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[b][u]Coven[/u]
Book One: Shattered[/b]

"[i]I remember when times were different. Times when we were one, united. When the D'Cerf were of one house, one coven, one family. In our communion with the occult, regardless of the form and expression, all spirits were in harmony. We lived alone and together, finding company in our isolation. Times now are not the same. The D'Cerf stands in pieces, separate, in civil war, disfigured. Each poor, incomplete sliver vies to become victorious over the other, have power over its own, lost in thinking that a house divided can stand, against itself and against the others.[/i]"

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[b]The Introduction[/b]
[indent]Homed in [url=http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs29/i/2008/057/b/2/Wizards_Keep_by_Damascus5.jpg]Castle Moonshearth[/url], the coven of witches known as the D'Cerf was once well-reputed, known for their magic, resources, wealth, prestige and kinship. In their power, they ruled among the other covens, acting as the informal, political leader; they were the kings of the occult, ambassadors to magic, nobles of the witches. Exclusive yet still rather large in number—in comparison to the other covens—, diversity and conflict was to be expected among them, but they always stayed true to themselves and one another. However, the community began to drift apart when they were challenged by another coven, aligned under the family name of Vilicus.

Under the pressure of being usurped of their power, the mighty house began to crumble. The veil beginning to tear, many voiced their convictions and advice, some even suggesting to voluntarily give up their position to the Vilicus in order to stave off a detrimental war. However, before the two heads of the coven—a political leader and an occult leader—could arrive to a course of action, the very foundation of the coven was shaken!

In an event some considered impossible, the two leaders of the coven, [url=http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/032/5/3/the_tudors_by_nm_art-d5tgxdg.jpg]High Priestess Olwyn[/url] and her husband [url=http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/050/7/6/the_renaissance_portrait_by_insolense-d5vfxqz.jpg]Lord Bayard[/url] were found dead in their bedroom, faces unusually expressionless and hands clasped together in what otherwise would've been a sign of affection. Some speculated it was suicide caused by the sudden stress brought by the presence of the Vilicus, other speculated murder, but all were flooded with shock and made distraught.

Moreover, a power vacuum was created; the death of the two had been untimely, and the lovers had yet to make children for heirs. Suddenly, friend turned against friend, family against family, witch against witch. A coven once known for its solidarity and close community was split, as many fought their way up to claim the position as leader of the D'Cerf, each for their own reason. Deceit became as common as magic; traitors and alliances were both many; friends were no longer trusted, family no longer together. Even the common laborers and servants had their hand at moving up the ladder. It seemed as if, in one fell swoop, the D'Cerf had been all but destroyed by its own people. That is, until the Vilicus made their appearance at the door of Moonshearth.

It was a small battalion of warriors, witches from the Vilicus—the emblazoned, [url=http://i.imgur.com/zaJCKEJ.jpg]crimson 'v'[/url] was unmistakable. Their presence was a herald, an omen. Armed with weapons, they did not fight. Their appearance was a an act of offence enough, in itself. Marching into the throne room, all of the D'Cerf following them in, the captain of the battalion addressed the majority of the coven.

The general talked of a revolution in the world of the witches. Pointing to the empty thrones, he voiced how the old ways were no longer. How the times were progressing, and no longer could each separate coven continue on its own. He talked of a new system of politics, of government, of witchcraft and coven life. Yet for all this supposed talk of unification and peace, his eyes were red with fire, his tongue blazing with destruction. Despite his words, what he spoke was a threat, obvious to all. His message was hollow; his face bore no care for the world or the good of the witches. No, this was a warning against the D'Cerf, the ones who long had been those seated on the thrones, above the others, holding sway over all; but it seemed like this time would be no longer. Slithering snakes and crouched lions were waiting to strike and remove the D'Cerf from power. And with that, the Vilicus marched out, faces stoic like stone but a smug aura pervading still.

The people of the D'Cerf were pale, their faces drained of color, their eyes flung wide like open doors. Not a breath made its way into the open space as they all pondered. Was it a joke? A foolish move? A lie? The truth?

Whispers began, faint voices watering the seed of doubt, of defeat, of discord, of destruction. Something would have to be done, but none were courageous or wise or kind enough to give up their chance at the D'Cerf throne, to mold the coven into what they deemed best, to write the future. It seemed now more than ever, the fate of the D'Cerf and of all the witches rested among the D'Cerf coven themselves. What was needed was for decisions to be made, for the restoration of the shattered coven to begin, but a midst selfish hearts, pointed tongues and honeyed words, it would seem the D'Cerf were doomed to shatter, fall to pieces as a mirror, no longer reflecting itself, no longer true, no longer whole.[/indent]

[b]The Overview[/b]
[indent]Welcome to [u]Coven: Shattered[/u], the first book in this RP series. I'm overjoyed that you are reading this right now and are interested in the RP. Below, I've provided a basic overview of what to expect. I hope you find this RP to be something that you can find yourself involved and immersed in. In the RP, magic may by a persistent element, but together, it is the writing and the roleplaying that really make the magic.

Anyways, to begin, this RP is one of politics, war, magic, ambition and the unknown. Expect to see times of battle and adventure, versus sinister moments of deceit and the game of kings. Overall, this RP is planned to allow the players to experience a fantastical plot wherein their characters choices shape the development of not only themselves, but of a political system and ultimately the whole realm. Regarding the nature of the RP, it is too be a darker one, nearing gothic, although probably not crossing the line into it for the most part. It will definitely have twisted moments though that will hopefully challenge the morals (or goals) of the character as well as the ingenuity of the player. On a related note, it is expected for 'mature' themes to make their occasional appearances in the RP, if the players allow and steer the RP in that direction. Don't worry about anything overly sensual or overwhelming however, it won't ever get too terrible; I'll make sure of it, but considering how the RP is planned to go, it had to be mentioned that some dark themes were expected.

Well, going on, major conflicts in the main plot will involve various dilemmas involving: the importance of the few or the many, personal morality versus personal goals, and obviously, the D'Cerf versus the Vilicus. Various minor and major conflicts and plot points have been planned in advance, but considering this RP is a collaborative effort, things may change as we work together and find ourselves immersed in the world.

Ultimately, this RP will give the player a chance to collaboratively write a story about a broken coven, in a fantasy land, that is under siege, and its path to redemption or destruction.[/indent]

[b]The Magic[/b]
[indent]So my original intention was to explain how I originally envisioned magic, but if you've seen the Interest Check (see [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/64331/posts/ooc?page=1]here[/url]), debate took off in the most wondrous way, which is something that as a GM and for an RP is nothing short of the best thing I could ever want. Thus, I've decided to change course a bit. Rather than explain magic in such a concrete, structured way, I encourage all people to look through the FAQ that follows this post. In it, you can see how magic has developed and collaboratively become complex and alive. I hope you don't find it too overwhelming (candidly, it's a bit intimidating), but reading it will really help you out, although one could feasibly RP with a very basic understanding of magic. Still, if you have questions, ask them. I would rather have you understand the system (as best as it could be understood), then not. As a GM, I am here to help.[/indent]

[b]The Rules[/b]
[indent]• Usual Guild Rules apply; to put it bluntly, don't be stupid, foolish or overly rebellious.

• Be kind, courteous and respectable, in all things, even in debate. If you are unsure if something is 'crossing the line', a good rule of thumb is to just not say it.

• Write at the standard expected of an Advanced Roleplay.

• Enjoy yourself, the others and the RP. Involve yourself, and let this become an immersive, collaborative, living experience.[/indent]

[b]Questions and Debate[/b]
[indent]Have questions or want to discuss something? First, check the FAQ below, it may be the case that the question has already been answered or the debate discussed. If you still desire to pose the question or discussion though, feel free to and I'll do my best to keep everything going.[/indent]