Originally Posted by Borealis
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- A In C Major(OOC info): A musical note that is heard when players are temporarily drawn into The World, often coinciding with the appearance of an AI or other abnormality unrelated to normal gameplay. The tone usually goes unnoticed by those who hear it.Listen here
- Waves: Magic used within The World consisting of earth, water, fire, wood, thunder, darkness, healing, strengthening and weakening spells. The use of waves differs from class to class, Physical classes incorporating the element into their weapons for an attack, marksmen firing elemental shots with wavemasters and bards being the only classes to use pure magic. (Example: being a swordsman delivering a fiery slash, a wavemaster attacking with a rain of ice, or a marksman firing a lightning shot.)
- Epitaph of Twilight: An epic poem written by Emma Wielant telling the story of a race of sprites, beings that cast no shadows, who are being devoured by a foe known as the Cursed Wave and the basis for The World. The poem vanished from the net after the authors death.
- Pluto's Kiss: A catastrophic event that took place on December 24, 2005. On that day, all computers connected to the Internet crashed simultaneously around the globe. Additionally, all networked computer and communication network control systems were shut down, resulting in numerous traffic accidents and disasters.
In the United States, the automatic retaliatory systems malfunctioned, in a short time reaching a point of crisis. 77 minutes later, the global network was able to recover itself from the incident, but the resulting chaos caused the United States' nuclear defense and automated counter-strike systems to be armed.
It was later discovered that the virus creator was a ten-year-old elementary school student, living in Los Angeles, California.
The incident was so damaging that United States President, Jim Stonecold, later resigned from office in January 2006 after taking full responsibility for the incident.
Ever since then, ALTIMIT OS has been the only major operating system in the world; this is credited to its remarkable stability.- Deadly Flash: A computer virus created in the year 2003. It caused the monitors of infected systems to flash at regular intervals, in such a way that it would trigger seizures in those who looked at it. The programmer of the virus, a Russian-Japanese man named Yuri Kaczynski Seto, was the first person sentenced to death under the WNC's (World Network Commission) Cybercrime laws.
- Twilight of the New Gods: The period between December 25, 2005 and December 24, 2007 when the Internet was closed to all non-crucial traffic by the WNC. The ban on traffic wass created as a result of the Pluto's Kiss virus. During this period ALTIMIT OS was turned into the dominant world wide operating system by the WNC. It also marks the period that Harald Hoerwick did his programming for the game Fragment which would later be released as The World when the ban was lifted during the first Virgin's Kiss holiday.
The "New Gods" referred to in the title is a reference to technology.- Virgin's Kiss: December 24th, an international holiday to celebrate network restrictions being lifted.
- WNC: World Network Commission. A subsystem of the United Nations that was created to regulate the internet. It is responsible for passing laws regarding cybercrime, internet terrorism, and other problems that the internet could face.
- GP: Gold Points. The currency used within The World
- Sprite Ocarina: A basic item used by players of The World to warp from a dungeon back to the field. Each player starts with one of these essential items.
- SysAdmin:System Administration. The admins employed by CC Corp responsible for The World's upkeep.
- PK: Player Killers. Players within The World who seek out and kill other players, usually for sport.
- Member Address: A unique player identification. Players can exchange member addresses to keep a list of friends
- Fragment: The title of The World when it was in its beta test phase.
- ALTIMIT OS: An operating system created by the ALTIMIT company. A so-called "perfect system," it is used by almost 100% of computer users as their operating system of choice. It is closely tied with CC Corp the developers of The World.
- FMD: Face Mounted Display. Popular peripherals for use with The World, a device that is placed on the user's face and displays audio-visual output.
- BBS: Bulletin Board System. The official forums for The World allowing players to discuss while outside of the game
- Chaos Gate: A magic ring contained in each Root Town which allows players to warp between towns and fields. Chaos Gates use a three word system to determine the field the player will warp to. EX:Hidden Forbidden Holyground
- Root Town: The Worlds towns, gathering places for players to form parties, buy, sell and trade items or just relax. Players can rent housing within a root town allowing them to display collected items within the house.
- Grunty: Grunties are creatures resembling a pig or cow that players of The World can raise in Root Towns as virtual pets. Like real pets they can also die if neglected. Once they grow large enough players can bring Grunties into the field to ride. Finally, players have been known to race Grunties, and Grunty racing is a popular passtime among players.
- Gott Statue: Statues holding a treasure chest at the end of dungeons within The World
- Spring of Myst: Small ponds serving as the home of water droplet shaped creatures known as Spring Demons. Players can drop an item into the spring in exchange for another, sometimes better, sometimes not
- Airship: Steam powered flying machines which can be purchased by players, at a high price. They come in many sizes and are very expensive, being considered a status symbol much like player housing.
- Legendary Lands: Four mysterious areas sometimes seen in the sky of fields throughout the world. Dubbed Legendary Lands by players of The World.
Timeline:
End of the 20th Century
- The U.S. Department of Defense develops ARPANET, which becomes the basis of the Internet. By 1999 almost everyone across the world has internet access.
Beginning of the 21st Century
- As the Internet increases in popularity, classified government information becomes harder to conceal and easier to obtain. Hackers continue to attack networks; cyber crime increases.
2002
- The United Nations subsystem WNC (World Network Commission) is created.
2003
- The WNC has its first meeting.
- A computer virus "Hello WNC" infects over 10,000,000 users.
- Deadly Flash a virus that is capable of inducing epileptic seizures is released, killing several people. The creator of the virus, a young Japanese man is the first person to be sentenced to death for cybercrime.
2004
- The WNC tightens its laws regarding cybercrime.
- August:Emma Wielant dies in a car accident. Her incomplete epic web poem Epitaph of Twilight disappears from the web.
- The National Bank of Switzerland is hacked, over $84,000,000 are stolen from accounts.
2005
- The New York Stock exchange is hacked, causing stock prices to hike worldwide.
- December 24: Pluto's Kiss, almost all systems worldwide shut down for 77 minutes. The culprit is a 10-year-old boy living in Los Angeles.
- Following Pluto's Kiss, all internet activity save for government or business purposes is restricted
2006
- The period known as the "Twilight of the New Gods" begins. Production of online video games ceases.
- January: Jim Stonecold, 44th President of the United States, resigns due to criticism resulting from Pluto's Kiss.
- Summer: ALTIMIT OS, the only operating system to completely survive Pluto's Kiss, becomes the most popular operating system in the world. Some of the company's core staff leave the company to form the CyberConnect Corporation. Harald Hoerwick, a genius programmer from Germany, presents the game Fragment to CyberConnect and is hired by them.
2007
- January: ALTIMIT Corporation creates twelve regional offices throughout the world.
- CyberConnect Japan is founded. World wide localization of Fragment begins.
- May: Beta test of Fragment begins, quickly becoming one of the most discussed topics among gamers.
- July: Harald Hoerwick goes missing.
- July: The beta test of Fragment ends.
- The WNC passes laws forcing all computers to run ALTIMIT OS.
- December 24: Virgin's Kiss is created as an international holiday by the WNC. Network restrictions are lifted. Fragment, now renamed The World, is released worldwide getting over 100,000 downloads on the first day alone.
- The period known as the "Twilight of the New Gods" ends with the release of "The World."
- Laine Lowell is hired by CC Corp as a programmer and debugger.
2008
- The Crimson Knights are founded by the player Stark. The guild grows into a powerful and well respected group within a few months.
- Trifle is founded by a small group of rumor fanatics
- The Midgards are formed by a large network of information brokers(who formerly kept a low presence) in response to Trifle spreading misinformation. The guild becomes well known and the previously rarely spoke of information brokers became well known of within The World.
- Several players, including three CC Corp employees fall into comas over the course of the year. The cause is reported as unknown.
- October 12: Laine Lowell resigns from CC Corp.
2009
- Several smaller PK guilds merge and Subterfuge is founded to oppose the Crimson Knights.
- First signs of a virus begin to appear in the world as graphical glitches. A variety of rumors spread among players.
- The explorers guild Odyssey is formed with the purpose of charting out the unknown corners of The World.
2010
- RP begins here.
Root Towns:
- Δ Server – Aqua Capitol Mac Anu: The Delta server Mac Anu is the first town players are greeted by upon starting The World. It is a large city with numerous canals running throughout, boats and gondolas allow access to all areas of the city. The two key landmarks in the city are the Chaos Gate which is located in a large plaza, and the city's clocktower, where event notices are often posted. Mac Anu serves as the main gathering place for players
- Θ Server – Highland City Dun Loireag: The Theta server Dun Loireag is a city carved into the top of incredibly tall stone spires. Bridges made of wood planks connect the spires to each other allowing players to walk between them. Steps carved into the side of the spires allow access to higher levels of the city, which includes many benches and terraces where players can relax and enjoy the view.
- Λ Server – Cultural City Carmina Gadelica: The Lambda server Carmina Gadelica is a large metropolis bathed in eternal night. The streets and canals of this town are lined with numerous shops, bars, and parks. The city houses the first airship dock players have access to and serves as a gathering point for more experienced players as well as a trade center within The World
- Σ Server – Aerial City Fort Ouph: The Sigma server Fort Ouph is a flying fortress that floats in the clouds high above the city of Dun Loireag. It consists of a series of floating platforms connected by several narrow walkways. The center most platforms contain the Chaos Gate. Several satellite platforms float outside of the main structure, giving the city additional defense. This town houses an airship dock.
- Ω Server – Relic City Lia Fail: The Omega server Lia Fail is a city of shrines to the various Gods of The World and is fiercely protected by the most powerful adventurers from the fierce monsters that prowl outside of its spiritual shield. Lia Fail, while left open is a fairly empty city mostly used for the staging of events.
- Γ Server – Warring City Lumina Cloth: The Gamma server Lumina Cloth is a vibrantly lit city housing the PVP arena. The city is a gathering place for PKs and arena fighters alike.
Notable Areas:
- The Aerial Fleet: The first of the four fields dubbed “Legendary Lands” by players. A fleet of airships appearing every so in the skies of delta server fields which appears to be transporting a giant mummy. No known player has ever made it onto the airships, even those with high class ships of their own.
- The Inverted Castle: The second of the four fields dubbed “Legendary Lands” by players. An area appearing as an upside-down floating castle composed of countless stone spires. The Castle is visible from few fields throughout Theta Server. Like each of the Legendary Lands, no known player has made it onto the castle.
- The Giant creature: The third of the four fields dubbed “Legendary Lands” by players. It appears as a gigantic flying whale, and can be seen from some fields within Lambda Server. This areas status as a Legendary Land has been debated by players for some time now, some believing it is a genuine Legendary Land, others believing it is some sort of special boss.
- The Ending World: The fourth of four fields dubbed “Legendary Lands” by players. It rarely appears as a giant eyeball piercing the sky, and can be seen from fields throughout Sigma Server. This area was only recently seen and many players still question if it even exists or is merely an unfounded rumor.
- Hülle Granz Cathedral: A unique field located at Δ Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground. A chained statue of a young girl is located within the cathedral. The area while open to players has no monsters, no dungeons and no NPCs leaving its purpose a mystery. Rumors have cropped up about the area every now and then but nothing has ever been found out about it, leaving the field to fade into obscurity.
- Hy Brasail, the Isle of Kings: An area only accessible during official events. The island lies right outside the harbor of Mac Anu, and the skyline of the city can be seen from its shores. It is used yearly for the crowning of arena emperor.
Guilds:
- Crimson Knights: An unofficial player-governed group that hopes to keep order to The World. Although unofficial, they are sometimes used by The World's administration. With the exception of higher ranked members, all players within the Crimson Knights wear the same armor, with the exception of the helmet which is optional.
The Crimson Knights guild hall is located near the main canal of Mac Anu, they almost always have a doorman outside to invite players within who may want to address complaints or make requests of the Knights.
- Midgards: An item and information trade guild. The Midgards are a well respected but slightly shady guild with a large amount of information brokers.
The Midgards guild hall is tucked away in a quiet side street of Carmina Gadelica, the guild usually has a member stationed outside but they do not often let outsiders inside the guild hall, rather having members come out to speak with players who wish to deliver information. Odyssey members however are often let in as the two guilds work closely with one another
- Subterfuge: A PK guild founded to oppose the Crimson Knights. Though the guild is one of the largest, the players are widely regarded as trouble makers and pests.
Subterfuge guild hall is located within a dingy and dark corner on the eastern side of Lia Fail. Players can often be seen chattering outside the guild hall but they only very rarely allow outside players inside the hall. Rather, they frequently harass outside players entering the area meaning many no longer venture near the area.
- Odyssey: An explorers guild dedicated to finding interesting areas within The World. Originally started by a member of the Midgards, the guild has close ties with the merchants guild.
The Odyssey guild hall is housed on a central spire Dun Loireag. Guild members are almost always outside chatting with fellow members and outside players alike making it a popular place to form parties. Outside players don't often enter the guild hall not because of being denied entrance but simply because it is unnecessary as many members prefer to stay outside.
- Trifle: A rumor maniac guild responsible for spreading many of the rumors in The World. The guild is rather small but its members are dedicated to their odd hobby.
Trifle's guild hall is a shabby building located in an alleyway adjacent to the market square of Mac Anu
Classes:
- NOTE:Much of this is flavor, all classes are assumed to be balanced on equal footing, only offset by the skill of the player.
- Armsmaster: Adaptable warriors using either one handed swords, maces or axes. Their stats are over all average and well rounded sporting balanced HP, physical attack, physical defense and attack speed with a decent magic resistance. Swords are the most balanced of their weapons with good offensive and defensive capabilities. Axes are more specialized for offense with higher damage and speed. Maces are more specialized against armored targets with slower speed and crushing blows dealing extra damage against armor.
- Heavy Arms: Powerful warriors wielding large two handed swords, maces or axes. Their stats are more offense orientated with high HP and strength, their powerful blows are offset by slower speed and lower defense and magic resistance. Their weapons serve similar functions to their one handed counterparts with swords being balanced, axes being stronger and faster, and maces being slower and dealing more damage against armor.
- Pole Arms: Swift fighters using spears, scythes or battle-staffs. Pole arms are physically strong with mid ranged weapons offset by a below average defense and HP pool but good magic resistance. Their spears slashing or piercing weapons which are very effective in mid range melee combat but weak in close range combat. Their scythes are sweeping weapons capable of hitting multiple targets and providing crowd control. Finally their battle-staffs are the fastest of their weapons and effective in mid and close range combat but deal less damage.
- Knight: Defensive warriors using as shield and one handed weapon. Knights can use various types of shields which vary in size and effect the users speed, larger shields providing more defense but slower speed, smaller shields providing higher speed and lower defense. Knights boast a high HP pool, the highest physical defense and a low attack. They can cast defensive area buffs and have a high magic resistance. Knights can use the same weapon set as the Armsmaster to a similar effect but with lower attack all around to compensate for the increased defense granted by their shield.
- Twin Blade: Versatile fighters wielding twin daggers or throwing knives. Twin blades have lower HP, attack and only decent defense but can deal many attacks in quick succession. They have an average magic resistance and can use minor self heals Their twin daggers are a twin blades choice melee weapon, they deal low damage but quick or precise strikes can overwhelm an opponent. Their throwing knives work in much the same way as their daggers but allow them to attack from a range at the cost of close range viability.
- Grappler: Nimble brawlers fighting unarmed or with gauntlets. Grapplers have high HP, strength and attack speed but a low defense and average magic resistance. Their unarmed style uses runes or gems embedded into the hands and allows for more flexibility, letting the grappler use their whole body to attack or defend. Their gauntlets provide higher attack and defense, strengthening their strikes and allowing them to deflect blows with armored gloves.
- Wavemaster: Scholarly magi using staffs or tomes. They have very low HP, physical attack and defense but boast the highest magic skill and resistance. Wavemasters can cast powerful offensive, defensive and support spells of every variety. Their staffs house the most defense of all their weapons, being able to block some melee attacks. Their tomes deliver more powerful attacks but lack any sort of defense.
- Bard: Musical magic uses wielding instruments such as harps or lutes. Bards are close to midrange fighters which emphasize evasion along side their magic attacks which are designed around placing traps and obstacles to slowly wear an opponent down. They have higher HP and defense then Wavemasters but a lower magic attack. Their instruments function mostly the same but larger instruments provide more defense but less mobility, smaller instruments being the opposite.
- Marksman: Precise shooters wielding bows, steam pistols or steam rifles. Marksmen have a quick ranged attack, average attack, average HP and low defense and magic resistance. Their bows sport the longest range of all their weapons letting them attack from great range but lacking any melee defense. Their steam pistols which can be used in pairs have the fastest fire rate of their weapons but require significantly closer range too be accurate. Their steam rifles have an average range and a slower fire rate but provide some melee defense in the form of a bayonet attached to the rifle.
