[p]“In strategy, the longest path often leads to the greatest victory.”[/p][p] We’re back — and with that, Tactical Tuesday returns![/p][p]Today, let’s reflect on why we love turn-based strategy games and dark fantasy so much — and how Shields of Loyalty fits into this legacy.[/p]
🔍 A Brief Origin of Strategy Games
[p] Turn-based strategy games trace their roots to classic tabletop wargames like Tactics (1954) and Kriegsspiel (1824), long before computers brought them to our screens.[/p][p]Titles like Fire Emblem, X-COM, and Fantasy General later shaped the genre into what we know and love today — deliberate, challenging, and deeply tactical.[/p][p]Shields of Loyalty follows in their footsteps, combining precise positioning, synergising unit types, and calculated risks across epic campaigns. If you're a fan of careful planning and heroic sacrifice — you’re in the right place. [/p]
🌑 What Makes Dark Fantasy So Appealing?
[p]Dark Fantasy pushes against the high-fantasy tropes of perfect heroes and clear good vs evil. In its place: • Morally grey choices • Tragic heroes • Corrupt gods, cursed lands, and grim victories[/p][p]Shields of Loyalty embraces this tone fully, drawing inspiration from stories like Berserk, Dark Souls, and The Witcher. Our world of Mantaria is no shining kingdom — it’s broken, twisted, and in need of a last stand.[/p]
🔁 Tactical Features in Our Game
[p]• Unit synergy combos (e.g. flying guardians & shield cavalry) [/p][p]• Combat roles: front-line tanks, flanking scouts, and support casters [/p][p]• Terrain impact and weather effects (ice storms, lightning, etc.) [/p][p]• Heavy siege units, stealth skirmishers, and flying units [/p][p]• Future mechanics: We are discussing about adding Zone of Control & Attack of Opportunity and Unit Merge system with the use of war coach is coming soon!
[p]What’s YOUR favourite tactical mechanic in turn-based games? Or: What made you fall in love with dark fantasy settings?[/p][p]Let’s talk tactics — and get hyped again. [/p][p]🛡️ Wishlist Shields of Loyalty here! [dynamiclink href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1318240/Shields_of_Loyalty/"] [/p][p]🗺️ Join the discussion on Discord https://discord.gg/amTz2Cas[/p][p]— The Shields of Loyalty Team
[p]The storms may have slowed us, but they never stopped us.[/p][p]Shields of Loyalty is alive and well — and the march toward release has resumed![/p][p][/p][p]We're bringing back: [/p]
[p]Weekly DevBlogs [/p]
[p]Final Lore Pieces — Aglovan's journey will continue[/p]
[p] Sneak peeks of remaining factions and units[/p]
[p]Leave your thoughts, feedback, or just say hi![/p]
[TAG-70][p][/p][p]We know the delays have been tough — but we’re closer than ever. This is the final climb.[/p][p][/p][p]Thank you for sticking with us through the mist, the silence, and the setbacks. Mantaria is still calling.[/p][p] We hope you’ll answer.[/p][p][/p][p]Let’s finish this journey — together.[/p][p]— The Shields of Loyalty Team
Shaman buildings “Circle and Tree of Enlightenment” can be chosen as expected
Issues with tier3 spells of “Mother Nature” fixed
Infinite movement of the Unicorns fixed
Reduced the glow of the Pyromaniacs
Tooltips are shown properly now for spells, buffs and nerfs
Improved the cursor and AoE when using spells
The right portraits are shown in the dialogues now
Fixed typo within dialogues
Language changes effects immediately now
Canceled false shadows which were shown underneath a few units
Added missing sound effects
Added the type of a unit within the detail mask and buildings
Improved overall perfomance of the game
New Features & Improvemnts
UI revamp – navigation and spell buttons relocated to the lower left
UI revamp – detailed unit information incl. buff, debuff and spell DOT effects
Avatar selection screen revamp
Worldmap has now animations
Avatar Karnoth has now a size of 4 fields
Fraction skills of the Warlords implemented:
Brother in Arms (adjacent heavy infantry units performs an addition attack)
If an unit suffers more than 75% casualties, all adjacent units will gain +1 attack
Fraction skills of the Noblemen changed:
Shield Wall remains as implemented
NEW: Formation (Light cavalry always retreat one hex and heal the wounded when attacked by light or heavy infantry)
Added visible counts for all passive abilities and fraction skills
New currency “Gems” added. They are needed for buying mercenaries
New skins --> Monks instead of Believers
Mercenaries are available now
Warlord faction has now a new crest
New AI Hero units added:
Goatking (Heavy Cavalry)
Flying Succubus (Sky Hunter)
Spiderqueen (Heavy Cavalry)
Dark Lord Desmond (Heavy Infantry)
The Void (Sky Huner)
New Noblemen Hero units added:
Tiberius (Heavy Cavalry)
Lord Valerian (Light Cavalry)
Balancing – adjusted defense values for all units. Partly some Attack and other values like Hit Points, Hit Chance and Evasion
Map/Level Changes
First Map of Darwoods has now a new shape including new type of AI units (Cultist and Acolyte)
Slightly changes for the 2nd map of Darkwoods. A new location "Tent" is available for hiring mercenaries
3rd map for Darwoods has recieved slighty changes of shape and AI units
All rewards of all cities and ruins were doubled and gems as the currency for mercenaries added!
QoL improvements
Fast animations were improved
Force of Nature are much faster and without bothering the flow
Spell animations and effects are shown at the same time
Currently we are improving all maps regarding new POI's and loot. We'll update them frequently!
Enjoy all the new content and improvments and let us know how do yu like them.
Devblog 40 – Divine Minds: Archmages of the High Priest
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Devblog 40 – Divine Minds: Archmages of the High Priest
Sneak peek into the arcane forces of faith!
Welcome back, Commanders of Mantaria!
As we move closer and closer to the release of Shields of Loyalty, we continue to reveal the powerful units at your command. In this week’s devblog, we unveil the Archmage class of the High Priest faction—a set of unique casters wielding devastating magical abilities in the name of divine order.
🧙 High Priest Archmages – Tier 1, 2, and 3 Units
These powerful sorcerers channel faith into magic, shaping the battlefield with radiant spells, holy wrath, and protective enchantments.
🔹 Tier 1: Sanctifier A humble priest-turned-warrior, capable of healing nearby allies and weakening enemies through divine presence. Low offence, high utility.
🔮 Tier 2: Oracle of Purity This unit brings mid-range offensive magic and area control. Expect status afflictions like silence, fear, or even paralysis—delivered with holy might.
🌩️ Tier 3: Archmage of Revelation The ultimate caster of the High Priest faction. Wielding chain-lightning, mass healing, and holy bombardment spells, this unit changes the tide of battle. An awe-inspiring presence… and a priority target for any enemy commander.
🧠 Magic Meets Machinery – What Does It All Mean?
With last week’s Siege Engines and the Mercenary Musketeer bringing technology into the fold, and now the holy Archmages joining the battlefield, the strategic depth of Shields of Loyalty continues to grow.
These elements together shape a battlefield where faith, fire, and foresight collide.
Magic isn’t just flashy—it’s a tactical layer. Who you bring and how you use them will make all the difference.
🗺️ Lore Pieces – Coming Very Soon
We’ve heard you—you miss the lore pieces. We’re happy to announce that the continuation of Aglovan’s journey through the Third Island is almost ready. Expect new chapters very soon!
Let us know: Do you enjoy reading them? Want them voiced later? Or turned into cutscenes? We’re listening.
📣 Countdown to Release
Everything is moving forward as planned. We're close. Your support, shares, and wishlists help more than you know. Indie development at this stage is about trust—between developer and player.
Together, we're bringing back a feeling. Something we remember from Fantasy General, from Heroes of Might and Magic, from the golden age of dark fantasy TBS games.
We want this to live again—and you’re a part of it.
📜 Last Week’s Devblog & Patch Notes
Did you miss Devblog 39? It showcased the terrifying siege units of the High Priest faction: Blade Engine, Fire Engine, and the divine Cannon of Revelation. Catch up here: 🔗 https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1318240/view/543354486002811431
Also, more patch notes are coming soon, so keep an eye out. Our developer is hard at work and will post updates as they arrive!
The High Priest Faction rolls into battle with sacred siege power! Welcome back, Commanders!
We're thrilled to share another exciting batch of content as we move closer and closer to the official release of Shields of Loyalty. This week, we’re taking a look at the Siege Units of the High Priest faction, revisiting an old mercenary ally, and opening a discussion about the spirit behind our game.
⚙️ High Priest Siege Engines – Tier 1, 2, and 3 Units
These divine machines were forged with holy wrath and engineered precision. Each tier brings you closer to total divine dominance on the battlefield:
🪓 Tier 1: Blade Engine A sacred mechanical contraption that slashes through defences with spinning blessed blades. Fast, efficient, and terrifying.
🔥 Tier 2: Fire Engine Fuelled by divine incantations and hellfire, this engine rains burning punishment onto enemy walls and units.
💥 Tier 3: Cannon of Revelation This is the High Priest's answer to worldly technology—combining holiness and gunpowder to shatter any defence. Walls tremble. So do armies.
💂 Mercenary Reminder – Musketeer
Let’s not forget our old friend, the Mercenary Musketeer. One of the first gunpowder-based units introduced in the game, this sharpshooter adds a whole new flavour to Mantaria's otherwise medieval tone.
With the addition of these High Priest siege engines, gunpowder is no longer a luxury—it’s part of the future. How will it affect balance? Strategy? Lore? Let us know what you think!
🧠 Let’s Talk – Why We’re Making This Game
We know TBS fans are patient, thoughtful players. But you’ve waited long, and we thank you deeply.
Turn-Based Strategy isn’t just gameplay—it’s a feeling. Planning. Positioning. Tension. Dark Fantasy adds stakes. Adds grit. Adds mystery.
Games like Fantasy General, X-COM, Heroes of Might and Magic—they meant something. We want Shields of Loyalty to echo those legendary feelings. That’s why we keep going. That’s why we polish every detail.
And we’re almost there.
Stick with us. Bear the wait a little longer—and witness a rebirth of that heroic dark fantasy TBS spirit.
📜 Lore Pieces – Aglovan’s Journey Will Continue
Yes, it’s coming! Many of you have asked when the next Lore Pieces will drop—and we’re happy to say: Soon.
We’re preparing the final island's lore entries now. Aglovan’s tale is far from over. Tell us—do you enjoy this lore format? Would you prefer more detailed or interactive elements in the future?
Let’s shape this story together.
📢 Final Notes & Community Shoutout
Thanks again for your overwhelming support on last week’s devblog. If you missed it, Devblog 38 introduced the High Priest Bombardier class and a new Mercenary: Dark Soul.
As always, your wishlist, shares, and feedback are what fuel this project. Our developer will continue posting patch notes as they arrive—stay tuned!
Until next time, Commander. Stay Loyal.
The Shields of Loyalty Team
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[Devblog 38] The High Priests' Bombardiers & a Dark New Mercenary
Devblog 38 – The High Priests' Bombardiers & a Dark New Mercenary
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Commanders, the battlefield is evolving! The 3rd faction—The High Priests—introduces their Bombardier class, a devastating force specializing in ranged explosive attacks. These powerful units will bring destruction from afar with four different tiers, each more deadly than the last!
🔥 New Unique Bombardier Units (3rd Faction – High Priests):
✅ Tier 1: Initiate Bombardier – Basic ranged explosive specialist ✅ Tier 2: Flame Bringer – Spreading fire and destruction ✅ Tier 3: Thunder Prophet – Wielding storm-infused bombardments ✅ Tier 4: Wrath of the Heavens – Unmatched devastation on the battlefield
But that's not all! The Mercenary Band grows stronger with the addition of the Dark Soul, a fearsome warrior who will fight for any faction! This recruitable neutral unit brings its own unique strengths, offering even more tactical depth to your army.
💥 We’re closing in on release, and every battle is getting more intense! Your support, wishlists, and shares mean everything to indie developers like us at this stage of development. Help us spread the word and make this game the best it can be!
⚔️ Our developer will also be sharing new patch notes as they arrive, so stay tuned for additional updates and improvements!
📖 New lore pieces for the 3rd island are on the way! We will continue Aglovan’s journey to its climactic end—stay tuned!
Join the Discussion!
📢 Share your thoughts in the comments! What do you think of the new units? What other mercenaries would you like to see?
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to release! 🚀
The Shields of Loyalty Team
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🦅 Devblog 37 – Sky Hunters & a New Mercenary Unit!
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🌟 Harpy, Lamassu, Kirin & Battle Monk – New Units Incoming!
Greetings, Commanders! 👑
As we soar closer to release, we are excited to unveil the Sky Hunters – the flying units of the 3rd faction! These aerial warriors will dominate the skies and bring new tactical opportunities to the battlefield.
🛡️ New Flying Units – Sky Hunters!
☁️ Tier 1 – Harpy: Agile and deadly in packs, Harpies harass enemies from above. ☁️ Tier 2 – Lamassu: A mystical beast with divine protection and powerful attacks. ☁️ Tier 3 – Kirin: A majestic creature, bringing devastating strikes and unparalleled speed.
These units will add another layer of strategy to aerial combat and mobility in Shields of Loyalty!
🛡️ Mercenary Unit – Battle Monk! 🏹
The Mercenary Band continues to expand! We will introduce each unit one by one, and this week we’re bringing back an old favorite:
🔥 Battle Monk: A skilled warrior with enhanced reflexes and strong melee attacks. Can be recruited with a special currency, available to all factions!
If you missed previous mercenary announcements, don’t worry—we’ll be reintroducing them so all new followers and supporters stay updated!
🛠️ Last Week’s Update is Now Live!
Last week's update, featuring major fixes, UI improvements, and combat adjustments, has now been fully implemented! Check out the full Patch Notes here: 🔗 Version 0.9.0.49EA Patch Notes
🚀 We’re Getting Closer to Release! Your Feedback Matters!
We’re in the final stages of development, and your feedback is more crucial than ever. If you have suggestions or ideas, let us know in the comments!
Interested in Playtesting? We are still looking for dedicated testers to help us polish the game before release. If you're interested, reach out to us!
Thanks for being part of our journey! Stay tuned for more updates! 🛡️⚔️
The Shields of Loyalty Team
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Patch Notes – Version 0.9.0.49EA
Patch Notes – Version 0.9.0.49EA
📜 Bug Fixes, Balancing & UI Improvements!
Greetings, Commanders! 👑
We've been hard at work fixing critical bugs, improving UI clarity, and refining gameplay balance in Shields of Loyalty! Here’s everything included in this patch:
🛠 Fixes
✅ Fixed crash when opening the unit details panel in Army Management during battles ✅ Pyromaniac attack now animates and functions correctly ✅ Mission objectives will now be displayed from the start ✅ Healing fixed for Level 4 heroes ✅ Fixed Heal & Restock tooltips incorrectly mentioning action usage ✅ Fixed map markers showing incorrect faction ownership ✅ Revealed enemy markers will now slide in/out correctly with the objectives list ✅ Fixed wind effects accumulating when the game runs in the background ✅ Force of Nature spell now has limited evasion and hit chance ✅ Special abilities now properly apply movement and attack loss ✅ Bull’s Eye attack now animates for each hit target ✅ Unit placement window now correctly displays all artifacts equipped ✅ Stacked units will now display alive members instead of only healthy ones
🌍 Localization Updates
📢 Aura localization corrected 📢 Updated Army Management & Building names 📢 Updated Unit names 📢 Main Menu updates when switching languages 📢 Spell modifiers now show properly localized tooltips
⚖️ Gameplay & UI Improvements
🔹 Updated & balanced attack/hit mechanics 🔹 Adjusted terrain & building types for attack/defense calculations 🔹 Tile info now shows alive and healthy unit members 🔹 Units with only 1 member will now display a health bar 🔹 Unit category added to building & unit popups for better clarity
🔥 More updates are on the way! We’re also working on new features, including the Attack of Opportunity & Zone of Control system—your feedback has been invaluable!
Let us know your thoughts, and stay tuned for more updates! 🚀
But that's not all! We're also finally expanding the Mercenary Band! 💰⚔️ A long time ago, we announced mercenary units, and it's time to introduce them one by one. These units can be recruited in-game using a new special currency, regardless of the faction you play!
💀 First Mercenary Reveal – Chimera! 💀 The mighty Chimera will be one of the first mercenaries available. Stay tuned for more reveals as we bring back past announcements and introduce brand-new warriors!
Version 0.9.0.49EA – Fixes & Improvements!
🛠️ We’ve been hard at work improving the game! A full patch notes post will be shared separately, but here are some key updates:
✔️ Fixed crashes & UI bugs – Unit details panel, army management crashes, and various tooltip issues are now resolved. ✔️ Combat clarity improved – Alive vs. wounded units now display more clearly in battle. ✔️ Balancing tweaks – Attack, hit chance, and terrain/building impact rebalanced. ✔️ Wind effects fixed – No more infinite wind buildup when the game runs in the background!
📜 Full patch notes will be posted soon!
Upcoming Lore & Story Updates!
📖 The story is evolving! We’re making some key narrative changes, and the final island lore pieces will be coming next week! Be ready for some exciting developments in the world of Shields of Loyalty!
Attack of Opportunity & Zone of Control – Thank You!
🙏 A huge thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on Zone of Control and Attack of Opportunity last week! We are actively working on this feature and aim to implement it before the 1.0 launch. If we can’t get it ready in time, it will still be added in a later update. It’s a big feature, and we want to get it right!
💡 We’re also open to more ideas and mechanics! Got a cool suggestion? Let us know in the comments!
Wishlist & Join the Playtest!
🛡️ Want to support us? Join the playtest and wishlist Shields of Loyalty! 🔗 Steam Page 💬 Join our Discord
Thanks for your support – more sneak peeks coming soon! 🚀
The Shields of Loyalty Team[TAG-30]
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DevBlog #35 – Highpriest Light Cavalry Sneak Peek & New QoL Updates!
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DevBlog #35 – Highpriest Cavalry Sneak Peek & New QoL Updates!
🐪 Highpriest Cavalry Sneak Peek! ⚔️
The Highpriest Faction continues to take shape! This time, we're unveiling their Light Cavalry—fast, agile, and deadly on the battlefield. Here’s what’s coming:
Tier 1 – Camel Rider 🐫: Nimble warriors who thrive in rough terrains.
Tier 2 – Scouts of the Ming 🎭: Skilled riders with unparalleled mobility.
Each of these units represents the fusion of Eastern, Middle Eastern, and mythological inspirations, making the Highpriest faction truly unique. More unit reveals are on the way, so stay tuned!
🔧 Steam Version Improvements & Fixes!
Our team is working tirelessly to bring you a smoother, more polished experience on Steam. Here are some improvements coming in version 0.9.0.49EA:
Animation Fixes 🎬 – Cleaner and more fluid combat movements.
UI & QoL Improvements 🛠️ – More intuitive menus and visual enhancements.
Better Battle Clarity ⚔️ – Unit cards now show both wounded and combatant unit counts, making it easier to track combat results!
A full detailed patch note will be shared soon, so stay tuned!
🤔 Zone of Control or Attack of Opportunity? We Need Your Thoughts!
We’re exploring a new tactical system for the game and would love your input!
Should we add a Zone of Control or Attack of Opportunity mechanic? 🤔
Would it improve strategy and depth?
How should it be implemented?
Do you think it fits our current gameplay?
Drop your thoughts in the Steam comments or Discord discussions! Your feedback will help shape the future of Shields of Loyalty!
🔥 Join the Playtest & Wishlist the Game! 🔥
Our Beta Testers are working hard to help us polish the game, and we’re still looking for more players to join the bug hunt!
