Neo Eternity - A Project

We're changing the direction we're taking with development. Hugely.

Initially, we planned to write as much as we could and take this to Kickstarter. That became difficult as it was near impossible to decide what to release as teaser, and so the project has mainly existed in the writers' heads despite our attempts at outreach.

That's about to change.

Instead of asking for money and hiring developers, we will be developing this ourselves.

An alpha test version is already in development in the form of an old-fashioned text adventure. It will be free to download and/or play online!

Nameless Manatee by ~Quantum-Angel

First and foremost, we're going to finish all of the parts that can be done by ourselves for free without being part of a joint effort with the developers. Script writing, character designs, key items, system concepts, possibly some early UI mockups and so on and so forth, that's getting done. Anything that doesn't spoil major plot details will likely be posted here (unfortunately, that's almost everything thus far, uh, sorry about that).

Mene Comish by *Little-Soprano

So check out the picture I just commissioned of some of our characters.

We're still hard at work at this thing, but it's rather difficult to keep a blog updated when almost the entirety of the story is spoilers. However, we're thinking of doing a little prequel story from some non-spoiler-y characters' point of view. So watch this spot.

Tali Concept 5 by neoeternityproject featuring boho headbands

Varjingk Concept 2 by neoeternityproject featuring vintage gloves

A wide variety of weapons are found around the world. Though leading up to The Fall, a global trend toward firearms as the primary weapon for all purposes was noted, scarce availability of ammunition and the appearance of beasts resistant to firearm damage since the disaster led to the revival of more "primitive" technology.

Firearms are still popular, as they can't be beaten for their power:speed ratio and convenience. However, as they do need specialized ammunition, bows are often used instead, as it is easier for one to make their own arrows than bullets.

Swords are also regaining popularity, after having so long been relegated to the worlds of history and fantasy. They are most commonly used by larger people who can better withstand a hit, should they fail to defend themselves well enough. Smaller, untrained individuals typically use light polearms - which have become a fixture in near every home since The Fall, due to their relative safety for bladed weapons, ease of use, and elegant, non-distracting appearance. Daggers and other small knives are also common for self defense.

Less popular, but still regaining importance are hammers and maces, battleaxes, and throwing knives and other thrown blades. Hammers and maces are nearly a necessity, however, if you venture out near the crater, as some of the creatures there are extremely hostile and difficult to fight off without the use of crushing forces.

Staves and rods are used mainly by elves; humans use them at times if an improvised weapon is necessary, but their real strength is in amplifying magic - if they're made right. This is an art that humans have yet to figure out.

Laejis was once part of the much larger Xalethian region. Through most of the centuries before The Fall, this region was a scientific powerhouse. It was here that most of the planets in the local system were discovered and that plate tectonics were understood. Laejis itself was known for advances in biology, medicine, and engineering.

However, roughly 70 years prior to the disaster, Korilnes and Perses went through a conflict. Korilnes, more deeply spiritual in its government structure, decided the best way to handle the situation would be to sway the Xalethian region to their favor by introducing religious extremists and enabling them to rise to power.

This backfired terribly. It destroyed the economy of all countries in the area, and several started wars with not only Korilnes, but any country the extremists saw as being "weaker" in their religion.

The citizens were highly displeased and resisted the changes. However, the new government was not above instating a death penalty for what they saw as blasphemy. It attacked its own citizens openly and willingly.

Ironically, this recent history of war and internal destruction is what enabled Laejis to be the closest country to the crater to partially survive. Because war was an expected constant, most homes were fitted with basement survival bunkers. Although most were not built well enough to survive the blast, those owned by the wealthiest citizens and many of those installed in the original Trenzmorf Institute's global aid programs remained solid - and thanks to the early civilian warning system, many of those who did not trust their own had time to join a wealthier friend or family member in theirs. Meanwhile, most of the religious extremists were killed in the blast, having chosen to stay above ground for believing that their faith would protect them.

The sentiments surrounding this twist are mixed. Some, mostly the younger generation, feel an ironic sense of gratefulness for the situation (though it does not extend to the people who caused it), while the older generations still believe it may have been better if they all had simply died. The current overall sentiment toward Korilnes's government is resentful, but peaceful - although with competition over energy produced by Laejis's new orbital tower, the situation is growing more tense. They currently have a weak alliance with Morenia, though neither really trusts the other.

Ami concept 2 by neoeternityproject featuring a chain belt

Nearly unlimited storage has become a free utility worldwide. The primary provider is the International Hammerspace Company, which was founded Elnaia - a small, mostly forgotten country devastated by The Fall - in 23 A.X.. They expanded to Morenia five years later, where the idea gained the support to grow into what it is today.

The company lives up to its name - as stated, storage is a free utility and nearly unlimited (in-game it is effectively unlimited - you can put every item in the game in there and it won't fill it), and everything you own is accessible within minutes from every location. Every individual receives a free user ID number upon signing up. Inventory is stored in large warehouses, many of which extend deep underground and miles into the sky. When depositing an item, a photo of it is taken inside its cabinet, and it is assigned a number. All warehouses are linked by a series of underground tubes, which use air currents and electromagnets to propel an item from its location to where it is called.

Going through a lot and everything I've thought to write has been spoilers.

Like, MAJOR spoilers.

Like completely mind-blowingly major spoilers.

There will be more post-able stuff soon I promise.

In the meantime, I might mention that I'm considering a weight system for inventory.

You have unlimited networked storage (which is another post, maybe I'll make that one now), but you can only have your party carry so much on their person at a time.

I'm trying to figure out how that could work well without getting to be a complete pain. I for one love puzzles like that, but I know a lot of people have no patience for them.

Ahnkeron concept 2 by neoeternityproject featuring linen pants

T'lea Concept 2 by neoeternityproject featuring leather pants