On the outskirts of society lives an ancient race, the Galen. They are a nomadic people, but have no society of their own. They move through the societies of the greater races, Shervin, Darvain and Sholvash. They are not especially drawn to their own kind, in fact it's rare to ever find two Galen traveling together for more than a few months. They have no special skills it seems, unlike the Shervin with their charm, the Darvain with their wisdom and the Sholvash with their perseverance. In fact the only trait that makes them exceptional is their flightiness; they are a race entirely unable to focus on one thing for any amount of time. They move around constantly, never settling down to have a family or a career, some getting by with short term work, others leeching off the greater races as con-men or beggars. They are also prone to excess and obsess, and many become drunks, obsessive gamblers, prostitutes and even murderers.
It of course makes sense that society as a whole looks down on these people, there is a massive amount of prejudice and distrust. However, those traits that make them such horrible adults are quite endearing when coupled with innocence, and most people who despise and fear adult Galen adore their children. As children, Galen are bright, inquisitive and incredibly happy. Due to the nature of their parents, there is no shortage of Galen orphans, and the Shervin are especially happy to take them in, hoping that somehow their better sense will make the child grow up "proper" and be coupled with the child's better qualities. The Darvain however seem to understand the futility of this and treat the children just as poorly as the adults. Their downfall it seems is embedded within them and no matter how good an upbringing a Galen is given, they always end up lashing out at their parents when they reach adolescence and striking out on their own, only to end up just the same as the rest of their brethren.
It of course makes sense that society as a whole looks down on these people, there is a massive amount of prejudice and distrust. However, those traits that make them such horrible adults are quite endearing when coupled with innocence, and most people who despise and fear adult Galen adore their children. As children, Galen are bright, inquisitive and incredibly happy. Due to the nature of their parents, there is no shortage of Galen orphans, and the Shervin are especially happy to take them in, hoping that somehow their better sense will make the child grow up "proper" and be coupled with the child's better qualities. The Darvain however seem to understand the futility of this and treat the children just as poorly as the adults. Their downfall it seems is embedded within them and no matter how good an upbringing a Galen is given, they always end up lashing out at their parents when they reach adolescence and striking out on their own, only to end up just the same as the rest of their brethren.
And many more!
The game centers entirely around the Athenaeum, a massive tower created centuries ago by the Darvain. It is an exclusive center of knowledge and magic, and for the most part remains closed to all but the most highly ranked of Darvainian scholars and sorcerers.
Throughout the game, Ambrose and his guardians will have to face numerous trials: battling monsters, solving puzzles and dealing with rival competitors in the trial. The Tower itself is highly magical, and has no end to it's challenges, and brute strength alone will not allow Ambrose to advance. Puzzle solving is a key element in the game and the player will be required to pick apart riddles, solve visual puzzles and find clues hidden sometimes many floors below the one being faced currently. Another trial is the continually changing landscapes within the tower, just as you become accustomed to the quirks of a particular floor, say an icy theme set of levels with slippery floors and sliding platforms, you may find yourself instead in a scene more suited to a rickety old mine shaft with mine carts and crumbling walls and floors.
There will also be battles to fight, and as the game progresses the player will be faces with very tricky enemies whom are a puzzle in themselves to defeat. Through specialized equipment and the arrangement of Ambrose's guardian spirits the player will be constantly re-thinking strategies to defeat enemies; no more of that autopiloting attack command to beat boring slime after slime. Battles will be longer but fewer in number, and both more challenging and more rewarding.
The Athenaum will be a departure from your traditional hack and slash RPGs where once you level up a bit you can breeze through the game. It will be a mentally challenging game that will keep you on your toes right to the end. Though the story seems less grandiose than the standard legendary hero out to save the world, this "simpler" story is very deep and extremely character driven, by the end it will seem as though you truly know the characters involved personally. Your choices throughout the game will continue to affect the outcomes of actions well ahead in the story, so that few players will experience the same events.
Throughout the game, Ambrose and his guardians will have to face numerous trials: battling monsters, solving puzzles and dealing with rival competitors in the trial. The Tower itself is highly magical, and has no end to it's challenges, and brute strength alone will not allow Ambrose to advance. Puzzle solving is a key element in the game and the player will be required to pick apart riddles, solve visual puzzles and find clues hidden sometimes many floors below the one being faced currently. Another trial is the continually changing landscapes within the tower, just as you become accustomed to the quirks of a particular floor, say an icy theme set of levels with slippery floors and sliding platforms, you may find yourself instead in a scene more suited to a rickety old mine shaft with mine carts and crumbling walls and floors.
There will also be battles to fight, and as the game progresses the player will be faces with very tricky enemies whom are a puzzle in themselves to defeat. Through specialized equipment and the arrangement of Ambrose's guardian spirits the player will be constantly re-thinking strategies to defeat enemies; no more of that autopiloting attack command to beat boring slime after slime. Battles will be longer but fewer in number, and both more challenging and more rewarding.
The Athenaum will be a departure from your traditional hack and slash RPGs where once you level up a bit you can breeze through the game. It will be a mentally challenging game that will keep you on your toes right to the end. Though the story seems less grandiose than the standard legendary hero out to save the world, this "simpler" story is very deep and extremely character driven, by the end it will seem as though you truly know the characters involved personally. Your choices throughout the game will continue to affect the outcomes of actions well ahead in the story, so that few players will experience the same events.
The rift between parent and child.
Setting out on your own.
You must pass a few tests before they allow you into the upper levels.
Then get equipped and learn to use your skills in battle.
One of the early trials, an icy floor. You much set up the right boxes to guide your sliding to the area with the next key item.
A busy peb within the Athenaeum, a good place to get rumors and information about the tower from others attempting the trial.
One of the floors in the domain of water, influenced by the spirit Booan
Setting out on your own.
You must pass a few tests before they allow you into the upper levels.
Then get equipped and learn to use your skills in battle.
One of the early trials, an icy floor. You much set up the right boxes to guide your sliding to the area with the next key item.
A busy peb within the Athenaeum, a good place to get rumors and information about the tower from others attempting the trial.
One of the floors in the domain of water, influenced by the spirit Booan
- Classic styled battlebacks courtesy of Moghunter(script) and Joy(revamped graphics)
- Countless puzzles and riddles
- Many choices, starting with your name, then continuing on to professions, social decisions and battle strategies.
- A mix of standard RTP graphics altered to maximize their beauty and resources from the likes of Mack, Mea and yours truly, Joy!
- Reflection script by TDS
- Other adventurers within the tower become friends or rivals, it all depends on you. They could impair your progress or aid you with information, gifts or persuasion.
- And much more to come! Check back often!
This is mostly a game to test VX's capabilities in eventing. It will not be commercial and I am currently not seeking a team, it will be something I'll do in my free time for now. If there is a greater than anticipated interest, I may consider taking on a team to expedite things and release the game sooner.
Thanks for taking a peek at it.
Thanks for taking a peek at it.
(maybe they're in the "Many More" category?)