Hey folks. :)

The next update to Interdict will be introducing the Obelisk mechanic. Alongside the existing Choir, Rift, and Merchant mechanics, Obelisks will show up throughout the game in different locations each time you play.

Obelisks are strange pillars constructed of all sorts of scrap and debris that, for reasons not immediately clear, are guarded... perhaps even worshipped... by local creatures. If you challenge an Obelisk's defenders and win, you will gain the opportunity to loot unusual items from the Obelisk itself before it collapses.

I'll talk more about the unique characteristics of Obelisk battles in a later post, but for now, I want to preview some of the new items you can find when you clear an Obelisk encounter. These items are not necessarily more powerful than the existing items; rather, they offer new options that cover more esoteric or specific needs than the "base" item set. Without further adieu, here's a small sample of the over 60 new items you might find:

Katana: A Martial weapon that inherently causes both Bleed and Wound, but has a lower base damage. Several different similar weapons are available, offering this combination of traits in a variety of sizes and styles.

Flail: A Pole weapon that combines the Daze potential of blunt weapons with the higher damage of axes, but has a lower base accuracy. As with the Katana, there are some variants in different sizes and styles on this weapon as well.

Crossbow: A long range weapon with no attribute or skill requirements to use. Fires very, very slowly unless loaded first, but fires quite quickly when loaded. Crossbows begin battles loaded, and are re-loaded if you end your turn having completed a defensive action.

Ceremonial Chain: Chain armor that is a bit heavy for the physical protection it offers, but also provides some protection from spells.

Reinforced Plate: Plate armor that provides astounding protection from physical attacks, but has drastically increased penalties to Evade and Stealth, and high attribute requirements as well.

Citrine Scarab: A Relic that automatically activates when a battle begins to raise the accuracy, status chance, and Bleed/Wound effectiveness of your attacks during the first round of that battle. This and other Scarabs will no doubt prove useful when exploring new or highly dangerous areas, such as Rifts.

Purple Tachio: A Relic that allows you to make an attack with your weapon that will restore FP based on the damage dealt. Several other Tachio that offer different types of modified attacks can also be found.

Alkahest Amulet: An accessory that boosts the effectiveness of skills such as Ignite Shot, Poison Use, and the like, which normally are based off your Intellect and Cunning attributes.

Silver Key: An accessory that boosts the maximum charges your equipped Relics can hold.

These are only a brief sample of what you'll be able to find in Obelisk encounters. :D Next time, I'll talk more about what the battles you'll have to overcome to earn them. Until then, cheers, and good luck on your adventures!