September 1 Release & Character Creation Dev Diary

Curse of the Ancient Grimoire is a dark fantasy text-based RPG inspired by classic tabletop role-playing games. Dangerous places await exploration, difficult decisions carry consequences, battles unfold through tactical turn-based combat, and the story gradually reveals the secrets of an ancient grimoire stirring from its slumber.

The full release is drawing near. Curse of the Ancient Grimoire releases September 1. Today, we would like to show you what your hero can become and how you will be able to shape them.

Your hero, your journey

At the beginning of your adventure, you choose your character's name, gender, race, class, non-combat skills, and portrait. Every choice affects their strengths and weaknesses—in battle, while exploring, and during important story decisions.

All five races are available as both male and female characters. With more than one hundred portraits to choose from, you can select the appearance that best suits your hero.

Five playable races

Human Humans excel at dealing with other people.

Bonus: +1 Persuasion Penalty: none

Elf Elves are agile and possess exceptionally keen senses.

Bonuses: +2 Dexterity, +1 Perception Penalty: −2 Constitution

Dwarf Dwarves are hardy and resistant to poison and disease.

Bonuses: +2 Constitution, +1 to saving throws against poison and disease Penalty: −2 Dexterity

Half-orc Half-orcs rely on strength, endurance, and an intimidating presence.

Bonuses: +2 Strength, +2 Constitution, +2 Intimidation Penalties: −2 Intelligence, −2 Wisdom, −4 Charisma, −2 Persuasion

Halfling Halflings are agile, discreet, and naturally charming.

Bonuses: +2 Dexterity, +4 Charisma, +1 Stealth Penalties: −2 Strength, −2 Constitution

Three classes

Your race determines your innate strengths, while your class defines your approach to combat and further character development.

Fighter A resilient warrior who can rely on heavier equipment and precise attacks.

Barbarian A fierce combatant who uses raw strength, great endurance, and aggressive combat options.

Ranger A versatile adventurer with a strong affinity for the wilderness, exploration, and survival.

Seven non-combat skills

Alongside combat abilities, you also choose non-combat skills. These open different ways to resolve situations throughout the game:

• Athletics – overcoming physical obstacles and performing feats of strength
• Survival – navigating the wilderness, tracking, and working with natural resources
• Perception – discovering hidden clues, dangers, and useful items
• Intimidation – forcing opponents to back down without a fight
• History – recognizing ancient events, symbols, and ruins
• Stealth – moving quietly, bypassing guards, and preparing an advantageous attack
• Persuasion – negotiating and finding peaceful solutions

A successful check might reveal a hidden path, prevent a battle, earn an additional reward, or change how a scene unfolds. Not every hero will therefore experience the adventure in the same way.

Who will you send to face the grimoire?

Will you create an unyielding dwarf fighter, a discreet halfling, a persuasive human, a hardy half-orc, or an agile elf ranger?

Curse of the Ancient Grimoire releases September 1. If a dark fantasy adventure filled with choices, exploration, and turn-based combat sounds like your kind of journey, add Curse of the Ancient Grimoire to your Steam Wishlist.

Future development diaries will gradually introduce more parts of the game.