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Jesus Christ, I don't think I'm ever going to see a character that isn't absolutely perfect here.
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Jul 6, 2016 06:07
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Kurt Hissin Flame of the Resistance, Last of his Line, The Hidden King  Kurt Hissin fled the burning palace, with only a few of his retainers. In the distance the sounds of fighting were dying down as the last remnants of his fathers army either died, surrendered, or fled. There was one last farewell mentally from his father as he met his death, fighting. No time for tears as they rode for the mountains, but enough to vow revenge. In the coming days the countryside was scoured by Leopold IV's army but they did not know the hidden places of the mountains, nor did they find the hidden fallback point of the royal family. From here, Kurt was able to reach out and find the minds of those still loyal and willing to fight. "I live, and the kingdom lives on though me. We shall bear the injustices of these tyrants...for a time. They may search long and hard but they will not find me. In time they will grow complacent. And we will spend that time growing strong. And then...then I shall have my vengeance." The gift had never been a strong one before in his family. The reaching and speaking to minds had been its main use. But in the hidden vale and fortress, Kurt found his power growing beyond that. Was it from his mother, who no one knew? His father had returned from his youth of adventuring with a babe in his arms and brooked no questions. Rumors of adoption flew but as Kurt grew the resemblance was plain, and there were no detractors after he showed the gift. Was it the burning desire of vengeance, fueling his gift? The gift had never been practiced or pushed to its limits like he has done. Perhaps the potential was always there. Or maybe it was the flowers in the vale, eaten as he and his retainers starved waiting for food to arrive as the fighting died down. There was that one strange flower, from near the grave of the first leader of Hissin, the one who had led them there. It has been a few years now. The scattered soldiers of his father were shepherded to safety. His agents roam the kingdom, managing safehouses, supply stashes, and hidden compounds. When opportunity shows itself, harassing strikes are launched on the supply lines. The governors men, slain, for the governor himself is protected by wards of magic. The merchants, taking Hissins riches, robbed. The Hidden King has bided his time well and as the Sevvran grows and expands from Leopold IV"s conquering, it has stretched itself further and further. And he means to find its breaking point. --- Psionic Gift[+4] Long said to be the gift of a great spirit, the royal line of Hissin has carried in its blood the great mental power. It didn't save his father, but there was never a need to train it for any kind of fighting. Kurt on the other hand has sought to master it to its full potential. He can speak mind to mind with distant people, coordinating his agents and forces. The loyalty of his men has been assured, for no disloyal thoughts could escape his probing. When patrols would near his hiding place they were turned aside, their minds clouded or controlled. And the few times strong individuals of power had found their way to him, he destroyed them with bolts of pure mental energy. King in Hiding[+4] Born the heir apparent, Kurt was trained in the manners of statecraft, war, and fighting. As the only surviving member of the royal family, the people of Hissin regard him as their rightful king and ruler. Kurt has spent his time since his kingdom was conquered guiding and growing his forces in secret. A network of guerilla fighters, alchemists, and spies are spread throughout his old kingdom, waiting to aid him in his fight. Vengance[-2] Another kingdom sacked. Another new area to govern for Sevvan. But for Kurt it was his kingdom, his people and it will be his vengance! For years he has grown his powerbase, building up his network of guerilla fighters, securing funds in various accounts in Sevvan, minor raids on supply trains and isolated patrols. But recent events in Sevvan has shown him that the large empire it had become is riddled with cracks, starting to break. Opportunity has arrived, after all this time. He knows that any major activity on his part will bring reprisal. But whats one more flame among so many? Sevvan cannot fight them all. --- Hissin  The small mountain kingdom of Hissin was founded fairly recently, as kingdoms go, by refugees from a war far to the east. Traveling far, they were guided by power of their leader, who could read their thoughts and sooth any conflicts that arose. He had had a vision of a great valley and bountiful forests, that they soon found to be true. Once they settled in they found the mountains rich in resources and Hissin quickly grew, fueled by an influx of trade. Trade and peace treaties had secured her borders, until the coming of Leopold IV's conquering army. The once bustling kingdom was reduced to squalor, acting mostly now as a large resupply depot, funneling and protecting the logistics of Leopold IV's far flung army Bounty of the Mountains[+4] Gold, silver, and even rare platinum resides in the mountains of Hissin, along with a collection of alchemical ingredients and caves. The export and control of these resources were what allowed the small kingdom to thrive. Though her conquerors claim most of this bounty now, many secrets places were kept from them, waiting to be tapped or used. Conqured[-2] The fighting was fierce and little quarter was given. The vast majority of fighting age men died, villages destroyed, and the capital mostly destroyed. Though Hissin has had time to recover, it is still mostly in shatters save for the capitol and a few surrounding cities. Quornes fucked around with this message at 20:20 on Jul 16, 2016 |
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Jul 6, 2016 06:19
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Sudden Clarity First Sword of the Order Resplendent  Here in the monastery... we are blind. Too often, word does not reach us here until it is too late to act, too late to do anything but spout old sayings about the turning of the world. Perhaps we should spend a decade watching the skies for answers? Pfah! You, elder, when was the last time you left the temple? I have spoken with the pilgrims who visit us. Do you know what they say? What is happening outside this valley? In Ark, people speak openly against the king. Hissin and Vale are inches from open rebellion, and some say that even the Reach has begun to question his rule! There is no time. Will we sit here and watch as the realm splinters around us? Will we discuss the taste of the lime harvest while Ark burns? We are talking about civil war! How long before some petty warlord turns hungry eyes to our temples? The skies have given you your answer. I did not ask to be First Sword; you chose me. The gods chose me! The tempest, yes, have you forgotten? My name was written upon the very heavens, you said! Harbinger of the Age of Tempests, you said! Let me follow the path the gods have chosen for me! My blade shall be the instrument of their will! Our enemies seek to tear down all that King Leopold built. I say... Let them try! --- Deep in the jungles of the Rainlands, on the slopes of the sacred mountain, lies one of the holiest sites of the Vallensin religion: Serpent's Gate, the sprawling temple-complex of the Order Resplendent. Thousands of pilgrims from across Sevvran make the arduous trek here each year to worship at the great shrine, speak with the monks, and simply stare in awe at the ancient towers and the natural splendor outside. Others come to study martial arts, in hopes of aping heroic exploits of bygone times. The Order has been here in this place, praying and training, for centuries, and there are many tales and myths of Resplendent monks slaying terrible demons, healing the sick, or telling the future. For the most part, the Order is content to keep out of secular affairs. Fame and tradition mean they largely get what they need from the King... so long as what they need doesn't ruffle too many feathers in Ark. Opposing the monks would be unpopular with the common people, and likely bring down some measure of wrath from the Church, but that doesn't mean nobody does it -- they're just polite about it. And the monks smile and nod and keep their heads down. But soon after the departure of King Leopold's army, a terrible omen appeared in the skies over the Rainlands -- a cyclone of astonishing proportions, with a perfectly clear view of the stars in its center. After much deliberation, the council announced that the meaning of this portent was undeniable: soon the Order would be embroiled in a tempest of its own, and that the monk known as Sudden Clarity would be the key to resolving the crisis. This raised many questions among the monks; Sudden Clarity had only recently earned her name, and her fiery temper and impatience were well-known among her brothers and sisters. Hardly a paragon of discipline. What if she did something rash, like leading the monks to war, and ruined all that they had built? However, the elders said, the heavens would not be denied. Sudden Clarity was named First Sword, given power to represent and lead the monks in all external affairs. She answers to the council, but otherwise speaks with the full authority of the monastery. --- +4 Path of the Eightfold Heavens - The signature martial art of the Order, sometimes called simply "Rain Style" by outsiders, is a thing of terrible beauty and unspeakable power. Legends say that a practitioner once slew an entire army of giants in the space of a heartbeat, and that the gods themselves weep with joy to see its stances and strikes performed by a true master -- hence the constant rainfall that drenches the monastery's surroundings. Nothing like that's happened in modern times, of course; followers of the Path are simply shockingly fast and capable of beautiful and deadly feats of swordplay. Certainly, every student of the style is worth dozens of normal soldiers, and few things inspire terror in the enemy like watching a handful of monks with iron swords shatter a cavalry charge. As such, the Path is one of the most iconic weapons in King Leopold's conquering army; the King provides money and protection to the monks, and, in turn, they dutifully instruct aspiring officers and promising young nobles in the motions of the ancient Path. Many of the kingdom's most famous generals and heroes are former students of the academy. The deepest and most powerful secrets, however, are saved for the monks themselves, and Sudden Clarity is a prodigy unmatched in many decades. +2 Weather Reading - Though it's dismissed as superstition by some, and seen as a slightly heretical relic of a bygone age by the mainstream Church, the Order still practices the nearly-forgotten art of reading the future in the movement of clouds... with mixed success. Skilled diviners can find glimmers of insight by staring at the skies, but clear and lucid prophecies are very, very rare. On the bright side, there's no shortage of clouds in the Rainlands. +2 Religious Authority - Many people in Sevvran respect and honor the monastery as a symbol of their religion, so the words of a monk carry much weight among the pious. Not so much as the pope, of course, but still influential -- more than a few peasants would take up pitchforks on hearing a servant of the gods call for it. Sudden Clarity, in contrast to many other monks, has no compunctions about making use of her holy station to control people... as long as it's for a good cause, of course. -2 Apolitical - The Order has achieved its position of power through a reputation -- one they go to great lengths to maintain -- for impartiality and detachment from courtly squabbles. In times of turmoil, the monks are expected to sit in their temples, keep their mouths shut, and leave the direction of the kingdom to others. What this means in practice is that any overt political moves from the Order are likely to be met with suspicion at best, so Sudden Clarity's ambition must be tempered with subtlety and discretion. --- The Rainlands   A network of deep valleys ringing the foot of the holy Mount Vallen, the Rainlands are home to few people, but a staggering array of plants and wildlife. The region gets its name, of course, from the nigh-constant storms that drench the land, giving rise to the valley's riotous jungle growth and feeding rivers and streams beyond counting. These, in turn, eventually combine into the mighty Yrensias that waters much of the kingdom. On the rare clear day, the monks often quip that the whole of Sevvran must be dying of thirst so that they might enjoy a few hours of sunlight. On paper, the Rainlands are the demesne of the infant Lady Michaelissa of House Olt, but over the centuries the noble house's power has been eclipsed by that of the Order, and today the monks rule their sacred valleys in all but name. +2 Verdant - A pilgrim to the Rainlands once wrote that "there is more life here than in the wide circle of the world." +2 Sacrosanct - By ancient tradition, the jungles are seen as holy, and to despoil or desecrate them would be blasphemous in the eyes of most citizens of Sevvran. Pilgrims are welcome, so long as they don't disturb the wilderness, but a military invasion would be a sin of the highest order. -2 Untamed - Outside of the temples themselves and House Olt's single castle-town, there is little in the way of civilization in the Rainlands; much of the region has never been seen by human eyes, let alone colonized. megane fucked around with this message at 19:57 on Jul 8, 2016 |
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Jul 6, 2016 08:59
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 Leona Sevvran, Bastard Daughter of Leopold III The first three years of Leona's life are a secret known only to the late King Leopold III and, presumably, whoever her mother was. To the world at large, including herself, all that is known is that the King brought her to court at the age of three years, and proclaimed her his daughter, a half sister to his heir, and only other living child. Though he never said she was bastard born, the fact remained this his wife had died some years before, and he had never publicly wed again. Perhaps she was intended to grow alongside Leopold IV as a sister, but the age difference was too great for there to be much connection between the two. By the time she was truly old enough to connect with him, the Crown Prince's time and attentions were to busy elsewhere to spend with a young half sister. Instead, Leona grew up with the daughters of the courtly ladies and the late Queen's ladys in waiting. And, sometimes their sons. The women and girls around her taught her all the proper behaviors and courtesy's required of a woman at court, or a Lady, or a Princess, and they spent many days and nights together, learning songs and embroidery, and dancing, doing each others hair, and swapping stories and secrets with each other. From the boys, she developed an interest in the martial arts, though she was forbidden from joining them in the yards until she was nearly thirteen. Though her Father spent most of his time ruling the realm and instructing his son, he treasured her, and doted shamelessly on his only daughter, showering her with gifts and jewels, all the fine things in the world. As she grew, she always wanted more, and asking, was nearly always given it by her father. Nearly. Though he relented and let her train at arms, and as she proved her prowess eventually he allowed her to participate in tournaments across the realm, he would never allow her to truly risk her life in battle, being unwilling to risk losing her. With the King's death, Leona's position at court is a deal riskier, leaving her exposed to the machinations of the other nobles where she wasn't when under his protection, and most thought she would retreat to Ianza Castle, a small fortress in the Spearhills given to her to live in the King's Will, but she chose to remain -at least most of the time- at court, where she is free to plot right back, and, after all, the court is where all the action is. And of course all the best food, drink, tournaments and attractive people are there as well. As long as she makes no overt acts of treason, she can claim the Regents protection. character sheet posted:Name: Leona Sevvran Region posted:Region Name: The Spearhills GodFish fucked around with this message at 09:20 on Aug 19, 2016 |
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Jul 6, 2016 09:02
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 Marvelous Magnus's Magic Sword Wizards shouldn't gamble. Why? They are terrible losers who have no morals. Still I have no right to complain I suppose. I owe my existence to that gambling git Magnus. The story begins when he went to visit old King Leopold during the good old days. Well during his visit he decides to toss a few crowns at the coliseum. Unfortunately for him that was the time "Tiny Mick" upset reigning champion "Godborn" Johan and cost thousands of punters their hard earned checks. My creator having bet his kingly commission was duly enraged and vowed to make a champion who would be the greatest fighter the coliseum had ever seen. As I mentioned, being a man of little moral fibre what did he go and do but indulge in a some light graverobbing. Because of his standing with the King he had access to the state graveyard and from there he recovered the sword of some mighty war hero, yadda yadda. If you're looking at me I'm sure you can connect the dots. Well after giving me life he entered me into the coliseum. At first I was little more than a killing machine. I won a lot, earned him some cash, but the truth was I had no style! I just terminated my opponents and cashed checks. Then about a decade ago Magnus stopped collecting his winnings. About that time I started to develop a mind of my own. It seemed that one day Magnus went into his tower and didn't come out again. Now I don't know if he's dead or what, but let me tell you my life has got so much better! For so many years I had been killing because of my programming, but then for the first time I felt the crowd's cheer. And it resonated with me. Since that day I've changed my focus from killing to working the crowd and would you believe a sentient sword in a suit of armor is now the most popular gladiator in the arena! I reckon I'm even more popular than our current absentee leigelord! I can't go anywhere in the city without people wanting a signature or to shake my hand! They call me Mag and treat me like I'm their best friend. The crazy thing is I love it, can't get enough of it. I may not have human parts but I want it all. The finest food, the best way, the most delightful company. And life is good. You wouldn't know the Kingdom is falling apart at the seams when everyone loves you and falls over themselves to make you comfortable. +6 Star Power Mag has spent most of his existence learning how to work the crowd. He is beloved all over the empire amongst the common people and is brilliant at dealing with people, or just accepting them fawning over him and letting him get what he wants. His style of combat is extremely flashy and is very exciting to watch for the crowd and surprising for his opponents. Even when he loses people end up cheering for him and hating his opponent. +2 Ancient Hero Although he's toned down the killing machine part of his creation, he still contains the combat skills of a hero of the empire. He's never cared enough to look up whose sword he was exactly but they must have been a pretty good warrior and tactician. -2 Gloriously self-indulgent Mag has a taste for the richer things in life. He can't resist anything that seems fantastic or good to him and will take as much as possible no matter if it be a little unwise.  Magnus's Tower +4 Wizard's Tower The tower is enchanted and those who enter it do not return. No one knows if Magnus is still in there. A local hamlet have recently set up shop outside selling provisions to adventurers who decide to brave it and praying that Magnus never comes back to kick them out. They manage to scavenge magical items, strange fruit growing on the trees and animal parts from the weird animals that inhabit the nearby climes. -2 Death Trap Although the villagers are used to the quirks of living in the area. Most adventurers and visitors may die before they ever enter the tower. Who knows what's inside?
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Jul 6, 2016 13:15
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I have absolutely no idea how Yami is ever going to prune down the character list to a reasonable number. 
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Jul 6, 2016 15:34
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With a very, very large pair of scissors.
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Jul 6, 2016 15:39
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13 isn't reasonable?
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Jul 6, 2016 16:28
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Platonicsolid posted:13 isn't reasonable? Look how well taking 13 people went for Trickydicknixon's That Which Sleeps. :P
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Jul 6, 2016 16:29
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quote:Glaumdrang Wealth-Checker, you know this woman by another title... Dragonbane. How does this influence you? There is a certain, visceral appeal to be found in the fight. Gods know I partook often enough in my earlier years. Most will never truly understand what it is like to stake your life on the fight and it is for this reason that I find respect for the Dragon-Slayers despite their slaughter of my people. As every Dragon must teach their hatchlings, when great Tiamet comes to collect, only the gold in your claws will count. So yes, I can respect the Dragon-Slayers after a fashion, poor men and women willing to put their lives on the line for the ultimate prize, and if in combat they earn the hoard they are fighting for, then it is theirs by right. However, much as I respect those willing to make the only choice that matters in the search for fortune and wealth, to hunt for sport is perhaps the lowliest thing I can imagine. When Ol’ Doras Hackjaw hunted for sport along the streets of Ark, they called him a serial killer and strung him up by the neck until dead. When Magdalene of Richet hunted for sport in the great Balduwin Sea, they denounced her as a dread pirate and called up a fleet from all the ports of the sea to hunt her down and end her crazed reign. When Lady Beatrice de Wulfe hunted for sport, they gave her fancy titles. When she smashed freshly laid eggs under her boots, they awarded her with land and honours. And when she skinned my kin for their leather, they named her Dragonbane! It INFURIATES ME. Do I parade around the city, wearing the flesh of bad debtors as my coat, using their teeth and fingers bones as my adornments? Do I brag about the tiny ones I have crushed under the weight of my claws? There are some things even a Dragon would not do! I make no excuses; you will be hard-pressed to find a Dragon as civilised and kind-hearted as I. But I have yet to meet a human as diabolical as her. The only good thing to come of her recent ascension to regentcy is her startling incompetence. Under her rule, the city is sinking deeper into debt and interest rates have never been higher! I will surely enjoy ringing every Copper Piece, Silver Penny and Golden Coin out of the quickly depleting royal coffers. Hah! The last time the kingdom was this in debt to me, I became the sole legal bank in all the territories. I wonder what I will get this time.
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Jul 6, 2016 17:15
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Klaus88 posted:I have absolutely no idea how Yami is ever going to prune down the character list to a reasonable number. Like, on one hand, I enjoy seeing all these brilliant characters that people keep coming up with. On the other, I actually want to play in this game. 
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Jul 6, 2016 17:34
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The characters are looking great indeed. I have just completed my entry with a description of the Slums.
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Jul 6, 2016 20:20
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Kiris-Or I feel like there's something missing to the homeplace part. What exactly happened between the Elves and the Orm? Samarah Ka Qismah Can't really complain about anything here, other than its incomplete state. Artur “The Sculptor” Regios Relevant discussion already happened on IRC. I didn't completely cross reference things yet, but we've got a couple more magic users so far - try to not contradict with others. Sasha Snowdrake Good app, like the qualities. The only thing to really note is that the character has a lack of real investment in the politics - which may come to the app's detriment. Lavelle Ingernassa why so reverse bro? Put the pretty face on the top and the place at the bottom. Jokes aside, I would like a bit more detail about the followers, but that's about it Quality wise. However, note that Sevvra is very much a mageophobic kingdom. Why did Leopold I see it the place as a prize? Tell us a story, or change it to fit existing canon. Count Edvard Marcel Borde, Lord of Niloufar I would like to see the character's flaw changed a little bit - madness is always a bit of a fickle thing, and hard to quantify in where fluff ends and mechanics start. Plus, if it doesn't interfere with his main goal, it's not that much of a weakness - consider perhaps something health-related instead? That's it for mechanics. I do love your characters general theme (What, a noble that actually cares for his people? Unheard of!) but it makes very little sense in its current implementation. With an army as powerful as Sevvran's, and a lust for conquest, it makes absolutely no sense to leave a threat this large within their borders around - not even lazy rear end in a top hat nobles really covers that. Consider using some sort of threat more local? Watch Commander Viktor Von Voss I'll admit, I'm not quite sure what to say about this one. It's okay mechanically and okay fluffwise, but I feel like, that's kind of it? Viktor doesn't really stand out in any way - he's just a guy who happens to be Watch Commander. And, in fact, I feel like this would be a problem in character as well - someone like Viktor would probably be overlooked and ignored a lot. I'm not quite sure how you would go on with that, but he really needs something to spice him up, I think - also, I think his flaw may be far more restricting than you might think, if you consider the setting. Perhaps revise that, as well? The Prince of Pigeons Enjoyed this app. Great fluff, and mechanically sound - however do consider that your flaw is fairly restricting as to how your character can act - in this case, through proxies. Which can work, and is perfectly fine if you want to do it - but keep in mind, it's supposed to be your characters that are amazing, not the goons that come with the position. Kurt Hissin Really liked the inclusion of the material I provided (not just you, but in general - of course yours is most heavily drawing on it.) As with the Prince of Pigeons, I just want to be sure you're okay with what your flaw does to you. I mean, yes, you apped it, but it's easy to take a weakness for fluff reasons and then realize how un-fun and restrictive it can be. Sudden Clarity We already worked out the mechanics on IRC - but really, you need to tell me more about your character. I now understand that your monks are awesome warriors - but what about your character? What made her leave the Rainlands? What are her motivations in all of this, her goals? Marvelous Magnus's Magic Sword This directly contradicts a lot of the pre-established fluff. Magic is feared in Sevvran - an animated magic sword would get you jeers, not cheers. Also fleeing peasants, really. Plus it kind of feels that the character doesn't fit into the theme very well. After all, it's not a 4e Arena game. Where's the political motivation? The character's troubles, that made them walk the path they do now? I'll be frank - I don't see myself taking a magic sword, or really any kind of construct (unless it's like, a a possessed suit of armor that can hide its magic nature or some such), even with heavy reworks. May sound harsh but you're probably better of changing concepts if you want to have a fighting chance.
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Jul 6, 2016 21:58
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Yami Fenrir posted:Feedback Updated Edvard accordingly!
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Jul 6, 2016 22:40
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Changed Von Voss from Salty Copper to Salty High Commander and Right Hand of the Regent. Now he has more power.
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Jul 6, 2016 23:12
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TheNabster posted:Changed Von Voss from Salty Copper to Salty High Commander and Right Hand of the Regent. Duuude, I approve! Von Voss seems like such a loving badass!
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Jul 6, 2016 23:34
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Sorry, I took your initial post about wanting fantastical characters, took it and ran with it. In terms of magic in the setting you mentioned that the church doesn't like it but that it was authorised by the previous King which fits with Mag's backstory. If other people have made decisions about magic in their applications I figured that what was canon or not canon would be decided by what characters were chosen. As for what his role would be I think a popular celebrity has a lot of potential because any cause they throw their support behind is gonna have a lot of public support. It's not that unusual for people to have double standards when it comes to celebrities. Tolerating those whom they see in the spotlight while despising those they encounter in their normal life. "Of course magic is fearful and terrible, but that sword was made by King Leopold's closest aide! He never hurt anyone! Well not outside the arena anyway." His motivation is whichever rebellion movement is most likely to reward him he would support. At least until he saw that it was truly a threat to the world.
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Jul 6, 2016 23:48
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Man, that's some hellishly good competition. Interest post, considering someone in the Steerpike/Littlefinger/Manipulative upstart mold.
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Jul 7, 2016 00:04
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Apocron posted:Sorry, I took your initial post about wanting fantastical characters, took it and ran with it. In terms of magic in the setting you mentioned that the church doesn't like it but that it was authorised by the previous King which fits with Mag's backstory. If other people have made decisions about magic in their applications I figured that what was canon or not canon would be decided by what characters were chosen. Yeah, sorry, that may have come over a bit more aggressive than intended. But most of the points still stand - I feel like there's a pretty big thematic clash as the biggest issue. Also, how does a sword even eat...
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Jul 7, 2016 00:12
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Forever will it remain a mystery!
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Jul 7, 2016 00:16
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Apocron posted:Forever will it remain a mystery! I assumed he just poured the food down the neck hole. Savidudeosoo fucked around with this message at 00:27 on Jul 7, 2016 |
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Jul 7, 2016 00:25
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Amerigo Hieronymus: Tariff Collector and Adventurer Some will rob you with a six-gun, And some with a fountain pen.  When Leopold the III decided to reform his taxation system, he hired the best. Amerigo was a freelance wealth distributer whose travels took him up and down the coast and across trade routes and foreign lands, anywhere there was a profit to be made. No mere thug, the fourth son of a local lord of the oceanside Sevvran province of Hershka was highly educated and destined for the priesthood before he considered that cowled robes and meditation were an inferior substitute for flashing blades and oodles of money. The odd thing was, despite all the carnage and pillage, all of his actions were technically legal, (if requiring some squinting and creative reinterpretation of law.) Finally apprehended, Amerigo successfully defended himself by arguing every single one of his actions was sanctioned by any one of obscure laws, treaties on looting, eschew regulations, freelancer contracts, and the like. The second the court cleared him, he received a summons to an immediate audience with the king himself. There he was offered a bargain (with a heavy hint that the king is free to override verdicts as he sees fit): serve the needs of the kingdom, and a certain level of blind eye would be turned to his activities. Things went well over the next few years. Amerigo honestly threw himself into his work, introducing many new concepts to the antiquated accounting systems of his predecessors. Double entry book keeping, records on all noble and merchant estates, and a reform of all tax collection squads (each one to contain someone who can write, someone who can read, and someone to keep an eye on the two intellectuals). He considers himself firm but "fair". Everyone gets 30 seconds to hide the valuables when his men roll into town, and if their cooked books and creative accounting amuse him enough he doesn't even break out the toe nail pullers. Now that his idiot son is off squandering Amerigo's hard work, he's having second thoughts, and the amount of skim is steadily increasing. Old habits die hard, and he realizes he's essential; if the money dries up, that placeholder in the palace is just another thug with a sword. [Death and Taxes+4]: There's only two things inevitable in life, and Amerigo's skill with a blade is equaled only with his mathematical abilities and talent for ferreting out lies and deception. Nor has he forgotten where he came from; he maintains the odd hodgepodge of skills and athleticism needed to survive the life of a wandering [Gentleman and Scholar+4]: Despite the odd bit of ultraviolence and the obsession with money, Amerigo considers himself just a bit higher than some jumped up merchant thief turned petty bureaucrat. He's picked up quite a few bits of lore in his travel, and his skill with words and obsessive knowledge of the kingdom's laws and bureaucracy stands him well when clubs and sacks are too crude for the task at hand. [Thrillseeker -2]: It was never about the money, only how you got it. Amerigo cast off his life of relative ease for that of never knowing where, exactly, your next payday would arrive. He still harbors old adventuring impulses, and the unraveling kingdom is sure to give him plenty of chances to exercise his questionable judgement in the days to come. The Sevvran Royal Excise and Custom Bureau   Totally reformed, Amerigo has complete rebuilt the agency from its original, powerless status. He recruited equally from both scribes unemployed by the worsening economic conditions and smugglers offered a job in place of a rope around their neck. The Excise Bureau is an informed and brutally effective at its duties, both calculation and collection. [Where there's a quill, there's a way+2]: As a center for the small educated, secular class of Sevvran, the Bureau has quite the collection of records and information about the kingdom, and a topnotch team of accountants keeps tabs on who exactly has the wealth. [Cloaks and clubs+2]: The upside of hiring former criminals is they know how criminals, even of the more tepid tax evading sort, think. Their old skills come in useful for both audits and making sure certain tax free goods of interest reach their destination. [Hidebound and Larcenous-2]: The downside of hiring former criminal and nebbish book worms is that you're simultaneously plagued by too much adherence to the rules and too little. Money disappears before Amerigo has a chance to skim himself, and there's all sorts of petty, private ventures the men use to supplement this income. Not sure about the "homeland", I figured it was more relevant to who the PC is now than the land he came from but will change as required. Ronwayne fucked around with this message at 03:58 on Jul 10, 2016 |
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Jul 7, 2016 02:38
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Yami Fenrir posted:The Prince of Pigeons It was great fun writing the app, so thanks, I'm happy you enjoyed it! I was worried about this for a bit, and though I intend to do a lot of things by proxy, it might indeed be a little too restrictive. I had been thinking about the following flaw instead as I was writing the app. It's quite similar, but it might be a little less restrictive: -2 - Keeping up Appearances - The Prince of Pigeons is not who --or what-- he seems. While his current goals align quite well with the persona he's created for himself, he might well find himself undertaking ventures that are not necessarily beneficial for his constituency, or in line with his stated agenda of social change. Though he might be able to persuade his followers of his good intentions when the masks slips once or twice, working against the interests of the poor too often might well erode his power-base, and expose him to scrutiny that might not be quite beneficial.
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Jul 7, 2016 03:27
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Big update on Archean history, with better context for the Archean Conquest and the rise of Sevvran magiphobia. Do still need to tweak my quality.
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Jul 7, 2016 03:50
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My app has been completed.A bit about Ra'Loah and Its Cult posted:
Rauri fucked around with this message at 04:05 on Jul 7, 2016 |
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Jul 7, 2016 03:52
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Yami Fenrir posted:Kurt Hissin Ignore what I PM'd you earlier, I've thought of a better one. Lost Cause[-2] Many of the conquered dream of freedom. Many mighty kingdoms fell and are now occupied by Sevvan. But Hissin is a small kingdom, still recovering from its wounds. Its also a major part of the logistics backing Leopold IV's far flung army, well guarded and fortified. Any rebellion here would need massive power, forces, and allies to succeed. While many may sympathize with Kurt's dream of a free Hissin, he will have a hard time finding allies and supporters outside of his countrymen who believe his fight stands a chance. That is not to say there won't be those willing to help(or use) the rebellion, but Kurt will need to take special care to incite their aid.
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Jul 7, 2016 04:29
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Man, I'm already sizing up who would make good allies and who would only get in Edvard's way. This is gonna be fun.
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Jul 7, 2016 05:30
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Long ago after the first founding of Sevvran a dire dragon descended upon the volcanic border mountains, laying waste to all it found, consuming every living thing it encountered, and gathering all else into a mighty hoard. King Leopold I marshaled his forces, and armies and war priests alike burst against the bulwark of the dragon's might. However their mortal efforts were not for naught, for in the battle the dragon Orignoxfes was himself driven to ground. Wings broken and fangs blunted he faced the Hero King in single combat. The land shattered, the sky burned, and in the name of the Gods Leopold struck a mighty blow even as he was nearly rent asunder. Dragon and man faced one another through bloodied eyes and weariness from long ruinous weeks of war. One of them laughed. Then the other. "All this for a stretch of rock that reeks of shitpiles, you could throw a stone farther than this." "Well even with the one arm you're able to throw pretty far but I agree with you on the shitpiles part. There's good metal and other minerals in these mountains. And gnomes, but those are mostly a delicious afterthought." "They're still my people though. I also can't just let you take over an entire slice of my kingdom unchecked even if it kills us both to do it." "What about this, we'll do that thing you people do. With the crowns and the bribes you don't call bribes." "Taxes? You mean taxes? Hah! Alright, you pay me taxes and you can eat all the gnomes you want. Well, maybe not all of them. I can bet there's better food out there we can sell you than gnomes anyway, dirty little buggers." "Eh. Fair enough. Bring me better food and I'll eat fewer gnomes." "Deal. Shake on it?" "I want one of those crowns too, you chipped one of my horns on that last go..."  Prince Orignoxfes, Elder Dragon Traits: Elder Dragon [+4]: Dragons are a race in decline. Slow breeding and more content to assault one another's hoards than continue the species, there have been fewer than 10 eggs laid in the last century. Orignoxfes knows this because he paid handsomely to have them stolen and cooked most deliciously. Content in his greatness, and as mighty in size as he is powerful, Orignoxfes is an elder dragon with all the cunning, cruelty, and physical prowess that title entails. However weakened in theory their race may be, individually they're still legendarily potent and Orignoxfes is still very much so despite his corpulence. Legendary Hunger [+2]: Orignoxfes is a legendary glutton. So gluttonous in fact that he has single-handedly been responsible for the extinction of several species of flora and fauna in Sevvra and beyond either by direct means or hiring others. His hunger is a terrifying thing, particularly because he almost certainly views the kingdom and most of its inhabitants through the same lens of food or soon-to-be food. Gnomish Servants [+2] : FELLLDRICK! drat your useless and ridiculously fragile eyes get out here! What's that? No I don't want you to stop tying that ten foot chain to the top of the fifteen foot pole, how else do you expect me to floss the bones out from between my teeth after this apertif? More cakes or so help me your family is next up on the block after the cheese board. And get me more bauxite. None of that impurity ridden garbage the Fourth Refinery has been churning out. Remind me next sevenday to send someone to cook the foreman into a roast. Their productivity and quality assurance needs reassuring. Take a note! Hundreds of years of selective pressures have shaped the gnomish natives of Orignoxfes. Whatever their original racial traits and proclivities, centuries of being at the beck and call of a dragon with less patience than restraint have led to tiny size, quick thinking, and even faster dessert making skills under pressure becoming the most desirous survival skills for their people. Taught from birth that staying unobtrusive, steady hands, and being individually useful or tasty (the dragon tends to exterminate family lines he considers ill-tasting) is the literal difference between life and death, Orignoxfes' closest and longest lived gnomeservants are truly skilled at what they do. Ready to placate and clean up after the ponderous leavings of the dragon at a moment's notice, they're either very good at serving Orignoxfes' needs which require tiny size or they're next. Drawbacks: Blathering Pontificator [-2] : All dragons are slaves to their greed and vanity. Orignoxfes loves the sound of his own voice and would rather spend twenty words where one would suffice, to the annoyance and impatience of those who have to listen to him. Home The Principality of Orignoxfes Long ago at the founding of the kingdom the dragon Orignoxfes invaded and conquered the border mountains. After a ruinous battle where both parties were spent, Orignoxfes and Leopold I came to terms whereby the dragon was ceded the territory as a semi-independent principality in exchange for nominal fealty, promises of trade, and taxation. Ironically with only a single brutal overlord to appease (as opposed to an entire internecine network of nobles) the populace of the principality fared better socially and economically than others in the kingdom. Other than the dwarves and gnomes who were eaten on a semi-regular basis the people of Orignoxfes grew to prosper beneath the dragon's rule, following its instructions to extract vital and delicious minerals from the volcanic mountains and utilizing them to create alchemy and metallurgy which he found appetizing. Sevvra benefited from having an almost indisputably solid defense in one of its hitherto fallow and treacherously hazardous regions, and Orignoxfes was nothing if not prompt and meticulous in paying his taxes once trade routes for refined sugars, rare spices, and other luxurious foodstuffs were established. In the present day the citizens of the principality enjoy the benefits of living within Orignoxfes' shadow. Generations of oppression have left them nonchalant or accepting of the dragon's demands, and skilled trades centered around the cooking arts as well as mineral extraction or processing (much the same to Orignoxfes) have prospered. There are no bandits or wild beasts which threaten them, or at least not for long. For the same reason there are no corrupt city officials, religious zealots, or significant minorities as all are equally crushed beneath the dragon's mighty indifference and hunger. But the flame of hope yet burns, and every so often the seventh son of a seventh son or assistant pig herder rises from the muck to challenge the dragon and to his annoyance Orignoxfes must spend weeks passing another 'magical' sword or dragon-slaying lance or innovative alchemical take on dragon bane through his bowels the hard way. Since Leopold IV's ascendance Orignoxfes has been strangely silent. Mostly content to abide by the terms of his agreement with Leopold I to hold his territory, pay taxes, and not eat too many gnomes, he's eyed the political instability and upheavals askance. With the commodities market and trade routes for exotic foodstuffs threatened he might well leave his lair for the first time in centuries. After all it does say "Prince" right there in the title and he was given a crown... Diverse Mineral Deposits & Alchemicallurgical Industry [+4]: Originally the miners and tinkers of Orignoxfes eked out a living among the fiery mountains, dodging bursts of scalding water, poisonous gas, and other volcanic emissions. In a certain respect their lives haven't much changed under the rule of the dragon. But as volcanic ash and toxic minerals are merely spices of mild excitement to Orignoxfes the elder dragon has long direct the training and education of skilled workers in locating and extracting those minerals to good effect. Refineries which process the materials for cooking or heavy industry abound, and most citizens have some knowledge related to those fields or soon find themselves on the wrong end of a gigantic dinner plate. Polluted [-2]: The fires from ovens of industry and patisseries across Orignoxfes do their part, as do the smokestacks and industrial runoff. Some would say that the air and land of Orignoxfes are poisoned but given that one of the top ten causes of death is dinner-related it's hard to record accurate average lifespans. I'm still hunting around for pictures and trying to suss out how imgur's new layout works while at work but wow those are a lot of really good and interesting apps. Hope my dragon crowned half in jest who likes eating cakes and eating gnomes makes it, or at least gets to threaten to eat one or more of you guys. I'm imagining a lot of hilarious encounter scenes and dialogue here with some of you. Feel free to hit me up via PM or here, I work a lot and may find it difficult to chat at regular times with others. Puppies are dicks fucked around with this message at 22:30 on Jul 9, 2016 |
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Jul 7, 2016 06:16
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This is also an interest post.
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Jul 7, 2016 14:51
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Yami Fenrir posted:With a very, very large pair of scissors. I have just the gentlebeings for you, m'lud. 
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Jul 7, 2016 14:53
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 If the reign of King Leopold IV follows his ambitions, he will be judged against just one other person throughout all of history. Anathema, the elven tyrant queen. Even her name says her deeds. Queen Anathema. A curse. Some vile thing dedicated to evil. And the single greatest leader the world had ever known before or since, brutal statecraft that destroyed nations and unrelenting military leadership that crushed all who opposed her. Without equal in all history, she and her ravenous legions brought all the known world to heel. Her wrath engulfed a continent and the oceans that lapped at its shores, the first and only empire that reached from sea to sea. Legends say the Western Archipelago only sundered from the mainland on order of Anathema, to punish the ogres for their insolence. That the Wyvern Peaks are what was left once Anathema's wrath had passed through the fertile northlands, cursed forevermore with vile beasts to peck and destroy whoever so remained. That the orcs were banished underground at Anathema's command, never again to see the light or feel the heat of the sun on their skin. The only thing she could not defeat was time, and after her passing her empire crumbled. And even now, more than two thousand years hence, the Paramount Dominion is remembered. Everybody knows the legend of Queen Anathema. But this is not the whole story. Distorted by unknowledgeable historians and thousands of years since the events, the truth of the matter is quite different to what is remembered today. In legends told only among the old and elite families of Blomstregård, Queen Anathema was beloved by her people. And had, in fact, never died of old age at all. She was a particularly long-lived elf, even among her people, and her reign lasted several centuries. What brought it to an end, one that saw two centuries of decline for the Paramount Dominion before it finally crumbled, was a coup. During what came to be the last of the decennial councils of Dominion governments, provincial viziers moved against her. Not with troops, for the Imperator was a deadly fighter, but with powerful fel magics that shattered the citadel and buried the capital. The seat of Paramountcy power was lost to time, as if it never had existed at all. But not all was as it seemed. Buried in the mountains along the far south-east of Blomstregård, recent seismic activity uncovered this long-lost tomb. And along with it, the Basilissa Anathema of Blomstregård herself. The fel magics destroyed the citadel and all who committed the treasonous plot true, but such power was also unpredictable. The Queen had not died that day, but had been frozen in place by these magics.  Anathema Basilissa Anathema of Blomstregård, King and Queen of the East and the West, Storhertuginde of the North, Archon of the Great Southern Sea, Imperator of the Pioneer Legion and Exulted Potentate of the Paramountcy "…everything is gone. I was sitting down with my provincial viziers debating the latest war levies when, at an unheard signal, they rose as one and slung some malign, recherché spell at me. Then in the blink of an eye the grand imperial hall, the heart of my bastion, lay in ruin around me. Its grandeur so seamlessly turned into utter decay. Acting on instinct more than anything, I had to claw my way out of the rubble with my bare hands." "Two thousand, four hundred years. I still struggle to fully comprehend it, but it cannot argue with reality. The records in the Blomstregård archives were enough to confirm this much. I am a stranger in my own lands, lands that are no longer my home. A time is no longer my home. None of my memoirs or treatises have survived. Nothing of my legacy remains, I read 'Anathema' in a dictionary and see the word for despised evil. Anathema, recalled only in distorted myths and prejudiced, cautionary tales. All that I struggled and bled to build now swept away by the sands of time. Blomstregård is no more the glistering diadem of the Paramountcy that I left it as. Elves no longer even speak the tongue! I am still grasping this bastard patois Blomstregård now calls a language. Are they even my people any more? Apparently the leading houses in the Folketinget claim descent directly back to the womb of the wretched tyrant queen. Except I never had children. They know nothing of me." "Masonry from the Pioneers Bulwark used as bricks in stables along the Spearhills. Dormitories of the Pioneer Legion being squatted in by ogre raiders on the Western Archipelago. The great libraries of Nazir simply blasted into nothingness. Tomb raiders picking over what little is left like vultures. Vermin that I was all to happy to exterminate. Ruins, that's all that remains of the Paramountcy. Traitors deprived me of my rule, time destroyed the empire, and I am too late to save my subjects. But they, I, will suffer no more indignity. The Paramount Dominion will be remembered, even if I am the sole soul to do so." "I have been reading in an attempt to learn about these intervening centuries. To varying success, I must admit. But the ruling kingdom now is Sevvran, apparently. And under their latest king, some hereditary fool named Leopold, this kingdom now seeks to invade all it can see. I am remembered a despot, while realms happily submit to this Leopold, the fourth of his name? History is a cruel mistress. But one that I refuse to let rule me any longer. The Paramountcy may be lost, my name may be a curse, I may have been left with nothing but I am here for a reason. I will be what is needed. People deserve that after such a long time lost under savages and boy kings." "My face is virtually unknown, but my name is cursed with acts of the greatest tyrants. I have been blamed for every evil act in antiquity, even for some that occurred less than two hundred years ago. None of this is true, but that does no longer matters. People have believed it true for so long that it has become real to them. Even with Basilissa Anathema standing in front of them, the people will refuse to recognise that she is here. That she is real, that she is not a monster. If Anathema the Tyrant Queen is dead, then who am I to argue with history? I am still the Basilissa of Blomstregård, King and Queen of the East and the West and Storhertuginde of the North. I know what I am capable of, and what I have done for the good of my people. I need no title or name to prove that. It is in my very being. The world will soon see this again." [+6] The People's Queen, the Patrician's Princeps A cult of personality to some, and an inspirational leader to others. Even her harshest detractors had to accept that Basilissa Anathema of Blomstregård was a force of personality. She had charisma enough to rule the entire Paramountcy alone, keeping her subjects happy and the demanding aristocracies supporting her. Her gifted tongue ended more conflicts than her armies did, though stirring rallying cries on the battlefield had swung the tide of battle many times. Delicate diplomacy saw foes become friends, while rousing political speeches steered the course of the empire. At least this truth had survived thousands of years relatively unmolested. [+2] The Woman who Conquered the World One cannot bring wild beasts and uncultured barbarians to heel through words alone. While not the finest blade in the Paramount Dominion, Anathema more than acquitted herself in battle after battle. Troubadours sang sagas of their brave queen always leading from the front. Armed with her sovnya, the presence of the Imperator of the Pioneer Legion alone drove soldiers forward. When combined with tactics and strategy learnt from the finest generals through years of conflict, her command saw the legions of the Paramountcy maintain the peace through the Dominion. [-2] History Remembers a Tyrant To those learned in history, the etymology of 'Anathema' comes directly from the wretched and cruel ruler of the Paramount Dominion. She started dozens of wars, enslaved millions of people, starved her subjects and slaughtered even more. All the lands and all the seas were subjugated, human and dwarf and elf alike virtual thralls ruled with an iron fist. Cities rose in her name and nations razed at her command. Her empire was built on a foundation of blood and bone. This is how her name is remembered, that of a tyrant and a dictator. For Anathema to claim she is the famed empress of legend, this reputation precedes her. Either she is lying about her identity and is simply mad, or is telling the truth and is some vile creature too terrible to imagine. The Paramount Dominion  [+2] Foundation for Modern Civilisation All that which is known in the world can trace itself back to the Paramount Dominion. From the reclusive elves of Blomstregård to the holy Sevvra, all can trace some lineage back to the great empire. Even the capital of Arks Landing is built on the foundations of a small trading village dating back to the Paramount-era. Language shares a common root, and coinage is still struck from the same gold that was mined all those millennia ago. Trade routes once used across the continent and over the oceans are still travelled to this day. [+2] The Sun Never Set on the Dominion It was no boast that the sun never set on the Dominion. Paramount ruins continue to be uncovered from the very heart of Sevvran to the farthest reaches of the Massif Steppes. Shipwrecks and sunken harbours mark the seas as belonging to the Dominion as well, and not even the underground domain of the orcs or the shattered remains of the Western Archipelago are free from the touch of the long forgotten empire. Where ever one may travel, ruins of the great empire are sure to be found. [-2] Lost to the Sands of Time Even the greatest of empires cannot stand forever, and a scant two hundred years after Anathema the Paramount Dominion fell. Civilisation holds no memory of a time where all peoples stood side by side as brothers and sisters. Grand buildings are now rubble. Cities flattened and built over. Imperial highways now but well-trodden goat trails. Virtually all knowledge lost, with very little of the vast collections of the Dominion Archives surviving to this day. Archeologists now piece together what they can from ruins, but hidden secrets of an age long past stubbornly refuse to surrender what they know. Robodog fucked around with this message at 20:16 on Jul 11, 2016 |
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Jul 7, 2016 15:30
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Just to clarify: Lady Wulfe is not actually mute, that was just a part of her persona of Silent Knight. Anyhow, more story stuff! Locations/Races The Wyvern Clans  Also known as the infamous Barbarians of the north, these hardy people know no defeat. Living in a strange sort of symbiosis with the nearby Wyverns, their conquest has proven all but impossible - while the Ogres could have easily been conquered once their fleet was outmaneuvered, no amount of assaults has brought these proud warriors down. Constantly training themselves harder and harder to best the treacherous terrain of the Wyvern Peaks and it's extremely hostile wildlife, every single man and woman is a fierce combatant. Their wyverns are famed for a lot of their body parts - their wings count as a delicacy, their claws can be ground up into a dust with an intoxicating effect, and their poison bladders, when processed correctly, can be used to make a vile-tasting potion that drives people into a berserker rage - an often used and very feared tactic they used against the Sevvran army. In the end, even the proud King Leopold III had to cut his losses and grant them the territory they demanded, and a promise of independence. The Orc Theocracy  It was long thought that the Orcs were simple barbarians, like the Wyvern clans. They were largely ignored and their territory encroached upon - until recently. Suddenly striking the province of Niloufar from below in massive numbers, and with nearly equal weaponry to that of Sevvran, people quickly realized: The orcs on the surface are outcasts. Underground, in large ravines, both natural and manmade, they built their cities, hiding them from plain sight. They are quite religious, and while exact details of said religion are not yet known, they claim Niloufar as the birthplace of their prophet, and the settlers as their mortal enemies. Striking back at their subterran assaults has proven hard as is - and the fact that House Borde has long fallen into disgrace with their noble peers has barred them from assistance. Notables: The Windspeaker  Only notable for the sheer absurdity of her presence, the Windspeaker is a young woman from a foreign land... on the other side of the known world. If her claims are to be believed, anyway. When asked as to the reason for her travel to the kingdom, she merely replied "I go where the wind guides me." She has been marked as a heretic and to be captured or killed on sight, with a sizable bounty on her head. However, not only has this enigmatic woman proven quite elusive, she is also a capable wind mage. The Pope has refused to comment as to why he is going to such extreme lengths to hunt a simple stubborn-minded traveler. Damning Secrets: ??? Petra Asfaran, the Wolf's Pup  A woman of unknown birth, Petra Asfaran is far more famous under her title than her actual name - much to her chagrin. She used to be the de Wulfe's pupil - and quite belovedly so. Quite a few people noted their relationship to be close to that of a mother and child - however, three months ago, she suddenly broke off all relations with the Lady Regent, and started openly opposing her. Lady Wulfe seems to largely ignore this, however, much to Petra's irritation. Regardless, while she is not anywhere close to the Wolf of Sevvran's level of martial prowess, she is nonetheless one of the better fighters in the realm and should not be taken lightly. Damning Secrets: ??? ??? Yami Fenrir fucked around with this message at 01:00 on Jul 8, 2016 |
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Jul 8, 2016 00:07
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Yami Fenrir posted:Kiris-Or Now that is an interesting question. The fact is that no-one really knows. Some are convinced it was an arguement as to where was best to live, the sky or the earth and the bets slowly grew to encompass all things that lived. The air lost and the Orm were cursed for it. Others think it's elvish bitterness and anger at having been part of an ancient pact that had to be broken. No-one knows exactly why or where the curse comes from. but they know how it lingers in the blood of all Orm. The Orm are weak to magic. Some say it is why the settled here in the first place. They begin to sicken, their black feathers turning grey and then a pure white. Their eyes become unseeing, their breath short and they lose weight at a fantastic rate. Any Orm that spends too long working with magic begins to feel some of the effects, but it is those that are actually cursed that feel the fire really burn. Any of the curses begins to feel worse, a weight spell cracks bones, healing spells bring about uncontrolled regeneration, fire spells burn to a crisp. The Orm are cursed and they know that, but they are practical and try to avoid magic as much as possible, not go into why exactly. Though there are still a few Orm who wish to learn how and why their ancestors could get themselves cursed so exstensively.
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Jul 8, 2016 01:22
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Submitted for your approval. Gur-Khan Jalaluddin, oglu Cihangr, oglu Ibrah… They found him in a raid on one of the Wyvern Clans. The Steppe Lords took much from them; among them was him, barely a man back then. He was exactly one of the men of the steppes, yet none recognized him. If he hadn’t named his father, grandfather, and family line, they would have killed him. As it stood then, they took him back home. His family - the Gulbahar - refused to take him in, and would have continued to disown him if the Bey commanding them had not forced Jalaluddin upon them. They Beylerbeyi - Bey of Beys - sent men out beyond the steppes to find more about the boy, why he was beyond their borders. It would be a long time before they bore that information, and things had changed beyond what anyone would imagine.... There were raids from those lizard-fuckers two generations ago. Many had died, and the Wyvern Clan left with many captives. There was no ransom made, and The Steppe Lords all thought they would be fodder for their wyverns… They were only half wrong. The Clans were having them tend to their lizards, with the unwilling being devoured. Portions of those thralls chose to flee southwards as the road back home was under constant watch; among them was Cihangr, father to Jalaluddin. He would turn up in a stronghold under Talrimas control, working as a stablehand. How Jalaluddin came to be was the result of a fling between Cihangr and a highborn Talrimas with little discretion. Her family was vehement in their disapproval, locking here away for months; Cihangr was unmanned, and the Talrimas took Jalaluddin for themselves. The time Jalaluddin spent as ‘Jeacock,’ a retainer for the Talrimas was training, and learning protocol with a firm hand insisting that he not sully their name in any way. They had groomed him to be a sheriff of their stronghold, and ‘Jeacock’ would’ve spent his life as a sheriff had Cihangr not been taken on as well. It would be Cihangr who taught Jalaluddin of his heritage and skills native to his people: horsemanship, archery, hunting. When Cihangr died from his unmanning, in his last breath he urged Jalaluddin to return to his homeland, and a week later he did just that, left with a horse, bow, quiver, and spears. Nobody in the Talrimas household had realized that ‘Jeacock’ abandoned them until it was too late. What training he had as a child had guided him to life in the steppes; what his family and Khan - chieftan - taught him added to what he learned. He was also restless as he came to his own; eager to join in raids on the outsiders who dwell on the steppes, and lacking the subtlety that is needed in the Beasts that dwell in the steppes. No understanding of how quickly the Raptors breed, nor the grudges each Zhucheng clan bore, nor the territorial aggression of the Stegoceras, nor the many other wants of the other Beasts. If his family was one of the Border Clans, that would be fine, but he was in the heartlands where their lives depended on more than just raiding. It took him surviving an Elasmuth stampede to realize this, but even then it seemed he did not take the right lessons from the Beasts. Young Jalaluddin started to commence raids of his own, spread beyond and deeper into the steppes. Became more brutal and precise. The spoils he gained were great. The Beylerbeyi took notice of his prowess and initiative and made him a Khan; gave him a wife to marry and three dozen horses to build his strength. All signs of favor. It would be Jalaluddin who brought in many outsiders who did not answer to the Beylerbeyi, by bow, sword, or will. As he reached his thirty-fifth year - his seventh year as Khan - he started to dream of bounty. In his dreams, Jalaluddin saw vast herds of horses, weapons and armor that shimmered like those from long ago. He saw vast wealth and fare to feed the Steppe Lords thrice over, and other things that defied his life as Khan. His eyes turned southwards, back to Sevvran. Each raid made his eyes turn again south, dissatisfied with what gains he made. Eventually he mustered up as many riders as he could - and few Khans - to press outside the steppes, past the Wyvern Clans’ roosts. The horde came upon a border town in Sevvran, and made quick work of it. They rode back with cartfuls of goods, cattle, and spoils from their raid with much congratulations among themselves. The Bey who ruled them however was displeased with what they did, regarded their actions as negligent, and had half their spoils burned and the other half taken by the Bey. This made the Khans who joined Jalaluddin furious with him - all their efforts reduced to ashes - and tried to kill him for forgiveness but to no avail. Back at the border an army from Sevvran was mustered to push north and wreak vengeance against the nomads who plundered their countryside. They bribed the Wyvern Clans to let them through without a fight, and made it clear to them that they were here for one enemy: the horse nomads. The Sevvran army met their enemy at the border; arrows flew, and the steppe echoed with shouts and screams. Jalaluddin heard news of the battle, and saw the chance for the wealth he knew existed. He rode with every rider he could raise and charged into the border. He coordinated with the other Khans to push the army not outwards, but further into the lands where a pack of raptors were roosted; that army did not stand chance. Then every rider on the border fled south, out of the raptors’ range and back into Sevvran. Jalaluddin and his horde made an ultimatum to each stronghold they passed: give a thousand pounds in silver, or have their city razed. He made this offer three times, and only one of them refused. Then the horde came to their fourth stronghold to raid; Jalaluddin’s old home. There was no raid though not for lack of trying. A new army had finally mustered under commander Verenas and met the horde in battle. The two fought for five to a stalemate days both Jalaluddin and Verenas made for a truce. The meeting was a cold one, between the two but in the end Jalaluddin’s horde would be allowed to keep half the spoils of their raiding, if he and his Khans swore an oath of fealty to Verenas and de Wulfe to keep the peace in Sevvran and their holdings. Jalaluddin agreed to the terms, knowing that there would be another chance to claim more from the kingdom - its enemies or otherwise. The steppes are going to get their resources to fight the Beasts one way or another. [+4] Seasoned Raider - Life in the Steppes has been hard and many a raid the man had participated in to ease the hardship. Terror, speed, and wits are as much his tools as a steady bow hand and a quiverful of arrows. [+4] Enforcement - Acting on behalf of the regency, and House Talrimas to prevent war from breaking out in the kingdom presents a deal of leeway in enforcing this peace. If a rich man finds himself stripped of assets for paying an audience to treason, that’s just collateral damage. [-2] Dynastic Complications - Between appeasing his own followers and placating arrogant noble family that had oh so nicely reminded of his ‘heritage’ the Gur-Khan has his work cut out. His biggest threat may not be the foes without, but whether one family wants the other dead. ------ The Massif Steppes (Ilker)  A great massif mark the borders between the Red Vale, the territory the Wyvern Clans roost, and their homes beyond. Beasts of great ferocity dwell there, and the Steppe Lords had generations to fight them. No town or stronghold built in the steppes had withstood the test of time, and whatever goods that could be had is in either game and herbs, or from raiding their neighbors. The Wyvern Clans suffer the brunt of these raids, especially as the Steppe Lords despise their Wyverns, likening them to the Beasts back in their homeland. Kinship is a serious matter to them; it determines what roles someone has, and where they’re allowed to hunt and graze. Without knowledge of their lineage, they would essentially be property. ------ [+4] Primodial - Many beasts untamed roam the steppes, and the people who dwell there are hardened warriors. Neither take to outsiders kindly - or one another for that matter. [-2] Primitive - There is not much that has developed in the steppes. Hardened leather, spears, bows, arrows, and horses are pretty much the best they can do; maybe palisades if they find enough trees to make- one. Then there are the Beasts who would hamper anyone who lingered for too long in their territory. AnAnonymousIdiot fucked around with this message at 06:17 on Jul 15, 2016 |
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Jul 8, 2016 06:46
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Yami Fenrir posted:
 Hm... Also I'm not great at puns or titles but I can definitely shoehorn other jokes in until they sort of fit.This kingdom's problems just keep dragon on and on... Troubles in the kingdom : Reigny days and sleepless knights Path of the conqueror : Follow the foot prince
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Jul 8, 2016 16:33
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I think the tagline should be something along the lines of "This is how Davos feels all the time"
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Jul 8, 2016 16:53
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Josef bugman posted:I think the tagline should be something along the lines of He wouldn't be so stressed out all the time if he'd just see the light and start worshiping
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Jul 8, 2016 16:56
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Rauri posted:He wouldn't be so stressed out all the time if he'd just see the light and start worshiping I think he'd be stressed about different thing, Child Burner. Seriously though, I am kind of imagining how many GoT references people are going to try to fit in to the game.
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Jul 8, 2016 17:20
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Having carefully considered all her options, Lavelle chooses violence.
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Jul 8, 2016 17:22
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Platonicsolid posted:Having carefully considered all her options, Lavelle chooses violence. With the Mountain played by Sasha Snowdrake.
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Jul 8, 2016 17:24
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