Round Table of Arkain

[Shar Dundred]

14 hours left, currently Dragon of Kerrel and Hearts of Gold are on the same level with Rising Sun not far behind! Or will Smiling Menace make a comeback?!

Who will take the win? It remains to be seen!
SoonTM

 

[Navy45]

On the latest story "A new power in Kerrel"

• Quite an ironic situation. Restor being a trusted ally, when, in Aridon's vision, he was the one to throw Felicia to the wolves, while Derran, who supported an offensive on Zyainor until the end, is being arrested by the Inquisition. (Granted, he could have been a traitor playing the part, but I find it funnier to think otherwise)
• Poor Derran. He voices his concerns, they get ignored, and then immediately becomes the first victim of him being right.
• Ok, the first warning from Aridon could have been just that, a warning, to slow Zyainor and Brian's plans by giving a fighting chance to Dorten. But it's starting to look like this Inquisition isn't exactly Dorten's idea. It would be quite clever actually, Aridon "gifts" Dorten with this invisible undead dragon, clearly showing he has to stay in line if he wants to live, while he's already infiltrated the Inquisition. Dorten's worries are focused on Zyainor and the dragon, which leads him to rely more on his human "allies", the Inquisition. Of course, by this point, these allies must be chocked full of Rohir spies, if they're not straight up undead, like in Rengar.
• I wonder who the leader of the Inquisition could be. Of course that could be a new human character, but I wonder if it could be an undead in disguise. Sir Edoarus would fit the bill perfectly, hunting criminals and hating nobles and whatnot... but it seems unlikely he's able to lead things in Rengar and keep up a disguise in Kerrel. Another possibility could be Kazardius, with Dorten's new "pet" being Korzar. But it would be quite cruel to order Kazardius to hunt down those who harbour loyalty to Zyainor and it looked like Aridon was trying to turn a new leaf so I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

 

[Mochi King]

Just read the new tale. And if im gonna be honest, the dragon was indeed expected. But then Aridon came, and I almost immediately started to hate how the story progressed, but if it means to have a more interesting plot, then i guess its necessary. I sincerely hope that there will be a power strong enough to genuinely weaken the damn lich and end his god games. it honestly feels too unfair that one power is stronger than the rest, and he's just using Arkain as a sandbox.

 

[Datage]

So I read the new tale and I must say... it surprised me, pleasently so, I might add.

-First of all, while the dragon was literal, I'm glad it also was metaphorical: THE INQUISITION! (Which I'm sure nobody was expecting, )

-I'm happy to see that the inquisition is affecting the power balance in Kerrel, removing power from the nobles, and putting it in the hands of... well, the inquisitors. Also, the good ole' "If I don't do it, then my enemies will", which I also really like.

-It's also good to see that Aridon has still enough spite in him to act against Gardon, even though 1) He's technically a recluse that's reconsidering his entire memories; and 2) Gardon's and Brian's relationship is... lukewarm, to say the least.

-It'd also be nice to see how the inquisition actually operates: Is it like... witch hunters? Some sort of Inteligence Service? Or more like the actual Spanish Inquisition? How quickly do they resort to torture, and how valid do they consider confessions under stress? (Although considering it's literally made of criminals vigilantes, I'm guessing the answers are "very quickly" and "very valid", respectively). I don't know, it would be nice to know more about the organization itself.

-As for the dragon itself... well, I think that Dorten is just positevely thrilled. Poor guy's always getting night terrors, courtesy of everyone's favorite lich.

All in all, I liked it.

(PD: A little off topic, but is the fanfiction thread closed, or can stuff still be posted on it?)

 

[Shar Dundred]

Of course, by this point, these allies must be chocked full of Rohir spies, if they're not straight up undead, like in Rengar.

You'll like a certain other short story that will be revealed soonish, I can see.

I sincerely hope that there will be a power strong enough to genuinely weaken the damn lich and end his god games. it honestly feels too unfair that one power is stronger than the rest, and he's just using Arkain as a sandbox.

Tregakh would be interested in meeting you and discuss the possibility of a future... cooperation.

2) Gardon's and Brian's relationship is... lukewarm, to say the least.

From Aridon's pov, Brian is still to blame for the return of Zyainor and Gardon WAS Brian's student once.
He doesn't loathe Zyainor or Gardon nearly as much as he does the Orcs but he isn't exactly a fan even if he did
declare in the epilogue that Zyainor shall not be destroyed for the time being.

I don't know, it would be nice to know more about the organization itself.

I hear they are quite welcoming to visitors - so much so that some of them don't ever want to leave again!

(PD: A little off topic, but is the fanfiction thread closed, or can stuff still be posted on it?)

The thread is still open for use.

 

[Jayborino]

Is it possible someone else is masquerading as Aridon to Dorten? Dorten wouldn't know who the real Aridon is after all. Counterpoint to that though is Aridon hates Gardon so it makes sense he woke up and chose violence (again)

 

[Navy45]

Is it possible someone else is masquerading as Aridon to Dorten? Dorten wouldn't know who the real Aridon is after all. Counterpoint to that though is Aridon hates Gardon so it makes sense he woke up and chose violence (again)

Since whoever talks to Dorten is undead and has an undead dragon, it's likely either Aridon or Rahandir, I would think Aridon was pretty successful in ridding Arkain of talented unsupervized necromancers. (I mean, I suppose they could also be masquerading as undead with a living dragon but that would seem to be too convoluted)
Rahandir isn't a fan of Zyainor or Gardon, but I doubt he would start to get involved in the war on his own, especially with the menace of Tregakh, so I would say that likely is Aridon. (Though it would be hilarious if it's Zyainor's necromancers or Brian playing with Dorten's nerves)

From Aridon's pov, Brian is still to blame for the return of Zyainor and Gardon WAS Brian's student once.
He doesn't loathe Zyainor or Gardon nearly as much as he does the Orcs but he isn't exactly a fan even if he did
declare in the epilogue that Zyainor shall not be destroyed for the time being.

I wonder if Aridon can already see the future invasion of the Empire (though he must obviously expects it). Because, while prolonging the cold war definitely forces Zyainor to invest forces and attention away from whatever scheme he seems to expect from Brian, it could be providing a great beachhead for the Empire's forces, who would just have to deal with the nobles and "liberate" the people from the oppression of the inquisition while "protecting" them from the wrath of the evil Zyainor. Though if he's truly controlling the inquisition, perhaps if he has further plans for Kerrel, beyond merely wasting Gardon's time.

 

[Mochi King]

Tregakh would be interested in meeting you and discuss the possibility of a future... cooperation.

I'll definitely do it, and one with Brian too. Aridon honestly deserves a so much more. mainly cuz i hate that he has the upper hand in all of this (having an army so large it could drown the entire world in bones and death).



P.S. sorry to the peeps who love aridon btw, but how shar made this character made him abhorrent for me (not hating shar for that. quite the opposite really).

 

[Datage]

You'll like a certain other short story that will be revealed soonish, I can see.

I sense a most beautiful smile in the distance. It's always good to see more of Meya.

Since whoever talks to Dorten is undead and has an undead dragon, it's likely either Aridon or Rahandir, I would think Aridon was pretty successful in ridding Arkain of talented unsupervized necromancers. (I mean, I suppose they could also be masquerading as undead with a living dragon but that would seem to be too convoluted)
Rahandir isn't a fan of Zyainor or Gardon, but I doubt he would start to get involved in the war on his own, especially with the menace of Tregakh, so I would say that likely is Aridon. (Though it would be hilarious if it's Zyainor's necromancers or Brian playing with Dorten's nerves).

I mean... it could be another undead, but as you point out, the only one with access to dragons and spiteful enough is Aridon. Mainly because Rahandir isn't fond of neither Gardon nor the kingdoms. The other undead with access to dragons is Kazardius, but I have the feeling that he'd rather blow himself up than give a royal house an advantage over Zyanor.

I wonder if Aridon can already see the future invasion of the Empire (though he must obviously expects it). Because, while prolonging the cold war definitely forces Zyainor to invest forces and attention away from whatever scheme he seems to expect from Brian, it could be providing a great beachhead for the Empire's forces, who would just have to deal with the nobles and "liberate" the people from the oppression of the inquisition while "protecting" them from the wrath of the evil Zyainor. Though if he's truly controlling the inquisition, perhaps if he has further plans for Kerrel, beyond merely wasting Gardon's time.

This makes a lot of sense. Through the whole True Story, whenever Aridon helps, it's always in this manner: Setting up his "allies" for a betrayal. He's trying to set up a chessboard... however, knowing Aridon, it will most likely backfire horribly, especially if orcs are involved.

 

[Navy45]

Just read the latest story "Gilden Resentment"

Damn, it's been a long time since I felt that annoyed at a character... whoever that narrator is. She's such a perfect embodiment of the worst traits of the Golden Guard, arrogantly sure she's right and insulting towards everything and everyone that she doesn't like. She insults Richard (of course, bravily never actually saying what she thinks) on the only basis of him having a difficult past (I mean, he's really not the best leader, especially after the death of most of his family, but the first thing that came to her mind was the rumors about him, not what he actually did as a leader). I wonder if she thought that of him before the Golden Guard fell (such a glorious army, gossiping and badmouthing each other behind their backs). At least, if she only came to a sensible conclusion about how, or by who the golden guard should be lead... but no, she now worships the oh so righteous Lord Marin (I'm sure Flavius and Renald would cheer as he tortures their sister/daughter). Seriously, these guys have such hero-worship towards Van Durce, they would be ready to follow anyone so long as they claim they shook his hand once.

Well, at least, she's right on one thing, it looks like the Golden Guard lost all members that knew anything of righteousness. Hearts of gold, truly...

Sorry for the rant, it's just the first time I genuinely hope we see a character given to Thanok (and I thought Shar had outdone himself with Rath ^^). I don't have much else to say, except this seems to indicate the Golden Guard could split three ways (those that support Richard, those that support Marin, and maybe some will follow Fiona in her fiery rebellious phase). I'm rooting for Richard (well, mostly for him to get the hell out of here, these people are crazy) but he doesn't really look like he'll get the upper hand.

 

[Datage]

I really, really liked the new story. Specially the way that the factionalism of the Golden Guard was portrayed. Sure, they are arrogant and insufferable, but as the first part of the excerpt shows, it is quite reasonable, considering their fighting prowess (is it boasting if it's true?).

But at the same time, their arrogance blinds them. Sure, Richard is not the candidate most had in mind for when Van Durce died, but he's never shown to be incompetent, most certainly not to the point of being called a "worm". Not only are the comments she does towards her own superior cruel and unbecoming, as other commenters pointed out, she doesn't even dare to say it to his face! In the same paragraph she critizices Richard for being a "coward" and that he used to live fast and loose... she herself doesn't dare to voice what she thinks, and checks herself out on the mirror as if it was a beauty pageant, and not, you know, a military reduct! You could say she's a bit of a... hypocrite.

As for Richard... my man needs a break. Poor guy relives one of his worst traumas, not once, but twice! (First Edward, and then Flavius). He then loses his father, watches the sister that she had grown away from be tortured, and his indecision plays part in making Fiona join a very annoyed Firelord. All the while, he's fully aware that few of his own men respect him, and would probably choose the guy torturing his sister over him.

It is even more ironic when you consider that Richard, while a little spineless, ran away from the Last Stand because his own father ordered him to, and that he managed to grow out of his phase once he realised he was practically wasting his life with his "debauchery". Unlike the narrator of the short tale, who is shown through her own actions that she is also quite the coward (and, looking by what she thinks, would probably refuse an order like the one Van Durce gave to his son), and literally interrupts her own internal monologue to look at herself in the mirror.

In other words, the narrator likes to act like she's the best of the best, the purest of the pure, while being just as vulgar as anyone else. Meanwhile, Richard, in his indecision and apprehension, comes off as being more genuine, even if he makes the wrong call several times, and is considerably inexperienced.

So yeah, liked the story, liked the parallels. I don't want anything bad to happen to Richard, he's a good character that I like to read about.

 

[Shar Dundred]

Rising Sun coming soonTM

 

[Jayborino]

Fiona be like

MAY CHAOS TAKE THE WORLD

 

[Navy45]

I didn't expect Fiona to go that far, but now, I can't wait for the family reunion. I love how her hatred towards Gardon, Richard and Marin has completely subsided to the fascination she has for how exactly fire will consume their bodies. I suppose I was wrong to expect any of the golden guard to follow her. Maybe if Harmos gets tired enough of politics... (though he's way more likely to call her a lunatic and try to find any remaining member of the order of the Tides to extinguish her fire). I also like that her madness doesn't seem to be an effect or an inevitability of her "spark", but rather that it's the trigger that awoke it, and Progaderas doesn't care either way.

About Progaderas, looks like our Firelord is a smith in his spare time... I guess that explains why he always has loot on him when you encounter him. Though it also seems like there's much more to him than we saw before. He also refers to his "creation", which seems to indicate that he was... well, created, and not birthed naturally. This lead me to a theory : What if Progaderas is a Flame Keeper ? Or at least, what if it was created with roughly the same process ? The soul of a living creature (maybe even an Arkainian) preserved in a body of pure flame. It could explain his disdain for the people of the surface, considering the unfortunate end of the Arkainians, and may be linked to the objective he mentions he once pursued. He also was present at the keep of the Order of the Flame where the Flame Keepers were first summoned. I wonder if he has a link to general Kenos Harron. Maybe the general had this spark (minus the all consuming madness). Though it would be strange, since you would expect Progaderas to mention him if two humans called upon his flames in such short succession (unless Harron's "accident" happened more than a century before.)

 

[Datage]

So. The new tale is... something. While in Golden Schism, it can already be seen that Fiona is not precisely stable, it could also be blamed on the fact that she just lost her entire family. A momentary slip-up, if you will. But here... she has gone of the deep end.

First of all, I really like the ambiguity here. Is her madness something of her own, and she obsessed over fire the same way it could have been anything else? Or something using the fire to actively drive her insane and encourage her to do atrocities? Because, on the one hand, she's already a little gone at the end of the Golden Schism. On the other hand she literally says that the fire "calls to her" and "fills her with ecstasy", so there could be some kind of entity at work, and as the second half indicates, someone is channeling the flames, despite the fact that Fiona isn't an adept of fire yet; using mainly torches and the like. So, is she plainly mad enough... or is something actively enticing her?

As for the second half... Progaderas is great. A perpetually annoyed firelord, what could anyone else want? The notion that the kobolds worship him just because while he is stuck with them is very, very amusing. Also, he appears to have some sort of hidden agenda, which is just more than just "burn everything down", and is what originally motivated him to go to the surface.

As for Fiona becoming his apprentice... well, surely, Progaderas cannot make it worse, right? I mean... she's nuttier than peanut butter, and while Progaderas is prone to uh... attacks of rage, he seems otherwise to not be off the deep end. Also, it would be very funny to have a Van Durce family reunion (because Marin still has Renald's body, and Flavius "vaporized", so there's a good chance he's not dead).

 

[Mochi King]

Seems like the new story was about Fiona. I really like how the war with the Ironfist transformed the remnants, and how it affected her. She's turning into a more interesting character. The rise of a new Scarlett Retka.

 

[Jorgonson]

Really love hearing about the continued disfunction of Van Durce's nepobabies, and Progderas is a really funny character. I'm personally really interested in what Marin is up to, as I feel like the hidden GG fortress and Marin's experiments are both a great Chekov's gun and overall wild card for the post True Story era.

 

[Datage]

The new story has everything I like to see in a story about Meya.

It starts off great: We are blessed with her internal monologue, which, in my opinion, is funny as Hell. Not only can it only be reduced to "I'm great and everyone is a fool"; she's also right! She's great and everyone else is a fool. She does have an advantage over pretty much every other player in Arkain: She knows most of what happens in Zyanor (and, as of this tale, she knows stuff that happens in Zyanor that not even Gardon knows about, but more on that later) and in the other Nexi. And if she doesn't bother to know... it's because it's not a threat. And the moment it becomes one... the Rohir will tell her about it. And this relatively simple approach works wonders for hers: The Nexi that aren't a threat (the Kezzar, Daviliad and Lenira) don't interest her... for now. And the ones that are, well, she keeps an eye out on (on a side note, the Ejara fighting an endless horde of creatures in the tunnels? Now that sounds familiar.)

It also amuses the fact that the moment that Aridon went missing, the first thing the Rohir did was try to exterminate the Scarec, with relative succes. So yeah, the whole thing is hilarious.

It then gets better because Vail comes in, and asks Meya to keep an eye out for Velina, one of Gardon and Larine's bastard daughters. And Meya spends the whole time making subtle (and not so subtle) jabs at Vail and her marriage. Then proceeds to imply that she's open to "helping both of them in the bedroom", after insulting Vail, and proceeds to do the favour that Vail asks of her, free of charge, under the reasoning that 1) She thinks it's funny, and 2) She thinks Vail is neat.

The story wraps up with Meya succesfully intimidating Ferdal, the most unhinged of that trio.

So, in a simple way to say it, Lady Meya insults to her face the Ca'lea of Zyanor, finds about literally every detail of palace intrigue, cows her bodyguard... and gets away with it! By presenting herself as the second-in-command to someone more powerful (Varan), and a somewhat vapid and gossipy woman, she has managed to effectively to wield a considerable amount of influence in Zyanor, and is now privy to Gardon's troubled marriage. Which she will treat as if it was some sort of comedy, won't she?

...I always got feeling that one of the reasons that people like Meya (and others despise her), is that she serves as somewhat of a stand-in for the audience, and this tale illustrates why. For her, the whole thing is just a game, a tale, even; and the goal is not to win, but to enjoy oneself, even if it means making everyone else suffer. There are characters that she considers interesting (Kazardius, Ferdal), and some she does not. The same way Lady Meya will keep an eye out for Gardon's marriage... we also want to see what happens, don't we?

(I also wanted to point out that the fact that Vail sees Larine as a threat to the throne and her marriage due to her obsession is incredibly ironic, since that obsession comes from Gardon trying to make sure she's a steadfast ally. Maybe giving cursed amulets that reduce you to a psycophant isn't the best way of competent allies?)

 

[Navy45]

Just read the new story :

• Unsurprisingly, Lady Meya thrives in the rather passive years that follow the second void war. It makes me think of a quote "I love peace ! I will strangle you and your people with peace and you will thank me for it".
• Though... Meya doesn't seem to be that much at an advantage. She seems very quick to dismiss anything that might bring her displeasure or that she just doesn't know about (like Rahandir and Kazardius), plus... she just seems the kind to be sure she knows more than others, to the point she doesn't really try to imagine other motives than the first ones she identifies.
• Meya's exchange with Vail seems to end at Meya's advantage (she gets closer to the ruling couple while working over her superior in the wardens). She also gets to learn about Vail and Gardon's disagreements and Vail's lack of trust towards Larine. Which would be really advantageous... if all of that were true. In the Heir of Zyainor vol II, Gardon says to her daughter he and Vail have "Finally started hating each others". I doubt there is any real disagreement, but I'm sure they did everything to give credit to the rumors that there is one. Because what better way to discover a traitor than to have them come forward to the ruler themselves trying to take advantage of this disagreement ? I don't doubt that Vail distrusts Larine, but I doubt she really would do anything regarding Gardon's children without keeping him up to speed. To me, this whole ordeal seems more like a "trap" to gauge Meya's loyalty than anything genuine.

 

[hamster]

Bigger projects sound good, will there be more Revelations soon, and will there be any plans to update some longer articles

 

[Shar Dundred]

I will reveal more once a certain point in the project's creation cycle has been reached.

 

[Karmondia]

Regarding the latest poll, I want to reitarate: My greatest joy in Arkain was getting to decide the fate of these beloved characters and seeing how my choices unfold! It also added a great deal of replay value!

 

[Datage]

About the last poll... huh, tough choice.

On one hand, one of the best things about the original books were the choices. To me, it gave a sense of... impending doom? Like, for example, letting Aedale absorb the demonic artifact, or not. You got the sensation that there were no good options: If you don't let her, maybe you don't have a powerful weapon against the demons. But if you let her, maybe she gets corrupted. A lot of the choices felt like that: A "no matter what I pick, I'm gonna regret it". That's what I mean with impending doom. Don't get me wrong; I'm not complaining, I loved the feeling. It really made the choices feel important and impactful.

On the other hand, if the True Story shows anything, is that having a fixed canon storyline can deliver a lot more heavy story moments, in a way that feels more developed and consistent? A lot of the scenes, I think, would not be possible if the storyline wasn't already determined. In other words: Let Shar Cook.

Due to such indecision, I decided to settle on a middle ground: A canon storyline with some influence from the player. Because yeah, I liked the feeling of shaping the fate of the world. But at the same time, I'm curious to see what Shar can come up with.

 

[Mochi King]

As for the last poll, personally, the freedom to have choices let's us create the stories ourselves. But at the same time, the True Story has given us how the story would've progressed if we left it at the author's choices, which isn't a bad thing either. I would like more 'past stories' though. I feel like it would give the other characters a depth as to why they were acting the way they are rather than having them do it spontaneously without build up.

A bit of bias here, but I was given the opportunity to choose how the stories go, it would be that most forces of the undead are eliminated during the war with the merged bonelord and the imperials, and having aridon's army be crippled and decreased by a lot. Just to balance it out. Having one race be significantly higher and stronger doesn't really sit right with me, especially if they have morally questionable choices regarding their leadership.

Overall, I feel like it would be better to have the author himself make the choice of how the stories should go, but it would be nice if he takes some considerations to suggestions from the players and readers. So in a way, we don't have to make the choices directly while playing, but we have some level if influence to how the story progresses.

 

[Navy45]

About the last poll... huh, tough choice.

On one hand, one of the best things about the original books were the choices. To me, it gave a sense of... impending doom? Like, for example, letting Aedale absorb the demonic artifact, or not. You got the sensation that there were no good options: If you don't let her, maybe you don't have a powerful weapon against the demons. But if you let her, maybe she gets corrupted. A lot of the choices felt like that: A "no matter what I pick, I'm gonna regret it". That's what I mean with impending doom. Don't get me wrong; I'm not complaining, I loved the feeling. It really made the choices feel important and impactful.

On the other hand, if the True Story shows anything, is that having a fixed canon storyline can deliver a lot more heavy story moments, in a way that feels more developed and consistent? A lot of the scenes, I think, would not be possible if the storyline wasn't already determined. In other words: Let Shar Cook.

Due to such indecision, I decided to settle on a middle ground: A canon storyline with some influence from the player. Because yeah, I liked the feeling of shaping the fate of the world. But at the same time, I'm curious to see what Shar can come up with.

My thoughts exactly. I really loved the choices in the books of Arkain. But since a branching choice storyline takes up a lot of time to create and implement, a canon storyline means more Arkain, and I'm not sure I like branching choices enough to give that up.

 

[Karmondia]

My thoughts exactly. I really loved the choices in the books of Arkain. But since a branching choice storyline takes up a lot of time to create and implement, a canon storyline means more Arkain, and I'm not sure I like branching choices enough to give that up.

In my opinion, choices are very important. It was choices, that got me into Arkain in the first place. I have replayed the First and Second Human books more times than I can count, because of the different choices, making the experience feel fresh each time. The True Story on the other hand... I have completed it on hard, and... didn't touch it since. It was really good, but whenever I get the urge to play Arkain, I replay some of the old books, rather than the True Story. More Arkain is always good, but I think quality over quantity is the key here. I'd rather play a campaign with 14 playable missions and different choices, than a campaign with 67 missions and no choices.

Edit: Of course, I'm looking forward to all Arkain content, with or without choices!

 

[Shar Dundred]

@Karmondia How many of the choice votes are from you using alt accounts?

Jokes aside, the first four days of the poll have been pretty much in favor of choices - which I can understand.
I'd lie if I claimed that this was a surprise. And yet, it is not a one-sided affair as of now. Still much time to go as well.
Let's see where this goes!

 

[Jayborino]

I have deep FOMO over branching paths! I do love low impact choices though.

 

[Shar Dundred]

The real question of Arkain:
Who dies next?

 

[Mochi King]

The real question of Arkain:
Who dies next?

hopefully aridon. but sadly, i know that won't happen.

 

[Shar Dundred]

Who knows?

 

[Jorgonson]

Really excited for some new Arkain maps, definitely been missing this world since the True Story wrapped. Seems like the through line for these three plotlines is that Aridon did something to Gardon or his heir to give Kerrel an advantage in the Cold War, should open up some interesting possibilities storywise.

For the Path of the Dragon, I think that the Zyainor-Kerrel conflict is a really interesting dynamic, as Zyainor is way more powerful and has vastly more resources (not to mention dragons, which are of course a massive advantage), however Aridon is on the side of Kerrel, and his army is probably the most powerful of the three. I think it could be really interesting if Thanok is at odds with other characters like Vail who recognize that too drastic a course of action might make Aridon intervene directly, and that the cold war scenario likely presents a better chance for Zyainor to accomplish its long term strategic goals than fighting both Kerrel and Aridon simultaneously.

The Path of the Circle probably intrigues me the most of these plot lines, especially as I feel like Aedale was a bit underutilized in the past (hot take I know). I think looking at the state of Arkain and concluding that the Four have to go is a pretty reasonable take, though we'll see how that actually gets carried out. Based on what we know pre-Aridon's rebirth, it seems like Arkain used to be pretty Grimdark, so the thought that the world could further improved if you completley got rid of the Four makes sense logically. However, we the audience know that this isn't strictly true, as at the very least Brian is a sympathetic character, being relatively free of the major criticisms one could levy at Aridon or Tregakh (Brian doesn't treat the lives of mortals as toys, and his manipulations seemed to help the humans and the races of tribal dominion unify and survive when they might have otherwise gone extinct). Brian isn't aloof, actually interacting with mortals (hell, Cora knows him), so I'd argue he shouldn't really be on the Circle's hitlist (we'll have to see what Cora and Aedale think about that though). Tregakh seems like the biggest threat and would make the most sense to focus on if he weren't so hard to reach. While it might make the most sense for the Circle to try to take him out first, I feel like the most likely outcome is that they actually end up trying to destroy Aridon first. This is because that would make the connection between all three paths really clear (though I think a more disconnected story between paths would work well too), and lead to a really interesting conflict. Speaking of.

Look, I was a day 1 Aridon hater. Don't even speak to me about the end of the second human book. However, his writing in the True Story was impeccable, and he's honestly one of my favorite characters now. I think that his anguish over his mistakes and his desire to make things right is a cool story beat, and it will be interesting to see him now question himself and his actions where he would previously just assume he's 100% right. However, one REALLY interesting aspect of Aridon's change of heart is that if you think about it, it isn't really a change in what he's doing. Think about it, by aiding Kerrel, Aridon is prolonging an existing conflict, keeping it in stasis. He's making sure that a larger, more centralized nation can't end a longstanding dispute with its neighbor. He's... keeping things nice and balanced. Aridon's greatest flaw has always been his cataclysmic lack of self awareness, and that seemingly remains despite his character growth. It could be really interesting if this idea is explored, where someone like Rahandir points out how Aridon is still acting pretty similarly to how always has, out of habit and a lack of self-understanding. Now, this may veer off speculation into fan fiction, but I think this could be the source of an awesome conflict between Aridon and the Circle where Cora, Aedale, and I guess Kenos think Aridon is just up to his old tricks, and he has to try and convince them he's changed. Maybe Cora would just want to kill him, while Aedale, who knows a thing or two about being blinded by power and the desire to do the right thing, might want to consider giving him the benefit of the doubt. That was pretty speculative, but whatever happens, I'm looking forward to seeing how things pan out

 

[DD Mikasa]

So a bit late on this one, but I love this new revamped format Shar came up with, instead of a long campaign we get snippets of various paths various characters might take also the dynamic story choices Shar stated in his post give me that old arkain vibe where even a choice as small as killing a Black Dragon on the first ever mission of the first campaign Shar posted did get some trivia towards the end of the second human book and other choices had even more impactful implications. While we might not get that expansive and exhaustive format we had with the books and the true story this one will more that satisfy my Arkain addiction (reframing here from making a blood elf joke).


I will refrain from making assumptions based on the very little info we got from the trailer until we get to play the material however since I am from the Balkans and each and everyone of us has a innate born gambling addiction I will make a bold assumption based on the opening sequence of the teaser trailer which I fondly refer to it as my Arkain 2025 bingo prediction. Shar is goanna kill off Gardon (some of you might hate me, some might even call me a heretic but mark my words my Arkain 2025 bingo prediction will come true!

 

[Hinata28]

I just finished my True Story Tierlist, now that I have an account to do it without using screenshots.

Now, I'm finding where's the Tierlist for the characters.

 

[Shar Dundred]

Now, I'm finding where's the Tierlist for the characters.

Click

Also @Jayborino gotta update that mission list sometime.

 

[Mochi King]

Really hoping for missions similar to Pride of the Empire, Gates of Hell, Last Stand of the Golden Guard, and Red Day. All of those were GOAT'd missions. Also, the boss fights are absolutely awesome. Just wished one of those wasn't our good ol' Admiral.

 

[Shar Dundred]

19th February 2025
Ladies and gentlemen,

work is going well and I don't want to promise anything just yet, but I am optimistic that there will be something to look forward to this weekend - something... shining.
But watch your back... the trees move. Do you not see it?

Not a drill, ladies and gentlemen, I can confirm that this is going to happen.

 

[krawg]

Not a drill, ladies and gentlemen, I can confirm that this is going to happen.

STAY CALM EVERYBODY STAY %*£m CALM

 

[Kasrkin]

Hello everyone it's been some time since I've posted anything. But I do have one thing to say,

Soon

 

[Shar Dundred]

Very soon

 

[Kuras2003]

i have 2 suggestions for arkain:
1: In act 9 chapter 9 could it be possible to add Phoenixes of Phoenix regiment as trainable units? i guess it fit nicely with general powertrip character of this mission
2: any thought about changing Cora's icon to this one?
Cora Redfist (Legends of Arkain)
i think it looks neat
3.Maybe this icon would look better for Falconers (Aveen archers)? Human Archer Female

 

[Shar Dundred]

Besides working on the last two Prelude chapters, I am also working on some more characters for the Character Sheet, including but not limited to:

• The missing Demons
• The three Bloodclaw siblings
• Larine's children
• Ephrog
• Certain short story characters

If anyone has any wishes, ideas or suggestions for missing characters or lore bits you want to see added to the sheets, you are invited to post them here.

 

[FOEHN]

I would love to see these:

-New Imperial Generals and Nobles
-Pigmen
-Murlocs
-Any representative humans in Salria other than Vanessa
-Possible new leaders of Bearmen and Ogres
-Any possible future successor of Zairmak and Harmos?

 

[Apprentice Darkmoon]

If anyone has any wishes, ideas or suggestions for missing characters or lore bits you want to see added to the sheets, you are invited to post them here.

I'm curious about the status of several factions we met during the Second void war, specially those:

• Orders of Tides, Lightning and Arcane.
• Kajon Marauders.
• Empire regiments.

Also, factions like the Ogre Legion, Koydoss and others have a new leader?

 

[FOEHN]

Kajon Marauders.

Didn't they effectively got wiped/disbanded with the death of Scarletts?

 

[Navy45]

If anyone has any wishes, ideas or suggestions for missing characters or lore bits you want to see added to the sheets, you are invited to post them here.

Maybe Orgen Bloodstone and also Arnos and Dornos, now that they command what remains of their nexus. Also the Fleshtearer, but I don't know if it's done anything in 20 years.

 

[Shar Dundred]

Orgen Bloodstone

Do you mean Ragnar? Cuz Orgen has been busy being dead for 20 years now.
Or are you expecting him to come back as an undead sharpshooter?

 

[Navy45]

Do you mean Ragnar? Cuz Orgen has been busy being dead for 20 years now.
Or are you expecting him to come back as an undead sharpshooter?

Damn, that's right, I remembered him surviving in the bloody sharpshooter but not dying in a red day. Well in that case I hope we'll get more bloodstone characters to fill the void

 

[Apprentice Darkmoon]

Damn, that's right, I remembered him surviving in the bloody sharpshooter but not dying in a red day. Well in that case I hope we'll get more bloodstone characters to fill the void

Who knows? Maybe Amari kept his shadow and will use it like Logan's during the final mission of SOB if Logan dies during the demons attack.

 

[DD Mikasa]

Damn, that's right, I remembered him surviving in the bloody sharpshooter but not dying in a red day. Well in that case I hope we'll get more bloodstone characters to fill the void

Amari pulled the oldest trick on the book on him, sand to the eyes, though in his case it was a fist of shadow magic on his head. A pretty anticlimatic way to die for a dude who was actually hella funny (i still chuckled at his introduction on that Salomar Aedale underground chapter.)