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Twisting Fates: Siblings

For about the past few week or so I have been planning to make a game, i have not come up with a decent name for it so that will be left as is for now. I am trying to get a team together to make this game. I am overall the director, but i have a fair hand at eventing, and I am a decent writer (not the best). But... that is the point of making a team, to cover up your weaknesses, and enhance your strengths, no?

This game is being made in RPG Maker XP.

Base Story:
His little sister is taken. Conflict: the main character must save his lost sister. His sister, is the last family he has left.

Ashton is the former adopted son of Duke Lexington. He grew up with a lavish life-style, though never really took advantage of it. His sister, Emma, is not his by blood, but he still loves her.

When he was six years old, before he was adopted by Duke Lexington, his real family was murdered by thugs who were trying to steal his fathers research, this day also happens to be Ashton's birthday (might change.. a bit cliche'). Duke Lexington, being a family friend took Ashton in upon his parents' deaths.

Duke Lexington has always had a giving nature. His daughter, and Asthon's sister, is also an adopted child. She was found wandering the streets when she was about five... No explanation. She has no memories of her prior life.

At the stories beginning, the Duke's manor is broken into. The Duke is killed, and Emma is taken. Ashton, leaves the home he has known for twelve years in search of his sister. Eventually this leads him to assist in the toppling of a corrupt empire.

The truth is that the thugs weren’t actually after his father’s research. That is merely what the main character thinks. They were after Ashton himself. The ancient weapon Ashton’s father was researching was actually a way to make the perfect soldier. Thus, he did experiments on his own son… What a good father!
Basically meaning Ashton has “an alter ego”. Another forms…. Simply put his inner demon, and inner powers, usually hidden from the world. Most of Ashton’s mentors think Ashton’s natural ability to fight is uncanny.
The kidnappers, not aware the Duke had taken in more than one child, kidnapped Emma, because they believed her to be the child of mass destruction. There is no real magic, but an affinity to a certain element. Such as earth, those who are have earth, as those with their element tend to have a higher defense rate, and specific sword skills that allow them to protect their companions.
There is a two-way struggle within Ashton. Ashton can both fight this growing demon, and struggle to maintain his grip on humanity. Or let this demon overcome him, and succumb to its will. There will be a story line for both paths.

Work Load/ Team:
I am in no rush to finish this game. I want to take my time, and make it the best that i can. That being said, I am a firm, but lenient director. IF you join this project expect to work... What ever job you take, you must be prepared to milk out one Sprite, map, event, art work.. etc. etc. minimum per week. If your life gets hectic or... some family issues come up, then it is understandable if you cannot meet this deadline. This rule also applies to myself as well. lol. For what is a director if he can't set an example?

Positions:

spriter(s):
None.

artist(s):
BlackMask

coder(s):
None.

musician(s):
Isumi

mapper(s):
Myself, BlackMask

Writer(s):
Myself, BlackMask

Event Maker(s):
Myself.

All positions are open. But, I need mainly spriters, mappers, and artists. My skills fall into the writing and eventing categories. lol... so yeah.

Your Salary:
None. You will receive my gratitude, and of course credit

As for gameplay:
Its going to be your classic RPG. You go around the world doing quests. Random battles. NPCs. The works. But, it is going to be a solo effort, with the help of the occasional guest party member (varies... depending on the quest).
Also,
The game is an interactive one. Your actions and choices effect the certain outcomes and events that are to come. And overall the ending.
Example:
You discover that the Duke of Midlo County is endorsing the slave trade of Lothan, your homeland. And you are angered by this, and request an audience with him. Surprisingly he accepts, and you are off to see him. Upon your arrival your are greeted graciously, like some honored guest. Then you are led up the carpeted steps into the Duke’s audience chamber.
You will be given three choices:
A. Kill him outright.
B. Attempt a diplomatic solution. (For greater good or evil.)
C. Or finally, you can just up and leave, after a brief exchanged of words.

A. and C. seem pretty self explanatory. It isn’t until you get to choice B. do things get more complex. More times than not, the person you are trying to “strike a deal with” will have you go on a quest, or a chain of quests, before agreeing to whatever it is you want. And sometimes, this results in you killing him anyway… This example specifically the Duke will try to cheat you, and after doing all his quests, he sets his guards upon you, to cover up the evidence. You must kill him in order to prolong your survival.

Now if you choose A, there may, or may not be some repercussions for such actions. Killing is a serious offense, killing one of Noble birth, is basically asking for a lot of trouble. For example, if you kill the Duke, you then have to fight your way through the Manor, and either escape the city, or kill every living thing around you. This may be a bit simple, but some other quests give more complex and severe consequences. Such as, being exiled from an entire country, rendering its resources and vital military strength useless to you.


Characters:
Main character:
Ashton-
Age: late teens
sex: Male
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 124 lbs.
Weapon: Twin Swords

Ashton is the adopted son of Duke Lexington, who is the head of the Esteed County. Has lived as the Dukes son for twelve years, and has grown quite fond of his little sister Emma. Spends most of his time taking long walks, alone, in the city, wandering aimlessly.

His biological parents were murdered by thugs who were trying to steal is father's research, when he was five. His father was studying and ancient weapon of mass destruction, little else is known.

Ashton is calm, cool, and collected. Overall anti-social, who rarely ever lets his true emotions show. Doesn't want to burden others with his troubles. Has a high set of Morales, and cannot stand to see the lower class get picked on by those "above" them.

How Asthon Looks:
Long hair, down to center of his back, black in color. Dark eyes. High cheek bones.

He can be closely related to Georg Prime of the suikoden series. Just draw up the hood, and extend the hair.

Outfit:

Black boots, and dark kind of bulky loose fitted pants, a black belt (not karate), and a linen shirt. A top it he wears a brown weather beaten cloak/ coat, and hood. 2 sprites are needed for this. One with his hood up, and his hair hidden. And another with his hood down and his hair tied back in a warrior's knot. These sprites should all fit the XP template.

Other Field sprites I Want/Need of him:
Him drawing out his sword
Him extending sword threateningly
A down sprite
A kneeling sprite

Here is a reference for the outfit:
s2-georg.gif


Sub Characters:

“The Gear Whiz” –
Erik “the gear head” Tildan
Age: 19 Height: 5’4”
Sex: Male Weight: 127 lbs.
Weapon: some sort of handgun.

Eccentric, lively, a burst of energy, and, oh so terribly annoying, Erik is an utter genius who only takes machines seriously. A guest who joins Ashton’s party for a brief time, later to become the head engineer and pilot of the mobile city

Malachi-
Age- 26
Height: 5'11"
Weight: Normal
Sex: Male
Weapon: 2 handed swords
Element: Earth

Mal is overall a 'silly' person that can be serious when the time calls for it. He cares somewhat for those around him, but has battle lust and spends most of his time training.
He is a greedy person, only in it for the thrill of the fight. Though he is a slightly comical character, as in he says the most outrageous things. A powerful warrior, the resistance hired him. Later, he becomes head of the training grounds, and the [Arena].

The First Scene:
Screen is black.
“No, please no!” (With Adell Lexington name, and face.)
The screen flashes.
Assassins of some sort advance upon Duke Lexington, and kill him.
Screen blurs.
Then goes black again. (Heart beating can be heard)
The screen flashes, as the men enter Emma’s room, and surround her.
Screen blurs.
(Heart beating) The Screen fades into black.

Screen flashes. Some slow melody is playing in the background.
Enters Ashton.
“My name is Ashton Lexington, son of Adell Lexington, former Duke of the
Esteed County, now deceased.”

Ashton is wandering the streets, heading toward the tavern.

“Two years ago assassins of the “empire” entered my home, back in [Home town]
and murdered the man whom I considered to be my father, Adel Lexington, and
at the time, I had thought, my entire family as well.”

Ashton pauses briefly at a market booth. Examining the contents within.

“Just recently, I have discovered my sister is alive… She is captive of the “empire.”
Only god knows why.”

He turns away from the stand, and continues up the road.

“But, I do know that I have to save her. She is all that I have left.”

He pauses briefly, just before entering the tavern.

“One of my contacts has agreed to meet me here, today. He was formerly a
Lieutenant of the “empire.” He had held very little authority… But he is still
A major source of knowledge… I would begin my journey here…
Ashton enters the tavern.

The tavern is a square room, crammed full of people. There are several tables and chairs
Strewn about, almost at random. In the upper right corner of the tavern sits a large piano.
Behind the piano sat an annoyed looking little man, who is playing a reluctant tavern tune. At the opposite corner, a counter rested, behind the counter the barkeeper stood.
At the bottom left corner was a table, pressed tightly into the enclave. Darkness shrouded
It slightly. At this table sat Ashton’s contact.

Asthon Approaches the table, and takes a seat opposite of the man, making sure the door
Is within his view. The contact smiles slightly.
“Well you got me here,” the man says with a slight Scottish accent. “What exactly is it that you want?”

“Knowledge.”
"Talk..." he grins slyly, "Is cheap. You will have to prove to me that you crave the knowledge I hold.'
“… How much?” Asthon sighs.
“Three hundred”
“One hundred”
“Two fifty”
“One fifty”
“Two hundred, no less.”
“Fine,” Asthon places two golden coins upon the table.

“Right…Based upon the letter you sent me, I am assuming, that this is about your sister.”
“It is.”
“She, is being held in within the capitol’s palace, it is amazing that they have kept her alive this long… She must be someone of importance. The palace, and city, is impossible for any one man to infiltrate. Guard towers reaching to the heavens, a wall, as big as they come surrounds it. There is no getting in, or out. Unless, of course you happen to have the proper authorization.”
“How do I get this authorization?”
“You cannot.”
“Then what do you suggest I do.” Asthon says with some anger.
Sighing, “There is this “resistance” faction, down south, you should start your search there. Meet with this “resistance” see where that takes you.”
“Resistance faction?”
“They seek to topple the “empire” and reform the republic that was once in place.”
“A big dream, and optimistic dream…”
“Indeed, but it is the only lead you have. Act on it… Here, take this.”
(Ashton receives a train ticket)
“Take the train to the [Southern City], I will pull a few favors, and a scout will meet you there, he will bring you to [their] hide out.”
(Pocketing the train ticket)
“Why are you helping me so much?”
“A promise I made to your father.”
“My father? What do you mean by that?”
“Nothing. Now go, I can do little else to help you.”
“You have my gratitude.”

(Ashton steps away from his seat)

And Here is the description I gave my map maker, of the first city:
[The City] is due west of the [Capitol]. In between two nations, the [Desert] and the [Central], it is a center of trade. So it has a prominent market. Nick named the [Western Bazaar]. With in the city you can buy almost anything, from knowledge to food. Located with in the Esteed County.

The city is broken up into a few districts:
Market
The Docks
& The Slums

Crime, in the slums at least, is common place, and few dare venture here.

Within the market district, the bulk of the trade takes place here. Everyone here makes fare wages. Put simply, everyone here is civilized. The train station and tavern are located in this district. As well as several housing complexes. And overall the place is stuffed with booth upon booth, of merchants displaying their wares.

The Docks, is basically on a river, that leads across the country. It is where are shipments of supplies comes in and out. It is the main source of trade for the city (land routes however are also used to trade.).

The slums need very little explanation. But, it is here where the homeless flock to, and are forgotten. It is very dirty, dark and disease rotten. Few houses even stand (if you can call a small shack that is thrown together from what ever they could find a house). Most never even know the slums exist. It is “hidden” by the “lower” city. This city was built on top of ancient ruins. In effect, these ruins have become the slum.

Overall Landscape: some grass in parts, mostly desert to the left side of the city. But not at the docks.
Its a city, but very little stone work is used in the market district. There is a dirt path leading up its center. And booths are on either side of the path. The tavern is located at the end of this path.
At one end of the path, the desert starts (left, or down.. depending on view)... and at the other end, grass land (right or up, depending on view).

If interested Post here, or PM me. We will set something up.
I have AIM and MSN. And i can make a yahoo if need be.

Thanks for your time,
Broken Crowe
 

Nolund

Sponsor

Alright, I apologize if I sound like a dick, but I have to rip apart this whole thread.

First and foremost, everything is quite frankly a mess. It doesn't seem organized in the least, and you just have all sorts of text thrown everywhere. I understand this is a concept thread, but if you put forth that little bit of extra effort to make it look a bit more professional, you'll likely get more feedback. Right now it's just an eyesore.

As for the game itself, it's VERY cliche. I'm not sure if this is intentional or not, but if it isn't, I hope you either add a lot of original aspects, or take another look at the overall storyline and plot. The whole sister has been accosted and hero has to find her and ends up rebuilding the empire is kind of overdone. Granted it's not the typical "random hero must arise to save the world from the evildoers" but I find this to be a close second.

I wish you luck with this, and I hope this gets reorganized a bit. Take a look at some other threads and you'll see how they are neater and more organized.
 
Thanks for you thoughts. It is REALLY cliche'... I have had a bad case of writers block lately, so I am just "milking' out ideas.

And organization isn't my best aspect...
Is it that I am not giving any explanation of what they are... or?

And I plan to have a lot of "original" aspects. I like taking the cliche' and making it more "interesting"

It is loosely based of suikoden... So... Yeah.
I will try reorganizing it a bit.. but frankly, I don't really know where to start.
*goes to look at other threads*
 

Nolund

Sponsor

Honestly, best way to organize it is to get headings.

Something like this (but in a larger scale)

Game Title


Story

Blah blah blah. Don't worry about spoilers unless its like 3 pages long

Characters

Blah blah blah (here is where you would give their name, age, description, etc). You don't necessarily need spoilers unless you have a lot of them.

Screenshots

Obviously you don't have any for your game right now, so don't worry about it much.

Features

Blah blah blah

The Team

Don't worry so much about putting each individual position down either. Put down the name and in brackets say what they do. You can also put in a sub-section for recruitment here.

------

You have a lot of these spoilers trying to describe everything. Frankly, a lot of people aren't going to care to read them, especially with the descriptions of what characters and maps are going to look like.
 

Nolund

Sponsor

It's a lot better than it was.

I'm personally a fan of headings and not using a lot of spoilers (unless I have a lot of text, or a bunch of screenshots), but it's definitely not an eyesore anymore.

Just continue to build off it as you get more information and you'll be fine.
 
Indeed. I have started a fair bit on this game. My mapper has produced all the maps necessary for the first scene, so screen shots, and perhaps a youtube video is underway. o.o;;
^.^

If i can find a good video recording thing that is. My trial ran out on all the services i had... *sigh*

Also, I plan to have a lot of minigames, and sub quests, and a lot of overall freedom in this game... its going to be a big project.. so I will get the base story done first. XD.

It is cliche' cause its my first game... o.o

Thanks,
Brokencrowe
 

Nolund

Sponsor

Another word of advice, since this is your first game.

Don't plan to make things too complicated. Side quests, mini games and all that jazz are great, but I would stem away from them. It's great to want to have all sorts of features, but if you plan for something you're not ready for, you're in for a pretty big let down.

Start small, work your way up.
 
alright! I will take your advice. :).
Thanks for helping me.
I mean, i plan to get the basic game done. Then go in, and add a lot of extra stuff later. like you said starting small... by finishing what I know i can get done. Then going in after adding all the cool stuffs. o.o;
 

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