Ankhet

Ankhet is a browser-based MMORPG where players (known as Disciples) step into the world of Ancient Egypt. Disciples can fight monsters and answer trivia questions for favour and artifacts in a turn-based system.


Ankhet draws on several BBS games for inspiration, notably Pyroto Mountain, Badde Manors and Tournament Legend of the Red Dragon (TLORD) and was opened for beta-testing by the developers (known as the Oracles in-game) on September 16, 2006.

The Basics

Disciples first join the game as an Initiate at level one. By performing actions such as interacting in the forums, battling enemies, answering the Sphinxes' riddles, and defeating opponents in PvP, they gain Favour and raise their level. The highest-level player in any given path is known as the 'Ankhet'. Although the game has not yet developed an endquest - similar to the Kingdom of Loathing before the quest to defeat the naughty sorceress was added - one of the quests can be completed by slaying the Apep Aeon.

A disciple's attributes include Favour, Anima, Potency, Vitality and Wisdom. Each of them play a role in a Disciple's journey.

*Favour- Experience in the game is known as Favour. One may gain favour through defeating enemies or other players, answering riddles correctly, and posting in the forums. Favour is displayed as a percentage of the total needed to reach the next level. Upon leveling, a player receives a forced increase to maximum Anima, Potency, and Anima regeneration, and may also choose between an increase to Vitality, maximum Anima, or Anima regeneration. Certain levels also bring new abilities, as well as new ranks that allow access to various forums.

*Anima- A Disciple's actions are performed by sacrificing some of their Anima. Anima is consumed for abilities, exploration, and even interactions such as creating a new topic in the forums. Anima can be regained through a variety of ways, the easiest being to wait for Ankhet Rollover (Midnight EST) when every Disciple is brought back to life if dead and regenerates some Anima and Vitality.

*Vitality- Vitality is a Disciple's health. When it runs out, the Disciple is dead and forced to remain in the Underworld until Rollover, unless they are resurrected by another Disciple or manage to complete Anubis' challenge. While dead, a Disciple cannot use most items, skills, perform any quests beside Anubis', or speak in any forums besides the Underworld forum.

*Potency- Potency is a measure of the Disciple's skill in battle. Their odds of hitting and of avoiding their enemies' blows are calculated using Potency. Some abilities used by Disciples will not work if the target's Potency is too far above the attacker's Potency.

*Wisdom- A Disciple's wisdom is a measure of his or her skill in answering the enigmas of the Sphinxes and is necessary in overcoming certain boundaries in Ankhet.

The Gods and Goddesses of Ankhet

The Disciples are able to walk the path of a god or goddess and enjoy their blessing, whether it is power in combat, wisdom in dealing with the Sphinxes, control over their fellow Disciples, or the healing hand to aid their fellow Disciples. In the beginning, the Disciple will have the choice of following one of three gods/goddesses.

; Hathor : The Goddess of healing and mercy. Her abilities will help you regain Anima by answering the enigmas of the Sphinxes and heal your fellow Disciples. She also boosts your defense in combat.

; Thoth : The God of sorcery and secrets. He will increase your maximum Anima capacity and grant you many skills to attack your fellow disciples.

; Sekhmet : The Goddess of glory and war. Her abilities will increase your Potency and allow you to reap Anima from your foes in combat.

There are a number of other gods which can be unlocked through questing or meeting the requirements to convert to that path.



Player Interaction

Player interaction is an important part of the game. Disciples may duel one another, trade items or Anima, or perform other actions that can affect one another. Ankhet has a heavy political side stemming from the use of the Disciples' various abilities, with debates being held within the game's fora. Disciples may monitor each other for appropriate behaviour, acting as judge and jury in the event of a transgression.

A system of in-game messaging, known as Telepath, allows players private communication.

Dominions

Dominions are groups of like-minded Disciples who work together towards common goals. Disciples in Dominions benefit from having a Shrine they can withdraw Anima from, a Vault that they can store items in, and a private forum. Dominions can also be aligned to a God or Goddess and the Dominion and its members will benefit from that God's or Goddess's power. Dominions may also rise in Level, and can gain additional benefits for their members.

Commune

In Ankhet, the forums are collectively referred to as 'Commune'. At first, there are but two fora available: the Halls of Initiation and the Underworld, mentioned earlier as the only forum available to the dead or those who have no anima. More fora may be unlocked by reaching new levels, by joining certain paths, or by joining a dominion. Participation in the fora is required for completing several quests, but is not compulsory.
 
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