I've got a host of new screenshots today… as well as more than a bit of news.

1. I've completed some new particle effects for smoke, which happen to both look better and run faster than the old system. It's fully-lit, partially-alpha'ed, and looks beautiful in motion.

On a similar key, I have dust trails for certain units' movement.

Note: The image above does show the effects of motion blending (not quite blurring; just a doubled copy of each frame using the postprocess filter and creating a smooth effect.)

2. I'm drawing near to the next demo milestone for DoC. Remaining to do: A lot of testing in order to make sure that the skirmish maps work; one new unit (the Supply Caravan); and some more optimization.

Today in the gameplay department: Creeps. (That is, if creeps actively sought out and attacked the players' cities) - I call them Bandit Camps.

3. In the roguelike dept.

* Completed the core of the dungeon generator. (items, enemies, rooms, and corridors)

* Added certain profession-specific starting items to the character generator.

* Implemented character saving and loading (that is, persistent characters) using a "type your name" system.

* Created about two dozen new "jewel" items.

* Implemented armor and wearing objects.

* Fixed item piles to show the most recent addition rather than an infinity symbol.

* Added gold piles as a generatable object.

Above: A dungeon level defeated. The character (Liniel, a Dwarven Soldier/Martial Artist) reviews his loot.