User talk:Yahero

Introduction

Several recent studies indicate that books, videos, and other more traditional entertainment channels are on the decline among users of all ages. This is particularly true of young people where interactive and social media consumption is dramatically increasing. Online communities for kids include more than 150 virtual worlds. None of these, however, are Bible-based or exhibit a Christian worldview. In fact, for children ages eight to twelve growing up in Christian homes, there are few products available offering an immersive experience that reinforces biblical truths and values.

Yahero is a web-based game that uses the power of allegory and interactive quests within an immersive massively multiplayer online (MMO) community. Called Yahero, this unique gaming experience is designed to fully engage tween boys and girls with stories and themes from the Bible.

The World of Yahero

Hovering above the earth, in a hidden location, the world of Yahero exists as a chain of floating islands called Light City. Light City was designed by Yahweh himself to be a safe place where players can become heroes of His Word. Light City’s gleaming main island, Zioden, where the Tree of Zioden rises majestically toward the sky and the River of Zioden endlessly flows, is a hub for all inhabitants to fellowship when they are not engaged in quests. Quests are commissioned in Light City to challenge and encourage Yaheroes to become strong in their faith and increase their understanding of God’s Word.

On quests, Yaheroes discover secrets, gain experience, and earn Badges of Yahweh, all while playing games and completing other missions. Also, during each quest, Yaheroes confront attacks from the Malizek, an unseen force bent on ruining Light City. Between quests, Yaheroes congregate on Zioden and engage in a wide variety of mini-games, contests, and other activities to hone their skills. Through it all, players link the wisdom learned within the Yahero world to the power of the Bible in the real world.

Characters and Avatars:

Giddo is a confident 14 year-old boy whose leadership is irreplaceable. He knows he is weak compared to the Creator who made him, but this recognition is also his strength: letting God use him to harness the power of others to accomplish great feats (think Solomon + Samson). He's a young man of few words, and this provides comic relief as he often gets tongue-tied. But when there is a call to action, everyone looks to Giddo.

Nika is a spunky 14 year-old girl bursting with creativity. Her steady stream of ideas opens the minds of her teammates to dream big. Because she runs on such high energy, the more ideas flow out of her, the more rest she needs to regain her strength to be useful. Her fast-talking and out-of-the-box thinking makes for funny interludes that are the life of the party.

Max is a huge and daunting beast in appearance, but actually is like a big, friendly dog. Max is a loyal teammate who enjoys nothing more than to playfully toss his friends around. This playful demeanor belies his excellent skills as a tracker and climber. Those around him know to be careful the moment Max goes into "track mode."

Araoway is a bird of prey strong in stature and fluid in mannerism. She has special physical and mental accoutrements that set her apart from others. She takes her position as a Chozek seriously, recognizing that Yahweh’s calling for her gave her purpose in life. She enjoys using her considerable wisdom and abilities to view situations from higher planes on the quest to uncover the secrets of His wisdom. Her greatest strength lies in her even-handed, fluid skills of observation and assessment, though getting lost in the details of the moment mean that she often seems distant and overly serious. Indeed, as the most “preoccupied” of the Chozek she is poked and prodded by the more jocular Giddo, Nika, and Max, and players will enjoy aiding in this quest to bring fun to her demeanor. Nevertheless, she is an asset to Yaheros for her wisdom and ability to fly--even with passengers!