Serenes Emblem Discussion Thread (CHARACTER ROSTER IS FINALIZED)

[Sub Zero]

As of now the character roster is finalized, no more characters shall be added. (Unless somebody has another idea)

We need to focus on other aspects of our game, like gameplay and especially story.

Also, I got an idea, is it possible to have multiple generations? Like Genealogy? No, I'm not saying that we should add romance to the game, obviously. But instead the story should imply that we get married and have kids off screen with an unknown pupil.

You get what I'm saying right? I have trouble explaining things..

I'm sure you can understand to a minimum degree.

[Von Ithipathachai]

3 minutes ago, Joshii said:

As of now the character roster is finalized, no more characters shall be added. (Unless somebody has another idea)

We need to focus on other aspects of our game, like gameplay and especially story.

Also, I got an idea, is it possible to have multiple generations? Like Genealogy? No, I'm not saying that we should add romance to the game, obviously. But instead the story should imply that we get married and have kids off screen with an unknown pupil.

You get what I'm saying right? I have trouble explaining things..

I'm sure you can understand to a minimum degree.

A basic Child Unit system should be possible in which the children receive simple modifiers to their base stats and growth rates based on who their secondary (variable) parents are.  But the game may not be long enough to justify having Child Units at all.

[Sub Zero]

1 minute ago, Von Ithipathachai said:

A basic Child Unit system should be possible in which the children receive simple modifiers to their base stats and growth rates based on who their secondary (variable) parents are.  But the game may not be long enough to justify having Child Units at all.

That makes sense. Well, if you can find a way to implement it, you can put it in. But it's fine either way.

[Von Ithipathachai]

Agggh, I swear if these forums go down for maintenance one more time I'm going to lose it.

For those of you too late to make it into the finalized playable roster, don't despair, because we're probably going to need a large number of boss characters and you could still get in that way.

I'm currently adjusting all the classes' growth rates.  I'm actually contemplating the idea of adding in Bow Armors as another class that's only playable through reclassing.  They don't exist in Sanctaea Chronicles (because I think they're stupid), but I figured maybe they might make for a funny reclassing option for people I don't like.

[MegaTheGamer]

Sorry about not posting in a bit, that maintenance was crazy. It’s the Thracia Curse, I tell you! But at least I was able to do the gameplay poll without logging in. Anyway, I’m not super sold on child systems, but I’m not particularly opposed either. The main concern is whether the children would replace their parents (FE4) or simply join them (others). I assume we can agree a long time skip like FE4 is better than any handwave like time travel/pocket dimensions, but the parents can still be around.

It looks like we’re posting character details now we have the cast solidified? I’ll post again when I get a chance for mine. And if we do decide to have two generations, I can certainly come up with a child character or two for him. Heck, maybe he can even be married already, since he’s a bit older than the typical FE fare (late 20s/early 30s). But we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, I suppose.

[shanni20]

oh also I'd like to be a mid game prepromote sniper instead of an unpromoted archer.

 

and to make me not a shit unit, will there be a point blank skill or bow? gotta have that sexy 1-2 range

[BergelomeuSantos]

2 minutes ago, Von Ithipathachai said:

I'm currently adjusting all the classes' growth rates.  I'm actually contemplating the idea of adding in Bow Armors as another class that's only playable through reclassing.  They don't exist in Sanctaea Chronicles (because I think they're stupid), but I figured maybe they might make for a funny reclassing option for people I don't like.

I do not know if you like me or not, but please give me an Bow Armor Reclass!

[Von Ithipathachai]

3 minutes ago, fiver said:

oh also I'd like to be a mid game prepromote sniper instead of an unpromoted archer.

and to make me not a shit unit, will there be a point blank skill or bow? gotta have that sexy 1-2 range

No Point Blank, but all Bows are 2-3-Range just like they are in Sanctaea Chronicles.  I feel this is just enough range to give them a better niche without making them OP.  Bows are meant to be a safe counter to Daggers, Tomes, and other 1-2-Range weapons that would be OP otherwise.

I would prefer to keep you an unpromoted Archer since you're our only playable one right now and having Archers be reclass-only would be weird, but if you'd like I can change my class from Priest to Archer.  I am actually a pretty decent shot with a bow or gun.

3 minutes ago, BergelomeuSantos said:

I do not know if you like me or not, but please give me an Bow Armor Reclass!

Sure, why the heck not.  I'll try to remember.  @Joshii do you think you could repost the finalized class list?

Edited May 30, 2019 by Von Ithipathachai

[shanni20]

actually if there's branching promos maybe I can be a level 15 or 18 archer. Just to add variety to whatever somebody wants me to be if there's a Ranger class or something like that

[Von Ithipathachai]

1 minute ago, fiver said:

actually if there's branching promos maybe I can be a level 15 or 18 archer. Just to add variety to whatever somebody wants me to be if there's a Ranger class or something like that

Your alternate promotion would be Merry Man, giving you access to Daggers and Skeleton Keys (Lockpicks).

[shanni20]

so like outlaw promo in fates but instead of staves, daggers? sure i'll be a level 18 archer then. when I play the game I'll be promoting myself to sniper though if that's a class lol

[Von Ithipathachai]

2 minutes ago, fiver said:

so like outlaw promo in fates but instead of staves, daggers? sure i'll be a level 18 archer then. when I play the game I'll be promoting myself to sniper though if that's a class lol

Of course there will be Snipers.  Every weapon type (except Staves, Strike, and Breath) will have a specialist class.

[Sire]

Huh? Multi generation? I think putting that in is simply adding more features just for the sake of it. More gameplay mechanics does not necessarily mean more fun. It would be wise to be focused on the core points, which currently seems to be a "Fire Emblem fangame with Serenes Forest members."

However, I'm just a bystander tossing in my own input. The final decision is up to you guys. // If such as system is introduced, my character will simply go across generations, but is older. There's no marriage or kids for my stand-in. Then again, I'm supposed to be late-game anyways, so I probably wouldn't even show up in Gen 1 at all...

* * * * *

Let me try to round stuff up again for clarification.

1. Serenes Emblem is a Fire Emblem fangame made in the SRPG Studio engine.
2. Serenes Emblem main feature is having forum members be characters in the game.
2A. The playable character roster is currently finalized. No new applications will be considered, unless something changes.

Regarding story...

1. The prototype will feature eclipse as the main character leading a band of knights against some bandits.
2. The main game itself does not have a story set in stone yet.
2A. Possible ideas are: Members vs Moderators/Admins, Serenes Forest vs Fire Emblem Villains, Serenes Forest vs Serenes Emblem OCs.
2B. I have a proposal for the main story below. For now, I'm sticking to numbered points though to keep things somewhat organized.

As for some questions I would like to have cleared up...

1. Are we using any existing Fire Emblem characters at all? This includes them being playable, villains, cameos, and so on. At the moment I am leaning towards no, but a definite answer would be nice.
2. Are Personal Skills going to be in the game (like in Fates)? If so, the current roster will need to update their profiles to include a personal skill.
3. What will the tone of the Story be? Will it be somewhat serious, or off the rails comedy?

* * * * *

Now, for a story proposal. In short, it focuses on Serenes Forest characters, using the Members vs Moderators/Admins. Further details are in the spoiler.

Spoiler

First off, to solve the potential issue of "there not being enough antagonists," the Moderators/Admins have multiple variations of themselves. Call them clones or aspects of their personality, these "other variants" will mostly be used as fodder bosses. Their "prime versions" (the real one) is where the climatic battles will take place when facing off against them.
If we have members willing to be lackys for the Moderators/Admins (think the retainers for the Fates siblings), then that opens up the possibility for more character applications. Right now I think the playable roster is finalized though. It also helps reduce the amount of "fodder bosses" a bit too!

For the basic premise, we could have the classic "rebellion" storyline with the members rebelling against the Moderators and Admins. It could be from a fear of their power (the clones/aspects) or for some other reasons (including silly ones).
A side plot can involve the "antagonists" being able to summon classic Fire Emblem characters to do their bidding. This helps ties the project a bit more with Fire Emblem, but it can be omitted to purely focus on the Serenes Forest members. FE characters will not be recruitable, as the focus is meant to be on the SF heroes.

We seem to have Rezzy "confirmed" to be the Jagen, so that leaves the Main Lord up in the air. Serenes Emblem could go the main character route, or focus on a group of members instead. Think the Greil Mercenaries from Tellius, but Ike shares the spotlight equally with the other mercs. "Ike" is no more special than any other member as he is part of the group.

Depending on how things go, each moderator/administrator will have their own story arc. SF members will fight against the mods first before working up to the Admins. The showdown with VincentASM will likely be the climatic encounter, but in true Fire Emblem fashion there will probably be a "even bigger bad" dragon enemy to take down for the true finale.

* * * * *

If my proposal makes it through, there are several things I want to be answered be the participants. Remember, this is only if the proposal goes though! I'll put these in a separate spoiler so people don't jump the gun early.

Spoiler

 

1. Character Recruitment - When does your character join the party? For categorization purposes, there will be starter, early game, mid-game, and late-game. To think in other terms, divide the game up into quarters.

Starter means your character is present from the very start of the game, or is recruited really early on in the storyline. Almost everyone here is likely your standard T1 hero. The exception is the Jagen character, which is currently Rezzy I believe.
Early-Game means your character joins up a little later. This usually happens after the first major battle has been won and tensions are rising. Characters here are probably above level 10 if they remain in T1, or join as early T2 pre-promotes.
Mid-Game means your character joins up after the halfway point but before the "big climatic battle" takes place. Characters here are probably T2, unless you want to be an Est archetype (provided an "Est" is even included).
Late-Game is probably after the big battle, but before the big final showdown. Characters here are high level T2s, featuring high stats and the like. // My character (Sire - Great Knight) would like to appear in this portion of the game.

2. Moderator / Admin Story Arcs - What type of story arc would you like? Why are you the big bad of your arc? Just note that while you will be the primary antagonist of your arc, just because your arc concludes doesn't mean your character is done. The character may show up later as a recurring villain instead of just being killed off early.

 

 

 

[Espurrhoodie]

I'm just here to track progress.

This sounds really interesting!

[Von Ithipathachai]

4 minutes ago, Sire said:

Let me try to round stuff up again for clarification.

1. Serenes Emblem is a Fire Emblem fangame made in the SRPG Studio engine.
2. Serenes Emblem main feature is having forum members be characters in the game.
2A. The playable character roster is currently finalized. No new applications will be considered, unless something changes.

Regarding story...

1. The prototype will feature eclipse as the main character leading a band of knights against some bandits.
2. The main game itself does not have a story set in stone yet.
2A. Possible ideas are: Members vs Moderators/Admins, Serenes Forest vs Fire Emblem Villains, Serenes Forest vs Serenes Emblem OCs.
2B. I have a proposal for the main story below. For now, I'm sticking to numbered points though to keep things somewhat organized.

As for some questions I would like to have cleared up...

1. Are we using any existing Fire Emblem characters at all? This includes them being playable, villains, cameos, and so on. At the moment I am leaning towards no, but a definite answer would be nice.
2. Are Personal Skills going to be in the game (like in Fates)? If so, the current roster will need to update their profiles to include a personal skill.
3. What will the tone of the Story be? Will it be somewhat serious, or off the rails comedy?

* * * * *

Now, for a story proposal. In short, it focuses on Serenes Forest characters, using the Members vs Moderators/Admins. Further details are in the spoiler.

...

1. I don't think we're using any existing Fire Emblem characters.
2. There are no plans to include Fates-style Personal Skills.  SF Emblem's Skill system will probably most resemble that of the Jugdral games.
3. I feel a more comical narrative would be more entertaining for a game like this, though those are my personal tastes.  Joshii and I agreed in our deal that he would handle story elements while I handled gameplay stuff.

Regarding your proposal, I think it has some merit.  Personally I'd be down for kind of a parody of FE1's story, but again, I'd like to hear what Joshii has to say since I'd hate for him to be a figurehead in the development of his own idea.

[Florete]

12 minutes ago, Sire said:

Huh? Multi generation? I think putting that in is simply adding more features just for the sake of it. More gameplay mechanics does not necessarily mean more fun. It would be wise to be focused on the core points, which currently seems to be a "Fire Emblem fangame with Serenes Forest members."

Agreed with this. You guys can do it if you think it's for the best, but if you were to put it to a vote I can already tell you I would vote against it.

Always remember: Just because another FE game did it doesn't mean it will be a good idea for this.

[Von Ithipathachai]

5 minutes ago, Florete said:

Agreed with this. You guys can do it if you think it's for the best, but if you were to put it to a vote I can already tell you I would vote against it.

Always remember: Just because another FE game did it doesn't mean it will be a good idea for this.

Again, I'm not too hot on the idea of Child Units simply because I can't imagine this game lasting much longer than 20 chapters.

[shanni20]

Child units are more work than they are worth

[SatsumaFSoysoy]

I pity whoever would give birth to me anyway

[AnonymousSpeed]

Yo all its your boy back with more input nobody asked for.

ROSTER: I wouldn't say what you have now is it's "finalized" finalized roster, considering how this is still effectively pre-alpha. I would actually recommend an active (if not immediate) roster expanding process of finding the users with high presence or importance, the ones who really define the forum's culture, and asking them for their permission to include them. While the submissions are good, not all of the most prominent SF posters have asked to be included, so sticking just to current submissions doesn't really fulfill the purpose of SFE.

PLOT: The tongue must he so firmly inserted into the cheek as to poke out the face. Anything else would be doomed to absolute disaster.

SECOND GEN: This sounds like an unnecessary and really awkward idea because none of us are someone else's children, as far as I can tell.

[Von Ithipathachai]

1 minute ago, AnonymousSpeed said:

I would actually recommend an active (if not immediate) roster expanding process of finding the users with high presence or importance, the ones who really define the forum's culture, and asking them for their permission to include them.

This would be ideal, but then what are the criteria for high presence/importance?  Everyone has their own favorite users after all.

Then there's the issue of who should be demoted to boss character.  It would appear quite a few minor users have gotten into the playable roster by virtue of being first came, first served.  What's its current size, a little under 30?  @Joshii, what's the absolute highest you think the playable roster should go if we decide to add more 'celebrity' users?

[Sub Zero]

I believe that Blazing Sword and Binding Blade had around 40 characters, so my limit is 45. 

If I can, I'll try to post a poll about the Gen 2 idea, even though I know the result, I think its fair that everyone gets a chance to speak for, and against, ideas that folks put out.

I'll try to release the finalized list when I can, but I am fairly busy at the moment. So it may take a day or two.

 

[Von Ithipathachai]

7 minutes ago, Joshii said:

I believe that Blazing Sword and Binding Blade had around 40 characters, so my limit is 45. 

If I can, I'll try to post a poll about the Gen 2 idea, even though I know the result, I think its fair that everyone gets a chance to speak for, and against, ideas that folks put out.

I'll try to release the finalized list when I can, but I am fairly busy at the moment. So it may take a day or two.

Okay.  Maybe I can start by asking Slumber and Shadow Mir if they'd be interested in participating in some capacity.  They strike me as pretty famous.  Personally I think it would be hilarious if they made up an Arran and Samson pair.

[thecrimsonflash]

2 minutes ago, Von Ithipathachai said:

Okay.  Maybe I can start by asking Slumber and Shadow Mir if they'd be interested in participating in some capacity.  They strike me as pretty famous.  Personally I think it would be hilarious if they made up an Arran and Samson pair.

that would be pretty funny

I also nominate Ice Dragon given his presence on the heroes forum.

[Pengaius]

28 minutes ago, Von Ithipathachai said:

This would be ideal, but then what are the criteria for high presence/importance?  Everyone has their own favorite users after all.

While not a completely perfect solution perhaps try checking the Serenes forest interview threads to see who's been interviewed the most or earliest