Welcome back adventurers!
[p][/p][p]In our first two devlogs, we explored how Tristan learns to stand up for himself by improving his combat skills, as well as crafting what he needs to stay alive on the island. But battles and blades are only a small part of the story. The true transformation from a cartographer to a hero also lies in how you develop Tristan's skills and attributes, in the choices you make, and ultimately, in how deep you will delve into the powerful, long-forgotten wisdom that the island hides.[/p][p][/p][p]Today, we’re taking a closer look at the game’s Character Progression System and the mysterious force known as Ancient Knowledge. Let’s begin![/p][p][/p]Becoming the Hero You Want to Be
[p]Character progression in Of Ash and Steel is based on three skill trees: Survival, Crafting, and War. Let's take a closer look:[/p]- [p]Survival, as the name suggests, concerns the skills that allow Tristan to obtain what he needs to stay alive. These skills include learning how to set up camp to spend the night safely outdoors, placing traps to catch different animals (or lure enemies in), and pickpocketing what isn't yours (or, well, yours after).[/p][/*]
- [p]Crafting teaches the skills that allow Tristan to create what he needs, such as new or reinforced armor and swords, provisions to fill his stomach, and potions to heal himself in battle. Read the Crafting devlog here to find out more.[/p][/*]
- [p]War is the skill tree that allows Tristan to fight better with new weapons, whether melee or ranged, and learn new active abilities. Learn more about this in the dedicated combat devlog, which you can find here.[/p][/*]
- [p]A warrior's blade can become even more dangerous if sharpened (Crafting Skill) or coated with poison that reduces the stamina of the enemy (Survival Skill).[/p][/*]
- [p]Crafting skills allow to produce increasingly better goods that can be sold to earn gold, which can be spent on buying better equipment much earlier. This way, even a less-skilled Tristan can still emerge victorious from the most difficult battles.[/p][/*]
- [p]Survival is not only about skills such as pickpocketing or cooking better, but is also the basis for those who want to create a combat build based on agility. In fact, this is where mastery of weapons such as the rapier or bow can be found, allowing you to create a fast and deadly warrior both up close and from a distance.[/p][/*]
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Hero
[p]Of Ash and Steel features a system of five attributes: Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, Insight, and Fortitude. These allow you to unlock corresponding abilities and use different equipment, but that's not all.[/p]- [p]Strength increases melee damage and allows you to lift heavy objects, which can provide new ways to complete a mission.[/p][/*]
- [p]Dexterity increases damage with bows, swords, and rapiers.[/p][/*]
- [p]Stamina enables you to run and swim longer and avoid getting out of breath so quickly during combat.[/p][/*]
- [p]Insight increases critical damage and allows you to unlock more persuasive dialogue options.[/p][/*]
- [p]Fortitude increases health, reduces damage, and helps regenerate stamina.[/p][/*]
