A New Draft Arrives

From my partner:

Obviously, you can tell from the title that Gemsinger Chronicles: The Video Game is getting a new draft. This will be called "Gemsinger Chronicles E".

Reason for this?

I've been making RPG Maker VX games since June 2009, and It's been 2 and a half years since then. The particular draft, called "Gemsinger R", that I was working on was started in the summer of 2010. It's been a year and a half since I started that specific draft. I know I have gotten a lot done on that draft, but since a lot of it was made a year ago, I've improved a lot from that draft. I know I can do more on the video game, and there's a lot of things that I wanted changed in Gemsinger Chronicles R, but since I have improved and I'm capable of much more, I think it's time to start from scratch again. Since I'm starting from scratch, I'm able to rework everything. I'm able to have a fresh, new start on the video game. And with that, I'll be able to make a better game than before. So, that said, I think it's time for Gemsinger R to go, and Gemsinger E to arrive. I'm going to do many things differently in the new edition, and I'll be able to use my improved abilities to make a fun experience for everyone!

I know that I have had many, many drafts of Gemsinger Chronicles so far. I know it's been 2 years since the first ever draft on Gemsinger. Why is it taking the game so long? Well, that's how making an RPG Maker VX game is. It's very common for people to restart their games to make them better. I've been improving on RPG Maker this whole time, and in each draft, it gets better. Will Gemsinger Chronicles E be the final draft? Yes, most likely. But if it's not? Well, then I'll make something better. But you don't need to worry, I'm confident that Gemsinger Chronicles E will be the last draft.

So, that's all I have to say. Look forward for new updates and videos.

Plans for 2012

First off all, Happy New Year to all that support the blog.

As for my plans for the year, expect more work on both the story and The Video Game. I hope that we will have a playable demo out this year for you to enjoy. Plus, I also hope to write out a novelization of the digital Shokiyu and post it here serially.

Here it is!

Here's the Christmas present!

Screenshots galore!
Digital Viginette 4: Meeting Dorian LeMaire
Digital Viginette 5: Lafisavia

Sneak Peek of Christmas Present

Take a look here

The Christmas Present is Coming!

Direct from my partner:

The holidays is finally here, and Christmas is not far around the corner, which means that Gemsinger progress is picking up!

That also means that the Gemsinger Chronicles "Christmas Package" (Or winter package) will be released on Christmas Week! (approximately December 24)

Here's what to expect (Alterations may occur):

-Various Screenshots
-A new Digital Viginette
-A new progress video

More stuff may be added later.

The State of the Chronicles: November 2011

Progress was slow this month, but we at least got a few new screenshots out.

I'm hoping we have a playable demo ready for you very soon. In the meantime, we hope to show you guys more of the game over the holidays.

Just a little progress...

Here's just a little taste of Sayamir Caverns: here

Belated State of the Chronicles: October 2011

I would've had this up sooner, but USB port issues forced me offline at the end of the month.

Anyway, work on The Video Game is going very well--we've introduced many new characters and locations, coming ever so closer to a demo release date

This coming month, we hope to have more viginettes up and sneak peeks of the digital Shokiyu

Some of Dorian's Verses

At the beginning of the game:

The world of Shokiyu cries once again
For the demon lord rises and casts a great stain
The Eight Holy Ladies try to hold him back
As at the light barrier, he slashes and hacks

This harrowing scene plays out in a girl's dream
As the Holy Ladies call to her, she hears not their scream
That the hour has come for the Gemsinger to rise
She knows not of her destiny as she opens her eyes....

Receiving the letter to Leria:

How will a quest help us?" the girl did protest
As they walked to the mayor's at her fairy's behest
"Maybe we will find something valuable." she was told
"Such as a rare item, fine jewels, or some gold."

But alas, when they got there, the mayor's request
Was to deliver a letter, the girl was distressed
But they set out for the palace far to the east...
The girl she complained, and wasn't pleased in the least

When Miresa accidentally burns a rare vase with an errant fire spell:

A fire spell cast to amaze and astound
A family heirloom was burned to the ground
The girl was heartbroken, it had been there for years
And her parents would have no sympathy for her tears

But all was not lost! her fairy did say
A traveling merchant has come here today
Maybe he'll have a vase like the one burned?
So the girl grabbed her coins, for a new vase she yearned!

Video Game Update: Dorian LaMaire

See Dorian in action!

Note that what he says here is a temporary script.

Digital Viginette #3: Meet Dorian LaMaire

Dorian LaMaire is one of the more well known Shokiyan minstrels--in The Video Game, he keeps track of what you've done previously, reminds you of what you need to be doing, and notifies you of any sidequests in the area. If you were to actually meet him, he would probably say this:

Welcome! Welcome, traveler! I am Dorian LaMaire, a pearl rank minstrel of the Fellowship of Singers. As with others of my trade, I make a living wandering about Shokiyu, telling tales and singing songs about great heroes, cunning tricksters, fair ladies, terrifying monsters, and other figures of Shokiyan lore.

Right now, I'm in the process of writing the tale of the Sixth Gemsinger--so if you find me on your travels, I will be happy to tell you what I have of the tale so far, in exchange for a coin or two in the harp case.

When to Expect a Demo

My partner on a timeframe for a demo:

"The answer is simply...

I really don't know yet.

I was thinking of making a demo for Gemsinger Chronicles: The Video Game. However there's still much more I need to do before a demo is ready. I have many incomplete and unmade sidequests. I want to be able to get the Halliwen sidequest developed and the underwater sea sidequest finished. I also need to start upgrading the scenes and do some tinkering with the battle system. I also want to get more gameplay before a demo is released.

My goal is to finish the Ice Sigil and get the Fire and Wind Sigils done as well. Then a demo will be made. Progress is increasing on that. I have to finish the Isilia Mountains and make the Ice area (Unnamed Ice Dungeon) so that the Ice Sigil will be complete. Then I can move onto Fire and Wind. (I have something special for those two. However I won't spoil that yet)

After that I will have done 5/8 of the main quest completed. (8 gems, and I would've had 5 out of 8 gems)

Then I will most likely have a demo ready. However, this won't be something that will be released in a day. It will take quite a while for this to be ready.

So stay tuned for Video Game updates."

The State of the Chronicles: September 2011

Viginettes returned in full force, and even my Video Game partner got in on the writing by contributing a few written sneak peeks of the digital version of Shokiyu.

I'm looking foward to the day when we can get a playable version of The Video Game to you. (even if it is just a quick demo)

That said, is there anything you'd like to see "cross over" from one version to the other, or have a prompt for a viginette? Let me know in the comments.

Video Game Update: Ice area and Magia Points

Some footage of the mountains and a new feature: Magia points. Check it out

Digital Viginette #2: Sudden Occurrence

Another digital viginette, courtesy of my partner:

"We've finally made it to the Forest of Dawn!" Bradlin exclaimed. Miresa, Arune, and Bradlin observed the area around them. The three had been given a quest by the mayor of Telrain. They would act as messangers and deliver a letter to Queen Leria of Selance.

"This forest is gigantic. I want to deliver the letter to Her Majesty before the end of today, so we should make sure we manage our time well," Miresa explained. The forest was huge, and filled with monsters. If they moved at a fast enough pace, they would make it before nightfall.

"You're right. It's best for us to make it to Selance. Important messages like this should be delivered as soon as possible. Maybe we could sleep at a nice inn when we get there," Arune nodded. As the capital city of the east continent of Shokiyu, Selance had many nice shops to go to. The inns were no different.

"We should probably get moving then," Miresa said. The other two nodded and the group began their journey through the Forest of Dawn. The time was still at full day, so the sunlight shone through the trees and combined with the sparkling butterflies to create a beautiful view. Arune seemed to admire the lush, green forestry and Bradlin seemed to occasionally stare at the sky. They slowly approached a creek up ahead.

"Thank goodness for the bridge," Miresa sighed of relief. Things would've been more difficult for her and Bradlin if there wasn't the bridge for them to cross. Arune would've been able to flutter across. Miresa began to walk through the connected, wooden planks. She slowly began to feel tired as if unconsciousness was pulling onto her.

"Miresa, is there something wrong?" Arune asked. But Miresa didn't seem to hear her. Miresa was slowly losing consciousness and she could hear a voice speaking to her. But only Miresa could hear it.

"The sigils are disappearing. A new gemsinger must arise…" spoke the whispering voice in Miresa's head. A few moments later she collapsed on the bridge.

"Oh no! She's lost consciousness!" Arune fluttered up to her and tried to shove her, despite their size differences, as if to try and wake her. Bradlin came running up shortly.

"Miresa! Can you hear me!?" He shoved her as well. "It's no use! She won't respond," Bradlin's voice was filled with urgency.

"We're going to have to take her to Lady Galia back in Telrain," Arune explained. "Do you think you can carry her?" she asked.

"Yes, let's hurry!" Bradlin wasted no time and swung Miresa over his shoulder. He began to run in the direction of Telrain with Arune hustling in the air at his side. Arune looked at her Other with worry.

"Please be alright," Arune said.

Digital Viginette #1: Encounter at the Earth Sigil

So my partner (the head designer of The Video Game) decided to give you guys a sneak peek of Shokiyu's digital form--enjoy!

"Miresa, are you ready?" Galia asked as the group stood at the entrance to the peak of the Earthly Crags. They had been on their journey for a while, and had heard rumors that the "Gemsinger" had come to the Earthly Crags. This was all wrong of course. The true gemsinger was Miresa herself.

"Yes, I'm ready to sing at the sigil to summon Goddess Terre. We've worked hard to get this far, and I won't let Goddess Meikon down," Miresa calmly replied. She turned around to face her group. "Everyone, please wish me luck." Miresa closed her eyes as if to say a prayer to Meikon.

"Don't worry. I'll be by your side!" Miresa's Other, Arune fluttered by her side. The fairy held both her mini sword and her shield with the pride of a Wingblade, while Bradlin gave Miresa an approving look. Miresa nodded her head silently. She was ready to summon Terre and protect the Gaia Emerald from the rumored Gemsinger.

"Thank you, everyone, for your support. Let us go!" Miresa turned around and faced the opening once again. The group slowly walked through the giant exit of the cave and entered the Earth Shrine. Miresa looked to her sides. They were high on the small mountain that resided by Brightleaf. She could see the village below.

Ahead of the group were a few steps. They walked up the short stairs and onto flat ground again. "I can really see the view from here!" Bradlin remarked. He looked over the edge of the rocky wall of the summit of the mountain. But their admiration was short lived.

"It's the false Gemsinger! I thought it would be you, Lytas!" Miresa yelled through the sound of the harsh mountain wind. Just ahead of the group were many soldiers of Katva's army, and Lytas, one of the admins.

The female demon chuckled. "Of course! We, of Lord Katva's army, need the power of the Earth Sigil!" Lytas turned around to face the group, with a sly smirk on her face. She looked at the elves from Brightleaf that had taken her here to the Earth Sigil. "All of you are a bunch of fools. I will admit, I was never the Gemsinger. And now that you lead our army to the location of the Gaia Emerald, you can go back and tell your little village that it's all your fault the world will be destroyed."

"Silence!" Lytas turned around at the voice of Miresa. "This new world of yours is not going to be created. I, the sixth Gemsinger, will stop you at all costs!" Miresa drew her sword and readied for battle.

"Like that's a stone of power!" Lytas let out a laugh. "You cannot defeat me. All of you inferior beings will perish before the might of Lord Katva's army!" Lytas flapped her wings and rose to the air.

"We have to be careful. This isn't going to be an easy battle." Galia warned. The other party members headed her words and the battle to save the Gaia Emerald had begun!

Viginette: Anticipation

Done in dialogue, Miresa and Arune:

"Did you hear? Did you hear?"

"Hear what?"

"The great storyteller Yeline Rowata is coming to Telrain!"

"Like THAT's a Stone of Power! Yeline's a high ranking storyteller at that--what would make her want to come all the way out here?"

"Storytellers are like minstrels, Arune--they go where the wind takes them."

"So they do...have you heard Yeline perform before?"

"Yes, she told 'The Ungrateful Dragon', and "The Brave Seer..."

"Isn't that the one where a seer foretells demons crashing a mage's tournament, and helps a mage defeat the demons?"

"That's it!"

"Interesting...what other tales does she know?"

"Well...I don't remember the names of these, but she told one about a wizard whose friendship with the High Goddess helped him reveal that a legendary sword did not belong to a bandit, and the one about how Leria's uncle, Duke Siarl, outwitted a traitorous advisor with a swordsman's help..."

"I bet that one was funny!"

"Oh, it was! I was laughing so hard at how the captain of the guard kept refusing to believe him."

New Viginette: Anticipation

So I'm going to write more viginettes of Shokiyu, and my next prompt is "anticipation--so what's the best way to approach this?

Birthdays/festivals are the most obvious route, but what would be another feasible thing for Miresa to anticipate?

The Problem with Pacing

While this mainly has to do with pacing in games, a lot of what is said here can also be applied to stories too Extra Credits: Pacing

Video Game Update: Weather

Check it out here.