The World of Kalyskah

Kalyskah is set in Thulgatha, an ancient land inspired by the rugged and mystical landscapes of the Balkans. Here, towering mountains rise above the clouds, and ancient forests hide secrets long forgotten. This is a fantasy world, one where the supernatural is ever-present, where different races, each with their histories and struggles, coexist in a fragile balance.

Players will guide Kalyskah through two distinct eras, defined by events before and after The Great Fall. In the prologue, you will experience a society thriving on steam and gears, where technology drives progress, and the Karnstein Legion dominates every human on Tupelo's island. However, a pivotal event drives Kalyskah into a deep slumber, and while she sleeps, the world is irrevocably altered by a cataclysmic event.

When Kalyskah awakens a long time later, she finds herself in a world that has moved on without her—a world where the remnants of the old mechanical society have been transformed by new technologies that harness magic in ways she never imagined. The contrast between the steampunk past and the blend of magic and medieval that dominates the present offers a unique journey where ruins might seem more modern than the world around Kalyskah.

But these changing landscapes are merely the background for a narrative driven by choice and consequence. Kalyskah’s journey is deeply personal and shaped by the decisions you make. Will she embrace the darkness within her, becoming a monster feared by all? Or will she find a way to balance her power with compassion, using her abilities to protect rather than dominate? The path she takes will determine the fate of Thulgatha and her new legacy.

Magic

Magic in the world of Kalyskah is ancient and mysterious. Some scholars believe it originates from The Storms, raw forces of creation that predate even the gods. Others argue that magic is tied to the very fabric of reality, with each aspect of existence resonating with these primordial forces. The truth is a matter of debate for scholars, but what is clear is that magic has become far more prevalent in the world following the events of The Great Fall.

Most magic in Thulgatha is wielded through tools and artefacts, with only a few individuals possessing the innate ability to channel it directly. The presence of magic has shifted the balance of power, creating new opportunities and new dangers.

Vampires and Vampirism

Humans are the most populous race in Thulgatha and form the backbone of its civilizations. The Great Fall destroyed the age of prosperity and technology that humanity created, forcing them back to the Stone Age; however, ever adaptable, humanity endured and recovered. They are the survivors, the builders, and the dreamers, navigating a world filled with both old threats and new opportunities.

Vampires in Kalyskah are not just undead—they are beings of immense power, beauty, and complexity. Vampirism is a curse that can affect any being, be they human, elf, or orc. This transformation doesn’t just change their nature; it amplifies their abilities, making them stronger and more formidable than they ever were, and the effects only intensify with age.

As the first vampire, Kalyskah possesses incredible powers, and she extends these Dark Gifts to her cursed progeny. These abilities set them further apart from Humans, allowing them to dominate them with ease. However, Vampires still need to be careful. With tens of thousands of Humans for every Vampire, they are hopelessly outnumbered. And just like the wolf does not reveal its presence to the sheep, so too do Vampires live in secrecy, lest they provoke a violent response from their food. Indeed, previous abuses have already led to the creation of organisations that hunts the undead. Known as the Seekers, these Humans are trained to combat Vampires and are a threat only ignored by short-lived fools.

Kalyskah’s Internal Conflict

Kalyskah’s beauty is as much a weapon as her strength. She knows how to use her immortal allure and charisma to get what she wants, bending the world to her will, and at the heart of our game is her internal struggle and how she uses these tools to achieve her goals—a battle between her vampiric nature and the remnants of her humanity. Kalyskah begins her journey as a powerful yet deeply flawed character. She is initially selfish and controlling, driven by a desire to build a legacy that will endure eternity at any cost.

The player’s choices will directly influence how Kalyskah navigates her world and who she becomes—whether she embraces her darker instincts or finds a way to retain some semblance of empathy towards the living. Almost every quest will have alternate endings or different approaches depending on how compassionate and loyal Kalyskah is to her Legion.

Vampiric Traits and Facts

Vampires in Kalyskah are complex beings, each one shaped by the unique circumstances of their transformation and the bloodline from which they descend. The game delves deeply into the lore of vampirism, offering players a rich tapestry of myths, facts, and unique traits that define what it means to be a vampire in Thulgatha. A few of the first interactions you will have will showcase the world we are building:

• Bloodlines and Gifts: Vampires can develop unique abilities known as "Dark Gifts," which are passed down through bloodlines. For example, Laver, one of Kalyskah’s primogens, can move with such speed that it appears as though he is teleporting. As the original, Kalyskah is capable of developing the abilities of every single bloodline, but first, she needs to have a taste of the blood of her children.

• Eye Colours and Lineage: The colour of a vampire’s eyes can reveal much about their lineage and power. Kalyskah, as the first vampire, is the only one who has red eyes. Vampires she directly turns typically have orange eyes, signifying their close connection to her. As the bloodline dilutes, the eye colours shift, with vampires further removed from Kalyskah exhibiting more natural hues. However, those with exceptional magical potential might awaken with blue eyes, marking them as unique even among their peers.

• Myths vs. Reality: The game also explores common myths about vampires, separating fact from fiction. While many of these myths were spread by the Seekers, who don't fully understand the twists in the blood, some hold a kernel of truth. For instance, while vampires do need to drink blood to sustain themselves, they can also derive sustenance from other life-related fluids. Additionally, while sunlight is harmful, it is not instantly fatal—older, well-fed vampires can withstand it, though it drains their strength and abilities.

As Kalyskah, players will navigate a world that both reveres and fears her. She is a figure of legend, known for her ruthlessness and power, but also for the darkness that she embodies. This reputation allows her to command respect, but it also makes her a target for those who seek to control or destroy her.

Exploration and Atmosphere

Thulgatha is not just a backdrop for the story; it is a character in its own right, with each location offering its own mood, challenges, and secrets. From the peaks of Millhaven to the dense, ancient forests that conceal forgotten ruins, the world is designed to draw players in, encouraging exploration and rewarding those who seek out its hidden corners.

The game’s atmosphere is enhanced by its detailed world-building, with every location reflecting the history and events that have shaped it. Whether it’s the remnants of the advanced societies of old or the new, magical elements that have emerged after The Great Fall, each area tells its own story, adding artefacts to be found and hidden lore to be uncovered.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to develop Kalyskah, our focus remains on delivering a game that is not only visually stunning but also rich in narrative depth and gameplay variety. We are a small team, but we are committed to ensuring that every aspect of the game, from the smallest environmental detail to the overarching plot, reflects the world we have created—a world that is as dark and seductive as it is dangerous. Your support during the Early Access period will greatly help us realise this vision, increase our numbers, and realise the game as we conceived it. As well as your support to our Patreon and Subscribestar, which will allow us to increase our team and add the planned content faster.

Happy hunt!