Homecoming Apocalypse Discussion

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Homecoming Apocalypse

Many lives were spent during the war erasing Him from memory; desecrating His name and burning the remnants.

Stories from the time before Guthix speak of an Age of Darkness and that a matrix that was constructed to conceal the shadows; to imprison them and the filth that dwelt within. Though the matrix has remained sealed since, the feuding lords would not risk otherwise. And so efforts were made to conceal the matrix and prevent the empty rising. Keys scattered. Locks disguised. The shadows would forever be His prison.

But more than the likes of the light dwell within the unblinking darkness.

Each guardian within the quest is to be treated as a miniquest in itself, not merely a task within a quest. Storylines and such may be miniquest specific. Such as Malak, the creature you fight my not actually be the Guardian; combat isn't even necessary, as with Raunton.

Jaldraocht, the Desert Beacon
• Blood, guarded by Malak the Vampire. || Leaches health.
• Shadow, guarded by Damis the Shade. || Zaps attack skill.
• Ice, guarded by Kamil the Knight. || Freezes target.
• Smoke, guarded by Fareed the Warrior. || Poisons target.
• Illusory, guarded by Adyna the Harlequin. || Conjures false targets.

• Ash, guarded by Dherok the UNDECIDED. || Wilderness || Zaps defence skill.
• Moss, guarded by Raunton the Snake-tongue. || Draynor || Decays food.
• Occlusive, guarded by Adyna the Harlequin. || UNDECIDED || Disorientates target.
• Bark, guarded by Colossus the Ent. || Unknown || Splinters target.
• Gust, guarded by Ragnos the Dragon. || Crandor || Conjures projectile shield.

• Bone, guarded by Xercus the Lycan. || UNDECIDED || Leaches run-energy.
• Venom, guarded by Weaver the Cryptspider. || Wilderness || Diseases target.
• Tar, guarded by Ramesh the Tarbeast. || Dorgesh'kaan || Slows target.
• Magma, guarded by Zenerka the Sorceress. || Karamja || Burns target.
• Facade, guarded by Adyna the Harlequin. || UNDECIDED || Conjures a proximity shield.

• Miasmic, guarded by Zuriel the Warlock. || UNDECIDED || Zaps attack speed.
• Mud, guarded by Arandar. || Arandar || Zaps strength skill.
• Fog, guarded by Thrip the Banshee. || Mort Myre || Blinds target.
• Thorn, guarded by Eirwyn the Songstress. || Tirannwn || Entangles target.
• Static, guarded by Thorg the Giant. || Taverly || Conjures a conductor/statics the target.

• Flesh, guarded by Neurosha the Fleshling. || Varrock || Zaps constitution.
• Soul, guarded by UNDECIDED. || UNDECIDED || Leaches prayer points.
• Sand, guarded by Yantos the Strykewurm. || Kharidian Desert || Stalls target.
• Mind, guarded by Adyna the Harlequin. || UNDECIDED || Aggravates target.
• Stone, guarded by Drystan the Fallen King. || UNDECIDED || Conjures melee shield.

Colour key:
Jagex, 3mptylord, Blaze FF8, Dark Avorian, Dragon78114, Handeath, Ruy112 and Tatorz.

Status effects (all would have a screen border to graphically represent it):

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Rambling;

Spoiler:

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Some of the planning on Adyna the Harlequin

Spoiler:

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Ancient Spellbook

Spoiler:

We currently can only cast Miasmic spells with Zurial's Staff, so it's not really in the spellbook. We shouldn't change this, just for those who have the staff. However, perhaps we first meet Adyna in combat with Zurial?

Jagex could release a statement saying "After feedback from players, we've decided that the Miasmic spells are too underused given the nature of how they are cast. Thus, we have released a new distraction (or miniquest of sorts) where players can obtain the miasmic spells."

Players will (hopefully) proceed to complete this little add-on, but when it boils down to fighting Zuriel... Adyna has beaten us too it. We meet Adyna in combat with Zurial, attempting to claim the staff (or, the diamond) for herself. Or, perhaps, we are in the middle of fighting Zurial when Adyna shows up. She takes the diamond (thus becoming it's guardian, since that's the only beacon where she is not present). We must then combat with Adyna, who will not utilize the Miasmic diamond at this point (being new to it) and instead the Illusory. When we defeat her, she will discard this diamond for us and flee...

Zurial's a ghost, also, so if the ghostspeak amulet is required it will allow us to introduce Atlas (the guiding NPC for the quest). To continue from the above passage, Atlas, who may have already spoken to us before this point (probably better if he had, in case players randomly decide to drop the ghostspeak after talking to Zurial's ghost) will tell us to return to Jaldraocht with the diamond.

Thus, we now have Illusory in the Desert Tome, but players who obtain Zurial's staff by other means can still use it. In fact, this solves making Zurial's staff redundant. Since Adyna now has the diamond, as the player we never receive a free copy of the staff... we now has a Miasmic Diamond and Zurial's staff as separate items.

As ingenious as your idea is, it doesn't explain the Stranger and how we learn of other beacons (but then Atlas comes in).

Moreover, wouldn't the Miasmic Diamond be rediscovered in another Tome?

Just some rambling now:
Adyna and Enakhra both were in love with Zamorak (feminine side approaching). When the latter discovered that the former was chosen to guard the (final diamond that Adyna drops, preferably the Mind) Diamond, Enakhra cursed her so that her obsession would be focused on the diamonds. However, a small part of Adyna's mind remained intact, hoping that Zamorak would free her from her curse. Unfortunately, Guthix ended the God Wars before her wish could be granted, leaving her as a twisted ghost of her former self, hunting other guardians for their diamonds.

In 169, she found that an adventurer (the player) was rediscovering the diamonds. Having already stolen a few diamonds, she disguised herself as a
human and tried to steal the diamonds for herself.

Basically, Adyna becomes the "antagonist" of the quest. She should appear once every couple of diamonds, since having lost the Illusory Diamond she can't disguise herself as the Stranger anymore. We should defeat her for the Mind Diamond, and by killing her (finally), she is freed from her curse, thanking Zamorak for sending the player to free her.

...

I replied to this as I read it, so I hadn't read your ramble prior to replying to your comment on my idea...

Handeath wrote:As ingenious as your idea is, it doesn't explain the Stranger and how we learn of other beacons (but then Atlas comes in).

There was no requirement to explain the Stranger, thus, I wasn't trying to. But, why can't she still be the stranger in my idea? She could arrive on the scene donning the disguise, which she removes to fight. Maybe no explanation is given about the stranger at all, it's merely something to be mentioned in the trivia section that "When we first encounter Adyna she is dressed as the Stranger some encounter in Desert Treasure, although this is never mentioned. The Stranger attempts to take the diamond from us, which fits Adyna's MO as she has collected many diamonds. Furthermore, the Stranger's body was updated to that of a female with the release of the miniquest."

And there was never any plan to reveal all the beacons to the player. Homecoming Apocalypse is a series of hidden miniquests, to tell the player all of them would defeat some of the point.

Moreover, wouldn't the Miasmic Diamond be rediscovered in another Tome?

Where were you going with that? Duh... we haven't obtained it yet, Adyna will have mastered it in time for the next fight. Although, I don't see Miasmic proving much of a challenge... unless, using our poetic license, it grants her super speed (thus, our attack speed is "relatively slowed" rather than actually slowed). Adyna can flit around...

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Nice ramble. That could still work even with my idea. Although, I'm not sure you even need Enahkra for it to work. The Mind Diamond could have some crude mind control feature... it motivated Adyna, made her fixated. She was already fiercely loyal, when Zamorak said to "guard the diamond" it corrupted her response - acquire all of them, defend all of them (not knowing Zamorak hid each of them)(similar to how stone has effected Drystan). When we prize the Mind Diamond, it releases Adyna.

Technically speaking, the Stranger could remain male, it's just a disguise. Also, Adyna's loyalty could make her a suitable antagonist, as we're trying to free Zar0s while Adyna doesn't want us to, as:

A. That would require her precious
B. It would threaten her lord.

I put her rivalry with Enahkra in because it would provide for a more round character.

Oh, "flit around." That explains one of the boss fights.

Homecoming Apocalypse isn't a "quest?" Bah. I say it should be (as in we get QP and everything), but its release could be under the radar.

For those of us who would find sifting through over 38 pages of discussion fairly time consuming and will likely erase vital PINs, what is Homecoming Apocalypse? Is it some kind of Michael Bay film about the end of the world (played by the US of A) being brought upon by the shallow relationship of the captain of a high school American football team and a cheerleader; both of which are the children of super capitalist trigger happy leaders of warring syndicates of an aggressive and global nature who start the end of world because the captain never called the cheerleader back after sleeping with her?

And is it one of those films where the whole story is given away in the trailer so you don't even have to see the film of which millions of USD is spent on making a feature that has a tacky 3D version made on the cheap that has colour-loss as a result?

If so, I don't fancy seeing it.

I'll take your rudeness as a sign of insecurity and you laziness and unwillingness to even attempt understand the work of others as mere arrogance.

I never really read anything Arzonus anyway

No one ever did in the first place.

Ha ha, it funny cause it's hypocrisy.

I'm thoroughly confused by the reference to Michael Bay (I don't really know directors... I know he did Transformers), and generally the passage as a whole - what's it getting at? Are you asking for a synopsis?

Basically, the original storyline behind Homecoming Apocalypse was the sequel to Desert Treasure wherein we unlock giant metaphorical keys to the Shadow Realm... the cliffhanger being that we've now unlocked the Shadow Realm and it's contents is spilling onto Gielinor (foreshadowing the third in the saga, Empty Rising, although I only had rough ideas on that quest).

The quest as a whole isn't very storyline based, being more focused on a series of combat challenges.

When Homecoming Apocalypse's last incarnation on the forums died, me and Tatorz decided we'd spruce it up. And in the process, doubled the number of "challenges" (and including some which aren't combat).

Then, the Temple of Sennistein (sp?) was released which rendered the direction of Homecoming Apocalypse fruitless. Thus, a redirection was discussed. The basic premise behind the quest goes unchanged, being that Zamorak concealed the devices in order to prevent Cookies being released... but it's not Cookies trying to break out anymore.

Azzanadra as the guiding NPC has been replaced by Atlas, a character who converses to players via the Ghostspeak Amulet. His motive is currently undisclosed.

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Regarding Handeth, for this quest to be undisclosed it cannot reward quest points. Players not being able to wear the quest cape for no apparent reason would anger a lot of people (and that's pretty much the only reason I can think of that you'd have it reward quest points - aside from it counting toward QP requirements such as WGS). I'd still prefer this to be completely hidden, if it's to be hidden at all.

Even if it's not concerning Cookies anymore, it still concerns the Shadow Realm... and all other "shadow content" has been hidden. Plus, I like the idea of players having stuff that wasn't ever declared as released (such as new Ancient spells)... it adds an element of player-control to the spread of information. Some players will look for guides, others will merely ask who to talk to, etc.

Oh yeh, Adyna's motivation against the freeing of Cookies might be confusing since the quest no longer concerns him (much). Yes, so far as she's aware she's preventing Cookies from escaping... what when Cookies is released (as the mahjarrat storyline is likely to conclude before we even finish writing this quest).

It's Handeath, HANDEATH!! *becomes muscular and green, also donning a pair of purple shorts he never remembers buying or owning*

If this quest is a "hidden" quest, then will Empty Rising be a full-fledged quest, if it every is written?

Well, at least we can have her motivation be her obsession (wether its for the diamonds, Zamorak, or both is to be decided). Also, how would we see her backstory? Flashbacks induced by bouts of Mind Magic?

Now, on to encounters! Her Illusory fight is first while we fight Zuriel. Miasma is through the "Brimhaven Arena." What are her other diamonds/fights?

Pretty much, Michael Bay always directs films where everything explodes. You touch something in real life it does nothing, in Michael Bay films touching something always causes it to explode regardless of what it is.

Okay, but what does it have to do with homecoming? Homecoming is usually relevant to an American football team winning their last home game or something on those lines.

Handeath wrote:It's Handeath, HANDEATH!

I normally spell it right, don't I?

If this quest is a "hidden" quest, then will Empty Rising be a full-fledged quest, if it every is written?

It can't really be written. It's name alone is tribute to His Emptiness, and the quest no longer has anything to do with him. But yes, most probably.

Also, how would we see her backstory? Flashbacks induced by bouts of Mind Magic?

*shrugs*

Now, on to encounters! Her Illusory fight is first while we fight Zuriel. Miasma is through the "Brimhaven Arena." What are her other diamonds/fights?

I don't know, I thought you were writing her?

MorbiusMonster wrote:Pretty much, Michael Bay always directs films where everything explodes. You touch something in real life it does nothing, in Michael Bay films touching something always causes it to explode regardless of what it is.

Okay, but what does it have to do with homecoming? Homecoming is usually relevant to an American football team winning their last home game or something on those lines.

The only director that someone's told me there's a running trend is the guy who did Inception likes to have the film turn into a completely different film about 2/3rds of the way in. Or something like that. Pfft, I don't know directors. But I don't feel bad, I don't really know actors either so it's not like I give credits merely to the performers of a film.

I'm terrible with names, and directors don't even have a face to put to the name...

Google definitions:
• an annual school or university reunion for graduates
• return: a coming to or returning home
• Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back former residents and alumni of an institution. It most commonly refers to a tradition in many universities, colleges and high schools in North America.

I was using it to mean the second one. But the third one works if we imagine the "institution" refers to their former dominion.

Wait, I, a newb, was supposed to write about the epic antagonist of this quest?

A few pages back you said you wanted to. I didn't colour code her Handeath coloured because I thought you might not have truly appreciated the epicness... I'll see if Jeeves wants to.

I just want Nuerosha and Xantos, I say you or Jeeves should have Adyna. I just make suggestions for it.

On a side-note, Jeeves likes The End of the Beginning! (Need proof? Look up the thread on the RSOF.)

Can anyone tell me who Nex is? That mad bitch is causing nothing but trouble.

Are you trying very horribly to troll?

Anyway, here you go: http://tinyurl.com/668qvfo

Morbius. Stop.

Jeeves writing part of Homecoming Apocalypse? Works for me, but I'll have to read what it's about and stoof first.

Nex is irrelevant to this quest, aside from having decided to occupy the location of Iban's Fortress... which shall now have to be moved/completely rewritten anyway.

And yes, Jeeves. This quest is surprising more structured than Mythics', despite hitting a rather major roadwork.

You have time: we've decided Adyna (your miniquest) is to be fought numerous times. Thus, you'll need to know the pace of the quest and discuss the order her "forms." You should join in the discussion!

Adyna the Harlequin, eh? What've we got so far?

Adyna is the lead antagonist, but in context of the quest and not the story. What's written on the last few pages is virtually all we have.

Oh my hallelujah, a main character? I've never done Desert Treasure nor have I kept up to date on what Homecoming Apocalypse actually is... So maybe I'd be better off with another character?

Take your pick! I recommend taking Weaver and Ramesh, but hey.

@ 3mpty
I thought I also had Yantos.

Wait, I thought we agreed that Gust increases the caster's Defence (Evade) Bonuses while Stone increases the caster's Absorbtion Bonuses. Protective Magic/Ranged and Melee shields could be overpowered.