Rule of Grog (Open Sign-Up)

[Harbertia]

IC

Inspired by Alpha & Omega, and the Animals of Farthing Wood (perhaps a little of Brother Bear and Ice Age as well); this RP is set in a world of animals with culture, lore, and human like intelligence. I understand this game has potential to be dark, and I accept that. Supernatural elements will be present in order to add an additional layer of interest (visions, interpretive dreams, and haunting). Limited tool use by some species will be accepted (a mouse for example is permitted to use a stick as a weapon though forging, and armor creation are not permitted. A wolf might use a stick as leverage upon a rock).

Plot
This plot revolves around the rule of Grog, a black wolf with one red eye (he had a yellow one but it was lost in battle) who rose to power a hero many winters back. Though his deeds have long sense been forgotten in light of what his kin call madness, and others see as terror. Grog is aggressive, cruel, and doesn't like being bothered. He's become especially annoyed by birds. He also believes that other predators are out to get him, and has thus been carefully rewarding strength, and loyalty by granting special privileges to those who served him well during the Rat Wars where in he lead the valley to victory against the invaders. This plot revolves around a building civil war where in Grog's Rule will either be maintained, or tumble. Characters are allowed to support who ever they desire for the position of leadership.

Lore

The Valley is a temperate region featuring two mountain chains, a vast woodland, some grassland, and a river that runs though it. The valley experiences four seasons of winter (November, December), spring (April, May), summer (June, July), and and fall (August, September, October). OOC: A map has been created, and the RP will begin with the world in early June (summer).

King of the Valley is a title bestowed upon one able to subvert, or rally most of the population of the Valley. To have the title one has to have the respect of various inhabitance; both predators, and prey. One must be just in their dictations, and able to enforce their decision. The position is most often held by Deer, or Bears though Wolves, and Foxes have held the position before.

If a King begins to look for his own interests over the interest of the valley as a whole they can be labeled a tyrant, and will generally loose the respect of the residents before being challenged, and dethroned in single combat.

A moot is a summoning of any able to attend to discuss a matter of great importance. While at the moot no animal may harm another, lest they be harmed in kind. Amnesty is extended to all for the purpose of such meetings. Any animal may call a moot, and any may freely attend. All may speak, and all may vote though it's up to them to enforce it's decision. When a King holds a moot it's referred to as a court, and is the only moot that can banish a resident from the valley, or bestow some other punishment.

Character Form

Code: Select all

[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Gender:[/b]
[b]Species:[/b]
[b]Appearance:[/b]
[b]Summery:[/b]

CHARACTERS

Candidates
Grog - Harbertia - Current King of the Valley

Gender: Male
Species: Melanistic Grey Wolf (Black Wolf)
Appearance: Grog is a black wolf with a single red eye whose right side of his face was badly mauled by a band of army rats during the Rat Wars. He can no longer see though his right eye, leaving him with a single red eye.
Summery: Grog is the current King of the Valley who lead a united front against a swarm of rats. The rats who had came into the valley where a carnivorous lot who stripped bushes, nests, borrows clean making their way across the valley. Grog's pack seemed to offer the greatest resistance, and called upon a moot upon realizing that wolves alone could not defeat the swarm. It was at the first of these moots he had called that predators came. Once some plan of action came into effect attention came to him from then King Maran the Stag who summoned him to court where he was able to share his plans with the less viscous species of the valley. It was at this court that his plans where expanded upon. Together he, and Maran lead an assault upon the borrow of the foreign Rats. It was in this assault that Grog lost his right eye, and Maran was wounded. Twelve suns latter Maran died of infected wounds. Grog's injury however healed, though at the cost sight in his right eye. His pack mates urged him to attend a moot to discuss a new king, and while he did not promote himself, Grog was elected to the office. Since then favor towards him has diminished.

Kazren - Ancian - Open opposition to Grog, and a favoritism to avian kind.

Gender: Male
Species: Harpy Eagle
Appearance: http://portfolio.jeffwendorff.com/eagles/hAC68983
Summary: Kazren is a well respected Eagle from the cliffs around the valley. His wife was killed from a terrible sickness shortly after his son was born. He is well known to be the foremost Avian hunter, killer and fighter. However, he is very well respected by the overall community. Due to his reputation he helped serve in the war against the rats, dive bombing and killing multiple in one go with his great large sharp talons. His son was too young to help in the war, now however, he is of age and is following I'm his father's footsteps of greatness. Kazren, recently has become disgusted with the king of the valley and the way he rules. He has convinced the other eagles and most other birds of the evil of Grog. For if the avian species of the valley had a leader it would be him. However, other types of birds have become large followers of Grog and want to end Kazren's influence in the avian world. Even as he attempts to rally creatures against the king of the valley, Grog and his followers plot to kill him. War is coming, and none are sure how many sides their will be, or indeed which side they'll take when it comes to the showdown,, indeed their will most probably be several showdowns. Kazren holds his breath and waits for the moment to strike.

Cervus - Phalnia - Leader of a deer herd in the valley. Many of his charge are in favor of him being named King. Cervus has no love for predatory kind.

Gender: Male
Species: White-Tailed Deer
Appearance:

Summery: Cervus was born in the valley and has lived here all his life. As a fawn Cervus was one of the strongest and swiftest. During the Rat Wars he was in his first mating season. Despite his young age, he made quite a name for himself and went on to lead his own herd. This was partly due to the death of so many stags, and the respect Cervus had earned in his numerous battles. Cervus has no love for Grog, or any predator in the Valley for that matter. He and his herd oppose the King, though not openly, and many of his deer are in favor of Cervus being named King.

Independents
Arktos - Utceforp

Gender: Male
Species: Kodiak bear
Appearance:

Summery: Arktos was born in the lands far to the north, unexplored by the valley animals. As food became scarce further north, he began to migrate south and eventually ended up in the valley. As a foreigner and a naturally solitary creature, he keeps to the edges of society and rarely talks with other animals unless at a moot, and even then he is terse. He mostly lives off of berries and fish, but occasionally he will venture further into the valley and scavenge a corpse, or intimidate other predators into giving him their kills. Even more rarely he will actively predate on other animals, if he's starving.

Arktos is loyal to only himself, and doesn't try to hide that. If he is working for the benefit of someone else, he will be completely honest about how he is only doing because it helps himself in some way. When he first migrated into the valley, the rat war was at its height. The reason he stayed was because of the corpses left over from the many battles, which provided an easy and energy-rich food source for him to feed on.

Cree, the Deep Pond Oracle - Aden Protectorate

Gender: Male
Species: Loon
Appearance:

Summery: Cree is a Pond Diver, a secret order surrounding the worship of the Swamplands. The Order of the Deep Pond places a special emphasis on philosophy, it is similar to the Greek Mysteries and Celtic Druid Sects by nature, and worships the darkness, the night, deep water, hidden things, dreams, secrecy and mysticism. Cree was raised in the Blue Moon Clan, who descended from a long line of Oracles, Shamans and Spriritual aids to the King of the Valley. When he was young, he was selected by the Order, through a long time of searching and dream interpretation, to be the next "Pond Oracle", a shaman able to interpret visions, predict the future and enter a trance to attain a vision for a client.

Though his powers of interpretation where limited, for once he was out of the trance, though everything was perfectly clear in the trance, he could only express what he had learned as a riddle, for the client to decipher.

After many years of intense mental and physical training he was one of the most renowned oracles in the Valley, and a spiritual guide for many of the most powerful leaders in the Valley, a few times he acted as a consultant to Grog himself, though it physcially drained him, and he was forced into a long rest. During the Great Rat Plague the Loons where driven from their homes and made a new community deeper in the forests of the valley, in an area known as the "Hidden Grove" a deeply wooded area with a deep lake in the center.

Now Cree has awoken from his long rest, and has found the valley in a completely different state, his Oracle services may be needed once again in this chaotic time.

Csilentes - Republic of Hasgriu

Gender: Male
Species: Bee Hummingbird
Appearance: Here.
Summary: Csilentes is a young bee hummingbird, at six months of age. He has only left his nest recently, and thus is not well acquainted with the animals of the valley. Csilentes is a wanderer, and lacks an established feeding ground, instead flying from field to field, sampling all the flowers to find his cup of tea. Hiding and fleeing are two of his most practised skills, as he managed to get himself into some trouble with an owl earlier on, soon after he departed his nest. He doesn't care about whoever the King is, as long as they leave him be, though he has found himself leaning towards Kazren...

Hosszu - Ameriganastan

Gender: Male
Species: Long-tailed weasel
Appearance: Yo.
Summery: A manipulative little rat, Hosszu couldn't care less who is king. But he does enjoy playing animals against each other, spreading lies and outright manipulation. And the little contest between the three candidates is just too much potential fun for him to pass up. Ergo, he slides between ccandidates. Sowing distrust and suspicion of the others. And sitting back to enjoy the show.

Ironmaw - Kylantha

Gender: Male
Species: Catamount / Mountain Lion / Cougar
Appearance: Ironmaw
Summary:
A young, solitary, and very aggressive male cougar. He is very territorial and uses Snowpelt to scout out territories that he can expand into. Because he's young and eats regularly, he is quite powerful and will engage any animal if it means keeping his own territory. He isn't competing for place as king, though he can be considered a nuisance, attacking any animal in his path except for Martens, who he considers as close allies. According to Snowpelt, who is neutral, Ironmaw comes from the mountains of the North, having been recently separated from his mother because he was old enough. He invaded Arktos' territory and at first, managed to catch the bar off guard. He was rewarded with a bit of territory, but hasn't been able to make any further advances after that. He has also been looking for amate, but he hasn't found any females yet. In the meantime, his expansion plans keep going on.

Kraka - Leader of the Crow Bird Federation, a union of Ravens, Crows, Magpies, Rooks, and Jays.

Gender: Female
Species: Raven
Appearance:
Summery: Kraka is the queen over the crow bird federation, which was formed shortly after the Rat Wars. During the war the ravens, crows, magpies, rooks, and jays joined forces, and decided to keep cooperating after the war. Thus the federation was formed. Kraka was elected leader, with a undisputed majority of the votes. However, she doesn't sit so safe anymore, as other birds lust for her throne.

As a queen, Kraka is also the high priestess of all ravens. She also claim to have visions, a gift that was very useful in the war and also one of the reasons for why she was elected queen, but she doesn't call herself a seer. She is very fascinated by the looms, whom still posess knowledge even the ravens forgot long ago. According to their own old tales, the ravens once knew magic, and the priesthood see it as their job to try to find that power again, and make use of it. What is left today of their ancient abilites is a sixth sense about death, they can sense it before it comes. A few, like Kraka, are seers.

When it comes to politics, Kraka's strategy is to remain neutral, most of the time, to the other animal factions, and to do what she thinks is the best for the federation.

Snowpelt Marten - Kylantha

Gender: Male
Species: Canadian Pine Marten
Appearance: Snowpelt
Summary:
Snowpelt was born in the spring before Ironmaw arrived into the valley. He was digging a rabbit's hole out when the cougar approached from behind, only to be surprised by an enthusiastic greeting from the Marten. Snowpelt offered to share rabbit meat with Ironmaw, and they have been friends since, with Snowpelt driving small animals out of their holes. In return, Ironmaw vows not to hurt any Marten and frequently shares meals with Snowpelt. The Marten's family thinks he's crazy for befriending a cougar, but he insists that he's perfectly fine and that as long as he's friends with Ironmaw, the Marten population of the valley is safe from cougar attacks.

Tork - Trogghome - Leader of a Badger Sett

Gender: Male
Species: Badger
Appearance:An old badger, with a bright, contrasting coat and many scars
Summary: Tork was born under the valley, in the deep series of setts built by his clan. He is larger and stronger than his kin and brothers, He fought in the rat war, and he fought hard, he was scarred, but elevated to the leader of his Sett. He has fathered many, and built the sett larger. His familly and sett are his highest priority. He is stubborn, steadfast and brutal, he only cares for his own, and for the others who dwell below. He is independant, not in support of Grog, nor against.

Followers
Torven - Esselman - KAZREN

Gender: Male
Species: California Condor

Summery: Torven comes from a respected, and nearly extinct order guiding others in religious ceremony while acting as "Guardians of the Skies" through battles his species was nearly drawn to extinction crushing the order. Years later he still takes up his duties as a guardian, while others of his kind seem to flock to together, shying away from any conflict. Torven seeks to unite all under one leadership, hopefully to become in full command under fellow birds in order to take down the likes of Grog and future enemies of the skies. When Torven was younger he was taught the simple principles of superiority over most animals is what he carries on his wings, those in opposition will find his age has little to do with his abilities; being they are swift and final.

[Arstotzkas]

Interesting...


What is the main plot?

[Utceforp]

Interesting.

[Harbertia]

Interesting...

What is the main plot?

The main plot will most likely center around an external factor that's putting some kind of pressure upon the population. Another plot being considered is more of an internal conflict involving a tyrant, or animals new to the valley encroaching upon the land, and experiencing difficulty in assimilating as they've brought their own customs with them.

[Kylantha]

Is there a character limit?

Are any species available for use? Not fantasy, like.. Extinct ones?.

What's the weather like?

[The Miaphysite Church of Coptic Archism]

Would be interested if more developed. Will be watching.

[Harbertia]

Is there a character limit?

Are any species available for use? Not fantasy, like.. Extinct ones?.

What's the weather like?

The valley will have a temperate environment that goes though winter (November, December), spring (April, May), summer (June, July), and and fall (August, September, October). I've decided not to restrict players to characters of a particular continent (with North America, and Europe as an ecological range) though I can't allow extinct forms of life, even if only mammals. I'll admit that the prospect is interesting but would prove disruptive, especially in regards to the giant ground sloth.

[Utceforp]

Are we going to tie the setting of the RP to a real-world location? Because I was planning on making my character a Kodiak bear, but since their range is so limited it would be kind of ridiculous to RP one if the setting was real-life.

[Harbertia]

I've been working on three different a plot lines for this RP;

1. Grog's Rule: This plot revolves around the rule of Grog, a black wolf with one red eye (he had a yellow one but it was lost in battle) who rose to power a hero many winters back. Though his deeds have long sense been forgotten in light of what his kin call madness, and others see as terror. Grog is aggressive, cruel, and doesn't like being bothered. He's become especially annoyed by rodents. He also fears that other predators are out to get him, and has thus been carefully rewarding strength, and loyalty by granting special privileges to those who served him well during the Rat Wars where in he lead the valley to victory against the invaders. This plot revolves around a building civil war where in Grog's Rule will either be maintained, or tumble. Characters are allowed to support who ever they desire for the position of leadership.
2. Man: This plot line involves a seasonal influx of lumberjacks into the area (during Fall). While a relatively responsible company their presence is still disruptive to local life (especially with Winter on the way). The plot is less intense then the other ideas. For the purpose of this plot the King of the Valley will be a twelve point stag.
3. Newcomers: This plot will dived the valley between locals, and immigrants. As with the Man plot line a stag will be King of the Valley, however their will be another leader (a dog, badger, or fox) who has guided his own diverse band into the valley. This group abides by it's own customs, and has been granted semi-autonomy in a section where they can continue to practice their ways.

It's the idea I've put the most effort into, and thus feel we can use. I'd like feedback on it, and even some suggestions. Over all, I just want to be sure it's something ya'll are interested in.

Are we going to tie the setting of the RP to a real-world location? Because I was planning on making my character a Kodiak bear, but since their range is so limited it would be kind of ridiculous to RP one if the setting was real-life.

I was unable to decide on a location in the real world, thus the setting will have no real world location.

[Utceforp]

I've been working on three different a plot lines for this RP;

1. Grog's Rule: This plot revolves around the rule of Grog, a black wolf with one red eye (he had a yellow one but it was lost in battle) who rose to power a hero many winters back. Though his deeds have long sense been forgotten in light of what his kin call madness, and others see as terror. Grog is aggressive, cruel, and doesn't like being bothered. He's become especially annoyed by rodents. He also fears that other predators are out to get him, and has thus been carefully rewarding strength, and loyalty by granting special privileges to those who served him well during the Rat Wars where in he lead the valley to victory against the invaders. This plot revolves around a building civil war where in Grog's Rule will either be maintained, or tumble. Characters are allowed to support who ever they desire for the position of leadership.
2. Man: This plot line involves a seasonal influx of lumberjacks into the area (during Fall). While a relatively responsible company their presence is still disruptive to local life (especially with Winter on the way). The plot is less intense then the other ideas. For the purpose of this plot the King of the Valley will be a twelve point stag.
3. Newcomers: This plot will dived the valley between locals, and immigrants. As with the Man plot line a stag will be King of the Valley, however their will be another leader (a dog, badger, or fox) who has guided his own diverse band into the valley. This group abides by it's own customs, and has been granted semi-autonomy in a section where they can continue to practice their ways. (didn't really like this idea)

It's the idea I've put the most effort into, and thus feel we can use. I'd like feedback on it, and even some suggestions. Over all, I just want to be sure it's something ya'll are interested in.

Are we going to tie the setting of the RP to a real-world location? Because I was planning on making my character a Kodiak bear, but since their range is so limited it would be kind of ridiculous to RP one if the setting was real-life.

I was unable to decide on a location in the real world, thus the setting will have no real world location.

I like the first idea, because it ties in with my character idea - The rough idea is a Kodiak bear named "Arctos" who really doesn't care about anything except whether he survives and gets to eat, and doesn't try to hide that he doesn't care about anyone else, so he might switch sides several times between Grog and his enemies, depending on which side will let him survive and eat.

[Ancian]

EXTREME interest. Looks cool.

[Kylantha]

Grog's Rule: This plot revolves around the rule of Grog, a black wolf with one red eye (he had a yellow one but it was lost in battle) who rose to power a hero many winters back. Though his deeds have long sense been forgotten in light of what his kin call madness, and others see as terror. Grog is aggressive, cruel, and doesn't like being bothered. He's become especially annoyed by rodents. He also fears that other predators are out to get him, and has thus been carefully rewarding strength, and loyalty by granting special privileges to those who served him well during the Rat Wars where in he lead the valley to victory against the invaders. This plot revolves around a building civil war where in Grog's Rule will either be maintained, or tumble. Characters are allowed to support who ever they desire for the position of leadership.

I like all three plots, but this one is fine with me. How was he a hero, though? Did he kill hunters? That could be deemed by other wolves as madness. You know what happens when animals kill humans...
Also, for a wolf he can't... Well... Last long against a big cat, without a pack.
If there are big cats (I plan to be one) They would be solitary. That is, if we're following their real-life behavior, and will only gather during a moot. Unless they're lions or cheetahs. All the others prefer to be alone than be bothered...

The valley will have a temperate environment that goes though winter (November, December), spring (April, May), summer (June, July), and and fall (August, September, October). I've decided not to restrict players to characters of a particular continent (with North America, and Europe as an ecological range) though I can't allow extinct forms of life, even if only mammals. I'll admit that the prospect is interesting but would prove disruptive, especially in regards to the giant ground sloth.

Actually, I was planning to be a smilodon... Megatherium might've been... Too much. xD

I will play either a Pine Marten, an African Leopard, a Jaguar, a Cacomistle, or a fox. If possible, I'll play all of them. :3

You can't blame me. *shrug* It's an animal RP. (v.v) I haven't seen one like this. It's sort of like Redwall... I love Redwall.

[Ancian]

He could last against a cheetah some jaguars, cougars, lynx some leopards and such. Depending on the type of wolf he is. Also, involving humans to me would make it more disruptive.

[Omegaopterix]

Are we allowed to use tropical animals?

[Kylantha]

What animal are you think of playing as? (^-^)

[Omegaopterix]

Some kind of primate, like a chimpanzee.

[Kylantha]

Hmmm. I guess that could work.

You could play as a Rhesus macaque, too.

[Utceforp]

Grog's Rule: This plot revolves around the rule of Grog, a black wolf with one red eye (he had a yellow one but it was lost in battle) who rose to power a hero many winters back. Though his deeds have long sense been forgotten in light of what his kin call madness, and others see as terror. Grog is aggressive, cruel, and doesn't like being bothered. He's become especially annoyed by rodents. He also fears that other predators are out to get him, and has thus been carefully rewarding strength, and loyalty by granting special privileges to those who served him well during the Rat Wars where in he lead the valley to victory against the invaders. This plot revolves around a building civil war where in Grog's Rule will either be maintained, or tumble. Characters are allowed to support who ever they desire for the position of leadership.

I like all three plots, but this one is fine with me. How was he a hero, though? Did he kill hunters? That could be deemed by other wolves as madness. You know what happens when animals kill humans...
Also, for a wolf he can't... Well... Last long against a big cat, without a pack.
If there are big cats (I plan to be one) They would be solitary. That is, if we're following their real-life behavior, and will only gather during a moot. Unless they're lions or cheetahs. All the others prefer to be alone than be bothered...

I went on a bear-themed Wikipedia binge to prepare for my character, and I've read that really the only things that prey on large bears are tigers. So depending on how badass your big cat character is, I could make it a plot-point that your character is the only one Arctos is scared of.

[Kylantha]

Probably not too much. A Jaguar and a Leopard aren't that aggressive. They're also smaller.

Height Chart

The Jaguar is shown here. But I know the Leopard is slightly smaller and less bulky than Jaguars.

EDIT: Did some research on the Kodiak. Yes, it's around 8 feet at most. Jaguars are 6+ and Leopards are 5+ in height.

[Utceforp]

Probably not too much. A Jaguar and a Leopard aren't that aggressive. They're also smaller.

Height Chart

The Jaguar is shown here. But I know the Leopard is slightly smaller and less bulky than Jaguars.

EDIT: Did some research on the Kodiak. Yes, it's around 8 feet at most. Jaguars are 6+ and Leopards are 5+ in height.

Whoops, didn't realize you were planning on RPing a leopard specifically.

[Trogghome]

I'm very interested in this. I'd rather like to be a mole of some sort, build myself a happy little burrow home.

[Ancian]

Should I be a moose, eagle, bull, komodo dragon or cougar: ? My character is going to try to spearhead a party to beat grog in single combat. The twist will be he'll wither be severely injured and start a revolt or once he wins he'll appoint someone else. If that's okay, I'm sure it won't be as simple as challenging. That would be too easy.

[Phalnia]

Very interested.

[Omegaopterix]

Hmmm. I guess that could work.

You could play as a Rhesus macaque, too.

Awesome. I wanted at first to play as an ancient hominid but I see that's not allowed? What about cryptids?

[Harbertia]

I can see I have a lot of questions to respond to; safe to say we shall be using the Grog plot line, and shall avoid reference of humans. Tomorrow I shall change the title of this thread to Grog's Rule and should have an character application form in place.

Should I be a moose, eagle, bull, komodo dragon or cougar: ? My character is going to try to spearhead a party to beat grog in single combat. The twist will be he'll wither be severely injured and start a revolt or once he wins he'll appoint someone else. If that's okay, I'm sure it won't be as simple as challenging. That would be too easy.

That plan sounds excellent. Species wise an eagle, cougar, or moose sound fine to me. Your character should prove most interesting, and play a major rule in the progression of the RP.

Awesome. I wanted at first to play as an ancient hominid but I see that's not allowed? What about cryptids?

... eh... Sasquach may be too human to be allowed... very much too human. Seeing how this is a temperate environment I don't see very many primates inhabiting the region.

@Kylantha: I'll consider your request to co-op however based on current postings on your part I am unsure. I will point out that at least here in North America we have Panthers, and Cougars, and Lynx so such are the big cats one may consider.