”...Like a statue in a Garden of Dreaming, he stood motionless and bound to his mortal mistakes and grief, amidst the ruins of the once magnificent temples and structures that now stood silent, long torn asunder from their former glory. Mold-built patterns entangled their walls and the dark waters surrounded the whole, long rotten place of wandering souls and morbid silence. He gazed into the emptiness and eternal darkness that engulfed the Realm of the Sleeping Souls and waited; waited on the plateau from where once the Sun rose...
...From the distance, a wail could be heard, carried by the wind like a great fleet of echoes of the despair-ridden souls. He looked down at the lone grave - adorned with a winged angel towering above it, and felt his heart bleed... there She was, sleeping with the earth, the very reason of his now miserable existence. How he mourned and wished for a release. But now, not even Death would break him free from this torment.
...Bound never to speak a word, in his mind he thought: ”The holder of my heart, I dreamed of you; both you and I. Entwined together and live our dream ...oh, how I love you, wishing it all would still be true...”His dimmed eyes of grey had no tears to break free. Even that was taken away from this broken shell of a man. In his solitude, motionless he stood and mourned. Alone...”
- Souls of Solitude
The Moonlight Path – Prologue Part I: Dreams made of Blood
Welcome to the city of Alaghôn; the Throne of Turmish by the vast shores of the Sea of Fallen Stars! The enormous city of trade and commerce, marvelous and dark secrets, debating Dukes, Nobles and traders alike. The prosperity of the City has grown it to its glorious form as it is seen today, with the massive Cathedral towering in the center of Alaghôn, marking the new era of Monarchy within Turmish itself.
Ruled now by an Enigmatic female leader of immense power, the capital of Turmish has had significant changes along the years under her rulership. But along has come many problems, more debates and a storm foretelling of danger and war. Surrounding Kingdoms and Domains have fallen in a debate with the new rule of Turmish, bringing a dark shadow upon the city of Alaghôn.
Alaghôn now under the swelling chaos and disorder has also risen the Black Network – The Zhentarim, from their slumber within the city, their chance for power now at hand. Trade within the city is plagued with black markets, Nobles are being fallen under the knife of mysterious assassins and both the residents and the Militia encounter the dark secrets finally risen from the dark depths of Alaghôn. The call for the local and distant Mercenary groups has been sent forth and the troubles seem not to have an end. Whatever is the true reason beyond the unrest within the City, is yet to be unveiled...
This is where it all begins, the very foundations of the story behind The Moonlight Path, years before the actual events to come in the core-story. Based loosely to the actual city of Alaghôn (of Forgotten Realms) and its rule, disputes and overall setting, I have reforged it to the fitting style of The Moonlight Path adventure that it's meant to be. The story set within Alaghôn is looked from two ”perspectives”, the other being the actual main story continuing to the very depths of the Main story, and the other is giving even more depth behind the reasons of all the things and characters alike. If that didn't make sense, just wait and see.
What happens in the Prologue is relevant to the actual Main story of Moonlight Path, for many of the key characters play a certain role in the events to come. Even some events are and have crucial ties to the very outcome of Moonlight Path storyline.
I welcome you to set foot upon the cobbled stones of Alaghôn, to take the first glance into the dark world of The Moonlight Path adventure.
Perspective I: A lone Man's Path
This is where the player starts from the ranks of the Zhentarim, telling a story of a cold-blooded assassin, sent on a mission by the Black Network and facing more than bargained for. Betrayal is ever-present in the ranks of the Zhentarim, but the simple assassinations goes further than just diving a dagger into someone's heart. A compelling story of betrayals, inner conflicts, and finding oneself.
Perspective II: The Ascending of a New Dawn
The Militia, now desperately more than ever, has called forth the vast ranks of the Mercenaries to find reason and order within Alaghôn's walls. The simple call for help takes the main character deeper into the very heart of the conflicts, murders and dark secrets. Who is an ally and what is the true reason beyond all the troubles, you cannot tell. Find out the truth, whether it truly serves to help the city of Alaghôn or not.
About the Prologue I:
Story: Many faced story, to which the player can affect in different manners. Filled with moral choices, matters of life and death and betraying the betrayer, intriguing characters have many ways to deal with that result in different outcomes.
Characters: ~50 key and plot characters with personal, unique and compelling stories behind their lives and vivid, written dialogue. Some truly personal and original companions to share the experience with or involve it even further.
Areas: 3 massive outdoor districts of Alaghôn and 45 indoor areas to explore and filled with detailed intrigue, characters and quests to perform at. Even secret areas have been added for sake of more interest. I just might add a listing/map of the City later on, depicting all the areas by name and reason.
Quests: 60-100 Quests in total are aimed for. Since the story isn't quite perfectly done yet, this might change in due time.
Testing: Thus far, the mere ”run & explore” method took me 1½hours with all loading time and running around Alaghôn at the relevant and plot-related locations and areas. Add dialog, quests and cutscenes to this, we are sure to exceed 4-6hours of actual gameplay per story.
Factions: There are quite a few factions within the city, but these are brought in to add diversity and intrigue to the events and setting of Alaghôn. Some of them include; The Zhentarim, The Inquisition and The Harmonians.
Music: Original music composed by our very own, three composers to soothe your ears with just the right music needed to enhance the visual atmosphere of the adventure!
Content: (K-18 if you will) Heavy on violence and some disturbing content; drugs/alcohol/sexual content & prostitution/abuse and violence directed on minors. Interesting and believable characters with compelling stories, interesting quests, fantasy-like atmosphere with realism. Romance is also possible and much more!
This pretty much sums it up since the last update. More is yet to come in time. Until then, I bid you farewell! Oh, and let's make an unofficial, or why not official POLL as follows:
Share your thoughts and desires about the adventure about to unfold!
What is YOUR desire to see in a non-commercial product that breaks the lines and leaves nothing inappropriate undone (The Moonlight Path that is). Is there something you think the games today lack and what you would see done in your way. Share your opinion and let's see what can be done!
Send your answer to either directly at me here on modDB as private message, or icarasacht@hotmail.com with subject ”MOONLIGHT POLL” and I will be much obliged to read them through. And if you hate/love something you've already seen me do with Moonlight Path adventure, add that opinion too! Best questions with answers will be put on public display for all the world to see.
Loving all you supporters,
Markus ”Azz`Taruth” Elo – Lead Designer of this disturbing project.
It looks great, been following this mod for a long time and cant wait to try it. :)
Lookin' good.
I finally picked up Neverwinter Nights 2, so I can download this mod and check it out.
thanks guys
Still following this mod. waiting for a playable segment.
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great job, looks good :)