Greetings!

It's been a while since the first round of playtesting concluded. We've been sorting through your feedback while continuing to push forward with the development of new areas and content. In the previous dev log, we focused on the playable content in the Verdant Valley test build. This time, we'd like to turn our lens away from the river valley and take you higher — let's check out the development progress on the plateau region.

Starting from the beginning, taking one step forward.

Windhowl Plateau — located northeast of Verdant Valley. Pass through the meadows and streams of the valley, ascend to the plateau, and you'll feel a harsher environmental theme gradually unfolding before you.

You'll first notice the change in terrain. Steep cliffs and flat barrens form several relatively isolated mesas, connected to one another by narrow ridges, wind-eroded natural stone bridges, or ancient stone steps. The view here is more expansive, and the elevation changes between locations are significantly more pronounced.

Vegetation on the plateau's surface is much sparser than in the valley. We've replaced the flower-filled meadows of the valley with sparse Shrubs and grasslands, while towering Cedars create a plant landscape entirely distinct from the valley's broadleaf forests. Yellow-green vegetation, gray-white ancient ruins, pale blue clouds and rivers, and scattered cool-toned flowers together define the plateau's visual keynote. It will make you feel as though you've stepped into an eternal autumn.

An Ancient Land and Stories in the Wind

A special type of point of interest on the plateau is a complex of structures known as the "Ancient Relics." They are scattered throughout the region at varying scales — some are merely foundation remnants and collapsed stone pillars, while others have retained relatively intact structures. The design of these relics blends the natural forms of wind-eroded rock with the geometric textures of artificial carving. We hope to convey a sense that a certain civilization once left abundant traces here, but the era of that existence is so distant that these traces have been all but buried by the forces of nature.

In the plateau region, we've further emphasized the presence of landmark locations and architecture. The Temple of Wind is the most striking landmark on the plateau — an ancient structure standing atop a mountain peak, or more precisely, the ruins of an ancient structure. Time has reduced what were once magnificent halls and domes to crumbling walls, yet Wind Elementals and The Relics still dwell within. On the temple's uppermost level, an enormous Wind Elemental — far larger than others of its kind — holds dominion there.

Continuing along the path, you'll encounter an outpost of The Claws built right against the cliff face — the Cliffside Outpost. Compared to the Claw settlements in the valley, this is a noticeably more complex and militarized stronghold of The Claws. The natural cliff serves as the sturdiest city wall, while watchtowers, wooden stakes, and palisades keep intruders at bay. Like other Claw settlements, there are Workshops, barbecue grills, and monoliths representing their primal faith.

Passing the outpost and venturing further inward, you'll enter a vast grassland surrounded by forest — the hunting grounds of The Claws. Streams fed by melting snow flow down from afar, nourishing lush water plants. Herds of Terrabirds gallop across the grasslands, Wind Hornhares prick up their single horns to catch the scent of predators, Boomerang Weasels forage among the grass and shrubs, and the massive Owlbear sits at the top of the food chain.

The most distinctive flora across the plateau is the perpetually discharging Thunder Cedar — a tree unique to this region capable of storing electrical charge within its trunk. If your exploration happens to take you nearby, be sure to watch out for these peculiar plants; they can strike their surroundings with lightning, making them quite dangerous.

They Are About to Become Your Companions

The creatures of the plateau are overall more adapted to harsh environments, and their abilities lean more toward combat and survival.

Steel-arm Beekeepers live in Honeybrew Settlements, serving as the brewers of The Claws. Their work takes them shuttling through the forest, seeking out wild Hives and gathering Honey used in the brewing of mead. The giant Honey Barrels in their hands serve as both tools of daily labor and weapons in battle.

The Steel-arm Beekeeper's combat style is straightforward — they sweep enemies with Claws imbued with tremendous strength, and can also bring their Honey Barrel down in a crushing Slam. In battle, they can drink the honeybrew from the barrel to strengthen themselves, while the honeybrew splashed during attacks slows enemies down. Beyond this, Steel-arm Beekeepers can hurl their entire Honey Barrel — the weighty barrel crashing down on distant targets.

The Boomerang Weasel is one of the common Beasts found in the open areas of the plateau. Its thick, dense fur adapts it to the plateau's intense sunlight and dry air.

Its powerful tail is the Boomerang Weasel's weapon of survival. At close range against enemies, it will whip its tail directly for sweeping strikes. When prey creates distance, the Boomerang Weasel can snap its tail to whip up a wind-blade boomerang and hurl it at faraway foes.

That said, those most adept at combat clearly aren't satisfied with ordinary means of attack. Practice repeatedly, seize the timing, and you can unlock some high-difficulty new tricks...

The Rock Knight is a large elemental creature living on the plateau. Its deep Resonance with rock has made it a master of ore manipulation. Its body is covered with embedded ore veins of varying textures, its overall silhouette heavy and rugged, bearing traces of strata sedimentation and erosion.

The Rock Knight can turn rock into its own weapon. Wielding a rock spear, it will stab at enemies and can unleash a ferocious spear charge. Even bare-handed, the Rock Knight can still pummel enemies with its stone fists — a true knight needs no weapon to fight (though I certainly wouldn't do it that way).

Let Your Ideas Change the Land of Edda

From the moment the game was announced, we've been collecting player feedback through various channels. Whether it's comments on social media, discussion threads in the community, or survey feedback received during playtests, we read and document everything carefully. During the previous playtests, we've already adjusted a substantial amount of content based on player feedback, and this process will continue indefinitely.

Currently, our Creature Naming Event is underway. Two new Companions have arrived in the land of Edda, and we want you to vote for their names. Please visit the link below to participate in the event.

Event Link:

Name creature A

Name creature B

Finally, if you haven't yet added Never Wither to your Steam wishlist, now is still a great time — every bit of support means the world to us.

See you next time!

Geo Seed Games