Dynasty of the Sands Dev Blog #5: Navigating the Divine

Dynasty of the Sands

Be the architect of your own Egyptian empire in this meditative survival city builder, where every decision, no matter how small, has lasting consequences. Survive alongside your people, expand your influence across the Nile and create a grand Dynasty to rival the gods themselves. Paradise awaits.

[img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/36650433/23fb7378846c3ac8b553afb1ec636d649210a461.png[/img] In the world of [i]Dynasty of the Sands[/i], set in the ancient land of Egypt, divinity reigns. This realm is alive with deities and they are watching your every step as you build your civilization from the ground up. In this developer blog, we’re talking about one of the most requested topics so far – the Gods system within [i]Dynasty of the Sands[/i]. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/36650433/257fc86ae6407787695f27bb79d0cd7402158fc0.png[/img] [h3]Meeting the Gods[/h3] Each playthrough introduces you to three gods, each with their own unique personalities and demands. These divine beings gradually emerge throughout the game, watching your every move and passing judgment on your rule. As you progress, their demands become ever more extreme, and their patience wears thin until you satisfy their desires. For example, one of the gods you’ll meet is [b]Khepri[/b], the legendary god of the rising sun. Khepri is a manifestation of the sun's warmth that radiates to even the darkest corners of your civilization. Represented by a scarab beetle holding the sun, Kephri is an optimistic and vibrant god, seeing great promise in your leadership and ascension. [i]In a vision of light and heat, Khepri, the Dawn Beetle stands before you. "I see promise in your pursuit. A difficult but triumphant path can be followed, if only the right steps are taken. Build an idol so I might guide you on your journey to greatness."[/i] It’s no surprise then that pursuing worship of Khepri is a worthwhile endeavor. Keeping it's favor grants powerful benefits, such as greatly reducing the frequency of negative climates, including Sandstorms, Droughts and Heatwaves. Khepri also has a significant effect on the growth of your population, with new villagers joining your civilization at an increased rate under its watchful eye. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/36650433/04281a64bdee31417df1950b3ca5fd72867757d5.png[/img] [h3]Divine Structures[/h3] To show your devotion, you will construct various symbols of faith, ranging from humble wooden idols to opulent temples crafted from limestone, sandstone, and even precious gold. These divine structures draw villagers into their aura, slowly converting them into loyal followers of the gods. As you build these structures and gain the favor of the gods, you will slowly raise your standing with each individual god, eventually attaining the ranks of Follower, Disciple and Prophet. This divine ascension unlocks powerful benefits for your civilization. [previewyoutube=xB3p-gi_h8w;full][/previewyoutube] [h3]Blessings and Curses[/h3] Every god you align with bestows upon you potent blessings. From fertility boons that accelerate your crop growth to reducing sickness that plagues your population, these blessings are a great benefit to success along your journey. However, be warned! Neglecting the gods' requests can have dire consequences. As their patience dwindles, you risk falling from divine grace, becoming an apostate, and suffering the consequences of your neglect. Apostates receive potent debuffs, and an offering must be made to once again attain the favor of the gods. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/36650433/05bda8b865969f821fcf1e530071bd3d7a4efb67.png[/img] [h3]The Dynamic Balance[/h3] The challenge of the gods system lies in the delicate balance you must attain. As you nurture your civilization, you will juggle between meeting divine demands and managing your resources. Choices you make, from constructing grand shrines to distributing resources wisely, shapes your relationship with the gods, and your people. You, the Pharaoh will determine what resources you allocate to your people, and to worship. You may choose to ignore the gods, in favor of building great statues of yourself, or you may heed their every request, even at the cost of your own people. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/36650433/cc4b5c8895badefbf01518ecfe3c20a09a53e9d0.png[/img] As you embark on your journey through the sands of time, remember: the gods above are your witnesses, and your judges. Until next time, aspiring pharaohs, may your dynasties rise to greatness. — [i]Dynasty of the Sands[/i] is available to Wishlist on [url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1143070/Dynasty_of_the_Sands/?beta=0]Steam[/url] now! 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