Celebrations are in full swing in Waterdeep to commemorate the day the city was founded! The Champions have come to the Field of Triumph to join the festivities - but not all is well. Amongst the illusionary shows and magic-powered parades lurk servants of Archduke Zariel! Gather your formations and stop her evil plans before she harvests innocent souls for the Blood War!

Founders' Day 7 has arrived and introduces TWO new Champions! The first is Aeon, the Goliath Bard/Artificer from the creative mind B. Dave Walters. This Support/Debuff Champion is ready to bring her artificer skills to your formations and carve a path with her steel defender, Deuce. Next is Umberto Thornheart, the Human Druid, from the imaginative mind of Gail Simone. This Tanking/Support/Debuff Champion is ready to find clues, unleash some bees, and release the bear on your enemies. You can learn more about Aeon and Umberto Thornheart below. Also, you can choose three of eight previous Champions to unlock over the course of Founders' Day 7!

Also, starting with Founders' Day 7 we are introducing Event Augments to Events 2.0, with two augments that will help boost what you can get out of this event. Learn more about Event Augments later in this blog.

Table of Contents

• Aeon
• Umberto Thornheart
• Flex Champions
• Event Theme: Spies & Detectives
• Event Augments (NEW!)

Aeon

Aeon, a Goliath of exceptional intellect and charm, masterfully intertwines her skills as an Artillerist Artificer and Bard of the College of Whispers. Operating under the guise of a master tinkerer, she is, in truth, a cunning spy and manipulative puppet master.

Aeon is a Support and Debuff Champion who infiltrates the inner circle of one Patron each week to become eligible for all their adventures. She was created by B. Dave Walters, who the Idle Champions community already knows as the DM for many of our Idle Champions Presents livestreams and the creator behind Freely! He is also a published writer for comic books, graphic novels, and screenplays as well as a lead developer on many major TTRPGs. We're thrilled to bring another one of his characters into our formations!

Learn more about Aeon in our Champion Spotlight!

Umberto Thornheart

Umberto Thornheart is the orphaned child of two infamous thieves, and saw his parents executed for their crimes. Rather than live on the streets, he was taken in by the very detective who arrested his parents, and eventually became a detective himself, hoping to protect the innocent and (perhaps) reform the guilty.

Umberto Thornheart is a Tanking, Support, and Debuff Champion who employs his detective prowess to aid his allies. He fights enemies with bees from his Swarmstaff and transforms into a formidable brown bear when situations are dire. His ongoing investigations progressively enhance his abilities, making him an invaluable asset in long adventures. Once unlocked, you can find this Human Druid sharing Seat 7 with Minsc.

Learn more about Umberto Thornheart in our Champion Spotlight!

Flex Champions

Flex Slots allow players to unlock additional Champions and earn chests during events, choosing from a pool of retired Champions associated with the event. This collection of retired Champions includes the Champions from previous years of the event as well as some Champions whose events have been retired. This event's Flex Slot pool includes:

Event Theme: Spies and Detectives

Throughout the event, we release new Packs for the featured & flex Champions everyone is unlocking & gearing up. Continuing with Founders' Day, the skins included in these packs will share a new theme!

For this event we are drawing on our two newest Champions, Aeon and Umberto, for the theme. One is a spy and one is a detective, and they're sharing their skills with this month's Flex Champions. Each Champion has been assigned either the role of Spy or Detective and our art team have decked them out in the appropriate gear to get their new job done!



Starting today you can find the Detective Umberto Thornheart Theme Pack and the Spymaster Aeon Theme Pack in the in-game store. More Spies and Detectives are coming on July 10th and 17th.

Event Augments

Starting with Founders' Day 7 you can find a number of automatically unlocked augments to help boost what you can get out of each event. These augments will change each month, but some will return from time to time.

Boon Enhancements
Description: The power of most event boon buffs is increased by up to eight times.

Buff	Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 3	Tier 4
Global DPS	100% > 200%	300% > 900%	500% > 2500%	900% > 7200%
Gold Find	100% > 200%	200% > 600%	300% > 1500%	400% > 3200%
Health	50% > 100%	100% > 300%	200% > 1000%	300% > 2400%
Click Damage	60s > 120s	150s > 450s	300s > 1500s	600s > 4800s
Game Speed	1.25 (no change)	1.75 (no change)	2.25 (no change)	2.75 (no change)

Empowered Rewards
Description: Tier 2 and higher event variants award Corrupted Gems in addition to their normal rewards

You can check out which Augments are active at any time by mousing over the Event Banner.



We hope you enjoy these Event Augments and look forward to what future augment possibilities could be!

To learn more about Events 2.0 check out our Blog Post!

Join our amazing community with any of the links below:

• The Idle Champions Subreddit or Steam forums.
• The Official Idle Champions Discord.
• Our YouTube Channels: Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms and CNEGames.
• Our social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

Founders' Day is noted on city calendars as the first day of Flamerule and commemorates the Free City of Waterdeep's founding. The Field of Triumph is the site of illusory shows of the history of the city as well as martial exhibitions by the guard and other noted warriors of the city. The Champions have joined in the celebration, but Archduke Zariel of Avernus has set a plan in motion to harvest souls for the Blood War during the festivities!

Will our Champions be able to stop her in time?

Founders' Day 6 introduces Strongheart, the Human Paladin from the Dungeons & Dragon Cartoon Show (as well as the Wild Beyond the Witchlight Campaign!), and brings back Nahara, the aasimar warlock/bard from The Black Dice Society, and Sergeant Knox, the human fighter from Neverwinter.

New Champion: Strongheart

Strongheart is a fearless seeker of justice, risking his life to ensure that good triumphs over evil. He is thoughtful, kind, and seldom rash, yet never hesitant to punish those who spit in the face of law and order.

Strongheart is a support and healing Champion who helps you complete your quests, literally, as he doubles the quest progress of his adventuring party. He heals his nearby companions to make sure those quests can be completed, and he's always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Once unlocked, you can find this human paladin in Slot 11 (Jamilah).

For more information on Strongheart and his abilities, check out his Champion Spotlight!

Year Six Variants

Oath of Justice: Save Waterdeep from the chaos of a Founders' Day gone awry with Strongheart! Strongheart starts in the formation (Slot 5) and can be moved, but not removed. Only Strongheart and Champions next to him can deal damage.

Reach Area 75.

Oath of Valor: Save Waterdeep from the chaos of a Founders' Day gone awry with good heroes. Strongheart starts in the formation (Slot 5) and can be moved, but not removed. Only Strongheart and Good champions can deal damage.

Reach Area 125.

Oath of Friendship: Save Waterdeep from the chaos of a Founders' Day gone awry with Strongheart's new friends. Strongheart starts in the formation (Slot 5) and can be moved, but not removed. Only Strongheart and Champions from the affiliation with the most members in the formation can deal damage.

Reach Area 175.

Much more detail and information can be found in the game! Enjoy!

Founders' Day is noted on city calendars as the first day of Flamerule and commemorates the Free City of Waterdeep's founding. The Field of Triumph is the site of illusory shows of the history of the city as well as martial exhibitions by the guard and other noted warriors of the city. The Champions have joined in the celebration, but the Archduke Zariel of Avernus has set a plan in motion to harvest souls for the Blood War during the festivities!

Will our Champions be able to stop her in time?

Founders' Day 5 introduces Nahara, the aasimar warlock/bard from The Black Dice Society, and brings back Sergeant Knox, the human fighter from Neverwinter, and Freely, the lucky halfling from Heroes of the Planes! Players have until Monday, July 11th at 12PM PDT to complete their event unlocks and objectives.

I. New Champion: Nahara

When she fell into the mists of Ravenloft, Nahara was unable to remember anything from her life, or previous lives. All she knows is she's caught in the conflict between her current Patron, Azalin Rex, and his foe Strahd von Zarovich, who has been desperately seeking her out.

Nahara is a DPS and Speed Champion who permanently grows more powerful as she recovers her lost memories by completing areas and quickly dispatching enemies. When you want to add her to your formation you can swap her with Nayeli in slot 3. She joins her friends from the Black Dice Society during this Founders' Day, and you can find more details about her in her Champion Spotlight.

Year Five Variants

• Durable Devils - Save Waterdeep from the chaos of a Founders' Day gone awry while Nahara practices her targeting on some armored imps that have shown up!
  Reach Area 75.


• Double Trouble - The Founders' Day chaos continues, but this time Nahara will help you speed through increased area requirements.
  Reach Area 125.


• Barovian Bliss - Strahd has joined in the Founders' Day chaos, attacking Nahara and her Black Dice Society friends through the thick fog!
  Reach Area 175.

See the in-game FAQ for more information!

The Champions are at the Field of Triumph in Waterdeep for Founders' Day to watch the illusory shows of the history of the city and the Founders themselves. But Archduke Zariel of Avernus has set a plan in motion to harvest souls for the Blood War during the festivities!

Will our Champions be able to stop her in time?

Founders' Day 4 introduces Sergeant Knox, the human fighter from Neverwinter, and brings back Freely, the lucky halfling from Heroes of the Planes, and Documancer Walnut Dankgrass. Players have until Monday, July 12th at 12PM PDT to complete their event unlocks and objectives.

For more information about Year 4 Events and how they work, please check out our Year 4 Events Dev Blog.

I. New Champion: Sergeant Alphonse Knox

The imposing presence of Sergeant Knox came to Neverwinter when the Mintarn mercenaries were hired to retake the city following the eruption of Mount Hotenow. Soon he became a daily presence and mentor for new Adventurers in the city. Celeste reached out to her old friend following the catastrophic events at Elturel, hoping the veteran mercenary would join the Champions as they face the greatest foe the Sword Coast has ever seen!

Sgt. Knox is a Tanking & Support Champion who leads from the front, using his Rallying Cry to increase the damage of those behind him. Additionally, he has great synergy with Neverwinter allies Makos and Celeste, buffing and being buffed by their abilities in turn. When you want to add him to your formation, you can swap him with Asharra (Slot 6).

II. Sgt. Knox’s Stats

Race: Human	Alignment: Neutral Good
Class: Fighter	Gender: Male
Age: 50

STR: 19	DEX: 12	CON: 15
INT: 12	WIS: 10	CHA: 14

Role: Tanking & Support
Eligible for Patrons: Mirt the Moneylender, Vajra Safahr, Zariel
Slot: 6 (Asharra)

III. Sgt. Knox's Design

Sergeant Knox chooses what is right above all else, even orders. Hailing from Neverwinter along with his companions Celeste and Makos, Sgt. Knox is fiercely loyal to his city. Alphonse Knox is a sergeant in the Neverwinter Guard, and one of Lord Neverember's personal guards. Sgt. Knox was in charge of the defense efforts when Valindra Shadowmantle put Neverwinter under siege.

Sgt. Knox is a solid Tanking and Support Champion even without his Neverwinter Companions: Celeste and Makos. He buffs Champions behind him with Rallying Cry and this can be further enhanced with Explosive Rally. Sgt. Knox has great synergy in formation with Celeste and Makos, with Allies of Convenience buffing both Makos' Dark Blessing and Sgt. Knox's own Rallying Cry. An old war ally, Celeste is used to healing Sgt. Knox, and his thus Blessed by SelÈ—ne, if he is affected by Celeste's Mass Cure Wounds. As a Hero of Neverwinter Sgt. Knox can increase the health of all of his companions, and protect them with his Shield Wall.

For more information on Sergeant Knox and his abilities, check out his Champion Spotlight!

Year Four Variants

• Neverwinter Defenders - Sergeant Knox starts in the formation. He cannot be moved or removed.
  - The damage of all Champions is increased by 50% if Celeste is in the formation, and an additional 50% if Makos is in the formation.
  - Enemy damage & Speed is increased by 100%.
  - Getting to know Sergeant Knox: Knox works best with his fellow Neverwinter Allies Celeste (slot 2) & Makos (slot 9) in the formation. Place them directly behind Knox to maximize their benefit!
  Reach Area 75.


• Afterparty — A pair of Bearded Devils join the formation, but they're just here for the souvenirs.
  - Quest goals are doubled.
  Reach Area 125.


• Blast from the Past - Sergeant Knox starts in the formation. He cannot be moved or removed.
  - Only Champions with INT of 12 or higher can be used.
  - Each area, zombies aligned with Valindra attack the party. They do not drop gold, nor do they count towards quest progress.
  - Valindra Shadowmantle replaces Zariel in area 50.
  Reach Area 175.

See the in-game FAQ for more information!

It's time for the latest Idle Champion Spotlight, and this time around we're talking about a well-traveled Gold Find and Support Champion!

And did we mention that this lucky halfling directly increases your Divine Favor as well?

Read on and learn all about Freely...

I. Lucky Halfling

Freely has traveled across multiple Planes, but he has always had his luck to keep him safe. Even an unfortunate detour into being trapped as an Illithid ultimately led him into the company of his new friends, Beyond Heroes! Armed with the magic in his blood, and the Faith that flows through his sword, he always seeks to destroy evil wherever he can sense it. Freely prefers to act first and think later, since hey, things always tend to work out for him anyway, right?

Freely is a Gold Find and Support Champion. He increases your divine favor directly with his Adventurous Tale ability. When you want to add Freely to your formation, you can swap him with Minsc (Slot 7).

II. Freely's Stats

Race: Halfling	Alignment: Neutral Good
Class: Bard/Warlock	Gender: Male
Age: 42	Affiliation: none

STR: 13	DEX: 17	CON: 10
INT: 8	WIS: 10	CHA: 16

Eligible for Patrons: Mirt

III. Freely's Design

We had the great fortune to cross paths with B. Dave Walters while participating in the D&D Live events over the last few years. As we grew to know B. Dave better, we learned that in addition to playing Freely on Beyond Heroes and Silver & Steel, he's also the writer for A Darkened Wish, an awesome human (and an awesome vampire), and just an all-around cool creator in the D&D Community. We knew we wanted to work with him, and in early 2019 we talked to him about bringing Freely to the game.

(Side note: we know what you're thinking. Yes, it really can take well over a year for everything to line up behind the scenes to introduce a new Champion to the game. We actually already have nearly all of our Champions locked in through 2021...)

When we sat down to start working with B. Dave on Freely, it was immediately apparent that even though all Halflings are lucky, Freely has a special connection to Yondalla, the creator of the halfling pantheon and the halfling race itself. Yondalla offers protection to all halflings in the form of incredible luck, and when it comes to Freely, his unique Luck of Yondalla ability is core to his design.

Luck of Yondalla grants Freely and his allies chances to have enemies drop more gold (Requisition), to reduce their attack cooldowns (Follow-Through), to increase the damage enemies take (Opportunity), and to stun enemies (Stagger). This is further boosted by his Unlucky For Them ability, which increases the effect of Luck of Yondalla for each enemy affected by it.

When Freely is in your formation, An Adventurous Tale increases the amount of Divine Favor you collect when you reset (Complete Adventure) based on the number of areas you've cleared during that adventure.

Finally, Freely uses Cutting Words to distract enemies when he is within three slots of a Tank Champion who is under attack, increasing the Overwhelm of the Tank Champion.

Okay, now it's time to talk details...

IV.Freely's Abilities

Basic Attack

• Eldritch Blast — A beam of aquamarine crackling energy streaks towards a random enemy.

Formation Abilities

• Luck of Yondalla — Freely, and any allies granted this ability through his specializations, have the Luck of Yondalla backing them up. Whenever they attack, one of the following Lucky Breaks occurs completely at random, affecting all enemies hit by the attack. Each Lucky Break can be applied on each enemy once for each Champion with Luck of Yondalla. Each application lasts for 15 seconds, so even if 10 Champions are attacking a single enemy with Luck of Yondalla, the actual Lucky Break applications on the enemy will vary over time.



• Requisition — Target will drop 10% more gold when they are killed, stacking multiplicatively. This Lucky Break can be buffed by equipment and feats.
• Follow-Through — Any Champion who attacks this enemy has their next base attack's cooldown decreased by 0.1 sec for each application of this Lucky Break on the enemy. This Lucky Break is never buffed.
• Opportunity — The targeted enemy takes 100% more damage from all attacks, inclusive, stacks multiplicatively.
• Stagger — Target has a 2% chance to be stunned for 1 second when they are attacked by any Champion, stacking additively.This Lucky Break is never buffed.

• Unlucky For Them — The total effect of Luck of Yondalla: Opportunity is increased by 100% on enemies affected by it. This buff applies once to the total value of the applications.

• An Adventurous Tale — If Freely is in your formation when you complete an area for the first time, he keeps track of it for future tales. When you reset your adventure, you'll collect an additional .01% of Divine Favor for each area Freely tracked, stacking additively but applying multiplicatively. Freely does not have to be in your formation when you reset to gain the additional Divine Favor, but he does need to be in your formation when you complete an area to increase his bonus. The bonus resets when you complete your adventure. This ability is buffed by feats and equipment.

• Cutting Words — Freely distracts enemies if he is within 3 slots of a Tank Champion who is under attack by at least 1 enemy, increasing the overwhelm point of such Champions by 5. This ability is not buffed.

Specializations

• Trust in Law — Grants Luck of Yondalla to all Lawful Champions in your formation. Affected Champions now cause Lucky Breaks whenever they attack.

• Value Neutrality — Grants Luck of Yondalla to Neutral Champions (on the Lawful/Neutral/Chaotic scale) in your formation. Affected Champions now cause Lucky Breaks whenever they attack.

• Always Expect Chaos — Grants Luck of Yondalla to Chaotic Champions in your formation. Affected Champions now cause Lucky Breaks whenever they attack.

Ultimate Ability

• I Will Not Deafen — Freely grabs his sword and launches himself toward an enemy, showering green and red lightning in his wake until he smashes into his opponent for massive damage. It also applies all four Lucky Breaks on that enemy or any they didn't already have.

V. Freely's Equipment

Slot 1: Global DPS	Slot 2: Luck of Yondalla: Requisition	Slot 3: Unlucky For Them
Slot 4: An Adventurous Tale	Slot 5: Ultimate Damage	Slot 6: Ultimate Cooldown

VI. Conclusion

Freely is an interesting Champion, and we are excited to see how well he fits into the Idle Champions meta with his Divine Favor Buff. If you have feedback, let us know in a Community Q&A or Champion feedback post on the Idle Champions Subreddit, on the Steam forums, or on the Official Idle Champions Discord!