Gaea, A Fantasy Role Play (OOC/Master Thread) Always Open

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=325119

The Legendarium is coming along quite swimmingly!

Nice!

[Lunas Legion]

Saw and read the Legendarium, made me come and look for this, and then remembered that I didn't join in the first place because the map is too small because it just goes to that blue square with a question mark in it after I click it twice, and as I obviously can't join unless I can see the map...

So yeah. Anyone mind uploading the map to Imgur so I can see it properly?

[Imperialisium]

http://imgur.com/g6Lj6TY

There you go Lunas!

[Lunas Legion]

http://imgur.com/g6Lj6TY

There you go Lunas!

Still too small. You're probably going to have to massively increase the resolution before I can read anything.

[Imperialisium]

http://imgur.com/g6Lj6TY

There you go Lunas!

Still too small. You're probably going to have to massively increase the resolution before I can read anything.

I'll work on it

[Lunas Legion]

Still too small. You're probably going to have to massively increase the resolution before I can read anything.

I'll work on it

Thanks.

Edit: Is there a list of characters/nations anywhere?

[Imperialisium]

I'll work on it

Thanks.

Edit: Is there a list of characters/nations anywhere?

We have an archive thread, though once I get the map working for you I can answer any questions.

So you have tried saving it and opening it on your computer?

[Lunas Legion]

Thanks.

Edit: Is there a list of characters/nations anywhere?

We have an archive thread, though once I get the map working for you I can answer any questions.

So you have tried saving it and opening it on your computer?

I'm currently on my IPad, so I can't change the resolution here. I think you could probably just enlarge it using Paint, but I'm not sure.

[Imperialisium]

We have an archive thread, though once I get the map working for you I can answer any questions.

So you have tried saving it and opening it on your computer?

I'm currently on my IPad, so I can't change the resolution here. I think you could probably just enlarge it using Paint, but I'm not sure.

I'll give that a whirl

[Imperialisium]

http://imgur.com/rBvRaga

try this, I upped resolution

[Lunas Legion]

http://imgur.com/rBvRaga

try this, I upped resolution

Resolution needs to be bigger; up resolution by a few thousand pixels on width and height.

[Prusslandia]

Imps, how does a death cult dedicated to Kynaros and Martheron sound ?

[The Starlight]

Sounds great to me. Perhaps a new name would do nicely. How about the Empire of Vallorion?

Hey hey...isn't that the name of that other elvish kingdom of yours in that other RP we're in?

But oh wells. Its fine by me. I kinda like that name and I can't think of anything else better so...*thumbs up*

Woops.

[Imperialisium]

Imps, how does a death cult dedicated to Kynaros and Martheron sound ?

sounds good to me!

[Prusslandia]

Imps, how does a death cult dedicated to Kynaros and Martheron sound ?

sounds good to me!

Do they have defined appearances, or can I choose from what I want to decide how they are seen by the cult ?

[Imperialisium]

sounds good to me!

Do they have defined appearances, or can I choose from what I want to decide how they are seen by the cult ?

They can assume whatever shape they desire. Even to the point of two people standing next to each other seeing two different things.

[The Starlight]

So, when do we get to start adding things to the Legendarium?

I'm thinking the first war between the Valtmar and the Faerans would be cool to write, or tales of the first great Elven Empire.

[Imperialisium]

So, when do we get to start adding things to the Legendarium?

I'm thinking the first war between the Valtmar and the Faerans would be cool to write, or tales of the first great Elven Empire.

All additions wishing to be made to the Legendarium are to be made on the OOC under the following format.

I will have specific sections to keep it organized. Right now I have slots for the Races and after will be Realms and histories of said Realms.

Title in Subject Line:

Title in Text Body (Centered and Large text size, with bold):
Dates (right aligned) if applicable:

Main body text:

Author(s) names at bottom left aligned(I like to credit as much people as possible for their work):

[Imperialisium]

Or I'm thinking of letting everyone have a slot to write their own fluff on their own. I just don't want it to get cluttered.

Edit:

Everyone gets a post that they can put their fluff in. I think this will be the easiest.

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Did I read Wild Hunt? Eh, time somebody formed a new host of undead riders!

[Lunas Legion]

So, I was thinking of doing something with Emperor Hadrios (the last Emperor of the Palantine Empire) who after losing in the civil war fled with some money and allies, never to be heard from again in Damak's app.

Not sure where I'd have him and his imperial remnants end up, but I'll deal with that after I know whether I could use them or not.

[The Abel Imaginarium]

So, when do we get to start adding things to the Legendarium?

I'm thinking the first war between the Valtmar and the Faerans would be cool to write, or tales of the first great Elven Empire.

Will post my reply tmw...alittle busy tonight with RL stuff. Also.....I will get Ardruil to propose the formation & structure of a new elven nation. He'll leave the naming of it to Irithren

[The Starlight]

Tales of the Valtmar
Including conflicts, realms and lore

"The fury of the elves is a thing to be feared, and avoided at all costs. The Valtmar in particular, with their silver swords of cold steel, the long spears that slice the air, their banners and pennants waving proudly in the sky, and the hooves of the stallions of the Asaheim Mountains. An army of Valtmar elves in all of its glory and power is a terrifying thought. But there is another side, one that loves the arts, and the mountains of which they dwell in. Their architecture matches that of the dwarves, even passes it in some cases, like that of the Twilight Fortress. The Valtmar do not belong here, beneath the veiled stars and the radiant sun of Gaea. But they are not of the Vaulted Ones, though they were made by them. So where then is their true home, the beloved hearth of the Valtmar? Who knows, but perhaps it is out there, in the glittering expanses of the stars, that their true hearts are. But none will know, many many may ponder, until that Final Day."
~ A visitor to the Twilight Fortress, origin unknown.

Beginnings

The elves awoke on the outskirts of the Kalzmere Mountains. The first of them were the Moon Elves, and their first sight was of the pale silver moon, in all of its glory. And so they revere its creator, Numeren, second only to Vaemidia. The Moon Elves had long, glittering silver hair, and their eyes were a soft grey. The next to awake were the Valtmar, though they were not called that at the time. Their hair and eye colors were varied, and they had a melody within their hearts. And so the Valtmar were lovers of the arts, along with nature and animals. Shortly after the awakening of the Valtmar, came the Faeran. Their hair a fiery red, the Fire elves had spirits of flame and when they first beheld the flickering flames, they were astonished. Last of all to awake were the Wood elves, who were cheerful and loved the forest and its trees above all else. Often, did they walk under the canopies of branches, humming, in those early days, and they still do. And after this awakening the elves were taken away, like a wisp in the wind, to the caverns of a mountain. And there, the Valatar revealed themselves, in all of their terrible and awesome glory, and the sight nearly blinded every single elf of Gaea. It was there that the elves were gifted with their wisdom from Saelerdon, and the Valtmar were taught all that they wanted to know. And after many days, the Mari, as the word elf is in Adaenari, found themselves back outside the Kalzmere Mountains.

It was then that the elves dispersed, the Moon elves to the North, seeking the Moon, the Fire elves to the West, seeking and finding Mount Vulkar and its plains of fire, where they made their abode. The Wood elves scattered among the great forests of Gaea, living off and in the trees. But the Valtmar wandered, as a leaf in the wind, having no sense of destination or want, but simply going, as the wind wills. But it came to them, in a flash, to seek the place where the Valatar had shown themselves, for some among them had received a vision of an exceedingly high mountain, with many more surrounding it. And so, after many years, they found the Asaheim Mountains, the perfect place to settle, with enough stone to support a civilization. There the Valtmar discovered their true skill and they applied it to the fullest. But perhaps more importantly, they found Mount Valaheim, and decided to build upon it too, something, that would last for generations upon generations, and would, in time, become the wonder of Gaea: The Twilight Fortress.


The Great Cities of the Valtmar

The Twilight Fortress

Where does one begin, when speaking of The Twilight Fortress? It is truly the greatest fortress in all of Gaea, being a watchful guardian on top of Mount Valaheim, at a height of 19,500 feet, providing an encompassing view of hundreds of miles. The Twilight Fortress is truly a wonder of Gaea, with its tall spires, its luscious gardens and tall walls carved with stone. Its foundations were built by the dragon Woatoth the Builder, after the first Valtmar found him on Mount Valaheim. A chandelier of Valkunr's tears hang in the main halls. There are elven runes of Adaenari upon the gate which hum with magical power, and swirls on the walls that make for a powerful sight. The fortress has never fallen out of the hands of the Valtmar, for it is the home of Vaemidia's holy order, The Paledic Order. Devout pilgrims make it their goal to visit at least once in their lifetime. Within its walls are great libraries, with books of lore and history. Truly, this whole Legendarium could be filled with the wonder of the Twilight Fortress, but alas, it cannot be so. But the Fortress still stands today, a monument and truly the epitome, of Valtmar architecture.

Altma

Ah, Altma, capital of the Great Valtmar Empire. If the Twilight Fortress was the greatest fortress in Gaea, then Altma was the greatest city. It markets known far and wide, Altma was a center of the arts, commerce, crafting and Elvendom. All of the elves were welcome to dwell in this magnificient city,even the Faeran. Altma was another epitome of elven architecture. Situated on the banks of Lake Telkontae, Altma was truly a fair city. It was surrounded by a thick and massive wall of stone, which was as white as stone. Altma was protected by 5 strong, beautiful gates, and as one went through the gates, they went up a level. The city had 20 gardens of herbs, flowers and trees, trimmed to perfection by the elven gardeners. Many a fountain there was in Altma as well, and surrounding the city were statues of famous elves, both men and female. Upon the highest level was the King's palace, in which were chandeliers of pure crystals and gems and there, in the broad courtyard was the Tree of Vaemidia, a massive tree of white and silver, upon which great white blossoms grew and where the sacred Eagles made their eyrie. It was guarded at all times by both the Kings Guard and the Paledic Order. And deep within the city were the tombs of the royal family, also protected by the Kings's Guard. Within Altma were some of the mightiest swords crafted, like Skyblade, the sword of kings, wielded today by Irithren Terembor, Queen of Menevrion. But also magical toys of great skill and craftsmanship and fair tools were made here in Altma.

And all of these things made its fall so much more painful to the Valtmar. For it was treachery, inside Altma, that felled the great city. For the jealous Sorcalin Empire sent messages to their kin, and there the First Kinslaying took place, the Faeran killing the guards and opening the main gate, letting the Sorcalins in, who had put Altma under siege for several years, but being unable to break the magical spells of protection. The battle raged for five sunsets, before the fire magic of the Faeran overcame the magic of the Valtmar. And so, Altma burned, its great libraries and palaces, destroyed. But the most grievous loss was that of the Tree of Vaemidia. Few of the Valtmar escaped that day, but the few that did took many of the great treasures of the city, including Skyblade, and many ancient relics and crafts of the Valtmar. But the most precious thing that they took was a seed of the Tree of Vaemidia, which the young heir, Teren carried in his small hands, fleeing with his mother, while the great Emperor of the Valtmar made his final stand before the secret gate through which they had escaped.

But the young elfing always remembered the smoke of a great city beneath the moon, the gardens like torches blazing bright, for he had seen the treachery of fire and a city turned to ash. And when the young prince came to the Twilight Fortress, he told his tale and all of the Valtmar wept. And while running their swords along a whetstone, preparing for the great war that was to come, the Valtmar sang sad, weeping dirges of the fall of that great city, Altma. And so the Valtmar never forgave the Faerans, and they never forgot. The fury, nay, the rage of the Valtmar was unleashed against the Sorcalins, every Valtmar who could bear arms voluntarily joined the army, and so they marched, after the great muster, towards the land of the Faeran, of fire and flame. Their swords, sharp, their bows tall, they marched in silence, weeping in their hearts, but seeking, thirsting, for vengeance. And the Valtmar have hated the Faerans ever since, and always will.

Valtmeris

Valtmeris, translating to City of the High Elves. Nestled within the Asaheim Mountains, the south is guarded by the Twilight Fortress. A better location for such a city could not have been chosen. Valtmeris is large, and like Altma, has a great library of its own, along with abundant fountains and gardens. After the fall of Altma, Valtmeris became the new capital of the High Elves, and though it is does not possess the glory of Altma, it is still a great city. Upon its thick walls, a garrison of High Elves keep vigil over the city, their keen eyes being able to spot any foe. Upon the mighty gate is the Tree of Vaemidia, a symbol of their faith in the Goddess of Life. Both inhabitants and visitors alike have described the city of the Valtmar as glowing with an ethereal light. The houses and stores are multiple colors, and the proud blue, silver and gold banners of the Valtmar wave high, reflecting off the rising sun, which peeks its brilliant light over the mountainsides. Valtmeris dwells in a valley, allowing water to be collected from the silvery slopes of the Asaheim Mountains. The city seems to sing with the soft, enchanting music of Valtmar elves, with bards bearing beautifully crafted instruments of all kinds accompanying them. On rooftops are gardens of fruit and herbs, collecting sunlight and rainfall. Altogether, this city is a great sight

Azha's Lament

Legend tells of an elven maiden and her love, who was a lieutenant in the Valtmar army. Her father was extremely strict, so every night the young maiden would climb out of her room to a secret vale, where the two lovers would meet. However, one day the lieutenant went off to war. His love was anxious, but confident that her love would come back. But the young man unfortunately died and when the young maiden heard this, she was overcome with grief. Not knowing how she could live without the man she, one last time, climbed out of her bedroom window and ran, weeping to a cliff. There she uttered a cry of pure grief, pain and sorrow. For her grief was so great that unknowingly, she infused magic into her cry. The burst of magic grew louder and louder until it started tearing into her soul. The young maiden continued to weep, and with one last cry, emptied her entire soul of magic, which created an enormous magical explosion. The surviving citizens described it as an earthquake which destroyed the city. Ever since, in the whispering wind and in the blackness of nights, the laments of Azha, the elven maiden are heard.

After 30 years, the city is finally rebuilt and the Valtmar returned to it. Unlooked for and unexpectedly, the Oguin mount a raid on the rebuilt city and destroy it. The Valtmar are completely caught unaware, their armies in the South of the Asaheim Mountains, and the Oguin rape and pillage, and then burn the city. It is said that one can hear the screams and cries of an entire city, which only added to the laments of Azha. And so the city is also called in legend The Weeping Maiden, or Azha's Lament.


The Great Valtmar Empire

The Great Valtmar Empire was created by Saerondor Demren. He united the various high elven realms with clever marriages and diplomacy and soon declared himself Emperor. It was the first time the Valtmar had united under one banner, and though there were difficulties, their strength was considerable. The Empire quickly grew, and Saerondor began the building of Altma, the Empire's new capital. The land and the empire was prosperous, trade was abundant. And then, the Great Conquest began, or so it is called in the legends of Gaea. Saerondor gathered a mighty host at Altma and the mustering of it took 20 years. Every high elf who couold bear arms voluntarily marched to Altma. And at the end of 20 years, Saerondor's Host stood at the gates of Altma, the legions of the Valtmar numbering 500,000. It is said that Saerondor stood on the walls of Altma and stated "Let it begin. The West shall know and fear the blade of the Valtmar. The ground will quake and the skies shall be torn open." And then he unsheathed Skyblade, Sword of Kings and Emperors and said to it, "You shall not be sheathed until this is done." A glory and might was revealed from Saerondr, and all who beheld him knew that here was an elf to be followed, here was an elf they could call emperor. And just then, a shadow appeared over the Host. Valkunr the Mighty had come, and offered his tooth, claw and fire. And so, indeed, it began.

The High Elven legions marched across the West of Gaea. Men, Oguin, Dwarves and all other races learned to fear the name of the Valtmar, the emperor named Saerondor, who fought with the strength and skill of hundreds, mounted on the mighty dragon Valkunr. At the coming of the Valtmar it is said that cities and fortresses alike would throw down their weapons before the gate and open it. And if that was so, Saerondor would simply incorporate them into the Empire and they would go untainted. But for those who resisted, Saerondor would have the defenders killed and accept surrender. There was no raping or pillaging of the conquered by order of the Emperor, and any elf who disobeyed, regardless of rank would be banished from the Empire's lands forever. And the Empire grew in might. After a campaign of 50 years, halted every winter, Saerondor and his Host returned to Altma, and he looked upon his empire, and saw its true glory. He now ruled all lands to Daeynar, north to Valtmeris, east as far as the Atanos River went, and south to the Whisperhead Mountains. The legions were dismissed and everyone who participated won great glory. Saerondr said goodbye to Valkunr with tears in his eyes, as the rider and his mount had become great friends. Saerondor then held a feast for all of the Houses and his valiant generals. And then, he sheathed Skyblade, and said, "It is done," giving praise to Vaemidia and Taeron. Tales of the Great Valtmar Empire soon spread to the furthest corners of Gaea. All would pay homage to Saerondor, even the Faeran. But in their hearts they seethed, and looked for a way to destroy him. It was said that the rivers and lakes of the Empire ran with gold, and that Altma was the greatest city on Gaea. Saerondr was rumored to be a reincarnation of Taeron himself and was soon called Saerondr the Great.

The Fall of an Emperor

The treachery at Altma began the fall of the Great Empire. When all of his guards were slain in treachery by the Fire Elves and his city burned Saerondr at last stood alone, wielding two swords, for he had sent Skyblade with his young, fleeing heir, Saeron. But not so easily would Saerondr the Great, Emperor of the Valtmar, Conqueror of Gaea and Dragonrider be felled. Saerondr fought with the strength of many, slaying fire elf after fire elf. Though he was beset by many, the Emperor wielded his blades like the Vaulted Ones. Every time he slew a fire elf he cried out, "Day shall come again!" 250 times did the Emperor utter that cry, but he tired and the fire elves, seeing it, greatened their magic and their assault. But the Emperor took up his sword once more and slew 25 more fire elves. But at last the Emperor fell, attacked from behind by some flanking Fire elves, and so, Saerondr the Great, Emperor of the Valtmar, Conqueror of Gaea and Dragonrider died. But just the fire elves prepared to defile his body with their magical fire came Valkunr, unlooked for. He had heard of the treachery and had beat his wings, flying with a dragon's speed, but he was not fast enough. Roaring, the mighty dragon blasted away the fire elves and took upon the Emperor in his claws, and bore him to the Twilight Fortress. And there, he wept, for the great emperor, and his tears created jewels as they hit the ground, for a dragon's tears are magical. And then Valkunr the Mighty looked earnestly on Saeron, son of Saerondr and bowed his head. The mighty dragon then flew, to unknown lands, overcome with grief for his friends, and the Valtmar have never seen him since.

As for Saerondr the Great, he went to Taeron's domain, the Great Hall of Valgaard, to feast and drink there until the final day, when Saerondr and all those in Taeron's halls shall ride out to do battle with the Dark Ones. But the Valtmar have so hated the fire elves ever since, and still, in the Twilight Fortress and Valtmeris, songs are sung of Saerondr the Great, Emperor of the Valtmar, Conqueror of Gaea and Dragonfriend.

The Sorca-Valtmari War

The Glory of the Valtmar Restored: The Kingdom of Menevrion



Valtmar Culture


Couldn't help but add in some not so subtle LOTR/Hobbit/Silmarillion references and influences.

[Damak Var]

I'm back. What have I missed?

Elerian: Wanna continue on with what we were doing or is it too late for that?

[Elerian]

I'm back. What have I missed?

Elerian: Wanna continue on with what we were doing or is it too late for that?

I think the two Elven Kingdoms got joined together but I'm not entirely sure if that's correct, but otherwise no not much has happened.

And sure I'm game for continuing our story line, but its your turn to respond I believe.