Little Storyboard for an Intro

Hello!

The upcoming rework of the starting experience will also add an Intro to the game.

Our first approach will include 4 partly animated drawings. We may expand and lengthen the intro, but first, we want to assess the workload involved with these smaller scenes that include sound effects and voiceovers.

We usually don't post drafts directly, but since some of you have expressed a desire for more insight into the development process, we've decided to share this draft with you.

The first three images are AI-generated to give our artists an idea of our vision. While these AI-generated images already look quite impressive, a trained eye can tell they are not handmade. The last image, however, is the work of one of our artists.

Scene 1: The Flight of the Raven

Image 1:

• Description: A wide, picturesque view of a medieval fantasy kingdom at sunrise. Hills, forests, and small villages are visible.

• Music/Sound: Epic, mysterious music starts playing softly in the background. Birdsong can be heard.

• Narrator (Prophetess): "In a time when peace and prosperity reigned over the kingdom of Uhator, a hidden corruption crept into the hearts of the people…“

Animation: A raven flies into the frame from behind the viewer and continues its flight over the village.

Scene 2: Corruptions spreads from ancient ruins

Image 2:

• Description: The camera slowly zooms in on a castle ruin on a hill while a black raven majestically flies over the land.

• Music/Sound: Wind noises and the soft flapping of the raven's wings.

• Narrator (Prophetess): "This corruption, an ancient curse, arose from the ruins of a long-forgotten civilization..."

Animation/Variation: The screen is shaking and tendrils are added to the walls of the ruins. The raven flies past the ruins.

Scene 3: Overview of a Affected Settlement

Image 3:

• Description: The raven flies over a village. The villagers behave strangely, some appear apathetic, others have sex in public.

• Music/Sound: Eerie music blends with the sounds of village life and moans.

• Narrator (Prophetess): "One by one, the settlements of the kingdom fall prey to the corruption. Their inhabitants behave oddly, as if guided by an invisible hand…“

Animation: the raven flies past the village

Scene 4: Prophet arrives at the hideout of the thieves

Image 4:

• Description: The raven lands on a road which leads to a hut in the background

• Music/Sound: The music becomes more intense and mysterious.

• Narrator (Prophetess): "Only I recognize the true danger. But I cannot fight this battle alone…"

Animation/Variation: Raven instead of prophet. Raven transforms into Prophet and walks towards the hut.

The prophet enters Ariana's hideout and the in-game intro will start :-)