2 Days Left - A Chase Through The Cobbles
about 2 years ago – Tue, Mar 29, 2022 at 01:26:52 PM

Stand and Deliver

You've probably heard of a highwayman standing up a stagecoach but this really is something else. Transportation in Spireholm takes two main forms. If you wish to move anything large, or to travel the length of the city quickly then a boat on the River Noxia is your best best. But if you want to penetrate the labyrinthine streets then a carriage is the way to go. Unless of course you're short of coin, in which case you best get walking...

Players will likely gain themselves access to a carriage at some point either through associating themselves with The Watch or gaining the favour of one of the ruling houses. The problem with carriages is they attract attention. Not many in Spireholm can afford such luxury and you may need some security measures or even a monster slayer to keep you wheels safe.

We're into the final 2 days of the the Kickstarter now so prepare your stakes and make sure to grab your pledge and secure a copy of SHIVER Gothic with all the bonus stretch goals and discounts!

3 Days Left - High Ground & Low Ground
about 2 years ago – Mon, Mar 28, 2022 at 03:25:39 PM

You take the high road and I'll take the low road...

 For a walled city trapped in the middle of a forest full of monsters Spireholm is not without its own unique geography. Over time the city's districts have gained a feel all of their own. Unfortunately one thing remains true throughout Spireholm's history, the rich and powerful live on high, and everyone else exists below.

No landmark is more obvious an example than that of the Grand Cathedral. Located at the highest point in the city, from which even in the lowly stacks you can see its crenelated spires. On a day not obscured by smog and haze (which are rare) you may even catch a glint of the sun reflecting off one of the immense stained glass windows.

If the bastion of the Divine Order is the most exalted example of Spireholm's social geography then The Sunken District is the exact opposite. As the population of Spireholm has grown over the years overcrowding has become ever more of an issue. Building outside of the walls was not an option so they turned instead to the fens and marshlands at the city's south.

This however was met with tragedy after a titanic storm swept over the city and flooded the area causing swathes of people and their homes to sink into the bay. The district still remains but half-sunken underwater. It's now home to the odd pirate gang, drifters and treasure divers, trying their luck in the depths below.

The city of Spireholm is a vast and intricate environment for you to craft your Gothic stories within, a true sandbox of the sub-genre. There are only a few day's to back the Kickstarter left so make sure to grab your copy and prepare for your adventures in the city!

4 Days Left - The Edenians
about 2 years ago – Mon, Mar 28, 2022 at 09:10:21 AM

Vampires With Green Thumbs

Spireholm is plagued by a wondrous variety of vampiric factions who have taken root in the city. This particular group, however, has a different understanding of what it means to take root. 

The Edenians are masters of botany and have even developed special means of transporting and cultivating their own soil for their most precious plantlife.

 The Edenians are led by Lyana who has used her expansive knowledge of the world outside of the city to woo and infiltrate Spirehom’s high society circles.

So make sure to be careful courting with the socialites, a knife in the back is just as deadly as a fang to the neck.

 Each of the vampire factions have certain specialities and interests that pertain to the origin of their powers and more importantly, their source of food. Not much is know about the Edenians home but flora is sure to be a big part of it.

There are many differences between the vampiric collectives but for some reason they are all in Spireholm at the same time? What has brough them to the city is your mystery to solve!

5 Days Left - Vive La Rat Revolution
about 2 years ago – Mon, Mar 28, 2022 at 06:49:23 AM

“It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live.”
― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

Not all those who reside in Dregstone share the Rat King's lust for strength and power. There are those who would fight against his tyranny. The Resistance. Unlike the King members of the resistance have no ill will towards 'topsiders'. They see the possibility of a bright future where Dregstone and Spireholm can co-exist side by side.  But be careful making friends as to be seen with these rodent revolutionaries will see you hunted by the King's guards.

The situation in Dregstone is on a knife edge. The King's great alchemical work is near completion whilst the population reach a boiling point in their resent for his tyranny. All resources from the surfaces are being directed to the King and his followers leaving nought but scraps for the ordinary people of Dregstone. It will not be long before there are barricades in the streets and civil war breaks out.

6 Days Left - The Rat King's Plan
about 2 years ago – Fri, Mar 25, 2022 at 03:28:55 PM

Of Mice and Men

You may recall in an earlier update we talked about science in the city of Spireholm and how the Divine Order had all but banned it. Well there is one place the Divine Order's gaze does not reach, Dregstone. Here the Rat King is gathering the scientific knowledge that was once the domain of the surface and bending it to his agenda.

In particular the King is interested in the alchemical process, the distillation of all things into his magnum opus. The precise chemical formula for perfection. He has been testing his great work on his royal guard to terrifying effect. Whatever the chemical is these 'lab rats' are violent, strong, and much bigger than the rest of their kin. They wander the streets in their chemical filled armour, what hides behind their masks is not a question anyone has answered or even dared to ask.

But what will the King do with his army of alchemically enhanced soldiers? Only time will tell. But there are many in Dregstone who do not like the King's penchant for experimentation on his own kind. Tomorrow's update will explore those who are brave enough to oppose him.