Ashen Empires

Infobox VG
title = Ashen Empires


developer = Doug Gesler (Zarquon), David Reese, Bill Money (OneEye), Denis Loubet
publisher = [Pixe Mine] (current), Iron Will Games (former), Asylumsoft Inc. (original), TKO Games (former)
released = vgrelease|Beta|Beta|September 2002
vgrelease|Official|Official|March 10 2003
genre = MMORPG
modes = multiplayer
platforms = Windows
media = Free Download
requirements =
input =
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Ashen Empires, formerly known as "Dransik", is a two-dimensional MMORPG created by Jason "Lothgar" Ely and now owned by Iron Will Games. It was released for a free, open beta in 2002 and later officially released in 2003.

Origins

The original "Dransik" game, now known as "Dransik Classic", was built in honor of Ultima V by Jason Ely, one of the developers. In fact, its graphics closely resemble the tiles used in U5, with an SVGA facelift. [ [http://reconstruction.voyd.net/index.php?event=project&typeKeyword=inspired Ultima: The Reconstruction] ] "Dransik Classic" is still available for play using the Pixel Mine launcher. The modern game was originally known as "Dransik", and was an upgraded version of the original Dransik game, which utilized an older graphics engine. The game was first launched through an open, free beta in September, 2002 [ [http://www.mpogd.com/news/?ID=399 Dransik Open Beta] , Multiplayer Online Games Directory, accessed October 4, 2007] , by its original publisher, Asylumsoft Inc. [ [http://www.ironwillgames.com/about.htm About IWG ] ] . After the beta-testing stage was complete, the game started following a pay-to-play model on March 10, 2003. [ [http://www.dransikdnm.20m.com Dransik Navy & Marines] , Dransik Navy & Marines, a Dransik guild, accessed October 4, 2007] At that time, a monthly subscription fee was required to play (a business model seen in many MMORPG's, including World of Warcraft and EverQuest). At a later date, however, Iron Will Games, the company which now owns Ashen Empires, decided to allow users to play for free, but with a limited experience. Until early 2008, players could only receive 10% of all experience gained, were limited in tradeskills they can use and couldn't perform certain tasks such as using the party system, trade table, pickup and drop objects/items to the ground or loot certain mobs. In early 2008, these restrictions were relaxed so that: nonsubscribing players now receive 50% of all experience gained; can party with other non-subscribers; can table trade freely with other non-subscribers; can table trade with subscribers but only to receive, not give items. This limitation is in effect until a subscription is purchased, and this is the subscription model currently used.

Character Creation

Accounts on Ashen Empires are able to contain up to four characters per server. When creating a character, the player can choose one of three races: human, night elf (also known as Astari), or Orc. [ [http://www.ashenempires.com/races.aspx Races] , Ashen Empires, accessed October 4, 2007] As with most MMORPG's, the player can also choose his or her character's appearance and gender, and can give the character a name.

kills

The game sets itself apart from other MMORPG's with its large number of diverse skills. There is currently a total of seventy-one skills in the game; these skills include armed and unarmed combat, magery (spellcasting), and trade skills. Specific examples include Mining, Iron Forging, Baking, Planting, Harvesting, and Large Blades. [ [http://www.ashenempires.com/skills.aspx Skills] , Ashen Empires, accessed October 4, 2007]

External links

* [http://www.ashenempires.com Official website]
* [http://www.aeauction.com AE Auction] , a website which allows Ashen Empires players to buy and sell in-game items for in-game currency (gold)
* [http://ae.wolfbound.com/wiki/ AEWiki] , an Ashen Empires wiki.

References