My love on hold... | 02.14.11

An aching heart Does anyone really like a break up on Valentine's Day? That's the Fate ... of the Auren ... at this point in time. Things have taken a turn in my personal life, a now or never opportunity, that surfaced and I took hold of. The final module in the trilogy has gone well during the initial building stage and I'm quite happy with what I've put together. The important areas are done and writing has begun, in clumps and spurts, to be honest with those who still stop by from time to time. The plot arc is well developed and I know the direction the module will take, so no worries on that part either. Classroom in the High Tower Sadly, Fate of the Auren did not begin immediate development after the completion of Shadewood which begun soon after the completion of Almraiven. I took a much needed break when Shadewood went public and took my time in putting together a possible story arc for a third and final module, leaving the option in the air until I was ready to continue building. That's the main reason it has not met the two year gap that I planned for. Into the Wild When development for Fate of the Auren began, I had started to fiddle with a few tilesets, which took most of my time in the early development cycle, not particularly focusing on any form or structure in bringing a story to life but rather, just having fun and visualizing a possibility of a third and final module. In comparison to Almraiven and Shadewood, Fate of the Auren adds a level of complexity that in itself, is Almraiven and Shadewood combined. It is the final tale that never had an ending when Almraiven was first created and even with the release of Shadewood, a much darker tale in itself, created a larger story arc that was incomplete and growing. Choices . . . The added level of being dead and the choices in which the player has made through Almraiven and Shadewood is quite grand and impressive. Did the player take the time to assist Ashe, Mera and Kesa in the Demons of an Old Man quest while adventuring in Almraiven? Did the player kill Colir Loomstalk or Zoetia in Shadewood? Who is their laboratory assistant or their companion? Did that companion die in the Land of the Living as a ghost or not? How about Luana? Was she found dead in her home within Almraiven because the player walked around the city announcing they were a member of the Auren Society of Weavers? A few of the many choices a player is able to make during the course of their ... living ... adventure. An old friend The opportunity that I mentioned above begins on February 16, 2011 and one I need to do for myself. Fate of the Auren will see completion, just not in the time frame I wanted. Life tosses you pitches and when you know you'll hit a grand slam, you swing, run the bases and come home when you're good and ready. City exploration I'm off to Nepal and India for 4 months, my own adventure and because of this, Fate of the Auren development is on hold until June 2011. Direct communication may be done through my e-mail, found within the Almraiven.txt and Shadewood.txt files. I will not be checking this blog while I am away or responding to any communications left on the Bioware message forum. Travel itinerary Until my return, PJH!