Empyreal News

Every face tells a story, and while not all are pleasant, it’s worth getting to know those around you, even just to better understand your mission.

Each character in Empyreal has their own questline, with multiple endings based on your actions. It’s up to you on whether their story has a happy ending, or if their fate was doomed from the very beginning.

In this final part of the trilogy, we’re looking at Hanwyn, Linet, and Isolda, their role in the Expedition, and any interesting information to note.

[h3]Hanwyn Dryden[/h3]



“You will be pleased to hear we have made a significant breakthrough…”

An Emissary of the Crown, Hanwyn Dryden has been sent to appraise the value of the Expedition’s discovery as part of the total audit of Company assets. However, it doesn’t take a genius to see that his attention is drawn to the secrets that are being unearthed rather than his official duty.

While he doesn’t seem to have any weaponry, it would be a surprise if he didn’t have some tricks up his sleeve. Perhaps a bottle of Aqua Vitae may help getting to know him better and understand his ideals.

[h3]Linet Radclyffe[/h3]



“Haha, glad to see your sense of humour is intact through this ordeal. Not everyone here has been so lucky…”

Linet Radclyffe is a hyper-rational, dogmatic archaeologist who seeks to find a logical and historical explanation for the Monolith’s existence.

Throughout your mission, report to her with any artefacts of significance to allow her to piece together the true history of the strange structure. She may even start to believe that not everything can be explained through common knowledge.

When she isn’t busy dusting off old relics, she enjoys drinking some Distilled Spirit.

[h3]Isolda[/h3]



“Surely telling you would ruin my mysterious allure, and we wouldn't want that…”

Not much is known about Isolda - not even her surname. All anyone really knows is that she is an adventurer with a somewhat murky and questionable past, is here of her own volition, and certainly isn’t from Orden like the rest of the Expedition. She also adores Honey Mead.

She has a clear interest in the Monolith and its origins, far beyond wanting to write her name in the history books, or getting a decent payout. As such, she will often lend you a hand with her cannon, and help you with various tasks if you ask.



Missed the previous parts of the trilogy? Read Part 1 and Part 2 here, and get to know the people around you in the Expedition.

In the final blog ahead of our launch (next week!), we’ll be looking at the asynchronous features in place to allow you to interact with other Mercenaries across the rift… Until then, remember: Si vis pacem, para bellum.

Every face tells a story, and while not all are pleasant, it’s worth getting to know those around you, even just to better understand your mission.

Each character in Empyreal has their own questline, with multiple endings based on your actions. It’s up to you on whether their story has a happy ending, or if their fate was doomed from the very beginning.

In this second part of a three-part series, we’ll highlight three more characters, their role in the Expedition, and any interesting information to note.

[h3]John Kent[/h3]



“Well, butter my arse 'n call me a biscuit, you're alive!”

A Smithy from North Orden, John Kent has plenty of colloquialisms at his disposal. In many regards, his bubbly personality is a stark contrast to that of Morys Lovell, but they both share the same chaotic recklessness when it comes to the Monolith. He also likes a nice strong Orden Brown Ale.

He loves to experiment with combining current technology with the unique properties found in the Monolith, for extraordinary, although usually inexplicable, results. Some of them may even be useful to you!

Working with him throughout your adventure has the chance to unlock more wild and powerful combinations - perhaps first tested on his own mace and shield beforehand.

[h3]Raulin Yates[/h3]



“You'll always be welcome in our home if you find yourself wanting company when we're back in Orden.”

The Quartermaster of the Expedition, Raulin has all manner of items, equipment, and other trinkets available to purchase. He is a battle-hardened veteran, having seen his fair share of conflict over the years - giving him an extensive field of knowledge. For now, he has put his cannon away to focus on trading items instead of blows.

As such, Raulin has a unique and pragmatic perspective on life, and the secrets of the Monolith. He is keen to discuss any events or discoveries you make, and won’t shy away from challenging your opinion on the matter - especially over a bottle of Godfrey’s Blood.

[h3]Maria Thornton[/h3]



“A breakthrough like this hasn't been seen in decades, my name will be written into history..”

A quantum physicist invited by Morys Lovell to join the Expedition, Dr Maria Thornton has made incredible breakthroughs in reverse-engineering the Monolith’s Teleportation Technology. As such, she has refined the powerful Cartogram system to get it working, allowing people to teleport into different locations within the heart of the ancient structure.

Now you’re around, she has someone that can make use of her research and harness that power to begin mapping out the complex interior of the Monolith. Interestingly, she doesn’t seem to have a weapon to defend herself if the worst were to happen, but one would be a fool to underestimate a scientist of such prowess. She is known to enjoy a bottle of the finest Melenaisé Port from time to time.



In our final part next week, we’ll be taking a look at Hanwyn, Linet, and Isolda. Until then, remember: Si vis pacem, para bellum.

Every face tells a story, and while not all are pleasant, it’s worth getting to know those around you, even just to better understand your mission.

Each character in Empyreal has their own questline, with multiple endings based on your actions. It’s up to you on whether their story has a happy ending, or if their fate was doomed from the very beginning.

In this three-part series, we’ll highlight some of these characters, their role in the Expedition, and any interesting information to note.


[h3]Morys Lovell[/h3]



“Besides, I bear as much responsibility for this as you... more so, arguably.”

Morys Lovell, the former military commander and now head of the Expedition, is the epitome of a broken man. Driven by a desire to see the heart of the Monolith, his overzealous attitude often leads to risky or outright reckless actions. As a result, his questline is intertwined with your mission of exploring the Monolith’s depths.

The initial failure of the Expedition two years ago has shaken him to his core and his mood erratically swings between rapt optimism and bitter, resentful doom-mongering. He’s often found slumped at his desk, asleep from exhaustion or excess alcohol - or both. When he does have the energy and time to fight, he prefers to use cannon weaponry.

[h3]Edmund Reyne[/h3]



“A Prison... for what precisely, I could not say. But something unholy, of that I am certain.”

The military commander of the Expedition, Edmund Reyne is a rather brusque and authoritative man. Having grown up in a strict house with a military background, you may forgive him for speaking slightly louder than is really polite, and his tendency to waive dissenting voices without a second thought. He does, however, open up if you get him a bottle of Shawdon Whiskey.

The struggles of the Expedition threaten to tarnish his family name, and he is determined to expunge that stain - possibly even by dusting off his trusty mace and shield, depending on your actions. His rash and rather rude, closed-off demeanour and will take some convincing that you’re not just some fool that’s only there for the glory. After all, it isn’t just the loss of the soldiers under his command that burdens his conscience…

Rohini Varma



“There's no escaping death here…”

The lone survivor of that fateful excursion into the Monolith, Rohini has been traumatized by the deaths of her fellow soldiers. This, in turn, has stopped her wielding her glaive.

Listen, understand, and work with her to gradually gain her trust and help her come to terms with her trauma in a healthy and life-affirming manner before she succumbs to the murky depths of her mind. Perhaps you can share a bottle of Saint-Aalis Wine as you talk.



Next week, we’ll be taking a closer look at three more members of the Expedition - John, Raulin, and Maria. Until then, remember: Si vis pacem, para bellum.

Oh, one more thing. You may want to tune into Twitch Galaxies tomorrow at 8PM GMT/ 3PM EST / 12PM PT.

Did you miss the Future Game Show - Live from GDC? Don’t fret, for you can watch the interview with Game Director Joseph Rogers below! In this video, Joseph discusses the three weapon archetypes and just a couple of their unique traits.

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Stay up to date with the latest Empyreal news and see some behind the scenes content by joining our Discord. Follow us on X, Bluesky and TikTok for more.

Be sure to wishlist the game on Steam ahead of the May 8th release and try the game for yourself via the demo.

Mod Spheres are just one type of loot you’ll discover during your exploration of the Monolith. These strange objects have the power to transmute the very essence of weapons and armour, adjusting existing stats or adding new ones all together! With a vast number of options, each build can be tailored to your own personal style.

You don’t need to worry about modifying your equipment in the early game - these adjustments are for build refinement, allowing better choice on the stats and buffs to suit your playstyle as you approach the end of your journey or start again in New Game+.

Let’s have a deeper look at what can be modified, where you obtain these mystical spheres, and how to attune your armour to your needs.



Each piece of equipment has its own stats, creating an overall build that is viewable in the Character Sheet. Stats are split into three types - Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary - seen by pressing ALT, or Y/Triangle on a controller. Different Mod Spheres will be required for each type.

You can view what each stat does by pressing T, or Left Trigger/L2 on a controller, and scrolling down while in the Character Sheet. This will bring up a tooltip explaining each stat and buff.

When you’ve decided which stats to chase, it’s time to search for those spheres either by looting chests within the Monolith, or buying them from Raulin - the Quartermaster - in the expedition camp. You may even get a couple through quests and activities. We recommend leveling up Raulin’s shop as quickly as possible to unlock rarer and higher tier Mod Spheres.



Once the spheres are obtained, talk to John, the Smithy, to tune your gear. Scroll to the modify tab, select the weapon or armour you want to modify, and then select the stat you want to change. A new menu will appear with your Mod Spheres. Each sphere has benefits and drawbacks, so read carefully before making your choice.



Stats can be changed as many times as you want, providing you have the spheres. Experiment with different builds until you reach perfection!

In the next blog, we’ll be taking a look at some of the members from The Company’s Expedition team that you’ll encounter, and perhaps have a say in their future...