Play The Ascent of Aeon Early

KS Sneak Peek: Director's Cut Book First Look

Studio Munbou
August 26, 2025

Truth Hidden in Verse

You’ll need this later

Heavy wagons brought me here, but lanterns lift me higher.
All around, the sky glows blue—like stars you can touch.
I never thought stone-haulers like me would stand in a place so bright.
Laughter spills louder than hammers in the mine.

Men and women bow their heads, some in joy, some in sorrow.
Every lantern feels like a voice, calling to those who braved the Tower.
Kids run with ribbons, shouting your name, Mekhi, like it’s a game.
Hard hearts soften here—I see it even in the toughest foremen.
I carry ore by day, but tonight I carry wonder.

- Rynor, Aurevian Courrier

These words are more than what meets the eye. Decipher them and you’ll have the key for even greater rewards. Hold tight to that key until the doors open.

Have you figured the crypt out yet? Hold onto it just a bit longer . We promise it’ll be worth it.

WILL YOU FOLLOW THE PATH TO GLORY →

A WELCOME TO ASTRA:

THE BLUE LANTERN FESTIVAL

Every year, Astra’s capital springs to life as the Blue Lantern Festival goes on, marking the opening of the Tower of Aeon’s doors. For some, it’s a night of remembrance—lanterns drifting skyward in honor of loved ones who braved the Tower and never returned. For others, it’s a full-blown celebration, where streets overflow with music, dancing, and the glow of blue firelight.

And now, you can step into the festival yourself.

The Blue Lantern Festival will be the very first one-shot in the Ascent of Aeon campaign book, but we’re giving our newsletter subscribers exclusive early access!

Inside you’ll find the full adventure : rich encounters, memorable NPCs, branching paths, and vibrant points of interest that capture both the joy and the sorrow of Astra’s most iconic holiday. Whether you’re guiding players through solemn moments of reflection or into the chaos of a capital-wide revel, this one-shot offers a taste of Astra at its most alive.

Follow the link below to grab the materials and be among the first to experience the world of Astra before the Tower doors open for everyone else!

PLAY THE GAME EARLY →

KICKSTARTER UPDATES

SHOWING THE PROCESS

whispersoftaiji
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Along with the rest of our samples, we also received a special edition director’s cut booklet. It walks through the process and some of the thinking behind how we created our story trailer.

The Whispers of Taiji story trailer was the first piece of this world we created in collaboration with Otsu Labs (whose team has contributed to incredible titles like Attack on Titan, One Piece, and more). Needless to say, this project means a great deal to us.

We hope you’ll enjoy seeing the work that went into it!

GET NOTIFIED ON OUR KICKSTARTER LAUNCH →

LORE WHISPERS

Samantha, Brothel Keepers of the Sexy Leopard

Sam/Samantha, depending on the night is a striking figure with an undeniable air of confidence. Their jet-black hair flows in loose waves, often tied with a vibrant ribbon to match their form-fitting, elegant attire, a blend of practicality and allure, adorned with subtle jewelry hinting at affluence. Their sharp green eyes miss nothing, and their smile can be disarming or dangerous, depending on the price.

Born into poverty, Sam/Samantha learned that survival meant adaptation and as a changeling, they had it engraved in their blood. Working in Astra’s most infamous brothel, they became more than a performer. Their ability to be anyone, to listen unseen, made them the city’s most elusive informant. Every whispered secret passes through their web. Beneath the charm lies a strategist, one who understands that knowledge is power, and knows exactly how to wield it.