The Setting:
Testing takes place in a space fantasy, science fantasy -- whatever you want to call it -- setting. So, like, there are planets and spaceships, as you would expect... and also mages, elves, and dwarves. Physically speaking, elves are basically like humans, but they have pointy ears. Dwarves are midgets. What sort of accents they'll have is up-for-grabs, but I'm sure that if at least one Scottish-accented dwarf isn't present, all of society as we know it will collapse.
Almost all spacefaring and/or "intelligent" species are humanoid -- or just outright human; species that are just humans by another name are strangely common. There are rumours that "the Precursors" came and organised a purge of all non-humanoid life long ago, but little evidence has come up to provide proof of this. Little evidence, indeed, has come up to suggest that these precursors even existed. Incidentally, everyone keeps calling the species "races" for some reason. How odd.
Mages are those born with an inherent gift to "tap into other universe's physics". Or so current popular Verloren knowledge would tell us. The truth is, few really understand magic and the boundaries of this universe have certainly never been fully explored, though that explanation is certainly widely accepted. Debate is also held over whether the existence of mages is inherent to all universes, or just this one. Other still debate that there is only one universe. Mages contain almost unknowable power -- such that some have considered confining them to their own environments, separate from the world at large -- though actually learning to properly harness such power is almost impossible, and in Verlore they certainly remain free.
Velore is your "default" world: the land that would be "Earth" in other sci-fi. The whole fantasy element kind of precludes that, however. It contains elves, dwarves, humans, and assorted other species. Mages roam, and live happily. People live in strange things called "countries", and within those countries are "houses". Frankly, these countries never got themselves sorted, and seem to end up insulting each other all the time; quite an achievement, given that only a few of them even share languages. But, in the mind of your average alien, the generic Velorean speaks Ferent,* and is of moreorless Caucasian-look. They like freedom, independence, and actions that benefit everyone -- them in particular.
*Otherwise known as "English", it seems.
Premise:
It's a simple plot, told many times before. You're doing tests in a testing facility, the facility starts bugging out, all of the scientists die for whatever reason, and you must escape.
If you're not thinking of Portal, I deeply pity you. I would suggest either buying Portal, or commiting immediate seppuku.
Backgrounds:
When you first start the game, you'll be given the choice of different backgrounds. After this you can choose your gender (male, female, genderless -- whatever you want), your race, and then one of six classes -- mage, warrior, rogue, or different mixtures of two. This is mostly cosmetic, since this isn't actually a real RPG, but gives you the chance to have an enchanted sword that lights that which it slices on fire.
- Ferent Empath: You are from Ferent, and are here to test out the extent of emphatic abilities -- empaths can feel the emotions of those around them, but if the projection of other emotions could be increased...
- Onórachian Exile: Evidentally, the government there doesn't like you; well done on that. (Cannot be an elf or a dwarf.)
- Control Group: You are a volunteer, of Ferent, who is needed to stand around while the other person is stabbed with things. Sweet-ass job, if you ask me.
- Saufian Mage: Most mages remain free. Not so in Sauf; Saufian history is filled with "this mage levelled a village" and so they prefer now not to take the risk. (Must be some sort of mage.)
- More that I think up later.
"Companions":
When you first start the game, you'll have one companion (who it is depends on background and class). You'll be unawares to what's really going on, so will begin by chilling. Unless you decide to freak out for whatever reason. Role-playing's always nice. The other companions will be waking up with a dead partner, so they will be freaking. Well, most of them. You'll meet up with them later.
Designs not finalised.
I'll show more after I at least finish their drafts. You'll likely be able to romance a few of these. Woo away, my fellows.
The current companion count is just over 8.
Charlie
A Veloren mage, one particularly good at illusionary-type magic. Wears a black coat, black trousers, and a top hat. If you couldn't tell from that, he is a showy kind of person. Also wears a black glove on only one of his hands. Who does that? That's crazy.
As we all do, likes to make wise-cracks. Is kind of a douche.
Dae-Jung
A very passionate man, struggling under the oppresive regime of Onórach. Fortunately, they found a way to suit them both: ship him off to a testing facility where he would most likely die. Pay heed to what you say to this man. Once he gets out, he's likely to blow unless calmed down -- for both worse and for better.
Paired up with those of empath origin.
Other Work:
Currently I'm in the midst of creating a visual novel called Bremen, the concept for which you can find here. Fortunately, that's advanced past the idea stage now. There's also a Steampunk/Ancient Rome thing called A Dirty White, whose name has always amused me.
As for finished products, I have nothing to show you. We can only hope I'm a good writer. Fingers crossed, then.
Music:
I'm not going to lie: music's not my expert area. However, I did quickly knock up one tune, which may find itself in the game. I was intending to remove background noise and all that jazz, but it actually ended up being part of the melody. Ah, life.
"Warning Bells", I call it. It's about a lonely alarm. I believe it breaks. Not the greatest musical piece, but it's a nice test at least, since I haven't recorded anything in ages now.
