Update 21/08/2026

Hi everyone,

Time for another little update on Shaddolands – Memories.

First, the numbers:

Renders: 98%
Animations: 5%
Scripting: 15%
Coding: 5%

So yes, the renders for Part One are very nearly there!

I've also completed one of the animations I've been experimenting with. I'm still approaching animation fairly cautiously because I only want to include it where I'm happy with the result, but it's nice to finally see some movement appearing amongst all those static renders.

Most of my attention now is beginning to shift towards the scripting and bringing all those renders together into the actual story.

And that brings me rather nicely to this month's sneak peek...

Those of you who have been following Memories will know that the whole point of this prelude is to introduce you to a much younger Marilyn — long before she becomes the Mal we eventually meet in Shaddolands.

The young Mal is still discovering herself. She's curious, sometimes uncertain, occasionally a little out of her depth... and she's about to have a few experiences that will stay with her for a very long time.

The gentleman accompanying her in this month's render is the lead guitarist of the band performing aboard the cruise ship. The band has recently enjoyed a Top Ten hit, so to young Mal he's not simply another passenger.

He's a celebrity.

And yes... she's a little bit star-struck. 😏

I won't tell you anything more than that, because this is one of those parts of Memories I'd much rather let you discover for yourselves.

What I will say is that these experiences aren't being included simply for the sake of filling in Mal's past. They're pieces of the character we'll eventually meet in the main story — the confidence, contradictions and experiences that helped shape Marilyn into Mal.

With the renders almost complete, I'm looking forward to spending much more of my development time actually putting Part One together now.

As always, thank you for coming along for the ride and for continuing to support Shaddolands. It genuinely means a great deal to me.

Until next time...

Shaddo 🖤