Politics

Players take the reins in this medieval multi-player story, complete with assassinations, rumors, and Kingdoms changing hands

Through player-run governments and organizations, it is the players who will decide the course of events for nations and societies rather than the world's political state being an aspect of static, pre-placed content. But these are simply the most visible aspect of a web of influence and intrigue that worms its way through the entire Chronicles of Elyria experience. Information is power, and the world of Elyria has been created from the ground up with this in mind. Rumors, lies, false identities, and the other tools of political intrigue are all at the disposal of players as they work to shape the destinies of entire kingdoms. In Chronicles of Elyria, players control the entirety of civilization, not just their own part in it.

Identities, Disguises, & Information

In the world of Elyria, your character's reputation is a critical element of their day to day life. NPCs, OPCs, and other online players all have their opinions of your character's actions and react accordingly. Treat your fellows poorly and they may shun your character, but these opinions are linked to your character's identity, not your character. Whether you want to be a dark avenger, secretly prowling the streets behind your disguise at night to keep them safe, or a low-down grifter working the long con behind a false identity, it's possible to cultivate multiple identities for a single character in Elyria.

Information itself is a tradeable commodity in Chronicles of Elyria, just like items and resources. Want to be the town gossip? You can trade secrets for actual goods with other players or NPCs. Knowing someone's name, reputation, and affiliations can greatly impact whether you can get information. Players can also put on disguises and assume different identities to help or hinder these efforts. Without names hovering overhead, you must be wary of who someone claims to be when introductions are made.

Become Immersed in Your Surroundings

Chronicles of Elyria treats communication differently from many contemporary MMORPGs, instead hearkening back to the focus on character based communication once common in bygone games. We've returned to the concept of in-character and out-of-character chat channels, divorcing your account from the character you play.

All character-based communications also take into account the restrictions of the world itself. Your chat travels as far as it can be heard by the ears of your fellow Elyrians that are present. If your intended recipient is not online and nearby they will not hear what you have to say. Further, communicating across distances requires sending messages or missives to physically travel the distance to their recipient, restoring the value of timely information delivery.

These changes help to immerse players into the world of Elyria, and encourage everyone to engage with the world as a living, breathing, physical place.

Reputation & Fame

One of the measurements of a lifetime is the legacy we leave behind. In Chronicles of Elyria, fame is how well your name is known and reputation is the public opinion about you. As the denizens of Elyria communicate with each other, they also share the gossip of the day, spreading rumors and legends that can, if they're speaking of your character, affect your character's reputation and fame.

Over time, your reputation will dictate how the NPCs, OPCs, and players who know you will react to you, while your fame will influence every interaction with anyone who knows what makes you famous. Each action you take can improve your fame so more characters will recognize you and the more likely your reputation is to spread. How would you like to be remembered?

Player-Run Governments & Organizations

We put tools in the hands of players to guide and shape Elyria and its many kingdoms. A hierarchical government, along with our unique system for Contracts, means that players can affect broad changes that impact other players on their server, for good or for ill. Each character may live freely in Elyria, as long as the laws of the land are obeyed. Each Settlement, County, Duchy, and Kingdom will have its own laws set by its ruler. Many of these rulers will be real players! The Contract system is what allows these rulers to set player-enforceable laws on the citizens. While it's possible to break those laws, there are consequences that could result if caught. If you don't care for your ruler, there are several options - from immigration to revolt. If those in power want to stay there, it will behoove them to create a palatable nation for its citizens.

We've designed Chronicles of Elyria from the ground up to be a game of tens, hundreds, or even thousands of players working side-by-side. Organizations provide tools and opportunity for players to guide the social and economic future of Elyria for their server!