Keepers: The Project: A Work in Progress

Maniacal Tom on 5/12/2006 at 07:06

[center]WELCOME TO KEEPERS: THE PROJECT[/center]

[center]A mod for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

(http://z8.invisionfree.com/Keepers_The_Project/index.php) FORUM[/center]

[center]MISSION STATEMENT[/center]

[center]Keepers: The Project is an ambitious mod led by a small, dedicated team of developers. Our goal is a simple one; allow players of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion join and rise through the ranks of a new faction - the Keepers. Fans of the Thief series may recognise the guild as the constant thorn in Garrett's side; a group of mysterious individuals fixated on maintaining "The Balance" and reading "The Glyphs". Rest assured, everything you remember and love about the Keepers will be preserved in this new and exciting modification.

So, throw on your hooded cloak, find that old Glyph-Sword you keep in your cupboard, and prepare to face challanges you never thought were possible as you traverse the halls of this dark and troubled faction. The Glyphs no longer speak clearly to the Scribes; for the magic of the universe is shifting... and all eyes will fall upon you. The Elders speak in whispers of the "Exodus"; a terrifying event long prophecised - and you are its catalyst. May you find a swift and painless death, my friend, for that is all you can hope for in such an uncertain time. [/center]

[center]PROGRESS[/center]

[center]Concept: 100% Complete
Quests: 5% Complete
Design: 5% Complete
Assets: 5% Complete
Lore: 10% Complete[/center]

[center]FEATURES[/center]

[center]NEW FACTION

The Keepers will be a fully-functional and largely hidden guild operating out of the Imperial City, but with outposts scattered all over Cyrodiil. Their goal is to maintain "The Balance" by physically interpreting the magic of the universe in the form of Glyphical literature. Their existence - and that of Balance - will be incorporated seamlessly into Tamrielic lore while remaining true to the ideals of both The Elder Scrolls and Thief.

ORIGINAL PLOT

Keepers: The Project will feature a totally original and intruiging plot, drawn on inspiration from Thief. At the time of the player's inception to the guild, a mysterious event known as the Exodus is underway. The Keepers of all the worlds of Mundus are returning to Tamriel - to what end, not even the Elders can answer. The Glyphs no longer provide any guidance as they appear in new, unknown forms. Will you survive in this tumultous period?

NEW QUESTS

Dozens of new quests are planned for Keepers: The Project, involving everything from collecting books and ingredients to assaulting enemy strongholds. Use your intuition as you explore the Keeper Compound and you may receive missions of your own creation; help rebuild the smoking ruin of the Common Library, attempt to build a portal to another world, or uncover the secrets of the Elders. Almost every quest will include alternate outcomes, so good and evil players should never feel excluded.

LIVING GUILD

Explore the secrets and nuances of the extensive Keeper Compound. Interact on a personal level with your fellow Keepers; each one will have their own unique attitude, background, statistics and role within the guild. Learn how to deal with them and you may find your ordeal easier to endure. Of course, you can't satisfy everyone. When diplomacy fails, breaking into restricted areas is an efficient way to gather important information. But beware of the hideuous Glyph-Knights, for they patrol all the forbidden corridors of a living, breathing guild.

UNIQUE ADVANCEMENT

Unlike most factions in Oblivion, the Keepers will feature a unique rank-advancement system that puts the responsibility of advancement squarely on the player. Each week the Elders descend into the Council Chambers where they discuss the inner-workings of the guild, including potential promotions. In order to advance, the player must receive a majority vote. This can be achieved by performing quests for the Elders, by gaining support amongst your peers, or by otherwise furthering the guild.

But that's not all - politics are an important tool that the player must constantly be aware of. Not all the Elders are on friendly terms, and aiding one may not impress another. Futhermore, the Council may require certain contributions before they grant the player a promotion; a recital or quize, perhaps? Or maybe you need to acquire a particular object? Or harder still; you may need the recommendation of a superior who you have worked closely with. Surely not a task to smirk at.

POWERFUL MAGIC

Make use of unique, Glyph-enhanced items and weaponry; from customised potions to ancient relics of untold value. Not only that, but the powerful magic of the Glyphs is yours to command. Research new spells in the Library, or go out in the field to track down rumours of hidden power, left by the Keepers of Eras past. But don't expect these objects to simply fall into your lap; you'll have to earn them and even then, you'll still need to learn how to actually use them...[/center]

[center]WE NEED YOU[/center]

[center]Until now, Keepers: The Project has been developing under an open forum of contribution - unfortunately, this is no longer possible as the mod becomes increasingly larger and more complex. In order to continue, senior management has decided that the comprisal of a focused and dedicated team is now necessary. Currently, we are seeking scripters, modellers and artists. If you feel you are a suitable candidate for any of these positions, please apply on the "Team Application" thread in the "Recruitment Office" on our forums ((http://z8.invisionfree.com/Keepers_The_Project/index.php) here). If you do not feel this is true but still believe you have something to offer, don't hesitate to let us know.[/center]

[center]SAMPLES[/center]

[center]SCREENSHOTS

(Work in Progress)

(http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=2nh3mgl) A Keeper's Tool
(http://img134.imageshack.us/my.php?image=screenshot18ff6.png) Shocking, no?
(http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=screenshot9gf9.png) Reptilian assassin.
(http://img134.imageshack.us/my.php?image=screenshot22tv5.png) For the silent kill.

(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/ManiacalTom/ScreenShot6-1.jpg) Perhaps the beginning of a quest?
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/ManiacalTom/ScreenShot4.jpg) The Atrium, in all its glory.
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/ManiacalTom/ScreenShot3.jpg) The magical roof of the Atrium has a sinister power source.
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/ManiacalTom/ScreenShot2.jpg) The Lower Hall of the Forbidden Library.
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/ManiacalTom/ScreenShot0.jpg) The Pit - hidden behind a one-way wall.

(http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=2s00nzd) The Keeper Compound's First Level
(http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=29z3sec) A Storage Facility
(http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=40br61l) Gregory's Store
(http://img91.imageshack.us/my.php?image=keeperpic8bd3.png) The Training Room

CONCEPT SKETCHES

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/EionsMods/scan.jpg) Keeper Sword

LORE

What follows is an excerpt from "The Keeper's Handbook", a work in progress that will feature with the mod:

THE KEEPER'S HANDBOOK

By Brother Tomas

WELCOME, INITIATE

Voices fill this place. The words of men long dead - and those not yet born - echo against the harsh, cold stone of the library's walls. In the corner, the warmth of a dying fire retreats before the advancing moonlight. Glowing embers fade into ash and are forgotten. Somewhere from above comes the noise of a busy rodent, oblivious to the vast wealth of knowledge and power kept in the tomes below its paws. Then again, knowledge only benefits those who can understand it - power only to those who can wield it. Perhaps what we have attained here is meaningless to a creature such as this. Perhaps we are, in fact, a power to no other being than ourselves...

Indeed, many of us believe the Forbidden Library to be a frightening place after dusk. Not because of the colour of night - oh no - the library remains dark regardless of where the sun finds itself in the sky. No, it is frightening because of what emerges with the stars of Aetherius. When magic passes with ease between the realms; when the Balance of the Universe can be seen with little less than a sharp eye; when the Glyphs speak and an open mind listens; this is the time of the true Keepers of Light and Shadow. This is their domain, and under it we are powerless.

But forgive the ramblings of an old man, young Keeper. You are not here to discuss the philosophy of life and death; you are here because the Glyphs beckoned - and you answered. You must understand that everything you have done and ever will do is a result of the magic of the Glyphs. They control the fate of every creature and every object on every world. It is this force you must learn to manipulate and bind to your will, lest you become just another formless strand of magic in this universe.

So, as I sit here writing this book under the gaze of Keepers that have been and are yet to be, know that its words are written solely for your eyes. What this tome affords it will afford to no other. Use this gift to your advantage, young one, for the Exodus is upon us and Tamriel has been chosen as the battleground. The Glyphs may not reveal all ends, but through them all ends must come...

AN ANCIENT FOUNDATION

THE FIRST GLYPH

The history of the Keepers is a long and troubled one, now largely buried in myth. Though the curious Scribe may stumble upon any of the so-called historical reckonings contained within the Common Library, none can be trusted as fact nor disregarded as fiction. It is therefore at the behest of the reader that our history is formed; the true origin of the Glyphs is a secret that shall remain hidden with them - scattered throughout the universe. Nevertheless, this book would be incomplete should it contain no words regarding the matter and thus this chapter is written.

----------
A voice called Earlwick speaks to me now. He often traverses the corridors of the library, perusing its works at his own leisure. He talks of the ancestors - the Ayleids - and their great battles. I listen - I even ask - but he shares no more than he intends and I seek less than that. Wisdom comes from seeing the Balance in all things; from the beginning to the end of time. We are not the Masters but the Servants, and a Servant's place does not want. Perhaps it is prudent he shares with me when the only reminder of his time are the white gold ruins of Cyrodiil's countryside; a constant warning of power too strong.
----------

At the beginning of the dawn of time - it is said - a lone Wanderer descended from Aetherius. The universe he saw was a formless mass of lesser magic; unable to shape itself like the greater magic of Aetherius from whence it came. Upon seeing this, the Wanderer realised he could not allow it; for it threatened not only its own existence, but Aetherius' as well. So did he create for it a form, an anchor to which the magic could be bound - Arena Supermundus; The Tapestry of Heaven.

But the form did not hold, for the magic continued to flow from Aetherius without guard. The Wanderer thought deeply, until in his wisdom he created a mighty barrier to protect the lesser magic of Supermundus. He called it Oblivion; for nothing could exist there save for the mind. He watched as Supermundus held and the magic settled, and he was happy with his work.

But slowly did his creation begin to die, for the magic contained in its form could not remain constant. Seeing this, the Wanderer again thought deeply, until in his wisdom he created the light of the stars above; for they allowed the passage of magic and so was Supermundus spared an eternal death. Pleased with his work, the Wanderer called to the heavens, and from it emerged the greatest magic of all the universe; the Gods of Aetherius. Upon the island of Balfiera they came to rest, and there was decided the fate of Mundus.

But I presume too much; surely you are aware of the Convention of Balfiera? Here the Gods built the Adamantine Tower, upon which they met and decided how best to organise this new realm the Wanderer had created. But something else was born from the Convention that day; something you will not find in an average history book. On that day, Balance came into existence. For Aetherius could not risk falling into a formless void, and Mundus could not survive without the magic of Aetherius. The Gods made a pact with the lesser beings of Mundus - the one, true Covenant - that the Balance would forever be maintained for the benefit of all...

----------
A commotion at the end of the aisle distracts me. Two figures stand facing one another; one the size of a man, the other a child. The man speaks in a hurried and frightened tone; “Then it was you - all along? And Orland, he didn't... I was wrong!” The man gasps as the other figure grows and consumes him. They are gone, lost to the constant struggle that surrounds us. The echoes serve more than just those who witness their apparition. They are a tool, a device of Balance; forever shifting in time and space.
----------

So it was that the Gods taught men to read the magic of the universe, and how to interpret it physically. The first of the Glyphs was carved on that island - set upon stone and imprinted into the tower itself for all to see. But not all could, for the beings of Mundus did not open their eyes to it. Their mortal prisons became their wards, and Balance was lost to all but a few. Across all the worlds the Keepers of the Glyphs did go; and all strove to maintain Balance, lest the universe fail and darkness consume it.

This is but one of thousands of creation myths; from the eternal bickering of Anu and Padomay to the designs of the Aetherial Spirits and their Daedric counterparts. Whether the myths themselves are true or not is inconsequential; all that matters are the truths contained within them. Aetherius exists; Oblivion exists; Mundus exists. All is in a state of perfect Balance, and the Keepers are an agent of that Balance. Learn and know this, Initiate, for it will be your life in this realm and all others...[/center]

Maniacal Tom on 7/12/2006 at 11:42

Update

Until now, Keepers: The Project has been developing under an open forum of contribution - unfortunately, this is no longer possible as the mod becomes increasingly larger and more complex. In order to continue, senior management has decided that the comprisal of a focused and dedicated team is now necessary.

Currently, we are seeking scripters, modellers and artists. If you feel you are a suitable candidate for any of these positions, please apply on the "Team Application" thread in the "Recruitment Office" on our forums ((http://z8.invisionfree.com/Keepers_The_Project/index.php?act=idx) here). If you do not feel this is true but still believe you have something to offer, don't hesitate to let us know.

Maniacal Tom on 12/12/2006 at 07:59

Update

Screenshots of the Keeper's Compound (WIP) are now available for viewing!

Maniacal Tom on 5/1/2007 at 11:59

Progress Report

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! No doubt you have all been wondering where we are - maybe even questioning if the mod is still alive. Well, this progress report is to assure you that it is still breathing, and we are still slogging away at it! At the moment, are primarily working on the Keeper's Sanctuary (the place you will be living in), but it is not ready yet. We have a "Showcase Alpha" release planned, wereby you will have the opportunity to explore the layout on your own. We think this will be a far more productive than simply posting screenshots.

Anyway, for this report, we will look at some of the major plot devices that we will be using:

- Those of you who joined our old forums some months ago will be aware of this, but a re-release is needed: Finding the Keepers will not be easy. In fact, it will largely be by accident. The player will have the opportunity to discover a meeting between two high-ranking Keepers, and to attend... Needless to say, this results in a rather nasty blow to the head. You are taken before a hooded figure, who interrogates you over your presence. How you respond to him will determine how you join the Keepers.

- Early on in your career, most of your time will be spent performing menial tasks and studying. Remember; the Keepers span all of Tamriel. Even at this stage, you will travel far and see many things, all in the name of maintaining the Balance. Your education will unfold in real-time, as you attend classes, study books and train with fellow Acolytes. Of course, the underlying plot will always be available to you as well.

- Once you advance to Apprentice, you will be assigned to a Master of the Council's choice (based on disposition levels). Which Master you are assigned to will determine which quests you do for that leg of the mod. Take part in rescue missions, salvage dwemer technology, write books for the Common Library or procure resources for your guild. Develop a relationship with your new mentor; love or hate them, respect or despise them. You will need their recommendation for promotion, but there is more than one way to get it...

- At this stage, you may either proceed as a Master or Scribe. Masters are field-agents who perform the nitty-gritty required to maintain the Balance. Become one and you may get an Apprentice of your own. Scribes interpret the magic of the Universe, and although they are restricted to the Compound, they know how to use their tools to escape it. Become one and enter large dream worlds full of magic and mystery - and uncover secrets about your comrades you never thought possible.

- As an Elder, you will be able to control the direction of the Keepers. Give orders, vote in Council meetings and roam the halls of the Forbidden Library. Take control of the terrifying Knights and give them orders telepathically. Undertake massive projocts, such as building a portal to a new world, building extensions to the Compound, or ordering your minions to attack entire cities for your own amusement. The world awaits you. Keep the Balance, or destroy it?

- Before you achieve this rank, however, you will have to survive the journey... and that will not be easy. The Elders are not what they seem to be. Their fear shows as people mysteriously appear across the Compound and the Outposts, claiming to be Keepers themselves. "The Exodus is underway", they say. It's all too much for a young Initiate. Between that and the exams you have due next week, the stress is unbearable. Not only that, but this damn book you picked up keeps talking to you late at night when you try to read it. You think it may tell the future - but you're not sure. Tomorrow you take a message to one of the Outposts, but that funny old man talks to you again at the tavern when you arrive in Chorrol - he's always there and he always knows more than he should. And what are these strange whispers you can hear from the doors at the bottom of the hall - the ones that lead to the Knights Quarters? Soon you'll be out thieving ancient artefacts and murdering angels and demons in the name of equality. You sit back and wonder how... just how... you were ever talked into any of this.

Convict on 6/1/2007 at 01:14

I'm not asking this to hassle you or anything but have you got an approximate idea on its release?

Maniacal Tom on 10/1/2007 at 02:47

No problem asking a perfectly legitimate question. Unfortunately, it will take a while. There has been very little interest from Oblivion modders, so we are basically doing it with a four-person team and a few extras. Keep an eye out for the Showcase Alpha. Although we are pushing it back, we hope it will contain the entirety of the Keeper Sanctuary.

Convict on 10/1/2007 at 07:54

Will do!

Maniacal Tom on 12/1/2007 at 09:53

Progress Report

New screens are available for viewing! (Check the first post)!

Palantir on 19/1/2007 at 12:50

Hmmm, that sounds really interesting. What a shame I don't know how to use that taffing Construction set....
But anyway, I'm REALLY REALLY looking forward to seeing this released:)

Maniacal Tom on 23/1/2007 at 21:41

Thanks for the kind words! We will be releasing a showcase Alpha as soon as possible, containing the Compound and a lot of the work we have done so far. I wish I could give you a release date for it, but we are really finding it hard to recruit team members who don't disappear over night. I will say this though; the layout for the Compound is about 60 - 70% done, and about 15 - 20% of it is furnished.