[center][h1][color=fdc68a]The Absent King[/color][/h1]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/vqdnNPS.png[/img]
[i][sub][color=BBBBBB]The golden kingdom of Areta, shining jewel of the Eretolian deserts.[/color][/sub][/i][/center]
[hr]
[color=fdc68a][h2]The Aretan Knights[/h2][/color]
[hider=Teaser Intro][indent]“The king is missing, sir. He’s just gone.”

The words were recorded by the court’s royal scribe, though she did not include the ums, ahs, or embarrassed pauses with which the statement was delivered. Nor did she record the gnarled groan uttered by High Magistrate Aeronas Harking as his head fell into the palm of his hand. Her quill did not move again until the magistrate uttered his irked reply.

“Again?”

Prompted by a wry motion from the youngest magistrate, the scribe paused her writing once more. No one outside the room needed to know of the round of expletives that rumbled from the gathered assembly.[/indent][/hider]
Nicknamed the Absent King of Areta, this is what our country’s monarch has become known for. Now, I feel for the lad, I truly do. After King Leonard passed suddenly, his only son Alonso was coronated as his successor at the tender age of thirteen. Ever since then he has been known for his rebellious… escapades and impudent escapes from the palace. It was endearing when he was a youth, but he’s come upon his twenty-third year, and now it’s just embarrassing. 

I could forgive him if times weren’t so dire now. Areta faces the makings of a massive conflict with the neighboring nation of Vicenna, and if that weren’t enough, savage elven warbands have been spotted at our borders. I worry for our nation’s future should anything happen to King Alonso, who has yet to produce any heirs.

Viceni diplomats are due to arrive for a meeting with the Aretan court for an imperative treaty signing that [i]could[/i] prevent all out war, but if the king isn't present to speak with them—I dare not imagine. And there is no need to.

The king [i]will[/i] be there. Once again, it is my duty as Knight Captain to see to it. I have selected you specifically, out of all the king's knighted men, for your outstanding loyalty. [i]And[/i] for your discretion. For god's sake, no one needs to know that Alonso is off galavanting [i]again[/i].

[hr]

[color=fdc68a][h2]The Ytharien[/h2][/color]
[hider=Teaser Intro][indent]"Alan, what is he saying? What is Lothren so angry about?" 

When the woman leaned in to ask her question, Alan could smell the floral oils in her dark, ribboned hair. It mingled with the roasting campfire. If it weren't for the gravity of the moment, he would have found himself supremely distracted.

"He said," a frown overtook his otherwise placid expression, "the Aretan curs have his brother."

Startled, the woman covered her rosy lips in dismay with her slender hand. A frantic look passed between Alan and the elf he was translating for. Lothren continued speaking to his fellow elves around the fire. Alan and the other humans grouped together, as they often did, to share their drinks. Not because the elves weren't invited, but because they couldn't stand the smell of beer.

"Ularien is in prison," Alan clarified, his eyes falling. "It's where he's been all this time. The scouts just reported to him an hour ago."

"Oh god, poor Ularien." When her eyes glistened, they caught Alan's full attention. Clearly a woman of heart.

Alan straightened and raised his voice, speaking a silken, rolling verse in elvish that turned the heads of the others gathered around the camp. A question was pitched back, to which Alan replied with a hearty gesture and a bold, youthful tone.

"What did you say?" The girl took his arm.

"I said we're going to get him back."[/indent][/hider]
And I meant it. Ularien is a brother to all of us, even if he [i]is[/i] an elf. The Mummers of Merry Andrew don't bother with the trivialities of race or politics. They've accepted me and other humans, with no thought to nationality, social standing, or creed—we've even got a dwarf. Since my own life and comfort were ripped from me, since [i]my[/i] father was [i]murdered[/i], they've become the only family I have now. It's a laugh, isn't it? A band of jolly actors staging plays and performing acrobatic arts as we travel from village to village.

And i-it's also, ah, a warband. 

They call themselves the Ytharien in their own language, and they have a mission. An important one. The performances they put on are only to lift spirits and refill their coin pouch, but that doesn't mean they don't have a passion for entertainment. 
 
The mission must carry on. It's larger than Ularien. It's larger than all of us. But I swear, I [i]will[/i] get him back, or I'm not the King of Areta.
[hr]
[color=fdc68a][h2]Overview[/h2][/color]
The setting will be the country Areta, a medieval-style nation that somehow flourishes in the arid Eretolian desert. I'll be assembling two parties: the Knights and the Mummers. They won't be separate for long, but they'll start out that way. Although originally they'll center around Knight Captain Serona and King Alonso, who'll be played by me, I'll be creating the world around the characters you submit and placing a focus on them, their decisions, and how their actions affect the world.

I promise themes revolving around politics, conspiracy, gunpowder, treason, and—no, wait, that's... that's guy fawkes, we're not doing that here. Uh. Mostly politics and conspiracy and probably enormous emotional upheaval.

[b]One important detail: I will be giving secret information to the Mummers that the Knights won't have, and vice versa. What you guys do with it is up to you.[/b]
[hr]
I'll take up to 3 applicants for either party.

[b][color=fdc68a]The Aretan Knights:[/color][/b]
[list]
[*] Applicants must be human and a minimum age of 18 IC (plus a few years before that of training).
[*] Must be at least partially Aretan (or claim to be). Heritage from other countries is okay if it's mingled in.
[*] You can be young or old, male or female, experienced or new. Choose any weapon skill.
[*] Aretans are generally very racist. Not only against elves, but all foreigners. There are exceptions, but they're usually quiet about it.
[*] Remember, you're a knight because you follow orders, not question them. Above all, you swore your oath to the King.
[*] Magic exists but it is BANNED in Areta, as it is considered blasphemy against the Aretan god. Severe punishment befalls magic users, including dismemberment, imprisonment or even death.
[/list]
Get ready to kill some elves.

[b][color=fdc68a]The Ytharien/Mummers[/color][/b]
[list]
[*] Most Ytharien are elves, but there are some humans (of any nationality) and one dwarf. There are about twenty-five members.
[*] You have no loyalty to anyone except each other, to Lothren (the warband's leader), and your own heart.
[*] Little known to humans, elves aren't [i]really[/i] savage.
[*] You're a competent fighter and probably a good actor, dancer, or singer. If you're not good at performing, you're probably good at building sets or tending horses instead.
[*] Even for foreigners, magic is BANNED in Areta. You can know it, but don't let anyone important see you use it.
[/list]
Get ready to kill some Aretans.

Please feel free to ask any questions. I'll be building the story and the world around the people who sign up, but there's a general direction it will be going. 

[hider=Character Sheet]Name:
Age:
Gender:
Race:

Appearance: (No pic required. Please, no anime or photos, regular art is fine.)

Brief character concept:

History: (Optional, make it as short or long as you like.)

If you want to arrange anything special, let me know![/hider]
[hr]
[color=fdc68a][h3]Lore Rundown[/h3][/color]
[hider=Nations]
[center][color=fdc68a][h3]Nations[/h3][/color][/center]

[hider=Areta]
[color=fdc68a][h3]Areta[/h3][/color]

[b][color=fdc68a]Ruler:[/color][/b]
King Alonso vas Aretaeus

[b][color=fdc68a]Population:[/color][/b]
Large, and almost entirely human

[b][color=fdc68a]Landscape: [/color][/b]
This monarchy dominates the Eretolian deserts, which span across over half of the continent. Most of Areta's civilization is found huddled around the desert's large sources of water, such as oases, rivers, and lakes. Its capital, Marion Bay, is a narrow, elongated city snaking along the oceanside coastline. 

This leaves huge stretches of uninhabited, and unforgiving land: rolling dunes, cracked earth, dusty steppes, and red canyons (which can actually be quite beautiful), with lots of hardy plant and animal life. No king's forests here, no king's deer to poach. Just lots of birds and lizards and maybe a dragon or two in the hundreds of square miles of uncontrolled terrain. It's all-you-can-eat if you can avoid dying from exposure or thirst.

[color=fdc68a][b]The Eretol:[/b][/color] [color=bbbbbb][i](An addition by JulienJaden)[/i][/color]
The Eretol are a nomadic people who wander the Eretolian deserts, largely surviving as facilitators of Aretan trade. Their presence in Eretolia predates the founding of Areta, so they consider themselves independent from the Aretan kingdom. Proficient as hunter-gatherers, they're commonly seen as parts of traveling caravans, especially those that don't follow the river roads.

Despite the Eretol's nationless philosophy, the monarchy considers the Eretol people to be Aretan citizens, and therefore King Alonso's subjects. This sometimes leads to the Eretol being considered rebels, which has historically resulted in violence between Aretan forces and Eretol tribes. If the Eretol are complicit when commanded, they can usually avoid bloodshed.

[color=fdc68a][b]The Barony of Greenbank:[/b][/color] [color=bbbbbb][i](An addition by Lyaer)[/i][/color]
A stretch of land along the Neratine once famous for its verdancy, though it has since been claimed by the desert. Greenbank is governed by Baron Demour Arquis, who resides with his family in its largest city, Udny Pass. The Barony thrives from trade coming by river from Vicenna, and controls swathes of the salt flats on Greenback's eastern edge.

[color=fdc68a][b]Quick History:[/b][/color]
Marion Bay was named after Queen Marion, the first crowned monarch of Areta. King Alonso was preceded by his father, King Leonard, who was preceded by his father, King Hubrach.

Hubrach was a tyrannical dictator. Those close to him could see he was a lunatic, but dared not say so. Hubrach's father was an effective, but hard ruler as well, but it seemed as though he tried to surpass him in every wicked, conceivable way. Even now, decades after his death, his name remains a shadow in Aretan history. He died before his grandson was born, much to the relief of his subjects. There are stories abound of his atrocities. This was when the conflicts with Vicenna arose. Hubrach threatened invasion, but lacked the military force to see it through.

His son Leonard was a startlingly gentle man, which many attribute to his nurturing mother. He healed Areta's unrest and became much loved by his people. Despite this, he was still an awful king, terrible at administration. This was when the Court of Magistrates began to shine, serving their king by applying their talents where he could not. Under the Court, they repaired foreign relations and restored much needed trade to the desert regions, utilizing the Eretol people (some would say exploiting them).

The country wept along with Alonso when Leonard died relatively young, like his father before him. Alonso is much like Leonard was, and has become the heart and soul of Areta. Still a lousy, irresponsible ruler, but admiringly honest and good. To a fault, many would say.[/hider]
[hider=Vicenna][color=fdc68a][h3]Vicenna[/h3][/color]

[b][color=fdc68a]Ruler:[/color][/b]
Prime Minister Canden Solus and the Viceni Ministry

[b][color=fdc68a]Population:[/color][/b]
Moderately populated, mostly human, some dwarves in the mountainous areas. The dwarves are self ruling.

[b][color=fdc68a]Landscape: [/color][/b]
Sandy borders give way into cooler, rockier terrain as the land spreads north. Beyond deciduous forests and open farmland lies the mountainous terrain famous for housing the Viceni dwarves. Probably lots of huge lakes too, why not. I’m sure it’s gorgeous.

[color=fdc68a][b]Viceni Dwarves:[/b][/color]
A predictably boisterous people who coexist peacefully with the Viceni humans. The mountains are considered their territory, and the dwarven guard protect their own subterranean cities.

[color=fdc68a][b]Quick History:[/b][/color]
Developed along a shared timeline with Areta. Became noted for its powerful mages, and thus feared. They have a savage history of incredibly destructive wars, but with strict governance the nation brought itself under some measure of control.

Vicenna and Areta have been flirting with the idea of war for decades. It’s either going to come to a head or, hopefully, a peace treaty. If the king can get his freaking act together. [/hider] - Now a dusty crater.
[/hider]
[hider=People]
[center][color=fdc68a][h3]People[/h3][/color][/center]

[b][color=fdc68a]Humans:[/color][/b]
Basic, standard humans. Come in all flavors. Lots of human nations around the world, with many different government types.

[b][color=fdc68a]Elves:[/color][/b]
Basic, standard elves. Light of build, graceful features, long-lived (let's say around 300-500 years). Age at the same rate as humans until about 20, and then they sort of plateau and age slowly over decades and centuries. Unlike humans, they tend not to gather in large nations, but in smaller, self-contained groups rarely surpassing a few hundred.

Fairly uncommon in Areta, as the desert is not their preferred terrain. 

[b][color=fdc68a]Dwarves:[/color][/b]
Basic, standard dwarves. Make them scottish if you want, or french if that's your fancy, I'm not picky. Almost never seen in Areta because they usually just live in the far off mountains. 

[color=fdc68a][b]Other races:[/b][/color]
More exist, but less is known about them. They'll be described as they appear.[/hider]
[hider=Magic]
[color=fdc68a][b]Magic[/b][/color]
Banned in Areta, for a number of reasons. Some consider it a perversion of nature, others blasphemy against god, and still others would compare it to juggling chainsaws if they knew what chainsaws were. It's dangerous, unnecessary, and difficult to control. It can give anyone absolute power over you, [i]anyone[/i]. It's frightening and wrong.

If it bothers you, go ahead and pick a reason why. It would depend on how superstitious or practical you are. If it doesn't bother you, there are lots of reasons for that too. I'll let you decide what they are.

Magic is not taboo in Vicenna, but mostly because they're immoral, power-hungry reprobates. Elves can and do practice magic, but not to the same level of Viceni mages. For them it's supplementary, a convenience, and not a way of life.

[color=fdc68a]OOC note:[/color] As for how magic casting works, for now that's up to whoever wants to use it. Be fair and reasonable, no godmodding. Avoid cliches like flying and mind control, and anything else that seems in poor taste or prone to creating plot holes.[/hider]
[hider=Religion]
[b][color=fdc68a]Religion[/color][/b]
Since I've mentioned god several times, I should say something about it.

Aretans are generally deists. Most people believe, some people don't. Some are crazy, some aren't, some are spiteful. It runs a predictable gamut. And we'll just leave it at that. I have no religious structure planned out, nor do I tend to create one.

The [i]only reason[/i] for this is that I just want to be able to use familiar vernacular, like 'oh my god' or 'to hell with you' or like in the intro, 'for god's sake'—which is one of my favorites. This is purely so that story dialogue will have more organic and more genuine impact when I start shattering your characters' lives and destroying everything they love.

"Oh my gods" and "gods know" just don't sound the same, you know what I mean?[/hider]
[hr]
[center][h2]Primary NPCs[/h2][/center]
[hider=Alonso]
[color=fdc68a]Name:[/color] King Alonso vas Aretaeus (alias Alan Moraby)
[color=fdc68a]Age[/color]: 22 
[color=fdc68a]Gender:[/color] Male
[color=fdc68a]Race:[/color] Human

[color=fdc68a]Appearance:[/color]
Sandy haired fellow of about medium height, not quite six feet. He’s pale for an Aretan and burns easily if he’s in the open sun too long. He wears an impeccably kempt, achor-style goatee because he thinks it makes him look older, but it mostly makes him seem a bit sketchy. His eyes are somewhere between gray and blue.

Since he’s been away from the castle for an impressive few weeks, his hair has grown a slightly long, enough to create irksome tufts near his ears, but honestly it kind of works for him. 


Even away from his royal throne, Alonso dresses in fine fabrics and looks every inch like nobility. But since he’s calling himself a mummer lately, it’s easier to overlook.

[color=fdc68a]Brief character concept:[/color]
His list of virtues is easily as long as his list of flaws. Alonso is bursting with virtuous intentions, but doesn’t always see them through. He’s passionate, but flighty. Idealistic, but naive. Fearless, but supremely unwise. Above all, he believes in being true to himself, though  his sense of perspective could use a bit of correcting.

Alonso’s grandfather was a horrible man who grossly misused his power, but Alonso himself is a good man with all the same power, and no idea how to use it. His father was attentive and loving, but passed away too soon, leaving his son imbalanced and undisciplined. The potential is there for him to become a great man one day, but he has yet to outgrow his childish ways. 

He does dream of improving his country and serving his people. More than anything, he yearns to be a great king. Some day, he swears he’ll find out how to solve all of Areta’s worst problems and bring his country into an age of peace and prosperity, but he’s got a long way to go.

The Absent King is also known to be a bit of a rascal, with a preference for supremely expensive prostitutes from all over the world. Following a trail of suddenly wealthy whores is a sure way to track him down, if you know, you happen to be looking for him.

[color=fdc68a]History:[/color]
I’ve pretty much explained enough, but I’ll reserve this section for past involvement with player characters.[/hider]
[hider=Knight Captain][color=fdc68a]Name:[/color] Captain Amon Serona
[color=fdc68a]Age:[/color] 43
[color=fdc68a]Gender:[/color] Male
[color=fdc68a]Race:[/color] Human

[color=fdc68a]Appearance:[/color]
The sort of man who would look alarmingly thin and average when seen out of his armor. Serona can wear a ferocious scowl when he chooses to, but he’s never far from a wry smirk. His features are sharp and intelligent, having become more pronounced and distinguished as his dark hairline has receded. 

Serona’s dark brown eyes have seen a little too much, and it shows, but retain a fatherly warmth instilled by his children and the love of a generous woman.

[color=fdc68a]Brief character concept:[/color]
Serona has earned his position not only for his martial talents and leadership ability, but for his intuition. The Captain is a highly intelligent man who loves his king, and will do nearly anything to preserve order in Areta. He governs his men through displays of both power and respect—a sort of leader they seek to impress, but don’t want to waste his time.

Despite his sense of mercy and honor, Serona is not prevented from delegating to other Knights known for their extreme prejudices. As long as the Knights are effective without causing much of a mess, they’ll earn his favor.

[color=fdc68a]History:[/color]
Amon was the fifth child of six, born into nobility. He and two of his brothers joined the Royal Knights upon reaching eligible age. One brother died in a Viceni incursion, and the other was crippled in a non-combat incident.

Serona achieved his rank shortly before the death of King Leonard. As a Knight, he has watched over Alonso since infancy. At one point, he was close personal friends with High Magistrate Harking, but that seems to have iced over in recent years.[/hider]