Mistfall: Heart of the Mists

Double Feature: Villains at the Heart of the Mists
about 10 years ago – Thu, May 26, 2016 at 03:50:53 PM

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Continuing yesterday’s idea of a double feature Update, today we come to you with a double dose of Villainy. Here are the stories of two more Villains of Heart of the Mists.

Atherak the Undying

Once a powerful master of the arcane arts, Atherak feared nothing but the passage of time. Drawing his fill from the wells of both light and dark energies, he would seek the key to unlock the secret of immortality, until his obsessive research bore grim fruit.

For decades known as a somewhat puzzling figure, sometimes ready to lend a hand to the inhabitants of Naar (but never without naming a price for his aid), Atherak became an almost forgotten recluse in his old age. Many even thought that he died, before he made a return back into the lands of the living.

Calling forth power never before seen in the world, Atherak caused a magical cataclysm that blotted out the sun and made the dead rise up from the ground. Having struck a deal with a dark power that touched his mind, now ravaged by insanity, Atherak performed a ritual that would transform his body, as well as the lands surrounding his dwelling. Hence, the first true dragon was born.

Seemingly immortal and drunk with power, Atherak raised an undead army, ready to forge an eternal kingdom of his own. Before he marched on Hammerhome, however, he was found by a Myrmidon captain by the name of Alekar, and struck down after a long and exhausting battle. And though it seemed like his reign of terror had ended before it even started, the dark power did not release its grip on the dragon. Revealing itself for the first time as the Mists, it raised Atherak, fusing his will with a skeletal body of the creature he had become. Believed to be a legend for hundreds of years, Atherak has now returned in his terrifying form, leading a massive army of undead ready to deal a crushing blow to the lands of the living.

Kesrah the Dreaming

Many new threats have emerged from the Mists since the battle of Ravencrag, and the cataclysm that tore the world apart. Some of them are merely a tale spawned by terrified minds of those, who came into contact with the Mists. Others turn out to be painfully true.

Nobody really knows who she is, but they call her “Kesrah” which means “Mother of Nightmares” in the language of the Kerathi. Wherever she appears, eyes always closed and hands dripping with blood, the land seems to freeze, as if suspended in a perpetual dream, with no day coming after the night. Those who stay there, lose the ability to sleep. Tired and tormented, they fall prey to demonic creatures that seem to walk in Kesrah’s path.

Those who survived these raids, also speak of another strange phenomenon: barely audible sounds of battle carried by the last gusts of wind. And within those sounds, a female voice shouts the Myrmidon battlecry, and calls those fighting beside her not to surrender, just before an ominous silence falls upon the land.

Some say that Kesrah can be awoken, and when that happens, her true form - for good or ill - will be revealed to the world.

What do you think of the two newest additions to the villainous roster of Heart of the Mists? If you like the stories, remember that you can always help out by telling the world about them!

Thanks!

Błażej

Double Feature: Lore and Rules!
about 10 years ago – Wed, May 25, 2016 at 09:45:55 PM

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Things are moving so fast now, that we can barely keep up. And for that reason, we have a sort of a two-in-one update: a villain story and the Rules Draft. So, let's

Eredai the Hunter

Some villains are born when a champion falls, or when a misguided individual finds nobody able to point him in the right direction, before it gets too late to counter the consequences of their actions. Some are born weak, and they seek strength among those, who are most eager to show off their power. None of this was ever true for Eredai.

Even as a boy, always taller and stronger than his peers, Eredai would exploit every opportunity to bend others to his will. Over the years of his childhood he perfected the art of bullying, and revelled in the hatred and fear other children would feel towards him. And since Valskyrrian parents usually believe that their offspring should fight their own battles, he had never been stopped, until it was too late.

Although hard to believe, all that changed for even worse, when Eredai accompanied his father into the woods, to hunt with him for the first time. Exhilarated and filled with bloodlust, he could not stop thinking about taking another life. And soon he would.

The hunt became everything for Eredai. The fear of his victims would make Eredai’s blood boil with pleasure, and he soon started to spend more time in the wilds, than in his home village. He hunted for the thrill, often flaying prey and leaving it otherwise untouched, for an entity that appeared in his thoughts, as sacrifice. And after his final and bloodiest sacrifice had been accepted, he became what he is today.

Tall as a giant but gaunt and grim, Eredai still bends the will of the creatures of the wilds. Wielding a gift bestowed by the Mists, he makes even beastmen and ravenok bow to him, as he leads them into a bloody hunt. His petrifying cry, one that Eredai unleashes only moments before making the kill haunts the wilderness from Naar to Valskyrr.

Heart of the Mists Rules Draft

The rules draft for Heart of the Mists are now available here. We are more than happy to receive your feedback, and we will take note of anything you want to tell us. You can do this in the comments, or via email, writing directly to me: blazej.kubacki(at)nskn.net

Before you dig in, there are a few things to be explained first:

1. What’s missing: There are numerous elements still missing from the rules. Most notably, graphics (together with element anatomy) and examples. These will come in later iterations of the rules. 2. Table of contents: Although it might seem obvious, it will be there after we’re done with the rules. For now, since many elements will move down (after adding art and examples), here is no point in creating one. For the same reason, every time a page is referred, it simply says “XX”.

3. Game Summary: Heart of the Mists will come with a double-sided A4 (or letter-sized) player aid with all the icons, a round summary and explanations of some game terms. Hence, no grand icon table in the rules.

Thank you all very much for your participation. And if you want to become the (rules) Loremasters of Mistfall and Heart of the Mists, here is you chance.

As always, have a great day!

Błażej

A call for action, and a note to all of you.
about 10 years ago – Wed, May 25, 2016 at 12:12:49 AM

Ladies and Gentlemen!

This is a kind of a unique update for me, as I speak as much for NSKN Games, as I do for myself. With the 48 hour mark and the final stretch of the project now upon us, I come to you to both ask you all for a favour, and to thank you for what you have done.

As you saw, we’ve just unlocked another Stretch Goal at the $108K level. We have already updated the Streth Goal so that now it includes all we have prepared for Heart of the Mists. Now you know everything (for the Game of Thrones fans among you: now you are an antithesis of Jon Snow) that may await us all during the last 48 hours of the project.

So here’s the request we, NSKN Games, come to you with: tell others about Heart of the Mists. Simply click “Share this Project” or link to it in a post on Facebook or Reddit, or in a Tweet, or in a corner of the internet we know nothing of, and tell others what you think of this whole endeavour. We’ve come a long way, but we can go even further!

And should you decide to grant us this favour, tell people the truth: tell them what you liked or disliked, tell them of how we do hat we do, and how you feel about it. Tell them to believe your opinion, or to check us out. Say what you want to say, and help us push Heart of the Mists even further!

And now, for the personal part…

I designed Mistfall and Heart of the Mists, and I’ve seen how much love my creation received from all of you. It has been a truly amazing journey, and I thank you all for every step of it. I also created Shadowscape, and I followed through with an idea that seemed mad: I showed you the game in its rawest form, offered it to you, and asked you to follow me once again, this time into the thickest Mists.

And follow you did! I asked, and you answered. Hundreds of you backed Shadowscape, giving me an outstanding vote of confidence. It’s hard to find words to express how amazing this feels, but I think that we may all have just touched the pure essence of what Kickstarter and crowdfunding really is about: making dreams come true – and taking an awesome form.

I have said it a few times before, and although I always meant it, never has it been more true for me than it is today:

YOU ARE AWESOME.

I am honoured to be in your company today. Thank you all, and let’s make those last 48 hours a time to remember!

Yours

Błażej

Lore Update: Durgen the Weaponsmith
about 10 years ago – Tue, May 24, 2016 at 11:23:13 PM

Ladies and Gentlemen

Having already given you a story of Sigraed, I would like to quickly catch up and introduce to you the last Hero of the Heart of the Mists roster. Enter Durgen the Weaponsmith, and his story.

Kerathi Weaponsmiths

Although discipline, great skill and an indomitable will are what defines a Myrmidon, it’s the round shield and a shining spear that make the fierce Kerathi warriors most easily recognizable wherever they go. Few outside Naar know however, that the battlegear of each and every Myrmidon is forged in one place only: deep within the bowels of Mount Kerath, under the city of Hammerhome.

The skilled craftsmen that raise their hammers to bring Myrmidon weapons and armour into existence believe themselves to be merely craftsmen, although to the world outside of their craft hall they are much more.

Called Kerathi Weponsmiths outside of their homeland (even though the name is somewhat imprecise), they are known as unparalleled artisans, and wielders of powerful magic, able to twist fire and earth to their will. But the Weaponsmiths are also skilled in the art of combat, as each craftsman must learn to use and wear what he or she is to make for others. As part of their training, they often fight alongside Myrmidons or accompany military missions as warriors, protectors and master of the arcane.

Durgen Ironfist

Born and raised in the shadow of Mount Kerath, Durgen has led a life considered standard for a Kerathi Weaponsmith. He forged his first real weapon by the age of fifteen. A few years later he stood with the Myrmidons against a horde of horrors led by a malformed abomination he personally felled with his blade. Then, after another few years, he returned to Hammerhome and started spending his days labouring over weapons and shields for the Myrmidons.

Many Weaponsmisths find their time too scarce to found families, and Durgen was no exception. He did, however, managed to forge a few friendships, including one with a Myrmidon captain called Naertha, and her young daughter Terhu. Widowed only a year after childbirth, Naertha was happy to find a friend more than willing to stand in for Tehru father.

When Naertha fell in battle, Durgen mourned her at Terhu’s side, and when the girl was accepted into the ranks of Myrmidons, he forged every single piece of her battlegear, and he would always be the one to await her return from a raid against the Mists. Until the time she did not come back.

Hearing news of her abduction by a winged Mist sorcerer, Durgen left the craft hall to find Naertha’s child. Determined to tear her out of the clutches of the Mists and shamed by how easily the winged abomination dealt with her armour and shield, Durgen is now travelling between Valskyrr and Naar, hoping to rejoin Valkea an aid her in the search for her companion and his beloved child.

Durgen as Player Character

Durgen is a Hero that can both use Weapons effectively, as well as add some extra punch to any Weapon attacks, mixing it all with some magic abilities that can both protect his allies, and deal damage to Enemies.

Able to influence other players’ attacks, Durgen can also be a great support character, which makes him a smart choice for players who enjoy interacting with the abilities of other Heroes – and making them stronger.

Do you like Durgen’s story? Share your thoughts and, as always, have a great day!

Błażej

Sigraed Returns!
about 10 years ago – Tue, May 24, 2016 at 07:17:58 PM

Ladies and Gentlemen!

A truly great day has come for the universe of Mistfall! With her Stretch Goal unlocked Sigraed, once known as one of the most dangerous villains of Valskyrr, now returns in Heart of the Mists as a Hero. Here is her story.

The Mistflame

Once a promising student of the Dathnafar Loreforge, Sigraed was drawn into machinations of a powerful noble Steadholme family, who felt spited by Thaela, Sigraed’s teacher and headmistress of the Flamecaster Academy. The intrigue resulted in Thaela’s violent death in a trap that was supposed to destroy Sigraed herself.

Driven to the brink of madness by despair, Sigraed first left Dathnafar and travelled north to seek a noble death, destroying servants of the Mists, but was instead corrupted by their power, and turned against both those who tried to destroy her, as well as those who were once on her side. She returned to Dathnafar, incited a rebellion in the ranks of young Flamecasters, and set most of the city ablaze in a rampage that killed all but one member of the Steadholme house.

Barely driven away, Sigraed moved to the north again, where she continued to sow destruction, until Frostvalley dispatched a group seasoned adventurers to deal with her. After a dramatic race against time, Sigraed was finally cornered by three of them: Celenthia, a Wizard of Dathnafar; Hareag a Ravencrag Frost Mage; and Crow, a Frostvalley Seeker.

The three managed to overpower Sigraed, and as the two mages held the destructive power at bay, Crow moved in for the kill. But as the Flamecaster saw his face, her fury exploded with an even greater strength, and then turned into a violent maelstrom, which swallowed both her and the Seeker.

The Battle of Ravencrag

Over a year later, after Frostvalley Keep had already accepted the bitter price of victory over the Mistflame, Crow returned, bringing with a him a mysterious figure clad in dark cloak. Refusing to talk about his absence, he only said that he is bringing a warning, and that both Forstvalley and Ravencrag must mobilize immediately, as a great force is amassing in northern Valskyrr.

The grim news checked out, as returning scouts were reporting next to no activity in the closer regions of lands formerly corrupted by the Mists. The forces of Frostvalley moved with desparate speed, and managed to reach Ravencrag just as a grand battle was about to begin. The Ravencrag Furies and Shieldbearers stood together with all who would answer the call, but it became quickly apparent that their chances were slim, as the forces of the Mists were led by Rahlfors, the betrayer of Frostvalley and Sigraed.

Just as it seemed all would be lost, Sigraed suddenly turned on Rahlfors, laying fiery waste to the ranks of the servants of the Mists. Her betrayal tipped the scales of battle, and despite huge losses suffered by the defenders, Ravencrag did not fall, and a decisive blow was dealt to the Mists. Rahlfors however, once again eluded Frostvalley’s grasp, and even managed to do what he once failed to do: kill the Lord Commander of the Keep, before taking flight and vanishing in the Mists once more.

The Dawnfire

Those who saw the moment Sigraed switched sides, tell stories of a shadowy spirit being torn out from the body of Sigraed by a sudden surge of energy, originating from the ranks of Shieldbearers. Only few know, that the phenomenon was a carefully prepared ritual, based on knowledge Crow brought back with him, and performed by Celenthia, protected from Sigraed’s view by her magic and the shadowy art of Melekai, a new ally that had come to Frostvalley with Crow.

After the battle Sigraed returned under guard to Frostvalley Keep, where she spent months with priests and Loremasters, all astonished by the change she had undergone. Seemingly chosen by Dawn herself, she is now the bearer and guardian of Dawnfire, a mystical force that has been granted by the goddess to only few mortals.

Now, as Sigraed joins the ranks of protectors of Valskyrr and Naar, she has already let herself be known to the forces of the Mists, and even as the dark power strikes at humanity once again, its minions flinch or outright flee, as the fiery gaze of the Dawnfire falls upon them.

What you see above is also the render of Sigraed's miniature. However, this is work in progress, and we alredy know that there will be a few changes between now and the final version. Still, this should be quite close to the final outcome.

So, how did you like the story of Sigraed? Tell us, share your thoughts, and have a great day!

Błażej