Greetings Wielders!
It is that time of year again. Up here in the cold north, the sun is making its return and nature is busy doing its thing. Sprouting, blooming, all that. I will not pretend to be an expert on that sort of thing, but I do know a lot about our upcoming faction, Roots!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3511790/Songs_of_Conquest__Roots/
Last time we took a broad look at the faction, so today I want to get a bit more specific. I will introduce the lineup and take a closer look at some of these glorious fungi-covered creatures.
In truth, this faction has been growing beneath the surface for a long time. We have had Roots in the back of our minds for over seven years, ever since Songs of Conquest was first taking shape. We even explored early concepts for them back then.
As you will see, some of them are sort of still here, others have been composted!
Roots is a visually unique faction. We wanted them to inspire dread, disgust, and strangeness while still being beautiful and full of splendor. It was a challenge, and still is but we are very proud of the results.
We are still in the process of early play-testing, Trying out new traits, and playstyles and just enjoying the feel and atmosphere of them. But, let's look at that promised Lineup.
Eeringly similar to my old classphoto lineup!
As is tradition in these devlogs, I will not go over every unit. Instead, I will highlight a few favorites and leave the rest as lovely pixelated surprises for when Roots is released. That is planned to happen before we disappear on our very Swedish summer vacations.
Let’s start with something small.
"...at first I thought it was my imagination. But they move and have purpose." ~Hami Bronze, Baryan Botanical Collector
Swarms, or clusters of fungi, form the backbone of any Root army. They are weak but cheap, and with the right research, you can field them in massive numbers, overwhelming stronger foes with sheer swamp-like mass.
These semi-sentient mushroom creatures have their own place in Root society. In battle, they provide their Vessel Wielders with creation essence. Their evolved form, the Spawn, spreads a poisonous cloud around them, slowly wearing down anything that threatens the Tree Mothers.
I doubt those horned ones think he's such a fungi
"...found them too late. A scrap of armour was all that remained now that the body had been claimed by the Roots." ~ Stenhild, Huskarl of the Vanir.
Broken and blighted vessels are remnants of failure. In their attempts to create Wielders, or Vessels as the Roots call them, they use humanoid remains found in their lands or after battle. They try to capture the last flicker of life and forge something new.
In extremely rare cases the process succeeds. These vessels become powerful extensions of the Roots called Vessels, leading armies and communicating with outsiders. But more often than not the result is failure.
Yet the Roots waste nothing. These broken experiments of flesh, bone, and living vines are repurposed as laborers and shock troops, defending Roots expansion and survival. Their numbers swell after every battle as long as there are bodies to claim.
Flesh will rot, but Roots will grow
"Burned to a crisp, he was. Mark me, them floaty things ain't to be trifled with." ~Ash, Forester from Arleon.
The Hearts of Roots and their evolved form, Pulse, are strange, beautiful, and terrible. They are formed and grown in dark morasses, deep within the woods of Roots. Their glow and rhythmic pulse inspire those around them, granting nearby allies increased magic resistance and defense
Though their floating form may seem harmless, they are anything but. Their energy beam lances across the battlefield, striking anything in its path. A poor decision or placement could see them turned against you, becoming weapons for your enemy instead.
BZZZZT!
It is hard not to rant about Roots. We are having a lot of fun creating them, and we hope you will have just as much fun playing them. Picking up old ideas and making them feel new again is both a challenge and a reward.
What do you think of the lineup? Which units stand out, and what questions do you want answered? We cannot wait to hear what you think.
Wishlist Roots now and learn more in the months to come. Flesh will rot. Steel will rust. Roots will rise.
/Anders and everyone at Lavapotion