⠀⠀⠀⠀The night had been long, restless. Even after the triumph at Rifthain, the weight of the journey ahead pressed down on Aglovan’s shoulders. The path leading from the city was narrow, hemmed in by thick underbrush and towering trees, dark and foreboding. Every step felt like an invitation for something unseen to strike from the shadows. His men, usually resolute, now walked in uneasy silence. Their ears strained at every sound: a crack of a branch, the rustle of leaves, the distant caw of a bird. Yet, nothing felt natural.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Were they truly alone?
⠀⠀⠀Aglovan halted, raising a hand to signal a stop. The front ranks came to a standstill, their eyes wide with the same question on their minds. Were those just animals in the brush? Or something far worse? The silence was broken by a scream. The sharp cry echoed from somewhere in the back. A moment later, the enemy was upon them.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"They’re here!" someone shouted. And they were – swarming from the shadows, out of the underbrush, from unseen corners of the forest. Skeleton warriors, eyes glowing with a cold, malevolent light, charged from every direction.
⠀⠀⠀Aglovan’s sword flashed out, meeting bone with steel, but the enemy was relentless. We’re trapped, he realized. An easy prey in this cursed chokepoint.
⠀⠀⠀⠀His mind raced, searching for hope. Ahead lay the only salvation – the old border wall. A relic from another time, its stones weathered but still standing firm. If they could reach it, they could fortify their position, fight back with purpose. But it lay far ahead, and time was slipping through their fingers.
⠀⠀⠀⠀“Form ranks! Keep pushing forward!” Aglovan’s voice boomed over the chaos as he sliced through the air. His men, seasoned as they were, struggled to fend off the continuous waves of the undead. For every one enemy struck down, another rose in its place.
⠀⠀⠀⠀The path was narrow, their space limited. Here, in this chokepoint, they were vulnerable – but they couldn’t stop. Not now. Not with the enemy’s forces growing, threatening to overwhelm them.
⠀⠀⠀⠀With every step, the border wall loomed closer, but the enemy numbers didn’t thin. Their skeletal claws clutched at armor and shields, seeking to drag Aglovan’s men down into the cold earth. But the walls ahead promised safety. If they could only hold out some more, more moments of blood and steel, they might just make it.
⠀⠀⠀⠀And so they pressed on, inching forward, driven by the desperate hope of survival. The border wall stood as their last line of defense, their only chance to regroup and rally. But the enemy would not make it easy. They never did.
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0.9 is in the forge & new Lore Piece is on the way!
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📢 DevBlog Update: 0.9 is in Progress!
Hey everyone! 👋 We know you’ve been eagerly awaiting more updates, and we wanted to let you know that 0.9 is currently in playtesting! Our team is working hard behind the scenes to bring this exciting update to you as soon as possible. 🛠️
While we don’t have a full DevBlog this week, you can still check out our latest posts showcasing the new UI, faction screenshots, and more! 📸
⚔️ In other news, we’re thrilled to announce that the next Lore Piece is on the way and will be released very soon. Stay tuned for more details as we continue to build the world of Mantaria! 🌍✨
Your feedback, support, and wishlist adds are crucial right now as we push towards the 0.9 release. Let’s keep the momentum going and make this update amazing together! 💪
Thanks for sticking with us, and we’ll have more exciting news to share soon! 💬
Links:
Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/NNHgz8AA
Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/mosaicmask
The Shields of Loyalty Team
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⚔️ Tactical Tuesday ⚔️
⚔️ Tactical Tuesday ⚔️
This week, let’s dive into the synergy of Heavy Cavalry and Flying Units! 💥
Heavy Cavalry brings the Shield Wall ability, mitigating damage to nearby allies when they’re attacked.
Flying Units offer the Guardian ability, swooping in to strike back when an ally is attacked, as long as they’re next to both the ally and the enemy. 🛡️
How will you use these powerful units in your strategy? Share your thoughts below and start planning your formations!
We’re constantly evolving the tactical features of Shields of Loyalty, and we’d love your input! 💬 What new synergy abilities would you like to see between units? Should we expand on existing abilities, or create new ones entirely? Let us know your thoughts – your ideas shape the future of the game! 🚀
Drop your suggestions below, and we’ll review them for possible future updates!
Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/mosaicmask
The Shields of Loyalty Team
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A Sneak Peek at Version 0.9! 🛡️
Greetings, Loyal Shields!
We’ve been hard at work on Version 0.9, and while it’s not quite ready for public release, we wanted to give you a first look at what’s coming soon! The new update brings a fresh menu, UI overhaul, and a closer look at our new faction’s city and army overview. Take a peek at the exclusive screenshots below!
We’re working on squashing some bugs, but the playable version will be coming soon – stay tuned for more updates!
Also, don’t forget, our latest poll results are in, and Tactical Gameplay Enhancements are your top priority! Keep sending us your feedback and ideas – we’re listening! 🎯
Join the discussion: What excites you most about the upcoming release? Any other tactical features you’d like to see in the game?
Links:
Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/NNHgz8AA
Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/mosaicmask
The Shields of Loyalty Team
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Development Blog #20
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Greetings, warriors of Mantaria!
We’re back with a special update as we inch closer to the much-anticipated 0.9 release! Things are heating up, and we’re thrilled to share exciting new content for the Warlord Faction. Along with some important updates from our graphic designers and coders, today’s DevBlog introduces unique Warlord faction buildings and spellcaster units, as well as new environmental and UI improvements. Let’s dive in!
🛠️Developer's Corner: 0.9 Is Almost Here!
Our developers are hard at work as we approach version 0.9, which brings us ever closer to the full launch! Recent efforts have focused on bug fixes and polishing game mechanics. Our coders are optimizing performance and resolving any lingering issues to ensure a smooth, tactical experience for you all.
We’ve also been working hard on the new unit management UI—you’ll notice it’s much more intuitive and visually appealing now. The newly redesigned artifact system is especially eye-catching, with vibrant colors replacing the old grayscale look. These updates will make customizing and managing your units more enjoyable and easier than ever!
🎨 Graphic Designer Notes: Environmental and UI Improvements
In the last few weeks, our graphic designers primarily focused on integrating and refining several key aspects of the game’s visuals, pushing for a more immersive and polished experience. Here’s what’s been going on:
UI Refinements: We’ve made significant updates to the overall User Interface, particularly in the main menu, Army Management, Artifacts, and various in-game panels and screens. These improvements ensure a smoother and more visually appealing experience for players navigating through the game. Even the small details like mouse cursors have been reworked to fit the dark fantasy aesthetic.
New In-Game Graphics: We’ve introduced fresh visuals for the Darkwoods and Eternal Ice environments, adding depth and enhancing the unique atmosphere of these regions. Expect to see richer textures, more detailed landscapes, and an overall improvement in the way these zones look and feel.
Existing Graphics Refinement: The team has been hard at work refining existing in-game graphics. Everything from unit models to terrain has been touched up to ensure consistency with our evolving visual style. We’ve focused on keeping the dark fantasy theme alive while enhancing clarity and detail.
Shader Effects: To breathe more life into the environments, we’ve added new shader effects, particularly for vegetation, which now offers more variety and dynamism. This will bring an extra layer of realism and richness to the world, giving players a more vivid and engaging battlefield.
With these updates, we aim to create a visually cohesive and immersive experience that elevates gameplay. We’re excited to show you more as we move closer to release!
🔄 UI Updates: New Unit Management and Artifacts
In response to player feedback, we’ve completely overhauled the Unit Management UI! Now, the artifact system has a splash of color, replacing the old grayscale design with vivid, unique visuals for each artifact. This update not only improves aesthetics but also helps players quickly identify and equip items during strategic planning.
Here’s a sneak peek screenshot of the new UI. We’re excited to hear what you think!
🛡️ New Warlord Faction Buildings and Units
This week, we’re focusing on the unique Warlord faction—a special occasion! Let’s introduce you to the spellcasters and elemental units that will make your enemies tremble:
Spellcaster Units:
Tier 1: Shaman Circle – Earth Shamans These mystical warriors channel the forces of the earth, offering powerful defensive magic to bolster your troops.
Tier 2: Elemental Shrine – Air Shamans Masters of the skies, Air Shamans bring speed and devastating wind attacks to the battlefield.
Tier 3: Totem of Flames – Fire Shamans Command the flames with these fierce spellcasters, unleashing fire-based attacks to scorch enemy ranks.
Tier 1: Grove of Spirits – Dryads Guardians of nature, Dryads bring healing and supportive abilities to your army.
Tier 2: Sylvan Glade – Sylphs These ethereal beings strike with the fury of the air, providing agility and magical prowess in battle.
Tier 3: Mother Tree Sanctuary – Mother Nature The embodiment of life itself, this powerful unit will protect your army while decimating foes with nature’s wrath.
💬 Join Us in Shaping Mantaria: We Want Your Feedback!
As we get closer to release, your input becomes more valuable than ever. We invite you to join our feedback and suggestions poll on Discord to help shape the game’s final stages. Your thoughts will guide us in fine-tuning the experience!
We’d also love to hear your ideas and suggestions for the Lore Pieces. If you haven’t already, check out Lore Pieces #3 and #4—we can’t wait to see what creative stories you come up with for the world of Mantaria. Your world-building ideas could influence the future of the game!
📢 Follow Us on Social Media
We’re sharing all the latest news on Discord and Twitter! Don’t forget to check out our Steam Store Page and leave your wishlist—it helps us immensely as we prepare for launch.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we approach version 0.9. Until then, keep your strategies sharp and your armies ready!
Links:
Join the Discord Feedback Poll: https://discord.gg/NNHgz8AA
Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/mosaicmask
That’s all for now! We hope you enjoy this special Warlord faction reveal, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the new spellcasters, elemental units, and game improvements. Stay tuned for more updates, warriors!
The Shields of Loyalty Team
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Lore Pieces #4
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The City of Rifthain
⠀⠀⠀⠀As the smoke from burning villages drifted into the sky, Aglovan’s gaze was fixed on the distant walls of Rifthain, now a fortress of the undead. The once-glorious city had become a dark stronghold, its proud spires crumbling under the weight of enemy corruption. Aglovan and his army had secured the shores and nearby ruins, but every step toward the city brought fiercer resistance.
⠀⠀⠀“Captain, the undead numbers are growing,” a soldier reported breathlessly. “Reinforcements are closing in from the east.”
Aglovan’s jaw tightened. The closer they came to Rifthain, the harder the enemy fought to hold it. But retreat was not an option. They had fought too hard to turn back now.
⠀⠀⠀⠀“We hold our ground,” Aglovan commanded. “Send word to the archers. Focus on the undead commanders, and we will thin their ranks. We need to push forward, or Rifthain will be lost forever.”
The sound of battle grew louder as Aglovan led his troops into the fray. Undead warriors swarmed from the city’s gates, but Aglovan’s forces stood strong, pushing back with everything they had. Every strike, every arrow, every spell was aimed at reclaiming Rifthain.
⠀⠀⠀With each passing moment, the path to the city seemed longer, but Aglovan knew they were close. They had to break through, not only for the city but for all of Mantaria.
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Lore Pieces #3
Getting Ready to Embark #2
⠀⠀⠀⠀The ship glided ashore, its hull scraping against the sands of Darkwoods. Aglovan disembarked, his gaze sweeping over the twisted landscape that was once his home. The thick, gnarled trees whispered of the evil that had taken root here. Darkwoods had fallen to the Undead, and if they were to reach Rifthain in time, they had to move quickly.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Gathering his soldiers, Aglovan issued swift orders. They would take the nearby villages and explore the ruins to establish a foothold before pressing onward. The Undead were marching toward Rifthain, and every moment of delay could seal the city's fate.
⠀⠀⠀⠀With his troops at the ready, Aglovan led a small force into the first ruin. Inside, skeletal warriors awaited them, but the fight was swift. As their bones shattered to the ground, Aglovan pressed onward, his resolve unshaken.
⠀⠀⠀⠀By dusk, one village had been reclaimed, and the ruins had yielded valuable supplies. The army was making progress, but Aglovan knew the real battle lay ahead. The path to Rifthain had only just begun, and there was no room for failure.
"We move at dawn," Aglovan declared. "The Rifthain will be ours, or we will die trying."
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Your Feedback Needed: What Should We Focus on Next?
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Hey, Loyal Shields! ⚔️
We’re looking for your valuable feedback as we continue developing Shields of Loyalty. Head over to our Discord and vote in the latest poll to tell us which aspect of the game you’d like to see us focus on next!
If the link is not working please use this invite link: https://discord.gg/NNHgz8AA
Otherwise please join the #polls channel on our Discord manually and you will see the latest poll pinned.
Also, for those interested in the world of Mantaria, keep your eyes peeled for 2 new upcoming Lore Piece featuring Aglovan’s next adventure in the Darkwoods, coming in next few days! 🌲🛡️
Join the discussion on Discord and let us know what you want to see next! Stay tuned for more exciting lore coming soon!
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Development Blog #19
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Greetings, Commanders!
In this week's DevBlog, we’ve got some exciting updates to share, including a new reskin of our Knight Faction leader Aglovan, two Warlord Faction buildings, and a sneak peek into what’s coming in next major update at the end of this month. Let’s dive in!
Upcoming Game Update: Version 0.9
We’re thrilled to announce at the end of this month, we’ll be releasing our biggest update yet—version 0.9. This update will include:
Playable Warlord Faction:
Take control of the fearsome Warlords and experience their unique playstyle.
New UIs:
A fresh user interface designed to improve usability and clarity in every aspect of the game.
Spell System:
Magic is coming! Unleash devastating spells on your enemies and manipulate the battlefield to your advantage.
New Island Map:
Explore an entirely new region of Mantaria with fresh challenges, resources, and lore to uncover.
This update brings us closer to the full launch, and we can't wait for you to experience all the new content and features!
Aglovan Reskin – The Knight Faction Leader
Our hero, Aglovan, has gone through a bit of a transformation. After revisiting his design, we realized he needed a bit of an update to match the current state of our game. Now, Aglovan looks sharper, a little older, and ready to lead his people with renewed vigor. This new reskin ensures he fits more seamlessly with the game's evolving aesthetic and tone. We can’t wait for you to see him in action!
New Warlord Faction Buildings: Hunter’s Hut & Beast Lodge
In this update, we’re excited to introduce two new Warlord Faction buildings:
Hunter’s Hut: This building is key for training your ranged units. At Tier 1, you’ll start with Spear Throwers, basic but versatile units. As you upgrade the building to Tier 2, you gain access to the more advanced Elven Bowmen, known for their precision and range. Finally, at Tier 3, you’ll be able to recruit the powerful Pyromaniacs, units that combine fire and ranged attacks to wreak havoc on enemy lines.
Beast Lodge: Focused on cavalry units, the Beast Lodge starts with Centaurs at Tier 1, swift and reliable for hit-and-run tactics. At Tier 2, you can train Deer Riders, units with enhanced mobility and strength. The final upgrade, Tier 3, unlocks the fearsome Bear Riders, cavalry units known for their immense power and durability in battle.
These buildings and units will provide crucial tactical advantages as you expand your Warlord forces!
Lore Piece #3 – Sneak Peek
Lastly, we’re excited to tease our next Lore Piece, #3, which will be released soon. In this chapter, our hero Aglovan has finally reached the shores of Darkwoods with his army. As they prepare to face the enemy forces, the tension rises, and their first contact with the enemy sets the stage for an epic confrontation. Stay tuned for more lore details to immerse yourself further into the world of Mantaria!
That’s it for DevBlog 19! Stay tuned for next week’s massive update and the release of Lore Piece #3.
The Shields of Loyalty Team
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Lore Pieces #2
Getting Ready to Embark
⠀⠀⠀⠀The ship's hull groaned as it sliced through the misty waters, the distant outline of Darkwoods coming into focus. Aglovan stood at the bow, his eyes locked on the shadowy treeline that fringed the coast. The island loomed ahead, shrouded in an eerie stillness, as if the land itself held its breath in anticipation of the coming battle.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Aglovan turned to his officers, his voice steady and commanding. "We make landfall within the hour. The enemy will be entrenched, and they will not expect us to strike so soon. That is our advantage. We must move quickly and with precision."
⠀⠀⠀⠀Captain, his trusted second-in-command, unfurled a map on the deck, the corners held down by the salt-stained fingers of seasoned warriors. "Our scouts report that the enemy’s main force is concentrated inland, near the heart of the Darkwoods. But the shores are patrolled by their vanguard, and they have erected fortifications here, here, and here," he pointed to three positions along the coast. "Our first task will be to break through these defenses and establish a foothold."
⠀⠀⠀⠀Aglovan studied the map, his mind racing through the possibilities. "We need to hit them where they’re weakest. A two-pronged assault—one group will create a diversion at the southern fort, drawing their forces away. The second group, led by me, will strike the central fortification. Once we secure the beachhead, we’ll push inland and regroup for the main assault."
⠀⠀⠀⠀The officers nodded, their faces set with grim determination. Aglovan continued, "Remember, this is just the beginning. The enemy thinks they own these lands, but they do not know the fury we bring. We fight not just for Darkwoods, but for all of Mantaria. Every inch we reclaim is a step closer to freeing our world."
⠀⠀⠀⠀He turned to address the gathered troops, their eyes shining with the same resolve that burned in his chest. "Prepare yourselves! The shores of Darkwoods await, and with them, the first victory in our campaign to liberate Mantaria. We will show them that the heart of this island still beats strong!"
⠀⠀⠀⠀As the ship drew closer to the shore, Aglovan's thoughts turned inward. This was his home, a land he had sworn to protect. The first battle was at hand, and the fate of Mantaria rested on their shoulders. But with courage, strategy, and unity, they would reclaim what was lost—and begin the long journey to restore peace to their world. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
