Quests & Exploration

Welcome back Commanders!

This is the first in a regular series of updates where we'll be taking a closer look at key aspects of The Dragoness: Command of the Flame as well as sharing details on recent progress we've been making.

In this update, we'll be taking a look at the Drairthir Peninsula (the main setting for the campaign), giving a full breakdown of what to expect from the many quests you'll be taking on, and how the map exploration mechanics work.

A Land of Dragons

The lands of the Drairthir Peninsula were once ruled by the Regal Dragons alongside the powerful Va. However, years of war and violence slowly began to corrupt the Va and turned their bravery into cruelty. An unknown force presented the Va with a scroll of dark magic that transformed the once-mighty race into the violent and cruel Shai-Va.

An epic war between the Regal Dragons and the Shai-Va erupted across the kingdom, transforming great cities, including the magnificent capital of Voven-Sal into nothing more than ruins. Eventually, the ruler of the Regal Dragons, the Dragoness, emerged victorious, but the war had taken a huge toll on the land. Chaos and rebellion plagued the various regions across the peninsula, and factions of monstrous beasts emerged. The Dragoness was forced to retreat with her remaining forces to the stronghold of Níwenborh, sending out a desperate petition for aid.

News of this turmoil eventually reached the Elvish Empire, long-standing allies of the Regal Dragons, who immediately dispatched their finest commander to the Drairthir Peninsula.

That's where you come in...

Exploring the Drairthir Peninsula

Upon arrival, you will be immediately greeted by the Dragoness' trusted advisor, Natiq of the house of Battle Pangolins. Natiq will act as your guide and advisor throughout the campaign which consists of several quests commissioned by The Dragoness.

There are several types of quest, ranging from retrieving specific items, defeating difficult bosses, defending areas of importance, or securing specific resources. Every region that you travel to will have a unique feel and distinct environment, and will offer up different gameplay challenges, both in terms of map layout and the enemy armies you will encounter.

NOTE: You can experience some of this variety in our current demo - the first level (Fearann) challenges the player to secure granaries spread out across the map, while the second level (The Gates of Noita) has you defending a fortress from enemy invaders. Commanders will need to balance their army and resources whilst also maintaining a strong force mounted on the ramparts as leaving the wall unmanned will result in an immediate failure!

Side Quests and Challenges

During a quest, you may come across several huts belonging to the Wizard who will offer you side quests in exchange for unique rewards. Other side quests can also be picked up elsewhere on the map, depending on the quest.

Each quest will also have its own unique set of challenges which will yield valuable resources that can be spent back at the capital to improve its buildings and facilities.

Map Exploration: Maintaining a Healthy Army

When exploring a map during a quest, the commander has a limited number of movement points that they can spend per turn before their army needs to be fed. At the end of the turn, a commander has several choices they can make before they carry on