A Time Of The Sword Is Nigh (A Fantasy RP (OOC Always Open))

by **The Twelve Isles** » Mon Feb 24, 2020 4:38 pm

IT IS A TIME OF CONFLICT BROTHERS AND SISTERS

"Brothers and Sisters, it is a time of conflict, a age of darkness brothers and sisters. We have passed through the gates of the Third Blight, those risen from beyond our world defeated and cast back into the depths of nonexistence. But all is not well, brothers and sisters. All is not well. We must secure ourselves, for the passing Blight has taken with it the stability, and prosperity we once knew. The fields are barren, the skies are clouded, and the hearts of men are corrupted! The Blight may have been defeated brothers and sisters, but the Carriers are still among us, wandering with their hoards of risen Wights, and the once great lands all around us have fallen into poverty and war, clear machinations from the heathen Rotha and their Magi friends, cloistered in their colleges.

'Why do the Magi not help us?' I hear you ask this of me, 'why do they hoard their knowledge, unwilling to spread what they know?' Well, I'll tell you why brothers and sisters, I will tell you why! They wish to see us and our god defeated! Theirs is the art of trickery and deceit, lying to us, convincing us of their arcane knowledge, when in fact they are mere charlatans, in league with the Stranger and his tricksome Spirits. They are no better than the lowly Rotha, thieves, liars and harlots that they are. Why should we, the good people of this land, sit and watch as they bully and fool us, manipulating the world from the shadows and laughing as we all struggle? Should not we, the good people of this land, do something about what the problems we see arising? Should not we, the good people, stand against those who have clearly opened the door for the Blight Carriers and their Wights to slip into our world, for Spirits to steal the breath from babes in their cradles, to kill the very earth itself?

I think, brothers and sisters, that it is not a question of if we should stand against the tide of heathenry, but a question of when. The time of the sword and the axe is nigh."

>>OOC<< IC WORLD MAP THEME DISCORD

The World Of Aetha
Hello, and welcome to the world of Aetha, a mystical continent existing in a post apocalyptic landscape, after their near survival of the Third Blight, where the many aftereffects are still felt and have created long lasting fallout on social, cultural, political and religious life. It is a world split between three realms, Aether, the realm of Spirits, Aetha, the land of mortals, and Aethin, the land of Daemons. Here, nations and kings try desperately to get what they need for survival, trampling over the peasants and small folk as they fight destructive wars for the last remaining resources. The Church, the dominant religion, quietly wraps its fingers around the frightened and huddled masses, desperate for any salvation from their oppressed lives. And even still, though the Blight is many years in the past, its Carriers are still present, leading bands of Wights and their Blight Born officers against the Black Cloaks, an order of warriors dedicated to stopping their spread.

At its core, this world is Grimdark. It is a world of war, religious fanaticism, violent pogroms and increased suspicion of ones neighbors. And yet, it is not a world of pure suffering and horror. No matter how rare the sun is seen, no matter how oppressive the Church becomes or how frightening the Blight Born are, there is still hope. There are people who still believe in a light at the end of the tunnel, who believe in the teachings to protect the meek and punish the wicked, who search for answers and work towards a better tomorrow. And that, at its core, is what this tale is about. The last remaining good souls, from all walks of life, be they scholarly Magi in their quests for knowledge, noble Kings and Princes working to rebuild their cities and plow fertile fields, or heroic Black Cloaks hunting the monsters who sprung forth into the world when the Blight came. Or maybe, even the meekest of the meek, the Small Folk, who work the mills, plow the fields, hammer the swords and do their small parts for their community.

Or maybe not. Maybe instead, you will go forth into the world seeking only power. Only vengeance. Only destruction. It is all up to you, the players, to decide the fate of this world. It is your destiny, written among the stars and dictated by the passing of the Wanderers, the strings cut by fate, the will of the All Father.

RULES

We always gotta have rules. I'm generally a pretty lax person, so these rules can be bent somewhat, but in general, please try to stick to them as closely as is reasonable.

1.) I am OP, and my word is final. If I make a decision, then that decisions is final.
2.) My Co-OP's hold the same power as me, and their word is final. Any decisions they make should be treated as if I made them myself.
3.) If you take issue with any rulings I or Co-OP's make, please bring them up through TG and we can discuss them. Harassing, belligerent or antagonistic arguments will not be tolerated. Be respectful.
4.) Be respectful to your fellow RPers.
5.) If you have read through all these rules, somewhere in your character personality please state their feelings about non humans, or if non human, humans.
6.) Keep IC and OOC separate. If your character is in any way in conflict with another persons character, that is no excuse to be rude and belligerent OOC.
7.) Three OC's allowed per player.
8.) A minimum of five sentences per IC post. Exceptions can be made for dialogue.
9.) Please try to post at least once a week. Extended inactivity will result in your character being taken control of by me, and eventually killed off if you do not return. From there you must create a new OC.
10.) These rules are subject to be changed, expanded upon or added to at any time.
11.) Most importantly, be creative, make friends, and have fun.

LORE
This section is meant to give a brief overview of the world, its major factions, how magic works, who's who and whats what. While it is not required that you read this, it is recommended, as this will help you better understand the world in which you will be playing and make better decisions about where you want to start.

FACTIONS

Within the world of Aetha, there are many factions outside of specific nations, with their own goals, ideologies and areas of operation. These factions fulfill a variety of functions within the world, from the kind healers of the Doctors Guild, the mysterious Magi in their Colleges, or the brave knights of the Red Hand. Regardless of who they are however, all have the chance to make as much of a difference in the world as the countries do, and are all options for someone to join or start as a member of. Additionally, using the Faction App, you can also create your own factions with their own goals and agendas, if you so choose.

Leadership: Watch Commander (Leads all ten corps of the Red Hand, giving him access to 10,000 knights in total.) (Reserved by Kelmet.)
Organizational Structure: Watchman (Officer. Leads a corp of Knights. A corp typically consists of 1000 knights.)
Right Hand (Second in command to a Watchman.)
Knight Captain (Leads a detachment of knights. A detachment typically consists of 100 knights.)
Knight Commander(Leads a line. A line typically consists of 10 knights.)
Knight (A knight of the Red Hand is what most of its members are, and are the foot soldiers of the organization.)
Squires (A person can only become a knight of the Red Hand when they are seventeen. If one joins before then, they are a squire, and must train and work to learn the trade of soldiering before they may become a full fledged knight.)
An order of warriors and knights, making their homes in the vineyards of the Southern Confederacy. Swearing fealty to no masters and no kings, the Red Hand are a controversial order. On the one hand, they patrol and keep the roads safe from banditry, invading armies and magical corruptions. But on the other, their refusal to swear fealty to any masters makes them a particularly dangerous enemy, both to Kings and Princes, and far more worryingly, the Church Of The All Father. Additionally, their staunch defense of the Southern Confederacy has allowed the Southern Lords to become some of the most wealthy on the continent.

Knights serving the Red Hand can be easily identified by their armor, painted red and yellow, their orders sigil of a red right hand over a white diamond on their chests. Additionally, many knights paint their own personal coats of arms on their shields, so as to identify one another while on the battlefield. Unlike other knightly orders or knights who swear fealty to rulers, anyone can become a Knight of the Red Hand, regardless of background, so long as they are willing to serve for long enough to pay off the costs of their armor, horse, weapons and other gear, typically around five to ten years.

The Merry Men Of Fleischer are many things, and hold a rather, specific place in the mindset of many. Though no one knows exactly the story of their founding, the general story is that Fleischer was a bandit and brigand in northern Kriglind, where he robbed and stole from the Church and those who supported them, to give back to the poor. He had with him a gang, known as the Merry Men or Fleischer's boys, and together they kept their lands free from outside influence. In addition to their actions against the church, supposedly the Merry Men were also all members of the local populace, and when the call came out of coming danger, they were always ready to fight. There are legends about them fighting off other bandits, church inquisitors, rampaging knights and any other manner of threats. Sadly, that which is gold can never stay, and in time, the Church was able to track down the members of the rebellious brigands and sent out their Inquisitors to slaughter them and burn the towns which housed them. Those who survived this attack scattered to the wind, vowing to avenger their leader and their comrades, and swearing eternal war on the Church until it was finally brought to its knee's.

While it is not clear weather or not this story is true, most suspect that it is at least partially based in fact. And regardless of where the Merry Men Of Fleischer really came from, one thing which is clear is that they are real now, and do fight the church. Though to be fair, it is widely understood that they fight just about anyone, including themselves. The various cells who all call themselves Merry Men in today's world are generally considered to be mercenaries rather than freedom fighters on the best of days, and anarchists terrorizing the populace on the worst of days. And realistically, pretty much anything anyone could say about the Merry Men is probably true. There are some who merely fight for the highest bidder, and others who enact "protection money" from the Small Folk to supposedly defend against Inquisitors. Still other rob passing caravans and some even will still protect those who call for them. They are mercenaries, freedom fighters, terrorists, bandits and dreamers the lot of them, and in general, are hardly more than than sad remains of a fairy tale.

CHURCH ALIGNED

One of several subfactions aligned with the Church Of The All Father, the Keepers are a curious bunch, as they are not actually involved in politics and war like their brothers in the Clergy and Inquisitors. They are monks, tasked with the protection and maintenance of holy sights. Sworn to lives of solitude and devotion to the All Father, Keepers experience peaceful existences in many monasteries across the Continent, where they live, work and even practice magic. Keepers are unique in the Church, as they are the only people within Church doctrine permitted to practice magic, as it is believed that their gifts are given to them not by the Stranger, but by the All Father himself. However, they are cautioned never to practice non elemental magic, as magic which draws upon the Aether is believed to be corrupted.

Likely the oldest of the many groups who align themselves with the Church, the Keepers and their order have existed for thousands of years, and records of them tending to ancient ruins, sprawling forests and unknown artifacts dates back to before the Church was even founded. They frequently make long and arduous pilgrimages to other important sights cared for by their Order, in an effort to experience every artifact and location that has been touched by the All Father, as they see it. They have sworn vows of silence to all but the Meek, meaning that they rarely speak to anyone outside of their order, but will if they feel doing so will help lead to a better outcome or a better future.

Church Inquisitors are the military arm of the Church, and are the instrument with which they enforce their doctrine. A military order made up entirely of men, taken off the streets or given to the Order by parents or masters who could not afford to care for them, o boy older than twelve is allowed to be admitted. From there, they are raised to be perfect soldiers. Violently fanatical, fierce in combat, and loyal to the Church on pain of death, there are few brave enough to stand against them. Should a person's heretical activities ever be sussed out, it is the Inquisitors who come to call. It should be noted however that they were not always like this. Once upon a time, the Inquisitors were a noble order, tasked with defending churches and holy sights from monsters, barbarians and bandits. But in time, as they grew closer and closer with the church, their mission shifted, and they became what they are now, the enforcers of the High Priests will.

by **The Twelve Isles** » Mon Feb 24, 2020 7:21 pm

NATIONS

Description:The Empire Of The Twelve Isles is a land to the north east of the continent, made up of an archipelago of twelve formerly independent islands before the conquests of the first Emperor, Tyrus Willun The Conqueror. Typically a cold and rainy climate, it is difficult to grow crops here, and therefore the nation relies heavily on fishing and whaling for their food, or the herding of sheep.
Government Type: Hereditary Monarchy
Capital: Pres Andregh
Head Of State: Emperor/Empress
Culture: The Isles are known to be often morbid, steeped in tradition, and hardy. They are an island nation, and therefore have a rich and storied nautical tradition, and are considered by most to be the greatest sailors around, rivaled only by the raiders of the Northern Isles. The people of the Isles, referred to by most as Imperials, are a deeply superstitious populace, and hold many practices some would consider to be archaic closely. The most famous of these superstitions is the practice of tattooing protective runes on ones body to defend against evil spirits, typically located on the hands, chest, below the eyes or on the chin. The Isles is also known for a deep military tradition, forged over generations of fighting the Northern Isles, their greatest rival as the dominant sea power. Finally, Imperial culture is dominated by Houses. A House is ones family, both immediate and extended, and Houses typically stick together against all odds. The Imperials believe that their House comes first, then their immediate Isle, and then the Empire. The most powerful Houses are granted Lordships, along with the land that the title of Lord provides. Additionally, Lords are permitted to attend Court.
Language: Mournlyish.
Naming Conventions: Imperial names typically resemble traditional English and Gaelic names.
Other Information: Each of the islands making up the nation is referred to as an isle, and the proper way to refer to them is the name of the isle first, followed by Isle. For instance, the isle where the capital is located is called Mournly Isle.

The names of the Isles are as follows. Mournly Isle, Brushwick Isle, Nashlind Isle, Moors Isle, Wrenhale Isle, Aeron Isle, Laine Isle, Lochlind Isle, Leander Isle, Karins Isle, Dunlich Isle, Eilens Isle. Typically, the Isles who's Lords and Houses have weilded the most political and social clout are Mournly Isle, where the capital is located, Brushwick Isle and Wrenhale Isle, who have the longest military tradition, and Karins Isle, who has long been the voice of dissent and who's lords are often called Marcher Lords due to their proximity with the Northern Isles.

In terms of the distribution of titles and property, there is no distinction between the genders. The eldest child always inherits the titles of a dead parent, and becomes the new head of their House. As a result, the Imperial Court, where most governance takes place, is roughly fifty fifty in its representation of both genders.

Description: Kriglind is the center of the Continent and society on it, not only in a geographic sense, but also in terms of political and military might, with an economy only rivaled by that of the Southern Lords. Bordered by Nordaline, the Roosklinds, and Eudasaine, these three nations have shaped the culture and ideals of Kriglind immensely, though sadly mostly through past wars. However, today as the reigning military power on the Continent the relations with these nations has improved, especially Eudasaine, who along with Kriglind often work to maintain the common order.
Government Type: Elective Monarchy
Head Of State: Kaiser
Capital: Aaden
Culture: The Kriglinders are a stoic, hard working people, who place great emphasis on privacy, structure and punctuality. They often strive for carefully crafted lives, and they are most comfortable when they can carefully organize and compartmentalize their world, considering each aspect of their lives to be a separate entity that should not interfere with the others. For this reason time is tightly managed, other peoples agendas and calendars must be respected. This cold, perfectionist national character often leads outsiders to view the Kriglinders as rude and unpleasant. They do not admit their faults, even jokingly, and rarely hand out compliments. However, if one spends enough time among the Kriglinders they will soon realize that beneath this unpleasant shell they all seem to put on is a deep sense of patriotism and community. Their hard working perfectionism is born out of pride for what they have built, and a national dream to improve it further. Due to this deep pride in the homeland, military tradition is also deeply revered, and knights from Kriglind are considered some of the greatest in the world.

The government is an elective monarchy, with many smaller noble families beneath the four High Families who make up the Royal Court. It is the job of the Royal Court, and the lords, or Junkers as they are called, to elect the new Kaiser after the death of the previous Kaiser from among one of the Four High Families. Additionally, the Junkers can vote to raise a new family to the status of High Family, or demote a family from High Family. The Junkers also provide their own personal forces to the Kriglind army, collect taxes, and act as administrators and governors for the Kaiser.
Language: Kriglinder.
Naming Conventions: Kriglinder names typically resemble traditional German names.
Other Information: The Kriglinders are famous for taming Dire Wolves, who they fight with in battle. Additionally, it is traditional for every lord, or Junker as they are called in Kriglind, to raise a Dire Wolf as a child, and almost all Junkers never go anywhere without their Dire Wolves.

Description: The great kingdom of the west prides itself as the cultural and intellectual leader of the continent (a claim contested by some Southern Lords and Arelenian Lord Mayors). The Eudesain society is divided by a strong contrast between the old and traditional nobility, living a good life on the back of their rural serfs and the rising caste of influential and progressive freemen living in the cities.
The landscape is diverse, with the warm, grain-covered "Plains of Cinquetang" in the south being the most well-known.
Government Type: Feudal Monarchy
Head Of State: King
Capital: Gaillard
Culture: Eudesainian Culture is passionate, expressionistic. Arts and literature have an important value in the cultural identity.
Fashion-wise they regard themselves as standing in between the overstatement of the South and the bland pragmatism of the Kriglinders. While they They hold jewelry and accessories in low regard, while instead expansive fabrics and dyes are a symbol of status and since the fashion changes faster then anywhere else, the rich elite must invest regularly or be counted as outdated (Noncoincidental, Eudesaine also has the best and largest textiles production).
Eudesainian military strategists often depict the Southerners with a spear, Kriglinders with a flail and their own soldiers with a sword and in fact, swordplay does have a real cultural significance in Eudesaine that it lacks in the neighboring nations. Lightly armored duels to the first blood are a means of conflict resolution (duels to the death are generally outlawed but happen in some extreme circumstances nevertheless). The archetypal heroic epic of Eudesain literature is a character of virtue and contrasts: Academic yet pious, poetic yet violent, traditional yet practical.
Language: Altace.
Naming Conventions: Eudesainian names typically resemble traditional French names.
Other Information: Eudesainian knights still have a great reputation especially in regards to their mounted charges; yet Kriglinders often whisper, that the Eudesianian knights are too focused on their jousting tournaments and have lost track of the suboptimal environmental constraints of actual warfare.
All credit goes to Kaledoria for this nations description.

Description: The Confederacy Of Southern Lords, often simply referred to as the Southern Lords or the Confederacy, is a collection of thirteen semi autonomous duchies, all swearing to stand with and protect one another. These Duchies are Toulon, Auvagne, Marseilles, Salon-de-Prevencia, Liseux, Chaumont, Brumechaleur, Seine-Saint-Charles, Vichysens, Rambouillet, Val-De-Maritimes, Savoi and d'Ornon-de-Villeneuve. There is no trade tax between the Duchies, who can all trade freely with one another. This, coupled with fertile land, lots of wide open space and impressive vineyards, as well as easily the safest countryside on the continent has led to the Southern Lords being the richest of all the countries, and the envy of the world.
Government Type: Confederation
Head Of State: Grand Diet Of Brumechaleur
Capital: Brumechaleur (city)
Culture: The people of the Confederacy, above all else, value freedom, good wine, and a lust for life. They are a free spirited, greatly valuing the freedoms they enjoy when compared to many of their contemporaries. The people of the Confederacy take great pride in appearances, and it is considered typical for everyone to look their best as is within their means. To not put effort into ones appearance would be considered slovenly, and unbecoming. Additionally, especially when compared to other cultures, the people of the Confederacy are far more lax in their attitudes concerning sex and love, leading to many in the world to consider Confederate culture as the epitome of romance and passion. Mixed with fine wine, beautiful cuisine, exquisite fashion and rolling fields and vineyards it is no wonder so many feel this way.

Additionally, and really more important however is the Confederacy's deep appreciation of liberty and freedoms to expression, a right protected in the charter that lead to their founding. The people of the Confederacy are deeply proud of their home and their culture, and are quick to defend it. Though they are not the most powerful nation on the Continent, nor are they the most outwardly aggressive, the Confederacy still boasts a strong military tradition. In fact, there is a saying, "One must never trifle with the Southern Lords in their own home, lest you be buried beneath the floorboards."
Language: Altace
Naming Conventions: Names in the Confederacy typically resemble traditional French names.
Other Information: The Confederacy does not have an army in the traditional sense. Instead, most defense is handled by the Order Of The Red Hand, who patrol the countryside, defend against bandits and invaders, and keep the roads safe. However, in the event of war, the Confederacy is still able to field a sizable army, through the conscription of a certain percentage of men from every duchy making up the country.

Due to the Southern Lords being not technically one country, but many all with a shared culture and a loose affiliation, there is no single word to discern a person as coming from the South. Instead, common terms are Southerner, Confederate, South Man/Woman, Man/Woman Of The Vines (in reference to the vineyards,) and Wine Drinker (this term is typically an insult, but can be used good naturedly. Its contextual.)

Description: A collection of islands to the far north, and technically a part of the same archipelago that makes up the Twelve Isles, the Northern Isles are resources poor and frigid wastelands. People predominantly live along the coasts, where they can fish and trade for the necessary supplies of survival. Each of the islands making up the nation is nominally independent, only bound to protect one another from outsiders. However, a law that places no taxes on trade between the clans and islands, similar to the one adopted by the Southern Lords, encourages a greater unity and mutual respect. The four individual islands of the Northern Isles are Feirrig, Ainsgaard, Wildthrun and Sigach.
Government Type: Elective Monarchy/Confederation
Head Of State: High Jarl -
Capital: Rotating. The order is as follows - Aaldil, Salaheim, Kaltengar, Wuthrig, Mörg.
Culture: The culture of the Nords, or Northmen as the prefer to be called, is often considered abroad to be one of ruthless raiders and pirates, little more than violent barbarians, when in fact they are actually a well ordered society based around a long tradition of laws and minimal democracy. Society is predominantly divided into three classes. The Jarls, landed elite who operate as governors and lawmakers, who are allowed to attend the Ting and the Moots, and who are frequently military commanders as well. The Karls, the rank and file citizenry of the Northern Isles. Karls hold the rights to private property, the rights to own Thralls, the right to bear arms, and the right to petition their local Jarl. And finally are the Thralls, or the slaves. The Thralls are almost exclusively captured foreigners, and are one of the chief goals of Nordling raids. Outside of their class dynamics, Nordling culture is grown from their harsh living environments. With little food that naturally grows in their homeland, the early Nords settled along the coasts, and lived as fishers. Cooperation and hospitality are greatly valued, as friends and working together have shown to greatly improve ones chances of survival. Those who are inhospitable or rude are greatly looked down upon. In time, as they became more experienced sailors they began to venture further and further out to sea, and eventually found that they could gather grand fortunes through raiding and piracy, and as they became more proficient at it, a strong warrior culture rose up around it and because of it. It is believed by the Nords that life is a gift, and if one is not strong enough to hold onto it, then they do not deserve to live in the first place.
Language: Galt.
Naming Conventions: Nordling names typically resemble traditional nordic names.
Other Information: Though those from the Northern Isles prefer to be referred to by whatever island they come from, or collectively as Northmen, most living on the Continent refer to them as Nordlings or Nords.

The Ting is the general assembly, where laws are made. The Moot is a gathering of the Jarls upon a High Jarls death, where the new High Jarl is elected from among their ranks.

Social mobility is possible between Karls and Jarls, but not for Thralls. Once a slave, always a slave. However, the children of slaves are not considered slaves, and are legally allowed to pursue whatever they wish after they come of age. Additionally, it is not legal for a free man or woman to marry a thrall.

Women have far greater freedoms in Nord culture than in most other cultures on the Continent. Women are permitted to inherit property, gain titles, choose where and how they live if unmarried, divorce their husbands, own and run businesses, represent themselves in legal cases, and even fight as warriors.

Description: In the land between the Roosklinds and the Free City is the three Arelenian City States. Occupying the neck between east and west, the territory is frequently warm in summer, with long frigid winters. Most people live in the cities, with many outlying villages who farm the food sitting outside of them. Each of the three cities is mostly independent, ruled by a Lord Mayor, and each controls roughly a third of the territory, with Novgrobirsk widely being considered the most powerful, while Nastali fields the largest trading fleets and Kevinski often being viewed as the bankers for the confederations impressive trade revenue.
Government Type: Confederacy
Head Of State: Grand Diet Of Novgrobirsk
Capital: N/A
Culture: Arelenian culture places high value on the homeland and family. The challenges presented to the citizens of the East after the fall of the Rusalkan Empire left most individuals highly dependent on familial support. Now the people of the City States place high value not just on immediate family, but extended family and close friendships as well. The Arelenians are traders, their three cities sitting between most east west trade, and the ports of Nastali offering lucrative sea trade with the Twelve Isles. As a result, business is highly prized and respected. A persons word is considered the greatest honor, and it is considered highly dishonorable and reputation destroying to be caught breaking ones word. Coupled with their love of homeland and family, and the Arelenians are some of the most loyal friends on the Continent, quick to help their allies in any way they need, and slow to leave anyone behind.

Traditionally, art and literature are also highly prized. The Arelnians are well known for their music, and are considered some of the greatest authors the world over, rivaled only by the Altace speaking peoples. The most famous symbol of the Arelenians however is the tall, ornately decorated churches that dot their cities and towns. Painted in vibrant colors of red, blue, white and gold, and topped with imposing onion domes, one would be hard pressed to associate anything else with them as strongly as the churches.
Language: Arelenian (official) Rusalk (spoken for cultural reasons. Typically learned as a second language)
Naming Conventions: Arelenian names typically resemble traditional Russian names.
Other Information: Along with the Roosklinds and the Free City, the three cities that make up the Arelenian City States are all descendant from the former Rusalkan Empire, which once stretched from the border of Kriglind to the edged of the Final Wood.

Many of the Arelenians believe that they are the cultural and artistic leaders of the Continent. A claim contested by the Southern Lords and Eudasainian land owners.

Boyar is the term used for nobles in Arelenia, typically those who own property passed down from generation to generation. Often times, Boyars hold most positions in government, though technically anyone can be elected to government positions. Within each city, there are also Magistrates, who represent a specific borough in a city. In Nastali, there are five Magistrates, Kevinski four, and Novgrobirsk eight. The Magistrates are entitled to elect their cities Lord Mayor, the ruler of each city. Twice a year, each Magistrate elects two Representatives, who gather at the Grand Diet Of Novgrobirsk to vote and decide on laws, before the Lord Mayors look through and decide which ones to veto and which ones to let pass. These laws are the governing policy of all three cities, known as Confederate Laws. So long as they do not conflict with Confederate Laws, Lord Mayors are also permitted to pass their own laws that only apply to their own city.

Description: The Duchy itself is actually only a single nation on a single island off the coast of the Continent to the south. The rest of the nation is made up of five smaller vassal states, which are on the continent. The five vassal states are Madrina, Bragesa, Helaga, Serser and Constantiu. Pasanova is the state which conquered the others, absorbing them into their empire. Pasanova is located on the hilly, dry southern island of Puerdo Pisa, on the east of the island. To the west of them is the state of Madrina, and to the west of Madrina is Bragesa. To the northeast of Puerda Pisa is the two other states making up the Duchy. Serser sits along the southern coast, while Constantiu is the only landlocked state of the Empire.
Government Type: Empire
Head Of State: Duke
Capital: Remae
Culture: Within the Duchy, there are really two separate cultures rather than a single unified culture. There are the peoples of Puerda Pisa, making up the Pasanovan, Madrinan and Bragesan cultures, while on the Continent there is Constantin and Serser culture. The Puerda Pisan's often share a culture that espouses a lust for life, appreciation of simplicity and fine living. Their lands are sunny, with beautiful beaches and sprawling castles, and their culture reflects that. Fine living, relaxation and beautiful art is what the Puerda Pisans strive for. On the contrary, the Continentals, made up of the Sersers and Constantins, live in a large mountain range, in a land often squashed and trampled over by larger kingdoms marching back and forth over their territory. Its people are hardy and hard working, always thinking forward and always ready to fight. Both nations have spent their entire existence fighting off larger and better equipped foes, and it shows in their tough, no nonsense way of looking at the world. However, the most notable thing one would probably notice about Pasanovan culture is that there is no Pasanovan culture. At least, there is none outside of the actual state of Pasanova.
Language: Pasanovan is the language of laws, but effectively it depends on where one is.
Naming Conventions: Pasanovan names typically resemble traditional Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Serbian and Romanian names, depending on which vassal state one comes from.
Other Information: The six states that make up the country have no unifying central culture, be it a shared ancestry, shared cultural ideals, or shared trade. They were all brought under the wing of the Duke of Pasanova a hundred years ago in a ostentatious show to play catch up with his larger neighbors to the north, which only proved to bankrupt his nation and create an empire teetering on the brink of collapse from the start. And that is the only true unifier that the Duchy has, its citizens all hate each other, and even though they have managed to last a hundred years one would be a fool to think they can last a hundred more.

Description: Nordaline is a meritocratic principality bordering Eudesaine and Kriglind in the south but also with historically good ties to the Northern Isles. It's a crafty, resourceful nation, known for its influential traders and valiant men-at-arms. The countryside is dominated by hills and mountains but there are also forests and fields on both coasts of the peninsula the nation is located on.
Government Type: Constitutional Monarchy (The constitution only restricts the king in regards to the treatment of nobles and -to a lesser degree- church officials; common folk might just as well live in an absolutism or feudal state)
Head Of State: Prince
Capital: Zwijnaarde
Culture: Nordaline is fundamentally materialistic. True to the motto "Hard Work, To Provide For Each Season's Beginning" they celebrate the start of each season in spectacular matter and make little distinction between the castes these days. Actually for a caste-basted society, the social mobility is quite high in Nordaline with inter-caste-marriages and -adoptions happening quite often (though usually payed for heavily by the lesser party, in coin and/or land). By the reports of the church elders, the nation is rather pious with little to no heresy able to find a foothold. The truth however is slightly more complicated. In reality it is less so that there is less heresy than elsewhere, but instead it is that the local church's measure is more forgiving then elsewhere. Overall the population is not very religious at all, mostly just going to church out of social norm rather then conviction.
Language: Nordaltace. (Nordalinians can understand proper Altace and, if they concentrate, most can speak it sufficiently too)
Naming Conventions: Names in Nordaline typically resemble traditional Flemish names.
Other Information: While Nordaline has a very decent military for a nation of its size, it has little in terms of warrior aristocracy. Most men-at-arms are freemen, while the nobility specializes in jobs of administration, trade or similar business.
Freemen make up the vast majority of the society, serfdom is seen as only a temporary restriction to a person's freedom in case of poverty. The low nobility is larger then average and thanks to the Coronation Charter, the low nobility's rights towards the small elite of high nobility is rather substantial.
All credit goes to Kaledoria for this nations description.

Description: The Roosklinds are a large nation that makes up the space between Kriglind and the Altace speaking peoples to the West, and the Aelmen Trives and Rusalkan cultures to the east. It is a large producer of grains, and is often referred to as the Continental Breadbasket. Much of the territory is flat grasslands, though it is steeper to the north.
Government Type: Constitutional Monarchy (Local governors represent their provinces in the Aletya Court, and are elected by the populace of their province. The King's position is hereditary, but the Governors reserve the right to remove him from power and elect a new royal family.)
Head Of State: King
Capital: Aletya
Culture: The ancient homeland of the Roosks, who founded the famous Rusalkan empire which once stretched from the borders of Kriglind to the edge of the Final Wood, the history of the Roosklinds is a proud one, which brought about an equally proud culture. Often times seen as loudmouths, rebels and brigands by their neighbors, the Roosks are seen as a culture of rebels, where respect for authority is flouted and forging their own path forward is favored. Though they take great pride in their past, many Roosks also view the former Rusalkan Empire with a thankfulness that is gone, giving them the opportunity to forge their own destinies. Outside influences are especially mistrusted, viewed as people who do not understand the way of life in the Roosklinds and who never will, and therefore are not even worth letting into internal affairs and politics.

However, despite their disdain for authority, unity is highly prized, and even revered. The Roosk know the potential power they hold, sitting on so much grain, and believe a unified and loyal culture is the key to protecting it. They love their home and they love their freedoms wholeheartedly. However, some have accused the Roosk of being xenophobic and ignorant, unwilling to learn about others and hoarding grain and swords for themselves, threatening anyone who comes to close.
Language: Rusalk.
Naming Conventions: Roosk names typically resemble traditional Russian names if nobility, or Ukranian names if not.
Other Information: The Rusalkan Empire was originally formed in what is now the Roosklinds. It spread east and west, and at one point controlled not just the Roosklinds, but also Arelenia, Pescala, Serser and Constantiu, while Svodbodnyy Gorod and the Aelmen Tribes were vassals, territories of the Empire in all but name. The Roosks are greatly proud of their past empire, though ironically, it was also the Roosks who rose up in rebellion to destroy the Rusalkan Empire, a historical fact they take equal pride in. As they see it, no one could destroy the Rusalkans, but the Rusalkans themselves.

Description: Sitting between the Arelenian Union and the kingdoms of Humans to the west, and the Aelmen Tribes and clans of wandering Elves the the east, the Free City is resultingly the center of nearly all east west trade. The home of the Lesniki, or Rangers, it maintains some of the closest relations with the Aelmen, and is one of the few places where Drow can be found in any numbers, as they travel along the Long Road for trade.
Government Type: Republic
Head Of State: Chancellor
Capital: N/A, City State
Culture: An ancient city, existing long before even the Aelmen, Svodbodnyy Gorod, or the Free City in Castan Mare, has had many rulers over the thousands of years it has spread. It is in a central position, perfect for all peoples coming from the Final Wood, the human kingdoms of the west, or the Drow from the Holy Flame to congregate. As a result, it is a truly multicultural place. Though the overarching culture is distinctly Arelenian in tone, with the deep focus on trade and loyalty, onion domes and all, almost any other major culture can be found represented here. The people of the city believe in a culture of mutual respect and honor, where truces and diplomacy lead everyone to a mutually beneficial future. They are considered a savvy and silver tongued folk, as well as idealists and believers. Many in the city believe that they have the potential to lead the world towards a better tomorrow, one where words and reason rule the day, rather than iron and blood.
Language: Arelenian (official) many others.
Naming Conventions: Most names in the Free City typically resemble traditional Russian names. However, almost any cultural group can be found represented here, and as a result almost any name can be found here.
Other Information: In the past, Svodbodnyy Gorod was once a city ruled by the Aelmen, and was known to them as Ey Dinath Wen, or The White City in Castan Mare. It was once the capitol and cultural center of the Aelmen as well, considered to be the twin city of Ey Dinath, Thu The Black City, which was the religious center.

Description: The Rotha are an ethnic group, know across the continent for wandering the land in large caravans. No one knows where they come from originally, but due to the fact that their language is similar in phonetics to languages spoken by the original inhabitants of the Twelve Isles, as well as them typically having dark red hair, many speculate that they originally come from the Isles, particularly Karins Isle. The Rotha claim no place as their homeland, and refuse to, considering travel to be their rightful lot in life.
Government Type: Collective/Oligarchy.
Head Of State: Caravan Heads/Council
Capital: N/A
Culture: The Rotha hold three things sacred above all else. Their wagons, their caravans, and the stories the collect along the way. Within Rotha culture there are five Great Caravans, each with many subsidiary caravans who though they travel separately and have a separate name, are considered part of their Great Caravan. The five Great Caravans are the Mio-Fen, the Lorael, the Mistos, the Carn-Laer, and the Leand Caravans. Within Rotha culture, a Caravan is similar to a clan in other cultural groups, and are made up of many families all living and traveling together. Many are also quite large, typically with a few hundred people, though some have been known to reach up to a thousand individuals. Due to their living in caravans on the road, wagons are exceptionally important to Rotha. Each wagon is much like a small home, being able to fit two people comfortably, and up to five it one pushes it. Typically each family will have three wagons for themselves, a wagon for the parents, a wagon for the children, and a third wagon for personal supplies like food, clothes and other important items. These wagons run in Rotha's families, and it is not uncommon for Rotha to be able to trace their wagons back through their family trees for generations. Tradition states that upon marriage, if possible, the husbands family will donate the new couple the parents wagon, the brides family the children's wagon, and friends the supply wagon. Finally, Rotha make their livings as troubadours and entertainers, and are renowned for the spectacular plays and shows that they put on. To get the stories that they often tell on stage, the Rotha often draw directly from history. For this reason, Rotha are renowned historians, and are known to collect stories from every place they visit, carefully preening them for the best tales. As a result of this, Rotha generally have an understanding of history and folk tales rivaled only by the scholars of the Colleges.
Language: Thaelin-Sael
Naming Conventions: Names among the Rotha Nomads typically resemble traditional Irish and Gaelic names. Additionally, caravan names are incorporated into a Rotha's name. First comes their personal caravan, then their great caravan. So for example, a full Rotha name could be Caene Kallyann, of Tenfel Caravan, of Mio-Fen Caravan.
Other Information: Within Rotha caravans, many families have a family sword, typically a saber. These swords are passed down to the children, typically whoever the parents feel will have the most use of it, regardless of gender.

On the continent, abandoned babies are often adopted by Rotha. These babies, referred to as Foundlings, are within Rotha culture for all intents and purposes Rotha, the only thing setting them apart being that they are not ethnically Rotha. Though otherwise, in terms of culture, language and ideals, they may as well have been born into a caravan, red hair and all. For this reason as well, Rotha often appear in fairy tales, where princesses or princes are abandoned by evil stepmothers or dark sorcerers, only for them to discover their true identities and return to their kingdoms as triumphant heroes.

Never insult a Rotha's wagon.

Description: The Aelmen Tribes are actually two groups, one to the north, and one to the south. They are predominantly nomadic, travelling and exploring throughout the Final Wood where they make their homes. However, to the northwest and the southwest there are several communities. Villages, forts and three cities dot the landscape, typically resting on ancient holy sights, where the wandering clans will stop for pilgrimages and to resupply before setting out into the woods again. The three Aelmen cities are Haeldwen in the North, Gras in the south, and the Tribes capital Ey Dinath Thu, located between the other two. The Aelmen also claim Svodbodnyy Gorod, or as they call it Ey Dinath Wen as their own, though it is controlled by humans. Though it is not as common, it is also not unheard of for Aelmen clans to travel west as well, visiting ancient sites now controlled by humans.
Government Type: Tribal Chiefdom/Meritocratic Oligarchy
Head Of State: High King
Capital: The Black City (Ey Dinath Thu in Aelntalh)
Culture: The Aelmen of the Woods still remember their ancient culture, and keep their ancient ways. Made up of two tribes, each one build from several clans of Aelmen who reside in the Final Wood, the Aelmen Tribes are the last remnants of the once great elven culture that was conquered by the humans. Though there are marked differences between northern and southern clans, there are also many similarities. Society is split into a rigid caste system, and all life is dictated by it. One however is not born into their caste, but rather is chosen by other members of their caste when they reach the age of fifteen. At this point, they are taken in and will never leave their caste. The castes are as follows.

CONWYR: The most populated caste, the Conwyr are in essence the Aelmen equivelent to Small Folk. Most people are Conwyr, and they make up the bulk of professions. They are the farmers, workers, manual laborers and servants of the Aelmen people. Unlike the other castes, Conwyr do not choose members of their caste, but instead take in all who were not chosen for the other castes.
UCHELWYR: Uchelwyr are the merchants and traders of the Aelmen. In many ways, their lifestyles are very similar to the lifestyles of Drow or Human nobles, as they also often work as advisers to the leaders of their clans. Additionally, many diplomats are Uchelwyr.
RHYSELWYR: Rhyselwyr are the most famous caste outside of the Final Wood. The Ryselwyr are the hunters, warriors and soldiers for the Aelmen. They keep the common people safe from danger, and are considered some of the greatest archers in all the known world. Outside of archery, Rhyselwyr are extensively trained in sword combat and horsemanship.
OFFWYR: The Offwyr are considered the highest authorities in Aelmen culture. They are priests, historians and teachers, and are responsible for recording their histories and teaching the next generation. In a society so obsessed with maintaining their old ways, its teachers and priests are considered to be practically untouchable.

BRIGIAD: The Brigiad are not actually a caste, but are instead the casteless. Brigiad are outcasts, cast out of Aelmen society for one reason or another, be it murder, rape, defacement of a holy sight, or treason, any who is stripped of their caste and cast out into the wood is considered a Brigiad. Brigiad are branded, typically on the forehead or cheek, the let any other Aelmen who meet them know what they are. They are considered no longer true Aelmen but instead are referred to simply as "things," and no longer hold any protections under Aelmen law. One could kill a Brigiad in cold blood and suffer no consequences for their actions.

Language: Aelntalh
Naming Conventions: Aelmen names typically resemble traditional Welsh names
Other Information: It cant be definitively proven, but it is widely suspected that the Aelmen Tribes are supplying weapons and armor to the Last Light Of The Aelmen. If this is found to be true, there will surely be war, a war which the Tribes cannot win.

All Aelmen try to live in harmony with nature, treating it with the utmost respect and veneration. They see themselves as a natural outcropping of nature, and believe that one day nature will reclaim them all, and so it is wrong to treat it with disrespect.

Magic is also revered in their society, as opposed to the humans in the west, with the Aether being seen as a holy place and the land of the gods in their mind. No matter the caste, any who wish to learn magic can learn it, though the most common people to learn magic are the Rhyselwyr for its combat applications, or the Offwyr for its spiritual applications.

Every clan is lead by a Chief, elected by every member of the clan upon the death of the previous chief. Anyone can become chief, regardless of Caste, and a Chief is thereafter lifted from their caste and considered an entity unto themselves, no longer beholden to their caste.

Description: A massive empire stretching from the eastern borders of the Final Wood to an unknown conclusion elsewhere on the Continent which has yet to be mapped. The only known nation of Drow, or Dark Elves, they are widely understood to be the regional power on their end of the Final Wood, and are similarly debated to be possibly the most powerful on the Continent. However, due to a lack of understanding about other Drow nations, this can neither be fully confirmed or denied. According to their own history, the Holy Flame was built from the conquering of eighty six smaller nations and incorporating them into their own nation, though it is difficult to determine how much is legend and how much is fact.
Government Type: Imperial Theocracy
Head Of State: Riumvate Khulan Naranbaatar
Capital: Al'Dthölkhlel
Culture: The people of the Holy Flame are not truly one culture, but instead several cultures who all swear fealty to the Holy Flame, the dominant religion in the Empire. For instance, the term used in the West to refer to them, Riumvans, is actually only a term used to refer to those who come from the original state of the Empire, Al'Ekheron, or Homeland. However, there are several features that are consistent across the entirety of the sprawling empire. The people of this nation are intensely religious, or at least pay lip service, and worship the sun as the Holy Flame, and the Emperor as the voice of the sun itself. They are a militaristic and expansionist nation, believing that they have the keys to the better tomorrow, and it is in the best interests of the world for them to lead all to a better tomorrow, by force if necessary. However, though in the West the Riumvans are often demonized and feared, there are many positive qualities their nation possesses as well, such as a wide and well maintained road system, protections for foreign traders, and an elite caste of priests who always are accepting of foreign dignitaries. However, it should be noted that though the Riumvans are not outwardly hostile towards the people of the West, no one knows what their true goals are, or what they truly want. For now, th Final Wood protects the West from the Riumvans frequent, violent expansionist wars. But how long can that last? And will the West be next?
Language: Tengtahduth
Naming Conventions: Riumvan names typically resemble traditional Mongolian names.
Other Information: Al'Rium directly translates to mean "The Empire." Many other terms refering to citizens of the Holy Flame are built off of this. For instance, Riumvan means "Empires Man," and the title Riumvate means "Empire's Prophet," referring to the Riumvates position as speaker for the Sun.

The rulers of specific regions, or "states" of the Al'Rium are known as "Muj Ulsyn Khatin," meaning The States Priest. They operate essentially as governors, and report directly to the Riumvate.

HISTORY

CALENDAR
This world uses an alternate calendar from ours, though the amount of days in the year are the same. All in all, there are 365 days a year, split up between twelve months of thirty days each, each month having three weeks of ten days each. Additionally, there are five days at the end of every year which are not listed on the calendar, refered to as Days Out Of Time. It is believed that these days, the two leading up to the Winter Equinox and the two after the Winter Equinox, as well as the Equinox itself, do not exist in standard time. It is believed that all actions taken during this time will not be seen by the All Father, and therefore have no effect on ones gaining Grace and Reincarnation, therefore anyone can do anything they want on these days without having to worry about it effecting their standing with the Church. That said, just because one can do anything during these days according to the Church does not mean that the laws of whatever land one is living in do not still hold.

The calendar, which is often called the Equinoxal Calendar due to the importance of equinoxes in it. The calendar is as follows.

by **The Twelve Isles** » Mon Feb 24, 2020 7:22 pm

RELIGION

RELIGIONS

On the Continent, the Church Of The All Father is by far the most widespread of the major religions, and is consequently able to exert the most power over the populace. That said, this does not mean that it is the only religion. Other include the Northern Pantheon, the gods worshiped by the Nordlings in the Northern Isles, and the Cult Of The Holy Flame, the sun worshiping cult of the Drow. Not to mention many smaller religions or subsets of the larger religions practiced all across the Continent.

THE PANTHEON OF NORTHERN GODS

The people of the Northern Isles follow a pantheon of gods, each with their own personal teachings and ideals their followers are meant to live up to. Their religion states that life is a precious gift from the Gods themselves, and to disregard this gift is an affront to the Gods. For this reason, followers of the Pantheon hold services to others, personal healthy, and martial skill in high regard. If it is a skill or an action which will further ones own life, or one which will further the lives of other followers, it is considered holy.

The Pantheon is as follows.

KONUNGER: The King Of Time, Magic, Spirits, Aether, knowledge and the creator and and eventual destroyer of the universe. He is the figure known to the Church and its followers as the Stranger. Often portrayed as a man with no face, who appears with ravens and black wolves amidst a fog. The ravens and wolves are said to be his messengers and his assistants, who go out into the world and report to him all that is happening.
DAGR: Also known as Hvitiur Gydia (White Goddess) or the Lady Of Day, Dagr is the goddess of daytime, life, childbirth and protection from the Aether's spirits. She is sisters with Gnott. Often portrayed as a beautiful young woman in a white gown with a golden crown, meant to represent the sun. She carries the keys to the gates that hold the sun for night time.
GNOTT: Also known as Svarten Gydia (Black Goddess) or the Lady Of Night, Gnott is the goddess of night time, death, trickery, luck and deals. She is sisters with Dagr. She is often portrayed as equally beautiful to her sister, but older and more experienced, and often times more seductive. She wears a black gown and a dark veil, said to represent the inevitability of death and the night. She carries with her the keys to the gates that hold the moon for daytime.
FYRGYN: Goddess of nature and the earth.
TYRETH: Goddess of strategy, military might, justice and laws.
NIORU: God of dreams and nightmares.
RYT: God of the sky and the stars.
INUN: God of young and old, and aging.
VIDAAR: Goddess of fame and honorable deeds.
FRELKA: God of love, sex and passion.
ULLI: God of respect and virtue.
FENTHRI: Goddess of vengeance and divine retribution. Often portrayed as a blood covered woman, surrounded by vicious black wolves. It is her actions that will one day lead to Konunger destroying the world.
IER: God of healers and shamans.

The Aelmen Pantheon is the historical religion practiced during the age of the Aelmen City States, before humans came, and still practiced by the Tribes and some City Elves. It is less so a religion like the Cult Of The Holy Flame or the Church Of The All Father, and is much more similar to the Nordling pantheon. It is more a repository for cultural ideals and beliefs, each of the seven Aelmen gods embodying something important that they hold dear, and acting in ways that the Aelmen believed to be proper.

In fact, many theorize that the Nordling pantheon and the Aelmen pantheon have roots in the same practices, as both share many similarities. The most famous of which is the presence of the Twin Sisters, representations of dark and light, though the Aelmen twins's exact interpretations and godly duties are different. Additionally, both have a god of vengeance, who is prophesised to bring about a world shattering event. The difference however is that while the Nordlings believe that their god will bring about the end of the wold, the Aelmen believe that the god of vengeance will bring about a rejoining of the Three Realms, elevating all life to godhood.

Some have in the past even tried to draw comparisons to aspects of the Church and the Holy Flame to the Aelmen Pantheon, believing that the Pantheon is the source of all modern religions. However, the persecution of the Church to all things it deems heretical and the large distances between the Holy Flame and the rest of the Continent have made it difficult to properly research this subject.

The Aelmen Pantheon is as follows.

GWILITHEN: Gwilithen is the goddess of nature, life and justice. She is considered to be a neutral god, never truly good or bad, but always fair. Everyone benefits from her kindness, she gifts life to all, gifts nature to all, and determines who will live again in the next world and who will be forever cast into the Aether to forever drift as a Spirit. She is often depicted as either a beautiful young mother, or a matronly old grandmother, but is always considered maternal.
WRENFALE: Wrenfale is the husband of Gwilithen, and is her opposite. He is the god of desolation and death. Unlike his wife, who is steady and true, Wrenfale is wild and untamed. He is said to be unpredictable, coming when one least expects it, striking all who stands in his way, but never a persecuter. Sooner or later, all will come into contact with Wrenfale, who will strike down every soul ever to live to be brought before his wife for judgement. One day, he will take vengeance upon the Old Ones, who split the Three Realms and caused mortal life for the Aelmen, the children of him and Gwilithen.
GORLASAER: God of the sun and the skys. Gorlasaer is the messenger for Gwlithen and Wrenfale, and is the go between for the gods and the mortals. When Aelmen pray to the gods, the pray to Gorlasaer during the daytime when he is listening. At night, he will sift through the requests sent to him, and deliver the most important to Gwinileth to be judged, and carried out by the Spirits. He is considered the kindest of the gods, only working to help others. He delights in making people happy, warming the world and helping his fellow gods. He is also the god of music and art, and is frequently depicted in songs and paintings.
MAREWEN: The goddess of the fates, determining the roles mortals will play in the world. She is also often considered a war god, as when she ties to conflicting fates together with the strings, it will result and conflict. Additionally, she is portrayed as beautiful and elegant, as well as flirtatious, using her beauty to trick men into going to war to earn her favor. She is said to be able to transform into a crow or raven, and that both birds are her messengers.
CANDRYCH: King of animals, Spirits and ruler of time, also known as Lord Of The Wild Ones or the Great Deer.
TELERIN: Protector goddess of travelers, merchants and nomads.
CONELWYN: Conelwyn goes by many names, most of which are unknown to mortals, and is also often referred to as The Many Faced God, The Hound or the Usurper. He is the god of rebellion, resistance, and knowledge of secret things and vengeance. He was not always a god, unlike the others, and earned his position of godhood through searching the Aether for the secrets of power, so that he could challenge the gods after they wronged him. He discovered the secrets that made the gods what they are, and works tirelessly to dethrone them, and elevate mortals to godhood, so that all will be equal, and he will have vengeance.

by **The Twelve Isles** » Mon Feb 24, 2020 7:22 pm

APPS

CHARACTER APP

Code: Select all: [box][align=center][b]《◊ Character Basics ◊》[/b][/align] [b][i]Character App[/i][/b] [b]Name:[/b] [b]Nickname/Alias:[/b] [b]Gender:[/b] [b]Age/Birthdate:[/b] [b]Race:[/b] (Human, Aelmen/Elves, Drow/Dark Elves) [b]Moral Alignment:[/b] [b]Personality:[/b] [b]Occupation:[/b] [align=center][b]《◊ Physical Traits ◊》[/b][/align] [b] - Height:[/b] [b] - Weight:[/b] [b] - Unique Traits:[/b] (Put anything that is not that is an atypical physical trait. I.E., a missing tooth, scars, deformities, tattoos and other things like that.) [b] - Any Illnesses:[/b] (Physical or mental) [b] - Appearance:[/b] (A picture is preferred, but a detailed description is also acceptable.) [align=center][b]《◊ Background ◊》[/b][/align] [b] - Mother/Father Names:[/b] [b] - Siblings/Other Relatives:[/b] [b] - Looks Like Mother Or Father More:[/b] [b] - Noble?:[/b] Y/N (If yes, please indicate which nation, and what titles are held. If you wish to app for a Head Of State, please indicate which state here, if it is open.) [b] - Nation Of Origin:[/b] [b] - Langues Spoken:[/b] (Please indicate the level of understanding for each as well with Novice, Conversational, Proficient and Fluent) [b] - Biography:[/b] [align=center][b]《◊ Affiliation/ Additional Info ◊》[/b][/align] [b] - Affiliation:[/b] (For here, put any factions or nations that they serve, as well as any possible ranks held. Additionally, if you wish to be a faction leader, please indicate so here, and state which faction if the positions is open.) [b] - Specialties:[/b] (What your character is best at. Any important skills go here.) [b] - Magi?:[/b] Y/N [b] - Schools Of Magic:[/b] (If the above answer was yes, please list any schools of magic they study.) [b] - Owned Equipment:[/b] [align=center][b]《◊ Optional Info ◊》[/b][/align] [b] - Theme Song:[/b] (Optional) [b] - Strengths:[/b] (Optional) [b] - Weaknesses:[/b] (Optional) [b] - Fears:[/b] (Optional) [b] - Dreams:[/b] (Optional) [b] - Personal Beliefs:[/b] (Optional) [b] - Anything Else:[/b] (Optional) [size=85]Please do not remove [color=#FF0000]Seven Lamps, To Guide Us Towards Salvation[/color][/size][/box]

FACTION APP

Code: Select all: [box]《◊ Faction App ◊》[/box] [b] - Faction Name:[/b] [b] - Faction Goals/Business:[/b] (Tell me what things the faction is trying to accomplish, be it earn more money or overthrow the established order.) [b] - Faction Structure:[/b] (How are they structured, how do they keep members organized and in line.) [b] - Nation Of Origin:[/b] (Which of the nations of Aetha does you faction originally hail from?) [b] - Any Other Info?:[/b] [size=85]Please do not remove [color=#FF0000]Seven Lamps, To Guide Us Towards Salvation[/color][/size]

EXAMPLE APPS

[align=centerRACES][/align]
Within Aetha, not only are there many nations, factions and ethnic groups, there are also different races. In particular, there are three playable races available, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

TERMS TO KNOW

Terms And Names
Aetha: The planet itself, and the realm of mortal beings.
The Continent: A single continent existing on Aetha, where everything takes place.
Aelmen/Aels: The name of the Elven race in their native language. Aelmen is always plural, while Aels can be singular or plural. The word Elves and by extension Elf is derived from Aels.
Small Folk: Though technically this term refers to anyone who is not nobility or knighted, it is typically used to refer to peasants.
Castan Mare: The language used by the Church. Due to how widespread the Church's influence is, most people can understand at least a little Castan Mare. Additionally, it is the language used most often in international trade, the political sphere, and by most who make their lives as wanderers. For this reason, if one plans to live on the road or frequently interact with those from other nations, it is practically required you know Castan Mare.
Cael a thaéth ae gaoth?: This is the traditional greeting used among the Rotha Nomads. When translated to Castan Mare, it means "how goes the wind?" The proper response is, taén ae gaoth sarn aiste, mar a dhaénim, meaning "the wind goes free, as do I."
Magi: Magi is the term used for mages.
Hedge Knight: Any knight not aligned with a lord, king or knightly order is a Hedge Knight. Most Hedge Knights were once under the employ of others, but for different reasons, such as losing favor, their employer being killed, or punishment are left without a master and forced to wander in search of a new person to swear their life to. Some however, live as Hedge Knights by choice, for personal glory, adventure, or merely to shirk tradition.

Slang
Point Ears: Racist slang used by Humans to refer to Elves in a derogatory manner.
"Stranger take your eyes": A common exclamation, typically in anger towards another person.
Potlicker: A poor person. Implies that they are so poor, they cant even afford food, and are forced to lick their pots to get the last remaining bits of sustenance.
Hedge Magi: A term used by College Magi to refer to Free Magi. Typically used in a derogatory manner.

MAGIC

(This section is meant to give a brief overview of why magic happens and works. You are not required to read this, as all you really need to know to have a Magi character are the magical traditions and what they can do. However, reading this sections will likely give you a better understanding of what it is that Magi do to access magic, and hopefully give you a more in depth understanding of those sorts of characters, their strengths and weaknesses, and the sorts of things your character should know. )

Magic in this world is a delicate, and highly complex art, and those who study it dedicate their lives to its exploration and mastery. To begin to practice magic, prospective Magi must understand a series of skills and ways of thought required to properly manipulate the energy of the Aether into proper spells and magical application, known as the Six Gifts Of Magi, typically referred to simply as the Gifts. These are the Mark, Channeling, Dream Walking, Mind Splitting, the Seven Runes, and the Seven Ruling Metals.

The Mark: Not everyone can use magic. In order to gain access to the Aether, and by extension the magic which flows from it, one must be Marked, or chosen, by the Stranger himself, a mysterious godlike being who rules spirits, magic, time and the Aether. The Mark connects one to the Aether, establishing a link which allows those who are Marked to access the Aether, and those who are clever enough to draw power from it. If one is not Marked directly however, they can still access the Aether and magic through a connection rune. A connection rune is a magical rune tattooed on both the person who wishes to gain access to the Aether, and one who has been marked. If a Marked dies however, a Connected will lose their connections. For this reason, Connected Magi typically have several connection rune tattoos connecting them to several Marked, so as never to lose access to the Aether.

A Mark appears as two small black dots on a Magi's palms, and one on their forehead.
Channeling: Channeling is the actual process of drawing magic from the Aether into the world and molding it into shape. To do this, one must master Dream Walking and Mind Splitting, allowing them to enter the Aether while still awake, and establish a sympathetic connection between different metals in the Aether and on their person. If one does not channel directly however, they can still use the magic of the Aether as it flows through their Mark or Connection Rune. However, they will only be able to manipulate the natural energy of the Aether, which has less applications than if one is to utilize the Runes, Metals and their various combinations mixed with Dream Walking.
Dream Walking: Dream Walking is the process of entering into the Aether through dreams. All people can see glimpses of the Aether through their dreams, as dreams are the Aethers reflection on their subconscious. Once Marked, and given a direct access to the Aether, meaning they can enter it through their subconscious instead of just capturing brief glimpses through dreams. In order to do this, a prospective Magi can learn to lucid dream, allowing them complete control of their dreams, and allowing them to slip between the veil that separates the realm of Aetha from the realm of Aether, and fully access the land of spirits, time and magic.
Mind Splitting: Mind splitting is the process of separating ones mind into two separate, thinking entities, connected by a single body. One is still able to control the part of their mind that has been separated from them, though they can do things with this other half of their consciousness like convince it to believe different things, sleep, or channel. Most commonly, this skill is used by Magi to put one part of their consciousness to sleep, dream walk with that consciousness, and enter the Aether using it, while still being awake. Through this method, they have established a sympathetic connection between themselves and an independent part of their mind, giving them access to the magic inherent to the Aether, and making it possible to channel it through themselves and mold it using the metals to get different effects. Additionally, Dream Walking is an integral part not just of most magic, but especially for Summoning or Sealing, both of which require the Aether dwelling half to be working in close proximity with the Aetha dwelling half of a Magi's brain.
The Seven Runes and the Ruling Metals: There are seven runes which allow for the proper manipulation of channeled magic. These runes allows for the conversion of magic into different forms, creating different effects. However, the runes do not allow for the magic to be actually cast. Instead, it is specific metals which allow for the magic to be transferred from within a person. Typically, these metals are inlaid onto the skin in the shape of their proper rune, appearing as a tattoo. Most often Magi will place these on their palms, though other spots are not unheard of such as the forehead, tongue, chest and so on. Without these metals present, an attempt at casting would cause wherever the person is trying to cast from, say the hand, to explode, as there is nothing to convert the energy properly. Some types of magic are only possible through combination of two metals and two runes, or the mixing of metal with blood, and so on. However, all follow the same basic principle. Without the rune, and without the metal, magic cannot be channeled correctly.

Additionally, each Metal and Rune is connected to a planet, or wanderer, as well. When this planet is seen in the sky, the power of the metal is greatly increased. This includes combined or mixed metals, and is not only pure metals.

The metals, runes, and their ruling planets are as follows.

- Sulis, the Sun, 1st Wanderer, rules gold, Rune is a single vertical line, magical affiliation is life.
- Lunis, The Moon, 2nd Wanderer, rules silver, Rune is two vertical lines next to each other, magical affiliation is the Aether (realm of Spirits)/Air
- Malachi, 3rd Wanderer, rules quicksilver, Rune is the Triangle, magical affiliation is peace/water
- Velhelus, 4th Wanderer, rules copper, Rune is the Square, magical affiliation is Aetha (realm of Mortals)
- Martan, 5th Wanderer, rules iron, Rune is the Pentagon, magical affiliation is war/conflict/fire
- Jelapier, 6th Wanderer, rules tin, Rune is the Hexagon, magical affiliation is Aethin (realm of Daemons)/Earth
- Saster, 7th Wanderer, rules lead, Sacred Geometry is the Heptagon, magical affiliation is death.

The Strangers Rune: Not included in

How To Properly Cast: For this example, we are going to use Pyromancy as an example. To properly cast a stream of Fire, a Magi must first split their mind. With one half of their brain, they most go to sleep, entering a dream state before Dream Walking and entering the Aether. From there, the half of their mind in the Aether must gather magical energy into itself. Through the sympathetic link between the dream walking mind and the waking mind, both will gain access to the same energy. In the waking world, the Magi then gathers the energy into the corresponding rune and metal, in this instance it would be the iron in the shape of a pentagon. From there, the Magi releases the energy. The Rune will convert it into flames, while the metal will allow the magic to safely leave the Magi's body, creating a stream of flames.

Though there are several magical traditions, each with their own variations, all casting follows this same basic formula.

SCHOOLS OF MAGIC

Summoning is one of the most famous, as well as one of the most intricate schools of magic. At its core, it allows the user to bring spirits from the Aether into the Aetha, to fight for them or perform other tasks. However, what is a simple description actually requires several steps to carry out properly, not only in the moment of summoning itself, but also in having anything to summon in the first place.

To be able to summon in the first place, a Magi must be well versed in Dream Walking, and have made the acquaintance of whatever spirit they wish to be able to summon. From there, a Writ Of Summoning must be signed, a contract between the Summoner and the Spirit. Typically, a Spirit will only be willing to sign a Writ with those they have become friends with, but this is not always the case. However, any Magi signing a contract with a Spirit they do not know should be exceptionally wary. Spirits are conscious beings just like mortals, with their own agendas and goals, and the signing of a contract with a Spirit one does not know could have disastrous consequences. Alternatively however, if a creature has been sealed in the Aether by the prospective summoner, that Spirit is bound to the Summoners will, and therefore can be forced to sign a contract with the summoner.

The Writ Of Summoning has its own rules attached to it as well. For it to be valid, it must be written with a pen (or other writing instrument) provided by the spirit, and signed in the blood of the summoner. Two copies must be made, one to remain in the Aether with the spirit and one to be taken with the summoner. Once these steps have been taken, a contract has been made, and a summoner can then summon.

The actual process of summoning however is one unto itself as well. In order to summon, a summoner must first split their mind and Dream Walk, making contact with the Spirit they wish to summon, and with which they have a Writ Of Summoning for. In the Aether, a person must channel the Spirit itself through themselves, and into the Aetha. Meanwhile, in the Aetha, the Magi must place their blood onto the contract itself, as well as mix their blood with silver and iron. This blood, mixed with the metals, must then also be placed where the Magi wishes to summon the creature too. Their blood is still a part of them by sympathetic connection, and for this reason the Magi is able to concentrate their magic and the summoned Spirit through it. The blood makes the contract valid, and the silver and iron allows for the Spirit to pass between realms.

Often times, Summoners will carry with them vials of their own blood, mixed with silver and iron. This way, they do not constantly have to be cutting themselves in order to perform their magic. In addition to having the blood mixed with metals, a Summoner must also have a tattoo depicting a square and a triangle over top of one another, made with iron and silver mixed together.

QUESTS

"Fairy tales aren't real dear."
"But the heroes all are!"
"Yes, but their accomplishments only seem so grand because of bards embellishing facts."

Quests are how the RP moves forwards. No one is required to do quests, but they are a good way to get involved, meet other OC's, and get your name out there as an impressive and heroic adventurer. And who knows, maybe if your deeds are particularly impressive, the bards will embellish your accomplishments as well and elevate you to a position of legend.

The Hunt For The Girl In The Woods (Eudasaine)
In the north of Eudasaine, near the border with Nordaline, is a small village. On its announcement board, amid its various news, requests and bounties one sticks out. It is written with poor ink on rough paper, its grammar improper but still legible. A peasants writing. On it it says, in bold letters along the top, "MISSING GIRL, PLEASE FIND IT IN YOUR HEART TO HELP." Beneath this header it says, "I sent my daughter out to bring bread to her grandmother, on the other end of the woods. I wasn't expecting her back until the day after, as I was sure she would stay with her grandmother and return in the morning. But its been three days and still she is gone. Please, I beg of you, any good hearted hunters, warriors, adventurers or those who can help, please find my daughter. Please bring her home. I have little to offer, but I'll give you all I can. My house is near the smiths, at the edge of town."

To take this quest, travel to Eudasaine and find the mother of the missing girl. She will give you further information on how to find her daughter.
The Rat Catcher Of Heinlen (Kriglind)
In central Kriglind sits the town of Heinlen, a common stop for many travelers heading east to west or vice versa. Recently, a man came and tried to swindle the town in exchange for his services as a rat catcher, and when the mayor would not give into his ridiculous demands, the man used magic to lead all of the children away. A hunter was sent to find the children, but was not able to approach the magi after finding him, for fear of being put under the same spell. The mayor of Heinlen is offering 1000 coin to any who will brave the woods, defeat this dastardly Magi, and bring the children home.

To take this quest, travel to Kriglind and find the mayor of Heinlen. He will give you further information on how to find the Magi and the kidnapped children.
The Dead King And The Maiden (Arelenia)
In Novgrobirsk, the Lord Mayor's fiance has been kidnapped by a supposedly dead king from ancient Rusalka, Kosei. Many soldiers have been sent to try and save the woman, but all were defeated by Kosei, who it seems is impervious to pain or fear, and commands many summoned Spirits. The Lord Mayor is offering a hefty reward, as well as being raised to the rank of Boyar in the city state, to any who can save his promised bride. But be warned, Kosei is a tricky, and intelligent foe, well versed in subterfuge and misdirection. It is not know what magics he is using to keep himself immortal, but these must be eliminated before any action can be taken against Kosei.

To take this quest, travel to Arelenia and find the Lord Mayor. He will give you further information on how to find the Dead King.
The Witch Of The Woods (Roosklinds)
On the side of the road in the Roosklinds, a young girl named Vasilisa is crying. Her cruel stepmother, in a bid to be rid of her, has sent Vasilisa into the woods to find the Witch Of The Woods, Bala Yalka. She is to find Bala Yalka, and acquire the Ever Burning Lamp, an artifact under Bala Yalka's command and which she has killed all who tried to steal it. Vasilisa does not want to die, like she surely will if she goes to Bala Yalka, but she cannot leave her sisters behind with her stepmother and save her conscious. It seems she is in between a rock and hard place.

To take this quest, travel to the Roosklinds and find Vasilisa by the side of the road. She will give you further information on how to proceed.
The Shallow Prince And The Spirit Of Deals (Pescala)
A bandit has been riding through Pescala, taking advantage of the carnage and killing those who try to stop him. He has for all intents and purposes taken control of an entire county, and set himself up as a warlord. This warlord, names Filip, has sent out a request to any who will take it. In exchange for power and success, he has given up his soul to a powerful Spirit. But without his soul, he can no longer experience joy, pain, pleasure of fear, and cannot appreciate the incredible successes he has had. He wishes for any who will take his offer to find this Spirit, and break the deal, so he may once more live as a man.

At the same time, the King of Pescala has made the call for any who will take it, to march into Filips land, destroy his forces, burn his fields and bring Filip before the king. Be warned however, others have attempted this, and it seems that Filip is not only a formidable military commander, but a formidable foe in single combat. None have returned from these expeditions yet.

To take this quest, travel to Pescala and meet with either Filip of the King. They will give you further information on how to proceed.
A Man Of Noble Tastes (Confederacy Of Southern Lords)
In the Confederacy Of Southern Lords, in Toulon, lives the Duke Luis Dubois, along with his wife Lady Fleur Dubois and his two songs, Gerard and Alduic. Since the building of Duke Dubois new estate, women have been going missing in the area. They come from all walks of life, but they have all been beautiful. The people are scared, and even the Red Hand has taken notice, deploying some of their knights to try and get to the bottom of the disappearances. So far, no conclusive leads have been found, but the Dubois family are the prime suspects.

To take this quest, travel to Toulon in the Confederacy, and meet with Knight Commander Antonin. He will give you further information on how to proceed.

COMPLETED QUESTS

DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Roland De Vilaine, Headmaster of Bellevieu College Of The Arcane.
Siona Ocallaigh, The Black And Gold, Wandering Magi And Scholar.
Fredrick Achen, Kriglinder Bard, And Knight Of The Red Hand
Thomas Waudman, The Hunter, Black Cloak Monster Hunter
Kasha Skrobiana, Wandering Mercenary, Supposed "Valiant Hero"
Dun, (Reynard,) Journeyman Trader Of The Merchants Guild
Nakhu Taghai, Drow Noble, Wandering Scholar
Hugh Winter, Wandering Swordsman And Disgraced Noble

by **Kelmet** » Fri Feb 28, 2020 10:21 am

Ill give this a more in depth look tonight.

by **Afrikaanza** » Sat Feb 29, 2020 5:38 pm

This is looking extremely promising! It already feels like a well fleshed out world, very Dishonored inspired as always TI.

by **The Twelve Isles** » Sat Feb 29, 2020 11:34 pm

Afrikaanza wrote:This is looking extremely promising! It already feels like a well fleshed out world, very Dishonored inspired as always TI.

You know me, I do love some dishonored. Though I have also taken significant inspiration from Dragon Age, The Witcher, Elder Scrolls and the Mistborn series. (I shamelessly ripped the idea of a world where the sky is always gray and "burned" from Mistborn.) Essentially its all of those worlds combined together with the aesthetics of Dishonored, along with its religious fervor slapped on top. I've actually been working on this world for a long time now, its where I hope to one day write a novel in. But I wanted to share it with other people, so I figured an RP would be a good way to do that.

Anyhow yeah, I should hopefully be finished relatively soon, though work has been hectic lately. Likely by next week I will be done or close to done, when I can work on it during my days off.

by **Kelmet** » Sun Mar 01, 2020 7:45 am

I am totally enthralled by the The Order of the Red Hand.
Please reserve me the leadership position of this amazing order.

by **UniversalCommons** » Sun Mar 01, 2020 7:57 am

No merchants guild... Would like to do an explorer for a specific kingdom who uses merchant trade as an excuse.

by **The Twelve Isles** » Sun Mar 01, 2020 9:09 am

Kelmet wrote:I am totally enthralled by the The Order of the Red Hand.
Please reserve me the leadership position of this amazing order.

Can do my friend.

UniversalCommons wrote:No merchants guild... Would like to do an explorer for a specific kingdom who uses merchant trade as an excuse.

I have no merchants guild, but by the time this is all started up, I should have a faction app, where you can create your own merchants guild if you want to.

Additionally, if you are interested in an explorer, Passanova, the Arelenian City States or either the Northern Isles or Twelve Isles are your best bet.

EDIT: I actually just thought about it a bit more, but the Free City, Svabodnyy Gorod, is a major trading hub. Its through their city state that most east west trade flows, and they are able to get lots of magical artifacts from their trade with the Aelmen Tribes inside the Final Wood.

by **Kelmet** » Sun Mar 01, 2020 9:11 am

Will there be a world map to go of off before long?

by **The Twelve Isles** » Sun Mar 01, 2020 9:12 am

Kelmet wrote:Will there be a world map to go of off before long?

I'm currently in the process of making one. Sadly however, I dont know how to do any kind of map making on computers, so its going to be on paper. Hence why I mentioned in the OP that I am looking for mapmakers, to help me convert it into a digital format.

by **Kelmet** » Sun Mar 01, 2020 9:15 am

The Twelve Isles wrote:
Kelmet wrote:Will there be a world map to go of off before long?

I'm currently in the process of making one. Sadly however, I dont know how to do any kind of map making on computers, so its going to be on paper. Hence why I mentioned in the OP that I am looking for mapmakers, to help me convert it into a digital format.

Ill keep my eye out for people, but sadly I am no help.

by **The Twelve Isles** » Sun Mar 01, 2020 9:38 am

Kelmet wrote:
The Twelve Isles wrote:
I'm currently in the process of making one. Sadly however, I dont know how to do any kind of map making on computers, so its going to be on paper. Hence why I mentioned in the OP that I am looking for mapmakers, to help me convert it into a digital format.

Ill keep my eye out for people, but sadly I am no help.

Lmao, its all good. And thank you as well.

by **UniversalCommons** » Sun Mar 01, 2020 10:57 am

The Traders Guild (Rough Draft).

The traders guild supports exploration through trade. They often can be seen traveling on the roads in wagons pulled by horses or oxen buying things from different places and selling them at others. They seek out exotic, portable goods like spices, salt, gems, minerals, alchemical ingredients, jewelry, silk, and other goods. They also own several trading ships which go up and down the coastlines trading in different ports.

The Free Traders have been accused of smuggling illicit goods and have supported the acquisition of magical or unique goods from ruins, jungles, and other places. While the free traders are not mages, they are often able to acquire unique substances for mixing potions and other alchemical recipes and provide maps of certain domains.

by **The Twelve Isles** » Sun Mar 01, 2020 2:05 pm

UniversalCommons wrote:The Traders Guild (Rough Draft).

The traders guild supports exploration through trade. They often can be seen traveling on the roads in wagons pulled by horses or oxen buying things from different places and selling them at others. They seek out exotic, portable goods like spices, salt, gems, minerals, alchemical ingredients, jewelry, silk, and other goods. They also own several trading ships which go up and down the coastlines trading in different ports.

The Free Traders have been accused of smuggling illicit goods and have supported the acquisition of magical or unique goods from ruins, jungles, and other places. While the free traders are not mages, they are often able to acquire unique substances for mixing potions and other alchemical recipes and provide maps of certain domains.

This is looking pretty cool, and definitely fits in with the world. I'll try and get some apps up tonight so you can get it all formatted.

by **The Twelve Isles** » Tue Mar 10, 2020 11:06 am

Both faction and character apps are up now, if anyone is interested in making anything. There is still a lot of work that needs to get done, but I assure you I am still working on it.

by **Benuty** » Tue Mar 10, 2020 1:41 pm

Definitely interested in this.

by **The Twelve Isles** » Tue Mar 10, 2020 7:23 pm

Benuty wrote:Definitely interested in this.

Awesome, thats great to hear. If you have any questions please feel free to ask, I havent been able to finish this yet due to my work schedule so I'm willing to be your encyclopedia in exchange.

by **Kaledoria** » Wed Mar 11, 2020 7:17 am

I'll look deeper into it later. And also, I'd like to do the map, if you sent me a rough sketch.

But the really important question: What kind of story/play is this going to be? Character-focused or faction-focused? Plot-driven, character-driven or sandbox? (Read the last one as: Not driven at all and not interesting for me)

by **The Twelve Isles** » Wed Mar 11, 2020 10:42 am

Kaledoria wrote:I'll look deeper into it later. And also, I'd like to do the map, if you sent me a rough sketch.

But the really important question: What kind of story/play is this going to be? Character-focused or faction-focused? Plot-driven, character-driven or sandbox? (Read the last one as: Not driven at all and not interesting for me)

Sure, I'm almost finished with the basic outline of the map, I'll make sure to send it to you when I'm done.

As for what story/play will be, I'm going to let it be sort of sandbox at the beginning, as this is a large world with lots of places for people to start out, but I want to make it be a character driven RP fairly quickly. I'll probably try and introduce the overarching conflicts after a page or two so that everyone has time to set up their characters, make their allegiances known, and their goals in the world laid out in a more concrete way. After that, it will be character focused, with the overarching plot being the navigation of the three major conflicts currently presenting themselves, which is the Church and their work towards grabbing more power for themselves, the tensions between Aelmen and Humans and the possibility of race war because of it, and the rising threat to the East from the Empire Of The Holy Flame, as well as figuring out just what it is exactly that they want.

And ultimately, its the Holy Flame that is the real threat, but the people of Aetha can really only focus on the Holy Flame is they first put aside their own differences and conflicts.

by **Kaledoria** » Wed Mar 11, 2020 12:08 pm

Oh, I had hoped this Blight would be more prominent (the background so far mentions it a lot without giving details. I got a bit of a Dragon Age feeling there)

As far as Sandbox goes: The "you can be ANYONE" mentality tends to have people pick characters that later on simply do not fit into the same story. If you want to allow people to start allover the continent you should have everyone pick power-players in either a nation (Rulers or first-tier vassals of powerful rulers) or a power-player in an international faction.

And I did a map just for the fun of it (that did not take long and I am willing to jumble them all around.

)

by **The Twelve Isles** » Wed Mar 11, 2020 1:49 pm

Kaledoria wrote:Oh, I had hoped this Blight would be more prominent (the background so far mentions it a lot without giving details. I got a bit of a Dragon Age feeling there)

As far as Sandbox goes: The "you can be ANYONE" mentality tends to have people pick characters that later on simply do not fit into the same story. If you want to allow people to start allover the continent you should have everyone pick power-players in either a nation (Rulers or first-tier vassals of powerful rulers) or a power-player in an international faction.

And I did a map just for the fun of it (that did not take long and I am willing to jumble them all around. )
(Image)

Hmm. I like the way you're thinking about it. I still like the idea of giving everyone the chance to be anyone they want to within the story, (so long as it fits in the world of course,) seeing as I'm hoping to go for a more heroic fantasy sort of vibe rather than classic epic fantasy. After all, the world itself is fairly down to earth, with much of the conflict having to do with politics and war rather than an all out fight for global supremacy between good and evil. There are no true good guys, but on the other hand there are also no true bad guys either. But, having people be important members of the different nations, factions and groups would probably help to move the story along better, giving people more power to actually make real change in the world, either for better or for worse.

As for the Blight, I'm still working out what to do with them. Blight and the monsters it creates are something that I want to be an important part of the conflict and the story, but I'm not entirely sure how to fit them in yet, seeing as the Blight is almost more of a backdrop to explain how the world got to be this way, instead of the main focus. The age of heroes fighting the all reaching evil is over, and now its time for people to pick up the pieces that heroic wars leave behind. One of the things I was thinking of for Blight though is that considering they have been technically defeated, but are still technically a part of the world, a major part of the plot could be one faction or another trying to gain control over them in order to use them as an army, probably through the use of the Seven Lamps.

Also, the map definitely has the right vibe for what I'm looking for, though with a few alterations. For one, the location of everything would be flipped, though for the most part it is roughly in the correct spots. Also, there is a shit ton more land beyond the Final Wood, which is where Al'Rium Iin Dthöl Baesain, or the Holy Flame is located. No one really knows how large they are, but it is known that they extend far past where any current maps end. They are roughly the size of russia, though the people of Aetha only know about roughly a fifth of their entire territory.

by **UniversalCommons** » Wed Mar 11, 2020 5:45 pm

The blight does not necessarily have to be evil. It could be a neutral mutagen that is shaped by the energy put into it. For example it might lawful things more lawful and evil things more evil... A tool that easily can go out of control... and become dangerous... The more it is shaped, the more it takes on the shapers aspect, demonic, angelic, fire, cold, etc.

by **Great Franconia and Verana** » Thu Mar 12, 2020 12:31 am

This looks very promising; I will have to give it a closer read later but I am very curious.

A Time Of The Sword Is Nigh (A Fantasy RP (OOC Always Open))

A Time Of The Sword Is Nigh (A Fantasy RP (OOC Always Open))

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