Deeper Dive: #1

Aeris “Aura” Aureolai

Occupation: Ataraxian Celestial - Deity

It’s not as much of an occupation as it is a duty, but she is a Deity.

Age: N/a

She was created before the existence of the universe. There really is no age that could fit her. The closest we may reach is that of Eternal, but that wouldn’t be enough.

Birthplace: N/a 

Being born before space, you could say she was everywhere and nowhere, but it easier to just say she was born nowhere.

Home: Ataraxia

Ataraxia is the home of the Celestials. You may perceive this as the Celestial Plane, the Heavens, or even that of Eternal Bliss. However, only the Deities roam here.

Gender: N/a (Chosen: Female) 

Existing as a celestial body, she doesn’t have a true human form. However, she will appear to “you” in a form that would be most pleasing, or easier to comprehend.

Relationships (+): Pollina, Xyna 

Aura understands that even when something may go wrong, Pollina is trying her best to do the right thing. It’s her morality that drives Aura to her side.

Aura understands the demons Xy’Na is constantly dealing with. She wants Xy’Na to understand that she is not alone. Aura stands by her side.

Relationships (-): Saa'veedra, Penelopei 

Aura feels that Saa’veedra isn’t as careful as she seems. She is quite wary of her.

Aura doesn’t understand how Penelopei is so open and caring. Even when times don’t exactly end in her favor. Aura doesn’t understand her optimism. She also doesn’t understand her free sexuality.

Type: Entitlement

Entitlement is her skill type. These skills fall under anything that is physically learned or granted by any higher power.

Aura is the only magic user that falls under the Entitlement category.

Status: Support 

Her skills support the player through use of ally buffs, and enemy debuffs.

Alignment: None 

She has no alignment. She chooses no side whether good, nor evil. She only chooses to bless those whom she finds worthy.

Traits: Misunderstood, Misunderstanding, Forbearing, Straight-Forward 

Being a Deity, she does not understand what it means to live as, or be a human. When she interacts with others, they may misunderstand her intentions, and even take her straight-forwardness as assertion and as a lack of care.

Weapons: N/a

No physical weapons.

Abilities: Midnight’s Cloak

Aura shrouds the immediate area in darkness, limiting enemie’s view and allowing her blessed to traverse freely with a lesser chance of being spotted.

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The Last Kingdom - Blogger Update 9

It's Sunday, again! And that means we are back for another update! Let's get straight into it! I have completed the (non-parallaxed) working potion of the final town, and so I have started linking all of the late game story pieces together. Once, I am finished linking the endgame quests together, I will be going through the game in its entirety to ensure everything links up as it should. From there, all will be ready for an alpha testing stage. Going to keep progress moving, so you'll be seeing some things very soon!

As for Thursday, seeing that each of the playable characters have an announcement already, I will be doing a deeper dive into them as characters. These dives will include information about their home, alignments, relationships with other characters, and more. Keep look out for that. Anyways, thanks for checking out this update, and I'll see you Thursday!

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Introducing... Eliza Mae!!

Born to a noble family, Elizabeth was raised in the manners of a proper lady. However, she had a burning passion within her that went against her parents' traditional ways. Elizabeth had a lust for adventure, and growing up, she would often get herself into trouble because of it. She would be scolded time and time again about the dangers of wandering too far or doing things that were too dangerous. That, "especially for a lady of her standing," as her mother would put it.

Despite this, Elizabeth wasn't overly rambunctious when her parents required something of her, such as being able to behave when in important company. She respected her parents, but Elizabeth grew to have a problem with authority, and because of this, she had gotten into trouble on more than one occasion with local authorities. Much to her parents' dismay, the authorities eventually shifted her punishments on her family, opting to affect the true source of their issue. This, and its outcome tore a rift between she and her family, causing her to run away from her home.

Through her time on her own, she came to realize that life wasn't as easy as she had originally thought. Her adventures were exciting, in their own right, but the life of an adventurer just wasn't sustainable. She contemplated returning to her family, and making right her wrongs, but after coming across a group of travelers alone in the woods, she changed her life completely.

Originally was drawn by @Slender7Last and redrawn to match the style of the other characters, who else, but @OzumaRyu! I’ve linked them both, so go check them out!

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The Last Kingdom - Blogger Update 8

 It's TUESDAY... and I don't normally post on TUESDAY! But, that's fine... I think?! It was quite the busy weekend for me, but I am actually pretty excited about something for this update. That excitement being from Xy'Na Vera's character introduction reaching over 50 likes over on Twitter! I know that that isn't much to cheer, but at the same time, it isn't something to scoff about. Especially considering that the most likes on a post by this point was 6. I believe that the retweets she received really helped her get out there, but  it's just amazing to see.

Game wise, we are moving steadily, and I am still implementing the new town. I can see it being initially done by end of this month. The progress here is coming as it has for the past 5 months.

Lastly, we have one more allied character to reveal, before we get into the antagonist's introductions. I can only hope that this character receives even half of the love Xy'Na received. Until Thursday, we will see! Thanks for check in, and see you Thursday! 

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Introducing... Xy'na Vera!!

Born to Xenzi saka-Vera, the Great Chieftan of the Xetrian Clan, Xy'na Vera was bred to be a fighter. Despite her young age, her prowess in battle earned her a high-ranking position above the typical Xetrian warrior. Her agility and strength alone allowed her to fell even some highly skilled soldiers at her will. It would seem that her training and prowess in battle has really set her apart, but her training centric childhood stripped her of everything that she should've had. Most importantly, her childhood.

Over time, she has come to learn that not everything can be under one's control. And much to her father's chagrin, she exclaims that not every battle needs to be fought with a shield and spear. Her adoption of these mentalities may stem from a greater knowledge, or the naivety of a child not privy to the true horrors of the world. Xy'na has a long road ahead of her, just not in any of the ways that she sees for herself.

Xy'na was drawn by resident artist, OzumaRyu, but Xy'na has always been a little bit more special than some of the characters. That being said, we are working on some comic books that will tell the back-stories of the characters, to give a little mor insight about where they are coming from. I am also excited to say that Xy'na is the first in line to receive one! I'll be posting some of the first pages of the comic, here and over on Twitter, so stay posted. Besides all of this, I hope you like Xy'na as much as we do, and please leave your feedback in the comments below. Thanks, again, and see you Sunday!

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The Last Kingdom - Blogger Update 7

 Happy Sunday! It has been quite a productive week. Completed a majority of the Starfall town outline, and a large ice cavern. I've even started working on (so far) the second puzzle. 

As for the town itself, I need to take it into post, for editing. This one, along with some of the others will need to be taken into the parallax mapping phase, but it will come soon. When Starfall's story implementation is complete, I'll be left with the task of completing one final (important) town, before I can link everything together, and head into the Alpha Phase! It feels like it has been a long time coming, but it is great to write those words. I hope to have some of you test it out and let me know what you think so far. 

I've also been in talks with one of my artists about doing some comics for the characters. If we get that off of the ground soon, expect to see some of the first pages here, and over on the Twitter.

Anyways, this has been a bit of a short update, but that is fine as we are nearing an important milestone. We are also nearing the end of the list of Thursday character announcements, so following that, I will be doing deeper dives into the character's personalities, weekly. Thursday is coming, so stay tuned for that, and I'll see you then! Thanks!

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Introducing... Sandee Brandt!!

 

Orphaned as a newborn, Sandee Brandt never had a chance to know her family. She was left on the doorstep of the WinderMagne Stronghold, and was disgraciously taken in by the local Orphan Mother. As she grew, she never really… grew, causing her to be a target of the other kid’s relentless teasing and bullying. Following that, she had become the one with a chip on her shoulder. 4Oftentimes, Sandee will attempt to prove tolerant to other's opinions, but when criticized for her small stature, or compared to the size of others, she may lose her temper. However temperamental she may be, she is also one who is compassionate and open. This, no doubt stems from her abandonment and subsequent treatment for her scale. She chooses to be better than those around her. Sandee is also both honest and loyal to her people and cause. That being for better, or worse, but she can always be counted on.

Sandee is another character expertly drawn by OzumaRyu. Her development as a character affects a handful of the other characters that you will meet throughout the story. Her progression through the story also directly affects the direction of other characters, and where they will ultimately end up by the end of the game. Safe to say, she is a fairly important character. Besides all of this, I hope you like her backstory and design. Stay tuned for Sunday, as there's another update on the way!

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Double Post - Blogger Update 6 & Character Introduction

Blogger Update 6

I'll follow the character introduction to the post, because with the post, I'll just get to the point. It was a busy week, and quite a lot of things are done! For starters, the initial outline of the new town, Freylake, has been built and added to the game. It requires eventing, and programming to be completed, but that is now in progress. Following the completion of this location, there will be 2 more locations to build before we can enter the alpha phase, but it is on its way. Now for the fun part of the Double Post!

...& Introducing... Pollina Rowan!!

Born to the King and Queen of Xorania, Pollina Rowan is as tenacious as any adventurer would be. Despite being raised quite sheltered as a child, she has always had a penchant for action, regularly taking an assertive role whenever possible. However, due to her sheltering, she may be dismissive of approaching dangers, either seeing adversity as outmatched, or seeing herself as untouchable. And as a child, this caused her to regularly find herself in unfavorable situations in both schooling and training.

As Pollina grew, her Father was wary about allowing her to venture alone, assuming that she could be subject to attack at any given moment. When her 12th birthday arose, he tasked the Xoranian Militia Lieutenant, Gareth Hildebeorht as her trainer and guardian protector. Throughout his training, her tenacity has helped in molding her into a skilled swordsman. However, dexterity does not constitute prowess and grace as a woman, or ruler. That being said, if she wishes to take the throne from her Father, one day, she will have to grow into her role, lest she be unprepared for her lead.

Pollina was originally drawn by Ozuma Ryu, as the mother to another character, however she has since changed in terms of her design. Originally wearing a long elegant dress, she he now dons a shorter dress, which would allow her to move much easier. This new outfit was drawn by Slender7Last and was redrawn by Ozuma Ryu to fit more in line with the rest of the character art. Their Twitter pages are linked on their names, so please go check out their amazing work! Also, feel free to let me know what you think about Pollina, and all of the others, so far in the comments here, and over on Twitter! Besides all of this, it’s going to be another few days before the next update, so I’ll see you, once again, this Thursday! Thank you!

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The Last Kingdom - Blogger Update 5

 Here we are! Back again with another Blogger Update! Text update, number 5, but technically the ninth update altogether. This is a longer update than last, and I feel that so much was completed this week compared to last. Let me begin...

Graverock has been completed in terms of its main story implementation. That leaves a couple of towns left to implement before I can aptly proclaim that The Last Kingdom is ready for testing! I have started visualizing the outlines of the remaining towns, and they'll be created soon. Moving forward from the mapping and programming aspects, I have some more art being completed, and some sprite work being done. On that note, I am also glad that my favorite character battler pixel artist has returned to work. I have also discussed more art with a few new artists. This all will be revealed!

Anyways, as come Thursdays, another character will be revealed here and over on the Twitter (which can be found at the link below). I'll be going into a little bit more detail about this one, so check back in in a few days (Thursday). Alright! Thank You for checking in and I'll see you again then! 

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Introducing... Olivia Cassidy!!

Born to a fisherman’s family, the open sea is nothing, if not natural to Olivia Cassidy. She naturally gained an affinity to being out on the water, but also grew close to her dad. He walked her through the ropes of sailing and maintaining a ship. And from his point of view, she was one of the best damn captains he’d seen.

Olivia, besides her oceanic affairs, was quite the trouble maker on land. She constantly bothered the many children, adults, and authority of Aelbank, but she was also really good at getting away. That was, until the bothered went for those who couldn’t get away. They went after her family, choosing to kill her father and brother, leaving her mother alive for despair and humiliation. Olivia held this with her, not expecting such an outcome, but also knowing it was her fault completely.

The Last Kingdom - Blogger Update 4

It feels as though time is just flying by, because here we are at another update! This is probably going to be the shortest post yet, but that is okay. This past week, I've completed an initial design to Graverock, and it has taken something of a 'wild' western look. It isn't ready to show off, but it and its cemetery are on their way. Beyond that, I've started implementing the story elements, but like the map itself, it is in progress. Lastly, I've commissioned some more character art, and scenes to be seen in game, and here on the net. When the time is right, I will post them for you to see. Anyways, come Thursday, there will be another character announced!

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Introducing... Saa'veedra Shiera!!

Saa’veedra Shiera was born to an impoverished family outside of Kaidiria. As a child, she was never content with living the life that she had been dealt. She was a dreamer, who believed she was destined for greatness, but was never given the opportunity to become such. Being the obedient type, she remained at her family’s homestead, tending to the farm, and animals alike. She always had an affinity for animals, and they she. She understood to a point, that that may be her calling… That this may be her destiny. That was to say, until the Shiera homestead was found burned to the ground with all present members of her family slain, and she… Nowhere to be found.

Saa'veedra will be one of the first characters that you will obtain on your journey in The Last Kingdom. She was drawn by @OzumaRyu, and you can find her social media from the attached link! We'll be preparing next week's character update in the meantime, and as always, we'd love your feedback in the comments regarding Saa'veedra, or any of the other characters. See you again, this Sunday!

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The Last Kingdom - Blogger Update 3

 Another day, another update! Today's update will be rather short, but there is an update to be had. The storyline for Rockshore Harbor has been implemented into the game, but Rockshore Harbor in itself is still being worked on. The layout is complete, but Rockshore still requires parallax mapping. I have started visualizing a layout for Graverock, and will start putting it together this week. If I can get a baseline layout for Graverock done, I'll also begin working on implementing its story, as well.

Relating to the rest of the week, I'll be introducing another playable character here, and over on Twitter, come Thursday. I would love to hear your feedback about the characters, to see how you feel about them. Feedback and ideas are ALWAYS welcomed and greatly appreciated. You can, of course, comment on their posts here, or over on their Twitter post. Anyways, another update has come, and once again, has gone. See you again, Thursday!

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Introducing... Penelopei Barajhani!!

 

Around 200 years before the events of present day, Penelopei Barajhani was a dancer. Born to the wealth of the Grand Seignior of Safira, handiwork was not a duty she’d ever hold. In lieu of manual labors, however, she chose to spend her time cultivating traits in her sexuality, and spirituality. She would use her newfound traits to instead serve her people in the most meaningful way she could. She became a healer. By the use of dance and spirituality, she was able to mentally and physically heal the people of her nation, so much so that many people traveled great distances to be, if even just for a moment, in the vicinity of her essence. She was widely praised by the Safiran elders and the people for her benevolence and philanthropic ways, likely to be remembered for how fully she gave of herself. This was… until she vanished.

One of the dearest characters to me, Penelopei, is the first character that has been drawn by multiple artists. Her original was drawn by @Slender7Last and to match the style of the other characters, @OzumaRyu is back again! I’ve linked them both, so you should absolutely go check them out! You will also find a side by side comparison of their versions over on the Project Ebonlight Twitter. Anyways, this week has flown right on by, so there'll be next to no time until our next update Sunday!

The Last Kingdom - Blogger Update 2

 ... and we're back! It feels like it's been a fast week, and there is an update to be had! Quite a bit has been completed since the last update. It isn't monumental, but it is significant. The story has been implemented to about 70% of its total, and Rockshore Harbor's first iteration has been completed. When the story is completely implemented, I will continue with the addition of the various side quests that inhabit Kaidiria. It feels as if we're coming to the finish line, but there is still much ground to tread!

As for Rockshore, I plan to show it off really soon, but right now it isn't quite ready. I will be taking it into the parallax mapping phase when the story is at 100% completion, so I'll announce when that's in progress. I do have something to show today, but please don't expect it to be ground-breaking. You will find a screenshot below! Also, in reference to Rockshore, the town theme is complete, and I think it kicks ass. It's a real tone setting theme, and I think you'll love it!

Following today's update, this week I'll be working on the implementation of Rockshore's story connection. Not that you must complete the Rockshore story first, but it is the first of the 4 tertiary towns with a working map. If completed early enough during the week, I'll begin construction of Graverock and its adjacent Graverock Meadow. I also will premiere another character here, Thursday, as done last week with Aura. Anyways, stay posted for what's to come, and I'll see you again Thursday!

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Introducing... Aeris Aureolai, aka Aura!!

 

Aeris Aureolai, also known as Aura, is one of the 7 Celestial beings of Kaidiria. She represents the meaning of the dark and protects those who walk within it. She maintains a natural affinity to the night and will actively avoid, or even snuff out the light where she can. She, however, is no antagonist. She instead sits on a neutral barrier when it comes to the quarrels of humans. The Gods do almost nothing to aid the humans, but influence some of their actions. Aura is no different. She sees herself above the lowly humans as most Celestials do. She, however, will bestow her blessings to those who she deems worthy.

I hope you love Aura as much as I do! Leave a comment down below with your feelings about her! She was drawn by Ozuma Ryu, so you should go check out her page! I'm going to do more character reposts here, and over on Twitter. When I complete the rounds of my character list, I'll do a second run through of each character, filled with specific details for each! See you Sunday for our next update!

The Last Kingdom - Blogger Update 1

Alright! Here's our first post for the new website! From Squarespace to Blogger, I kind of just wanted to make things a little bit simpler around here, so this is as simple as it gets. We've also finally come to a conclusion on the logo for The Last Kingdom, and it can be found at the top of the blog, next to the name. It has meaning to the game; however, it may not be noticeable to you at this time. You will understand soon. Finally, I just want to thank you for being here, and whether you're new or not I hope that you come to like what you see. Anyways, on to the actual meat of the update!

A lot of progress has been made since the last update to the website a few months ago. I have commissioned a bit of art from a few different sources, and you'll see something soon. A new character has been completed and is enroute to her announcement. This Thursday, I'll reveal her here, as well as to the Twitter. (We have a Twitter now, too! Link Below) In engine, I've added a few more locales to the kingdom to expand the world diversity within the game. These new locations are the dungeon and subsequent mines beneath the Xoranian Territory, as well as the beginning works of Rockshore Harbor. I've also implemented a few and planned way more instances where the player can bump into unique scenes, and encounters in and around Kaidiria.

Anyways, stay tuned for Thursday, and I'll have another update for you Sunday!

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