In this series of “Revisited” articles, we’re taking a look at iconic or interesting locations in the playable part of the Riven Realms and invoke their unique atmosphere. Music plays a key role in building the game’s ambiance, and so we’ve decided to prepare short videos to get the vibe across.

Since our last article on the design and lore considerations behind some of our companion cosmetics tied to Supporter Packs, some of you have expressed an interest in reading more about such insights. Thus, we return, this time to discuss another companion’s alternative attire. And that companion is none other than Vorax, everyone’s favorite, annoying Undead cook.

After discussing the Supporter Pack cosmetics of the dark knight Sedarias in a previous article, we thought balance would be best served by taking a similar look at Javek, the sorcerer with telepathic powers. Naturally, these two Companions (who you can get via the “Old Acquaintances” DLC), as well as Vorax (who everyone gets for free), have their own unique appearances when you also get one of the Supporter Packs.

The Riven Realms have a grim reputation for the many wastelands, deserts, and cursed locations inside their confines. However, even in such inhospitable environments, life has found a way to cling on. In some cases, new life has thrived, demonstrating an almost uncanny resilience and adaptability. This, however, is not a unique trait of the Riven Realms. Quite the contrary.

The 'Cultured' Supporter Pack grants its owners two cosmetics for Renkailon: one for his regular look, and one for his alternative story ending that changes his look permanently. We based the new look of Ren on the Ashman tribes of the Forlorn Wastes. These nomads of the colorless, grey desert are a hardy folk, and they prefer to hide their bodies behind layers of cloth, leather, bone, and Quru shell pieces. It is not only practical as a defensive measure against the constant flow of ash and the brutal storms, but also enforces their unique cultural identity. Of course, Renkailon is not an Ashman, but the tribes are known to accept outsiders who fully embrace their ways, so one can imagine this (non-canon) version of Ren as such an individual.

We’re back and we've got news to share! First, our ‘Cultured’ Support Pack is approaching its release, and second, we’re updating our official soundtrack (OST) very soon, which will then include tracks from our At the Heart of Ruin expansion. Additionally, we’ll also be updating our Patronage Pack, which will now include wallpaper pieces from Sunfire and Moonshadow, Old Acquaintances, and At the Heart of Ruin.

This week, we're stoked to offer another glimpse at Vagrus's second cosmetic supporter pack. As discussed before, these packs help support the ongoing development of Vagrus and our studio, and include a cosmetic set for every Companion as a thank-you. Chosen by community vote on Discord, the 'Cultured' Supporter Pack reflects a diverse array of in-world cultural inspirations, offering cool alternative appearances.

In the leadup to the release of At the Heart of Ruin on the 22nd of October (accompanied by the Ruinous Supporter Pack), we’ve already talked about new mechanics and features, like the updated throw-out or Exploration Encounters, but we thought it’s also time to touch upon the narrative and graphic art side of things.

As the day’s heat settles over the deserts and arid wastelands of Xeryn, travel becomes even more treacherous. In Vagrus, several game systems represent or contextualize this – Vigor loss, Movement Point costs (that include difficulty from “climate”), and even Events that deal with the hardships or challenges presented by scorching weather. In our upcoming At the Heart of Ruin expansion, the heat will be turned up even more. The Mountains of Fire might not be beaten by the cruel sun all day due to the blanket of ash obscuring the skies, but volcanic activities take care of raising temperatures to even greater extremes.

In the northwestern reaches of Varnurud, a monument to Dwarven splendor rises from a stone platform, a vestige of ruined Dvendar Tharr – its immense size and state of preservation are testaments to the craftsmanship and skillful architecture of the ancient Dwarves of the faded kingdom.

Though none who dwell in these forsaken lands now know its origin, some theorize that the statue was erected to honor a thane or king whose name was lost to time in the millennium since the Calamity. As for its name, “the Hollow King”, it is unknown if it is a metaphor for the king that once was or simply a descriptor; indeed, its interior has been hollowed out and the cavernous gullets that bore inside the mountain from its base share the characterization.