For a time, the Southern State of Coleander fought a bloody war against its northern neighbor, decades of political and religious differences finally coming to a head. This protracted battle rapidly sapped the life from both States as their weapons, magic and soldiers dwindled. At last a treaty was hastily written and signed, both sides eager to prevent their total destruction. The last two years have seen an uneasy détente, but there are other provinces waiting for an opportunity to strike the weakened State, and the war and subsequent depression has robbed Coleander’s people of their faith and trust. In a desperate attempt to preserve the State, Coleander’s Lord created the Band system, legally allowing would-be adventurers and out-of-work soldiers to take on tasks that the State no longer has the men or resources to handle. Enfeebled citizens and royal figures alike doled out assignments in droves, and the Bands responded in kind; travelers from all corners of Coleander and beyond rose to the task. Yet it remains to be seen how effectively the Band system will solve the State’s problems. With Coleander struggling to recover and the possibility of another war never far away, these Bands must carve out their own path as an uncertain future looms. [right]-Unknown Writer[/right] Divinare (formerly ‘Alberon’s Gift’, colloquially ‘magic’)… should not be confused with the oft-recited superstitions of thaumaturgy and creation; it is a natural resource like any other, and once it is used up it cannot be invoked again until it is replenished. Conversely, some sources cannot be replenished at all. Manipulation of Divinare requires the utmost care… The intricacies of Divinare cannot be fully explained within the confines of this book, but the basics of its manipulation can be divided into three categories: channeling, binding, and merging… …Channeling is characterized primarily by drawing Divinare out of a source, letting it flow freely (ex. magnifying the fire from a lit candle)… …Binding is characterized primarily by directly manipulating Divinare with one’s will (ex. throwing the fire from a lit candle)… …Merging is characterized primarily by synchronizing one’s mind with Divinare (ex. becoming one with the fire from a lit candle)… [right]-Excerpts from [i]Divinare: A Basic Guide for the Middle Student Edition CVII[/i][/right] Do not look upon the world with pity, nor curse the flowing of the rivers, nor lament the stillness of the mountainside, for this world is his mighty body. From Alberon’s flesh did come man, from Alberon’s blood did come the rivers, from Alberon’s bones did come the mountains… [right]-Excerpt from Canto XXIII of [i]The Mouth of Alberon[/i][/right] [hr] This idea is primarily a low-tech 'go on adventures' kind of fantasy story with some military undertones. I want to start with a simple concept and then build on it over time. I actively encourage other players to add to the plot and mythos as we go. (provided it doesn't contradict the established theme or the other players' wishes) The entire reason I want to RP is to create a story with other people rather than dictate every little thing, and thus I will do my best to remain open to suggestions and feedback. I will admit that this is the first RP I've attempted to start myself, so if someone more experienced than me notices something wrong or dumb that I do, feel free to call me out on it. And of course, ask whatever questions you like.