Hi, everyone! Welcome to the third and final preview of our upcoming set of new DLCs. In the first two parts, we introduced you to the two new multiclass heroes coming to the gameSigrun, the Valkyrie, and Bernard, the alchemist. This time, our attention turns to the 3rd expansion setting, the once peaceful but now pirate-infested Sahti Islands. In this diary, well talk more about the lore behind the islands, the people who inhabit them and the different factions competing to dominate them. Without further ado, lets set sail! [hr][/hr]

A pirates life

When we first started planning this expansion, we decided early on that we wanted to explore a classic fantasy setting. In particular, we were after a naturally adventurous theme with scope for exploration, excitement and recognisable character tropes. The idea of a pirate setting ticked all of these boxes. You can expect plenty of traditional pirate references, but we also wanted to ensure we added a touch of AtO magic. So, what can you expect to see from an Obelisk-style pirate fantasy? Dastardly pirates? Itd be weird without them. A friendly, superstitious native folk who live and die by their traditions? Absolutely. A powerful and cruel overseas trading company profiting by exploiting the islands? Naturally. A navy waging war against the pirates? 100%. Pirates feuding between themselves in a bid to become pirate king? Sure. Legendary creatures lurking beneath the waves? Check. Ridiculous pirate jokes? Aye! So, everything youd want from a classic pirate experience, plus one or two surprises yet to be revealed Thats an overview of what to expect. Lets take you deeper into the lore.

The lore

The Sahti Islands are known as that because of the Sahti people who inhabit them. The Sahti are peaceful sea folk who live in communion with playful warden spirits called the Loa. Over the years, the Sahti have needed to defend themselves from those seeking to exploit their archipelago. The main offenders were the pirates and the greedy overseas trading company (COT), eager to turn the islands resources into cold, hard cash. An uneasy truce has existed between these factions. But everything changes when the Sahti Islands obelisk activates, awakening the terrifying Rust King and a hoard of ghastly creatures from beneath the waves. The chaos unleashed by the obelisk upsets the delicate balance between the factions. The navy is left struggling to protect the Sahti people. The trading company, hellbent on protecting its investment and profits, decides to step up the exploitation of the Sahtis natural resources. On top of all that, the pirates are at war with each other to decide who will become the new pirate king. Turmoil is an understatement! So, this is the scene you will find yourselves in as you arrive at the Sahti Islands. But which group will you pledge your allegiance to? Thats up to you! An important feature of this expansion is that you can decide which of the factions you side with. If you see yourself as a defender of the people, join the Sahti in their bid to protect their homeland. If gold and untold riches are what floats your boat, then get on board with the COT. Or perhaps you fancy becoming king of the pirates? Well then, sharpen your cutlass and practice your best ARGH. [hr][/hr]

May yer anchor be ever tight!

That brings us to the end of our Sahti Island previews. Before we go, heres a handy list of all the new content coming your way as part of the expansion:

• A new map to play in Act 2 or 3 of your adventure
• One new subzone dungeon
• A new combat theme
• Loads of new events
• 20 new enemies and three champion enemies
• Three new bosses
• 35 new items
• Two new multiclass heroes (Sigrun and Bernard) and their pets
• One cardback

The Sahti Islands story pack, and the Sigrun and Bernard hero packs will be available to download in a single bundle. Or, you can buy each of the three packs individually, if you prefer. But thats not all! Along with the release of these DLCs, we have a big free patch coming your way! This is one of the biggest free patches weve worked on so far, packed with fixes and improvements. Another exciting addition to the patch is the implementation of the winning cardback design from our community Design your cardback contest which will officially be part of the game. We hope youve enjoyed hearing about the Sahti Islands. Were thrilled to share the details with you and cant wait for you to experience it. See you on the high seas! - The AtO team

[ 2025-01-13 15:16:24 CET ] [ Original post ]