As the dawn of 2024 breaks, the All Torpor Games Team is thrilled to extend our warmest New Year greetings and share the excitement of forthcoming revelations.
Welcome to the January broadcast, where we'll unveil fresh treasures and exciting news that have been simmering behind the scenes!
We've kicked off 2023 with some fantastic strides in the development of our Kingdom of Rizia DLC. This month, we had an exciting, showcasing session at the Games Circle #3 event where we showcased the war mechanic. The feedback has been invaluable, steering the final UI adjustments and the crafting of an intuitive tutorial to make the experience more accessible. Meanwhile, audio has been working magic, enhancing game scenes with more dynamic music and carefully chosen sound effects to amp up the immersion.
The storyline development has been another key focus. We’ve been refining multiple storylines, ensuring they're not only compelling but also align beautifully with the overall game mechanics, like the royal decrees, armed forces, and war. Our narrative team is working hard to deliver a rich, engaging story that is both personal and political.
We've also hit a major milestone with the completion of our final character portrait for Rizia. This achievement sets the stage for developing better character customization assets for King Romus. We are gearing up for the second wave of closed testing, we’re honing in on the crucial aspects of game setup, and game balance, like story outcomes and resource management. The testing will heavily aid us in fine-tuning the experience.
As we push into the 'final stretch phase, our team's dedication is stronger than ever. We're pouring our hearts and souls into every bit of the Kingdom of Rizia DLC. Keep your eyes peeled for some exciting news about how you can support us as we bring this new labor of love in the Suzerain Universe to life!
Introducing the Armed Forces Panel, designed to provide a comprehensive overview of military resources, training pool, and various specialized factors. It will allow to gain valuable insights, helping strategic decision-making and optimizing the efficiency of military operations and power projection.
Here is a little sneak peek of how the Chinese localization is going.
Exciting news! We're gearing up for a major Roleplaying Event set in the Kingdom of Rizia, hosted within our Discord community. To make this smooth and enjoyable for everyone, we're on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals to help us manage and facilitate the role play. Interested in joining the team? Please fill out the form linked here, you have until February 15th. If you're feeling the call to this experience, don't hesitate to sign up!
Today, we're delighted to present an exclusive soundtrack for Rizia, masterfully crafted by our talented composer, James Spence. We hope you enjoy this auditory journey and have a wonderful listening experience. Tune in and let the music of Rizia enchant you!
Last but not least, we have begun our second wave of closed testing and we are looking for new passionate voluntary testers. We’re honing in on the crucial aspects of game setup, and game balance, like story outcomes and resource management. The testing will heavily aid us in fine-tuning the experience.
The 1926 Uprising was the largest attempt in history to overthrow the Rizian monarchy. It began with a naval mutiny against King Valero's orders, supported by a coalition of pro-democracy movements. Rebels seized cities, including Montaklar, where reigning Duke Ferran Azaro was killed. Among the leaders of the rebellion was Duke Lucas of House Sazon, who co-orchestrated the kidnapping of royal heir Romus Toras to force the King to cooperate. King Valero sought Wehlen's help, resulting in the transfer of the territory of Zille. Wehlen's troops defeated the rebels with the help of the remaining loyalists to the throne. The kidnappers were apprehended and executed, with Lucas Sazon’s pregnant wife Angelica sent into exile on the Island of Caleqabiz. Hugo Toras, brother of King Valero, assumed stewardship of Iza in the Sazons’ absence.
As a concession, the King established a symbolic parliament called the "House of Delegates", consisting mostly of hand-picked representatives from nationalist/monarchist factions. The military leadership underwent a near-entire purge, with officials from or loyal to House Azaro taking most of the top positions.
Rizia advances, reclaims territories from Pales; Lespia urged for support.
Rizia advances, reclaims territories from Pales; Lespia urged for support.
February 1st 1924
In a swift and strategic offensive, Rizia has successfully reclaimed its former territories up to the borders at Terador and Fort Ales in the ongoing Pales War. The surprise assault has dealt a blow to Pales, which now vows to defend its remaining lands.
Pales has urgently appealed to Lespia for assistance in shoring up its defenses. The international community watches closely as Lespia weighs the decision to intervene in a conflict that continues to reshape the geopolitical landscape.
As the war enters a critical phase, Rizia celebrates its victories while remaining vigilant for potential counterattacks. The outcome hangs in the balance, and the plea to Lespia adds a diplomatic layer to the unfolding conflict, leaving the region on edge with anticipation.
Hugo Toras is the younger brother of the late Rizian king Valero Toras and the uncle of the current king Romus Toras. He serves on the Royal Council as Grand Vizier and holds the titles of Duke of Valenqiris and Duke of Iza.
He accompanied his mother Queen Lyza Toras on royal visits from a young age. After studying at Benievon Academy in Valenqiris, he became a royal ambassador with the Ariana Toras Association, promoting the Rizian language and values in Rika and Xina. He returned to Rizia upon the death of Queen Lyza and the ascension of his brother to the throne, becoming the ruling Duke of Valenqiris in Valero's stead.
As Duke, he steered clear of the limelight, avoiding the press and marrying his wife Rita in a small, closed ceremony. He assumed the title of Duke of Iza when he and his family were sent to the city to restore control after the 1926 uprising. In 1948, he was summoned to Porte Drazon by King Valero to replace his just-fired Grand Vizier. Since assuming that position, he has been a behind-the-scenes figure in the capital, appearing in public only on formal occasions.
PALES – In a significant move, the onetime Valgish colony of Pales, led by Duke Otto Reinhart III, declared itself an independent Grand Duchy today. This declaration, a result of over a year of political and diplomatic maneuvering, marks a new chapter in the region's history following the tumultuous collapse of the Valgos Empire.
Pales, known for its strategic importance and rich natural resources, was claimed from Rizia by the Valgs in the late 17th century, expanding its territory in 1805 as a consequence of the War of Rizian Succession. While many expected that the peninsula would simply rejoin Rizia after the Valgos Empire succumbed to revolution, the Reinharts seem to have other plans.
The Grand Duke's speech, focusing on themes of freedom and progress, was met with public celebration as the Pales national flag was raised for the first time. While the Kingdom of Rizia has yet to respond formally, the move by Pales adds to the reshaping of the Merkopan borders and alliances in the aftermath of the war. The world watches as Pales steps into an era of self-determination and sovereignty.
King Valero “The Frail” Toras (1881-1949) was the reigning monarch of Rizia from 1918 until his death.
The oldest child of Queen Lyza Toras, he opted to attend Iza University rather than serve on his mother’s council. There, he gained notoriety for his drunken exploits, often carried out in the company of an entourage that the press nicknamed the “Princely Posse”. One such adventure resulted in his whirlwind romance with commoner Estela Bartos, whom he married in 1903.
After Valero’s graduation, he moved with Estela to Monqiz, where he reigned as Duke during the largely peaceful last years of the Lyzian era. Upon his mother’s death in 1918, he ascended to the throne in a ceremony protested by those who questioned his legitimacy and that of the Rizian monarchy. Cynics have claimed that he mounted Rizia’s subsequent military campaign on Pales as a distraction from these concerns.
While many never forgave King Valero for the failed Pales campaign, the 1926 uprising, and the 1927 Zille Agreement, his popularity was boosted in the following years by the establishment of the House of Delegates as well as Rizia’s alliance with Rumburg and the resulting years of trade prosperity. However, despite the kingdom’s seeming recovery, Valero remained paranoid of threats and reluctant to spend his mounting budget surplus. Rizia slipped into stagnation during the last decade of his reign, earning him his “The Frail” moniker.
He passed away from a reported heart attack in 1949 and was succeeded by his son, Romus Toras.
From the humble shores of Zille to the grand halls of Rizian Royalty, the story of Queen Mother Estela Toras (née Bartos) is nothing short of a fairy tale.
Born into a fishing family, Estela's early life was far from the opulence of royalty. Yet, destiny had its plans. Moving to Porte Drazon in her teens, she worked as a waitress at the Sunset Lounge, where fate intertwined her path with Valero Toras, the heir to the Rizian throne.
Their love story broke barriers and set tongues wagging. Against all odds and amidst a whirlwind of scandal, their love triumphed.
As Queen Consort, Estela brought a breath of fresh air to the royal family. Her gregarious charm, daring fashion sense, and genuine warmth won hearts far and wide, reshaping public perception and redefining royal elegance.
Despite facing unwarranted criticism and resistance from traditionalists, her spirit remained unbroken. She continued to emanate hope and resilience, proving that true royalty comes not from bloodlines, but from the heart.
It's a woman who rose above her station, not just in status, but in grace and dignity. Queen Mother Estela Toras, is a true embodiment of the saying: "Where there is love, there is life."
The 1805 War of Rizian Succession: A Tale of Power and Betrayal
🔥 The 1805 War of Rizian Succession: A Tale of Power and Betrayal 🔥
The death of King Xavi Rubaz set the stage for a legendary battle for the throne. Three heirs, each with a claim, plunged the kingdom into a historic struggle.
👸🏼 Ariana Toras: Daughter and trusted confidante of King Xavi, possessed of regal elegance and keen political instincts. With her marriage to the Toras family of Valenqiris, she commanded the naval prowess of the Valgos Empire.
👸🏻 Ana Azaro: The twin sister of Ariana, and the fire to her ice. A skilled equestrian and archer, she won national tournaments, but never the one prize she truly wanted: her father’s favor. She allied with the Duke of Montaklar in pursuit of Moridia’s power.
🤴🏻 Fedo Sazon: The firstborn son of the queen proved an unexpected contender, fueled by ambition and supported by the fading yet fierce Mousser Empire. His campaign was a wild storm, challenging the very foundations of the kingdom.
The war raged on for four long years, with each heir displaying courage and cunning. But in the end, it was Ariana and the Toras family who claimed victory, writing a new chapter in Rizia's history.
Today, we present the life and inheritance of one of Rizia's most influential leaders, Queen Lyza Toras. Symbol of wisdom and modernity, she ascended to the throne at 17 and skillfully navigated the nation through significant transformations.
🏭 Under her rule, Rizia flourished with rapid industrialization, particularly in gold mining and manufacturing. But her greatest achievements lay in her progressive reforms. A staunch advocate for education and gender equality, Lyza revolutionized our society by introducing compulsory schooling for all children and empowering women in the workforce.
🌐 Diplomat, she forged crucial trade agreements, notably with the Kingdom of Sordland, reinforcing Rizia's economy. Her support for the arts and sciences led to the creation of numerous institutions, nurturing Rizian culture and innovation.
💍 Personal challenges, including a late marriage under political pressure and the loss of her husband, marked her reign, but her resilience never flickered. Her sons, Valero and Hugo, continued her lineage, each shaped by her presence and values.
📚 While her approach to royal authority and democracy invited criticism, Queen Lyza's vision and policies have left an indelible mark on Rizian history. Her insights on leadership and societal development are still taught in schools, inspiring new generations.
🕊️ Queen Lyza "The Great" - a ruler whose wisdom and foresight transcended her time, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate in the heart of every Rizian.
As we step into the fresh beginnings of 2024, the entire team at Torpor Games wishes you a Happy New Year! 🎉
The journey we've embarked on together has been nothing short of amazing, and we're thrilled to continue this adventure with you. Expect 2024 to be a year filled with excitement and new developments!
As we look forward to the upcoming year, let's also take a moment to reflect on the milestones we achieved in 2023. We've compiled all the significant updates and achievements of the past year in the State of Torpor Games 2023 Updates report. ✨
Dive into the details of our journey last year and get a glimpse of what we've accomplished together. Read the full report here: State of Torpor Games 2023 Report
Thank you for being an integral part of our community. Here's to making 2024 an unforgettable year!
