This post is written by Mia, our gameplay designer. Hello there! With the new update being released today, we wanted to take the opportunity to talk more in depth about what you can expect from the new Guardian Core. To start off with, the new Core belongs to Siglorel, a sorcerer like Merlin, who traveled into the most extreme and dangerous dimension. His ventures gained him many new insights and knowledge but left him slightly mad as well. Theres small tidbits of information you can find of him throughout the game, but hes mostly shrouded in mystery. One thing that we can say is that one of the dimensions Siglorel has been to (or perhaps even still is in) is the dimension from which the abominations are invading our worlds. Because of this, Siglorels Core is intertwined with corruption. Thematically, his Core is unlockable by saving a Doomed World which even Merlin himself harbors little hope for. A Doomed World is ventured into by selecting all of the negative modifiers in Modified Hardmode difficulty. Its a proper challenge, even for us who know the game inside out! If youve already beaten this mode, Im afraid youll have to do so again as the Core is not gained automatically, but rather as part of the epilogue after defeating the final boss. Obtaining his Core marks a true achievement and mastery over the game, as such we wanted to have the Core feel truly powerful. The passive gives one mana for each hero at the start of each combat, which should make mana feel cheaper and more expendable, allowing you to test out the spells in earnest. Sticking with the corruption theme, the spells are modified versions of what the final boss can do, but tweaked and buffed in your favor. Siglorel allows turning their own power against them, quite effectively so!
Among the other content added in this update, being the Questlines, youll be able to find a legendary relic made by Siglorel. Its a relic which combined with any Guardian Core should feel quite powerful, that is, if you manage to find it and repair it.. We hope you will enjoy exploring the new stories added in the update! If you have any questions or feedback for us, or just want to chat, feel free to join us on our Discord server! Mia

[ 2022-02-16 12:26:53 CET ] [ Original post ]

The Hand of Merlin is a turn-based rogue-lite RPG in which Arthurian legend clashes with cosmic horror. Recruit a company of up to three mortal heroes and guide them in spirit on a desperate journey from Albion to Jerusalem. Explore a richly-imagined medieval setting on the brink of apocalypse. Trade with merchants, improve your heroes and unearth ancient relics. Search for the lost fragments of your soul, scattered across the multiverse - and save as many worlds as you can.


Enjoy a compelling story inspired by Arthurian legend, the Matter of France, and the history of Al-Andalus - with an unusual twist. Make choices in interactive encounters that change every time you play. Written by Jonas Kyratzes (The Talos Principle, Serious Sam 4) and Verena Kyratzes (The Lands of Dream, Serious Sam 4).


Master the tactics of squad-based and turn-based combat to conquer both human and demonic foes. Your enemies will be tough and ruthless; make use of cover, set up ambushes and coordinated attacks, harness synergies between different Hero classes and skills.




Carve a path across the lands of Albion, Marca Hispanica and Al-Andalus. Will you take a dangerous route, risking life and limb in pursuit of a legendary relic? Or will you choose a safer path? Plan and prepare. Negotiate, barter, fight. Tackle challenges. Suffer losses. Recruit new Heroes. Earn Gold, Supplies and Renown. Be careful: your choices are permanent, as is death. But don't tarry - evil never rests.


Use Renown to level up your Heroes, and choose between a randomized set of new skills or improved attributes. But choose wisely! Select skills with great synergy and balance your party for the road ahead.




As you jump from one parallel dimension to the next, history is reshaped. Different kings rule the land, changing the encounters, characters, and events. No two worlds are ever quite the same, and each journey will be unique. And should your heroes fall, remember: defeat is not the end, only a new beginning.


Seek out towns to improve your arms and armor, or stumble upon hermit artisans in the wild. With every day that passes, the world plunges deeper into darkness, and you will need all the equipment gold can buy.


From a peasant's humble luck charm to the legendary sword wielded by Arthur himself, items imbued with magical power are scattered about the world. Some you will be able to purchase from merchants and collectors, but others will have to be earned through acts of heroism - or displays of wit.



Rain thunder and brimstone upon your foes! Seek out and gather Soulstones to restore your power and unlock new Spells. Even if defeated, your spirit will retain all of your collected arcane knowledge as you jump into the next dimension.


There are as many worlds as there are stars in the sky. In each stands Camelot; in each there is a Grail. But there is only one Merlin, and his eternal burden is to stand against the horror from beyond. Each world that is saved is saved forever; each world that is lost is lost for good.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/600610/The_Hand_of_Merlin/