- Dracula Takes Centre Stage: Dev Updates, Updated Screenshots & Trailer - 27 August 2026
IntroductionThe night has been quiet for a little while, but beneath the surface, things have been stirring.Some of what follows has been mentioned previously on Discord and social media, but we wanted to bring everything together in one place, expand on a few details, and offer a glimpse at what is happening behind the scenes.Updates have been somewhat slower over the past few months. Part of this has been due to the heat, which has made development considerably more difficult at times, but the bigger reason is that much of what we’re currently working on is more involved and requires additional time and attention. As always, we’d rather take the time to get things right than rush something out before it’s ready.Progress may sometimes be difficult to see from the outside, particularly when we're working on things that aren't quite ready to show. But behind the scenes, Harrowed World co…
- Have Your Say: Vampiric Abilities – Carrion Arts Part 3: Communal - 4 June 2026
Note: This post concerns 'Harrowed World: Portents In Red'.With the Cognate Carrion Arts covered in Part 2, it’s time to move beyond the powers tied to your vampiric bloodline. Communal Carrion Arts are abilities that any vampire can learn, regardless of the Legacy they belong to. Under the current design, you will be able to choose up to three Communal Carrion Arts during character creation, allowing for far greater freedom in shaping your vampire’s strengths and playstyle. If you haven’t already, we recommend reading Part 1 and Part 2 before continuing. At this stage, the core identities and themes behind each Carrion Art are firmly established, along with their place within the setting. However, the individual Artifices within them are still evolving as development continues. That means many details remain flexible. Artifices effects, mechanics, progression, and even some names may c…
- Have Your Say: Vampiric Abilities – Carrion Arts Part 2: Cognate - 22 May 2026
Note: This post concerns 'Harrowed World: Portents In Red'.Content Warning: Contains references to abuse and suicide. Do not read if you will find this upsetting or offensive.Picking up from Part 1, Cognate Carrion Arts are the supernatural abilities tied directly to your Legacy, the vampiric bloodline your character descends from. Each Legacy grants access to one particular Cognate Carrion Art, reflecting the nature of that bloodline. If you haven’t already, we recommend reading Part 1 before continuing. While the Carrion Arts themselves, their themes, identities, and how they are tied to specific Legacies, are firmly established, the individual Artifices within them are still open to change. Individual Artifices, mechanics, and even names may change over time, though they will always remain true to the overall theme of the Carrion Art they belong to. Your feedback is an important part…
- Unleash Your Inner Vampire – Vampire Horror RPG Character Creation - 7 May 2026
Introducing the Early Prototype Showcase of Character Creation for ‘Harrowed World: Portents In Red’, our Modern Vampire Narrative Horror RPG, currently in development. There’s not much to add, just a reminder this is an early prototype and far from final. We’ll be expanding customisation options, including a wider range of skin tones and clothing. With Thanks To Our Paid Patreon MembersVanguard:NildenosajAdvocatus:LivZombiHaydyn Williams Become a Free or Paid Member now to kept up to date on development and gain exclusive perks:https://www.patreon.com/cw/HarrowedWorld/membershipEven free members gain access to our Discord server.
- Have Your Say: Vampiric Abilities – Carrion Arts Part 1: Overview - 5 May 2026
Note: This post concerns 'Harrowed World: Portents In Red'.Carrion Arts are what vampires in Harrowed World call their supernatural abilities. They are the unnatural gifts that separate predator from prey. These are not just abilities you equip. They are expressions of your vampiric nature. Some are tied to your Legacy, ancient, guarded, and passed down through bloodlines. Others are shared, adapted, or stolen over time. Together, they form the foundation of how your character interacts with the world… and how the world responds in kind. While some preliminary work has started, we want to involve you before things are too far along. We’ll first be gathering feedback from our relevant paid Patreon members, then opening the discussion up to everyone, so you can truly have your say in shaping these powers. Since there’s a lot to cover, we’ll be breaking this topic into multiple parts. In t…
- You will Obey – Vampire Servants Explained - 26 March 2026
Watch the video or read the transcript below:What does it mean to serve a monster?An accomplice, a servant... a slave.Humans serving vampires is a common sight throughout popular culture, from Renfield in Dracula or Knock if you’re nasty, to the ghouls of Vampire: The Masquerade, the thralls of Skyrim, and the familiars seen in Blade.It stands to reason that creatures who prey upon and seek to dominate humans would also keep some as servants.In Harrowed World, they are called doxies. Each one is bound to a vampire, referred to as their dominus, by a disturbing act called the Binding. The vampire produces a thick black mucus like substance known as doxian, which can be released voluntarily from the mouth or a wound. The substance must be consumed by or injected into the human. Due to its repulsive taste, few will consume it willingly.The doxian embeds itself inside the body, binding them…
- Vampire Narrative Game Reaches First Time Downloads Milestone! - 10 March 2026
Because Steam apparently won't accept YouTube Shorts embeds in announcements...We’re excited to share that ‘Harrowed World: What’s Past Is Portents’, our Episodic Vampire Narrative Game, has officially reached 1,000 first time downloads on Steam! Thank you to everyone who has played the game so far, shared feedback, and supported the project. Your support truly means a lot and helps keep us going. If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s a great time to jump in and experience Harrowed World. More updates and stories are on the way. With Thanks To Our Paid Patreon MembersVanguard:NildenosajAdvocatus:LivZombiBecome a Free or Paid Member now to kept up to date on development and gain exclusive perks:https://www.patreon.com/cw/HarrowedWorld/membershipEven free members gain access to our Discord server.Thanks again for being part of the journey!
- Guess Who's Back | Harrowed World: What's Past Is Portents Devlog - 5 March 2026
Watch the video or read the transcript below:Guess who’s back.\On this night, we have unveiled the beginning of Vincent's Story for 'Harrowed World: What's Past Is Portents', said story will arrive as a update at no extra cost for all Story Pack DLC owners, date to be considered.Vincent's Story is planned to release alongside Tamali's Story, as the two narratives intertwine, crossing paths through shared characters, familiar locations, and converging events. These stories were always designed to exist within the same (un)living, breathing world and now you’ll start to see those threads come together.What you’re seeing here is still a work in progress. Final music, voice acting, and polish are yet to be applied, and as always, elements remain subject to change.But you may notice something different.For the first time, we’re bringing back a returning character, in the form of Father Angel…
- Monster and Doctor – Vampire RPG Character First Look - 2 February 2026
Artwork RevealBefore we get onto the character reveal, here’s the first look at new artwork showcasing powerful vampire leader Bella Quillan. She is the vanguard of the Isle of Gallow in 'Harrowed World: Portents In Red', our Modern Gothic Vampire RPG, currently in development. She is draped in a bloodstained gown and wearing a mask, framed by a modern gothic cityscape. Her eyes blaze purple, alive with vampiric power.Character RevealDr Duncan Oswald (formally Lord Dr Duncan Richard Edwin-Oswald) is the new advocatus and master of the Kerrogan Collective on the Isle of Gallow. Duncan is also the protagonist of Duncan's Story, part of 'Harrowed World: What's Past Is Portents', our Episodic Vampire Narrative Game. See the character reveal below: As the reluctant new master of the local Kerrogan he oversees a group of apprentices, pupils in often brutal disciplines of science, who may not…
- Thanks to our new Advocatus and Vanguard Members! - 22 January 2026
It’s the first full month of the Harrowed World Patreon and we officially have our second paid member! Thank you to LivZombi our first Advocatus member (second highest paid level) and Nildenosaj, our first Vanguard member (highest paid level)! If you’re into vampires, creatures & you wish to support indie creations, including an RPG, this is your summons. Free members get regular updates and access to our Discord server, while paid members get exclusive perks. Become a Free or Paid Member now:https://www.patreon.com/cw/HarrowedWorld/membership
- Crypt Conversation Update – Story Pack V1.5 and Base V2.5 - 18 January 2026
‘Harrowed World: What’s Past Is Portents’ has been updated, Story Pack to V1.5 and Base Game to V2.5:Restructured the crypt conversations in Isaac's Story to avoid premature ending.Some crypt dialogue options in Isaac’s Story, now lead to different outcomes including multiple ways to gain the ‘Sins of the Father’ achievement.Story Selection menu replaced with a completely redesigned New Game menu.Added optional hints, togglable in the New Game menu and Settings menu.Added Character Sprite Options (static or animated), togglable in the New Game menu and Settings menu.Improved some Lexicon entries, particularly the entry for Doxy.Added fog effect to main menu (because I can).Improved content warning.Alphabetised credits and added message confirming No Generative AI was used in the creation of the game.Chronicle now only accessible during play (as it has no use outside of play).Updated mai…
- Harrowed World Shrouded 2025 – End of Year Reflection - 31 December 2025
Another year at an end. It’s been a long year, personally especially. As many of you may know, near the start of this year I lost my mum to cancer. With that tragic loss, came many changes, that I’m still adjusting to. From new financial restraints to a very different Christmas period. I share this not to garner sympathy, but simply to explain my current situation. I’m not a big sharer but at the same time I’m not big with secrets either. On the positive side, we released the Story Pack for ‘Harrowed World: What’s Past Is Portents’, our Episodic Vampire Narrative Game, with the premiere tale ‘Duncan’s Story’, it’s narrative incidentally revolving around grief and loss, something that allowed me to draw from my own feelings. I found writing Duncan’s Story to be very therapeutic and its release represents the fulfilment of another announced release. We ran a successful Creator Program, to…
- Season’s Greetings from the Vampire Duncan - 22 December 2025
A Christmas (or Holidays if you prefer) greeting from the vampire Dr Duncan Oswald, for all those who celebrate.Duncan is the protagonist of Duncan's Story, part of 'Harrowed World: What's Past Is Portents', our Episodic Vampire Narrative Game, and he's an important figure in 'Harrowed World: Portents In Red', our Modern Gothic Vampire RPG.With thanks to Jeremiah Billing returning to record this special message.
- Harrowed World Comes To Patreon – Vampire RPG & More - 15 December 2025
Like so many indie developers before us, we’ve answered the call. Our Patreon has awakened. Within, you’ll find multiple membership tiers bearing ornate, lore inspired names, shadowed descriptions, and exclusive perks for those willing to pledge themselves. Even the uninitiated may enter, free membership grants access to our Discord server, a place to gather among fellow creatures of the night. If you’re into vampires, supernatural creatures, and if you wish to help bring new independent creations to life with fresh original lore, including a Modern Gothic Vampire RPG video game, then this is your summons. Changes to the Newsletter and DiscordThe interest form previously used to request access to the Discord server has been laid to rest. New members are now asked to post a brief introduction upon joining the server to receive full access and avoid removal. The newsletter will no longer…
- Introduction with a Vampire – Harrowed World Vampires Explained - 17 November 2025
Watch the video or read the transcript below:Well, I hate to break it to you but you’re dead.At least you were briefly.What you are now, it’s a little harder to say. Simply put you’re a vampire.Risen from legend into the cold dark night.We call ourselves Vetostryx, after the undead emperors of old. It’s Time To Believe In Monsters, because you are one. LegaciesAs a Vetostryx, you belong to a Legacy, a bloodline composed of vampires descending from a progenitor known as a Revenant.Revenants are unique in that they are the only vampires who are not passaged by another vampire.A Legacy is passed down from legator to legatee, and each Legacy shares a signature animal form that all its members can transform into.Different regions tend to have their own predominant Legacies.On the Isle of Gallow, and in Britain more broadly, these Legacies are the most common:Annwnian: Dream hounds said to be…
- Bella Quillan in Game – Vampire RPG Mini Showcase and More - 6 November 2025
Watch the Mini ShowcaseJust a mini showcase for you this time, this is Bella Quillan, in game. You may remember Bella from a character reveal we did earlier this year. The character reveal was not actual game footage, so we wanted to show you show she looks in game, though it’s not finalised. We mainly wanted to highlight the height difference between Bella and the player character and show off her work in progress office a little. Check out the showcase:Additional Screenshots Wishlist 'Harrowed World: Portents In Red' on Steam now:Stay in the KnowLike what you’re reading? This article was first shared with our newsletter subscribers. Subscribe for free to get exclusive early access to updates, exclusive sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes insights into development. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!In Case You Missed ItIn game you missed it here's some new screenshots for 'Harrowed W…
- Harroween Update - SP_V1.1 and Base_V2.25 - 30 October 2025
Happy Harroween everyone! Just a small update:Added new limited achievement, only unlockable on Halloween (31st October).Added link to support / report a bug form.Updated base game to show that Story Pack is out.Imported multiple UI improvements from Story Pack to base game.Updated main menu links.Added ‘special’ section to achievements menu.
- Harrowed World Tabletop – Dark New Era of TTRPG Begins - 20 October 2025
Harrowed World is taking a bold step into the realm of dice, character sheets, and imagination. Work has officially begun on a tabletop roleplaying game adaptation of the dark gothic setting, tentatively titled Harrowed World Tabletop. While the name may change as development progresses, the project promises to deliver an immersive experience that captures the haunting beauty and deep depths of Harrowed World in a new way. Bringing Harrowed World to the Table(top)The upcoming TTRPG will adapt the lore of Harrowed World for pen and paper play, starting with the insidious vampires of the setting. Players will step into the shadows as these immortal predators, navigating ancient power struggles, secret pacts, and blood-soaked intrigue. But vampires are only the beginning. Over time, Harrowed World Tabletop will expand to include the full array of creatures that populate the world, from mag…
- Hotfix Story Pack V1.05 - 2 October 2025
'Harrowed World: What’s Past Is Portents’ Story Pack Hotfix to V1.05.Fixes, additions and improvements:Isaac appearing as 'Ivy' in Story Pack version of Isaac's Story due to overridden by Ivy from future story due to programming error. Now fixed.Notes:Let us know if you encounter any bugs or issues and we will work on fixing them straight away. Thanks for playing!
- Duncan's Story Out Now! - Gothic Vampire Visual Novel DLC Story - 1 October 2025
It’s 1st October, so that means... The first tale of the Story Pack DLC for our Gothic Vampire Visual Novel, ‘Harrowed World: What’s Past Is Portents’, is out now!You are Dr Duncan Richard Edwin-Oswald, a renowned physician, a gentleman, and a kind-hearted philanthropist. Cursed by guilt and consumed by grief, you consider taking drastic measures, when you are visited by a mysterious woman who is not all that she seems.Step deeper into a world of insidious vampires as five distinct protagonists. Experience five more sinister vampiric tales, with varied characters, and locations, in this atmospheric expansion to Harrowed World: What’s Past Is Portents.Unravel their splintered society of ancient rivalries, twisted ideologies, and disturbing practices that govern their eternal existences. From grotesque experiments in the shadow of Queen Victoria’s reign to the quiet tyranny of modern boar…
