Underworld Ascendant Updates #24-27, $673,272 and Counting
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Since the Underworld Ascendant Kickstarter campaign reached its funding goal it has kept moving at a brisk pace, and managed to raise an additional $70,000, hitting the first of the many stretch goals the team has laid out, which would happen to be the Underswamp described update 24 and update 25:
Crouched on the confluence of two slow-moving subterranean river systems, the Underswamp is a miasma of odd fungus, twisted trees and creeping lichen. Dank and full of life; a menagerie of deadly toothed and venomous predators roam the spongy terrain. But there is also strange beauty to be found, such as shimmering fluorescent air plants floating above the dark waters. Deep within the Underswamp lie ruins of the temple of Ishtass. This extensive complex, nearly a league across and half sunk in the swamp, is said to hold ancient secrets.
With the Underswamp comes the Rotworm Skin Boots, which give adventurers extra speed wading through the swamp. Let's all put on the boots and make a final sprint to bring the Underswamp home to the Sygian Abyss!
These weren't the only updates published since we last checked, either. In update 26 the team explores the concept of augmented reality and its possible applications for the project, while in update 27 they (among other things) paint a vivid picture of the starting conditions for the player's avatar that I'm more than willing to quote in full:
Equipped with little more than some clothes and a pair of sturdy shoes, the player will need to gather their wits, and learn to survive in their strange, new home. And those eyes, those red unblinking eyes that stare out from the dark.
Finding a weapon will likely be at the forefront of a player's thoughts. Perhaps a yellowed thigh bone from some long dead creature, uncovered in a dark nook, will provide a crude club. A nail to stick in the end would be a godsend. A piece of twine and a patch of leather from a shoe could make a sling, useful for throwing stones into the dark, to keep the things making that chittering noise at bay.
Fire. Fire is a necessity, both for warmth, and to light the way as the player explores this brooding labyrinth. Maybe the player learns a simple spell for throwing spark, or procures a flint. Moss, pulled from the walls, provides fuel for a torch.
Perhaps, the player stumbles upon a well-worn path in the caverns, which leads to a settlement. A small community of other exiles with food, and some lore to share. If the player can convince them to take him in, for a short while at least, he will have time to learn about this world, and begin to uncover its secrets.
The player may start out in a humble state. But with skill, clever choices and perseverance, over time they will rise to become a master of their new world. It's a hero's journey. It is your journey.
As usual, we will bring you more updates on the project as the campaign draws to a close.
