It is time for a combat update!

Time for dynamic character combat poses again!

The Executor of Sergorod is in full swing on these images, courtesy of Szonja. The phases are (from left to right):

• Shattering Blow - and armor point reducing attack.
• Block - the Executor uses his shield to block attacks.
• Smashing Blow - a base attack against a single target.
• Idle - Exector stands idle.

More info on the Executor can be found in an older post: https://vagrus.com/news/character-artwork-executor

Because you play as a leader of a caravan of sorts, a big part of Vagrus is how you manage your crew. The Crew Management UI aids you in your management tasks and displays information on your crew's stats. Crew management also includes the character sheets of the named 'Hero' characters, where you can check their stats and manage their progression. These characters can also play important roles in the crew, becoming your closest aides, called Deputies.

More character poses! This time for the good old Brigand - the very first character Szonja designed for the game!

The first image (top) is for Hamstring, an ability which immobilizes the target. The second (bottom left) is for Fend Off, an overwatch-type combat skill where the Brigand targets an empty space on the battlefield. It's bad news for an enemy if they move onto it. The third one (bottom right) is the Brigand's block/defense pose. The brigand is a very versatile support/defensive character for the outlaw roster, able to block spaces and defend other combatants, making him quite a pesky enemy.

We thought it's time to share 'character poses' for the Mercenary. The first one (top left) is her Dodge phase, which occurs when following an attack her Dodge roll is successful. The second (top right) is her Hit phase, while the last one (bottom) belongs to her 'Savage Kick' combat skill.

Here's a quick look at some of the character poses from combat that Crifta, the mutated archer has. These are (from top left to bottom right): Dodge, Suppressing Shot (skill), Idle, and Downed (when a character is beaten but not yet killed). Szonja put a lot of work into making Crifta look unique and her poses dynamic, and it shows.

Character Artwork Day!

This time, another enemy that sometimes can appear as an ally: the Sergorodite Priest.

Priests of Sergorod are the lowest ranking but already ordained members of the Church of Sergorod. One of the three new gods of the Triumvirate - the patron gods of the Empire -, Sergorod lords over the spheres of vengeance, anger, curses, grudges, and malevolence. Those who enter the service of the Church usually train as novices to become ordained priests of Sergorod (some of them join the more militant Cult of Retribution or other more obscure sects, though).

This week’s character is another bandit type enemy from the roster of wasteland outlaws. We call him the Slinger, because he… well uses a sling! 

Slings are deadly in combat in the real world when someone knows how to use them. Though they don’t seem much, slings could propel simple projectiles (such as rocks) with power enough to break armor, cut through flesh, and devastate bones.

This video is showcasing the UI in combat in its current state.

What's new, you ask? Several things:

- Target's Stats and Expected Outcome

While the active character (whose turn it is) is displayed on the left part of the UI, the current target can be seen on the right side. When you select a skill on the active character, you can see its expected outcome (damage, etc.) as well on the target panel.

Time to reveal a new character today: the Mercenary.

One of the mercenary characters in the game, this lass is a melee expert in combat and a tough customer to boot. Players will come across her in the Prologue as a friendly NPC, but later on she can be encountered more frequently as a mercenary enemy. Apart from her axe, she wields a whip to great effect. Her painted leather armor is light but sturdy.