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New Content Discussion [SPOILER]

Level 22
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Apr 17, 2021
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250
Santa Claus really has to step it up if he wants to catch up with Father Redfist !

Once again, it's time to overanalyze a cutscene !
I'm quite curious about the idea of "choosing our path". Of course this seems to indicate the return of main choices in Arkain, which would follow the result of the previous poll, but why choosing our "path". Does this mean we'll have something like the books of Arkain, where each campaign has its own timeline with differing events ?

Path of the Dragon :
Damn, I didn't think I'd think of past Thanok as "chill"... but our favorite dragon really is becoming quite unhinged. He says he wants to save his "liege". I'm not sure he's speaking of Guardon, since he was already quite... "vehement" when talking to him. So it could be about the Black Dragon Queen... but I don't see how Dorten would get the means to capture her (Aridon could have helped, but I doubt he'd leave her under the care of Dorten and not chained in the Dead Mountain).
Another possibility is that it refers to one of the heir of Zyainor (maybe Hotar since he's the one Thanok trains the most), but it seems weird that Thanok would react more strongly than Vail.
Well, whatever the reason, I pity Dorten... and just about everything and everyone that stands between Thanok and him.

Path of the Circle :
I didn't expect the Redfist sisters to be reunited so quickly... but I suppose it makes sense for Aedale to look for her sister when she's freed. Though Aridon's security system really needs updating, we have 3 people talking about murdering him in his own home. (which makes Cora quite ungrateful in my opinion... he did take her in and offer her powers) Speaking about it... Kenos Harron !? I mean, nobody really expected him to be dead, but that wasn't really the return I expected. How did he end up allying with the Redfist sisters to take down the Four ? He's never interracted with either of them and the closest he got to involving himself in the fights of Aridon, Trekagh and Brian was when he fought the orcs... and all the other generals did the same.
Well either way, whoever was supposed to be in charge of Cora among the undead is definitely getting the boot, no matter how lenient Aridon becomes.

Path of the Watcher :
Night elves in Arkain !!!? Ah, right, Aridon is called "The Watcher"... well, better luck next time... :hohum:
I quite like the new Aridon. Obviously he's still somewhat arrogant, since he's messed up the world and he is the only one that can fix it, of course ! But meanwhile he's very apologetic and seems like he sincerely wants to make amends. I mean... he was also sincere in protecting his "balance" but... I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Ironically, this makes Aridon's goal quite close to the Circle's (Redfist sisters + Harron) but I won't hold it against him if he decides their way to go about it... diverge, even avatars of death get a survival instinct.

I also noticed that the orcs/dominion are nowhere to be found for now. Though maybe the Circle will go after the dominion because of the shadow religion... or maybe Aridon's great solution to fix the world is to genocide the orcs (hey, if at first you don't succeed...:thumbs_up:)

Edit : How did I manage to miss an entire path on my first watch !? After years of mocking Aridon's failing vision, the irony has apparently caught up to me...

Path of the Dark : Well... if there was any doubt about Trekagh's goals... But the fact it is a path is interesting. Will we get to play as the empire as they return to Arkain ? Will these paths end up shaping which force is eventually successful in the conflict of the Four, Aridon, Brian, Trekagh or the Circle trying to end them ?
Either way, I'm down for playing the baddies a bit (though I hope Trekagh has more interesting moments like he did offering to save Cleavehand or gloating/berating Aridon, I think he could make for an interesting character to follow)
 
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Shar Dundred

Hosted Project: LoA
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I am toying with the idea to make some character focussed videos. Some characters would definitely benefit more from this than others (Thanok is pretty well known, Kenos still has some secrets to share). The chars would share some of their personality and past with you. Might also use AI voice unlike in the teaser trailer.
Who would be interested in that? :peasant-wink:

Edit: I would definitely NOT do that for EVERY character.
 
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Level 11
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Aug 1, 2019
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290
I am toying with the idea to make some character focussed videos. Some characters would definitely benefit more from this than others (Thanok is pretty well known, Kenos still has some secrets to share). The chars would share some of their personality and past with you. Might also use AI voice unlike in the teaser trailer.
Who would be interested in that? :peasant-wink:
Two questions

One : how did kenos survive? I thought zairmak found a way to prevent him from resurrecting himself

Second: just to be sure is this going to be a new campaign?
 
Level 5
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Oct 19, 2024
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Oh dear. Now this is what I call a Christmas Gift!

And I like the idea of the paths, too. It allows for choices to be made, while not putting everything up in the air:
-Path of the Dragon: Hoo boy, Tanok is pissed, to the point of being reprimanded. Considering that Gardon is right there in the cutscene, I'll suppose that with the whole liege thing it either refers to the Queen, or to Garan Bloodclaw (the son that was in charge of conquering Kerrel). Considering the whole dragon thing, and how uncorncerned Vail is, I'd bet on it being the queen...
-Path of the Circle: ...huh, a new faction. Now that is a dangerous combination: The insane hyper-competent mages and a man that literally cannot die. I wonder, though, how do they plan to deal with the four, and more importantly, what do they plan to do with the consequences. Because if Aridon was gone, the undead would pretty much treat Arkain as a free buffet. I'm also sure that nor Amari nor Gardon would appreciate Brian disappearing. Trying to fight the Emperor of Rodan seems like the quickest way to die a violent death. And good luck trying to stop whatever Ebira is planning with the Throne of Zindrach. But, on the other hand, there's only three people in the "Circle", quite powerful people, so they might actually stand a chance. I just fear that in trying to end the Four they might cause even more chaos.
-Path of the Watcher: Oh, look, Aridon seems to have grown a conscience! ...oh, nevermind. He has already reverted back to the mentality of "Only I can do this". Which, knowing Aridon, is going to end badly. Source: The entirety of the Legends of Arkain. On a less cheeky note, I do wonder how genuine he is in his endevour, or if he is only deluding himself. Also, there's a good chance that the Nexi might not be so willing to listen: After all, they have been doing their own things for twenty years now.
-...path of the Dark: Nothing more enjoyable than a villain that knows his worth. Tregakh the kind of character you love to hate. Also, the one with the advantage, since he knows what everyone else is planning, and has already sent the expeditionary force across the seas.

In other words: Peak, 10/10, will wait patiently for more.

I'm also surprised to hear that it will be another WC3 project, since it had been mentioned that Arkain could have switched engines.


In regards to the doing introductory videos, yeah, that'd be a cool thing to watch. (Although I must say, that the AI voices do unnerve me, I prefer no voice at all. But on the other hand, VA's are expensive, so... eh, not my call.)

PS: Happy Christmas!
 
Level 9
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102
So this is how I want the story to go. This is all a biased opinion since I love the Ironfist and hate Aridon (though I like him a bit now)
1. Path of the Dragon: Instantly, I want this path. Mainly because it once again involves Gardon. It also shows Thanok's absolute loyalty to his master. Seeing him being kidnapped, there is a high possiblity the bastard Watcher with his Rohir is behind it. I highly doubt Dorten could pull off such a stunt on his own. So it would feature Thanok basically becoming crazed and feral against the remaining kingdoms. Sadly, I could see his demise because of it. While for Gardon, I legit want him to survive. And not just that, if he's ever on the brink of death like Blen was, I would want Brian to save him. How I would want that to go is that Brian, being hunted down by the Kenos and the Redfist sisters, he would be mortally wounded by them, but manages to escape them and somehow reach Gardon. In order to save both of them, they would merge (Lich King style), but Gardon's personality would become more prominent. This would give him far more power over the shadows along with his other abilities, becoming one of the stronger beings of Arkain. He would then fight the Empire with the remaining army he has after Thanok's attempt to save him. It was always Gardon against the world. But he's never wavered. Not once. Which is the main reason why I want him to survive at least until the Empire is defeated. Demonkind would be the next generation's worry.
As for the Kingdoms, I feel like they would strike a deal with the Empire in eliminating Zyainor from Arkain. Of course, the Kingdoms know that they would be next after the war, but better than next-door neighbors with the dude who killed the prince, right? But ultimately, it would lead to them losing in the end against Zyainor's might, and the Three Dukes taking their place.
2. Path of the Circle: I definitely want to see how this ends. The main reason is because one being far higher than the rest is just plain unfair. No balance at all. Which is why I want them all destroyed. Aridon could go first, then Tregakh, then Bhaarizel. Zindrach wouldn't be complete unless Shar wanted it, but he would be the very last if he was indeed present.
3. Path of the Watcher: If it means he dies in the end, I would go for this path. How I want it to go is that he would assist in defeating the Empire to help Arkain survuve. He would then lead the war against the merged Bonelords and have the majority of his forces depleted, but ultimately win in the end. He would then use the Kingdoms as a shield for Zyainor against the Empire, using lies and deceit (like in the Golden Guard ending) to get their war ongoing, giving Zyainor the oppurtunity to seize them both. Aridon dying to the combined might of the Bonelords, and Kenos + Redfist sisters is something I want to see. He would anticipate his defeat and leave Rahandir his mantle as Master of the Nexus, leaving the world to its inhabitants.
 
Level 22
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Apr 17, 2021
Messages
250
About the newest news on Legacy of Arkain :

The return of the books of arkain's way of doing choices is definitely interesting. I think splitting it into smaller paths is a good call. I feel like it can make it easier to backtrack to try different choices and overall give a lot of alternative stories. Though I'm curious, when you make these paths, do you have a "Canon" route in mind or are you on the fence about certain choices ?

Now about the new paths revealed (using spoiler since Shar left the option not to be "spoiled")

- Path of the Bloodclaw : I initially thought this was about Guardon, but it most likely is about the Heirs of Zyainor, and I'm all for it. They have never appeared in-game and are already some of my favorite characters. And choices are definitely bound to be interesting since their respective personalities certainly leave a lot of room for... conflict. Though I really hope whatever happens, we get a way to end with the siblings united fighting against Zyainor's enemies.
  • Path of the Flames : Sounds like we'll get to play as a certain completely unhinged golden girl. I definitely expected her to be more of a backstage character/antagonist. Well either way, I hope we get plenty of chances to attack innocent civilians before going after the goldies, it feels like that's the big draw of this Path.
  • Path of the Guardian : Seems like this one is about Harmos. Definitely liking him taking the spotlight a bit. He was always great as the no-nonsense pyromancer but he was usually a support character. Seeing him deal with maintaining his order.... I just realized... if he's the new Grandmaster... he's technically not the Guardian anymore is he ? Well the path could still follow him, it's not like they have anything against holding several mandates right ? Well either way, I hope we get a 20 year older, tired of all this shit Harmos that just snaps and burns down everything that annoys him, starting by whatever Edoarus has going on in the Kingdom of Rengar.
- Path of the Two : I spent a long while thinking about who this path could be about. There aren't that many iconic duos in Arkain (or maybe it's obvious and I'm just not seeing right now). Maybe Gorthog and the Gnoll king, the two that oppose Amari ? Maybe the two new leaders of the Scarec Nexus (though the Scarec already had a lot of screentime). But I just had an idea and really want it to be right : Galareth. An entire path dedicated to the pandora's box that is the Ardoz nexus' leader's mind that is both a brutish ogre and a brilliant scholar.
 

Shar Dundred

Hosted Project: LoA
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Thanok and Dadfist are the heros we need but do not deserve, I am ready to die on this hill.
As you wish.... summons Thanok and Redfist
Though I'm curious, when you make these paths, do you have a "Canon" route in mind or are you on the fence about certain choices ?
It depends on how you wish to define it. I do have a canon route in mind, yes, however that
does not imply that events over the timelines will be the same unless you yourself affect them.
There is i. e. no guarantee that Thanok will only be unhinged in the Path of the Dragon and be... less so
in the other paths. He might be more... let's call it "angry" in multiple paths instead of just one.
I hope Shar has a secret path of Blen planned, can easily see a Paladin resurrecting him to give him the storyline he deserves :p
You willing to bet money on that?
If you win the bet, the outcome will be ton of money for you. :p
 
Level 11
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290
Will the demons be playable or not? I know it might be not a good question since the true story ended with them being thrown back to their own lands but I think not all demons would be just satisfied with remaining in their own lands for a long time if you know what I mean:)

Are we going to see new characters from the empire? Maybe some family relatives of some of the imperial army characters ?
 
Level 21
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1,112
The return of the books of arkain's way of doing choices is definitely interesting. I think splitting it into smaller paths is a good call. I feel like it can make it easier to backtrack to try different choices and overall give a lot of alternative stories. Though I'm curious, when you make these paths, do you have a "Canon" route in mind or are you on the fence about certain choices ?

One of the the strongest assets of the book era of Arkain was its replayability, like i vividly remember replaying the books multiple times trying to do different choice combinations to see how the story would pan out, so now that we got this lil side projects (shorter than the books) all of whome are inter-connected to the point a choice in one path affects the consequences in another path its a huge boost to replayability as well as drives forward more discussions.


Will the demons be playable or not? I know it might be not a good question since the true story ended with them being thrown back to their own lands but I think not all demons would be just satisfied with remaining in their own lands for a long time if you know what I mean:)

Are we going to see new characters from the empire? Maybe some family relatives of some of the imperial army characters ?
This is some old ass information that i remeber discussing with Shar (as old as when Hive stil had a chat room of its own old) but i remember that Shar stated while not a priority the idea was totally out of question while a Demon path in my humble opinion is out of question we might get small chapters when we play as them (remember we did play as them after the bloodbath chapter of the true story).

Also calling it rightnow (this is in my 2025 bingo predictions) Shar is gonna Kill of Gardon!
 
Level 5
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I must say, I really like the idea of the paths. On the one hand, it allows for a more-or-less linear storyline (which avoids what I assumed to be one of the bigger issues of the books: The branching decisions become pure chaos after 12 chapters), while at the same time allowing for a considerable amount of choice and replayability.

(Although I would not be opposed to a "True Legacy of Arkain" either.)

Also, did somebody say... bingo?
(I have way to much free time).

BINGO.PNG


Also, I wanted to say, this is a homage. I had to wrack my brain to make it. Arkain employs a surprisingly little amount of tropes and clichés. Which, at least personally, is something I enjoy considerably.
 
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Level 17
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151
Path of the flames: I'm pretty sure this is Prodageras path/story. Hope we can see more of him and of course of Fiona Van Durce.
Path of the guardian: Harmos and the order against everything that threats their order and Rengar. Hope the old man survives what is yet to come for us.

I'm also curious about the status of the surviving elemental orders, especially if the Dominion keep the Order of arcane for themselves and now we can see orcs doing arcane magic.
 
Level 21
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I'm also curious about the status of the surviving elemental orders, especially if the Dominion keep the Order of arcane for themselves and now we can see orcs doing arcane magic.


That would be... Kinda cursed Greenskins in mage robes casting arcana spells, i dont think the orcs will show that much interest in Arcane when they already got Shamans, Witch Docs, Warlocs and Necrolytes not to mention the addition of Shadow magic that Amari might introduce to them. However since the Dominion is a Federation of different races the humans that are part of it will most likely stil use Arcana but i dont expect the order to still be fuctional.
 
Level 21
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342
I'd love the character videos Shar brought up to help bridge the gap. I guess I'm sort of expecting this to feel like 1-3 years passing in terms of characters and factions when it's actually 20 in-universe; that's a very long period of time.

All the advertised paths have a real allure to them right now!
 
Level 21
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1,112
@DD Mikasa No actual bingo card from you? So disappointed...

Anyway, here have a look at the Grand Duke Thanok himself - brought to you by the absolute unit @johnwar
There is also a ground version but I can't show you too much at once now can I? ;)

View attachment 505845
In due time i will provide my full fleshed out bingo card, end of the year means lots of family commitments and money to spend.

God damn that Thanok Dragon model is absolutely gorgeous!

Ain't nothing better that frying enemies with firebreaths and being dripped out of your mind while doing so!
 
Level 17
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151
Boranel's squad, consisting of a dwarf, a bard, one of the few remaining angelics and so on...
I'd say they're the most interesting, but seeing Kenos, Krom and Fleshtearer there opens up a lot of possibilities. Maybe we'll see Krom hunting Zyainor forces for fun, or Kenos getting information from The Four.
Whatever is coming, I'll be ready.
 
Level 21
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Prax been making some questionable friends along the way it seems.
Why do i feel like we are going to re-visit a certain place we did way way way back in time on the first book
 
Level 22
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I like the detail of Nysara being in green. She's still close to being yellow, helping her blend in, but she's undoubtedly still souleater legion. Though the addition of the others is interesting.
I can imagine Krom and Kenos being interested in the grail. After all, it supposedly contains the blood of an arkainian god, so maybe Krom's trying to reconnect with his roots and Kenos maybe seeks a way to completely destroy the Four by studying the gods that were killed.
The Fleshtearer is quite a surprise. Even if Aridon is also interested in the grail, I can't imagine that this thing is the best candidate for finding it. Though, I wonder if the Fleshtearer will evolve, because he is supposed to have a spirit that can learn, be recovered and put into a new body. So technically, he could maybe learn how to talk eventually, maybe even migrate to a new kind of body.
 

Shar Dundred

Hosted Project: LoA
Level 76
Joined
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Messages
6,093
Prax been making some questionable friends along the way it seems.
I didn't know you disliked Dwarves and Elves. The things I learn about you these days!
Why do i feel like we are going to re-visit a certain place we did way way way back in time on the first book
A dark secret waiting to be uncovered you mean?
I'd say they're the most interesting, but seeing Kenos, Krom and Fleshtearer there opens up a lot of possibilities. Maybe we'll see Krom hunting Zyainor forces for fun, or Kenos getting information from The Four.
I can imagine Krom and Kenos being interested in the grail. After all, it supposedly contains the blood of an arkainian god, so maybe Krom's trying to reconnect with his roots and Kenos maybe seeks a way to completely destroy the Four by studying the gods that were killed.
I won't spoiler anything as of yet but Krom has not been idle in the past twenty years.
You could say that he's found a new way to pass the time, even without Aridon giving orders and without prey worth hunting.
I like the detail of Nysara being in green. She's still close to being yellow, helping her blend in, but she's undoubtedly still souleater legion. Though the addition of the others is interesting.
:)
The Fleshtearer is quite a surprise. Even if Aridon is also interested in the grail, I can't imagine that this thing is the best candidate for finding it. Though, I wonder if the Fleshtearer will evolve, because he is supposed to have a spirit that can learn, be recovered and put into a new body. So technically, he could maybe learn how to talk eventually, maybe even migrate to a new kind of body.
Wait until you hear how many doctor degrees the Fleshtearer he has... Off set anyway.
 
Level 21
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and Elves
Elves mostly, i aint got no issue with Dwarfs nor with Krom and Fleshteare, truth be told Fleshtearer is my favourite undead hero, for whatever reason there is something to him a certain charm and alure, he might look like he is struggling to from his first thought but yet again, he kinda cute.
 
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