================== FOREWORD ================== The storyline I've got going for this game is still pretty rough but I am ironing out a bit each day. Here's a little info to give you an idea of what type of game this storyline is being used for. The game is a fantasy-themed RTS/RPG hybrid very similar in gameplay to Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen (SNES/PSX). I am a huge fan of the game :). It will be in 2D and made with Garage Games' TGB engine. I will be handling pretty much everything (programming, writing, art, etc.) save for maybe the music, as that is kind of my weak area and it takes me quite a while to create a decent track (no harm in trying though). It will most likely be released in episodic format (with each episode being the tale of a different kingdom or faction). EDIT: I doodled a map real quick, which can be found here: http://www.twinhero.com/john/ab3w_map1.jpg]here. ================== SYNOPSIS ================== At the center of the continent of Altelir is a territory called the Miridane Frontier that has many important religious sites scattered across it. Though many wars in the past were fought over this land, centuries ago a continental treaty was enacted to declare the Miridane Frontier as a neutral territory, and most of its land was relinquished by the surrounding kingdoms that had consumed it. The Miridane Frontier became a center for trade across Altelir and many religious communities sprang up as a result of the continual pilgrimages made there. The kingdoms of Altelir improved their relations with one another through the unified trade systems and intermingling of societies through the Miridane Frontier, and for the most part Altelir enjoyed several centuries of peace and overall prosperity. This would all change when immense gold deposits were found in the mountainous areas surrounding the Miridane Frontier. The lure of such wealth was too great for three of the rulers of Altelir, who came to be known as the "Three Wolves". At first they fought brief skirmishes along the Miridane Frontier, but it wouldn't be long before the conflict erupted into all out war. Neighboring kingdoms were also drawn into the conflict with some siding with one of the Three Wolves, and others fighting against them in defense of the Miridane Frontier's liberty. The war was fought between more than just kingdoms, however. Secret conflicts began to erupt as religious orders, merchant guilds, rebel factions, and various shadow organizations utilized the chaos to carry out their own machinations. Most notably, a cult known as the Disciples of Xarus who clad themselves in dark robes and masks recruit from the destitute. NOTE: Each playable faction has its own storyline and goals, so this game really won't feature a "kill the main evil guy and win" type setup, it will focus more on interweaving sub-plots that flesh out the overall story (the Three Wolves' War). For instance, one faction might be geared towards protecting the Miridane Frontier so it's story focuses more on events taking place in that factions' domain, protecting locations on the Miridane Frontier itself, and undermining the attacking enemies. As such it is kind of hard to write it all out here, so this synopsis will have to do. If you want to know more about something specific just ask. Keep in mind that this is a work in progress and I am changing things constantly. =============================== THE KINGDOM OF GREYRE =============================== Greyre is a kingdom that is to the west of the Miridane Frontier, to the north of Aldor, and the south of Malinar (the "North Wolf"). With King Giram Cassedara's death imminent, he passes down the throne of Greyre Kingdom to his daughter Miranda, an act protested by many in his court. Though many in her court wish Greyre to side with Malinar Miranda refuses to let the Miridane Frontier be consumed by any of the Three Wolves, and thus Greyre is thrust into conflict with Malinar. While Greyre's lower class holds Miranda in great esteem and offers strong support, much of the upper class despises Miranda's altruistic ways (which more often than not benefit the poor more than the rich). Some members of her council actively plot against her and some have even aligned themselves with Malinar. Miranda will eventually seek alliance with Aldor (south of Greyre), but has already gained support from Miridane frontiersmen and has somewhat of an uneasy alliance with Vilsette (west of Malinar), though Vilsette has shown increasing favoritism towards the Empire of Irongale (the "West Wolf", west of Miridane Frontier, southwest of Vilsette). ======================== VIPs OF GREYRE ======================== Queen Miranda Cassedara: Age: 19 Miranda is the young daughter and sole child of the late King Giram Cassedara IX. She possesses a keen intellect and an unwavering determination, though she can be somewhat naive at times. She is renowned for her altruism, though it has earned her many enemies in the upper class. Though quite versed in etiquette she is fairly tomboyish and has extensive training in armed combat, which has made her a very difficult mark for the assassins of her enemies. Lady Rheanna (Rhea) Alluraine: Age:29 Lady Rhea is Miranda's right hand. She quickly rose up through the ranks as a soldier to become one of Greyre's top generals, and her abilities as a fencer are practically legendary. Her rapier is effective even on the field of war, often being thrust expertly between the armor plating of even the most heavily armored foe. She seldom loses her cool, even in the most hectic battles. She has served the throne since she was 15, and has been close friends with Miranda for years. Neikko the Serpent: Age: Unknown (Appears 18-19) This strange woman became fairly renowned across the Greyre countryside for her tactical thinking. Her skills first developed with board games and sports, but after she defeated one of Greyre's top military tacticians at a popular board game she was recruited into the Greyre Military. Little is known about her other that she was an orphan wandering from village to village in the countryside. She possesses many peculiar mannerisms and despite her intelligence has a child-like demeanor. Her nickname, "the serpent", comes from her favored tactical strategies in which she manages to maneuver units through and behind enemy lines like a snake slithering through the grass. ---------- This is a lot of typing so I'll stop here for now LoL. I'll add more soon, but hopefully this gives you a taste of what's coming. I'd appreciate any feedback I get. Thanks for reading! :) - John K.

Quote: Original post by JWK5
NOTE: Each playable faction has its own storyline and goals, so this game really won't feature a "kill the main evil guy and win" type setup, it will focus more on interweaving sub-plots that flesh out the overall story (the Three Wolves' War). For instance, one faction might be geared towards protecting the Miridane Frontier so it's story focuses more on events taking place in that factions' domain, protecting locations on the Miridane Frontier itself, and undermining the attacking enemies. As such it is kind of hard to write it all out here, so this synopsis will have to do. If you want to know more about something specific just ask. Keep in mind that this is a work in progress and I am changing things constantly.

I see what you mean, and I like it, but I have two questions:
1) Since you mentioned the game will have an episodic structure, with each episode focusing on a different faction, will there be episodes happening at the same time? For instance, while a faction protects locations on the Miridane Frontier, another faction attacks the kingdom of Irongale or something.

2) This question sort of relates to the first one: what about the end point? After players finish each faction subplot, then what?

By the way, I haven't played "March of the Black Queen", but I see some Matsuno influence in your interweaving subplots that revolve around politics, religion, etc. [smile]

1) Each faction has a number of generals or key characters, and during each episode the events are split up amongst them. For instance, the Greyre episode will shift between Miranda, Rheanna, and one or two other characters. So you will see several branches of Greyre's storyline through the events and battles these characters participate in.

In global terms (i.e. across all episodes) the game plays out in tandem, except advances just a bit with each episode. What I mean is if you started as Greyre, then the events in Irongale might happen just a bit after the starting events of Greyre's episode and end a bit after the events of Greyre. Then if Malinar was the next episode, the events of Malinar would take place just a bit ahead of the start of Irongale, and end just a bit after the events of Irongale. This allows the player to view the events of the war from different perspectives but also feel that the story overall is advancing.

2) Each faction has its own goals, and no faction is really a "hero" or a "villain" because there are characters of different dispositions within each. For instance, while one key character in Irongale might be moving towards expansionism, another character in Irongale might be part of a rebellion and moving to undermine the king. So each faction has several goals spread out amongst its key characters, and the goal of those characters is related to their personal stake in the war. Their stake in the war determines their factions overall stake in the war, which in turn will determine the final outcome. Kind of hard to explain but there are methods to my madness lol...

I do plan to have certain information (i.e. the way the player has completed certain events) get saved episode to episode, so that the player has some control in how the story will unfold as well. By altering the events of a key character in a faction, the player alters the course of the faction which in turn alters the course of the war (and effects how the story will end). So by making small ripples the player will make big waves later in the game. This is also why the game will be episodic, as it has got a lot of work and planning involved lol.