. But in the world of Before Arthur, love is not just a feeling; it is a political contract and the very foundation of your legacy.
The next step is a formal one: you must seek approval from her male guardian. This is a crucial negotiation, where your standing, your wealth, and your reputation will be weighed. His willingness blesses the union, transforming your beloved into your wife and forging a powerful, unbreakable bond with her entire extended family.
This union grants you tangible power:
A Partner in Rule: Your wife will provide unique bonuses to managing your household and lands, offering strategic advantages that can tip the scales of power in your favor.
A Web of Alliances: The marriage creates strong family ties to her kin, potentially granting you new allies, trade opportunities, and political leverage.
Securing Your Bloodline
With marriage comes the paramount duty and hope of every noble line: producing an heir.
This is where the game delves into its most consequential and perilous mechanics. The path to an heir is a gamble with the highest stakes. I've implemented a realistic pregnancy and birth system, where the joyous event of childbirth carries the very real risk of maternal mortality.
Why include such a somber risk? Because the fate of your kingdom depends on it. An heir is your only chance to continue your game after your character's death. This isn't just a game-over screen; it's a transition of power. Your legacy lives on through your child.
To this end, I've expanded the Kingdom Manager. You can now officially designate your chosen heir, giving you full control over which NPC you will guide the realm with next. Will you play as your firstborn, or a more promising younger sibling? The choice of your successor will be your final, and most important, strategic decision before continuing the game in the next line of your dynasty.
Fishing: The Art of the Angle
And now for something completely different-though no less vital to the life of a noble! I am thrilled to introduce a completely new way to interact with the kingdom: Fishing.
This isn't just a simple mini-game. I've built a dynamic living ecosystem across the realm. At the start of each new game, the lakes, rivers, and oceans are seeded with randomly assigned fishing zones, each with its own unique fish population and activity levels that you can learn and master.
To participate in this peaceful (and perhaps profitable) pastime, you can purchase a trusty fishing pole from general merchants in large towns. But be known: the waters are as varied as the fish within them.
Freshwater & Saltwater Varieties: Cast your line into a rushing river for one type of prize, a serene lake for another, or brave the open ocean for truly unique catches.
The Thrill of the Catch: The system is designed to keep you on your toes, with a chance to hook large and even legendary varieties of fish, each presenting its own unique difficulty and challenge. Will you be the one to land the fabled "Old Pike" of the Whispering River?
Other Stuff:
Beyond these major features, the entire kingdom has received a royal makeover. This is the less flashy but absolutely critical work that makes the game a joy to play:
A Complete UI Overhaul: Every menu, shortcut, and interface has been refined for a smoother, more intuitive experience.
A Visual Feast: I've added new art, buildings, and terrain textures to make the world more vibrant and immersive than ever.
Expanded Culinary Arts: Discover new cooking recipes to aid you on your journeys.
Foundational Power: Most crucially, the entire project has been upgraded to the powerful Unity 6.0 engine, future-proofing the game and unlocking new potential for performance and visuals.
So, there you have it! From the intimate drama of courtly love and dynasty-building to the serene strategy of managing your own fishing spots, this update pours more life and depth into the world of Before Arthur than ever before. It's been a journey of balancing high-stakes politics with peaceful reflection, all supported by a massive technical and visual overhaul.
Your support and patience mean the world. Now that I'm back at it full-time, you can expect more frequent updates as we continue this adventure together.