Shields of Loyalty News

[p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀[/p][h2][/h2][h3]Subtle Secrets, Deeper Immersion[/h3][hr][/hr][h3]📜 Summary[/h3][p]Today, we take a break from patch notes and mechanics to explore some tiny but powerful design choices in Shields of Loyalty — immersive elements that often go unnoticed but enrich the experience for keen-eyed players.[/p][hr][/hr][h3]🎵 Music That Knows Where You Are[/h3][p]Each faction has its own unique soundtrack — not just in combat, but even in the Army Management screen. This subtle audio layer adds emotional depth and identity to your faction. You’re not just commanding units… you’re leading a people.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]🏛️ History Etched in Stone[/h3][p]Ancient ruins scattered across the islands aren’t just decoration. Some are inspired by the lore of older civilizations — their design hints at who once ruled these lands before the current conflict. Look closer, and you may find signs of conquest, betrayal, and forgotten alliances.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h3]⚔️ A Story in Every Sword[/h3][p]When you upgrade your units or unlock new ones through faction progression, their appearance shifts — from insignias to armour and weapons. The evolution is subtle, but it reinforces the story of a growing and adapting army.[/p][hr][/hr][h3]🗺️ A Living Map[/h3][p]The campaign map isn’t static. It reflects your progress through the islands — mood, lighting, and even ambient sounds change as you get closer to critical story events. It’s a quiet way of telling you: the end is near.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h2]🔎 What Have You Spotted?[/h2][p]We’d love to hear from you!
Have you noticed any subtle detail or immersive touch in the game that made you go “wait a second…”?[/p][p]Let us know in the comments 👇 — you might be the first to uncover something no one else has noticed.[/p][hr][/hr][p]🛡️ Thanks for exploring Shields of Loyalty with us — every corner of Mantaria has a secret waiting to be discovered.[/p][p][/p][p]— The Shields of Loyalty Team

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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀[/p]

[p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀[/p][h3]🛡️ A Legacy of Strategy in Fantasy[/h3][p]From the page to the screen, epic fantasy has always revolved around the battlefield—whether it’s a desperate stand at Helm’s Deep, the coordination of a small fellowship striking behind enemy lines, or carefully arranged tactical decisions in turn-based classics like Fantasy General or XCOM.[/p][p]At Shields of Loyalty, we honour those roots while forging something new.[/p]

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[hr][/hr][h3]🔄 Faction Abilities Reforged[/h3][p]We’ve reworked the faction skills system to enhance synergy, positioning, and reaction-based tactics. Here’s a sneak peek:[/p][p]🔴 Warlords – Strength in Unity[/p]

• [p]Brothers in Arms
  If a heavy infantry unit attacks, another heavy infantry unit directly adjacent to it will strike as well—two blades, one purpose.[/p]
• [p]Revenge
  When one of your units is severely wounded, all adjacent allies lash out in retaliation. The more surrounded you are, the stronger your comeback.[/p]

[hr][/hr][p]⚪ Noblemen – Discipline and Formation[/p]

• [p]Formation
  Light cavalry now automatically steps back one tile after taking damage. This ability can trigger up to three times per level, simulating controlled retreats and regrouping.[/p]
• [p]Shield Wall
  Unchanged but still powerful: Hold your line and resist frontal assaults by keeping units adjacent and shielded.[/p]

[hr][/hr][p]🔵 Highpriests – The Arcane Edge[/p]

• [p]Mystic Focus (tentative name)
  Boost magical damage dealt and reduce magic damage taken—a potent way to counter enemy spellcasters.[/p]
• [p]Guardian
  A known mechanic returns under a new banner: nearby flying units intercept attacks aimed at adjacent allies.[/p]

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[hr][/hr][h3]🎶 Tactical Music, Personalised by Faction[/h3][p]We’ve also added faction-specific music to the Army Management screen! Each faction now has its own distinct melody and tone to match its theme—noble, tribal, or mystical.[/p]

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[hr][/hr][h3]🌍 What’s Next on the Tactical Front?[/h3]

• [p]More Points of Interest (POIs) are live![/p]
• [p]Mercenaries are now recruitable.[/p]
• [p]Island 3 levels have been expanded with new tactical challenges.[/p]
• [p]Numerous level improvements and balance adjustments are in the works.[/p]

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[hr][/hr][h3]⚔️ Tactical Evolution Continues[/h3][p]At its heart, Shields of Loyalty is about meaningful, satisfying choices.
Whether you’re flanking with cavalry, casting support spells, or defending your last stronghold—you’ll find inspiration in fantasy’s finest moments… and write your own legend in Mantaria.[/p][p]Stay tuned for more updates, Commanders![/p][hr][/hr][h3]🔁 Got a favourite tactic from a classic game or fantasy book?[/h3][p]Tell us in the comments—we might feature it in the next Tactical Tuesday![/p][h3][/h3][p]— The Shields of Loyalty Team

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[p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀[/p][p][/p][h2][/h2][p]Today, we’re taking you on a little time-travel journey back to where it all began...
[/p][p]In 2018, the project started under the name "Dukes of War" — and while the passion was there, the journey ahead was long.

We’ve dug up one of the first gameplay screenshots and even the original poster art. 🎨


⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ [/p][p]Fast forward to 2024, and here we are with Shields of Loyalty: a fully reimagined, darker and richer turn-based strategy experience.
[/p][p][/p][p]
We’ve come a long way — and your support has made this evolution possible! 🙌
[/p][p]🖼️ Swipe between the old and the new — and let us know in the comments:
What changes stand out the most to you?
[/p][p]— The Shields of Loyalty Team

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[/p][p]Prepare for the Ultimate Strategy Experience!
Our team has worked relentlessly to bring you the best version of Shields of Loyalty. Here's what's coming with the long-awaited 1.0 release – straight from our dev team's workspace:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some of these points in the list were derived from our visions, your feedbacks and the general strategy game knowledge of out team. Please note that the most important ones are WIP (Work-in-progress) but some may won't be finished or even not included in the final build. We are trying to deliver the game to you in the best condition possible but delivering it is the most important point that we are focusing on! Thanks a lot for your patience and support![/p][hr][/hr][h3]⚙️ PERFORMANCE & QUALITY OF LIFE BOOSTS[/h3]

• [p]Massive Performance Improvements – Faster AI, smoother animations, and snappier gameplay across the board.[/p]
• [p]Simultaneous Combat Resolution – Damage effects, spell visuals, and support actions now play out in parallel for faster, smoother battles.[/p]
• [p]AI Turn Optimisation – AI decisions (movement, spells, and abilities) now execute with less delay and more efficiency.[/p]
• [p]Camera Movement Tweaks – Enhanced camera flow and zoom during battles.[/p]
• [p]Faster Spell Effects – Weather, lightning, and special abilities now trigger more quickly and cinematically.[/p]
• [p]Multi-unit Move System – Control up to 3 units simultaneously to speed up your army’s advance![/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]⚔️ COMBAT & STRATEGY ENHANCEMENTS[/h3]

• [p]Full AI Rework – Smarter decisions, better positioning, and strategic use of spells and abilities.[/p]
• [p]Cinematic Spell Effects – Camera shakes, flashes, and new visual cues for healing, buffs, debuffs, and elemental magic.[/p]
• [p]Zone of Control (ZOC) – Adds tactical weight to unit positioning (coming post-launch if not ready at 1.0).[/p]
• [p]Movement Cost Display – Clearly see movement costs per tile to optimise your pathing.[/p]
• [p]Improved Pathfinding – Navigate around enemies, fire, storms and blocked paths with ease.[/p]
• [p]Stack-aware Combat Logic – AI avoids overcommitting to heavily protected or weak target units.[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]🗺️ CAMPAIGN & MAP CONTENT[/h3]

• [p]Final Level Unlocked – Discover the climactic battle with epic terrain combining Darkwoods and Lava Desert tiles.[/p]
• [p]New Maps Added – Several new battle maps included for campaign and custom games.[/p]
• [p]Special Victory Conditions Update – Victory only triggers when you end your turn after objectives are met, so you can loot freely![/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]🌌 FACTION AURAS & BALANCE[/h3]

• [p]Void Faction Auras – Malphas, The Goat King, Succubus, Spider Queen, The Void (each with unique passive effects).[/p]
• [p]Knight Faction Auras – New aura abilities for Aglovan and other Knight heroes.[/p]
• [p]Warlord & High Priest Auras – Unique faction-specific buffs to enhance tactical depth.[/p]
• [p]Mummy’s Curse Reworked – Balance adjustments for this fearsome spell.[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]🧙‍♂️ SPELLS & MAGIC SYSTEM[/h3]

• [p]Missing Spells Defined & Implemented – All T3 and faction spells are now complete and in-game.[/p]
• [p]AI Spellcasting Behaviour – Magic-wielding enemy units now behave strategically, using spells according to situation and trigger logic.[/p]
• [p]Spell Descriptions Finalised – Localisation and visual effects defined per spell type.[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]🛠️ USER INTERFACE & VISUAL POLISH[/h3]

• [p]Updated Tutorial Texts – Reflecting the latest UI and gameplay changes.[/p]
• [p]Upgrade Indicators for Units – Easily see which units are ready to be promoted.[/p]
• [p]Attack Animation Revamp – Clean, focused, with the death blow and death animation aligned visually.[/p]
• [p]New City/Castle/Ruin UI Graphics – Fresh designs for a more immersive experience.[/p]
• [p]Hover Tooltips for Artefact Menu – Clearer indication when artefact management becomes available.[/p]
• [p]Critical Hit Banner – Now displayed clearly in combat like other special effects.[/p]
• [p]Dual Unit Display – Toggle between airborne and ground units when occupying the same tile.[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]🏰 WORLDMAP, EVENTS & LOOT[/h3]

• [p]Loot Buff – Cities and ruins now offer 1.5x increased rewards. More reason to explore![/p]
• [p]Mercenaries Added – Hire unique units in cities, tents, and mines. Stack size 1, temporary until mission ends.[/p]
• [p]Event Sequences Reworked – More cinematic with camera pans, character dialogue, animations and return focus.[/p]
• [p]Event Units Placeable via Editor – Enables richer scenarios with wounded units, narrative triggers and more.[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]📺 RESOLUTION & VISUAL SUPPORT[/h3]

• [p]Multiple Resolution Support – Full compatibility with:
  1920x1200, 1680x1050, 1440x900, 1280x800[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]✨ ADDITIONAL POLISH & FINAL TOUCHES[/h3]

• [p]Looted Ruins Are Marked – No more rechecking ruins! Icons now mark explored locations.[/p]
• [p]Editable Unit Names – Customise your army even further.[/p]
• [p]Victory/Defeat Animations – New ending animations to celebrate your glorious conquests (or noble sacrifices).[/p]
• [p]Final Intro Dialogues per Avatar – New character-based opening stories tailored to your chosen hero.[/p]

[hr][/hr][h3]🔮 FUTURE-PREP FEATURES (Not in 1.0 but Planned Shortly After)[/h3]

• [p]Steam Workshop Support – Share and download custom maps.[/p]
• [p]Zone of Control Finalisation – Tactical layer still under discussion.[/p]
• [p]Modifiers Rework – Unified logic for Auras, Artefacts and Abilities.[/p]

[hr][/hr][h2]💬 Your Patience Pays Off[/h2][p]With all of these major updates, we are confident Shields of Loyalty 1.0 will deliver the strategic experience you’ve been waiting for. Thank you for your trust, your feedback, and your continued support through Early Access.[/p][p]🗡️ Prepare your armies, ready your spells – the time of loyalty is upon us!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some of these points in the list were derived from our visions, your feedbacks and the general strategy game knowledge of out team. Please note that the most important ones are WIP (Work-in-progress) but some may won't be finished or even not included in the final build. We are trying to deliver the game to you in the best condition possible but delivering it is the most important point that we are focusing on! Thanks a lot for your patience and support!

The Shields of Loyalty Team

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀[/p]

[p]⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀[/p][h2][/h2][p][/p][p]"The strongest blades are forged in fire."[/p][p]Every day brings us closer to release.

We know it’s been a long road — delays, silence, and battles behind the scenes — but the passion never faded.
[/p][p]This is just a small reminder that Shields of Loyalty is alive, evolving, and worth the wait.
Your support means everything. 💛
[/p][h3]🛠️ Did you know? Steam wishlists directly influence visibility, discoverability, and even launch success for indie games like ours.

"Did you know that games like Vampire Survivors owe part of their success to wishlists? Steam notices and rewards games with strong pre-release interest — every wishlist helps Shields of Loyalty reach new players!"[/h3][p]
If you want to help, wishlisting is one of the most powerful things you can do![/p][p]If you’ve been with us from the beginning — thank you.[/p][p]
If you just joined — welcome to Mantaria.[/p][p]More reveals coming soon. Stay tuned, commander.[/p][p][/p][p]🎯 Wishlist & Follow on Steam
🛡️ Join our Discord[/p][p][/p][p]— The Shields of Loyalty Team

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