Obsidian and Paradox interactive held a livestream to showcase some of the mechanics of upcoming RPG Tyranny. The livestream focused on the new strongholds known as spires and how they can be upgraded throughout the game.
Spires are large towers in the game that act as player strongholds. As you explore the world you can claim the spires you encounter as your own. Brian Hines, the game director for Tyranny explains ” Players of Pillars Of Eternity are familiar with its stronghold mechanic. What we wanted to do in Tyranny is not have a single location that you’re going towards. Instead, we have Spires, which are giant structures that are taller than the clouds themselves. There are multiple Spires and these Spires act as the players base for the game”
Each Spire is linked with magic allowing players to instantly transport for easy transportation around the world. There are narrative reasons why the Spires are important but little detail was given about the story. There are several Spires to claim and each acts as its own player stronghold.
Obsidian showed the Spire upgrade system which is used via the Spire tab on the user interface. You can upgrade each Spire with several upgrades such as a Library, Forge, Training Ground and Infirmary. “The benefits of the infirmary is that it allows you to brew your own potions which means you can take lots of consumables into combat with you.” Said Hines, </b>” On top of that, whenever you rest in your Spires, you will gain resting bonuses that will be affected by what upgrades you have built in all of your Spires.”</b>
Spires also act as a place for NPC party members who are not currently in your party to hang out in. You can return and speak to those party members at the Spires. While they are they there Hines says ” they are still training, researching and trying to build up their experience which will be based on how well you’re doing while out adventuring in the game. This is so your non-active party members don’t fall behind you in experience and level.”
One Major feature of Spires is hiring recruits to work at your spires. Hines explains “Once an upgrade has been built on top of a spire, you can begin hiring recruits to work for you at that upgrade. Recruits provide several functions for your party: they can train your party members in skills, they can sell unique weapons and armor, and they can produce new items for your party while they’re out adventuring.”
The developers also touched upon the companion system explaining that party members work from a loyalty system and companions can leave you should they not like what actions you are taking and they’re loyalty decreases. The companions themselves are looking great, especially the newly announced beast-woman ‘Kills-In-Shadow’ who is essentially a werewolf style female companion that packs a giant claw sized punch.
The developer livestream is well worth watching if you are interested in the upcoming rpg, it’s clear from the outset that pans of previous Obsidian games such as Pillars of Eternity will be right at home with the gameplay style. Tyranny is set to launch November 10th on PC.
