Carpe Diem: The Living Flame

[Linkforce]

Hello people of Charas!  Yes you've read correctly, Carpe Diem is back.  Well it actually never left, but it did drift down all the way to the 5th page.  :X  This is due to my lack of activity on the site and school.  Yes, school has consumed my life but as the semester is dwindling down, I find myself with more and more time so I'm getting back to work on the game.  I figured since my last thread was 18 pages long and so far away that I should start a new one to keep things fresh.  I went back to my bios and back-story and revamped most of it so if you think you've already read everything 100 times over, go back again there's probably something new.  Anyways, without further distractions, here's the game!  Enjoy!

Carpe Diem: The Living Flame  -Episode 1-

Story-Part 1: In the Beginning

In the year 2715, there was a prosperous world that flourished in it's technology and advances in science and research. This world relied on its natural resources to fuel its machines and ran on a global economic system that benefited everyone who lived on it. This world had only one continent on it named Kelevor. Everyone accepted everyone on this singular continent and the people lived in peace. However, there were a few people who were different from the rest. Those who were bored of the way of life, tired of the day to day rituals that plagued their existence, were ready to shake things up. For these few people, they saw the prosperous times as a perfect time to change the world and make a difference so that things wouldn't be so monotonous anymore. So they formed a pact known as the Arakian Seven. They rose up to the top of the worlds economy and soon gained enough political power to have an influence on the world itself. As their power increased, they needed to appoint a leader, a representative in the main branch of Kelevors government. So a man named Kedrak broke away from the Arakian Seven and became their formal leader, leaving the ranks of the Arakian Seven and changing them to the Arakian Six.

Story-Part 2: An Imbalance of Nature

As Kedrak and his Arakian Six rose in the ranks of government, they were soon feared around the world. As time went by, people began to realize the kind of man Kedrak was, the Arakian Six included. It seemed that Kedrak's true colors didn't come out until he stepped away from the Arakian Seven. He liked to stir up trouble, test the limits, and explore things nobody else dared to. His curiosity led him through a search through ancient texts, ones that were written in the times of a civilization thought to have been made up. It was then that he came across a discovery. He discovered the seven "Soul Flames"; mysterious objects that continued to appear and disappear throughout history. He gathered information on their locations and went with the Arakian Six to find them all. After years of searching, Kedrak had obtained all the Soul Flames. In an attempt to understand what their significance was, he brought them all together in an underground lab to conduct experiments. By doing so however, Kedrak created an imbalance in the energies of nature. The amount of energy emanating from having all seven Soul Flames in the same location had incredible negative effects on anything that required energy to work. Machines began breaking down all over the world and buildings' structures were failing. Civilization was beginning to be destroyed by the imbalance that Kedrak had created by bringing all the Soul Flames together.


Story-Part 3: From Death Comes Birth

As time went on and the world continued to crumble, Kedrak soon realized that this power would soon destroy the world he was trying to recreate. When he tried to separate the Soul Flames, he found that the immense energy wouldn't allow them to separate far enough to weaken their force. So with the knowledge he had gained from the ancient texts, he discovered a way to extract the "essence" of the Soul Flames and create one item that would serve as a negative force against the Soul Flames. He named this item the Star Stone. However, upon creating this stone, the conflicting energies reacted in a way that nobody expected. Things only got worse, as the skies turned black as the world began to change. Kelevor began to have massive earthquakes so fierce that it ripped the continent apart and separated it into four separate continents. As this was occurring, the Soul Flames were flung back to the far corners of the world on their own, resulting from the negative energy of the Star Stone. Voids in the sky began to appear everywhere. Beings came from these voids. Monsters and un-explainable creatures appeared and began to multiply throughout the world. In a matter of minutes, the world was a completely different place. When the chaos seemed to be reaching its peak, a massive void engulfed the entire sky. As Kedrak gazed at the sky, strange black life forms began pouring out of it. They rapidly erupted from the void and soon engulfed Kedrak in a massive dark aura. Suddenly, the Star Stone began emanating a bright light. Within a matter of seconds following the light, the skies cleared, the void had disappeared, and the chaos that had been awakened began to settle.
Kedrak had unleashed unto the world beings called Zylacs. These curious creatures began to roam the world and destroyed everything in their wake. An extermination of mankind began and from that day on, civilization would fight for their survival. Kedrak was never to be seen again, and the Star Stone as well. Now the Soul Flames lay hidden and they were never bothered with again, for fear of what might happen again.

Story-Part 4: A New Age of Man

Now, 212 years since those events, in a time of war over government, a familiar threat to the world is beginning to once again unfold. Although it hasn't surfaced yet, underground companies are conducting secret conspiracies. Also the technology that used to exist in the past is beginning to be rebuilt. Although Zylacs still roam the world, over the years, people have gotten a little more defense against them. Little is still known about them, as they are very hard to track. Their attacks seem random, but are always well thought out and tactical.
The story begins with the hero Skylar. A young man who lives deep in the Underground; a land that has been covered up by civilization to help forget about the events that happened over 200 years ago. Permission to leave the underground world is strictly forbidden, unless you are purchased a "favor". Usually, these favors span the length of 1-3 days of admission to the surface world. Lucky for Skylar, his best friend has gotten him a 2 day favor. But unknown to Skylar, is that his favor is about to be extended.


-Main Characters-

Skylar Lancaster

Age: 17
Sex: Male
Weapon: Sword
Description/Bio: The Hero of the story, Skylar doesn't really show any forward momentum to save the world. Since he no longer lives on Kelevors surface, he has no intention of saving or helping it. Skylar is a trustworthy person and trusts other people quickly. This usually leaves him in rough situations but he relies on his friends to help him out of them.  Haru is his best friend since they were babies and although they have their fights, they always have each others back.  Skylar is a person who wants to help others, but by being the "nice guy", usually gets burned.  Skylar is not really the fighting type, but he can hold his own against a tough opponent with his skills with the Thunder element.  Skylars soul calls Zelith; the Yellow Soul Flame.  Although at first he won't accept it, the events that take place while he encounters it will show him the truth.  But when something happens to Skylars Soul Flame, Skylar soon realizes that he can no longer be himself anymore.

Haru Linaf

Age: 18
Sex: Male
Weapon: Double Swords
Description/Bio: One of the less mysterious characters in the game, Haru is Skylars childhood friend.  Haru first met Skylar when he was 2 years old.  He boasts in his incredible skill with his Double Swords.  Given to him by his father and mother, he never goes anywhere without them and refuses to use any other weapon besides them.  He is one of the very few people in the world that can wield two swords and still have the skill and speed as if he were holding nothing.  His strength adds to his personality, sometimes making him arrogant. Skylar has learned to deal with it, but it is not without its conflicts.  Unknown to Skylar is that Haru has changed while they were separated.  This confusion of personalities may lead to more fights.

Zephyr

Age: Unknown. Completed in 47 years.  Buried for 212 years.
Sex: Unknown. Looks Male.
Weapon: Arm Blaster
Description/Bio: Formally named Zyero-0001, Zephyr comes from the past.  Zephyr was, at the time when the Zylacs first showed up, just completed by a science team under Kedraks direct control.  Kedrak funded the program so that he could have any information he needed at a moments notice.  It had been a 47 year old project, filled with everything there is to know about almost everything. It was designed as a memory bank of all the universe's knowledge, meant to be tapped whenever necessary.  Once completed though, they had to preserve it so that it would not be destroyed by the Zylacs.  Although it was made as a gatherer for information, in his last year of development when the Zylacs came they installed into it an integrated weapons system just in case.  With no time to test it, they buried it underneath a secret location in the ground.  A place where 212 years later is being excavated for construction.  Zephyrs awakening would mean terrible things.  With a being walking around containing all history's knowledge, only bad things can happen to obtain it.  But with the knowledge of the Soul Flames, can this creation have an objective?

Rayne Valentine

Age: 16
Sex: Female
Weapon: Energy Bracelets
Description/Bio: Rayne is the princess of the Southern Kingdom.  She's a sweet girl but with her other family members running the kingdom, she is usually left with not much to do.  She depends a lot on Alkamar, one of her guardians since she was a baby, to keep her occupied and keep her from being lonely.  Rayne doesn't get out much because the castle walls are all she has known her whole life.  Her relationship with her family isn't very strong at all.  Unless their lives are in danger, they rarely communicate.  Rayne dreams of a world without death and a place where she can live without constant protection.  Protection from what?  Rayne has always asked herself why she has not one, but two guardians.  It won't be long before her curiosity gets the best of her.

Draight Klaynehart

Age: 64
Sex: Male
Weapon: Gauntlets that temporarily increase his arm strength.
Description/Bio: Draight is a veteran airship pilot of 27 years in the W.A.A. (World Alliance Army)  Retiring after losing a dear friend in combat, he then set out to further his life in what he had become in the army; a pilot.  He pursued being an air pilot for 4 more years and then decided it was time to retire at the age of 53.  Since returning back home, his desire to continue to be somebody ruined his marriage.  Willing to sacrifice anything to be a pilot again, he joined up with a band of criminals to fly their ship for them.  This lasted 2 years.  During one of their "jobs", Draight got shot in his right shoulder and twice in his left arm, leaving them dead.  Using the money he had from the army he had surgery done, enough to save the arms but not enough to make them very useful.  He returned home to a wife that had left him and taken his only daughter away from him.  Draight set out to find them, hoping he could make up for the pain he had caused them and resume the life he once had with his family.  He searched for 6 years but to no avail.  Then at the age of 61, he secluded himself from the world and began to live on his own in a far off corner of the world.

Trance Lyel

Age: Looks 24
Sex: Male
Weapon: Ice Brand
Description/Bio: Trance is a very mysterious person, and tends to not be very open about it.  He speaks as though he has been alive for hundreds of years.  He knows a lot about Kelevor but keeps to himself most of the time.  Currently he is Rayne's other guardian, due to the promise of a long since dead friend.  While around her he tends to be open.  But around others he keeps to himself.  He is the quite type and always seems to be meditating or something.  He is a different type of guardian in that he is not always with Rayne.  Only when she needs him, he is there.  With this in mind he tends to travel around a lot.  Trance has a hidden strength about him.  He definitely doesn't look intimidating but he can give a look of fierce power.  Presently, he is on a personal mission.  One that will enlist the help of Skylar and Haru.  Unknowing to him, this meeting has a lot more to it then first glance.  

Alkamar Orbal

Age: Looks around 25-30
Sex: Male
Weapon: Pinwheel
Description/Bio: Alkamar is Rayne's second guardian.  He has a special relation to Trance though they are not brothers.  Although he may seem cold at times, it is only due to his lonely past.  He always says whats on his mind and is not afraid to tell the truth about anything or anyone.  Although he may seem like a bad choice as a guardian he has sworn himself to always being by Rayne's side and he does not go anywhere without her.  He shares a close bond with the the king, Rayne's father too.  They have been friends for years and the king can always trust him.  Alkamar hides his emotions well, masking how he feels with a constant stern face.  His cold and sarcastic attitude helps him give people sometimes hurtful nicknames.

Ledron Key

Age: 9
Sex: Male
Weapon: Small Training Rod
Description/Bio: When Ledron was 2 years old, both of his parents died from separate illnesses.  At age 3, he was adopted by a man named Tomura Miyagin; a martial artist who specializes in "peaceful" fighting that does not involve the use of limbs.  While Ledron was adopted, Tomura had already adopted another child by the name of Simon Ramlik; a child prodigy who by the age of 7 could solve all types of Algebraic equations in his mind.  Ledron was always a hot-head and tried to be tough and show off whenever he could. (He is actually a pretty big coward.) While he trained with Tomura, he would always fight until he could no longer stand.  And when he lost, he would then make up an excuse.  Ledron was not the type to take defeat so easily...even though he lost quite often.  He's like a punk kid that needs to be put in his place.  He's special somehow though...


Well, I hope you guys are still interested in CD. Comments are appreciated, and would be helpful too. Enjoy!!!

Nandez's Reviews: Want to see a review of each chapter before you play it?  Want to see a review of each chapter just for fun?  Then watch Nandez's Reviews, courtesy of Nandez himself!  Keep checking back here for updates and new reviews!  ::SPOILER ALERT:: Just be aware that the reviews may contain a few spoilers, though Nandez tried to avoid many of the major ones.  

Chapter 1

Chapter 2


Game Demo:
Carpe Diem: Episode 1 Demo #3...again

Now, whilst downloading the demo, please read these points to better understand things.

1. Anything marked with a CD in the resources has either been made for me, made by me, or a combination on the two.  Therefore, if you want to use any of them, I would appreciate it if you consulted with me first.  This includes all main Character resources even though they are not marked with a CD.

2. The intro of this game is timed with the music, so it would be wise to have as little programs running as possible, while the game is being played.

3. I don't think there are any game stopping errors in here.  The most you'll find are just spelling errors.

4. I would appreciate it if anybody who plays write what they think about it.  I am always open to constructive criticism.  

5. Just enjoy the game and take it all in.  Also, don't steal my ideas, that's a no no!  Lol, but of course have fun and play the game!!

To everyone who has waited patiently, enjoy the demo re-release!!!

[Linkforce]

Here are some various screenshots throughout the game.

Screenshots





























(Sorry for the random sizes, I don't know how to fix that)

[Linkforce]

Arakian Six

Arakian Six:The Arakian Six has been around for around 215 years.  They were formed to change the world to a "better" place in their eyes.  Many saw them as evil, but they were trying to "purify" the polluted and technological world.  When the Zylacs came around, they severed a major blow, and were destroyed.  They came back 52 years later, but with a new vision.  They were re-formed to eradicate the new worldly foes.  It was only composed of the strongest and most powerful of people.  Since the time of the first six members, each new member had to be the old members son or daughter.  It was simply heritage only.  But long since then, and since the new uprising of the new Western King 4 years ago, the Arakian Six has become a corrupt and evil organization, doing underground missions for the most pay.  Also, since this time, the tradition of heritage-to-join has been extinguished and is now mostly composed of the strongest out there.

Members:


Ephram
Age: Unknown
Sex: Male
Description/Bio: The Leader of the Arakian Six, Ephram is a very calm and mellow guy. He leads the Arakian Six, but not frontally though. He likes to give orders from behind a defense. Some may see this as cowardice, but he is an incredibly smart man, and can always outwit his opponents quickly. If things change in an instant, he will know what to do within a matter of seconds. He is never caught off guard, and is therefore never intimidated.  As far as his abilities go, he isn't very strong. Nor fast, or skilled in magic. He fights, but dislikes it. He is a man of the mind; able to psych out his opponents so that there is no need for a fight. Ephram's recent disappearance has forced the Arakian Six members to appoint a temporary leader though. This temporary leader gets right to work, to try and take advantage of his temporary high point in the food chain.


Bersius Shelgot
Age: 48
Sex: Male
Description/Bio: Bersius is the second strongest of the six, but not very smart. He used to be a champion Martial Artist, until one dreadful day when his mother was kidnapped. He set out to find her, and when he did, she was found violated and dead with scars. Filled with rage, he went on a rampage and attacked the tribe that had captured his mom. He was far too outnumbered, and was captured. As punishment for fighting their people, the tribe chained him down, and pored boiling lava onto his faced. Severely burned, they left him on the shore to die there. He miraculously rose the next morning but was blind and could not smell anything. He somehow managed to find himself back to the village which had been abandoned last night. He stumbled upon an ancient tribe mask depicting the tribal God of hope. He wore it from then on, and swore revenge over his life. He was later recruited to the Arakian Six.


Cilvikea Rencid
Age: 26
Sex: Female
Description/Bio: When Cilvikea was born, her mother had died in the process. Through the early years, her father took care of her. One night though, a gang of thieves came and stole everything from her village and burnt it down to the ground. Everyone died, and Cilvikea was left alone under rubble. The next morning though, when soldiers arrived, they had found her just barely alive and took her to an orphanage. There she was adopted by wicked parents who made her do slave work until she was 21 years old. Finally, one day while she was working in the fields, her spirit and her will broke, and she could not take it any more. She went to the shed and took out the field scythe. She then killed her parents, and escaped that wretched place. After escaping, she soon found out that her real father was a member of the Arakian Six, and soon joined to live on her fathers legacy.


Lankers Hymnal
Age: 27
Sex: Male
Description/Story: Lankers was raised in a very bad part of the world. A slums if you will. He was poor all his life, and didn't really have a good relationship with his parents. His mother was always away, and his father was always at work. One day though, Lankers followed his father to work. He had never known where he worked, and just got curious that day. When his father had reached his work, he knew right away that Lankers had followed him. Little did Lankers know, that his father was a member of the Arakian Six. What else he didn't know was that his father was a very big drug addict. Being on drugs at the time, Lankers' father beat Lankers nearly to death for following him. He broke his arm in three places, and officially disabled it. Years later, Lankers' father had died from Overdose, and Lankers assumed his position in the Arakian Six. Since being there, he has been granted with a magical aura made specifically to make his limp arm into a weapon.


Lascius Tavigard
Age: 20
Sex: Male
Description/Bio: Lacius is the oldest of the two brothers. Lacius was always the misunderstood child in the family. His father was a well respected and well known scientist in the A.S.G. After much preserverance in his studies, Lacius' father than was accepted as a member of the Arakian Six. Not for his strength particularly, but for his knowledge. Since then, Lacius' father never wanted kids. But was forced to when he was nearing his death. Lacius is a very calm and collected person. He hides almost all of his feelings inside. Very smart and tactical, he usually comes up with most of the plans for the Arakian Six. At birth, he and his brother both had an un-definable birthmark on their foreheads. This "special insignia" allows them to telepathically communicate. Lacius doesn't give much of a front, but with all he can do, he just might one of the most powerful members.


Rander Tavigard
Age: 17
Sex: Male
Description/Bio: Rander is the youngest of the two brothers.  Always the trouble maker in the family, Rander liked to break the rules and make new ones to benefit himself.  At the age off 17, he discovered a secret power that he had as a result from the birthmark on his forehead.  He had the power to control and manipulate fire.  As he began to harness this power, his physical appearance began to change.  His hair began to turn red, and he eventually could no longer feel his hands or fingers.  The nerves in his hands and fingers were permanently destroyed from the intense heat.  But Rander soon used this to his advantage.  Now he could use fire without any pain in his hands.  Rander is a hot-head, and doesn't usually think before he acts.  He'll rush into any battle just to prove a point.  No matter what the odds.  Since he can control fire, he is a force to be reckoned with.  With his brother controlling the front, and Rander with support, they are almost impossible to beat.

[Linkforce]

Zylacs

Zylacs:The Zylacs are creatures who first made an appearance when the Soul Flames created the Star Stone.  They are deadly creatures who are relentless when in battle.  Very little is known about them, but they seem to travel in massive pacts.  It is very rare to see only a few at a time and this usually only happens when they are leaving an area or have just attacked an are.  Zylacs appear through rifts in space that appear without warning.  These rifts usually have a purple glow to them, and it serves as a gateway in which the Zylacs can travel through.  To date there has only been one man brave...or crazy enough to actually jump into one of these rifts.  He has never been heard of since.  It is unknown what the true purpose of these creatures is, but as far as the world is concerned, life would be a lot better without them.

Here are just a few types of Zylacs. (All sprites are 100% custom by Bluhman and Spike21).  Remember, these were made custom for my game.  NO stealing!


Reaver: The Reaver is the standard Zylac "soldier".  When a portal appears, usually almost 100% of the Zylacs that come out of it are Reavers.  They stand at roughly 8 feet tall.  Their primary attacks are a slash from their sharp arm and a burst of cloudy dark magic.


Zealot Pawn: Often referred to as cannon fodder to A.Z.A.F. forces, the Zealot Pawn does not pose much of a threat to a standard armed soldier.  They lack a formidable offense and defense, but what they do provide is magic support for some of the bigger Zylacs.  They have the ability to transfer their magic to other Zylacs, effectively increasing the bigger ones' magic strength.


Zealot Knight: The Zealot Knight is an older and more developed version of a Zealot Pawn.  It retains all the qualities of the Pawn but also has a formidable attack and defense.  Zealot Knights are like a miniature version of Reavers.


Malasii: The Malasii, at first glance, looks harmless.  Although it is a slow Zylac, it is extremely toxic.  It is said that even coming into contact with a Malasii will infect a person with a deadly bacteria.  If untreated, the bacteria will infest the body, kill the subject, and then decompose it into a thick, black, poisonous sludge.  A very gruesome death.


Zethanian: The Zethanian is often referred to as the "daddy" of the Reaver.  It stands at roughly 12 feet tall and is protected by a thick outer shell.  Usually, when a Zethanian emerges, it is alone.  Some A.Z.A.F. soldiers compare its strength to that of 10 Reavers combined.


Gatastar: The Gatastar, like the Zethanian, is often referred to as the Reavers' "big brother".  It is an extremely thick Zylac and stands at the same height as a Reaver.  Slow and cumbersome, the Gatastar is a tough Zylac, often requiring massive firepower to take down one at a time.

[Fisherson]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!!! ^o^ My second favorite charas game (though quicky becoming my favorite....don't tell Dren <.<) is BACK! ^ ^

Edit: ....Why can I not download the demo?

[Uberpwn_w00t]

Oh I remember this. Neat.

[Rowan]

Oh hey. Its back.

[ellie-is]

Sweet. I need to download that demo some time. I also have a feeling that the SoM tree in the last screenshot does not fits so well, but I guess its not such a big deal.

[zuhane]

Looking very lovely as always. If the characters aren't bland and all "I'll give it
my best." and "We must make haste to the town of Elderith." or something, then
I'll be sure to give it a try!

[Muraiko]

Download's not working...

[SaiKar]

Alkamar = craziest character design evar

*eyes demo suspiciously* I dunno. Last time I tried this game I got completely and hoplessly stuck at the endish of Alkamar's little subplot by totally impossibly hard bosses. Did you ever do anything about that?

[Linkforce]

Haha thank you everyone!     Umm, as for the demo not being available, I think something is wrong with the site, so for now I guess I just have to wait until it's fixed.  Once it get's running I'll let you guys know! 

Zuhane: The characters are not bland at all.  In fact I believe them to be the driving force in the game!

SaiKar: Thank you sir, Alkamar is quite intense lol   I have blackskullwarlock to thank for him.  Aaaand that portion has been tweaked a bit so he's not so impossible!  :]

[Fisherson]

*Paces backand forth waiting for demo*

[Linkforce]

Hehe, sorry Fish, idk what's up with the download.  :/  Fortunately, and unfortunately my main concern is just on the game as a whole, no the previous demo.  But I promise if I get some extra time I'll try to get the demo up again!!  Don't throw stuff at me!!  *Braces self*

[Fisherson]

Hehe, sorry Fish, idk what's up with the download.  :/  Fortunately, and unfortunately my main concern is just on the game as a whole, no the previous demo.  But I promise if I get some extra time I'll try to get the demo up again!!  Don't throw stuff at me!!  *Braces self*

Hmm....Very well I'll throw nothing at you... Execpt bolts of Force Lightning!! >_O *Zaps Sky* Work faster! I wana play that demo!