[06-Apr-21 07:35 PM] Neronix02#3501
Hello everyone, my name is Jonathan, I am from Québec! I have a degree in game design, graphic design and theater. I am the creator of Arkelon Chronicles, a science-fantasy game taking place in a world where technology and magic evolved alongside each other that launched on Kickstarter today!
[06-Apr-21 07:37 PM] saintnexan#6715
(Oh, I’m not sure if I pointed you to the Q&A format, but please give us a (done) when you’re ready for questions. 🙂 )
[06-Apr-21 07:37 PM] Neronix02#3501
Oh yeah I checked! Sorry I forgot!
[06-Apr-21 07:37 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 07:37 PM] saintnexan#6715
Heh. No worries! The floor is open to questions!
[06-Apr-21 07:38 PM] saintnexan#6715
Is Arkelon the name of the world?
[06-Apr-21 07:40 PM] Neronix02#3501
Yes! Although the possibilities of space travel exist in this world, We tried to concentrate ourselves on one planet, Arkelon, and tried to really develop a setting within which characters would be able to live through countless adventures before thinking about exploring other places.
[06-Apr-21 07:40 PM] Neronix02#3501
(done)
[06-Apr-21 07:41 PM] saintnexan#6715
Speaking of space travel, how advanced is the technology on Arkelon?
[06-Apr-21 07:47 PM] Neronix02#3501
Since magic evolved alongside technology, people where able to use it’s properties to enhance both. Old ruins of a previous advanced civilizations helped the people find plans and different drafts of tech.
I think that if I could make a comparison, I think it would be somewhere between a Mass Effect, Cyberpunk, Shadowrun.
Most of “space” vehicles use enhanced teleportation magic to reach different points in the universe.
[06-Apr-21 07:47 PM] Neronix02#3501
(done)
[06-Apr-21 07:48 PM] saintnexan#6715
How powerful can pure magic get?
[06-Apr-21 07:51 PM] Neronix02#3501
Pure magic has some really close ties to nuclear energy so it can become extremely destructive if not harnessed properly or out of control. People that uses a lot of magic often become withered and age way faster than other people, much like radiation affects people working in powerplants or are in places that where affected by it.
[06-Apr-21 07:52 PM] Neronix02#3501
Pure magic can easily destroy cities and areas, but is super unstable to people cannot really use raw, pure magic as weapons of mass destruction
[06-Apr-21 07:52 PM] Neronix02#3501
(done)
[06-Apr-21 07:53 PM] saintnexan#6715
Who are the PCs?
[06-Apr-21 07:58 PM] Neronix02#3501
PCs are heroes, people that are often hired by guilds or organizations to solve crimes, hunt large creatures, explore old tombs and ruins, etc. Someone can easily be a mercenary taking odd jobs from different organizations, or be loyal to 1 guild.
PCs can also be vigilante that join others to help others or for their own selfish reasons.
[06-Apr-21 07:58 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 07:59 PM] saintnexan#6715
Who or what is the opposition?
[06-Apr-21 08:03 PM] Neronix02#3501
I think it really depends on what kind of game the game master wants to present. It can be a shady cult, a corrupt government, a demon lord about to rise, an elder god… I think that’s who the opposition is really depends on the kind of stories you want your players to experience
[06-Apr-21 08:03 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 08:07 PM] Kale#1990
What are your inspirations for the game?
[06-Apr-21 08:09 PM] saintnexan#6715
How well settled is the planet? Are there wilderness areas to explore?
[06-Apr-21 08:10 PM] Neronix02#3501
We have a lot of inspirations, but I think that our main ones are Overwatch, Mass Effect, World of Warcraft and Wildstar. On tabletop, we took a lot of inspiration from DnD and Pathfinder.
[06-Apr-21 08:12 PM] Neronix02#3501
The planet is twice the size of Earth, and is pretty well settled, but does have wilderness area to explore. Area filled with legends or that has confirmed presence of deadly dangers
[06-Apr-21 08:12 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 08:24 PM] saintnexan#6715
What intelligent specis enhabit this world?
[06-Apr-21 08:26 PM] saintnexan#6715
(brb)
[06-Apr-21 08:27 PM] Neronix02#3501
Since we wanted a colorful world with lots of different cultures, we have 12 playable core races, each having their own different heritages. Other types of intelligent creatures, like Feys, Demons, etc. Inhabit the world, but are not (currently) playable
[06-Apr-21 08:28 PM] Neronix02#3501
We also tried to keep each one unique and respectful of the inspiration and references we use
[06-Apr-21 08:28 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 08:28 PM] saintnexan#6715
(back)
[06-Apr-21 08:29 PM] saintnexan#6715
Are they “traditional” fantasy races? Unique creations? Some of both?
[06-Apr-21 08:30 PM] Kale#1990
Ooo! Wildstar! I loved that game, even if it crashed.
[06-Apr-21 08:31 PM] Neronix02#3501
I’d say some of both. We wanted to bring nostalgia from the usual fantasy race, and in the same way give them their own flavor, but we also created races that are unique to the world of Arkelon.
[06-Apr-21 08:31 PM] Neronix02#3501
Yes, I really liked the aesthetic of it! It’s sad it failed
[06-Apr-21 08:31 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 08:32 PM] saintnexan#6715
Can you give some examples of the races you offer?
[06-Apr-21 08:35 PM] Neronix02#3501
Yes of course. We also have illustrations for a couple of them if you are interested in checking them out. We have the usual Elves, Dwarves and Humans. But we also created a variety of anthropomorphic animal races and the Shardlings, which are Earth elementals made of stone that are animated by being overcharged with magic
[06-Apr-21 08:35 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 08:36 PM] Kale#1990
What’s the general technology level of the setting?
[06-Apr-21 08:38 PM] Neronix02#3501
I’d say it’s quite advanced. Space Travel is possible with a mix of tech and teleportation magic. People are able to fabricate androids with the ability to develop their own consciousness.
[06-Apr-21 08:38 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 08:39 PM] saintnexan#6715
Do you have a character sheet that we can see?
[06-Apr-21 08:41 PM] Neronix02#3501
Yes I can send you one here
[06-Apr-21 08:42 PM] Neronix02#3501
{Attachments}
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/780948065367490590/829169288647934002/image0.png
[06-Apr-21 08:43 PM] Neronix02#3501
It’s a quite straightforward character sheet, but we tried to make it easy to use by putting a lot of helpers for the different formulas to apply when they need to.
[06-Apr-21 08:44 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 08:44 PM] saintnexan#6715
Can you describe task resolution?
[06-Apr-21 08:50 PM] Neronix02#3501
So in Arkelon Chronicles, you use a set of polyhedral dice, and we tried to give everyone a chance to succeed when rolling their dice. So we created a system where dodge, block, saves, skills, where always compared to another person’s (whether it’s the GM or another player) own roll, so less specialized characters still have ways to shine in those situations.
Rolls against inanimate objects are static, since they cannot respond to any situation.
For example, in a combat situation my character get attacked, the enemy will have an accuracy roll, but I would also have a dodge roll.
[06-Apr-21 08:50 PM] Neronix02#3501
So even if my character rolls poorly, the enemy can roll even lower, and it would not juste be an automatic fail.
[06-Apr-21 08:51 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 09:21 PM] saintnexan#6715
Sheesh. Back, sorry!
[06-Apr-21 09:22 PM] saintnexan#6715
Finally had to restart.
[06-Apr-21 09:22 PM] Neronix02#3501
Oh lord, no worries really! It happens
[06-Apr-21 09:23 PM] saintnexan#6715
Well, never fear: I won’t short you on time.
[06-Apr-21 09:23 PM] saintnexan#6715
How does spellcasting work, and what (if any) limits are there on it? (Fatigue, magic points, spells/day, etc.)
[06-Apr-21 09:26 PM] Neronix02#3501
We went with a magic point system, so it gives a little more flexibility to which spell each character can use. Some character classes are able, for example, to use their hit points instead of their magic points to cast spells, so they can cast more, but at a cost of vitality
[06-Apr-21 09:27 PM] Neronix02#3501
These resources can be regenerated by resting a bit or spending a full night sleeping. Each day, characters that use magic have a certain amount of points they can spend how they please, and when depleted; you cannot use magic, unless you are able to rest
[06-Apr-21 09:27 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 09:28 PM] saintnexan#6715
You mentioned classes. This is a class-based system? What classes are there?
[06-Apr-21 09:34 PM] Neronix02#3501
Yes there are character classes. We have 12 in total, which can easily be customized by the different paths and abilities they give. We used the usual fantasy classes: warrior, druid, mage, etc. But tried to give each their own flavor and attractiveness that make them fit in this world.
We also have some ways to incorporate mechanics that have each of them feel unique and like it’s own entity.
For example, each “healing” class has different spells that make their gameplay different from other healing classes. So a shaman that heals with the power of water will slowly restore their allies health, while a priest praying to his God will be able to heal quickly when needed, but may have less options to simply flatten up the damage done to their allies.
[06-Apr-21 09:34 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 09:34 PM] saintnexan#6715
That’s an interesting approach.
[06-Apr-21 09:35 PM] saintnexan#6715
Assuming that there are monsters in this setting, how common are they?
[06-Apr-21 09:38 PM] Neronix02#3501
I’d say moderately rare, it really depends on where you are. The further away from civilization, the more creature there are. Some very huge ones will often attack larger cities. These are encounters that players can participate to indeed!
[06-Apr-21 09:38 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 09:39 PM] saintnexan#6715
Wow! Are they kaiju-sized, then?
[06-Apr-21 09:40 PM] Neronix02#3501
Yes there are! We have on our Youtube channel a demonstration of the early rules for these kind of epic-sized fights!
[06-Apr-21 09:40 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 09:40 PM] saintnexan#6715
How large is the game’s bestiary?
[06-Apr-21 09:42 PM] Neronix02#3501
For now we estimate at least 200 different creatures, including pacific ones that are not really made to fight but can be used to populate the world.
[06-Apr-21 09:42 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 09:42 PM] saintnexan#6715
Very impressive!
[06-Apr-21 09:43 PM] saintnexan#6715
Given that space travel is a possibility, are there any aliens in this setting?
[06-Apr-21 09:45 PM] Eainix#3688
The Kickstarter mentions combat has sort of jump in mechanics that let you act outside your turn, can you elaborate?
[06-Apr-21 09:46 PM] Neronix02#3501
Yes, Aliens are a possibility, but we really wanted to concentrate on one world and give opportunities for players to explore that world. We although have plans layed out for a full-on Space Opera expansion. Including different kind of alien playable races, new classes related to this new environment and new creatures.
{Reactions}
👍
[06-Apr-21 09:47 PM] Neronix02#3501
Yes! Think of them as triggered actions or reactions. For example, a friend is being attacked, and you have a spell that can give them a bonus to this defense roll, or maybe have an ability that negates the attack all together
[06-Apr-21 09:48 PM] Eainix#3688
Interesting
[06-Apr-21 09:49 PM] Neronix02#3501
We have one talent that people can take that allows them to use ranged attacks as covering fire, so when allies trigger an attack reaction, they can shoot the creature to negate the attack. As we use a action point system to calculate actions during rounds, characters can use as much reactions as they want, albeit they still have action points.
This will, however, cause them to have no remaining action point when their turn comes.
[06-Apr-21 09:50 PM] Neronix02#3501
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 09:51 PM] saintnexan#6715
It is now time for what we like to call The Question(TM)…
[06-Apr-21 09:51 PM] saintnexan#6715
Which is:
[06-Apr-21 09:51 PM] saintnexan#6715
What is your least favorite aspect of Arkelon Chronicles?
[06-Apr-21 09:56 PM] Neronix02#3501
I think that one of my least favorite aspect is that although some of the rules are easy to grasp, I think that some of the mechanics may appear too crunchy for some people and deter them to play.
I know that there are a lot of ideas that comes with a system using a D20 as the main dice and although it is not something I hate about the game (because else that’s a choice we ended up making because we liked the feeling of these dice), we know it is something that could cause some to question the project as to why it isn’t DnD or Starfinder or Pathfinder
(Done)
[06-Apr-21 09:57 PM] saintnexan#6715
An insightful answer!
[06-Apr-21 09:57 PM] saintnexan#6715
In the time remaining, is there anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to bring up?
[06-Apr-21 09:57 PM] saintnexan#6715
Usual reminder: If you’ve enjoyed this Q&A and would like to treat me to a coffee or two, you can do so at https://www.ko-fi.com/gmshoe. Anything’s appreciated! 🙂
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[06-Apr-21 10:07 PM] saintnexan#6715
Still there, @Neronix02? 🙂
[06-Apr-21 10:07 PM] Neronix02#3501
Yes I am still here!
[06-Apr-21 10:07 PM] saintnexan#6715
Did you see my last question? 🙂
[06-Apr-21 10:08 PM] Neronix02#3501
Oh! I had but misunderstood, I though you where asking it to other people 😅
[06-Apr-21 10:10 PM] Neronix02#3501
I don’t think there’s anything. As a team, we try to build a world that encourages diversity and customization, and we want to give anyone the opportunity to be able to play the game the way they want it.
We also try to showcase beautiful art and interesting character design that stay respectful of the culture we used as our inspirations!
[06-Apr-21 10:11 PM] Eainix#3688
I’d like to ask one more question
[06-Apr-21 10:11 PM] Eainix#3688
how does it differentiate itself from something like D&D or Pathfinder?
[06-Apr-21 10:12 PM] Eainix#3688
as someone who really dislikes 5e and pathfinder and most D&D stuff in general I’d like something that is actually it’s own thing and not another D&D alike
[06-Apr-21 10:17 PM] Neronix02#3501
We tried to bring dynamism to the usual play style of a these games by adding a lot of opportunities for players to not wait for their turn for 20 minutes around the table. I think that the stamina points also gives a lot of liberties on how everyone can decide to spend their turn and what they want to do!
We also tried to give each skill their own specialities and utilities, so more social characters don’t feel left out if an encounter occurs.
When designing some of the combat mechanics, we also expanded on epic combat against huge monsters by instead giving them a more Monster Hunter/Shadow of the Colossus style of play, encouraging teamwork and puzzle solving.
[06-Apr-21 10:17 PM] Neronix02#3501
(done)
[06-Apr-21 10:18 PM] saintnexan#6715
Thanks very much for joining us, @Neronix02! Again, my apologies for the technical difficulties.
[06-Apr-21 10:19 PM] Neronix02#3501
No problem at all!
[06-Apr-21 10:19 PM] Neronix02#3501
And thank you very much for having me!
[06-Apr-21 10:19 PM] saintnexan#6715
If you’ll give me a minute here, I’ll get the log posted and link you!
