You remember neither your name, where you came from, nor why you ended up in the past.
It is up to you to decide who you are. But fate has other plans for you. You become Rurik and find yourself in the thick of the 862 events. His life is yours. However, it's not that simple: people are mortal, and power is ephemeral. The story will not end with one knyaz – it will definitely continue in Oleg, Igor and Olga.
This is a historical visual novel with RPG-elements. It is based on the history of Ancient Russia, recreated from chronicles and archaeological artefacts. Moreover, to connect the plot of the four stories, there are elements of fiction, meta-humor and a separate lore that will be revealed as the story progresses. And according to your curiosity.
Let’s keep it simple. The game designer is on the line. And I’ll tell you what you can actually expect from the game. No sugarcoating. Just the facts:
Non‑linear plot. Freedom of action within what the universe allows you to do.
Circles. Not just replaying after losing the game or dying. The path also varies. Slightly altered: in some places, new scenes will open up; in others, you’ll think and decide differently; and in some places, you’ll uncover what was earlier hidden. I won’t say why. (Psst, spoilers!)
Variability due to game leveling. Some scenes are available at one level, others at another one.
Game leveling. It’s different. Passive – depends on dialogues: if you chose a bold path – a plus to Courage, a smart one – to Intelligence, and so on. Active – exchanging some points for others: for example, accumulated Curiosity can be exchanged for a couple of Intelligence points.
RISE – it’s not exactly strength (tjough a part of it). It’s Resolve, Intelligence, Strength, and Esteem. It affects the availability of solutions, the ability to complete certain scenes, and also directly affects your army. By the way…
Battles are inspired by JRPG, however, are made with the Russian soul. Here’s the auto-targeting button for those who is not interested in gaining such experience. Or just do not agree to do what Druzhina offers you to…Oh, yeah… Druzhina!
There is the very important system of relationships – DNA: Druzhina, Nation, and Aliens (). It’s important ot balance here, cause there’s no way how to befriend with all of them at once. But you can do your best in it. I tried – and failed.
And there are speaking stones. For sure! I’m not joking. And yeah, it’s not the mystery – it’s fiction.
Are you still reading this? Seriously?
Well, OK then.
There’s a lot more I’d like to tell you:
An reconstructed interactive map, based on chronicles. You can explore the world of the late 9th century on it. Moreover among the actions you can do these things: collect tribute, seize new vozhdestva (chiefdoms), chat with Byzantium, influence the Khazar Khaganate — and so on.
There are various mini‑games in the lore. Some are needed to unlock secret scenes that ultimately affect the endings. But there are also those that are directly related to the gameplay. For example:
HUNT – the locations are random, and everything depends on the leveled luck and some characteristics.
VEKSHA – a proprietary card game. Not DOOM, of course, but a game within a game. For now, you can play with the computer, but someday we’ll add an online mode – if, of course, you need it.
It’s so nice when people read to the end. But I’m sorry to disappoint you: if I keep going, spoilers will definitely start coming up. And that’s not good. Not good, is it…? I think I’ll wrap things up for now.
Thank you for reading till the end. Seriously, it means a lot to the three people who are making this game. The game that will be released in March 2027 in early access. And the full release will be closer to summer. We’ll do our best (and hope won’t die on the way)!