Apr 2, 2020

Vagrus - The Riven Realms Open-World Release is now LIVE

Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG - Stormtrooper

Our dear Friends at Lost Pilgrims Studio have just released the Open-World main campaign for Vagrus - The Riven Realms.

Vagrus is a turn-based, open-world, dark fantasy RPG. The development team has been playing table-top RPGs (like DnD) on their home-brew setting, the Riven Realms, for over two decades, then based this game on it, so it has incredibly deep lore and immersive stories.

They have just posted a huge announcement on their Steam development blog about releasing the open-world main campaign of Vagrus to all their Crowdfunding Backers in preparation of bringing the game to Steam.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/909660/Vagrus__The_Riven_Realms

Vagrus is an award-winning Roleplaying Game with strategy elements, where the player takes the role of a vagrus - a sort of a caravan leader who makes a living on a strange and dangerous dark fantasy world by leading a traveling company on all kinds of ventures.

Feature list

A DARK CONTINENT
A vast realm is yours to explore, filled with unique locations, strange factions, lurking dangers, and a slew of characters you can interact with.
BRANCHING NARRATIVE
A large selection of longer and shorter stories make up the game’s narrative in the form of events and quests. The choices you make in these can significantly affect the characters and the world around you.
TURN-BASED COMBAT
Take part in turn-based, tactical combat that involves your characters and a large variety of enemies, both humanoid and monstrous. Use a range of character skills and abilities to succeed. Fight against outlaws and monsters commanding your whole traveling company in pitched battles for resources.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Most journeys have to be planned and prepared for carefully, lest they end in disaster. Manage your supplies, cargo, and crew effectively to survive. Take on contracts and follow rumors or trade opportunities.
UNIQUE COMPANIONS
The player can recruit fully-developed characters into the caravan to serve in versatile roles, such as scoutmaster, guard captain, spellweaver, or slavedriver. Each of them comes with their own background and personal quests lines.

Wishlist and follow Vagrus

for up-to-date information about its development milestones, upcoming features, and ultimately to get notified about its release when the time comes.

Mar 27, 2020

New Concord management. Forbidden zones.

Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG - Stormtrooper

Greetings, employees! I hope you're reading this issue in the housing unit and taking the necessary safety precautions. Despite the fact that the C.R.O.N.U.S. weekly also works remotely, we continue to work the same.

New Concord management

The C.R.O.N.U.S. management has reported on personnel changes in the top management of the Concord Station. The reason for this is the endless flow of complaints on former managers. Employees reported unacceptable working conditions, unfulfilled plans, salary delays and constant free overtime.

We were able to talk to the new manager. He claims that it is no longer numbers and savings that come first! He replaced them with a warm home atmosphere, a complete free medical examination and an individual approach to each employee.

"The Concord is first and foremost the people who work at the station. After all, our faces are the first to be seen by new workers. We are the Dome's warm embrace," said the new station head manager.

Mysterious Rift Opened

We repeat the announcement to all employees of the corporation and owners of portable devices! The information was confirmed. The rift leading to the parallel Sin Slayers dimension, where souls of damned are held, is now open.

On March 26, the first expedition was assembled from each wing. At the moment, communication is interrupted, no news from the pioneers. Any future daredevils who decide to explore a new world must come to Nintendo Eshop to receive all the necessary equipment to survive in Sin Slayers.

Forbidden zone in sector 25

Urgent warning. The entrance to the marsh area in sector 25 is now closed. You’re prohibited to enter it. Communication with the last expedition has been lost. According to our latest intelligence, the area is teeming with various creatures that have not only adapted to extreme conditions, but have also learned to use anomalies to hunt. All research teams working in Sector 25 must urgently undergo a full medical examination and sign a non-disclosure agreement. All collected samples must be delivered to White Wing representatives.

Be safe! See you under the Dome.

Encased community is the most important for us - we are going to follow up those closely for your feedback on the game.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/921800/

Please Wishlist and click Follow to stay updated!

The game is still in the development so if you want to stay in touch on other channels than Steam you can follow us on social media and visit other cool resources with game updates information new artworks and lore pieces.

Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG

ːlwCheckPointː Character Generator - create a character that may appear in the game as NPC and get the cool story item.
ːchatː Official Discord Server
ːchecklistː Newsletter
ːchecklistː Twitter (game updates)
ːchecklistː Facebook (game updates)
ːchecklistː Youtube (trailers, livestreams and dev diaries)
ːchecklistː VK (game updates in russian)
ːchecklistː Instagram (art and stories)

Dark Crystal Games

ːRideCheckː Dark Crystal Games dev page on Steam
ːRideCheckː Press Center (presskit and publications)
ːRideCheckː Dark Crystal Games (news and jobs)
ːRideCheckː Artstation (art production and stories)

Black Tower Publishing
:tower: Black Tower Publishing on Steam
:tower: Black Tower's Blog

Mar 13, 2020

Exclusive schemes and new weapon prototypes. What Blue Wing is working on.

Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG - Stormtrooper

You have in your hands the 20th anniversary issue of the C.R.O.N.U.S. Weekly. It is entirely dedicated to our conversation with the Chief Engineer of the Blue Wing. We discussed the implemented projects and studied the early schemes that were top-secret until recently.

Turret “Chimera”, mk. III

Many won’t remember the times when the whole Dome was guarded by Black Wing employees. The introduction of high-tech security Turrets freed a lot of human resources.

Thanks to the technology and knowledge gained under the Dome, AI research is noticeably ahead of the outside world. Chimera identifies enemies with an accuracy of up to 0.01%. But that's not all. During the tests, they showed amazing results, outperforming the best Black Wing operatives in terms of accuracy, reaction time and firepower. Thanks to automation, there was no need for tedious night shifts.

Impulse energy rifle “Shiroyama”

This rifle is a real masterpiece among its energy peers. It was created by the best engineers using the most advanced military technology. It has no close analogues in terms of piercing power both inside and outside the dome. Mass production has been delayed for security reasons. Currently only one rifle is made.

Teleporter

The creation of the teleport is a real breakthrough in science. While the whole world is dreaming of ultra-fast travel, C.R.O.N.U.S. introduced the first working teleport. Of course, it will still take years of detailed research, but even the first results are astounding. According to Silver Wing preliminary calculations, teleportation can be up to 17600% more profitable than ground transportation.

Notice: teleportation is intended only for inanimate objects. All experiments on volunteers have failed.

Encased community is the most important for us - we are going to follow up those closely for your feedback on the game.

Mar 6, 2020

What lurks beneath the wastelands? C.R.O.N.U.S. test sites. Rumours of mutants.

Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG - Stormtrooper

Welcome, employees and new recruits!

Today we’ll tell you about the safety measures in the wastelands, share results of anomaly research, as well as dispel rumors about volunteer mutations.

Attention, recruits!

We have prepared an educational video for the daredevils who are ready to go on a wasteland research expedition outside the stations. Researchers and experienced travelers will talk about safety measures and possible dangers, as well as share ways to save both life and mind in the wastelands.

Video is a must-see for employees of all wings.

Notice: C.R.O.N.U.S. video footage is strictly confidential and intended for internal use only.

C.R.O.N.U.S. test sites.

Yesterday, the first experiments on the new test site were concluded. The White Wing has made great efforts in simulating dome biomes. Scientists have managed to recreate most of the currently known anomalies. Thanks to observations and tests on volunteers, we were able to better study the effects of anomalies on living organisms. In the near future, all employees will receive necessary protective equipment according to the results of the research.

Notice: no oranges test subjects were hurt during the test.

Rumours of employee mutations.

As you might know, any convict can escape punishment and serve the community. Moreover, by joining the ranks of White Wing volunteers, your family will receive generous compensation. The administration assures that all rumors about monstrous mutations, are pure fiction and fantasy. All experiments have received approval and the necessary certificates. Our scientists only act within the law and protocols. After the tests are concluded, all your crimes are forgiven.

Encased community is the most important for us - we are going to follow up those closely for your feedback on the game.

Mar 3, 2020

Development update 6: Random encounters

Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG - Stormtrooper

In the sixth development update we'll tell you about random encounters in Encased. You'll learn how they are created and how players can influence event outcomes. We'll also talk about easter eggs and unique rewards. All this on our Youtube channel!

Don't forget to subscribe, like and comment. By the way, the most interesting comments can become the foundation for one of the next videos!

Encased community is the most important for us - we are going to follow up those closely for your feedback on the game.

Feb 28, 2020

Leaked С.R.O.N.U.S. video and financial privileges of employees.

Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG - Stormtrooper

C.R.O.N.U.S. weekly welcomes you, employees!

Today we will tell you more about open and interesting vacancies of C.R.O.N.U.S. Corporation, financial advantages and other privileges of our employees.

We will also report the official commentary of Silver Wing on the recently published video by an anonymous source.

Work in White Wing

When choosing a future profession, many candidates try to avoid vacancies of the White Wing and that’s silly.

Like Galileo and Newton, White Wing employees are opening a new era of science. Under the Dome the best minds of humanity work tirelessly, experimenting in the most modern laboratories, studying relics and solving the mysteries of the ancient civilization.

Working as White Wing, you’re constantly around the most talented scientists on the planet. One day, the names of these people will appear in physics, chemistry and even history textbooks. Why don't you leave a mark on history, too? Especially since the salaries of talented scientists are comparable to those of the top managers of the Silver Wing.

Spire transit station curator

We remind you that the C.R.O.N.U.S. regulatory system is only recommendatory. You can respond to a vacancy in any Wing you like. And if no vacancy meets your expectations, the HR department staff will help you find the activity you like.

The Spire Station is an ideal place for those who want to work in peace and quiet. Free work schedule, generous salary and a very modest list of duties. Add to that the incredible view and you get a dream job.

Notice: before you apply, make sure you get a psych evaluation. Candidates without suicidal tendencies certificates will not be considered due to recent circumstances.

C.R.O.N.U.S. Propaganda

The editorial team has recently received video materials published by an unknown group. By misrepresenting the information, the attackers are trying to tarnish the image of the corporation and put its achievements in a negative light. In particular, they talk about inhumane working conditions of employees, which is not true.

"A pitiful attempt to compromise the current leadership and nothing more, all footage is fabricated and you have nothing to fear. Working conditions of all employees are in line with international standards and we keep a close eye on this. Soon we’ll remove the video and the criminals will be punished," says a spokesman for the corporation.

At the time of publication, the video has not yet been removed, you can watch it here.

Encased community is the most important for us - we are going to follow up those closely for your feedback on the game.

Feb 21, 2020

C.R.O.N.U.S Candidate Form. Experiments on Monsters. Narrative under the Dome.

Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG - Stormtrooper

Dear employees!

In the latest issue of C.R.O.N.U.S. Weekly, we’ll talk about a unique test that will help new recruits decide on the Wing. We’ll publish the official report on anatomical studies of monsters, as well as provide exclusive materials about the expedition under the Dome.

C.R.O.N.U.S Candidate Form

Journey under the Dome is a serious and bold step. It will change the life of any brave soul forever. Only the most courageous and goal-oriented volunteers are ready to go toward the unknown technology and a bright future.

Please note that C.R.O.N.U.S. is always looking for talented people. Tell your friends about our job opportunities and invite them to fill out a candidate form. Who knows, perhaps you’ll get under the Dome together!

Note: anyone who fills out a volunteer form will receive a handy helmet with the corporate logo. After all, C.R.O.N.U.S. takes care of its employees! - Silver Wing, HR department.

Experiments on Monsters

In the last issue, we reported the capture of a new species of creatures. For safety reasons, the best White Wing staff conducted experiments and studied in detail every part of the carcass of a giant insect.

Ever hungry monsters hunt both humans and animals for survival. Strong poison gradually deprives the victim of strength and ability to move, then its dragged home and eaten alive. A more detailed report has been provided by scientists in video format.

Dev Update 5 — Narrative under the Dome

This week the best C.R.O.N.U.S. managers have prepared the latest issue of development diaries.

Plan a large-scale expedition under the Dome. Build a huge city and grow infrastructure in the shortest possible time. Find specialists who can solve this problem with brilliance. Each base built and each artifact found are the fruits of the enormous work of managers from the Silver Wing. This is a job for organized and decent people. For those who know how to see the future behind graphs and figures.

Encased community is the most important for us - we are going to follow up those closely for your feedback on the game.

Feb 19, 2020

Virus outbreak. Robberies in living quarters. New creatures in wastelands.

Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG - Stormtrooper

Greetings, employees and settlers!

Today we're launching a pilot of C.R.O.N.U.S. Weekly on Steam. Life under the Dome doesn't stop for a minute. Every day new objects are built, new territories are explored, new properties of mysterious relics and artifacts are studied. We cover the most interesting and significant events in our weekly newsletter. If you want to know about all important events, subscribe to our newsletter.

ːchecklistː Newsletter

In the latest issue of the C.R.O.N.U.S. Newsletter, we publish an official statement regarding an outbreak of an unknown virus. We talk about the investigation of living quarters robberies and also present the first report on new creatures found in the wastelands.

Virus outbreak

Rumors of a deadly virus are exaggerated. There's no reason to panic. Despite the fact that our scientists have never encountered such a disease before, all cases of infection have been successfully localized and quarantined. Thanks to the White Wing higher-ups, vaccine production will start as soon as possible. Everyone will receive the vaccine in their due time.

Note: employees of the Black, White, Silver and Blue Wings should urgently report to the warehouse to change current helmets to full-face ones.

New creatures in the wastelands

Every day, C.R.O.N.U.S. scientists explore the mysterious Dome biomes that aren’t comparable to anything in the outside world. The wastelands are full of dangerous species that have not been fully examined by the White Wing. Today, we have managed to catch several new inhabitants of the local fauna. So far, we have not been able to fully study them. The species is known to be aggressive and deadly. If you run into them in the wasteland, don't hesitate. Run. The White Wing staff will present a detailed report in the next issue.

Living quarters robberies

Employees! Cases of home robberies have been reported. We'd like to inform you that the Black Wing is already checking the reports. Soon responsible individuals will be caught and punished. If you have any information about these incidents or noticed anyone suspicious, immediately inform the representative of the Black Wing.

Encased community is the most important for us - we are going to follow up those closely for your feedback on the game.