Pokemon: Jewels of the Aether

[EmeraldSky]

@Electiwirez;

Engine used: RPG Maker VX Ace

Work in progress; no demo date known, it will be free-to-play

The Story:

Spoiler:

In a fantastic Pokeworld far from the Pokeworld we know today named Chiron, magic comes from a mystical substance known as Aether. For the most part, Aether is seen as helpful, but for those that would seek to abuse Aether and its power, there is the Order of the Aether Knights--an order of magic knights and paladins that defend the world from hostile monsters and other threats, as well as keeping the peace (though there are other orders too)

But not long after Lusamine, the 250th leader of the order and only the fourth female to lead it, ascended to lead, rumors of otherworldly beasts from another world began to swirl, and what started as intellectual curiosity became a near obsession for Lusamine. While she kept up an air of kindness in the public eye, in private she became cold, angry, and distant from even her comrades.

Lusamine's daughter Lillie, who preferred holy magic to knightly deeds, suspected that something had changed in her mother, and vowed to find out why her mother had been drawn to the darkness, and purge it before her mother did something truly terrifying. Her brother Gladion agreed to stay behind and find out what he could from inside the Order's walls, and wished Lillie luck on her quest.

But being a white mage that preferred to heal rather than fight, Lillie decided to look for help elsewhere--they could fight on her behalf, and she would make sure their wounds were healed and unpleasant conditions purged.

When she was ambushed by a bandit gang on the road, she found help in four best friends--the bow wielding red mage Ash, the shining minstrel Serena, the water specialist magic knight Misty, and the high summoner Brock.

The four friends had been traveling on a summoner's journey--unite the eight Jewels of the Aether, held by eight angels, to summon the god-Pokemon Arceus. Summoners did not often make the long and perilous journey, but when they did, it was usually in a time of great danger, and Arceus needed to be summoned.

Ash felt sorry for Lillie, and offered to help--maybe summoning Arceus would purge the evil presence from her mother, and banish the otherworldly beasts back to their own world.

Lillie agreed, but little did she know, she would be embarking on the adventure of a lifetime...

Some Features of the Game (so far):

Spoiler:

--Take on epic superbosses for the chance to win fantastic counterparts of the Kanto badges, and win equally fabulous gear!
--Prove yourself in the Thunder Arena for a shot at rare and wonderful items you can't find anywhere else!
--Serena is hardly a spoony bard--your choice in the stories she tells will determine if she gets her ultimate weapon or not
--and more!

Some screens of the game:

Spoiler:

ashelvenspeak.jpgcavesong.jpgflashback01.jpggroupmorning.jpgserenaperform.jpg

Where I need help:

--Dungeon maps, including postgame dungeons
--Skill animations
--Town/city maps

If you'd like to help, or know someone who does, drop me a PM with examples of your work--If I decide to use your work, you will be included in the in game credit roll

I will be posting screenshots and updates periodically, so you can see the game in progress, and offer feedback

[EmeraldSky]

A couple more screens I couldn't fit in the initial post:

Spoiler:

councilmeeting.jpggamequiz.jpg

[Electiwirez]

This looks really cool! Did you script in the battle and other Pokemon systems? I like how you are using, RPG Maker Graphics. Can't wait to see more! By the way, if you could link the screenshots using [img] that would be better because we could see the quality of the picture better!

[EmeraldSky]

The battle system works more like a traditional RPG in the vein of early Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest than a Pokemon game, but Pokemon are both your friends and foes

Some better versions of the screens:


Meeting Lillie in the inn
Serena's first performance
Ash speaking the elven language
Meeting the elven chief and the ten elders
Lillie's farewell to Gladion
Serena using her Song of Light to warp to safety after encountering a Golem
Serena opening Kitsune's cave
Brock interrupting his teaching tale to see if the kids are paying attention

[EmeraldSky]

I have a new screenshot to share, now that I FINALLY have a Primarina sprite:

Primarina summons a key item

[Pokemon Trainer Sarah]

This looks really cool, Emerald! You're so talented! :) I love all of their outfits!

[EmeraldSky]

Thanks--the boys are in their movie 8 costumes, and Serena's is inspired by one of the minstrel costumes you can get in the MMO Forsaken World (only not quite as elaborate because of the limitations of the program) I did have to get help to get them made, because I can't draw or sprite from scratch very well.

Keep checking back for updates--I have one other playable to debut...

[EmeraldSky]

I have a new screenshot for you--a new and improved Tower of the Aether in the Lillie and Gladion flashback:

Now with flowers, cracked floors, and vines!

[Pokemon Trainer Sarah]

Looks good Emerald! :D The extra details are nice.

[EmeraldSky]

Thanks--I do take feedback very seriously!

Here's a new screenshot--introducing Misty as a magic knight, and your fourth party member!

Dame Misty of the Blue Dragons