#arisen/pawns beyond the rift

[bardistraee]

a compilation of my son being the absolute worst at achery, featuring allen (@edgier-than-a-diamond) and lane (@ritens) being functional members of society

[muralikesgames]

Teamwork Beyond the Rift - Part 7

Featuring Pawns from the Reddit Pawn Hiring Post

Song: End of the Struggle

[fangbangerghoul]

Ghoul and The Boys

(Quil and Ambrosius are @bearlytolerant and @lisa-and-shadow pawns)

[arisenreborn]

adventures with @soloavengers Winnie <3<3<3 she is so strong and sweet I love her!! 🥺♥♥♥

[sangre]

Pawn Behaviors - Beyond the Rift

yvaine ! ✧ / template.

note! spoilers ahead.

❖ BEHAVIORS & HABITS: 

❖ COMMON: 

yvaine is often resting with a hand on his hip, observing. he's an astute people watch and things rarely escape his notice. yvaine loves to study history so he tends to look into everything nearby – seeking out books if there's a phenomena to explore, looking into resources if he finds something interesting.

he's a logistician, so he'll usually be fussing with his hands. putting together flowers or making salves for adamaris to put to good use. he loves the language of flowers and what they say about the locations they grow in, their capacity to thrive in some places but not others. in NG+ as a thief, he takes to the ability to plunder quite well (and not without smug satisfaction). picking things off of enemies is his favorite. he loves to smile while he cuts something up and trick 'em quick.

➵ UNCOMMON:

he's a bit of a teacher's pet; hired pawns who go too far ahead or make complaints get a bit of a talking-to from him. he tends not to speak over others until he knows them a little, but yvaine can be a little catty. he doesn't like other pawns nosing around adamaris too closely unless it's with genuine interest, and isn't keen on others who try to give her unsolicited advice.

he likes whittling and sharpening his knives, heaven's key.

➵ RARE:

other pawns in the party may, after a particularly harrowing encounter, hear him talking (indecipherable) to his knives in the dead of night. he has a bit of a soul eater situation going on with them; the weapons carry the words and ambitions of the first cycle's adamaris. when he sleeps with them on his person, he dreams of her more clearly, and feels memories of her with a vividness. it's sort of like... he learned the thief trade at the end of their first cycle and that's when he began to get blood on his hands, so the voice of the first adamaris he met is comforting to him. NG+ adamaris doesn't know this until later though, and it would surely piss her off a little to find out.

➵ DRAGONSPLAGUE: 

yvaine is... complicated. he grew thickly corrupted by plague towards the end of the first cycle, and cooperated with the pathfinder in order to re-implement it. as such, he's marked by the dragon who carries us in the true end, the watching one, which i want to coin as 'true plague' or 'fatesickness'. not the plague or influence of the reflections of the dragon – but the interruption of a pawn's entire being. when he is pulled from the rift in NG+, his ears are pointed like a manakete, his eyes flicker red in moments of high emotion, and he has fangs and the slight blooming of iridescent black/lilac scales on the backs of his arms/calves/hips.

when his fatesickness is active, it's usually due to high escalated danger. he's a little manic, feverish, running hot and eager. his movements are faster, more erratic, he's less careful and less aware of his own body. he tends to barrel roll around cliffs to corner adversaries and claw through enemies more messily.

he is a little more bold with PDA, he's more outwardly clingy and stingy with adamaris' space. he wants her full attention and is content to peacock for it, no matter who it endangers. 100% cobra flashing its hood.

❖ THOUGHTS & OPINIONS: 

➵ THE ARISEN:

this is a snippet from my doc of these two, going from cycle one to NG+, where adamaris endeavors toward the true end, only to take the pathfinder's offer to resurrect her sister and resume the cycle: "he pitied and adored the arisen’s somber demeanor, exploring the world through the lens of her venomous grief. he absorbed much of it, coming to resent what of the world that she did, in his own way. protective by nature, he came to love the innocent and the lost, the wounded and vengeful – an unwitting shepherd who would wrest danger from others through his own body, and adopt their pain, all. as for the arisen, he was more her creation than merely her pawn, a rift-traveler, yes, but had he not come from more? made from all but the clay of her and the rib of her? before long, affection overcame his sense of reason—and he became more intimately enthused for what might become of a world written by adamaris’ will. (...) yvaine’s early attempts to still her hand grew corrupted by the influence of dragonsplague. he grew eager for the slaughter, unable and unwilling to control his zealotry toward his precious arisen. his master, yes, but his fatebreaker, too. she who inflicted him with Choice. the conflict of a life unspooled from the wheel — the one that adamaris fought for in the first place — had become his drive. (...) yvaine laments his master’s choice, but if it means they will not risk losing each other … he is content to be selfish and wrong."

➵ OTHER PAWNS:

yvaine is very pleasant! he is friendly, amicable, sensitive to the needs of others, hopeful, helpful, and courteous. he's a polite and thoughtful companion who is eager to help other pawns out of harm's way. he wants them to like adamaris beyond surface level, so he tries to explain his actions to them. to express something remarkable.

that said, yvaine is very earnest, so long as another pawn isn't obstructing him or agitating/disobeying the arisen. he tries to invest in the other riftwalkers and better get to know those who travel with him... he may whittle them little gifts, find them herbs or flowers they may enjoy, or show them places that would appeal to them.

➵ WORLD:

yvaine is most excited by finding shards of wakestones in graveyards and amidst cemeteries. he will comment on this very excitedly for adamaris' sake, because he knows it furthers her work. "arisen! we've found another means for your life's work, yet!"

ironically, she resents wakestones, but she knows she needs them, so she appreciates it.

he also loves waterfalls. he loves standing near the mist of a waterfall and feeling the drips that flick his face. "how alive i feel, face to face with this body of life. would that the brine reached toward us with a hand this merciful."

he almost always comments on the starry nights, and how at ease it leaves him to see them all aglow. but you know how that one goes. :3

➵ BATTLE: 

he is fairly defensive for the most part, but cutthroat too.

yvaine in NG+ especially is a quick and efficient killer. it's only when his plague is active that he tends to draw out suffering of something that's being particularly irritating.

➵ NPC’s: 

yvaine loves raghnall, particularly because after being separated from the arisen, he came out of the caves with raghnall safe and sound, so he's someone reliable. i think yvaine himself wants also the chance to spar with him - the two of them share a similar sort of... clever mischief and movement. not to mention, he's a renowned warrior who must have countless stories, which yvaine would be happy to hear; if he could have a pen pal, he would choose raghnall.

yvaine does NOT care for phaesus, but he feels slightly indebted to him for saving his life, which he does not care for, either.

he really likes wilhelmina - she's elegant and dangerous and stuck her neck out for them, but is a little envious, because adamaris quite adores her. he's like 'did you kill for someone other than me... i understand... i understand (´ ᯅ `)'

he also loves the babys in vermund, as he got on very well with them/is good with children in general - he engages them and they think he's a funny little man. he asks after daphne every so often when they visit.

➵ QUESTS: 

following the stolen throne, yvaine procures some masquerade-suitable clothing of his own. though he cannot enter alongside adamaris that night, he does ask him for a dance near the cliffs of the rose chateau.

regarding saint of the slums, yvaine has an idea right away as to what kind of experiments the abbess is running. he talks to adamaris a little about her own research in alchemy and the human body, which sparks a conversation of ethics. adamaris is passionate about lady elena betraying a position of virtue and living a falsehood in terms of failing to truly help people, but he can also see that there were some people in the city that were grateful for what she'd done. yvaine learns a little bit about the complications of trying to transcend humanity, and finds himself glad that he can be of service, in his own way.

a game of wits makes him very happy. his stomach is indelibly tight when the sphinx asks who adamaris' beloved is. even presuming it makes him feel nauseous. but of course, she rests her hand on his back and urges him onto the platform, where he exhales with grandest relief. he-he. he's been beaming, smugly, ever since. "master...! i had suspected that she might only gauge the depth of … if… and… between you and i…" [giggly] "well glad am i that i could assist you with this puzzle, is all i mean to say. heh!"

oh, yvaine.

➵ BONUS: 

he's my little star, you understand.

[soloavengers]

Pawn Behaviors - Beyond the Rift

𓆩 Thorne 𓆪

[template] - [winterheart’s]

❖ BEHAVIORS & HABITS: 

➵ COMMON: 

Complaining, a lot.

Good luck trying to peacefully walk past enemies when he’s there.

Battle is fun!!

➵ UNCOMMON:

Collects parts of monsters the others don’t think of gathering, for whatever reason.

A joke in someone’s expense is how he shows his love, (they get a smirk with a wink and/or an elbow poking at their side.)

Loudly laughs if he got as he gave.

As a Hawker, he’s also a merchant. Friends get discounts and other types of deals, (if they buy one thing but he previously noticed them eyeing another as well — “Oh! I haven’t told you about this deal…” There was no deal, it’s really just a gift.)

Talks about how he can improve when he feels like he’s done a mistake.

He hovers around companions after battle or during long travels, before gathering the courage to tell them of something on their armor / cloak or even face — blood or dirt. If familiar with them, he’d fix it himself.

➵ RARE:

Randomly gifting.

“Peeled this apple for you, Arisen.” <3

➵ DRAGONSPLAGUE: 

Absolutely no awareness or acknowledgment of his wrongs, if the Arisen knows him well enough this is a big, big tell that something is wrong with him.

More protective of the Arisen, to the point he doesn’t think clearly and can instead compromise them.

I see the “headache” animation as pawns having a tiny moment of resisting. For Thorne he feels an uncomfortable familiarity and it leads to a lot of confusion, and a bit of lucidity. As he holds his head, he’s very quietly begging just “Pleasepleaseplease-” over and over until he feels good again.

❖ THOUGHTS & OPINIONS: 

➵ THE ARISEN:

The Arisen needs to look presentable at all times. He would take care of cleaning their armor and whatnot, if he must.

His second Arisen, adventurous and caring Sylvas won him over far too easily. Being so clearly different from his tyrannical first Arisen, it wasn’t so hard to break Thorne’s (admittedly slightly thin) walls.

Thorne is very glad of having an Arisen who actually needs him, (instead of one that treated him as disposable as his dead brother) so he is dutiful and proud of it.

He’s always quick to consider others a threat to the Arisen, mostly because he worries Syl can be a bit gullible at times. Odd how some Arisen have their hearts lead the way when they aren’t even in their chests! He’d say.

➵ OTHER PAWNS:

Thorne is rather bossy with other pawns, but not beyond the rift — except during rough battles, he slips back into an old mindset.

Most pawns Syl hires are pawns Thorne met beyond the rift. Friends! Pawns which he already trusts to watch his back, and more importantly his Arisen’s.

The Arisen’s pawns need to look presentable as well.

➵ WORLD:

He may point at different environments and mention which monsters, from other worlds, would have occupied it were they to exist in this one.

Sometimes he nicely asks the Arisen if they could camp somewhere further down the road just because it has nicer surroundings or a view.

➵ BATTLE: 

One more time, bossy.

Thorne may compromise himself to watch the Arisen’s and other pawn’s backs when they’re vulnerable.

Alternatively, he tends to get so lost in the rush of battle that he forgets to keep an eye out on the Arisen’s back.

He’s more than happy to avoid fighting hostile bandits should the Arisen wish it, but if they harm them he will not hold back — as much as he hates shedding more human (& beastern) blood.

➵ NPC's: 

Thorne is so fond of Beren, the soldier in him really respects the man (though in more of a fanboy way, hilariously.) He also thinks his childhood home is so inviting and he’s always excited when Syl decides to give him a visit.

➵ QUESTS: 

Syl telling Thorne that he will be pretending to be a pawn to see what the deal with the Phantom Oxcart was causes an argument between them. Thorne would stay behind not because the Arisen asked him to, but to sulk.

➵ BONUS: 

Ough. Okay, About to write something horrible that I know I won’t write anywhere so I’ll get it out now — warning for War and Death /murder of children.

Years back as his first Arisen’s War General, Thorne was instructed to kill, and order to kill indiscriminately. Full on massacres every campaign. One day Thorne heard that killing children was a horrible, terrible, awful thing. He would then make the conscious choice to spare some children during the next campaign, they were hiding, only he saw them, he told his soldiers no one was in the room and they moved on. He felt pleased with himself.

Unfortunately, this would backfire and lengthening the campaign. The Arisen summoned Thorne and punished him for “developing a conscience.”

Thorne would be forced to go back to killing indiscriminately because he cannot refuse the order, but it was no longer without guilt.

Sorry.

This lead to Syl having to explicitly tell Thorne that ‘No, children aren’t to be considered a possible threat.’ And more. This took a huge weight off Thorne’s chest, and told him much about his new Arisen.

[ritens]

Pawn Behaviours - Beyond The Rift - LANE

Couldn't find any screenshots on phone so I drew Shrimp Lane on pavement. (sob) Prompt game by @arisenreborn [template]

Behavior & Habits

-> Common

Asocial. Struggles with expressing himself so remains quiet for the most part. Can come off a bit rude and crude when he does speak up.

Will pick up random plants along the way, and later sketch them by the campfire.

Goal oriented and hard working. (he wants to leave as soon as possible)

-> Uncommon

Steals bread in settlements when he knows he can get away with it. Shares it with other pawns in the team if he’s grown to like them.

Might smile at something amusing. Maybe even laugh.

Might sit closer to the rest of the pawns at camp for body warmth.

-> Rare

Might go for the throat of the Arisen (or push them off a cliff) if he feels like he’s been significantly wronged or that the Arisen is doing more bad than good. If incapable of causing harm, he’d simply leave said Arisen’s world without a word.

-> Dragonsplague

Visibly irritable and impatient. Takes matters in his own hands at random instead of quietly following like he normally would. Simply DoneTM.

Thoughts & Opinions

-> The Arisen

Low opinion of most Arisen. His respect for the role has dwindled a long time ago and he is not hiding it. He’s been beaten and bruised by them in the past and thus his trust is difficult to earn. Lane believes that not every Arisen deserves to succeed.

On the other hand he doesn’t know where to put himself when an Arisen goes out of their way to be especially kind to him. Tries to distance himself from that, involuntarily appears smaller than he already is. Has the same problem with his own current Arisen.

-> Other pawns

Rolls eyes at fresh faced pawns shouting “For the Arisen!”

Generally avoids banter with other pawns unless they have some insight to share.

-> World

While travelling Lane might point out wild animals and maybe even explain what their meat tastes like.

“I’d like to draw this someday” said when seeing something that catches his eye, be it a plant or a sight somewhere near water.

-> Battle

Sighs audibly before engaging with any kind of saurian.

Keen on aiming for the weak points on enemies. He doesn’t like drawing out fights.

-> NPCs

Especially alert around bakers because he doesn’t want anyone to recognize him for his bread stealing stunts. He might even urge the Arisen to take a different route to avoid pastry sellers they’ve visited in the past already.

-> Quests

He would suggest breaking into Myrddin’s house through the balcony to steal “Let There Be Light” for Trysha, efficiently confusing a new Arisen who has no idea who and where this Myrddin even is.

If Isaac is given the real grimoire, Lane would kneel by piles of sand that once were the man’s daughter and wife.

After escorting Gautstafr to Hot Springs, he would politely ask the Arisen if they could go for a dip as well.

-> Bonus

He’d sprint somewhere the moment the Arisen steps through Vernworth Palace gates. To wash his face and hands by one of the basins in Noble quarter.

[dd-wyd]

Why?

He did not like it. Why did he not like it? The way Ulrika looked at the Arisen upset him. But why? She was a nice young lady, who has helped them as much as they helped her. Why would he feel such disdain for this sweet young woman?

Now she touched his shoulder. She shouldn't touch him! He was the Arisen. He was... there really was no reason why she shouldn't touch him, but Wyd still didn't like seeing it. 'Twas confusing. Why did this rattle him so much?

He stood a few feet away as he watched them talk, keeping a respectful distance as always. He wished he could be closer. He wished he could touch the Arisen as casually as Ulrika did. But why? Why was this so important to him? Why did he feel so upset when other people got close to Zachariah? Why did he dislike it when others made him laugh? Why?

None of this made sense to him. The Arisen was his Master, but there was something else beyond this ethereal bond that nagged at the back of his mind. He didn't just follow orders because he was a Pawn. He wanted to follow Zachariah. He wanted... He wanted? He shouldn't be wanting anything! Since when did--

"Come on," Zachariah's voice disrupted his train of thought. The Arisen stood close to him all of a sudden, a hand on Wyd's shoulder. A hand on his shoulder. It made him feel warm and content. But he did his best to not show any change in expression. It would be out of char--

"Let's get going. We still have enough daylight left, to make it a good distance before the sun sets." The Arisen pat Wyd's shoulder and started on his way, casually adjusting the straps of his pack as he walked.

"By your command, Arisen!" Wyd, replied automatically and followed. His shoulder still felt as if it had been blessed by the Arisen's touch. Wyd fell in step slightly behind Zachariah, still wrestling with his thoughts. This was all so very confusing. What he did know for sure though, was that he was glad to be on the road again. Alone with his Arisen. Just the two of them, with nobody else able to steal the Arisen away from him. Steal away? An odd thought. He slowly realized, that he didn't like 'sharing' the Arisen. He began to wonder if something was wrong with him.

Suddenly a thought struck him, and his eyes widened: Was this the sickness, he had heard about beyond the rift? The one that would cause Pawns to become unruly and abandon their charge? He felt his forehead for a fever, a sudden panic setting in. His eyes darted to the back of the Arisen's head, a sudden worry overwhelming him. Would he become more and more strange - more and more unruly? Would he eventually turn against Zachariah? That was the last thing he wanted. A horrible ache gripped his heart at the mere thought.

"Arisen, should I ever fall to this illness we've heard about, should I ever... turn on you," he began blurting out his thoughts, "Pray, do not hesitate to defend yourself. Even if you have to forfeit me."

Zachariah stopped and turned to him. "What?" He paused, looking at Wyd with confusion and worry, "Where is this suddenly coming from?"

Wyd's brows furrowed, "I just..." How was he supposed to explain, when he didn't understand it himself? For the lack of any better explanation, he simply admitted: "I've been feeling odd as of late."

Concern crept on the Arisen's features now, "Odd how? Since when?"

Wyd averted his gaze, "Since we arrived in Melve. Mayhaps I've just grown accustomed to being on the road with you, but with so many people swarming 'round you, I felt..." he paused, searching for the right word, "...threatened."

"Threatened? Like someone would harm us?"

"'Tis hard to explain, Arisen," Wyd let out a frustrated huff. Cursing himself for not being his eloquent self, when it came to his inner workings. "More like, someone would take you away. It made me... angry, when people got close to you. Arisen, I fear I am getting sick. Pray do not let me harm you!" His worries took over now, but Zachariah began to... smile at him? How could the Arisen smile, after such a revelation? Was he hallucinating now? Heavens, this was the end! This was--

"Wyd," Zachariah interrupted his spiraling thoughts, "Wyd, Wyd, Wyd," he repeated with a soft and fond tone, closing the distance between them. "You're not sick." He said, putting a hand on the Pawn's shoulder, then added in a whisper, "I think you're jealous." Wyd looked at him with utter confusion, but Zachariah seemed unphased and just smiled broadly: "I promise, nobody is ever going to take me away from you." Then he snaked his arms around Wyd's shoulders - a bit awkwardly due to the backpack being in the way, but he made it work - and started to walk again, body pressed against Wyd's side, "Come. A long road, with much time between just the two of us, awaits!"

Wyd didn't say anything. He was still confused. Pawns couldn't become jealous. He must be sick! But, the way Zachariah's body pressed against his, and how his arm weighed on his shoulders... it made him feel wonderful. Happy.

But why?

He decided he did not need to understand it now. Instead, he allowed himself to bask in the feeling of their bodies being so close as they walked. And he allowed himself to smile.

[themanwhomadeamonster]

Pawn Behaviors - Beyond the Rift

Grabbing this meme from @arisenreborn! Source

❖ BEHAVIORS & HABITS: 

❖ COMMON: 

Cordial but superficially. He puts on a warm smile and is friendly with many, but it all feels very fake, even by Pawn standards. Some might prefer the polite and simple formalities over what he's attempting.

Needs commands to be able to do anything, otherwise he becomes extremely clumsy. However, he's quick to defend the Arisen if they're attacked, regardless of his current position.

If he likes the Arisen, he'll make light jokes and banter.

➵ UNCOMMON:

If he's not fond of an Arisen, he'll keep his distance and will behave (personality-wise) closer to something like a Calm pawn. Very blunt comments without emotion behind it.

If he straight up doesn't like the Arisen he'll stay quiet.

➵ RARE:

He tries not to make heavy breaths like when drained of stamina because it kind of rattles his body.

➵ DRAGONSPLAGUE: 

Would tell the Arisen off and blame them for his own poor decision-making, regardless if it actually is his fault or the Arisen's

❖ THOUGHTS & OPINIONS: 

➵ THE ARISEN:

Serving other Arisen feels like a job to him and he doesn't become too attached to them. He'll say flowery and supportive things but won't mean it. Customer service behaviour.

He hates it when Arisen expect him to act like a faithful servant, but he also still insists on being given precise direction so he can at least fulfil their wishes properly.

Instantly thinks lowly of them if they make a big deal of his body.

An Arisen can get on Nalxis' good side if you actually treat him like a friend and look after him - it's what he was made for after all!

➵ OTHER PAWNS:

Struggles to see how other Pawns can be so eager to serve Arisen who aren't their own. Tries to be relatable and make jokes with them but they tend not to land

Sometimes wonders what their physical sensations are like; he was surprised the first time he saw a Pawn's body entirely disappear to the Rift. Even when he eventually does develop sensations, he becomes very excited to try feeling different things. Fire is the odd one out that doesn't hurt him, though ice makes him VERY careful.

➵ WORLD:

Will never not be fascinated by living things, flora and fauna. Struggles to wrap his head around the fact that they're powered through an entire complicated series of systems with no magic required rather than just "simply" being powered through the Rift (or the Brine 👀). In that regard, he also wonders why people don't just use the Rift to power Golems. It's such a natural and easy thing to harness of course!

As he journeys he slowly begins to develop the senses of smell, taste, and pain. Vo was surprised to hear that Nalxis had said, "Ouch!" for the first time genuinely when across the Rift, and was a bit disappointed he wasn't there to witness it.

➵ BATTLE: 

Usually tries to avoid being directly hit. His body's strong but blows stun/knock him down easily compared to other pawns.

Love/hate relationship with Rattlers - Vo has been trying to tinker with their hide to see if they can improve Nalxis' durability, but for now they're a menace that can damage his own body. Worse so that being a thief makes him near useless against them.

➵ NPC's: 

Isn't fond of NPCs that start to get too close to Vo, especially Vermundians. He doesn't like watching Vo get burned if the latter ends up not clicking with someone, which Melve and the Outpost have done already (ever-grateful for Ulrika's support though!). Battahli aren't as big of a concern; they hate him and Vo by default lol.

Wears a hood to hide his ears when around Elves. Despite also being wary, they sure seem nosy about him!

➵ QUESTS: 

In I, Talos, probably just imagine Nalxis' body suddenly collapsing when he leaves it to enter Talos. Gave no warning to Vo but to be fair, Nalxis didn't expect himself to feel compelled to leave his own body either lmao. Poor Vo ends up spending a bit of time scouring Agamen trying to find the head while carrying a hollow vessel.

➵ BONUS: 

He's heard passing tales from other Pawns about how a fog has sometimes clouded their memories after a journey. He's curious to know that experience.

[literarylupus]

Take my pawn out on an adventure and/or date! ✨

Ryś Miau is a pawn my Arisen willed into being on the pure thought of support. Supportive magic, supportive words, supportive hugs~! He’s a great travel companion and will pick up goodies for you and grant you flames in a fight! He’s a great pawn that definitely needs to get out a little more— beyond the rift, that is.

Pawn ID: 2UCQ791JAGUC

(He/Him) 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

[satoshi-mochida]

Dragon’s Dogma II launches March 22, 2024

Gematsu Source

Dragon’s Dogma II will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam on March 22, 2024 for $69.99, Capcom announced. Pre-orders are available now.

A $79.99 Deluxe Edition will also be available, which includes the base game and downloadable content “A Boon for Adventurers – New Journey Pack.” The pack includes the following:

Explorer’s Camping Kit – Camping Gear

Dragon’s Dogma Music & Sound Collection – Custom Sounds

Harpysnare Smoke Beacons – Harpy Lure Item

Heartfelt Pendant – A Thoughtful Gift

Ambivalent Rift Incense – Change Pawn Inclinations

Makeshift Gaol Key – Escape from gaol!

Art of Metamorphosis – Character Editor

Wakestone – Restore the dead to life!

1,500 Rift Crystals – Points to Spend Beyond the Rift

Pre-orders for all editions of Dragon’s Dogma II will include the “Superior Weapons Quartet” to support players in early battles. Pre-orders for the Deluxe Edition will also include the “Ring of Assurance.”

“Dragon’s Dogma is a game that I dreamed of playing as a boy who loved TRPG-based games and action games, and I have a special attachment to it,” director Hideaki Itsuno said on PlayStation Blog. “Dragon’s Dogma II incorporates ideas that were not technically feasible at the time we created the first game. I believe this game will let you experience the fantasy world you’ve always dreamed of, a fantasy world action simulator game, and ultimately be the ultimate Dragon’s Dogma. The entire team is working hard on the final touches of the game. Whether you’ve played the first game or not, we hope you’ll enjoy your adventure in this open fantasy world.”

Get the latest details below.

Adventure in Two Nations

In Dragon’s Dogma II, players experience the tale of the Arisen, a champion whose heart is stolen by the Dragon. While the sequel’s setting mirrors the lush rolling hills of the cult classic Dragon’s Dogma and its Dark Arisen expansion, this original adventure takes place in a parallel world containing two nations with distinct approaches to the Dragon threat. Queen Regent Disa has installed a false Arisen to maintain control of the kingdom of Vermund for her son. Meanwhile, the beastren nation of Battahl considers the otherworldly Pawns to be a source of misfortune and have turned to worship of the Lambent Flame and their empress Nadinia to ward off calamity. The showcase provided a look at some of the destinations that quests can lead players to, such as the reclusive elven enclave of Sacred Arbor. The elves there communicate in their own language, and Pawns capable of understanding their speech will translate for the Arisen while in your party. Pawns can also specialize in other skills, making each of their personalities more distinct.

A Journey Defined by Choice

Upon starting their journey in Dragon’s Dogma II, players will be able to craft both their Arisen and Main Pawn using an intuitive and deep character creator that makes use of photogrammetry to enhance the realism of each characters’ appearance. Additionally, players can choose the personality of their main Pawn, which will determine their behavior and conversation choices throughout the game. As players progress, they will unlock additional vocations such as the newly revealed Trickster. This Arisen-exclusive vocation can conjure illusions through the smoke created by its unique weapon, the Censer. Tricksters can use illusions to deceive enemies into fighting against their own, and can temporarily increase the power of Pawns beyond their limits. The new Trickster vocation showcases the ways players can manipulate and take advantage of the enhanced enemy AI to open entirely new combat opportunities. The digital event also provided a first look at the returning Warrior and Sorcerer Vocations that will be available to both the Arisen and Pawns. The Warrior boasts a robust physique specializing in direct combat, with the strength to endure enemy attacks. Warriors are masters of two-handed weapons such as the greatsword and the hammer. The Sorcerer is a vocation completely specialized in various magick attacks. Their magick is conjured with both hands through a large staff and can change the tide of battle at any given opportunity.

Confront Fearsome Foes

Director Itsuno and Producer Hirabayashi provided a first look at several monsters during the digital event, including the new Talos enemy, a towering bronze golem capable of wreaking untold destruction with a single step. After Talos rises from the waters, players will need to make use of the various tools afforded them by their Vocation, Pawns, and terrain to subdue this mighty construct. The digital event also revealed gameplay for the Dullahan and Drake enemies. Dullahan is a headless specter capable of immobilizing its target before striking with its powerful curved blade. Drakes are fearsome draconic foes capable of breathing a potent flame when confronted and taking flight to shift the scales of combat.

Product Information

In addition to the standard version of Dragon’s Dogma II available for MSRP $69.99, a Deluxe Edition containing the “New Journey Pack” includes in-game items to help your Arisen on their journey such as a custom Camping Kit, a Wakestone, Rift Crystals, a Dragon’s Dogma Music and Sound collection, and more will be available for MSRP $79.99. Pre-orders of the Standard Edition will feature a bonus weapon for each of the four starting vocations, and Deluxe Edition pre-orders will also include the Ring of Assurance in-game accessory.

Watch a new trailer and Dragon’s Dogma II Showcase 2023 below. View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.

Main Trailer

English

Japanese

Dragon's Dogma II Showcase 2023

English

Japanese

[bardistraee]

someone got the zoomies!

@hit-tab come help your boy, the trickster seeker token augment sound broke him and he got extremely desperate to lead me to the cave that was the source of one

avra and iris (@brinehater) just having a casual conversation during this absolutely sends me. real "steve is drowning" "this ain't about him" energy

[muralikesgames]

Teamwork Beyond the Rift - Part 6

Featuring - Falin (@bingusprime) - Fe'gahl & Agira (@thehappiestgolucky) - Mati (@bees-tes-blog) - René (@hit-tab) - Basil (@transshion) - Maahes (@beastren) - Seresa (@themanwhomadeamonster)

Song: Reversal of Fate

[areeis]

Coop [spoilers/nudity/violence]

Notes below [DD/DDDA/DD2 spoilers]

(1)I love that you can buy houses in DD2, I really do. I still feel cheated, though, because you can't ever buy a house and get more than one bed. The Arisen's main pawn will confirm that you chose to rest, so of course with only one bed you have to assume they share it (especially later when you can get more expensive houses with a double-sized bed and nobody else enters it on their own). I would assume you'd want your MP rested most of all, since you could always rehire your support pawns, so that checks out. I also would like it if you could confirm your suppawns don't just have to sit out on the street all night, though. Since you can also give your MP pawn quests which resolve in the morning, I keep thinking they rest for a bit, then head out, and then just travel beyond the rift until it'd be time for them to return, which also hopefully gives them enough time to rest. Since pawns are naturally drawn to an Arisen, especially their own Arisen, I think it would only be natural for them to subconsciously get closer to them, too. Time spent sleeping and resting is such a vulnerable time and would happen frequently, too, so I think it would be perfect for that. As always, I think any new Arisen, if they were not familiar with pawns beforehand, would be at least a little confused about pawns. On one hand I think it'd be only natural for a MP to not want to get all up in their Arisen's business, on the other I think, because they're naturally drawn to them, it'd only make sense for them to use any opportunity to get even closer to them. Spectre only really wanted to stay for a while, though. The gear is taken from DD1, just because I've drawn it before. (2)I love the fancy Bakbattahl house and I wish you could buy it earlier in game. It's oozing character and the view is amazing, too. I'd want to spend more time there. Considering the circumstances of the offer the price is ridiculous, though.. First time coming to Battahl I went the 'quiet' mountain route and ran from a drake, so when I finally entered Bakbattahl I went to shop for better equipment, as you do. Spectre would never actually choose to wear anything like this on his own, but at the time it was the best gear gold could buy, so I wanted to draw him in it at least once. Around that time dragonsplague became more of a concern, since levelling more slowly meant I was keeping pawns for longer. Dragonsplague is really interesting. Not only are pawns not aware of it, but it also makes them bolder. For a 'calm' pawn like Spectre this would mean questioning Ryoken's orders and decisions in battle, but I kept thinking about what that would mean outside of battle. Surely a new thought would cross a pawn's mind and linger. A new thought, emboldened by dragonsplague, seemed like it could awaken them to something that might later define them as a person, too. Since pawns get dragonsplague from other pawns, it only seemed fitting to sneak a little rift depiction in there, too. Drawing their dragon self was hard, since any depiction of the model is so vague. You could argue that Spectre awakens to the more selfish sides of love for his Arisen here, too, wanting to stay by his side more than he wants to be dutiful. I like that he also argues for himself for the first time here, since it'd also be a sign Ryoken's treating him well. I think by this point in the story your MP should almost be done cooking to determine the end sequence, so it'd also show how far they've come together :>

[arisenreborn]

There's no controlling the silly things Pawns do in our world or across the Rift, but I thought it might be fun to share some headcanons about how they might act.

Pawn Behaviors - Beyond the Rift

❖ BEHAVIORS & HABITS: 

❖ COMMON: 

Self-explanatory,

the things you're gonna see them doing the most,

probably in line with their inclination

➵ UNCOMMON:

Things you might witness under slightly rarer circumstances

or after you've been traveling together for more than a few days,

probably more of their Arisen’s deeper influence]

➵ RARE:

Witnessed under some of the most extreme or odd of situations. 

➵ DRAGONSPLAGUE: 

Would they have any tells unique to them when suffering Dragonsplague?

❖ THOUGHTS & OPINIONS: 

➵ THE ARISEN:

How they regard the Arisen in general

And how that impacts the way they act towards them

➵ OTHER PAWNS:

How they might interact with other pawns

➵ WORLD:

Things they might say while traveling,

or seeing particular sights.

➵ BATTLE: 

How are they normally in battle?

VS do they have any particular foes that evoke unique reactions out of them?

➵ NPC's: 

Do they have specific reactions around any particular NPCs?

➵ QUESTS: 

Any unique dialogue or actions concerning specific quests?

➵ BONUS: 

Anything extra or specific to them that might not quite fit anywhere else?

[wraithwars]

a/n: did another questionnaire made by the lovely @arisenreborn (original post found here) & feel like they're slowly coming together. I had to put it in two parts because I wrote so much and am two lazy to make edits. Part two can be found here. Still, I had fun doing this and appreciate anyone willing to read it.

THE ARISEN - 

Whether they remember or not, where are they from?

Valkyrie originated from a small village nestled deep within a valley in a neighboring country to Vermund. This is where Sid, her adoptive father, finds her as a child.

What is their favorite and least favorite part of being the Arisen?

She hates being weak or perceived as weak, so one thing being Arisen did for her was make her seem strong without trying too. A lot of that has to do with the peoples’ preconceived notions about the role of Arisen. Her least favorite part is the amount of people that depend on her. Later on, this winds up being something that irks her greatly as she feels like people would rather take advantage of her than do things for themselves. Untrue with many innocents, but there are some that prove that point.

THE PAWN - 

Do they ever get their memory back; if they do, does that change how they interact with the narrative, and if they don’t how do they feel about that loss?

In general, Valkyrie handles the loss with bitter resignation. It drives her mad to have something so important lost to her, but she also feels it helps keep her focused on her main objective—her memories may only be a distraction if she had them. In her story, the people survive another year after Vermund had fallen, and she finally regains the rest of her memories. Some that had even been lost to her before the initial fell curse. One in particular gave her the drive to end the cycle once and for all.

What is their inclination, and what about them (if anything) might set them apart from others of their inclination?

Nolan is kindhearted in inclination, but he is driven apart from others that share it by his sternness. As he finds his voice, he more readily offers his opinion on things, and sometimes that opinion involves chastising Valkyrie for something. Honestly, he’s the only reason she’s able to stay sane.

Do they act any differently around other Arisen across the Rift?

Before finding his match in an Arisen, he treats every Arisen exactly the same. He’s always willing to help and will do just about anything that’s asked of him with an eager disposition. After meeting Valkyrie, he becomes more vocal and readily opposes things he doesn’t agree on even if he still winds up doing it. He grows more strategic. He also doesn’t hold other Arisens to the same degree he does Valkyrie. If anything, it’s simply because he had the time to warm up to her as opposed to any others he meets beyond the Rift.

ARISEN & PAWN -

If they were infected with the Dragonsplague, are there any specific ways they would act differently?

Nolan would be just as intimidating as people think he is based on appearances alone. He’d be more silent and often admonish others when he did speak. He’d also readily insult Valkyrie’s plans and would just do something else without speaking to anyone first. Also, he would be extra violent with his foes.

How would you describe their relationship?

As their bond grows, Valkyrie begins to view Nolan as more of a brother or best friend than a simple companion. Nolan has no experience with bonds such as those, but he knows he would feel exceedingly lonely if she were not in his life. They are equally as determined to stay together. And they also heal parts of each other they didn’t even know needed healing.

For each of them - Who is their favorite and least favorite NPC?

It goes without saying that Valkyrie holds the Thief-Maister in high esteem, but she loathes Allard with every fiber of her being—even more deeply than her hatred of Disa. Disa was at least redeemable some since even if she did horrible things, but Allard’s actions were always abhorrent and beyond self-serving. She always hated his type, and he’s a prime example of why she does. For Nolan, he truly enjoys Glyndwr’s presence. He thinks aside from Valkyrie that the elf would be his closest friend. They both share a thirst of knowledge about other cultures and things in general, and both of them can speak for hours to each other about their interests without growing tired. His least favorite? Raghnall. He finds his flippant nature irritating and his lack of morals even more so. He also views the man as an annoying obstacle and gets extra defensive whenever he’s present. Even if Valkyrie doesn’t take him all that serious, Nolan is keeping an eye on him at all times when he’s around.

What is a special or secret talent they each have?

Valkyrie, before becoming Arisen, typically traveled alone and would have to hunt regularly for food. Because of that she’s actually become rather proficient in making certain animals calls to lure in prey. Nolan is able to whistle—really good—but he also has photographic memory that serves them well on their adventure. For someone so gullible-seeming, he is quite a skilled individual.

Is there any topic they’ll avoid - romance, death, family, etc.?

Nolan will discuss almost anything with someone, but, unless it’s important, he does prefer to avoid tales of how pawns are mistreated. He’s suffered from it firsthand as well as many pawns he encountered on the roads, and the topic puts a bad taste in his mouth. To keep his spirits up, he’d simply prefer not to think about it unless a situation demands it. For Valkyrie, she finds the topic of family hard to discuss—with or without her memories. With them she knew she was all that remained of her family. Without them, she feels an astonishing emptiness when the topic is brought up, and it distresses her greatly. It may partially be the reason she’s so eager to forge bonds. 

What are they most afraid of? And what is their greatest hope, or dream?

Valkyrie is afraid of failure. Cliche, of course, but the threat of it looms over her at all times, and she often has nightmares of it. So when Vermund does fall, she takes it rather hard and goes into a deep depression. As for hopes and dreams, she’s afraid that her thinking of them will put them further out of reach—or maybe, she simply doesn’t know what she wants. For Nolan, he’s afraid of being just a pawn. He wants to be something more, to hold a depth to him that his kind rarely possesses. He wants to stick by Valkyrie’s side, but he also wants to exist outside of her, to be his own person without constantly being associated with another. He just wants to be Nolan, and his dream is that one day that’s exactly who he’ll be. Just Nolan. 

Do they have any particular quirks or habits?

Nolan is most comfortable sleeping on the floor, and he often hums when things are silent. Valkyrie can’t sit still for the life of her and sometimes talks to herself to get her thoughts together—she doesn’t notice she’s doing it most of the time.

What are their least favorite enemies to fight?

Goblins. They hate goblins. They hate how many of them they run into, how inconvenient running into them is, how they smell, how often they have rocks thrown in their faces because of them—if they could rid the world of one species they would choose goblins. 

What is their favorite: animal, color, flower?

Nolan loves oxen and often likes to lay in the field by Vernworth with them. He’s done it so much that farmers leave him be and oxen take the sight of him as a sign for nap time. Any shade of red is his favorite. As for flowers, he doesn’t have a favorite but thinks they’re all very pretty.

Valkyrie has a fondness for griffins. She thinks they’re majestic creatures, and she can’t fault them for their actions because nature is at play. She secretly cried the first time she had to slay one early in their adventure. As for colors, she tends to prefer dark tones but doesn’t seem to have a favorite. As for flowers, Moonglows are her favorite. 

Do they have any pet peeves?

Nolan's number one pet peeve is drunks. He doesn’t like being around drunk people nor does he enjoy the smell that wafts his way when they’re near. He won’t say no to a mug of ale unless it’s from someone who’s already had fifty. Valkyrie’s pet peeve is loud people. She’ll talk to someone with a soft voice for hours, but if someone is unnecessarily loud she’s irritated immediately.

What is their preferred vocation and what drew them to it?

Previously answered here.

Are there any specific or unique items they carry with them?

Valkyrie carries a griffin feather Nolan gifts her during one of their first downtimes together. Looking at it brings a smile to her face, and it sort of becomes a good luck charm for her. Nolan adores the cape a woman he had helped in Vernworth made for him and takes great care of it. Even if he finds something better, he still prefers to keep the cape on. It was the first time he had received a gift that was meant only for him.

THE REST CAN BE FOUND HERE.

What are their monikers, and do they have a special meaning or story behind them?N/A