Tale of the Cursed Lantern - Pre-Alpha Available

[Saltwater Croc 115]

ANNOUNCEMENT! Pre-Alpha IS HERE! Download at bottom of OP

 

 

TO WATCH LIVE DEVELOPMENT OF TALE OF THE CURSED LANTERN, TUNE IN TO MY LIVESTREAM CHANNEL, Iron Croc's Domain.  Live Development every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday! (tentative)

Steams may inclute music looping, artwork, or actual development in RM XV Ace. 

 

 

 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE TALE OF THE CURSED LANTERN ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK!

 

 

WHOSOEVER FREES THE CURSED FLAME SHALL BE DOOMED TO

 

PERISH SHOULD THEIR OWN FIRE BE QUENCHED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Countless ages ago, A vicious and hideous evil was vanquished by a legendary warrior. The monster, a fire demon, left behind a special “giftâ€, a cursed lantern which would fuse his remaining fire with the body of the one whom would be foolish enough to disturb the flame inside. Some time later, the Kaiser Kingdom was founded, its grand opulent castle built on the final resting place of this horrifying little secret. The only one who knew of its true whereabouts was slain in battle. But was he truly the only one who knew?

The Tale of the Cursed Lantern was the most popular tale of lore in the Kaiser Kingdom, many flocking to the castle in search of the forbidden treasure. Some were too scared to even venture inside the beautiful structure for fear that the curse might take them and that they’d be consumed. Some say they could see a frightful glow coming from the basement vents of the castle. Perhaps, the fair Queen knew more about the legend than she was letting on? Perhaps the honest Queen was...hiding something?

No one knew. Not even her daughter, the Princess.

 

Over the years, the queen began to feel ill at ease, as if someone were after her. She started fearing the very shadows... She put on a brave face, but deep down she was most fearful. Someone, somewhere, somehow would bring about her untimely end.

Within weeks, she was found dead by the Princess and one of her trusty guards. Some could hear the anguished final cries of Her Majesty, but by the time anyone got to her it was too late. Moreover, the seal to the chamber where the cursed flame sleeps was unsealed. But by whom? Had they any connection with the murder of the Queen? What will become of the princess? Who will be the one to unleash the curse?

 

The inscription of the lore reads as such:

 

La te tangata e pa ki te ahi te kanga, ka mate haere, ka tona mura ki waho.

 

 

 

 

Your mother was horribly murdered and all the killer left behind was an antique lantern. But was this any ordinary lantern? Suddenly, almost the entire castle staff are after you! What were once harmless maids are now deadly enemies! There’s only one solution to this problem: ESCAPE!

 

Flee the perils of Kaiser Castle, all the while trying to figure out how her poor Majesty was killed. And why. Maybe a guard might help you. Just maybe... or maybe you might be thrown in prison. There’s only one way to find out.

 

 

 

Story - 100%!!!!

Gameplay - 45%

Mapping - 10%

Sprites - 40%

Music - 60%

Art - 10%

VoiceOver - 5%

 

 

Kaiser Castle is arguably one of the most beautiful structures in the entire world! The majestic towers of this beacon of wealth and power attract visitors from all over the world. Fabulous galas and balls have been hosted here, serving royalty from all around. The people of the Kaiser Kingdom pride themselves on being the best, even down to the farmers and fishermen. How much more the staff and servants of the castle? Visitors flock to the castle at the glimmer of a chance to taste one of the fabled Fire Rolls, a Kaiser Specialty pastry named after the fabled “Cursed Flameâ€. Few get the chance...

However, nobody knows just how the great and powerful Kaiser Kingdom even came to be, let alone their rise to power. What existed before the kingdom? No one seems to know. Also, no one knows who ruled before the great Queen Elysia. Did... anyone rule before the great Queen Elysia?

 

 

 

Tale of the Cursed Lantern is a FANTASY/SURVIVAL Adventure RPG. There are no battles here. Instead, you must use your wit, your sharp mind, and guts...to advance and make it out alive.

 

Guide the princess through the beautiful but dangerous Kaiser Castle: Through castle corridors, lush gardens, Deep, dark catacombs, the castle crypt-wait. WHAT? Well... heh. You’re on your own!

 

You’ll have to find out how the queen died, find out why, and uncover the killer! But the twist is that you have to keep yourself from being killed! It’s not just one killer after you. The entire staff of Kaiser Castle wants your head! What’s a young princess to do?

 

Scavenge the castle for helpful items that might help you later. Even that bunch of old grapes you found on the kitchen table that nobody in their right mind would eat...may have some use.

 

The princess has much more to lose than, well, her life.

 

Most of the castle staff have turned against the princess after the curse is unleashed. Fortunately, not all. A few are willing to help! However, if you don’t help them as well, they may just turn you in...

 

As you explore the castle, you may come across a few...difficult decisions. You may have to choose between your own life, and another, innocent soul. Which will you choose, if ever such a decision came to pass? Why couldn’t it be both?

 

As you uncover the mysteries of Kaiser Castle, you must be careful not to let your own fire go out! If your fire becomes extinguished, then so will you. Find ways to feed yourself and your fire!

 

More features:

 

Puzzles and mazes abound.

FULL Voice Acting!

A (almost!) FULLY custom soundtrack!

Perils at every corner!

Multiple characters to play as, each with their OWN goals!

 

THE MIGHTY DEATHSWALLOW ORGAN or MDO, a massive 5 manual, two console beast with a network of pipes that spans 45 feet tall!

 

Custom artwork by yours truly 

Opportunities to play as different characters, each with different goals!

 

CAUTION: Some scenes may contain sudden loud noises and/or Jump Scares.

 

 

 

Queen Elysia

 

The ill-fated matriarch of the Kaiser Kingdom. Who would want to end her and why? She is renowned for being a kind soul, always putting others first. Her kindness and generosity has allowed the Kaiser Kingdom to explode and flourish.

 

Julius

 

Elysia’s third in command. He’s been put in charge of the Princess’ safety at all times. He’s a bit of a goofball and quite dramatic at times... maybe overly so. Despite this, however, when battle or action calls, all playfulness melts away, revealing the warrior machine within.

Fantasia

Little is known about this girl. She wanders about the castle corridors completely undetected. Some say she’s the imaginary friend of the Princess...

 

Princess Isa

The princess of the Kaiser Kingdom. She’s very shy and quiet, almost never speaking. The queen is constantly disappointed in Isa at her refusal to speak, let alone in public. A queen must have flawless public-speaking skills. She seems afraid, somehow. But of what? If only she’d speak...

 

Staluc

The first ever nonhuman to work as a guard in Kaiser Castle. He's a hulking wolf and is very powerful. SO powerful he has to wear power-dampening bracelets so he doesn't knock the stone walls down with one swing.  Few of the staff have grown to befriend Isa. Staluc was one of them. He looks mean and ferocious, but he's actually a kind, tenderhearted, caring soul.

 

Mura Wehi

The curse of the lantern has a name. The fiersome Fire Demon who left his last "gift". His name was Mura Wehi.  His name literally means "Fearsome Flame". Very little is known about this beast.

 

Prince Nicolas "Nico" Victor Laren

The prince of a faraway kingdom. But what is he doing here? And why is a 14 year old prince out and about with no escort? He is a sweet and charming individual. Charming to a fault. Does he have any idea what's going on within the deadly castle wallss?

 

 

Story: IRON CROC

Non-Custom Music: Eugene Gigout, Alexandre Gilmant, St Saens, Also freesmallchurchmusic1.com

 

SCRIPTS:

KilloZapit, Khas, Yanfly, TBE

 

Engine: Enterbrain

Graphics: Enterbrain, Deathswallow, Kanax, Celianna, TBE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More screenshots will be added as game progress continues!

 

 

I choose to believe that a good video game has may things balanced well. Good gameplay, eye-pleasing graphics (No soul-crushing pink-on-yellow against black.) and MUSIC. The MUSIC is what made me want to create my own video games ever since I was a child. Yes, my love for the game goes way back, some 25 years. (Not THIS game, mind you.)

 

Most of the music is classical-baroque sounding, and much of it features the KING of instruments, the mighty PIPE ORGAN. Now, some of you may not be fans of that, and some of you might be!

 

I want to do everything in my power to create a soundtrack for this game that will evoke similar emotions to those I felt playing those games as a child. Feelings of awe, of wonder, of amazement... and of inspiration. If I’ve inspired at least one person to create, then it was all worth it.

 

 

 

Three words have never struck such fear into the hearts of a would-be let's player: PRINCESS OF PERIL.

I was going through some rather difficult times then, but I suppose no excuse is ever good enough. I'd like to formally apologize to all players who played Princess of Peril and walked away frustrated. That was not my intent. Of course, it was my first game ever, and I've learned so much from the experience. I'd do it all over again.

 

Tale of the Cursed Lantern is not just some simple "Remake". This game is going to be everything I imagined Princess of Peril to be, but never had the time nor experience to do so. Armed with newly found knowledge and one of the best supporters out there, I aim to create a game that will leave a lasting impression. A positive one that may extend far beyond RMW. Who knows.

 

What was once a filler project to move out of the way for a much larger project has grown into a mature, substantial project all its own.

Thank you for your time in reading through all of this. I sincerely you hope you enjoy Tale of the Cursed Lantern as it grows.

Thank you.

 

Some things to get over:

 

 

Save points.

Fourth-Wall Breaking.

Tall sprites, Generator Sprites.

RTP Tiles.

Mostly non-custom artwork.

Non-custom GUI.

Almost no scripts.

This is NOT a high-res project.

 

 

That is all.

 

 

Download the demo HERE

 

Would you like to support Tale of the Cursed Lantern? Grab a lantern and proudly display it in your signature! Choose one of four designer colors. Simply highlight, hit CTRL C, then CTRL V in your signature. Each lantern will take you back here!

 

 

     

 

 

 

Thank you! Enjoy your day!

Edited August 17, 2015 by Iron Croc

[Darkanine 116]

I like the idea, I hope you'll be able to find lots of items around the castle though. I've always thought a game where you organically found items through the environment instead of items out of nowhere would be really cool.

My main issues is the mapping is a bit bland, maybe you should do some more lighting/parallax effects. One nitpick though, why is the lore in Gujarat (I think its Gujarat at least)? Everything else has an medieval euro feel so maybe you could've gone with an old-europe writing system like Old-Bulgarian or Old-Hungarian.

(Sorry for bad grammar, really late here).

[Saltwater Croc 115]

I like the idea, I hope you'll be able to find lots of items around the castle though. I've always thought a game where you organically found items through the environment instead of items out of nowhere would be really cool.

My main issues is the mapping is a bit bland, maybe you should do some more lighting/parallax effects. One nitpick though, why is the lore in Gujarat (I think its Gujarat at least)? Everything else has an medieval euro feel so maybe you could've gone with an old-europe writing system like Old-Bulgarian or Old-Hungarian.

(Sorry for bad grammar, really late here).

 

Yes, there will be plenty of items to find, give, and trade. That's half the fun for me! Some items are optional, and some do very special things, like in the sidequest(s).

 

Yes you're absolutely right, the mapping does need a bit of work. I'm sorry to say those screenshots are quite old and I've practiced a bit since then. I'm also sorry to say that I don't know how to parallax... :/ (Someday I may be able to learn.)

I've been working on my mapping and I assure you the screenshots WILL improve.

 

 

I honestly was looking for a symbol-y language and I just chose that one. I've been thinking of replacing the Gujarat with Maori, since that's a more accurate portrayal of the game's lore. I know it sounds strange, but there is a connection between medieval themes and tropical islands here!

[+ LadyMinerva 998]

Ahhh the sound of mysteries.... my favourite genre~

Since it's your first project, I'll keep it hush hush until I try it out~

 

I really don't have a lot to say since many of them are already mentioned on the first post~ xD Since it's kind of a mystery sort of thing, I hope there is a lot to explore and interact with~ because I love those things in a game like this. Plus it sounds like a lot of secrets are hidden by the way your story goes. I look forward to trying it out~ ^-^

[Necromedes 103]

I offer my services as a voice actor to you.

[Saltwater Croc 115]

I offer my services as a voice actor to you.

Oh, rock on!!! Do you have a demo or an example of your voice? So I'd know where to cast you.

[Necromedes 103]

Give me a character concept and some lines of dialogue and I can get one to you.

Warning: I have never done any professional, however I have worked on my alternate voices for literally years.

[Saltwater Croc 115]

That's good, Necromedes. Very good.

 

When I have a more substantial update, I'll be holding an "official" casting call on the official RPG Maker Forums....  But I think I know a character that might suit you. I'll have to work on more lines and things.

Well... Amysaurus/Qtpi0121 and another friend managed to convince me to try drawing my OWN busts for the game, so that's gonna be a thing.

 

I have a mini update, as well. I'm working on a flow document, which scripts out each and every chain of events, down to the dialogue. That's almost half-done. (considering I started a week ago, I'm pretty pleased.) I'm working at a feverish pace to get it done ASAP so I can start mapping. I should be releasing a voice demo soon as well. I'm shooting for..... wednesday. Thursday tops.

[Saltwater Croc 115]

Twelve days later....

 

 

I am most pleased to announce that I have a complete game outline in my hands.

This game has become one of the most personal projects I've ever done, because development started in a very dark time in my life. My father was very ill, and so were many other people in my family.  I had doubted myself a lot during the past six months, but here, now...

 

I have proof that this game is real, and this game will be all I know it can be.

I have a compelete story, start-to-finish, AND a complete outline/flow document.

Here. Have a screenshot.

The outline is abut 46 pages and the game itself will have SIX possible endings.

 

More hands-on work will begin tomorrow.

Thank you to all who've helped me out in the past 6 months. Thank you.

Edited February 14, 2015 by Oceaniqo

[Necromedes 103]

It looks like you've been busy.

[Saltwater Croc 115]

I have. I haven't forgotten about you, man! I've just had to pur my priorities in check!  The reality about the voice acting is I probably won't start looking for that until I'm about halfway done, OR when the project is well-polished and can grab enough attention. I hope you understand.  I can still send you a couple test lines though, if you like.

[Necromedes 103]

Its no problem and I know you didn't forget. Take your time.

[Saltwater Croc 115]

Guys! I have a mini update to prove I'm not dead! I started drawing busts!  This is a very crude WIP.  (I've been practicing. ^__^ )

 

  (And yeah it's a little big for now. I'll make it smaller later )

 

This is the NEW bust for Julius...
Erm... Yes, I always start drawin' them without clothes on. It gives me good body practice!

What?!?!!

Stop looking at me like that!! .__.;

 

But yeah. I'm reeally excited for this.   My first ART stuff here!!

[Saltwater Croc 115]

I'm very pleased to announce that I have my FIRST GAMEPLAY TESTING! It was a success!  After FINALLY getting over a creative hump, I managed to finish mapping the bare bones of the castle as it will appear in the playable prologue of the game. The carne con papas of the prologue will come later.

 

I'm so happy! Rejoice with me! 

 

And I'm showing you all! (NOTE: Title Screen is TENTATIVE)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZjaS8epBxs

 

I'm looking forward to moving ahead full-tilt boogie from here on. Thank you to ALL who have supported me from day one. If I could hug you all I would! (Yes, I'm aware of the sprite error. I'm working on it. )

Edited March 19, 2015 by Iron Croc

[Saltwater Croc 115]

A bit of sad news...   My lantern monster (Statue by day, monster by night) and my prince were both lost when I factory restored my PC and I will have to redesign them.

 

 

And now, for another update.    I bring you pretty visuals.

 

The central garden of the castle, as it appears in the prologue in game.

 

 

 

 

The garden in the editor.

 

 

 

 

 

The 106 person dining hall. Look! No more floating food!

 

 

 

 

The grand hall where the main part of the ball will take place. Sprites and mini game to be added.

 

 

 

 

 

Princess Isa's room.  Rather tiny, isn't it? And why is there a guard in her room?

 

 

 

 

The northernmost corridor in the castle. In case you may not  know, the castle is a very showy place. Who else would have indoor lakes for a desert castle?

 

 

 

 

 

Looking ahead, I recorded a scene of the game when things get more dicey. The awakening of the fire spirit!

Mura Wehi: Iron Croc. Roughly Translated, he's saying "You're dead!" 

https://soundcloud.com/dlsea/voice-demo-3-transfer-of-power

 

 

Looking further ahead, NEW MUSIC!!!!! New bonus extra music.  This will be for a town. Yes, the game now extends beyond the castle itself! This music makes me wanna dance.

https://soundcloud.com/dlsea/the-green-and-blue-dragon-arrangement

 

 

Well, that's it for this update. Thank you all for following. If you like what you see, spread the word and support me! I'd be most grateful. 

Edited March 24, 2015 by Iron Croc

[Saltwater Croc 115]

I was interviewed by broadcaster Keniisu Gaming. Check out the podcast here!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOyNTQImdlk

[Saltwater Croc 115]

Hello everyone!  I bring you ARTWORK.  The following is lineart only, and will be colored soon.

 

Julius (Out of Uniform) :

 

 

Prince

More to come later! Time to smexify this game!

[Saltwater Croc 115]

ANNOUNCEMENT TIME!!!

 

Totally stole this idea from Kyuukon and miraculo island from RPG Maker Web's forums

 

I'd like to see if I can get the community involved.  Much of Tale of the Cursed Lantern involves collecting items that do things, or that you give to 'people' or use to make things happen.

In one part, you throw certain items into a furnace and some..thing..   might happen.

I'd like to see what you the community can come up with.

 

See if you can come up with items with short descriptions. These items might be bartered, traded, given,   thrown into a fire   used in special ways...

 

Make sure said items would work well in a fantasy world AND in medeival times.  Some items might be usable only by certain playable characters even...

 

PM me your ideas for items, and if I like them well enough I'll use them in the final versions of the game!

 

Also...

Watch this space.  A demo will appear here soon. Very soon...  Some of you will have been waiting for this for a long time and I thank you for your patience.  Your patience will be rewarded!

Edited April 5, 2015 by Iron Croc

[Saltwater Croc 115]

It's time for an update...

 

I have three things for you. The SHOW:

 

New voiceover work.

 

 

 

This is the spirit of the lantern.  Wait a minute...  . . .?

Yup.  It's sentient.   Ooookayyy.

 

https://soundcloud.com/simon-dlsea/lantern-spirit-beckoning

 

 

New maps!

 

 

What does a tropical island have to do with a fantasy medeival setting?  Heh heh heh... more than you'd think.

 

 

We meet again, Lantern...

 

 

What was once one lantern chamber is now an entire maze.  Easy, of course. This IS the beginning of the game.

 

 

NEW MUSIC.

 

https://soundcloud.com/dlsea/tale-of-the-cursed-lantern-tombs-and-chambers

 

 

 

Now that I can draw again, I will be spending some hours into busts.

 

More to come soon.

 

 

 

That... darkened quickly.

 

Edited April 18, 2015 by Iron Croc

[Saltwater Croc 115]

Update... Proof that I'm not dead. SOMETHING!

 

 

Buenos Dias, mi amigos!  (Good morning, my friends!) 

A little Spanish lingo for ya...

 

 

I am taking a different approach for drawing characters. I'm going to sketch them out roughly, so people will have an idea what they look like. 

I think I have drawing males down pat.  A kind artist has agreed to take me under her wing to learn how to draw females, so I'm grateful for that.

 

Here is JULIUS, in his armor. I am working on more animated expressions as well. 

 

 

And here is some ending credit music I decided to write. I personally HATE sad end credit music.  I'd rather go for happy or even neutral mood credit music.

 

https://soundcloud.com/dlsea/in-the-silence-of-it-all

 

In the future updates, if you like what you see, tell a friend and share!   If not... I am always accepting feedback or suggestions.

 

Until next time, ladies and gents!

[Saltwater Croc 115]

More updates are here.

 

Why tell you about them when I could just...

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wptBVDEQpxU

[Saltwater Croc 115]

Time for an update I'd say!  Say hello to the NEW Kaiser Castle Gardens.  The old gardens are definitely still in the game.

But... something... happens in the game that changes... a lot of things.

 

 

And yes, I have officially taken the plunge into PARALLAXING.  Please enjoy. It is a work in progress, though.

 

parts will remain BARREN for the purpose of the demo. (I have a lot to do, might as well focus my energy on the demo!)

 

 

 

[corneredcosmos 21]

@Iron, wow.... I am just in love with how this is turning out it is very colorful gives it a good uniqueness towards its areas.

That grey areas a area I wouldnt want to be that's for sure, looks like some supper scary vodoo is happening up there!

Keep it up Iron your doing a great job, and I am pretty excited to see how that giant map turns out!

[Saltwater Croc 115]

Changes are coming...

Are you prepared?

https://soundcloud.com/dlsea/new-castle-crawl-wip

[+ CVincent 234]

Such an awesome project, it's really coming together! Also everyone should totally have a lantern in their signature.