uncanny luck and persistence in the crucial elements of the story. The Spiritual Attributes also serve as the game's character improvement and development mechanic. Points are awarded to the attributes by the game master when characters act according to these attributes, and spent by players to increase attributes, skills, weapon proficiencies and other character aspects. Influences The game, especially the combat system, was heavily influenced by the Polish historical role-playing game Dzikie Pola. The official fantasy world of the game, Weyrth, also shows strong influences of Polish and Eastern European history among its imaginary cultures and peoples, particularly in the nations of Zaporozhya (from the Polish historical term for Ukraine) and the Rzeczpospolita, the Polish word for "Commonwealth". For historical inspiration, see Zaporizhzhia, Rzeczpospolita and Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Current Situation and Related Systems The Riddle of Steel has suffered from distribution problems for years and there is a perception among fans that they are not likely to be solved. As of early 2013, there was some worry among the fan community of The Riddle of Steel that the RPG might perhaps no longer enjoy viable commercial release channels. That was one factor that contributed to the creation of its licensed successor game Blade of the Iron Throne. "Blade" was published in 2013. References Fantasy role-playing games Indie role-playing games Role-playing games introduced in 2002