Beat the Devil at his own game.

A folk horror card battler with beautiful stylized art, animated figurines, dazzling effects, haunted sound and music, and an original first-person narrative set in the 17th century in a remote region of the Arctic circle. Investigate the mystery of the late Mariken Svangård as the masked Maven, her pupil in the dark arts and final friend. Use your wits and skills to compete in an ancient game against a series of demons to cleanse the souls of the late Mariken’s family before the Devil comes to claim his due.

At the center of the ceremonial board is the Fanghella, the Killing Stone. A collection of magical creature figurines, spells, and incantations allows for a variety of clever tactics. The game pieces are full of life and character, giving a very tactile and responsive experience while still allowing players to deliberate their every move.

A novel Reserve System allows for more strategic plays, letting you stack units and buffing incantations above the battle line for later deployment. Creature placement, spellcasting, and bargaining to add powerful banes and boons to your deck all affect your chances of success.

In between matches, the story plays out in first-person with a painterly stylized presentation. You are a Maven, master of the dark arts - and Mariken's final friend.  Explore the mansion and talk with family members - and animal familiars - to learn the circumstances of her final days.

The eerie tone of the game and setting are further enhanced by the game being told in two styles: a period 17th century English, and a more modern prose. Players will be allowed to switch both text and VO to enjoy the game in the version they prefer. Branching dialogues let you dive deeper into the story, learning the origin of the familial curse, and shedding light on the characters' motives and fears.

The game features voiceover by the talented Emma Gregory, who plays the matriarch of the family, Mariken Svangård. The eerie tone of the game and setting are further enhanced by the game being told in two styles: a period 17th century English, and a more modern English. Players will be allowed to switch both text and VO to enjoy the game in the version they prefer. Further details and other voice talent will be announced closer to the game’s launch. 

Interested fans can check out a playable demo on Steam.

Battles feed into a Ritual bargain against the Devil’s minions for the soul of each family member. Like a cat with a mouse, Demons love to play with their victims. Their pride cannot resist a wager if they think they can tilt the outcome to their advantage - but you can call their bluff.

Each Svangård has their own card deck representing their souls, cursed with debts left by their Matriarch. The outcomes of a Bargain offer powerful effects which permanently affect the family member you are helping with helpful Boons or heavy Banes.

You only have a few rounds to negotiate before the Ritual is completed, and only a few Rituals to make a difference and alter a family member's fate before the final Reckoning is due. 

These bargains and the opposing demons change as you progress. No two playthroughs are identical. Replays grant you new dark miracles, and ways to change the ending.

Purge the Svangård family’s hereditary curse before the devil arrives. Hopefully, without losing your own soul.

The Killing Stone is in development for PC (Steam).