Dear Denizens of Issilith!

What would you do if you were the one punished for the sins of your parents?

Exiled from the Vestige society because of her parent's crimes, Theodora had to learn how to fend for herself at a very young age. But to her, the injustice she was inflicted upon soon became her biggest driving force. She swore to herself that she will make things right. No one will take away from her what she deserves. And she was more than willing to fight for it.
So she plotted her revenge. In the endless game of the immortal Vestige witches, power and influence are what counts. And even though her parents were no more, she could still use a few of their old connections and collect some favours.
Theodora utilized every single resource at her disposal. Using her wits and resolve she quickly climbed through the ranks, and soon, she was powerful enough to start her covenant. After that, she only had to wait until one of the leading covenants began to lose its footing in the intricate web of Vestige politics. And there was one covenant in particular whose fall would mean the world to her – the one responsible for her family's exile.
At the first sign of its waning power, Theodora seized the opportunity and instated her covenant as the new powerhouse among the Vestige.
This didn't go unnoticed among the Vestige and Theodora was bestowed with the gift of immortality by the High Queen of the Vestige.

Villain in the eyes of some, but a hero in her own story. No matter which side you're on, her feats are not to be diminished. Theodora went through mud and thorns in life only to rise above all adversities she faced. She truly is the Daughter of Thorns.
And mark her words, she will not stop until everyone responsible get what they deserve. Her revenge has just begun.

If you haven't already, join us on our Discord channel (Discord) and dive into PHAGEBORN together with our Residents of Issilith!

Yours truly,
Games Revolted

„Aren't you an impatient one? Your thirst for knowledge will either be your doom or your salvation... Listen carefully, my child. For the Tether is a force that holds all under its sway in shared consciousness. The creatures under its influence traded their autonomy for greater unity and coordination. But the Tether was not always as powerful as it is now...“

Long ago, in the ancient times when the Alpha Creator roamed the Void and Oblivion was nothing more than a ruthless hunting ground, one little organism slowly became aware of its own power. This organism could feel the creatures around it and connect with them on a subconscious level. At first, it used its newfound ability to protect itself. Its connection to the other beings allowed it to deter predators, giving this insignificant organism the edge it needed to survive.

As the organism evolved, it realised it can create a network by tethering to others. Initially, this was a mechanism to survive. The Tether saw the strength in numbers, and in such a harsh and unforgiving environment, every single advantage counts. First, this tethering was limited to creatures of similar power, but as the collective grew, so did the Tether's powers. It started assimilating others, and eventually, it even evolved enough to develop awareness. But not all was good for the growing organism. While it did become more powerful, it was not omnipotent. In time, it reached more and more beings, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that not all of them were willing to join its ever-growing ranks. If the creature doesn't want to be a part of its group, it will resist, and eventually, it will become a threat to the collective. So the organism soon realised that it shouldn't force the tether onto others, but rather reach out to as many beings as it can and assimilate only those willing to join its collective.

As the collective grew and the organism evolved, the Tether shared part of its power with the Overminds, beings it personally picked from its ranks to be its delegates, the extended hand of its power. Soon, the Tether became an integral part of Oblivion life, trading the autonomy of the individuals for greater unity and better coordination.

„Today, the Tether is a force that originates from the Overminds. However, those who are deemed worthy and powerful enough are granted the option to disconnect themselves from the collective Tether, gaining not just complete freedom but a fraction of Tether's powers so they can more efficiently command and coordinate nearby Oblivions. Yet not all who are offered such an honour agrees to it...“

Dear Denizens of Issilith!

If Virenas is bursting with life, it usually means new additions to the Phageborn's army are on their way. And right now, it's a bit livelier than it usually is. Or it may seem as such until the outline of a weird-looking creature started to appear on the horizon. As the silhouette approached the front gates, it soon became clear that it was not a threat to Virenas but only a Krorn Battlemaster pushing his simple two-wheel vehicle next to him.

Name: Filip Matanović
Role: Frontend Developer
Filip didn't mind his clothes were full of dirt and blemish. After all, he just got back from his biggest assignment yet. He went on a journey to Vast Marshes to find the endemic plant used to make the strongest of spirits, one that can inebriate even the most fearsome Drakkorith. Its mystical properties will be of great aid to the Phageborn's army. He even learned a thing or two on that journey, and those stains are here as proof of his hardships - this isn't his first rodeo. While still a Battlemaster, Filip hopes to one day become an Enforcer and be able to deal with multiple bugs in one swing.
While he's not on some assignment, Filip likes to sing, dance, and drink, but says he only properly knows how to do the latter. And after anybody drinks a tankard or few with him, some might even agree with that statement. Nevertheless, no matter where this Krorn Battlemaster goes, high spirits follow. Even when missing a beat, he'll surely bring smiles to his comrades' faces.

Only time will tell what use that strange plant has for the mighty Phageborn's army. Join our Residents of Issilith on Discord (Discord) and be the first to learn news from the PHAGEBORN world.

Yours truly,
Games Revolted

Patch Notes 0.60.3:

• Tutorial revamp: Tutorial now has story elements. Players can choose to go through either the full length tutorial or a shortened version and continue the rest at their leisure.
  
• Players in Queue indicator: Added an indicator to show if there are players currently in queue at the bottom right corner on the Home screen.
  
• Removed Avatar Souls, Avatars now cost only Soul Fragments
  
• Loading screens now show art and gameplay tips.
  
• Fixed case where users could leave deck editing screen without confirming changes.
  
• Fixed Krorn Battlemaster not working after being censured then returned to hand and played again.
  
• Fixed some cases when AI could get deadlocks and stop playing.
  
• Added check to prevent players from unlocking Avatars for factions that are locked at the time.
  
• Better AFK detection during first 2 turns.
  
• Fixed bug with corrupted recent replay file that prevented games from starting.
  
• Fixed quest counter going over the required amount when completing a quest.
  
• Audio settings can be changed by clicking on sliders now, not just by dragging the handle.
  
• Various visual updates to cards, Avatars, animation and UI.
  
• Card balancing changes

CARDS
NEUTRAL

• Kindled Sprite
  
• added unblockable mod
  
• Ulethea
  
• New wording and effect:
  
• ON PLAY Heal your Avatar for 3 and it gains armor.
  
• Pholgist Dervish
  
• added swift mod
  
• Premonition Oracle
  
• added swift mod
  
• Taris Vindicator
  
• stats changed to 3|4
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• Whenever your Avatar is dealt damage: This unit gains +2 power.
  
• Black Mort
  
• stats changed to 4|3
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• ON PLAY Target a local enemy unit: Exhaust it.
  
• Golas
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• ON PLAY Your Avatar gains +1 power.
  
• Borgojag
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• ON PLAY and at the end of your turn: Obtain a Fiendbrand.
  
• Whenever you target an enemy unit or Core with an ability card: This unit deals damage equal to its power to that target.
  
• Monster Slayer
  
• now a legendary card
  
• new name: Branthor
  
• subplate text changed to The Monster Slayer
  
• Tukrela
  
• stats changed to 3|3 and costs 4
  
• new wording:
  
• ON PLAY Morph other owned units into Puppets.
  
• Draeven
  
• stats changed to 6|6
  
• Apriosa
  
• cost changed to 6
  
• added exalted mod
  
• Celotlan
  
• cost changed to 6
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• When you play 4 energy cards in the same turn, if this unit is in your hand, deck, or graveyard: Spawn it in a random zone.
  
• Klex Mine
  
• stats changed to 0|2
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• Whenever a local enemy unit attacks: Deal 2 damage to it and destroy this unit.
  
• Glacial Spike
  
• cost changed to 2
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• Target a local enemy unit: Exhaust it. If it's already exhausted, deal 1 damage to it instead.
  
• Arcane Energiser
  
• new wording (same effect):
  
• ON PLAY Restore your energy.
  
• Faceless Maiden
  
• new wording:
  
• LASTWISH Obtain a legendary card from your deck.
  
• Kalathur
  
• new wording:
  
• ON PLAY Spawn up to 4 Deprived locally for a random enemy. Whenever a unit is destroyed: This unit gains +1 power.
  
• Rudra Knight
  
• new wording:
  
• ON PLAY Your Avatar's next attack has +2 power.
  
• Tikiri Trapmaker
  
• new wording:
  
• Whenever an opponent plays a unit locally: Deal 1 damage to it.
  
• Lady Ramora
  
• cost changed to 4
  
• Chain Lightning
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• Target a local enemy unit: Deal 1 damage to it. Chains 2 times.
  
• Black Mort
  
• new flavor text:
  
• Fear is its primary weapon.

DRAKKORITH

• Darkflame Templar
  
• removed cleave mod
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• At the end of your turn: Deal 1 damage to all local friendly units. They gain +1 power.
  
• Draconic Fury
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• Target a local unit: It gains +1 power and armor.
  
• Seismic Shock
  
• cost changed to 3
  
• Tears of Harigazz
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• Destroy all units, subdue all Avatars without triggering any subdue effects, then drain your essence.
  
• Retreat!
  
• new name: Regroup!
  
• Sanguine Enhacement
  
• new name: Sanguine Enhancement

OBLIVION

• Riftgazer
  
• removed leadership threshold
  
• stats changed to 3|2
  
• Klehx
  
• stats changed to 3|4
  
• A'xoth Warper
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• ON PLAY Relocate all other friendly units.
  
• Abyssal Mirror
  
• cost changed to 3
  
• Eradicator
  
• new tag: Soldier
  
• Warp
  
• new wording:
  
• Target a local friendly unit: It has blink until the end of turn.

VESTIGE

• Tsabina
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• At the start of an enemy’s turn: Put 9 acid counters on a random non-local enemy unit.
  
• Sporecreeper
  
• stats changed to 6|5
  
• Ancient Witchcraft
  
• cost changed to 7
  
• Overgrowth
  
• cost changed to 4
  
• The Conjuring
  
• new wording:
  
• Morph local owned units into Deadwoods.
  
• Malignant Thing
  
• new: ON PLAY This unit gains caustic 1 for every point of leadership you have.
  
• new: added caustic 1 mod

ASCENDED

• Yul-light Aspirant
  
• stats changed to 0|1
  
• Yulmist Invoker
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• ON PLAY Target a local friendly Avatar: Put 3 shield counters on it.
  
• Flaring Spirit
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• ILLUMINATE 2 Deal 1 damage to each local enemy Avatar.
  
• Blade of Shangrilla
  
• stats changed to 1|4
  
• Centurion Charger
  
• stats changed to 2|4
  
• removed dash mod
  
• added swift mod
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• On zone change: This unit has quickstrike until the end of turn.
  
• Peacekeeper
  
• stats changed to 3|4
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• ON PLAY Set the power of local units to 1 until your next turn.
  
• Sundering Spirit
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• ON PLAY Target a local enemy unit with stats greater than its original stats: Deal 3 damage to it.
  
• Pardus Warden
  
• new name: Ludi Warden
  
• Alaya
  
• censure works as it is working now, it removes all effects, buffs, debuffs, and counters from units. The UI will require work, though.
  
• Radiant Gatekeeper
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• ENERGIZE Put 3 shield counters on your Core.
  
• Cleanse
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• Target a local friendly unit: Remove all buffs, debuffs, and counters from it. Draw a card.
  
• Purge
  
• new name: Spirit Burst
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• Target a local unit: Put 2 shield counters on it. It gains +2 power.
  
• Celestial Ascension
  
• cost changed to 9
  
• new wording:
  
• Target a local friendly unit: Set its stats to 10|10.
  
• Kogu
  
• new wording and effect:
  
• This unit can't attack, block, or retaliate.
  
• At the end of your turn: This unit attacks each local enemy Avatar.
  
• Companion
  
• new wording:
  
• Spawn a Spirit locally.
  
• Dooka
  
• subplate text changed to Wings of Reva
  
• new wording:
  
• ON PLAY Return adjacent units to their owners' hands. They cost 5 less and gain dash.
  
• Divine Arsenal
  
• new wording:
  
• Target a local friendly unit: Set its stats to 3|3.
  
• Disciple of Shangrila
  
• name: Disciple of Shangrilla
  
• Hrum
  
• subplate text changed to The Unshakeable

Dear Denizens of Issilith!

We have noticed that sometimes the unlocking of Avatars and their traits can be a bit confusing to the some of newer players. To keep the confusion about that to a minimum, today we bring you a little How to post that can hopefully serve as your guide while you're exploring that wonderful world of PHAGEBORN!

UNLOCKING AVATARS
You can unlock new Avatars under the Collection → Avatars. There are two prerequisites to doing so. First, you have to have the faction that Avatar belongs to unlocked. Second, you need to have 1 Avatar Soul. With every Player Level up you are awarded 1 Soul Fragment. Once you obtain 5 of them, they automatically transform into 1 Avatar Soul, though this might be changing soon (keep an eye on our Discord to be kept up to date). So every 5 Player Levels you can unlock a new Avatar. If the faction needed is unlocked and you have an Avatar Soul, unlocking the new Avatar is as easy as clicking on the Unlock button under the Avatar you wish to obtain.

UNLOCKING TRAITS
You can level up your Avatars as well! The primary function of Avatar Levels is to give new players time to adapt to using their new Avatar. Once you unlock your new Avatar you will only have access to its first trait. Their second and third traits are locked behind a level gate. As you play and level up your Avatar, those traits will unlock. The second trait unlocks at Avatar Level 3, while the third one becomes available at Avatar Level 5. Keep in mind that only one trait can be active at a time so plan accordingly while building your deck.

What are your thoughts about the way the Avatar unlock system currently works? Feel free to leave your feedback below or over at our Discord channel (Discord)!

Yours truly,
Games Revolted

Dear Denizens of Issilith!

The Divine Beasts are considered to be the paragons of the Ascended, everything an Ascended should aspire to be. Even in those early days, when the Ascended first came to be, these powerful creatures guided them and shared their knowledge with them. Their teachings shaped the Ascended into what they are today, and their power protects them even to this day.

SPARK OF TEY
"Channeling the full might of Tey can make one incredibly resilient and nimble. Well, for some time. That power has to be fueled by something, and once it's gone, you're left worse for wear. That's why I train to rely only on myself." - Shima
Tey'Siro, also known as The Solar Flame, is one of the Divine Beasts whose influence on the Ascended was so impactful that they've created a whole philosophy from its teachings. Tey'Siro taught the Ascended how to fight with a fury so intense it matched the power of the stars. That's why the Teachings of Tey, also known as the Teachings of the Sun, hold offence in high regard. Those who are well-versed in the art of Tey, are even able to draw power from that dark, violent part of their soul, and with it, considerably improve their fighting capabilities. However, the power of Tey is strong and shouldn't be underestimated. Using such advanced techniques takes its toll on the body as well, burning through even the Ascended's ascended physique.

Spark of Tey is a legendary ability card from the Ascended faction. For 7 energy you can target a local unit and it will gain repel, juggernaut, relentless, and swift. To make the maximum out of it, use it on a unit with high stats. Swift will allow the unit to remain ready even after its move action, with juggernaut, excess damage from your attack will be dealt to the enemy Core, and relentless will unexhaust that unit at the start of your enemy's turn so you don't have to worry if you'll have a blocker ready. All the while, thanks to the repel, it can't be targeted by ability cards, making it even harder for your opponent to destroy it. Pretty good combination, wouldn't you agree?

What is your favourite Ascended card? Feel free to comment below or join our Discord channel (Discord) and share it with other Residents of Issilith!

Yours truly,
Games Revolted

Dear Denizens of Issilith!

It may seem like the Ascended are defence oriented, however, that is not always the case. Vigoss is one of the Avatars with a pretty straightforward offensive Skill making him fit our classification as a Caster Avatar. Judicate, his Skill, will deal 2 damage to the enemy Core, then mute the Skill. At the start of your turn, if you didn't use this Skill during your last turn it will be unmuted. That means that every second turn you can inflict 2 damage directly to the enemy Core for only 3 energy.

Depending on your preferred playstyle, you can spice things up with one of the Vigoss' traits. His first Skill, Reactive Armor, will put 2 shield counters on him every time you play an energy card. This can give you a tactical advantage and help you create a meaningful board advantage.
Recycle Energy will reduce the cost of the highest cost energy card in your hand by 1 every time you use Vigoss' Skill. If you play accordingly around this trait you won't be needing to level your energy as much as you would otherwise, or pull out a card a few turns before they expect it. That leaves you more freedom to adapt to the flow of the game and level up Leadership, to buff your Avatar and units, or use Overcharge to gain card advantage over your opponent.
And with Cooling System, the cost of Vigoss' Skill is reduced by 1, allowing you to inflict 2 damage to the enemy Core for 2 energy every second turn. How's that for the offence?



What is your favourite Vigoss' trait? Feel free to share your preferences below or join our Discord channel (Discord) and see what our community has to say!

Yours truly,
Games Revolted

Bug fixes:
- Fixed Krorn Battlemaster not working after being censured then returned to hand and played again
- Fixed some cases when AI could get deadlocked and stop playing
- Added check to prevent players from unlocking Avatars for factions that are locked at the time
- Better AFK detection during first 2 turns

Dear Denizens of Issilith!

Sometimes, no matter how hard you want to do the right thing, you just can't win. Vigoss, a well-renowned general of the Ascended army, felt that on his own skin.

That faithful day, a report came that a settlement was under heavy siege and in need of aid. Vigoss, together with his unit and his right-hand man Tarro, followed their orders to set out and help people in need. While on their way, they saw another outpost being attacked. Tarro insisted on helping them first, his family is there after all. Vigoss knew that. He had to chose between two evils, his right-hand man or his duty, his guiding thought was to his duty. So he choose to listen to his orders. Vigoss didn't help the settlement on their route, they went straight to helping the one they were sent to defend. Soon after they won, the word of the destruction of the settlement they left behind reached them. The outpost with Tarro's family was razed to the ground, no living soul had escaped the carnage, everyone was dead. Filled with rage and despair, he confronted Vigoss after the battle, determined to end his life. Vigoss didn't fight back. He couldn't do such a thing to his best friend, especially after everything he just went through. So Tarro punched him and he kept punching until Vigoss was almost dead. In the last outburst of rage, he grabbed Vigoss and threw him off the cliff. Tarro was arrested and sentenced for treason, while Vigoss, an asset too valuable to lose, was rebuilt using precarious Ascended technology. His body and soul were transferred into a construct body, allowing him to continue his service.



Was Vigoss right in his choice to listen to his duty? Share your opinion with us below or join our Discord community (Discord) and see their choices!

Yours truly,
Games Revolted

Dear Denizens of Issilith!

It has been a few weeks since the servers went back online and we are once again able to play PHAGEBORN on Steam. Even in such a short time we got some great feedback from you and have already implemented a part of it, removing the card restrictions for free players being the most significant one. While the servers are back online, we are still in early access so don't be surprised if you see that some of the features you may have had a chance to try out before aren't currently available in the game. All those features such as Guilds, BattlePass, Merchant, and others, will be added gradually into the game as the testing of PHAGEBORN progresses.
To potentially ease you into PHAGEBORN, if you're new to it (or maybe just forgot some details), we have a few tips and answers that might help you make your PHAGEBORN experience that much more enjoyable.

REPLAYS
Replays are definitely one of the implemented features that can bring a lot of value to us all. It will allow you to analyze any saved match you have played, or just watch it if something epic happened and you want to share it with someone. Maybe some bug occurred or you encountered the problem while playing a match. Oftentimes what can help us best in such situations is the replay of that match. The replay can be saved on the post-game screen. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you'd like to send your replay to someone, as they are saved locally, the default location they can be found is: 'C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\LocalLow\Games Revolted\Phageborn\replays'.

FACTIONS UNLOCK
Oftentimes new players ask how to unlock other factions. The answer is simple, by playing PHAGEBORN! As you play and level your account you will unlock new factions. Once you hit Account level 5, a random faction will unlock, and every 2 levels afterwards another random faction will unlock. For now, that means that once you reach Player level 9 you'll have access to all of the factions!

CARD UNLOCK
One of the things we are very keen to keep is how in PHAGEBORN we will NOT sell card packs. So, how can you unlock more cards? Through Seal Tree! As you play, you will acquire Account levels, and with them, Progress Points (PP) which are used to unlock seals in the Seal Tree. Every faction has its Seal Tree and you'll have to play with them to increase your range of influence and unlock more seals. Except for the Neutral Seal Tree. They have sworn their allegiance to no one, so you won't need to worry about the range of influence when unlocking their cards.
Currently, you'll even start with 3 PP so you can begin to build your deck from the start of your journey!

What has been your experience of PHAGEBORN so far? Comment below or, if you haven't already, join our Discord channel (Discord) and share your PHAGEBORN journey with us!

Yours truly,
Games Revolted