[i]Light. Shadow. One cannot exist without the other. They were once the greatest gods of Mankind. Noble, benevolent, powerful. It was their influence that turned the fledgling tribes of Man into the great nations of the world. It was their hand that guided Men, like nurturing parents, until we were at last ready to stand strong on our own. They stepped away to let us grow, and they slipped from memory. This was Man's sin. We forgot our gods, and watched as they were reborn as demons. Light was content to be forgotten to Time, but Shadow was not his brother. Without the praise and worship that kept him strong, he turned to the fears of Man to feed his strength. Hate, sorrow, greed, despair. These are the things he took into himself. He gorged upon the darker side of Men and found a new kind of power there. If Men would not worship him, they would fear him. He would take from them all he'd helped them to build and leave them to ruin. With one hand, he stayed the rain. Under the sun, the ground blistered and cracked. Crops and animals alike withered and died. A starving belly became a catalyst for war. Men fought amongst themselves for scraps, believing their neighbors all had more than they. With his other hand, Shadow let loose a pestilence. Sickness spread like wildfire, claiming any and all in its path. They could only watch as disease stole life after life, and do nothing but mourn the dead. And Shadow fed. With the power he took from Man, he stepped into our world again. He took his form from our very nightmares, great hordes of creatures ripped from the darkest corners of our imaginations, and a single general as a vessel for his very essence. A fiend, cloaked in the very darkness he was born from, emerged into this world with no name until Men gave one to him. Sharakkor. The Black General. Weakened by war and death, Men could offer no force to stand against Shadow's Incarnate. The demon swept through what force could be mustered against him, his hordes ravaging the land at every turn. Great nations were reduced to naught but smoldering memories, with only bones to mark the place where life was once so vibrant. He would send Men to oblivion, just as they had tried to send him. All that remained of Men rallied against him, a last stand against their own demise in the face of such overwhelming power. They fought with abandon, knowing death waited no matter the outcome. In the face of annihilation, they fought back as those who still remembered prayed to the last forgotten god of old. Man received no great army for their prayers. No tireless soldiers to push back the hordes that swept more and more of them away with each passing moment. No. For Light had been content to slumber. He had grown weaker while Shadow flourished. But he was far from powerless. He could not match the endless horde of his brother that spread across the land. But in his haste to wipe Men from the world, in his hubris to make an army unlike any other before it, Shadow had spread himself thin. And so, Light did not send an army. He split himself into seven champions to stand between Mankind and Shadow's wrath. Danek, the Strong. Jarten, the Quick. Latsu, the Clever. Tenaei, the Kind. Reysena, the Bold. Semato, the Silent. Kyron, the Healer. These were the names Men gave to their saviors in song and praise as the hordes of Shadow broke against their might like water on the shore. These great beings pushed back. They took back the world from Shadow's terrible general, inch by inch. But even without his armies, Sharakkor was not weak. He had fed from Men far longer than these newborn protectors. He clashed against the Seven with all the power he could call to him, and found they could not stand against his strength. They did not fall, but neither could they fell the Black General as they had his hordes. For Light cannot exist without Shadow, and they could not destroy a part of themselves. But neither could they allow Shadow's wrath to continue to spread. And so, a stone was plucked from the earth, so the strength of the Seven could become one again. Together, they scoured Shadow from the world and sealed him in a domain of his own where his influence might not touch Mankind again. Such magics did not come without a price, and the Seven sacrificed their physical forms to create the Barrier that now kept Shadow at bay. The stone used to create the seal shattered, with their very spirits bound to the shards. It was to the greatest heroes of Men that these stones were entrusted, so that they may forever hold vigil over the Barrier and the Seven. They became the Watchers. Keepers... [b]Guardians.[/b][/i] [center][u][h2]The World[/h2][/u][/center] [center][URL=http://s1174.photobucket.com/user/Jessica_Niblick/media/map_zpsipfigjba.png.html][IMG]http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r613/Jessica_Niblick/map_zpsipfigjba.png[/IMG][/URL][/center] [center][u][h3]The Guardians[/h3][/u][/center] [center][hider=Picture][URL=http://s1174.photobucket.com/user/Jessica_Niblick/media/102315-bigthumbnail_zpsed73oaim.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r613/Jessica_Niblick/102315-bigthumbnail_zpsed73oaim.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/hider][/center] [center][hider=Lore]The Guardians The great protectors of the realm, often referred to a "Kings without Kingdoms" due to their demigod-like status. They often act as ambassadors between kingdoms, mediating disputes to settle grievances without bloodshed. Their primary duty, however, lies in exterminating the lingering vestiges of Sharakkor's army that hide in the dark corners of the world. Despite the songs and tales regaling the victory of the Seven, the Barrier did not seal the entirety of the horde. While all gifted warriors in their own right, the Spirit Stone in their possession grants them incredible abilities unique to each stone, as well as lasting youth from the moment they possess the stone. Their extended youth is not only to ensure each Guardian can perform their duties, but because each generation of Guardians are chosen in unison by each stone. Once the first Initiate is chosen, each Guardian seeks out the next who will bear the stone. Because all seven must be found before the stones can be passed on, there can be a hundred years or more between each generation. Guardians and Initates call the Guardian Enclave home. A large island situated between the island nation of Altaria and Orzel, the location ensures no one nation can lay claim to the Guardians. Additionally, it allows these warriors to continue to hone their exceptional and extraordinary skills without fear of harming any others. [/hider][/center] [center][u][h3]Altaria[/h3][/u][/center] [center][hider=Picture][URL=http://s1174.photobucket.com/user/Jessica_Niblick/media/Altaria_zpsmzamrzji.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r613/Jessica_Niblick/Altaria_zpsmzamrzji.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/hider][/center] [center][hider=Lore] An island nation, Altaria is the smallest of the three major kingdoms. As such, they have developed one of the most advanced militaries that enable them to stand on equal footing without having to bow to one nation or the other. Some of the most renown heroes are of Altaran heritage, which in turn has led to a high demand for Altarans as caravan guards, mercenaries, and personal protection. Though many towns rely on the sea for their living, the capital city of Avalele is the largest trading hub for both the Horyn Empire and Orzel. It's often said that all the coin in the world passes through Avalele at one point, and the opulence of the city is not shy about reflecting it. The unique blend of cultures here makes it easily the most diverse in the world. [/hider][/center] [center][u][h3]Horyn Empire[/h3][/u][/center] [center][hider=Picture][URL=http://s1174.photobucket.com/user/Jessica_Niblick/media/Horyn_zpsiahgmdcp.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r613/Jessica_Niblick/Horyn_zpsiahgmdcp.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/hider][/center] [center][hider=Lore]Often referred to as the Realm of Metal, the Empire was founded thanks to the rich ore fields that span the entire breadth of it's lands. Towns are founded thanks to mines and quarries, eventually building into the open walls of stone left behind from pulling the precious minerals out of the earth. Even the capital city of Cor Beraoth was built into the upper levels of the Empire's deepest mine. The lands to the north of the Empire are fertile farmlands that supply food for the rest of it's people, though most of the Empire is defined by rugged terrain and steep mountainous regions. Thanks to the geography, airships are the easiest for travel around the Empire, maintained by the small army of gifted blacksmiths, engineers the region is known for. Unique to the Horyn Empire is a caste system, defined by the number of syllables in one's name. Those condemned to the deepest mines have names resembling nothing more than a grunt, while the Emperor has several trained servants who's job is only to flawlessly speak his name on behalf of any foreign dignitaries.[/hider][/center] [center][u][h3]Orzel[/h3][/u][/center] [center][hider=Picture][URL=http://s1174.photobucket.com/user/Jessica_Niblick/media/orzel_zpssfyyuoed.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r613/Jessica_Niblick/orzel_zpssfyyuoed.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/hider][/center] [center][hider=Lore]Out of all the kingdoms, the least is known about Orzel. Isolated by the Fossam Sea and Selmac Desert, the people of the desert nation are said to possess magics stolen from Shadow's own domain. As such, their reputation, and lack of urgency to dispute it, has led to tensions with the Horyn Empire. Though the largest nation in sheer size, it doesn't possess the population to match. Its people are clustered around the coastal areas of the nation, or around desert citadels like the capital of Ghamet. The most powerful mages and their students dwell in the citadels, learning from generations of accumulated knowledge modeled after the Guardians themselves. Some of the most brilliant scholars live within the boundaries of Orzel, and rumors exist that in the sandstone of the desert hills, generations of mages and scholars have etched a history of the world.[/hider][/center] [center][u][h3]Other Locations[/h3][/u][/center] [center][hider=Other Locations] [center][u]Selmac Desert[/u][/center] The last battlefield of the Seven and Sharakkor. Their struggle stripped the land of it's vitality, leaving nothing but barren plateaus and sand. The heat of the day makes travel across it nearly impossible, making guides utterly essential to prevent from becoming lost among the shifting sands. Those who have found themselves lost and spat back out by the desert claim there is a group of nomads who have managed to tame the desert enough to call it home. [center][u]Edoai[/u][/center] A tiny island in the Ventus Sea. Populated by the descendants of Altarans fleeing persecution after a failed coup, these people live side by side with a clan of dragons that sought refuge after the end of the Shadow Wars. [center][u]Petram Archipelago [/u][/center] No one sets foot on these cursed lands without a death wish. Its said these islands are the breeding grounds for the nightmarish creatures left behind after their general was banished. Ships sailing too close have suddenly run aground, and their crews spirited away. Numerous attempts have been made by the nations and every generation of Guardians to penetrate the miasma that surrounds these islands, but with little success. [/hider][/center] [center][u][h3]Creatures[/h3][/u][/center] [center][hider=Creatures] [center][u]Dragons[/u][/center] Once Sharakkor's own elite force, a sect broke away from their general's failing influence to join the Seven. Their example prompted a number of other creatures to follow, sparing them from the sealing that barred Sharakkor and the rest of his army from the world. However, due to their history as some of the most feared beasts in the Black General's army, they were hunted and forced to flee the mainlands. One group resides on the isle of Edoai, while another is said to have found refuge in the Petram Archipelago. [center][u]Kekki[/u][/center] Winged desert lizards native to the Selmac Desert and Orzel. For those unable to travel by air, Kekki are the preferred method for desert crossings. Unable to fly, they are able to glide for short distances, facilitating crossing some of the more treacherous terrain, and their scales allow them to withstand the scorching heat of the desert sands. They are typically used as riding and pack animals. [center][u]Others[/u][/center] If you have suggestions, or think of something as the RP progresses, we will add it here! [/hider][/center] Ok, so this RP is going to start at the end of the Sixth Generation of Guardians. At least one Initiate has already been identified. Which means depending on what sort of characters people want to play, we may be looking for the remaining ones, or dealing with some other... more sinister stuff I have in mind. This is obviously an advanced roleplay, so I will be expecting posts that fill that requirement. Do your best to check grammar (Mine's not the best, but I do try), spelling, and make sure you offer something to help the plot move forward. Additional rules are: [hider=Rules] -Violence is fine, if it's going to be excessive talk to me and we may move it to a PM to avoid forum issues. -No controlling other characters. Pretty sure this is inscribed in gold on the wall of every RP forum, but occasionally it's hard not to do. Like during combat for example. -Speaking of combat, don't be afraid to let your character get hurt. Don't be afraid to lose. Character death is a serious thing and shouldn't happen unless both parties agree to it, so don't be afraid of that. On the flip side, your character, even a Guardian, is not infallible. Not every attack of theirs is going to work or connect. They aren't going to be destined to win just because of who they are. If I see that, I'll be administering justice. Even heroes fail. It makes for a great character arc. -Romance. By all means. I'm even going to encourage it. But have it develop. There can be some already present feelings, but don’t just jump straight to this undying passion. Also, if you're going to have some sexy times with another character, put it in a PM, but leave enough in your post prior to that where your character isn't in some love dimension for the duration. Stuff happens, you may be interrupted. Let me know and I'll try to give you a heads up though. [/hider] While I'll be prodding the plot with a sharp stick to keep things moving and interesting, I tend to look at roleplay as a chance for people to write an incredible story together. So that’s what we will be doing. People can play any number of characters they'd like, however, I will limit it to one Guardian/Initiate pair (aka: One stone's lineage) for the time being. If you want to play one of the remnants of the Shadow Horde? Go for it (evil characters are fun). You want to play a corrupted Guardian? Do it! Want to be an airship pilot, a sorceress, a career soldier- Ok, so you get the picture. The world is big enough that while the Guardians are regarded as the pinnacle of combat prowess, there are still plenty of niches to make some pretty neat characters. I think that covers everything. Obviously this is an interest check, so if it sounds at all like it could be fun, you have ideas to add, need to point out things I missed or need to clarify, please let me know below! [center][u][h3]Character Sheet[/h3][/u][/center] [center][hider=Character Sheet] Name: (Duh) Age: (Duh. No children though please. Late teens through mid twenties. You can make a case if you feel strongly against it.) Appearance: (Pictures help, but aren't required. No matter what, BE DETAILED. And keep in mind, you aren’t going to have some willowy alabaster maiden come out of a desert region like Orzel.) Nationality: (Altaria, Horyn, Orzel, or Shadow. If you have another idea, let me know and we can discuss.) Profession: (I hope this is explanatory) Alignment: (Boiled down, are you making a good or evil character?) Spirit Stone: (If you are a Guardian or Initiate, Which Spirit's stone will you possess?) Ability: (Guardians only. For an example, The Guardian in Possession of Semato's stone may possess Invisibility. Make it relate to the Spirit somehow. This ability will pass to the initiate.) Skills: (Any special skills your character has?) Flaw or Weakness: (YOU AREN'T PERFECT! What could potentially be your downfall?) Background: (Again, hope this is self-explanatory. You don't have to write a book, but give us enough so we know how you fit into the world.) [/hider][/center] [center][hider=Example] Name: Katon Age: 22 Appearance:[URL=http://s1174.photobucket.com/user/Jessica_Niblick/media/katon3_zps0tn9jz3a.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r613/Jessica_Niblick/katon3_zps0tn9jz3a.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Not pictured: stands at roughly 6'1", with a spartan build. Blue eyes and a deep tan from years of island sun, but still fairer in complexion compared to the desert dwellers. Nationality: Altaran Profession: Initiate Alignment: Good Spirit Stone: Kyron, the Healer Ability: Healing. He cannot reattach or regrow limbs, or counteract the effects of poison. Wounds heal in a matter of seconds, but the greater the wound/closer to death, the greater strain it puts on his own body. Can heal both himself and others. Skills: He had talent with a sword, but is not exactly a savant. His reflexes are easily his greatest asset. Flaws/Weaknesses: In addition to the after effects of his Guardian ability, Katon is reckless and has no real grasp of his own mortality. He's yet to see a world where good doesn't triumph over evil. Background: Katon is natively Altaran, though his home lies on the isle of Edoai. Both parents were killed during a particularly vicious typhoon that struck the region while Katon was rather young. As such, he was communally raised by the island's inhabitants, dragons included, which led to him forming a strong bond with a young drake near to his own age. The dragon, Kyadreon, he considers his brother and closer family than most human inhabitants of the island. His relatively easy life was upheaved when a slaver ship landed and kidnapped the majority of the island's population before they were driven off by the dragons. Katon was among those taken and brought to the Altaran mainland where he was thrown to the slave pens to be sold at auction. It was here he was discovered by the Guardian Carnac, holder of Kyron's stone. The Spirit Stone resonated with Katon, marking him as the Spirit's chosen initiate and earning him his freedom from the slave pens. While saved from his captors, Katon didn't view his new status as anything different than more slavery. He had no desire to become a Guardian, and only wanted to find his people and return to his home. It was only reluctantly Carnac agreed to assist Katon with his goal of returning his people safely home, if only so he could have more time to convince the young man of his destiny. [/hider][/center] Remember, it doens't have to be a novel. There will be things that come up in the course of roleplaying and characters can grow and change!