Canberra studio Whale Hammer Games is looking to crowdfund a story-driven tactical RPG that looks reminiscent of The Banner Saga in the best possible way.

According to Whale Hammer, Tahira: Echoes of the Astral Empire is a modern take on turn-based tactics gameplay that puts narrative on equal footing with engrossing combat.

Tahira features beautiful rotoscoped character animations which lend it a lovely hand-drawn appearance, hand-painted environments showcasing the bittersweet beauty of a dying world, and a soundtrack that incorporates the sounds and textures of Central Asia and the Middle East.

It promises everything from small skirmishes to epic sieges, and twists the usual turn-based combat order by allowing faster units to move first.

The plot:

When she left, Tahira intended never to return to Avestan. In her mind, she had absolved herself of her father, her title, and any responsibility to the people of the kingdom. However, she never expected to receive a desperate message from her father. A message warning of a vast army using ancient technology to sweep across the land, and crush those in their way. A message begging her to return home. Now, her father is dead, Avestan lies in ruin, and it falls to Tahira to lead what remains of her people away from this devastation, to find a new home.

Whale Hammer is seeking AU$68,000 for Tahira, and at the time of writing has raised AU$13,682 with 29 days remaining.

Tahira is also up for consideration on Steam Greenlight.