The initial blog post on April 29 introduced players to the Storm Goblins faction, focusing on two of its units: the Storm Witch and the Gust Rider. The Storm Witch is capable of harnessing and redirecting electricity for powerful ranged attacks, whereas the Gust Rider utilizes grounding techniques to protect itself from electrical damage. Thrak, the faction’s summoner, can transmit electricity through connected units, enhancing the faction’s emphasis on electrical manipulation.

A follow-up post on April 30 showcased additional elements of the Storm Goblins. The Kite Rider, featuring an agile Flight ability, allows for strategic placement and movement on the battlefield. Additionally, the event card Recharge was introduced, which enables Thrak to regenerate his core unit, the Voltswapper, and encourages strategic deck management to maximize unit availability during gameplay.

These blog posts are part of a series that Plaid Hat Games is using to gradually unveil the full capabilities and roster of the Storm Goblins. Each entry not only adds new characters and abilities to the game but also emphasizes strategic elements that players must consider to optimize their play.

The fifth preview, titled “Fight the Horde,” introduces players to the new dynamics of battling against large numbers of Rainwalker conjurations. These conjurations, although individually weak, can attack in significant numbers, potentially overwhelming players who are not adequately prepared. The expansion also incorporates environmental effects like the Red Rains, which can unpredictably increase the number of Rainwalkers or activate powerful abilities that impact the game.

Additionally, the preview mentions new animal-like aberrations that have emerged, which are described as highly mobile and aggressive, posing further threats to players.

The sixth preview, “Death’s Door,” shifts focus slightly, presenting Rainwalkers not just as attackers but also as strategic resources. These conjurations can be sacrificed for powerful abilities, adding a layer of strategic depth to the gameplay. The preview hints at dramatic effects such as Rainwalkers bursting into flames or causing lightning strikes, enhancing the game’s complexity.

“The Siege of Lordswall” is scheduled for release in May. Plaid Hat Games encourages players to subscribe for updates through Team Covenant to receive the expansion as soon as it becomes available.

Key Features of the Expansion: Mono-Divine Magic Deck

The expansion features several spells intended to integrate precision and speed into gameplay, essential for both offensive and defensive strategies. The spells previewed include “Pride,” “Fork Lightning,” and “Intercession,” each offering different tactical advantages.

• Pride: This alteration spell provides buffs through divine magic, ensuring strategic plans unfold predictably. However, the spell also allows for counteraction with equal certainty from opponents.
• Fork Lightning: Designed to combat large groups of enemies, this spell offers effective damage distribution, particularly against the Rainwalker hordes besieging Lordswall castle.
• Intercession: This spell provides significant defensive benefits, enabling divine magic warriors to protect allies in critical situations.

Introduction of New Phoenixborn Characters

The expansion also introduces four new Phoenixborn, each with unique signature cards reflecting their individual combat styles and stories:

• Odette: Equipped with the “Armor of Valor” and the “Sword of Virtue,” Odette is prepared to confront enemy forces with enhanced protection.
• James: Opting for a retaliatory approach, James utilizes “Soulfire” to harness spirits for attacking foes with fire.
• Xander: With “Bravery,” Xander ensures his and his allies’ survival in combat by fostering mutual protection and loyalty.
• Dimona: Taking an active role in battle, Dimona uses “Take to the Skies and Divinity Mount” to attack from above, controlling the battlefield aerially.

Introduction to Divine Strategies

The initial preview, “The Siege of Lordswall Preview #1: For Glory!”, sets the scene with a narrative involving a mine collapse and the discovery of a mysterious crystal. This storyline leads into the gameplay focus of the expansion, which centers on defending the Lordswall castle and utilizing divine magic. The expansion introduces a mono-divine magic preconstructed deck, featuring new player cards designed to enhance gameplay with divine dice powers.

Highlighted cards from this preview include the “Glory Aspirant,” an ally card seeking to achieve great power, and the “Silver Paladin,” a significant force on the battlefield capable of altering game dynamics through divine dice powers. The “Radiant Light” spell is introduced as a means to bolster the defenses of units, indicating the expansion’s focus on strategic depth through divine magic.

New Allies and Tactics

Following up, the “The Siege of Lordswall Preview #2: Mount Up!” preview expands the game’s tactical options by introducing mounts and companion creatures. Players are introduced to the “Shining Stag Mount,” enhancing the theme of divine magic, and the “Ptera Herder” alongside “Ptera Hatchling,” which add a new layer of strategy with their unique abilities. Furthermore, the addition of the “Hand of Spear” and “Hand of Shield” cards provide players with options for quick strikes and defense, emphasizing the expansion’s aim to offer versatile strategic choices.

“Wandering Galaxy” thrusts players into the vast expanse of space, adding a thrilling new chapter to the beloved Crossroads Game series. Participants will join forces as part of a diverse starship crew, navigating the fringes of known space in pursuit of glory and wealth. Commandeering a ship acquired through a loan shark with a surprisingly low interest rate of 23.5%, crews will embark on a galaxy-spanning journey. Facing jobs deemed too perilous or outright lunatic for the typical spacefarer, players will strive to earn enough to clear their ship’s debt and carve out their destiny among the stars.

Plaid Hat Games invites enthusiasts and newcomers alike to sign up for notifications about the Kickstarter launch, ensuring they don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this spacefaring saga.

In addition to the anticipation building around “Wandering Galaxy,” Plaid Hat Games is also enticing fans with a special offer on their existing card games. For those yet to dive into the worlds of “Ashes” and “Summoner Wars,” now is the perfect time. A 30% discount is available on purchases of $250 or more, allowing players to join the community at a reduced cost. However, it’s worth noting that this offer is limited to one coupon code per purchase, with minimum order requirements in place.

Looking ahead, Plaid Hat Games has more excitement in store. Coming in May 2024, the “Ashes” and “Summoner Wars” series will expand with new factions – the Storm Goblins and Shimmersea Fae, promising new powers of sea and storm. Moreover, the “Siege of Lordswall” expansion for “Ashes” is set to introduce a gripping challenge as the Phoenixborn unite to fend off the Rainwalkers’ assault on Argaia.

The Mountain Vargath, a fan-favorite from the first edition, make their exciting comeback, led by their fearless leader, Sunderved. These goat-like warriors specialize in building powerful tactical positions on the battlefield, receiving a strength boost when in proximity to their commander. Sunderved’s ability, “Stronghold,” allows players to regroup during times of crisis, turning the tides of war in their favor.

A fresh addition to the Summoner Wars universe is the Crimson Order, led by the rapidly ascending Baron Daemar. As the head of a vampiric cult, Baron Daemar’s unique “Blood Drain” ability allows players to feed off the vitality of both allies and enemies alike. To ensure Daemar’s survival, players can shield him using his dedicated cultist followers. His “Convert” ability allows players to turn foes into new recruits for the Crimson Order.

Plaid Hat Games’ latest faction introductions promise to inject fresh, strategic options into the game, adding an exciting dimension to the tactical gameplay of Summoner Wars Second Edition.

“Freelancers: A Crossroads Game” takes an intriguing twist on the traditional fantasy role-playing genre. Set in a post-humanity world littered with refuse and inhabited by unsightly creatures, players take on the role of freelancers. These resilient characters are tasked with delving into ruins, braving wilderness, and exterminating monstrous hordes in order to accumulate loot and live to tell the tale.

The game uniquely condenses the immersive experience of a full-length RPG campaign into a single session of chaotic fun. Players will create their unique characters, roll uniquely designed dice, and navigate through a world teeming with magic, monsters, and murder.

One of the stand-out features of “Freelancers: A Crossroads Game” is the absence of a need for a game master. Instead, a companion app facilitates the storytelling, offering a fully-voiced, industry-leading audio experience. The app guides players through hundreds of branching paths in five replayable campaigns.

The game encourages creativity with its versatile character-building system, allowing players to mix and match from a myriad of species and jobs to craft their unique avatar. With simple rules and no preparation required, “Freelancers: A Crossroads Game” promises a pick-up-and-play experience for low-commitment fun.

“Freelancers: A Crossroads Game” continues Plaid Hat Games’ tradition of innovating and expanding upon the gaming landscape. Its focus on providing an intense, engaging, yet easily accessible RPG experience is likely to captivate fans of fantasy games and the wider gaming community. With its pre-order phase already open, gaming enthusiasts are invited to secure their copy ahead of the official release this August.

A Balance of War and Peace

In the initial preview, the High Elves are introduced as a faction that values equilibrium, embodied by the characters of the Arbiter of War and Arbiter of Peace. The Arbiter of War amplifies combat prowess, boosting the strength of friend and foe alike. In contrast, the Arbiter of Peace is a protective force, creating a safe haven amidst the chaos of the battlefield. Balancing the power of these two contrasting forces is key to mastering the High Elves gameplay.

Guardians of Justice and Healing

In the second post, the preview introduces the Arbiter of Justice and the Attendant Priest. The Arbiter of Justice discourages attackers, while the Attendant Priest brings healing abilities to the High Elves faction. These unique units further showcase the High Elves’ dedication to balance and harmony, reflecting their strategic and measured approach to the game.

The Laws of the High Elves

The third preview expands upon the role of Valeria, whose word is law within the High Elves faction. Valeria’s laws introduce new boons and restrictions for players. The Law of Liberty grants common units greater flexibility in choosing between attacking and moving. The Law of Sanctity provides protection for summoners, and the Law of Loyalty encourages aggressive strategies centered around the summoner. Valeria’s laws bring a unique dynamic to the High Elves gameplay, adding an extra layer of complexity and strategy.

Meet the Champions

The final preview post introduces the High Elves’ champions – Titus the Devout, Cassia the Gentle, and Albus the Wise. Titus is a stalwart defender, Cassia offers area healing to friendly and enemy commons, and Albus has the ability to temporarily neutralize abilities of a nearby common unit. Each champion contributes their unique abilities to the High Elves roster, enhancing their strategic options and battlefield presence.

Plaid Hat Games has given Summoner Wars fans a thorough look at the High Elves faction, from their unique gameplay mechanics to their individual units. This faction’s focus on balance and strategy offers a fresh perspective on the game, and it will be exciting to see how these units reshape the battlefield.

The first preview, titled “Bog Shaman and Witch,” provided a glimpse into the essential support units of the Swamp Orcs. The Bog Shaman plays a crucial role in cultivating the swamp, boosting nearby units for a tactical advantage. Although the shamans themselves don’t benefit directly from the boost, the Swamp Orcs possess various ways to capitalize on the accumulated power. Another common unit, the Bog Witch, may appear frail, but her Augment ability allows players to expend boost to enhance their most powerful attacks.

The second preview, “Vinemancer and Mud Drudgers,” introduced two more commons from the faction. The Vinemancer demonstrates the Swamp Orcs’ mastery over their environment with the Vine Pull ability, which allows them to strategically reposition allies or pull enemy units into their range during combat. The Mud Drudgers, on the other hand, act as loyal companions to summoner Mugglug, protecting her from harm and allowing her to unleash devastating attacks without fear of retaliation.

In the third preview, “Blub, Splack, and Glurp,” the spotlight shifted to the formidable champions of the Swamp Orcs. This faction excels at summoning champions inexpensively and even has the ability to resurrect them within the same game. Blub, a menacing force, boasts increased mobility and power during the first turn he is in play, making him a constant threat. Splack, the lower-cost champion, excels when the Swamp Orcs gain the upper hand, possessing tireless and relentless qualities. Glurp, meanwhile, possesses the power to wreak havoc in the swamp, utilizing her Germinate ability to populate the map with valuable Vine Gates, granting her forward summoning potential and added defense.

In the final preview titled “The Events!” Plaid Hat Games unveiled the Swamp Orcs’ event suite. Vine Gates play a central role in the faction’s boost economy, allowing for the summoning of units with a boost ready to go, ensuring a swift start and amplifying the effectiveness of abilities. Sow, another event card, provides players with a choice between boosting their unboosted or boosted commons, granting them the flexibility to adapt their strategies. The last event, Regenerate, offers a vital tool for the aggressive summoner Mugglug, allowing her to convert excess boost into healing for wounded heroes.

With the completion of the Swamp Orcs previews, Plaid Hat Games hinted at the next faction to be unveiled, the High Elves, promising another round of exciting teasers for Summoner Wars enthusiasts. Fans can expect the release of the new decks in June and are encouraged to subscribe to stay up to date with the latest updates and announcements.

Plaid Hat Games has also announced their upcoming expansion, The Frostwild Scourge, which will feature an all-new Chimera opponent with two complete aspect decks, as well as an all-new, natural magic player deck, led by four returning Phoenixborn with brand new unique cards for them to use. The expansion will also include balance errata, which can be found in the latest Organized Play update article.

In addition, Plaid Hat Games has announced the upcoming AshCon4 tournament, which will run from April 24th to April 28th. Participants are required to play one game with each of their three opponents in their assigned pod over the week of the event on ashteki.com and report the results. The winner of each pod will receive a pack of deluxe translucent divine, sympathy, and time dice, while participants of the featured match will receive a pack of Blood Puppet alt arts.

Overall, these updates aim to keep the game as fun as it can be for all players and provide more avenues of interaction and counterplay. Players can download the latest FAQ and stay up-to-date with the latest releases and updates on the official Ashes Reborn website.