Greetings Fellow Avatars!
Release 137 goes live April 25th at 10:30 AM CDT.
Welcome! The Catnip Games development team marks this monthly release of Shroud of the Avatar with new content and improvements. For Release 137 (R137), we offer a warm spring glow.
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
Birch Island Progress Update
As always, I have been juggling a bunch of hats and keeping the fires to a low simmer while still working to develop new content. Active players and players attending the livestreams or reading our release notes/newsletters are already aware that, even though we aim to add content to the game on a quarterly basis, we have been consistently adding new items, recipes, pets, spawners, and player dungeon rooms and components every month. Last month during our 4.5-hour deep-dive Twitch livestream, I detailed a number of ongoing efforts we have to update graphics, improve performance and move us forward to where we will be on track to deliver more in-depth content. If you haven’t seen the video yet, please check it out on Twitch or on Youtube. There is a ton of great info on house bug fixes, new houses, and dungeon features and bugs being eradicated. Content will continue to be developed and released as we complete new items and features. Major content (like episodic and new areas like Birch Island) will take a bit longer to produce with the team being the size it is currently.
I will be making adjustments to the visuals of Birch Island on the Novia map to align the island more accurately with the appearance of its inspiration. Currently, I have removed the bridge from mainland Novia to the island since I need to change the geometry. Once that is done, players will be free to walk around on the new part of that overworld. Birch Island is, of course, a reference to Oak Island in northeast Canada, specifically the Money Pit, where two men discovered evidence of a shaft in the late 1700’s. The story of Oak Island first interested me in the 1970’s when “In Search Of” did an episode on the story.
In our version, Birch Island, there will be three locations of interest:
These dungeons will have interconnections to the Novian underworld and to each other, keeping with the standard ruleset of having adventure dungeons on each continent connect to each other, allowing the player to travel across the map while in the underworld.
The Well will be of modest difficulty but should attract spelunkers of all levels for the new layout and (planned) re-emergence of an old mob type. The Well will likely be the first area opened to players on Birch Island, with the Money Pit following next.
The final area on the island will be the homestead and is planned to allow the player to explore the various points of interest around the island.
I look forward to putting the Well on the QA server soon so players can provide feedback and help squish bugs before we go live with the new content.
– Ravalox
Release 137 Patch Notes
Below are a list of the updates that are live as of Release 137 in the game of Shroud of the Avatar! Polish, additional improvements, and bug fixes are inbound for R138 next month. We hope you enjoy the changes that are live today as of Release 137!
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 April Livestream
The post-release Community Livestream is Friday, April 25th 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 “lava may be hot” 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
In case you find yourself suddenly needing more resurrection ankhs, from May 25th through May 1st:
Release 137 Subscriber Login Rewards
Tiptoe through the giant stones and get some pleasant cover fromthe Housing Authority of New Britannia your foes. The Rewards Program login items for Release 137 are a Spring Gorsedd Stone Set and Yellow Tulip Patches.
Subscribers to the Rewards Program must log in during Release 137 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:
May Login Reward
Summer may be red-hot, but May is just a warm yellow. Each account that logs in during the month of May will receive a one-time gift of a Vase of Yellow Tulips.
Crown Store Updates
New in the crown store for today’s release:
…for May 1st:
…and for May 9th:
The Spring Equinox store items will be available through Monday May 5th:
List of Spring Equinox items:
The Summer Seasonal store items will be available from Monday May 26th through Monday September 22nd:
List of Summer Seasonal items:
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 2025 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 given his official endorsement, so watch for the Lord British character and Ultima-inspired Easter eggs! The Kickstarter is now closed and early access release is expected in coming weeks. Check it out on Steam here!
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: 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 137 goes live April 25th at 10:30 AM CDT.
Welcome! The Catnip Games development team marks this monthly release of Shroud of the Avatar with new content and improvements. For Release 137 (R137), we offer a warm spring glow.
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
- Birch Island Progress Update
- Release 137 Patch Notes
- Latest News and Q&A in the April Livestream
- Sales and Bonus Events
- Release 137 Subscriber Login Rewards
- May 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
Birch Island Progress Update
As always, I have been juggling a bunch of hats and keeping the fires to a low simmer while still working to develop new content. Active players and players attending the livestreams or reading our release notes/newsletters are already aware that, even though we aim to add content to the game on a quarterly basis, we have been consistently adding new items, recipes, pets, spawners, and player dungeon rooms and components every month. Last month during our 4.5-hour deep-dive Twitch livestream, I detailed a number of ongoing efforts we have to update graphics, improve performance and move us forward to where we will be on track to deliver more in-depth content. If you haven’t seen the video yet, please check it out on Twitch or on Youtube. There is a ton of great info on house bug fixes, new houses, and dungeon features and bugs being eradicated. Content will continue to be developed and released as we complete new items and features. Major content (like episodic and new areas like Birch Island) will take a bit longer to produce with the team being the size it is currently.
I will be making adjustments to the visuals of Birch Island on the Novia map to align the island more accurately with the appearance of its inspiration. Currently, I have removed the bridge from mainland Novia to the island since I need to change the geometry. Once that is done, players will be free to walk around on the new part of that overworld. Birch Island is, of course, a reference to Oak Island in northeast Canada, specifically the Money Pit, where two men discovered evidence of a shaft in the late 1700’s. The story of Oak Island first interested me in the 1970’s when “In Search Of” did an episode on the story.
In our version, Birch Island, there will be three locations of interest:
- The Money Pit itself, based on the demo dungeon Eighth Level of Hell that appeared randomly on the Novia map in December during our anniversary celebrations.
- The Nolan Manor, a homestead on the island, where players will be able to go to access merchant services and pick up side quests as well as hear lore and rumors from the NPCs.
- The Well, a cave-based dungeon not as large or difficult as the Money Pit, but that will certainly be worth visiting as we intend to bring back some old ‘friends’ that early supporters of SotA will likely recognize.
These dungeons will have interconnections to the Novian underworld and to each other, keeping with the standard ruleset of having adventure dungeons on each continent connect to each other, allowing the player to travel across the map while in the underworld.
The Well will be of modest difficulty but should attract spelunkers of all levels for the new layout and (planned) re-emergence of an old mob type. The Well will likely be the first area opened to players on Birch Island, with the Money Pit following next.
The final area on the island will be the homestead and is planned to allow the player to explore the various points of interest around the island.
I look forward to putting the Well on the QA server soon so players can provide feedback and help squish bugs before we go live with the new content.
– Ravalox
Release 137 Patch Notes
Below are a list of the updates that are live as of Release 137 in the game of Shroud of the Avatar! Polish, additional improvements, and bug fixes are inbound for R138 next month. We hope you enjoy the changes that are live today as of Release 137!
Crafting, Decoration, Gear, & Inventory Item Changes:
- A recipe for a Log Seat has been added to housing decoration merchants in the Perennial Coast. SOTA-72492
- Raised the ladder-top spawn point in the Adobe with Roof Access village home. SOTA-72483
- Made the single Virtue Balloon visible when equipped.
- Fixed a typo in the book Truth is Rewarded.
User Interface, Store Information, Inky, & Lua Changes:
- Added Sacks of Wheat Grain to the available buy order list.
World and Quest Changes:
- The Arch Lapin will go dormant and the Luminous Atavist will return on May 16th.
- Aether Dragons, Aether Liches, and Aether Corpions will awake in their respective stomping grounds as the two-tailed comet comes within range of the world on May 27th. Aether Tetras will take a couple more days to stretch their fins.
- PRT Forest 01 Template (Aldwater, Brekken Bay, Endurance, Forewind, Port Titan, and Taenby Landing): Moved a tree next to a lot to be within a lot, to help ensure it disappears during lot changes. SOTA-72480
- PRT Forest 02 and Grassland 01 Templates (Axwich, Dorwald, Fons Vita, Littlecreek, New Holtrot, Anseldale, Etan Glen, Greenfall, Magna Planitia, and Snell’s Bend): Filled a pothole on a lot. SOTA-72499
- Longfall Woods: An unexpected switch should no longer near a puzzle. SOTA-72498
- The Outlaws’ Run: NPC Outlaws now say “You’ve made a big mistake!” instead of “Taste my steel!” SOTA-72486
- Solace Bridge and Battle of Solace Bridge: Cleaned up blurry terrain along the path from the Lunar Rift. Removed horse remains and added a grave to mark the spot.
- Ulfheim: Improved collision on some of the giant redwood trees. SOTA-72478
Player-Owned Town Changes:
- Arx Draconis Wetlands: Changed owner, biome to Swamp Island 01, and location to nearby shoreline.
- Eldermire: Added new Swamp Island 01 Crossroads Village to swamp west of the Tower of the Shuttered Eye in Novia.
- The Fields of Misery: This POT’s siege visuals will now properly display on Hidden Vale.
- M’hul Island: Changed owner.
- Saxon’s Landing: Upgraded from Town to City.
Latest News and Q&A in the April Livestream
The post-release Community Livestream is Friday, April 25th 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 “lava may be hot” 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
In case you find yourself suddenly needing more resurrection ankhs, from May 25th through May 1st:
- Crown Store sales will be 30% off.
- Crowns of the Obsidians will be 20% off.
Release 137 Subscriber Login Rewards
Tiptoe through the giant stones and get some pleasant cover from
Subscribers to the Rewards Program must log in during Release 137 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!
May Login Reward
Summer may be red-hot, but May is just a warm yellow. Each account that logs in during the month of May will receive a one-time gift of a Vase of Yellow Tulips.
Crown Store Updates
New in the crown store for today’s release:
- Ancient Stone Large Lava Fishing Room
- Ancient Stone Lava Fishing Grotto
- Ancient Stone Hall with Breakaway Wall (T Intersection)
- Blue Marble Hall with Breakaway Wall (T Intersection)
- Green Marble Hall with Breakaway Wall (T Intersection)
- Ornate Lava Fish Throne
- Lava Fish Throne 3-Pack
- Dark Dirt Path Pavers Set
- Sand Path Pavers Set
…for May 1st:
- Vase of Yellow Tulips 3-Pack
…and for May 9th:
- Spring Gorsedd Stone Set
- Yellow Tulip Patches
The Spring Equinox store items will be available through Monday May 5th:
List of Spring Equinox items:
- Bunny Ears & Slippers Set
- Brown Bunny Ears & Slippers Set
- Rabbit Tailed Bodice Ensemble
- Decorative Dyeable Egg Pack
- Hollow Dyeable Egg Pack
- Flower Crown
- Lepus Mask 2017
- Lepus Mask 2018
- Lepus Mask 2025
- Silver & Gold Lepus Mask
- White Lepus Mask
- Replenishing Confetti Eggs Basket 2016
- Replenishing Confetti Eggs Basket 2017
- Replenishing Confetti Eggs Basket 2018
- Replenishing Confetti Eggs Basket 2019
- Equipable Eggs Basket and Replenishing Confetti Eggs Basket 2024
- Spring Fountain w/ Floating Candles
- Flower Leap Emote (Vault)
- Flower Emote (Vault)
The Summer Seasonal store items will be available from Monday May 26th through Monday September 22nd:
List of Summer Seasonal items:
- Firedancer Outfit
- Fire Dance Emote
- Fire Dance Cross Emote
- Flame Scimitar
- Flame Shield
- Flame Stained Glass Table Lamp 3-Pack
- Flaming Bagpipes
- Hula Emote
- Island Spear
- Island Flower Crown
- Island Dress
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 2025 Release Schedule is as follows:
- This Release 137 – April 25 (Content)
- Release 138 – May 29 (Quality of Life)
- Release 139 – June 24 (Quality of Life)
- Release 140 – July 28 (Content)
- Release 141 – August 28 (Quality of Life)
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 given his official endorsement, so watch for the Lord British character and Ultima-inspired Easter eggs! The Kickstarter is now closed and early access release is expected in coming weeks. Check it out on Steam here!
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: 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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