Somewhere in the Dark (Fantasy) [RETIRED]

[Zarkenis Ultima]

That's funny, I had a somewhat similar idea for a fereni character lined up Sans for the elder part that is. At any rate, yeah, that seems perfectly fine, I don't mind at all. As for their personality, well, it can vary just as much as it can vary in a human, but they do display a tendency to be a little more whimsical, perhaps mischievous indeed at times, though not overly so (and not nearly in the same malicious ways as Shayit can be with no provocation). Regarding their attitude towards authority, as mentioned they can be fiercely loyal to their royalty (of which there can be quite a few at any given time), but whether or not that extends to figures of authority from other races will depend on whether the Fereni believe they earned that spot or not.

Okay what about an order of wanderers which follow his philosophy? Races varying, numbers extremely low, ranging from friendly monster hunters to healers to esoteric mystics, all preaching and practicing an ideology of tolerance, peace, and community?

That sounds quite alright. You're free to introduce factions like that if you want. Like it says in the worldbuilding guidelines as long as you don't step over anything else that's been made before you're all good.

[Hinzland]

Okay what about an order of wanderers which follow his philosophy? Races varying, numbers extremely low, ranging from friendly monster hunters to healers to esoteric mystics, all preaching and practicing an ideology of tolerance, peace, and community?

That sounds quite alright. You're free to introduce factions like that if you want. Like it says in the worldbuilding guidelines as long as you don't step over anything else that's been made before you're all good.

Sounds good. I might need help with a name (I have an English name lined up, but I’d like some suggestions for a Fereni name as well). The name I was thinking for the faction was “The Righteousness Path”, with members usually traveling in pairs, a “Teacher” and a “Student”, moving from settlement to settlement, doing things as innocuous as helping with the harvest, usually only asking a bed and a hot meal in return, to things such as monster slaying and treasure hunting in the more adventurous of the bunch.

They’d have an annual meeting somewhere, probably in that one main city on the central island? (I forget the name, however if you have a more friendly place in mind I’m open to edits and suggestions), where’d they would meet and greet, exchanging students with eachother for the next year, taking in new initiates, and ordaining new teachers. The Vagrant King would rarely show up for these meetings, as he’s mostly just the founder/face of the movement, and not directly involved in running of it (there’s not much to run as it’s mostly a spiritual movement, not really an organization, and there’s no centralized hierarchy, as most things would be run by general consent).

Anyways, I’ll start writing an app tonight.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

That sounds quite alright. You're free to introduce factions like that if you want. Like it says in the worldbuilding guidelines as long as you don't step over anything else that's been made before you're all good.

Sounds good. I might need help with a name (I have an English name lined up, but I’d like some suggestions for a Fereni name as well). The name I was thinking for the faction was “The Righteousness Path”, with members usually traveling in pairs, a “Teacher” and a “Student”, moving from settlement to settlement, doing things as innocuous as helping with the harvest, usually only asking a bed and a hot meal in return, to things such as monster slaying and treasure hunting in the more adventurous of the bunch.

They’d have an annual meeting somewhere, probably in that one main city on the central island? (I forget the name, however if you have a more friendly place in mind I’m open to edits and suggestions), where’d they would meet and greet, exchanging students with eachother for the next year, taking in new initiates, and ordaining new teachers. The Vagrant King would rarely show up for these meetings, as he’s mostly just the founder/face of the movement, and not directly involved in running of it (there’s not much to run as it’s mostly a spiritual movement, not really an organization, and there’s no centralized hierarchy, as most things would be run by general consent).

Anyways, I’ll start writing an app tonight.

I haven't really like, developed languages for the different races or anything, so if you want to make up something vaguely like celtic sounding for the Fereni name of the movement you're free to do that. Just English should be perfectly fine too though, for the record. The city on the central isle of Valaran is called Aratosh, and yeah, it sounds like a pretty good meeting spot for your movement. I suppose an alternative would be one of the groves of the Sylven in Veraden, since Alfari and Fereni also live there in big numbers.

[Galnius]

The Many-Armed

In Dvarda culture, tradition and discipline reign supreme. Those who do not conform to the standards set for them tend to find themselves shunned to the outskirts of civilization, with many leaving altogether. Altani Puckis, or Puck as she preferred to be called, was one such abberant soul. While inventiveness was typically rewarded, she took it to an extreme, looking for odd and overly-complicated ways to solve every day problems. Need to forge something, but Don't want to stand in front of the heat? Well, metal would be much easier to temper with stronger and more hands. Need to shave but also need to get dressed? More hands ought to do the trick. Need to cook for every member of your 752 person extended family? Just get more arms, and that banquet will be done in a fraction of the time!

Needless to say, Puck found that more hands, longer hands, stronger hands, and hands with higher finesse managed things so much easier. Thus, she went to work. It wasn't long until she cooked up the first iteration of the Spider Any-Tool. However, the magic and craftsmanship wasn't quite right, and her first test run was the end of her first attempt, and nearly brought down a factory with her. Thus, she was kicked out, pseudo-banished until she could bring herself under control, and learn patience and temperance.

As Puck wandered, however, a frown could not be seen. She was not bothered by the banishment. She liked grateful, even. The schedules and rules and values all took a toll on Puck, and bring free of them let her truly master her Any-Tool. Thus, with a pack of holding containing all her supplies, she looked for a way to test Spider 2. And test she did. As she wandered, she found many odd jobs that could be done with her tool. Construction was much easier when you had six burly arms to carry stone and iron. Pubs found her skill in the kitchen to be unmatched as she combined her love of flavors with the speed of six precision hands. In travel, she found it much easier to let her hands carry her instead of a horse or herself, as both needed water and food, while the tool only needed maintenances at night. What better than a helping hand to find her next destination somewhere in the dark. However, even with all of these skills, she still wasn't satisfied.

Thus, she finds herself looking for adventure. After all, what would show the Isles how adept her invention was other than using them to find legendary artifacts, slay massive creatures, and break curses older than old. Thus began the story of Puck the Aberrant, Puck the odd, Puck the Silly. Puck, the Many Armed.

---

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Spider The Any-Tool is a group of mechanical hands that work based on Puck's intent. She hasn't figured out how to fully control them, nor how to let others, but for the most part she need only to want certain motions and modes for them to occur.

These modes are: Brawn Hands. Arms and hands that make her able to lift and carry much larger amounts than usual, and more of it. It is not quite near the strength of the Vantyrae, but it's stronger than your standard Dvarda.
Tweak Hands: made for more precision based things, and can hold tools. For instance, shaving, cooking, or crafting.
Moving Hands: Can stick to surfaces or create two wheels, allowing her to travel faster than she can run over land and letting her climb easier.
Hand-ogram: Detachable hands that can scout ahead and deliver letters to close people.
Puck can only have 3 pairs out at once.

Her pack is like a bag of holding, and carries her money, dried food, cooking supplies, water skein, shaving supplies, fire supplies, her sleeping bag, and a lantern. It also can't hold something later than her, as it wouldn't fit in the opening. The sleeping bag had to be rolled up to go in.

Let me know if it's too much or if it's good!

Once accepted or tweaked to acceptance, Puck will be joining the Sword searching party.

[Segral]

If the person who made the adventure doesn't set forth any prerequisites, yeah pretty much just say you're on board and that's it.

There's no prerequisites for either the quest for the Blade of Amaranth or the Great Monster Hunt, so.

Awesome, I'll have Jorel join the Great Monster Hunt then.

[New Neros]

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Looks good Neros. Ozella is accepted. You should probably decide whether you want her to be on the quest for the Blade of Amaranth or on the Great Monster Hunt.

EDIT: The archive is now fully updated!

Thank you! They both sound fun, but being a sword swinging imbecile, I figure the Blade of Amaranth will be the best fit for Ozella.

At the same time, a monster-infected merc joining in on a monster hunt does have a certain irony to it as well.

[Hinzland]

I’ll have that app up Tuesday

[Zarkenis Ultima]

I'll try to actually add those pending characters to the archive today. Being sick has not led to increased productivity, sadly.

---

Seems fine for the most part, though I'd ask you why the bag of holding works and how she came across it.

[Galnius]

I'll try to actually add those pending characters to the archive today. Being sick has not led to increased productivity, sadly.

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Seems fine for the most part, though I'd ask you why the bag of holding works and how she came across it.

It's basically just big on nthe inside, and she made it. It can carry up to 100 pounds of stuff.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

I'll try to actually add those pending characters to the archive today. Being sick has not led to increased productivity, sadly.



Seems fine for the most part, though I'd ask you why the bag of holding works and how she came across it.

It's basically just big on nthe inside, and she made it. It can carry up to 100 pounds of stuff.

Alright then. Puck is accepted.

[Woodstovia]

The Lost Heir

"History again?" the Lordling whined.

A pout formed across her lips as she slumped down into a chair within her solar. She was bedecked in the finest jewels and clothing that minds could conceive of, and yet she never looked more like a child than when the Teacher told her that their next lesson would be history. In the training yards, on horseback, even in learning the art of dancing, music, or which hand to hold a knife in she was more often than not the very picture of joy. But like her mother and father there was something about tales of old that snuffed out all the excitement and happiness in her heart.

Perhaps that was only right. For they were a pale shadow of what had come before. Before the accursed Enkala had sent their flames, before the Empire had fallen, before the skies had scattered their people far and wide, and cast down oh so many ancient bloodlines. They had been almighty. But so much had been lost, never to be seen again. Of course many tried to convince themselves of current greatness, many claimed that the strength of the past was returning, or claimed to have been related to this or that ancient hero or scion of Vanna Tyrash Anur. Even their memories and thoughts were clouded. The past itself was unclear, the line between myth and reality blurred. Perhaps it was better to not know at all?

But the Teacher wasn't getting paid to tell his noble heiress to forget was he?

"Let's see... We covered Midrash the First, The Second, The Third, the founding of Valroc, the time of strife, the Treachery of the Enkala..."

When the Lordling mimicked snoring he slammed shut his copy of "Chronicles of the Vantyrae vol. XI" and glared at her, her face now displaying a mocking grin.

"If you want to play the fool how about a story your mother would eat me if I told you hmn?" her ears pricked up at that, and he knew he had her. He did not need a book now, for he knew the story as well as any Vantyr, probably better than any.

"Why, do you think that after the Treachery of the Enkala that so many of the other Six Tribes traveled so long and so far on the whims of the Vantyr? They had no use for our "Promised Lands". Why would the Menai, so many, so vibrant and adaptable, teeming within their kingdoms need to leave? Or the Alfari, wise, long-lived, far of sight and perspective of the future. Who reigned in their great forests of bliss and plenty? They would not suffer under the lash of the great fire. The Dvarda, ever stubborn in their soulless holds of iron and steel? The cunning Fereni who have never cared about anything in recorded history? None suffered from the summoning of the hellish Skyfire, and our tribe has long been mistrusted and hated by others.

"The other tribes will claim in their works of writing that it was a desire for freedom. Land and opportunity for those not born to an ancient bloodline or blessed by a flame. But whatever truth there is to that notion none of it would have been accomplished without The Prophet. The one called Aelenarr had been the son of a Prince of Vanna Tyrash Anur he who had seen the loss of his home, his family, and his tribe. He was different. Vantyr are seen by many in the other tribes as little more than monsters, no better than coming across an Arachnarok in the wilds. Even now for our kind to lead all others across the Ebony Sea, united as one fleet... Is laughable. But The Prophet contained a regal majesty that was apparent, even to the lesser tribes. His figure brimmed with strength and power, his hair the colour of freshly fallen snow and his eyes the deepest red but his voice was soft and calm, and his face not that of a hunter or predator but his smiled and laughed. He united our scattered people, spreading the word of a new land of plenty which would save us from the flames.

"It was he who united our tribe. And kept it together. For the voyage was long and harsh, yet whenever he heard word that this captain or ship wished to turn back and forget of his promises he simply unfurled his wings and flew to them, to speak and calm their nerves. It was said none of the ships that left on their exodus ever turned back. We don't know for sure what his character was like. Some say he was kind and pure-hearted, and came to guide his tribe and even protect those of the lesser races. Others claim he was a manipulator, one who believed that the Vantyr needed the ships and sailors of the other tribes to reach the Promised Isles, and strung them along for his own purposes. In any case, for his ceaseless work the trueborn nobility of Vanna Tyrash Anur... Or whatever was left of it, met on his flagship, and there they knelt, and promised that when their kingdom was reborn he would rule it."

"But he doesn't..." interrupted the girl, causing her Teacher to glare at her.

"No. For one day he disappeared. What happened is unclear. Some say he flew off to fight a monster from the sea and died slaying it, some say he flew when landfall was in sight and carved out his own personal domain, not desiring to rule over a kingdom. Some say that he invited a Menai captain for supper and was suddenly overcome with his hunger and... Well after such an incident he would hardly be able to look his allies in the eyes so instead of causing further conflict he flew into the ocean and drowned himself. Most believe he is just a myth or legend in all honesty. A figure made up to explain such a massive event in history, or some amalgamation of various Vantyr who existed over a longer period of time and who each played a small part in organising the exodus, but did not manage the great feats assigned to Aelenarr."

"So why don't you?" The Lordling asked, sensing her Teacher's mood.

"Because. I knew his son." the Teacher smiled.

"Before I came to be employed by your parents I was an adventurer myself. I hunted the beasts of the forest for House Naethrys. But when I came across a monster I could not slay I came close to death. As I bled out into the earth I saw a pair of wings descending and a figure, like an Angel appeared. A youth that was beautiful and strong and ethereal. It wore heavy dark plate wrought from the finest metal, and his sword seemed to consume light itself, but was sharp enough to cut through the toughest of hides as if they were silk drapings. I knew I had found Aelenarr! The lost Prophet of our kind and I knelt and professed my allegiance, only for the being to laugh.

"Valarr was his name, and although he would never say it I knew he shared the blood of Aelenarr. I traveled with him and he was somber and introspective, but kind and charming, able to coexist with members of the other tribes in a way that I had never seen another Vantyr manage. He protected those of the other tribes and rescued adventurers in need. But his softer nature had drawbacks. He was afflicted more deeply by his hunger than any other I have seen. And when he needed to feed the noble Vantyr I knew became a mindless monster, desperate for flesh and blood. That was how some of the adventures with those of other races ended, to his sorrow. And without feeding regularly on intelligent life he lagged behind me in strength of arms, not absorbing their power into his own. His life is a solitary one, for I am sure the noble rulers of Valroc would not take kindly to his supposed legendary birthright, and claim to rule over all. Instead, he must live alone or with those of the other tribes, accepting tasks for coin; hunted by deluded fools who hate our people, or assassins from ancient bloodlines desperate he never be found. And I know, somewhere in the dark of his soul there is a hunger for-"

"Sword time!" the Lordling yelled, her eyes glued to the clock above her Teacher. She ran off to the yard.

"Next week is Midrash the Fourth don't let me forget!" the Teacher called, to a figure who was no longer listening.

[Reverend Norv]

Between Aleish, Valarr, and Matias, this party will be lucky if it can go a mile before it is swarmed by Vantyr assassins.

[Ceystile]

The Pied Piper of Harush

Somewhere in the dark and heat of the Yearning Isles' volcanic mountains, a young Shayit geologist discovered rare varieties of minerals and rich ores of silver that the Dvarda would surely be seeking out as soon as they got the chance. His wife Crystal (he'd often quip that he had a thing for beautiful gems) had accompanied him rather than be apart for the duration of the journey, despite the Songbird of Avernus joking that the volcanic dust and ash would be harmful to her voice. But the piercing shriek that rose from her throat as a hand flew to her rounded belly made it quite clear, her voice was more than adequately fine. The babes however...that would be a different story unless they stopped, and now.

Neither of them had planned this, their children were supposed to be born at home, in the comfort and safety of their townhouse...or at least in a nice spot overseas, not in the heart of a volcano, for Irre's sake! The team quickly moved toward the mouth of the cave fast as they could, their leader and an assistant carrying the laboring mother while trying to keep his balance in the precarious terrain. Some would say it was the gods on their side, others sheer dumb luck...either way, the managed to emerge from that dark, hot place and get her to a flat place near the cave with fresh air. The geologist had to play midwife, and mother and babes made it through the ordeal safely, if somewhat dusty.

Thus began the rocky *hah* start of Tarquin Ragsdill and his twin brother Torquil, born five minutes after him. Of course with two newborns in tow, the research trip had to be cut short and so the twins were raised back home in Avernus. Being possessed of the mischievous streak all Shayit seemed to inherit, the boys often got into a lot of trouble and were infamous for pulling pranks...none moreso than Tarquin, who combined that mischief with the innate magic in their blood and the musical gifts he inherited from his mother. The brothers were taught several instruments and songs, but unlike Crystal, Tarquin's particular favorite instrument (and weapon) was a flute rather than voice, and through training or just general dicking around, he often used his heartbreakingly lovely music to enchant, entrance, confuse, disorient and prank. One time, he played a song around a group of boys that were taunting his brother that sent them dancing uncontrollably for days, and their parents were only able to break the enchantment by forcing Tarquin's parents' hands. He wooed young maidens and squires with his music, he'd mimic bird song on his flute in the woods to confuse, entertain and scare travelers, and just in general practice the magical and non-magical limits of the songs in his repertoire. From a young age, these exploits as well as his penchant for bright and fanciful clothing earned him a nickname among those in the Isles: The Pied Piper of Harush.

Most of his tricks were in good and (mostly) harmless fun, some were a bit more mean-spirited such as making that particularly rude fencing teacher slash himself distractedly by playing a sour note...nothing life threatening, but that scar isn't going away any time soon. In addition to these exploits, he earned renown as a musician in his own right, playing before nobles and sometimes even kings, but always with a wary eye upon him for any signs of trickery. Not that this mattered much to Tarquin: "it's their admiration and gold I want, not their love. Through it all by his side was his beloved twin: his best friend, his sometimes partner in crime who was earning quite the reputation himself as a monster hunter.. They were joined at the hip through everything, until one day...they weren't.
Torquil and a group of his colleagues had gone on a mission to slay a particularly difficult monster somewhere on one of the other isles. Of course Tarquin had been worried but Torquil assured him that with his skill, he'd be okay. And besides, the gold they'd earned would've been VERY worth it. That had been six months past and nobody's seen sight of the group since. Tarquin especially is extremely worried, his brother would've at least have written, it's not like him to drop off without a word. He was no fighter, never had been...but there are some things in this world worth fighting for, family especially being one of them. Armed with his trusty flute, his fencing sword and his wits, and little else, Tarquin is now following one of his leads to the island the contract had been taken on, knowing that his twin is still alive somewhere in the dark and determined not to come home without him.

(Tar's skin, eyes and hair are deeper shades than you see in the photo, but besides that everything is pretty spot on)

[Zarkenis Ultima]

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Great piece Woodstovia, though it does leave me a bit confused as to what the character you intend to play is like. Could you go into some further detail on that?

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This looks good, though I would ask you if he intends to join either of the two quests available while searching for his brother.

[Ceystile]

I actually intend to have him join Tom's monster hunting quest, he and I discussed it. I didn't really just put it in directly cuz I didn't wanna be presumptuous, I'll plop it in the app if you like.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

I actually intend to have him join Tom's monster hunting quest, he and I discussed it. I didn't really just put it in directly cuz I didn't wanna be presumptuous, I'll plop it in the app if you like.

Nah, it's fine if you don't want to put it in there, I just wanted to know. Tarquin's accepted.

[Ceystile]

I don't mind either way, but I totally understand. Thanks so much OP, I look forward to RPing with you all!

[Woodstovia]

Sorry that it wasn't particularly clear - the character was Valarr, the rumoured son of Aelenarr. Although to what extent any of that true seems up for debate. Aelenarr is a Vantyr that (hopefully) displays two of the extremes of the race - for the formal, aristocratic side he's very beautiful, charming and restrained. He tries to subsist off of animal life (in the OP it says they need flesh and blood, but not specifically what sort so I hope this is okay). And the combination of these traits and his habit for protecting adventurers means he's begrudgingly accepted into the societies of the other tribes. However, like his father I wanted some ambiguity as to his motives - leaving it unclear as to what extent he's helping people and refraining from murdering intelligent life out of the goodness of his heart or as a way to manipulate others and worm his way into the only communities that will provide some form of safety and sustenance. This does have its drawbacks however, as his rumoured heritage makes it difficult to live in any Vantyr society, and because Vantyr gains power from what they consume Valarr mostly eating low intelligence animals means he's weaker than average and hasn't been gaining benefits from snacking on the other tribes. He also has a great hunger, that can emerge leaving him a monster that only wants to eat, and doesn't care what or who that may involve, representing the extreme of the monsterish nature the Vantyr can also exhibit.

Please let me know if you want me to change anything, I'm aware it could be slightly mary sueish as he's a "Good" Vantyr, and son of this mythical hero but I hope there's enough ambiguity surrounding his background and motives, and enough significant drawbacks to make him acceptable.

[Theyra]

I think I will have Aivaras join the Blade of Amaranth quest.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Sorry that it wasn't particularly clear - the character was Valarr, the rumoured son of Aelenarr. Although to what extent any of that true seems up for debate. Aelenarr is a Vantyr that (hopefully) displays two of the extremes of the race - for the formal, aristocratic side he's very beautiful, charming and restrained. He tries to subsist off of animal life (in the OP it says they need flesh and blood, but not specifically what sort so I hope this is okay). And the combination of these traits and his habit for protecting adventurers means he's begrudgingly accepted into the societies of the other tribes. However, like his father I wanted some ambiguity as to his motives - leaving it unclear as to what extent he's helping people and refraining from murdering intelligent life out of the goodness of his heart or as a way to manipulate others and worm his way into the only communities that will provide some form of safety and sustenance. This does have its drawbacks however, as his rumoured heritage makes it difficult to live in any Vantyr society, and because Vantyr gains power from what they consume Valarr mostly eating low intelligence animals means he's weaker than average and hasn't been gaining benefits from snacking on the other tribes. He also has a great hunger, that can emerge leaving him a monster that only wants to eat, and doesn't care what or who that may involve, representing the extreme of the monsterish nature the Vantyr can also exhibit.

Please let me know if you want me to change anything, I'm aware it could be slightly mary sueish as he's a "Good" Vantyr, and son of this mythical hero but I hope there's enough ambiguity surrounding his background and motives, and enough significant drawbacks to make him acceptable.

Nah it's not Mary Sueish at all, the Vantyr aren't meant to be any more locked into an "alignment" as any of the other races - I don't know if you read my character (The Tragic Prince) but his piece shows that many do try to resist the curse (although many fail). On that note, subsisting off of wildlife is also perfectly fine, living creatures is indeed the only requisite, doesn't have to be an intelligent being. Mostly what I'm not comfortable about is the idea of having not one but two lost Vantyr heirs, but we can discuss that via telegram if you prefer.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

After talking things out with Woodstovia, Valarr is accepted.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

The Anointed Son

There are many omens that the Fereni observe to determine the fate of their newborn children. Some stories tell that those born under the bright sign of the northern lights are destined to be great leaders. Others say that those who come to this world with the cries of a murder flying overhead bring chaotic change to those around them. Some of these signals are more common than others, some more important, some less so. In the case of Inti however, it seemed that fate decided to simply throw everything it had at the boy. He was born as the seventh of the children of Queen Roxanne of Erdonas, herself a seventh child. He was born on the waking of the blanketing, to the soft cries of songbirds in the distance, as the beasts of the woods gathered to watch. He was born keen and bright eyed, silent, yet awake. Needless to say the Feren elders were initially at a loss regarding the fate of the youngest of the Erdonai, whose birth had been so extraordinary, but it was quickly agreed upon that he was destined for greatness.

As Inti grew up, he was taught by his mother the traditions and ways of the Fereni, for even though their titles were not inheritable by blood, many believed that he would be the next great ruler of the seaside city of Erdonas, on the isle of Veraden, the city that his mother had founded as she hoped to follow in the great Titania's footsteps. As he grew, his many gifts became evident: Inti was exceptionally gifted in the manipulation of the Phantasmata, able to create illusions capable of fooling the most shrewd of observers. In turn he also possessed the gift of true sight, able to tell truth from mirage with but a glance, unaffected by confounding or obfuscating powers or spells. He was capable of curing certain maladies through ancient healing rituals described in Fereni lore, and seemed to be a natural prodigy at music and acrobatics on top of that. Alas, for all of his gifts, the young Inti was born without a voice, able to speak only through writing or gestures, and resorting to the illusion of his mother's voice when necessary.

Perhaps the most important thing about him, however, was this: he was very much the quintessential Feren. Beauty-loving, free-spirited and adventurous, Inti sought to see the sights that the world had to offer, experience the heights of wonder and the depths of horror that lay concealed in the hidden corners of the isles, and write songs about the stories that have been lost to the darkness. It was perhaps no surprise that, as the ceremonies performed by the elders to bless his future endeavors came to an end, the newly anointed and inked young Feren promptly escaped from the Erdonas Palace, booked passage from Veraden to Valaran and made his way into the wider world. Armed with only a rapier and a hand crossbow, as well as his trusty flute and lute, Inti travels in search of adventure. Recently he has come to learn about just such an opportunity in the Luminous Isle, a mysterious quest to prove a brother's innocence and uncover a devious conspiracy that lies hidden somewhere in the dark.

[Absolon-7]

Triple posting is a cardinal sin tsk tsk.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Aaand the archive is fully updated with all of the accepted characters.

We're up to 19 people, geez. Quite happy with how this took off, now let's hope two missions will be enough to keep everyone busy

[Segral]

The High Flyer:

When it comes to the isle of Veraden, "peace" and "security" come to mind just as quickly as "coldlight", "forest", and "Sylven". However, once in a blue moon, a threat comes. A fire, a maniac desecrator, or even a titanic worm. Whatever it is and whatever it may be, it always stands as a call for the inhabitants of Veraden to band together and fulfill their own role in protecting their sacred wood. The Sylven arm themselves with flora and fauna, the Fereni arm themselves with the trickery of the mind, and for a special few among the Alfari, the Song of the Wild is used to not just call beasts to aid, but to ride them into battle as devoted steeds. Cae Alfari is a name given to an Alfari who has developed a bond far beyond that of an average Singer, one whose beast acts as their partner and companion as opposed to a mere ally. Some Cae Alfari gallop over land, some even ride on the crests of waves, but for a select few born to the trees, their medium of choice is a flight in the air. As fighters, the Sky Cae are rarely deployed and greatly prefer companionship to the act of defense, but when Veraden is in trouble, those aboveground always feel safer when they see a pack of distant silhouettes glide so high they kiss the clouds.

Teriani Roran was infatuated with the Sky Cae as a child, often crawling up to the top boroughs of her wood to catch a glimpse of the roving pack as they flew by. At a young age, she daydreamed about maybe, just maybe becoming a member, but it less closely resembled a proper future as it did a passing daydream. However, as she was soon to find out, it was to be much more than just a vague fantasy. At ten harvests old, she heard the wounded song of a flying beast, having broken its wing after a careless snare in a Sylven trap meant for unfriendly foes. It had downed itself in a bare clearing, barely able to move and even less able to hunt. Struck with pity, she sang back to the beast and nursed it back to health, setting its wing with knots of long grass and delivering food to it day after day until it was strong enough to fly again. The next day, she woke to the beast squatting outside of her dwelling. The same occurred the next day, and then the next day, until an Alfari elder viewed the two in companionship and proclaimed that Teriani was Cae, and that she had forged a unique bond with the beast that she had blessed leys prior. Much to her delight, her passing sunlit daydreams had transformed into pure reality.

At first, it was a bit of rough riding. Rather, rough flying. When one is evergreen of age, they should not expect to gain mastery over a flying beast without scars and fractures to show for it. However, she learned quickly and flourished like an Illumina Rose, aided in part by her insistence on a constant song with her steed Bainne. When her village was stared down by an uncontrolled beast that could not be soothed or reasoned with, a sixteen-harvest old Teriani was able to battle the errant animal to a standstill until reinforcements could arrive, a shining example of both talent and foolish recklessness at a tender age.

After receiving praise laced with stinging admonishment, she was extended an offer to act as an apprentice under Veraden's Sky Cae, one who would make patrols and aid in response. However, afflicted with a growing desire to explore what lay beyond Veraden and a sense of dissatisfaction at her own juvenile conduct, she chose to leave Veraden for some harvests to discover her destiny. With the blessing of her elders, she took off a blank later with nothing but Bainne, her saddle, her knives, and a solitary pack on her shoulders, pointed at the mightiest of speeds to the isle of Teraden. In the five harvests since her departure, Teriani has made lap after lap around Faram Anur, intermittently supporting herself with roles as both a courier and a town guard in various locales. However, she finds herself with an increasing thirst for adventure as the timekeeping fog rolls on, and as rumors begin to circulate of a certain blade of Valroc, it has become more and more difficult to resist changing course yet again. To her, it is a simple proposition. Chase the light of life at any opportunity, or content yourself to be lost somewhere in the dark.