The Blood of Dawnwalker News

[h2]Nestled within the Carpathian Mountains lies Vale Sangora, an enclave populated by monsters and ancient locations whose stories and origins are long lost to time.[/h2][p][/p][h3]It is not unusual for a mother to warn her children about the Howling Keep, or to hear a drunkard speak of the cursed Shrike’s Crag—where the barbaric Skender Dragosti once orchestrated the slaughter of many commoners.[/h3][p][/p][h3]Let us introduce these tales—three among many others you will uncover while playing The Blood of Dawnwalker.[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Endless & Timeless[/h2][p]Svartrau, the capital of Vale Sangora, grew staggeringly rich on the silver trade. And as they say, where there’s riches, there’s thieves. The city guard pursues them with utmost determination… And yet, somehow, the ne’er-do-wells always manage to evade them.[/p][p]This might have something to do with the fact that deep underneath Svartrau lies a maze of musty cellars, damp caves, and timeless ruins. Inside, one can easily evade old enemies…[/p][carousel][/carousel][p]…or find new ones. The underground corridors may be old, but they’re not empty. Stay still, listen closely, and you will hear the squeaking of rats, fluttering of bats’ leathery wings… And then, a low, reverberating growl.[/p][p]Best stay on the surface, then, under the sun’s warm gaze, and keep away from the darkness - and all the horrors that it conceals.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]The Howling Keep[/h2][p]People of Vale Sangora don’t readily talk to outsiders. But buy them a drink or two, and it may loosen their tongues. Then, they might treat you to stories of horned mountain folk, haunted mines… Or a mysterious mansion called the Howling Keep.[/p][p]According to the story I’ve heard, this mansion lies deep in the Tantari Woods — a particularly dark and foreboding forest, even by the local standards. On some days, one sees the famed keep from afar, looming over the treetops… But on others, it’s nowhere to be found, as if it dissolved into thin air.[/p][carousel][/carousel][p]Locals claim that the lady of the keep — an ominous woman clad in black, forever in mourning — can hide and then unveil her mansion at will, depending on who’s coming her way… And with what intent.[/p][p]Those who mean the lady harm never find their path to the gates. Lost travelers, though, or runaway children, end up at the mansion’s doorstep without ever meaning to find it. And should they cross it… Their fates are sealed.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Shrike’s Crag[/h2][p]The old knyaz of Vale Sangora, Skender Dragosti, held the common folk in deep disdain. He wasted no opportunity to show his scorn. “The swinish masses understand nought by force and fear”, he used to say.[/p][p]Little wonder, then, that the peasants finally responded in kind. Despondent, they rose in their masses, keen to rid Vale Sangora of the cruel nobles and clergy once and for all.[/p][carousel][/carousel][p]But scythes and pitchforks were no match for swords and pikes. Soon, the peasant rebellion was all but quelled. The surviving rebels were cornered at the old quarry, known as Shrike’s Crag. They begged the knyaz for mercy… But to no avail.[/p][p]Skender decided to teach his subjects a lesson — one they’d never forget. So much blood seeped into the gravel of Shrike’s Crag, so many cries of pain echoed off its cliffs, that even today most locals keep their distance from this cursed place. And the few who wander in? They’re never heard of again.[/p][p][/p][p]These are not fairy tales, but the remnants of centuries of history, upheaval, and loss that shaped Vale Sangora into such a singular place. And for that very reason, it attracts curious travelers and peculiar individuals alike.[/p][p]Peculiar individual is the right name for such a man as Vicho. He is a hoarder of curiosities, strange items that most common folk would find worthless. But Vicho is different. He possesses the experience and the knowledge required to understand and handle them.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]One day, he met a shepherd who had stumbled upon a strange ivory figurine, bleeding from countless wounds. Possessed? Cursed? Ominous? The story of this discovery is recorded in Vicho’s diary, and you can read the full account on Dawnwalker’s social media.[/p][p][/p][p]These are but fragments of the hidden secrets scattered throughout Vale Sangora, a land of mysteries that Coen will be exploring in his quest to save his family.[/p][p][/p][p]To close this month’s Community Bulletin Board, here’s a question from our Discord: [/p][p]Will there be other types of mythical creatures common in gothic horror, such as lycanthropes?[/p][p]- There are many different creatures and monsters you will find in the game apart from vampires - undead hiding in the ancient ruins, murohni who are the "failed" vampires, kobolds living in underground mines, a mountain folk called uriashi, likhos, psoglavs, and more! We will disclose more and more bits of the bestiary in the upcoming months![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[h2]The Full Wolf Moon marked a new beginning for The Blood of Dawnwalker, now entering its launch year.[/h2][p][/p][h3]In this month’s bulletin, join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how the new key art for The Blood of Dawnwalker came to life![/h3][h3][/h3][p]This new key visual is fundamentally about Coen and his identity as a Dawnwalker. His right arm is holding firmly a sword that reads “Peregrini Aurorae”, the Dawn’s Pilgrim, a fateful omen paired with a balance, symbol of equilibrium and justice. His left arm, scarred with magical runes, defies the laws of nature and leads into a forbidden realm.[/p][p][/p][p]However, the starting point of this artwork was actually different – it began with Vale Sangora, a place nestled within the Carpathian Mountains. Its panorama, in a palette of warm oranges and with a striking eclipse – a symbol of Coen’s duality, the clash between his human and vampiric side – became the background for Coen and set the tone for the entire piece.[/p][p][/p][p]Concept art by Damian Bajowski[/p][p]Taking a closer look at the background, you can spot details such as the Svartrau Castle and the Cathedral, two important locations that the players will discover in Vale Sangora. For a sneak peek into the cathedral, make sure to watch the Gameplay Overview Part 2 video from last year, where you can see these high towers and grand stained glass windows from up close![/p][p][/p][p]With the Vale Sangora vista ready, the focus shifted to Coen. His journey is shaped by his actions – by your actions as a player – so it was crucial to choose the right pose. “I wanted something dynamic, natural, and exciting, while subtly showcasing Coen’s vampiric nature through the silhouette,” said artist & designer Wojtek Fus.[/p][p][/p][p]Before sketching, Wojtek explored a variety of dynamic poses and action references to define what would feel the most believable and expressive. “I did a simple and slightly funny photoshoot of myself, acting out different movements and gestures. Feeling the motion in my own body helped me see how weight shifts and tension naturally appear mid-action, which was crucial for avoiding stiffness and finding poses that felt alive and natural.”[/p][p][/p][p]Final cover – made by Wojtek Fus, in cooperation with Bartłomiej Gaweł (art direction), Ricky Ho (background), and Mateusz Ferenc (graphic design)[/p][p]After many iterations, first in 2D and then 3D, and extensive work on detailing and polishing, it was time for the final stage: focusing on the expression and storytelling. “Coen is captured mid-fight, focused and determined, with his iconic vampiric eye glow pushing the intensity,” adds Wojtek Fus. But that’s not all you can notice in Coen’s gaze – there’s also doubt, hesitation, and uncertainty about who he is and what he can become…[/p][p][/p][p]To close this month’s Community Bulletin Board, here’s a question from our Discord: [/p][p]What are the tattoos/runes on Coen's arm? Some form of a magical leash or a conduit to cast spells? [/p][p]- A conduit is a good way to call it. To cast magic spells in this world, you must carve runes into your body to allow the magic to "flow through". Their uses vary from offensive, defensive, or even investigative, such as the Compel Soul spell we unveiled in Gameplay Overview Part 2.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[h2]In a ballad of strings and vocals, the orchestra guides you down the path of your own choices and the new year shifts into a new dawn for The Blood of Dawnwalker.[/h2][p]As a young man thrust into a world of ancient powers and hidden knowledge, Coen is driven by an internal conflict between his beliefs, his repulsion towards the vampiric takeover and his self-sacrifice to save his family: all communicated by the core themes of the track. His existence is caught between day and night - a dualism that spans and defines the entire experience, from story to gameplay - yet accompanied by a sense of discovery and the feeling of adventure.[/p][p]A mix of intimacy coming from his personal journey, balanced with the broader scale of the events unfolding around him.

[/p][p]“We wanted the music to be grounded, to show that we as Coen are not a superhero, but a protagonist, with real challenges - fighting for his family - but also exploring his newly found abilities and their limits.” says Rebel Wolves Lead Composer Nikola Kołodziejczyk on the main theme composition. “There is a lot at stake, figuratively, and literally - but we wanted all of that to feel personal. That informed the instrumentation choices, the sound and the flow of the piece - with intimate, detailed character of the instruments, focus on the authenticity of the performance.”[/p][p][/p][p]These sounds will emerge from the shadows as you unearth the dark folklore of Vale Sangora. We shared a recent example in the Gameplay Overview II: as you encounter Mihai, the chords and chants of “Battle of Retribution” join you in the melee as swords clash and blood is spilled. [/p][p][/p][p]“The combat is dynamic and fast-paced, with room for tactical maneuvering but there is always a touch of magic and a healthy dose of supernatural abilities. The goal was to capture all of that and add even more “kick” when the action truly begins.” – Nikola Kołodziejczyk[/p][p][/p][p]Concept art by Damian Bajowski[/p][p]Before wrapping up this month’s bulletin, we answer a question from our Discord [/p][p]What’s the soundtrack for the game like and what inspired it? [/p][p]The essence of what we wanted to achieve is tied directly to the game’s story: the loss of loved ones, the spreading darkness. And at the same time, hope and love despite everything. The spark of faith that better days may come, even as we slowly feel our humanity slipping away.[/p][p]We wanted to remain faithful to the era and ground the game’s music in what we felt made those times special and unique. The folk aesthetics so closely associated with 14th-century Europe, and with the people living at the foot of the mountains, were definitely among our key inspirations.[/p][p][/p][h3]Talking about the soundtrack, we are working hard on bringing the OST to streaming platforms in the near future. In the meanwhile, our music videos can be found below to accompany you on your daily quests:[/h3][h3]> Desperate Measures, composed by Piotr Musiał[/h3][h3]> Ballad of Night and Day, composed by Mikolai Stroinski[/h3][h3]> Battle of Retribution, composed by Nikola Kołodziejczyk[/h3][p][/p][p] [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[h2]We couldn't be more excited and grateful that so many of you are already waiting to dive into the world of Dawnwalker.[/h2]





[h2]☼ Coming 2026. Wishlist now. ☽[/h2]



https://store.steampowered.com/app/3751260/The_Blood_of_Dawnwalker/

[h2]If you missed it, Rebel Wolves celebrated the 2026 Full Wolf Moon with exclusive content released for The Blood of Dawnwalker.[/h2][p][/p][p]Click here to watch ⬇️[/p][p][/p][h3]Along with a new gameplay teaser, the official game cover was also revealed, featuring Coen, the titular Dawnwalker – a powerful being who is human by day and a vampire by night.[/h3][p][/p][h3]Last but not least, The Blood of Dawnwalker main musical theme was presented alongside its music video. Featuring the AUKSO Chamber Orchestra of Tychy and composed by Nikola Kołodziejczyk, the studio’s lead composer, inspired by music of the 14th century in the forests of the Carpathian Mountains, where the game takes place.[/h3][p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][/p][h3]Learn more about the music, with exclusive quotes from the Lead Composer, in this month’s Community Bulletin Board, available next week![/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]