Where Poppies Grow [Adventure][War Drama][Bildungsroman]
Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2016 7:18 pm
Good Afternoon! After a couple of months of writing I decided that I should probably post my updates in the WiP thread instead of my recruitment thread. Most likely you will see more things populated in there as things start to roll in. May develop into a commercial product if the opportunity presents itself, however until then will post details here for general situational awareness.
1. Premise
Conley Booker is drafted into a war which seems to re-erupt in cycles. Faced with bitter enemies, his homeland fights numerous battles to shape the borders - hoping to encompass the resources that these countries depend on for survival. Stuck in a monotonous, never ending cycle of conflicts, Conley is eventually shifted from the rear to the front-lines. He however, sees this as an opportunity for adventure, and to develop into the type of person that he finds in the numerous adventure novels that he cherishes.
He spends a couple of a weeks in conflict, bonding with his fellow comrades and learning that war and the military is a fickle thing. As a leader and fellow combatant, he grasps the ropes as he is put into a leadership position despite not having the necessary qualifications. After a pivotal and devastating loss, he wakes up on the battlefield, finding that his cherished comrades nowhere to be seen. Desperate to reunite with his comrades and to return home, he travels behind enemy lines to an ever furthering front-line, while in the process learning about himself and those he fought so viciously against. A story about growth, adventure, and one man’s journey through war.
Story Structure
Will be a kinetic VN, with a prologue and 5 ACTs. Each section will range from 20,000 to 30,000 words each. Current status on the writing is the prologue is finished with ACT I 1/3 of the way completed.
2. Themes
- Reality Versus Expectations
- Isolation and Self-Preservation in Times of Hardship
- Bonds and their Motivational Impact
- Polarizing Nature of Conflict
- Character and Ideal Changes
- Finding Good in Harsh Places
3. Universe Building
I. Location - Will take place in an alternative version of Europe during the interwar period (WWI-WWII) era. The story will take place across two countries, with MC's main mode of transportation being his feet, hence worn soles. Scenes will vary from rolling country hills to the trenches at the front lines.
II. Historical/Cultural Background - Country A (MC's homeland), and Country B are relatively small countries, comparative to interwar period Belgium and Netherlands. both countries are surrounded by much larger neighbors, and for their own survival are trying to assimilate the other to stand a better chance on the regional arena. Due to this, they have been in an out of conflict for the last 10-15 years. Despite this, both country know relatively little about each other. Though important to know, it is not the emphasis of the story, as it is more focused on MC's development, rather than the conflict itself.
4. Characters
Note, all character concept art is subject to change, not all characters are mentioned have art yet. Certain characters and information about characters not revealed due to plot relevance.
Art Credit to Sabviee
I. Conley Booker
He’s the main character. As an early twenties male, he was drafted while he was completing his third year of college. Though he was forced away from home, he sees it as an opportunity for adventure and to find something that he felt like he was missing from life.
He earned his rank through having prior education, hence is pretty inexperienced when it comes to the military. He’s a bit apathetic looking, however he loves jests and often sports a smug expression when he does show emotion. His banter with Dave and Beatrice often bring out the more playful side from him. Loves to read and sketch and comes off as a more educated person when compared to his comrades.
II. Dave Cadby
A 19 year old male, he volunteered to join the military rather than a draft. He has been in for several years as he saw it as an opportunity to escape from his broken family life. He’s Conley’s best friends in the service, and arguably the one that he spends the most time with. He’s loud and boisterous, however he uses his joking nature to keep not only his but his other squad members’ spirits up.
The conflict has planted a seed of hate for the enemy for him, and he is a very capable soldier due to his experience. The military life has shaped his views and despite seeming very carefree, he is holds strong emotions about the service and against the enemy. Does not want to return home.
III. William Valentine
A early/mid thirties male who functions as Conley’s platoon sergeant. He is the father-like figure of the section, and is one of the few people that Conley can look up to. Conley recalls a lot of his advice as he goes through his hardships.
He’s an older gentleman, and a veteran of the previous conflicts that [Country A] has been involved in. Very warm-hearted and generally serious, however he has his own problems despite looking like a hero in Conley’s eyes.
5. Progress
Story Outline: 100%
Writing: 75% (~120,000 Words)
Artwork: 10%
Music: 15%
Sounds: 0%
Coding: 0%
6. Updates
This thread will update itself too when I have things to present, alternatively click my twitter for more day by day progress!
Questions
I. So far, what is your opinion of the game?
II. Are there any characters that particularly stand out to you? Good or bad?
III. What are you looking forward to in the game?
IV. Are there certain things that you would like to see more of?
Feel free to put your questions/things you wish to see in the comments below, will do my best to address all of them. Thank you for your time!
1. Premise
Conley Booker is drafted into a war which seems to re-erupt in cycles. Faced with bitter enemies, his homeland fights numerous battles to shape the borders - hoping to encompass the resources that these countries depend on for survival. Stuck in a monotonous, never ending cycle of conflicts, Conley is eventually shifted from the rear to the front-lines. He however, sees this as an opportunity for adventure, and to develop into the type of person that he finds in the numerous adventure novels that he cherishes.
He spends a couple of a weeks in conflict, bonding with his fellow comrades and learning that war and the military is a fickle thing. As a leader and fellow combatant, he grasps the ropes as he is put into a leadership position despite not having the necessary qualifications. After a pivotal and devastating loss, he wakes up on the battlefield, finding that his cherished comrades nowhere to be seen. Desperate to reunite with his comrades and to return home, he travels behind enemy lines to an ever furthering front-line, while in the process learning about himself and those he fought so viciously against. A story about growth, adventure, and one man’s journey through war.
Story Structure
Will be a kinetic VN, with a prologue and 5 ACTs. Each section will range from 20,000 to 30,000 words each. Current status on the writing is the prologue is finished with ACT I 1/3 of the way completed.
2. Themes
- Reality Versus Expectations
- Isolation and Self-Preservation in Times of Hardship
- Bonds and their Motivational Impact
- Polarizing Nature of Conflict
- Character and Ideal Changes
- Finding Good in Harsh Places
3. Universe Building
I. Location - Will take place in an alternative version of Europe during the interwar period (WWI-WWII) era. The story will take place across two countries, with MC's main mode of transportation being his feet, hence worn soles. Scenes will vary from rolling country hills to the trenches at the front lines.
II. Historical/Cultural Background - Country A (MC's homeland), and Country B are relatively small countries, comparative to interwar period Belgium and Netherlands. both countries are surrounded by much larger neighbors, and for their own survival are trying to assimilate the other to stand a better chance on the regional arena. Due to this, they have been in an out of conflict for the last 10-15 years. Despite this, both country know relatively little about each other. Though important to know, it is not the emphasis of the story, as it is more focused on MC's development, rather than the conflict itself.
4. Characters
Note, all character concept art is subject to change, not all characters are mentioned have art yet. Certain characters and information about characters not revealed due to plot relevance.
Art Credit to Sabviee
I. Conley Booker
He’s the main character. As an early twenties male, he was drafted while he was completing his third year of college. Though he was forced away from home, he sees it as an opportunity for adventure and to find something that he felt like he was missing from life.
He earned his rank through having prior education, hence is pretty inexperienced when it comes to the military. He’s a bit apathetic looking, however he loves jests and often sports a smug expression when he does show emotion. His banter with Dave and Beatrice often bring out the more playful side from him. Loves to read and sketch and comes off as a more educated person when compared to his comrades.
II. Dave Cadby
A 19 year old male, he volunteered to join the military rather than a draft. He has been in for several years as he saw it as an opportunity to escape from his broken family life. He’s Conley’s best friends in the service, and arguably the one that he spends the most time with. He’s loud and boisterous, however he uses his joking nature to keep not only his but his other squad members’ spirits up.
The conflict has planted a seed of hate for the enemy for him, and he is a very capable soldier due to his experience. The military life has shaped his views and despite seeming very carefree, he is holds strong emotions about the service and against the enemy. Does not want to return home.
III. William Valentine
A early/mid thirties male who functions as Conley’s platoon sergeant. He is the father-like figure of the section, and is one of the few people that Conley can look up to. Conley recalls a lot of his advice as he goes through his hardships.
He’s an older gentleman, and a veteran of the previous conflicts that [Country A] has been involved in. Very warm-hearted and generally serious, however he has his own problems despite looking like a hero in Conley’s eyes.
5. Progress
Story Outline: 100%
Writing: 75% (~120,000 Words)
Artwork: 10%
Music: 15%
Sounds: 0%
Coding: 0%
6. Updates
This thread will update itself too when I have things to present, alternatively click my twitter for more day by day progress!
Questions
I. So far, what is your opinion of the game?
II. Are there any characters that particularly stand out to you? Good or bad?
III. What are you looking forward to in the game?
IV. Are there certain things that you would like to see more of?
Feel free to put your questions/things you wish to see in the comments below, will do my best to address all of them. Thank you for your time!