Team Durango Brainstorming Thread - Project Four: Kungalooshing the Night Away

[Outbound]

Welcome one, welcome all to the Eladin, the most Ancient and Noble Castle in the Realm of Eladore.

This is the most mighty, mysterious, and dare I say, magical place in all of the realm. Legends say this castle was built not by hand, but magic. They say that the House of Eladin was skillful in its use of fantasy, and only it’s members knew all of it’s secrets. A shame then, that 52 years to this day, that House was overthrown and replaced with Hugeon from Taria. We may never know this castle’s full secrets.

But today is not a day about the past. King Henry, one the warrior-king who invaded Eladore across the Emerald Sea, is on death’s door, at a most unnatural age of 76. His only child, Prince Matthew, died last year, leaving his grandchildren (Andin, Clayton, and Lyla) the future of the kingdom. Fearing the loss of his realm, Henry has called for a marriage into House Rowen, the Dukes of Rulevaul. This has angered the other Houses, as the Rowens notoriously were the only ones to not back Henry’s original claim to the throne. However the Rowens have a history on Eladore dating back near as far as the Eladins, and the Hugeons desperately need credibility.

Now, at the midsummer’s eve of 1272, Princess Lyla Hugeon is to marry Lord Matthias Rowen. The event is the most exciting of the year, and every important Noble Man and Lady is expected to attend. It will surely be a night to remember!

 

[goofyyukyuk]

Wow. Just wow. That’s impressive for as quickly as you did it. I really like this idea!

 

[TheOriginalTiki]

I've decided to make an executive call and lock in @ThatGuyFromFlorida as the Project Leader for the team this time around. See my project three feedback for details.

 

[CookieMouse]

I actually feel a lot better about being a project manager now. I suggested a sci-fi - intergalactic union theme for the restaurant, which would go in Tomorrowland. What if it was some kind of banquet hall with alien food, some of which could be themed to ip’s, such as meap carbonated goulash!

 

[mickeyfan5534]

I actually feel a lot better about being a project manager now. I suggested a sci-fi - intergalactic union theme for the restaurant, which would go in Tomorrowland. What if it was some kind of banquet hall with alien food, some of which could be themed to ip’s, such as meap carbonated goulash!

I just want to put the reminder here, we're looking at the atmosphere, story, and original characters that populate this more than the restaurant/bar aspect.

 

[goofyyukyuk]

I like the sci-fi theme but I feel like there’s more potential with the ideas already fleshed out by Outbound and Pergron to be honest

 

[goofyyukyuk]

Also, I wanted to apologize to you guys for the last round. I was the one pushing for us to pick an IP that probably wasn’t the best one, given the criticisms we’ve gotten, and I should’ve done a better job with organizing everything. I’ve got faith in you @ThatGuyFromFlorida ! Let’s make up for our mistakes last time and hit this one out of the park!

 

[goofyyukyuk]

On an archaeological dig, Rick Russell uncovered an ancient city in Spain- the real Atlantis (Google it). So far, Rick and his team have only uncovered one building, a strange tavern with stories painted on the walls in pictograms. Around the tavern lay archaeological ruins and evidence of an ongoing dig.

However, what Rick didn’t realize when he dug up Atlantis was that he triggered a mystical series of events, resulting in the spirits of the Atlantean people, buried for millennia, to enter the minds of their long-lost descendants. These people have returned to Atlantis to carry on the legacy of the proud Atlantean people and reopen this tavern.

Some of the components would include investigating the mystery of what destroyed Atlantis initially, the romance of the Prince of Atlantis and the barkeep, a search for some lost Atlantean artifact, and the adventures of some Atlantean explorers, as they tell the stories of what the world was like when Atlantis was at its height.

Atlantis is supposed to have been technologically advanced from the standards of ~1000 BC but not comparable to modern technology. In that vein, the bar would be primarily made of “stone” with paintings giving clues to the destruction of Atlantis, and the bar materials would look similar, with the advanced technology hidden by a façade of ancient technology if that makes sense. Additional details could include the creation of an Atlantean language and other cool opportunities.

The experience would be similar to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in that guests are immersed as part of the story, investigating the Atlantean mystery and learning about the lore of Atlantis. Like the Adventurers’ Club, it would include shows, put on by the Atlantean adventurers and using guests to fill in roles to tell stories of Atlantis and the world that Atlantis existed in.

As for Rick Russell, his archaeological team, in addition to continuing excavation work on the tavern and the rest of Atlantis, has joined with historians to record these stories being told by the Atlanteans. Occasionally, news reporters could come into the tavern to provide coverage on updates in the excavation and uncovering of more Atlantean artifacts and stories. Guests could interact with Russell and his team, asking questions and getting their perspective on everything to increase the immersion of this place.

Realistically, the name could be changed, but Atlantis is a very well-known location, but this is a new take on it and the way that its stories are being told.

Let me know if you guys have any questions! I’m super excited about this idea but I know that we have a lot of other great ideas as well.

 

[Outbound]

On an archaeological dig, Rick Russell uncovered an ancient city in Spain- the real Atlantis (Google it). So far, Rick and his team have only uncovered one building, a strange tavern with stories painted on the walls in pictograms. Around the tavern lay archaeological ruins and evidence of an ongoing dig.

However, what Rick didn’t realize when he dug up Atlantis was that he triggered a mystical series of events, resulting in the spirits of the Atlantean people, buried for millennia, to enter the minds of their long-lost descendants. These people have returned to Atlantis to carry on the legacy of the proud Atlantean people and reopen this tavern.

Some of the components would include investigating the mystery of what destroyed Atlantis initially, the romance of the Prince of Atlantis and the barkeep, a search for some lost Atlantean artifact, and the adventures of some Atlantean explorers, as they tell the stories of what the world was like when Atlantis was at its height.

Atlantis is supposed to have been technologically advanced from the standards of ~1000 BC but not comparable to modern technology. In that vein, the bar would be primarily made of “stone” with paintings giving clues to the destruction of Atlantis, and the bar materials would look similar, with the advanced technology hidden by a façade of ancient technology if that makes sense. Additional details could include the creation of an Atlantean language and other cool opportunities.

The experience would be similar to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in that guests are immersed as part of the story, investigating the Atlantean mystery and learning about the lore of Atlantis. Like the Adventurers’ Club, it would include shows, put on by the Atlantean adventurers and using guests to fill in roles to tell stories of Atlantis and the world that Atlantis existed in.

As for Rick Russell, his archaeological team, in addition to continuing excavation work on the tavern and the rest of Atlantis, has joined with historians to record these stories being told by the Atlanteans. Occasionally, news reporters could come into the tavern to provide coverage on updates in the excavation and uncovering of more Atlantean artifacts and stories. Guests could interact with Russell and his team, asking questions and getting their perspective on everything to increase the immersion of this place.

Realistically, the name could be changed, but Atlantis is a very well-known location, but this is a new take on it and the way that its stories are being told.

Let me know if you guys have any questions! I’m super excited about this idea but I know that we have a lot of other great ideas as well.

This is another solid idea! I think whatever we go with needs a strong backstory and interesting details for the various characters in play. Could definitely see this working.

 

[goofyyukyuk]

This is another solid idea! I think whatever we go with needs a strong backstory and interesting details for the various characters in play.

Completely agree... that’s the big thing is having a great cast of characters and a killer backstory that lends itself to the creation of a themed bar... we’ve definitely got a tough choice to make on theme though!

 

[Outbound]

So I just spent an hour creating backstories for a few sample characters. I’ve found this is very fun, how the times flies! Nothing here needs to be used, and anything can be changed or edited to fit a new theme.

HOUSE OF HUGEON, KINGS OF ELADORE

• King Henry: Aging King, all guests entering must greet him in the throne room. This animatronic sings a small song before allowing guests to enter the Gala proper. As he is very old, he has elected not to attend such a rowdy event and will sit back on his throne.
• Prince Andin: Henry’s eldest grandchild, with the recent death of his father Andin is now next in line to the throne and effectively treated as king. The ever-polite and enlightening gentlemen spends most his time in the ballroom, conversing with ladies and a few elder lords on the politics of the realm. He has no interest in the tourney. But for all his good characteristics, there is a rumor going around the real reason his wife the to-be Queen is constantly ill for parties and never with child is because he spends all his time with his attendant...
• The Prince’s Attendant: Not a major character, but instead goes around giving people drinks. Also asks anyone walking by if they need help or directions. However if you strike up a conversation you’ll find he’s much worse at keeping secrets than Andin...
• Prince Clayton: Henry’s middle grandchild, Clayton is tall and broad, obsessed with fighting swords and drinking ale. He used to be married (hence why Lyla marries last) and the Sara Belmont marriage when well until he found her with his best friend: he gave the king’s justice to both. You can find him mostly beyond the main gala, at the wine cellar. He boasts that he will win the Melee coming later in the evening. At approx 8:30 all the characters head to the Melee. Clayton wins all his duels until the last, Sir Jory Belmont, a small yet dashing young knight, shockingly bests him. Clayton calls foul, believing Jory cheated somehow. Clayton then returns to the wine cellar to continue drinking away the night with friends, creating an increasingly ridiculous list of how Jory must have cheated. At approx 10:30, a very-drunk Clayton finds Jory at the ballroom and makes a huge scene. Andin drags him out of where guests can visit, returning at 11 with an elongated story of how his brother accidentally pushed him down the stairs. Clayton doesn’t return for the rest of night.
• Sir Bartholomew: Clayton’s right hand, they have been friends since childhood. Follows Clayton around exchanging war stories. Just as Clayton is nicknamed Clay by those close to him, he’s nicknamed Barty. Partakes in the tourney and in a close fight is bested by Jory.
• Sir Kristoff: Clayton’s left hand, friends since childhood, nicknamed Chris. Partakes in the tourney and clearly allows himself to bested by Clay.
• Ford: A sellsword who has befriended the three noble knights, also follows Clayton around, but is more his own person than a mindless cronie. At the end of the night, it is revealed he is Lyla’s mysterious lover, and two escape the castle, to be happily ever after.
• Princess Lyla: The bride to be. As Henry’s youngest grandchild she is to marry Lord Mathias Rowen, but she secretly doesn’t want to. According to rumors, she already has a secret lover. Lyla can be found on the second floor, with almost no one else, constantly questioning her looming marriage. She must decide between love and politics. At around 11, she meets the old librarian of the castle, Old Mag, who shows her the rumors are indeed true and the castle is full of magic. This magic comes to her aid at 12:00. Her wedding is suddenly interrupted, and she and Ford escape.
• Gabrielle: Lyla’s friendly and humorous assistant, the Princess confides in her and two create a strong foil.

HOUSE OF BELMONT, DUKES OF THE SOUTHLANDS

• Lady Ira Belmont: A seemingly nagging, but really brilliant elderly lady who rules this house. Doesn’t cos down to the Hugeons: she is less than thrilled about the Sara incident and very supportive of Jory after he wins the tourney. But most see her as just annoying.
• Lord Orin Belmont: A weak-willed “lord” who’s mother is really in charge. Whenever he speaks, he references his total support for the monarchy, despite his treacherous daughter, Princess Sara, whom he refuses to talk about (you’ll need to go to Clayton or his friends for that story).
• Sir Jory Belmont: Young, small, yet dashing, people rumor he is Lyla’s secret lover (this is a red herring). His older sister married into the royal family, but things didnt turn out that well. At the tourney he defeats the expected winner Prince Clayton. Accused of cheating by some of the bitter knights, whether or not this is the truth is never explained.

 

[goofyyukyuk]

Outbound... I’ve got no idea how you do this as quickly as you do it... I can try to do this with my idea but I’m not sure anybody is going to want any idea over yours because of how great it is haha

 

[PerGron]

Alright, I'm super hungover so I'm not gonna flesh out my idea until a little later this afternoon after some coffee and a nap, but I did wanna pop in and say that I really do like @Outbound 's idea! I'll definitely get my stuff up in a little while so we have it all to choose from

After reading Outbound’s full writeup, I’d like to formally rescind my idea. The medieval theme is perfect and we’d be dumb not to go with it

 

[goofyyukyuk]

Same

 

[TheOriginalTiki]

@ThatGuyWithFlorida I'm giving you a freebie here. Take the medieval theme and run with it.

 

[CookieMouse]

@ThatGuyWithFlorida I'm giving you a freebie here. Take the medieval theme and run with it.

Alright, I will.

 

[goofyyukyuk]

@Outbound what kind of rooms are you thinking could be included? Just trying to get sort of a feel for brainstorming rooms... I figure a banquet hall/throne room would serve as a good equivalent to the library in Adventurers Club... a room I’d like to run with is like an alchemy/astronomy room or something like that as well

 

[Outbound]

@Outbound what kind of rooms are you thinking could be included? Just trying to get sort of a feel for brainstorming rooms... I figure a banquet hall/throne room would serve as a good equivalent to the library in Adventurers Club... a room I’d like to run with is like an alchemy/astronomy room or something like that as well

Ha, I've been working on this all day! My draft slowly got more and more detail until I realized I was creating a finalized map. Luckily, it's all in Google Drawings so I can easily adjust as needed. So without further ado here is my pitch (I added the Banquet Hall and Astronomy Tower after reading your post @goofyyukyukyuk17 )

GROUND FLOOR

​

Alright, let's break it down. Guests enter on the Ground Level at the Courtyard. This is effectively a themed waiting area with a few hidden secrets but nothing too special. Available to the public. Every hour and a half, a Squire comes by and welcomes everyone to the Castle with the important rules/worldbuilding.

Then, we are ushered into the Throne Room. This is a smaller room home to the throne and King Henry AA. All the major characters gather here and state their names and houses before the King while bowing (cleverly introducing us to everyone important). We must also bow when called upon, similar to the Adventurer's Club Salute.

After this welcome ceremony, we enter the Atrium, the main area of the club itself. This is like the Adventurer's Club. There are many lounge tables and chairs with a central statue (this being of Eladin the Builder, who some say used magic to build the castle). From here are two large rooms: the Banquet Hall and the Ballroom.

The Banquet Hall has three long wooden tables. A giant map of the Kingdom is present alongside all the major Noble Family Banners, for worldbuilding. This is the perfect place to sit and eat. Large-scale shows, often re-enactments to contribute to the worldbuilding, will occur here.

The Ballroom, in contrast, is more formally decorated. Classical music plays and you are encouraged to dance along. When not dancing, many of the Noble Ladies can be found by the walls gossiping (some rumors are true, some aren't, you are encouraged to seek out the various characters and figure out the mysteries for yourself).

Just off the Ballroom is the Drawing Room, which no, is not for drawing but for resting. Some smaller-scale games and shows (such as charades) will occur here. When games are not occurring, many of the older men and ladies can be found discussing politics.

Back in the Atrium, exiting through the far doors will take you to the Garden, and entirely outdoor area. The themed characters don't really go out here with the exception of the Tourney at 8:30. However, there are many hidden details: for instance, a pond full of singing frogs. You can also reach the Astronomy Tower this way.

BOTTOM FLOOR

​

Heading down the northeastern walkway of the Atrium leads to the Bottom Floor. Built out of stone, the Wine Cellar serves as the go-to Bar of the Club. The younger noblemen can be found here boasting of their talents on the battlefield. One cool point of note here is a painting on the far side, which when a certain loose stone-brick is pressed will open up and reveal the Dungeons, which has no one inside but is home to a few easter-eggs.

UPPER FLOOR

​

On the other side of the Atrium is a walkway up to the Overlook, wrapping around the second floor of the Atrium. There are a few seemingly magical Statues of Knights lined along the walls. Overall this area is much quieter: the characters barely come up here. A Balcony overlooks the Garden and is ideal seating for the Tourney.

Just off here is the Library, a mysterious area home to Old Mag, the old librarian / secret magician who is the only one that knows the full extent of the Castle's Secrets.

You can also walk across the Bridge, a picturesque walkway. On one side you can see all of the Garden and on the other all of Disney Springs. This Bridge takes you to the Astronomy Tower, a quirky area filled with strange inventions, and home to the Castle's local innovator who encourages guests to try out his various machines.

---​

Ok, those are my initial thoughts. Happy to hear any other ideas. Like I said before this is all with Google Drawings so I can pretty easily move things around.

 

[goofyyukyuk]

This is amazing!! I love the rooms and the background, so I think story development is what our focus should be over the next day or two so that we have a consistent storyline to tell throughout the rooms like the Adventurers Club did so well.

 

[goofyyukyuk]

So since Outbound has been coming up with everything so far, what can we help with to make everything flow together and keep the vision of this project?