Every four years, a special leap year day follows Midsummer between Flamerule 30 and Eleasis 1. Known as Shieldmeet, this special day is celebrated across Faerûn.

In the city of Waterdeep, Shieldmeet also serves another important purpose. On this auspicious day every four years, the lords of Waterdeep meet with the Open Lord to reaffirm their rule.

As the Champions arrive in the City of Splendor on Midsummer, the day before Shieldmeet, they are summoned by The Blackstaff, Vajra Safahr. It seems that Open Lord Laeral Silverhand has gone missing...

Midsummer 2 introduces Shandie Freefoot, the Halfling Rogue and member of the Heroes of Baldur's Gate. Players will have until Monday, August 5th, 2019 at 12:00pm PDT, to unlock her!

New Champion: Shandie Freefoot

Shandie grew up on the rough streets of the Lower City of Baldur's Gate. She quickly learned that if she wanted to survive, she needed to be fast on her feet and even faster with her wit and weaponry. The first time Shandie saw a bowmaster gracefully launch an arrow into a bull's-eye, she knew she had to master archery. With years of practice under her belt, any opponents underestimating this stealthy halfling will soon realize how dangerous she is as a volley of arrows bear down on them unexpectedly from shadowy corners.

Shandie is an agile Support Champion. Her Dash ability can increase formation speed, while Explosive Arrows and Agile Allies offer potent formation buffs. When you want to add Shandie to your formation, you can swap her with Asharra (Slot 6).

For more information about our latest Champion, check out the Idle Champion Spotlight: Shandie Freefoot dev blog!

Year One Champion: Xander Cesso

Fascinated by magic at a young age when he lived in an orphanage, but lacking any ability or proficiency, Xander is not terribly good at much of anything, though something about his adorable clumsiness and childlike wonder anytime magic is being used nearby has been known to inspire those around him. Until recently, he was living on the streets of Waterdeep, scraping together just enough to survive. Now, he is a faithful member of your party, always ready to leap into the fray, even if he doesn't really seem to be able to hit much of anything.

Xander is a Support Champion. His Lucky Shot ability has a chance to double quest progress, and his Streetwise ability increases the damage of Champions behind him. When you want to add Xander to your formation, you can swap him with Calliope (Slot 5).

Year Two Variants

• Dreams of Grandeur — Jenks really wants to meet Vajra Blackstaff. From Area 12 onward, Jenks takes up a slot in your formation.


• Stay Back — Only Champions that attack with ranged or magic-based attacks can be used.


• Haunted Past — Only Neutral, Evil, or Champions with a Dexterity (DEX) score of 15 or higher can be used. Shandie beings the adventure in your formation and cannot be swapped out, moved, or removed. Strahd Vampires that can only be damaged by Shandie randomly spawn in non-boss Areas. Luckily, Shandie will prioritize Strahd Vampires over all others and attack twice as frequently when they are present.

Year One Variants

• Waterdeep Escort — The Waterdeep City Watch Officer insists that he accompany you on your adventure. He fills one slot in the formation, and if he is killed, your DPS goes down by 33% every 10 seconds.


• Drow Deception — The Drow said they were looking for a wizard, but the Champions seem like a more interesting quarry to chase! A Stealthy Drow Pickpocket appears on every level, and if they reach the formation, you fail the area and have to head back to the previous level.


• Commander Xander — Xander takes the lead as his childhood wishes of becoming a Hero have come true! Champions not adjacent to Xander have a 50% chance to miss whenever they attack (Xander isn't great at command). Those that are adjacent to Xander attack normally. He does enough missing for everyone.

See the in-game FAQ for more information!

It's time for our newest Champion Spotlight! Today, we're previewing the release of Shandie Freefoot, a halfling rogue, and member of Heroes of Baldur's Gate! Read on to learn about this new and exciting Champion releasing later today in Midsummer Y2!

Who is Shandie?

Shandie grew up on the rough streets of the Lower City of Baldur's Gate. She quickly learned that if she wanted to survive, she needed to be fast on her feet and even faster with her wit and weaponry. The first time Shandie saw a bowmaster gracefully launch an arrow into a bull's-eye, she knew she had to master archery. With years of practice under her belt, any opponents underestimating this stealthy halfling will soon realize how dangerous she is as a volley of arrows bear down on them unexpectedly from shadowy corners.

Shandie Freefoot is a member of the Heroes of Baldur's Gate, created by Jim Zub and Max Dunbar for the Legends of Baldur's Gate series by IDW. She joins her comrades Boo, Minsc, Delina, and Nerys Kathon as the fifth and second-to-last member of the team to join Idle Champions.

Shandie's Stats

Race: Halfling	Class: Rogue	Alignment: Chaotic Good
Age: 63	Affiliation: Heroes of Baldur's Gate
STR: 10	DEX: 18	CON: 15
INT: 13	WIS: 12	CHA: 14

To add Shandie to your formation, you can swap her with Asharra (Slot 6).

Basic Attack

Shandie fires an arrow at a random enemy.

Formation Abilities

• Agile Allies — Increase the damage of Champions within 2 slots of Shandie by 100% (multiplicative) for each Champion adjacent to Shandie with a DEX of 15 or higher.
• For reference that list currently includes: Aila, Birdsong, Black Viper, Calliope, Catti-brie, Xander, Drizzt, Hitch, Ishi, Jarlaxle, K'thriss, Korth, Minsc, Nrakk, Paultin, Regis, Rosie, Qillek, Spurt, Stoki, Tyril, Walnut, Warden, and Zorbu!


• Dash — Increases the game speed by 25% when the formation hasn't been under attack for 60 seconds. Early levels are quicker to get through with Shandie!
  
  Note: this will not increase speed beyond the current limit of 10x speed.


• Explosive Arrow — When the formation is under attack, Shandie fires Alchemist Fire-equipped arrows that explode and increase the damage of Champions in the column in front of Shandie for each enemy hit. Put your DPS Champions in front of Shandie!

Specializations

Shandie's Specializations allow her to choose where to double-down her abilities

• Ranger Training — Select Ranger Training to increase the effect of Dash by 100%. Zoom Zoom.


• Alchemist's Fire Expertise — Select Alchemist's Fire Expertise to increase the effect of Explosive Arrow by 100%


• Criminal Contacts — Select Criminal Contacts to increase the effect of Agile Allies by 50% for each Neutral or Evil Champion next to Shandie.

Ultimate Attack

Survivalist — Shandie throws smoke grenades and caltrops onto the battlefield, causing enemies to bleed and miss 50% of their attacks for 10 seconds.

Equipment

Final Thoughts

Like Deekin from Founder's Day, Shandie is a go-to speed assistant, helping your Champions advance through the early areas quicker. Put her in the center of your formation, and surround her with dextrous friends (see the list above) to maximize her contribution to the formation!

As always, feel free to send us feedback on via the Idle Champions Subreddit, Steam forum, or the Idle Champions Discord!

It's a time of celebrations and festivities for Waterdeep. Founders' Day is a time of legendary displays of martial and arcane prowess from the notable Champions who call the City of Splendor home, where visitors and locals alike gather and share stories of Waterdeep's history.

Unfortunately, these festivities have also attracted the attention of one of the Lords of the Nine Hells, who has come to collect souls for the Blood War...

Founders' Day 2 introduces the Wild Elf Druid, Walnut Dankgrass, and brings back Deekin Scalesinger, the Kobold Bard. Players will have until Monday, July 15th, 2019 at 12:00pm PDT, to unlock them!

New Champion: Walnut Dankgrass

Walnut is a child of the Enclave Panax Anima, an all-female clan of woodland defenders within the Kryptgarden Forest. Not only a frighteningly enthusiastic member of Acquisitions Incorporated, she also strives to protect the natural world by any means necessary. Did we mention she also has the goddess Mielikki living inside her? That seems important.

Walnut is a versatile Tank and Support Champion. Her Documancer ability can be customized for your formation needs through multiple specializations. When you want to add Walnut to your formation, you can swap her with Delina (Slot 8).

For more information about our latest Champion, check out the Idle Champion Spotlight: Walnut Dankgrass dev blog!

Returning Champion: Deekin Scalesinger

A former member of the Dripping Fang clan, Deekin was once a Skald for a White Dragon named Tymofarrar. Once he was released from Tymofarrar's service, he set out to become the most amazing storyteller in all of FaerÈ—n. He yearns to sing and tell stories of heroic deeds, but his songs often devolve into "tales" of the doom that is coming to him or his companions.

Deekin is a Support Champion. He helps the party by buffing DPS and by attracting enemies (to help clear areas more quickly) with his Song of Doom. When you want to add Deekin to your formation, you can swap him with Bruenor (Slot 1).

Year Two Variants

• Rain of Fire — Fireballs occasionally rain from the sky, damaging a random Champion. These Fireballs become more frequent the further you progress.


• Close Quarters Combat — Only Champions with melee Base Attacks may be used.


• Aww, Hells Nuts — Enemies become much more powerful over the course of the adventure. Walnut starts the adventure in your formation and cannot be moved, removed, or swapped out. Demonic Squirrels occasionally spawn. When killed, these squirrels drop Hell-Nuts, which increase the effectiveness of Walnut's Documancer ability and last until the end of the adventure, stacking additively.

Year One Variants

• Spectator Sport — Three local farmers have joined in on the Founders' Day tussle, and won't take the hint that they should probably take a seat. It might be because they are pretty drunk. They take up a slot in your formation and change positions every 25 areas.


• Doom is Coming to Waterdeep — Deekin must sing a song so everyone in Waterdeep knows that doom is coming. I know. We tried talking to him. However, he doesn't know which spot will give him the best acoustics. Deekin is always in your formation and will change positions every 10 areas. Deekin cannot be moved because, well, Deekin is singing a song.


• The Blood War — Whenever you kill a demon, devils get stronger and demons get weaker, and vice-versa.

See the in-game FAQ for more information!

It's time for our newest Champion Spotlight! Today, we're previewing the release of Walnut Dankgrass, the Wood Elf Druid, Documancer, and final member of Acquisitions Incorporated: The "C" Team! Read on to learn about this new and exciting Champion releasing later today in Founders' Day Y2!

Who is Walnut?

Walnut Dankgrass (the k is silent) is played by Amy T. Falcone on Penny Arcade's The "C" Team every Wednesday at 4PM Pacific on twitch.

Walnut is a child of the Enclave Panax Anima, an all-female clan of woodland defenders within the Kryptgarden Forest. Not only a frighteningly enthusiastic member of Acquisitions Incorporated, she also strives to protect the natural world by any means necessary. Did we mention she also has the goddess Mielikki living inside her? That seems important.

Walnut Drankgrass is the fourth and final member of Acquisitions Incorporated: The "C" Team. She joins fellow "C" Team members Donaar Blit'zen, K'thriss Drow'b, and Rosie Beestinger as the latest Event Champion to join Idle Champions.

Walnut's Stats

Race: Elf (wood)	Class: Druid	Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Age: 62	Affiliation: Acq Inc "C" Team
STR: 8	DEX: 16	CON: 14
INT: 10	WIS: 20	CHA: 10

To add Walnut to your formation, you can swap her with Delina (Slot 8).

Basic Attack

Walnut has two different base attacks which trigger based on which form Walnut is in:

• Elf Form - Wicked Scimitar: Walnut attacks the closest enemy with her scimitar.


• Wolf Form - Bite: Walnut savagely attacks the closest enemy, dealing damage to that enemy and others near it.

Formation Abilities

• Documancer — Documancer is the heart of Walnut's kit and is buffed by other abilities. Documancer increases the damage of all Champions adjacent to Walnut by 5% for each enemy killed in a given area. It caps at 50 stacks (enemies killed) and resets when changing areas. The longer you're on an area, the more she'll buff her adjacent allies! This is especially helpful at your wall.


• Job's Done — When the current area's quest is completed, increase the effect of Documancer for 30 seconds. This cooldown resets to 30 seconds whenever an enemy is killed in a completed area. This is another ability that helps you collect more gold near you wall. Finish the quest and hanging around for a bit? Walnut is on the case!


• Wolfnut — Whenever Walnut is under attack, she uses Wild Shape to turn into a wolf, gaining a temporary health shield equal to 10 HP for each enemy on screen as she transforms. This shield remains even if she reverts back to elf form. While in wolf form, her attack changes from Wicked Scimitar to Bite and the effect of Contractual Obligations is doubled.


• Contractual Obligations — Increase the health of all Champions by a percentage of Walnut's maximum health. This effect is doubled when Walnut is in wolf form. This helps her tank in the front of the formation, keeping those behind her safe!


• Pen-Paws — Increase the effect of Documancer for every 2 seconds that Walnut is in wolf form, stacking additively. Caps at 50 stacks. When she leaves wolf form, the stack count decreases every 4 seconds until she enters wolf form again. This again helps position her as a strong tank, increasing the damage of those around her while she's under attack!

Specializations

Walnut has two sets of specializations, one for extending the reach of Documancer to affect more Champions and a second for increasing the effects of it based on synergies.

First Specialization Choices

• Extended Warranty — Documancer now also applies to all Champions within 2 slots of Walnut and is buffed by 100%. Spread the Documancer love to more Champions!


• Sign and Date — Documancer now also applies to all Champions in the top or bottom slots of each column and is buffed by 50%. Added flexibility for Documancer based on where your DPS slosts are.


• Ah, Screw It — Documancer now applies to all Champions in the formation but is not buffed. This allows you to get everyone a boost, but it doesn't buff Documancer any more than it already is.

Second Specialization Choices

• Co-Signers — The effect of Documancer is increased separately on each Champion by 100% (multiplicatively) for each of the following "C" Team abilities affecting them:
• K'Thriss's Unseen Encouragement
• Donaar's Lead By Example
• Rosie's Deflect Missiles (includes Rosie herself)
You obviously want this specialization if you're running a "C" Team heavy formation.

• Temporary Alliance — Increase the effect of Documancer by 25% for each Champion with an affiliation other than the "C" Team. Champions with no affiliation do not count. Nice try, Spurt.

Ultimate Attack

Forest Friends — Walnut summons a swarm of lovable forest creatures that rush in and damage all enemies. Each enemy that is killed heals everyone in the party by 10% of their max health. If no enemies are killed, everyone in the formation gains a temporary hit point shield equal to 100% of their max health.

Equipment

Final Thoughts

Walnut is the final piece to the "C" Team and we're excited to see folks' "C" Team formations! She's a strong and versatile tank who can customize her Documancer ability to work in multiple types of formations! Try her out and let us know what you think!

As always, feel free to send us feedback on via the Idle Champions Subreddit, Steam forum, or the Idle Champions Discord!