TIGSource Forums

Overview
 
Summoners Fate is a top-down adventure that combines exploration, card collecting and tactical combat. You play the role of “fate” itself personified as a deity-like entity to the characters that inhabit the world - so much so that the characters “look up” at you during your turn, seeking your lead to guide them. Special characters called Summoners are particularly attuned to your presence. They are your direct link to their world. Through your Summoner, you can play the “hand of fate”, a literal hand of cards representing magical spells that you can use to rain fireballs upon your enemies or summon new creatures onto the battlefield.


About the Dev Team
 
Developing this game is a small team of indies known as D20Studios consisting of myself (main developer/designer), my wife Kelly (marketing) and Peter Jones (artist and animator) all based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Plus, we have our fantastic art production team, Oray Studios, based in Indonesia.


Why did I make this game?
 
Summoners Fate was inspired by games like Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer, Hero Quest, and Magic the Gathering. I’m an avid fan of deep strategy and victories achieved using diverse teams and combinations of unique abilities and tactics. My goal is to capture the amazing feeling of creative strategic mastery these games deliver by building a vessel that allows others to share in that experience without the overhead of complex rules and large time commitment.
 
To that end, I chose mobile phone as the primary platform for Summoners Fate: it’s tactile, fast, responsive - and you carry it with you always. That’s not to say we’re limited; our cross-platform tech will enable the game to scale to tablets, PC and Mac as well - but I love the idea that you can masterfully command an epic fantasy party using quick one hand gestures to make tactical maneuvers and blast spells.
 
Summoners Fate is my second indie game and I consider it a spiritual successor to my first game, Hero Mages, which shared the same objective of delivering an accessible strategy experience. Hero Mages differs from Summoners Fate in that it was originally designed as a tabletop board game and then converted to a digital online game. It was entirely multiplayer, supporting up to 8 players, with a fixed set of characters and cards to choose and randomized combat with actual D20 dice roll animations. With Summoners Fate, I wanted to expand the world, diversity, and customization. Where Hero Mages had 20 characters and 40 abilities, Summoners Fate will feature over 200 characters and 400 cards for launch as well as an ever-changing single player experience (in addition to real-time and async multiplayer options). I’ve designed the content system with intent for expansion - once the game is launched, new levels and cards will be added regularly. My aim and hope is to service and please a very niche community of fans for many years to come in the future. I am a community driven developer, and seek regular feedback and requests - shout out if you’ve got em’.
 
What’s the game-play experience like?
 
On a macro level, you are exploring a fantasy world with your main Summoner character via a series of connected saga-style maps. Maps themselves are simple, with a handful of key landmarks - they look like pirate treasure maps. Each map is a very lightweight story intended to provide a sense of atmosphere and cryptic meaning to the encounters you have within the levels depicted on them. I want the player to derive their own story, their own meaning from the framework provided, rather than be explicit about the events and sequence.
 

When you tap a destination on the map, it starts up a scenario. Here, the game becomes like a miniature version of a dungeon from Legend of Zelda, Link to the Past. You explore the destination one room/one screen at a time. Rooms can vary in their objective (ranging from combat to light puzzles to varied game objective). Primarily, these are tactical, turn-based battles where you play out combat in a style akin to a combination of Hero Quest (taking action with each of your characters from a top-down perspective) and Hearthstone (playing cards from your hands to create additional units or manipulate the battle with magical spells).
 

At a micro-level, the smallest “chunk” of gameplay is clearing a single room. Rooms are designed to take an average of 3 minutes to finish, making them ideal segments for mobile gameplay sessions. For players seeking a longer session, the rooms daisy-chain together seamlessly, so it’s really up to you how long you go for. What keeps it interesting is that as you cast spells/take damage/lose heroes, the results of your actions carry with you to the next room. This entails considerations on both a tactical level as well as a strategy/endurance level. Did you prepare a deck meant to win against a boss, survive rooms filled with traps, or both?
 
While the micro gameplay experience is short, it’s by no means diluted. During early development, some of my players were initially turned off by the smaller maps and limited number of actions per character, so I worked with them to find ways to make a deeper experience with less overhead. For instance, rather than having a separate move and attack action, move and attack are combined in a single gesture. Instead of having to click a character, click a menu and click a button (phew!) you simply drag your finger from a character, creating a movement path to a desired position, and then (if desired) combine that with an attack. The path you choose is important because it determines where your character will face relative to the enemy. Attacking in the back has strategic advantage (the enemy can’t attack you back) and some characters even gain bonus damage for backstabbing.
 

Another key was creating diverse terrain and environment that mattered by changing how units move through it or use it for cover and defense: swamp tiles that slow movement, lava that burns units, rocks that block line of sight. To take that even further, many spells are designed to interact with environment, like this “Animate Tree” spell that can transform trees into monsters.
 

On a meta-level, you’re on a quest to collect more characters and more cards to expand your strategic diversity. I say diversity rather than “power” as its better represents the spirit of the card collection mechanic. Some games leverage leveling mechanics where your power in the game is driven more by what you have than how you play. Personally, I see the goal to collect cards in the game driven by a desire to experiment with new and creative ways to win. If the balancing goes well, I’d love for it to play like out like the rock-paper-scissors feel of StarCraft. The different races aren’t more powerful than one another, but choosing the right characters at the right time leads to victory.
 
Beyond the single player adventures and meta-card collecting, the game opens up to multiplayer matches and eventually guild/clan competitions. That way, there’s a diversity of goals for everyone and a lot of possibilities for players to find value in their investment of the game.
 
And that’s Summoners Fate...so far!
 
Thanks for reading about my project and please feel welcome to hang around. There’s a lot of cool things going on with development that I’m excited to share: custom tools we’re building, new art and animations, design mechanics and more! I am driven by the community and would love to hear your feedback, ideas and suggestions. I also love to help out and support other developers - if there’s something we’re doing that you like and want to know how we did it, please ask. More updates on our progress each week :)
 
Key Links
 
Official Game Website: http://www.summonersfate.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D20Studios/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/d20studio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d20studios/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9E6fUzGgUy6YuPdNmStTQw or http://www.gamedevchats.com
Our Youtube channel, Game Dev Chats, is about creating a game company, game development and game marketing.

It made me sad when I saw you had no Replies yet. So I just wanted to say it looks great! Your art looks nice a polished and I love the idea of playing cards during a strategy RPG. Very neat concept! Cheers!

Thank you so much, Odinkong, that means a lot! I realize our game is a niche concept and won't appeal to everyone, but I do hope those who like strategy/RPG/CCG style games take a look and share their impressions and feedback. It's always helpful to understand how the game is perceived and if I could be doing better to represent it.

Looking good! I like the consistent perspective towards top down for your strategy elements, one could relate to it to the magic of a board game grid experience. 

Overall it's looking very polished with the UI, the art, as well as the swift touch gestures from your videos.  :coffee: 

Thanks, man! I just really dig these kinds of games :) Top-down solved a lot of challenges for both the art production and user interface on mobile. We were considering isometric at one point. I noted that you were developing on mobile as well and I am curious how you will handle your controls to overcome the angled perspective. Then again- I never used 3D - and that certainly gives you lots of advantages to manipulate the board for viewing different angles. Anyway, we should stay in touch - I foresee a lot of opportunity to learn from each other and how we choose to implement various things (AI, controls, mechanics). Let me know when you have a build ready, I would love to check it out and give you feedback (and vice versa).

I'm also working on a tactical Rpg for android, however were actually making ours in real time no turns. I'll have a dev log up tomorrow. I was an idiot and thought you were supposed to make a new thread for each post so I did that for two weeks instead... Anyway I would love to keep in touch with both of you. We share the love of a genre.

Exciting! Yes, I would love to learn more about your project and play-test/offer feedback as well. I remember playing a real-time tactics game on Android a few years back called Champs Battleground - I wonder if you've heard of it? They used cool-down timers to pace the unit abilities. It was interesting - if you attempted to move to a space at the same time as opponent, you could get blocked and sent back to your previous space depending on who actually made the move first - it was pretty intense and added an interesting feel to the genre. Curious to learn more about your design.

I just checked out a game play trailer of champs. It was pretty neat, its almost like the way the way ff7 does fighting where its kind of turn based, but if you wait to long you will get penalized. However our game is significantly faster. The main difference with our game is that units attack on their own whatever is in front of them, so it really plays like an action game. I would love to show you some game play and if you google Raven's Path you will find some, but the footage I put out a couple weeks ago is a bit slower than our usual game play. I though people would want to see the simple stuff first. Boy was I wrong they want to see the fast action packed confusing crazy stuff, so I'm working on putting together a mashup of better footage for a month or so now. I'll be sure to let you know when its ready, and I would love to send you a demo when we can for feed back. Btw I love the fact that you are using mana for the cards. Your game looks like an amazing mashup of magic hearthstone and tactics.

Ah, I see now! Its sort of like a constantly moving forward/non-stop action RPG. There's another game I played on Android a few months ago that had a similar structure, though it was turn based and moving along a horizontal board instead of vertical. I went through my app history trying to find it but no luck, they may have pulled it or renamed it. If I remember, I'll let you know. Anyway, looks good! I would definitely recommend changing your title name. There's a lot of content - some kind of paranormal/spiritual show/website/music album that all comes up before I was able to find your gameplay video.

Hello! ;) My name is Kelly Przybylski, and I work with my husband Ross at our indie studio in Utah, D20Studios. We're developing our 2nd game - Summoners Fate - and I help out with the marketing. I'll be sharing daily updates on progress of our game and asking for feedback. We really want this game to be community driven - we like to get input and let players help us drive development  :handthumbsupL:

Here's my first update - FIRE SORCERESS! She is one of over 200 playable characters we will feature in Summoners Fate. A little about her:


What do you think? Do you enjoy playing with fire? :eyebrows:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18835971_1950850085144442_8389961659499899298_n.jpg?oh=a0d0dafebdf9460914b2c47ba65fcf70&oe=59E5524B)

Good afternoon! ;)

Today, I want to show some ANCIENT RUINS - environment pieces to provide a full & rich gaming experience in Summoners Fate. These will pop up in different levels of our game to add ambiance, line of sight considerations, and a place to hide...for your enemy, of course!

What do you think?  :shrug2:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18813482_1951354081760709_6491173563924462163_n.jpg?oh=806f38f35b39a14544a2191989c6edc1&oe=59B499E5)

Zaibach had interesting post today on his turn-based tactics game about his AI development, TacticsV (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61013.0) (which you should definitely check out as well if you’re interested in games like Summoners Fate), so I felt inspired to share a few insights about my AI process as well.
 
Summoners Fate will feature 400+ cards/characters/abilities for launch and regular content updates every 6-8 weeks for the next several foreseeable years. In my first game, Hero Mages, I had a closed set of around 40 unique abilities/20 characters, so a lot of the AI “magic” boiled down to custom scripts per behavior to ensure the AI knew how to play the right abilities at the right time and in the right order. This quickly became overwhelming to manage; this approach wouldn’t scale with the amount of content I have planned for Summoners Fate.
 
With that in mind, one of the primary goals for my AI is that it needs to learn how to pick-up and play new content at pace with the players; similar to how it’s easy for anyone to open a new booster of MtG cards and instantly know how to play those cards. Here’s how I approached it:
 

• 1 Give the AI the ability to play the game via simulations
• 2 Leverage a simple abstract  “scoring” method to assess the effectiveness of each possible move
• 3 Optimize the AI’s method of testing possible permutations

Since I already have a method for a human player to play the game that calculates valid moves, I create a list of all the “possible” moves I can make on a given turn, then have the AI run through this list, execute and “undo” them. To assess score, the AI captures the current life and power totals of its own units and its opponents units, then, compares how that changes after a given move is executed. So, if the AI’s opponents have a total life/power of 15 prior, and this is reduced to 10 after performing an action, that action gets 5 points. Once the AI has tested its potential actions, it makes a decisions to execute the highest scoring path. Because the system uses all of the existing rulesets/logic as the player, the AI can instantly consume and use effectively any new content injected into the system without any additional coding required :)
 
Simple, right? Well, not quite. One of the most important considerations of an effective strategy is the order in which actions are carried out. The biggest problem with the simulation approach is the number of permutations (or unique ordered combinations) required for the AI to derive the ideal solution via simulations. Consider even a simple subset where AI begins its turn with:
 
AI has 5 units with 2 actions each (move and attack)
AI has 5 spells it can play
 
So, that’s 5 units x 2 actions + 5 spells = 15 actions. The formula for 15 choose 15 yields over a trillion unique permutations. I would need a multi-bit quantum computer and an unheard of amount of memory to tackle that...so...not going to work so easy :P
 
Hence, most of the work in building the AI is coming up with creative ways to minimize/cut-down large chunks of those permutations so that the AI is only considering among the best possible options. For example, testing “sub sets” vs. complete sets (ex: test the best of the unit actions first, then test the best of the spell actions, the test whether it’s better to attack, then spell, or spell then attack) can reduce that massive trillion down to only 250.
 
If you’re interested in learning more, here’s a video where I talk through the thought process for programming a strategy game via simple steps, pancakes, and Back-to-the-Future anecdotes:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUjtDdKM6oc
 
Questions/comments welcome. Also, if you’re a fellow dev working on this stuff - how are you solving your AI challenges? I’m as eager to learn as I am to share.

Good evening! Kelly here again, and today I focused on environmental pieces for Summoners Fate - specifically, rugs! Some of our 4-legged friends (all playable characters in Summoners Fate - starting clockwise with the red-eyed quadruped - Hellhound, Fennec Fox, Cute Hellhound, Bear, and Withered Dog) are testing out the rugs, although the bear is sending out a special warning... :whome:

We will have many environmental pieces for varied rooms and worlds. Stay tuned for desert, jungle, ice, dungeon, and many more world features!  ;)


(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18835535_1951852831710834_7104980693246257641_n.jpg?oh=f9372649cfa0b4da9d0c67aeba1d80a4&oe=59A0EFD9)

Fan of Orcs & Goblins? We will have MANY of both, including this devilish fella with the toothy grin  :eyebrows:

Goblin Champion will be one of over 200 playable characters in Summoners Fate! What do you think of the finished character art?

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18835956_1952296808333103_1816529487338608390_n.jpg?oh=fe967f0fc6757e7e360db0afda978e5c&oe=59AE043B)

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18582221_1946158582280259_7764735276304926524_n.jpg?oh=cee511c5d7d44aa859a36d1839cfaa62&oe=599B98E2)

Here are just some of the over 200 characters we have planned for Summoners Fate. A little about our upcoming game:

Summoners Fate is a top-down adventure that combines exploration, card collecting and tactical combat. You control the fate of your Summoner and command an ever-changing band of companions. Defeat monstrous hordes and reap the rewards of treasures, allies, and powerful spells as you advance deeper into unknown lands. Are these chance encounters or do they connect to a greater meaning? You decide.

Combat in Summoners Fate is turn-based, quick and gratifying. Hide behind trees or play a card that brings them to life. Douse your enemies in oil and ignite them with a fireball. Set a trap with a gravity spell to pull an enemy into your clutches. The possibilities are endless.

Venture into a game without limitations. Choose your characters, choose your spells, choose your strategy. Choose when and how you play. You are in control. Summoners Fate – strategy without barriers.

Coming Soon :gentleman:

Good evening, TIGSource readers!   ;)

I don't believe that a video game is only about the finished project; if you're like me, I enjoy seeing the process of making the game - bloopers, mistakes, sketches, crazy ideas, etc.

In that same spirit, here are some sketches for our Band of Bandits for our upcoming game, Summoners Fate. What do you think? We had our awesomely talented art team create the characters with and without hoods & face masks. I see pluses and minuses with each option. What do you prefer? Love the feedback!  :eyebrows:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p235x350/18892923_1953136838249100_8574601276339604106_n.jpg?oh=3f74949fbb6df36eb98aa8247abb24b6&oe=59A740F4)

(https://media.giphy.com/media/qlGNZuVp8TAiI/giphy.gif)

Presenting...SKELETON DRAGON for Summoners Fate!  :beer: This horrifying fire-breather is back from the dead to terrorize his foes. When he flies onto the battlefield, he certainly strikes fear in the hearts of all in his path...

We LOVE dragons at D20Studios, and we will have quite a Dragon Race built up among our over 200 characters we have planned for our game.

Check out his animations here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeFSTzrC9G0

The art looks really nice and I like the concept! It looks like it could be a fun mobile game to play in short bursts, like you mentioned with the 3 minute rooms. Just wondering, how are you planning on doing in app purchases? What sort of things will be available to buy?

Thanks, Wizered! The primary item that will be available for sale is card packs. Players will be able to buy card packs via gold or with real current. Gold is earned by completing missions and winning matches against opponents. I like this model a lot because its clean and easy for players to derive the value in what they are buying as cards directly add to the enjoyment of the game. As our game is free-to-play, we think it should be possible for players to earn cards via regular play as well. Another idea I've been considering is ability to purchase some kind of boost item (like a 2X gold multiplier and/or subscription for daily cards) that gives a nice mechanism for players to get more rewards out of their daily sessions. Since you ask, what kind of things might you expect or would desire to be able to buy in a game like this?

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17626536_1919475861615198_6219054821784456306_n.jpg?oh=7d7fc81ee35413f6779fc70fc0f25926&oe=59DE88A4)

Along with our humanoid characters, we have some fun additions that we always wanted to play in a video game. One such character is a giant, smashing tree - the Treant! He's been transformed from an immobile tree into a sentient being, and enjoys bashing his enemies with deliberate swings of his leafy branches. The great thing about him is he is summoned from any tree on the battlefield!

What do you think? Would you like to play as a colossal tree creature?

Here is video gameplay example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGFtrNgQUck (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGFtrNgQUck)

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18951389_10155200858426285_3811570720491877392_n.jpg?oh=7c229b0407b7a3da8f536de88bac0a7a&oe=59E5EE16)

Fan of Orcs? I know I am, and Summoners Fate's got 'em.  ;D

The Orc Champion's presence on the battlefield will give benefits to his fellow Orcs, such as added strength. Using him strategically should lead to certain victory!

The Orc Shaman will be the caster of your Orc race. Using his study of the ancient Orc ways, he will bring about chaos and unpredictability to the game, scaring your enemies into defeat!

What do you think? :eyebrows: Would you lead these guys into battle, or are you more of a human-character player?

I think packs that can be bought with gold or real money is a good way of doing in app purchases. I definitely think it's better than things like making the player wait to play something or pay money to skip the wait time. Also the Treant looks pretty cool! I like that there has to be a tree to make one.

This is looking great guys. You are moving at an impressive pace and I can't wait to see your progress and play it again at the next meetup!

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18582216_1946587928903991_1686323006059697333_n.jpg?oh=eec7dc6dd9bda46538693be353bfdf80&oe=59E678AD)


(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18835971_1950850085144442_8389961659499899298_n.jpg?oh=a0d0dafebdf9460914b2c47ba65fcf70&oe=59E5524B)

Here are some recent characters we revealed for Summoners Fate - the Battle Mage and the Fire Sorceress. We plan to have well over 200 characters - human, humanoid, creature, quadruped, alive, and...not-so-alive!  >:D

What do you think?

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19030221_1955225781373539_7668448051860653086_n.jpg?oh=33d91b3574ed4426f0607f1241d91b1a&oe=59A2FD0D)

Ross is playing around with card sketches for Summoners Fate. These are not the finished card art, but we have been reviewing the final art, and it's looking AWESOME :) Since our turn-based game is both an RPG and a CCG, cards are extremely important to the tactics and the fun! So he is working hard to get them right.

What do you think so far? :shrug2:

Thanks, man! Really appreciate that. Been focused on building out the tools, hope I will have more content ready in time. Looking forward to trying your game again as well - bring your controller :)

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18582442_1947013582194759_4483389013759464016_n.jpg?oh=920348d3685feda8d5d473ea7a93eeb9&oe=59D6B320)
^{Cave Environment examples for Summoners Fate}

Good morning, and Happy Monday! :P

Summoners Fate will have many different environments to choose from, including CAVES! Here are some art pieces and characters for our Cave Environment for Summoners Fate. There are two playable characters here - the GNASHER, a playable insectoid character (working on a video of his animation), and the SPIDER, complete with a spider nest that will release baby spiders. I've included animation of the Spider moving below.

We will feature other fun environments as well, including dungeon, desert, ice/snowy environment, and much more!

Would YOU like to play in a cave environment in Summoners Fate?  :eyebrows:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp4oiYHQwjM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp4oiYHQwjM)

I've been following you on Twitter and this looks very nice, keep going guys.
Cheers  :coffee:

Thanks, EdFarage! What a nice comment, we appreciate that.  :coffee:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/19059771_10155213420481285_4653061855641050372_n.jpg?oh=35314700144828be199bd3e55d12a4ad&oe=59DA4E55)

We have a new character we are introducing in Summoners Fate tomorrow. Based on who you see here - the Imp, the Hellhound, and the Cute Hellhound (all playable characters!), what do YOU guess will be the new character?  :eyebrows:

I will post tomorrow! Let's see your best guesses  ;)

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19059339_1957118574517593_6062892861362130387_n.jpg?oh=0fb0c42d0a5dc4a548fb89ae4f31aca2&oe=59D5DE0A)

Did you guess...DEMON LORD?   :screamy:

Our newest addition to our over 200 characters for Summoners Fate is straight out of the evil depths of fire and brimstone! He's joining his fellow fiends, the Imp, Hellhound, and Cute Hellhound (even the Demon Lord can't resist that lil' brute!) on the battlefield. Swinging his mighty war hammer, he's ready to torment his opponents into a fiery defeat...

What do you think? :eyebrows:

The demon Lord is my favorite so far! The shear quantity of units in this game is incredible! We followed you on twitter by the way. We are Evil Villain Games. Keep up the great work. :)

Thanks, Evil Villain Games! Appreciate the compliment. Also, I feel like our Demon Lord would definitely approve of your company name  :lol:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18403586_1941442702751847_1382053819067112040_n.jpg?oh=9fd6008ae82f41e408cf453bdb5539de&oe=59D45F66)

Happy Thursday! Meet some members of the Summoners Fate Withered Race.

There's something...strange about these villagers and their pets. They SEEM alive but...their rotting skin is hanging off of their bones like empty potato sacks, they move with an awkward, sloppy gait, and their eyes. Oh, their empty, frightening eyes...

Are you curious what happened to them?! Summoners Fate will unfold to reveal all  :whome:

Here is video of their movement animation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5OZRyZpJps (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5OZRyZpJps)

Good Point! We do appreciate all things evil.
In turn I imagine your company might approve of this.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/148/392474785_6a90a21e01_m.jpg)
:)

 :coffee: Awesome!

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p280x280/19113736_1596263530384762_244030376652145153_n.jpg?oh=e7d1572b86207092c90970ee5760e52f&oe=59A13986)
^{Oh what pointy teeth you have...}

Friday is here, and with that, I want to show the first of our playable Insectoid race characters. Ross has always had an interest in insects, especially ants and praying mantes, and he knew he wanted to include among our over 200 characters a race devoted to insect and insect-humanoid ("insectoid") creatures.

Thus we have...the Gnasher (named by one of our Facebook fans). I've included his animation below. As you can see, Ross animated his antennae and mandibles, along with his jaw, to give him that somewhat creepy cool look of a real insect.

What do you think? Would you like to play as an insectoid creature in Summoners Fate? :shrug2:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FFBfKr4qMU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FFBfKr4qMU)

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17457522_1915386615357456_6217408219905111338_n.jpg?oh=1f406bd838c4ee4c3f624b906f8aae9a&oe=59E9AF37)


(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17951617_1927241890838595_7990985530224536015_n.jpg?oh=b2ae5d885ae803fd5504368c14a962ac&oe=59A16933)


Here are some of the many characters that you can play in our upcoming Summoners Fate - the Warrior and the Psionist. A little about both:

Warrior
Masterfully brandishing his 2 deadly weapons, he strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies on the battlefield.


Psionist
You feel a force inside you that is not...you. Your arms raise & aim your weapon at your comrade on the field, & with a mighty thrust, you take him out. But...why?! He was your companion. Down the field, you spot her, the enemy. She's beautiful, she's mysterious, and she's looking right at YOU. You hear her voice in your head, "You did GOOD," as her red lips erupt into a satisfied smirk...

What do you think of these character options for our robust world of Summoners Fate?  :gentleman:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19275243_1959065800989537_5951596221218676689_n.jpg?oh=32d637d22f5e7f4bf00c04b06841d722&oe=59CF0357)
^{Here are just a few of the playable characters, summons, elementals, and quadrupeds for Summoners Fate}

For our new fans or those who don't fully know what Summoners Fate is about...

Summoners Fate is a top-down adventure that combines exploration, card collecting and tactical combat. You control the fate of your Summoner and command an ever-changing band of companions. Defeat monstrous hordes and reap the rewards of treasures, allies, and powerful spells as you advance deeper into unknown lands. Are these chance encounters or do they connect to a greater meaning? You decide.

Combat in Summoners Fate is turn-based, quick and gratifying. Hide behind trees or play a card that brings them to life. Douse your enemies in oil and ignite them with a fireball. Set a trap with a gravity spell to pull an enemy into your clutches. The possibilities are endless.

Venture into a game without limitations. Choose your characters, choose your spells, choose your strategy. Choose when and how you play. You are in control. Summoners Fate – strategy without barriers.

Coming Soon  :wizard:

_{(Quote in pic from Clara Hughes)}

why they watch always on top? XD

To the characters of this world, you, the player, represent the metaphysical concept of "fate" personified as a deity-like entity. The characters "look up" at you seeking your guidance to lead their destiny. During gameplay, the "look up" is triggered during your turn to signal to you that the character is ready to be commanded. Once you've ordered the character for that turn, they resume facing the battle.

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19247895_1958055724423878_8253105344226927561_n.jpg?oh=8a216d8def5173e8aed55eaee674413b&oe=59DCA73D)

Monday, here we come!  :coffee:

Today I wanted to share with you some weapons for upcoming characters that are in development. Can you guess what sorts of characters might use these weapons in Summoners Fate?

We will be featuring over 200 characters, over 400 cards, and many different environments and worlds to play in. We are always open to community input on characters and cards you'd like to see in the game, let us know!  :handpencil:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19420400_1960102610885856_6567207693264951805_n.jpg?oh=e3f383f2019a554b11fb4eadeff9db6c&oe=59E09E8A)

Here are some playable quadrupeds that will featured in Summoners Fate. These include the ferocious Bear, with his huge, ripping claws; the armored Rat and Squirrel, the wild Wolf, and the savage Sabertooth.

What other Quadrupeds would YOU like to see in Summoners Fate?   :panda: :tiger:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19366156_10155238116166285_5938636644578687002_n.jpg?oh=d8ff1eb6855831bed4cdd20469c3009c&oe=59DEAE72)

Here's a Sketch of our upcoming banner for Summoners Fate!

To give perspective, the idea is Heroes vs. Monsters, with the logo in the middle. This art would be used for our splash screen (opening screen when the game launches), as well as marketing pieces, such as the website banner and promotional material. It is designed to scale/fit both landscape & portrait, wide screen, and 4:3 perspective. We really want the characters to feel representative of the final game art - not a bait & switch!

WE'D LOVE YOUR FEEDBACK! Specifically, we wonder if it achieves these objectives:

1. Does it convey the right message about the game?
2. Does it look badass/would it attract you to the game?
3. What can we do to improve - different characters, poses, emotions, etc.?

Thanks in advance, fellow indie devs!  :beer:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19420384_1961149850781132_8257504037949156473_n.jpg?oh=00ab1af1069575a1ea344562353d3d04&oe=59E07775)
 
Meet the Menacing Wizard, the newest addition to Summoners Fate!

With his white beard and pointy hat, the Menacing Wizard SEEMS like your typical master of mystical powers. However, he dabbles more on the dark side of magic, embracing chaos, mayhem, and those powers that lead directly into the often painful demise of his enemy...

What do you think? Would YOU play as this warlock?  :wizard:

That banner sketch looks awesome!  :-*

Appreciate that, Zireal!  :)

^{Examples of animation of jaws for Summoners Fate}
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHLGY6bMLB4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHLGY6bMLB4)

Here is a video demonstrating the work our animator, Peter, and Ross have been doing to animate the characters' jaws in the game. As you will see, this helps to really bring the character to life, especially during idle times on the battlefield. This video will also give you a glimpse into a few characters we have not revealed yet, extra bonus!  :gentleman:

There are 9 characters displayed:

- Skeleton Captain
- Liche King
- Flesh Golem
- Demon Lord
- Hellhound
- Cute Hellhound
- Snake
- Gnasher
- Red Dragon

What do you think?  :eyebrows:

Our story within Summoners Fate will be epic, fun & compelling. Here is a sample from our tutorial >>

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18119475_1934363220126462_6704772788630739678_n.png?oh=eed929377a68f9f8923eedf190766d83&oe=59CFE06D)

Happy Saturday! :beer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXkMFXLMM1s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXkMFXLMM1s)
^{Treant go Boom!}

In this video, Ross, our founder & programmer, gave all of the Treants an ability where they explode on death. The initial attack triggers a cascade reaction of explosions, illustrating how the animation system handles concurrent events in a sequential order.

Shortened Version: Treant EXPLOSION!

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19598471_1963640183865432_2266074570575007897_n.jpg?oh=f23efdfa61128711f34f992191fcca84&oe=59D9A5FC)

Welcome to the jungle! :tiger:

Here is a snapshot of the Jungle Environment for Summoners Fate. This includes a new tileset, characters, and interesting traps, such as the barbed Brambles and the poisonous Spore Pods.

Along with the new snapshot of the jungle features, we have a new character - the Tribal Warrior. A little about this fighter:


What do you think? Would YOU venture into the jungle?

_{Newest member of the Summoners Fate characters}
(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19430021_1607594685918313_5252917319380581513_n.jpg?oh=5de2ea8cc3c09486c3932ab7fca8fcaf&oe=5A1129D8)

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19437535_1964233917139392_1262675206546783638_n.jpg?oh=cf42febb80ecb298f9aa5ce4f0dcd662&oe=5A0E8081)

We are holding a vote on our social media, and we'd love for YOU to be involved!

Which Summoners Fate character would YOU like to be revealed next? Let us know by replying A, B or C

The winning character reveal will be on Thursday!

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p261x260/19510553_1964984900397627_787295800095347362_n.jpg?oh=89c8facc20efd0593104631b8f41f274&oe=59C5312D)

The vote was VERY close, with "C" winning by just 1 vote across our social media platforms. The winning character to be revealed is...

The Samurai! About this Summoners Fate character:

He's bound by bushido - the "way of the warrior" - and enters the battlefield with morality and discipline on his mind. He brandishes his meticulously-crafted sword; he does not seek to raise his blade in violence - but he will not be dishonored...

What do you think? Would YOU play as the Samurai in Summoners Fate?  :shrug2:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19554082_1965620063667444_7417311663798504754_n.jpg?oh=b933d4399c344f9ac2ae853dfa57dfb9&oe=5A10CDC6)
^{Crystal Golem to Goblins: You better run}

Summoners Fate will have robust environment options - including crystals! Here, the Crystal Golem is defending some greedy Goblins that have happened upon his treasure..

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19598883_1966342770261840_8792917314946109267_n.jpg?oh=5d8eedd0271b473a0c7ee19b5f04b07a&oe=59C7A32D)
^{We construct these pieces to make our top-down-perspective characters}

Saturday Sketch!  :handpencil:

Here is our latest Sorceress. What do you think?

Who has a great name for this Sorceress? I was thinking Nova - very open to changing  :shrug2:

_{Before - Sketches}
(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18519905_1942622449300539_4641012191175359896_n.jpg?oh=36f832bb982dfb161a7c318997cda7b4&oe=5A08351B)

Above are some Card Border Art sketches we're working on for the different spell classes for Summoners Fate. Below is one of those cards with the art finished - what do you think?

We'll be featuring over 400 different cards. Check back to see card icons and other finished card art - coming soon!

_{After - One Finished Card}
(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19601359_1966714126891371_3356295898046965570_n.jpg?oh=ad44396785132f152ef4fae713a0a428&oe=5A08245A)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h1f-4TcwnI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h1f-4TcwnI)

Here is what will be a Hydra for Summoners Fate and the animation in progress we have been working on. To create this Hydra we first created a modular serpent neck that animates on an S curve. Then, we embedded multiple heads onto our quadruped armature and set them to random timers to look more fluid and organic. When we have the art, we will add that to the armature.

What do you think of the animation so far?  :monoclepop:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19657160_1967749900121127_5563731296051913552_n.jpg?oh=52e110304e3a9948d5c1241ef70d4ccb&oe=5A0F7B84)
^{Wish I was invited to this 4th of July party!}

Have a great Independence Day from us at D20Studios!

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19665259_1968425106720273_896733559764764459_n.jpg?oh=afd707eb34e3ffff6b0119ad7bb2c86b&oe=59D56E86)

Hello!

We have an awesome art studio, and they gave us some choices for our upcoming Cyclops  :blink: and our Ogre characters. They sketched some options - which do you think would be the best choice for these characters so we can tell them which design to finish?

Let us know - A, B, or C AND 1 or 2. TIA!  :beer:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12140722_1969100289986088_8673667955518244524_n.jpg?oh=2534147cba0e1921596ededff93d0dcf&oe=59C5289B)
^{Cyclops & Ogre are pleased...}

Results of yesterday's voting are tallied and the winners were - C AND 2!

We had an awesome turnout across our social media platforms for Summoners Fate, and loved hearing your feedback. This helps us to focus in on the best weapons for the best characters for the best upcoming game- all for the BEST players  :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR3TYowVu80 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR3TYowVu80)

This video shows our progress creating animation for flying creatures that adjusts for barriers on the board.

Using the Red Dragon and two placeholder characters (what will be future Angel and Fairy-type creatures), you can see that when told to move on the board, the creatures walk. However, when told to move past a barrier, the characters take to the sky and fly over trees, a Dragon Egg, and other characters.

Thoughts?  :shrug2:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17759681_1922646174631500_4535188589959770089_n.jpg?oh=a829e7f3dca89423d2f12d8a1e53b91d&oe=5A09B304)
^{Monsters are not above taking selfies in scenic places...}

Happy Saturday from D20Studios & some of our favorite creatures

Pictured, from left to right: Yeti, Earth Elemental, Orc

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19894671_1971230936439690_4234181078301215819_n.jpg?oh=e2dffe11463edf5d530cab8691134d8d&oe=59D0E807)

Meet the Fighter Mage!

For fans of our previous game, Hero Mages, this is a familiar character. A little about him:

Part of a clan of competitive elves that inhabit heavily wooded areas, the Fighter Mage practices his swordplay daily. To quench his natural bloodlust, he enters the battlefield whenever he can. He values winning above all else, and has learned magic in order to bolster his combat skills.

What do you think? Would YOU play as this highly aggressive mage?

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19875641_1971738989722218_6529570049106642848_n.jpg?oh=702347a93aec688f8273b470ff500126&oe=59D02DC2)

Who are my Chaos Race fans?  :blink:

We have many awesome Chaos characters coming down the pipeline to add to our over 200 characters for Summoners Fate. These characters are strong, foreboding, and out for blood.

Here are some sketches for upcoming weapons. Can't wait to see them in color and in the hands of the Chaos characters.

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19894574_1972246593004791_8933940300554675595_n.jpg?oh=ce59a430b1d84bda225f75c5a6497c44&oe=59FD5B8F)

Opinion time! Which Dark Elf Warrior hairstyle do you like better based on these initial sketches? 1 OR 2?

Also, we at D20Studios have been getting Dark Elf Race art this week, and it's going to be jaw-dropping  :mockangry: Can't wait to share!

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19989278_1972906739605443_5187800864893142420_n.jpg?oh=ceebc2fd84bf235db6ab440dfe1d3ac1&oe=59FC22A3)

Our latest Summoners Fate Newsletter went out yesterday. This bi-weekly snapshot of all things Summoners Fate & D20Studios includes a Newsletter Exclusive FIRST LOOK at new characters, cards, and videos. This week's newsletter had a never-before-seen video of the Iron Golem.

Interested in learning more? Want to receive yours on Wednesday, July 26th? Visit SummonersFate.com (http://SummonersFate.com) and look for the Barbarian to direct you   :coffee:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17155858_1911837735712344_8567550190402765730_n.jpg?oh=a2f55584bacfbdc2922dc3b63f12f194&oe=5A11DE81)
^{Likes hanging with his buddies, Mothman and Bigfoot}

With a stench so foul and matted fur so white, this terror titan chases you out of your nightmares and straight onto the battlefield...

Meet our Yeti for our upcoming Summoners Fate!

Hey guys, I need your help with some game design!

I’ve been working on building an equipment mechanic where cards can be dropped onto characters to give them new weapons/armor/etc. and I wanted to get some feedback on the gameplay design.

Initially, I’d considered a totally open system, where any weapon could be dropped on any character to bestow associated powers. For example, a bow and arrow grants range, a shield grants block, a hammer grants knock back, etc. Then, it occurred to me, technical logistics aside, that this might be rather confusing for players with our existing CCG style mechanics.

The potential problem I’m seeing is: If an archer starting with a ranged weapon suddenly equips a hammer, I’d expect him to lose his ranged ability. Likewise, if a Barbarian wielding a two handed hammer switches to a bow and arrow, would he not lose his knock back ability? Some of these scenarios seem straight forward (the bow and arrow for example) but I think it becomes muddied as the mechanics/abilities list grows. I also worry this might diminish or take away from the perceived natural abilities of the characters (ex: a strong Barbarian who can knock back foes regardless of the weapon).

There’s also a nightmare on the technical side. In addition to abilities printed on the card, I’d have to track which weapons start on the card so that these weapon powers can be removed as new weapons are equipped.

So, this got me thinking that a better design might be:
1. Adding equipment never subtracts/removes existing abilities
2. Adding equipment only ADDS abilities or boosts existing abilities

This design would require limiting what can be equipped on certain characters (either by character class or a list of equipment types allowed per character). For example, a character that starts with a bow would only be allowed to equip ranged weapons. Otherwise, he’d break the rule of “only adding power” if he equipped a non-range weapon and lost his ranged ability. Likewise, a character starting with a shield could not equip two handed weapons, or they would lose their block ability.

At first, I thought this might be limiting, but then I thought this might actually ADD to the strategic decisions. For instance, I thought how characters without powerful starting weapons (ex: ranged, shields, etc.) might actually have a strategic advantage in being more flexible in the types of things they could equip. For example, a basic warrior character who starts with a simple sword would be free to equip anything because he wouldn’t lose any existing abilities by doing so.

All this being said, my questions for you are:
1. What do you think about this design direction of limiting what can be equipped?
2. If you like this idea, what do you think is the most intuitive way to understand what a character can/cannot equip? My two ideas so far are:
    1. By Class (Ex: Mage, Ranged, Fighter, Warrior, Spearman)
    2. By Listing Explicit Equipment Types (Ex: Ranged, Spears and Shields, Swords and Shields, Magical, etc.)

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19961678_1973790989517018_4447675442034689079_n.jpg?oh=f71ea12e47a25a6a0c4ce6dd6ef3bc90&oe=5A0D9960)

Meet the...Summoner?

Little backstory - our Hero Mages fans will recognize her. We love this character; however, her name as "Summoner" doesn't quite seem appropriate for a game called Summoners Fate, as there will be many summoners/mages.

Can you help us rename her? A little about her:

Cast out of her clan for dabbling into dark magic, she has harnessed the ability to build an army of creatures vs. 1 at a time. As her power grows, so does the strength and resilience of her horrifying henchmen, making her presence on the battlefield all the more terrifying...

What do you think could be an appropriate title for this awesome spellcaster?

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20046814_1974393446123439_5443478038458705118_n.jpg?oh=4043d3f845803016b665014245357476&oe=5A0A7D8F)
^{Oh dear...}

Feature on our poisonous SPORE PODS. See the Menacing Wizard and the Desert Fox succumb to this lethal trap...☠

Tactics and strategy will be important when playing Summoners Fate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np8tRQ6lI1o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np8tRQ6lI1o)

Here's a clip showcasing our solution to customize the impact of the swoosh VFX based on the actual weapon length vs. stocked in character animation for Summoners Fate, featuring our Barbarian. Check it out!  :blink:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20245521_1975306442698806_5098506166653908800_n.jpg?oh=4f19fa6c63a0afbad9c116802224ef6e&oe=59F78688)

Here's the sketch of pieces of our upcoming Chimera. For those that don't know, in Greek mythology, a Chimera is typically depicted as a lion with the head of a goat coming out of its back, and a snake as a tail. These pieces will be constructed and added to the growing Summoners Fate character roster.

What do you think? Would YOU like to play as this classic mythological creature?  :shrug2:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20106517_10155339625261285_3261858835332681856_n.jpg?oh=3860e9392f22388ed7c6bbd852d33978&oe=5A085300)
^{Help me, gamer community...you're my only hope}  ;)

We are reaching out to our community to help us decide on the best weapon for Nova the Sorceress based on these sketches.

We have a Sorceress that we think turned out awesome and will be a great addition to Summoners Fate; however, we cannot decide between the awesome choices we have in her staff. Can you help us? Let us know which staff sketch looks best for Nova - 1, 2, OR 3.

A fantasy topdown style that's rare, it looks great, I adore the skeleton dragon.
And 3

 :beer: Thanks for the kind words, Krucho, and your vote! We'll let you know which weapon gets selected. Stay posted - more fun updates coming daily!

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20139855_1976376409258476_5493208194192403418_n.jpg?oh=3afa4a6b33bede45947e8dd623257709&oe=59F0392A)


Dragons love pitchforks  :lol:

Summoners Fate: coming soon!

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20106626_1976520732577377_5147750253838464642_n.jpg?oh=e3a53e478f55817fb01d390bc1b43125&oe=59C3B024)

Results are in for Nova the Sorceress's weapon choice vote! This one had a clear winner - #3. We will have our awesome art team finish up their sketch, and we will present the final character for Summoners Fate to you soon.

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20228418_1976943632535087_3998200044065970595_n.jpg?oh=5e17a4e819aee0c3dc5691d515ec2ee4&oe=59EC49B7)
^{Choose. Your. Element!}

We are finishing up a Lightning Elemental that we're pumped about. In the meantime, here is our current roster of elementals for Summoners Fate - Fire, Air, Water, and Earth. We have several others planned as well.

For the purposes of Summoners Fate, we've defined an elemental as a natural spirit that embodies a physical element that is summoned. This differs from, say, a golem (We'll do a post in the future with all our golems rounded up).

What do you think? We've always really enjoyed elementals in games we've played in the past, and will have many cards planned around these interesting creatures!

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20264941_1977403799155737_3911547760279776362_n.jpg?oh=f6b2d97c24e9d8c400282e320e108731&oe=59EE79DB)

Here is our Mountain Troll in his armor with the two community-chosen weapons! We gave our Summoners Fate community the choice between 4 sketches for him:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19959210_1973211382908312_9060117324517109768_n.jpg?oh=31479e486ce3caa3cbe9e1a051162740&oe=59F950F1)

...and these were the winners!  :handclap:

Want to learn more? Check us out at SummonersFate.com (http://SummonersFate.com)

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20245644_10155355494191285_1361096304006765534_n.jpg?oh=4abcc2ae6ed3f873a7ed30ce5e2576f9&oe=5A02D039)
^{Scaly terrors are on their way...}

Fan of Lizardmen?  :eyebrows:

You're in luck - we are working on adding some incredible new playable Lizardmen to Summoners Fate. Here's some of the art for characters and weapons we are working on.

Who's excited to control these vicious reptilians?

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20246062_1978529032376547_8382248789011399797_n.jpg?oh=cd59703e9337b3642f0dc10c8df445cd&oe=59F15BCC)
^{Do NOT sing "Be Our Guest"  :-X...}

Meet the Minotaur!

Part bull and part man, Minotaur escaped the Greek labyrinth and has stumbled onto the Summoners Fate battlefield. He struggles daily against his darker, savage side to hold on to his humanity. But with sharp horns and axe by his side, he can't hold out any longer...

What do you think? This character will ram into his enemies that he charges, dealing damage equal to the distance moved. He will likely have Knockback ability, too.

Would you play as this beast?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ7PVqgXwLo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ7PVqgXwLo)

Follow-up to our previous post - here is our Summoners Fate Minotaur - and he's charging stuff on the battlefield (sound included!).

What do you think?  :shrug2:

(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20258041_1979099305652853_7567186134304100469_n.jpg?oh=23362f6bdfb94e27027606797338e74c&oe=5A09C520)

It's dark, it's cold, it's musty...is that blood on the ground? The Dungeon for Summoners Fate!  >:D

This environment includes so many incredible components that we couldn't include them all here. What we featured: dungeon floor tileset, dungeon walls, wooden and stone furniture (used for ambiance, line-of-sight considerations, and barriers), playable characters - the Armored Rat and the Goblin Champion, and other miscellaneous decorations (spiderwebs, old bones of defeated enemies, blood splatters, etc.!).

Summoners Fate will feature many different environments, including village, desert, jungle, ice/snowy environment, and much more!

What do you think of the Dungeon Environment?

Ross, It would seem that weapons by class would be easiest to understand and implement. Some weapons could be multi-class. Most could be upgrades. (Short bow, long bow, hunter bow, Elven bow, etc. for example) Each could have it's own power factor and/or special ability. Not sure what you're thinking about the cards, though. Would they be stacked, do they have turn limits, can be be traded out? That may be a deciding factor.

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20376076_1979731462256304_7472234042286712629_n.jpg?oh=cc54378f7d35fe848d7ad65ed5f66f66&oe=59FE6D98)
Yes...let the chaos flow through you >:(

Follow up to a previous Chaos Weapon sketch post from 7/11 with the finished weapons.

Chaos Warriors, equipped with these weapons, coming soon...

SummonersFate.com (http://SummonersFate.com)

Thanks, Cogenic! I think you're right with weapons sorted by class being the most easy to understand.

Equipment cards could be weapons, armor or helmet. The way I am envisioning them working is that you "drop" the card onto the character to equip. Doing so changes the appropriate skin and animation stance/SFX as needed. The equipment would work like a permanent status effect for the duration of an entire dungeon. This means you can equip an item in one room, and move on to the next room continuing to use that item. Equipping a new item with the same "slot" (ex: helmet over helmet) would replace the existing item. Magic/abilities, such as a "Rust" card could also destroy equipped cards. Doing so would revert the character back to their base skin that comes standard with their card (these weapons/equipment are indestructible).

I've almost finished implementing the equipment system (design restrictions on who can equip what aside) - I'll aim to post a video here in the next few days for further feedback.

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s552x414/20431272_1980241285538655_223914115581365333_n.jpg?oh=e82e19bbbfb210438db3d89337616862&oe=59F895E9)
^{Wonder what a wet Orc would smell like...} :wtf:


Our Banner Art for Summoners Fate is really coming along, with 2 more finished characters! Here is our original sketch:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19399873_1960610240835093_7276582290445926194_n.jpg?oh=5df1f34d2340cc4c2746073ba9696625&oe=59F02854)

What do you think?

**For those wondering about our Orc Chief's name, we had a community-naming-contest back in February, and we loved what the community came up with!

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16999207_1904023746493743_4363850412768176061_n.png?oh=0ff6842549ae85c3a98ce4401fdef09c&oe=59F4CA29)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2rNV5W4wTY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2rNV5W4wTY)
^{And you thought Fidget Spinners were sick...}

See our Iron Golem's spin attack! Who would love to take out their enemies like this?  :ninja:

Iron Golem and his over 200 friends...coming soon SummonersFate.com (http://SummonersFate.com)

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17990685_1930016733894444_3434557495662555651_n.jpg?oh=c350f2300e8ef1bf452a778eddddf475&oe=5A00FA2F)

Hey, we could use your help. We can't decide which coloring of the Flesh Golem we like best.

Our Flesh Golem in Summoners Fate is a summoned creature made up of sewn- and strewn-together humanoid body parts! He's one of our favorite characters we used in Hero Mages; in that game, when the Mage was attacked, the Golem took the damage for the Mage. He also had a strong attack, making his exceedingly powerful (although costly to summon).

Which Flesh Golem coloring do YOU like best - 1, 2, or 3?

On our social media pages (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) this weekend, we've been featuring our Bandit race for Summoners Fate. Here are some of our posts of these roguish outlaws:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20375684_1981111798784937_7436302929145807806_n.jpg?oh=2cc3a643a32fbcbccf7682c701e60f47&oe=59FD11B8)
^{Bandits on the Battlefield! Screenshot from Summoners Fate}

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20476418_1981169005445883_6825888409915809378_n.jpg?oh=82b922f4ba287d9d8c04dacab16adec9&oe=59FC8682)
^{She leads her team of outlaws in the forgotten areas of Summoners Fate. But one stab of her deadly sword, and you won't soon forget her...}

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20479674_1981219018774215_8615726382022265914_n.jpg?oh=62a136981cf2069246f72eff41e38476&oe=59EF6DDD)
^{He forged his axe himself, motivated by anger, frustration, and bloodlust. He's not an officially trained soldier, he learned his battling skills in alleys and dark corners - but on the battlefield, you won't be able to tell as he wields his two-handed weapon of death.}


(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20431294_1981250608771056_5480973360258425592_n.jpg?oh=1a63e15f741e2f606ec060cd509d9115&oe=59F58400)
^{No one would describe her life as easy - she has a troubled past and many enemies. With her trusty dagger by her side, her eye is on the prize: not to make her enemies life easy either...}

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20476598_1981579808738136_1253453038491766796_n.jpg?oh=4fcd5520a443407eaad119eae1c1a2fd&oe=59F7CBF5)
^{She's not an official member of the Bandits, but the Thief often finds herself fighting alongside them. She's cunning, she's swift, and she's sneaking up on you with two daggers...RUN!}

What do you think? Would you like to play as a Bandit in Summoners Fate? :eyebrows:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZznARjwtKKM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZznARjwtKKM)

We posted our Bandit race yesterday. Now here's a video - Bandits in action!

What do you think?

Did you guys consider including a guard action?  The reason I'm asking is that it might help to prevent the, "now I'm behind you"  backstabbing I'm seeing going on in some of vids.  I know it's not easy thing to implement, but it was a fundamental action for all those old school gold box D&D games.

Otherwise, the game looks great.   


btw, polyhedral dice are cool

Hi Kevin, thanks for the comment! As a matter of fact, yes, we have done several iterations at creating a guard mechanic. Here's a GIF showing an early concept:

(https://media.giphy.com/media/VCOqXD4tXPzHi/giphy.gif)

The image shows three characters initially in the "guard" pose: Barbarian on the left, Druid on the bottom, and the Orc. When the Barbarian on the right enters proximity of the guarding enemy Orc, the Orc attacks him (which, had it killed him, would have prevented the backstab). When the Orc is knocked back into the Barbarian, his guard triggers, hitting the Orc again, causing knockback into the Druid, which causes her guard attack to activate.

While I was initially very excited about this mechanic (due to the feel of those old D&D games it provoked), our early play testing showed that players were turned off by it. Reasons included: not understanding why the enemy was attacking them, finding situations where they couldn't kill a unit because a more powerful guarding unit prevented anything from approaching, not being able to understand when guard would/would not trigger, and a perceived "too much brain pain" to compute how to use/exploit the mechanic. Finally, the guard allegedly made it "too hard" to back stab.  :o

In the current iteration, I've done my best to keep the "spirit" of the mechanic and simplified how it works:
1. All units counter attack after being attacked (So you have to choose to engage a unit for their "guard" attack to work)
2. Each unit gets 1 counter attack per round.
3. If a unit is "overkilled" (the attacker deals more damage than their remaining life) they will be killed without getting a counter attack.
4. In order to counter attack, the attacked unit must be within attack range of their attacker. So if an archer shoots a melee unit from a distance, the melee unit cannot counter. If an archer shoots another archer, the attacked archer will counter.
5. If a unit is "back stabbed" they will not counter - but - if they survive, they can still use their counter attack opportunity if attacked by another enemy from the front/sides.

So, while it's not quite the same as old school D&D, there are a lot of elements to strategize with - and other mechanics (like shields) that you can use to position units in ways that will make it very hard for your enemy to get behind you. I might still consider certain units having a "sentry" ability which would allow them to "guard" like in the GIF above. Also, I really like the concept that units who get "pushed" into an enemy can get attacked by that enemy, so I might make that a special case exception as well so that cunning players can setup kill combos like the one shown above.

Let me know what you think  :beer:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20479998_1982440291985421_6277901514015679474_n.jpg?oh=3001e6ba81c4ee84645c5369a196b017&oe=5A2EB535)
^{Nobody better mention Casper...}


Can you help us rename this Summoners Fate character?

We originally called him the Ghost; however, we've received much feedback from the community that this isn't the best name for him. Other suggestions we've received is Reaper and Dark Shadow.

A little about this character - he moves by flying. When he attacks, he drains your life and heals himself. He attacks with either claws or a scythe.

What would YOU call this character?  :shrug2:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p480x480/20526359_1982824541946996_3364606771643115302_n.jpg?oh=295e548c243c2d4752322d2b0f872c6c&oe=59FCE1FB)

Sketch for an upcoming Chaos Sorcerer for Summoners Fate - what do you think? :coffee:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20525643_1983367235226060_1990127218538033302_n.jpg?oh=11dd8b4d0d2483f90f6f3155c958a816&oe=59EAB739)
^{Drumroll please... :gentleman:}

We will be unveiling our new Summoners Fate logo tomorrow - Friday. Our Bard and Samurai are already thrilled to show it to you, so check back! As I'm sure you all know, it is quite tough to get the logo just right - be we think we've done it for our game! Can't wait to share it with you guys and get your expert opinions   :handthumbsupL: :handthumbsupR:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p480x480/20622317_1983685815194202_3641965160151827867_n.jpg?oh=a2a3c7d3c96278c1b2885f4959d17a27&oe=5A349F98)

Summoners Fate...the logo!

We had some awesome community feedback throughout this process (http://ow.ly/uPt030e9qgg (http://ow.ly/uPt030e9qgg)) to make sure it would be EPIC  :addicted:

What do you think? Pumped to play Summoners Fate?!  :handthumbsupL: :handthumbsupR:

Recently we posted about renaming our "Ghost" character for Summoners Fate because the community feedback was that they didn't like this name: https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1346483#msg1346483 (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1346483#msg1346483)

We received so many amazing name ideas, some good laughs, and some awesome interaction with our community - and we are just blown away by your creativity. There's no way we would have thought of even half of these!

We will be looking through all the names and voting in the coming days. We'll let you know what we decide...if we can! :)  :toastL:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20621276_1984089858487131_3487281060487923076_n.jpg?oh=3b85f7a4654a6c4bdf44822b7399047a&oe=5A2EAF80)

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20637880_1984568971772553_8648326226271107707_n.jpg?oh=d759fb102e625b6e744808683782c87b&oe=59F6FF6E)

Sunday Sketches! These will be playable characters for our game.

Some characters currently in development for Summoners Fate - what do you think?  :whome:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20622290_1984943428401774_3602878585271319530_n.jpg?oh=f32ddb39fa930ca85b5dfe5386aaa539&oe=59FB3EEC)
^{:mockangry: :mockangry: :mockangry:}

INSECTOIDS! Coming soon to Summoners Fate

Nature. Fights. Back.

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20637930_1985457575017026_1573216187639965203_n.jpg?oh=9c070a9065d2931f61d35ff0b45c8495&oe=59FA79EA)

Which Summoners Fate character would YOU like to meet next based on his/her/it's weapon?

So many exciting character, you can't go wrong  :)

Is it 1, 2, or 3? Let us know!

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20767946_1985769858319131_6881897437808213954_n.jpg?oh=e390c45e0f27e4319f56e23124fdf37a&oe=59EAEBD2)

We have a bi-weekly newsletter for our game, Summoners Fate. Issue 6 is going out later today. If you are interested - including our Newsletter Exclusive first look at one of our Lizardmen - sign up at SummonersFate.com (http://SummonersFate.com)

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p261x260/20728041_1985893024973481_5534956062620640969_n.jpg?oh=b33be8e215ed7b1e74eb4042acb64352&oe=59EFEDCE)

We tallied your votes and the winner was #2 by 1 vote - Soul Reaver!

This character is familiar to our Hero Mages players. Wielding a mythic rune blade, the Soul Reaver delights in tormenting her enemies by luring them to attack and then striking at them with lighting fast reflexes. In Hero Mages, she had a Taunt power - forcing her adjacent enemies to attack her, as well as a passive Counter Attack - where she immediately attacked any enemy who melee attacks her and fails to hit. We will be deciding if we will keep these same powers for Summoners Fate as well, as she was a popular player.

What do you think - would you like to play as this mistress of torture?  :eyebrows:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQgombZpp6I (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQgombZpp6I)

Can you help us name this floating creature?  :blink:   :blink:   :blink:

We're excited to add this character to the Summoners Fate roster of playables, but can't decide on a name for it.

What should we name him...
1. Eye Beast
2. Occuloid
3. Floating Seer
4. Open to suggestions!

What do you think? 1, 2, 3 - or a NEW name?  :o

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20727995_1986704978225619_6639325527491947698_n.jpg?oh=2b08f1409fc4b9c57640aa09d3f6ad15&oe=59F52281)

Great day for battling in the dungeons of Summoners Fate  :apoplectic:

(Characters pictured: Demon Lord, Skeleton Breaker, Hellhound, Arch Mage, Griffin, and Rogue)

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20729567_1987111244851659_2082603875452780902_n.jpg?oh=ad769596ca03cddef27e73f9ed499245&oe=59EB7D94)
^Shocking!

Meet the Lightning Elemental! Joining our Water, Fire, Earth, and others in the Elemental race, the Lightning Elemental brings forth the unstable power of stormbolts and certain painful electrocution...

What do you think? Would you like to summon this electric elemental in our upcoming Summoners Fate?

Cheers!  :beer:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20729202_1987623881467062_2313702087348770326_n.jpg?oh=73dc1a0565dfe54d036df74dff39abdb&oe=5A32E5D9)

Sunday soldier sketches for Summoners Fate #MulletsRock

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p480x480/18813935_1988054821423968_5526930428467679564_n.jpg?oh=ec8acf8f126973435f6c47c9dfbb8119&oe=59EDE1C2)

Weapons! So many glorious weapons for the battlefields of Summoners Fate for exciting new characters in development.

Which one are you excited to use? That grappling hook looks like a lot of fun... :eyebrows:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p480x480/20770440_1988606578035459_8370986839666211632_n.jpg?oh=8a763faad8ed4bef2fd3042cf6477b20&oe=5A3287C7)

Meet the Blue Troll!

This putrid teal brute wields his bone hammer as he enters the battlefields of Summoners Fate. What he lacks in wit, he makes up for in his uncanny ability to regenerate even the most dire wounds. Fears: fire!

What do you think? Would you like to command this thickheaded monster in Summoners Fate?

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20842126_1989026234660160_2675489452328581175_n.jpg?oh=516002247608f6bf735fcacedfa64a84&oe=5A2DC07D)
^{Such dead, empty eyes...  :concerned:}

We are developing a Female character to join our Withered family (a zombie-like race of villagers) in Summoners Fate. We were discussing a possible weapon for her, and came up with:

1. Rolling Pin

2. Bucket of water

3. Shovel

Which one do you like? Do you have a different suggestion?

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20882922_1989567204606063_9149224312505398143_n.jpg?oh=bea6b90df0cff6af3b94e4784b71a342&oe=5A226806)

For those of you wondering where the cards are in this CCG, the wait is over!

We are starting to work on our OVER 400 cards and the accompanying card art. They are looking epic so far, and we'll start revealing them soon.

We're excited to hear of some of the strategies you plan as they are unveiled - like using the Fire Sorceress and the Grease card together, perhaps?  :gentleman:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20882878_1990010471228403_6046555428608432257_n.jpg?oh=bb9693128db1b7cea9643f28599a133e&oe=5A1AD887)

For glory, for power, for blood.... >:(

Chaos Weekend for Summoners Fate is here! We will be showcasing the members of our Chaos race all throughout the weekend, along with animations.

Fan of Chaos? You don't want to miss out on meeting these dark souls. I'll post most of the characters over at
Facebook.com/D20Studios (http://Facebook.com/D20Studios). Let us know what you think!

It's a CHAOTIC WEEKEND over at Summoners Fate, and we are unveiling some of our finished Chaos race characters. Here are a few:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20881979_1990065694556214_7237636188492432841_n.jpg?oh=ef0891aeead62204f67d17f3783d9a0d&oe=5A1D94BD)
^{Chaos Warrior}

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20953920_1990369701192480_4683670470335141509_n.jpg?oh=1e4f6e3658902e71f2f70086cd2771dd&oe=59EC7347)
^{Chaos Warrior}

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20882544_1990423911187059_8798776440960842009_n.jpg?oh=c88920983530f35fcdaae89a60c319cf&oe=5A23563E)
^{Chaos Warlock}


What do you think? Look forward to your feedback! :handthumbsupL: :handthumbsupR:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuGW3SrdkGE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuGW3SrdkGE)

We now end our Chaos Weekend with some animations from our epic masters of mayhem - check it out! #SummonersFate

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21032893_10155444264461285_6259008944963407391_n.jpg?oh=f4adfe5c83c58bde8333f7fc5c9dd41d&oe=5A227C19)

With over 400 cards in Summoners Fate, we have lots of room to have some fun and create some chaos with spells, summons, and more.

Here are a few recent card art sketches. Two of these are fairly obvious, but can you guess what "Bloom" does? HINT: past Hero Mages players may know!

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21077307_10155447481896285_5150263372755262549_n.jpg?oh=37f8c7c8f7b8183a1547baa43c2b4101&oe=5A143C33)

Here are some of our finished icons for our upcoming cards. We are plugging through and creating some classic as well as some quite unique cards for you to add to your Summoners Fate deck.

As you can see here, our Ice Queen and our Fire Elemental are happy with these choices.

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20953399_1992168984345885_8093199350981636436_n.jpg?oh=f6fd65a271222a6bce9e3cbec681a0aa&oe=5A33F61F)

Our Ice Golem character - one of over 200 playable characters we plan to offer in Summoners Fate. Summoner this golem to utlize freezing powers.

What do you think?

How nice of you, with such kind words. Now it's time for me to provide critical feedback

Loving the animation and the top down view.

Good call, Rize, good call. We don't have a trailer *yet*. I'm working on finishing our environment and particle effect production tools. Once these are complete, I will be able to generate enough content to make a gameplay trailer that shows a good vertical slice of the game and its mechanics. Thanks for the feedback and great suggestion. I'll get that trailer posted as soon as possible.

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21034578_1992619337634183_1921116992693520545_n.jpg?oh=eceaa7cc681d36ead1340f82e4467afc&oe=5A2F780D)

We are finishing up our Summoners Fate banner, and it's going to be EPIC.

In the meantime, here are 2 more characters to be featured in the final banner - the Cleric and the Lich King - looks like a good battle!

What do you think?   :gentleman:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/21083249_1992991657596951_3928414060324068794_o.jpg?oh=87fdbf66f5f9022ef86f38bcaccd8f2e&oe=5A161F01)
^{Short & scrappy  :apoplectic:}

It can be easy to be pumped by the HUGE characters - an Ogre, a Demon Lord, etc. However, don't count out the smaller Summoners Fate playable characters. They're aggressive, feisty, and anticipate the opponent will underestimate them...

Banner will be cool. :-)

Small lethal animals sound as a great addition to the game.

I haven´t read the whole thread, so I want to ask you how exactly is this game exploration game if there is a linear map? I don´t mean to be harsh. I just don´t see the exploration in it, and I want to, so I am asking.

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21078719_1993418160887634_7723414758413757326_n.jpg?oh=0d3ff708fd96dddd3cbaea2b58bbc49b&oe=5A2056F5)

Really happy with how this card icon art turned out for the Orc Battlehorn and the Skeleton Legion card for Summoners Fate. It's amazing how the coloring really makes it.

2 down, about 400 to go! What do you think? Cheers!  :beer:

Hi Jindrich - I don't think you sound harsh at all - that's a great question. While I haven't implemented enough of this feature to produce a video yet, I'll do my best to explain. First, there isn't a defined world map that defines the boundaries of exploration. Rather, I want the game world to be abstract such that players can imagine it (much like they might the world in a custom D&D campaign). What we do have are "micro" maps representing a territory of some depth and themed around some particular main objective and reward. The term we're using for these is "Prophecies". Since the game is designed for mobile to be playable in as short as 3-minute sessions (though it can also be played longer if desired) we wanted to break up the exploration aspect into bitesize pieces:

1. Room (3 Min) - Typically a battle, but potentially a puzzle
2. Dungeon - A series of rooms
3. Prophecy -  A map containing a series of locations (dungeons/villages/merchants/caves/etc.)
4. (Meta) - Prophecies will likely have a loose connection and we may extend this to build a layer on top; but for now this is intended to be player derived

Now, for the linear part - yes - you absolutely can play it straight through in a linear type fashion (much like you might in a main campaign story). But, the game is limited; and we'll offer many outshoot paths for players looking for hidden secrets. A great example would be to picture the dungeons in Zelda Link to The Past. Do you know the cracks in the wall where you can place a bomb and it opens up a hidden door? We've got plans for a similar concept; where using particular spells in the right area opens up new areas.

Does this help answer your question?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0eot0DIT0s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0eot0DIT0s)

Video- SNAKE ANIMATION - what do you think of the movements?  :shrug2:

TIA!

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21077665_1994240707472046_4749890306262051075_n.jpg?oh=76ff7e9f793227a8a97ddc78f0eb6f38&oe=5A2FB6BE)

It's Monday and our Rugged Mage is here to welcome the new week. We didn't want to only have the "traditional" very old, long-bearded, white-haired Wizard >> :wizard:
This mage is an updated look and will be matched with some updated powers (in the works)

Some of our detail-orientated players will recognize his staff.

What do you think of the Rugged Mage for Summoners Fate?

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21106852_1994656847430432_3027675001937518609_n.jpg?oh=40e2a1df1d4b28cbb2271b465977c70e&oe=5A1E256B)

We're pumped to announce we've started a new D20Studios YouTube channel to answer the demand to see our videos with greater accessibility. Here's the link:

Youtube.com/channel/UC2Rah8ZTsAs2aGAlKgcdO0w (http://Youtube.com/channel/UC2Rah8ZTsAs2aGAlKgcdO0w)

SUBSCRIBE to make sure you get the latest videos. We have a NEW VIDEO up right now where Ross, creator of Summoners Fate, walks you through a new feature he developed for the game - Weapons Equipping.

Check it out & let us know what you think  :coffee:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ETfyYDsLd0&t (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ETfyYDsLd0&t)

Here's a video of Ross Przybylski, our creator of Summoners Fate, explaining the new Weapons Equipping Feature within Summoners Fate. My favorite is when he gives the Treant a helmet  :handmetalR:

We just started a new YouTube channel>> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Rah8ZTsAs2aGAlKgcdO0w (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Rah8ZTsAs2aGAlKgcdO0w) Check it out, let us know what you think!

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^{What do you think this character should SOUND like - a snake? A dragon?}

Some characters we just get so stoked about - the Hydra is one of them. Here's some progress with the Hydra. As you can see, I've cut down the number of heads as animating 8 heads was looking a little overwhelming. We've also changed the angle of the neck so the heads look at you vs. down and away from you.

I'll share the animation with you when it's done, here's an older video I did sharing the rough animation we were working on: http://ow.ly/5aIn30ePp1v (available on our YouTube Channel as well for our subscribers).

What do you think?

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Here it is - our new Summoners Fate key art banner!

This has been several months in the works, here is an earlier draft:

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Our goal for this banner was to showcase the characters as close to actual gameplay as possible - we are not about bait and switch! We chose not to showcase them from the top-down perspective you would see in the game for 2 reasons - to stylize the art a bit and also to make the characters easier to read in marketing materials.

Big thanks to all of you for your feedback during the process of developing and perfecting the banner over the last few months!

What do you think? 

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Following up to the sketch post from 8/21 (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1349639#msg1349639 (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1349639#msg1349639)), here are the finished icons for the card art.

What do you think? Can't wait to get these on the card itself with the finished banners!

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Dragons (really!) love pitchforks!  :P

(See our last Dragon-pitchfork comic here > https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1344688#msg1344688)

Characters featured: Red Dragon, Imp, and Water Elemental

Have a great Sunday

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Screenshot from our tutorial - Skeletons and the Druid.

Summoners Fate - coming soon.

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Meet the Assassin of Summoners Fate!

He hides in the shadows and readies his double daggers. His mask is firmly in place as he silently lunges at his opponent...

What do you think? We managed to get a shot of him without his mask as well... :ninja:

Hey guys, just seeing this for the first time - really nice work! I especially enjoy the character feature updates and other mock-up images you are creating. I think they are really engaging, and a great marketing tool.

Also excited to see you've started a Youtube channel - eager to see some of the mechanics in action!

Nice to see how active you guys are on the devlog, etc - will be following your progress!  :beer:

Thanks so much, Pixel! It's starting to come together. I've been heavily focused on getting characters, environment and particle systems in place so we can make a trailer. We've got some gameplay mechanics vids in the works as well, and we're excited to hear what you think!

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Brambles will be a unique Trap in Summoners Fate. These thorny vines will cause serious damage to characters that are unlucky enough to come in contact with them. Aside from using them as a Trap, we are planning a Bramble Elemental as well, so escape from these prickly plants will be tricky...

Which one of these 4 options do you like best? Should we have the trap bramble differ in color from the Bramble Elemental? Let us know!

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^{The heroes hope this dark cavern won't be their crypt...}

The Rugged Mage, Assassin, and Soul Reaver enter the cave. It's dark, it's cold, and the sound of eight legs scurrying across the cave floor is growing near...

THE CAVE! Who is excited to play in this environment for Summoners Fate? I've been working on the stairs and doorways for the room. What do you think?

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And the winner from our Bramble Vote yesterday is...Bramble #1!

It was quite a close call, as you can see, across all our social media sites, but we are happy with the results. Thanks for all those who participated!   :handthumbsupL: :handthumbsupR:

(To see the original post, click here >> http://ow.ly/gn7e30eZRtw)

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Making some progress on the epic Chimera!

For those that don't know, in Greek mythology, a Chimera is typically depicted as a lion with the head of a goat coming out of its back, and a snake as a tail. These pieces will be constructed and added to the growing Summoners Fate character roster.

Some more work, and, of course, Chimera construction, and this should be one awesome character to play. What do you think?  :gentleman:

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Sunday Sketches!

Here we have some new additions on the way for the Withered race, a group of zombie-like creatures with a clumsy gait, very loose and grayish skin, and a stench of rot following them where they go...

The Withered Butcher, Female, and Goblin will join the Withered Male and Withered Dog we currently have completed.

As you see, they've sketched some different weapons for the Goblin and the Female - what do you think?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvKaopiFcno (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvKaopiFcno)

Here’s some progress on the particle effects for my upcoming indie game, Summoners Fate. I created the flame effect for the sword using Particle Designer, but the tricky part was getting the embers to flow off the sword relative to the rotation of the character. To achieve this, I had to modify the particle code and add a rotation property for the emitter. This allows the emitter to move naturally with the sword and create the trailing embers as the character moves.

What do you think so far?

This is available on our YouTube Channel as well: http://ow.ly/yYFk30f4DMK (http://ow.ly/yYFk30f4DMK)

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21761963_2000536940175756_697319104854240270_n.jpg?oh=3bf01edc3fafd04be223745345bc1954&oe=5A607826)

Here is some progress on 3 of our planned 6 card borders for Summoners Fate. These are still a work in progress - colors, names, and details may still change.

Appreciate your feedback on what you think so far  :toastR:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXW-tkJDrD0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXW-tkJDrD0)

Doing more work on our particles system. Here is a comparison of the wall torches that will be used in Summoners Fate. On the left is our original torches, and on the right is the updated version with our newly implemented particle system.

What do you think of the change?

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We're going back and forth here at our indie studio on weapons for our upcoming Vampires (they'll join our overall Horror race we are making). Obviously, biting is common for their attack, but we also think they need a weapon, such as a sword (see A.) or claws (see B.).

What do you think? Alternatively, can you think of a different weapon that would suit the Vampires? Look forward to your feedback!  >:D

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^{Burn, baby, burn!  :lol:}

Friday fire cards!

What do you think of these card icons for Dragon's Breath and Conflagration?

Remember - don't play with fire unless you're willing to get burned...especially with that Conflagration spell

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^{Before and after shot}

Screenshot Saturday!

What might be a good caption for these before and after shots?

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^{He's got his EYE on you  :blink:}

Meet the CYCLOPS!

We'll have many giant-type creatures to join him on the Summoners Fate battlefield, if you are a fan of playing the BIG characters

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Ever just have one of those Mondays?   :crazy:

(art is Madness card icon art)

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When your neighbor's dog won't stop barking...

Ha ha, having some fun with screenshots of the game. Anyone have a funnier caption?  :)

Characters pictured: Summoner with the Wolf & Nova the Sorceress with the Fennec Fox

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Time to cool off...with some Ice Card icon art! (And yes, we have a Yeti in our game  :handthumbsupR:)

Lookin great!

Thank you!

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TBT & behind-the-scenes of the evolution of our Treant card icon art. Oh how far we've come... :lol:

That's very cool to see! It's definitely come a long way - loving the current style.

Thanks, Pixel! It was a long process to get the art style just right. We knew we wanted to use vector graphics to get that clear and iconic look for readability on mobile as well as the razor-crisp scaling that shows off the detail on PC. The challenge was figuring out how to make it both readable and compelling from the top-down perspective used in the gameplay - I'm glad you like it!

(https://media.giphy.com/media/3o7aDdYhpUVeRzo7JK/giphy.gif)
This visual style is also well suited for Treant's skeletal based animations.

Looks great!

Thanks, Steve!

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Happy 1st Day of Fall!  :beer:

We plan to incorporate environmental effects into our game, such as turning of the color of leaves for fall or the burning of trees after a particularly destructive Fireball spell.

Characters shown: Fennec Fox and armored Squirrel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXvlupHR5ew (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXvlupHR5ew)

Scorpion #ScreenshotSaturday from Summoners Fate

Twitter.com/D20Studio (http://Twitter.com/D20Studio)

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Here are sketches for upcoming Summoners Fate characters. The Giant Stag Beetle will be part of our Insectoid race, the Monk will be an exciting and versatile character, and the Angel Warrior will have flight ability.

We have many of our players' suggestions in the works as well - an Orc Huntress, an Oni, an Owl, a Pegasus, etc. They are looking great!  :gentleman:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l58lK_SRysA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l58lK_SRysA)

New video! See the Ice Queen cast an icy blast against the Yeti in this new environment. What do you think?

I am excited for this game. Most mobile games are shallow, but this seems to be a good thinking game optimized for the short duration mobile game players find convenient.

A sort of similar game I also loved was card Hunter. Though card hunter games took too long to play to really be truly casual.

Hey, thanks tlark! I've played Card Hunter - great game, but, yes, definitely too slow for a mobile session. Part of our focus is to keep the individual battles very short (<3 minutes) by stripping out all the excess overhead and leaving you with several "really cool" things you can do in the time you have. Since we'll also be on desktop, we've designed the levels so that each room will seamlessly slide over to the next, allowing you to explore a much larger area in a single session if you so choose.

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We have a special announcement for today (our Bard is pumped!).

We are going to have a work-for-hire music competition for Summoners Fate! Specifically, we are looking for a passionate composer to create an epic music track for our upcoming game trailer. This game trailer will be featured in our forthcoming Kickstarter campaign.

The other fun aspect is when the entries are submitted, we will choose the top 3 for YOU, the community, to choose the music you feel best suits Summoners Fate.

For more details, visit http://ow.ly/Ygrp30frdnA (http://ow.ly/Ygrp30frdnA).

(https://media.giphy.com/media/3ohhwEfjB2uda2ay2I/giphy.gif)


THAT'S one way to defeat the heavily armored Cyclops... :monoclepop:


New!>> Join our Thunderclap for Summoners Fate: http://ow.ly/9jxz30frA0u

Thank you for your support!

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Please Help Us by Supporting Summoners Fate on Thunderclap!>> http://ow.ly/jRIF30ft6hs

Hi everyone! I am really excited to share that after 18 months of development, we'll be launching our Kickstarter next month. I believe passionately in our project, and have put literally everything into it including consistent 80+ hour work weeks and considerable personal investment on our development costs. It's been a rough ride, both exciting and terrifying at the same time.

In this critical moment of push for our team, I would ask a small gesture of your support to join our Thunderclap campaign as a supporter. There's no costs involved; what Thunderclap does is asks your permission to broadcast our announcement message on your behalf when our Kickstarter goes live so that it reaches as many people as possible.

Our goal is 100 supporters, and each supporter is critical to our success. Can we count on your support to help us out?
To support the campaign, follow this URL: http://ow.ly/jRIF30ft6hs
and click the "Support with Facebook/Twitter" button.

Shout out here if you support us so I can also give you my personal thanks!

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Making some progress on some more card border art. This card - likely called Elemental or Chaos, not sure - is coming along. What do you think so far?

Our Thunderclap campaign is just about 70% of our goal! A hearty thank you to all of you who have committed to supporting us on your social media, appreciate you getting the word out about Summoners Fate.

Here's a link to support our Thunderclap >> https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate (https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate). Can you help us reach 100? Appreciate the Indie Dev help  :toastR:

Looks good! Personally, though, I'd like to see more of the gray stone. I love the red lighting on the rocks though! Also, that fire is SO much better. Give my compliments to your artist!

Thanks for the feedback, Ayrik! Indeed, still need to tune the colors a bit. We'll do another update that shows all the cards in context and with icons soon so you can start to see more how the CCG aspect ties in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq1k5gqMrUg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq1k5gqMrUg)

We're working on some snow FX for the game. What do you think so far?

If you like what you see, please consider supporting us on Thunderclap: http://ow.ly/3je530fwMRV.  There is no cost involved; just social media support for a fellow indie dev.

Cheers! :beer:

Signed up for Thunderclap and shared your trailer contest among my composer friends - best of luck with everything! :)

Oh wow, thank you so much for your support, Pixel!!

Been working on some rain FX!



This is my first time creating something like this. I learned that rain is much harder to make than snow. Great looking snow can be generated with a particle effects editor, but to get realistic rain, I needed to do some special programming to combine multiple FX including: setting the angle and rotation of the drops, creating a mini particle system for the splash, a custom animation for the ripple, and a custom animation plus some lighting tweaks to get the thunder and lightning.

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Here are some recent sketches for characters that have been requested by players - an Oni and an Orc Huntress. We're super excited by these community suggestions, and think they will be excellent additions to our roster of 200+.

(Thanks to Elton and Philipp!) What do you think so far?

Like what you see? Consider supporting our Thunderclap! We are currenty 118% of our goal and growing. Your support to spread this to all fans of strategy turn-based RPG + CCGs really will mean the world to us! Here's the link >> https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate (https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate) Thank you!  :beer:

(https://i.giphy.com/3ohhwjsHvuARRWqPAc.gif)

When you're working hard as an indiedev & you worry you'll never finish your game. Take THAT, doubt!


Consider supporting our Thunderclap! We are currenty 118% of our goal and growing. Your support to spread this to all fans of strategy turn-based RPG + CCGs really will mean the world to us!

Here's the link >> https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate (https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate)

Thank you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d31xaPloSsI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d31xaPloSsI)

Taking some great advice from our community, I've made some enhancements to our dungeon atmosphere by layering multiple particle fx together to create the ragged orange torch flames and shimmering and shining treasure chests. It's my hope that these FX add to the atmosphere and your enjoyment playing the game.

If you like what you see, please consider supporting our Thunderclap to help us get the word out when our Kickstarter launches. Just follow this url and click the "Support with Facebook/Twitter/Imgur" buttons: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate

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NOW accepting submissions for our Music Competition for our forthcoming Summoners Fate games trailer!

Visit D20Studios.com (http://D20Studios.com) for more details. Feel free to share with your musician friends

Art looks great. Check
My two favorite genres mixed together? Check :D

Good luck! Please finish this. Will definitely keep an eye on your progress. :toastR:

Thank you, Jovu! You can count on us to finish this project. If you'd like to help us out, I'd greatly appreciate a "Support" click on our Thunderclap page which will help get the word out about our Kickstarter when it launches: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate

BTW - your platformer RPG looks pretty great. I'll take a closer look on your dev log and leave some comments.

~Ross

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^{Yikes... :monoclepop:}

If you haven't signed up already, Volume 10 of our Summoners Fate Newsletter is going out tomorrow, 10/4. Sign up here: SummonersFate.com (http://SummonersFate.com). There will be a fun exclusive 1st look, don't want to miss it.

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Meet the Ironclads!

Employing their powerful armor, matching ornate shields, and expertly-crafted weapons, the Ironclads venture onto the battlefield with purpose in their hearts - to honor their promise to fight in the name of the Emperor (coming soon)...no matter the cost...

What do you think? The character in the center is the Captain and give the soldiers a bonus during gameplay.


If you like what you see, consider supporting our Thunderclap campaign & help us spread the word about Summoners Fate, a top-down, turn-based RPG + CCG adventure!  https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate (https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate)

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Hmm...we can't decide between these two Nightmare Shadow creatures based on the sketches. To give you context, this creature is a horror from another dimension that is straight out of nightmares and is often associated with sleep paralysis. It will be a darker color, and will float.

Which one do YOU like best - 1 or 2? Let us know in the comments.

Hello!  :coffee:

Ross recently wrote an article for IndieDB.com about how he incorporated weather FX into Summoners Fate. Check it out  ;) >> http://www.indiedb.com/games/summoners-fate/news/weather-fx-in-summoners-fate (http://www.indiedb.com/games/summoners-fate/news/weather-fx-in-summoners-fate)

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^{Don't want to see one of these in your room at night...}

At 100% agreement - the 2nd sketch for the Nightmare Shadow will be the one we will move forward with. This should be a fun, creepy addition to our Horror class.

Thanks for your votes and helping us decide - you rock  :handmetalL:

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Here's a feature of just SOME of the female and male characters available to play in Summoners Fate. Which ones would you like to play as?

Any characters you'd like to see that you don't see here? We will have over 200+ playable characters in Summoners Fate.

.      .      .      .
If you like what you see, consider supporting our Thunderclap campaign & help us spread the word about Summoners Fate, a top-down, turn-based RPG + CCG adventure!

>  Click here: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate (https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate)
>  Click Support, and choose the social media platforms you'd like to support us on (Facebook, Twitter, and/or Tumblr)
>  Check that you did it correctly by looking at "Recent Supporters"
>  That's it!

Thank you for those who have already committed your support for this indie game  :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzyYYiYv55s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzyYYiYv55s)

Sylvia the Druid explores the forest with her trusty squirrel companion.

New environment effects we're working on included in this scene are animated sun beams, butterflies and trees swaying. Make sure the Volume is up for max effect of forest sounds!

What do you think?

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Sunday sketches - Archer and Ninja, 2 more fun characters to add to our roster of 200+ for Summoners Fate.

What do you think so far?

Hi local friends! I played your demo at the Leonardo Game Night several months ago and now that I've found the dev log, I'll be following along!


Like I mentioned when I played the demo, I'm enamored with the diverse options for playable characters. My only personal suggestion as the resident SJW would be add more androgynous/non-conforming characters, and potentially not to divide the characters ingame along an explicit binary. :)

Hi nathy! I remember you from Leonardo - and I absolutely loved what you had to say about our character choices when we met. Thank you so much for discovering and following along on our devlog. I really appreciate your feedback and will take it to heart. I would consider it a real achievement for players to describe our game as diverse, inviting and engaging. This is not a trivial nor easy thing to do. Each player will have different expectations. I think our success depends on how well we listen to our players and adapt, and I will commit my full attention and best effort to do so.

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Meet some of our playable animals (many more on the way!) for Summoners Fate. Most of these have special animations and other FX to really enhance your experience playing them in the game.

What do you think? Which ones would YOU like to play?  :shrug2:

omg that little armored chipmunk or w/e to the left of the griffin is adorable

Ha ha...isn't it?!  :) Thanks.  It's an Armored Squirrel, a wonderfully awesome idea thought up by a player who really wanted a Squirrel Deck and characters in the game, and we were happy to do it! Here's an older video showing it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2cNrf9UEyw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkajPFdtIeY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkajPFdtIeY)

Here's a video of some new and improved sun rays FX for Summoners Fate! This was created by Daniel Sperl, Co-founder of Gamua and author of Sparrow & Starling Frameworks for us. This example shows how these new rays are much more versatile and they will not eat your phone's battery or affect your computer's performance when playing!

If you have a game you are working on and use Starling framework, here's the link to add these to your game: http://tinyurl.com/y7ybkeh9.  :gentleman:

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This is what happens when you don't keep the Liche King's skeleton summoning in check... :mockangry:

Summoners Fate...coming soon

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Lightning & Thunderclap!

If you haven't already, we'd greatly appreciate your support on our Thunderclap campaign. To do so:

> Click this link: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate
> Click Support, and choose the social media platforms you'd like to support us on (Facebook, Twitter, and/or Tumblr)
> Check that you did it correctly by looking at "Recent Supporters"
> That's it!

A BIG shout-out and thank you to the many of you who have supported us - we're proud to have such an excellent community! Our hope is to share the news of this cross-platform, turn-based RPG + CCG adventure with all fans of the genre. Cheers! :toastL:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTzWiIrtMgI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTzWiIrtMgI)

This video shows how LOS (line of sight) works in Summoners Fate. Large obstacles like trees block LOS. When you select a ranged character, the blocked spaces are darkened. In addition, when you try to target a blocked character, you will see the line of sight broken with a dashed lined, identifying the space (in this case the trees) that blocks sight of the target. Also check out the sweet "bow draw" animation the goblin uses when he finally lands on the Paladin. Too bad for him that she blocks his arrow with her shield!

If you like what you see, consider supporting our Thunderclap campaign. Click here > https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate, Click Support, that's it!

Cheers!

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Happy Friday the 13th!

Here's two of our playable characters - the Demon Lord and the Imp. Also, see one of our traps to be used in the game, the Spiked Pit.

Funny Bug Story

Just had this pretty funny bug I wanted to share. So, I'm working on the dungeon room transitions and have added ability for characters to interact with doors. I was testing one of my levels and ended my turn expecting this Orc to come and attack me. But, to my surprise, the level ends instead. What happened? Well, it turns out that instead of attacking me, the Orc decided to turn around, open the door and leave, triggering the "next room event".

Gonna have to turn off the "interact with doors" for the AI I suppose, lol.

 :lol:

 :) :coffee:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1WtatTDw-c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1WtatTDw-c)
 
With all our recent posts showcasing ambient FX we've been adding to the game (lightning and thunder, rain, snow, butterflies, sunrays, fire, etc.), some concerns people have expressed is that our character animations seem too slow and soft. Well, I hope this video puts those concerns to rest!

Who would want to play as this ferocious Brown Bear in Summoners Fate?

I'm looking at your game for the first time, and I think your animations look great! I really like the fluidity on a lot of them, for example the treant summoning and attack you've got in the first post. Also, maybe it's a small thing, but I really like the look of your movement and LOS arrows; they look nice and clean while also making it immediately visually clear what's going on.

Thank you BusinessDog! You're the first person to comment on the move/LOS arrows. The pathing arrows was actually a suggestion from one of our long time Hero Mages players. During our early playtesting, you couldn't control pathing, just the location or attack target - but one of our players didn't like this because, while it was simple to control, it wasn't precise at getting your character positioned in the spot you wanted. Later, this became even more important when we introduced directional triggered abilities (counter attack, backstab, etc.). Using the arrows allows player to move, attack, and face desired direction all in the same gesture. This system also helped us with our design goal of faster battles. Most tactical games separate move/attack into separate actions. By combining these into a single gesture, we greatly reduce cognitive lag (human decision making time) by eliminating having to worry about the multitude of permutations with separate actions. Easier decisions -> more fluid gameplay -> happier players  ;D

Can you tell I'm excited? ;) It's such a subtle design thing, but so cool when someone like you calls it out. Thanks again!  :beer:

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Reminder: entries for our indie game music competition close at 10:00 am MT on Tuesday, October 17th, 2017! For more information, visit http://d20studios.com/work-for-hire-indie-game-trailer-music-competition/

Feel free to share this post with your musician friends.  :handthumbsupL:

I still think it should be called 'Summoner's Fate'. Because doesn't the Fate belong to them? I don't know, just an opinion.

Hi Pixelologist - Indeed, I agree with you. Funny story, the topic of the apostrophe was a good afternoon full discussion with the team. In the end, we took a lesson from my wife's maiden name - apostrophes are trouble for search engines, app titles, and so forth, so we finally surrended to going for the plain old trusty 'S'. Ah, the fun of game making!

Thanks for checking us out!

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Are you more of a cat person?  :tiger: Playable cats - big & small - coming soon to Summoners Fate! Here's some initial sketches.

Have a great Sunday!

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^{Nova the Sorceress - playable character in Summoners Fate}

We're SO close to 150 supporters - can you support our Thunderclap campaign?

To do so:
> Click this link: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/62516-summoners-fate
> Click Support, and choose the social media platforms you'd like to support us on (Facebook, Twitter, and/or Tumblr)
> Check that you did it correctly by looking at "Recent Supporters"
> That's it!

Thank you  :coffee:

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Meet only some of our playable creatures (many more on the way!). Want to fly in the air like a Dragon? Want to fight with a giant war hammer like the Demon Lord? How about cackle as the Skeleton Captain? Now you can - typical "bad guys" are playable in Summoners Fate because...is it your fate to be a hero or a villain?...

What do you think? Which ones would YOU like to play?

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DMWkemMWsAALd_T.jpg:large)

Our entries for our Music Competition has closed. To learn more about what it wasThe original song will accompany our Kickstarter game trailer, which will be unveiled on Monday (10/23/17) with the Kickstarter launch.

Wow, we have received many AMAZING entries for all over the world! It's going to be tough, but our team is going to be listening closely to all the entries and will select 3 finalists.

Check back on Wednesday to cast your vote for the music you think best represents the art, animation and visual style of Summoners Fate. More details coming tomorrow (Wednesday), so check back! We need YOUR input  :handthumbsupL: :handthumbsupR:

Excellent news! Looking forward to finding out and checking out the 3 finalist songs!  :)

Yes! They are so good, look forward to sharing them for voting. Thanks for your support, RadicalBradical  :handmetalL:

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Voting is OPEN! Please visit > http://ow.ly/DtLT30fXVXZ to vote for the Summoners Fate Kickstarter Game Trailer original song now!  :handmetalL: :handmetalR:

Voting ends on Thursday, 10/19, at 10am MT.

We now have less than 12 hours left on open public voting for our Kickstarter Gamer Trailer Music Competition, and many votes have already been cast!

Please visit http://ow.ly/DtLT30fXVXZ to vote for the original song you feel best suits our gameplay. We included a rough cut of gameplay video on the page as well (note: the video is not the finished trailer).

Voting ends on Thursday, 10/19, at 10am MT

Whoo - one of the folks I sent your way is in the finals! Won't say which one :)

Yeah? That's really cool! Thanks  :coffee:

Voting is closing in less that 30 minutes! Last chance to cast your vote for our Kickstarter Gamer Trailer Music Competition.

Please visit http://ow.ly/DtLT30fXVXZ to vote for the original song you feel best suits our gameplay. We included a rough cut of gameplay video on the page as well (note: the video is not the finished trailer).

Voting ends on Thursday, 10/19, at 10am MT

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Voting is now closed for our Kickstarter Game Trailer Music Competition.

WOW, we received A LOT of votes, very cool! Thanks for all of you who participated  :) You rock

The winner will be revealed on Friday, 10/20. In the meantime, we will be hard at work adapting an EPIC game trailer to accompany the awesome original song chosen. This will be ready to check out on Monday, 10/23, with the launch of our Kickstarter. So pumped to share it all with this community!

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This is taken from our upcoming Kickstarter that launches on Monday, October 23rd. A little long, but worth a read if you are interested in why we went with the "top-down" unique perspective of our game, Summoners Fate.

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Here are only some of our roster of playable Golems & Elementals for Summoners Fate. My favorite is the Water Elemental - which ones would YOU like to play as?

Hmm...second from the top left, middle right, and bottom center. Those three look the coolest in my mind. Especially the chaos and tornado ones.

Excellent choices. I see you enjoy the destructive forces. I can bet you'll be a fan of the Chaos magic discipline.

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^{A fine war band to conquer foes on the battlefield on Summoners Fate}

We are finishing up the rewards, write-ups, and, of course, starting to create the epic game trailer for our Kickstarter. I'm so excited to reveal all the things we have in store, to this community in particular. You know that I'm all about being community-driven, and all your help through the last 5 months of posting daily on TigSource, like giving opinions on characters and names and so much more - has elevated the game beyond what I could have thought. Nice to have this great community of indies!

Kickstarter is launching on Monday, October 23rd - mark your calendars! It's going to be a fun ride  ;D

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And the WINNER - as decided by our voters - of our Game Music Competition is Albert Fernández! Hear his original track for our Kickstarter game trailer> http://D20Studios.com/

Thanks to all who participated, including our other two finalists, all composers who submitted music, and to all of you that voted!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJjUXWbYsxc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJjUXWbYsxc)

Inspired by leaves falling yesterday morning IRL, I added Autumn FX to Summoners Fate. The trees are mesh animations rigged in Dragon Bones and the floating leaves are particles created with Particle Designer. We hope to add more drama and sense of immersion in your battles, and will add many different environments.

What do you think? My wife told me it make her want to get a Pumpkin Spice Latte  :coffee:

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Kickstarter launches in less than 24 hours!

We're so pumped to show you all the culmination of the pictures, videos, voting, and our music competition in our epic game trailer and the Kickstarter page.

There's still time to support our Thunderclap! Click here > http://ow.ly/ZJaK30g32St. (Thank you to all who have already supported!  :))

We are nervous, but excited, and appreciate the support of our fellow Indies on this board! Cheers  :toastL:

Our Kickstarter is now LIVE!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

I'm a mixture of terrified and excited, and I think that is normal  ;D

Take a look at our Game Trailer with the winning song from our Music Competition done by Albert Fernández! I look forward to your feedback and your support


(https://media.giphy.com/media/3ov9jTWgIBDCVX1Dws/giphy.gif)

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^{Meteor Shower spells are always a good idea...}

Been a great 24 hours for Summoners Fate, and people are digging the Kickstarter-Only Golden Dragon and the option to design their own character along with choosing it's name, class, appearance, armor, weapons, animations, and ability (Fate Incarnate reward). Love it!

Check out our new Game Trailer on our Kickstarter >> https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

Cheers!  :beer:

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Here's a "mini-trailer" I put together. It lacks the awesome music of our amazing competition-winning composer (GIFs!), but gives a nice snapshot.

Want to see the whole thing? Head over to our Kickstarter page and turn the volume up! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

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Let us know which weapon you think is best for our upcoming Dark Elf Spider based on these sketches - A or B?


We're on Kickstarter! Check out our game trailer & support us at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VapmdPEsn3o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VapmdPEsn3o)

Check out our game trailer and make sure the volume is turned UP!

We'd love your support - we are over 60% funded in our first 3 days, and we have some amazing stretch goals. Check it out at:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

Thanks, appreciate it! Indie Game Devs Unite  :beer:

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I've had some discussions online and IRL about Wizards and which is "best." We have a few different Wizard options (so far!) - a more traditional wizard, an evil/menacing one, and our modern wizard we're calling the Rugged Mage.

If you're a Wizard fan in games, which do you like to play? And yes, "there is no bad Wizard" is also an acceptable answer :wizard:



We're on Kickstarter! Check out our game trailer & support us at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

New video is available on my Game Dev Chats channel: 5 Tips for Launching a Game on Kickstarter. Check it out, and drop us a comment ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-5FcCN0rQw

Hope these tips from what I've learned so far help your current and future Kickstarter projects!



We're on Kickstarter! Check out our game trailer & support us at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

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Treant, Dreadnought Titan, and Barbarian engage in a game of Occuloid catch thanks to gravity combos. Occuloid is not amused.  :apoplectic:


We're on Kickstarter! Check out our game trailer & support us at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

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Happy Friday! Anyone else watching Stranger Things this weekend?

Going back a few posts, I prefer the middle, evil wizard. Traditional is too plain, and the modern doesn't look bad, honestly, but I absolutely loathe the man bun.

Stranger Things  :beer:

Hello there!

Found you via the Gamasutra article. Love the look of SF, have back and tweeted/followed etc. Best of luck with the Kickstarter, I don't think you'll need it. Now to read back through your posts here..

Ha ha...the man bun. Awesome, I know some have issue with the Traditional lacking a hat, I was thinking maybe we need a hat-creating contest for the community to design him a hat! But yes, I like the evil one, too. Thanks Pixel Noise!  ;D

Hi! Thank you so much for your support, it definitely goes a long way for us as we begin our Kickstarter campaign. So excited you found us here, let me know if you have any questions!

Cheers!  :coffee:

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^{They are so cute when they're small...}

One of our KS reward tiers include owning and naming your own Hellhound Puppy! Check it out & we'd love your support

Kickstarter:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

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Epic Skeleton & Orc battle in the temple ruins Can you find the Orc about to get an arrow to the face? :ouch:  :facepalm:


We're on Kickstarter! Check out our game trailer & support us at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

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Halloween is almost here! Spooky (spoopy?) screenshot from a dungeon level, complete with Hellhound Dogs, Hellhound Puppy, and the Demon Lord. Can our Marauder leader survive the bloodbath?

If you like your gaming a little on the "darker" side, we will have many options for you, including fleshing out a Horror/Nightmare race (one of our stretch goals on KS!).



We're on Kickstarter! Check out our game trailer & support us at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23032614_2020736044822512_1839963913935921501_n.jpg?oh=1d6af7640e601957be1750d4ff7f3c97&oe=5AA57999)

Shee's just a little girl...can't put a Ban on your fun...

New character added to our horror selection in our Summoners Fate character lineup. Check back for her animation later today. You WON'T want to miss it!  :addicted:

Curious to more about why Kelly and I are making this game? Interactive Q&A during our live broadcast on Kickstarter on Friday, 11/3, at 12PM MT. Join us!   :coffee:

Here's the link to sign up:  http://ow.ly/snvi30geENO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q5HJz9V5Qs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q5HJz9V5Qs)

Here's our Banshee girl - don't miss out on her scream!

Here are a few other Halloween-horror-themed GIFs:

(https://media.giphy.com/media/3ov9k00AjjOCp33LZ6/giphy.gif)
Hellhounds are vicious guardians of the underworld with razor sharp teeth and claws and burning red eyes. Their puppies, however, are notoriously cute and exceptionally rare. They are sought by adventurers for their lifelong loyalty and devotion. However, the Demon Lord is not amused by travelers stealing from his kennels, and many adventurers pay the ultimate price attempting this task.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/3ov9k2eip6kgmdsTZK/giphy-downsized-large.gif)
Withereds are the potato sack husk-like remains of once thriving individuals that have been afflicted by blight. While they are technically alive, their physical form and spiritual energy has been depleted to the point of exhaustion, resulting in their wrinkled appearance. They are virtually blind and are driven to their targets by an innate hunger that can detect positive energy to absorb and sustain their being.

Legends of the blight often speak of a king who, so obsessed with the persistence of his own rule, contracted an agreement with a dark shadow entity of the Void, who granted him a powerful curse that would enable him to sustain his life by taking directly from others.

What do you think of the 'darker side' of Summoners Fate?  :mockangry:


We're on Kickstarter! Check out our game trailer & support us at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23031625_2021247628104687_6066238495299182312_n.png?oh=ac876a1c61f3d7f609b3558d9b1771dd&oe=5A639699)
^{Some of our "spoopy" playable characters from Summoners Fate.}


Happy Halloween! Hope you all have fun night   :gentleman:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QetCtDuknng (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QetCtDuknng)

With Halloween behind us, and starting into the end of Autumn, I wanted to showcase our fall environment, complete with swaying trees, leaves blowing in the wind, and browning grass on the the battlefield. Here our Griffin (a playable character) flies over and attacks our Summoner. Attacking from behind helps avoid any shield boosts and will add to the strategic decision making of each turn.

What do you think? Would you like to play as the Griffin? If you like flying characters, we have MANY more planned including quite a group of Dragons (one is the gold Kickstarter-only one!), an Angel, a Fairy, several birds including an owl, starling, etc., and many more!


We're on Kickstarter! Check out our game trailer & support us at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

Many of our players (myself included) are huge fans of lizardmen in the fantasy genre. I'm excited to share some our concepts, very much still a WIP, and open up for your feedback and suggestions.

The Reptis are a race of humanoid reptilian creatures native to the lush jungles that populate the lands of Summoners Fate. Their ranks consist of tall, Iguanidae/croc/dino lizard like hominids, smaller frilled lizard bipeds, and half humanoid, half serpentine creatures. I need help coming up with better names for the race and various as well as abilities. Feedback welcome!

Here are some of the abilities we are currently tossing around for the various sub-classes.

Reptis Warrior Abilities

Resilience - Their thick scales provide natural protection, enabling them to ignore a percentage of damage they would normally receive from incoming attacks.

Chomp Attack - In addition to their regular weapon attack, warriors can use their massive jaws for a bonus attack. We’re debating whether this makes sense to use in response to a counter attack (a vengeance attack) or whether it triggers after their regular attack if the targeted unit doesn’t counter attack (more like an attack of opportunity). Let us know which idea you like best.

Tail Spin Attack - Some players have suggested the lizards might use their tails as a weapon by spinning and whipping them in conjunction with their weapon, allowing them to target all surrounding enemies. We think a power like this might be fitting for the more powerful champion unit, who also has a spike on his tail.

Frilled Lizard Abilities

Shield + Javelins - Since their javelin can be thrown with a single hand, the frilled lizards have a huge advantage over archers as they can deflect incoming return fire and melee attacks.

Camouflage - Frilled lizards can blend in with surrounding fauna, enabling them an opportunity to position themselves for surprise attacks.

Poison - Champions will have poison tipped javelins and we’re also thinking they may grant this ability to friendly lizards to greatly increase their strategic value. Poison causes units to lose life at the start of their turn - and it stacks! This means the more you get hit by poison, the faster it works to end you.

Snakepeople Abilities

First Strike - Since snakes in nature are known for incredibly fast reflexes, we like the idea of allowing snake people to kill an enemy before they can counter attack. Normally, units get to counter attack unless they are “overkilled”, but victims of the snake attack would not get counter attack if their victim's life is reduced to 0.

Heat Senses - Snakes have ability to detect heat and we’re thinking this might translate in game to detecting hidden units as well as certain traps.

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23032560_2022006134695503_3771578875810547365_n.jpg?oh=a186af44fcef4a3f1c8300dad8b996fd&oe=5AAA8302)

Weapons for some in-development Summoners Fate playable characters.

Choose. Your. Weapon!  :handforkL: :handknifeR:




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We're on Kickstarter! Check out our game trailer & support us at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

Glad to see your Kickstarter is going well. I got early access coz I really want to play! Is their randomness in the game (like draws). I would like to hear about how the strategy works.

Hi tlark, thank you so much for your support! Excited to get you playing as soon as possible.

Yes, there is randomness in draws. You construct a deck of 20 cards from your collection and your deck is shuffled at the beginning of the game, randomizing which cards are drawn. During gameplay, you hold three cards in your hand that you can cast using mana (3 mana is generated per turn, you can store up to 5). At the end of your turn, you draw back up to a hand of three cards. During your turn, you can also issue one command to each unit. Commands can be a combination of move + action, all performed in a single gesture, where you drag a path of movement from your character to intended target.

There will be over 400 cards from launch, with over 200 playable characters. Characters don't gain XP/level up like in traditional RPG, instead, your power is determined by your strategy. By choosing cards that compliment each other's strength, you can build a stronger deck/team. For example, one type of magic is Void (dark magic drawn from empty space). Void magic is often associated with undead creatures, like Skeletons, the staple troop of which is the Skeleton Warrior, a 1/1 creature that carries a shield. The shield itself makes the character formidable despite its low stats, because it can block all damage from the front and sides (one time, until it moves again to reposition). Summon a Skeleton Champion, and all of your skeletons double in power. Use a Necromancer, and you can easily summon more skeletons just by attacking. Use effects like poison, which don't affect undead creatures, and you can gain further advantage.

Lots of other strategies are possible, and different card types can be combined in different ways to make the sum of strategy greater than the individual pieces.

If you've got more questions, just let me know! Also, Kelly and I are doing a live-stream on Kickstarter tomorrow at 12PM MT. If you can't make it, please still feel welcome to submit your questions and we will answer them in the stream and post back here: https://live.kickstarter.com/d20studios/live/summoners-fate-q-and-a-talk-tactics-w-ross-and-kelly (https://live.kickstarter.com/d20studios/live/summoners-fate-q-and-a-talk-tactics-w-ross-and-kelly)

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/23120384_1737142256296888_5084121398975718694_o.jpg?oh=7786d872d0097f7ac8f1b1c45a9a6a37&oe=5A67B2FE)

We're a husband & wife team making a cross-platform, top-down fantasy tactics game/CCG hybrid. Come join us for what's sure to be an exciting Q&A!

You can also submit questions in advance as well, especially if you can't join us, we can still answer them.

See you there! Sign up here:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259

Gameplay sounds fantastic! Exactly up my street, and in mobile form factor! Oh I am really rooting for you guys. I hope to see you for Livestream.

Thanks for the awesome questions! Kelly & I had a blast. :)

Kelly and I had a blast during our live Q&A yesterday on Kickstarter. If you were unable to make it or would like to see it again (we did have fun discussing Summoners Fate, our quite extensive Warhammer collection, what it's like working with a significant other, and my "indiedev" beard), here is the link to watch the replay:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

*Note: we had a little feedback issue in the very beginning, feel free to skip past the first 40 seconds or so!

Cheers!  :toastL:

(https://media.giphy.com/media/3o7aCQg5N8JNu46YkE/giphy.gif)

Hellhounds are vicious guardians of the underworld with razor sharp teeth and claws and burning red eyes. The Hellhound Puppies, however, are notoriously cute and exceptionally rare. They are sought by adventurers for their lifelong loyalty and devotion!

Hellhound Puppies - playable characters in Summoners Fate. What would you name yours?



.    .    .    .    . 
We're on Kickstarter! Check out our game trailer & support us at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s 

Wow, I had a reactive day at work yesterday so missed the live stream :( But just watched it now and WOW! That was amazing. I really appreciate your open, comprehensive, precise and frankness answers. Very thrilling. Very interesting. I will screen it to my wife later too.

Made me want to contribute more, really loved it. Thanks a lot!  :toastR:

So happy you liked it! Thank you for the kind words, really appreciate that. Hope your wife likes it, too  :toastL:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/sfCardsKS.png) (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s)

Our finished card border art! Here are 5 of our 6 card types. From left to right, they are Celestial, Void, Chaos, Arcane, and Nature. The one that is missing is Earthen, which is our Neutral card type. I will detail these further in a future post.

What do you think?


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We're on Kickstarter! Check out our game trailer & support us at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1509908408314.jpg) (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=2g7x7s)

Sunday Sketches - upcoming playable Fairy, Elf Warrior, & Cockatrice in development. The Fairy and Cockatrice will have flying capabilities in the game.

What do you think? Really pumped to see these finished & animated.

We're on Kickstarter! Click on the image above to head to our KS Campaign page and watch our game trailer.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/KickstarterGoalHit.png) (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259)

I'm happy to announce we've been FUNDED in 13 days on Kickstarter!
THANK YOU supporters! Kelly & I are pumped!  :-*

We have 10 days left in our Kickstarter, and are now looking toward our fun Stretch Goals. First one is adding a race of Celestial TimeKeeper Steampunk Ratmen race - so strange, it just has to work ;) If you're a fan of Steampunk, time manipulation spells, "good" characters, and/or Rats, this is the Race you've been missing.

Click on the picture above to go to our Kickstarter page.

Which faction would you play & why? A little about each faction:

Ironclad
Employing their powerful armor, matching ornate shields, and expertly-crafted weapons, the Ironclads venture onto the battlefield with purpose in their hearts - to honor their promise to fight in the name of the Emperor (coming soon)...no matter the cost...

Orcs
Big. Mean. Green. Awesome! These brutes storm the battlefield with giant weapons and leave none safe!

Skeletons
These piles of bones have some unfinished business on the Summoners Fate battlegrounds, and lack any fear of the enemy or dying (of course!). While typically on the weaker side insofar as strength, they have much safety in terrifying numbers...

Dreadnoughts
They have chosen to fight for destruction and havoc. Sealed inside their enormous heavy armor, they have devoted themselves completely to being bringers of mayhem.

Reptilians
The Reptis - what we call our Reptilian race - are a race of humanoid reptilian creatures native to the lush jungles that populate the lands of Summoners Fate. Their ranks consist of tall, ignanae/croc/dino lizard like hominids, smaller frilled lizard bipeds, and half humanoid, half serpentine creatures.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Library.png) (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259)

This screenshot is inspired by one of my favorite miniature based board games. Here's a few clues to look for:

1. The staircase
2. The heroes in the party (3 out of 4 staple characters of this board game are shown)
3. The furniture

Can you guess which board game inspired this dungeon?


9 days left on Kickstarter! We'd love your support if you enjoy this type of genre. Click on the screenshot above to visit our KS page.

Below the goal, what happened?!

Yesterday we were well along the way towards hitting our first stretch goal, and I was hoping to spend today’s update talking about all the awesome time control abilities we have planned for the Celestial Time Keeper Rats. But, as you may have noticed, we are below our funding goal this morning. What happened?

In the past several days, our project has seen some volatility: a handful of folks made substantial pledges and then canceled them without any explanation. Kelly and I are both shocked and devastated by the painful emotional effect of sharing our success with you and now having to retract on that. As one who has experienced a fair share of bad news in the game industry, however, I believe open and honest communication is best.

While it is unpleasant to bring you this news, know that Kelly and I are not deterred. We maintain faith in those of you still behind us. With your support, in these last 8 days, we will see this project through as promised!

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23231465_2024504797778970_2742465332022644883_n.jpg?oh=6802a02bfd2614f17197fd1eadca1449&oe=5A9B0642) (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259)

While this morning was a bit of a disappointment for Kelly and me with our Kickstarter funding going from 106% to 92% overnight, we've been overjoyed by the encouraging messages we've received, thank you.  :coffee:

So - what now? Well, we are two pretty tenacious folks and we knew the startup life was not going to be an easy one. We are even more determined to make the Kickstarter a success with our 8 days left, and still have quite big plans for our game!

One of those big plans is adding a unique and fun Insectoid race! These are insects that are quite large and humanoid in their actions. Here's a "glamour shot" of some of them:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1510119366517.jpg) (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=brm8o1)

Don't they look...cute and creepy?! LOL, that's a bit what we were going for. I really like insects, and knew I wanted to get them into our game as a playable race. I especially like praying mantises and ants. However, I definitely dislike yellowjackets in real life for all the times they've stung me while doing yardwork. I wanted to add them to the game as a way to defeat them on our battlefield! If you feel the same way, these may be the perfect opponent for you.

Here are some examples of their animations:  

                        Scorpion Wasp                                                                  Mantis
(https://media.giphy.com/media/l2QDPj1lovTjc5lKg/giphy.gif)  (https://media.giphy.com/media/xUNda3BHj6oqCwfYZ2/giphy.gif)

                                            Bug Bonanza
(https://media.giphy.com/media/3o6fJ9pGWynEA6VtJe/giphy.gif)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0lyJG4yXI4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0lyJG4yXI4)


What do you think?

Now that's what we call atmospheric storytelling  :eyebrows:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/OrcBelch.gif)

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1510258631083.jpg) (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259)

Meet our Angel playable character! We think she is a great addition to the lineup, but cannot figure out a weapon for her - sword? Mace? Enchanted harp?

Let us know! Pictures are welcome  :)

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/SupportUs.png) (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259)

6 days left in our Kickstarter for Summoners Fate, and we're at about 97% funded! (Click on our picture, or click here (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259) to see our Kickstarter) THANK YOU!

Kelly and I are a hard-working duo who love games like Dark Sun Series D&D PC Games Shattered Lands and Wake of the Ravager, Warcraft, Diablo, Warhammer tabletop (Fantasy & 40K), MtG, and - of course - our first game, Hero Mages. Our hope is that Summoners Fate will bring many exciting elements of varied turn-based strategy games and combine them into a fun, fast, and tactically satisfying experience with diversity in characters, strategies, and platforms. We plan for Summoners Fate to entertain you for years to come.

We'd greatly appreciate your support. Check our our Kickstarter here (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259).Thanks, fellow IndieDevs!  :toastR:

We filmed this Summoners Fate First Look - Choose Your Device video today, which showcases some hands-on gameplay on all of our target platforms. As you will see, our game supports portrait and landscape orientations, as well as adapts for left- and right-handedness with a simple turn of the device.

Our vector graphics scale beautifully to large PC screens and high DPI retina screens. We've received feedback from some of our PC fans about the UI and we are planning to build a custom PC UI as well as support hotkeys and an alternative "zoomed out" interface with more detail/options panels for players that like to have this additional information handy.

Check out the video, let us know what you think!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AtdQ0FWlP4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AtdQ0FWlP4)

We have received some great feedback and discussions from the game play video I posted here yesterday, thanks! Come join me in our Summoners Fate Discord, I'm chatting right now at: https://discord.gg/6rZkzAx.

Every new member is greeted with a Summoners Fate character ;)

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1509909725700.jpg) (https://discord.gg/6rZkzAx)

Here's a follow up video to our "first look" video with an additional battle vs. the Liche King (click here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1362253#msg1362253) to see). This time, I'm recording directly from my computer so the visual quality is much higher. At players' request, I'll be creating a larger map and sharing that next. Stay tuned for the next video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNok0wcgY84

If you missed my wife & my recorded livestream, it's now up on YouTube. Check out our discussion about Summoners Fate as we answer viewers' questions about the game & our development process.

While you're there, click Subscribe to assure you get our latest videos. Typically I will post videos there first before our other social media.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQNmKjL2JXg

Skeleton gets defeated by Barbarian knockback to the spike wall (a great addition because of a suggestion of one of our players). In slow-motion to really savor that defeat!

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/spikeWallHit.gif)

Have a great evening!  :gentleman:

We've received some requests to view a gameplay video on a larger map, and we are happy to oblige! I also added in the spike walls that was requested, which was a lot of fun and changed my strategy for the better. Originally, the walls only served as a decorative border, but after spending some time, I got this working.

Here I am playing as the Liche King & Skeletons on a larger map on my PC:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOVVBFDZPOY

We have 3 days left on our Kickstarter! Click here (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259) to check out our page. We are aiming toward our 1st Stretch Goals, the Celestial Steampunk Timekeeper Rats  :monoclepop:. Here are some concept sketches:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Bomb Sketches.png)

As you can see from the sketch above, the rats are inspired by Victorian-era clothing and have clockwork gear weapons and gadgetry. Kelly was very particular about the look and spent a lot of time gathering various concepts to inform our art team so that these would read as unique, original characters. As Kelly would say, "These aren't your typical dirty sewer rats, but prim and proper rats with sophisticated tastes and culture. They can control time, after all."

Along with the Rats are the time manipulation spells, which will be a lot of chaotic fun for the game:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1510596238935.jpg)

You might be wondering how we are planning to implement manipulation of time in our game mechanics. Here are just a few examples of what will be possible with our game engine:

Time Trap: When unit enters target space, undo the last interaction and end that unit's turn. (Traps are deployed on the board in secret)
Turn Back Time: Rewind to the start of your last turn and remove this card from the game.
Time Travel: Remove your Summoner from the board until the start of your next turn.

That looks really cool! Congrats on being funded and good luck on your stretch goals!  :beer:

Thanks Pixel Noise! Appreciate that. Cheers  :toastR:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23561377_2027099644186152_146192539419126283_n.jpg?oh=5961800209f03225eba99092d46f6bd4&oe=5A99615B) (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259)


Rounded up our Reptis race for a group shot. Who's your favorite?



2 days left on Kickstarter! We'd love your support if you enjoy this type of genre. Click on the screenshot above to visit our KS page or click here (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259).

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/PCUIMock2.png)

I've been working on adapting the UI layout to better suit the needs of PC players. I've received feedback that the larger UI (scaled from mobile) was unpleasant.

Looking at the mock-up above, I've increased the playable grid space to 9x14, further reduced the UI size, and balanced the left and right sides by unwrapping the multi function buttons to reveal their other states up front (ex: replay and skip). Circular style is replaced with rectangles to better fit the interface. The non-playable grid area is shadowed around the edges. This is just a layout mock to show scale and placement. Artistically, I'm thinking it might be cool to have the blue UI bar itself be made out of stone, perhaps vegetation wrapped or inset with gold trim. The mana bar would need the mana symbol itself incased in some sort of decorative texture (perhaps a circular extension of the stone/ruins itself) and something to make the bar look more like glass tube/alchemy. I still like the idea of symbolic buttons (vs. text) for the four secondary functions - better for localization and artistically more interesting. End turn button - up for debate - that could be text since it's the most important function. Behind the cards, it might be nice to have some kind of decorative radial arc extending above the bar. There's room to support more cards here as well (for abilities that allow you to draw beyond three) by arranging them in a fan.

Thoughts?

(sneak peak at our Frost Dragon, too - a new playable character)

Meet our Celestial Steampunk Timekeeper Rats! They are one of our Stretch Goals to add to our game (Less than 24 hours left to Support our Kickstarter! Click on the pictures or click here (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259) to view our KS page). From left to right, we have the Time Bombardier, a ranged unit that can throw "time bombs" that damage and slow enemy movement, the Time Keeper, a powerful Summoner with the power to cast Celestial Time Spells, and the Time Warrior, a cunning melee fighter with hyper speed and lightning reflexes.


Celestial Magic is associated with divine order, light, love, spiritual energy and the dimension of time. This magical energy is drawn from celestial beings and the existential ether that shapes and forms the basis of reality. Celestial spells include powerful healing and protection abilities, light energy that can banish demons of the Void and repel the destructive forces of Chaos, and the ability to control time itself.

Above are a selection of spells we have conceived of so far to go with the Celestial Steampunk Timekeeper Rat theme. Time manipulation mechanics such as these are one of many unique innovations we aim to bring to the tactics and CCG genres.

What do you think of these ideas and what kinds of time and celestial spells would you like to see in Summoners Fate?

At post, we are at 17 hours left on our Kickstarter (click here (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259) to view our campaign page)!

Kelly and I have designed Summoners Fate as a community service that we aim to run for the next 10+ years. We are hoping this becomes akin to a hobby that you continue to enjoy well into the future. Because of this, I would like to call to your attention that our Kickstarter will be offering several exclusive reward opportunities that will not be available down the road. These rewards were carefully chosen as our way of saying "Thank you" to everyone who believed in us and pledged support during this Kickstarter.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/GoldenDragonLoop.gif) (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259)

The Golden Dragon is a creature we created exclusively as a Kickstarter reward. This legendary character is a benevolent guardian dedicated to protecting mythic treasure, arcane spells, and other secrets. They are wise, ancient, and possess great mystical abilities. Kickstarter will be the only opportunity to ever obtain this exclusive card.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/HellhoundPuppyLoop.gif) (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=1n0259)

While the Hellhound Puppy will be an obtainable character in the game (albeit, very rare and hard to come by) the opportunity to give your puppy a customized name that will appear on his card is a Kickstarter-only exclusive.

We are also offering the opportunity to design your own cards, be in the game as a playable character, and create your own custom dungeon that will become a location in the world for all players to explore - and you get the credit! I'd also like to call out that every reward tier contains all of the reward tiers below. For example, if you choose "Ravager of Fate", not only will you get to design your own custom boss character, you will also get to create a custom playable character in your likeness AND create a custom spell card (plus receive Golden Dragon, all of the bundled card rewards, etc.).

Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the "Decider of Fate". This is promised to be a one-time only exclusive card print that you and only you will ever own. Imagine your favorite game today and if you had the chance to own the "only one" of something ever made within that game and forever having the notoriety of being called the "Decider of Fate".

Thank you to all our supporters!

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23559653_10155672506591285_8237146717216052266_n.png?oh=51656758f52acf693174218b551a98f4&oe=5AA18AE3)

Thank you to all our amazing supporters - we did it! Our Kickstarter was successfully funded. We couldn't have done it without you, we are grateful and PUMPED to bring Summoners Fate to the next level!

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Frost Dragon.png) (http://summonersfate.com)

The Frost Dragon swoops onto the battlefield, his skin is silvery-blue with gleaming icicles. He casts his icy stare onto his enemies, and braces his frozen talons into the ground as he lets out a mighty breath of frigid ice and certain death....
Meet the FROST DRAGON! We teased him in a recent post of one of our larger maps, now get a good look at one of our newest playable characters (200+ will be available!). This addition to our Dragon race joins our others we've shown so far:

- Red Dragon (http://ow.ly/t9Kf30gFjSN)
- Skeletal Dragon (http://ow.ly/qnTX30gFjNZ)
- Gold Dragon (http://ow.ly/dZ2X30gFjXY)

What do you think? Would you like to control this frigid fellow?

Sunday Sketches - Medusa (player request) and Bramble Elemental:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1511114366605.jpg)

Teamwork to defeat an armored Mountain Troll

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/KillTroll.gif)

What do you think of my water tile?

I've always really liked Praying Mantises. Here's a brown Mantis in action here. What do you think?

More Insectoids coming soon, including different colors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6Qgx4O9TUI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6Qgx4O9TUI)

We are delving a little deeper into 2/5 of our magic card classes: Void and Chaos

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Void Magictig.png)
The Void
In the beginning, before time and space, there was the Void. The Void is the existential state of non-being. It is “nothingness” - an inherent truth and the persistent origin of all things, so speaks the scholars and ancient texts of the Academy of Arcane Arts. Accounts of those who have experienced the origin moment often speak of the Void as an emotion - the “feeling of emptiness”. It is a balance of fear and hope: fear that eternity is without meaning or purpose, forever alone in despair, and hope that within lies the potential to be something that is great and loved. This innate quality of non-being is what causes existential essence, the motion that drives the creation of all things within the universe.

Void Magic
The Void is often misunderstood and many of those gifted with its insights are driven to madness. In Summoners Fate, Void magic represents the negative state of nothingness and is associated with fear, despair, hunger and death. Dark and nightmarish beings, demons of the Void, are shadowy like creatures that feed upon the thoughts and dreams of corporeal beings. They are constant reminders of the existential balance between fear and hope. Void spells include the power to nourish by taking life, the conjuring of dark beings, and the power to bring death.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/cHAOS Magictig.png)

Chaos
When non-being gives rise to existential motion, the raw, primal and pure potential energy created is called Chaos. Chaos is without bounds or rules; it is not limited by logic and reason. Even mathematical definitions such as 1+1 = 2 can be nonsensical or as valid as 1+1 = 3. If the entirety of existence could be construed as a line, then the period of history that represents Chaos would exist as a singular point. But, as Chaos is without time and order, this “point”, this “moment” persists as an eternity that continuously draws out infinite eventualities and realities.

From the infinite potential of Chaos, conscious thought is born, giving rise to being, celestial order, and the construct of time and the physical universe. Chaos is not a moment left in the past, however, but a source continually drawn upon to keep the universe within motion.

Chaos Magic
When chaos energy flares into the physical world, its manifestations are unstable and cause potent destructive force. While destructive, Chaos is not inherently evil, and many good and innocent individuals are gifted (or cursed as some say) with the power to channel Chaos Magic. For example, Nova the Sorceress, is a notable Chaos sorceress. At a young age, she unintentionally destroyed her village with fire when her born powers were first triggered, though she herself is not malicious like the Dreadnoughts - evil inclined beings motivated by the desire to destroy the world.

Chaos Spells
In Summoners Fate, Chaos spells grant powerful destructive abilities and have the highest damage output per cost of any other magic group.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Also, remember, Griffins are not Turkeys  ;)

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1511386103690.jpg)

We posted the sketch (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1361656#msg1361656) of our Fairy recently. Now see this playable character finished. She will be added to our 200+ playable character roster for Summoners Fate!

What do you think? Also, should she have shoes or not?

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23795631_2031827777046672_5824935196841247802_n.jpg?oh=6a27114ac9aab3e7667dddc14a5bb35b&oe=5A939AB1)

That's really cool to see the before/after - I'd say no shoes.

Thanks Pixel Noise! We really liked how she turned out, too.

Thanks for letting us know your thoughts on shoes vs. bare feet.

Have a great night :toastL:

Today we'd like to share 2 new sketches we are working on - the Priestess and the Knight. What do you think so far?

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23843200_2032357073660409_5936161603627448952_n.jpg?oh=b15450122285d35baa1d0f6ddf6af2f7&oe=5A9937E2)

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/OverkillSquirrel.gif)

Bit of overkill here...

This looks really cool and polished, and I love this kind of game.  I will say I very much prefer the characters when they aren't looking up...gives me an uncomfortable sense of almost claustrophobia with a touch of vertigo...like we're smooshed too close together while I look down at them from an awkward angle.  I love the art otherwise.

Thank you, HiddenNatureDsn, for your kind words! Glad you like the game.

The top-down perspective is a carry-over from my first game, Hero Mages (http://heromages.com/). The idea is that you are looking down at a board game. We added the "look-up" feature for 2 reasons: to have a connection to your character (I didn't want you only looking at tops of heads!) as well as for your characters to queue you to take action. I joke that in the Summoners Fate universe, the characters have an extra vertebrae that allow them to look up without sore necks.  ;)

Cheers!

I posted a video (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1363504#msg1363504) last week of our brown biped Praying Mantis animation. Some people wondered about different color variations for the Insectoids.

Here are some variations on both the Mantises and our Ants. You'll see quadruped vs. biped options, plus different available colors.

My favorite is the top left, the brown quadruped Mantis, whereas Kelly likes the middle bottom right, the red quadruped Ant.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1511825043539.jpg)

Your team of Ironclad Leader, Fire Sorceress, and Ironclad Warrior look up to you - what will be your first move?

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1511923564493.jpg)

Vote now - which character should be revealed next?  :eyebrows:

Winner posted Thursday, 11/30

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1511990189692.jpg)

And the winner of yesterday's vote (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1364531#msg1364531) is #2! Meet the Anthropod Walker  :monoclepop:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Anthropod Walker.png)

This nightmarish creature is an insectoid + crab humanoid hybrid that's been mutated by Chaos Magic. With razor sharp, skull crushing pincers, this powerful creature is certain to strike fear in those foolish enough to face against it on the battlefield.

What do you think?

Here's an example of an Iron Golem rounding off a complex combo by knocking back the Orc Chief and triggering the bonus attack of each team member.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujGHMeZbCAc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujGHMeZbCAc)

That is slick. Looking good  :beer:

Thanks!  :beer:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1512251164836.jpg)

The cold warriors are ready for December & frigid battles!

And here is what surfing the internet does, you run into old friends unexpectedly.

Looks like things are going well for you Ross, I'll have to look over your game more closely when I have time this next week.

Bryce Bangerter

Hey, Bryce! Good to hear from you, man. Still playing Hearthstone?

Hope all is going well, stay in touch  :)

Meet 2 upcoming characters currently in development - the Beastman Warrior (first of this new race we're adding) and the Giant Skeleton (which will be added to our roster of the Giant Race).

What do you think so far?
(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1512340715888.jpg)

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/24301222_2035808169981966_389506573012314130_n.jpg?oh=f3378e7622148586422a530086453682&oe=5A94F30F)

They're creepy, crawly, and YOU control them!

While technically not all "insects," these various creatures are part of our Insectoid race. Can you spot a NEW character?

See the battle of the bugs example here. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0lyJG4yXI4)

Our Bat is joining our flying playable characters. What do you think would be a good attack for it?...

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/24312946_10155720259626285_2533165421658660400_n.jpg?oh=c2ec31ab462105c2b721595bc57f71a6&oe=5A8B712B)

Autumn outdoor battle screenshot. Which side would you rather be on - Orcs & Goblins or Humans with an Iron Golem?


(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/24796426_2036711529891630_3591647770208971235_n.jpg?oh=1960cdcd7b27a1e2e98be88132a55d3a&oe=5A903522)

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/24837564_10155726017016285_6227151119171728550_o.jpg?oh=c2af30d6e68d5133e430f7935e90a488&oe=5AD5B3A4)

Snapshot of some upcoming weapons, including for our Monk, and new Giant character, and more!

Which of these factions would you favor playing the most and why?

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Factions.png)

Celestial Steampunk Timekeeper Rats, obviously, because what the hell is that?? It sounds so cool and interesting haha!

Ha ha!  :monoclepop:

Spider attack in the Blue Cave #ScreenshotSaturday

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/24883536_2038021486427301_7463439863267527303_o.jpg?oh=222d1e4ae64dc2e683e887d5fe66c032&oe=5A9103DA)

New! Succubus and Incubus - in development as new playable characters for Summoners Fate. These 2 trouble-makers will be fun additions  :lol:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/24959102_2038497326379717_7176077069853627185_o.jpg?oh=d332bd11f93123e8fa7fa9bb1043eb80&oe=5ABEE29B)

We are stuck on a great weapon for our Incubus - can you help?

The Incubus has some variations in mythology. For Summoners Fate, we are defining our Incubus as a young, manipulative demon and part of our Horror race. Our game keeps things fairly PG, so we will not be looking to explore the seductive side too much; rather, we're looking for a fun, different, but definitely evil weapon(s) this character could wield.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1513021331384.jpg)

Liche King & his Skeleton army welcomes you...to the spike room of death! Check out the fun & sweet wall spikes.  :addicted:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/24993314_2039333762962740_6711908200538268913_n.png?oh=ba148dc7f6af8c09285830072393cdc3&oe=5AC51917)

Newb vs. experienced player  :lol:

Both the Rat and the Celestial Steampunk Timekeeper are playable characters in Summoners Fate!

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/25310976_2039738362922280_6072993572546596789_o.png?oh=588857b947596a9c24f8613b81811184&oe=5A8D6DB6)

Here's some new work-in-progress animations for our Bard & Gladiator characters. Includes playing the lute, throwing harpoon and pulling character, and throwing net. What do you think so far?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRmxy63PbVs

The Marauders are a group of tough bandits who roam the lands looking to plunder, loot, and bring general carnage wherever they go. They are known for their rough language and rougher fighting on the battlefield.

This group once tried to go on the moral path and attempted to join the Ironclads to protect the Emperor; however, their selfish and brutish behavior made that impossible. Angry at being rejected, they formed their own band - the Marauders. Only this time they do not seek to protect anymore...except only themselves.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1513360832483.png)

Watch me summon a Skeleton Dragon, take out the Cleric, but ultimately pay the price with the spike walls dealing damage.

(This clip taken from a longer video posted on our YouTube channel - watch here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOVVBFDZPOY))

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy-IdoTyiho

Getting hot in here with our Sunday sketches. See our WIP Magma Giant and Magma Golem. These two will heat up the battlefield...

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1513465130663.png)

Battling in the jungle screenshot. Look out for the Tribal Warrior, Orc Shaman, Sabertooth, and various members of our Reptis army. The colorful flowers double as poison traps, so best to avoid those at all costs...


(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/25531901_2042100779352705_3976059209290365168_o.jpg?oh=ebe5e9c13d8400f7d1b7947cb898488d&oe=5AB58E1E)

it's coming together really, bro. I'm digging the sweet traps!

Thanks! Appreciate that

Meet our Giant Stag Beetle!

Typical stag beetle are around 2 inches (5 cm) long and are not harmful to humans. However, in the realm of Summoners Fate, our playable Giant Stag Beetle is much larger and much more harmful to humans, animals, and all creatures that populate the battlefield. Watch out for those huge and deadly mandibles! :o

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/GiantStagBeetle.png)

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/25587026_2042964042599712_1623877814401425364_o.jpg?oh=e66356c420a251281ea5a25659568aa8&oe=5ACBBC05)

We at D20Studios have always been fans of mythology and the various creatures in these fantastical and visionary stories. We are/will be including many creatures both well-known and more obscure from various mythologies from around the world.

Here is a small sample of some of our finished mythological creatures. This includes our newly-finished HYDRA - a huge monster with varied snake-like heads (in our case, 5)- and the MANTICORE - which has a human-like head, the body of a lion, draconic wings and a tail of a scorpion.

I look forward to getting a video of them on the battlefield soon! Which of these characters are you looking forward to playing? Any you'd like to see?

Longest night of the year...at least you aren't spending it fighting a Yeti like our Ice Queen. #WinterSolstice

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1513883798815.png)

Here are some snowy particle FX we added to Summoners Fate:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq1k5gqMrUg

You've seen him here and there in our screenshots, now meet our Gladiator!

Having been manumitted, the Gladiator roams the battlefields of Summoners Fate with his steady net and harpoon, his trusty choices in battle. Though he is free, he cannot escape his memories of the things he's seen, the things he's done...He seeks a "good death," yet has been unable to find anyone up to the task.

What do you think? Would you like to play as the Gladiator? We are thinking of creating a complete Gladiator race to join him - what do you think?

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Gladiator.png)

See his WIP animation here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRmxy63PbVs

Happy Cat-urday :tiger: Tiger coming soon!

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/25594224_2044229409139842_5795533660646574883_n.jpg?oh=da6eca45c6533b8dfad624a36c64ad27&oe=5ABB818E)

Sunday Sketches - some exciting upcoming Summoners Fate weapons

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1514059334612.png)

Happy Holidays!  :)

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1513972034634.png)

Killer Bunny and some of its favorite & strategic cards...   :whome:

These cards are part of the Nature cards.

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/26170537_2045594505669999_4336250317030745649_o.jpg?oh=d64fb310498fc3ba5dbfb288ed5facc2&oe=5AB3D881)

Who wants to storm the Summoners Fate battlefield with some of our fun & freaky horror characters? :mockangry:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26165338_2046029248959858_277921576789795637_n.jpg?oh=8c309ec7e40c0899463e1e6886c05494&oe=5AF96C62) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q5HJz9V5Qs)

We have many fun plans to build your ultimate deck (and over 400 cards planned to do it!). Learn more about our upcoming turnbased strategy + CCG at SummonersFate.com (http://summonersfate.com).

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26166120_10155778666596285_7894483478190154939_n.png?oh=fe48cf6605c929fcec51d252fa157c10&oe=5AF3F8F2)

Strategy & tactics - employ both to destroy your opponent in Summoners Fate (http://summonersfate.com)!

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/26116267_2047039805525469_2032579798310969776_o.jpg?oh=2e2a44eaebf0e838b19107cbe37522af&oe=5ABBC837)

If you're a fan of zombies or just creepy characters in general, this announcement is for you. The Withereds are growing...check back later today to meet 3 new members! You won't want to miss it

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1514658193779.png)

We teased (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1367757#msg1367757) some new Withereds earlier today; now meet them! Villager #2 with two weapon options - powerful rolling pin and scary garden shears! - (Thanks to you who gave us so many awesome ideas (https://www.facebook.com/D20Studios/photos/a.1827774674118651.1073741828.1807421659487286/1989026234660160/?type=3&theater) back in August for her weapon!) the bloody Butcher, and the gruesome Goblin.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Withereds.png)

What do you think?  

Rockin' out on the Summoners Fate battlefield, waiting for the ball to drop! Seems like a great party  :handmetalR:

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE! Have a great night, from your friends at D20Studios

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1514755160405.png)

And here's an oldie, but a goodie - our Earth Elemental jamming out, getting ready for his NYE party! (turn up the volume)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MaMoKaYfJ4

(For those of you who wonder how this came about, I made a video where I was testing out the animation of damage he took from different sides, and we remarked that it looked like he was dancing. Kelly took it from there by adding music)

Happy New Year! 2018 is shaping up to be very exciting for Summoners Fate  :gentleman: Stay tuned!

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1514565978312.png)

Hello! I'm reaching out to see if there would be interest in a Live Session with me to walk through my newly-developed Game Editor Tool for Summoners Fate.

To elaborate, with the large amount of unique game content we have created (and planned) for Summoners Fate, I've built a system to easily create, add, and modify content, including characters, environments, placables, levels, etc. The live session would demonstrate and showcase my progress.

Let me know if you are interested by replying below - I'm thinking the Live Session will be within the next week or 2.

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26114060_2048829282013188_5177938090994310345_n.jpg?oh=8820b448fab54e5cf703ff7959c858f8&oe=5AFE4C56)

Our monthly newsletter is going out tomorrow, Wednesday. Sign up at SummonersFate.com (http://summonersfate.com) or click here (http://ow.ly/3Hld30hwlPr) directly to make sure you get our exclusive content!

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26112484_2048917972004319_847119196740724647_n.jpg?oh=1fda6a475f3c9f42b7c0a322c033ff6e&oe=5AEEFF71)

I will be doing an interactive walk-through of my newly-developed Game Editor Tool for Summoners Fate on Tuesday, January 16th, at 11AM (MT). For more details and to RSVP for the event, click here (http://ow.ly/LLL630hz0tg).


(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26229699_2049294415300008_3455348326965028824_n.jpg?oh=160dd4914d9822a2aac10d36bad72398&oe=5AF332F1) (http://ow.ly/LLL630hz0tg)

Screenshot time - when Skeletons try to reach the Book of Fate, guarded by the Ironclads...

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Screenshot IronCladvsSkeletons.png)

Take THAT, little creepy Imp! Attack from the Bandit Leader. (Watch out for that Oni!)

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/26240077_2050162828546500_6782407052348026074_o.jpg?oh=128b869852469341eebc55d543bd7c24&oe=5AF28FEF)

Meet our Oni! This demon ogre stomps the battlefield wielding his kanabō and looking to bring destruction and death. He is absurdly strong and known for being invincible. Think you have what it takes to defeat him on the battlefield (or, even more, to PLAY as him? ;) )

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Oni.png)

Sketch Sunday! Meet some new additions to our growing Dragon Race - the Green Dragon and the Blue Dragon. We likely will not keep these names; we are leaning toward naming them for gems. In this case, the Emerald (or Jade) Dragon and the Sapphire Dragon.

What do you think?

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/26220458_10155803728201285_8830352094719488131_o.png?oh=e354332ffe0928df6ca54478dd3ad08f&oe=5ABEBDEA)

I could just be me but I dislike character looking up (90 degrees); they must get painful necks.
But then I don't really do top down unless it's oblique as it gives me a feeling of vertigo (though I understand the reasoning of the limited art required); I made an exception for Darkwood though so I guess anything is possible.

Hi, Stevepunk!

Thanks for commenting. The top-down perspective is a carry-over from my first game, Hero Mages (http://heromages.com/). The idea is that you are looking down at a board game. We added the "look-up" feature for 2 reasons: to have a connection to your character (I didn't want you only looking at tops of heads!) as well as for your characters to queue you to take action. I joke that in the Summoners Fate universe, the characters have an extra vertebrae that allow them to look up, so don't worry too much about their sore necks.  ;)

Cheers!

S-s-slithering in tomorrow? Our newest race - SNAKEMEN! Check back on Tuesday ;)

Click on the image below to learn more about the Celestial Steampunk Timekeeper Rats (pictured).

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/26233599_2051490598413723_6056486944843995381_o.jpg?oh=0d6f5b2ea9898f0bbe1d99592d3d7abf&oe=5AEA0601) (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1362906#msg1362906)

Meet our "Snakemen" race! I put that in quotes because we don't actually love this name for these snake humanoids; can you help us with a better name for this race? If you're interested in participating, click on the image below.

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26220041_2051880791708037_783653410609735139_n.jpg?oh=ec3f80ee7483f5dcfab6a261f8192e76&oe=5AFD9B3B) (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=55.0)
Pictured here are two Snakemen Warriors (back) and the Snakemen Priestess (front).

"Snakemen" Screenshot - facing off in the desert environment. Think it is going to be a bit difficult for the Paladin, Rogue, and Griffin to reach that highly sought-after weapons' rack!

Don't forget - vote today to help us rename this snake-humanoid race. We've already gotten some great suggestions from Maltross! Click on the image to vote.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/SnakemenSmaller.png) (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=55.0)

Dev Log: Creating the Card Management System

Greetings all! I was finding myself going down a bit of a feature creep/perfectionist lull with the production tools, so I decided to shift gears and work on our card management system. The card management system is the UI that allows the player to view all of the possible cards in the collection as well as create custom decks. If you’ve played CCG’s like Hearthstone, you’re probably familiar with what this system looks like, but just in case, here’s a quick breakdown of the elements:

1. Collection Management (Ability to view all of the cards)
2. Crafting (Ability to make new cards)
3. Deck Builder
  1. View cards to place in deck
  2. View cards in the deck (visualization)
  3. Deck Stats
  4. Ability to name deck
  5. Number of each type of card in deck (Units, Spells, Equipment)
  6. Average mana cost
  7. Total mana cost
  8. Card Quantity (X/20)
  9. Sort By
  10.Filter
  11. Search
  12. Back Out Button
  13. Suggest Cards
  14. “New” Indicator that appears over cards recently added to player’s collection
  15. Deck Limit (Per card)
4. Party/Team Roster (A special case for Summoners Fate to also choose which characters are in your party).

Atm, I’m focused specifically on Deck Builder, as it is the most complex part of the system. The first challenge is layout, which is even more challenging for me because I support both portrait and landscape. The basic idea is to divide the screen into two parts (collection/cards available) and the deck visualization. The most intuitive approach is to drag cards from the collection and drop them into the deck.

My first step was to get a basic idea for the main layout of these elements. Portrait is the most limiting layout, so I started there. After some testing, I discovered I could fit about 3 cards across the narrowest dimension of the screen with the text still being readable. Additionally, I would support a “full size preview” for the user on tap to view the keywords and larger text. This would allow user to browse their collection 6 cards at a time. Additionally, I can fit the 20 cards needed to construct the deck as mini cards (showing only the icon and cost). As shown in images below, these numbers also work for landscape if I expand the number of columns.

...To read more, click on the image below.

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26239525_2052831208279662_1189275159193388898_n.jpg?oh=259a11e52b1e133be5e518813b5e4483&oe=5AF6439B)
 (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=56.msg265#msg265)

CATS V. DOGS...who will win this classic battle?
All cats and dogs are playable characters in Summoners Fate!
(Note: I vote for cats  :tiger:)

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26804734_2053707068192076_6894460109714785108_n.png?oh=30e40a203c91b9a7fcc183c5a31d2f74&oe=5AF76BBE)

We're adding to our decks! Check out some sketches for upcoming card concepts.

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/26758559_2054525944776855_3940612720816663455_o.png?oh=64c16fb60f748b733570feab56d41cb0&oe=5AFBC548)

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26239849_2055066554722794_3512098881971244758_n.jpg?oh=f5023826ceebcfa4ccbf2289e94417ee&oe=5AB2DA68) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXP2sFrfoog)

Everything the Withereds touch turns to dead...Treant & his nature gang won't let them kill the forest without a fight.

Meet a new character, the Carniflower, front and center! We'll do a feature on this sentient plant soon.

Which Summoners Fate character would you like to meet next? Vote 1, 2 or 3!

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/26758005_2055981021298014_8062195450172080070_o.png?oh=02e7c5236b4266178c3e7a30012e1f2a&oe=5AE03FBC)

We tallied up the votes across our many social media platforms and the character most voted (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1369721#msg1369721) to be revealed was #2! Here it is...the Dark Pegasus Unicorn!

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/DarkPegasusUnicorn.png)

We haven't worked out all of his powers aside from obviously the power of flight. What special ability(ies) do you think this type of character should have?  ;)

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/PegYetiScreenLogo.png)
^{Look out, Yeti...Dark Pegasus Unicorn has the power of flight}

Here are some more upcoming card icon sketches we're working on. Summoners Fate will feature 400+ cards!  :monoclepop:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26814751_2057928447769938_6867552008801160478_n.jpg?oh=a4768faf827af0b048598d7b0b3b2917&oe=5B256EA7)

Check out some progress on card icons. The colors really make a difference! What do you think?

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27072250_2058465124382937_7863270700031043344_n.jpg?oh=b3605e65fcef1a2d82ab0758f04099dd&oe=5ADC576F)

I think we're alone now  :blink:...::bones clacking::

Characters pictured: Nova the Sorceress, Rugged Mage, and the Skeleton Army - including our Skeleton Dragon.

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27336587_2059084810987635_5310184854293098382_n.jpg?oh=d4051ba0937c2aa6f5da76489821da5e&oe=5B263AF4)

Game Dev Update: Today I am working on adding the UI to the deck builder.

Learn more about my card management system here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1368939#msg1368939).

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26994389_2060050947557688_2212392051181631281_n.png?oh=45e4a3cb9564038eb868af37d1acc654&oe=5B1E85D7)

Today, I’d like to take a moment to recognize Daniel Sperl a man who has been an incredible support throughout the development of Summoners Fate. Daniel Sperl is the creator of Starling (http://Gamua.com/starling), a cross-platform game engine for AS3 that has powered countless games and brought together an amazing community of developers. I had the honor of meeting Daniel in person at Adobe Max in 2012, and since then, enjoyed our friendship over regular email discussions. Daniel is not only a brilliant software engineer, he’s an exceptional support person. If you haven’t worked with Starling before, browse through the forums. Daniel shows a personal commitment and responsiveness to supporting his engine and sees that those seeking help are heard, cared about, and back on track to making games.

Our Red Starling card pays homage to the man, and gives players a chance to see first hand on the battlefield how support can go a long way to achieving victory.  :toastR:

Game Dev Update: Today I am working on getting the Deck Builder's ability to store data containing the player's custom deck. Also, I'm working on giving the Builder the ability to load the custom deck into a match.

Learn more about my card management system here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1368939#msg1368939).

Happy Sunday! Hope your is going great.

Here is a new sketch from our talented artists for an upcoming Void Spell. Learn more about Void Magic in Summoners Fate here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1363680#msg1363680).

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27067067_2060996197463163_5112194711110474045_n.jpg?oh=a43145546c874ea31669b43cf173e29e&oe=5AEF5896)

Screaming Skull - Void Spell
Deal 3 damage to target unit. They receive -1/-0.

Attack on Fairy Island ...watch out for those Giant Stag Beetles!

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27332620_2061438910752225_5964472621829912159_n.png?oh=5be4a3b90bb51eeade0411536357856c&oe=5AEFE2B9)

DID YOU KNOW D20Studios is a husband & wife team living in SLC?  :coffee:

Learn more about the makers of Summoners Fate during our Q&A session we recorded during our Kickstarter. We answer viewer questions, show our original boardgame prototype idea, discuss current and upcoming Summoners Fate characters, and talk about how it is to work with your spouse. Click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQNmKjL2JXg)to view the YouTube video or click on the picture below.

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27067303_2061965894032860_557233450824561133_n.png?oh=cdcbf283964cb0d2f4e60800709037e6&oe=5B1B1F4F) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQNmKjL2JXg)

Looks promising!

Thank you, Sersh!

Here's our Celestial Steampunk Timekeeper Rats. We were thinking they need some cool steampunk furniture & room additions to add to the board (steampunk...torture rack? Hmm....). We'd love to hear your ideas!  :gentleman:

To learn more about this fun & 1-of-a-kind race, visit our forum post here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1362906#msg1362906).

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27332424_2062537787309004_2844968562573267804_n.jpg?oh=17e511eb2a904279277cb5a028b4c2a4&oe=5ADFDEE4)
 (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1362906#msg1362906)

Red Dragon prefers his meal well done.  :handforkL: :handknifeR:

(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27459560_2062957853933664_2173861771585912405_n.jpg?oh=0a31b74b3b587c20fc3dd45f4db5158a&oe=5AE27A69)

Happy Groundhog Day! We don't have a groundhog in our game, but we do have some other playable rodents...

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1517529432976.png)

Card deck builder coming along  :)

Learn more about my card management system here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1368939#msg1368939).

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Card Scan.gif)

Happy Superbowl! Our lineup for our "Summoners Fate Bowl" is Orcs vs. Insectoids. The Orc Shaman protects the ancient text. Yarrok Morown the Orc makes the first strike...who will win?
Click here (http://ow.ly/5hm130icdnZ) to see how Yarrok Morown got his name almost a year ago!

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/OrcvsInsect1.jpg)

Monday mood, especially after the Superbowl.  :tired:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1517847441267.png) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VapmdPEsn3o)

Today's GameDev: working on the main menu that will look like a campfire for your team to rest & to manage cards, make selections, etc. Instead of doing this through a UI, ours will be inside the game engine, giving a much more immersive experience. It's looking great so far!

Other than that, tomorrow we have our monthly newsletter going out. Sign up at SummonersFate.com (http://summonersfate.com) or click on the image below to sign up directly to make sure you get our Exclusive Content  :eyebrows:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1517849002481.png) (http://ow.ly/3Hld30hwlPr)

Dev Log 2: Solving the Tech Challenges of the Deck Builder

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1518030141688.png) (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=56.msg308#msg308)

In my last update (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1368939#msg1368939), I shared my solution for optimizing draw calls and performance of the deck builder by grouping assets that render together on the same page of the texture atlas. Well, what I hadn’t considered is just how much GPU memory 400+ cards consumes. It turns out that when rendering the cards at full screen resolution, I exhaust my 512MB of GPU ram and the game crashes. Asset grouping has its advantages when you know you have a finite amount of content, but with something like cards in a CCG, where the collection continues to grow, my previous solution was not going to work.

Back at the drawing board, I considered how an application like Google Photos works. To get the fast response time scrolling through the photos, it needs to render the images on the GPU (just like in the game). But how do you account for hundreds of photos without exhausting the GPU? I needed to conserve the available system resources (GPU memory) by unloading cards not being viewed and loading in the cards the player is scrolling to. Since I can’t anticipate the order in which player will view cards (depending on their unique collection and sorting filters they’ve applied) it’s no longer practical to group cards together on a shared atlas. Instead, I create a unique texture atlas for each individual card. This makes the system entirely module, allowing the loading/unloading of individual cards. It turns out loading and unloading from an image stored on the harddrive is very fast. But, my “all vector” based pipeline had a problem: I don’t have images stored on the harddisk, I’m creating them “on-the-fly” in memory. In order for this new approach to be practical, I needed to “raster” file versions of each card onto the harddrive into an asset cache (also similar to how Google Photos works when it stores thumbnails of your photo collection on your harddrive so you can quickly browse through them).

This brings us to another awesome feature of Gil Amran’s DMT solution: it supports asset caching out of the box. You simply set the “cache” flag to true and your vectors get converted to PNGs appropriately sized for crisp visual quality on any device. However, you still need to wait for the initial “raster” process (drawing all of the vectors into bitmaps) which, with 400+ cards, can be quite a delay. One thing I’m very keen on is providing the user with a fluid experience. Choppiness/delays in apps can be a big turn-off and send potential players looking elsewhere for entertainment. Rastering all the assets up front might take 10-20 seconds, dropping FPS in the application down to 0 during this process. This process would need to run:
1. Whenever the screen dimensions (screen area) changes. Not an issue on mobile, but needs to be considered for PC when changing the game window size.
2. Whenever the assets get updated

When this process happens, it’s important to communicate to the player what’s happening and show a progress bar. If the FPS drops to 0, they might believe the app has frozen. To solve this issue, I started looking at AS3 Workers, which is Adobe AIR’s solution to multi-threading or parallel processing. Normally, all CPU instructions operate in serial (one instruction at a time). FPS drops to zero because the CPU is bottlenecked with rasterizing the images. But, with multi-threading, I can tap into the second CPU core and have 2 sets of instructions running simultaneously without affecting the performance of the other.

To get the cards rasterizing seamlessly, I create a separate application, the BackWorker. When the main app boots up, it loads in the BackWorker app and sends it a job: “Hey, BackWorker, would please rasterize these vectors into PNGs while I entertain the player with a lovely progress bar?” BackWorker kindly obliges, allowing the user to maintain a 60FPS viewing experiencing of the progress. Even better, the BackWorker can do this job completely in the background. This means, I don’t actually have to have the player watch a loading bar if the assets necessary to perform the current task (ex: play the game) are available. Imagine this: The first time you boot up the game, you jump right into your first battle. While you’re playing, the BackWorker is building the asset cache of cards on your hard drive so when you go to open the deck manager the first time, all of the cards are available for you to browse. No waiting necessary!

All seemed well and good with this approach until I hit one final snag...

To read more, click here (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=56.msg308#msg308)

New! Meet the CARNIFLOWER.
This sentient plant is the thing of nightmares. Its head and neck sway like a snake, it moves quickly on vine "feet," and it's out for revenge for all those who've wronged the environment! Watch out for its bite - razor sharp teeth will clamp down and the plant poison will begin to pulse through your veins...

We're working on some more nature characters, including a protector of the plants we're calling Botanical Sage - she's almost done!

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27655283_2066145450281571_4831695378204705332_n.jpg?oh=97de484b64af2d9ce2ab3dac20d6a43f&oe=5B0F1E0F)


(FYI: This was an exclusive first look in our January newsletter. To make sure you catch the next one, sign up today > SummonersFate.com)

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27867811_2066592220236894_7494880247421903783_n.jpg?oh=e33176f6096ddfbcae3a7f658cd95da3&oe=5B0D7D2A)

Helmet, shield and sword for a character we're finishing up. Can you guess who it might be? We will post him soon - stay tuned.

You may notice some interesting symbols on this armor. Summoners Fate will be an enjoyable yet immersive adventure that will touch on many fundamental topics, such as fate vs. free will. We have incorporated symbols and subtle nods to these philosophical discussions - some obvious, some much more understated and requiring a keen eye...Be on the lookout.

Fan of Orcs? So are we, and our class is growing! Meet the finished Orc Huntress, a character suggested by player Philipp - thanks! :D

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Orcs.png) (http://ow.ly/NfyX30ijsYf)

Female vampire approved! New card art for Void Spell.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1518216441797.png)

STEAL LIFEFORCE
> Void Spell (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=42.0)
> Target unit gets -0/-2 and you gain +0/+2

Game Dev for today: Working on character selection tool. Since we'll feature 200+ playable characters - everything from dragons to humans to insects and more - I've got to create a smooth way to select them that's low on memory and high on simplicity.

The Demon Lord & the Imp are discussing some new hellish "recruits" joining them tomorrow. Check back on Wednesday >:D

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/RecruitsDemonStartingTom.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRNDNYfvbHk)

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1518628566406.png)

Happy Valentine's Day from us at D20Studios! Also, here is a peak at our finished Archer (top right).

Revealed Characters

Yesterday we hinted (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1372329#msg1372329) at some new Horror characters; now meet them!

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/SuccubusandIncubus.png)

These mischievous demons will be a fun addition to battle against or play as. What do you think?
 
Learn more about them here (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=18.msg318#msg318). See their original sketches here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1366006#msg1366006).

GameDev for Today: working on rigging up the campaign/level select map that will be part of your base camp.

Happy Chinese New Year - 新年快乐 - Year of the Dog!

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1518815856326.png)
^{We love dogs, too, and give you the chance to play as one in Summoners Fate. Here are some of the playable dogs.}

DevLog 3: Campfire Menu and Campaign Design

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1518810917994.png) (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=56.msg322#msg322)

Typically, I like to work towards “full completion” of each section before moving on, but, with playtesting and early access release a priority, I’ve shifted towards a “get everything functional” and then “go back and polish” style development.

With the general functionality of the Deck Builder (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1371771#msg1371771) working, I’ve moved on to the game’s main menu system. This is key in creating a cohesion to the experience and giving players the opportunity to use the game’s core features.

For the game’s main menu, I had three goals in mind:

• Uniqueness: Immersion in the game world vs. ui/menu driven
• Responsiveness: Support all aspect ratios, resolutions, and device orientations (portrait/landscape)
• Accessibility: Fast load-in and ease of use

Very early on, I had envisioned this idea of a campfire with your heroes sitting around it. I wanted to instill a feeling reminiscent of the down-time in fantasy RPGs and create a sense of connection with the wilderness and exploration aspect of the world. Initially, I thought I would accomplish this with illustrated menus depicting a scene from a projected isometric angle. In practice though, this wasn’t going to work for achieving the second goal of responsiveness. I had already done a lot of work to support portrait/landscape on mobile, and I didn’t want a menu that was going to require landscape.

I’m not sure why it hadn't occurred to me earlier, but one day it hit me “Why not build the menu into the actual game engine (which already supports both orientations)?” So I created a quick mockup scene of a camp that you can see below.


I started thinking about the types of objects you might interact with to access the game’s various features. Here you can see the plans for how the camp driven menu will ultimately look:


The main menu is built entirely in the game's engine. To help achieve my goal of accessibility, I've optimized the loading process and taken advantage of the texture caching system I made for the deck builder so that everything you need to interact with the menu is readily available. For reference, many comparable games take 20-30 seconds or more after launching before you're in a "play-ready" state. I want the time it takes to boot up Summoners Fate and play to be less than 10 seconds. So far, it's about 7, leaving about 3 seconds to incorporate the multiplayer login.

In the center, you’ll have a campfire with your selected heroes sitting around it. Tapping the fire will allow you to switch out your characters and your new choices will be reflected back on the main menu screen. You’ll have a magical table depicting your cards. Here you’ll be able to do things like browse your card collection, edit your decks and eventually craft new cards.

To continue reading, click here (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=56.msg322#msg322).

For those who are new viewing my DevLog - Welcome!

For those that have been viewing for a while, THANK YOU for your comments on & offline, your awesome & creative ideas, and your passion for Summoners Fate. Being an indiedev can be a lonely experience, and I appreciate your kind words. Thanks!  :beer:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1518894174691.png)

DevLog 3: Campfire Menu and Campaign Design

I posted my latest in-depth DevLog yesterday - view it here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1372674#msg1372674).

Several backers will be receiving custom characters as part of their Kickstarter rewards (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=card). I’m pleased to share one of these unique player-driven characters. Chris Sides is a close friend of mine and former colleague at EA. For his in-game character, he wanted something appropriate to his fierce expression rocking the beard. A heavily armored warrior seemed like the right direction, but Sides also wanted something unique and unexpected. “Can I be a plate wearer who uses songs to cast spells? Like be super mean and grungy, but play lovely music?”

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1518889904404.png)


And so the “Marauder Bard” concept was born: a ruthless heavily armored warrior wielding a heavy metal inspired guitar sword melee weapon and spiked knuckles. This unique character joins the roster of over 200 playable game characters and will be a collectible card available to all players.

What do you think? Also, we're trying to come up with a cool name for this character. One idea we had was "Marauder Metalist", given the awesome guitar sword weapon. Any other ideas?

We're taking a trip to ancient Egypt...meet the Mummies! We've long been interested in ancient Egyptian culture and are excited to bring these Summoners Fate characters to life...so to speak ;)


(https://scontent.fslc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/28279946_10155917902001285_4092565164961735848_n.jpg?oh=d67afae50423a3d34f7c3e8d5727287c&oe=5B04B534) (http://ow.ly/MZDV30iusjh)

Hmmm...which Celestial Shield card icon do you like best?   :shrug2:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1519232841475.png) (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=61.0)

> Celestial Spell
> Surprise: Target ally prevents all damage from the next damage-causing action that targets them.

Which do you like best - 1 or 2? Vote here or here (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=61.0), where I also posted an update on Ross and his first night after surgery.

Here is an update on the player-designed Marauder Bard. As a reminder, this was designed by player Chris Sides as part of his Kickstarter rewards. To see the original sketch, click here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1372828#msg1372828).

Check out that sweet guitar sword. What do you think so far? Who would like to play as the Marauder Bard in Summoners Fate?  :handmetalL:

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/28168189_2073707319525384_4250665397650064327_n.jpg?oh=d0a8143112635ea93ad0c4591d40ee39&oe=5B49B3C5)

Axes? Check.
Magical staffs? Check.
Heavy metal guitar/spiked knuckles/sword hybrids? Yup.

Check out the in-development weapons for our 200+ characters to wield.


(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/28377855_2074263116136471_81787691440147136_n.jpg?oh=28c3a9c3431b99c3a1e2e60672d68ad3&oe=5B147D2C)

Even when his team was defeated, Arch Mage can still defeat his opponents with some summoned soldiers...

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Mudscene.jpg)

Sometimes the trees uproot and join your fight...

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/LgScreenshot_20180219-155047.png)

Working on the Campfire Menu for campaigns so the characters sitting around your campfire reflect the characters you the player selected. Here, we have the Barbarian, the Druid, and the Treant. Learn more about the menu here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1372674#msg1372674).

Check out the before and after of a couple of our card icons. We love how they turned out. With Transfer Consciousness, we made the decision to move the heads to horizontal in order to eliminate excess white space in the background. What do you think? Learn more about them below.

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/28379101_2075696022659847_5642184847175516928_n.jpg?oh=bd2ed1500f12d7bc1699e34909ab8b50&oe=5B471F98)


STEAL LIFEFORCE
> Void Spell
> Target unit gets -0/-2 and you gain +0/+2.

TRANSFER CONSCIOUSNESS
> Arcane Spell
> Target visible ally becomes your Summoner.

They bring destruction to the Summoners Fate battlefield, whether in the form of wintry pain or liquid hot death...

Meet the Ice and Magma Giants, and check out their sweet axes.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Magma&IceGiant.png) (http://ow.ly/fRCL30iFRsg)

What do you think? We'll have a whole band of giants for Summoners Fate, including a Giant Skeleton, Trolls, and more, for those players who enjoy the larger creatures.

Rainy day where you are today? It is cloudy and just started raining here in Utah - perfect weather for battling on the Summoners Fate grasslands...

(https://scontent.fslc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/28467871_2076613079234808_726803059921756123_n.jpg?oh=7e05728507acb72bec33a22892b1ccb9&oe=5B00AA1B)
^{Characters pictured starting top left: Ironclad Soldier, Rugged Mage, Thief, Withered Villager, Withered Dog, and Liche King.}

Today's Gamedev: creating some new spells along with card mechanics. Also finishing up new characters including our much anticipated Emperor & Empress.

For a Forum-only peak at the sketch of Emperor Cosme, click here (http://ow.ly/OmJt30iIQef).

Have a great Friday!  :beer:

Meet our newest defender of the plants tomorrow, Sunday!

Summoners in Summoners Fate will be very important as they will be the only ones that can use your cards. Some you've met already - Arch Mage, the Fighter Mage, the Orc Shaman - and many you have not - yet.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1520101971511.png)
^{Characters pictured, top left to right: Vampiress, Ancient Vampire, Vampire, Bramble Elemental, Treant, and Carniflower}

Defender of the plants, protector of flora, enchantress of nature...

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/BotanicalSage.png)

Meet Botanical Sage, our newest Summoner! We are still working out her exact powers, but she will definitely have exciting greenery abilities such as summoning brambles. She will join our roster of available Summoners, characters who can use your cards.

Need some Monday Motivation? We've got a card for that.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1520204805419.png) (http://ow.ly/4RPW30iLrzz)

This card is Vigilant, and we love how it turned out. The "model" for it is our Barbarian (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=23.msg282#msg282). A little about this card:

VIGILANT
> Celestial Spell (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1362906#msg1362906)
> Target unit gains unlimited counter attacks.

Our monthly newsletter is going out tomorrow, Wednesday.

Sign up at SummonersFate.com (http://summonersfate.com) or click here (http://ow.ly/lvOT30iMNaR) directly to make sure you get our Exclusive Content (this month's is a creature of the air   ;))!

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1520273579744.png) (http://ow.ly/lvOT30iMNaR)

Botanical Sage & Her Friends
On our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/D20Studios/), one of our players, Lee Clarke commented:  "*Summon Carniflower Army*" in response to the Botanical Sage image (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1374188#msg1374188). For fun, we created what that might look like (below). What do you think?

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Carniflower!.png)
^{Nature. Fights. Back!}

This video shows some animations for the completed Marauder Metalist a character designed by one of our Kickstarter supporters, Chris Sides. This character will be able to provide support buffs to allies. Plus, the guitar riff is so potent that smaller creatures are outright destroyed upon hearing it.  :handmetalL: :handmetalR:
(See the development of this character here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1372828#msg1372828) and here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1373274#msg1373274).)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z46hzI8eYyY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z46hzI8eYyY)

Snapshot of some of our playable characters in Summoners Fate. Can you spot a few new ones?

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/NewWomenofSF.png)

Which would you like to play as?

We will have 200+ characters available to play as in Summoners Fate. These are divided between humans, humanoids, animals, creatures, summons, and undead. We've made a special effort to strive for diversity and equality so all gamers can feel included and find the band of heroes that best reflects the gamer's goals!  ;D

Dev Log 4: Surprise and Trap Mechanics

Still recovering from surgery, I decided to use my first week back at programming to work on something light before diving into multiplayer code. Well, as the rule of software engineering goes, when a programmer believes a task will be easy, they are more often than not "surprised" to find the task is much more involved than expected. How appropriate that I should be so surprised working on the "Surprise and Trap" game mechanics.  ;D

What is a Surprise Mechanic?

In Summoners Fate, a Surprise is a card played with its target and effects hidden from the opponent until they are triggered by a game condition. This mechanic opens up a whole new catalogue of strategies for the more sneaky inclined players, such as placing hidden traps on the board that spring when the player's character walks over them. Traps were one of the most requested "abilities" from my players in Hero Mages, Summoners Fate's predecessor, so of course this time around, I aimed to deliver the feature.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veXwVWQU-Zs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veXwVWQU-Zs)
^{Here is a video from the article where the AI-controlled Summoner casts a surprise Ice Trap, then they use their knockback ability to push my gladiator into it, taking advantage of the trap's effect during their turn. Note: the "surprise" card art icon is placeholder.}

More than traps, Surprises are also a way to incorporate a common CCG mechanic known as an "interrupt" into an asynchronous turn-based game. Generally, interrupts are played by during an opponent's turn when they are attempting to do something (for example cast a spell) and you want to interrupt the action, say with a counterspell to stop that spell from happening. Since live interruption is impossible when you are playing a game asynchronously, one way to solve this is to premeditate the interrupt with a conditional effect. In Summoners Fate, counterspell is achieved by placing a hidden status effect on your caster. It has a condition "When enemy casts a spell, counter it". In this way, the game automatically interrupts your opponent on their turn, whether you are actively connected to their game or not.

Programming Surprises

The architecture of Summoners Fate supports surprise mechanics with the following structure:

1.  Cards contain an action that performs any number of action effects. One type of action effect can affix a status effect to an object (unit or space on board)
2.  Status effects can contain 1 or more attributes (modifiers to basic stats such as attack power or life) as well as any number of triggered abilities
3.  Triggered abilities are actions that can respond to events and can have any number of conditions that must be true before executing the action's effect
4.  Events are messages fired by the game when something happens, such as a unit entering a position or a spell being cast.

To program a surprise card, I write an action that affixed a status effect containing a trigger for a desired condition (such as when enemy casts spell) and executes desired effect. I do this using the definitions editor I wrote for the game. Pretty straight forward, right?

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/d20StudiosTriggeredAbilityEditor.jpg)
^{To make development easier, I created a tool for programming triggered abilities. It includes a "cheat sheet" that identifies what each event property maps to so I don't have to memorize all the permutations.}

Well, that's what I thought until I started to unfold all the possible user-facing considerations about what a Surprise flow actually entailed.

Design Considerations

The first major design question I had was: When a surprise is played, what exactly happens? Is the opponent informed that a surprise has been played or do they not see anything until it the surprise triggers? How this question is answered has major implications on the player experience, including the perceived fun and fairness of the mechanic.

I spent a lot of time discussing this with players. Not showing the player anything at the time a surprise is played has the perception of a more "hardcore" experience, where players must rely on very subtle clues in the player's behavior (ex: not appearing to cast any spells on their turn, moving their units in odd patterns, etc.) to suspect there may be a surprise. On the other hand, showing a warning "Surprise has been cast!" creates immediate excitement and tension at the cost of losing a small element of the surprise. All agreed that only in practice can we really uncover what the experience will feel like, so it made sense to proceed programming the early warning system, with an option to turn this off during playtesting to try both options.

The next question, how are surprises tracked/stored? Well, it makes sense that traps placed on the board would naturally have markers indicating them. But, only the player who created the trap should see it, while the other player shouldn't see anything until revealed. For surprises attached to units, such as when a unit is attacked, do X, it made sense to store as effects on the unit's card, viewable when examining that card (but only visible to the creator of the surprise).

The complexity of how these items can be stored and tracked by the player suggested to me that there should be only 1 surprise allowed per target. It doesn't make sense to place multiple traps on the same tile if I can only effectively show 1 marker per tile. Interestingly, this also creates side mechanic for revealing/disarming traps where a player might try and place a trap on a tile already trapped by the opponent. Doing so would replace the existing surprise with a new one, ensuring to the placer of the new surprise that there isn't an additional surprise waiting on that tile and indicating to the placer of the old surprise that their opponent has played something on that spot.

Surprise User Flow

To help determine the list of tasks necessary to program the feature, I started by writing what the user flow looks like when a surprise is played:

To read more, click here (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=56.msg350#msg350).

Happy Saturday!  :coffee:

We wanted to introduce even more (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1374493#msg1374493) playable characters for Summoners Fate. Can you spot some NEW characters? :)

Which would you fill your army with?

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/NewMenofSF.png)

We will have 200+ characters available to play as in Summoners Fate. These are divided between humans, humanoids, animals, creatures, summons, and undead. We've made a special effort to strive for diversity and equality so all gamers can feel included and find the band of heroes that best reflects the gamer's goals!

Why do some characters look up and some do not? They are shy?  :)

Ha ha, some probably are shy, but they all look up ;) It's a top-down game, so it's a mechanic I created so they can let you, the player, know there are still actions left and also so you aren't always staring at tops of heads (which can get boring!). I joke that in their universe they have an extra bone in their neck that enables them to look up often without discomfort.

I utilized this same mechanic in my first game, Hero Mages (http://heromages.com).

Cheers!  :coffee:

Sunday Sketch
Sunday's Sketch is our Steamclock Sentinel!

A little about this new playable character in development:
When summoned, the Sentinel travels to the past. In game, this will work by rewinding to the start of your opponent's turn, giving them the opportunity to replay it, except now there's a giant robot in their way.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1520463986776.png)

A fun, powerful character, and a blast for those of you who enjoy time spells. What do you think?

To check out our other Steampunk characters, click here (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=58.0).  :gentleman:

Today's GameDev
Today I'm beginning the exciting task of building multiplayer!

I am using PlayerIO for this, and learning how to use their services. I built multiplayer for my last turn-based strategy game Hero Mages (http://heromages.com), and am confident to get this done smoothly. (Note: famous last words  :tearsofjoy:)

New Horror Character
Do you know that feeling when you're home alone, but swear someone is there? Or that dark figure you sense is in the room just as you are trying to fall asleep? Do you know why the hairs stand up on the back of your neck?!

It's because of the Shadow, our newest addition to our Horror race (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=18.0). This character will be fun to control on the battlefield to horrify your opponent; however, make sure to leave the Shadow in your game and don't let it get in your head...it specializes in sleep paralysis and night terrors!

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Shadow.png)

This character was the Summoners Fate Newsletter exclusive first look from February. To make sure you don't miss the next first look, sign up for the newsletter here (http://d20studios.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=6458e2e95afe953ac79725710&id=679d8a7efe).

Here's a first look at the multiplayer development for Summoners Fate. Yesterday, I spent the day studying the API documentation for PlayerIO. Today, I successfully connected two clients together in a match and got interactions communicating between clients. So far, just over 100 lines of client code and 100 lines of server code added to achieve this.

I took this video quickly on my phone of my computer screen, so excuse the "roughness" of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3CaQB0H80Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3CaQB0H80Q)

Do you plan to release a demo soon? How long has it been since you started?

Hi Pixelogist,

We started in May 2016 and have made several releases to small target audiences along the way so we can make effective incremental changes. Our next release milestone is aimed for late April and will focus on multiplayer game testing.

Thanks for checking us out, let me know if you have more questions.

Vote Now
Which icon sketch for "Cleansing Fire" card do you think is best - 1 or 2?

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1521125941574.png)

This card will deal 3 damage to an enemy or remove all negative status effects on an ally Chaos unit and restore their attributes.

The concept we told our amazing artists was our Red Imp happily bathing in fire and lava, with a little scrub brush going on.  ;)

On day 4 of multiplayer development, I've added the following: 1) Player assignment - The game will now assign you your personal team and deck you've constructed when you join the match. 2) Animation Queue - Although you can normally play as fast as you like and the game will jump animations to keep up with your speed, it's important for your opponent to be able to see and understand each action you've made. The  client will now delay each animation until complete so each move can be viewed in sequential order. 3) Reflected starting positions - As the single player mode always has the player moving from top to bottom (easiest access for controls) I've adapted the map so that it will rotate so that your team always starts on the bottom next to your cards. This functionality also works with landscape. Whichever direction you're normally used to attacking, the game will maintain that regardless of turn order in multiplayer.

For the multiplayer server, I'm using PlayerIO.

Note: This time I decided to use a screen capture software to record the video. I assure you the slow frame rate/choppiness is due to the capture software, not the game, which is running at 60FPS on both clients. I'll look into a better solution for future videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyZD22vvHMY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyZD22vvHMY)

Did you enjoy the video we posted yesterday showcasing the progress of the multiplayer? Curious how that battle ended?

To see how the multiplayer battle with Druid vs. Liche King turned out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOE82miMgvA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOE82miMgvA)


Happy St. Patrick's Day!   :beer:

Sunday Sketches
Happy Sunday! We've been collaborating with our awesome artists on some really fun and strategic cards to add to our Summoners Fate deck. Our goal is to not just create "filler" spells, rather it is to make sure each card feels useful, valuable, and makes YOU feel like a badass mage!

That being said, here are a couple we're working on this week:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1521385466481.png)
About this upcoming cards:

UNUSUAL SIZE
> Nature Spell (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=36.msg88#msg88)
> Surprise (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1374584#msg1374584): When target unit is attacked, they get +2/+2. If they are an animal, +3/+3.

MANA LOAN
^{The bill always comes due...}
> Celestial Spell (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1362906#msg1362906)
> Generate 3 mana. You do not generate mana on your next turn.

What do you think?

Monday Motivation
Some Monday motivation, brought to you by our playable Armored Squirrel.
(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1521473331541.png)

Screenshot
Fun to get a screenshot right as the enemy's Banshee looked up to scream! Also, can you spot our new Wolf Spider?

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/ForumNightmare level.png)

Spring Equinox
To celebrate today being the first day of Spring, here's a mockup of a level to showcase some of our plant and animal elements, along with our new Summoner Botanical Sage  (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1374188#msg1374188)(click on the hyperlink to learn more about her.) Notice some FX we've added so far: the butterfly flying, the swaying trees, and the characters idle animations - my favorite being the Carniflower's snake-like movement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tRL6-i70dg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tRL6-i70dg)
^{Characters pictured, left to right: Red Ant, Treant, Squirrel, another Squirrel, Botanical Sage, Carniflower, Cat, a 3rd Squirrel, Bramble Elemental, and Giant Yellowjacket}

Steamclock Sentinel
Summoners Fate will be the first tactical CCG to incorporate Time Travel mechanics. For the strategist, this will make your gaming extra fun & wonderfully manipulative  ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOJSOoPfP2g (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOJSOoPfP2g)

Introducing the latest member of Timekeeper faction, our Steamclock Sentinel (See his original sketch here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1374744#msg1374744)). When he's summoned, he travels back in time to the start of your opponents last turn to wreak havoc on the past and give you an advantage in the present. Learn about our time mechanics and characters here (http://ow.ly/Qny530j4VJd).

She's deadly, she's frightening, she's side-winding over to you!

Meet our Medusa! For those of you unfamiliar with this Gorgon, Medusa is typically described in Greek mythology as a human woman with deadly snakes for hair. All who gazed upon her turned to stone. Fortunately for our Summoners Fate opponents, she is mortal, although definitely not easy to defeat!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSaEpNdrTAI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSaEpNdrTAI)

In our Summoners Fate dimension, Medusa moves as a snake as well. We've also equipped her with a special bow-and-arrow in the shape of interlocking snakes, making her lethal force from across the battlefield. When she looks up at you, she sticks out her serpent tongue.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Medusa.png)

What do you think? Would you like to add this quintessential fabled creature to your deck?

Card Art Sketches
Lately, I've been working out bug fixes while playtesting my multi-player.

Aside from that, we've been working on adding to our deck, and have been very pleased with the ideas you've been sharing with us! Here are a few recent sketches:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1521835866329.png)

About these vastly different cards:

CELESTIAL BLAST
> Celestial Spell (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=39.0)
> Deal 3 Celestial damage to a Void unit or Heal a non-Void unit ally 3 life.

ANTS AT A PICNIC
> Nature Spell (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=36.0)
> Summon Ant Soldiers on all spaces surrounding target enemy. They each attack, then vanish from battlefield.

What do you think? I'll post again when they are finished. Did you see the checked picnic tablecloth?  ;D

Today, I wanted to feature the Incubus's awesome animations, including his flying and his double shotel spin attack. Watch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rypw2ag6Z8s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rypw2ag6Z8s)

We were toying around with the Incubus and the Succubus (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1372453#msg1372453) characters, and having them tied to stealing your opponents mana and siphoning it to you. This would be very powerful, so you may need the pair to do both - what do you think?  :D

Scorpions are typically not dangerous to humans. He's an exception...

Watch our new Dark Elf Scorpion's animations. We'll be rolling out our new Dark Elves race tomorrow, be sure to check back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gTrAGdXTY0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gTrAGdXTY0)

Cheers!  :beer:

Love the way this is shaping up, it really reminds me of Valhalla on the Amiga, with the top down view and the character faces looking up :)

Thank you, no1benjones! Appreciate that :)

I have not heard of that game, but I'll have to check it out.

Cheers!

Dark Elves Unveiling
You've seen some of their animations (see our post (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1375975#msg1375975) from yesterday). Now meet the Summoners Fate Dark Elves race and the first ever Dark Elf Squirrel!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-GqwMmJJCk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-GqwMmJJCk)


...ok, he's not really a Dark Elf...or should he be?  ;D


(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Dark Elves.png)

Here they are! We've been working closely with our awesome artists to get their look just right. They're malicious and have nefarious plans in store for the inhabitants of Summoners Fate.

What do you think? Which is YOUR favorite?

Today's GameDev
Played with our our game's bugs to distract from fixing game bugs.  #BugCeption  :o

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Bugception.gif)

Frozen Cast
In Summoners Fate, it's possible for your Summoner to cast while frozen. Before we implemented this animation, it looked a little funny how your character could move within the ice block. But now we've provided a reason for how they can cast: the Orc's arm sticks out of the ice just as he freezes, allowing him to still cast a spell using just that free arm. Watch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qo5nRGehKA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qo5nRGehKA)

We need your help!

Which icon sketch do you like best for "Flash Bomb"? For context:
> Chaos card (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=43.0)
> Deal 3 damage to visible enemy. They may not counter attack this turn.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1522340874094.png) (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=65.0)

Which do you like best - 1 OR 2? Let us know here or on our official vote page (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=65.0).

Team Work!
Watch our Gladiator and Giant Skeleton work together to take down a Goblin Archer. This video features the new "move and shoot" control I have has been working on, which, for special characters like the Gladiator, allows you to release to select designated move and then select a new target to attack at range. As you see in this case, this can lead to some really awesome combos. What do you think?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPWL8RqDxKU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPWL8RqDxKU)

Devils & Angels
Happy Saturday! Hope weather is good where you are.

We have been adding daily to our deck of over 400 cards, and some are special and just really badass to us! These two upcoming cards, Demonic Strength and Guardian Angel, are based on our in-game characters, and we love how the artists captured them for these cards. Take a look:
(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1522535706904.png)

A little about why you will want these cards in your deck:

DEMONIC STRENGTH
> Chaos card (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=43.0)
> Give target unit +2/+2. If it is a Dreadnought or Demon, give it +3/+3.

GUARDIAN ANGEL
> Celestial card (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=39.0)
> Surprise: When your opponent targets your Summoner for a spell, summon an Angel Warrior as the new target.

What do you think? Are you starting to have some opinions on what type of deck you want to build?

Kickstarter Update
Kickstarter Backers! Make sure to check your inboxes as Kickstarter Update #16 went out yesterday, March 30th.

I love the range of content and the complex stratergies. I am itching to try this out.

Yes! Thanks, tlark  :toastL: Can't wait to get the Kickstarter Early Access release out very soon.

Happy Easter!

My game doesn't have an Easter Bunny and candy eggs, but we DO have Killer Bunnies and a Dragon Egg, so... ;)

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1522432551699.png)

ROAR! BARK! MEOW!
Meet some of our Animal playable characters. These companions are loyal, ferocious (even the Rat!), and an excellent addition to any Summoners Fate deck. Can you spot some new characters?  :o

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Animals.png)


We will have 200+ characters available to play as in Summoners Fate. These are divided between humans, humanoids, animals, creatures, summons, and undead.

Which would you add to your deck?

Wanna play? Check out some of our card art that is just about finished!

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/NewCardArt.png)

About these cards:

ANIMATE PLANTS
> Nature (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=36.msg88#msg88) card
> Transform all inanimate plants into Carniflowers.
> See the Carniflower playable character here (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=27.msg311#msg311).

SILENCE
> Arcane  (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=36.msg88#msg88)card
> Target unit may not cast spells or use special abilities on their next turn.

GIANT METEOR
> Chaos (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=43.msg147#msg147) card
> Deal 8 damage to target space and 5 damage to surrounding spaces.

"Who am I?"


(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/NameThatMage.png)

We're giving first names to our Summoners; can you help us name the ARCH MAGE?

When you cast an Arcane Spell (http://ow.ly/8hyd30jllET) with him, draw a card. If it is an Arcane spell, it costs 1 less.

Can't wait to hear your ideas!

Card Art - Sketch to Finished
More awesome card art has come in from our artists! Check out these:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Before&Afters.png)

About these cards:

DEMONIC PROJECTION
> Void (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=42.msg144#msg144) spell
> Deal 5 damage to the enemy Summoner.

TACTICIAN
> Celestial (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=39.msg112#msg112) spell
> Activate battle stances on all allies (Restore used counter/bonus attacks)

CURE
> Nature (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=36.msg88#msg88) spell
> Remove all negative status effects from target ally, restore their attributes and heal them 2 life.

What do you think?

Arch Mage Naming
Thank you for all those who submitted name for our Arch Mage (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1376889#msg1376889) Summoner! Here is a list of names we've received so far. Let us know which you like, or if you have another suggestion:
> General Arcanomancer
> Bob
> Mike
> Adramel
> Quami
> Mephis
> Chad
> Marcus
> Troye
> Solus

Vote for Arch Mage's Name
Thank you for all the name suggestions over the past couple of days for our awesome Arch Mage!

I've set up a vote to choose his moniker. Click here (http://summonersfate.com/forums/index.php?topic=66.new#new) to cast your vote!

Check out his animation below. (Note: he is missing the FX for when he casts - coming soon!)

(https://media.giphy.com/media/fdG2f1Z8MSuJc7B4sy/giphy.gif)

For times when you can't decide between being a lion, a man, or a scorpion, be a Manticore   :handmetalL:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtaOmFj5Bdg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtaOmFj5Bdg)

Happy Monday!
When an Orc comes and crashes your Goblin party...

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/MondayMoodSpoil.png)

This is the Icon Art for an upcoming spell called "Spoil the Surprise." This very useful card will be a major defense against our Surprise spells - learn more about the mechanics here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1374584#msg1374584).

SPOIL THE SURPRISE
> Chaos (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1363680#msg1363680) spell
> When an enemy surprise is triggered, counter it.

Can you see how wonderfully manipulative this will be added to your deck?  :lol: It will definitely help against those pesky surprise damages.

Fun with Time Spells!

Here's some WIP for two of our time spells, Hyper Speed and Slow Time. By adding a property to my world clock for animation speed, I can set individual animation speed modifiers per character. The result is a souped-up vs. sluggish Griffin and Barbarian. Watch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAIBzWxj-_w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAIBzWxj-_w)


There are still adjustments to be made, and of course polish and FX.  What do you think so far?

Our Arch Mage is named!

A big THANK YOU to all of those across our social media platforms that suggested names and voted for our Arch Mage's name! Results are tallied, and his fate is sealed. He is...

(https://media.giphy.com/media/wHBreBJWvPHYYfOdaL/giphy.gif)

ZENON!
 
Thank you to our awesome player Scribe for suggesting this very cool name  :beer:

New Card
(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Backstabbing.png)

One exciting and unique feature we are implementing with Summoners Fate is directional facing being meaningful to gameplay. When a character is attacked, that character can then counter-attack once per turn, maybe even resulting in the attacker receiving more damage than they dealt!

We liked this concept because it felt more real to how a battle would really be. It also adds to our focus on quick, satisfying game play as well as beefs up the strategy-planning (I may not want to attack that Mountain Troll with my 1/1 Squirrel if he can attack me right back...).

That being said, attacks from behind the character avoid the counter-attack; after all, hard to swing a sword or axe 180 degrees behind you in time! Thus, this Chaos card, Expose the Rear, is quite useful in that it will spin all enemies 180 degrees. (Now watch out Mountain Troll! Squirrel's a'coming)

We do have another layer of protection with shields. Those character with shields will prevent all physical attack damage (swords, arrows, etc.) that hit the character from the front or sides. Shields still have no defensive ability if the character is struck from the rear. The act of blocking with the shield staggers its user, causing their shield arm to drop and leaving them vulnerable to subsequent attacks.

Phoenix Friday
We're adding to our decks; meet the Phoenix!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6yOwsWS3J8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6yOwsWS3J8)

This mythical fire bird will fly over obstacles and hover over the game board. Its death trigger is every time it's killed, his card goes back into your hand to be cast again, just like it is rising from the ashes. It is also immune to being frozen.

What do you think of the FX we've added? (Make sure you have your volume on)

Finished Card Art
Here's a sketch-to-finished shot of our "Spoil the Surprise" spell art. As we mentioned earlier this week, this Chaos spell will counter any triggered Surprise spells from your opponent.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/SpoilCardDone.png)

We wanted to add a bit of humor to this spell, so our awesome artists used our own Goblins and our Orc, D'Orc Slayer, in a party scene. We love the finished product - what do you think?

Are you feeling relaxed and inspired this Sunday? Our Wizard is!  :wizard:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Mediatate.png)

Here is some new finished card art for the spell Meditate. About this card:

MEDITATE
> Arcane card
> Generate 3 mana. You may not move or attack until the end of your next turn.

Have a great Sunday!

Beasts of the Sky
Dragons have been my favorite mythical creature ever since I read Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher by Bruce Coville as a kid. So, when developing Summoners Fate, I knew I had to find a way to incorporate dragons into the game - preferably more than 1. That took some work with our art team to get the right size; after all, with our top-down perspective and square grids, we needed to find a way to convey large size while also having the dragon fit onto the board without being too cumbersome. The wings, especially, were tricky to not block all characters next to the dragon.

Once we got that figured out, we went to town creating our Dragons. As of the press of this release, we have 11 finished Summoners Fate dragons to add to your deck. Here are a few new ones:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Dragons.png)
^{Good-looking group}

At this point we are going back-and-forth on naming the dragons after their obvious color (e.g.: Purple Dragon, Green Dragon, Blue Dragon) or after jewels, given dragons inclination towards hoarding treasure (e.g.: Amethyst Dragon, Jade Dragon, Sapphire Dragon). What are your thoughts?

Oooh...shiny.

Continuing with our Dragon race (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1377851#msg1377851), here is our elusive Golden Dragon in all its glory. This playable character is quite vicious on the battlefield.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihubbxkmAzQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihubbxkmAzQ)

It is not for all to behold; this character was available only on our successful Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1181148431/summoners-fate-fast-and-fun-tactical-rpg-ccg-adven?ref=356254&token=bc2b7682) last year.

Void Magic
Void Spells are a balance of fear and hope: fear that eternity is without meaning or purpose, forever alone in despair, and hope that within lies the potential to be something that is great and loved.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/VoidMagic.png)

Learn more about Void Magic (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1363680#msg1363680) of Summoners Fate.

(Characters pictured: Dark Elf Assassin, Skeleton Captain, Banshee & Flesh Golem, a favorite from our first game, Hero Mages (http://heromages.com))

The ultimate bodyguard - meet Flesh Golem!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJcEgI36DO0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJcEgI36DO0)

After our last post, we had much interest in our Flesh Golem, a carryover from our first game, Hero Mages (http://heromages.com). For those of you that don't know, the Flesh Golem is built from the remains of rotting corpses that have been diabolically stitched together. They are bound by blood to protect the life of their masters - meaning it will take all damage dealt to its master until it perishes. It also has a sweet mace   :eyebrows:

Here's his card:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/fleshGolemCard.png)

Royalty Enters Summoners Fate
We're so excited to reveal our newest and most royal members of Summoners Fate, Emperor Cosme and Empress Camille:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/EmperorandEmpress.png)

We took great care in creating the look for these two important characters. As the name "Summoners Fate" implies, themes of fate vs. free will is found throughout, especially the single-player campaign. We are still writing the story, but read the origins of Emperor Cosme in our first game, Hero Mages, here (http://heromages.com/gameInfo/backgroundStory.html).

There are many nods to these themes in their looks. For example, both of their pendants are important. Emperor Cosme's incorporates a pair of scissors, a nod to the the Fates of Greek mythology, especially Atropos, who cuts the Thread of Life. Similarly, with Empress Camille, surrounding the orange gem in the middle is the Rota Fortunae, or Wheel of Fortune, that is found throughout history, and signifies the fickle nature of fate.

Can you find other symbolism in these characters? Do you think they have good or malicious intentions in Summoners Fate?

Which Faction?
Here are 4 of many different playable factions/races in Summoners Fate. Which would you choose to play and why?

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Factions2.png)


Celestial Steampunk Timekeeper Rats
This Celestial faction turns the "dirty rats" game trope on its head. Now, meet our civilized and top-hatted faction that specialize in time spells!

The Withered's
This Void faction consists of dried-out husks of once thriving individuals that have been afflicted by blight. While the Withered's are technically alive, their physical form and spiritual energy has been depleted to the point of exhaustion, resulting in their wrinkled appearance. They are virtually blind and are driven to their targets by an innate hunger that can detect positive energy to absorb and sustain their being.

The Vampires
Joining the Withered's as a Void race, these blue-skinned undead are blood-thirsty, angry, and equipped with ancient bejeweled swords. They are fated to roam the Summoners Fate world and seek to add to their team with yours...

The Satyrs
New! These humanoid beasts - the Satyrs - will be a Neutral faction (we will go into more detail soon about this faction). Here we have, from left to right, our Warrior Satyr, our Archer Satyr, and our Champion Satyr. Our goat creatures are our take on the ancient Greek and Roman mythologies surrounding these wildlings.


What do you think? Which would you like to play as?

Here's a clip showing our Druid in action. Sylvia has the power to hurl squirrels at her opponents and use Nature magic to transform them into formidable mutant creatures. She can also call upon the trees to fight for her, making short work of these poor Goblins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nNorqeL6kk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nNorqeL6kk)

Nature Magic
In honor of Earth Day yesterday, today I'm doing a feature on our Nature spells.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/NatureMagic.png)

Nature magic is associated with the life energy of plants and animals, evolution and survival of the fittest. Druids, elf mages, and orc shamans alike draw upon nature magic in various ways: sometimes calling upon the earth and vegetation itself and sometimes from their inner life force to augment natural fighting abilities to superior status. Nature spells include abilities to buff units power and life, mutate and transform beings into other creatures, animate and multiply life and heal and restore balance.

Here's a link (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378423#msg1378423) to the video I posted here yesterday with our Druid using the Nature deck to defeat the Goblins.

Characters pictured: Botanical Sage (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1374188#msg1374188), Ant Warrior, and Giant Stag Beetle (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1366882#msg1366882).

Sneak Peak - Menu
Here's a sneak peak at some of the work-in-progress items at the "campfire site menu" we are developing for Summoners Fate:
(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Menu.png)

The armor your see here belongs to 2 of our characters - can you guess which ones?  ;D

I explain more about the campfire menu in my DevLog
here. (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1372674#msg1372674)

Squirrel Hurlin'
Watch our Druid in action using her Squirrel attack power

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPRQELv4Qa0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPRQELv4Qa0)

This is part of a longer video that involves casting Animal Growth card on the Squirrel - watch that video here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378423#msg1378423).

There is no Darkness without Light
We've discussed the dark and fear-based magic of the Void (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378097#msg1378097) and the life energy of plants and animals with the Nature (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378490#msg1378490) spells. Now, let's visit our Celestial magic.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/CelestialMagic.png)

Celestial Magic (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1362906#msg1362906) is associated with divine order, light, love, spiritual energy and the dimension of time. This magical energy is drawn from celestial beings and the existential ether that shapes and forms the basis of reality. Celestial spells include powerful healing and protection abilities, light energy that can banish demons of the Void and repel the destructive forces of Chaos, and the ability to control time itself.

Characters pictured: High Elf Warrior, Cleric, and Angel Warrior.

Even more (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378358#msg1378358) factions!

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Factions3.png)

Elves
You've met our summoner, Albirich the Fighter Mage - a favorite from our first game Hero Mages. Now meet the new High Elf Wizard (left) and the High Elf Warrior (center). Read more about the Warrior's armor design here.

Demons
The stuff of nightmares! Meet our Demons, including our Demon Lord - with his mighty war hammer - as well as our Succubus and Incubus - with their crescent blade and double shotels, repectively.

Insectoids
They're creepy, crawly, and...actually, pretty cool! The Insectoid faction is comprised of many insect-humanoid hybrids that will bug your opponent on the battlefield. We've been creating some weapons for them as well, making them extra fierce on the battlefield. Here we have our Scorpion Wasp, Preying Mantis, and Bi-Ped Ant.

Progress on Campfire Menu
We recently featured (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378605#msg1378605) some work-in-progress components of our campfire menu. I'm continuing to work on the menu this weekend, and am really pleased with how it's starting to come together.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1524944705315.png)

A little background - my vision for the menu, since players will spend time in the menu building their teams, selecting campaigns, etc., was to swap the traditional, by-the-book menu for something more charming and natural. The exciting feeling of being part of a team that is gathering at a fire pit in a campsite really spoke to the adventurous atmosphere we're creating for Summoners Fate. Once we have the art in place, animation and sound effects will be added.

Read more of my DevLog on the campfire menu design here (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1372674#msg1372674).

Never underestimate 1/1 characters - in large numbers, they are deadly!

Screenshot from some Summoners Fate gaming last night, my wife being the Skeletons (yes, I definitely lost this game!)

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/LogoScreenshot Game Ross 4.28.png)

She cast the Skeleton Legion card, which summoned quite a hoard of skeletons:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/SkeletonLegion.png)

Ready to do your bidding.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/8f9e5bc590a0e9e0117cd0a52e80987b_original.gif)

In Summoners Fate (http://summonersfate.com) we take a top-down approach, as if you are a deity looking over a boardgame. Instead of looking only at tops of heads, your units will look up to you whenever there is an action available.

I really like the graphics and design in your game. It's easy to see how much work you put into it.
Gameplay seems to be interesting and advanced too but I don't know much about this type of games so it's hard for me to say something about it.

It's interesting idea with this "ready to go characters" looking up at you. It's taking care of one of top-down view cons which is not seeing characters face. For me it is a good idea (but when I was looking at it first time it was a little creepy... :D)

I was watching a few of your videos (you have lot of it, so it's not that easy to go through it all) and I can tell you something about few little things that I don't like that much here (let's take a look at "Liche king fight" video):
-Sounds effects and animations are a little too long for me. It could be like 3/4 of the current length. Voice of the warrior (?) after killing a monster was annoying.
-Graphic design is wonderful here but a few of particle effects are not fitting to it. I don't like fire for example. It's not consistent with the rest of the graphics (too much blurry? hard to say).
-Victory screen (this green text) is not rewarding. It was a little disappointing for me after all of it to see this simple text.

You have so much content. It looks really good :) Keep going!

   

Wow, thanks ByerN for the very detailed and objective feedback. I love getting comments like this that help me better understand audience perception and help me with improving the quality. Some of the effects you've mentioned (Victory screen) are just placeholder, while others (particle effects) are the best of what I've come up for now using program techniques rather than artistic techniques. We have a dedicated illustration team that handles character and environment art, but I don't have dedicated FX artist, so I'm doing the best I can to fill in gaps for now until I have a chance to address in the polish once the gameplay is perfected. If you have any insights/resources/etc. where I could benefit on improving VFX, I'm all ears ;)

I'm curious if the animation speed was the result of the capture software or something I need to address in the animations themselves(I know some of the videos have issue with the capture software). The game runs at 60FPS and most of the recording engines I've tried only capture 30FPS, sometimes slower depending on the resolution I'm capturing at. I've received feedback before on the animations needing speed adjustments/better timing, but I've had trouble communicating concrete changes to my animator necessary to correct this perception.

I would certainly love to hear more from you. If you're interested in chatting more and taking part in our upcoming multiplayer release, please feel welcome to join us on our Discord channel here: https://discord.gg/6rZkzAx.

Thanks :) I am a little busy with my own game, so I'll try to keep it short :) (about discord)

What I see inconsistent in fx (fire for example; Liche-1:29) is that everything in your game looks "hardly edged" almost vector-cartoon style but fx doesn't fits to it. I think that for example some of animes (if you are familiar with this topic) has similar problem with CG. But you know, it's a rather minor thing :) I've catched it first in your trailer with burning "o" at the end. It still looks great :)

About the speed- for me, a little faster fight in this game would be better. I don't think if it's a recording-fps problem.

Helpful resources would be:
Art of screenshake (maybe not that great for this type of game but still well describing gamefeel basics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJdEqssNZ-U

and maybe this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw0h9WmBlsw

I've found it some time ago. There were some more good resources about animation and related topics (overanimating, "strong-frames"- I don't remember the name now, I am not an artist at all :D) on youtube.

In my opinion adding a little more dynamics to the gameplay would be great :)

I hope you'll find it helpful :)

Man, thanks again for posting these resources! I've watched the first video so far, excited to check out the next one. It's amazing how tiny changes like that make a big difference.

I see what you mean about the PFX and the hard edges, especially on that lingering fire at the end. Here's a really quick 5 minute experiment I did yesterday trying out some different particles and alpha to give it a more cartoony feel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvMHvXmNG0k

That editor you see in the video is part of the tools suite I built for creating Summoners Fate content. Right now, it can only edit individual particle emitters, which means the missile/moving particles still have to be hand-coded. I'm hoping to extend this to add the full assembly, so that I'll be able to edit things like speed, layered explosions, shake effects, etc. in real-time.

I can't wait to get to polish because it's "little" tweaks like you mention (animation speed, slowing down deaths, etc.) that really take gameplay feel from average to AWESOME!

I am glad that you've found it helpful :) My game is not even close to your's design quality so I have a lot to do too :)

Nice tool. Experiment is going good way :D

I'll watch this topic to check your progress. Good luck. You are doing great job :)

Meet our Cockatrice! For those of you who aren't familiar, a Cockatrice is usually depicted with the body of a dragon (sometimes a serpent) and the head of a rooster.

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Cockatrice.png)

Here is some of the Cockatrice's animations:

(https://media.giphy.com/media/3r9OfHWPysOToYJFNZ/giphy.gif)

For sounds and better quality, watch this video on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Rah8ZTsAs2aGAlKgcdO0w?view_as=subscriber):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEyH9Hjab5U (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEyH9Hjab5U)

This is an example of how you can use Bonus Attacks in Summoners Fate to your advantage in game. Bonus Attacks trigger when an enemy unit is knocked into an ally. In this instance, since the Treants have"Super Knockback" - an ability that sends a character flying across the board up to 5 spaces - this fun game of "toss the Orc" is possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTYs0jsWbZo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTYs0jsWbZo)

Manipulate the Fabric of Existence
We've brought you Celestial (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378775#msg1378775), Nature (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378490#msg1378490), and Void (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378097#msg1378097) magic features. Now let's deep dive into our Arcane magic, a favorite of those who enjoy mind games:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/ArcaneMagic.png) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaX6_QF675k)
^{Characters pictured: Zenon the Arch Mage (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1377366#msg1377366), Arcane Giant, and Ice Queen}

Arcane magic is associated with the fundamental forces that define reality including gravity, materialization, and psychic energy. Long ago, an ancient race left relics of ancient texts and technology scattered across the world. Many of these relics were collected by the wizards of the Academy of Arcane Arts, where they study and use them to manipulate the fabric of existence. Arcane spells include abilities such as the manipulation of gravity, creation of forcefields, psychic attacks, and control of positioning on the board.

Who else is an Arcane fan?

When You Need Your Own Magical Box Fort

Forcefield is a powerful Arcane spell (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1379467#msg1379467) that protects an ally character from all incoming damage. The forcefield can only be brought down by an enemy melee attack, making it a formidable defense when used in combination with your Summoner in the rear and a defensive line of melee blockers in the front. Notice how even grass underneath the forcefield is protected from the fireball.

Watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaX6_QF675k (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaX6_QF675k)

Level Making
This weekend we've been making different maps to play for the soon-to-be-released early access multiplayer version of Summoners Fate. Here's my son and me last night creating some with my editor tool:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/wordswag_1525623031496.png)
^{Don't be fooled by his age; my little guy is quite the strategist and loves using game editors, such as in Geometry Dash and Battleblock Theater. I have no idea where he gets it from... :shrug2:}

We're then spending our evenings playtesting and learning when it comes to fun gameplay, "less is more;" meaning, while some blockades and traps are fun, too much is a hindrance.

Have a great Sunday!

Here's a new Swamp Map that we created. I took a quick snapshot playing the level just as the opponent Dark Elf Witch was flying over my Dwarf Warrior to attack Nova the Sorceress, my summoner:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/SwampScreenshot.png)

What do you think so far? We will be adding more FX later, including mist and/or rain.

We introduced this Horror creature, the Shadow (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1374889#msg1374889) (part of the Void (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378097#msg1378097) deck); now see it animated!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fCwpINOIU4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fCwpINOIU4)

We've had the question posed to us about where the idea of this creature came from. I have had trouble sleeping over the years, and have some varying ideas about nightmares and "sleep demons." After doing research on some of the theories of the causes of sleep paralysis, such as the Pisadeira, the "old hag", sleep goblins, the succubus, etc., I knew I wanted to include some sort of cryptid-type creature in Summoners Fate that represented nightmares and the fears that creep in your brain as your eyes start to close.

We're still deciding on this creatures powers in game; what ideas do you have?

Red Dragon Screenshot
Here's a screenshot we took recently during a game with Li the Pyromancer and her Chaos (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1363680#msg1363680) deck vs. Sylvia the Druid (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378423#msg1378423) and her Nature (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378490#msg1378490) deck:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/ScreenShot 2018-04-30 at 9.54.58 PM.png)

Couple things I want to point out to give context:

• In case you did not know, yes, we have playable Dragons (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1377851#msg1377851) in game and they are awesome!
• The blue button in the upper left-hand corner is an Undo button. Undoing is available only within your turn, not whenever you want during the game. We'll do a post in the future explaining this mechanic.
• See the heavily armored red Dreadnought (upper left)? We've implemented a separate "armor bar" for characters with heavy armor that will need to be destroyed before any damage to the character's health is affected. We'll talk more about this in a future post as well.
• The dead tree in the upper left and the scorched area are as a result of two cast spells, Dragons Breath and Fireball. Many of our spells have a dynamic quality where the terrain will actually be affected by the actions of the characters, such as cutting down trees blocking your view. Learn more about these two spells:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/DragonsBreath.png)  (http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Fireball.png)

I'll be featuring Chaos (aka: Fire Spells!) spells soon - check back  ;D

Brown Ant Animation
Bugs. Insects. INSECTOIDS (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1364268#msg1364268)!

We get it; insects are not necessarily everyone's thing. However, for those who secretly wanted to be an entomologist (like my 5-year-old daughter does) or who loved games like SimAnt  :handthumbsupL: or who had an ant farm and a pet praying mantis  :handthumbsupR:, we have the playable faction for you! Here's the Brown Ant's animation. You'll see we've added a weapon for it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPXtUxR3_m8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPXtUxR3_m8)

What do you think?

Screenshot of casting bunnies in a cave, as you do...

In this epic cave battle, Albirich the Fighter Mage and his Celestial (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378775#msg1378775) deck (pictured) are battling. Sylvia the Druid and her Nature (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378490#msg1378490) deck in a cave environment - and her many summoned and mutated Killer Bunnies! A few things to note:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/CaveBunnyScreen Shot 2018-04-16 at 4.04.37 PM.png)

• The white nests you see on the board are spider nests. We realized after seeing this screenshot that there were too big, so we have since shrunk them down. They don't currently do anything, but will likely spawn baby spiders on the board
• See the red upside down triangles? That notes the opponent. See the red rightside up triangles inside? We added this for our colorblind players since we used the green/red colors to notate yourself/enemy, respectively
• The 3rd card in the deck showing is different from the other two. That is because these cards are neutral - what we are calling "Free Will" cards - that any summoner can use. This will also include some characters that will be Free Will. Here's the card:
  (http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Bloodlust.png)

Here are the cards used to mutate those Killer Bunnies:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Killer Bunny.png) (http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/AnimalGrowth.png)
Happy Friday!  :beer:

Oni Smash!
Watch our Summoners Fate Oni demon (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1368402#msg1368402):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eHUBFtG3Wg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eHUBFtG3Wg)

For those of you not familiar with this mythical creature, in Japanese mythology Onis are generally male demonic creatures that resemble ogres or demons. They are huge, strong, and very frightening. Their appearances can vary, but they most often have blue or red skin, wild hair, claws, horns, and carry a kanabō, a spiked and extremely heavy war club.

We aimed to stay close to the traditional description and depiction of Onis, and added some of our own uniqueness. What do you think?

Happy Mother's Day to our mother & soon-to-be-mother players!

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/HappyMothersDay.png)

You scared me :o Thanks God, it's not today in my country xD

 ;D ;D

Who are our Dwarf fans?  :beer:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Dwarves.png)

Dwarves! Meet our Dwarf Blacksmith and our Dwarf Warrior. In gameplay, the Dwarves will be a smaller stature, but no less fierce.

Interactive Spiked Walls

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/SpikeWallsScreenshot.png)

I'm so excited to share this screenshot with you guys. This map we created is the Gladiator Pit. All the spikes on the walls and on the map itself are interactive - meaning yes, you can damage your opponent by knocking them into the spikes!

The pink orb glow around Zenon the Arch Mage (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1377366#msg1377366) is a spell he cast on himself is Forcefield. Here's (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1379556#msg1379556) a video we recently posted that showcases this Arcane (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1379467#msg1379467) spell. Also here's the card art to take a closer look:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Forcefield.png)

We Bring You...Chaos!

So far we've done features on 4 out of the 6 card classes - Void (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378097#msg1378097), Nature (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378490#msg1378490), Celestial (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378775#msg1378775), and Arcane (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1379467#msg1379467) magic. Now is the time for havoc and destruction...

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/ChaosMagic.png)

CHAOS! When chaos energy flares into the physical world, its manifestations are unstable and cause potent destructive force. While destructive, Chaos is not inherently evil, and many good and innocent individuals are gifted (or cursed as some say) with the power to channel Chaos Magic. For example, Nova the Sorceress, is a notable Chaos sorceress. At a young age, she unintentionally destroyed her village with fire when her born powers were first triggered, though she herself is not malicious like the Dreadnoughts - evil inclined beings motivated by the desire to destroy the world.

In Summoners Fate, Chaos spells grant powerful destructive abilities and have the highest damage output per cost of any other magic group.

Who's our Chaos fans?

Recent Card Icons
We received very positive feedback from yesterday's Chaos post (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1380438#msg1380438) - it seems many of you are very excited about that fiery destructive class - and I don't blame you!  ;D

Today I'm showcasing some art we are finishing up for Card Icons:

(http://summonersfate.com/images/forum/Recent card icons.png)

About these cards:

MANA SURGE
> Arcane (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1379467#msg1379467) spell
> Generate 2 mana.

YOUR SOUL IS MINE
> Void (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378097#msg1378097) spell
> Give target enemy Death Trigger: Return to the board under your control.

CLEANSE
> Nature (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378490#msg1378490) spell
> Remove all Status Effects, traps, and surprises from the board.

MATING SEASON
> Nature (https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=61234.msg1378490#msg1378490) spell
> Draw up to 3 Insectoid cards from your deck and add them to your hand.