Dragon Nest

Dragon Nest
Developer(s)	Eyedentity Games
Publisher(s)	KR: Nexon CN: Shanda JP: NHN NA: Nexon TWHK: Gamania SEA: Cherry Credits THAI: AsiaSoft INA: Gemscool
Engine	Eternity Engine
Platform(s)	Microsoft Windows
Release	KOR: March 2010 CHN: August 2010 JP: Summer 2010 TWN: 2010 HKG: 2010 NA: September 2011 SIN: October 2011 MYS: 2011 THA: March 2012 INA: July 2012
Genre(s)	Fantasy MMORPG
Mode(s)	Multiplayer

Dragon Nest is a free-to-play fantasy MMORPG developed by Eyedentity. It uses a non-targeting combat system ensuring that players have complete control over every single one of their character's movements. Dragon Nest requires users to advance their characters by teaming up and traveling into instanced dungeons.

Gameplay

Dragon Nest incorporates non-targeting system gameplay to create a fast paced action filled experience. Players choose from a range of hero classes, characters that are of the Dragon Nest storyline that can equip customizable gear and weapons. Devastating skills can also be learned, to increase one's power when defeating monsters in instanced dungeons or defeating other players in PVP.

Dragon Nest also has the advantage of being nearly completely skill based, with lower level characters being able to defeat high level characters in PVP with skill alone. This allows a more experienced player that is of a lower level to dominate a less experienced player of a higher level player in PVP.

Classes

Dragon Nest characters exist in worlds. Players can create up to 4 characters per world. These characters cannot interact with one another, with the exception of mailing each other. Players can have 6 choices when creating a character. They are Warrior, Archer, Sorceress, Cleric, Tinkerer and Kali. The Tinkerer and Kali classes is not yet available in some releases. The Warrior, Archer and Kali class start their journey in Prairie Town (Ironwood Village in NA Version), while the Cleric, Sorceress and Tinkerer classes start their journey in Mana Ridge. After reaching level 15, they can choose to advance to second class, and third class at level 45. At these job advancements, they can choose to further specialize in one aspect of their skill sets.

Cash Shop

The Cash Shop is an in game shop where players use real-life currency to purchase equipment not available in-game. Special items can also help in the development of the characters.

In Dragon Nest NA, the Cash Shop is known as the "Dragon Vault".

Releases

Asian release

On November 2, 1994, Nexon Korea Corporation secured rights to Dragon Nest. It was announced that the game would be entering its closed beta in the middle of 2008 but delayed to Fall of 2009. Dragon Nest was officially released in Korea on March 2010.

In December 2007, Shanda, game publisher in China, announced that it would be publishing the Chinese version of Dragon Nest. The Chinese closed beta began on March 25, 2010 with an official release later that year.

It was announced on November 21, 2008 that NHN Japan would publish Dragon Nest in Japan on their Hangame JP portal. On March 4, 2010, NHN Japan announced the people who would act as voice actors of Dragon Nest characters in Japanese. It was also stated that Gackt will voice as Velskerd as well as singing the official theme song of the game titled Ever. It has been announced by NHN Japan that Dragon Nest will begin its Japanese closed beta on April 17, 2010.

North American Release

At the Penny Arcade Expo in 2009, Nexon America announced that it would be publishing Dragon Nest in North America. Originally, Dragon Nest was scheduled for a mid-2010 release. Nexon America announced that a playable version of Dragon Nest would be shown at the upcoming E3 show in Los Angeles. Its release is now set to be towards the Summer of 2011. On April 21, 2011, a closed beta application was started and testing was due to begin on May 17, 2011. However, on May 6, an announcement was made that the closed beta testing will be pushed back to June 15, 2011. Closed Beta ended on June 20, 2011. Dragon Nest Open Beta testing opened on July 26, 2011. The game was slated to go live on August 11, but this date has since been pushed back. The North American version was level-capped at 32 with the Saints Haven release on September 28, 2011. Characters, items and skill from the Open Beta Test were not cleared, so players kept the progress they made in the OBT. In mid December 2011, the North American version has extended its level-cap to 40, giving the player the ability to learn their 2nd sub-class's final skill. The Tinkerer class was added in the June 2012 patch. The first Dragon class nest, Sea Dragon Nest, has been released on 24th of July 2012. On the 24th of October 2012 the North American version extended its level-cap to 50,giving the players the ability to learn their 3rd sub-class.

South East Asia release

Shanda and Cherry Credits released the localized version of Dragon Nest for South East Asia region. Closed Beta testing period for Dragon Nest SEA ran from 13 July 2011 to 19 July 2011. Open Beta was opened from 16 August 2011 to 20 October 2011.

Official release of the game begins 20 October 2011 onwards, with the release of Saint Haven and level 32 cap on 18 October to mark its grand opening. There are currently four servers to the SEA's installation, namely (in chronological order) Westwood, Springwood, Greenwood and Holywood. The English language voiceovers and the song "The Warrior Call" for this release were produced by Aaron Walz of Walz Music & Sound.

Level cap has been increased to 40 on 13th December 2011 and will be increased to 50 on 28th August 2012. Additional content related to the increase has been added which includes new items(Lv. 40), Manticore Nest and the Apocalypse Nest. On 24th April 2012, the long anticipated Academic class has been released, bringing the total playable starting characters to 5. The long-awaited Sea Dragon Nest was released on June 4th, 2012, and also the much anticipated Level 50 cap is coming August 28, 2012 together with further advancements in their current job classes.

Merchandise

Manga

There is a manga based on the game named "Dragon Nest-Shungeki no Sedo"(Dragon Nest -瞬撃のセド, Sudden Attack's Sedo). It is drawn by TATSUBON and published by Kodansha (講談社). Three volumes has been published with about 12 chapters in total. It was serialized in Shōnen Rival (月刊少年ライバル,Getsu-Kan Shounen Raibaru) from July 2010 to May 2011. It follows the adventures of Warrior Sedo Nobusutatto, Archer Okiron Igunohisu, Sorceress Yuuri and Cleric Benetta as they fought to rescue the Prophetess Rose from a mysterious black figure, and to protect Saint Haven from a great danger.

Dragon Nest Official Technical Guide

There is also Dragon Nest Official Technical Guides (ドラゴンネスト オフィシャルテクニカルガイド, Doragon Nesuto Ofisharu Tekunikaru Gaido)published in Japanese by Enterbrain (エンターブレイン).Two volumes has been published, Volume One in December 2010 and Volume Two in 30 November 2011.

Dragon Nest Special Packages

In Japan, there has been two special editions of the game released so far. One is the Dragon Nest Premium Package (ドラゴンネスト プレミアムパッケージ, Doragon Nesuto Puremiamu Pakkeeji) and the other is Dragon Nest 1st Anniversary Package (ドラゴンネスト 1stアニバーサリーパッケージ, Doragon Nesuto 1st Annibaaseri Pakkeeji), both containing the game DVD-ROM.Both are by Japanese game developer E frontier, inc (イーフロンティア).

Dragon Nest Drama CD

There are also a limited edition Dragon Nest Drama CD (ドラゴンネスト ドラマCD), called “Prelude- Awakening of Fate”( プレリュード～運命の目覚め～) which is 69 minute long, featuring the same Japanese voice actors in the game.

Storyline

The Goddess Altea , creator of the land of Lagendia (Verathea in the NA version), is poisoned by her evil sister Vestinel. The poison can only be cured using an antidote made using the source of the poison itself, Vestinel's magic grail, which has disappeared somewhere within Lagendia. The players as heroes of Lagendia must comb the land fighting evil dragons in order to find power stones that enable them to communicate with the sleeping goddess in order to find the grail, wake her and save the world.

Manga Details

Characters

Sedo Nobusutatto (セド・ノブスタット Sedo Nobusutatto)

A strong warrior with a clear sense of justice. He was guided towards the path of Heroes by the word of his father in his heart.

A hot-blooded Warrior who often jumps in to save his friends without a second thought. He was deeply influenced by his late father, who saved him from a massacre from the monsters in his childhood. By the events of Forsaken Island, he has advanced his class to Sword Master.

Okiron Igunohisu (オキロン・イグノヒス Okiron Igunohisu)

An elvish Archer, ordered to do a reconnaissance on the recent appearances of the monsters by her country.

A level-headed rational elf was just doing her mission when she was caught up with the antics of Warrior Sedo. Although she thinks poorly of him at first, she gradually learns to respect his deep loyalty to his friends. She also has a strong fear of flying or ‘unnatural thing’ (the airship) as she is very in tune with nature. By the events of Forsaken Island, she has advanced her class to Bow Master.

Yuuri (ユーリ Yuuri)

A weak-natured user of magic, is able to use flame magic.

At first unconfident and easily frightened, Yuuri learns to overcome her insecurities and initial incompetence of her skills. Sedo’s relentless faith in her gradually boosted her confidence and strive to become an even better Sorceress. By the events of Forsaken Island, she has advanced her class to Elemental Lord.

Benetta (ベネッタ Benetta)

A Temple Knight in pursuit of Velsklud, able to use lightning and healing magic.

A calm and aloof Cleric from the Temple Knights, Benetta prefers to work alone at the beginning. Scarred by the betrayal of his cleric friend who turned out to be a Dragon Follower and killed all his friends, he sought repayment and was hunting down Velsklud. Gradually he opened up to the other adventurers, and his knowledge of Shield defensive skills and healing skills proved him to be an invaluable ally. By the events of Forsaken Island, he has advanced his class to Priest.

Geraint (ジェレイント Jereinto)

One of the Six Heroes involved in the Dragon Raid 50 years ago. He is able to transform into his dragon form, also known as the Dragon of Light (光の龍, Hikari no Tetsu) or the Golden Dragon.

Argenta(アルゼンタ Aruzenta)

A mysterious woman with special powers was also a participant in the Dragon Raid 50 years ago.

Velsklud(ベルスカード Berusukaado)

The main antagonist of the story. One of the Six Heroes involved in the Dragon Raid 50 years ago. He captured the Prophetess of the Dawn (暁の予言者, Akatsuki no Yogensha) in order to activate the power of the dragon in him.

Volume 1 (Released 4 October 2010)

Chapter	Title	Content
1	" Sedo Nobusutatto" " Sedo Nobusutatto "(セド・ノブスタット)	Archer Okiron encountered Warrior Sedo Nobusutatto while saving a small girl named Lily from a group of goblins. He introduced himself as Warrior Sedo Nobusutatto. Upon returning to Prairie Town, they found out that the Village Chief’s granddaughter Rose has been captured. Sedo decided to rescue her, not before being joined by Sorceress Yuuri. They set off into Shadow Forest and into the Church Ruins where found Rose locked up with many other prisoners. They were suddenly confronted by Minotaur Warosu and engaged in a fierce battle with him. They managed to defeat the Minotaur by working together, but realised that Rose had been whisked away by a mysterious man clad in black.
2	" Crazy Feathers " " Kyouki no Hane " (狂気の羽)	Sedo and his party chased down the black figure and are all unable to withstand the aura released by him. Before they can think about such mysterious powers, they were suddenly attacked by a group of harpies. They were unable to land a single blow on the airborne harpies and are promptly swept up by a tornado they created into a tree. After coming up with a plan to outwit the harpies, they defeated the harpies and extracted the information that they were acting under someone else’s orders, and the black figure has headed towards Forest Sanctuary. .
3	" The Black-clothed Man" " Kokui no Otoko "(黒衣の男)	While Sedo and his party are trying to ram down the gate of the Forest Sanctuary with a log, Argenta appeared to them with a strong show of force. She revealed the black figure to be Velsklud, a man with great destructive powers. Although Argenta effortlessly defeats Sedo and his party, Sedo’s insistence made her tell them the method of opening the gate. Meanwhile, inside the Forest Sanctuary, Velskuld has begun the process of transferring the Ancients’ power into himself. Argenta confronted Velsklud and fought him. Sedo, after realising that they have been tricked, rushed back to help Argenta, who was being soundly beaten up by Velsklud. Despite their combined strength, they were still unable to defeat Velsklud, who blew them away with a huge force and disappeared. Despite all that, Sedo resolved to defeat him the next time.

Volume 2 (Released 4 February 2011)

Chapter	Title	Content
4	" Dragon Raid " " Ryuu Sensou " (竜戦争)	Okiron and Yuuri were both enjoying a relaxing soak in the hot springs. They were discussing about the recent events when Sedo charged in nude into their side of the hot spring. Okiron promptly gave Sedo a whack. At Crystal Lake, Argenta is sitting under a tree contemplating about Sedo and company. Sedo and his party found her, and wanted to have answers. Argenta then proceeded to narrate the events of the Dragon Raid 50 years ago, that she was a participant and Velskud needed Rose for his plan. Argenta turned to leave, but Sedo insisted on her telling the next place to go. Meanwhile, Velsklud landed at the foot of a mountain ridge after flying across the lake with Rose. He easily decimated the group of people trying to ambush him. The adventurers reached a empty and deserted Calderock. They realised that the town was infested with giant spiders and Argenta, sensing something amiss, starts running. Okiron and Yuuri was caught in the spiders’ web, and Sedo’s sword broke while trying to save them. When all seemed lost, Sedo remembered his late father’s words. He concentrated his strength and releases a new move: “Half Moon Slash” and saved his friends. The astonished Argenta, who just arrived, commented that Sedo is indeed the Inheritor of the Will of the Dragon Slayer.
5	" The Masked Man " " Kamen no Otoko "(仮面の男)	Exhausted after using his “Half Moon Slash”, Sedo fainted and was brought to Calderock, now bustling with life again, to recuperate by Okiron and Yuuri. After waking up, he talked a little about his late father’s inspiration before Okiron showed Sedo his repaired sword. Then they finally boarded the airship and left Calderock, while Argenta watched them from under a tree, musing about Sedo. On the airship, Sedo and Yuuri enjoyed their trip on the airship while Okiron appeared extremely uncomfortable with the notion of flying. They wondered where they were headed to until an energetic and friendly Item Shop owner named Lena informed them that they were heading towards Saint Haven, a beautiful city bustling with scholars and craftsmen. They were then suddenly spooked by a creepy masked figure. Suddenly the airship rocked violently, and a huge monster appeared and started destroying the airship. Okiron identified the creature to be the Ancient Beast, the Manticore, and Yuuri deduced that somebody on the ship was controlling the Manticore. Sedo suspected the masked figure from earlier and demanded him to answer. The masked figure instead stabbed Lena and the Manticore stopped moving. The masked figure exposed Lena as Dark Elf Elena, the mastermind behind the recent monster appearances. The enraged Elena then jumped onto the Manticore and ordered him to kill everyone. At the critical moment, the masked figure revealed himself and promptly downed the Manticore with a Lightning Bolt. He then introduced himself as Cleric Benetta of the Temple Knights.
6	" Geraint " " Jereinto " (ジェレイント)	After a crash landing of the airship outside Saint Haven, Sedo and company went to Benetta to thank him for his help. When Benetta revealed that he was also tracking down Velskud, Sedo happily invited him to join them, saying that their goals are the same. However, Benetta brushed him off, saying he was like a coward during the airship incident. When Sedo tried to grab him, Benetta responded with a flying kick. While grabbing Sedo off the ground, Benetta demanded to know if Sedo has any information on Velskud. Benetta was about to punch Sedo when Yuuri yelled at Benetta, saying that Velsklud has left for the Black Mountains. Benetta then left for the Black Mountain, with Sedo and his party soon after. In the Black Mountains, the adventurers discovered charred monster carcasses which seemed to be charred by lightning. Then Benetta was suddenly thrown back towards them, by a swordsman who introduced himself as Geraint. Geraint proved to be too strong for the adventurers, however, Benetta pushed on, revealing that he has a grudge against him as one of his cleric brothers has become a Dragon Follower and killed all the other clerics. Enraged, the four adventurers pitted themselves against Geraint and were overwhelmed. During the battle, Benetta demonstrated his defensive and healing capabilities. Then Geraint laughed and sheathed his sword, saying that he was just testing them, and was impressed with their fighting spirit, and it will needed against Velsklud
7	" Wounds and Bonds" " Kizu to Kizuna " (キズとキズナ)	While walking with Geraint, Sedo couldn’t help but ask what Geraint and Argenta actually are. Geraint replied that he was one of the Six Heroes of the Dragon Raid, the Dragon of Light (光の龍, Hikari no Tetsu). Surprised, Sedo enquired about Velsklud, and were shocked to discover that Velsklud was also one of the Six Heroes. Geraint then brooded about his former comrade-in-arm as they made their way to Black Dragon Valley. Here they found the Prophetess of the Dawn (暁の予言者, Akatsuki no Yogensha), Rose being suspended and inaccessible on an altar. Velsklud then appeared behind them, and Geraint confronted him about Rose. Velsklud and Geraint drew out their swords and starts to duel. Velsklud trapped Geraint’s legs and fatally stabbed him. Sedo and his friends then attacked Velsklud, but were badly beaten. Undeterred, they launched a fierce counterattack in which Sedo wounded Velsklud.the sneering Velsklud then said that the time is up and called upon the Ancient’s power in Rose to release the Dragon power in him. As Geraint and the adventurers ran out, a black dragon crashes out of the building.

Volume 3 (Released 3 June 2011)

Chapter	Title	Content
8	" A Swordsman’s Reason" " Kenshi no Riyuu " (剣士の理由)	In the countryside, a little girl excitedly burst into a house, telling her father something exciting is happening. The father went out and was shocked to see billowing black clouds coming from Black Mountain. In Saint Haven, birds started to die and fall from the sky, and an old man commented that the scene was the same as the Dragon Raid’s. At the Black Mountain, the adventurers watched in astonishment as the Black Dragon rises from the building, and flew in the direction of Saint Haven. After handing the unconscious Rose over to Sedo and company, Geraint transformed into his dragon form and flew after Black Dragon. In the time of crisis, the adventurers were bewildered and lost, and Sedo begun his recollection of his childhood, in which his mother and the other villagers were brutally massacred by monsters and then was saved by his father. Meanwhile, an intense battle was fought between the two dragons, Sedo then joined into the fray, landing on Geraint’s back. Geraint asked if Sedo is crazy, and Sedo replied with his father’s words, “If you clasp your two hands to pray, hold the sword, and secure the future by yourself!” With this belief Sedo stood unfazed by the challenges ahead.
9	" In the Darkness " " Kurayami no Naka de" (暗闇の中で)	Sedo entered the battle riding on Geraint’s back. During the battle, the Royal Guards fired cannons to protect the city. However, being unable to differentiate friend from foe, they fired on both dragons. In the firefight, the Black Dragon took the opportunity to scratch out Geraint remaining good eye, rendering him completely blind. Sedo became Geraint’s eyes, guiding him throughout the fight. As Geraint crashed into Saint Haven, the townspeople ran away in fear, prompting Sedo to scream why people just cannot tell who is on their side. Geraint then said that humans are naturally afraid of the unknown. Then the Black Dragon landed in Saint Haven. Geraint then rushed forward for another fight in which he was quickly defeated. When the Black Dragon was about to land the finishing blow, a barrage of cannon fire hit him. Geraint then realised that Sedo had gone to straighten up the Royal Guards, telling them which is the correct target to fire on. Okiron, Yuuri and Benetta then appeared, and they unite their strength with Geraint against the Black Dragon. Geraint then said he can see the path to victory.
10	" A Good Opponent" " Kou Tekishu "(好敵手)	Geraint landed a fatal blow to the Black Dragon. With the Black Dragon defeated, Geraint returned to his human form amidst cheers from the guards who witnessed the resulting explosion. As a tearful Sedo greeted him, Geraint commented that for protecting the city, Sedo is a hero. Sedo disagreed, saying that everyone had contributed and all are all heroes. This happiness was suddenly cut short by the reports of large hordes of monsters invading and attacking Saint Haven. Okiron, Yuuri and Benetta sprung into action, leading the Royal Guards against the hordes of monsters, leaving Geraint to Sedo. As Sedo was helping Geraint out, a battle-torn Velsklud emerged from the smoke. Sedo told Geraint to stay put while he went to face off Velsklud. After a short battle, Sedo lay defeated. Velsklud told Geraint that Sedo was too young and inexperienced. Much later, in a letter to the Village Chief, Okiron Igunohisu wrote that they are safe, and Rose is safe with Geraint. The Okiron, Yuuri and Benetta later met at a deli discussing about the future. Sedo then suddenly appeared, saying “let’s go on a quest!”. Okiron and Benetta expressed reservations, whereas Yuuri excitedly took the initiative to go first, embarrassing Okiron and Benetta, and earning a huge smile from Sedo. They then set off as a party, to start their adventure together.
11	" NEXT Chapter " "Nekusuto Chaputaa"( NEXT Chapter)	The chapter starts in Yuuri’s respective, mentioning that Rose was in the castle basement with Geraint. She has gone back to further study and train to be a stronger sorceress. Okiron has returned to her country to report to her queen. Benetta has chosen to stay in Saint Haven to keep an eye on Rose. For Sedo, he has also embarked on his own journey to train. Much later, Priest Benetta was going on his rounds inspecting the Royal Guards when he met Geraint. Geraint expressed his wish to go to Forsaken Island to check on the Sea King, due to the recent new monsters coming in. Geraint insisted on going , despite Benetta’s disagreement. The next day, they set off for Forsaken Island. At the shipwreck, they were ambushed by numerous monsters. Benetta’s Lightning Bolt was not enough to repel the monsters. Just as they were being overwhelmed, Bow Master Okiron Igunohisu and Elemental Lord Yuuri arrived, wiping out the mobs with ease. However, the Sea King itself has awakened, the party was shocked at the size of the monster. Then with a cry of “Moon Light Splitter!”, Sword Master Sedo Nobusutatto arrived, much to delight of his party. Then the four stood their ground around Geraint, ready to face any challenges that may come.
12	" Quest " " Kuisuto " (クイスト)	(This chapter is a special chapter.) Set before the events of Forsaken Island, Sedo and his party were exploring a dungeon when the ground below them gave way. Then they found themselves in the Ancient Ruins. They braved many traps before arriving at hall with a big round stone giant. While Benetta was laughing at and patting the statue., the statue suddenly activated, smashing around and rolling into a ball, rolling after them. When the adventurers were about to face off the giant stone ball, the pillars of the dungeon suddenly cracked, collapsing onto the stone giant. A beautiful scene was also revealed, drawing the praise of the adventurers. Then Sedo said, “Let’s see this together, everyone, … again!”.

External links

• Official site of Dragon Nest North America
• Official Dragon Nest North America Wiki
• Official site of Dragon Nest SEA