Carpe Diem: The Living Flame (Demo Re-released)

[Linkforce]

Okay, I know what you guys are thinking. "Another CD thread?"
Yes, another CD thread. My old one is too far back to bring back. But I promise that this one is here to stay. I'll be reposting all the bios and stuff like that, but the screens will be as updated as possible. Anyways, here it is.


Story-Part 1: In the Beginning

200 years in the past, there was a prosperous world that flourished in it's technology.  This world relied on its natural resources to fuel its machines.  This world had only one continent on it and it was named Kelevor.  All were welcome to live on this singular continent and the people lived in peace.  However there were a few that hated their world with bitter rage.  A world where everyone can get along?  It was absurd to them.  Everyone had their differences and they didn't like to share it with others.  So they formed a pact known as the Arakian Seven.  They rose up to the top of the worlds economy and soon gained enough power to have an indirect control on the world itself.  As their power increased, they needed to appoint a leader.  So a man named Kedrak broke away from the Arakian Seven and became the new leader of Kelevor, leaving the Arakian Seven and changing them to the Arakian Six.

Story-Part 2: Evil Within Itself

As Kedrak and his Arakian Six gained more power, they were soon feared around the world.  Nobody would have thought that someone would have hated the world to such a great extent, that they would actually try to rule it and change it for themselves.  As time went by, Kedrak grew tired of his control and set out to seek more power, more control.  He wanted to advance the worlds potential, reach out past this planet and onto another.  He was truly set on doing anything to become legendary.  He searched through Ancient texts, ones that were written in the times of great religion and came across a discovery.  He discovered the "Seven Soul Flames".  Ancient relics that have been here since the beginning of time.  He gathered information on their locations and went with the Arakian Six to find them all.  The texts turned out to be truth rather then myth.  Once Kedrak had obtained all the Soul Flames, the world began to change.  The machines would break down and the buildings would crumble.  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 the years past and the world continued to crumble, Kedrak soon realized that this power would soon destroy the world he was trying to recreate.  So with the knowledge he had gained from the texts, he discovered a way to extract the essence of the Soul Flames and create one item.  He named this relic the Star Stone.  This stone had the purified power of each Soul Flame.  Now, Kedrak could return the soul Flames to their resting place without disturbing the balance of nature.  But upon creating this stone, Kedrak had unleashed the fury of the Soul Flames and accidentally opened "Pandoras Box".  The skies turned black as the world began to change.  Kelevor began to have massive earthquakes.  Earthquakes so fierce, that it ripped the continent apart and separated it into four separate continents.  As this was occuring, 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 multiplied throughout the world.  This continued for days until, in an instant, everything froze.  The skies were black as death, and there was not a trace of breath anywhere.  At this time, all the voids that had appeared failed in comparison to the void that had engulfed the entire sky.  As Kedrak gazed at the sky, he saw black life forms pouring out of it.  They rapidly erupted from the void, and soon, engulfed Kedrak in a massive dark aura.  As this happened, the Star Stone began to glow, and it shined a magnificent light across the world.  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.  Created from the Star Stones energy, they began to roam the world, and destroyed all technology as they saw fit.  Kedrak was never to be seen again, and the Star Stone as well.  Now the Soul Flames lay hidden.  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.  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 alot 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 Tomaru, 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!!!

Game Demo:
Carpe Diem: Episode 1 Demo #3


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 ran through the game many times but I doubt I got all the "Sprinting" glitches out.  If you come across one, please let me know and just try to get passed it in the game.

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, thats a no no!  Lol, but of course have fun and play the game!!

Enjoy the demo!

[Linkforce]

After the begining introduction, you'll end up here, meeting the games main character.


You meet up with your childhood friend.


Central border is blocked......now what?


Now, you must venture through Serpent Cave.


You'll end up here in Temeri.


Temeri's cargo ship.


A conspiracy in the castle?


The Kings long awaited speech.


Hope you guys enjoy the screens!

[Linkforce]

These are the members of the 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 tham 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 undeground 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 (No last name yet)
Age:
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 frontly though. He likes to give orders from behind a defense. Some may see this as cowardise, 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 dissapearance 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 theives 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 arived, they had found her just barely alive and took her to an orphanarium. 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 Sythe. 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 fatherwas alwatys at work. One day though, Lankers followed his father to work. He had never known hwere 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 officialy disabld 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 mis-understood 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 telopathically comunicate. 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.

Hope you guys like 'em.  Comments are appreciated.  ^^'

[Linkforce]

There is a race in my game known as the Zylacs. These creatures play a very important role in the story and will be encountered numerous times throughout the game. So why not show them off and explain them a bit? Well, here's exactly that:


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. 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 concrned, life would be a lot better without them.

Now for a few different types of Zylacs. (All sprites are 100% custom by Bluhman and Spike21).



Reaver


Zelot Pawn


Zelot Knight


Malasii


Zethanian


Gatastar

Remeber, these were made custom for my game.  No stealing!

YOU CAN NOW COMMENT AS YOU PLEASE.

[aboutasoandthis]

Looks great. If you ever need anything, I'd be happy to help.

[Dominicy]

Originally posted by aboutasoandthis
Looks great. If you ever need anything, I'd be happy to help.

*readies up much bigger dominicy stamp of approval*  Woot for my favorite game (well, it clashes with MT, that game rocks.) returning to work!

[Fortet]

KICK ***
It's back! Again! ^_^
Looks as good as ever!

[Linkforce]

Thanks a lot guys.  I know I still have the way old demo up, but a new demo is going to be out very soon.  I already had someone test all the new stuff and he said it was great.  I don't have an exact date for the new demo, but just know that it is being worked on vigorously and shall be out before you know it.  

[blackskullwarlock]

This is the best example of why fancy battle systems or menus don't make a game. I, personally, played it from start to where Link is working on and I loved it.

Just when you think you know what will happen, things turn around. And the maps are great, almost perfectly balanced. Not too crowded, not to empty. And no weird or useless details. A mix of classic and fresh situations and plots.

As far as the music goes, I'd buy the soundtrack if this was to hit the shelves. Of course, we all know it won't, but the music is that great....even tho a few of them royally gets on my nerves.

Overall, I'll never say it enough, it's a great game. Great enough for me to follow it from start to finish. The VERY start that is. Good memories. I won't ramble on forever so keep up the good work!

[Linkizcool]

Yea! Glad to see this game has moseyed on back in!

[Bluhman]

Gasp. It's Carpe Diem: The Living Flame.

That reminds me. I'm totally going to have to make a short Murder-Mystery game named "Rigor Mortis: The Dying Dame". Muahahahahaaaa. Or maybe I won't make it. Stupid contest. Eating up my time.

[Meiscool-2]

It would be a CD:TLF topic if I didn't make a comment about how kickass Haru looks. Best spritesized battler I've ever seen still!

[Linkforce]

You mean it "wouldn't".  Lol, and I had no idea you liked his sprite so much.  Haha

[SaiKar]

Um. Is there supposed to be no way back across the bridge once you get the cap in the cave? I was stuck on that little ledge with no way out.

[Linkforce]

Yes, so long as you make it back to the other side before the timer runs out.  Other then that, there's no problem.