Thursday, February 21, 2019

Discover the White City, Capital of Arcadia

In Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm, we'll take you to all the main regions of Gaia: Arcadia, Submeria and Pirta. One place you'll get to know well is The White City, and today we'll discuss its history and points of interest.


The White City is the vibrant, rich capital of Arcadia: under the strong leadership of Archimedes, blessed by his continuous scientific breakthroughs, it has prospered and blossomed. After declaring himself Grand Regent, he spent the last 20 years upgrading the pre-existing feudal structures and turning the city into a shining jewel of industrialization; an example for all Gaia to behold.



The city, built by the sea, is an old settlement dating back to the savage wars waged in the name of Sol, Nieto, and Trito. While its feudal walls are ancient, most of the fortifications are of recent build, as is the new city center, developed above Archimedes' modern masterpiece: the Grand Core.

The city is divided into three main districts. Upper Town is where the high society and officers live. Before Archimedes' arrival, the area hosted the Order for All Gods (aka the Mage Guild), whose building is now occupied by the headquarter of Genco Corporation and its automatons workforce. Genco is responsible for the production of appliances and technological artifacts, and as such, it basks in the approving gaze of the Grand Regent. Mages, instead, are banned from the city, and while magic is not explicitly ostracized, few feel comfortable coming forward as users. Upper Town also has access to the railroad, which pierces the town from both East and West.


Lower Town, the area between the Trident fortifications, begins with Genco's loading docks, through which most of the goods come in and leave the White City. The permanent market stalls are a popular attraction, both for visitors and regular citizens. A small slum has spawned not far from the market; despite the efforts of the Grand Regent, the White City cannot embrace all its children, and some less fortunate citizens are forced to seek shelter from the elements under its massive stone arches. Lower Town also used to be the religious district; now, only ruins remain, to remind everyone of the sins committed during the religious strifes of the past.


Past Lower Town, a visitor would soon arrive at the doors of the Knights' Order, the oldest building in town. The palace is one of the few that has maintained its original features, a sign of the importance that the Knights still maintain in Arcadia. The administrative district begins beyond the Order, with offices and business-related infrastructures, such as the airport and the hangars of the Living Fortresses. The entrance of the Grand Core is where the public space runs out, and the influence of Archimedes' Palace, commanding the whole town from the White City's center, becomes predominant.     


Sounds like a place worth visiting? Pack your bags, this year you get to see it with your own eyes!

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Introducing the Knights


The White City, Arcadia's Capital, is not only home to the Grand Regent Archimedes but also headquarter of the oldest military order of Gaia: the Knight's Order. The Knights protect the Realm against external threats, serve as personal guard to the current ruler, and generally uphold the law and settle disputes.


While there are more Knights scattered around Arcadia, today we'll focus on the party you control – Hero, the fearless pilot Trin and the mysterious robot Gen.




HERO
Age: 18


A boy of unknown origin. Ever since he was a little lad, he was taught the way of the Knights by Master Mayfair, the celebrated warrior of the Direfolk War and Hero's caretaker. Hero has grown up to be a seasoned swordsman, and there is little in the woods near Arne Village able to frighten him.


Hero is a versatile fighter and in addition to traditional Knights gear, Sword and Shield, he is quite competent with the musket. His dream is to wield the fabled Caster Gun someday, a weapon that harnesses the power of magic.



TRIN
Age: 23


Granddaughter of Gran Regent Archimedes and his spouse Calliope, Trin is the accomplished pilot of the Yellow Bird, an Arcadian ship that has seen the thick of battle more than once. Secretly ashamed of her royal origins, she has been growing up amongst the ordinary citizens of the White City. She's a good-hearted, opinionated young woman, with plenty of victories under her belt.


Trin wields the Daggerang, an iconic tri-bladed weapon that could be used both at close and long range. Trin is ace against flying enemies and a life-saver when a remote switch needs to be activated.



GEN
Age: ?


Gen is Master Mayfair's automata comrade and Hero's friend. He doesn't shy away from playfully commenting on a situation, and wears clothes and armor over his steel limbs. His behavior and relationship with the old Knight suggest that the two have experienced many adventures together.


Gen's weapon of choice is a mighty battle oar, perfectly fitting his relentless, high-damage combat style.


Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm will also feature dozens of new NPCs, some familiar characters from Monster of Uncharted Seas, and plenty of new backstories to explore.


We're running out of digital ink for today – stay tuned for more updates!