An isometric rpg with open world exploration, rich storytelling and expansive lore, and strategic turn-based combat, Dawnbringer: Vanguard of Light seeks to bea unique incarnation of the best strands of role-playing games of the last five decades while marking out its own path. It hearkens back to the intricate world and story of the classic Baldur’s Gate (as well as its artistic style), the sense of discovery and exploration of the Elder Scrolls, and tactical combat blending the style of Final Fantasy with the traditions of Dungeons and Dragons and other tabletop rpgs. And yet all of these things are placed in the service of a world and a story, and of a contemplative space of wonder and play, which is the “passion project” of the creator, who is also the author of the novel series Dawnbringer, which first gave expression to the world of Ierendal and the continent of Telmerion.
Set on the Taresta Isles contemporaneous with the events of the Dawnbringer novels, Vanguard seeks to flesh-out in a special way (proper to the digital medium) the world and the “feel” of the mythical world of Ierendal, or rather the ancient mythical past of our own world. This world, facing a conflict of catastrophic proportions, is nonetheless also a world of rich beauty both natural and spiritual, with many citizens into whose stories you will be woven, and conflicts in which your presence shall play a pivotal role. Stepping into the persona of Idrilien Mar’vidr, you shall be sent out to a small village to bolster the defenses in the region against the encroaching powers of darkness in the form of the eötenga—beasts of various kinds who all share one purpose, to destroy—and yet this shall be but the beginning of a journey spanning most of the Isle and leading to conflict, love, sacrifice, and many other things besides.
Some of what you shall find here:
–A large world rendered in the classic isometric style of crpg tradition.
–A small cast of characters to accompany the protagonist on his journey, each with rich personality and story, and many other characters encountered on your journey with deep and thoughtfully-written interactions.
–Many encounters with choices and consequences to help you truly role-play in the person of Idrilien.
–Music, audio, and ambiance to enhance and deepen your immersion in the world of Ierendal.
–Many collectible in-game books exploring the lore of the world, as well as the complete Dawnbringer novel series in PDF.
–A simple and realistic turn-based combat system fitting to the low-magic, grounded fantasy and mythology of the series, which nonetheless makes thorough use of the strategy and attribute management which contribute to the “magic” of rpg’s.
–No random encounters; all battles are either part of the story or can be seen on the map prior to engagement (and frequently avoided).
–Crafting and alchemy systems, as well as a “shard” system to complement that innate attributes and skills of the characters.
–Three different difficulty options: story-mode for those who desire little to no combat in order solely to explore the world and receive the story, normal mode for a relaxed experience with little grind and simple strategy, and challenge mode for those who enjoy looking in every nook and cranny for secret items and gear, and optimizing parties in the free allocation of attributes that leveling up gives, as well as harnessing the power of the Anaion through the shards of their power scattered throughout the world.
-And much more.
Though this game is planned to be released entirely for free, this is not an indication of its poor quality or careless execution, but rather is due simply to the fact of it being born of the passion of its creator, who hopes that you find yourself moved, encouraged, edified, and lifted up through your experience of the world of which he is the custodian.
Here is the download link for the demo of the game:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zz7v2zpoLxxbxAHVk4CrwsJyUGRSn7un/view?usp=sharing
***Check back again, because, according with the open-world and expansive nature of this game, you can consider this an open beta that will receive regular updates with new content as more of the world is fleshed out.***
Last Update: 4-25-25
*The game has undergone thorough testing, but if you find any glitches or bugs, please let me know so they can be fixed. Do note, also, that this is still an in-progress version, so, while I have tried to polish much already, the final game will be enhanced in many respects. For example, the Lighting effects are off by default because it destroys the framerate in places. This will be fixed in future. I suggest playing with them off as it is likely an engine and not a computer issue, but you are welcome to try!*
*And also, a immense amount of effort goes into creating a piece of art and creativity like this, yet nonetheless I have decided to share it with you for free. If you like it and have the resources and desire to donate to me to support my efforts, then I am so very grateful!*