Welcome to Terra-Arcanum, possibly the world's oldest still active fansite of the classic role-playing game "Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura." This game, developed by Troika Games and released in 2001, is a unique blend of steampunk and high fantasy elements. Here are some key details:
Setting
Arcanum is set in a world where magic and technology coexist, often in conflict. The game world is vast and richly detailed, featuring a variety of environments from bustling cities to remote wilderness areas.
Gameplay
Character Creation: Players can create their own characters, choosing from various races (such as humans, elves, dwarves, and orcs) and backgrounds. The game offers a deep character customization system with numerous skills, spells, and technological disciplines to choose from.
Combat: The game features both real-time and turn-based combat modes, allowing players to switch between them based on their preference.
Quests and Story: The main storyline is engaging and filled with twists and turns. Players can also undertake numerous side quests, each with its own unique challenges and rewards.
Choices and Consequences: Player choices significantly impact the game world and story. Decisions made during quests can lead to different outcomes, affecting relationships with NPCs and the overall game ending.
Graphics and Sound
While the graphics may seem dated by today's standards, they were quite impressive at the time of release. The game's soundtrack and voice acting add to the immersive experience.
Community and Mods
The game has a dedicated fan base and a variety of mods available to enhance the gameplay experience. For example, the unofficial Arcanum patch is highly recommended for fixing bugs and improving game stability.
If you have any specific questions about the game or need tips on playing it, feel free to ask on our forums!
Main Storyline
The game begins with a dramatic zeppelin crash, where the protagonist (your character) is the sole survivor. A dying gnome gives you a mysterious ring and urges you to "find the boy." As you embark on your journey, you discover that you are the reincarnation of a legendary hero.
Key Plot Points:
Search for the Boy: Your initial quest is to find the boy mentioned by the dying gnome. This leads you to uncovering deeper mysteries involving ancient prophecies.
Conflict Between Magic and Technology: The world of Arcanum is divided between those who practice magic and those who embrace technology. Your journey will navigate this conflict, and your character's choices will influence the balance between the two.
Powerful Antagonists: Along the way, you encounter powerful antagonists who seek to control or destroy Arcanum. These include an ancient lich named Kerghan and other formidable enemies.
Unraveling the Past: As you progress, you uncover secrets about your past life and your destiny. The storyline is rich with lore and involves interactions with various factions, characters, and quests that shape the world around you.
Final Confrontation: The climax of the game involves a final confrontation with Kerghan in the Void, where you must make crucial decisions that will determine the fate of Arcanum.
The storyline is deeply immersive and offers multiple endings based on the choices you make throughout the game. Your actions, alliances, and moral decisions significantly impact the outcome, making each playthrough a unique experience.