Oceans Dream

This is inspired by Skie’s post on the Sacred Earth series. So basically, a history of the world itself, how the games connect, and a personal history of game making from me. This may contain spoilers, so you may want to hold out on reading if you have not played Paradise Blue.

The game Azulea is based on the same World and Island that Island Sky and Paradise Blue have. Island Sky was the first, started in 2002. At first I tried to base it on the real world, so they have references to actual existing places on Earth. By the time Paradise Blue came around, I changed it to be a fictional world so I have more creative freedom to define the history and designs of that world. This was meant to be carried over to a remake of Island Sky to keep up with the new lore, but that has not been made yet. Azulea is a continuation from Paradise Blue, taking place many years later. It takes place at about the same time as Island Sky, some of the characters also appear in Azulea.

Azulea, Island Sky, and Paradise Blue take place in the same Island, called Azulea. Azulea is a small Island in the world. This world is called Cerella. The Island of Azulea was inhabited by natives, each divided into different tribes on the Island. They referred to the Island as “Land of Endless water”, as the Island is far from the main land continents so the natives thought that it was the only land. The name “Azulea” was not given by the natives, but rather by the Lusal Empire who took over the Island in the year 1612. The Empire of Lusal consists of the countries of Peren, the Island of Azulea, the Island of Bahen, and the country of Irisal. They had access to advanced technology (at the time), in the form of massive naval ships and steam powered mechanical armor called “Ancangers”. The natives could put up little resistance and were wiped out completely. Many buildings were raided for treasure, especially the exteriors as they were jewel adorned. The buildings still remain for researchers to study, and some treasures are put up in various museums, but most of it was sold and used.

It was settled in mostly by the merchant class and wealthier inhabitants of Peren (The country where the Emperor of Lusal is). Azulea was also used as a Naval base for Lusal. Once the Island was taken over, many of the Ancangers were taken down and used for parts, while a few were taken by various collectors, such as the Church.

Early Azulea had the same religion as Lusal. They believed in the God and Goddess pair. They had no physical form, but they watched from the heavens. The God controls the weather, and created initial life. The Goddess is in charge of thought and reason, and created the laws of the universe. They work together, but they largely stay out of human affairs, and do not expect anything in return from the humans. There are still temples built to honor them, although it is more of a community gathering rather than a place of worship. Even non-believers or believers in a different religion are allowed to use the temples for their purposes. In this belief, the God and Goddess have prepared an afterlife for each human and animal. The laidback approach they have to religion in Azulea actually contrasts with the mainland continent, who are very devout and believe that both the God and Goddess pair do intervene with human affairs. It is unknown whether the God/Goddess pair actually exist, if it’s the Sun/Moon Serpent which the natives believes, if there are no gods, or if there are other gods or goddesses that exist in Cerella.

Azulea has its own king, who rules over the Island but has to follow the laws set by the Emperor of Lusal. King Reinaldo was the king during the time of Paradise Blue (which was around the years 1670-1680), although by that time he has fallen ill and they were looking for a successor. There were 2 groups who fought for the crown: One who was meant to be the legitimate heir and closest surviving relative of Reinaldo, and a military leader who wanted the power for himself. As it turns out, the heir, Amaro, was deceived by the plan of Salomon. Salomon put his friends in power to rule over some of the important cities, he used them to get the real Sword of Kings, he got the backing of multiple scientists and stole the Ancanger weapons that Amaros group initially had. With the Ancangers, the true Sword of Kings, and the support of the people, he and his group were able to take over and slay Amaro and his bodyguard Llorcan.

Island Sky takes place about 330 years later. Many events have happened since then, but to list a few: The Island became its own country with its own president, The Empire of Lusal has collapsed and the country of Peren (the center of the Empire) has been renamed Lusal, and the technology has grown to a modern Earth or slightly more advanced state. Azulea is widely known for having the largest and most advanced city in Cerella, high quality of life, and is a popular vacation spot. The Island is slowly being eroded away and some of the towns from Paradise Blue needed to be built more inland because of flooding. Island Sky follows the vacation of a few students a teacher from the Island as they travel around the Island and enjoy their daily lives.

The capital city of Azulea (which is simply called Azulea city) has adapted to the loss of the Island by being built and supported above the water and protected from floods. Most of the pedestrian activity takes place high up in the city, while the lower areas of the city are accessible by tunnels. It is not known how long the Island will last, but the rate of erosion and the frequency of floods is greater. At that rate, only Azulea city and the mountains/Extinct volcano will be left in about 200 years. It’s not a concern to the people of the Island as they believe it’s exaggeration or that it can be fixed easily in the future. Many deny it, and it’s not something brought up in daily conversation as they won’t be alive to see most of the effects. In fact, the rate that the Island is falling apart is unusual, and almost doesn’t seem natural…

On an unrelated note, I added a new blog:

Xhelia by Jihaus