[b]Hej Víkingar![/b] Welcome to our first Narrative Department update! Take a look behind the scenes with our Narrative Department as they give us the inside scoop on their work over the last few months. From crafting exciting adventures to the challenges of working within real history, the team shares their triumphs, struggles, and everything in-between to help you step into the enchanting world of Skye: The Misty Isle! [hr][/hr] [previewyoutube=0eN4NzR96MI;full][/previewyoutube] [h3]The Orphan[/h3] The highlight of our week was the reveal of our main protagonist, Einar, in Metahuman form. We were excited to get him in-game, replacing our longstanding, Pre-Alpha placeholder. No doubt he will continue to go through many more iterations in the future. [table noborder=1] [tr] [td][img=inline]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//40987671/457f743cfb99104644c12888f9de09e0bc4f2345.png[/img][/td] [td]　[/td] [td][i]"Born the son of no one and left to the gods in the bough of an old tree, it was there he received his first name, one that would be uttered far beyond the shores of his birth for ages to come. Einar. Found by the barren shield-maiden, Solfrid, and her husband, he was proclaimed a gift and returned with them to the valley nestled town of Ravndal, home of Clan Sváfnir. Placed in ritual within the embrace of the ancient tree, Bólormr, Einar was welcomed as a new son of the clan and remained in the care of Solfrid. Raised to be a prolific hunter like his father and a formidable fighter like his mother, Einar’s curiosity was nurtured and encouraged to extend far beyond the bounds of Ravndal. His ambition, the whispers of prophecy, and the secrets of his past would steer him far from the reach of Ravndal."[/i][/td] [/tr] [/table] Click the links to read more! [url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C6WmX32pP4T/]Instagram[/url] | [url=https://www.facebook.com/SkyeTheMistyIsle/posts/pfbid028zWyBXZRxQfnhfUZ32QSKXd8MuhvNywf2Ef4xt4MCrnS9aTACRMcMNvGqEuT9YTvl/]Facebook[/url] [hr][/hr] [h3]Ravndal, Mørsvikbotn[/h3] We explored the rich history of Ravndal, our fictional Viking settlement nestled in the breathtaking vistas of Mørsvikbotn, Norway. From its humble beginnings to the present day, Ravndal is a testament to the resilience and spirit of its people. As our starting location, Ravndal is where we have spent a lot of time recently rebuilding ready for Early Access, and narrative week was the perfect time to introduce you to the lore of the settlement. [table noborder=1] [tr] [td][img=inline]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//40987671/0ebb67f043d184843cec82465c739d92259cf9d6.png[/img][/td] [td]　[/td] [td][i]"Ravndal, nestled on the shores of the Nordfolda fjord, is the proud home of the Ætt Sváfnir. Built around the ancient tree of Bólormr, it is a hub of fishing and trade. The town is stretched across the shape of the shore, with the homes of the oldest families standing in a circle beneath the great looming tree. It was founded nearly a hundred years ago by a fisherman and his son. The fisherman, Alvis, had lost his way while out hunting and had used the sun to try and guide him back north. They stumbled across a fjord and discovered the old tree that stood alone from the woods."[/i][/td] [/tr] [/table] Click the links to read more! [url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C6bvZX7gQym/]Instagram[/url] | [url=https://www.facebook.com/SkyeTheMistyIsle/posts/pfbid0AU2hPSR8JRptZCHeka9FgRTZRpTk99LZ2vtkiof9VLMUaR9qxJUrHP2ekQqM7B8ul/]Facebook[/url] [hr][/hr] [h3]The Seer[/h3] We introduced Sissel, the wise and enigmatic clan seer whose prophetic insights will guide you to the misty landscapes of Skye. With a demand for blood as her price for truth, Sissel is as fascinating as she is foreboding. She is one of many named NPCs we started to realise in Metahumans, ready for Early Access, and one who will feature in the days to come. [table noborder=1] [tr] [td][img=inline]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//40987671/1b523e06a7c9942f5d528eb9e9fa04c0f75d8146.png[/img][/td] [td]　[/td] [td][i]"Her name was Sissel, the third-born daughter of a third-born daughter, touched with the prophetic gift her foremothers possessed. She was raised far from Ravndal, originating from the borders of Nóregr and Finnland, though her journey from childhood to seeress remains largely shrouded in mystery. Hailed a frightening curiosity, Sissel proved an invaluable asset to the people of clan Sváfnir after she appeared one day beneath the great tree of Bólormr, foretelling of a terrible winter that would soon plague their lands and decimate their crops. Sissel demanded the people of Ravndal must pay her price each time they desired to know their truth and be warned of their trials. Her price was always blood."[/i][/td] [/tr] [/table] Click the links to read more! [url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C6ZKqX8IEWV/]Instagram[/url] | [url=https://www.facebook.com/SkyeTheMistyIsle/posts/pfbid02RJVh335FVS17RXPkP8yx3UPNRYjSQvyEKNNDHhr93uNMrr1SBfrgT2fXAWoEDx3sl/]Facebook[/url] [hr][/hr] [h3]The Omen[/h3] We unravelled the mystery of Eikþyrnir, the majestic stag of Valhalla, whose elusive presence holds secrets that may shape both Einar's destiny, and that of his enemies. [table noborder=1] [tr] [td][img=inline]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//40987671/9c1f32f51e5f8b503e70ba66d9bccaf5ba4f86c8.png[/img][/td] [td]　[/td] [td][i]"The great stag of Vahalla, who carves the rivers that fall, became the object of complete fascination for a young Einar and his father, Eric. Believed to have together witnessed Eikþyrnir cross their path while hunting, they followed high and low through the forest, desperate to catch the beast. When it could not be found, Eric grew further obsessed, convinced the stag was a sign…or worse, an omen."[/i][/td] [/tr] [/table] Click the links to read more! [url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C6g5DWTBlle/]Instagram[/url] | [url=https://www.facebook.com/SkyeTheMistyIsle/posts/pfbid02RRNk9od3ygaTuR9wB9MS4SveQx6kJykcUXcYtW4yKsQudYcKdmb72R2tVNTjB26Al/]Facebook[/url] [hr][/hr] [h3]The Wolf[/h3] We faced the formidable challenges of our main antagonist, known only as 'The Wolf', whose ruthless nature and inscrutable motives make him a force to be reckoned with. Planned to be fully introduced later in development, we start sowing the seeds of his story now. [table noborder=1] [tr] [td][img=inline]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//40987671/6980d7f18dc5ecb39e9cf1526f9bd246aa1af862.png[/img][/td] [td]　[/td] [td][i]"Branded the ‘The Wolf’ of the isles by its people, he hunts Einar at every turn, threatened by what the young Viking could mean for the future of Skye. Elusive by nature and ruthless in action, he trusts few and answers only to a higher power. Where he touches, a wake of destruction follows. By his hand, all would be ash, and those that oppose face a grim fate."[/i][/td] [/tr] [/table] Click the links to read more! [url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C6jd1mph4HG/]Instagram[/url] | [url=https://www.facebook.com/SkyeTheMistyIsle/posts/pfbid0oXwWiPmY2JyycP33jzM66HXmg6DX9jqftepKt4cCVeapfzWyrY8tr4sFHvqKgTQrl/]Facebook[/url] [hr][/hr] [h3]Department Update[/h3] Our Narrative Department provided a general update on their progress, offering insights into their collaboration with the Art Department, their commitment to historical accuracy, and the challenges and joys of world-building. Expand or click the links to read more! [expand type=details] [b]What We're Working On[/b] Over the past few months, the team has been working very hard on developing the exciting opening tutorial and establishing the key characters that players will initially interact with in the starting zone of Ravndal, Mørsvikbotn. We have also been working closely with the Art Department to transform some of our characters from ideas into reality, delving into Unreal Engine 5 and its latest MetaHuman technology. We hope that players are as excited to see our creations come to life as we are, and can’t wait to show more soon. [b]Geographical and Historical Accuracy[/b] We’re dedicated to creating a game that is rooted in geographical and historical accuracy. Aside from occasional creative liberties to ensure an exciting and engaging visual experience, we remain committed to making ‘Skye’ as accurate as we can. With this in mind, we’ve evaded any heavily mythological elements, however, that’s not to say that Gods won’t play a part in the actions of our characters. Faith in their beliefs was a defining part of cultures of that time and we have made an effort to reflect that in our story and characters. [b]Our Biggest Challenge[/b] Working within history creates several challenges, whether it’s the restrictions of real locations or finding accounts of historical events, writing in a period as partially documented as the Dark Ages can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to deciding what might have been. Building a world that fits into reality has been difficult but we have worked hard to establish unique environments that bring to life our characters and lore, while committing to recreating the iconic locations of Norway and Skye. [b]Our Favourite Project[/b] Our main character, Einar, has been the most endearing to write about. We’ve worked carefully to bring to life a protagonist worthy of such a large game while still maintaining an edge of uniqueness to his qualities and personality. However, the most fun has been in developing the world in which our story will unfold and creating a rich history, spanning generations before Einar’s journey. Creating the characters that make up his world, their lore and histories, and carving out a piece of Norway for our tale has been a gift to experience. [b]Looking to the Future[/b] Throughout development, the depth of our story has expanded massively, but we remain focused on providing a balanced experience between both story-driven content and classic open-world survival. ‘Skye: The Misty Isle’ is going to put a fresh spin on the survival game genre, blending linear storytelling with sandbox freedom. We're very excited to share our epic storyline with our players and let them explore the expansive world of ‘Skye’ with a purpose and goal. We're not just making a game; we're giving them a real experience to immerse themselves in. [/expand] [url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C6eUM85AHkC/?img_index=1/]Instagram[/url] | [url=https://www.facebook.com/SkyeTheMistyIsle/posts/pfbid0hd8Uez1t2fR3HmgZhVqqfoS1fJMQ7mciKRPjE4KTP5SdZoxzqD1BA55pdSS63cWUl/]Facebook[/url] [hr][/hr] [h3]Soundtracks[/h3] We also showcased 3 new custom soundtracks! [table noborder=1] [tr] [td][img=inline]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//40987671/b32c0bd74e62702d680cfcee5261f766ac66f17d.png[/img][/td] [td] [/td] [td] [b]Sunrise on Skye[/b] Invokes the vast, windswept plains and wilds of the Isle of Skye, with a far-reaching melodic motif echoed and developed through a traditional orchestra. Reminiscent of Jeremy Soule’s Skyrim soundtrack, with chilling strings and woodwind giving way to lower, warmer tones. [url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C6rMPQGN3Aa/]Instagram[/url] | [url=https://www.facebook.com/reel/358479230558145/]Facebook[/url] [/td] [/tr] [tr] [td][img=inline]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//40987671/b5cfa578ecd861a7be00f3de2c7181181f5ed141.png[/img][/td] [td] [/td] [td] [b]Voices of The Ancestors[/b] A more experimental, atmospheric track drawing on themes of Norse spirituality and mysticism, using early wind instruments and droning alto vocals with electronic effects to invoke an otherworldly but ultimately human atmosphere. [url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C6wV11oI75o/]Instagram[/url] | [url=https://www.facebook.com/reel/358321043909905/]Facebook[/url] [/td] [/tr] [tr] [td][img=inline]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//40987671/a056cde00b2dce0a3b55ec8b6aa5a611a1ba430b.png[/img][/td] [td] [/td] [td] [b]Einar's Journey[/b] A driving trailer-style track based around a strong central theme, envisaging Einar's journey across the waves and throughout the Isle of Skye, his will to survive, and follow his destiny. Built on historic-rooted rhythmic drums used by oarsmen and featuring recreations of Rebec (proto-violin), Lur horn and strummed Lyre, before opening out into a more modern orchestral sound. [url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C61fbkEO2yS/]Instagram[/url] | [url=https://www.facebook.com/reel/316070914855993/]Facebook[/url] [/td] [/tr] [/table] [hr][/hr] Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey towards bringing Skye: The Misty Isle to life! Skål, The Narrative Department 📖 [hr][/hr] [url=https://auroragamestudios.co.uk style=button] Website [/url] [url=https://discord.com/invite/skye-the-misty-isle style=button] Discord [/url] [url=https://bit.ly/m/auroragamestudios style=button] Socials [/url]