The forthcoming “Sunderfolk” is set to deliver an exceptional role-playing game (RPG) adventure through an entirely distinct methodology. Drawing inspiration from traditional tabletop RPGs, “Sunderfolk” blends its gameplay style, inviting players to explore a captivating universe and diverse array of character types.
The project Sunderfolk aims to recreate the ambiance of traditional pen-and-paper RPGs such as D&D within the digital realm, using a mobile control system that mirrors the tabletop gaming experience. By integrating many elements typical of tabletop games into its tactical RPG foundation, Sunderfolk aims to offer an immersive experience for gamers. Game Rant had the opportunity to interview several developers working on Sunderfolk, including game director Erin Marek, campaign designer Kara Centell-Dunk, studio head Chris Sigaty, character designer Xavier Gordon, narrative designer Neo Zhang, and art director Darren Bader. They discussed the creative process behind bringing the world and classes of the game to life.
The World of Sunderfolk Explained
A: What extent does the history of Sunderfolk reach? Are players going to explore all that the world offers, or is it merely a piece of a bigger puzzle in the overall setting?
Marek mentioned that the game “Sunderfolk” focuses on a single animal settlement within the Sunderlands and its nearby areas. However, the team is deeply invested in creating this world, and the initial game offers merely a glimpse into the potential wonders it may hold!
In the game’s setting beyond Arden, the city where the action unfolds, we make allusions to two other animal cities: Winter’s Nest and Saltshore. Engaging with Arden’s inhabitants and deciphering occasional combat prompts can offer lore-hungry players additional insights into the world, including occasional mentions of a historic event called the Sundering. This catastrophic event led everyone to seek refuge underground, and we’ve purposefully left some enigmas unsolved to hint at the broader Sunderlands and future possibilities within this expansive universe.
Q: How heavily will Sunderfolk lean into TTRPG tropes?
In creating the world of “Sunderfolk”, an aim was set to draw inspiration from the familiar themes found in traditional tabletop role-playing game fantasy settings, while infusing it with our unique perspective. The animal characters serve as a fantastic illustration of this original take on the expected.
The fantasy world is currently undergoing a period of reflection regarding how certain traditional themes and elements within the genre might perpetuate harmful stereotypes. In our work, Sunderfolk, we made an effort to be mindful of these potential issues while also preserving tropes that would resonate with readers.
In an effort to give these familiar themes a unique spin, we pondered how they might manifest in the Sunderlands, highlighting the elements that distinguish them. The key aspects included the subterranean environment and fantastical animals, which served as a basis for tailoring the tropes to align with the setting of Sunderfolk.
Q: Lore-wise, how would you define the “magic system” of Sunderfolk?
In the realm of Sunderfolk lies a fantasy-medieval environment teeming with magic, yet its denizens struggle to grasp its intricacies. Our protagonists possess extraordinary abilities bordering on the magical, but ordinary creatures lack such powers.
In Arden, the Brightshard serves as the heart of faith and daily life, for it holds mystical power that is strengthened by belief. To those well-versed in magical studies, there are three primary types of magic: Arcane, Innate, and Mystics. Arcane magic is learned, such as what an Arcanist wields, while Innate magic is a natural gift, like that possessed by a Pyromancer. Lastly, Mystics draw their power from belief, much like the Life Tree. Although this isn’t central to the Sunderfolk’s tale, there are a few townsfolk who can provide additional insights into this aspect of Arden’s world-building, such as Evelyn the puffin!
Sure thing!
A: Are there any elements in the game that engage players within the story, such as giving names to specific creatures? Could you discuss similar storytelling aspects and explain how they enhance the overall gaming experience?
Marek: Labeling items serves a twofold purpose in gameplay. For one, it allows players to share amusing moments and create inside jokes, leaving hidden messages for others to find. On the other hand, for those deeply immersed in the game world, it offers a chance to add their own personal touch and construct something exclusive to their gaming experience within the game’s boundaries.
In the game, there’s a feature akin to the one where you can establish bonds with the Sunderfolk in Arden. This allows you to develop connections and experience your character as an integral member of the village. For some players, this sense of immersion can add depth to their gaming experience, making them feel more connected to the storyline and their role within it. Additionally, forging these relationships offers rewards and provides additional insights into the game’s world and its narratives.
Question: What is the total count of unique enemy types found in Sunderfolk? Considering its subterranean environment, did the creation process for enemies present any unforeseen difficulties or requirements for diversity?
In the game Sunderfolk, you’ll encounter a variety of fourteen common foes and three powerful bosses. Furthermore, some enemies are exclusive to specific challenges, offering an array of unique adversaries for players to measure their abilities against. This means there’s a rich and diverse range of enemy types and combinations in the game to keep you engaged!
Many types of adversaries in our game correspond to the unique environments that players encounter. Since these settings vary significantly, so do the enemies. Therefore, I wouldn’t say the setting presented unexpected challenges for enemy design; instead, it provided us with the opportunity to tailor specific creatures as obstacles for the player.
Question: Could you elaborate on the strategy for battling the Sunderfolk bosses? What makes these encounters distinct compared to other tasks or missions within the game?
In my design for these characters, I aimed to make them seem intimidating and commanding, as they would be facing off against a full team of heroes. Additionally, I wanted to encourage collaborative strategy among the players by making the bosses more challenging to defeat.
In each round of the game, every player gets a turn followed by the monsters’ turns, which encourages teamwork among players. However, during boss fights, the boss acts after each player’s turn instead of during the monster phase. This makes bosses more responsive, requiring players to adjust their strategies quickly as the boss reacts throughout the game. As the boss takes multiple turns, teamwork remains crucial for both protecting your allies from repeated attacks and coordinating an attack to defeat the boss.
In turn-based, multiplayer games, there’s always a possibility that a boss might get swarmed by players taking turns to attack, potentially before it has an opportunity to act; this constant sequence of player actions makes bosses remain a significant threat regardless of the number of heroes involved.
As a gamer, I’ve noticed that unlike common enemies, these bosses aren’t just mindless brutes. They possess an array of skill cards, allowing them to think tactically about which ability to deploy on each turn. This intelligence and menace they exude is palpable, and the fact that they switch up their abilities keeps the battle from becoming monotonous. Moreover, these bosses boast hefty health pools, making them formidable opponents indeed.
The NPCs of Sunderfolk
A: Could you provide some dialogue with the non-player characters (NPCs) of Arden for a moment? Who among these NPCs hold significant roles, and by the way, which smaller ones are your preferred choices? Can you share some information about them?
In the vibrant realm of Arden, its inhabitants exhibit a kaleidoscope of characteristics! We carefully considered diverse archetypes and paired them with animals that symbolically resonate. Among the pivotal figures in Arden are the Grove Keeper and Sinclair. The Grove Keeper is a venerable, aged tortoise serving as both the spiritual and political figurehead of Arden. She nurtures the Life Tree, with the heroes acting as her protectors, effectively answering to her leadership. On the other hand, Sinclair is an integral part of the community, managing and running the local tavern. Beneath this respectable facade, he engages in illicit activities such as smuggling. He openly supports the heroes and maintains strong connections with the other factions, making him one of the most influential animals within Arden.
Apart from these two, you’ll encounter a host of other captivating characters, such as a timid yet honorable guard beetle, a feisty and pampered penguin, and a resourceful inventor puffin. Among them, I find myself particularly drawn to the humble hare, who is nameless due to their storyline about constantly forgetting not only their own name but also those of their extended family members. They’re absolutely hilarious to engage with and full of potential for creative naming adventures!
Among the characters, there are some you could develop a romantic relationship with. One of my personal favorites, without giving away any spoilers, is Zuri – the dancing canine. She’s quite the tsundere, and her character truly resonates with me.
Without giving away any spoilers, I must say that among all characters, my top pick is Wurmsbait. Belonging to the ogre faction, he enters the story slightly later, yet his complex nature doesn’t deter from his portrayal as a jock with four arms.
A: In this game, where the focus is on safeguarding a town, it’s crucial that the town is populated with a variety of Non-Player Characters (NPCs). What strategies can be employed to make players feel connected to these NPCs and motivated to protect them?
As a gamer, I’m all about crafting NPCs with vibrant personas that truly shine during missions and town chats. Each character in this game is brimming with secrets waiting to be uncovered, making Arden feel like a lively, dynamic world where players can’t help but stay and protect. I often find myself popping by Amaia’s place to ensure her mischievous uncle hasn’t been causing trouble, only to visit him afterwards just for the satisfaction of giving him a piece of my mind!
A: Could you explain the function of Arden in the game’s progression mechanism? Also, could you discuss the different areas within Arden, their relevance to the narrative, and methods by which players can acquire or enhance these locations?
In Arden, serving as a central hub, players can pause between missions, use their earned gold to enhance equipment, and establish bonds with the endearing inhabitants. As players advance, they can uncover and upgrade ten distinct locations using gold and trinkets. These upgrades aren’t just about adding new elements; they open up NPC dialogues, combat advantages, Fate Cards, and additional content that enhances both the narrative and gameplay experience.
The first location is a Temple, which is cared for by the Grove Keeper who looks after the Life Tree. It’s a hallowed ground that safeguards tales of ancient Heroes and the profound history of Arden itself. Arden’s main entrance, defended by the valiant Treak and his faithful friend Chirp, serves as our primary line of defense, warding off dangers beyond the Brightshard’s glow.
In this bustling postal service, managed diligently by a hardworking hummingbird named Hermea, timely mail delivery is their top priority. This is not just an ordinary post office; it’s also a platform where players can exchange items and gold among themselves. Over at the Workshop, under the watchful eye of Evelyn, a nurturing puffin with ambitious aspirations, players can improve and enchant their trinkets. It’s here that Arden’s unique magic items are meticulously crafted.
1. Zihao, the quiet yet brave pangolin, runs The Smithy – a workshop renowned for crafting unique, high-powered weapons. These meticulously made items can significantly alter the course of challenging missions within the Sunderlands.
2. On the other hand, Sinclair, the astute mole, oversees The Tavern, serving up a menu of lavish dishes that confer combat advantages. It’s not only a popular spot for Arden’s residents to unwind and socialize but also a cherished meeting place.
In my adventure beyond Arden, I’ve come across a variety of intriguing characters, and the Market has transformed into a vibrant marketplace teeming with trades. Here, unique trinkets can be mine for a price. Moored on the eastern edge of town is the enigmatic Oracle, a boat shrouded in mystery. The locals, along with myself, frequent this spot to uncover insights about our futures. It’s also where you can unlock new Fate Cards, which could change the tide in upcoming battles. For those who appreciate style as much as I do, the Clothier offers a myriad of customization options through chroma. After all, when saving the world, why not look fabulous doing it?
At last, I’ve crossed The Bridge that spans Arden from east to west, a testament to every character I’ve encountered during my journey. Here, I can review my Affinity with each resident, gauging just how much we’ve bonded over time.
Q: Overall, how would you describe the town of Arden?
It’s likely that the warm and inviting atmosphere of Arden encourages players to feel concerned for the well-being of its citizens and strive to protect them.
Sigaty: Arden is an exceptional aspect of the game, and to me, the artists’ work is nothing less than astounding. It beautifully portrays the location where the characters originate, and it may well be the most crucial insight into the Sunderlands in the entire game. It’s almost like a vivid diorama that continues to leave me awestruck whenever I pause to fully appreciate it.
How Sunderfolk’s Classes Take Inspiration From Games Like D&D
Q: When designing the classes, did any particular tabletop system influence them the most?
In designing the main structure of our class, we took cues from Dungeons & Dragons as it’s a system many players (including us) are accustomed to. For instance, the Bard, who plays a flamboyant support role, and the Berserker, who serves as a straight-forward frontliner, should feel familiar to anyone who has played D&D.
To clarify, not all our classes are derived from Dungeons & Dragons, such as the energetic Pyromancer who unleashes bursts of fire. Additionally, we’ve adapted some existing classes like the Ranger, tailoring them to promote teamwork within our gaming experience.
Q: How did you decide which animals would represent each class in the game?
The diverse range of animals provides numerous possibilities to represent each group, such as depicting a massive polar bear as the Berserker or an elegant antelope as the Ranger. These examples illustrate how we linked the animal’s traits with their respective classes.
Arcanist
Q: What’s the driving player fantasy behind the Arcanist?
Are you interested in becoming a formidable wizard who excels in strategy, outwitting, and overpowering opponents? Does the idea of being a ‘glass cannon’ appeal to you? If so, the Arcanist character might be perfect for your playstyle. This character embodies the classic image of a scholarly spellcaster, complete with glasses that glimmer menacingly in their ultimate animation.
Question: What significance does having a mana pool hold for the Arcanist, making it such a complex class?
Centell-Dunk: The increased mana cost allows the Arcanist to access stronger or unusual abilities. If these abilities could be used each round like other hero’s skill cards, they would disrupt the game. By channeling powers of varying intensity, players can experience a sense of being reality-altering wizards capable of great feats—but at a price.
In the realm of wizard fantasy, the diverse mana costs symbolize the concept of various tiers of spell casting, with an array of spells to select from. This ranges from simpler spells (requiring less mana) for beginners, to more complex spells (demanding higher mana) for advanced practitioners. As a devoted Arcanist myself, I affectionately acknowledge the stereotype of wizards as one of the more intellectually-leaning spellcasting classes. Consequently, the functional aspect of managing mana is akin to a wizard engaged in strategic thinking and foresight, which aligns quite well with their character.
Bard
Q: What’s the driving player fantasy behind the Bard?
As a fan, I’d say: The Bard is a jack-of-all-trades, but what truly stands out is their flair for the dramatic. They’re not the best at any one thing, but they sure know how to make it look good! They’re the ultimate team player in the game, setting up friends for incredible plays and orchestrating victories like a maestro. And let’s not forget, they’re also a charming bat, dressed in a dapper cropped tuxedo and strumming a butterfly lute.
A: Can we discuss the importance of support magic in the context of certain games and particularly in relation to the Bard class within a Sunderfolk group? How crucial could such magic be for their survival?
As a gamer, I find myself constantly teetering on the edge of success in this game. There’s always just enough challenge to keep me engaged, but with a slight nudge, I can transform an ordinary move into an extraordinary feat. Sometimes, though, I come up just short of executing my grand strategy, making each victory all the sweeter.
In this area, the Bard truly excels. Their abilities to buff and reposition make even a challenging strategy feasible! They offer the necessary lift, the additional leeway to tackle uncertainties or unexpected events, or can arrange unit positions to maximize the damage output of other classes’ high-damage skills.
Bard is an essential character, offering skills that ensure you and your team’s survival, allowing you to outmaneuver enemies before they can defeat you. In larger groups, this becomes crucial for managing multiple adversaries. In smaller teams, it expedites achieving objectives faster, particularly during challenging levels with tight time constraints. The Bard is easy enough for beginners to grasp, yet offers a rich tactical experience that experienced players can leverage effectively. I strongly suggest the Bard for groups of 3 to 4 characters or seasoned gamers looking to enhance their friends’ gaming experience!
Berserker
Q: What’s the driving player fantasy behind the Berserker?
Player: Do you prefer destroying things using your bare fists or a massive hammer? Are you interested in holding your ground, allowing enemies to shatter against you while protecting your allies? Then the Berserker might be the character for you. The Berserker serves as a sturdy frontline tank, absorbing damage to grow stronger. They can endure multiple attacks in one turn and provide utility to the team by tossing heroes and enemies about. They embody the “unstoppable force” gameplay style, where players aim to transform into colossal juggernauts by the campaign’s end—a role I find particularly appealing myself.
A: In simpler terms, what makes basic combat classes like Barbarians and Fighters appealing, also applies to the Berserker, right? And when designing this class, we made sure it stays enjoyable even though it might appear simpler than other classes.
As a hardcore gamer, let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like unleashing chaos with the almighty Berserker. It’s all about pulverizing opponents with an oversized hammer and growing stronger when they dare to challenge me. The Berserker is a straightforward class, which gives us the freedom to concentrate on the core aspects that make it so enjoyable: smash, charge, hurl!
Don’t get me wrong; the Berserker isn’t without its utility tools like other classes. But their strategy is often streamlined, focusing on one resource – Rage. I don’t need to fuss over mana, firepower, or positioning; all I have to think about is my Rage level and how to push it to the limit!
Pyromancer
Q: What’s the driving player fantasy behind the Pyromancer?
Character: Do you like blasting powerful, adorable fireballs that also happen to cause massive destruction? Rather than strategize and plan, why not just obliterate your issues – sometimes unintentionally leading to new ones as well?
The Pyromancer is a character that fits you perfectly – a bundle of fun and unpredictability, wrapped up in fiery passion, using the intense power of flames to scorch enemies mercilessly. If you’re the type of player who prefers taking action immediately and dealing with consequences later, then this is your ideal hero. With incredible damage output and an affinity for transforming battlefields into a blaze of fire and chaos, the Pyromancer offers a thrilling ride to triumphant carnage!
Would you mind if I discuss some key distinctions between the Pyromancer and the Arcanist when it comes to their roles as damage-dealing spellcasters?
Zhang: The Arcanist resembles a buddy who approaches spellcasting much like handling taxes – meticulously strategizing each action, balancing mana, and arranging positions flawlessly. They’re constantly playing out multiple scenarios in their mind.
As a gamer, I’d describe the Pyromancer as an absolute master of chaos. My go-to strategy is to ignite everything and then cross my fingers, hoping for the best. I dish out some serious damage, but the battlefield can quickly become a sea of flames – sometimes it works to my advantage, other times, it’s a major headache.
In short:
- Arcanist: “I cast Gravity Nexus. Some enemies fall, and the rest get picked off.”
- Pyromancer: “I cast FIREBALL!!”
Ranger
Q: What’s the driving player fantasy behind the Ranger?
Me as a Gamer: Fancy yourself as a sharpshooter, picking off opponents from afar with pinpoint accuracy? Or perhaps you’re more of a trickster, using nature’s elements to ensnare your foes? Maybe you’re the mastermind who thrives on seeing complex strategies unfold successfully?
The Ranger functions as both a long-range attacker and a support character, excelling at inflicting significant damage on individual targets while also setting traps to ensnare enemies and aid allies. Their toolkit is user-friendly, but they truly shine when utilized by a tactical player who can routinely trigger their passive by maintaining distance from adversaries and strategically employ their distinctive supportive skills by maneuvering the battlefield. If you’re looking to deliver precise impact, much like an arrow in flight, then opt for the Ranger.
A: Is it reasonable to call the Ranger a versatile character because it appears to excel at multiple party roles, such as weakening foes and delivering powerful bow attacks? Let’s discuss whether or not this description is accurate.
In some games, a “jack-of-all-trades” class may have a wide range of abilities, making them proficient in various areas. However, often these versatile characters lack depth in any one specific area compared to more specialized classes.
If the Ranger possesses both strong offensive capabilities and crowd control skills but is weaker than other classes in terms of defensive or supportive abilities, it could be argued that the Ranger is somewhat like a jack-of-all-trades. However, if the class has exceptional skills in multiple areas while still maintaining competitive performance compared to specialized classes, then it might not be entirely accurate to label the Ranger as a jack-of-all-trades.
Ultimately, the classification depends on how the game mechanics are balanced between different roles and abilities for each class.
Gordon: The Ranger is a multi-talented class, yet every class has its unique strengths. The Ranger’s strength lies in dishing out substantial damage to individual targets. Additionally, they can hinder or immobilize opponents, giving their team the opportunity to strike. Due to the need for precise positioning and constant awareness of the surroundings, the Ranger is granted more power in their toolkit. Consider using them when you’re ready to confront a formidable boss!
Rogue
Q: What’s the driving player fantasy behind the Rogue?
Gordon: Is the shadow your companion? Do you seize the optimal moment to act, consistently outmaneuvering others? Are you a mastermind who never lets a chance to display your talents slip away? Then the Rogue could be an ideal fit for you.
In the game “Sunderfolk”, The Rogue is predominantly a stealthy assassin, specializing in inflicting severe damage from the shadows. Equipped with various tools to move across the battlefield, the Rogue needs to keep returning to the shadows to dodge enemy attacks and eliminate their adversaries. Those who are well-versed in this genre or enjoy the allure of the shadow will most effectively exploit the Rogue’s dynamic playstyle that offers great potential rewards but also carries significant risks, as they tread a fine line.
A: Could we discuss the mobility characteristic of the Rogue class and what sets it apart from others? Why is it preferred as a melee option over the Berserker by some players, and what are its unique features?
Assistant: The Rogue is among two characters possessing the ability to teleport, enabling them to bypass walls and obstacles. Uniquely, the Rogue is also the sole character who can dodge entire attacks, making them an effective situational frontliner. In contrast to the Berserker, the Rogue can only evade a single attack at a given moment, thus they must be more tactful in their encounters than the Berserker.
Despite being smaller and less bulky than the Ranger, the Rogue excels in mobility and deals more damage. When backed by a secondary tank or supportive effects, parties can effectively utilize the Rogue’s evasion skill and immense damage potential. Much like its mustelid form suggests, the Rogue offers greater adaptability in both battles and team compositions compared to the bear.
Q: Overall, can you speak to the complexity of each class?
Essentially, the intricacies distributed among the character classes are designed to cater to various gaming styles. The Berserker, for one, can be considered the simplest class, characterized by a pattern of attack and take hits. On the other hand, the Ranger, in a nutshell, is all about keeping a distance and dealing damage.
* The Pyromancer gathers fire to attack with various hex shapes.
* The Bard assists other characters, making them a good choice due to their healing abilities that make mistakes less costly.
* The Rogue specializes in sneaking and dealing high damage, but requires more maintenance as their stealth needs to be managed carefully.
* Lastly, the Arcanist collects mana to cast skills, offering some of the most intricate effects in the game, but also necessitating careful mana management during turns.
[END]
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2025-04-22 16:15