SKALD: Against the Black Priory

Produced by: Scape-IT
Website: SkaldRPG

The SKALD Roleplaying System has been in development since early 2018 — or, at least, that is when the developer, Scape-IT, started posting development blog entries — and purports to be something of a multipurpose engine; according to the developer, it comprises a set of rules which can be used for both computer-based and pen-and-paper RPGs, and a game engine for making gamebooks, text-driven video games, and even interactive fiction.

Naturally, with the development of the engine, Scape-IT has also created the first SKALD-based game: Against the Black Priory, which is described thusly:

Inspired by legendary titles such as Ultima and the gold box series, and with the narrative ambition of a modern RPG, SKALD: Against the Black Priory is the developers love letter to classic roleplaying.

SKALD: Against the Black Priory will see players develop and lead a party of up to six characters as they explore the accursed Black Priory. The game is both challenging and immersive, with tactical combat, dynamic tree-based dialog and “choose-your-own-adventure” sequences.

And, indeed, the influences of Ultima and (especially) The Magic Candle can be easily seen in these screenshots:

After a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2019 that has since been supplemented by an ongoing Indiegogo campaign, Against the Black Priory is on the cusp of being released on Steam and GOG; it is expected to launch in August of 2021.