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As we draw near to the end of our tale of the Qian Empire and its victories and hardships, let us remember where we left off.

The Zhang Kingdom was on the rise, and looking to attack the last Qian bastion - Linwu Fortress. And attack they did, unleashing hell on the stronghold and all who protected it with brute strength and unwavering confidence.

Linwu Fortress’ strong walls and stalwart defenders, the Greyhair Garrison, stood firm in the face of this obscene danger, and when the flames of war had become but embers falling silently to the dusty ground, the invaders were repelled, and the Qian Empire had prevailed.

The surviving defenders and the legendary long-serving Greyhair Garrison knew the fort would fall, as the damage sustained had been immense. But for now - they could rest.

The Qian Empire was irrevocably broken by the battle, and their slow decline beckoned, but their citizens would only know peace. The city lights of Hao Jing became one with the stars in the night sky, and the population of this once war-torn landscape could sleep safely, protected by their veterans. The Zhang had taken much, and the Qian’s eventual decay was on the horizon. Yet, for now, the Dynasty had won.

Missed out on this epic saga? Check out the rest of our Breaking the Lore series for Season VIII: Dynasty below.


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Ever wondered who is behind the dulcet tones of the menu screens, the triumphant choruses of battle in Longting, or the lilting joyous tunes of the city of Hao Jing? Well, wonder no more, and meet Zheng Jinming and Ye Chenyang. They are both Composers at Booming Tech, the developer behind Conqueror’s Blade based in Hangzhou, China.

You may remember Ye Chenyang from Music Week earlier this year, where we quizzed them on the creative process of devising music for Season VII: Wolves of Ragnarok!

As part of the Music Week celebrations this time around, we spoke with both Zheng and Ye to delve deeper behind the scenes of Season VIII: Dynasty’s epic music and its cultural inspirations.



How did you begin to compose the music for a Conqueror’s Blade Season?


Zheng: Normally, I start by understanding the requirement. Then I choose an appropriate style, begin writing the harmony and then the orchestration. For example, Season VIII is based on Chinese history, so I'd go for either a traditional pentatonic (or heptatonic) scale. To add to that, I'll use a Chinese folk orchestral style or add Chinese instruments to an orchestral piece.

Ye: Before producing the music, I will first research the cultural and regional features of the new season and think about the emotions that I want to convey to the players. So I will be inspired to write a few music demos based on these elements. And the final stage is to polish the structure of the demo to complete the final music.

Where did your love of music (and gaming) begin?


Zheng: One of the biggest influences on me in terms of game music is probably the Final Fantasy series. And, of course, the 8-bit music from the NES I used to play as a child.

Ye: I have been particularly interested in games and music since I was a child. But it wasn’t until receiving my first guitar that I began to understand music systematically.

Which game, in your opinion, has the best soundtrack of all time?


Zheng: Honestly, there are too many to mention. One of the most recent ones I can think of is probably the Final Fantasy 15 soundtrack.

Ye: God of War (2018).



How did you begin your research for the sound of Season VIII?


Zheng: I began with Chinese traditional folk tunes.

Ye: Currently, I am still in the process of getting familiar with the style of the new season by studying movies and games of similar themes.

What is your favourite piece of music that you have worked on in Conqueror’s Blade?


Zheng: The day and night pieces for the capitals.

Ye: The background music of Heilung Fjord.

What's your favourite music style from any period of history?


Zheng: I really enjoy electronic and orchestral music.

Ye: Post-rock and jazz.

Play Season VIII: Dynasty to hear the brilliant composition of Ye and Zheng, and keep an eye out for more Music Week articles!

Behind the Disney adaptations, A-list voice actors, and animated dragons, the real history of Mulan and her legendary courage lives on as a story of heroism in the most unlikely of circumstances. Although many versions of Mulan’s daring decision to take her father’s place in battle have been told since its earliest iteration in 400 AD, the poem “Ballad of Mulan” is where her story began. Starting its life as an oral tradition, the legend of Mulan was passed down for a century until it was finally written down during the time of the Tang Dynasty - the era which inspired Season VIII: Dynasty!

While many versions still exist (and who could forget the timeless 1998 Disney classic retelling), allow us to regale you with our own story of the legend of Mulan.




Hua Mulan was a young girl living in China, possibly even in a city like Hao Jing, during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386 to 534 AD), working the loom with no hope of adventure. But war was brewing, and the Emperor sent out conscription notices to every family - her ailing and elderly father was required to heed the call and join the military.

Fearing for his life, Mulan decided to go to battle in his place. She bought a horse from the market, and set out on her quest to become a soldier, knowing that if she were to be revealed as a woman, the consequences could be dire.

Mulan’s bravery lasted for a decade as she fought in hundreds of battles and became revered for her military prowess, all while posing as a man. When the campaign was finished, she was invited to the palace to receive honour and glory, but when the Emperor asked how she would like to be rewarded, she simply asked to go home.

Upon being reunited with her family, she appeared by the window to greet her comrades, dressed as a woman with golden yellow flowers fastened into her long flowing hair. Shock rippled among the men, who had no idea she was a woman.

Seeing this awe (and possibly disgust) on their faces, Mulan offered a metaphor.

“The male hare has heavy front paws. The female hare tends to squint. But when they are running side-by-side close to the ground, who can tell me which is male or female?"

Mulan’s story of loyalty to her father, bravery, and her eventual reveal of the truth rings true with many morals that we hold true to this day.

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.”

If Mulan were a Warlord in Conqueror’s Blade, there is no doubt she would be cemented in the Hall of Fame for Seasons to come, and would definitely not bring dishonour on her family (or her cow).

Want more Conqueror’s Tales? Check out our article on the legends of the Suns and Dragons in Chinese history, and stay tuned for more!

At the beginning of August, we sent out a call to action to all chic Conqueror’s Blade cosplayers to put together their cheapest and coolest outfit. Using everyday materials and at the lowest cost possible, our crafty community has put on a fashion show of epic proportions.


Your cleverly constructed cosplays have been judged, but there can only be one winner. Without further ado, here is our top frugal fashionista!
[h2]1st Place[/h2]
Shu

This oinktacular entry from Shu proves that fashion is for everyone - even toy pigs!

[h2]Honourable Mentions[/h2]

 jcorleytx


ImPerT0Ry1


Congrats to our porcine winner and thank you to everyone that entered! Check back for more creative contests very soon.

Do your in-game coffers need a cash injection? Well, you’re in luck (and in the money) as from August 27 (12:00 CEST) to August 30 (12:00 CEST), you can pick up a One-Time Top-Up of 20,000 Sovereigns via the Top-Up portal!

Save stacks when you buy this limited-time offer, and use your sack stuffed full of Sovereigns to purchase everything from cosmetics to consumables, and much more.

Note: This One-Time Top-Up can only be purchased once.