LoL (probably not going to be allowed to use THAT acronym for long) is an amalgamation of fantasy and superheroics, where you join a clan of glorified mercenaries tasked with helping to keep the peace in a kingdom on the brink of bankruptcy. All magic in this world is temporary, aside from the Omni; a spell of mysterious origin from around seven years ago that caused all magic used on that day to be locked in place, permanently irreversible. Those impacted by this are known officially as Magetouched, though most just call them Afflicted. Many are unable to live a normal life, though they may also possess power unequaled by normal men. You will meet colorful characters, and either do that derring-do for good, or get creative and break whatever rules (or bones) you must to line your own pockets. It will be comedic, but hopefully throw a few shocks and awwwwws in there for you as well. Youâll have the chance to combat rival peacekeeping guilds, influence nobility and the general populace, learn more about the Omni, and maybe even make a few jades along the way.
I envision this as a three-city story; you start in the small burg of Grazton, then move on to a mid-range city and finally the capital itself, Sostine. Along the way the League will grow and change based on your choices, as you help select new members or bring about the excommunication (or worse) of old ones. You may even rise to the top and depose the Leagueâs current leader, if you can live that long. Youâll have the chance to focus on investigating the mysteries of the province and unlocking what secrets lie within, manipulating and schmoozing your way through the political ranks in search of that fickle wench known as Clout, or helping turn yourself and the League into a martial power of enough repute to rise high in the esteem of the Grand Duke and his court.
This will be centered around various âmissionsâ a few thousand words in length; many will be optional, but some must be done to proceed. Each one, when completed correctly, will offer some sort of permanent enhancement, such as the ability to strengthen a spellweave, pick up a new one, or increase a stat by 1. While this initial one does not allow you to choose who accompanies you, in most of the quests you will select one from a series of available League members to accompany you on any job (though for these purposes Floater and Tow Boy count as a single entity, since you canât have one without the other). Just be careful to treat them well; if you cheese them off too much or lead them to be hurt, they may not be available for a mission or two.
Character list (in the demo):
You- Three possible backgrounds are available, and while you donât see your family they will play at least a small part in the story. You are not an Afflicted with permanent abilities from the Omni, but do have the ability to use magic and can pick up spellweaves along the way. Please note that I havenât gotten spellweaves to work in battle just yet, that will be added in a subsequent update.
Knight Nudist- Leader of the League of Lunacy and owner of its home base, a slightly decrepit mansion on the outskirts of Grazton. The eccentric youngest child (albeit far from young these days, judging by the paunch forming above his ever-present utility belt) in a family of some status, whose parents barely tolerate his desire for unclothed justice in the likely vain hopes he will one day produce an heir where their other progeny have failed to do so. I literally wrote that last bit just now, but I like it so I think it will probably stick.
The Floater and Tow Boy- A deranged mage permanently stuck in levitation mode by The Omni and the mute man that serves as his sidekick, best friend, and primary mode of transportation. The Floater never lets Tow Boyâs inability to talk prevent him from having long, drawn-out, and possibly imaginary dialogues with his enigmatic colleague.
Helga Hercule- By far the most mild-mannered and timid of the team, in spite (or perhaps because) of her uncontrollable Omni-enhanced strength. She has the power to hurl a boulder half a kilometer but can never do anything that requires a gentle touch, such as pet a cat without smashing it into meat paste. She hopes to earn enough to one day be able to afford a servant to act as her âhandsâ to overcome her superpowered disability.
Akacia Floutras- A classically-trained spellweaver of no small skill, who joins (with some reluctance) at the same time that you do and carries the same probationary status. Sheâs not overly impressed by the lot of you and not afraid to show it.
Sirs Not Appearing in This Demo (aka Future Characters)
Paul Ticker or Scooter Praetorius- Early in the second city youâll have the chance to help the League choose from two creature summoner specialists. Scooter is a young, starry-eyed idealist whose naivete could prove his greatest asset or his undoing. Paul was exactly the sameâŠin his heyday, about twenty-five years ago. As a failed child prodigy, he turned to all manner of substances when he simply wasnât able to be the best, like no one ever was. He is accompanied by Irkzkpltyyyk, or Irk for short, a small imp Paul summoned on the fateful day of the Omni to fetch his slippers that has promptly been unable to return to his home dimension for seven years and is none too pleased about it. Expect strong PokĂ©mon vibes from these two.
Quick reference guide: 10 irons = 1 jade
Currently itâs 15,282 words, excluding code.
To play the demo, go here: https://dashingdon.com/play/hustlertwo/league-of-lunacy-fantasy-heroes/mygame/
So thatâs it. Happy April Foolsâ Day, and hope you enjoy what there is so far!