Greetings Fellow Avatars!
Release 132 goes live November 27th at 10:30 AM CST.
Welcome! The Catnip Games development team marks this monthly release of Shroud of the Avatar with new content and improvements. For Release 132 (R132), we offer ways to brighten the darkest part of the year.
For those wishing to participate in any community activities, upcoming one-time and recurring community events have been announced! Be sure to also review the Player Guide and Known Issues for additional information on recent changes and upcoming fixes.
News Announcements
Community Updates
Season’s Greetings
We are now in the last quarter of the year and quickly approaching Shroud of the Avatar’s 11th anniversary! In the last months of the year, we primarily dedicate ourselves to working on bugs and internal system updates. This month we have been working in earnest to plan the content and itemization for next year.
We have quite a number of items in the fire, including bug fixes, massive amounts of dungeon work, and our continued efforts to map the game so that we can audit it properly. Portalarium produced a ton of content, features, and skills, but not much was documented. We are working on getting things better organized so that we spend less critical time on recurring things like Monthly and Subscriber Login Rewards.
I want to take this moment to thank the team for being so dedicated and going above and beyond every day. Allium and Laney both have expanded their dev knowledge by leaps and bounds. Over the last few months alone, Allium produced almost all of the items we have been presenting to the community; these and the creation tasks that Laney has taken on are lessening the load for myself and are allowing me to work on 2025 plans, player dungeon content, and the more stubborn bugs.
I also want to thank Keith, Scottie, and Devilcult for their dedication and continued support. This is a passion project for everyone who works on the game. We look forward to big things in 2025!
– Ravalox
Livestream Explanation
We have at least one Livestream on our official Twitch channel () each month. During our official streams, we offer a number of ‘prizening’ drawings for in-game items and recently it has been asked how that all works. There will be a prize phrase published with the official release notes. This phrase is to be said in game, using any chat channel (including whispers), on the day of the stream. Aside from that, a purchase on the game’s website will also enter your account for a chance at a prize.
The phrase can be entered into game chat at any time on the date of the stream (starting at midnight Central Time), leading all the way up to about five minutes before each drawing. We typically have at least two drawings per stream. Players do not have to enter a second time for the additional drawings.
Prizes are generally delivered quickly, but since our streams are usually held on a Friday, they may not appear in the player’s in-game inbox until sometime during the next week.
Please remember that only phrases spoken in game qualify as entries into the drawing. We do not track the phrases spoken in Twitch chat or Discord.
I was hoping to stream a few more times this month, but the holiday season is too powerful and I found myself short of time. I will endeavor to try to stream a work session or three each month going forward, but that may need to wait until January, since December’s calendar is already filled to capacity (though you never know when I may just fire up OBS!)
– Ravalox
Release 132 Patch Notes
Below are a list of the updates that are live as of Release 132 in the game of Shroud of the Avatar! R132 is a polish month. Content, additional improvements, and bug fixes are inbound for R133 next month. We hope you enjoy the changes that are live today as of Release 132!
Crafting, Decoration, Gear, & Inventory Item Changes:
User Interface, Store Information, Inky, & Lua Changes:
World and Quest Changes:
Player-Owned Town Changes:
Latest News and Q&A in the Second November Livestream
The post-release Community Livestream is Friday, November 29th at 4PM CT on Twitch! Join Stephen “Ravalox” Reinen and other members of the development team for a 1-hour community livestream!
To enter the prize drawings, type “happy harvest” into any in-game chat channel OR make a purchase on the website Add-On Store at any time on the day of the stream; that is to say, after midnight CT.
Please submit questions using in-game universal chat by typing “askadev” before your question. We’ll do our best to answer these questions live on the stream. Watch on Twitch, Friday at 4PM CT!
Members of the Shroud of the Avatar development team stream on twitch.tv/shroudoftheavatar — be sure to get the channel on follow for notifications so you can join us right as we go live! Also, if you’ve missed our latest streams, check out our archive of content at our YouTube Channel. Like! Follow! Subscribe! Prizes!!!
Don’t forget to also join the Shroud of the Avatar team and community over on Facebook at Shroud of the Avatar and on Discord at Join the Shroud of the Avatar Discord Server!.
Sales and Bonus Events
A harvest sale will run until end-of-day December 5th:
Release 132 Subscriber Login Rewards
If you’re not ready to see snow, maybe you can distract from it a bit. The Rewards Program login items for Release 132 are an Ornate Tabletop Snow Family 2024, three assorted Medium Yule 2024 Gift Boxes, and a choose-one bag of a Yule Street Lamp with Sign!
Subscribers to the Rewards Program must log in during Release 132 to receive these special login items.
The Shroud of the Avatar Rewards Program lets you earn the best rate on purchasing Crowns AND receive monthly reward items! For a low monthly price, you will receive the following:
December Login Reward
A bit of greenery will remind you that the days will start to get longer soon. Each account that logs in during the month of December will receive a one-time gift of a Potted Poinsettia.
Crown Store Updates
New in the crown store for today’s release:
…for December 1st:
…and for December 13th:
The Fall Holidays store items will be available through Monday December 9th:
List of Fall Holidays items:
The Winter Holidays store items will be available from Friday November 28th through Monday February 10th:
List of Winter Holidays items (other than this year’s additions):
Bug Brigade & Testing Directives!
The Bug Brigade was established to improve how the community and the development team work together to improve the game. Since the Brigade’s inception, the program has gone through a number of changes and was eventually placed on hold. The stability of the game is as important to the development team as it is to the players, therefore the program was revamped and was relaunched.
The Brigade has been up and running and the volunteers (Alley Oop, Echondas, Flair Minamoto, and Justyn) are in a good rhythm for verifying and submitting bugs to the developers. If you have reported a bug that has not yet been addressed, please be patient while the backlog is being worked. The Brigade is working diligently to clean up the backlog of bug reports posted by players on the forums.
Every month, a considerable amount of development time will be spent working many of the verified bugs which have been submitted to the team by the Bug Brigade. This focused effort on bug fixes would not be possible without the recent efforts of the Bug Brigade. Please take the time to thank these bug hunting aficionados when you encounter them in your travels!
In turn, the development team would like to express a big thank you to the Bug Hunters! These community members are doing a fantastic job bringing so many bug reports to the team, and they’re doing it in a way which makes the process smooth and efficient. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Much improvement has been noticed by the development team and we’re so very excited to see the program’s continued success!
The development team would also like to thank all of those who take time to participate in QA Testing Directives. Thanks to your hard work and dedication, many issues and bugs can be identified and fixed prior to content going to the Live Server! Keep up the great work! For those that wish to participate in future bug hunting endeavors, please check the forums regularly for upcoming QA Testing Directives.
Don’t forget, the Bug Brigade is open to all players in good standing and bug rewards are SWEET! They will be awarded on a monthly progression basis with only minimal requirements to qualify. The available rewards to receive in progression via qualifying participation are as follows:
If you’ve come to think of Shroud of the Avatar as your home, sign up and help make New Britannia a better place to live! To learn more about joining the Bug Brigade, please read the announcement thread by Ravalox in the main Bug/Feedback forums.
Streaming Program
Streamers of Shroud of the Avatar can participate in a program to showcase the game and be rewarded for their efforts. Any player in good standing who wishes to be included in the Streaming Program can contact Laney via in-game mail with their Character Name and Twitch Channel information. If you have already signed up for the program in the past, fear not: you’re on the list and you don’t need to reapply.
Streaming Rewards Program participants must adhere to our Terms of Service (TOS) and Community Rules while Streaming Shroud of the Avatar.
Streaming Rewards Program participants must stream at least 10 hours of Shroud of the Avatar ACTIVE game play to remain in the program with reward accrual.
Streamers will receive a one-time digital reward of in-game items after meeting the program’s requirements: Streamer’s Cloak, Streamer’s Camera, and the LIVESTREAMING title.
Rules:
Monthly Streaming Bundles:
On the 1st of each month, qualifying streamers will be eligible to receive 50 Streaming Bundles. Bundles will be sent out to Streamers via in-game mail.
A few things you need to know:
Other Items of Note:
Upcoming Release Dates
Be sure to check out the Upcoming Events page for spotlighted events plus links to various areas to post or find events on our forums. The upcoming 2024 Release Schedule is as follows:
Community Events & Resources
Greetings event holders and event attendees! So many fun and exciting events are available in the upcoming weeks. Be sure to get out there and participate, make some new friends, perhaps make some great emote, recipe, or gear trades, or get some adventuring and role-playing into your mix! Here are spotlighted events or updated community resources that we’ve noticed popping up lately on the official forums.
Recurring Events:
Community Calendars:
Community Event Resources: Here are some fantastic resources for tracking down community events or posting your own events. Become involved! Create! Explore! Make friends! But most of all, have fun!
So many options to stay tuned-in with fellow community members. Please take advantage of all these wonderful options. Happy adventures, Avatars!
Project to Support: Ma Vie en Rogue
Sorceress Dragon of the team behind the Ultima Dragons’ 25th Anniversary Bash is creating a new, narrative-driven Roguelike RPG, Ma Vie en Rogue! The game will feature fun, engaging gameplay, many varied worlds, unlimited character customization, dozens of unique NPCs, pets, and monsters, sweet pixel art, and so much more. Richard Garriott has already offered his official endorsement, so watch for the Lord British character and Ultima-inspired Easter eggs! The physical versions come in a collector’s tin lunchbox and showcase cover art by Ultima artist Denis Loubet, a cloth map, metal ankh amulet, printed booklet, and more. Late pledges are open on Kickstarter for a limited time so don’t miss your chance to get in on some unique treasures!
Project to Support: Inside a Kid’s Mind
Chris Spears’ daughter Maxine has, for a school project, opened a webstore of various items printed with her artwork. Go have a look Inside a Kid’s Mind!
Project to Support: Avatar Relics
Community member Shawn Butts has opened a Shroud of the Avatar merchandise store with Catnip Games’ approval. Visit for pins, mugs, shirts, posters, and more here.
Project to Support: Shard RPG
Shard Studios invites you to enter the fantastic world Dárdünah, the vast shard of a shattered realm, as presented in the colorful pages of the SHARD RPG! Many years in the making, this system allows players to choose from a wide variety of animal people who are the main cast of the many adventures this otherworldly setting offers. Skyships glide through shimmering clouds past majestic crystal peaks. Giant insects prowl alien jungles or lurk in the sparkling emerald seas. Warriors with blades of diamond and amber duel across crimson sands. And mystics chant in shadowy chambers as their spirits wander abroad.
So if you’re ready to experience a gaming world like no other, check out what Shard Studios has created for tabletop role-players on the Shard RPG official website! You’ll most certainly be immersed and amazed by the offerings of the Shard RPG!
Project to Support: Embers Adrift!
Help support one of our team members’ other projects, Embers Adrift! Check out their official trailer here.
Resources: Players Helping Players
The official SotA New Player Welcome Forum and the Player Created Resources Forum have the best player created resources for Shroud of the Avatar, whether it’s a Player Written Guide, a Video Walk-through, or a Wiki-type Website.
Visit the official Community Resources page for a complete listing of all things community.
Continue reading...
Release 132 goes live November 27th at 10:30 AM CST.
Welcome! The Catnip Games development team marks this monthly release of Shroud of the Avatar with new content and improvements. For Release 132 (R132), we offer ways to brighten the darkest part of the year.
For those wishing to participate in any community activities, upcoming one-time and recurring community events have been announced! Be sure to also review the Player Guide and Known Issues for additional information on recent changes and upcoming fixes.
News Announcements
- Season’s Greetings
- Livestream Explanation
- Release 132 Patch Notes
- Latest News and Q&A in the Second November Livestream
- Sales and Bonus Events
- Release 132 Subscriber Login Rewards
- December Login Rewards
- Crown Store Updates
- Bug Brigade & Testing Directives
- Streaming Program
- Upcoming Release Dates
Community Updates
- Community Events & Resources
- Project to Support: Ma Vie en Rogue
- Project to Support: Inside a Kid’s Mind
- Project to Support: Avatar Relics
- Project to Support: Shard RPG
- Project to Support: Embers Adrift
- Resources: Players Helping Players
Season’s Greetings
We are now in the last quarter of the year and quickly approaching Shroud of the Avatar’s 11th anniversary! In the last months of the year, we primarily dedicate ourselves to working on bugs and internal system updates. This month we have been working in earnest to plan the content and itemization for next year.
We have quite a number of items in the fire, including bug fixes, massive amounts of dungeon work, and our continued efforts to map the game so that we can audit it properly. Portalarium produced a ton of content, features, and skills, but not much was documented. We are working on getting things better organized so that we spend less critical time on recurring things like Monthly and Subscriber Login Rewards.
I want to take this moment to thank the team for being so dedicated and going above and beyond every day. Allium and Laney both have expanded their dev knowledge by leaps and bounds. Over the last few months alone, Allium produced almost all of the items we have been presenting to the community; these and the creation tasks that Laney has taken on are lessening the load for myself and are allowing me to work on 2025 plans, player dungeon content, and the more stubborn bugs.
I also want to thank Keith, Scottie, and Devilcult for their dedication and continued support. This is a passion project for everyone who works on the game. We look forward to big things in 2025!
– Ravalox
Livestream Explanation
We have at least one Livestream on our official Twitch channel () each month. During our official streams, we offer a number of ‘prizening’ drawings for in-game items and recently it has been asked how that all works. There will be a prize phrase published with the official release notes. This phrase is to be said in game, using any chat channel (including whispers), on the day of the stream. Aside from that, a purchase on the game’s website will also enter your account for a chance at a prize.
The phrase can be entered into game chat at any time on the date of the stream (starting at midnight Central Time), leading all the way up to about five minutes before each drawing. We typically have at least two drawings per stream. Players do not have to enter a second time for the additional drawings.
Prizes are generally delivered quickly, but since our streams are usually held on a Friday, they may not appear in the player’s in-game inbox until sometime during the next week.
Please remember that only phrases spoken in game qualify as entries into the drawing. We do not track the phrases spoken in Twitch chat or Discord.
I was hoping to stream a few more times this month, but the holiday season is too powerful and I found myself short of time. I will endeavor to try to stream a work session or three each month going forward, but that may need to wait until January, since December’s calendar is already filled to capacity (though you never know when I may just fire up OBS!)
– Ravalox
Release 132 Patch Notes
Below are a list of the updates that are live as of Release 132 in the game of Shroud of the Avatar! R132 is a polish month. Content, additional improvements, and bug fixes are inbound for R133 next month. We hope you enjoy the changes that are live today as of Release 132!
Crafting, Decoration, Gear, & Inventory Item Changes:
- A recipe for a Yule Stocking 2024 decoration has been added to housing decoration merchants in Regalis. SOTA-72362
- Fixed collision for the Small Knight’s Tent, Large Knight’s Tent, Great Knight’s Tent, Small Elven Tent, Medium Elven Tent, Large Elven Tent, Triangle Kobold Tent, Medium Canvas Tent, Virtue Oktoberfest Tent, Barn Stall, and Thin Barn Stall so they’re placeable in player dungeons. SOTA-72341
- Fixed a typo in the names of two 2024 Valentine Gift boxes.
User Interface, Store Information, Inky, & Lua Changes:
- Made an icon for the Blank Ornate Streetlamp with Sign.
- Hooked up the correct icon for the 2022 Yule Tree.
World and Quest Changes:
- Seasonal Monsters: With the departure of the comet, the aether creatures have gone into hibernation.
- Grusk: Fixed an issue where players on the Lost Disambiguator quest couldn’t enter one of the Moon Towers. SOTA-72333
- Grusk: Fixed a typo in the “Ask About Disambiguator” journal entry. SOTA-72335
- Grusk: Moved three Kobold Guardians outside of a building to help them access their walking paths. SOTA-72334
- Jotungrund: Added collision to a wooden tower.
- Norgard Fens: Added several access ladders for the metal gangway in the Kobold outpost. SOTA-72339
- Port Harmony: Fixed a typo in the hint for Zouch’s “Emote Smellbad By Stall” task. SOTA-72351
- Ruined Keep: Evened out some jagged puddles. SOTA-72352
- Sawtooth Thicket: Removed an out-of-bounds tree that was clipping into a cave. SOTA-72349
- Vikland: Fixed a typo in Liva’s response for “amulet of testimony.”
Player-Owned Town Changes:
- Cassiopeia: Upgraded to Crossroads Village.
- Saxon’s Landing: Upgraded to Town.
- Brittany Fort: Removed POT.
Latest News and Q&A in the Second November Livestream
The post-release Community Livestream is Friday, November 29th at 4PM CT on Twitch! Join Stephen “Ravalox” Reinen and other members of the development team for a 1-hour community livestream!
To enter the prize drawings, type “happy harvest” into any in-game chat channel OR make a purchase on the website Add-On Store at any time on the day of the stream; that is to say, after midnight CT.
Please submit questions using in-game universal chat by typing “askadev” before your question. We’ll do our best to answer these questions live on the stream. Watch on Twitch, Friday at 4PM CT!
Members of the Shroud of the Avatar development team stream on twitch.tv/shroudoftheavatar — be sure to get the channel on follow for notifications so you can join us right as we go live! Also, if you’ve missed our latest streams, check out our archive of content at our YouTube Channel. Like! Follow! Subscribe! Prizes!!!
Don’t forget to also join the Shroud of the Avatar team and community over on Facebook at Shroud of the Avatar and on Discord at Join the Shroud of the Avatar Discord Server!.
Sales and Bonus Events
A harvest sale will run until end-of-day December 5th:
- Crown Store sales will be 30% off.
- Crowns of the Obsidians will be 20% off.
Release 132 Subscriber Login Rewards
If you’re not ready to see snow, maybe you can distract from it a bit. The Rewards Program login items for Release 132 are an Ornate Tabletop Snow Family 2024, three assorted Medium Yule 2024 Gift Boxes, and a choose-one bag of a Yule Street Lamp with Sign!
Subscribers to the Rewards Program must log in during Release 132 to receive these special login items.
The Shroud of the Avatar Rewards Program lets you earn the best rate on purchasing Crowns AND receive monthly reward items! For a low monthly price, you will receive the following:
Tier 1 | $9 (plus tax) | 900 COTOs and 3 Obsidian potions monthly |
Tier 2 | $18 (plus tax) | 2000 COTOs and 6 Obsidian potions monthly |
Tier 3 | $27 (plus tax) | 3500 COTOs and 9 Obsidian potions monthly |
- 900 Crowns of the Obsidians every month
- Monthly Login Reward Items (about 3 per month)
- Exclusive Title every 3 months
- 3 Months: Keeper of the Faith
- 6 Months: Keeper of the Word
- 9 Months: Keeper of the Vow
- 12 Months: Keeper of the Flame
- 15 Months: Keeper of the Oath
- 18 Months: Keeper of the Pledge
- 21 Months: Keeper of the Bond
- 24 Months: Keeper of the Promise
- 27 Months: Keeper of the Covenant
- 30 Months: Keeper of Countless Devotions
- 33 Months: Keeper of Thirty-Three Corpions
- 36 Months: Keeper of Thirty-Six Serpents
- 39 Months: Keeper of Thirty-Nine Tulips
- 42 Months: Keeper of Forty-Two Roses
- 45 Months: Keeper of Forty-Five Lilies
- 48 Months: Keeper of Forty-Eight Daisies
- 51 Months: Keeper of Fifty-One Staves
- 54 Months: Keeper of Fifty-Four Daggers
- 57 Months: Keeper of Fifty-Seven Arrows
- 60 Months: Keeper of Sixty Swords
- 63 Months: Keeper of Sixty-Three Coins
- 66 Months: Keeper of Sixty-Six Gems
- 69 Months: Keeper of Sixty-Nine Jewels
- 72 Months: Keeper of Seventy-Two Goblets
- 75 Months: Keeper of Seventy-Five Rings
- 78 Months: Keeper of Seventy-Eight Amulets
- Pick any Dye 12-Pack every 6 months
- Pick any three (or six, or nine, for higher tiers) of these 7 Obsidian Potions every month:
- Potion of Capacity: Increases carrying capacity
- Potion of Conservation: Reduces reagent use chance
- Potion of Expedience: Swift gathering on all gathering skills
- Potion of Precision: Increases Meticulous Collection to all gathering skills
- Potion of Preservation: Reduces armor and weapon damage
- Potion of Reclamation: Increases Salvage and Repair to all production skills
- Potion of Stamina: Decreases focus use from sprinting
- While subscribed to the rewards program, players also receive these special bonuses:
- Obsidian Potions are significantly more powerful!
- 24 Additional Deck Slots!
December Login Reward
A bit of greenery will remind you that the days will start to get longer soon. Each account that logs in during the month of December will receive a one-time gift of a Potted Poinsettia.
Crown Store Updates
New in the crown store for today’s release:
- Yule Log 2024
- Yule Tree 2024
- Large Yule Tree 2024
- Giant Yule Tree 2024
- Tabletop Yule Tree 2024
- Yule Stockings 2024 3-Pack
- Animal Spawner, White Reindeer with Pine Cone
- Blank Ornate Dark Metal Street Lamp with Sign 6-Pack
- Blank Ornate Light Metal Street Lamp with Sign 6-Pack
…for December 1st:
…and for December 13th:
- Ornate Tabletop Snow Family 2024
- Blank Ornate Yule Street Lamp with Sign 6-Pack
- Blank Ornate Yule Dark Metal Street Lamp with Sign 6-Pack
- Blank Ornate Yule Light Metal Street Lamp with Sign 6-Pack
- Bell-Themed Round Yule 2024 Gift Box 3-Pack
- Snowflake-Themed Square Yule 2024 Gift Box 3-Pack
- Gingerbread-Themed Rectangle Yule 2024 Gift Box 3-Pack
The Fall Holidays store items will be available through Monday December 9th:
List of Fall Holidays items:
- Fall Wreath 2017
- Fall Wreath 2019
- Ornate Cornucopia 2014
- Ornate Cornucopia 2015
- Ornate Cornucopia 2016
- Ornate Cornucopia 2017
- Turkey Decoration Pet
- Banded Turkey Decoration Pet
- Speckled Turkey Decoration Pet
- White Turkey Decoration Pet
- Turkey Statue
- Turkey Statue (2022)
The Winter Holidays store items will be available from Friday November 28th through Monday February 10th:
List of Winter Holidays items (other than this year’s additions):
- 2016 Winter Holiday Soundtrack
- Blank Yule Card 2017 5-Pack
- Blank Yule Card 2018 5-Pack
- Blank Yule Card 2020 A 5-Pack
- Blank Yule Card 2020 B 5-Pack
- Candy Cane Wand
- Ceiling Yule Tree
- Giant Haunted Yule Tree
- Giant Yule Tree 2015
- Giant Yule Tree 2016
- Giant Yule Tree 2017
- Giant Yule Tree 2018
- Giant Yule Tree 2022
- Haunted Sleigh
- Haunted Snow Family
- Haunted Snowman Mask
- Haunted Yule Tree
- Krampus Mask
- Krampus Statue
- Kwanzaa Table Decorations
- Large Haunted Yule Tree
- Large Yule Tree 2016
- Large Yule Tree 2017
- Large Yule Tree 2018
- Large Yule Tree 2022
- Menorah 2014
- Menorah 2015
- Menorah 2016
- Menorah 2017
- Menorah 2018
- Menorah 2020
- Menorah 2021
- Ornate Mantle Garland 2017 12-Pack
- Ornate Mantle Garland 2018 12-Pack
- Ornate Replenishing Snowball Box 2014
- Ornate Replenishing Snowball Box 2015
- Ornate Replenishing Snowball Box 2016
- Ornate Sled
- Ornate Sleigh
- Ornate Snow Family 2015
- Ornate Snow Family 2016
- Ornate Snow Family 2017
- Ornate Snow Family 2018
- Ornate Wall Garland 2017 12-Pack
- Ornate Wall Garland 2018 12-Pack
- Ornate Yule Music Box
- Ornate Yule Wreath 2015 3-Pack
- Ornate Yule Wreath 2016 3-Pack
- Ornate Yule Wreath 2017 3-Pack
- Ornate Yule Wreath 2018 3-Pack
- Red-Nosed Reindeer Mount
- Small Ornate Wall Garland 2017 12-Pack
- Small Ornate Wall Garland 2018 12-Pack
- Snow Globe 2020
- Snow Globe 2022
- Snow Globe 2023
- Snowman Mask 2015
- Snowman Mask with Hat & Moustache 2018
- Snowman Mask with Stovepipe Hat 2016
- Snowman Mask with Stovepipe Hat 2017
- Tabletop Haunted Yule Tree
- Tabletop Yule Tree 2014
- Tabletop Yule Tree 2015
- Tabletop Yule Tree 2016
- Tabletop Yule Tree 2017
- Tabletop Yule Tree 2018
- Tabletop Yule Tree 2022
- Tabletop Yule Tree 2023
- Yule Elf Outfit
- Yule Gift Box 2016 3-Pack
- Yule Gift Box 2017 3-Pack
- Yule Gift Box 2018 3-Pack
- Yule Gift Box 2020 3-Pack
- Yule Gift Box 2021 3-Pack
- Yule Stockings 2016 3-Pack
- Yule Stockings 2017 3-Pack
- Yule Stockings 2018 3-Pack
- Yule Stockings 2020 3-Pack
- Yule Stockings 2021 3-Pack
- Yule Stockings 2022 3-Pack
- Yule Stockings 2023 3-Pack
- Yule Tree 2014
- Yule Tree 2015
- Yule Tree 2016
- Yule Tree 2017
- Yule Tree 2018
- Yule Tree 2022
- Yule Tree 2023
Bug Brigade & Testing Directives!
The Bug Brigade was established to improve how the community and the development team work together to improve the game. Since the Brigade’s inception, the program has gone through a number of changes and was eventually placed on hold. The stability of the game is as important to the development team as it is to the players, therefore the program was revamped and was relaunched.
The Brigade has been up and running and the volunteers (Alley Oop, Echondas, Flair Minamoto, and Justyn) are in a good rhythm for verifying and submitting bugs to the developers. If you have reported a bug that has not yet been addressed, please be patient while the backlog is being worked. The Brigade is working diligently to clean up the backlog of bug reports posted by players on the forums.
Every month, a considerable amount of development time will be spent working many of the verified bugs which have been submitted to the team by the Bug Brigade. This focused effort on bug fixes would not be possible without the recent efforts of the Bug Brigade. Please take the time to thank these bug hunting aficionados when you encounter them in your travels!
In turn, the development team would like to express a big thank you to the Bug Hunters! These community members are doing a fantastic job bringing so many bug reports to the team, and they’re doing it in a way which makes the process smooth and efficient. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Much improvement has been noticed by the development team and we’re so very excited to see the program’s continued success!
The development team would also like to thank all of those who take time to participate in QA Testing Directives. Thanks to your hard work and dedication, many issues and bugs can be identified and fixed prior to content going to the Live Server! Keep up the great work! For those that wish to participate in future bug hunting endeavors, please check the forums regularly for upcoming QA Testing Directives.
Don’t forget, the Bug Brigade is open to all players in good standing and bug rewards are SWEET! They will be awarded on a monthly progression basis with only minimal requirements to qualify. The available rewards to receive in progression via qualifying participation are as follows:
- Antennae Head Gear and Forum Title 1: “Bug Hunter”
- Single Ant Cloak
- Lady Bug Backpack
- Bug Painting A and In-Game Title 2: “Associate of Aphids”
- Ant Farm
- Insect Leg Table
- Many Ants Cloak and In-Game Title 3: “Bachelor of Beetles”
- Bug Painting B
- Bug Sprayer and /bugspray Emote
- Bug Painting C and In-Game Title 4: “Master of Moths”
- Butterfly Chair
- Corpion Chair (Pictured Below)
- Yellow Fireflies VFX and In-Game Title 5: “Doctor of Dragonflies”
- Hacked Oracle Flyer
- Giant Butterfly Pet (Blue)
- Butterfly Mask
- Dragonfly pet
- Fairy Wings
- Monarch Butterfly Pet
- Dragonfly Wings
- Hacked Oracle Crawler
- Blue Butterfly VFX
- Orange Fireflies VFX
- Orange Butterfly VFX
- Autumn Fairy Wings
- Green Fireflies VFX
- Landing Flies 3-pack
- Blue Fireflies
- Mounted Ladybug Specimen
- Mounted Rhinoceros Beetle Specimen
- Mounted Firebug Specimen
- Mounted Diving Bug Specimen
- Mounted Asian Ladybug Specimen
- Swallowtail Butterfly Pet
- Mounted Potato Beetle
- Silver Bug Sprayer
- Mounted Maybug Specimen
- Mounted Stag Beetle Specimen
- Mounted Hissing Cockroach Specimen
- Yellow Ladybug Backpack
- Baby Black Widow Spider Decoration Pet
- Red Fireflies
- Baby Green & Yellow Spider Pet
- Purple Fireflies
- Black Butterfly Mask
- Bug Painting D
- Mounted Minotaur Beetle
- Gold Bug Sprayer
- Baby Black & Orange Spider Pet
- Orange Butterfly Chair
- Common Bug VFX (Choose One)
- White Butterfly Mask
- Golden Dragonfly Pet
- Bug Painting E
- Common Bug Pets (Choose One)
- Purple Butterfly Chair
If you’ve come to think of Shroud of the Avatar as your home, sign up and help make New Britannia a better place to live! To learn more about joining the Bug Brigade, please read the announcement thread by Ravalox in the main Bug/Feedback forums.
Streaming Program
Streamers of Shroud of the Avatar can participate in a program to showcase the game and be rewarded for their efforts. Any player in good standing who wishes to be included in the Streaming Program can contact Laney via in-game mail with their Character Name and Twitch Channel information. If you have already signed up for the program in the past, fear not: you’re on the list and you don’t need to reapply.
Streaming Rewards Program participants must adhere to our Terms of Service (TOS) and Community Rules while Streaming Shroud of the Avatar.
Streaming Rewards Program participants must stream at least 10 hours of Shroud of the Avatar ACTIVE game play to remain in the program with reward accrual.
Streamers will receive a one-time digital reward of in-game items after meeting the program’s requirements: Streamer’s Cloak, Streamer’s Camera, and the LIVESTREAMING title.
Rules:
- To qualify for Streaming Rewards, each streamer must continue to meet the minimum requirements for 60 days after application.
- To accrue additional rewards, Streamers must stream SotA a minimum of 10 hours per month, tallied on the 1st day of each month, to remain in the program.
Monthly Streaming Bundles:
On the 1st of each month, qualifying streamers will be eligible to receive 50 Streaming Bundles. Bundles will be sent out to Streamers via in-game mail.
A few things you need to know:
- Streaming Bundles are intended to be given away to stream viewers, not consumed by the streamer.
- Streamers are not allowed to put paywalls in place for the Streaming Bundles. (For example, giving away Streaming Bundles once the stream reaches a certain number of bits, subscriptions, or donations).
Other Items of Note:
- Streamers in the program will be included in the SotAbot StreamPop function, appearing in the player-streaming channel in Discord.
- An optional fan graphics kit is available to the participating streamers as well as all players of Shroud of the Avatar, which includes graphics, overlays and other material.
- Streamers must be actively playing the game during their streams. Being away from the keyboard (AFK) for short periods is acceptable. If Twitch indicates the streamer is playing SotA but they are streaming other content or a timeout/login screen, they risk being removed from the program.
Upcoming Release Dates
Be sure to check out the Upcoming Events page for spotlighted events plus links to various areas to post or find events on our forums. The upcoming 2024 Release Schedule is as follows:
- This Release 132 – November 27 (Quality of Life)
- Release 133 – December 19 (Quality of Life)
- Release 134 – January 30 (Content)
- Release 135 – February 27 (Quality of Life)
- Release 136 – March 27 (Quality of Life)
- Release 137 – April 24 (Content)
Community Events & Resources
Greetings event holders and event attendees! So many fun and exciting events are available in the upcoming weeks. Be sure to get out there and participate, make some new friends, perhaps make some great emote, recipe, or gear trades, or get some adventuring and role-playing into your mix! Here are spotlighted events or updated community resources that we’ve noticed popping up lately on the official forums.
Recurring Events:
- Lightbringer Isle Auction: This newly-resumed auction will be held by Hemnu Lightbringer the Sunday after each Release at 2000 EST / 1900 CST / 0100 BST / 2400 UTC.
- The Nebula Time Trials are intended as a fun competition amongst players, but also a way for players to compare builds, playstyles, learn from one another and just generally have fun together. Each trial will consist of a challenge along the lines of “kill this mob” or “complete this quest” and while prizes will be awarded based on completion time, everyone who enters will receive something. Check this main post for links to the individual trials as they occur.
- Monthly Release Fishing Contests: This is a rotating, multi-location contest sponsored and organised by Rajazel, The Town Museum and its Governor Diablotine.
- Trash to Treasure Dropped Items Turn-In: Introducing Trash to Treasure 2.0! Some unscrupulous fella has been flooding all of New Britannia with junk: Headdresses, Wings, Backpacks, assorted miscellany of every sort. It’s time to clean this trash up and so a bounty has been placed on all gear crafted by Coswald Dirthmire that is turned in each contest period!
- Mad Splatter Tea Party: One Sunday of each quarter, Lily Byrd hosts a tea party in her back garden at her home in Jade Valley. There are drinks and eats, there is sometimes music, there are often party games with prizes, and sometimes they just sit and talk about life in Novia. All are welcome to join but this is a role playing event tea party: please come as your avatar!
Community Calendars:
- Avatars Radio Calendar: Just when are all those talented DJ’s and streamers broadcasting? Don’t just guess, check out there very helpful calendar! Never again will you wonder when’s the best time to tune in!
- NBNN Calendar: This calendar provides a great schedule for NBNN and WRFB programing as well as many other community events. If you’re a fan of the Laz & Jack show or even if you’re hoping to catch them in action for the first time, this is the calendar for you!
Community Event Resources: Here are some fantastic resources for tracking down community events or posting your own events. Become involved! Create! Explore! Make friends! But most of all, have fun!
- One-Time Community Events Forum: Sometimes events happen only a single time, so you’ll not want to miss out on these events as they occur. Check out the forums routinely to spot these!
- Recurring Community Events Forum: Some events occur on weekly or monthly schedules which are a great way to routinely meet up with friends and to make new ones. Be sure to check this forum frequently for new events or time changes to existing ones.
- Player Event Trophies and Special Item Requests: Would you like to request a special trophy or renamed item for a player event you’ve created? Head on over to this thread to see what’s available and to obtain more information about request procedures.
- Player Radio Station Forum: If you want to check out the latest and greatest from our in-game radio stations, go to the radio stations forum! If you’re a DJ, be sure to advertise your time slot and venue in this forum.
- Player Livestreams & Videos Forum: If you’re searching for a Shroud Streamer to watch, head on over to the streamer forum! If you are a live streamer for Shroud of the Avatar, be sure to advertise your Shroud stream by posting in this forum.
- Town Directory Forum: Want to find a town to live in or get your town listed in the directory, head over to the forums and check it out!
- Guild Directory Forum: Looking for a guild or want to get yours posted in the guild directory? Head on over to the forums and check it out!
- Fire Lotus Tavern: This wondrous role-playing and story writing forum is the spot to be if you love fan fiction and role-play.
- Community Resources: Looking for links to community and official resources for Shroud of the Avatar? Well look no further. On this page you’ll find links to a plethora of helpful resources created by the dev team or the community.
So many options to stay tuned-in with fellow community members. Please take advantage of all these wonderful options. Happy adventures, Avatars!
Project to Support: Ma Vie en Rogue
Sorceress Dragon of the team behind the Ultima Dragons’ 25th Anniversary Bash is creating a new, narrative-driven Roguelike RPG, Ma Vie en Rogue! The game will feature fun, engaging gameplay, many varied worlds, unlimited character customization, dozens of unique NPCs, pets, and monsters, sweet pixel art, and so much more. Richard Garriott has already offered his official endorsement, so watch for the Lord British character and Ultima-inspired Easter eggs! The physical versions come in a collector’s tin lunchbox and showcase cover art by Ultima artist Denis Loubet, a cloth map, metal ankh amulet, printed booklet, and more. Late pledges are open on Kickstarter for a limited time so don’t miss your chance to get in on some unique treasures!
Project to Support: Inside a Kid’s Mind
Chris Spears’ daughter Maxine has, for a school project, opened a webstore of various items printed with her artwork. Go have a look Inside a Kid’s Mind!
Project to Support: Avatar Relics
Community member Shawn Butts has opened a Shroud of the Avatar merchandise store with Catnip Games’ approval. Visit for pins, mugs, shirts, posters, and more here.
Project to Support: Shard RPG
Shard Studios invites you to enter the fantastic world Dárdünah, the vast shard of a shattered realm, as presented in the colorful pages of the SHARD RPG! Many years in the making, this system allows players to choose from a wide variety of animal people who are the main cast of the many adventures this otherworldly setting offers. Skyships glide through shimmering clouds past majestic crystal peaks. Giant insects prowl alien jungles or lurk in the sparkling emerald seas. Warriors with blades of diamond and amber duel across crimson sands. And mystics chant in shadowy chambers as their spirits wander abroad.
- Intro Sheet: For a quick glimpse into the world of Dárdünah, be sure to download the intro pdf! It’s packed with great information and features beautiful artwork, not unlike the artwork found throughout the many pages of this gaming system’s gorgeously designed manuals.
- Core System Manuals: It’s easier than ever to delve into Dárdünah, World of the False Dawn, with the Basic Compendium and the Magic and Martial Arts books! They contain everything you need to begin your adventures, and include instructions for the ritual magic and martial arts combat systems. These manuals also include 90 new Animal Templates upon which to base your character!
- Other Shard RPG Products: So many more manuals and gaming materials are available! Everything an avid tabletop role-player and game master needs to delve into the world of Dárdünah!
So if you’re ready to experience a gaming world like no other, check out what Shard Studios has created for tabletop role-players on the Shard RPG official website! You’ll most certainly be immersed and amazed by the offerings of the Shard RPG!
Project to Support: Embers Adrift!
Help support one of our team members’ other projects, Embers Adrift! Check out their official trailer here.
Resources: Players Helping Players
The official SotA New Player Welcome Forum and the Player Created Resources Forum have the best player created resources for Shroud of the Avatar, whether it’s a Player Written Guide, a Video Walk-through, or a Wiki-type Website.
Visit the official Community Resources page for a complete listing of all things community.
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