#june (aveyond)

[rhendarzon]

Aveyond Characters Set

Aveyond 3: Orbs of Magic Series

[aveyond-references]

Interview with June

TLDR: In the interest of preserving and sharing a fun bit of fandom history, I’m reuploading the pre-Aveyond 3 release interviews originally posted on the Amaranthia Forums. Shoutout to Specter for being the one to save them from the deleted Amaranth blog.

Here’s the pre-The Lost Orb Interview with June.

Originally posted by Amaranth on January 29, 2010 as "Interview with June."

This week, we are catching up with June, our youngest party member ever, to ask her about her new role in The Lost Orb.

I hear you're quite young. How old are you? I'm 13 3/4. Until next week. Then I'll be 14.

What is your profession? I'm an apprentice magician, but I'll be a journeyman soon. I just have to get my certificate. Did you know that I have the best marks in my class? I got a 106% on my last test. I even beat Macy Frith's best score.

Who is Macy Frith? Macy graduated from Peliad Primary Magician's School faster than any student in history. I have to do better. It's the only way I'm sure to get into Bookminster's University for Magicians in Sedona.

Wow, it sounds like you're a clever kid. So tell us, how did you get involved with Mel? No offense, but she doesn't seem your type. June blushes. I er... made her take me. I've got this problem... To get my magician's certificate, I have to learn three new magic tricks on my own. I decided I could do this faster if I left school and attached myself to someone who er... seemed trouble-prone.

So, what do you think about your companions? Mel is cool. Sometimes she's a bit delusional, but in general, I like her. Edward is soooo cute! Yvette is plain strange. Ulf is teaching me about plants. He's pretty smart.

You never mentioned Spook... Ugh, please. Spook is Spook. When he's not trying to give Mel smelly rat tails, he's sneering at the rest of us.

[lastlace]

Here's the gift I made for the Aveyond Winter Exchange!! I was super excited to actually draw these characters, they aren't usually my go to's! 😊😊😊

(Click for better quality)

[snowsheba]

ok. ok. 3-3's grown on me. it just took a bit for me to sink my teeth into it

[snowsheba]

finished aveyond 3-3. i am emotional. thoughts under cut

characters

mel it is astonishing to me how consistent she is throughout these games. she's not written particularly well in the first place, so the fact that it neither improves nor gets worse is really impressive!

i thought it was very funny how quickly she and edward fell back into sniping at each other. i can't even conceive of them as friends because mel is such an asshole. if anything the only reason they get along is because they've kept each other alive during their adventures, which is a bond that only breaks when there's no more fighting to be had.

lydia her in-game motivations make absolutely no sense. i really liked her in 3-2, but in 3-3 she's a caricature of herself. disappointing to be sure!! like if in 3-2 they had had her talk about how she wants to rule i'd get it, but in 3-2 she was mostly concerned about edward dying out there. and yes you can twist that into some convoluted "it's foreshadowing!" section but come on. really guys. really.

stella stella come back i miss youuuuuuuuu

i wish she had more screentime here. i think it's pretty telling that one of the only poc characters we play (at least visibly poc) is shunted off to the side. (not to mention how they lighten her skin in her dialogue avatar. sigh.)

edward he's the king and he fucked off and let lydia do her thing. we love a colossally stupid man who does no research into how to annul a marriage. LITERALLY the stupidest prince/king alive.

i like at the end he finally decides to get going and do his job but like sir. you ran off during your coronation to help your friend? what about your WIFE. (because i had him marry stella.)

ulf he deserves a peaceful apprenticeship in animal town. you go, ulf. you had more lines in 3-3 than you did in 3-2, and you were with the party for a section that lasted less than 20 minutes. then he came back for another 10 minutes, but hey, it's something! i actually fought with him for a bit!

te'ijal (and galahad) i did not read as many letters as i should have, but every single one broke my heart into a million tiny pieces. i'm so SAD for you, te'ijal! by far her letters were the best written thing in the game because of how heart-wrenching they were in their simplicity. ARGH

june i went from 0 to 100 with june between starting and finishing this game. i think the fact she's 14 years old is WILD to me. what the fuck! get this girl into school! she literally DIED on this quest because sometimes i fucked up the fights and she's FOURTEEN!

i think there's something very cute about how she likes to keep track of how much of something you've done. she will count everything. shields. pixies. whatever. she'll count it for you. good for you, june.

yvette she is myst lite. i can see how they took yvette's base and made myst. i desperately wish yvette was more unhinged than she already was.

i do think her way of speaking, as well as the fact she often was giving explanations, was a nice touch. she's a local and she knows the area(s) better than anyone!

spook i'll admit the game got me with this one LOL. the writing in general is Not Great so i was like "oh a character without a real reason or motivation who wants to get it on with mel? sure. seems reasonable" and just rolled with it.

the primary issue was that since i had edward marry stella, edward being jealous was really fucking weird, so i didn't even think twice about it. shows what i know! they really hit it hard at the end. although why would gyendal say he's done the whole route dozens of times if he hadn't been able to get into the cave before?? that part didn't make sense to me i mean, seriously.

can we also take a moment and think about how gyendal's plan to get mel to do stuff is to... join her party and try to get it on with her? like. that is his first plan. he could've just sat and waited. like. he COULD have just not done anything. i think about this very often.

story

sincerely i don't see the point of saving your game in 3-2 if the only thing that's kept the same is whoever edward proposed to. it doesn't even really matter: the game is slanted to having mel being the scorned wife even if she wasn't the one who was supposed to get married, and it makes everything really stiff and awkward.

THAT SAID. i am grateful there were less characters for me to focus on - that made a much more compelling narrative. the side quests felt much more fleshed out in this chapter than the other two so far, and i feel like i actually remembered things about each town and its locals. it Felt Right. it Felt Good. the vibes were exquisite for each place and you could tell the effort they'd put in to give each area a personality. i genuinely love that very much.

i do think the big twist at the end is kind of lame, but like, they DID get me with it, so that's on me.

gameplay

oh my god they finally made the quests clearer and with more instructions. i screamed when i saw they put the location of the quest in parentheses next to each name or whatever. thank GOD. it made the game SO much easier to manage (and more efficient in terms of completing several quests at once).

i never was a huge fan of the aveyond 4 battle format (kind of hard to see each icon) so i'm not thrilled to see it here, but it's also really fun to see how each game slowly builds on itself to create the next.

also i didn't know this until i looked up a walkthrough, but i skipped an apparently pretty big quest in peliad where you set leopold up. i was wondering why the fuck i learned trapping the whole time i played, so i looked it up and it turns out... you set leopold up. which i never did. and yet when stormbend's tavern keeper was like "i wanna retire!" leopold was already out of business. SUPER weird. i'll try to replicate it on my next playthrough, i think.

conclusion

literally was like "meh" at the start and then INTENSELY invested by the end. this is probably my favorite chapter so far. like the other two i was like "these are good" but i finished this one and was like. man. i really feel connected and at home with this one.

i'm immediately jumping to 3-4. HOW DOES IT END!!!

[aveyond-references]

Interview with Edward Pendragon (The Lost Orb)

TLDR: In the interest of preserving and sharing a fun bit of fandom history, I’m reuploading the pre-Aveyond 3 release interviews originally posted on the Amaranthia Forums. Shoutout to Specter for being the one to save them from the deleted Amaranth blog.

Here’s the pre-The Lost Orb Interview with Edward.

Originally posted by shaz on December 26, 2009 as “Interview with Edward Pendragon."

Prince Edward was kind enough to spend some time with me today, to discuss events that have occurred since Gyendal was defeated.

Prince Edward, it's nice to see you again. Thank you for your time today. That's okay. But you probably shouldn't call me Prince now.

No, of course not. A great deal has happened since you returned from Ghed'ahre. Yes. The wedding, the coronation, my parents retiring.

Gyendal? Yes, Gyendal escaped. We don't know how, but we know he's after Mel. Thankfully, Ulf and I found her first.

What does your wife think of you leaving your responsibilities in Thais and going on this quest? Lydia?!

A sound comes from Edward's throat. It could be a growl ... or a sob.

Things are ... complicated ... with Lydia. And Mel. As soon as Gyendal is behind bars again, we'll go back to Thais and sort everything out.

I see you have several new companions. I wanted to ask you about Spook. Edward frowns.

Did I say something wrong? Spook is a thief. I don't know what his intentions are, but I don't trust him.

He seems ... interested ... in Mel. Do you think you might just be a little jealous? Jealous? Maybe. This is not a good time for anyone to be seeking Mel's attention. She has enough to cope with already, with Gyendal and this missing orb.

Well, thanks for your time, Prince ... er ... Edward. Good luck on the rest of your quest. Thanks. I think we'll be needing a lot of that.

And so ends our interview with Edward Pendragon. I have requested interviews with June, Yvette and Spook, but as yet have not had responses from any of them. At least I know where to find Stella and Ulf, so we'll have another interview for you next week.

[aveyond-references]

Interview with Mel Darkthrop (The Lost Orb)

TLDR: In the interest of preserving and sharing a fun bit of fandom history, I’m reuploading the pre-Aveyond 3 release interviews originally posted on the Amaranthia Forums. Shoutout to Specter for being the one to save them from the deleted Amaranth blog.

Here’s the pre-The Lost Orb Interview with Mel.

Originally posted by shaz on December 20, 2009 as “Interview with Mel Darkthrop"

I managed to catch up with Mel when she visited Thais recently. It is, perhaps, not unusual, that she wasn't very talkative. I did manage to glean a few details about her current activities.

I heard your wedding day was very exciting. I suppose that's one way to describe it.

Would you care to tell us about it? Hmm, no. Thais Times pretty much kept up with everything. You can read about it.

I heard you've left Thais for a while. Can you tell us where you're staying these days? No.

Okay. Maybe I'll ask Stella. Ugh! I'm on Eldrion.

Eldrion? Why? I'm looking for something.

Oh, the lost Orb? What makes you think it's on Eldrion? Can't I do anything without the world knowing about it? Nox told me.

Who's Nox? Er ... just someone I dreamed up. Never mind.

Is Nox helping you? No. Forget I said that. June is helping me. She's a bit annoying, but I needed her help, and had to agree to let her come along. And Yvette. She's strange - thinks having a vampire breathing down your neck is fun. And Edward and Ulf are helping me ...

Edward? He's left Thais too, and ... er ... Lydia? Mel scowls Let's just say Edward has a few things that need to be sorted out.

There's another guy with you. Young. Kinda cute. Mel blushes That's ... Spook.

Spook? He seems fond of you. I can see Edward doesn't like him much though. Like I said, Edward has a few things to sort out.

It doesn't bother you that he's jealous? No, not now. Royalty and commoners don't mix. I should have accepted that long ago. Edward needs to accept it too.

Hmm. I do have arrangements for an interview with Edward. Maybe he'll tell me a little more. Good luck with that. Look, I have to go. Got a world to save, unborn descendants to protect, all that...

Sure. Thanks for your time Mel. Hope you find that orb you're looking for.

And so ends our interview with Mel. Next week we'll be talking with Prince Edward Pendragon. Must remember to ask him about Spook ...

[aveyond-references]

Interview with Ulf

TLDR: In the interest of preserving and sharing a fun bit of fandom history, I’m reuploading the pre-Aveyond 3 release interviews originally posted on the Amaranthia Forums. Shoutout to Specter for being the one to save them from the deleted Amaranth blog.

Here’s the pre-The Lost Orb Interview with Ulf.

Originally posted by shaz on January 24, 2010 as "Interview with Ulf".

Ulf, you seem to have made yourself quite at home here. Yes, I like this place.

What makes it so special? Well, in the Orc Kingdom, I was despised because of my size. In human kingdoms, people run from me because they think I'm big and scary. It isn't like that here. Everyone is different, and I don't stand out.

What do you do with your time? I study. Orcs don't value magic, and there is plenty of that here. There is even an alchemist, who has taught me a few things.

I see. Ulf, I believe you were one of the few eyewitnesses of Gyendal's escape. Yes. Everyone else was in the throne room, but I couldn't bear to watch, so I stayed outside.

Now that he's human, do you think he is still a threat? Oh yes. As he left the castle, I heard him say he was going after Mel. He is determined to take revenge.

You've been searching for the lost orb for quite a while. Has there been any sign of him? No, not so far. I only hope we find the orb before Gyendal finds it, and before he finds Mel. At any rate, when he comes, we'll be ready.

I sure hope so. Er ... Ulf, ... is there any chance you like to wear pretty dresses? Ulf erupts in a fit of laughter. Apparently, he was not expecting such a question and finds the thought amusing, to say the least. I give him a few moments to regain his composure, but any further attempt at continuing the interview results in further bursts of laughter. Now, an Orc having an attack of the giggles, with tears streaming down the side of his face, is a sight I never thought I'd see, but it is quite cute nonetheless. I'm going to assume his answer to the question is no, and it's looking like this is the end of the interview.

Next week, we'll head back to the Magician's Guild in Peliad, where I'll catch up with June.

[aveyond-references]

Interview with Yvette (The Lost Orb)

TLDR: In the interest of preserving and sharing a fun bit of fandom history, I’m reuploading the pre-Aveyond 3 release interviews originally posted on the Amaranthia Forums. Shoutout to Specter for being the one to save them from the deleted Amaranth blog.

Here’s the pre-The Lost Orb Interview with Yvette. Sort of, you'll see.

Originally posted by shaz on January 3, 2010 as “Interview with Yvette".

Yvette, thank you for your time. Please have a seat, make yourself comfortable. Welcome, you are. All those other humans will need seats too, yes?

Other humans? Yes, the ones behind you. Waving to us, they are. Perhaps they want to have a party?

I turn around, to see who Yvette is referring to. There, steadily advancing up the hill, is a throng of Amaranthians, shouting, waving their arms in the air, some carrying picket signs, all looking none too happy. They were too numerous to count, and after seeing what looked to be a noose in someone's hand, I had no desire to take the time to count them.

Uh oh ... Something is wrong?

That, my friend, is not a party. That is a lynching mob! Listen, if you don't mind, we'll do this interview next week instead. For now, I suggest you find somewhere to hide.

Yvette giggles, then shapeshifts into a bird and flies safely out of reach.

I take one more look at the crowd, turn, and run, wishing I could be a shapeshifter too ...

Managing to stay just out of reach of the angry mob (it's true what they say - fear, wings, feet, all that stuff!), I dodge around barrels, between buildings, around the corner of the store, and run smack into Spook! Slightly dazed, it takes me a moment to formulate a plan that might allow me to live to see another sunrise.

I grab Spook's arm and swing him around, into the open area, to face the onslaught! Still in a state of shock, Spook offers no resistance.

"Look everyone, it's Spook!"

Instantly the crowd freezes. Arms are lowered, signs and other objects for inflicting pain are dropped, and faces are transformed from anger to awe.

"Spook!" I repeat.

"Spook ..." the crowd murmers in a subdued tone. Their eyes have all gone glassy. It worked!

Spook (quiet, but miffed): "What do you think you're doing?" Shaz: "I'm doing an interview with you." Spook: "I've already told you, no." Shaz: "I don't care." Spook: "If I refuse?" Shaz: "Then things are going to get ugly. Besides, this isn't multiple choice. I'm not asking you." Spook: "Very well, you may have your interview. But be warned, you will be in debt to me."

Yes! It worked! My having Spook's arm twisted into a potentially painful position behind his back may have been a contributing factor. Spook (slightly nervously): "What's wrong with them?" Shaz: "Don't worry - they're fine. Just smile and wave, and no-one will get hurt."

Everyone, Spook has finally found time in his busy schedule to grant us an interview. So, without further ado, I present:

Interview with Spook

Spook, can you tell us your occupation, and where you live? My occupation changes to suit my needs, and my home is wherever I need to be to do it.

Er ... okay. Folks, that translates to "I'm a thief, and I live in Peliad". Spook smiles and raises an eyebrow.

I believe you met Mel by helping her out of a tight spot? The kid was new in town and having a bit of trouble, so I gave her a hand.

Out of the goodness of your heart? Even someone in my occupation is capable of doing selfless things. It led to several more opportunities to help her, so I did.

Mel already has a number of companions helping her on her quest. What do you offer that they don't? Trust. Respect. A chance to grow. June and Yvette have their own reasons for being here. The Orc and the Prince are here because they think Mel needs to be protected. They think she's weak. She's capable of much more than they give her credit for, and I'm the only one who accepts that.

You don't think she needs protectors? No. To find this item she is seeking requires speed and stealth. Nothing more. Mel and I excel in those areas. If we didn't have the others slowing us down, we could complete her quest and move on.

What would you move on to, after this quest is over? I've been thinking a great deal about that. Mel is tough, and smart. She and I could do great things together.

So you envision a future with Mel? You know about Mel and Edward, right? Yes, and I know the Prince is jealous. I represent everything from her previous way of life - a way of life he is trying to take her away from.

That's very ... insightful of you. You don't mind, then? No. Mel can have more than one best friend. She is happy with that. The Prince is taking longer to accept it, but he will.

Well, you certainly have interesting views on things, and I would not have expected to hear this from ... From a thief? No, I suppose you wouldn't. Perhaps there is a lesson here, in not judging people based on their appearance.

So true. Well, Spook, I thank you for your time and your candid responses.

I release my more-relaxed grip on Spook's arm and allow him to leave. He glances back at the crowd, smiles a little nervously and waves, then turns to walk past me. As he passes, he whispers into my ear, "Remember, you owe me. Be prepared to deliver when the time comes."

I watch Spook leave, then turn back to the crowd, still standing, glassy-eyed, and staring after him.

I have no idea what favour Spook will ask, or when, but I'm not too concerned. Spook, I can handle. A crowd of crazed Amaranthians ... that's another matter entirely.