The Life and Suffering — Of Present and Future

Friends!

Developer Schisma Games recently held a meet-up with players, during which they were asked questions about The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante and the development of a future title in the same universe. Especially for you, we have compiled their answers into a single article and want to share this interview now! Read up on the team's views regarding the games' universe, and you will also discover a lot of new things as well as learn why the game turned out the way it did.

The questions were answered by: Theodore — the studio's founder, Chip - Lead Game Designer, and Lance — Art Director.

Players: How long has The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante been in development?

Chip: It was initially planned as a small title that we would develop in 6 months, more or less using it to assemble our first studio. The longer we worked, the more we realized what could be done, as well as how to expand and improve our game. We knew then that we had a big and original project on our hands, and that we needed to push it beyond the previously outlined scope. As a result, the entire development cycle took us 2.5 years.

Players: Is gunpowder known across the Arknian Empire?

Chip: Gunpowder is only ever used in industry for performing controlled explosions. Methods of employing it in military affairs are starting to be researched, but any mass use of firearms is unheard of. However, its use slowly begins to grow more common among Arknians, as it can bring victory over one's rivals.

Players: Is gunpowder only prohibited in Magra while other provinces are more permissive towards it?

Chip: While not initially prohibited anywhere, once the threat gunpowder poses became clear, it was banned throughout the Empire. However, since there are groups and individuals who can enact separate laws in the provinces they control, the use of gunpowder may be allowed in certain regions. For example, Brante can sign such a decree and make an exception for Magra's industry.

Players: So, if Brante does not sign the decree after the "Mine and Gunpowder" quest, then gunpowder will remain prohibited in Magra as well?

Chip: Yes.

Players: What Blood Tide do Lowborn humans belong to?

Chip: A Blood Tide is a mystical, sacred history. It encompasses the past, one's ancestors, and hereditary memory, giving those who inherit it strength and marking their belonging to a particular legacy. It both enhances the player's character and limits it. The protagonist's ancestors moved in a certain direction, and if the player chooses to maintain this course, the Blood Tide will strengthen them. Alternatively, if you try to follow a different path by doing something contrary to your predecessors' will, then the legacy shall resist you. It is important to understand the difference between Arknian and human positions in this case, too. Arknians are a race that draws its power from the past. Their Blood Tide runs deeper, going further back into the past, even as Arknians themselves live longer, maintaining a stronger connection to their legacy. Integrated into the Arknian society, humans began to gradually replace them, at the same time constantly having to adapt to change. First they were slaves, then servants, then they began to garner Arknian trust. Other races had their own lore, but humans either did not or abandoned their culture in order to better suit the Arknian ways by imitating them. Due to the fact that, on the