Our path had become a trail of sorrow and loss. Each time we encountered refugees—families clutching little more than each other or the clothes on their backs—we were reminded of the devastation left by the undead scourge. Homes reduced to hollow shells, fields stripped of life, and belongings abandoned in the desperate rush for survival were common sights. The refugees had carried only what was essential, leaving behind a life’s worth of memories and treasures.
Yet in their gratitude for our help, some offered us guidance toward valuables they’d had to abandon. They spoke of hidden caches of jewelry, family heirlooms, and metal relics, nestled in the ruins of homes or buried near their lands. These scattered treasures, they told us, could aid us if we dared to reclaim them from the forsaken villages now infested with lurking undead.
With heavy hearts and resolute spirits, we ventured into these desolate places. The towns and villages were eerie, cloaked in silence except for the whispering wind that blew through hollowed-out homes and scorched fields. The walls bore signs of frantic, last-ditch defenses; furniture lay overturned, some splintered into makeshift barricades. Yet among the broken beams and forgotten rooms, precious remnants of the past gleamed in the dim light.
In one home, a silver mirror remained unbroken, reflecting only shadows. Another held a forgotten chest under a shattered staircase, with coins and small trinkets still inside. Some treasures were hidden more securely, in cellars or behind bricks, left with hope they’d survive the carnage. The undead had no use for these things and had left them untouched. These treasures, however, held great value for us. They would be melted down, reforged, and repurposed—transformed from cherished possessions into a lifeline for our soldiers.
As we gathered what we could, it became clear just how much potential lay within these ruins. Though sorrowful, these metals would become powerful weapons, shields, and armor, empowering us to press forward. It was as if the memories and sacrifices bound within these items gave us strength, fortifying our cause with every sword reforged from them. The undead, driven by their mindless hunger, could never understand the value of what they had left behind. But soon enough, they would face the consequences of their ignorance.
The refugees moved on, leaving their pasts behind to forge new lives elsewhere. Yet they had given us something invaluable—both their trust and the materials we needed to continue our struggle. With our wagons now loaded with precious metals and relics, we left those ravaged villages, determined to turn sorrow into strength, despair into defiance, and to meet the undead with weapons forged from the remnants of everything they had tried to destroy.
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Lore Pieces #8.1
After the fierce confrontation on The Battlefield, our journey diverged. Seeking refuge and allies, we pressed toward an old monastery on the outskirts, hoping to find aid in its sanctified halls. Here, we encountered monks who had once thrived in peaceful seclusion, undisturbed by the outside world.
When these monks built their sanctuary, they intended it as a place of quiet devotion, removed from the realm of swords and bloodshed. But now, their isolation had become a peril. With undead forces inching ever closer, their prayers alone would not suffice. Against this relentless foe, the monks needed steel as much as spirit.
Our arrival became a lifeline. The monks met us with quiet resolve, quickly blessing our weapons, and even shared what little they had left from their dwindling supplies. Together, we readied defenses, our soldiers fortified by the monks’ sacred chants. As dusk fell, the first wave of the undead surged forward. The monks stood with us, chanting hymns that seemed to thicken the very air, strengthening our resolve as the undead clawed at the gates.
Battle cries mingled with prayers, and each clash of steel rang out with a blessed resonance, as though the walls themselves protected us. Hours passed under relentless waves, but as exhaustion began to weigh on us, a glimmer of hope appeared. Reinforcements from Rifthain arrived just in time, storming in to bolster our numbers and push back the tide. Together, we forced the final wave into retreat, leaving the holy ground untouched by the stench of the undead.
In deep gratitude for our defense of their sanctuary, some of the monks made the ultimate sacrifice and broke their vows to join our cause, swearing their loyalty. Blessed by the monks’ sacred rites and equipped with their last belongings, our company left the monastery fortified and invigorated, its prayers and relics now fueling our fight.
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Development Blog #24
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Welcome back to another Shields of Loyalty Dev Blog! With our latest 0.9 Beta version, we’re excited to share more about our beta testing opportunities, upcoming immersive features, and a look at what’s ahead.
Beta Testing Program on Discord
We’re thrilled to expand our beta testing program to more players! The program will be open until the end of January, allowing testers access to the exclusive beta branch on Steam. This branch will receive updates every two weeks, so you’ll get to see new features and content as we fine-tune the game.
Our team is currently setting up the Steam Beta Playtest system, which will grant access to players who don’t own the main game. We’re awaiting confirmation from Steam, so keep an eye out for beta keys soon.
Want to join? Head over to our Discord (https://discord.gg/cEFCZDw8), where you can apply to join the Beta Testing Program. Your feedback will be invaluable as we work towards our full release!
Focus on Immersiveness
We’re working hard to make Shields of Loyalty a deeply engaging experience! Our efforts to increase immersiveness include more dynamic dialogues and extra animations, adding depth and atmosphere to the game. This includes lifelike responses from characters and additional animations for units and the environment, helping you feel fully part of Aglovan’s world. These elements will be added gradually, enhancing each part of your journey across the islands.
Sneak Peek: Third Faction Units Coming Soon
The wait for the third faction’s powerful new units is almost over! We’re adding final touches to their animations, and we’ll have exciting details to share soon. These unique units are set to bring new strategies and depth to your campaigns, so stay tuned!
Lore Piece #8 Arrives Tomorrow!
The next chapter in our lore series is on its way! Lore Piece #8 will follow Aglovan’s forces after the climactic showdown with Princess Vapula on the battlefield. Be sure to check in tomorrow for this thrilling update.
Join Discord & Wishlist on Steam!
Stay in the loop by joining us on Discord (https://discord.gg/cEFCZDw8) , where you can apply for beta testing (check pinned messages on #announcements tab), share feedback, and engage with fellow fans. And if you haven’t already, add Shields of Loyalty to your Steam wishlist to stay updated on all future announcements and releases: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1318240/Shields_of_Loyalty/
Thank you for being part of the journey with us! Your support is crucial as we build toward an unforgettable experience with Shields of Loyalty.
The Shields of Loyalty Team
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Lore Pieces #7
The morning was shrouded in an unnatural mist, thick and dark as if infused with the essence of the dead. Aglovan’s forces stood shoulder to shoulder, weapons drawn, eyes fixed on the shifting shadows ahead. The undead army gathered, filling the air with an unbearable stench and a bone-chilling silence. Then, out of the mist, Princess Vapula emerged.
Once a noble figure of beauty, she now embodied decay itself: hollow eyes glowing with the cold fire of vengeance, a twisted grin revealing teeth sharp as daggers. Behind her stretched an army, a sea of skeletal warriors clanking their rusted armor, their lifeless gazes fixed on Aglovan and his men. This was no mere battle; this was the last stand against an unholy force intent on dragging them all into the abyss.
With a swift command, Aglovan raised his sword, and the clash began.
The undead surged forward, their bony limbs wielding ancient weapons as if controlled by a single mind. Vapula hovered behind them, her outstretched claws weaving spells that filled the air with a crackling hum. Aglovan could feel her dark magic probing his thoughts, her voice whispering ancient curses meant to dishearten and scatter his men.
“Stand firm!” he roared, his voice cutting through the cacophony of steel and death. His forces pushed forward, driving their spears and swords into bone and rotting flesh. Each swing shattered the undead ranks, but for every one that fell, two more rose in its place, animated by Vapula’s dark power.
Then, in a daring move, Aglovan broke through the lines, charging directly at the necromantic princess. She let out an unearthly shriek as he approached, her wings spreading wide as she descended upon him, claws ready to tear his very soul apart. They clashed—her talons against his blade, her necrotic strength against his will.
The ground itself seemed to tremble as they fought, Vapula’s magic lashing out like venomous tendrils, attempting to ensnare Aglovan. But he fought with purpose, each strike aimed not just to kill but to vanquish the evil that had twisted her being. Their battle raged, neither side willing to yield.
At last, with a swift and final blow, Aglovan’s blade found its mark, slicing through the decayed flesh and brittle bones that bound Vapula to this world. She let out one final, wretched scream as her form crumbled, disintegrating into dust. Her spell broken, the undead warriors collapsed, their cursed lives extinguished at last.
As the battlefield finally fell silent, Aglovan’s men moved through the smoky haze, scanning for any sign of what drove Vapula and her relentless undead horde. But there was nothing—no lair, no clues, only the remnants of the fallen, slowly crumbling back into dust. The mystery of the dark force that controlled her lingered, elusive as ever.
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Development Blog #23
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Greetings, Commanders!
We’re thrilled to announce that Version 0.9 is now available for beta testing! After weeks of hard work, our internal branch is ready to bring fresh, exciting content to the battlefield, and we’re calling upon 50 dedicated players to help us test it out.
Here’s how to join:
Reaction Role on Discord:
We’ve just posted a reaction role message on Discord. Add your reaction, and if you’re among the first 50, you’ll gain the Beta Tester role with access to our 0.9 internal branch!
Beta Testing Access:
All internal branch keys for chosen testers will be distributed on Monday. Once you have the key, you’ll be able to dive right into our newest features and content.
And that’s not all! Tomorrow, Lore Piece #7 will be released, unveiling even more of the world of Shields of Loyalty. Stay tuned, and let us know your thoughts as you explore!
Your input and support are invaluable as we bring Shields of Loyalty closer to launch. Let’s keep building this journey together!
Ready to join us? Add your reaction on Discord now! https://discord.com/channels/782209617429659674/843855158122119168/1301596942224326717
The Shields of Loyalty Team
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Lore Pieces #6
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The Battlefield
⠀⠀⠀Dawn broke cold and grey over the ancient border wall. Aglovan’s men, weary but resolute, emerged from their rest, each casting wary glances over the stone ramparts they had so recently fought to defend. The night had given them brief respite, but even as the sun’s first rays cut through the mist, an uneasy silence hung heavy in the air. The journey was far from over. Word had spread among the ranks—this was only a taste of what lay ahead.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀It was here, upon this very ground, that one of the kingdom’s most brutal battles had taken place. Years ago, thousands had clashed and fallen in the Last Battle, as King Eldric II led his forces against the insurgent army of Prince Desmon. What had once been a decisive victory had now become a cursed relic of the past, a place where the dead refused to rest. And with every passing moment, their numbers swelled as Princess Vapula’s dark influence seeped into the earth.
⠀⠀Aglovan surveyed his men, noting the exhaustion etched on their faces. Yet they were undeterred. “This place holds the memory of blood and sacrifice,” he began, his voice steady, “but we must not let it become a field of the living dead. Today, we move to confront the source.”
⠀⠀⠀⠀The scouts reported signs of fresh disturbances among the burial grounds beyond the wall. Shallow graves lay scattered, as if the earth itself had turned against the fallen, casting them out. Cracked bones, shattered armor, and the faint traces of old banners told stories of warriors from both sides, now twisted and lifeless. The enemy was close—too close.
⠀⠀The journey to reach the heart of this necromantic scourge would not be easy. Princess Vapula’s undead forces had only strengthened, and every step forward meant facing the fallen souls who once defended these lands. Yet Aglovan’s resolve was clear. “We stand here today to fight not only for the kingdom’s future but to reclaim the honor of those who have been robbed of their eternal rest.”
⠀⠀⠀⠀And so, with shields raised and hearts hardened, they prepared to enter The Battlefield, knowing full well that the very ground they walked upon was steeped in death. Every warrior sensed it—a chill creeping up their spines, a silent acknowledgment that the dead were watching, waiting. It was now their task to ensure that the past did not become a new weapon wielded by their enemies.
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Development Blog #22
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Greetings, Commanders!
We’re thrilled to bring you another exciting update as we inch ever closer to the 0.9 release of Shields of Loyalty! The past weeks have been filled with hard work, but the results are starting to show, and we have some incredible new additions and announcements to share with you.
🔥 Sneak Peek: The Lava Island
We began developing Lava Island some time ago, but now we’ve shifted our focus to revising its assets and adding new details. The volcanic landscape will be a critical part of the final chapter, offering unique challenges and a hostile environment to explore.
Here’s an updated work-in-progress screenshot as we breathe new life into the Lava Island setting, reworking textures and models to enhance its molten atmosphere.
The groundwork has been laid, but now we’re refining the fiery aesthetic of Lava Island to make it more immersive and dangerous than ever!
🗺️ New Points of Interest (POIs)
Our team has also been busy revising the POIs on the earlier islands. We've polished and enhanced these locations to bring more life and interaction to the world of Mantaria.
Take a look at these GIFs showing the new POIs on the first island, where you can see updated animations, improved textures, and enhanced interactivity. Whether you're exploring a ruin or trekking through dense forests, everything looks and feels sharper and more vibrant.
These updates should make exploring Mantaria a more enjoyable experience for all our players!
📜 Lore Piece #6 Drops Tomorrow
Exciting news for all lore fans! Lore Piece #6 will be released tomorrow evening. Following Aglovan’s conquest of Rifthain, this chapter dives deeper into his journey, uncovering new dangers and mysteries.
If you haven’t read Lore Piece #5 yet, be sure to check it out on our Steam page! And don’t forget, we’re always open to your feedback and suggestions as we expand the world of Mantaria.
⚔️ Call for Beta Testers!
We’re gearing up for 0.9 and we need 40-50 dedicated beta testers to help us polish the game. Participants will have access to a separate beta branch where they can experience the latest features and provide crucial feedback.
If you want to get involved and shape the future of Shields of Loyalty, join our Discord and watch for more details in the #beta-testers channel (soon to be created and announced). Your feedback will be invaluable as we work towards the final release.
👥 Join the Conversation!
Whether you want to discuss the upcoming beta, share your thoughts on the reworked Lava Island, or engage with the lore, join our Discord! We always love hearing from you, and your feedback helps us continue to improve the game.
Also, don't forget to wishlist us on Steam if you haven’t already – it’s incredibly important as we approach our 1.0 launch!
Links:
Join the Discord Feedback Poll: https://discord.gg/NNHgz8AA
Thanks for all your support, and we’ll see you in Mantaria!
The Shields of Loyalty Team
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⚔️ Tactical Tuesday ⚔️
Let’s explore some unique facts about Turn-Based Strategy (TBS) games and why they continue to capture the imagination of players! 💡
Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Unlike real-time strategy games, TBS allows players to make more calculated, thoughtful decisions. This “no pressure” style of gameplay makes it perfect for players who prefer strategy over speed! 🧠
Influencing the Real World: Some TBS games, like XCOM or Civilization, have been used in military and educational contexts to teach strategic thinking and decision-making. TBS games aren’t just for fun—they're practical tools for learning! 🎓
You vs. Yourself: In many TBS games, the biggest challenge isn't just defeating the enemy—it's mastering your own strategies. Games like Advance Wars or Total War series make players refine their plans constantly. 🚩
Endless Replayability: The randomness and dynamic nature of many TBS maps and scenarios mean no two games are ever alike. This is a hallmark of the genre—players can enjoy different challenges each time they play. ♾️
From Ancient Civilizations to Alien Worlds: TBS games offer a wide variety of settings, from historical epics like Civilization to sci-fi adventures like XCOM. Each universe brings its own set of tactical challenges and opportunities. 🌌
Shields of Loyalty builds on these timeless principles, adding deep unit synergies and rich lore-based tactical gameplay. How do you think TBS games can evolve further? Share your thoughts below! ✍️
📰 Don’t forget—Lore Piece 6 is coming later this week, so stay tuned for more story-driven content! 🌍
Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/mosaicmask
The Shields of Loyalty Team
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Development Blog #21
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Hello everyone!
We’re back with a fresh update from behind the scenes as we continue to shape and polish Shields of Loyalty. Our team has been hard at work creating new designs and concepts, and today we want to showcase some exciting new elements we've been working on for our 0.9 version.
1. New Coats of Arms for Factions and Armies
Our 3D artist has completed a new batch of coats of arms for the factions and armies. These designs not only represent the identity and pride of each faction but will also add visual depth to the game world. The new coats of arms are a small but meaningful addition to enhance faction immersion, and we’re excited to share more of these with you soon!
2. New Animated Points of Interest (POIs)
We’ve also introduced new animated Points of Interest (POIs), which include altars and churches, each with dynamic lighting effects. The animations bring life to these POIs, making the game world more vibrant and immersive. While our 3D artist described them as "nothing spectacular," we think these small touches are crucial for creating a rich, atmospheric environment.
Here’s a sneak peek at the new animated church and altar, complete with lighting effects to really bring them to life:
3. Dissolve Death Animation for Units
Another visual update we’re experimenting with is the dissolve VFX for unit deaths. Though this effect hasn’t been integrated into the game just yet, it’s a glowing and dynamic effect that might just find its way into the final version. We’re exploring the best use for it and looking forward to hearing your feedback on whether you’d like to see it in the game!
Check out the dissolve VFX animation here:
4. 0.9 Playable Version Progress
We know many of you have been eagerly awaiting updates on the 0.9 version. While there have been some unavoidable delays in releasing a test branch, we are actively working to ensure that this update is stable and enjoyable once it reaches your hands.
Our development team is hard at work on the upcoming Version 0.9, focusing on refining gameplay features and fixing reported bugs. While there have been some delays, we’re making steady progress to ensure a smooth and polished experience. We are also actively playtesting the new build to fine-tune balance and enhance tactical gameplay elements.
Although we don’t have a specific release date just yet, rest assured that the next update is shaping up to be an exciting step forward for Shields of Loyalty! Stay tuned for more details in the coming days.
Thank you for your patience, and we promise that once our developer is finished, we’ll have more concrete news on the state of the update and the timeline for its release. The 0.9 version will feature exciting improvements and optimizations, and we can’t wait to share it with you all!
5. Lore Piece #6 Coming Soon
In addition to all the visual updates, we’re thrilled to announce that Lore Piece #6 is currently in the works and will be released next week! Following the events of Rifthain, Aglovan and his army now face a dangerous chokepoint. As they push towards the old border walls, will they be able to reach it in time while swarms of enemies close in? Stay tuned for more!
Wishlist and Share!
If you haven’t already, make sure to wishlist Shields of Loyalty on Steam! Every wishlist helps spread the word about our game and supports our development efforts. We’d also love if you could share our game with friends, family, or fellow TBS enthusiasts. The more support we get, the more we can grow and improve.
That’s all for now. Thank you all for your continued feedback and support. We couldn’t do this without you!
Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, keep the discussion going on Discord and Steam Community!
See you on the battlefield!
The Shields of Loyalty Team
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⚔️ Tactical Tuesday ⚔️
⚔️ Tactical Tuesday ⚔️
Turn-based strategy (TBS) games have a long history, evolving from classic board games like chess to computer games like Panzer General and Fantasy General. These games laid the foundation for modern TBS titles with deep tactical elements and strategic decision-making.
But how does Shields of Loyalty build on this tradition? 🤔 By combining classic hex-based gameplay with dark fantasy themes, unique unit synergies, and terrain-based tactics, we’re pushing the genre forward while staying true to its roots.
🎮 What’s your favourite TBS game from the past? Let us know how it influenced your tactical thinking and what aspects you’d like to see in Shields of Loyalty! Your feedback helps shape the future of the game!
