[CENTER] [h2][COLOR=#99ccff]The Lucenrai Chronicles: The Fallen Kingdom[/COLOR][/h2]
[IMG]http://i62.tinypic.com/2ef6xqq.jpg[/IMG][/center]
 
Lucenrai, a world with lush summers, and harsh winters, the kingdoms of man have made their claim. Lucenrai is a large continental landmass, and one of the only two known continents in the world, flanked by several smaller islands and landmasses. The heart of the continent consists of an expanse of plains, hills, and lightly forested grasslands. To the north are an expanse of tall mountains and tundra, covered in harsh everwinter forests. West of the heartland is Mediterranean and warm. Down to the south, the land gets considerably wetter, and has large stretches of thick forests, and marshy wetlands. Towards the east, the plains become harsh, turning into a craggy, rocky region which then opens up to a large, harsh desert. Across the ocean nearest the western coast, are small chains of tropical islands, these islands are the buffer zone to the continent of Reyen, a lush frontier land, filled with forests and natural resources waiting to be exploited.
 
For years, the realms of man have lived in relative harmony. This harmony has not always been peaceful, small wars breaking out between the different kingdoms, but there was balance, order. To the North is the Kingdom of Ardel, a hardy and proud people, used to harsh weather and hardtimes. In the Heartlands, the ever constant ally of Ardel is the Kingdom of Edessa. With its fair lands, large mines, and central location, Edessa is both prosperous and diverse and is a generally peaceful nation. To the West is a large mercantile Varyan Empire, famed for their massive trade power and wealth, as well as its access to the rich islands and resources of the new world. To the south, in the great forests is the Kingdom of the Welds. Colloquially known as the Kingdom of the Wilds, the Welds have been rivals of the Edessa for centuries. To the east is no kingdom of man, rather hundreds of clans of nomads and raiders.
 
Lucenrai is now in a state of turmoil. The Welds, longtime enemies of Edessa have suddenly turned to the kingdom for help, desperately requesting aid against a sudden surge of marauding Orcs. Alongside the influx of Weld refugees, Orcish bands have appeared in South Edessa and have begun pillaging the countryside. To make matters worse, the Varyan Empire has launched a massive invasion of Edessa, seemingly taking advantage of the chaos created by the orcs. With an army armed and armored with the wealth of the mercantile empire and the resources from Reyen, the Varyan Empire has easily swept across the Edessa countryside.
 
On the brink of defeat, the forces of Edessa have been forced back to its Capital city and the nearby lands. With little hope of victory, Edessa decides to send its refugees- its youth and future, to the north, to seek refuge within the Kingdom of Ardel. In the dark of night, caravans from Edessa are sent northbound, with nothing but a scant few guards, mercenaries and older teens to protect them while the remaining soldiers of Edessa prepare to hold the Empire at bay.
[hr]
[h3][COLOR=#99ccff]Plot[/COLOR][/h3]
 
This RP will revolve around one of the final caravans to leave the capital city of Edessa. A ragtag group of old soldiers, grungy mercenaries, youths and children, we will struggle to survive in the wilderness as we flee from the dastardly forces of the Varyan Empire. Along the way we will be beset by hardship and adversity as we make our way through the war torn countryside of Edessa and into the harsh wilderness of Ardel. At times, our story will be light hearted, at other times, it will be dramatic and tense as we attempt to prevail over insurmountable odds. Our characters will face daunting challenges, testing their wit and willpower, as well as their morals as they are pushed to their absolute limits in this struggle for survival. This is: "The Lucenrai Chronicles: The Fallen Kingdom"

[h3][COLOR=#add8e6]Rules[/color][/h3]
[b][COLOR=#add8e6]1.[/COLOR][/B] This Roleplay will have relaxed standards when compared to most Advanced RP's, though I will be expecting at least a few, well written paragraphs, and absolutely NO ONE LINERS.
[B][COLOR=#add8e6]2.[/COLOR][/B] Be sensible and polite in the OOC. Any arguments should be either taken off to private messages, or brought to my attention to resolve.
[B][COLOR=#add8e6]3.[/COLOR][/B] No Mary/Gary Sues. Your characters are the story's heroes, but they are not perfect.
[B][COLOR=#add8e6]4.[/COLOR][/B] No God-Moding. Your characters are important, but I will not hesitate to injure them if they do something exceedingly stupid. Note, as GM, I reserve the right to God-mod however I like, with the purpose of advancing the plot, or steering it in a specific direction.
[B][COLOR=#add8e6]5.[/COLOR][/B] This will have blood and violence, and foul language is freely allowed, though for the sake of decency, any sexually graphic acts will fade to black (or will be taken to PM) before it goes too far.
[COLOR=#add8e6][B]6.[/B][/COLOR] Player knowledge is not character knowledge. Just because you know something (be it through OOC or another person's post, does not necessarily mean that your character knows.
[B][COLOR=#add8e6]7.[/COLOR][/B] As GM, my word is law. This does not mean I will be unreasonable, nor will it mean I will be unfair, but I will expect you to respect my executive decisions.

 
[h3][COLOR=#add8e6]Regarding Characters[/COLOR]
[color=lime][B]IMPORTANT:[/B] I will only be accepting up to 4-5 characters (not including my own)so it will NOT be first come, first served.[/color][/h3]
Most characters will also be expected to be novices, relatively inexperienced, or 'low level' in skill. Characters for the most part will be youths and young adults, and can have some skills- though characters cannot be a master at arms. Alternatively I will allow one or two characters to play an older, more experienced and skilled character, provided that they are adequately balanced, for example, A skilled swordsman, who is now old, and no longer the fighter he once was. I am also searching for a player to be play as the child of the monarch

This RP will not play out on a tabletop style system, and treasure, loot and gear will be bountiful in this RP. However, characters will be limited in what they will start with- as it will be what they can carry with them. Starting gear must also be reasonable: For instance, if your character is the son of a baker, it would make no sense for him to have a set of plate armor and a greatsword, likewise it is doubtful that he would have the martial skill of a trained soldier.
 
[h3][COLOR=#add8e6]Technology and Magic[/COLOR][/h3]
Pretty standard Fantasy fare, technology is your typical swords, spears and shields. Steel plates, chainmail, and leather make up the backbone of defensive technology in the world, however fantasy alloys and materials will also be present:

[b]Adamantium[/b], recognized by its high density and brown/bronzed color is extremely durable and strong, but heavy.
[b]Mithril [/b]is lighter than steel, but just as strong, and conducts magical energies easily.
[b]Ironwood [/b]is a dark gray wood, thick and as tough as iron, hence its name.

Magic is also as you'd expect, magical bolts of varying elements cast through willpower and concentration- though not all possess the talent for magic.​

 
[h3][COLOR=#add8e6]Character Sheet[/COLOR][/h3]
 
[B][COLOR=#add8e6]Appearance:[/COLOR][/B] Your character's appearance. I prefer art images as opposed to real life pictures
[COLOR=#add8e6][B]Name:[/B][/COLOR] Your character's first and last name.
[B][COLOR=#add8e6]Age:[/COLOR][/B] The age of your character, the age range I'm expecting for most characters is 16-19. Old Caravan Guards and Mercenaries will obviously be a little bit older.
 
[B][COLOR=#add8e6]Personality:[/COLOR][/B] One of the more important parts of your CS, give me a good taste of what your character is like.
 
[B][COLOR=#add8e6]Backstory:[/COLOR][/B] Important, but not as important as your character's personality, give me a small summary of your character's history and bio.
 
[COLOR=#add8e6][B]Skills and Abilities:[/B][/COLOR] Here is where you put things your character can do/are good at, as well as what magic abilities they have (if any). Magic is a rare talent and is difficult to master. If you intend on making your character a user of many weapons- chances are s/he won't be a master of magic. Skills and abilities should be presented in list form as[i] Experience level, Skill, Description.[/i] For instance:

[b]Novice Woodcutting[/b] - this character has been chopping wood for a short amount of time

In general, experience based skills should go: Novice, Journeyman, Adept, Professional, Accomplished, Master, Legendary. Skills that aren't as dependent on experience (such as the ability to wear armor) should just be Untrained or Trained. 
 
[B][COLOR=#add8e6]Equipment:[/COLOR][/B] Here is where you'll give me a list of your character's equipment, weapons, and armor- if any. Remember, you're playing refugees and caravan guards on the run- not a mobile armory. If your character possess a particularly special weapon made of some fancy fantasy metal, there had better be a good reason aside from "It looks/sounds/feels/is cool!" Somewhat similar to skills, equipment should be listed in a format of "name, qualities." Images can be included in hiders. For instance:

[b]Sword, Old, Dull.[/b] - this sword was given to example character by an old man in a cave.
[b]Vidofnyr, Adamantium[/b] - This mighty battle axe is forged of fine Adamantium and hits like a carriage; a really heavy, fast moving carriage.

Minor equipment, such as waterskins, clothes, and the like don't need to be in as detailed of a list.

[hider=My character]
[center][IMG]http://i62.tinypic.com/20pzw61.jpg[/IMG][/center]
[COLOR=#add8e6][B]Name:[/B][/COLOR] Emil Erran.
[B][COLOR=#add8e6]Age:[/COLOR][/B] 18
 
[B][COLOR=#add8e6]Personality:[/COLOR][/B]
warm and kind-hearted, Emil is a soft spoken young squire with a strong sense of morality and justice. This level headed squire tries his best to stay brave and rational in the face of hardship and adversity, despite his inexperience. Honest and trustworthy, Emil is compassionate and kind, if a little shy and under-spoken. Loyal to a fault, Emil is more than willing to risk himself for the sake of others, and goes to great lengths to defend his loved ones. A very down to earth and grounded individual, Emil's calm and positive demeanor, while bordering on naivety bolsters the spirits of those around him.

[B][COLOR=#add8e6]Backstory:[/COLOR][/B]
Emil, youngest son of the Erran family, comes from a long line of Edessan Knights. Emil, like the rest of his brothers were introduced to the lifestyle of a knight at a young age, and were immersed in their culture from the moment he could walk. The son of a Edessan Knight and his wife, Emil and his brothers were well educated at a young age and were taught manners as well as basic martial skills and knowledges as children. Throughout their childhood, Emil and his brothers would often venture into the town to play with other children. Emil made friends easily, and was known for his gentle and sensitive demeanor, while the rest of his brothers were respected for their various other qualities.

As they Erran children grew older, they were trained in the ways of various weapons, such as the spear and sword, and were trained in horsemanship and riding. After his seventh birthday, Emil was apprenticed to another noble family to serve as a Page, where he would begin to further refine horsemanship and swordsmanship as well as learn the intricacies of reading and writing. A naturally perceptive and intelligent child, Emil was treated well by his host family, and learned much under their tutelage. 

The Knights of Edessa, or the Edessan Knights as many know them as. These knights are tasked with serving and protecting the people of Edessa. These stalwart warriors are well known for both their valor and martial skill, despite their relatively small numbers. Every male member of the Erran family had been an Edessan Knight at one point in their life. Emil's brother is among the famed members of the Edessan Knights, and one of the King's  personal guards. Each of Emil's brothers has already entered service in the order.

As he turned 14, he became squire to a famed Edessan Knight, where he furthered his training, continuing his work on bladesmanship and horsemanship, as well as learning archery, music, speech, and skills befitting a young knight. Here he learned how to take care of, and maintain armor, how to tend horses and treat wounds. The next several years were difficult, his knight was fair, but strict, and offered him nothing but the most difficult challenges to face.

Now a fresh 18 years old, Emil's journey to become a full fledged knight of Edessan has been cut short by the war. With his lord having sent Emil away with the other youth of the city, Emil is one of the oldest of the youths to leave, and like many of the other older children, has supplemented the sparse number of caravan guards with his own skills.
 
[COLOR=#add8e6][B]Skills and Abilities:[/B][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#add8e6][B]Adept Swordsmanship - [/B][/COLOR] As a squire, and the son of a Knight, Emil has received martial training in various fields, he is capable with many weapons, but shows the most promise with a sword.
[COLOR=#add8e6][B]Journeyman Spearmanship - [/B][/COLOR] Along with his swordsmanship, Emil has received training with the spear and lance, though it is clear he shows a preference to the sword.
[COLOR=#add8e6][B]Novice Archery - [/B][/COLOR] Alongside his other martial skills, Emil has also been briefly trained in the use of the bow and arrow. 
[COLOR=#add8e6][B]Journeyman Horseback Riding- [/B][/COLOR] As a knight in training, Emil is trained on how to ride a horse, fight from a horse, and take care of a horse.
[COLOR=#add8e6][B]Trained Armor use - [/B][/COLOR] Years of training have taught Emil how to quickly don and remove plate armor, and can thus move with more dexterity and quickness than one without training would be able to. He is also well versed on the care of plate armor.
[COLOR=#add8e6][B]Novice Cooking - [/B][/COLOR] 'Cooking' would be a bit of a stretch, Emil is capable of preparing meat and raw food to an edible state without causing sickness.
[COLOR=#add8e6][B]Novice Lute playing - [/B][/COLOR] The way of the arts, poetry, and writing are often emphasized amongst members of the upper classes, music is especially appreciated throughout Edessa. Emil has picked up a tune or two on the lute in his free time.
 
[B][COLOR=#add8e6]Equipment:[/COLOR][/B]

[COLOR=#add8e6]Father's Sword, Worn.[/COLOR] - An old sword used by Emil's father. Though it is worn and has seen its fair share of use, it remains a balanced and capable weapon nonetheless.
[hider=Father's Sword]
[IMG]http://i60.tinypic.com/2db46dh.jpg[/IMG]
[/hider]
[COLOR=#add8e6]Edessan Half Plate.[/COLOR] - a cut down suit of plate armor utilized by Edessan knights and soldiers. Plates protect major parts of the body, while the rest is backed with tough leather under a tunic.
[COLOR=#add8e6]Roark, Horse.[/COLOR] -  A well bred brown horse named Roark ridden by Emil.

In his knapsack, Emil carries a few supplies, some dried rations, flint and steel, and a few other survival items.
[/hider]