[DEVBLOG#284] The Cryptoforge

Hello everyone and welcome to a development blog that will cover a brand new Vanilla Quests Expanded entry that SHOULD release roughly at the same time as Vanilla Factions Expanded - Medieval 2.

Cryptoforge is a brand new quest that takes players on an unforgettable journey through the frozen wastelands of the planet’s north pole. In this expansion, you will uncover the remnants of an ancient, long-forgotten cryptoforge ship, fight off deadly threats, and harness ultra-advanced technology to craft legendary cryptogear. This mod introduces a multi-stage, high-risk, high-reward questline where survival is not guaranteed, but the rewards are well worth the struggle.

Before I start with what the mod has to offer, let me just do a quick recap of what's happening behind the scenes:

• Vanilla Factions Expanded - Medieval 2 is deep in the testing now. We're still designing a few mechanics, and some content (such as the starting scenario and the storyteller), but overall things are going smoothly and I'm very excited to release the mod soon.

• A new mod is popping up on the roadmap soon: Vanilla Cooking Expanded - Haute Meals, allowing you to make the work of arts in an edible format.

• Groundworks are being laid for the next Vanilla Quests Expanded entry. I won't tell you much about it, but you might like the sketch of the hero art for it...

• I'm in contact with Al, the incredibly talented artist who made all of the RimWorld's soundtrack, and we're working on a cool little mod adding musical instruments and improving the music recreation.

• I keep putting in any hours I have left into Outposts 2 as I know you want to see it as soon as possible. Once we have something more solid to show, I will make a devblog about it.

If you'd like to be surprised by what Vanilla Quests Expanded - Cryptoforge has to offer, do not read ahead.

The Cryptoforge questline begins when players receive intel about a crashed starship, said to have belonged to a nomadic warrior fleet that mastered cryptoparticle technology. Generations ago, this massive vessel shattered upon atmospheric entry, its fragments scattered across the planet's northern pole. The player’s journey starts at an ancient radar station, where they must scan for the wreckage sites. But scanning the terrain will come at a cost: activating the ancient relay station will draw the attention of mechanoids and trigger hostile engagements.

Quest Progression:

• Radar Station Activation – Players must enter an abandoned radar station to scan for the ship's location while fighting off automated security systems and a traversing through an absolutely bullshit minefield.

• Stern & Bow Investigation – Two major ship fragments house black boxes required to triangulate the cryptoforge’s final location. The stern is frozen solid and infested with dormant mechanoids, while the bow has become a nest for cryptofused insectoids.

• Final Fragment & The Cryptoforge – The last and most crucial ship fragment contains the legendary cryptoforge. Players will need to power it using a dangerously unstable cryptogenerator, which will draw relentless mechanoid attacks. The forge will only remain operational for 48 hours before its power source melts down, making this a desperate race against time. Fortunately, a large amount of 'linkables' will allow your crafters to whip out a lot of cryptogear before the forge is lost forever.

New Structures & Technologies

Ancient Cryptoforge

The cryptoforge is an ultratech workbench designed to craft the highest-tier cryptogear, utilizing nano-assembly techniques far beyond modern understanding. It requires significant energy to function, and once activated, it becomes a magnet for mechanoid forces determined to eliminate any who attempt to harness its power.

Key Features:

• Requires activation by a cryptogenerator... well, not really, you can actually avoid fighting mechanoids altogether if you bring your own power source, but it will need to be a very good and reliable one.

• Indestructible, but can only be used on-site.

• Features multiple linkables that dramatically increase work speed.

• Must be defended while operational.

Cryptogenerator

The ancient power source responsible for fueling the cryptoforge. It cannot be refueled and will eventually detonate in a massive explosion once its energy reserves are depleted. The longer it remains active, the more powerful mechanoid forces will arrive to destroy it.

• Runs for 48 hours before a catastrophic meltdown.

• Attracts increasingly difficult mechanoid attacks.

• Provides crucial power to essential systems like lighting, heating, and security turrets.

Ancient Security & Defensive Systems

• Frozen Turrets & Shielded Defenses – Automated defenses litter the wreckage, some still functional and repurposable.

• Landmines & Security Traps – Beware of active minefields near the radar station and ship remnants. The mines actually can't be seen by you until you step on them. Fun.

• Floor Freezers & Temperature Hazards – Subzero conditions create environmental dangers that slow or weaken intruders.

New Enemies

Frozen Mechanoids

These mechanical monstrosities lie dormant in the wreckage, waiting to be disturbed. Any movement near them will trigger their awakening, forcing players to fight them head-on. Expect:

• Lancers, Centipedes, and Scythers frozen in place, waiting to ambush.

• Chain reactions: one activated mechanoid can awaken others nearby.

Cryptofused Insectoids

A new type of insectoid enemy that has adapted to the freezing conditions of the ship's interior. These creatures are extremely dangerous in the cold but become sluggish and weak when exposed to warmth.

• Ice Crawlers – Agile insectoids that become more lethal in extreme cold.

• Megamidges – Large, slow moving killing machines that apply crypto slowdown with their sharp blades.

Legendary Cryptogear

The ultimate prize of this expedition is access to the cryptoforge, where players can craft legendary cryptogear. This includes:

• Cryptoaxes – Ultra-sharp melee weapons infused with cryptoparticles.

• Cryptobolters – Long range crossbows that deal devastating damage and apply the crypto slowdown to enemies hit.

• Cryptoarmor - heavy and normal – Similar to how it worked in Vikings, Cryptoarmor completely stops bleeding out. Additionally, it also provides superior cold insulation.

These items are crafted on the cryptoforge from advanced components, plasteel and gold - fortunately, these resources and more can be found in the wreckage!

Hero arrives

Just like the Inventor in the Generator mod, Cryptoforge also comes with a unique character you can find. The Hero is the last survivor of his faction. Frozen in cryptosleep, he's absolutely shocked to find himself rescued. As reality sets in and they realize they are the last of their people, crippling depression will set in - and the only way to slow it down is to let him work his craft: smithing. Eventually, however, the sadness will become unbearable, making him a volatile element in your colony.

Vanilla Quests Expanded - Cryptoforge is designed to push even the most experienced of you to your limits. Between managing freezing temperatures, surviving relentless mechanoid onslaughts, and racing against time to craft legendary cryptogear, this mod will test just how greedy you are when it comes to ultratech gear.

Let me know what you think, and soon I will show you some screenshots in a teaser post!