PlaneShift (video game): Difference between revisions
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==Setting== |
==Setting== |
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''PlaneShift'' is set inside a colossal [[stalactite]] named Yliakum, divided into eight levels, of which the lower two are flooded.<ref name="tux#20">TUX December 2006 Issue 20, Pg 60</ref> Life is possible because a huge crystal, named ''The Azure Sun'', draws light from the surface of the planet. ''PlaneShift'' currently has 12 playable [[race (fantasy)|races]]<ref>http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/planeshift/index.html?tag=result;title;0</ref> that all have their own homelands and characteristics<ref>[http://www.planeshift.it/guide/en/setting-overview.html 3.2. Overview of the Known World<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. Outside of Yliakum are the Stone Labyrinths and through these the player can access even more areas, like the cave in which the stalactite hangs. |
''PlaneShift'' is set inside a colossal [[stalactite]] named Yliakum, divided into eight levels, of which the lower two are flooded.<ref name="tux#20">TUX December 2006 Issue 20, Pg 60</ref> Life is possible because a huge crystal, named ''The Azure Sun'', draws light from the surface of the planet. ''PlaneShift'' currently has 12 playable [[race (fantasy)|races]]<ref>http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/planeshift/index.html?tag=result;title;0</ref> that all have their own homelands and characteristics<ref>[http://www.planeshift.it/guide/en/setting-overview.html 3.2. Overview of the Known World<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. Outside of Yliakum are the Stone Labyrinths and through these the player can access even more areas, like the cave in which the stalactite hangs. |
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===Races=== |
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<ref>http://www.planeshift.it/races.html</ref> |
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Many different races populate the world of Yliakum. Players can choose to create a character with any one of these races: |
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'''[[Humans]]''': |
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* Xacha: Xacha have a natural propensity for [[wizardry]], but their weak bodies has lead to much contention with the other races. The Xacha were directly responsible for the Great Wizard Wars, and the attempted [[holocaust|racial cleansing]] of the Lemurs. |
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* Ylian: The most boring race of Yliakum. |
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'''[[Elves]]''': |
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* Nolthrir: Blue skinned Elves from the neighboring realm of Paendorae. Their sexual prowess is well known throughout Yliakum, but are often mocked for their bizarre genitalia. |
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* Dermorian: Their countless centuries of roaming in the darkness have given their skin a dark tint. Dermorian wizards specialize in the dark arts, and it is said that their soul is as dark as the darkest blackness in the dark caves of Darkdom. |
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'''[[dwarf (mythology)|Dwarves]]''': |
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* Stonebreaker: Stonebreakers, as their name implies, spend their days breaking stones into smaller stones, and those stones into even smaller stones. Once these stones have been broken into a fine powder, the Stonebreaker inhales it to escape from their tedious life for a few hours. |
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* Hammerwielder: Easily confused with the Stonebreaker, a Hammerwielder enters a dangerous bloodrage when wielding a hammer. In particular, Hammerwielders most enjoy slaughtering women and children. |
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'''Others:''' |
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* [[Lemurs]]: Above all else, Lemurs covet gold. It is said a Lemur will do most anything for a few pieces of silver, up to and including betraying their best friend. |
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* Kran: Anatomically correct statues. Kran aren't really alive, but people pretend that they are so having sex with them would be less creepy. |
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* Diaboli: The typical Diabolo has shiny oily hair, a thin pointed tail and little horns. Diaboli are considered masters of pasta and defeating giant apes. |
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* Enkidukai: Although most don't even know of the Enkidukai's existence, the typical Enkidukai believes their race to be unjustly persecuted. A typical Enkidukai day is spent drawing art wherein their favorite celebrities are transformed into anthromorphic cats. |
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* Klyros, a winged reptilian: Ten foot tall iguanas with wings. Klyros cannot wield weapons or wear armor, and lack any physical or magical skills. A recent player survey has indicated the Klyros are the most popular race in Planeshift. |
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* Ynnwn: Legend states that the first to correctly pronounce Ynnwn shall become their master for eternity. <ref name="tux#20">TUX December 2006 Issue 20, Pg 60</ref>. |
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===History and politics=== |
===History and politics=== |
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Yliakum's history is classified into five different [[Epoch (reference date)|epochs]]. The races of Yliakum were created by Talad and Laanx, the two chief deities of the setting.<ref>[http://www.planeshift.it/history.html PlaneShift - A 3D Fantasy MMORPG<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
Yliakum's history is classified into five different [[Epoch (reference date)|epochs]]. The races of Yliakum were created by Talad and Laanx, the two chief deities of the setting.<ref>[http://www.planeshift.it/history.html PlaneShift - A 3D Fantasy MMORPG<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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Yliakum is governed by eight " |
Yliakum is governed by four hundred and eight "quadradecaoctarchs", one representing each level of Yliakum. Under them are lesser representatives, two hundred in each level (81,600 total), called "Vigesimi". At the beginning of every year there is a meeting of all quadradecaoctarchs and Vigesimi that lasts for several months, where they address issues pertinent to Yliakum's inhabitants. Quadradecaochtarchs generally remain in power for life.<ref>[http://www.planeshift.it/government.html PlaneShift - A 3D Fantasy MMORPG<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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The main currency is the Tria, triangle-shaped coins made of sturdy [[alloy]]s, metals, or crystals. The crystal mineral can easily be found in the mines and is transparent or light green in color. Magically forging the crystals produces a perfect triangle with rounded-off edges. There are other units of currency, including Hexas ([[hexagon]] shaped coins that have a 10:1 exchange rate with the tria), Octas ([[octagon]] shaped; 50:1 exchange rate) and Circles (circular gold coins; 250:1 exchange rate).<ref name="tux#20">TUX December 2006 Issue 20, Pg 60</ref> |
The main currency is the Tria, triangle-shaped coins made of sturdy [[alloy]]s, metals, or crystals. The crystal mineral can easily be found in the mines and is transparent or light green in color. Magically forging the crystals produces a perfect triangle with rounded-off edges. There are other units of currency, including Hexas ([[hexagon]] shaped coins that have a 10:1 exchange rate with the tria), Octas ([[octagon]] shaped; 50:1 exchange rate) and Circles (circular gold coins; 250:1 exchange rate).<ref name="tux#20">TUX December 2006 Issue 20, Pg 60</ref> |
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===The Death Realm=== |
===The Death Realm=== |
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When a character dies they are transported into the Death Realm,<ref name="linux-magazine">{{es icon}} https://www.linux-magazine.es/issue/18/Planeshift.pdf</ref> a large network that the player must navigate, full of annoyances like dead-ends and perilous walkways. Upon return through the portal back to life a temporary stat penalty occurs. The Death Realm will be expanded in future versions to be very expansive <ref name="faq">[http://www.planeshift.it/faq.html PlaneShift - A 3D Fantasy MMORPG<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and include many traps and puzzles for players to solve before returning to life.<ref>http://www.planeshift.it/faq.html, under Death Realm FAQ</ref> |
When a character dies they are enveloped in yellow smoke and then transported into the Death Realm,<ref name="linux-magazine">{{es icon}} https://www.linux-magazine.es/issue/18/Planeshift.pdf</ref> a large network full of razor sharp beams of red light that the player must navigate, full of annoyances like dead-ends and perilous walkways. Upon return through the portal back to life, which is some fountain of sparkling purple stars, a temporary stat penalty occurs. The Death Realm will be expanded in future versions to be very expansive <ref name="faq">[http://www.planeshift.it/faq.html PlaneShift - A 3D Fantasy MMORPG<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and include many traps and puzzles for players to solve before returning to life.<ref>http://www.planeshift.it/faq.html, under Death Realm FAQ</ref> |
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==Gameplay== |
==Gameplay== |
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Yliakum is populated by many creatures that can be fought for loot and experience, ranging from simple [[rat]]s up to large creatures which may require many players to defeat. Players may also engage in [[duel]]s on a voluntary basis, which requires both parties to agree to the conditions of the duel. There is also a Guild system, where players can create and join Guilds. If two players' Guilds are at war with each other, they do not need to agree to a duel in order to initiate combat with each other.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planeshift.it/guide/en/guide-combat.html|title=PlaneShift Player Guide - Combat|accessdate=2009-07-23}}</ref> |
Yliakum is populated by many creatures that can be fought for loot and experience, ranging from simple [[rat]]s up to large creatures which may require many players to defeat. Players may also engage in [[duel]]s on a voluntary basis, which requires both parties to agree to the conditions of the duel. There is also a Guild system, where players can create and join Guilds. If two players' Guilds are at war with each other, they do not need to agree to a duel in order to initiate combat with each other.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planeshift.it/guide/en/guide-combat.html|title=PlaneShift Player Guide - Combat|accessdate=2009-07-23}}</ref> |
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Players may fight with bare fists, known as [[melee]], or wield a variety of [[sword]]s, [[axe]]s, [[dagger]]s, and [[hammer]]s. |
Players may fight with bare fists, known as "[[melee]]", or wield a variety of [[sword]]s, [[axe]]s, [[dagger]]s, and [[hammer]]s. |
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===Magic=== |
===Magic=== |
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Revision as of 04:07, 31 March 2010
 |
| PlaneShift | |
|---|---|
| File:PlaneShift logo.jpg | |
| Developer(s) | Atomic Blue |
| Engine | PlaneShift Engine Crystal Space for 3D |
| Platform(s) | Macintosh, Windows, Linux, BSD, Solaris |
| Release | Under development. Last release on December 10, 2009 (0.5). |
| Genre(s) | MMORPG |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
PlaneShift is a cross-platform fantasy MMORPG in development. Client software is available for Linux, Windows and Mac OS X. It is a no-budget project produced by a group of developers, founded by Luca Pancallo, and guided by the Atomic Blue non-profit organization. The server side engine code is completely written from scratch by the PlaneShift team, while the 3D rendering features are based on the Crystal Space 3D engine. The game engine is released under the GPL. The content is released under a proprietary license.[1]
The game is free to play, with no monthly fee, no premium upgrades, and no advertising on the site or in game.[2][1]
The game is currently in the alpha stage of development at version 0.5, codenamed Arcane Chrysalis. The current version "Arcane Chrysalis" was released to the public on December 10, 2009.[3]
Here is a list of the major versions:
- The first major version (0.1) released on May 2, 2002 was codenamed Atomic Blue. [4]
- The next version (0.2) was released on March 7, 2003 and codenamed Molecular Blue. The Molecular Blue server was shut down on December 16, 2004. [5]
- On December 24, 2004 a new version 0.3 was released, Crystal Blue[6].
- This was subsequently replaced by the version codenamed, Steel Blue on March 2, 2008.[7]
Setting
PlaneShift is set inside a colossal stalactite named Yliakum, divided into eight levels, of which the lower two are flooded.[8] Life is possible because a huge crystal, named The Azure Sun, draws light from the surface of the planet. PlaneShift currently has 12 playable races[9] that all have their own homelands and characteristics[10]. Outside of Yliakum are the Stone Labyrinths and through these the player can access even more areas, like the cave in which the stalactite hangs.
Races
[11] Many different races populate the world of Yliakum. Players can choose to create a character with any one of these races:
- Xacha: Xacha have a natural propensity for wizardry, but their weak bodies has lead to much contention with the other races. The Xacha were directly responsible for the Great Wizard Wars, and the attempted racial cleansing of the Lemurs.
- Ylian: The most boring race of Yliakum.
- Nolthrir: Blue skinned Elves from the neighboring realm of Paendorae. Their sexual prowess is well known throughout Yliakum, but are often mocked for their bizarre genitalia.
- Dermorian: Their countless centuries of roaming in the darkness have given their skin a dark tint. Dermorian wizards specialize in the dark arts, and it is said that their soul is as dark as the darkest blackness in the dark caves of Darkdom.
- Stonebreaker: Stonebreakers, as their name implies, spend their days breaking stones into smaller stones, and those stones into even smaller stones. Once these stones have been broken into a fine powder, the Stonebreaker inhales it to escape from their tedious life for a few hours.
- Hammerwielder: Easily confused with the Stonebreaker, a Hammerwielder enters a dangerous bloodrage when wielding a hammer. In particular, Hammerwielders most enjoy slaughtering women and children.
Others:
- Lemurs: Above all else, Lemurs covet gold. It is said a Lemur will do most anything for a few pieces of silver, up to and including betraying their best friend.
- Kran: Anatomically correct statues. Kran aren't really alive, but people pretend that they are so having sex with them would be less creepy.
- Diaboli: The typical Diabolo has shiny oily hair, a thin pointed tail and little horns. Diaboli are considered masters of pasta and defeating giant apes.
- Enkidukai: Although most don't even know of the Enkidukai's existence, the typical Enkidukai believes their race to be unjustly persecuted. A typical Enkidukai day is spent drawing art wherein their favorite celebrities are transformed into anthromorphic cats.
- Klyros, a winged reptilian: Ten foot tall iguanas with wings. Klyros cannot wield weapons or wear armor, and lack any physical or magical skills. A recent player survey has indicated the Klyros are the most popular race in Planeshift.
- Ynnwn: Legend states that the first to correctly pronounce Ynnwn shall become their master for eternity. [8].
History and politics
Yliakum's history is classified into five different epochs. The races of Yliakum were created by Talad and Laanx, the two chief deities of the setting.[12]
Yliakum is governed by four hundred and eight "quadradecaoctarchs", one representing each level of Yliakum. Under them are lesser representatives, two hundred in each level (81,600 total), called "Vigesimi". At the beginning of every year there is a meeting of all quadradecaoctarchs and Vigesimi that lasts for several months, where they address issues pertinent to Yliakum's inhabitants. Quadradecaochtarchs generally remain in power for life.[13]
The main currency is the Tria, triangle-shaped coins made of sturdy alloys, metals, or crystals. The crystal mineral can easily be found in the mines and is transparent or light green in color. Magically forging the crystals produces a perfect triangle with rounded-off edges. There are other units of currency, including Hexas (hexagon shaped coins that have a 10:1 exchange rate with the tria), Octas (octagon shaped; 50:1 exchange rate) and Circles (circular gold coins; 250:1 exchange rate).[8]
The Death Realm
When a character dies they are enveloped in yellow smoke and then transported into the Death Realm,[14] a large network full of razor sharp beams of red light that the player must navigate, full of annoyances like dead-ends and perilous walkways. Upon return through the portal back to life, which is some fountain of sparkling purple stars, a temporary stat penalty occurs. The Death Realm will be expanded in future versions to be very expansive [15] and include many traps and puzzles for players to solve before returning to life.[16]
Gameplay
Roleplay
One of the main goals of the PlaneShift staff is to inspire roleplay between the players.[17] This is accomplished by extensive attention to roleplay details, background stories, books, and quests. New players are encouraged to read the guide set forth by the staff which details how to properly act in character[18]. In the world of Yliakum are GMs who help the players stay in character, along with players who spend a lot of time to develop the persona of the characters with which they play.
Character creation
PlaneShift features a character creation tool containing two options. The first option is to choose to make a "quick" character, in which you choose a "Path" and a character is randomly generated for you. A "Path" reflects the career (or job) of the avatar in his youth, and has associated events which will drive the final skills and stats.
Alternatively you can choose to make a character with the "custom" method. Starting from scratch allows you to choose every aspect of your character from childhood, life events, parents, race, name, and appearance.[14] Only after choosing all of these options are your character's stats revealed.
Combat
Yliakum is populated by many creatures that can be fought for loot and experience, ranging from simple rats up to large creatures which may require many players to defeat. Players may also engage in duels on a voluntary basis, which requires both parties to agree to the conditions of the duel. There is also a Guild system, where players can create and join Guilds. If two players' Guilds are at war with each other, they do not need to agree to a duel in order to initiate combat with each other.[19]
Players may fight with bare fists, known as "melee", or wield a variety of swords, axes, daggers, and hammers.
Magic
Planeshift magic comprises several distinct "Ways" (Schools): Crystal Way, Red Way, Brown Way, Azure Way, Blue Way, and Dark Way. Casting spells requires combinations of special magical items called glyphs.[8]
Glyphs should be purified before usage, which binds them to the caster until they are purified again by another character. Glyphs actually belong to one of the 6 Ways, but spells can be generated using a combination of Glyphs, also mixing Glyphs of different Ways. Actually the higher rank spells are the ones which use multiple Glyphs of different Ways (harder to obtain). Glyphs are considered pretty precious in game, and are not easily found, except the basic ones, which gives additional challenges to the spellcasters. [20]
Crafting
Crafting, as the art to create artifacts from certain ingredients, is available in PlaneShift for the creation of weapons and shields, but also for the creation of food.
Training
Characters attain Progression Points (PP) when they successfully engage in combat and uses of certain abilities. These are spent at NPC trainers to increase the power of various abilities. PlaneShift uses a skill based progression system, without the mandatory paths found in other games (ex.: wizard, warrior, etc..).[21]
Quests
Quests provide rewards such as mounts. The NPC dialog system in Planeshift is a mixed system, made of predefined answers you can pick from a list and free text (similar to the one used in Tibia and EverQuest ). In addition player characters can communicate with computer-controlled characters (NPC) by typing in words and phrases, and NPCs will answer with a basic intelligence. [14]
License
PlaneShift uses Crystal Space, an open source game engine. The source code for the client and server, that the game employs, is open source under the GNU General Public License.
All other elements like artwork, ruleset, dialog, etc. are proprietary[6] and licensed under a custom license: the PlaneShift Content License (PCL). The PCL prevents modifications, redistributions, and assigns the copyright of accepted contributions to Atomic Blue under work for hire clauses. This license also forbids using the content for profit or for unofficial hosting.[1]
Notes and references
- ^ a b c http://www.planeshift.it/license.html
- ^ http://www.planeshift.it/pix/PSinPCgamer_small.jpg, PC Gamer UK October 2001
- ^ http://www.planeshift.it/, news pages 2002-2009
- ^ http://www.planeshift.it/news_2002.html
- ^ http://www.planeshift.it/news_2003.html
- ^ a b Linux Format March 2005 Issue 64, Pg 13
- ^ http://www.planeshift.it/news_2008-2009.html
- ^ a b c d TUX December 2006 Issue 20, Pg 60 Cite error: The named reference "tux#20" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/planeshift/index.html?tag=result;title;0
- ^ 3.2. Overview of the Known World
- ^ http://www.planeshift.it/races.html
- ^ PlaneShift - A 3D Fantasy MMORPG
- ^ PlaneShift - A 3D Fantasy MMORPG
- ^ a b c Template:Es icon https://www.linux-magazine.es/issue/18/Planeshift.pdf
- ^ PlaneShift - A 3D Fantasy MMORPG
- ^ http://www.planeshift.it/faq.html, under Death Realm FAQ
- ^ http://www.planeshift.it/roleplay.html
- ^ PlaneShift - A 3D Fantasy MMORPG
- ^ "PlaneShift Player Guide - Combat". Retrieved 2009-07-23.
- ^ http://www.planeshift.it/guide/en/guide-magic.html
- ^ http://www.planeshift.it/guide/en/guide.html#guide-creation
