The Element Chronicles

The Element Chronicles would be a highly customizable adventure game for the Wii U, Xbox One, PS4, and PC. It would be unique for its options to customize not only appearance, but also weaponry and magical abilities stemming from natural elements.

For a long time, RPGs and adventure games have been one of my favorite genres of video game. I've been playing them since I was little, since I always found them the most engaging and immersive of all the games I played. More specifically, though, I loved fantasy RPGs, most likely since I grew up on stuff like Zelda, Elder Scrolls, and Lord of the Rings.

This has, over time, become my signature idea, and for good reason. I've poured my heart and soul into this, and it combines elements from some of my favorite games of all time. Hopefully, it's the best it can possibly be, and you all enjoy it!

Plot
The basic plot of the game would be that you are a resident of a world divinely governed by two deities, a male and a female named Rhey and Rhea respectively, whose children (predictably a mixture of sons and daughters) represent all of the thinkable elements.

Rhey is told by a horrendous villain, named Gomorthos, that the people of his world are exploiting the elements but are showing no respect for the gods and goddesses who provide them. However, it's all a convincing, contrived illusion made to deceive all of the gods and make them betray their own people.

Rhey is fooled by Gomorthos's ruse, and is outraged. He quickly decides that the people of Hanifell need to learn respect, and sends creatures down to restore order to the land. Rhea, however, distrusts Gomorthos and believes that the people are not responsible for any wrongdoing. They get into a heated argument, and ultimately, half the gods side with Rhey and half with Rhea. Rhey and his sons send horrid creatures based on the respective elements into Hanifell while Rhea and her daughters send equally horrid creatures to try to repel them. Ouright battle is about to begin.

This is exactly what Gomorthos wants to happen, because a weakened world will allow him to gain control, and amid the chaos, he can gain the trust of Rhey and steal the Metakhronos Sword, a weapon crafted by the god of time, Sentris, and the goddess of space, Vaia. Sentris and Vaia were tricked into creating it by the god of entropy, Zyr, who persuaded them to help him create a weapon that could crush the gods and their domain as an ultimate security precaution in case they should abuse their power, even though such a weapon shouldn't have been created by gods who were meant to remain neutral in mortal affairs.

The Metakhronos Sword was imbued with the power to manipulate time and space, and Zyr used this against Vaia and Sentris to try to defy their authority and overthrow the elemental gods. The sword was kept away after the elemental gods managed to stop Zyr, but it still has the power to control time in a battle, so much so that not even the divinities could defeat it without trouble.

However, there is one person who remains a symbol of hope. The main character (who can be named anything the player wants, but for purposes of clarity I'll just call Zeta) departs from home as part of a journey of spiritual discovery, necessity, leisure, or many other customizable options, and ends up in the middle of the titanic conflict that has erupted in the land. The actual adventure begins when Zeta is in the middle of a town when the fighting starts, and this is where the opening of the game would also take place. Zeta puts up a strong fight, but ultimately, his/her basic weapon is not good enough and he/she gets knocked out in an explosion. He/she hears a mysterious female voice in his/her head, telling him/her to travel deep into the wilds, unlock the power of the elements, and prevent the destruction of Hanifell (the planet where the game takes place).

Zeta then ventures to all of the Elemental Realms, sections of the world which are dominated by particular elements, and which are located throughout Hanifell. He/she must then defeat as many creatures as necessary in each one, and fight all of the Patreal beasts, fierce creatures which are the secret weapons behind the Rhey's endeavor to restore world order. Once a Patreal beast is defeated, Zeta obtains a gem that is the sacred relic of the Realm. When all of these gems are collected, he/she will have the element power strong enough to confront and expose Gomorthos, and therefore save the world from a dreadful fate.

Ending
Zeta arrives in Amperiam to confront Gomorthos, who is using the power he has as Rhey's selected prophet of domination to try to wield the Metakhronos Sword in the culmination of his plot. After an epic battle, Zeta disarms Gomorthos of the Metakhronos Sword and uses it to stab him. He is destroyed, and the Sword's power scrolls back time to the world in which the game started, but one in which the threat of Gomorthos never existed. It's at this point that Rhea appears and thanks Zeta, and in some slight embarassment, Rhey also thanks him/her for his/her bravery and perseverence. Zeta then sets out to return home, his/her adventure over.

Gameplay
My idea is for this game to be a real-time RPG, much like The Legend of Zelda or Monster Hunter. Its fighting physics would be much like Monster Hunter in that the physics would change depending on the weapon being used. Heavy weapons would have more heft and would take longer to swift, but would have a larger radius of effect. Meanwhile, a vanilla sword and shield would be effective in its own right, since it would be a combination of maneuverability and power.

In many ways, this game would appear similar to Hyrule Warriors, or Dynasty Warriors in general. Movement would be realistic, and elemental magic attacks would range from small and precise to large and devastating. However, it would cross with the physics of Monster Hunter, and enemies would be fewer and more powerful.

This game would also have its share of platforming, which would blend into the environment to make it feel more natural. Items like a grappling hook and boots of temporarily flight would make platforming more interesting as well, but could also be integrated into combat to give them more depth.

Character customization
The main character can be of either gender, and his/her appearance could be customized in detail. His/her weapons could be shaped and designed to suit the player, but the player would also begin with two basic powers based on two different elements.

Each element sports a variety of options for powers. At the start of the game, after choosing which two elements to specialize in, the player can select one of three sub-powers to work with for each one. The player could then upgrade these base powers more quickly than others, along with other powers of the same element. Although, it should be mentioned that any power of any element would be obtainable somewhere, somehow in the overworld.

The player can also select a class at the beginning of the game similar to Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. They could select from preset classes, or could alternatively create a custom class consisting of major and minor skills. Major skills would advance fastest, minor skills would advance a bit more slowly, and ones in neither category would be slowest. The skills to choose from would be:
 * Long weapons
 * Short weapons
 * Blunt weapons
 * Dual wielding
 * Hand-to-hand
 * Smithing
 * Launched projectiles
 * Thrown projectiles
 * Stealth
 * Mystics
 * Speechcraft
 * Destructive magic
 * Defensive magic
 * Healing magic
 * Speed
 * Endurance
 * Strength
 * Agility
 * Heavy armor
 * Medium armor
 * Light armor

Weaponry
The weapons customization for this game would work in an interesting way. There would be four categories of weaponry:

Primary weapon
This weapon would be special in that you would go into the game with it armed first. The player would be given various choices of beginning primary weapon; I wouldn't limit this selection to medieval  Western weapons, although they would be included. I would also incorporate Eastern weapons, such as:


 * Nunchaku


 * Bo staffs


 * Tonfa


 * Katanas


 * Ninjatos


 * Staffs-in-three-parts


 * Tantos


 * Double blades


 * Double tantos
 * Scimitars

As I mentioned, there would be some medieval-style weapons as well, such as:
 * An invention of my own: a tonfa staff, which would be a short staff with a bar protruding from the middle to be operated like tonfa.


 * Broadswords


 * Maces


 * Battleaxes
 * Warhammers

Some weapons would have a variation in styles; for example, the tonfa could be operated in numerous ways, and the all swords (with possible exception of the broadsword) could be used with a backhanded grip, which I am personally an avid fan of.
 * Longswords
 * Handaxes
 * Shortswords
 * Daggers
 * Spears

Secondary weapon
The selection for the secondary weapon would be the same as for the primary, but a button can be used to switch between them.

Ranged weapon
As is known to us all, a hero is nothing without a ranged weapon. This, too, would be a diverse selection. The way I have it now, I would make available:


 * Longbows


 * Shortbows


 * Slingshots


 * Shurikens


 * Throwing daggers


 * Throwing maces


 * Boomerangs
 * Bolas
 * Caltrops

This, too, would be a part of the weapon cycle.

Magic
Magic would also contribute to the weapon mechanics, but they would have other uses as well.

For example, say you have air and lightning as your two specialized elements, and are using a longbow as a ranged weapon. When in shooting mode, you can toggle whether you want a plain projectile, one powered up with air, powered up with lightning, or one powered by both. The more elements you have the arrows imbued with, the more magic would be required, but the more potent they would be.

Elements
You can obviously derive from the title of The Element Chronicles that elements are an essential feature to the game, but insofar, their role hasn't been explained yet. For example, it must be told what the elements are, what they symbolize, and whether they are represented by a god or goddess. To start, here is a list of elements.

Air
Air is one of the four classical elements, a symbol of intelligence, wisdom, cleverness, and knowledge. In this universe, air is represented by a goddess, in keeping with the fact that the goddess Athena, in Greek mythology, is the goddess of wisdom and cleverness. Air is used typically as a throwing and slamming mechanism, but can also be used to stall the progress of enemies.

Fire
Another one of the four classical elements, fire is a symbol of bravery, passion, ferocity, and perseverance. In this universe, fire is represented by a god, as fire tends to be one of the more aggressive elements. Fire is a damaging and controlling force in the game, very useful for disorientation.

Earth
Earth is a notorious classical element, a symbol of compassion, humanism, strength, and tolerance. In this universe, earth is used mainly as a projectile, but can also provide a rude awakening in the melee area. Earth is represented by a goddess in this game.

Water
Water is the last of the four classical elements, a symbol of commitment, skill, resposibility, and pride. In this universe, water is useful for disorientation, but can easily knock enemies off of their feet, anle to overwhelm the most powerful of foes. Water is represented by a god.

Forest
Forest is not usually acknowledged as being an element, but fully qualifies as one upon speculation. It is a symbol of might, righteousness, power, and humor. Forest is represented by a god. It is used to equal degrees as a melee and projectile weapon, typically featuring wooden logs.

Sand (or Desert)
I found it hard to see sand as an element, but it comprises that world's force to a point where it deserves a note of attention. To me, sand represents complexity, depth, and definition. Sand is represented by a god, and is used for the most part to disorient, with some skill in offense.

Ice
Ice is, surprisingly, not seen as an element. However, it is a very potent force of nature, and must be included in the crowd here. Ice represents determination, efficiency, and a bit of condescension. Ice is represented by a goddess, and is used extensively as a projectile and also a knockdown mechanism.

Snow
Snow may very well be seen by some of you as exactly the same as Ice, but they have some differences. For example, Ice is not known to ever accumulate, and is not nearly as motile and adjustable as snow. For another thing, it is possible to conjure a blizzard with snow, making it an offensive force here. Snow is represented by a god.

Dark
Dark is an element just as light is, and night is represented much in mythology. Dark, in this case, represents solidarity, direction, and subtlety. Dark is represented by a god, and is used extensively for disorientation and stealth attack.

Light
Light is seen as an element in the same way Forest is seen as one: a driving force, but a little-acknowledged element. Light is represented as a goddess, and represents eccentricity, joy, fore-vision, and happiness. It is used extensively to disorient, but under certain circumstances is a potent means of physical damage.

Lightning
Lightning, although rare, is quite powerful and probably comes to everyone's mind as an element after a little while. Lightning is a symbol of confidence, speed, precision, and relentlessness, and is represented by a god. It is used as both a projectile and a melee weapon with deadly efficiency, and is to be very feared by the forces of evil.

Realms
As previously stated, the hero must necessarily travel through a variety or realms, each based on a different element. Essentially, basis on the element means a place that reminds one of that element, so imagining the details is rather simple. Regardless, I'll detail the realms and which elements they represent.

Aethron
Aethron represents Air/Wind/Sky in the game, a medium-temperatured land around the clouds to be lightly tread upon, and obviously to be flown through. It is quite precarious, but skillful maneuvering should escort a player through safely. The boss at the end is a tornado-based creature which will attempt to disorient the player and slam them into hard surfaces, all the while working to prevent damage to itself.

Volcindra
Volcindra is the Fire realm, a bewared territory amid high heat and danger. Given its volatile nature, there is the constant threat of collapsing debris, much of which causes significant damage simply by contact. It requires good resoucrfulness to navigate. The boss at the end is aggressive, never hesitating in a rapid assault with heavy objects. It is highly dangerous to approach, as it is made not even or lava, but of pure flame.

Terraitra
Terraitra is the most basic in nature of the worlds, representing Earth. It is comprised mainly of fields, but often interjected are hills and rocky areas. It simply takes spirit to overcome. The boss at the end is crafty, looking to attack from various places beneath the ground. Thusly, he warrants quick reflexes and foresight.

Meroth
Meroth is the Water realm, one which requires cunning and good navigation skills, as well as some good puzzle solving ability. One of the most difficult aspects of traversing Meroth is the potential need for evasive maneuvers, since many unholy terrors have been known to dwell in Meroth. The boss at the end is precise, aiming to hit you with straight on attacks, but its weakness is its vulnerable body that can be damaged when it tries to attack you. Good timing is key.

Silvaine
Silvaine is the Forest realm, a beautiful yet challenging place. It is close to what you would imagine a forest to be, but it is populated by fantastical creatures who will not hesitate to attack you, warranting good fighting ability. This is how the boss at the end must be approach, as it is powerful and takes a good fighter to analyze and harm.

Thermoth
Thermoth is the Sand (Desert) realm, a vast and dry landscape that is punishment and perhaps death to find yourself lost in. As such, this realm requires great perseverance to overcome. The boss at the end is very direct, its strategy is to come right at you and catch you off guard. You have to be rather fast to outwit him, making him a wonderful challenge.

Arcata
Arcata is the Ice realm, a gloomy world of punishment and danger (and the classic danger of slipping). To get through this requires determination. The boss at the end is clever, working to get you into a trap by making you dodge another. As such, it also requires a good deal of cleverness to overcome him.

Frigidon
Frigidon is the Snow realm, a very large and blurry place where seeing is a challenge, let alone fighting. Getting through this world mainly demands good instincts. The boss at the end is skilled, attempting to hit you with a powerful long-range attack that causes significant damage, meaning you should probably work on your dodging with him.

Morthea
Morthea is the Dark realm, and given that, it actually takes the form of a large cave system. Although you typically get some form of environmental warning as to when something is about to attack you, it's easy to get ambushed in these surroundings. Defeating this world takes courage and focus. The boss at the end will try to take advantage of the darkness to attack you, but you can stop him by moving contantly and finding some way to light the room and get the upper hand.

Solera
Sola is the Light realm, a heaven-like land that is very bright and enjoyable. But don't be fooled, as many foul creatures can strike and use well-known attacks such as light beams and energy balls to land decisive blows. If you're going to beat this level, you must be good at dodging and quite crafty to evade the attacks that you'll see in this place. The boss at the end will try to stun you by blinding you and then striking, but will also keep you on your toes with a light beam that he will try to focus on you. The key to defeating him is using properly angled mirrors.

Amperiam
Amperiam is the final world in the game, the Lightning realm, which is extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Lightning will continually strike everywhere, making it necessary to move quickly and not idle, as you can be seriously hurt if you don't. The boss at the end will try to electrocute you by not only electrifying the ground, but also the air around you. It can also cause lightning to strike at will. The key to this boss is tricking it into electrocuting itself by means of the environment.

This is also the place where the first part of the final battle with Gomorthos takes place, as it is the final level, and what better setting could there be for a battle such as this? Of course, the entire battle won't take place here, but would rather move down to the castle.