In a world much like our own, but different in many ways...

THE WORLD
On the planet called Leviia(Lee-veeya), it's earth struggles for survival. The lands are scared forever with footprints of war. War is common and one would say that it is the way of life. The powerful countries of Saji and Corus are mortal enemies, but are brought together by a treaty that forces both lands to trade needed goods with one another. Instead of warring directly, the countries participate in proxy wars within the one country that stands between them, [i]Levania[/i]. Levania is said to be the birthplace of all life. The land is considered sacred, but its land is used as a neutral battlefield.

[center]SAJI[/center]
[center]http://fav.me/d4ic23n[/center]

[center]CORUS[/center]
[center]http://fav.me/d6egksm[/center]

[center]LEVANIA[/center]
[center]http://fav.me/d2494oy[/center]

TECHNOLOGY/SCIENCE
Know one truly knows how old Leviia is as most of its history has been lost over time through countless wars. As the countries fight for the remaining resources, there are scientist who are developing ways to recreate lost elements, seeds, animals, and even water. These scientist are highly valued and make up what has been dubbed the "Tech Age." The scientific field has been the number two job field, second to the role of the Samurai. What little materials and metals they have left, some countries have been able to design powerful weapons and vehicles with their help. Vehicles that run off steam, instead of fuel. 

SAMURAI 
To save supplies and resources needed to outlive another war, a back up plan was implemented. Man would fight with man-made weapons and use their ruthlessly trained skills to defeat their enemies. Some warriors refused to fight for their countries interest and sought to live by the way of the warrior( [i]Bushido[/i] ). They have become the police of the land, specifically Levania. Some Samurai chose to return to their old lives after mastering their skills and now fight against what they once stood for. Some leave their clan, becoming ronin or mercenaries. Samurai are greatly feared amongst normal people as stories of their adventures have transformed into myths of magical nature. Both countries Saji and Corus see the Samurai as a threat to their interest, but attempt to recruit them if possible. 

ETHER
Little is known about this phenomenon dubbed "Ether". What is known about the mysterious force is that people who become infected by it display unusual gifts. It is consider an infection because people who have obtained Ether are known to carry a dark blue mark on a part of their body. With each use of their gift, a cold sharp feeling of pain can be felt where the mark is located. Ether energy orbs are known to randomly appear or rise from the earth. What could this mean?

THE STORY:
In Levania, the pieces of was war are beginning to combine. Emperor Nuberu of Corus, has launched a small piece of his army to search for the source of this mysterious force called [i]Ether[/i]. In actuality, these movements are the first stage of Corus's secret invasion of Levania. Even though the country is an agreed neutral land, one who can control a Ether source can increase the might of their country. The Samurai clans are now caught in the middle as not only are they fighting against proxy armies from surrounding lands, but Corus's real military has entered the fray. Soon Saji will get wind and enter their own force into the country. Another great war is on the loom, but can it be prevented?

RULES:
1. This is a hardcore rp. Rated R language(besides sexual) is allowed, but don't over do it.
2. Your characters personality and abilities should be reflected from their character sheet and into the IC. No surprises.
3. Battles should be realistic and no GODMODDING
4. Have fun.

CHARACTER SHEET:
NAME:
AGE:
GENDER:
PERSONALITY/TRAITS:
COUNTRY:
OCCUPATION:
BRIEF BIO:
PIC/CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:
ETHER INFECTED?: Y/N (If yes, describe Ether abilities)

(The links above are to pictures that give you an idea of what the landscapes of respective countries look like. I prefer not to go into full detail as I really don't have the time to)

{Updates}
-Rules have been added