THE OOC

WORLD INFORMATION / BACKGROUND (Soluunar) | +

WORLD INFORMATION / BACKGROUND (Soluunar)
The World, called Soluunar, is inhabited by two races of people. The men, those who had once controlled vast empires and boundless power, were being driven to the brink of extinction by their ancient enemies, the Tutar, a race of disfigured, savage humanoids of roughly the size of Men, though much more physically imposing. They are said to be descended from humans who interbred with demons.

Over the years, as the kingdoms of men divided and fought amongst each other, the Tutar host grew, hidden away in the barren wasteland located at the base of a deep, impenetrably dark canyon known only as The Ravine. For centuries the monsters thrived in the shadows, growing in size and strength, their hatred for the world of men growing with each passing day.

Until finally, the Tutar attacked.

Although vastly outnumbered by the Tutar, the men of Lebidan and Linden (the last two surviving kingdoms of men), are fierce soldiers and cunning strategists, who use their well-rounded combat skills and impressive strength to help them stand their ground.

WORLD INFORMATION / BACKGROUND (Upper Regions) | +

WORLD INFORMATION / BACKGROUND (Upper Regions)
The home of the Gods, where their power is isolated from the mortal realm.

The Upper Regions are a tranquil, peaceful place filled with beautiful gardens, exquisitely designed marble temples and a peace that permeates every aspect of life. Unless the Circle is in disagreement, of course.

TRAVELING BETWEEN THE WORLDS

There exists a link between the two realms, a link that can be engaged by any Elder God who is not "Fallen". This is done by meditating on the link, a process that can take differing lengths of time depending on the aptitude of the God in question. Frequent use translates to an easier time doing this, although outside distractions can make the process more difficult. It also takes much more time if an Elder God is bringing Demigods with him/her.

CHARACTER TYPE EXPLANATIONS / INFO | +

CHARACTER TYPE EXPLANATIONS / INFO

Mortals of Linden
Linden was the first kingdom to be hit by the Tutar- as such, their soldiers are fewer in number but much more battle-hardened than those of Lebidan. The Lindenians are grizzled fighters with battered equipment and dented shields, and often prefer to let their actions do the talking.


Mortals of Lebidan
The Lebis on the other hand are better equipped, with sleeker weapons and untarnished gear- they also have horses, mounted cavalry and a large regiment of deadly bowmen at their disposal. However they have all the more to prove, as many of them are untested and raw, and have not seen much battle as of yet. Although they can be every bit as capable, of course. The experience will come- the Tutar will make sure of it.

Their colors are red, gold and white, and their crest is a winged, male lion holding up a shield.


Demigods
Formerly mortals who were "Uplifted" to their current state of being by an Elder God or Goddess, Demigods can recover from even the most severe injuries with astonishing speed. They also possess strength and speed beyond that of any mortal being, however they cannot use magic of any kind. At the same time, although they cannot cast it themselves, they can still enjoy the benefits of their Elder God's powers. In the Upper Regions, a Demigod's status is determined by the status of the Elder god who Uplifted him or her.


Elder Gods and Goddesses
Elder Gods are much more powerful than Demigods, and they can use magic correlating to their dominion. They can influence and aid their Demigods using their magic, depending on how much of their strength they retain for their own use.

NOTE: Elder Gods AND Goddesses are allowed for each element/area of dominion. So if there's an Elder Goddess of Fire (which there is), then you're technically allowed to have an Elder God of Fire (which you are).


Circle Gods
The Gods of the Circle are the most powerful inhabitants of the Upper Regions, aside from the Creator. Unlike with Elder Gods, the Circle Gods' dominion extends far beyond single components. They control things like Nature, Light, and Time itself. Of all the inhabitants of the Upper Regions, they alone are forbidden to enter the Mortal World.


The Tutar
Tutaris are disfigured, bestial humanoids with horned heads and claws on their hands. Their skin can range from green, to reddish brown, although there is little variation in regard to their ferocity. Large and very powerful, the Tutar are imposing, merciless monsters that balance out their savagery with the ability to wear armor, roughly fashioned by their own hands. Every Tutari is armed with a broad scimitar and a heavy spear slung across their back. They feel nothing but the desire to end the world of men.

IMPORTANT FACTORS/INFORMATION CONCERNING GODS | +

IMPORTANT FACTORS/INFORMATION CONCERNING GODS (Taken from Interest Check)

-Gods are immortal- that is, they do not die of old age or sickness, and they cannot be killed, unless by another God. However, once a God leaves the Upper Regions, they are no longer impervious to death. Something as simple as an unanticipated arrow could kill an Elder God caught at unawares- and once a God dies in the mortal realm, they reappear in the Upper Regions, where they must remain forever unless they wish to surrender their eternal life. If they choose to leave again (which would designate them as "Fallen"), their next death would be their last, and old age could in fact claim their life (although such an age for an Elder God would be astronomical).

-Demigods serve Elder Gods- a Demigod is tied to his or her Elder God until either death or ascension occurs. New Demigods are created when a mortal is "uplifted" by an Elder God (or in some cases, by a Circle God although that is extremely rare). This is usually done as a result of an act of incredible heroism (or in some cases, simply steadfast loyalty).

-Elder Gods may align themselves with Circle Gods, usually due to similar interests or simply out of respect for the Circle God in question. However, unlike Demigods they are not bound to any one superior, and may serve others if they choose (although doing such a thing is usually unwise). Many Elder Gods prefer not to get mixed up in the affairs of the Circle at all, preferring to remain independent, keeping their distance. However, this isn't always possible.

-Unlike their subordinates, the Circle cannot leave the Upper Regions, as it is strictly forbidden by ancient law. If a Circle God leaves the Upper Regions, they do not get to die once and return, nor do they become known as "Fallen". Instead, they are known as "The Exiled", and can never come back. Upon dying, they would find themselves in an eternity of torment as punishment for touching the mortal World with their cataclysmic power. However they can still impact happenings on Soluunar from the Upper Regions thanks to the extensive reach of their influence, which far outstrips that enjoyed by lesser Gods (although it does have limits).

UPLIFTING OF MORTALS | +

CONCERNING "UPLIFTING" OF MORTALS (players interested in using this ability must check with GM [me] first)

When an Elder God Uplifts a mortal to a Demigod, it costs them a fraction of their power, a fraction that cannot be recovered unless the Demigod in question dies. Therefore, the less powerful an Elder God is, the fewer Demigods they can raise. Accordingly, Demigods that are uplifted by more powerful Elder Gods will be significantly stronger than those raised by lesser Gods.

If a Demigod dies, the power is returned to the person who raised them, although that event would follow an agonizing timeframe during which they feel the pain of the death, as no matter how much time elapsed since Uplifting, the life lost was still attached to them. If a Demigod were to rise to the rank of Elder God or even beyond, that link would still remain.

ABOUT CIRCLE GODS | +

ABOUT CIRCLE GODS

The power to break the world in half! Who wouldn't want that? Well, YOU wouldn't want that. Not only are they typically OP, but they're barred by ancient law from entering Soluunar! Who wants to be sitting around all day, watching all the action from afar? Now, if you've seen my characters I know what you're probably thinking.

"Hey GreyHelm, you jerk, you clearly have a Circle God as one of your characters."

Well that is true, I DO have one as a character. But WAIT! I can explain! The reason is that the Circle is the primary driving force behind the plot and its various developments. I control a Circle God because I'll be establishing the plot and setting the scene as we go along (which is also why I'm controlling an Elder Goddess who is aligned with Malinar). I assure you, it's not so I can feel like I'm cool or something.

"Oh, okay GreyHelm. You're still a jerk though."

That I am. That I am.

BASIC PLOT EXPLANATION | +

BASIC PLOT EXPLANATION

Linden was the first of the two remaining Kingdoms of men to fall victim to the Tutar's assault- they lost many lives, and much of the population was displaced as their homes were razed to the ground by the invading Tutar. The surviving remnant have moved to join with Lebidan, in the hopes of standing firm against their enemies by uniting with the neighboring kingdom. The Lebis reluctantly accepted their new allies, recognizing the value of the only soldiers to have fought the Tutar and lived to tell the tale.

Even as peace talks and alliance negotiations take place upon Soluunar, far above in the Upper Regions a fierce debate rages on. Will the Gods intervene, or stand aside and watch the fall of man? At the center of the dispute are the two most prominent members of the Circle- Malinar, God of Chaos and Destruction and Rolyn Skyhand, God of Time.

Malinar believed that intervening in the ongoing strife between men and the Tutar would interfere with the chaotic nature of existence itself. Rolyn countered that by standing by and doing nothing, they would watch all of Soluunar fall into a darkness that would forever remain oblivious to the passage of time. No more would there be honorable mortals who could ascend to the ranks of the Demigods. No more could the Circle look down upon and judge acts of heroism. The World would become nothing more than a dark plane of despair.

Here is where the RP begins.

ENVIRONMENTAL POSTS | +

ENVIRONMENTAL POSTS
This is something I've never actually tried before, and I'm not sure if it's been done on CF but I think it'll serve my purposes well. Basically, whenever some major event takes place, potentially affecting multiple/all characters, I would present it in the form of an "Environmental Post", that is, a visual of what's going on from no specific character's perspective. Kind of a tool for "Setting the Stage".

Example: "The Tutar Host was broken by the ferocity of the defenders, and was breaking rank and fleeing, disorganized in their desperation to be away. The Lindenians had held out- a signal fire was lit, calling the soldiers back to camp, and a meeting amongst the Leadership would be taking place very soon."

Or, a less positive one:

"The Tutar cut through the Allies' front ranks, driving the men and women of Soluunar backward, inflicting heavy losses the whole time. The ground itself shook beneath their countless numbers as the heavily armored host charged. These Tutaris were outfitted differently from anything they'd seen before, with thick, gleaming armor that looked like it had been forged by a master. The superior gear seemed to instill the monsters with new vigor as their relentless attack continued. Lest all be lost, the army's rearguard would have to advance, led by… etc."

During these "Environmental Posts", things might happen that will have an impact on your characters. There may even be a surprise or two coming through this medium.

Just remember… I have all of your best interests at heart

ENCYCLOPEDIA | +

THAAM

Thaam was a powerful nation, as strong as Lebidan in its prime, and nearly as large as the other two Kingdoms put together. Thaam's people, from the Ruling family all the way down to the peasants and vagrants, were devout followers and worshippers of Rivenskir, Elder God of Frost (who was also one of the most powerful Elder Gods in the Upper Regions at the time). Several centuries after the Tutar were banished to the Ravine, Rivenskir elected to honor the people of Thaam with a visit. However, Rivenskir, a vain, self-involved God with little concern for others, was rudely greeted upon his arrival, by an elderly woman who did not know who he was.

What occurred next was an event known only as "The Injustice of Thaam", during which the entire nation was blanketed in a covering of ice, and Rivenskir's 5 Demigods slaughtered thousands of people, including most of the ruling family. The Circle attempted to intervene, but what happened next is uncertain as all those who survived the Injustice and didn't flee Thaam disappeared completely. Rivenskir was forcibly brought before the Circle, who sentenced him to death for his crimes. His Demigods were also killed alongside him, and they are remembered to have dared the Circle to bloody their own hands to see the job done, a task they haughtily believed would be beyond the ability of the dignified Gods. This infuriated both Rolyn and Malinar (Rolyn for their lack of remorse, Malinar for the challenge to his mettle) and they proceeded to each kill two of them, before Valiya Heartsong stood up, and after staring into the final Demigod's eyes for a moment, watched as he slew himself where he stood.

Some people in Linden and Lebidan (particularly Linden) are descended from those who fled Thaam before the great disappearance. They are typically marked by the slender frames, red hair and unusually pale skin of their people.

Many of the ancient structures and dwellings of Thaam still stand, in relatively good condition although they remain eerily vacant, as they have since the disappearance.


THAAMIN SOCIETY

The Thaamin were a hardy, tough people, in spite of their slender appearance - they had a high tolerance for the cold, which was fortunate given the eternally frigid temperature of their nation. They were often underestimated based on their visible characteristics, however anyone who faced a Thaamin in battle quickly learned the error of their ways. Thaamin soldiers utilized a style of combat known as grasuun, which involved the use of a halberd or spear in movements that flowed seamlessly from one to the next. Grasuun is more associated with grace and accuracy than anything else, however the masters of it were capable of dealing death with astonishing speed and fluidity.

These Spearmasters were one of the most fearsome military units in the history of Soluunar, and were employed as shock infantry as well as reserve units that could change the tide of a battle wherever they appeared. They were capable of deflecting arrows with their weapons, and some of them utilized a long chain attached to the end of their spears both as an extra tool for tactical use, and also to allow them to easily retrieve the weapon once it was thrown.


THAAMIN LEADERSHIP

Thaam was never ruled by a single entity - always, there was a Ruling Family, and while the blood needed to be shared among them, the composition could change from time to time as members stepped down, through public demand or if deemed unsuitable by their peers. Cousins, siblings, nephews, nieces and children could all qualify, however the maximum number of members was always six. The King of Thaam was considered the first among equals, and his word could only be overturned if all other members of the Family chose against him. If the King was deemed unfit for rule, an opposing family could succeed instead if backed by enough public support.

Thaam was one of the longest lived of the nations of men on Soluunar, and this is largely thanks to the powerful rulers who pushed it to greatness. Long after Grahn's great general vanished from the world, leading to the empire's fall, the Skalbane family rose to prominence as they led Thaam into a golden age. While the Skalbane line had no shortage of great leaders, the greatest of them all was in power during the Injustice of Thaam.

Aegion Redraven Skalbane was known for his towering height, his thick, flowing red beard, and his broad shoulders and thick frame, which were rare among the Thaamin. His crown was wrought of silver and steel, with wings on either side, and his eyes were scarlet, yet another peculiarity that only added to his legend. He was proud but fair, ruthless to his enemies and kind to his people, and under his banner Thaam reached new levels of prominence.

Thaam's intimidating presence meant there was minimal open warfare during Aegion's rule, however he was challenged to hundreds of duels during his lifetime, as facing the Red Raven (he was also known for his cleverness, which, combined with his distinctive eyes, earned him his moniker) was considered the ultimate mark of courage in a Thaamin man. He never lost, although he sometimes faced up to eight opponents at a time, and the amount of times his adversaries even managed to touch him can be counted on one hand. He was a master of grasuun, but his prowess with his enormous halberd, Silence, was not the only reason he is believed to have been so successful a warrior.

As Aegion continued to demonstrate unfathomable prowess in every aspect of combat, another notable observation was that he never seemed to age. The king is believed to have reached over one hundred years of age without a single grey hair appearing in his long hair or beard. This, coupled with his astonishing speed and strength, led to rumors that the man was actually a God.

Whether or not he was indeed immortal, Aegion was unable to save his family during the Injustice of Thaam. They were slaughtered by Rivenskir's Demigods, who were then challenged by the king, whose wrath is said to have been a sight to behold. The Demigods engaged the last of Thaam's rulers, even as the great disappearance marking the end of the Injustice occurred.


THE EMPIRE OF GRAHN

In the early days, when Thaam was young and Lebidan was little more than a stretch of countryside with nothing to boast beyond vast farmlands, thick patches of forest and the beginnings of a small city, Grahn was a superpower. It was also the nation with the highest concentration of Tutar, as they made up roughly 15% of the total population at one point. At the height of its power, Grahn stretched over the lands that would one day become Linden; to the north it contained much of what would eventually become part of Thaam, and on its opposite end it contained the entirety of the southward Plains.

Grahn's army was nigh unstoppable in those days, led by a brilliant general who was feared across all of Soluunar for his prowess as both a soldier and as a tactician. The general disappeared after a time, though his body was never recovered, and the Empire of Grahn began to crumble at its foundations. Too large to be maintained, the nation was fragmented as the Plains people gained independence, and Thaam began to challenge Grahn along its northern borders.

After the Grahnese forces withdrew to the northern reaches of the country so as to contend with the Thaamin, the nation of Linden came into being.

Linden's original population, united by the fading Empire's former dominion, rose up and seized control of a large outpost and a number of surrounding structures and towns that had been built or reinforced by the Grahnese.

While Linden grew and prospered in the south, Grahn and Thaam ended their war and remained situated side by side in Soluunar's northeastern-most sector as uncomfortable neighbors, with Grahn now reduced to barely a quarter of its former strength. Eventually, Thaam would attack once again, eradicating the former empire completely. The people became slaves until they worked off "war debts", and the Tutar were let free by the Thaamin only to end up becoming slaves to Linden and Lebidan.


THE SCORCHED PLAINS

While the Plains never held an organized Kingdom like its neighbors to the north, over its history there had been many alliances and conflicts between its various tribes, with some of them gaining in power to the point of representing viable military forces as they took neighboring tribes into their numbers through treaties or war.

Over the years, as the lands grew harsher and resources grew more scarce (particularly after the scorching of the land by the Rage Goddess), many left the Plains seeking their fortunes in nearby Linden or in faraway Lebidan. The beginning of the Tutar's war on Linden also marked a regression in the Plains' population, as the demons traveled eastward from the Ravine before heading north, driving many of the people residing in the western plains from their homes.

In the present day, most of the inhabited Plains are under the control of a single tribe (the Rapaii) that, with little opposition, has grown exceedingly corrupt and is continually extorting the hardworking, honest peoples that live under their tyranny. With the ongoing threat of the Tutar, the rest of Soluunar is unaware of this, and if they knew of the goings-on they still would not have the time or manpower to spare.

A small tribe of people, known as the Reclaimers, are in ongoing struggles with the Rapaii, and utilize guerrilla tactics given their inferior numbers. They are fighting a losing battle, and every day life in the Plains grows bleaker for those who call it home. The Rapaii patrol the outskirts, ensuring that no one leaves, and every day their numbers swell as others seek to join them in their unchecked collection of spoils.


SCORCHED PLAINS LIFESTYLE

Plainspeople are largely nomadic, and spend a considerable portion of their lives on horseback. The lands they traverse, rendered dry and "scorched" from the fury of an Elder Goddess during an early age of corruption, still provide enough sustenance for the simple people to eek out a living.

Toarn, a strong, aggressive buffalo variation, survive off the dry vegetation available, and in turn are hunted by the Plainspeople for their hide and meat. Some of the horses utilized by Plainspeople are mixed with toarn, and the more eccentric among the plains' residents sometimes use the dangerous animals as their favored mounts.

Horses from the Plains tend to be sturdy and shorter than their western counterparts, however they are very durable and can ride for long periods of time with little rest. Horses are an important part of life for Plainspeople, who typically kill the steeds of those who die so they might remain together as they pass on from the world. Braids are common among Plainspeople, and many never cut their hair at all - another death time custom involves the unravelling of the departed's braid.

Although the tribes of the past have fallen out of prominence, dissolved by the passage of years and the need for unity as the Rapaii grew to become a threat to everyone on the Plains, many Plainspeople remember their roots. They demonstrate this observance with tattoos that commemorate the ancient tribes from which they are descended, which may include the tribal animals that symbolized the qualities valued by the old chieftains.

HISTORY AND SOCIETY OF THE TUTAR | +

Tutar History:

The Tutar were not always the giant savages they have become over time. In the beginning they were smaller, lesser creatures with a timid nature. Their grotesque appearance made them targets, and it wasn't long before they were caught in the middle of Humanity's constant struggle for power and domination. The Tutar became slaves to mankind, working the fields, building the structures, fighting in wars for reasons they did not understand.

Eventually they elected to revolt, having finally had enough. The Tutar were fierce warriors even back then, but they could not contend with the strength of man. They were driven back, suffering heavy losses, until they found themselves in the Ravine that became their home.

The three Great Kingdoms of men, Linden, Lebidan and Thaam, collectively decided that the threat had been dealt with sufficiently, and that there was no need to pursue their enemies into the treacherous Ravine. Thaam's involvement in the war was cursory at the most, as they had not engaged in enslaving the Tutar and questioned the motivations of the war from its very beginning.

While the decision to spare the remnant of the Tutar was probably the wise choice at the time, within the Ravine the creatures underwent an alarming transformation. Over the centuries that followed, their hatred of Mankind festered and grew, whilst they fought amongst themselves, growing larger and stronger through the competition to breed (only the mightiest among them were gifted with the right to reproduce). In memory of their past, at the birth of each Tutar child, a brand is given to them on their back, so they would never forget the pain their ancestors suffered. They would preserve the sting of their former master's whips, as fuel for their bloodlust.

Tutar Society:

Tutar life is a nonstop cycle of violence and strife. Although there are almost always 13 Chieftains, they are constantly vying for power amongst themselves, and defending their statuses against others who would rise from beneath them (as such, the exact number can fluctuate at times). Tutar do not trust one another in general, as a higher ranking member of their hierarchy can be killed in his sleep and supplanted in one fell swoop (creating a great deal of paranoia). During battle their maneuverings would cease, only to resume once they have returned from the field.

When a Chieftain is defeated in single combat, he is castrated by the victorious Tutar, thus becoming a female and unfit for war or leadership. Often these defeated Chieftains would attempt to kill themselves, but the others would prevent this from happening if possible, to prolong their lives and the shame hanging over them. Many of them become slaves to the females, as further punishment for their failure.

There is one female Tutar for approximately every thousand males. This means that there is always competition for the right to mate, which has made the Tutar race much stronger than it has ever been in the past.

DRORGHAN BACKGROUND AND APPEARANCE | +

Drorghan Background

In some of the oldest bits of lore, only available in select libraries, likely only the most extensive of such remaining on Soluunar (possibly just in Lebidan), there is talk of dragons having existed on Soluunar around the very beginning. There exists only trace amounts of information on them, but there is mention of creatures that are descended from the mythical beasts, residing only in the deep places of the world.

Drorghans are believed to be the descendants of Dragons that were trapped in the Ravine when the section of mountains encircling it, where they had lived, collapsed into the cavernous pit. Over the centuries, the Dragons lost their ability to fly as their wings merged into their backs and their scales deteriorated into rock hard flesh with a pale grey, dead-looking hue. Their arms grew stronger and their keen intellect declined into something more animalistic, dominated by instinct and a bloodlust that stemmed from the loss of their former lives. They became beasts of labor, used by the Tutar for their incredible strength, serving to excavate mines, pulling materials from the deep places of Soluunar to be used in shaping the crude weapons and armor worn by their masters.

In the conflict between Linden and the Tutar, glimpses of these beasts by mankind were rare- there was only one reported sighting, and as it was from a distance and lasted but a moment it was largely discredited. However, Prince Krinwulf of Linden had been one of those present at the time and he knew what he'd seen. He knew the myths to be true. He recalled hearing the term "Drorghan" spoken by the Tutari warriors in the vicinity at the time, and thus he used the name later when he attempted to describe what he'd seen upon his return from the battlefield.


Drorghan Appearance

Roughly 15-18 feet tall, Drorghans are massive, incredibly powerful semi-sentient beasts that walk on two legs, each as thick as an ancient tree trunk, with tremendous arms that are heavily muscled due to a combination of genetics and hard labor. Their heads are slightly elongated yet vaguely apelike, with small traces of scales visible around their eyes, which are the only things that are even remotely reptilian about them (they are greenish yellow, with pupils that are vertical slits). Their backs are hunched and they seem incapable of standing fully erect. They are completely naked, however their entire bodies are covered in grey flesh that is more durable than steel armor. They are completely hairless, and they have no tails. They have two large panels of particularly thick armored flesh on their backs, formerly their wings, which contributes to the curvature of their spines.

When they are used in battle, Drorghans are armed with boulders that have been secured onto the ends of chains (composed of metal links nearly a foot thick) which are then shackled to their wrists, for they lack the intelligence required to properly wield weapons. Instead, the swinging of their powerful arms yields horrific results as the rock segments act as tremendous flails.

List of Circle/Elder Gods (incomplete) | +

THE CIRCLE-

Rolyn Skyhand, God of Time (Character Sheet)

Valiya Heartsong, Goddess of Faith (Valiya governs Emotion itself. Every aspect of it can be traced back to Faith, in some manner. Fear, lack of Faith in oneself. Courage, the opposite. Sadness, the loss of it entirely. Of the Thaam bloodline, she has deep red hair that reaches the small of her back, which she usually keeps tied up in a single long braid. She is an open supporter of Rolyn.)

Lorkhan, God of Light (The youngest member of the Circle, Lorkhan is somewhat twitchy and is usually nervous, his actions sometimes coming across as erratic and unpredictable. On many topics of discussion in the Circle's meetings he finds himself stuck in the middle, usually as the deciding vote which he dislikes deeply as he fears upsetting either Rolyn or Malinar. At the same time, he is one of the more approachable members of the Circle, and has a strong following of Elder Gods and Goddesses who seek his counsel, which is always impartial. He has very pale skin and startlingly black eyes, beneath a head of thick, curly pale blond hair).

Malinar, God of Chaos and Destruction (Second-born of the Circle, Malinar appears more like a soldier than a king. Carries himself proudly, and is capable of dominating a room from the moment he walks into it. Has hair a little past shoulder length, reddish brown. Wears black robes with chain mail underneath, and a belt with a sword and a dagger hanging from it, neither of which he's ever been seen using.

Freiya Fire-Eyes, Goddess of Nature (A bit cold and distant, Freiya is Malinar's main supporter in the Circle, as, just like nature, she cares little for the value of individual lives. Death is simply a part of life's natural course. She has bronze skin and short blonde hair, with extremely bright blue eyes from whence she got her name.)


ELDER GODS/GODDESSES-
(Asterisks* indicate a Player-Controlled God)

Akryanus Aurora, Elder God(dess) of Stars

Naiya Flamecloak*, Elder Goddess of Fire

Weylyn*, Elder God of the Hunt

Karessa*, Elder Goddess of Frost

Phyrexus, Elder God of Shadows / Hand of the Circle

Sesk'ramat, Elder Goddess of Rage

Gaius Stormbreath, Elder God of Wind

Ahaido, Elder God of Water

Gerrin Stonearm, Elder God of Earth

Vilmaiya, Elder Goddess of Poison

Lydia, Elder Goddess of Luck

Yorinth, Elder God of Enduring

Felisin Airstrider, Elder Goddess of Wind

Annalan Strongbolt, Elder Goddess of Lightning

Torvhim, Elder God of Gravity

Falian Firetongue, Elder God of Fire

Norelim Spiritborn, Elder God of Illusions

Duun, Elder God of Smithing


(DECEASED) Rivenskir, Elder God of Frost (Executed by the Circle for Injustice of Thaam)

(DECEASED) Kaam, Fallen Elder God of Pity (Killed by army of bandits on Soluunar)

(DECEASED) Crucian Blackbrow, Elder God of Darkness/Hand of the Circle (Killed in the Upper Regions Rebellion. Was the first God to be posthumously named a Guardian Hero of the Circle)

(DECEASED) Galaia, Elder Goddess of Dreams (Killed in the Upper Regions Rebellion. Was posthumously named a Guardian Hero of the Circle)

(DECEASED) Srathaam, Elder God of Lightning (Killed in the Upper Regions Rebellion. Was posthumously named a Guardian Hero of the Circle)

(DECEASED) Arixus, Elder God of Love (Executed by the Circle for leading Upper Regions Rebellion)

(DECEASED) Leiwin Star-eyes, Elder Goddess of Light (Executed by the Circle for leading Upper Regions Rebellion)

(DECEASED) Bartinmus Steelheart, Elder God of War (Executed by the Circle for leading Upper Regions Rebellion)

-GUIDELINES-

-FACT CHECKING & THE EVOLVING OOC-
-If you're wondering about something in the History, or perhaps you wish to find out whether or not a particular backstory will work, let me know! If it's something missing from the OOC, asking me questions will help me make the History more complete. The OOC will continue to be updated as new information is developed.

-If you have any new ideas that seem to fill up what you consider a plot hole, don't hesitate to tell me about them. I'm more than willing to incorporate your ideas and make this RP even more complete, so long as it meshes with what I'm already working to establish.


-NPC GUIDELINES-
-Don't use other player's NPCs without permission, unless in brief mentioning or acknowledging their existence (i.e. looking at them, listening to their actions etc.).

-Before you make an NPC, please check with me if they are anything above an average peasant for character expansion, so I can tell you the expected strengths and experiences of such a person in this particular universe. If you make a soldier from Linden to beat up, please ask me about it so I can tell you what to expect of the soldier.

-Circle Gods are available to use in terms of character assistance in story building, dialogue transactions, flashbacks etc. SO LONG as I am alerted to this, asked about it, and I have given my blessing. This is to ensure regular players do not have too much control over these very powerful NPC's, and do not drive them as if they were their own character. Also, Plot Purposes.

Please explain the situation, and I will give you guidelines as to how the Circle God would reply or what it would do.


-POSTING ORDER & TIME-
-There is no set posting order at this time. However, I ask that each of you only post 1 time between each of my posts.
So, for example:

GreyHelm, Alecksin, egyptianrose, Eferhilda, Fain, Rivenix,, and then GreyHelm again to begin the next cycle. If you guys want to avoid stepping on each other's toes (as in, posting right before someone else and forcing them to rewrite some of their stuff) you can post in the OOC to state that you're going to post next. If we keep the lines of communication open we won't run into any issues with Post Order. Communication, as we all know, is the key to any successful relationship. If the thought of being in a relationship with me scares you, well, good. It should.

-As for the amount of Time you take to Post…

It's an Alpha thread. The posts here are longer than posts elsewhere, and I know that you guys have lives. As such, we've got a loose 3 week posting rule here.

-Should you have an open dialogue between you and another character (more than 2 characters is fine of course), simply alert us in the OOC beforehand so that we know your next post will be a collaboration. I understand if you would rather have a proper discussion without having to wait 4 cycles for it to finish.

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CHARACTER #1

Name: Rolyn Skyhand, God of Time

Age: 364,987

Gender: Male

Type: Circle God

Appearance:
Tall, slim and serene, with straight, shoulder length silver hair that shimmers and stands out sharply, making his presence obvious wherever he goes. Eyes are a mixture of white and grey. Skin is light brown in color, and face is absent of facial hair (though he does have silver eyebrows). Is almost always wearing plain, light blue robes.

Bio/Background:
The Eldest of the Circle, Rolyn Skyhand is the God most commonly prayed to by the men of Soluunar. Although they call him "Rune", and mistakenly refer to him as the "God of the Sky", he has been hearing the pleas of the dying ever since the shadow of the Tutar first touched the lives of men. It is said that he was there at the very beginning- that he had witnessed Creation itself, before being entrusted with its protection.

Widely regarded as the wisest of the Circle, Rolyn is almost always calm, with a patience about him that those in his proximity find infectious. At the same time, he has been known to become distant and withdrawn on occasion. Even those closest to him can have difficulty reading him at times. His anger, slow to build and rarely seen, is said to be terrible to behold. Malinar, the second-born of the Circle, is the only individual believed to be capable of agitating Rolyn.

Weapon Preferences/Skills:
The Skyhand can influence Time itself from the Upper Regions, and within a certain proximity he can control it completely. He has no need for weapons, nor has he ever felt the desire to use them. His ability to manipulate time means he can vanish and appear elsewhere in the blink of an eye (to other people, the blink of an eye. To him, a leisurely walk).


CHARACTER #2

Name: Barth Krinwulf, Prince of Linden

Age: 33

Gender: Male

Type: Mortal of Linden

Appearance:
Barth is just barely taller than medium height, but he is powerfully built, with a large chest and wide shoulders. He has short black hair and a thick, rough beard that conceals his chin and jawline. As evidence of his past battles, a number of scars crisscross his face, back and torso. Wears heavy steel plate armor as if it were lightweight. His chest plate is marked with the Krinwulf family crest, a sun, with five rays breaking through a dark cloud.

Bio/Background:
Although technically royalty, Barth spent much of his life on the battlefield. As such, the Prince of Linden, the smaller of Soluunar's 2 remaining kingdoms, has seen some horrific things in his time. He hates the Tutar with a burning passion, and has very little patience for those people who seem hellbent on fighting over trivial things like titles and borders instead of focusing on the true danger. In addition to being the Prince, he also serves as Captain of Linden's army and is almost always fighting on the front lines, inspiring his men with his fearlessness in the face of their unstoppable enemy.

The Tutar's attack may have been the final straw, but the Kingdom of Linden was struggling long before the denizens of The Ravine brought their black blades to the world. Compared to proud Lebidan, Linden was a haggard nation with a tattered flag. Barth had watched in silence for years as his father led their people towards ruin- when the Tutar began raiding the boundaries of their Kingdom, he wondered if the King would seek the kind of success on the battlefield he had never been able to achieve on the throne. To Barth's disappointment, the older Krinwulf did not see it that way.

Believing his son simply wanted to get him killed, the King "promoted" the Prince to Captain of Linden's gaunt, scantily-geared army, sending him away from the comforts of home. Although his plan was undoubtedly to punish his child, the end result was that Linden suddenly began finding favor on the battlefield, their soldiers having finally found someone they wanted to fight for. Linden's force under the young Krinwulf was the first to win any kind of major victory against the Tutar.

As the Lindenian battle-saying went, "If you can kill one, you can probably kill a few more before you die. For the next man."

Like most of Linden's soldiers, Barth does not care about a person's gender so long as they can follow orders and wield a weapon. He is almost always seen in the company of Linden's "Two Maidens", his two female Lieutenants who have proven their loyalty and valor time and time again, fighting at his side (Ausan being more experienced than Verana, with more time spent on the field with him due to their history). Although rumors abound about the nature of Barth's relationship with his two officers, it is understood that the young Krinwulf sees the two soldiers as being even closer to him than siblings- he trusts them with his life and with the defense of his flank, a trust not easily earned when speaking of a man like the Prince of Linden.

Weapon Preferences/Skills:
Barth prefers using a longsword, which he keeps on his back, the large hilt jutting out over his right shoulder. The heavy, steel bladed weapon is an heirloom- however it's not from his family but rather from that of a Lindenian who had died when their nation first fell under attack. He debated on burying it with the body of his comrade, but decided doing so would've been a foolish waste. Better to kill their enemies with it in honor of his countryman.

In addition to his primary blade, he also keeps a short machete at his waist in case he finds himself fighting in tight quarters. Like the rest of his army, he adopts an unconventional style of combat, with very little showmanship and no wasted movement. Common tactics include low kicks, trips and throws that could set up killing blows delivered with the target on the ground. Fighting the Tutar wasn't like fighting other men. Any wasted moment within arm's reach was another chance to die, and Linden's soldiers either learned the lesson quickly or perished.

Although he is always seen fighting at or near the front lines of battle, the Prince is known as a brilliant military tactician whose maneuverings have kept the Lindenian forces alive despite being heavily outnumbered from the very beginning of the Tutar's attack.


CHARACTER #3

Name: Naiya Flamecloak, Elder Goddess of Fire

Age: 19,054

Gender: Female

Type: Elder Goddess

Appearance:
Has emerald green eyes and bright red hair that just barely reaches the tops of her shoulders. She has pale skin and full lips, and delicate features that belie the power she wields. She is incredibly beautiful, and has been known to use her attractiveness to manipulate others. Is usually dressed in embroidered silken robes with plunging necklines.

Bio/Background:
One of the youngest Elder Goddesses, Naiya is well known for being enamored with Malinar, at whose side she is always seen. Next to him she is but a child, yet the Circle God seems fond of her company. She is highly defensive of him, and also she is usually very pleasant, she sometimes has a short temper with those who might disagree with him. She respects Rolyn Skyhand, but although she does not say it outright, she sometimes doesn't trust him due to his strained relationship with Malinar. She can get defensive about her youth, especially given the company she keeps. Naiya is somewhat alienated from the other Elder Gods in the Upper Regions, and seldom speaks with them unless she has specific business with them. She only returned to Soluunar twice after leaving the mortal life behind.

Weapon Preferences/Skills: In accordance with her area of dominion, Naiya can utilize a wide range of fire-based magic. She can throw fireballs with relative ease, and her three Demigods tend to enter battle wreathed in fire that only burns their enemies. As her name indicates, cloaking herself in fire is her preferred means of self-defense, although she seldom needs to use it given her circumstances. In her previous life she was a master of the longbow, and still uses one on occasion. When the mood takes her, she can set the arrows on fire before launching them.

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CHARACTER 1 : (Hope it's okay to have two ; I'd like to fill an Elder God role as well as a mortal one. )

Name: Akryanus Aurora

Age: 16,423

Gender: Female (Known as a Male by almost all)

Type: Elder God(dess) of Stars

Appearance: Carrying an Androgynous look, this deity is actually female despite many misinterpretations of her. Wearing shimmering silver armor, she appears as a valiant and legend-type knight; The many layered plates almost ceremoniously designed and flowing with many small swirling details. Around the collar of her armor, black feathers are present. Longer feathers flow around her waist, creating a long and shimmering skirt that opens cleanly at the front. Her helm covers her face entirely save for the obvious eye-openings and a spot near the nape of her neck, and clean curving horns grow out from the top. A long, loose brown braid of hair is let down her back, the only physical detail of herself she usually shows. Akyranus always carries a long, wide-bladed spear with her everywhere she goes.

At the rare (VERY rare) occasion where she is not in full armor, this Goddess reveals a much more feminine appearance. Her skin is a pale olive and her features are nymph-like and pure. Silver eyes look about in a blissful, dreamy manner that makes her seem detached from the rest of the world. Her beauty matches the stars she flies with, though it is not known by many.

Here is a rough idea of how she looked during her Mortal years, an imagine I found that does a good job explaining the level of "Maiden" she has in hidden looks :

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2013/ ... 6nwrh1.jpg

She stands at about 6'0" with her armor on - Cleverly integrated heels that almost no one notices on her greaves give her this masculine height. On top of these heels and all the other inch-adding properties of these armors, she hides away the fact that she is an average 5'6".

Bio/Background:

Though young by a far-shot, Akryanus immediately took herself away from the presence of most of her Godly kin, preferring the company of mortals and Demigods alike. Her many adventures through Soluunar have made her a more homely and common deity than most, often prayed to for navigation, sweet dreams or success in the hunt for those whom work at night, as well as the honor of knights and their success in battles, and for good reason; The Goddess has been known to (Foolishly, by most other Gods) journey the lands and rescue lost children from the woods at night, bringing them back to their nearby towns. She has assisted in many battles during her (still present) youth, slaying various beasts before they could wreck harm on defenseless villages, and thus earning herself quite a few spots in rural legends. She is considered the role-model for what any honorable, loyal warrior should be - Caring and good, honorable and selfless, brave and dutiful. She takes this expectation of her very seriously.

Despite all of her continued activity with human-kind, she is still completely mistaken as a male in most of her mentions and by the majority of her believers, a fact that she plays with by disguising her voice. The extent of how many believe she is a male extends directly into the Upper Regions, where not even the Circle Gods are aware of her true Gender, and she keeps it for those most closest to her. The rare interpretations by mortals of the "God" being feminine are laughed at and considered more pagan than true. It would be considered alien and strange for such a God to be female, despite the night sky being a soft and beautiful thing to behold. Chivalry, strength and loyalty to the Lords are what is expected of a true warrior - These are not feminine traits.

She is honorable and traditional with all of her Godly kin during her rare interactions, regarding herself still as a noble Knight despite her strong presence of believers down on Soluunar. This humble attitude baffles most, creating rumors that she may indeed be without any hint of destructive pride or sin for that matter. She dislikes no one and considers none her enemies, and has been known to submit to harsh and sometimes cruel criticisms of her hobbies with politeness, only to continue doing them nevertheless.

She has a small squad of four Demigods whom she has risen under her, though they are treated more as equals than as underlings despite their loyalty and effort in servitude. They are called the "Twilight Knights", and are given the same responsibilities that the Goddess herself takes as a hobby - To help the people of Soluunar as heroes with whatever they may be able to perform. It is a known fact that one of her knights has bested her in a magicless spar - A fact that the "God" takes great pride in, and does not allow shame to be expected of her.

Weapon Preferences/Skills:

Akryanus is a rare Elder God that she does not shy from physical altercations, instead relying on the same skills her own Demigods once had to master in assistance with her strong magics.

Despite her soft-appearing dominion, Akryanus favors her wide-bladed spear above all else, and moves with it to swiftly take down her foes and pierce her enemies with magic-assisted impaling. Though her armor and weapon appear heavy, they are actually quite light in weight and the Goddess herself does not excel in brute strength. To make up for this, her attacks are assisted with the sheer white and harsh magics that she has control over, coating her blade in a cutting energy that assists in where she cannot pierce with sheer power.

She has two modes of greater transportation aside from running and walking; A slow and careful glide through the air, or a powerful and painfully fast burst of movement through the air that resembles a shooting star. During the second, she cannot make fast changes in direction without giving a burst with her legs, creating a "leaping" like appearance that causes her light to zig-zag from those watching from down below. She can cover great distances with this ability, and has been known to combine these powers with her thrusts in battle. As a cost, she does not have careful maneuverability without zig-zagging, and thus her movements are often pin-pointed and require concentration. She cannot stop right away during a "leap", and thus must plan how strong each burst of flight will be.

When her blade is "coated" with her starlight, it has the ability to "cut" through other offensive magics for a form of shielding. This ability has hushed many challengers in the Upper Regions, fearing this "anti-magic" ability to mean their own end despite the Goddess's kind and gentle nature.

She can "throw" bursts of burning light for a ranged attack, but this is not her preferred way of battle.

As a weakness, her flight abilities are drastically reduced during the daytime; She can no longer perform her slow glide through the air, and her great "leaps" through the sky do not have as much speed or power. Her attacks further lack in might up front, and her stamina lacks greatly where else-wise she would seem to have nearly infinite (This is once again due to the mistaking magical assistance she has in her own environment of the night). It is safe to say that she does not fancy performing her heroesque missions during the day due to the great reduction in her abilities.

She does not fair well in grouped battles, much more adept at one-on-one duels. Because of this, she likes to pick off her enemies and hunt them down individually. To be with her on a clear, starry night and by ones lonesome is one of the most dangerous ways to battle this battle-versed Elder Goddess.

Her four Twilight Knights are assisted with her magics in battle by coating their blades in the same energy that she uses, allowing them to slice easily through armors and become deadly against foes. She also blesses their movement speed, allowing them to perform small "leaps" on the ground as she would, though greatly reduced and slow in comparison to her own. Nevertheless, these leaps create an imposing and terrifying force.

***Depending on how you feel about this character, I wouldn't mind her being Rolyn's champion - It would be a cool pair, since Akryanus's proposed domain is a sub-area of what Rolyn is often mistaken for, and her abilities and readiness to travel Soluunar (And with great efficiency at the proper time of day) could be of assistance with your plot. It also helps that a collection of Humans would have a liking towards her.

CHARACTER 2 :

Name: Morigan Alhul

Age: 28

Gender: Male

Type: Mortal of Lebidan

Appearance:

Standing at 6'4", this man is toned and proportioned for battle. Long, black, slicked back and layered hair flows down behind, and his features are sharp and strong. Green eyes star out deeply at all that he gazes upon, and not with the most pleasant of expressions when his face is revealed, if not outwardly cold. He wears slim-fitting grey armor that is just as imposing as his facial features appear, and his helm is lined in the classic T-shape for sightlines. A navy tail of hair flows down from the scalp of the headwear.

A cloak-like cape is worn around his armor, and he carries with him a long double-bladed two-hander sword.

Bio/Background:

A knight of Lebidan, Morigan is fierce and expectant of his comrades for what experience he has gone through in both training and battle. Having bested already a fair amount of missions given to him by his commander, he has gained a form of "seniority" among his troops that some claim makes him seem untouchable as he is unnerving. Morigan does what he wants and does not feel the need to talk about it, if talk at all. The good thing about this is that usually what he does always assists the Military of Lebidan in some way, and he has his code of honor that he lives by loyally to the end.

Some say that Morigan was forced to slay his own twin sibling after he had gone mad with some sort of plague at an early age, and this is the reason why he is as cold and untalkative as he is. Others say that it was his Father himself that had gone mad, killing his sibling himself before Morigan was forced to murder him in his sleep, else suffer the same fate. What these rumors prove is that no one knows a thing about Morigan, and that is why they fear him.

The truth is a lot simpler than most make it out to be; Morigan's sibling is still about, though estranged from him due to vast personality-conflict and different values. His Father died in the heat of battle, their family being a military type for many generations. Morigan himself took it upon himself to continue his dream and lineage to become a powerful foe for any whom dare stand in his way, not that he is as without kindness in return for this strong albeit awkward level of ambition. Morigan is simply the way he is because that was the way he was born, and it is not something as voluntary or learnt as everyone makes it out to be.

Looking forward to the war silently more than any other in his regiment, Morigan eagerly awaits his upcoming missions and excursions with his troops throughout the landscape.

Weapon Preferences/Skills:

Morigan is an expert of swords, though it is obvious where his favor lies. The great-sword, or any two-handed sword for that matter, is where his level has reached mastery. Able to time himself and his stamina perfectly for each attack, he awaits for openings before his surprising swiftness breaks through, and an expert transfer of weight lashes out his blade with great power against his foes. His strength assists in lifting up the heavy blade for any blocking he requires, though most of the time he does not bother with such as his slight movements of his feet provide technique for dodging by itself.

He is versed with crossbows and the likes when needed, and is a powerful rider upon any horse. Where his weaknesses begin is receiving ranged damage himself - The sheer amount of weight and inability to react to a ranged projectile is something his techniques of movement cannot make up for all the time, and thus prefers his opponents directly in front of him. He is not afraid to take them in the wonder, able to shift the weight of his attacks into the next enemy efficiently.

As a commander he is versed in precision and planning, but his inability to want to communicate with others provides a bit of a barrier when it comes to leadership. Had he cared more for something aside from his own simple goals he may have made a great leader himself, but time will tell as to how he will develop in the future.

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Name: Farie Shalerin

Age: 27

Gender: male

Type: Mortal of Lebidan (royal)

Appearance: Farie is tall at 6’8” with a light build, not overly muscular, but not overly skinny either. Well build with a solid frame that accented his appearance. He has long black hair and a small tattoo on his forehead in the form of a flame. He has a gently angular face, with a soft nose and full lips. Some say he has an almost feminine face, but he claims his features are not feminine, but rather still youthful. He has blue vivid eyes that are like glacial ice.

Farie prefers to wear dark clothing. Something that shows of his position, but doesn’t impede his movements. He prefers to be free to fight and would rather stand with the warriors then hide behind them.

Image by Feimo that shows Farie’s looks

Bio/Background: Farie’s family is of the lesser royal lineages. That makes Farie a lesser royal, but Farie didn’t really care much about that. His father’s one of the lords of Lebidan. His family belonging to one of the five houses of Lebidan. Thus making Farie the heir to his father’s lordship, his heir apparent since he is the eldest of three boys. Farie didn’t care about the comforts that his childhood had provided for him. He much preferred those grueling days spent on the fields of training with his sword tutor. Those stuffy days spent in the library learning his letters, reading the manuscripts, learning of history, tactics, and learning of the gods and goddesses.

Farie loved that his father went to war and often when he went to small expeditions that were low risk Farie was brought along with his training masters, so as not to interrupt his lessons. However, as he grew older Farie spent more and more time watching his father leave home then he did following in his father’s shadow.

When he was finally old enough to fight himself Farie followed in his father’s footsteps and became a knight, seeking glory and war. Yet, Farie soon found out it was nothing like the glory of his father had shown him as a young child. His father had never taken Farie to war. Thus Farie hadn’t seen a battle field before and he did not like the disgusting nastiness that came with battle fields.

Farie much preferred the fame, but not the actual wars. Then again that was a common enough occurrence. No one liked wars. Farie is a fare man who though of a royal lineage didn’t act like a typical royal. Where one would expect a royal to be self centered and snobbish, Farie was selfless and giving. However, this tended to get him into a world of trouble as others like to take advantage of Farie’s kindness. Farie has a temper and that too had gotten him in terrible trouble growing up as well.

Farie eventually had to learn to control his temper, though he wasn’t so good at that. He was rather impulsive and fiery, more apt to attack and then think about it after and realize opps it would have been better not to. Farie is loyal and dedicated to his family. He seeks to bring honor home to his family. He wants to see Lebidan kept free from the Tutar and he wants to see them driven back. Farie loves to be the center of attention and he loves to talk. Often will keep talking even when everyone has stopped paying attention.

Weapon Preferences/Skills: Farie prefers the use of a large broad sword.

Example of his sword, image made by Stefanmarius

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Name: Phyrexus Elder god of Shadows/ Hand of the Circle

Age: 49,562

Gender: Male

Type: Elder god

Appearance: 6’3” tall with a moderately muscular form. While masculine, he carries very noble features, displaying his once highborn blood. Black, medium wavy hair that rests just below his chin, though rarely seen in his full robes. Even though he had ascended to godhood tens of thousands of years ago, he kept the many scars he earned as a mortal, not wanting to forget the pain and sacrifices he made to get to where he was today. Over his left eye there is a scar that is two inches above and below, with that eye a milky white as though blind (Though he is not). Still retaining his armor from when a mortal, a full, plate mail set is hidden beneath a black, hooded robe.

The boots and gauntlets and his chest plate all rest above the robe, carrying ornate patterns on very dark, steel plating. While his hood is down, his face is typically concealed with humanly shaped mask. http://puu.sh/cPUQ6/68edb179dd.jpg (Similar to this!)

Bio/Background: Phyrexus was once captain of the Temple Knights, tasked with keeping their sacred places of worship and the priesthood within secure but also due to the times of struggle. Times were cruel even thousands of years ago with the belief of gods wavering in the people; the streets would riot daily due to a lack of food with the temple being put to blame. Death was common by order of the king, with bodies of peasants and would be assassins being dragged off of the temple stairs each morning. However, even royalty was suffering in their own way, struggles of power as the king grew weak with signs of dementia and rumors of the prince not even being of the kings blood were being spread.

The knights were stuck in the middle, their families starving, yet forced to serve the king faithfully or see their families hanged for relation to a traitor. Phyrexus was forced to kill, the king demanded blood each day and the decision was on the captain’s shoulders to choose who it had to be. The most violent, and desperate were hanged or killed there on the streets while he did his best to avoid slaughtering those with families.

When enough was enough, rebels formed, preparing to attack the castle and temple for what they believed to be a feast being kept behind closed doors. By midnight, the streets were glowing with fire, poorly armed men were slaughtered that stood before the kings men. However the many soon overwhelmed the elite few, some even scaling the structures during the chaos in hopes to find the riches they desired. When the cries within the castle were heard and word spread to him, Phyrexus brought his two best men with him as the others kept the priesthood safe, hoping to stop the massacre of the royal family.

By the time he made it, the king was already dragged down the halls, a streak of blood trailing behind where he was brutally slain before his throne. The two attackers were dealt with, but not before he lost an eye to his assailants sword that rushed downward, cutting through flesh and muscle, blinding him in that eye. Injured and still bleeding, he made his way to the queens chambers whom still clutched her son to her breast, it was clear the three men there were preparing to torture and kill the mother and her three year old child. As his men rushed over to stop the attackers, Phyrexus attempted to put himself between the queen and the third males crossbow. In a panic, the man fired toward the queen and thus piercing Phyrexus’ chest and left lung before all three men were killed.

Close to death, his actions were seen as noble, even while facing such despairing decisions in his lifetime, many of which he did not believe in. He was given the choice to ascend and serve the gods or die within the walls of the castle. Choosing life, he rose as a demigod of shadow, then onward tasked with bringing peace. He had no family, but he refused to see his brotherhood blackmailed again under the rule of a cruel king.

Eventually the kingdom had settled, the hand of the king making proper decisions to aid the people while raising the young prince to hold the same beliefs. Phyrexus remained with his people, though in the shadows. He did not want his kingdom to believe themselves invincible because the gods gifted them a chosen warrior. Criminals, regardless of whether they were of nobility or peasants were brought to justice with his deeds unrecognized except by those above.

Centuries had passed before he was finally prepared to be elevated to true godhood, becoming a full, elder god of shadow. His objective was similar to when he was a demigod, to watch the realm of mortals, guiding chosen kingdoms with whispers or unseen acts, aiding them in their conquest. Thousands of years of isolation had made him cold, the memories and terrible acts he had committed or watched only served as guidelines without any emotional ties. It was then that he was offered the chance to become the hand of the Circle, a weapon to which would commit the acts that brought balance to the upper and lower realms. If any gods committed heinous acts against another, the circle would imbued him with his full strength, granting him the ability to absorb the power of a god and bring them back to face their punishment. Otherwise, he would be in wait, his powers limited to that merely of darkness, body branded so he could be beckoned whenever the circle calls.

Weapon Preferences/Skills: Phyrexus holds the power of darkness itself. While his power is limited, he is capable of ‘teleporting’ anywhere there are shadows, using them as gateways. Very much the same way as he can move, he is capable of bringing forth clawed tendrils from the darkness that do his bidding, whether to crush of restrain. Following his mortal life of a knight, he can shield others, or himself in a shroud of darkness. Temporary blindness can be cast upon his victims, though only temporary within his full powers.

His weapon of choice is a large, steel claw on his left hand. When not given the strength of the circle, it is merely five; half a meter long curved blades that fit around his hand like a glove. Each attack he deals to a mortal can rot their wounds almost instantly, capable of bringing death even to those that survive his assault. While given his full strength and the blessing of the circle, the blades are soaked in a ink-black darkness that extend the length of the blades, giving them the ability to rend an elder god and strip away their immortality.


Character # 2

Name: Verana Snowblade

Age: 25

Gender: Female

Type: Mortal of Linden

Appearance: 5’8” tall. She is slender and fit with her breasts bound by bandages for support, though still noticed beneath the leather. Her appearance reflects her heritage which was in the North. Her skin is fair yet lightly scarred due to her time in battle with the tutar. Her hair is a deep red, only reaching her jaw from the front yet becomes shorter as it reaches the back, only going as high as her ear. Scars from various weaponry cover her form, from her hands up to her neck and down to her legs there are various slash and puncture scars. The most noticeable would be different arrow/spear piercings that litter her abdomen and left shoulder. A typical, form fitting black leather jerkin is worn with a thin, scaled leather beneath it that acts as scaled long sleeves that reach up to her neck similar to a turtleneck ( http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/ ... 3d1ff5.jpg Similar to this beneath the typical leather armor) The armor itself while once of high quality is showing its age, where arrows or weapons once pierced would be patched up, or in some places the holes remain if they were too small to bother. Thin, dented plates of forming steel would embrace her matching leather gauntlets and shoulders, as well as her upper thighs and shins and seemingly manually bound to her boots.

Bio/Background: Verana’s bloodline was always in the North, her family once part of the great nation of Thaam, causing them to stand out in the more Southern nations. Their heritage of nobility and the abilities of her father brought him high in the ranks as a well-known tactician having a humble offering of land where he raised his family. Verana, having lost her mother at an early age and being the first born was very close to her father, adopting his skills in combat, and learning everything she could to survive what was foretold to be a dark future. Her younger sister on the other hand was your typical youth, caring more about her social life, wanting to marry into royalty and very much avoided weapons in favor for chores and chattering endlessly with the servants.

As she grew older, becoming recognized as a formidable fighter, Verana was adopted into the military and playing the role of scout. Her form, while slender, was still built strong making her quick and capable of remaining silent. Her father while wary of his daughter within the ranks of mostly veteran men was still proud of his quickly rising daughter. Her armor was made especially for her and it would be rare to see her without it. While she’d occasionally be hassled for having a father of rank, she typically got along with the others, forming a close bond with her scouting party and they had become her brothers. She was rather cheery, social like her sister and quite popular with the men until the first, major invasion occurred. The outer villages of Linden were assaulted, razed to the ground without warning with each villager that did not escape slaughtered.

Verana was no where near her home when the tutar attacked, though it did not take her long to realize exactly where it happened. By the time she had made it to her farm, many Linden soldiers that attempted to intercept the skirmish were slain, her father one of the dead. It was obvious he would have led the defense, wanting to protect his home, but they had failed with many elite dead by her feet. However, it wasn’t until she marched out to her farm which lays far in the outskirts, perhaps one of the first homes to have been assaulted. It wasn’t until she saw her home charred and the remains of her sister still in her bed did the realization of her loss come to her.

A terrible hatred grew in her heart towards the tutar with little else on her mind. Her abilities in battle became lethal; her skills noticed more and more with each assault. It wasn’t until she was paired up with the Linden prince, Barth did she receive her recognition on the battlefield. That first major victory that she shared with her brothers became the first glimmer of light she had seen in some time, even being promoted to as Prince Krinwulf’s lieutenant along with the already present Ausan. Together they were the hand of the prince, informally known as the Two Maidens. Regardless of where the Linden army went, Verana followed without hesitation, continuing her role as a scout and joining the prince and her fellow lieutenant to spearhead any assault

Weapon Preferences/Skills: Verana carries her father’s broad sword that is strapped on her waist with a rather worn and aging sheath of black leather that holds her families symbol (ivory with the engraving of a falcon, with wings spread and ready to grasp its prey )and easily reached by her left hand. While deadly with her sword and capable of using dirty tactics in hand to hand against larger foes, she prefers using a long bow and can easily launch a steady stream of arrows with deadly efficiency. She also carries a dagger strapped to her left thigh and an even smaller dirk in her boot.

She is capable of moving in near silence, making her a perfect scout or to find and pluck out ranking officers to destroy the morale of Linden’s enemies.

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Character #1

Name: Ausan Benthey

Age: 38

Gender: Female

Type: Mortal Knight of Linden (Maiden of Linden)

Appearance: Ausan is a tall woman with a powerful build forged during training and tempered into a deadly warrior on the field of battle. The history of which is told by the lighter colored marks of the dozen or so scars that riddle her body. Even one across the bridge of her nose, which is slightly crooked from where it had been broken and reset several times, from a blade that came far too close for comfort. Her dark locks were long since cut and then shaved away from most of her head, leaving only what would be described as a long Mo-hawk. When in combat she keeps it tied back in a ponytail. Her armor, is dented and scared nearly as much as she, though she does not let it slow her down. She was gifted the set by her father and it is one of her most prized possessions. The family crest, faded and in need of being retouched, but for the moment it is neglected because of the more pressing situation at hand.

Bio/Background: Ausan Benthey is the daughter of the Minor Lord Riffen Benthey, one of the King’s most trusted and well known knights. Though he and his wife tried for years to conceive they only managed to have one viable child, a female at that which was the cause for some concern and disappointment as this left the family name to be lost once his daughter wed. However, Riffin was not one to be out down by something as trivial as the gender of his child. The Benthey name would live on and his daughter would be the one to do it. From that moment on Riffin trained Ausan personally, pushing her to be the warrior he knew she could be.

When she came of age to fight, she was placed into the same company as the prince and it was there that the two of them first bonded. The two of them living under the rule and will of their fathers they could understand the better than most what that meant. Atop her steed Ausan would charge into battle with Barth and together they formed a rather formidable team. Whether it was the squabbles of petty mortal problems or the raids from the nasty Tutur, Ausan fought. Combat became second nature to her and she excelled at it. Be it to please her father or prove that she could run with the “boys”, she did it and did it well.

When the king “promoted” his son, Ausan instantly volunteered to ride out with him. She was there at that victory and is often the first one to shout out the Prince’s motto at the top of her lungs before charging right into the fray. By her blood and might, the Benthay name would live on the lips of those who sang of her victories. One of the Maidens of Linden ever at the Prince’s side they are a force to reckon with.

Weapon Preferences/Skills: Ausan was trained for both mounted and ground combat. A top her steed Symas, few can stand before her when they charge. Should mounted combat not be possible, Ausan falls to using her arming sword and shield


Character #2

Name: (Hard to pronounce in the common tongue) Grishnakh

Age: 90

Gender: Male

Type: Buchadni of the Tutar, High Chieftian, Father of many and Spawn of the Great Amugam

Appearance: Like many Tutar Grishnakh is a sight to behold. A monstrous creature he comes in at well over 7’5 feet tall and weighs well over 500lbs of pure barely controlled muscle. The physical design of his body is such that his arms are longer allowing for him to run on all fours easily. His skin is a predominately a green hue, though his chest, face and inner arms/thighs is a lighter shade of green. Four reptilian eyes adorn his face, though they are mostly ignored in favor of the large sharp and menacing tucks that protrude from his lower jaw. Across much of his body are branded scars that were then dyed red to cause them to stick out even more on his green skin. They are a mark of pride and show his status to other Tutar for they show how many have fallen to his might.

For armor he wears twisted and sharpened pieces of spikes, which he uses when grappling with the menace that is mortal men.

Bio/Background: Grish is a proud Tutar, vicious in his actions and leader of many because of his ability in combat. Over the years he has fathered many offspring none of which were runts, for he is too strong to father such wastes of space. Over the years he has fought and clawed his way to the top, becoming the favored Spawn of Amugam, one of the greatest of their day. It was he who has led many of their victories against the men and it is he who often partakes of the spoils.

Once he has rid the land of the men he will take over all of the Tutar to rule with a cruel hand and lead his people to their next venture of conquest.

Destroying the Elder and Circle Gods, so that they would have dominion over all.

Weapon Preferences/Skills: Long ago he won himself a weapon of most cruelty, a wicked blade made to render and tear the flesh for the most painful wounds. Paired with that he uses, a spear, designed with the same idea in mind to cause painful wounds on his victims. However, like many of his kind there is nothing he likes more than ripping a man to piece with his own tusks and claws.

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May I join in this rp, it has pulled my interest quite strongly, but I don't want to post a character without a thumbs up.

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"Nothing lasts forever."
"Nothing, yes except the purest forms of love. If your love is strong and pure, it can reach across the universes and bring both pieces of the same heart back together.
Over and over again.
So, yes, nothing but your spark will last forever.

I am having some reslly bad computer issues. For now all I have is my phone and tablet. My post length andnavsilability may suffer since all I have is my tablet and phone for the moment. If I am needed feel free to reach me on my skype account listed on my profile.

Sure. This is starting within the next day or 2, so you're right on time.

PM me your character and once approved you can edit it into your post .

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Awesome will do!

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"Nothing lasts forever."
"Nothing, yes except the purest forms of love. If your love is strong and pure, it can reach across the universes and bring both pieces of the same heart back together.
Over and over again.
So, yes, nothing but your spark will last forever.

I am having some reslly bad computer issues. For now all I have is my phone and tablet. My post length andnavsilability may suffer since all I have is my tablet and phone for the moment. If I am needed feel free to reach me on my skype account listed on my profile.

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"Nothing lasts forever."
"Nothing, yes except the purest forms of love. If your love is strong and pure, it can reach across the universes and bring both pieces of the same heart back together.
Over and over again.
So, yes, nothing but your spark will last forever.

I am having some reslly bad computer issues. For now all I have is my phone and tablet. My post length andnavsilability may suffer since all I have is my tablet and phone for the moment. If I am needed feel free to reach me on my skype account listed on my profile.

The IC is up!

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Letting yall know that Rivenix's first IC post will have a dialogue with Akryanus, he aint snagging my character without my permission, this is all planned and happily consented to :)

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I will have a reply up this weekend for you

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Alright, I updated the original OOC Post with this but I'll reply here with it as well. Now that we've completed our first Post Cycle (great job everyone by the way, I can't wait to see where this takes us), I've put together some Guidelines for us to use moving forward. Any questions, let me know.

-GUIDELINES-


-FACT CHECKING & THE EVOLVING OOC-
-If you're wondering about something in the History, or perhaps you wish to find out whether or not a particular backstory will work, let me know! If it's something missing from the OOC, asking me questions will help me make the History more complete. The OOC will continue to be updated as new information is developed.

-If you have any new ideas that seem to fill up what you consider a plot hole, don't hesitate to tell me about them. I'm more than willing to incorporate your ideas and make this RP even more complete, so long as it meshes with what I'm already working to establish.


-NPC GUIDELINES-
-Don't use other player's NPCs without permission, unless in brief mentioning or acknowledging their existence (i.e. looking at them, listening to their actions etc.).

-Before you make an NPC, please check with me if they are anything above an average peasant for character expansion, so I can tell you the expected strengths and experiences of such a person in this particular universe. If you make a soldier from Linden to beat up, please ask me about it so I can tell you what to expect of the soldier.

-Circle Gods are available to use in terms of character assistance in story building, dialogue transactions, flashbacks etc. SO LONG as I am alerted to this, asked about it, and I have given my blessing. This is to ensure regular players do not have too much control over these very powerful NPC's, and do not drive them as if they were their own character. Also, Plot Purposes.

Please explain the situation, and I will give you guidelines as to how the Circle God would reply or what it would do.


-POSTING ORDER & TIME-
-There is no set posting order at this time. However, I ask that each of you only post 1 time between each of my posts.
So, for example:

GreyHelm, Alecksin, egyptianrose, Eferhilda, Fain, Rivenix,, and then GreyHelm again to begin the next cycle. If you guys want to avoid stepping on each other's toes (as in, posting right before someone else and forcing them to rewrite some of their stuff) you can post in the OOC to state that you're going to post next. If we keep the lines of communication open we won't run into any issues with Post Order. Communication, as we all know, is the key to any successful relationship. If the thought of being in a relationship with me scares you, well, good. It should.

-As for the amount of Time you take to Post…

It's an Alpha thread. The posts here are longer than posts elsewhere, and I know that you guys have lives. As such, we've got a loose 1 week posting rule here. If it starts to get close to 2 weeks and you haven't given a valid reason for taking so long we will simply skip you and you can post in the next cycle. If you DO have a reason, I will be more lenient.

-Should you have an open dialogue between you and another character (more than 2 characters is fine of course), simply alert us in the OOC beforehand so that we know your next post will be a collaboration. I understand if you would rather have a proper discussion without having to wait 4 cycles for it to finish. That being said, be sure to include whatever else your character will be doing in the collab post after the exchange is complete. We want to keep things moving, after all.

Alright that's about it, I think. Everyone have a great Thanksgiving! Don't worry about the calories, it's the holidays.

Because of turkey day I likely won't have a post up until Friday at the earliest, but I promise it won't take too long!

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Hey Folks,

For personal reasons, Rivenix will not be participating in this RP any longer. He's a tremendously talented writer and he will be missed, but the show must go on.

He created 2 characters, both of whom carry significant importance in regards to the plot. This might seem alarming to some people, but we need to all remember one thing: I am GreyHelm. This will not be a problem for me.

Now, Both Phyrexus and Verana are amazing characters that were well designed, with great depth and a lot of thought that went into them. Rivenix has graciously granted me permission to do with them whatever I deem necessary moving forward. They will both be crucially important NPCs. The NPC Guidelines I gave you all apply to them, but since they're so important please make sure you speak to me before utilizing them in any of your posts.

My next post, the first of our second cycle, will be up very soon. Within 24 hours of this post, I'd say. You all know where to find me if you have any questions.

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My next post, the first post of Cycle 2, will include collaborations between myself, Alecksin and Eferhilda. This will involve their 'Akryanus' and 'Ausan' characters, respectively- as such, when they post later in the cycle they will only be doing so as their other characters, 'Morigan' and 'Grishnakh'.

My post will (finally) be up within the hour. Sorry for the wait!

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Alright folks, my next post, kicking off Cycle #3, will be going up within the next day or so. Cycle #3 will definitely be a slow one, it's Christmas week and the Holidays are all about being with family, yelling at family, fighting with family, and exchanging gifts and good wishes with family.

A part of me thinks I could even hold off until after Xmas for good measure, then we can all start up the next one while we're recovering from the holidays. I dunno. If you guys have any preferences let me know, but for now I'll see how things go and kind of wing it.

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I have no preferences. Up to you :)

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If you want to do it now but not have us worry until after Christmas that would be cool.

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Alrighty, Fain :)




Seems solid. I'll have something up either today or tomorrow.

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