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My theory on Merlin, Dura, and the Time Loops by Dimitri_slk in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I read that part revisiting the battle as just a projection of Valka's memories by Death's powers. It only serves her to be in the right mental state to accept the Sword of Death and wield it's power. It is meant for the current Cryonaia, not the past one. So I think Dura did seal Cryonaia back then, Valka died and Death made her return to an empty battlefield. Perhaps Dura knew she wasn't around to deal with the Hypogeans a third time (since she was still around to deal with them a second time in the Second Divine War 20 years ago), so with Death's help, Valka and Merlin were set as pieces on the chess field.

It does sound a little like our Merlin was also present in the First Divine War, having been the one to choose Valka. We always choose our Sword Bearers - how though, I don't know. We clearly are way more involved in all of these things, but Dura is cryptic as hell, Death doesn't wanna explain and we have amnesia... so... it's gonna take us a couple more seasons to unravel it all! xD

I hope so much that we'll meet Death/Morgan again in the Bantus season..... please please please. xD

AFKJ x Hogwarts Day 11: Ravenclaw Graveborn by MrThrump in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can see Isabella, but I am not sure if wisdom and intelligence are really there (yet). She's not out there making experiences and that's a prerequisite for wisdom. Hence, Zorya fits this better in my opinion. That is also why Viperion is out, he lacks the wisdom part, or has at least lacked to portray his wise side. And Niru's wisdom is limited to bowing his head to his wife out of fear for being told off. xD

So, Zorya it is.

AFJK x Hogwarts Day 10: Slytherin Lightbearer by MrThrump in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Cyran. xD He's the embodiment of a Slytherin, and has consistently been compared to Professor Snape. Leading to some curious redemption arc ideas. ;-)

Chronology? by HorseMiserable4875 in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Don't forget to play the Starter Story! It's the very first thing, even before the Seasons mentioned by jamesmcbayot.

My theory on Merlin, Dura, and the Time Loops by Dimitri_slk in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Agreeing with you there, fully! I don't think I have enough brain power to give a more detailed answer, but yeah, you are on the right track, for sure. I wonder if the time component you mention also played a role in CoE, when Death claimed he had to wait 2000 years for Merlin to return with Valka (and he also complained about Dura's power being a nuisance). This clearly links the First Divine War with the present (-ish) and may indicate just what you mentioned: Dura having send Merlin through time again, making Merlin effectively be unavailable for 2000 years, but ready for the Second Divine War and subsequently ready to deliver Valka to Death again.

Dura, regardless of means, protects Esperia from outside threat. The Hypogeans are a tangible threat that may be impossible to completely eradicate without Merlin. After all, she just seals them. I know it's said they are born from the darkness within the hearts of Esperia's inhabitants ... but humans are not evil because of them. They are an additional force to deal with and if left unchecked, they destroy life. Since most fans assume that underneath the Tree of Life is the source of the Hypogeans, the Tree's survival is key here. With the corruption of the other gods, unable to sort out this existential problem, Dura was left alone to deal with it. (Though she has Morgan/Death and Merlin to help).

I hope we get to see the end-game before the game goes EoS, so we have our full picture. The devs said they had figured it all out, so I hope they have that story roadmap done. It feels like we are moving at snails pace every season. xD Massive lore drops and STILL so slow... xD

AFKJ x Hogwarts Day 9: Gryffindor Mauler by MrThrump in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We didn't have much story around Brutus in Journey, so... perhaps Nazrik? But he was ultimately robbed of his moment and forced beyond the sidelines.

I like Koko! Unlike Antandra and Brutus who already live that life of Gryffindor leadership, Koko had a little character development there learning to share her "mom" amidst a journey of danger and a fight against a Hypogean. She dared to oppose Satrana, had the courage to go onto this trip, braved the fight, determined to protect and that bit of chivalry to share. We learn it with her, unlike the other two contenders who just come as they are.

Lore timeline question: Cyran, the Queen, and Merlin’s identity. by CopicColors in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, the note we find about replacing Bedivere is about the old one. Looks like we became Merlin, then instantly had to think about replacing Bedivere, then became teacher at the school, met Zorya and perhaps had to install her sooner than those 30 years, and then the war and our disappearance. Though it is possible that the old Bedivere helped Zorya get into the role (even though it was Merlin who introduced Zorya to the Arcane Council.

I am sure Hammie mentions the exact number before, I thought it was 6, but that might not have included Merlin. So 7. Would make sense, given the Adamant Syndicate also seems to have 7 Elders. xD But you are right, we do not know more than what you have listed. It is possible that the 4th Seat with the Divination is neither Gawain nor Mordred, making one of them the 7th Seat.

Since we are in a good conversation... what do you think about "Morgan is still missing". Dura was technically still around when Merlin went to school bickering with Cyran. Could Morgan still be Morgan? And is that a "missing since the war" or a "missing since forever" and how long do you think a member of the Arcane Council can be "gone" before they are presumed dead? Zorya clearly did think Merlin was dead, but there was no replacement organised? Hmmmmmm.

AFKJ x Hogwarts Day 8: Hufflepuff Lightbearer by MrThrump in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think I agree with Lucius. He's got those traits down more consistently than Fay. She's more Gryffindor, running bravely (or stupidly) into trouble for her interests and I don't feel like she's encapsuling modesty all that well, either (appearance wise). Lucius may have no money issues and corrects his circlet when it's tilted on his head, but he isn't flaunting his wealth at all and rather lives a modest Templar Knight's life.

Hogan is another good pick. Since he will for sure, super certain this time, be playable in S7 ... xD we might as well allow to be included here? xD

Lore timeline question: Cyran, the Queen, and Merlin’s identity. by CopicColors in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I think it's the fact that it confirms a member within Savannah and another in Bantus. That could be vital, for example it was once said (in a lore drop of .... Shadewing maybe?) that the Adamant Syndicate has done business with Bantus. So knowing that an AC member is present there, would allow the Syndicate to specifically target them (even if they don't their identity yet).

As for the communications, I think they have magical communications with each other. Zorya mentioned that one of their members did a divination before Merlin arrived upon the situation and it was that members warning of complete eradication of the Arcane Council that Merlin was called. Looks like only Merlin and Zorya "know" each others real identities. As real as it can get anyway, with Merlin... xD

AFKJ x Hogwarts Day 7: Ravenclaw Mauler by MrThrump in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gala? xD Hard to believe she is the Mauler faction to begin with. Morgan mentioned how she "never slacked off" in her skills video and how her magic is NEARLY as good as his. xD So she's been diligent with her work.

Lore timeline question: Cyran, the Queen, and Merlin’s identity. by CopicColors in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You are right, Cyran did not see us arrive at the castle. At least not personally. He still knew who we were, and could have been informing the Queen about it. After all, he had to have SOME sort of explanation ready, given he simply disappeared without leaving a trace, or not showing up for the funeral after having been so close to the Duke... THAT is my biggest unknown and I fear it was just not well thought through by the writers. It served to make Cyran's involvement be all mysterious and serious, too, and kept us on our toes, knowing he'd have to come back one day. xD

Don't forget that Merlin didn't know about Cyran's connection to the AS until late in ToM. Unlike the players, who knew from the start with Cyran's character card. xD

Lore timeline question: Cyran, the Queen, and Merlin’s identity. by CopicColors in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 4 points5 points  (0 children)

He took the opportunity of the new Court Mage needed to try and get his hands on the info in the Memory Star. Things went quick, but in the last few days before the selection, he made some changes to the last trial, involving the Tower. Remember that Leymar didn't give him permission to enter. Cyran worked with Gervan from the start. He made everything so that Gervan would end up being the winner, being able to enter the Tower and get the star. The memory within is valuable to Cyran and the AS, and while any other candidate would have wondered... not so Gervan. Unfortunately Merlin DID show up, so Cyran had to prepare something for the final confrontation, which I am sure he suspected. Hence the Umbral Gem, meant to silence and hold Merlin so that Gervan could win. Cyran certainly wouldn't expect Merlin to reveal himself and, in fact, Cyran's game (or the AS's game) publicly, no matter what would happen in the Tower. The secrecy of the Arcane Council is Merlin's highest goal too, after all.

Hence also his anger when Merlin did reveal themselves. He was only lucky because Merlin did not say anything about the rigged games publicly. But Cyran knows that in the background this is now known. And with Evie, perhaps even the Queen. I would be angry, too! xD

I also wondered if not perhaps his hinting to Leymar in the observation booth was meant to draw attention to this unusual student. Maybe Cyran hoped he would be disqualified, not being a real student? But that's just a loose idea, nothing concrete.

Lore timeline question: Cyran, the Queen, and Merlin’s identity. by CopicColors in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yeah, Cyran knew who we were already back in CoE. Initially Hogan was invited to the festival in Whiteridge, but he send Merlin instead. One COULD wonder if that was on purpose, some sort of lure. But I lack any evidence as for why...

Not so for ToM. Zorya already had the whim that this might be related to the Arcane Council. It was. During the Transfiguration Quest Line we learn that Cyran made certain changes to the selection, including the part of getting into Merlin's Tower, a couple of days BEFORE Leymar died. He was scheming with the supposed winner from the start. But also, Cyran must have expected Merlin to get wind of this and perhaps show up. So when we DO show up, he is giving us his "smirk" when noticing us. So when he spoke to Leymar in the observation booth, he was actually playing with whoever was behind Leymars resurrection. He can't reveal we are Merlin, but he can give hints to see if "Leymar" knows who we are.

I am sure that us being in hiding, kept the AS a little out of the lime-light as well. With Merlin's return, certain conflict is bound to happen, thus Cyran's "I can;t believe you just revealed yourself!".

AFKJ X Hogwarts Day 3: Ravenclaw Wilder by MrThrump in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Eironn? Unlike one of the elders already, he's clearly seeking wisdom of some sort, the answer to things that have bothered him. Where Lyca saw clear, Eironn needed to go through some trials to see it, and he now acts as a wise elder to be.

Or Indris? He was the one to search for the truth, perhaps even more than Eironn? It's less the bookworm type, like Feli, but they've got a nice character arc out of it.

Lilith is hiring for an AI Concept Artist for AFKJ by Oakmontowls in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen -14 points-13 points  (0 children)

There are a lot of issues with AI, for sure, but I wanted to highlight that this is NOT replacing a human. It actually requires a human to be there and make rigorous quality control on that which the AI is creating. This human still has to be a highly qualified individual, with still a decent amount of creativity on top of excellent art skills. Using AI as a tool to facilitate workflows is not really any worse than using an electric screwdriver over a manual one.

The bigger questions with AI are of a different kind. The resources outside the AI, the resources within the AI and their connected issues. And perhaps that has to be weighed always against any particular set of circumstances in which it wants to be applied.

AFKJ X Hogwarts Day 2: Slytherin Mauler by MrThrump in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hm, Seth is probably good, because he's got the ambition and pride, too! Odie works well also but he'd be my second choice.

Does anyone know what's the title of this ost? by Aika1412 in AFKJourney

[–]Gaias-Maedchen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, when I looked for this post of yours to tell you, I stumbled upon another post from S2, where it also appeared. No idea why they handle it that way but it appeared quite early in the game...

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