The Phoenix League [OOC/Low Fantasy/Semi-Sandbox/OPEN]

[Doughertania]

IC/Archive

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The Phoenix League

Introduction

Hi there, and welcome to the Phoenix League, my attempt at a sandbox RP set in Swashbuckling, Low Fantasy setting! The setting is from an tabletop RP know as Seventh Sea. It's like Pirates of the Caribbean meets Witcher meets Renaissance Europe. Swashbuckling action and political intrigue are both equal parts in this RP, though you may decide which you wish to be involved in. Pistols and muskets are a thing, but they're expensive and unwieldy, so swords and the like are weapons of choice. Magic and alchemy are here, though only by use of those wealthy enough to pay for its secrets or with ancient blood in their veins. Monsters abound in the wilderness, gangs walk the streets, and the palaces of the world are full of intricate games and machinations.

The RP follows the Phoenix League, a secret society whose members are made up of all kinds of people; the rich and the poor, the rouges and the heroes, mages and alchemites. In fact, only a few commons strands tie the members togethers: they all apparently perished before awakening in the League's castle, and they all decided to stay instead of leaving when they were allowed to. Players will take the role of a Phoenix, a member of the League. You are mostly left to your own devices, but when you are summoned, you are expected to help the league's goal: to keep objects of great magical power out of the hands of those who would use it for evil, and to check the goals of the Inheritors.

My goal is for you to be able to have a lot of freedom. Here you can be nobility or a commoner, a soldier or a mercenary, a pirate or a naval officer. So long as you can explain why your assassin has magic in their veins and a penchant for alchemical wines, you're good. This extends to the storyline as well. Too many times I've seen RPs die because of a lack of an OP, even with sufficient interest. So, my goal is to help set up a system where even if I have to leave, the RP can continue on in my absence. In order for that to work, I'm allowing for anyone interested to create arcs that run parallel, or sometimes even in front of the main arc. All you have to do is TG me the idea of the arc, who you want involved, and what are you planning to do. So long as it isn't disruptive to the existing canon or to my arcs, you're good to go, and I'll approve it.

Finally, PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THIS!

There's a lot of lore. Like, a lot. A whole wiki full, plus stuff I made up. But here's the important part. You don't have to know it all. Promise. It's not something for me to trip you up with. It's there in case you're curious about the world that you'll be playing in, as well as a place to draw ideas from.

Got it? Good. Let's go make some stories!

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An Overview of Recent Events

It is an tremulous time to live in Théah. Despite only uniting in the last ten years, Avalon has thrust itself onto the world stage as global power, in small part to their victory over the Castillian Armada. Castille and Montaigne are at war, currently locked in a bitter stalemate at the border. Both countries have their own share of internal strife. Most Montaigne commoners are horribly impoverished, a stark contrast to the opulence of the aristocrats, and if nothing changes the dissatisfaction threatens to turn violent. Castille isn't fairing much better. With a 16 year old on the throne and still no Hierophant for the Vaticine Church, the country is largely at the mercy of the Inquisition. It is only thanks to the efforts of the Los Vagos that the people of Castille still have hope for the future.

Across the border, Eisen slowly rebuilds after a horrible civil war, the country's leadership shattered into seven Iron Princes. While they have a much better working relationship then the Vodacce merchant princes, the split into the separate territories has left Eisen without a stable defense against a renew threat of monsters. As if conjured from the bloodshed, monsters roam the earth with renewed vigor. This phenomena is not merely confined to Eisen; many places, such as pirate infested waters and the Castille/Montaigne border have also seen a resurgence of monsters.

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The Phoenix League and The Inheritors

There's one common thread that connects the members of the Phoenix League: they were all dead before they arrived. Before they joined the League, the members came from all walks of life. Nobleman and pauper, thief and merchant, pirate and soldier all lived their lived normal until their "accident." And whether it be from drowning, poisoning, starvation, stabbing or something equally gruesome, all members remember the world fading to black, then suddenly waking up in a new bed. Their stuff would be on a nearby table, repaired of any damage, and they would be given a choice: return to your old life or start a new one. Those who didn't chose to leave became members.

The Phoenix League offers it's members a chance to help give new life to that which is dead. The Syrneth artifacts are technological marvels, capable of benefiting all of Théah or in some instances destroying it. The Explorer's Society, once focused on discovering the artifact's purposes is now all too often in it for the wealth or prestige, content to hang the artifacts on the walls as decoration or in the private collection of a noble. The Invisible College is too busy saving Théah's knowledge from the Inquisition to care about ancient trinkets. And so it is up to the League to gather the artifacts, discover their uses, and use them to help benefit the lives of all Théans. The League also exists to combat alchemical, magical, and monstrous threats, acting as watchful guardians to much of Théah's mundane world. When members are not on mission, they are at the Citadel, a previously abandoned castle near the Eisen/Montaigne border. The Citadel has everything the League could need, including an alchemy lab, a workshop, a smith, and a vault for the artifacts.

Later, I will expound upon the League's sworn enemy, the Inheritors, who see themselves as the heirs to the Syrneth's technology and therefor the world.

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Magic, Alchemy, and Artifacts

Sorcery is a very real power in Théah. Almost every noble family has the dark gift running in its veins, although two nations — Castille and Eisen — are exceptions to the rule. Their sorcery is powerful and dangerous, each type demanding its own unique cost. It is a discipline that not all can, or should, attempt to master, but when its power is harnessed, it can change the fate of nations.

For those who are not fortunate enough to have magic coursing in their veins, there is a second option: alchemy. Learning the secrets of both mundane and mystical ingredients, alchemists serve a variety of functions in society, chief among them being healers and tinkerers. Many homes of the well to do can afford to hang alchemical globes instead of using candle light, and most ships embarking on long voyages try to leave port with an alchemist aboard. There are also black alchemists, those who are willing to use their talents to poison and destroy.

Although much more accessible than magic, alchemy is still relatively exclusive due to two factors: ingredients and training. While rural areas may have a healer using mundane ingredients are easy to come by, many alchemists insist on getting exotic materials from the Crescent Empire, Cathay, or even Syrneth ruins, which are both rare and pricey but are capable of many wondrous feats. Training is also hard to come by, as alchemists are very secretive about their recipes and formulas. This is also why advancements in alchemy are slow, those practicing it often have to rediscover the basics by themselves. But when there are advancements, it often has a far reaching impact on all of Théah. Such is the case of the alchemites.

Discovered by Alistair Promethean in an attempt to create a way to protect the body from the plague, alchemites are humans who gain superhuman powers through alchemical means. By inserting tubes into the wrists of patient, a collections of potions known as Promethean's Elixir are then drained into the bloodstream, permanently altering them. Once a human becomes an alchemite, there is no way to reverse the process, although more concentrated Elixir can be added at an unknown risk. The more concentrated the Elixir, the more powers given to the alchemite, but with significantly more physical changes and a greater risk of death from the procedure. The procedure should only be done by trained experts with equipment modeled after Promethean's original Syrneth devices, and as such is fairly expensive for a professional job. Unfortunately, due to the lucrativeness of the business, many black alchemists have begun to perform the procedures as well, often with a fairly high mortality rate and a very lowly concentrated Elixir.

While the effects of Promethean's Elixir vary depending on the procedure, the ingredients in the Elixir, and the person, a few similar traits have emerged. All alchemites with a "professional" concentration level of Elixir have at least one attribute heightened to superhuman levels (strength, speed, agility, reflexes, senses etc.) and at least one other random attribute known as a mutation (think X-Men). Those with low concentrations may not have any powers. Due to the concoction altering their bloodstream, all alchemites are highly resistant to toxins and disease, can no longer use magic if they could before, and are sterile. They also have decelerated aging, living twice as long as normal humans. Alchemites are recognizable through a few different means. All have some kind of random physical change, such as animal ears, tails, or permanent discolorations of the flesh. They will also will have permanent scars on their wrists where the tubes were inserted.

People become alchemites for a number of reasons. Many nobles who do not have magic, especially in Montaigne, undergo the process in an attempt to gain supernatural powers similar to their peers. Some mercenaries, thieves or other people of ill repute attempt to find an edge over their rivals. There are also cases of this being a last resort for those dying of incurable diseases, hoping the Elixir will do the job the alchemist could not. On a more sinister note, there is rumor that Inquisition is attempting to turn magic users into alchemites in an effort to end sorcery for good, but this has yet to be proven.

Despite the benefits, life as an alchemite isn't easy. Most Théans see alchemites as curiosities at best and abominations at worst. Some nobles see them as a threat to their natural gifts of sorcery, while superstitious commoners see them as affront to God and nature itself. As such, it isn't uncommon to see discrimination towards them, especially among the lower class. They face much persecution in Castille and Montaigne, though not by Montaigne's aristocrats. Eisen's Iron Princes each has their own opinion of them, ranging from welcoming them openly to open hostility. Ussura is largely accepting of them, carrying more of their work ethic then their blood. Avalon is mostly neutral towards them, as are the Vendel. The Vodacce are probably the most accepting of alchemites, though this is more because of the Princes' hope to gain a leg up against their brothers.

Finally, the ruins of a society far older than man’s lie scattered across Théah. Some sit in ruined cities beneath the earth, while others lie on an extensive string of islands in the western seas. The race which built them — known as the Syrne — has remained unknown, but it is clear that they were not human. While their origins remain a mystery, the ruins are a treasure haven for daring men and women. Strange artifacts and wondrous inventions have been pulled from their depths, resulting in a great amount of puzzling… and an even greater amount of wealth.

For more on magic, click here. For more on artifacts, click here. For more on alchemites, TG me.

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World Factions

Within each of the boxes, I've included the link to the wiki for you to get more info. Here is the official core rulebook, just in case you wanted even more information. As with all the information, it is not mandatory to read the PDF. It's there in case you need it.

Also, here's the map of Théah for visualization sake.

Secret Societies and Other Factions
Aside from the Phoenix League and the Heralds of the Void, Théah is home to many factions outside of the countries. Click the names to be taken to the wiki page, though I highly recommend reading the PDF if you want a more in-depth understanding of the societies below.

The Invisible College - A secretive band of academics who work to protect scientific progress from the fires of the Inquisition.

The Knights of the Rose and Cross - An ancient order of adventurers, seeking to bring justice to the unjust and to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Die Kreuzritter - A group of holy Vaticine Knights, mostly wiped out centuries ago by a traitorous political ruler.

The Rilasciare - Best known as the Free Thinkers, the Rilasciare promote free will and self-determination through a range of extremely unorthodox tactics. More information can be found in the PDF, as this does not have a wiki page

Sophias Daughters - A union of mostly Vodacce women seeking equality and political power by covert means.

Promethean’s Children - Formally, this group provides food, water and living spaces for alchemites, as well as advocates for their equal rights. On the side, it also funds and equips vigilantes who protect alchemites from the more violent elements who would do their community harm. Some see them as heroes, defending the downtrodden in much the same way the Knights of the Rose and Cross do. For others, they are terrorists, harming law abiding citizens and undermining the authority of local law enforcement. For more information, just ask me.

The Vaticine Church
Théah’s principal religion — the Church of the Prophets, or Vaticine Church — has many elements similar to European Catholicism, but also some key philosophical differences. Aside from a slightly different iconography, the Church embraces science as a means of understanding the Creator’s world, and encourages the proliferation of knowledge through schools and universities. Because of its efforts, Théans have made several scientific breakthroughs that would not occur on Earth until centuries later.

Unfortunately, the Church has a darker side as well. Théah has only just emerged from the thirty year long “War of the Cross,” a struggle between traditional Vaticines and a reform movement known as Objectionism. The war involved every nation on the continent, and left the country of Eisen in shattered pieces. As if this weren’t bad enough, a sinister Inquisition has recently seized power within the Church, threatening to transform it into an instrument of terror. Only time will tell if they succeed.

Los Vagos - Led by a mysterious masked man, these hidden crusaders protect the people of Castille from enemies both within and without.

Explorers Society - One of the most prominent “gentleman’s clubs” in Théah, a multinational organization dedicated to studying the past and discovering her geography.

The Brotherhood of the Coast - Haunting La Boca de Cielo, the Brotherhood of the Coast has declared war on the world. They were originally the inhabitants of the impregnable Castillian prison island known as La Bucca. A sudden outbreak of the plague caused a complete panic, allowing the prisoners to capture the island and two supply ships docked on the shore. A few successful attacks against Vodacce merchantmen later, the inmates had built a small fleet and declared themselves a nation of free men. Now they roam the southern coast of Théah and have proven to be a scourge to shipping.

Their leader is a man named Allende. There are confused reports identifying him as either a Crescent or a Castillian. Most people believe him to be a sorcerer, since the first mate of a Montaigne man-of-war has testified that he placed his pistol directly against Allende’s chest and fired it off. Allende was thrown overboard, but was otherwise unharmed. Since this incident his men have become fanatically loyal to him, believing him blessed with good fortune.

The Brotherhood attacks mostly Montaigne and Vodacce shipping. They only occasionally attack Castillian ships, which lends some support to the reports that Allende is a Castillian.

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The Vesten Raiders - The Vesten Raiders haunt the northern waters of Théah, attacking any merchant ships that cross their paths. Often rowing their longships out of chilly fogbanks to surprise unwary merchants, the Raiders have the powers of several Vestenmannavnjar sorcerers at their disposal, as well as a number of stout Eisen mercenaries. There is little the Vendel fear more than the steady thrumming of their heavy drums, beating time for the oars as the Runemasters steal the wind from the sails of their chosen victims.

When they first appear, the Vesten Raiders blow a ram’s horn three times. Their victim then has a choice: lower sails and surrender, or fight to the last man. The Vesten are not interested in taking prisoners, as their own men work the oars more reliably than any chained slave. However, in spite of this ‘no prisoners’ policy, the Vesten are careful to leave one man alive from each crew who fights them, to spread the word of their deeds far and wide.

Hysterical stories have begun to circulate about ships with rune-covered figureheads which can spit lightning, and battle-maddened Raiders wearing horned helmets and shrugging off blows that should have killed them. Sensible merchants ignore these rum-induced tales, but there’s no mistaking that the Vesten Raiders are a serious threat to Vendel shipping. A huge reward awaits anyone who rids the Vendel League of this thorn in their side.

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The Crimson Roger - This ‘group’ of pirates consists of a single ship named the Crimson Roger. They are brutal, bloodthirsty men led by an equally fearsome captain. No quarter is ever offered to their victims, and no prisoners are ever taken. The pirates simply attack, murdering everyone they find. Ships carrying cargoes of Syrneth artifacts seem to be most at risk from them, as though they can somehow sense the presence of such devices. The only eyewitness accounts of these pirates come from the captain of His Lordship’s Mistress, a merchant brigantine that managed to escape the Crimson Roger after her sister ship, The Grey Dog, was plundered. Apparently, the pirates used strange devices, possibly of Syrneth origin, in the fight. The captain was a tall man with curly black hair who wielded a strange scythe, effortlessly cutting through man and metal alike.

As His Mistress sailed away in a panic, the mysterious pirate Captain hollered out for them to hear, “Run, you dogs, and tell the world what you’ve seen of the Crimson Roger and Captain Reis! Next time we meet, I’ll split you all from top to bottom!” The captain of the brigantine was so distressed by this threat that he retired and refused to go to sea ever again. It seemed as though his instincts were correct: within a month his old ship vanished at sea. The captain himself was found in his study a week later, split in half by some fearsome weapon. Written in blood upon the wall was the word “Reis.”

Queen Elaine of Avalon has offered an 8,000 Guilder reward for proof of Reis’ death, which would presumably include his unusual scythe.

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The Sea Dogs - Operating along the northern and western coasts of Théah, the Sea Dogs focus their attacks on Montaigne and Castillian ships. These pirates sail in small, maneuverable sloops, and never harm Avalon ships. It has been suggested that there is some connection between these men and Queen Elaine, but she denies sponsorship of the Sea Dogs. The rulers of the other countries are not convinced of her sincerity.

There are several Sea Dogs seemingly acting independently of each other, but the most famous of them is Jeremiah Berek, captain of the Black Dawn. Captain Berek is a dashing, handsome man whose crew would follow him into the Abyss itself. Cynical comments made by other captains suggest that Berek uses Glamour to cultivate this unnatural loyalty among his men, but there is no hard evidence of this.

Captain Berek and the other Sea Dogs appeared at the battle with the Castillian Armada. Berek’s ingenuity and leadership during the fight contributed immeasurably to the Avalon victory. Of course, this only strengthens the claims that he is working for Queen Elaine.

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Captain Gosse’s Crew - There are more stories told about Captain Philip Gosse than any other pirate. Serving in the Montaigne navy some forty years ago, he quickly rose through the ranks and befriended Hernando Ochoa, a priest with most unorthodox views. ‘Chaplain’ Ochoa was an atheist who advocated a lifestyle in which all members share the work, and its fruits, equally. Completely converted to the priest’s beliefs, Gosse convinced the crew to mutiny and turn pirate.

Sailing the seas in search of merchants, they reportedly never took a life unless circumstances demanded it. Often, the crews of the ships they raided would join as well, sailing under the capable leadership of Captain Gosse. Knowing Gosse’s reputation, most crews surrendered without a fight. Eventually, Gosse and his men tired of the piratical life and settled down on a distant island, modeling their society after Chaplain Ochoa’s beliefs.

Captain Gosse was considered a bedtime story until two years ago, when a barely seaworthy schooner sailed up to a merchant ship in Avalon’s waters and boarded her. A kindly old man led the pirates, declaring to one and all that he was Captain Gosse. Not only did the pirates treat their prisoners civilly, they left them ample stores with which to reach land, and even threw a drunken party with the captured crewmen. The victims of this not-so-nefarious crime were left to wonder at their good fortune as Gosse shared one final toast with them, then left them to find their way home. It is uncertain whether this signifies Gosse’s return to piracy, or if he was simply longing for one last voyage on which to relive his distant youth.

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Kheried-Din’s Corsairs - Of all the pirates in Théah, perhaps none are more feared than Kheired-Din’s Corsairs. Hailing from the Empire of the Crescent Moon, the corsairs appear without warning and sack entire towns. In contrast to his western contemporaries, Kheired-Din is more famous for taking prisoners than for raising the red flag. It is unknown how they slip past the garrison forts on the Vodacce Keys, but they have carried off thousands of innocent Théans over the past twenty years. None of these people have ever been heard from again. It’s as if they’ve fallen off the end of the world.

The corsairs prefer large galleys, both for the manpower and the cargo room it allots them. During a typical raid, they land near a city, then charge into the town in a demonic howling mob. They kill and loot indiscriminately, attempting to capture as many slaves as possible, then load their captives onto the galleys and force them to row towards whatever dubious fate awaits them.

None of the corsairs are as frightening as Kheired-Din himself, however. An enormous, muscular Crescent, his fiery red beard is unique among his people. A fastidious follower of the Second Prophet, he has been known to kill any sorcerers he encounters. His wrath is famous as well; it is said that he once fed one of his crew to a shoal of sirens when he caught the man drinking aboard ship. The Church has offered a reward of 10,000 Guilders for proof of Kheired- Din’s death.

There is also the Pirate Nation. Formed by Captain Gosse, all major pirate crews are represented there, as well as any smaller independent crews trying to make a name for themselves. Here crews can gain more men, organize for bigger scores, and create the code of honor they all will follow

Ursura (Russia)
In the frozen northwest is a land strange and foreign to the rest of Théah. Those who visit Ussura return to tell tales of a land five hundred years behind the times. Their soldiers still use axes and wooden shields, wear furs and skins, grow their beards to their knees and barter rather than use currency.

While Ussura may still be living in the twelfth century, she is a land that looks out for her own. Invading armies have discovered that to be a literal truth. “Grandmother Winter” seems very alive in Ussura, throwing snow and ice on those who have violated her borders, while her grandchildren remain safe from her cold clutches. It is almost as if the land itself were alive and aware, blessing her own and obliterating those who are not. It is also rumored that some among the Ussurans are able to communicate with beasts such as wolves and bears, but that is no doubt peasant superstition.

The ruler of Ussura, Gaius Ilya, is a beautiful young man with a brutal and deadly temper. While the advice of the Knias Council of Boyars is supposed to guide the Gaius’ decisions, Ilya has shown on many occasions his devout hatred of their kind. One boyar who defied his wishes was thrown to his own dogs while the Gaius watched, sipping vodka and making conversation with the doomed man’s fellow council members.

Ussura is a land of brutal winters, savage justice and black humor.

And the Ussurans wouldn’t want it any other way.

For more information, click here

Vendel/Vestenmannavnjar (Norway/Denmark)
A little over a 150 years ago, the island nation north of Eisen was still known as Vestenmannavnjar (ves-ten-mahn-nahven-yar). With the rise to power of the trade guilds, the name of the nation changed. Vendel is the name now used by the portion of Vestenmannavnjar society who have chosen to turn their back on what they see as an outdated and superstitious heritage in favor of a more pragmatic, financially based society.

The Vendel, as they are now known throughout Théah, are the most successful and ruthless tradesmen in the known world. They control all economics in the northern half of Théah, sharing the southern portion with the Vodacce merchant princes. The advent of their coinage, the Guilder, has revolutionized Théan commerce by creating a currency recognized all across the world (except, of course, in rival Vodacce).

Fringe communities of Vestenmannavnjar still exist. Living in comparatively primitive circumstances, they continue to follow their traditions and practice the runic magic of their fathers and grandfathers. They tell the same stories they’ve told for hundreds of years about gods and heroes, a mythology that is a living force and stands beside them every day. And they wait for the day when their myths will walk again and cast down those who doubted.

For more information, click here

Vodacce (Italy)
Vodacce is a family at war. What began centuries ago as a quarrel between noble brothers has ended in a nation divided. The seven main
isles of Vodacce are each controlled by a branch of that family. Each one competes fiercely with its siblings for trade, wealth, and reputation, and in Vodacce the end always justifies the means.

Built along a network of canalways, the houses of Vodacce rise to the sky by standing one on top of the other. Beneath the city runs the most extensive labyrinth of catacombs known anywhere in Théah. The complexity of its architecture is mirrored by the hearts and minds of its citizens. If the eyes are the windows to the soul, the eyes of the Vodacce are hooded and hidden behind elaborate lattices. The men of Vodacce are its public face, full of cunning and bravado. Behind that facade stand the Fate Witches. Somber-clad and silent, they
see and manipulate the threads of chance. Rumors of Vodacce witchery are varied and terrible. Fierce Eisen warriors have been known to cut down a dozen Vodacce men on a field of battle, only to flee from the countenance of one of the witches for fear her gaze might steal their very souls.

Vodacce is like a land filled with black cats, an unlucky place to be unless all of the cats belong to you.

For more information, click here

Eisen (Germany)
The drachen, the most sacred creature of folklore and mythology, best represents the character of the Eisen soul. They are a people of indomitable will and incredible courage. Like the Castillians, they possess no sorcerous heritage, but their dracheneisen (“dragon iron”) armor is all the magic they need; not even gunfire can penetrate a breastplate made from Eisen steel. This, coupled with the best military schools in Théah, made the Eisen the greatest military force in the world. However, the Iron Princes have seen better times.

They are at present little more than a living testament to the cost of Théah’s longest and bloodiest war. The nation of Eisen has fallen into bickering baronies, all squabbling for the most precious piece of war-ravaged mud. Any other nation would surrender to the despair that surrounds them.

But there is no word in the Eisen language for “surrender.”

Much of the nobility has left behind their blasted lands in search of foreign fortune, making Eisen’s once great military into a mighty mercenary force. The richest of Eisen’s river cities — Freiburg — has also turned mercenary, declaring to one and all that “No Questions” shall be asked of any who enter. However, some of Eisen’s nobility have not given up the dream of war, and deep within her borders, the Eisenfürsten (“Iron Princes”) are slowly rebuilding their strength. One day, when Eisen does look for a single leader, one of them will be there to take the mantle.

For more information, click here

Montaigne (France)
Just south of Avalon, just north of Castille, just west of Eisen — at the center of the world — is Montaigne, ruled by the Empereur of the West, Léon Alexandre du Montaigne, the most powerful monarch in Théah. Tall, beautiful and elegant, he is the heart of high culture — just ask him.

For every other civilized nation that cares, Montaigne defines fashion, civilization, music, art and enlightenment. The greatest courts are in Montaigne. The best food is in Montaigne. All of Théah’s nobility wear clothing inspired by Montaigne patterns. They build palaces that mimic Montaigne architecture. Montaigne is a country where the question “Why?” went out of style long ago, to be replaced with the answer “Because I want it.”

The Empereur’s personal escort, le Garde de Solei, are among the finest fencers in Théah. Their reputation is legendary throughout the known world, and every swordsman dreams of one day being able to count himself among their number. They are hand-selected to serve the Empereur and their duty is to protect him from all dangers, no matter the cost. With a man like l’Empereur, that duty has a high price.

For more information, click here

Castille (Spain)
The Castillians are a passionate people, and their passion can be seen in their music, their food, even their language. Of all the nations of Théah, their culture is the most diverse, having influences from all across the continent, even from the Empire of the Crescent Moon. However, the most important and potent influence in recent years has been the Vaticine Church.

Over four hundred years ago, in a bloody war, the capital of the Church moved from Vodacce to Castille, shifting the balance of power in Théah forever. Because of the Church, Castille has a university in every city, making them the most educated nation in Théah. It also sponsors public health programs, aqueducts and medical centers, providing health and medicine to anyone who is in need. Castille boasts that its nobility are not “tainted” by the dark art of sorcery, an unusual claim in Théah.

However, trouble has befallen Castille. Just before his death, Castille’s aging king exiled his eldest son in a fit of rage, leaving a beardless boy to inherit the throne. Needless to say, Good King Sandoval is no match for the cunning and wiles of Théah’s more mature and experienced nobility, but he does have one ally: the man known only as “El Vago.” This masked figure and his league of confederates have protected the king from treachery on too many occasions to enumerate. However, there are those in Castille who would like to see The Vagabond on the end of a rope, thus putting Good King Sandoval in their ambitious hands.

For more information, click here

Avalon (Britain, Ireland, and Scotland)
Three crowns united under one throne, the united kingdoms of Avalon are also known as the Glamour Isles. Queen Elaine rules over Avalon, James MacDuff II rules the clans of the Highland Marches and John O’Bannon rules Inismore, the emerald isle. Only in the last decade have the Glamour Isles made an impact in world politics. A decade ago, their tiny navy defeated the Castillian armada, the largest naval force in Théah. They have broken away from the Vaticine Church and united their warring island kingdoms for the first time in history. It is an uncertain alliance, however, one that could fall into open warfare at any moment.

The Avalons are a proud people, known best for their relationship to the Sidhe (pronounced shee), an ancient race who practice the magic called “Glamour.” The Sidhe have given this magic to the Avalons who use it against their enemies. Always off the coast of Avalon is the homeland of the Sidhe, Bryn Bresail, a phantom island whose location shifts as often as the tides.

Avalon has no standing army, but it does have one of the most cunning fleets on the seas. Commanded by Captain Jeremiah Berek, the Sea Dogs have proven to be the terror of the Castillian and Montaigne navies. While Elaine officially denies sanctioning their actions, there is no doubt that Avalon’s wealth has grown since they began their forays into piracy. Whenever the beautiful Queen of Avalon is asked about Berek’s actions, she only smiles and shakes her head. “If he is ever brought before me,” she once said, “I will make certain he gets exactly what he deserves.” Avalon is also home to the Knights of the Table, a group of elite men sworn to serve Avalon's royal family.

For more information, click here

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Character App Form

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[align=center][size=115][color=#BF4000]Character App[/color] (PLEASE DELETE EVERYTHING IN PARENTHESIS)[/size][/align]

[align=center][img](Appearance URL Here)[/img][/align]

[b]Name:[/b]

[b]Age:[/b] (can be an estimate, like mid 20's)

[b]Bloodline:[/b] (human, alchemite, mage)

[b]Gender, Sex, and Sexuality:[/b]
 
[b]Personality:[/b] (how they interact with others, are they outgoing, are they trusting, are they quick to anger, are they ruled by passion or logic, etc.)

[b]Skills: (I am giving you guys a little freedom here, but do not go overboard, and explain anything too powerful)[/b]

[b]Powers:[/b] (If you're an alchemite, what supernatural ability do you have? If you're a Mage, what bloodline are you? If you're human, don't worry about this)

[b]Weaknesses[/b] (You need at least two, a physical one and a personality flaw. Must make sense with your backstory and powers, and if someone exploits it you must treat this as a weakness.)

[b]Faction:[/b] (Unless you're making an NPC, this should be the Phoenix League)

[b]Occupation:[/b] (what do you do for the League?)

[b]Bio:[/b] (at least a paragraph. Please include where you're from, what you did before the league, how you died, why you stayed, how long you've been a member,  and anything else relevant to your character. You can expand it in the IC, but I want at least these points addressed)

[b]Character Story:[/b] (different from your bio. This is your characters goal in life. If they were the main character in a novel, this would be what their arc would be about. Things like self improvement, finding a cause, or revenge works here.)

[b]Equipment, Weapons, and Vehicles:[/b] (don't go crazy, and if it's powerful/expensive you must have a good explanation why you have it)

[b]Likes and Dislikes:[/b](Please include their feeling about alchemites and mages)

[b]RP example:[/b](if I don't know you, please give me a direct link to a post your proud of. If you don't have one, write your death scene. If I know you, feel free to make a witty remark about how you don't need to)

---

Rules

1. Obey the OP (Myself) and CO-OPs (TBD). I have the final say in all disputes.
2. No one-liners. Ever. If you make a one-liner post, you will receive one mark. If you get three marks, you will be booted. Remember, quality of posts is far better than quantity of posts. If you're having trouble, start delving into your character's thoughts. How are they feeling about things that are going on? Why are they reacting the way they are?
3. No godmodding. And if you have a char v. charr fight, you must make certain to work directly with the other author to determine how the fight will end.
4. No killing or harming another character without their author's permission, unless I personally declare that such damage is necessary.
5. If you are leaving the RP, please notify me in the OOC or through TG.
6. Try to have a decent level or realism. I don't expect perfection, but as I read through what you write, I want it to make sense in my mind.
7. Most importantly, don't be a jerk. Treat everyone with the same respect that you want them to give you. If you cause too much trouble, you will be banned.

[Doughertania]

Reserved

[Doughertania]

Also Reserved

[Relikai]

tag

[Miraaki]

Hai

[Doughertania]

tag

Welcome aboard!

Hai

Hey Mira. Welcome!

[Miraaki]

Finished reading OP

There goes my foxgirl mage...

Foxgirl alchemical master it is then

[Tracian Empire]

Tag

[Sindrya]

"They were all dead before they arrived"

So, like, medieval Kagerou Project/Mekaku City Actors?

[Bycrest]

You make really convincing openings you know that. Tag.

[Relikai]

Is access to Cathay-inspired characters available?

[Great Confederacy of Commonwealth States]

Owww, I don't have time for this.

So expect an app soon.

[Sky-TheLandOfNekos]

*Wants to bring in Violet*

*Is unsure of how to convert the character*

[Saleon]

It's not like I tagged you or anything!!!!! ~BAAAAAAAKAAAA!

[Shyluz]

Morning.

[Doughertania]

Finished reading OP

There goes my foxgirl mage...

Foxgirl alchemical master it is then

Sorry about that, but magic with superpowers would be a little unbalanced. Alchemy's still cool though.

Tag

Welcome!

"They were all dead before they arrived"

So, like, medieval Kagerou Project/Mekaku City Actors?

I don't watch anime, so maybe? Just know that this isn't heaven, hell, or some sort of limbo state. As far as anyone knows, you were dead, and now you're back. But not as a zombie or a thrall, but a real person.

>:(
You make really convincing openings you know that. Tag.

Thanks! I think.

Is access to Cathay-inspired characters available?

Yes. You may play as characters from Cathay or the Crescent Empire, but due to their isolationist nature little is known about them and the Phoenix League has little to know footholds in their territory.

Owww, I don't have time for this.

So expect an app soon.

Glad to hear it!

*Wants to bring in Violet*

*Is unsure of how to convert the character*

Well, demons aren't really a thing here as far as anyone knows. Also, almost every supernatural creature either has only bestial intelligence, or are intelligent but malicious. You could make her a foxgirl alchemite with either teleportation or arcane energy manipulation.

(Image)
It's not like I tagged you or anything!!!!! ~BAAAAAAAKAAAA!

Love you too Sal

Morning.

Morning! Glad to have you aboard.

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

Ahem....

Hola.

[Nea Videssos]

Character App

Name: Céleste de Lautrec-Valcabrère de Pardaillan

Age: TBD.

Bloodline: TBD.

Gender, Sex, and Sexuality: Trap Male, Male, Pansexual

Personality: TBD.

Skills: Swordsmanship. More stuff goes here.

Powers: TBD.

Weaknesses Physically weak. [Insert moar here].

Faction: Phoenix League

Occupation: TBD.

Bio: TBD.

Céleste was born to a long-declining, though still rather wealthy noble family in southern Montaigne, former dukes who lost much of their power, and their dukedom, around four hundred years ago. A rival family to the west, the house de Fézensac, had long feuded with them, and often did all it could to cause problems for them. [Insert reason here, possibly threatened by the more powerful family that the sons of their current family head would be killed by them], Céleste was raised to masquerade as a girl, and his feminine appearance made this an easy task. His first time at a gathering of the elite in a popular haunt of the nobility, made it clear that no one saw through the use. The others saw him as an elegant young girl, and one who would grow up to become one of the most beautiful daughters of house de Lautrec-Valcabrère de Pardaillan. He held a fondness for books, fine wine and food as much as falconry, animals and horse-riding. A particular fondness for fencing and swordsmanship despite his attempts to veer towards more feminine things ended up creating an unusual reputation from an early age.

He became a renowned swordsman, though publicly a female, whom some heralded as the second coming of a famous Montaigne female knight from centuries ago. At some point, he even ended up in the Emperor's Sun Guard. "She" was thought of as something of a novelty, though at the same time Céleste's skill with a blade was widely acknowledged. Things were to take a turn for the worse, when one of the emperor's closest advisers took an unusual amount of interest in Céleste. That progressed further, until Céleste openly refused his advances. Before long he was in deep trouble. He was arrested under a variety of suspicious charges, though not without cost, before being incarcerated in the dungeons of Charouse. What happened there is best left unspoken, though needless to say, it was neither quick nor painless.

Character Story: TBD.

Equipment, Weapons, and Vehicles: TBD.

Likes and Dislikes:TBD.

RP example:

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

Vid, your app scares me already...

[Miraaki]

WIP.

Character App

(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)(Image)

Name: Céleste de Lautrec-Valcabrère de Pardaillan

Age: TBD.

Bloodline: TBD.

Gender, Sex, and Sexuality: Trap Male, Male, Pansexual

Personality: TBD.

Skills: Swordsmanship. More stuff goes here.

Powers: TBD.

Weaknesses Physically weak. [Insert moar here].

Faction: Phoenix League

Occupation: TBD.

Bio: TBD.

Character Story: TBD.

Equipment, Weapons, and Vehicles: TBD.

Likes and Dislikes:TBD.

RP example:

(Image)

That RP example made me fall out of my chair laughing
Nyaruko, I love you so much

[Yuzhou]

See, you say I don't need all the lore...

But naturally I must know all the lore.
Then I have to exert effort into making a good character.

This is a process.

[Galnius]

Took ye long enough

[Galnius]

I noticed how Wales was not included as a nation...pray tell what that would be called? And may we have a character from its mystifying highlands?

[Relikai]

Character App

Name: Izumo Kaga

Age: 24

Bloodline: Mage

Gender, Sex, and Sexuality: Female, Female, Straight

Personality: Kaga reacts to Logic, is confused about Passion. Romance talk would often result in negative experiences as she recovers from her trauma. Kaga remains serious and committed to completing objectives, as well as being a diligent learner of the ways of the world. She talks in a dignified manner, often having an unintentional air of exoticism and nobility around her, although she did not mean to exert anything over her peers.

Skills: Expert marksmanship with the bow, Good wielder of daggers, Cooking, Acrobatic, Housekeeping, Identifying Items, Knowledge in Lore.

Powers: Jing Heung / Huan Shu

Weaknesses Kaga, being a magic user, has sacrificed much of her stamina for the empowerment of her magics. Kaga is untrustworthy of males, and given a chance to kill a member of the slave trade, would go all out without regards for her safety or strategy.

Faction: Phoenix League

Occupation: Cook, Hunter, Archer.

Bio:
Izumo Kaga hailed from Cathay as a member of Clan Izumo. Born into a noble family, Kaga was trained in the ways of a Lady to be wed to another clan when she became of age. Often sneaking out at night to hunt wild animals with her servant, Kaga honed her archery and magic skills during her formative years in the shelter of her home. Her knowledge of Huan Shu has reached a respectable level where she could sacrifice her stamina for an enhancement of her abilities, being an outstanding user of the magic within her family.

At age 23, disaster struck when the Izumo Clan was betrayed, and Kaga was taken in as a trophy for the sadistic heir to the Wuzhang Clan. Instead of keeping her as a wife, the heir who hated the ethnicity of the Izumos had Kaga thrown into a cage with the slaves of his House, leaving the girl to be raped and abused in almost every comprehensible way by desperate people. Kaga survived the ordeal for fourteen days, but was reduced to a hollow shell of her self. Robbed of her honour and dignity, the remaining survivor of the Izumo Clan was hung by her arms, naked, and left to die in the center of Wuzhang's House as a sign of superiority where Kaga lasted another two days before a soldier who was raping her decided that it would be nicer to screw a corpse. A spear through her chest ended her life, but Kaga only felt bliss at that moment.

Izumo Kaga awoke to the call of the Phoenix League. It was here that her knowledge of Lore and Rumours told her that the Wuzhang might be harbouring members who were enemies of the League. Also, Kaga felt that she had a chance to start anew and deliver her revenge and justice in accordance to the ways of the Phoenix League. She has been with the League for three days, a new member.

Character Story: Izumo Kaga seeks revenge, and seeks to redeem the honour of the Izumo Family. While vengeance occupies her heart, and the act preceding having children being the source of her nightmares, Kaga knew that she has to overcome them one day. A trustworthy male, if they ever exist, a secure life and a duty to uphold. These are the things Izumo Kaga would pledge her life to fulfilling.

Equipment, Weapons, and Vehicles: Longbow, two Steel Daggers, Cathayian Clothes (Izumo[Japanese] Culture), a magical pendant bearing the sigil of the Izumo Clan granting Kaga a bonus to the magic of Huan Shu.

Likes and Dislikes: Raw Fish, Meat, Hunting, Cooking, Cleaning, Praying, Reading. Sees Alchemists as having a place in society, and fearful of their possible jealousy towards Mages. Sees Mages as people with tremendous power, being one herself, and feels that power in the wrong Mages could cause popular opinion to turn against the rest of them.

RP example:

Blood continued to drip from her feet, as Kaga swayed in the cold night wind of Cathay. She has been hanging for a day or two... Kaga never kept note. Her mind was gone, ripped and taken from her just like her virginity when the slaves held her to the ground. Despite holding on, despite resisting as much as she could, and despite being a mage, Kaga eventually broke, her body before her mind. Fourteen days. Fourteen days of being in a slave pit, left alone during the day, and never lacking the company of a male at night. The smell, the sights, everything was ingrained into Kaga as her body betrayed her. Her honour was lost, her dignity rendered into nothingness.

The man stood in front of the naked girl, nodding as he took in her form, her pale skin and womanly features. Kaga was hanging, motionless, filled with several diseases contracted from filth, malnutrition and exposure to the elements. Her sight has deteriorated to the point where she could not see in the dark, a perpetual darkness which spared her the images of her tormentors. Kaga retained her sense of smell, and she did smell him, that stinking odor given a smell of moisture by the cold dank air, as she felt the process all over again. Of course, nothing changes, only her tormentors. Has she serviced over a hundred?

Kaga shook with fear as she bit her lip, laughing softly at the abuse of her body, it's punishment for betraying her mind. Deranged, Kaga has lost her sense of self, of sanity, and it was a merciful act when she felt a punch on her chest.

Kaga could not see.

She could not see the shaft of the spear protruding between her breasts, the spearhead piercing her cleanly through the body and out of her back.

Kaga could not see.

The smile of the guard as he maniacally increased his motions, seeing the doll give off a soft smile.

Kaga could not see.

But darkness was what she always wanted to see.

[Doughertania]

See, you say I don't need all the lore...

But naturally I must know all the lore.
Then I have to exert effort into making a good character.

This is a process.

If you want to read it all, I won't stop you. Good luck!

I noticed how Wales was not included as a nation...pray tell what that would be called? And may we have a character from its mystifying highlands?

I pulled all the nations from Seventh Sea, so I'm not 100% sure. I think you can look into the Highland Marshes, which is one of the three islands that make up Avalon.

Relikai, I'll look at your app now.