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The Cerion Conception

The Cerion Conception by King Moogle
Deep Calls to Deep…

http://usera.imagecave.com/moogle525/Test-Title2.png[/img]

The current version is 1.8.1.05, which means a new release!

Please download the alpha demo!

Version 1.8.1.05

http://theetowahgroup.com/Cerion/Cerion_18105.exe

This is one of the most entertaining demo's I have tried as of yet. Not the most visually pleasing..which proves that story is more important
~Shifter

it has the right environmant, not too full, not too empty.
~Mr.Mo

I enjoyed the story, and like the idea of being able to skip random battles and not being majorly underpowered
~Fallstel


Story Synopsis
Jarron Bly is a man committed to one thing-- the destruction of the degenerative disease that has torn apart his life: Cerion. While little has been discovered about the disease itself, its horrendous effects—the deterioration of the body, the altering of the mind, and the bestowing of nearly superhuman powers—are well known. The numbers of the infected, who are called Cerion Vessels, are beginning to grow in stature, organizing as if capable of incredible intelligence. As member of the Cerophanic Order, which is committed to rooting out the debilitating infection, Jarron’s quest to eliminate Cerion seems simple enough…

…Until everything changes. Until people start dying. Until strange coincidences begin to unfold. Until the ravaged bodies and minds begin to behave as never before imagined. And until Jarron finds that, no matter how far you run, you can never hide from your calling.

Will you be able to delve beyond the facade?

In a world with difficult choices and terrible consequences, you will have to make tough decisions, deciding who lives, who dies, and whether right or wrong is as simple as following your heart. You will have to guide Jarron on this journey and discover the outcome of the decisions you have made.

Are you prepared to make the hard decisions, no matter the cost?

Do you dare challenge The Cerion Conception?

Characters

Throughout your journey, you will come across many strange and unusual characters that will either help or hinder you in your quest. These are but a few…

http://usera.imagecave.com/moogle525/Jarron.bmp.jpg[/img] Jarron Bly

Jarron is a man raised in his teenage years by Sister Agnes, a nun at the local Ares Monastery. A naturally curious and intelligent thinker, he is an extremely principled man and has an innate fear of breaking the rules or defying authority. He has dedicated his life to the eradication of Cerion, and is trained in the ways of a Cerophane: one able to destroy Cerion through a special skill called “Banish”. Although trained as a Cerophane, he knows little of the Cerophanic Order he serves or of his own skills aside from the fact that they oppose the substance that destroyed his past. While some would consider him chained down by his supposed incapacity to break the rules, he would disagree—the rules are the only protection against the barbarism of Cerion; civilization is defined by the rules its citizens follow, and breaking the system is wrong based on principle.

http://usera.imagecave.com/moogle525/Basil.PNG[/img] Basil

Basil is a thief or, as he prefers to be called, a “treasure hunter”. His peculiar first meeting with Jarron seems an unlikely coincidence. Averse to discussing serious matters, whether of past or present, he marches to the beat of a different drummer, much to the dismay of others. He is sharp, witty, and street-smart… at least in his own eyes. While Jarron at first finds him nothing more than a common % C their relationship becomes extremely complex as they begin to learn more about their world. His philosophy on life is basically to do the best with what was given to you, but at the end of the day it comes down to survival and having your needs and desires met.

http://usera.imagecave.com/moogle525/Alice.PNG[/img] Alice Ordante

Alice, an intelligent middle-class from an average family, has led a very sheltered life—but she believes one with a bright future. A strong believer in absolute wrong and right, she has placed heavy emphasis on her education, and is studying to become an expert in the field of Synthesism. Fascinated by Cerion and the lack of concrete theory surrounding it, she hopes to one day uncover its inner workings and effects. A strong believer in opportunity, choice, and hard work, Alice is convinced that her way of doing things is right, and will do whatever she must to prove it. Her radical belief in wrong and right causes her to get along poorly with those she disagrees with. However, she believes that it is because others never had the education or the work ethic she does. No one ever wonders what she’s doing, because she has no social life; she is entirely consumed by her work, and knows that proving she is right is the most important thing she can do.

http://usera.imagecave.com/moogle525/Reyne.PNG[/img] Reyne Scizzero

Reyne is a free-spirited fencer who believes in luck, quick decisions, and the flip of a coin. Very intelligent in a worldly sense, he believes that fate is luck and luck is fate; you can’t change your luck, but you can surround yourself with enough to change your luck’s inclination. He couldn’t care less about Cerion, as long as he stays “just far enough away” from it. A man who enjoys thrills and high stakes, he believes losing is just one more opportunity for his luck to change.

Staff and Progress

The Cerion Conception
Alpha Demo 1.8.1.05

Story, Cerion Sprites, and Mapping by Zach Sherwin (King Moogle)

Character Portraits by Sammybunny

HUD Script by arevulopapo of rmxp.org

Credits Script by djzalzer of rmxp.org

The following music pieces by Joshua Conn:
-Battle of the Cerophane
-Eliezrah's Theme
-Shelty's Pub
-Jarron's Demons
-The Scent of Cerion
-Main Title
-Under Dyne
-Peaceful Journey
-Cerion Disaster

Playtesters for Demo Versions 1.21-1.30:
-Saikoden
-The_JSTREET
-Razaroic
-kaze950
-GodOfFire
-Mr. Ishbuu
-Tdata
-Freakonaleash
-Diedrupo

All content used with permission.

Story Composition: 80%
Battle System: 60%
Mapping: 12%
Story Implementation: 19%
Minigames: 32%
Etcetera: 17%

Overall Level of Completion: 14%

Features

  • Unique CBS with battles taking place on the map
  • Story levelling system-- no experience points
  • Custom Mining System-- 3 types of pickaxes, affecting how rapidly you must mine
  • Ability Levelling System: Each character starts with 1 skill, can earn up to 4. Each skill has 4 levels, making there 16 total skills
  • Face portraits-- not yet in demo; contract agreed upon with artist
  • 3 working "Guilds"-- the Warrior's Entendre, the Synthesist's Entendre, and the Operant's Entendre
  • Various types of "Cerion", discovered as the storyline progresses
  • Intense character/plot development, including the premature death of one of the 4 main characters...

Interesting Tidbits

-This is no Resident Evil clone. If you think it’s as simple as an evil virus or anything like that, prepare to have your socks blown off. This plot has been carefully crafted for over 3 years, and has more twists than a bag of pretzels.
-A storyline without magical crystals or four destined heroes…
-A custom battle system where fighting actually takes place on the map…
-No “villain” or “hero”; the main characters are what you make of them, and you will have to decide the purity and validity of their motivations…
-Countless sidequests including 3 guild-like groups with intricate and plot-centric histories, a mining minigame, an inventive new minigame called “Katsura”, and more…
-Your decisions matter. What you do with Jarron affects the world for the rest of the game. This is not mindless linear roleplay; you are responsible for your own choices, and will come to bear your own consequences…

Screenshots:

History of the Project and a Final Note:

This project was first conceived around 2003, but was not actually begun until June 24, 2004. It was and is being created through the use of the RPG Maker XP software designed by Enterbrain, and all graphics/sounds/resources are being used legally.

I greatly would appreciate any/all criticism offered. Please reply to this post! Thank you!

Downloads:

Please download the DEMO!

Version 1.8.1.05

http://theetowahgroup.com/Cerion/Cerion_18105.exe

Changelog: Version 1.8

1.8.0.01
Added dialogue to Shelty's Pub; contracted out HUD script
Attained HUD script; implemented into Script Editor
Made basic changes to rug and dialogue inside Ares Cathedral
Added dialogue/cutscene with Basil and Jarron in Shelty's Pub

1.8.0.02
Deleted unecessary, outdated picture files for space optimization
Fixed critical errors in introduction placeholder
Addressed possible graphical glitch in Ares Cathedral
Added cutscene movement to Shelty's Pub, 2nd Floor
Fixed text box errors in Shelty's Pub
Added plot issues to Shelty's Pub concerning Basil
Fixed error in Kushya Plains related to Log Jumping
Began massive battle system edits: Implementing HUD
Began massive battle system edits: Resolving Allied HP algorithms
Began massive battle system edits: Accurately distributing Allied HP Damage
Began testing massive battle system edits
Split Mount Anaiah in two to address FPS problems

1.8.0.03
Added terrain to Kushya Plains
Added books to Eliezrah's House

1.8.0.04
Made changes to Eliezrah's dialogue
Added defense and strength enhancements to item "Hard Hat"
Fixed passability errors in Amasa Canyon Entrance
Fixed error if player had Hard Hat equipped while speaking to Guard
Added 26 Pouches for Alice's Weapon Slot
Added 10 Capes for Alice's Armor Body Slot
Added 10 Chain Mail selections for Basil's Armor Body Slot
Added 10 Cuirass selections for Reyne's Armor Body Slot
Added 10 Headband selections for Basil's Head Slot
Added Headband descriptions to Database
Added Headband effects in Battle: Restore Basil's SP
Designed and implemented price formula for Basil's Armor Slot, Alice's Armor
Slot, Reyne's Armor Slot, and Basil's Head Slot
Streamlined code for Alice's skills
Streamlined code for Reyne's skills
Fixed error in code for Enemy Attacking Allies script: if less than 2
allies in party, possibility of them being unkillable
Fixed misappropriation of HP when Herbalism was used on an Ally
Fixed misappropriation of HP when Honor Among Thieves was used
Streamlined end-of-turn health display; edited what information is outputted
Added Chain Mail effects in Battle: extra damage to Shadow Thrust
Added Chain Mail descriptions to Database

1.8.0.05
Added tutorial in Mort's House on equipping items
Amasa Canyon Entrance Guard now checks to see if Hard Hat is equipped
Added dialogue to Amasa Canyon Entrance Guard
Added unwearable Hard Hat as an armor/item
Added Basil cutscene transitions to Amasa Canyon Entrance
Fixed error in Common Events involving old HUD remnants
Fixed error in miscalculating Allied HP when attacked
Fixed massive Mountain Chickle errors in Amasa Canyon
Implemented correct battle ending script into enemy events
Fixed incorrect deduction of Allied HP during Deathblows
Tweaked Jarron's weapon strength

1.8.0.06
Edited battle system so enemy HP could not go below 0
Fixed graphics error in Entrance to Amasa Canyon
Fixed event error forcing player movement in Entrance to Amasa Canyon
Added foliage to Entrance to Amasa Canyon
Fixed error when enemy was not facing left during Deathblows
Balanced damage to allies under a Deathblow
Disabled Ally Skills when they are knocked out/dead
Edited Database Statistic Descriptors
Began implementation of Statistically Focused Leveling System
-Added tutorial on allocation of statistic focus
-Added complete functionality to SFLS system
Fixed mapping error in Ares Main Office
Fixed error that made intro sequence infinitely loop
Fixed error involving Cautious Attack damage doubling
Fixed error involving leveling up inside the Irdanil Tent


1.8.0.07
Tweaked statistic level up figures
Added major dialogue/cutscene to Amasa Supply Room
Completed cutscene addition in Entrance to Anaiah Cavern
Added Area: Anaiah Hall of Lights 1
Added Dialogue to Anaiah Hall of Lights 1
Added Area: Anaiah Hall of Lights 2
Added Light Puzzle 1 to AHoL 2
Added Dialogue to AHoL 2
Added Area: Anaiah Hall of Lights 3
Added Light Puzzle 2 to AHoL 3
Added Area: Anaiah Hall of Lights 4
Added Light Puzzles to ANoH 4

1.8.0.08
Added Area: Anaiah Hall of Lights 5
Added Light Puzzle to ANoH 5
Added Dialogue to ANoH 5
Fixed error involving message doubling in ANoH 2, 3, and 4

1.8.0.09
Added Area: Anaiah Cerion Entrance
Began Spriting Generic Verti Cerion

1.8.0.10
Finished Spriting Generic Verti Cerion
Implemented Generic Verti Cerion into Database/Cutscenes
Added Dialogue to Anaiah Cerion Entrance

1.8.0.11
Created Cerion Mine Tileset
Databased/Aligned Cerion Mine Tileset
Added Map: Anaiah Cerion Storage
Added dialogue/events/mapping to Anaiah Cerion Storage
Added event scripting for Alice Picture Dialogue
Added Cerion Ability: Cerion Swarm
Added Anaiah Cerion Meshillem battle script
Added Map: Anaiah Cerion East Hall
Added Area/Map: Anaiah Cerion South Hall
Editted ZBS Gameover Sequence
Added events to Anaiah Cerion South Hall
Added major cutscene to Cavern of Enoch Branch

1.8.0.12
Finished major cutscene, finished storyline included in demo
Fixed various mapping errors
Added introduction movie
Fixed dialogue error in Ares Cathedral

1.8.0.13
Adjusted level-up inflation rate (slowed to 1.08)
Added Alice's Character Portrait
Created Desert Outlands Tileset
Databased/Aligned Desert Outlands Tileset

1.8.0.14
Added Alice's Character Portrait
Created Desert Outlands Tileset
Databased/Aligned Desert Outlands Tileset

1.8.1.01
Fixed glitch stemming from having Basil pick lock in Irdanil chest

1.8.1.02
Added Jaiynn Desert Well
Fixed error with Character Portraits in Droston
Fixed error preventing completion of Operant Entendre's Entrance Test
Fixed Audio Error in Kushya Plains

Please download this updated version and tell me what you think! Thanks!
 
Eeek. Not a single reply? I like the way this game sounds actually, it seems quite classic to me. Haha, the story reminds me of the X-Men movies for some reason, although not completely. I have no quarrel with the characters as you seem to have their roles planned out. I don't understand why the main character has to look so 'priestly' though. He doesn't really follow the 'all heros have to have cool graphics' cliche. Which is actually kind of sad. Your maps aren't anything amazing, but they're good enough. The only problem I have with this project is the main character's graphic. Change it, please! Haha. I wish you all the best.

- Ice Puppet
[/FONT]
 
Well, thanks for the feedback, Ice_Puppet!

Yep, I know the main character doesn't look all cool, and he looks somewhat-- as you put it-- priestly. But, quite frankly, he doesn't think that he's all that cool, and his dress fits his personal style. However, I have been working out a contract with an independent artist, and if it pans out, she's going to do some stuff for me, so his sprite may change.

Hopefully, a demo will be released soon... as soon as tomorrow, possibly!
 
I like the story line. But the maps are missing something (i'm no mapper myself), I can't really point it out though.

When i have some time i will download the demo, and test it out. I will be watching this one for awhile.

Have any idea on the %complete/Time elapsed?
(% complete in march,april, june, july, etc...)
 
Hmmm this seems like its worth trying. I mean the maps seem a little empty but I can't say anything. My game has been completly put on hold at the moment. lol ^_^ anyways yeah I'll download it and try, also though on the one map on the cliff or w/e there is a huge error. If you look the grass on the mountain at the bottom shouldn't be there...but I could be wrong as its been said before I have no map making skills. Lol thats what cos is for. Fix those problems and you have a winner for the most part. Lol oh yeah and you should change the hero named Basil's name. I can't stand it. lol j/k oh yeah the little battle system thing. Very nice. I like it. Enjoi
 
lost miracle,

Have any idea on the %complete/Time elapsed?
(% complete in march,april, june, july, etc...)

I'm afraid not. Overall, the game is about 10-12% completed. However, as I'm about to start college, my life is going to change drastically, and I'm not certain how much time I'll have each day to work on this. Hopefully a lot, though. :)



M. Sam,
Hmmm this seems like its worth trying. I mean the maps seem a little empty but I can't say anything. My game has been completly put on hold at the moment. lol anyways yeah I'll download it and try

Hey, thanks! It's very much appreciated!

f you look the grass on the mountain at the bottom shouldn't be there...but I could be wrong as its been said before I have no map making skills

I saw that pretty quickly; it's fixed in the demo.

Thanks for all the feedback; I look forward to reading your thoughts!
 
I'm dl'ing the demo. Sounds quite good if not a really hard project to make. The choices and such is what will make or break it. Anyway, I'll post my thoughts after I play.
 
I'm dl'ing the demo. Sounds quite good if not a really hard project to make. The choices and such is what will make or break it. Anyway, I'll post my thoughts after I play.

Excellent; thanks! I really appreciate it! As much feedback as possible, even if negative (albeit constructive), is what I'm looking for.

I've already got some great feedback, particularly from a posting on the board at GameFAQs. I'd really like some more to work on, though. I have a ton planned plot-wise on this... it truly has the makings of an epic.

Oh, and I just reached an agreement with an artist, who is going to do portraits of all the characters! I've already seen her do Basil's first, and she's about halfway done with Alice's first; once I implement those, the dialogue will hopefully become much more interesting...
 
Thanks, Shark_Tooth! I appreciate it!

I'm still working on incorporating the feedback I've received from various sites into the game. So far, it's coming pretty well; not sure how long it will all take, though.

In case anyone is considering downloading but is not certain, let me tell you--

you may not like this game. Why?

This is not a game for you if...

1. You like cliches. There aren't magical crystals or elements. No rogue angsty main character who gets everything together by the end. And no starting as some random guy who suddenly is out to save the world.

2. You like straightforward plots. Not everything the characters tell you is true, and you will have to sort for yourself whose lies are worth believing. And, make no mistake-- you will end up believing lies. However, as noted in the story synopsis, you will have to decide whether or not right and wrong is as simple as following your heart.

3. You like random battles and endless levelling. Sorry, no random battles. Whatsoever. Everything occurs on screen, and is is possible to dodge most random battles. Plus, the unique AP skill system means that you don't level up via battles, but rather by storyline events, so you don't have to level to grow more powerful.

So, yeah, it isn't for everyone-- only for those interested in some creativity, some complex plots, and playing a story rather than watching it and fighting random monsters over and over to gain levels.

So, if you're one of the latter crowd, please check out my game! I'd love to hear more feedback!
 
I'm about to release a new, updated version of the demo with lots of bugfixes and extended dialogue. Before I finish it up, are there any more comments, feedback, advice, suggestions, etc.?
 
Well, Version 1.1 of The Cerion Conception Demo has just been released!

Please download it here:

http://theetowahgroup.com/Cerion/ceriondemo2.exe

List of Changes:

Version 1.1

  1. Some enemies now drop items
  2. New graphical displays in battle system
  3. New merchant in the Droston Post
  4. Fixed glitch in battle system related to end results
  5. Fixed glitch in battle system related to victory
  6. Fixed glitch in Warrior's Entendre related to defeating Phillipus
  7. Fixed glitch in Warrior's Entendre related to first quest
  8. Fixed 14 grammatical/spelling glitches
  9. Fixed mapping issue in Ares Cathedral
  10. Fixed mapping issue outside of Ares Cathedral
  11. Thoroughly remapped Ares Cathedral
  12. Added extensive extra dialogue to Ares cutscene
  13. Added new gambling minigame: "Deigamay"
  14. Tweaked monster levels/attack/rewards
  15. Fixed passability error in Meradin Marsh

Note: The enemies in the "Cavern of Enoch" (directly after the Meradin Marsh cutscene) still are bound under the old version 1.0 battle system. This is because that location is full of lag, errors, and too much to easily fix. I will scrap it and redo it. However, that shall be fixed for the next version of the demo.

Please download this updated version and tell me what you think! Thanks!
 
Everyone:

I know that this new demo has not been downloaded much-- according to the site it's hosted at, it wasn't downloaded at all. However, some people-- I know-- downloaded the old one.

Please, I can take harsh criticism! I want to make this game as good as possible!

1. What does this game need to get more downloads?
2. How can the game itself be improved?
3. What does the game need to make it to the Project Discussion forum?

I really would like some more feedback; I feel like I've incorporated the small amount I received, but it really isn't much...

Thanks for your replies and comments! It's been 6 days since my last post, so I felt it appropriate...
 
Thanks for the feedback; you think it's ready to be moved into the projects section? Thanks!

A few pieces of business to discuss...

1. A musician has been contracted to compose for the game. As soon as I discover what information about himself he wants posted, I will be sure to posted. However, he has already finished the first 6 pieces of music for the game, and they sound fabulous.

2. Version 1.2 of the demo is about to be released! I have made 34 bugfixes, remapped various areas, and added extensive dialogue to some parts. The numerous glitches related to the Entendres have been solved, and new sprites have been added for the Cerion Vessels the player encounters.

Hopefully the new version will be released within the end of the week, although I really want to incorporate some of the new music, so we'll see.

Thanks, all!
 
I will download this once the new demo comes out. I enjoyed the story, and like the idea of being able to skip random battles and not being majorly underpowered :)
 
I will download this once the new demo comes out. I enjoyed the story, and like the idea of being able to skip random battles and not being majorly underpowered

Hey, thanks!

Yep, by having levels be earned via storyline quests, it not only cuts out the drudgery of random battles, but also encourages the player to do sidequests, earning levels, new items, and becoming more and more immersed in the world.

I've added 3 screenshots and deleted one from the first post in thise topic. Where it stands right now, all I need to do before the next release is finish tweaking the battle system and incorporate all the new, non-RTP music from Joshua Conn, who will eventually be composing 100% of the music for the game.
 

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