It's been a while, and a lot has changed.
We've been still hard at work with much we don't want to share until it's ready, and much work is still to be done. One feature that's being developed right now is focused on PvP while still being a key PvE aspect.
FORTS
Scattered around the world of Azakelis, players will find Forts/Encampments which are bastioned and home to rogue Setters or new world creatures. Upon clearing a Fort and defeating its "Chief," a player can claim the Fort so as long as they're Active (online) and within the allowed distance threshold. It will also be tied to the Alignment of the player who claims it (more on this further).
Forts claimed by players will become "Safe Zones" from monsters and violent NPCs, as the guards defend and deal high damage while there are healers in the town that heal for free, and merchants to sell general loot. Players of the opposite alignment whom approach the fort will be warned of hostile defense if they cross the bridge/gate.
Opposite alignment players can attack to claim the Fort. In order to Win claim over a Fort, attacking players must defeat all NPC Guards, which then triggers the "Chief" mini-boss to start. Defeating the Chief grants the player who receives the "Killing Blow" battle achievement to Claim the Fort. Alternatively, killing the Claimant Player grants an instant Victory, not needing to kill the NPCs or the Chief.
(old pic, not for in-game anymore, just to give an example of the idea)
A little more about the Forts:
- Strength of NPC Guards whom attack monsters on sight or defend against players scale to player who laid claim to the Flag. Player who claims Fort can choose a second in command to lead the Fort should the player have to leave (log off) or if they successfully die (getting downed does not count).
- NPCs inside will not interact with opposite alignment UNLESS Claimant player informs a Guard (any) that a player in the same party as you is allowed access. Those players will be exempt from hostile activity, and be allowed to use any services inside the fort, so as long as they're still in the party with original correct aligned player that invited them into the fort.
- Should a player leave the party during the visit, they will be forcefully kicked out (get a punt in the ass with some damage) within 1 minute if they dont peacefully leave. Players with max dark alignment can stay and fight from their position of being warned.
- If fort becomes "unoccupied" (via player logging off, dying, or being too far from the outpost for x time), the native npc enemy/monster will respawn and take the fort back automatically.
- There will be a grace period where a fort is neutral and can be claimed by anyone who claims the Flag.
- If a nuetral alignment player lays claim to the flag, the Fort stays neutral and free from hostile NPCs for its Active time (or until an alignment claims it). Any player can use NPC services from Nuetral Forts, but Guards only defend against monsters/hostile players.
Last but not least, we want to give you a peek at a concept for a biome being worked on. Keep in mind, it's early work and way more variety will be added. We just wanted to play around with colors and find something more unique/original.
(crappy effect to protect the sprites)
Big things are on the way, multiple, but for now we're going to keep our mouths closed until we got something really epic to show. A local talent is in the studio right now and she's recording a number of epic lines for some videos
Until then~