Strum your lutes RPG-fans! A new major update is out: The Bard class, Steam Deck and controller support, more art, new portraits, raised level-cap and the list goes on (see full version notes at the end of this post). [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40332547/51f5d0638bb5c1fd1452111d28acea2d6ec4842e.jpg[/img] We’re participating in the Steam Turn-Based RPG Fest this week and this means we’re going on sale with 25% off both the main game and the Reinforcement Pack! Skald was already value-packed but this is just next level. Buy the game for yourself or as a gift and be sure to take the opportunity to upgrade to the Deluxe edition if you’ve not already done so! https://store.steampowered.com/app/1069160/SKALD_Against_the_Black_Priory/ [h2]The Update[/h2] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40332547/9e0bb4f5f41ab10ca78d34d291697ee60b98e59c.gif[/img] I’m pretty happy to finally get the bard in there. It was one of the most frequently requested new features of the game and I agree that it really felt like something was missing without it. The class is a Rogue subtype that comes with its own, custom magic-school. They even play their lute while casting spells. And did I mention that we added a good handful of new backgrounds as well? [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40332547/c2b8b995be0be812856e6f935d1515a9fdbae93f.png[/img] And in case you’re tired of looking at the same old faces, we also added 11 new portraits for you to select! Huzza! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40332547/0312d35437ef3b7d0e11df55995a544c648df022.png[/img] In addition to adding new portraits, we also took the opportunity to add a bunch of missing illustrations to the game. These are all by MechaBarbarian and I probably don’t need to tell you, they are stunning. Can you find them all? [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40332547/dcddd25eb6b3990e27d950ccafc9e02628e6831f.png[/img] This one was another frequently requested matter: Full controller and Steam Deck support! We even got the green checkmark from Valve telling you we’re Steam Deck supported. All in all, I’m super happy with how the game plays using controllers. There’s still a handful of minor idiosyncrasies but RPGs are complicated and there are only so many buttons! I’m sure we’ll iron it out by the next update. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40332547/bc716eee9c122b6b80048a262d5079589a48fb25.png[/img] [h2]What’s Next?[/h2] We’re aiming for a new major update around Christmas. I can’t say too much about it but it’s sure to make a lot of you happy and to keep you entertained for a long time. More info to follow. I would also like to ensure all the crowdfunding backers who still have outstanding rewards that you’ll be getting more info on this soon. There’s a lot of moving pieces and I just need to be sure not to screw this one up. More info to follow (I promise). So, what are all the “moving pieces”? Well I can’t really say anything other than that I’m lining up the next project for High North Studios. Sadly, it’ll be some time before I can tell you what it is, but I’ll say this much: If you liked Skald, you’ll LOVE this. More info to follow! [h2]Version Notes[/h2] [b]FEATURES[/b] – There are now a good number of different CRT-filters to choose from – The game now natively supports controller play on PC and Steam Deck – You may now use the mouse-wheel to scroll while mousing over menus and text fields – The game’s playability on Steam Deck has been vastly improved – You can now use the move-buttons / left joystick to deploy party members in the pre-combat party placement state (until now you’ve had to use the mouse). – Pressing the “Swap Character” button (‘Q’ / RIGHT BUMPER) in combat, cycles through available targets – Character level cap is raised to 25 – Certain enemies in the late game will now scale past level 20 making the end-game slightly more difficult – Added new Bard class. This includes a new school of spells. – Added new Backgrounds: Entertainer, Laborer, Monastic, Nomad, Snake-Cultist – Fixed a bug where Horryn Guards roam around after you retake the city [b]ART[/b] – Added a dozen new illustrations – Added 10 new player portraits [b]MISC[/b] – Fixed typos – Improved font readability slightly – Song of soothing now heals less HP – Circle of Healing now heals more HP – In general, all healing effects now heal a bit more on average