Sade of NeoSteam

2009-05-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

Please also check out the links to the right side of the page for the rest of the blog

Note, I no longer play this game. It was fun and interesting mainly because of the people that played it with me. As it is now I leave this blog up as a memory to the fun we had playing and enjoying what the game had to offer.

Update : The Atlus version of Neosteam will be closing on February 8, 2012

Northern Underworld Mobs

2008-12-15T13:59:00.000-08:00

Northern Underworld

2008-12-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

Southern Underworld Mobs

2008-12-15T05:09:00.000-08:00

Southern Underworld

2008-12-14T23:16:00.000-08:00

Southern Underworld Restricted

2008-12-14T19:27:00.000-08:00

An area so new there is no mobs there as of yet :D

=.= i see you looking up my skirt ~.-

2008-12-01T23:24:00.000-08:00

The dungeon entrance

2008-12-01T23:21:00.000-08:00

2008-12-01T23:19:00.000-08:00

2008-12-01T23:15:00.000-08:00

An end to a day to remember

2008-10-06T04:55:00.000-07:00

When CrownedClown and I reached Nasdaim he lead me to the town square. This, he had told me along the journey was not the first time he had been here, so he knew the way. However I got the impression from him he would have said that even if he had not known where he was going.

Arriving at the town square Enen welcomed us warmly as she had been waiting and she introduced herself. CrownedClown quickly being sent along his way to the male barracks turned and gave a fair well smile before melting into the shadows of the night. "I'll be seeing you again soon." He said in a faint whisper at which I didn't know how to feel, reassured or apprehensive.

.
While Enen accompanying me down to where I would be spending the night, observed me as we pasted under one particular rather bright street lantern. Seeing to her opinion how dirty I had become in my travels that day. Pausing for a moment in thought Enen suggested that I first visit the bathhouse and get into some fresh clothes before retiring for the night. Stating that it would do me good to be fresh and clean for the morning.

Giving a slight protest to Enen she would hear nothing of it. It seemed that she had already made her mind up so that is what I would have to do. For this moment in time at least Enen was the one in charge and I would have to listen to her.

Rushing me down some small close, dimly lit, narrow alleyways, cluttered with who would want to know what, I quickly lost my sense of direction. However, Enen seemed as though she knew the way well. Sure of her footing and where to turn in the darkness. I would have to trust her. Abruptly coming to a halt we were soon there. The building a sad old grey blue, polished stone reflecting the sad cold of the night that when compared to the other buildings in its surrounds, beamed out a welcoming light. As we got closer Enen looked me over again. Muttering to herself in disapproval more then talking to me she said. "I think I'll take that robe to be washed too."

Stopping mid step I responded. "I think not. No one is to touch my families robes except for me." At which she gave me a puzzled look.

"As you would have it, I meant no disrespect." She answered me in a shocked tone to my quick answer. "However filthy they are." She trailed off as she could see she was not convincing me. "I will have someone bring you a fresh change of clothes and you can wash your robe yourself." She snapped. Looking at her a little in disbelief, at this woman I didn't know, I wondered what would make her behave so.

As we entered the bath house we were greeted by an attendant and leaving Enen there talking to another assistant I was shown down a corridor to my own personal room. In the small talk the attendant insisted on muttering as we went, she had asked me if I had ever been to a place like this before. On my unsure reply that I had only ever bathed in the river that went behind my home in Bijumir the woman looked a bit disturbed. The attendant explaining that the water in the baths was heated by the neosteam as it traveled on its way to the storage tanks as the pipes were closest to the surface here. She told me that this was going to be a completely different experience. Swinging back the thick clothe drape that covered the low door, she gestured that I enter. The attendants excuse for the door size being that pom's had built this place without consideration for the tall.

A scene like I had never seen before opened before me. The sight before me welcoming and confronting at the same time. Situated in the middle of the room was a wonderful pool set into the floor with steam raising off the waters surface. The water churning in a slow roll as the hot water rose then cooled returned to the bottom to be warmed again. Fed at one end by an open tap the excess draining through a hole in the far wall. The bottom of the pool glowing with some strange light shinning up to the roof making curious dancing shadows on the walls and ceiling. In wonder I watched the waters surface for a moment. Then looking up took in the rest of the plain room. A few curtains hung along the wall trying to warm the place up and to bring in some colour, suceeding little. Along one side open wooden shelves with towels and other things needed for bathing were kept.

Turning around as another assistant entered, the young girl gave me some folded up clothes before leaving quickly. The attendant leaving me with instructions to help myself to what ever was on the shelf also making a speedy departure, so that I was soon left alone. After that left to my own devices. Going over to the shelves I inspected their contents. Taking what I would need I set it to the side on a single empty chair.

Admittedly I was a little glad at this chance and no doubt the warm water would do me good. Looking around the room again it felt a little strange still. All this unfamiliar space. Peeping out of the clothe drape the corridor was empty. Returning to the room I prepared myself.

First letting down my long black riverlets of flowing hair I found a comb in which to brush it. Freed from the hair tie, my hair seemed to have a mind of its own. Teasing out the impossible knots that insisted on building up in my hair throughout the day. Then taking off my earrings, rings and necklace I carefully placed the accessories on the shelf. Yanking off my boots, it felt as if they had sunk on the journey and it was a relief to place my bare feet on the gently warmed stone floor. Unfastening the buttons down the front of my robe, I felt as if I could breathe a little more. Taking my time as being in a room like this still felt strange to me. Opening my intricate top before the metal hooks on my long flowing skirt. I slipped the robe off slowly, carefully as I didn't want to get it wet. The humidity of the air washing over me as I folded my robe up respectfully I placed it in my nap sack. Turning my attention to my corset it was the last thing to remove. With it's tight fiddly thin laces making it the hardest to do away with of all the garments. Removing the garments I observed a line between where I had been covered up to that of exposed. The milky white of my flesh tarnished and grey from dust. Perhaps I was mistaken on how dirty I had gotten working in the field today. Corset removed I took a deep thorough breath and stretched at length. Standing there naked I began thinking about my nation, Elerd.

The thick moist air filling my senses with the smells of the bath salt as I added some to the water. The sent of roses hanging heavy in the air. Shivering a little as in the air retained some of the cold from outside, I carefully tested the temperature of the water with one toe. We had a lot to loose if we could not come to an agreement with the Rogwel nation. Surprisingly the water was body temperature, neither too hot or too cold. We were so dependant on neosteam for so many things as an energy source. All the wars as long as anyone could remember were over the use of it.

Shakily, unsteadily I entered the pools warm waters. The water tickling my leg with some fine bubbles as I moved into it. Going in carefully as I could not see the steps leading in through the hazy movement of the water's surface. Easing myself in further, the water felt soft and welcomed me like an old lover as it enveloped me, embracing me until I stood with the water just covering my belly button. Playing with the water's surface it was fascinating. Finding a stone bench in the water I sat down leaning back to wet my hair. There had to be a better answer then war.

Washing my slender form I thought about my place in life, enjoying the warmth. Cleaning my face, I had lead a good life because of the neosteam we had access to. It would be reckless and selfish if no one stood up to keep our share. But what to do about the advancing Rogwel forces. I was just a lowly mage how could I make any difference. Starting to relax I thought of my parents and my home again. Already I missed them. What would become of them and my home without me, I sighed. Leaning against the far wall it happened without my notice, drifting into a dreamy sleep where visions past before my eyes, faces and places of my life.

I did not know and to this day do still do not know how long I was in the bath for before being woken. Opening my deep blue eyes slowly I felt strange for a moment as I did not remember immediately where I was. A warm peaceful feeling of complete calm before realising there was another in the room. Someone I had not met before. He was just staring out from under his long pale brow with a strange look on his face. A kind of surprised look however I sensed he had been there for some time looking me over. Then he realised that I had opened my eyes and was looking back at him.

Startled I stood up, exposing myself chest to him totally unintentionally before remembering I was nude, quickly covering myself again and letting out a nervous laugh I sat back in the water. The young dusty orange brown taroon not knowing where to look flashed his bright yellow eyes around the room. Embrassed and not knowing what to do he clumsily turned around to face the door way half his height. His striped tail never staying still as he dumbly tried to explain what he was doing there. Making odd sounds that weren't words as if his thoughts were getting caught in his throat. His small pointy ears twitching in agitation. His broad lean, slender shoulders a mass of muscle and a trail of dark fur flowed down his back. His paw like hands fidgeting at his sided, flexing into fists then flicking his fingers back out.

Realising he was in thin simple blue pants that could quite easily passed as have been his underwear I waited for an explanation and truthfully there wasn't much more I could do in my position. Taking a deep breath the stranger said in a kind deep voice. "I am sorry, there normally isn't anyone in this place at this hour. I come here every day and use this bath. I was not expecting anyone to be in here. I came in not realising you were here and then could not take my eyes off you. I know it was wrong of me to stare but you looked so peaceful. I will be going now."

And with that he moved with an odd sense of speed through the low draped door hastily to leave me alone again and a little confused a to what had just happened. Staying in the bath a few more minutes to make sure he was not coming back, I rinsed off my hair off. Moving quickly to dry myself with a towel I should at least know who had shared the room with me. Dressing in a rush in the plain cotton clothes that had been given to me, I grabbed my nap sack checking the contents. Everything was where it should have been. Sighing, that was a relief.

Moving down to the attendant I asked her who that was that had been here. She replied she had seen no one. The attendant sending an assistant with a gesture brought back Enen. Giving up for now that would have to remain a mystery. Heading towards a rather large building, its tall windows dark and blindless, looking like a row of blackened teeth grinning out to the night. That is where I would spend the night until I started training and was assigned proper sleeping quarters.

After being shown to my bed the candle was put out and there was nothing more I could do that day apart from climb between the sheets, think about tomorrow and that man, cute as he was that had invaded my privacy.

On The Way To Training

2008-09-23T00:16:00.000-07:00

Upon reaching Bijumir proper I was unceremoniously left at the town gates in the darkness of late evening. The chill of the evening was well established from the hours of travelling at an uncomfortable though steady pace, the depth of the cold seeming to creep into my very bones. A starless night with no moon to tell of, the only source of light was coming from the pale blue neosteam lanterns, the great rings leading into the town bearing over the entrance. The giant symbols of the ancients pulsing with the energy.

The ruddy orange taroon the others only called commander lifting me down quickly from the royal blue and gold steam rider and as he handed me my nap sack he gave me an odd look over from high in his mount. The look was barely noticeable in the faint glow. What it meant at that moment I didn't know but it was a curious little gleam of an expression that flashed across his features no sooner there then gone. Calmly and with a controlled tone he spoke to me for the first time in all the journey.

"You are to take the subway to Nasdaim and report to Enen and she will direct you from there." Bowing my head humbly in a showing that I had understood his order, he tried to smile however it wasn't a very reassuring expression coming from a taroon, it looked more like a snarl then a smile.

It appeared that without a second thought to my care as I had my orders and he expected them to be carried out, the commander and the two men accompanying him had already turned their riders around to head off I assumed for the next recruit. Watching them go I was still thinking of the days events and what a totally different place I was in now then I had been in when I had awoken that morning cosy in my familiar bed. That is when I realised I had no gold for the subway.

Looking up after the commander in anxious desperation I let out one short shout. "Hey." The sound of which bounced off every flat plain face of the walls and buildings echoing back at me eerily. However the commander and his men were too far away. The sounds of the awkwardly moving riders clattering, drowning out any sound in the clear night. Dropping my shoulders down with a sigh, what was I meant to do now?

Standing there idlingly playing with the knot that held my nap sack closed for more then a few moments in deep thought. Taking in the night air and the new surrounds I shivered. If I had felt alone before then now I truly was. To my right the trainers had locked up their studios hours before, their doors boarded up until the morning and there was no sign of moment from within. Looking out into the darkness, there was nothing for me there. Nothing stirred, just the unknown of what tomorrow held for me. Turning to Bijumir I had no where else to go.

Therefore entering cautiously, though I did not know why or what I expected for me to act this way. The streets lantern lined were empty. All the window of the houses blackened as every occupant was sleeping. I felt so small compared to the darkness surrounding me. Vulnerable, open and defenseless in my new surrounds unknown to me. I was a girl of the country and this many buildings in the one place seemed very strange. I pondered as to how so many people could live in the one place. That is when I stumbled across a small sign post telling me the way to the subway near the middle of town.

With some deep set relief I moved off in this direction as perhaps there would be someone there that could help me. Arriving Giliyon welcomed me though he could not let me board the subway without fair. Telling me I would have to wait for morning for the officers office to open. He offered his hospitality instead. Coming forth with some hot noodle soup and a few crusts of bread from his modest accommodation that joined the subway platform. Gratefully I sat on a wooden bench in a sheltered corner of the waiting area. My nap sack and staff in my lap warming my trembling fingers on the rather large bowl I relaxed.

Enjoying the rather good thick poopoo broth, the fiddlely noodles and the pieces of vegetables, my worries seemed to be leaving me for a moment as I concentrated on filling my empty belly. I had not realised just how hungry I had become. When something flashed in the corner of my eye, startling me and without thought I had let off a fireball at this thing that had suddenly come to loom and to stand over me.

The crackling in the clear chilled air roared as the fireball moved forwards and just in time the stranger had rolled back pulling himself out of the way. The head of the fireball passing less than an inch from his chest. The tail of it whipping around wildly still managing to scorch the fine fabric and blister the metal in his armour with the heat of its passing. A few seconds later the fireball loudly exploding into sparks on the wall behind him to leave a large black scald mark upon the polished surface. In shock both at his presence and the power in my reaction I quickly got up. Placing all my things on the bench I rushed over.

Approaching the stranger I made my deepest apologies, placing a hand lightly on his chest to inspect the damage. I found that again I had acted without thinking. Managing to burn myself on the still hot metal of his armour. Pulling my hand back quickly I just had to laugh at myself. The stranger looked at me oddly as he did not know the reason I acted so and I calmed myself. Taking a deep breath. "I am truly sorry about that, you startled me so." I said suppressing another laugh as my hand throbbed with a dull pain from the burn.

"I am fine." Smiled the stranger slyly. "You would have to do a lot more then that to harm me." And he puffed up his chest playfully trying to act all macho as if nothing could harm him."Though the response time with that fire ball was impressive." Saying this he smiled again, a curious little grin.

At this sight I couldn't help letting out a tense little giggle and a broad smile. To my response he acted as if I had hurt his feelings making me laugh all the more until finally he joined in relaxing the situation. Moving back to the bench I reached to pick up the bowl then drew my hand back as the heat from the bowl made the burn throb all the more.

The stranger observing this time the way I held my hand moved forward. "Here let me have a look at that." And before I knew it he had taken my hand by the wrist and was inspecting it closely.

"It is nothing really don't worry about it." I lightly protested pulling my hand back but the stranger had a firm grip and brought me over to the light to see better the injury I had given myself.

"Did you just do this to yourself on my armour?" The stranger looked down at me with concern and I nodded pulling my hand back again however he still would not let go. Apparently not noticing my discomfort. Embarrassed at having fired at him, at burning myself and at him suddenly taking my hand, I couldn't help but blushing just a bit feeling so foolish standing in the middle of the night with a man I didn't know leading me around and this invasion of my personal space.

Giving my hand another tug I said to him softly. "My name is Sade who might you be?" This appeared to bring awareness to the stranger as he realised that I was attached to the hand he was so closely looking over and was dragging me around with, he quickly let go of me wrist. "Why did you approach me in the first place?" I inquired.

Nervously he made an apology rubbing the back of his neck he laughed a sheepish laugh. "Oh," with a smile he said "Giliyon told me you didn't have a fair for the subway and that you were going to Nasdaim for training." He stuttered out unssure of his own words. "I am going to training as well so perhaps we could travel together? You see I have some extra gold you could loan. I was coming over to see if you were interested." Looking at me for a second he then remembered my question with another sly smile he said. "I am CrownedClown, err so what do you say?"

He waited for me answer and for a second I didn't know what to say. I looked at the dark features in his face he seemed trust worthy enough and after all it was late, I had no where to stay. Nodding I said, "That would be very kind of you." That decided I quickly finished the meal Giliyon had given me. Returning the bowl to him I thanked him again and apologised for the mark I had left on the wall. Giving the mark a quick look he told me not to worry about it as it would give him something to do in the morning as there was not a lot to do around the station. Again I thanked him as CrownedClown and I departed on the last train for the evening.

Tightly holding onto my things the carriage seemed oddly large for the two occupants as we entered. Seated we conversed in small talk on the short journey just to relax our nerves. I was sure he was feeling just as confused about how things would go when we reached Nasdaim as I was. Talking of our past it was apparent we had had very different lives however fate had other ideas on what our future would be.

Call to Action

2008-09-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

My NeoSteam tale starts like many other. It was an idealic spring day washed in a golden hue as the sun shone down warmly through darkened clouds still holding onto rocky mountain peeks to remind us all that winter was not yet far gone, the sun shinning down in rays to caress the lush velvet green countryside of my homeland that was just waking up from its wintry slumber with new life and energy when three steam riders steadily approached my family's humble cottage.

The sound of the finely crafted ornate metal riders blue and gold at odds in this surrounds. Awkward, clattering with a constant hum from their power source they were so totally out of place in this quiet peaceful place. My family not used to strangers in this remote place came forth out of our home at first in awe to receive the new comers.

I had been out preparing the field that day for the new crop to be sown so I was some distance from them when the first, a huge taroon covered and shielded by gleaming polished heavy armour beckoned to my father to come to him in a commanding tone. Sheepishly in the presence of such a big man my father moved forward slowly though he himself was not weak.

It was clear to me that something out of the ordinary was happening and I was curious as to what as worrried expressions crossed both my parents faces. The ruddy orange taroon in his deep voice conveying news to my parents yet I was too far away to hear what was said as I hastened towards the group my father suddenly looked upset, then angry and then a whole array of emotions crossed his face that could not be named and my mother looking on moved to comfort him the best that she could.

Alarmed I reached my parents, my father sitting speechless where he had sunken into a chair staring off into the distance not seeing me as i approached with my mother next to him stroking the back of his hand reassuringly. I asked my father. "What is wrong?" With the sound of my voice it snapped him from his trance as he suddenly pounded his closed fist hard down on the old small wooden bench he was seated at in despair, pounded it so forcefully and with such a quick action that it made my poor mother jump in fright at the abrupt sound and movement. The bench giving a dull thud, splintering trickle in complaint with a low groan.

"Aaaargh." He said in futile frustration and dismay. Then my father got up pushing past me and returning inside the house. My mother remained seated where she was watching him with deep concern in her eyes and a look that told me she had so much she wished she could tell me if only she had the time. Motioning me to sit as the three strangers stood a short distance away, looking on and waiting for what I did not know.

With a soft sigh my mother told me the news in her calm clear voice that is so indictive of the elven people though she was clearly worried. "The far off nation of Rogwel is stirring my child, it is readying it's war machines once again against us.The King has sent out his Lord Knights in search of every able bodied person to take up defense of our land and of our divine energy source,NeoSteam. These men will take you to be trained for the King's army." And she made a hand gesture to the three waiting.

The news of this had been assuredly brought back to our homeland by the sacrifice of many a scout's life to warn of the danger that was swelling in the nation of Rogwel as they were accumulating a massive assault force. None of which I cared about at this moment as a chill ran through me, one that had nothing to do with the weather. Time seemed to stand still as I held my breath I could hear my heart beating, a empty hallow echo. Yes this truely was happening. An overwhelming sense that everything I knew would change washed over me, I knew exactly what was being asked of me to do. My parents too old and worn by their hard work, I was the only one here the Lord Knight could have come for.

This could be grave news indeed and it disturbed me, my mind racing I had so many questions of why. Why now had the nation of Rogwel decided to move? Why fight over something that we could quite easily share as Rope Isle was most abundant? Most importantly to me was, why me? I was no one special. Looking around I didn't know what to do I was taken over by a feeling of pure helplessness. I didn't want to leave my home and my family and the life I had here. I didn't want to fight people I had never met in a war. Who would sow the crops and help when the harvest came. I wanted to run from the situation, to escape what was happening but that would bring too much shame and that I would always have no matter where I went. And at the same time I didn't want to move from this very spot, such apart of me was this place, the place of my birth and all I had ever known.

Looking at my mother, she would not meet my eye and then to the Knights who had come for me. They would not help me though surely they understood my feelings. Already before the battle had begun they looked tired and careworn. Our Kingdom greatly out numbered but as always our troops spirited to keep the land that was ours.

Hearing my father from inside rummaging through the house and my mother nervously and eagerly watching for my father to reemerge. I had been enjoying the peace in my families fair land up to this point, living a simple life untouched by the others outside surrounded by nature and taking only of what the land could provide until this day when our nation came under threat. There had always been a fear that this day would once again come when our nation would have to give up of its young people to save the Kingdom, for the greater good. It was a content life i had led that was surely to be marred forever by coming events yet one I could reflect on and hope that one day my children could have for themselves after this was through.

This is when my father returned from his search and with a satisfied yet saddened expression as he pressed something hard, heavy and cold into my hands. Looking down I saw that it was a long delicately decorated elaborate designed staff, the sockets glowing with neosteam and at the top of it radiating a red haze. In my hands I could instinctively feel its power, this staff had powerful magic. Looking into my fathers face I went to object, maybe there was another way however he made a calming noise to soothe me. Taking me by the shoulders he looked me over like he was inspecting a small child and he smiled down at me. "You will do us proud I know this." As soon as he stopped smiling his warm smile instantly the sadness returned. Turning back around my father picked up a red robe and handed it to me. "Go and put this on and come back out as fast as you can we can't keep these gentlemen waiting." He said it so calmly that I could have mistaken it for another other conversation that had ever past between us.

Looking him in the eye briefly I found no answers in his face, he looked old and weather beaten today more so then I ever remembered him being. Turning to my mother she simply returned my glance unfaltering with big deep pools watching me, as beautiful as she ever had been the unchanging elven features though familar seemed remote now. She was letting go of me. This adventrure is something I would have to do alone and at that moment that is truely how I felt. It was clear what had to be done though my body was reluctant to do as I bid it, now my heart racing I clusmily took my leave and went to do as my father had bid me. I now understood the expression that had crossed my fathers face with such pain, he had known war in a time before I came into the world.

Taking a big long haggered breath, I now accepted my new role with a sense of duty to defend what we had here. Looking around the humble inside of the small cottage this is what I would be fighting for. The oddly shaped fireplace my father had built while his foot healed after an accident that prevented him from going outside, the pitted pots and pans my mother used every day and the old dinner table that had seen so many welcome guests pass through our doors over the years. As I went to change into my families armours that had been past down through many lives I tried to take in all I would miss about my home. The armour having served them well I hoped would be the same fate that awaited me.

In my own mind as I slowly stripped to my under clothes, removing my old soiled stained rags placing them carefully on the foot of my bed, washing my face, then brushing and tying up my long hair neatly in a bun, this was indeed a change. As I pulled on the finely adorned robe and accessories, it was a transition both physical and spiritual as I would never be the person again that I was today this I knew for certain.

Finished with dressing, checking my reflection in a small mirror I hardly recognised myself. Looking at the armour I had on I could not help but feel apprehensive about the days ahead and the new life I was going to. Oh how I hoped I would be coming back to these walls one day. Gathering a few home treasures I packed a small nap sap of my dearest possessions. Taking one last look around the inside of the cottage I would be taking this place with me in my heart.

Returning to my parents they said a quick good bye and wished me well, I think mostly to save themselves the pain of a proper fair well. Not wanting to let go but knowing they must. As an only child they had dedicated their lives to raising me and this was all they could offer in return for the safe lives they had led in years gone by.

With heavy hearts my parents reluctantly indicated to the Knights that they were ready and I having no choice but to leave to take on this fight moved toward to the Knights waiting still with mixed feelings of what was to happen to me. The ruddy orange taroon moving forward quickly scooping me up in one arm as if I weighed no less then a feather and his strength was surprising even in his older age to sit me in front of him.

As we turned on the rider the sun was setting a glorious bloody red orange. As we sped off to who knows where I took one last look at what had been my home for all of my life as it quickly moved away out of sight. It had never looked so inviting for me to stay. And yet at this time the conflict seemed so far away, so distant from me in the peaceful remote place near Bijumir and as a lowly mage I began the first steps of what would turn into an epic journey.