A Tale of Two Keeps. [OOC/Sign up]

[Rupeslonga]

The idea that I had in mind for A tale of Two Keeps is two keeps that set on top of two very steep hills, with a gorgeously breath taking midsummer valley below them. The valley is home to the fun-loving, festive, and very eccentric inhabitants, of the forest village of "Autumnwood". However, the village soon becomes a battlefield when tension arises between the two keep's lords.

I intend for this roleplay to play out as some sort of movie or play, I also, however would like to keep the roleplay suspenseful and interesting and hopefully turn it into a series. I want originality and to build something for the community, so I will start by introducing some of the main character "traits" of the roleplay, these characters will tell the plot of the story and have a set personality that drives their actions. Think of the following character traits as the main/supporting actors in a play. I will be narrating the story and adding in different elements and dynamic events along the course of the roleplay.

ALL OF THE MAIN AND SUPPORTING CHARACTERS ARE TAKEN. HOWEVER YOU CAN STILL CREATE AN ORIGINAL CHARACTER BEFORE THE SIGN UPS ARE CLOSED.

IC THREAD: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=200547

Main characters:

The Lord of Brisbane Keep: A stern, strict, middle-aged leader who used to be a man of respect, now he demands respect out of fear. He is the shadow of the hero he used to be, now he sits and ages in one of the lowliest keeps in the land. His King basically put him there because he is old, broken down, and unimportant. He strives to be the man he once was, his desire to feel powerful and to show his King that he is important is what drives his emotions and makes him want to start a war. Taken by: Ceannairceach

The Lord of Frostmoth Keep: A young yet wise man, he is passive-aggressive to a point, but when that point is exceeded, he lashes out in a fit of rage and uses his anger over his wisdom. His men respect him and will follow every order he commands, he also has a wife whom he would die for, however he suspects that she is in love with another from the village. He keeps her locked away in the Keep's tower, when he is away, taking care of business matters. Taken by: Eastern Kingdomes

The Chieftan of Autumnwood: An eccentric old man, the village nut if I do say so myself. Not a whole lot is known about him, he sometimes refers to himself in the third person, he is a humble and wise man but a bit of a creep. The young adults of the village are afraid of him in a way, yet the whole of the village respects him and listens to his advice. Taken by: Soviet Ruk-Tsan
Supporting Characters:

The Cuckoldress in Distress: The ravishing, seductive wife of the lord of Frostmoth Keep, she loves the way her husband gives her, her heart's desire but she just doesn't love him. She's been sleeping with a lieutenant in his army and writing love notes to a man from the village. She is a bit of a harlot, however she is a real sweet woman too! However.. nowadays she's locked in her bed chambers. Taken by: La Cancion de Guerra

The Loyally-Unloyal Lieutenant: A virtuoso with the sword, the long loyal soldier and best friend of the Lord of Frostmoth keep, the Lieutenant however, is also in love with his wife and would "kill" to be with her. He plots one day to steal her from the keep and run off with her to live happily ever after, or so he thinks. Taken by: San Monteriano

The Poetic Bard: This strapping, feeble young man, is also foolish for writing poems and epics to the Lady of Frostmoth. He's madly in love with her and would do anything to have her in his arms, even if it means confessing to the Lord that he just couldn't live without her. Taken by: The Norak Federation

*Player created characters: You can also make your own character, you can play as a soldier in either army getting ready for battle, a simple villager, whatever your heart's desire. However, to get the roleplay kicked off we need all 3 main characters and at least one of the supporting characters, if you have a better idea for one of the aforementioned characters, please let me know! The reason I didn't name them is because I want the person playing the role to create the name!

Sign ups:
*Main Character:
Character Trait:
Character's Name:
3 paragraph minimum biography of the character:

*Supporting Character
Character Trait:
Character's Name:
A brief biography (1 paragraph at least):

*Original Character:
Characters Name:
Character's Strengths: (3 Max)
Character's Weaknesses: (2 Minimum)
A moderate biography (1-3 paragraphs minimum):

*Original Characters: -

Characters Name: Estraysian D'arle
Taken by: Videssos

Characters Name: Artemis Cadderly
Taken by: Lyn Hyet
If you have anything you wish to add to the roleplay, or any ideas, please feel free to post them!

[The Norak Federation]

Character Trait: Skilled at writing Poetry/Songs
Character's Name: Herald of the Narzen Family
A brief biography (1 paragraph at least):
Herald is not from around Autumnwood. His family, Narzen, is from a faraway land where it is only survival of the fittest. Needless to say, Herald was not the fittest, but got wise enough to leave and make his own fortunes, dreaming to create the worthy song that would bring peace throughout the land. However, his dreams became more of a pastime as he found a new dream.

The Lady of Frostmoth, his one true desire. He says that one day he saw her from afar, and fell deeply in love with her. Using his talents, he began writing poem after poem, and sending them to her, hoping to win her attention. However, he truly won it when she requested for a musician to play for her, with something that wasn't common. Herald used his musical talents and presented a song much like his home culture. The lady was impressed, and quickly found out that he was the one writing the poems. Winning her attention, now Herald of Narzen continues to desire for the lady, willing to do almost anything.

[Soviet Ruk-Tsan]

Hey. I'd like to join, but my computer has this thing that puts a limit on the characters in a textbox to around a paragraph. Would it be ok if I post more than once to get the message across?

[San Monteriano]

*Supporting Character
Character Trait: "Virtuoso of Swordplay"
Character's Name: Sir Brynden, the Loyally-Unloyal Lieutenant
A brief biography (1 paragraph at least): A member of House Bracken, a vassal house sworn to Frostmoth Keep, Brynden is the long-time childhood friend of the Lord of Frostmoth Keep and his wife, though the two weren't promised to each other as children. Brynden secretly courted the Lord's wife as adolescents before she was arranged to be married to him, much to his disgruntlement. In a decision to stay close to her, Brynden became the future Lord's captain of the guard and lieutenant, serving him loyally as both a friend and confidant, though tenaciously pursuing his affair with the Lady of Frostmoth Keep, though unaware she is sending love letters to a mysterious villager. He dreams of one day stealing the Lady and running off with her.

[Rupeslonga]

Character Trait: Skilled at writing Poetry/Songs
Character's Name: Herald of the Narzen Family
A brief biography (1 paragraph at least):
Herald is not from around Autumnwood. His family, Narzen, is from a faraway land where it is only survival of the fittest. Needless to say, Herald was not the fittest, but got wise enough to leave and make his own fortunes, dreaming to create the worthy song that would bring peace throughout the land. However, his dreams became more of a pastime as he found a new dream.

The Lady of Frostmoth, his one true desire. He says that one day he saw her from afar, and fell deeply in love with her. Using his talents, he began writing poem after poem, and sending them to her, hoping to win her attention. However, he truly won it when she requested for a musician to play for her, with something that wasn't common. Herald used his musical talents and presented a song much like his home culture. The lady was impressed, and quickly found out that he was the one writing the poems. Winning her attention, now Herald of Narzen continues to desire for the lady, willing to do almost anything.

I love the biography, you most definitely have the part good sir!

[Rupeslonga]

*Supporting Character
Character Trait: "Virtuoso of Swordplay"
Character's Name: Sir Brynden, the Loyally-Unloyal Lieutenant
A brief biography (1 paragraph at least): A member of House Bracken, a vassal house sworn to Frostmoth Keep, Brynden is the long-time childhood friend of the Lord of Frostmoth Keep and his wife, though the two weren't promised to each other as children. Brynden secretly courted the Lord's wife as adolescents before she was arranged to be married to him, much to his disgruntlement. In a decision to stay close to her, Brynden became the future Lord's captain of the guard and lieutenant, serving him loyally as both a friend and confidant, though tenaciously pursuing his affair with the Lady of Frostmoth Keep, though unaware she is sending love letters to a mysterious villager. He dreams of one day stealing the Lady and running off with her.

You've got the part of the lieutenant! I like these biographies.

[Rupeslonga]

Hey. I'd like to join, but my computer has this thing that puts a limit on the characters in a textbox to around a paragraph. Would it be ok if I post more than once to get the message across?

Well I don't want to decline you but it might make it a little confusing for others, i'd suggest writing your posts out before hand, so you know what you're going to say and then post them efficiently. Maybe number the ones that go together too? But i'm fine with you joining up.

[Soviet Ruk-Tsan]

I managed to get on a better computer for like 2 hours!
Character Trait: Good at diffusing tense situations, has the respect of the village
Character's Name: Ackley Blithe
3 paragraph minimum biography of the character:

Ackley had had a long life. Autumnwood was his home and he wouldn't trade it for the world. Unfortunately, The lords of the two keeps were recently getting more and more unreasonable with each other. The old man on his dying throne, and the upstart with the chained up wife. Ackley feared that if the lords continued the way they were, war would be inevitable, and he knew Autumnwood would be drawn in.

Nearly as bad as the threats on the outside, the young'ins were more and more distrustful of Ackley, no matter what he did to show them he was not the evil shaman the worst of the rumours claimed. The older ones at least understood him, but everyone knew he was getting older. He wouldn't be around for ever, something the young'ins were very thankful for.

Everyone had a lot of problems that needed to be sorted, and it looked like Ol' Ackley was the only one around to sort them out. There was that villager he was sure was exchanging love letters to someone he shouldn't. There was the madmen in their castles, glaring at each other in a harrumph. There was the young'ins who were ever more rebellious then the last generation. Ackley would hold Autumnwood together, he was sure of it. It just wouldn't be easy.

[La Cancion de Guerra]

*Supporting Character
Character Trait: An affectionate seductress
Character's Name: Natasha, (Last name will depend on the Lord of Frostmoths last name!),The Cuckoldress in Distress

A brief biography:
Natasha grew up with the old kings and lived down below the hills that before she could see over a counter were the greatest wonders she'd seen. To finally live up on either of those keeps were always her dream. When the dream came true it wasn't what she'd thought, the man she'd married wasn't the one she loved at all. Instead she loved what he could offer her in wealth and riches of all kinds. It's true she had used him and nearly used him for all he was worth. With the fortunes she'd gathered her life was near complete except the love she desperately wanted. In her spare time, Natasha loves to write and has no problem sending out beautifully detailed messages or her most favorite pastime, shopping for the finest clothes the world has to offer.

[Rupeslonga]

I managed to get on a better computer for like 2 hours!
Character Trait: Good at diffusing tense situations, has the respect of the village
Character's Name: Ackley Blithe
3 paragraph minimum biography of the character:

Ackley had had a long life. Autumnwood was his home and he wouldn't trade it for the world. Unfortunately, The lords of the two keeps were recently getting more and more unreasonable with each other. The old man on his dying throne, and the upstart with the chained up wife. Ackley feared that if the lords continued the way they were, war would be inevitable, and he knew Autumnwood would be drawn in.

Nearly as bad as the threats on the outside, the young'ins were more and more distrustful of Ackley, no matter what he did to show them he was not the evil shaman the worst of the rumours claimed. The older ones at least understood him, but everyone knew he was getting older. He wouldn't be around for ever, something the young'ins were very thankful for.

Everyone had a lot of problems that needed to be sorted, and it looked like Ol' Ackley was the only one around to sort them out. There was that villager he was sure was exchanging love letters to someone he shouldn't. There was the madmen in their castles, glaring at each other in a harrumph. There was the young'ins who were ever more rebellious then the last generation. Ackley would hold Autumnwood together, he was sure of it. It just wouldn't be easy.

So, you want the part of the village chieftain, correct? If so, you definitely have it.

[Rupeslonga]

*Supporting Character
Character Trait: An affectionate seductress
Character's Name: Natasha, (Last name will depend on the Lord of Frostmoths last name!),The Cuckoldress in Distress

A brief biography:
Natasha grew up with the old kings and lived down below the hills that before she could see over a counter were the greatest wonders she'd seen. To finally live up on either of those keeps were always her dream. When the dream came true it wasn't what she'd thought, the man she'd married wasn't the one she loved at all. Instead she loved what he could offer her in wealth and riches of all kinds. It's true she had used him and nearly used him for all he was worth. With the fortunes she'd gathered her life was near complete except the love she desperately wanted. In her spare time, Natasha loves to write and has no problem sending out beautifully detailed messages or her most favorite pastime, shopping for the finest clothes the world has to offer.

You have the part of the seductress ;]

[Soviet Ruk-Tsan]

Yeah, I was going for cheiftain.

[La Cancion de Guerra]

So if it's not clear to anyone who was thinking of joining, we still need the Kings/Lords of Frostmoth & Brisbane (Their listed under Main Characters in the OP) but creating your own character is cool to people!

[Rupeslonga]

Mhm, we definitely need the kings and a few player characters, mostly a few soldiers, otherwise the kings will just have to simulate the battle lol

[Videssos]

I was thinking of doing my own character, but I dunno. That Frostmoth guy sounds a bit like me lol. Main character seems to warrant a chunky bio, and I don't know a lot about what this is based off.
Own character, methinks now. Maybe he could be captain of lord Frostmoth's guard? Or something similar. Also, I have used my imagination to conjure a character partly from the Wheel of Time, partly from the Malazan book of the Fallen, and partly from my mind.

*Original Character:
Characters Name: Estraysian D'arle
Appearance(added it myself):

Basically this guy from WOT:

a young man, and very handsome, nearly too handsome for being masculine. He is slender and tall, with movements speaking of whipcord strength and confidence. His eyes are dark, as is his hair, and he wears his clothes as if he doesn't care about them. His hands are long and elegant, yet strong, and he moves with a cat-like grace.

Character's Strengths: (3 Max) Very talented swordsman, good at persuasion, and he only has to be shown something once before he learns it.

Character's Weaknesses: (2 Minimum) Is always seen to "do the right thing", and be loyal to whomever he pledged for, even if he ends up causing more harm than good, and doing things without thinking.

A moderate biography (1-3 paragraphs minimum): Born the only son of Gorlas D'arle and Challice D'arle, of whom Gorlas latter remarried to Janath when Challice mysteriously disappeared and was never seen again- a somewhat influential noble family from far away, his "honourable" personality first manifested when he was quite young, and he saved his half-brother, who was born of Gorlas and Janath, from drowning once when he was young, and several other times from various dangers. As such, his half-brother always kind of looked up to him as he grew up and is six years younger than Estraysian.

His sister; Lostara D'arle, though, always seems to think badly of his attitude; saying that he was too envious, and too noble for his own good.
He learnt astonishingly fast with the blade, from two mentors, one the captain of his family's guard, and the other the ex-Master of Swords in the King's guard.
Such was his skill, that the two men declared him to be one of the youngest known Blademasters around. Eventually, with a little influence from the man who was once in the King's Guard, he was incited to join the army, and then he made a name for himself as a skilled fighter.

He soon found himself stationed in the garrison near Autumnwatch, and then, joined the lord of Frostmoth's guard. As he anticipated, he rose quickly through the ranks due to his competence, which may have provoked the ire of some of the other men, but they respect him nonetheless for his ability, and his honour. Over the years, he is used to the looks most women seem to give him, and he's accepted that as an oddity of life, never understand exactly why the way women do act when they're around him. If he harbours feelings for anyone though, he is usually the one to keep them to himself unless honour and obligation allows him otherwise. He does not know the meaning of envy, and he never lies. His personal sign is a winged silver sword, point-down.

[Eastern Kingdomes]

Main Character: Lord of Frostmoth Keep
Character Trait: Strategist and Swordsman
Character's Name: Lunar Frostmoth
3 paragraph minimum biography of the character:

Lunar is the wise leader of Frostmoth Keep and the administrator of Frostmoth Village. Though he took his role of Lord early on due to his father being Ill, he has proven that he is capable of the position many times. Lunar is great with a sword but better overseeing the battle. In most of his battles he never sees much combat but his strategies have saved his men many times.

As peace came along the new Lord of Frostmoth had fallen in love with one of the fairest maidens in Frostmoth village. He offered her gifts and his heart and she gladly accepted. She sat by his side always, but it seems now that a cold war with another lord is brewing it seems she has found it fine time to have an affair. This is what Lunar thought, the guards spoke of her spending time with a man from the village, and that he sends her letters.

Lunar was struck with rage, he had his men lock her in the highest tower of Frostmoth keep and ordered the guards to scour the streets for information. When this man is found he will be exiled from Frostmoth. Lunar has no information on the man, but has put a price on any information that leads to his capture. If the man stays in the town for much longer he is bound to be captured.

[Rupeslonga]

I'm glad the rp is filling up, we just need a Lord Brisbane and a few more player created characters. I might take the role of Brisibane if there isn't one by tomorrow.

[The Norak Federation]

I'm really excited about this Rp. Good story, good rpers, its gonna be good.

[Rupeslonga]

Mhm, its going to be amazing, I sort of pictured the time during late medieval/romantic era. I want to focus on the dramatization of war instead of just war itself. I figure the kings could roleplay the units fighting when the war comes and I just want to see how it affects the lives of all the other characters I love story.

[Soviet Ruk-Tsan]

Kabump.

[Rupeslonga]

Well, if we don't have any more sign up by 10 PM Est time tonight, when I get off work, I'll put the IC thread up and be playing the duties of Lord Brisbane, however I will keep open spots for original characters to get in.

[Ceannairceach]

Main Character: Lord of Brisbane Keep
Character Trait: Former Hero
Character's Name: Aston Kavor
3 paragraph minimum biography of the character: Aston was once a hero of the highest regard, a knight and noble without equal. Once he could dominate any man in a duel, and could command undermanned and -supplied armies to victory against forces five times their size. His lands were bountiful and large, and his house rich beyond imagination.

This good fortune ended as he aged, however, becoming slower with a sword despite his immense strength--he has switched to a claymore to make up for this--and his once faithful retainers abandoning him for greener pastures. As the opportunities to make himself a better hero were taken by the younger generation, he became a broken man, lost in the victories and glories of the past. As an act of mercy and pity, perhaps mixed with jealousy, the King sent him to Brisbane to take over for the childless and deceased lord there. The King's order came as an insult, however, the Lord believing that he was regulated to the keep to keep him out of trouble.

Now a bitter and vestigial man, Lord Kavor seeks to regain his honor and favor with the King, by any means necessary, even if it means war with Frostmoth across the valley. Though a great tactician and strategist, perhaps the best in the Kingdom, it is becoming increasingly hard for the old hero to swing the mighty sword that he uses in battle, and his rule by fear has started to breed discontent within the ranks. If he is to regain his now long gone fame, he must do so quickly, lest the younger generations take it out from under him.

[Len Hyet]

*peers into thread*

Hm...

*looks very carefully*

HAHA!

*is extremely happy*

Nobody is the rogue mercenary/assasin who does the nasty work for both sides! YES!


Characters Name: Artemis Cadderly
Character's Strengths: Guild Connections* - He knows the people who do nasty things, and is good friends with them.
Patience - Rather self explanatory
Assassin - If it kills, he knows how to use it. If it makes you mildly ill or violently sick, he knows how to grind it up and put it in your coffee. And the whole silent/stealthy movement thing. He does that too.
Character's Weaknesses: Arrogant - Rather self explanatory
Drunkard - He drinks. A lot.
A moderate biography: Artemis was born into the slums of town between the two keeps. His father died when Artemis was very young, and his mother was a drunk. When he was ten Artemis ran away to try and make his own path in life. He ended up apprenticed to a Lieutenant in the Thieve's Guild** two cities over, who taught him how to move quickly, silently, and without leaving a trace of his passing. When he was twelve Artemis was apprenticed to the Assassin of the Thieve's guild, who thought he showed promise. For the next ten years of his life, Artemis learned all the weaknesses of the human body, and all the ways to exploit them. He learned that a stiletto through the ear killed with barely a trace, and that certain poisons could be used to kill instantly or over several hours, days, even weeks or months. In agonizing pain or startling swiftness. He learned that a true Master didn't just kill, he made it all seem, perfect. He learned how to set the stage for a staged suicide that surprised nobody and aroused not even a flicker of suspicion. He learned how to make a man disappear without a trace.

Finally, when Artemis was twenty two, he left the Guild and worked freelance. That was five years ago. Now, with war brewing, he has remembered one of his master's most poignant lessons. War is Business. Merchants and Assassins both know this.


*If you don't want Guilds I can change this
** Same

[Rupeslonga]

Main Character: Lord of Brisbane Keep
Character Trait: Former Hero
Character's Name: Aston Kavor
3 paragraph minimum biography of the character: Aston was once a hero of the highest regard, a knight and noble without equal. Once he could dominate any man in a duel, and could command undermanned and -supplied armies to victory against forces five times their size. His lands were bountiful and large, and his house rich beyond imagination.

This good fortune ended as he aged, however, becoming slower with a sword despite his immense strength--he has switched to a claymore to make up for this--and his once faithful retainers abandoning him for greener pastures. As the opportunities to make himself a better hero were taken by the younger generation, he became a broken man, lost in the victories and glories of the past. As an act of mercy and pity, perhaps mixed with jealousy, the King sent him to Brisbane to take over for the childless and deceased lord there. The King's order came as an insult, however, the Lord believing that he was regulated to the keep to keep him out of trouble.

Now a bitter and vestigial man, Lord Kavor seeks to regain his honor and favor with the King, by any means necessary, even if it means war with Frostmoth across the valley. Though a great tactician and strategist, perhaps the best in the Kingdom, it is becoming increasingly hard for the old hero to swing the mighty sword that he uses in battle, and his rule by fear has started to breed discontent within the ranks. If he is to regain his now long gone fame, he must do so quickly, lest the younger generations take it out from under him.

I love the biography, welcome aboard.

[Rupeslonga]

*peers into thread*

Hm...

*looks very carefully*

HAHA!

*is extremely happy*

Nobody is the rogue mercenary/assasin who does the nasty work for both sides! YES!


Characters Name: Artemis Cadderly
Character's Strengths: Guild Connections* - He knows the people who do nasty things, and is good friends with them.
Patience - Rather self explanatory
Assassin - If it kills, he knows how to use it. If it makes you mildly ill or violently sick, he knows how to grind it up and put it in your coffee. And the whole silent/stealthy movement thing. He does that too.
Character's Weaknesses: Arrogant - Rather self explanatory
Drunkard - He drinks. A lot.
A moderate biography: Artemis was born into the slums of town between the two keeps. His father died when Artemis was very young, and his mother was a drunk. When he was ten Artemis ran away to try and make his own path in life. He ended up apprenticed to a Lieutenant in the Thieve's Guild** two cities over, who taught him how to move quickly, silently, and without leaving a trace of his passing. When he was twelve Artemis was apprenticed to the Assassin of the Thieve's guild, who thought he showed promise. For the next ten years of his life, Artemis learned all the weaknesses of the human body, and all the ways to exploit them. He learned that a stiletto through the ear killed with barely a trace, and that certain poisons could be used to kill instantly or over several hours, days, even weeks or months. In agonizing pain or startling swiftness. He learned that a true Master didn't just kill, he made it all seem, perfect. He learned how to set the stage for a staged suicide that surprised nobody and aroused not even a flicker of suspicion. He learned how to make a man disappear without a trace.

Finally, when Artemis was twenty two, he left the Guild and worked freelance. That was five years ago. Now, with war brewing, he has remembered one of his master's most poignant lessons. War is Business. Merchants and Assassins both know this.


*If you don't want Guilds I can change this
** Same

a band of mercenaries is just what we need! Welcome aboard. I'm not sure about a guild though, The area this roleplay takes place in is quite simple. It's a small medieval countryside, with twin keeps on both sides of the valley. But you can have a band of mercs if that's what you want. Maybe they could be traveling through the village to find some work and run business out of the local tavern? Maybe they're a traveling caravan of assassins?