Hawkswell Studios reveals Celtic-inspired CRPG Legends of Awen: Rise of the Fianna for PC

As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for RPGs and tabletop games, I can’t help but feel a pang of excitement at the prospect of Legends of Awen: Rise of the Fianna. The idea of a game that emphasizes role-playing and offers meaningful choices is something right up my alley.

The French studio Hawkswell Studios has unveiled their upcoming venture titled “Legends of Awen: Rise of the Fianna“. This is an innovative CRPG that draws inspiration from Celtic medieval fantasies and folklore. In Q1 2025, they plan to kick off a crowdfunding campaign for this game, with the aim of increasing the variety of player choices and intensifying the effects of these decisions beyond their initial plans.

In the game “Legends of Awen: Rise of the Fianna,” you assume the role of Finn, a young orphan endowed with extraordinary abilities from another realm. Build a team of valiant Fianna heroes to combat both domestic and foreign threats that jeopardize the prosperity of Tara, your beloved kingdom.

The game, constructed using Unreal Engine 5, features a unique character creation system without classes, offers non-aggressive resolution methods for encounters, introduces romantic companions, and emphasizes choices with consequences. Players are given the freedom to either engage in tactical combat, leveraging the environment to their benefit, or opt for alternative solutions such as negotiation, persuasion, or intimidation to resolve encounters peacefully.

Check out the preview trailer for Legends of Awen: Rise of the Fianna located further down, accompanied by additional details and images.

Press Release
Today, Hawkswell Studio, based in France, unveiled Legends of Awen: Rise of the Fianna during the PC Gaming Show. This is the studio’s debut project, showcased with a presentation trailer featuring both preliminary engine footage and in-game sequences. In order to enrich the variety of player options and deepen the effects of their decisions beyond the current plan, the team intends to gather support from gamers through a crowdfunding campaign, which is scheduled for Q1 2025.
Embarking on this extraordinary journey, I find myself assuming the part of Finn, a power-endowed orphan kid. At first, I’m just the greenest rookie among the illustrious Fianna band, but as events unfold, I rise through the ranks, eventually claiming leadership.
In the troubled realm of Tara, where internal turmoil brews and an age-old sinister presence rises from the earth’s depths, the Fianna are compelled to confront adversaries that span the realms of man and magic. As a player, you’ll guide your Fianna warband through strategic skirmishes, cultivate bonds with five distinct Companions, and unveil the might of legendary weapons linked to legendary heroes from the past.
The game provides a new backdrop and an interactive battle system that allows players to engage in tactical, turn-based battles utilizing environmental elements, or opt for diplomatic solutions using persuasion, charm, or intimidation. Significant decisions are integrated into the character advancement, resulting in various playthrough scenarios.
The Fianna Ascendancy intends to offer a new perspective on Celtic legends, where minstrels cast enchantments via melody, magical forces of the Shee persist, mystical body paint confers strength, and venerable arms embody the essences of old battle-heroes.
As a fellow gaming enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that you can express your anticipation for the upcoming adventure with Legends of Awen: Rise of the Fianna by simply adding it to your Steam wishlist!
Steam Page Description
Rise of the Fianna is a single player, story-driven cRPG developed on Unreal 5.
Step into a unique, medieval-style fantasy realm influenced by Celtic folklore. In this world, bards can cast curses or bestow blessings using their poetic and melodious artistry, druids wield potent charms tied to the mystical power of the Shee, tribal body paintings confer extraordinary powers, and fabled weapons are imbued with the spirits of legendary heroes.
Step into the role of Finn, an orphan child gifted with otherworldly powers.
Assemble your esteemed group of Fianna, champions revered by the High Queen, and strive to emerge as their respected leader!
Embark on a grand journey to safeguard the realm of Tara against treacherous nobles and otherworldly threats.
Discover a hidden, malicious plot and delve into an even more ominous danger, long concealed and yearning for retribution…
Classless Character Creation
The Fianna have been skilled in the arts of the Bard, the Druid, and the Warrior. Should your associates lean towards one of these professions, you can tailor-fit Finn by blending and selecting from various options, granting access to an extensive array of talents and capabilities.
Non-violent Encounter Resolution
In tense situations where fighting appears to be imminent, the game transitions from active exploration to a tactical turn-based mode called “Encounter Mode.” This mode is played out on a grid. Based on your playstyle, you can either rely on your weapons and spells to make decisions for you or use strategic environmental advantages, or you can opt for non-violent solutions by combining certain character traits, unique skills, and dialogue options that are contingent upon your previous actions.
Romanceable Companions
Build deep connections with extraordinary individuals, some of whom are romantic interests, each possessing their individual mysteries, aspirations, and ethical standards. The bonds you form with these characters will significantly influence the choices you make throughout your adventure, as they might not always align with your views and could potentially depart from your group.
Choices and Consequences
Drawing on the essence of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs), our aim is to underscore the “Role” in RPG. We want to offer you significant and influential decisions right from character creation. Every action and choice you make will shape your Reputation, with effects that ripple far into the game. Characters around you will recognize and recall these actions. Make your choices, and witness how the world responds accordingly.