[center][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh7WPfmlzBA][img]https://i.imgur.com/km5nnQP.jpg[/img][/url] [color=silver]He just came from nowhere. A great warmth rushed through my body as he touched my wounds. I have no other way to describe it other than...a miracle. When he came, he showed me the light. I have never broken down in tears in my entire life. His soul was with me, mine with his. We were so wrong. The world must be cleansed by the light. All of this happened for a reason, for us to come home. He keeps us safe. When we fight we are immortal in his presence. How can you not see that his word is the way? He believes in you. [/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/x5dMSxs.png[/img] [/center] [hider=i n f o r m a t i o n] p r e m i s e[hr][indent][color=silver]In the beginning of things, cosmic beings of prominence grew greedy among each other. They meddled with sinister powers that led the stars to ruin. A consequence of such foolishness is known as Calamity. It was a giant meteor that recently impacted the world of Libra. The celestial rock carried with it an otherworldly infestation that has caused great misery ever since. The world is at war. The alien beings that emerged from the crater were fearsome foes. They came in many different shapes and sizes designed for specific purposes. Everything they came in contact with withered. Humans and animals that fell victim to the aliens were turned into a horde of mindless creatures. Despite this gruesome threat, Regents of the many city-states of the world still have not surrendered their petty, political quarrels. While some are fighting and drying, others go on with their lives as if nothing has happened. The world has to unite against this common foe. The presence of the alien beings has disrupted the ecosystem of spirits on Libra. Spirits are sentient entities that exist within all manner of life and matter in the world. When spirits congregate within a single entity they form something that is known as a Guardian, which is a being of great power. The aliens have hurried this process along by spreading a disease known as Stigma, which has forced spirits to abandon their natural embodiment. More Guardians have been created in the past months than in the last ten years. This is good news for humanity and the war effort. The military forces that have joined together to fight the threat is collectively known as the United Defense Force. The organization has been declared an independent governing body in order to avoid further political troubles. However, everything about the current situation is still in utter chaos. A myriad of problems plague the frontline, greedy Regents are attempting to expand their influence and resources, refugees travel all over the world in masses, newly created Guardians who are not willing to help the war effort pursue their own goals, and renegade groups of people are taking action into their own hands by ruthless means. All of this in just eight months after Calamity impact. There must be order if humanity is to survive. Unfortunately, there are rumors of a cult led by a powerful individual that is disrupting the war effort. They believe to have learned an undeniable truth. The leader and some of its members are believed to be Guardians of opposite loyalty to the United Defense Force. They have recently become known as Renegades, as they siphon new spirits instead of absorbing them. The Supreme General of the United Defense Force has issued an order to assemble a special unit, with the code name 'Silversky', consisting only of Guardians, which will investigate and naturalize extraordinary threats. The cult is such a threat.[/color][/indent] g a m e[hr][indent][color=silver]The premise of this narrative may appear generic on the surface, but there is much more to it. The main characters will learn a lot about what is really going on throughout the narrative. However, that endeavor will be conducted through modes such as [i]Slice of Life-Drama[/i], [i]Investigation[/i], [i]Survival[/i], and [i]Combat[/i], so it is not an all out action-adventure. The world of ‘Libra’ will be modern to futuristic in its level of technology and conveniences. The weapons and gear and vehicles used by military forces will range from melee to projectile, missile to laser. There is also a presence of magic in the form of spirit possession, but most of it will be basic elemental attacks—no crazy bending of space and time and such. You will portray a ‘Guardian’ in this narrative. Before the Calamity you were just an ordinary person, but everything changed when billions of spirits began to seek protection in human beings. Military intelligence has ever since then kept an eye on prominent Guardians for a multitude of reasons. Regardless of whether you joined the war effort somehow or tried to go on with your life, the United Defense Force has contacted you and demanded your presence at the inauguration of a special task force. The characters’ lives will intertwine from thereon in.[/color][/indent] d e t a i l s[hr][indent][color=silver]✣ Be courteous. All voices and opinions are welcome, even the unpopular ones. Just make sure to refrain from strong language and outright assaults such as name-calling and threats. ✣ After two weeks of total silence, I will autopilot your character together with mine until I find a good scenario to remove the character altogether. Life happens to everyone, it is nothing to be ashamed of. This is a hobby, and sometimes it has to suffer. There is always the option of coming back in later when life has stabilized again. ✣ This game has previously been in the advanced section. It should follow that it is now somewhere between casual and advanced in terms of standards. ✣ This story is quite religious in terms of direction. There might potentially be moments and questions that are heavy on the mind and senses. It is not my intention to mock or disrespect any actual religion, so any such perceived instance is purely coincidental.[/color][/indent][/hider] [hider=c o d e x] s p i r i t s[hr][indent][color=silver]A spirits exist in all living things. Mountains and rivers, trees and flowers, thunder and wind, and everything betwixt inhabit sentient entities known as spirits. They are believed to be the remnants of Etro, the energy from which the universe was created. Humans also possess a spirt, which is the soul. It is unknown how the soul is different from spirits of the wild. They might be remnants of Etro as well, old spirits that have endured the test of time, or a congregation of many spirits. Either way, the soul attracts spirits of the wild. Spirits seek strength and prosperity. They gather and form sanctuaries in powerful entities and elements. Those who carry many spirits within them are known as Guardians. This is not only true for humans, but also for certain animals. Guardians have an unusually high spirit density. The spirits within treat these entities as sanctuaries. As such, the spirits seek to improve their chosen host in various ways. The physical attributes of the Guardian become greatly improved based on the number of spirits within. Guardians can also exert the natural energies of spirits, which is known as magic. Even if Guardians can survive situations that would otherwise be fatal and resist most common disease, they are not invulnerable. The bond between spirit and soul is complex, and every Guardian is unique. It is also believed that Guardians live longer, if they keep their spirits. Some of the most esoteric Guardians are said to have lived for over two centuries. The religious practice in the world centers on spirits and union with Etro. One is to be aware of the symbiosis between soul and spirit, and strive towards harmony and balance. The faith has no churches or temples, only shrines scattered around the world where one may show devotion. Spirits often congregate at these shrines and show themselves in material form. Once a person has become a sanctuary for spirits and achieved great harmony, along with many years of devotion and natural balance, that person may transcend and become what is known as an Archon. An Archon is a supernatural being of material form that interacts with the world as it sees fit. Unlike spirits of the wild, Archons can converse with human beings. Spirits of the wild assume many forms visible to the naked eye. They may appear as ghosts of animals, insects, machines, or formless entities. Their appearance is also enclosed by an array of coloration often linked to the many elements of the world and the universe. A spirit cannot use the languages of human beings, but they can show emotion through action and sound. However, animals that have become Guardians are able to learn human languages, if they so choose. When enough spirits have congregated in animals, they form what is known as a soul in humans. The animals become humanoid in the spiritual sense, but remain unchanged in their material form.[/color][/indent] g u a r d i a n s[hr][indent][color=silver]A person with an abnormally high spirit possession is known as a Guardian. Every person in the world usually possesses two or three spirits in their lifetime. These spirits do not provide much in terms of benefit for that person. However, a Guardian is a person that may possess upwards of a hundred thousand spirits or more. This number will always grow as spirits are attracted to other spirits in large congregations. Guardians have always existed. Their numbers are relatively low during ordinary times. In order to become a Guardian by ‘traditional’ means, one must devote a lot of time and focus to the spiritual faith. However, during times of duress, when spirits seek shelter from external threats, they will congregate in human beings to a greater extent. The recent Calamity and emergence of the alien threat has been such a threat. The full potential of spirit possession is unknown. There are rumors of Guardians being able to briefly transcend their normal form to become what is known as an Archon. These are supernatural entities of immense power. They are rarely seen, but they do exist. This kind of practice is different from those who permanently transcend to become an Archon through a lifetime of devotion to the faith. Archons take numerous forms, as they may appear as animals, humanoid beings, mythological creatures, machines, or completely alien. Besides providing the Guardian with magical abilities, the spirits within have a number of passive benefits as well. The physical enhancements that a person undergoes through spirit possession makes them superhuman in every sense of the word. However, if the spirits disappear, the person will return to normal again. While all Guardians display identical benefits in the early stages of their power, they grow differently over time. Spirits develop differently depending on the person they inhabit. It is a unique symbiosis. The following is a list of the common traits shared by all Guardians in their early development: [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Agility]Peak Human Agility[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Accuracy]Accuracy[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Balance]Balance[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Durability]Durability[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Endurance]Endurance[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Flexibility]Flexibility[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Healing]Healing[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Longevity]Longevity[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Reflexes]Reflexes[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Sensory_System]Senses[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Speed]Speed[/url], [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Stamina]Stamina[/url], and [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Peak_Human_Strength]Strength[/url]. As the Guardian absorbs more spirits and grow in power, these traits will develop differently. Some may focus on strength and durability, while others might focus on other things. At the later stages of development, these traits venture into the supernatural territories.[/color][/indent] m o r d r e m[hr][indent][color=silver]The alien threat and its beings is known as Mordrem. The creatures appear to be arthropodal in nature, but also able to quickly adapt to new situations or environments through metamorphosis. This makes them an extremely dangerous foe. Their origin is naturally unknown, but the more research that is conducted on them as the war progresses, the more humanity will know about them eventually. Many of the Mordrem resemble various insects in their purest form, but many times larger, before they mutate based on situations and environment. Combating this menace is challenging, as the military must always counter-adapt to new enemy forces that emerge quite often. Luckily, most of the aliens are weak against fire and can be killed with conventional weapons. Mordrem consume all life wherever they go. They also spread a complex disease known as Stigma. If one is infected by it, there are a number of different outcomes. One outcome is that the infected will become a host and simply infect others without knowing it. The host will suffer the typical symptoms, but at a reduced rate. Another outcome is swift death. The infected will die within a few days. Yet another outcome is mutation. The infected will become a husk, a lifeless shell of its former self. This kind of infected will wander aimlessly and infect others through biting and scratching. The aliens appear to be guided by a hive mind, yet they also display individuality. The more they adapt and persist, the more of an isolated consciousness they appear to become. Smaller and weaker creatures appear to be closely linked to larger and stronger ones in their vicinity. This kind of bond does not appear to carry any logic. It has been reported that if the larger creature is killed, the smaller creatures sometimes flee and other times consume the larger one in order to grow stronger themselves. These outcomes are assumed to be linked to the individual symbiosis between the creatures or strategy dictated by the hive mind. While it is rare, some of the Mordrem have been reported to use magic as a result of spirit consumption. They do not appear to have much control over it, so they become highly volatile. However, any physical enhancements based on spirit consumption has not been noticed in these creatures, which is good news for the war effort.[/color][/indent] t e c h n o l o g y[hr][indent][color=silver]Whale oil is the main energy source in the world. It is harvested from different types of whales that secrete it for various purposes. Larger amounts can be harvested from killing the animals, but it is not always necessary. There are numerous rules and regulations concerning whaling that protect the species from being bothered too much. Illegal whaling and black market trading are serious offenses and punishable with life in prison and heavy fines. Computer interfaces are holographic. Screens have touch-technology. Smartphones are multi-purpose devices. There is a world-wide network for communication, but connectivity may vary depending on location in the world. Most people in the world are interested in digital games, news, and socializing. Forums and other platform for discussions are very popular, as many city-states are accused of spreading propaganda and ‘fake news’. A news platform called Frontline is the most visited site on the entire network, as it has updates concerning the war and broadcasts live feeds 24/7. The United Defense Force employs all manner of military technologies and weapons. Most soldiers utilize body armor, rifles, and various grenades. Naval forces are very strong, ranging from heavily armed warships to carriers and missile platforms. The air force has access to everything from attack planes to mighty to hovering fortresses. Lastly, artillery forces can deploy all manner of ranged and experimental weapons, as well as bipedal war machines piloted by a single solider. The most advanced type of ranged weapon used within the U.D.F. is laser weapons. The technology works by exposing rare crystals mined from the earth to tremendous heat. While the technology is available as riles, turrets, and artillery, it is extremely expensive to use them. Transportation around the world is accomplished by automobile, train, boat, or aircraft. The fuel for these constructions, depending on size and travel distance, is either raw whale oil or batteries. All military vehicles also use these energy sources as fuel. As the continents of the world have no major bodies of water, boats are exclusive to open seas. The most popular modes of transportation on land are automobile and train. There is also a widespread cultural interest in cars.[/color][/indent] p o l i t i c s[hr][indent][color=silver]The United Defense Force is its own governing entity. When total war was declared, the U.D.F. became the global authority of the world outside of city-states. Its Supreme General is a man named Jonathan Ford, an elderly veteran of a long military career. While the U.D.F. may not infringe upon city-states, there are exceptions during times of great duress and imminent threat of total destruction. However, no such rules exist for individual towns, where the U.D.F. may freely dictate courses of action when necessary with assistance from the Mayor and local armed forces. Regions are not nations. Their borders are not determined by politics, but rather culture and people. While the modern borders are quite precise, they have not always been as clear, which has caused several wars in history. A region is usually culturally and racially conscious, and have an official flag. A person can often tell who that belongs where due to habits, mannerisms, spiritual practices, language, and appearance. All of these things are partially genetic and hereditable in contrast to politically constructed. The spirits of a region also enforce these traits in people, as they adapt and rejoice in their worship. If a spirit is not attuned to the people of one region, it may migrate to another. Some regions have deeply rooted enmities, whereas others are indifferent. A global cooperation such as the war against the alien threat has never been seen before. Old grievances have been set aside, for now.[/color][/indent] c o m b a t[hr][indent][color=silver]Enemies in this game are defeated when certain conditions have been met. Any attack that is not listed as a condition for defeat is considered evaded, resisted, or having low impact on that enemy. The conditions for defeat will be listed for each individual enemy. [color=ffffff][i]MAGIC[/i][/color] Magic in this world is based on spirit possession. Spirits are based on elements of the world. This means that most magic is based on various elements. The available elements will be listed here. In the [i]Strife[/i] section of the character sheet, you should list # attacks and techniques that your character has learned. This list can be expanded over time. Some attacks and techniques might not be appropriate, but it easier to mention it when they appear. The more powerful an attack or technique is, the more dominant those spirits will be, thus limiting the presence of other elements. [indent][i]Elements[/i] (links) ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Earth_Manipulation]Earth[/url] ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Ice_Manipulation]Ice[/url] ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Magma_Manipulation]Magma[/url] ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Poison_Manipulation]Poison[/url] ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Water_Manipulation]Water[/url] ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Air_Manipulation]Air[/url] ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Electricity_Manipulation]Electricity[/url] ✦ [url=http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/Fire_Manipulation]Fire[/url][/indent] [color=ffffff][i]PHYSICAL[/i][/color] There are four physical damage types: [i]slashing[/i], [i]piercing[/i], [i]blunt[/i], and [i]explosion[/i]. Projectiles from firearms count as piercing. When describing your character’s weapon, include damage types. [color=ffffff][i]CONDITIONS[/i][/color] The conditions for defeat in enemies will be based on what player characters know or a combination of what they know together. The conditions may vary in form and mechanics depending on the situation. Therefore, no standardized list will exist. This way, some player characters will be more powerful and important than others during certain situations—everyone will be the star of the show at some point.[/color][/indent] [/hider] [hider=m a p] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/DFlJmEW.jpg[/img][/center] l a n g u a g e s[hr][indent][color=silver]The fictional languages in this world have actual equivalents. However, it is only a rough comparison and should not be taken at heart. This is to save time and effort on my part. I cannot invent dozens of new languages. Note that it is only the language in terms of words and sound that are similar. Culture, history, and everything else is completely separate. But, it can help when you create your character in terms of name and surname. ✣ Lirbian — English (common language) ✣ Rivanas — Spanish ✣ Ceraca — Japanese ✣ Alagian — Polish ✣ Lando — French ✣ Perat — Korean ✣ Dalmac — Russian ✣ Aolian — German ✣ Daru — Danish [/color][/indent] a e r e d i a[hr][indent][color=silver]One of the southern most regions is Aeredia. It consists mostly of forest and plains, but there is a modest mountain ridge that borders two other regions. Oakridge is its only city-state. Most of the towns around the region devote themselves to farming or mining. The southern islands of the region are tourist hot-spots throughout most of the year, as the temperature remain warm. There is rarely snow in Aeredia, only the northern parts may see it now and then during winter. The typical weather conditions of the region include sunshine and rainy storms. Natural disasters include hurricanes and flooding. The total population of Aeredia is 22 million, 14 of which is in Oakridge. The native language is Librian. Oakridge is the physically largest city-state in the world. Most of its financial industry centers on service and consumption rather than production. It also has a significant presence of banking, stock exchange, and corporation offices. As such, the economy of Oakridge is based on transaction, interest, and lease. The Regent of Oakridge is a former business man who was elected by a committee with aid from citizen recommendation. While he might be fair to the natives of Oakridge, he is quite ruthless when it comes to financial deals with other city-states. Aeredia follows the standard, spiritual faith. Its people pray at shrines and give gifts to spirits. The people have an inherit love for the sea. Every year, the people celebrate spirits of rain and water during a fourteen-day festival held around the coast. People eat and drink and engage in various water activities and sports. The festival is called ‘Flow of Water’, or something similar, in the Aeredian native language. However, tourists have come to simply call it the ‘Water Festival’.[/color][/indent] l i v r i a s[hr][indent][color=silver]Perhaps the most southern region of the world, Livrias is also known as ‘Paradise’. It is comfortably warm all around the year. Turquoise water and palm trees clads the scenery. Its people are cool and relaxed. Hundale is its only city-state. The few towns around the region devote themselves mostly to traveling tourists, but also to fishing and mining. The weather conditions of the region are relatively clear throughout the year. It may encounter the occasional storm and hurricane during those seasons. The most common natural disaster is definitely flooding, as the land is not particularly elevated above sea level. The total population of Livrias is a mere 5 million, most of which reside in Hundale. However, that only counts for the natives. If one counts the rotation of tourists, the population of Livrias increases to between 8 and 10 million at any given time. The native language is Rivanas. Hundale is a relatively small city-state. Most of its economy is based on tourism, but also export of fish. The division between residential, financial, and food districts is disproportional. Hundale has the smallest residential district of all city-states in the world, as most of its structures are either restaurants, hotels, or entertainment. Natives do live in the city, but mostly for the sake of short commuting to work. Being a travel agent, guide, or similar in Livrias pays quite well. The eastern archipelago of the region houses the most extravagant and expensive resorts in the world. It is the furthest away from civilization one can get without having to make you own fire in a cave. Lastly, the Regent of Hundale is a native born woman, a politician. She is very outspoken in matters of equality between men and women. Livrias follows a pacific spiritual faith, which is slightly different from the standard one. Instead of bringing gifts to spirits, they perform ritual dances with colorful clothing and smoke for the purpose of honoring and entertaining. It is a very popular display among spirits, which gladly stay and mingle with the natives during such events. The ritual is performed once or twice a month throughout the region.[/color][/indent] c e a c r i a s[hr][indent][color=silver]The eastern region of the continent of Cetra is Ceacrias. It consists of great plains, forests, one of few major lakes of the world, an impressive mountain ridge, and extensive shores. This region borders several other regions, so trading comes natural to it. There are two city-states: Stoneridge and Dunwall. The former was previously part of Aeredia, but due to a dispute that led to physical confrontation, that part of the region was legally surrendered. The war was short, and it concluded many years ago, but there is still a bit of bad blood between the natives of Aeredia and Ceacrias. The dispute began with a claim from the Dunwall Regent at the time, that the borders of Ceacrias extended “beyond the great ridge in the ancient days, and so it shall be now.” Political and legal quarrels lasted for years until the people of Ceacrias took matters into their own hands and simply took what they thought was theirs. That is when the official confrontation began. The total population of Ceacrias is 46 million, 14 of which is in Dunwall and 9 in Stoneridge. The native language is Ceraca. Dunwall has always been one of the more prominent military powers of the world. While they focus on naval warfare, they have an impressive air force and ballistic missile capabilities. The war with Aeredia and Oakridge was no match for them. Dunwall is the leading city-state in the export of whale oil, which is the go-to energy source in the world. It is used in almost everything that requires electricity or fuel, which means that Dunwall is also one of the wealthier production city-states of the world. They devote a lot of time to whaling and processing of the oil. The natives of Dunwall are mostly men and women of the sea. The current Regent of Dunwall is a proud, former Admiral. Most will call him stubborn, but he is a man of foolish honor, elected through majority vote and loved by the people. While the inhabitants of Ceacrias follow standard spiritual faith, they favor spirits of destructive elements. Ceacrias has a yearly festival that celebrates their past victories, and such is accomplished by massive amounts of fireworks of different colors. The ‘Festival of Lights’ lasts for a week, and the people feast and play games. The spirits of Ceacrias deeply enjoy the display orchestrated by the human inhabitants, and they also appreciate gifts of gunpowder and colored particles used for smoke.[/color][/indent] i z o s[hr][indent][color=silver]One of the central regions of Cetra is Izos. It is five neighbor regions, which makes it a natural hub for shipping products. Many corporations store their factories and goods in Izos in order to cut shipping costs to customers. Izos central position on Cetra makes it easily accessible to the northern continent as well. Therefore, a large portion of the economy of Izos is based on leasing land and facilities to corporations and other city-states. Alagos is the only city-state in Izos. They naturally focus on production of goods, as their shipping costs are low. The landscape of Izos is rich with forests, which makes it the prime export of lumber. Izos is a region for the laborer. It has strong unions and excellent wages for the people. The Regen of Alagos is by legal standards considered a dictator, but a benevolent one. He holds absolute power in the region, but does everything he can to favor the working class people. The total population of Izos is 35 million, 10 of which reside in Alagos. The native language is Alagian. Alagos is the city of smoke and fire. Factories of production roar all day long. On the surface, the city appears frozen in past time compared to other cities, but the mechanisms that operate within its systems are highly advanced. The economy of the city is based on production and export, and outsourcing expertise. Alagos has the highest concentration of talented engineers and construction workers in the world. Whenever new, expensive projects are started in other regions and city-states, it is not uncommon to hire the expert knowledge and experience of men and women in Alagos. The people of Izos are very rigid in their faith. They attend shrines during the last day of the week and offer gifts according to the standard practice. However, the traditional faith does not advocate any specific day of prayer and offering. Such is the practice of the people of Izos alone. They are also the only region in the world that have an organization devoted to spiritual matters, funded by Alagos, which is the closest thing to a church one will get. There are two temples in Izos where the people may gather and do what they must. Most people practice the spiritual faith out of duty rather than genuine belief. [/color][/indent] l o s e o n[hr][indent][color=silver]The south western region of Cetra is Loseon. It is dominated by impressive peaks, forests, and plains. Due to the massive mountain ridge that spans the entire region, mining is a major revenue. A very rare type of metal comes out of the depths of Loseon, ‘Coanium’, a metal that cannot be found elsewhere in the world. The only city-state of the region is Ledale. It is the city of fashion and trends. A major part of its production and export has to do with the beauty industry. It is the city of love and romance—the place everyone dreams about. Many of its designers and factories producing clothing has signed contracts with the military, which keeps the economy of the city going during these troublesome times. The total population of Loseon is 37 million, 12 of which is in Ledale. The native language is Lando. The one event that puts Ledale on the map once a year is ‘fashion week’. All of the top designers show their collections and ideas for the coming year. Anyone who is anyone is there during the week, and they come from all around the world. There have been some concerns about the week considering the state of the world, but the Regent has assured everyone that the event will not be canceled unless Ledale is in total ruins. The Regent of Ledale is an influential man in world politics, being the head of one of the wealthier city-states. However, he has little interest in Loseon as a region, or the people in rural areas. Some call the Regent an ‘elitist’, high society man with a big ego. There is a bit of a countryside-city enmity going on in Loseon. Unlike many other city-states, the vast majority of people in Ledale care little for spirit worship. However, the people of the rural areas are very closely connected the spiritual. When they revere and respect the spirits at shrines, it is a custom to leave pieces and garments of silk. The spirits love to play with these gifts in the wind. Clothing, in general, is a major part of the culture in Loseon, which is why most people are stylishly dressed compared to other regions.[/color][/indent] i d a l l[hr][indent][color=silver]This region houses the most impressive mountain chain in the world. The high peaks and beaten paths are home to pilgrims and hunters alike. Besides the mountains, Idall is clad with great plains, forests, rivers, and an impressive gulf to the east. The region will occasionally suffer from earthquakes and violent storms. However, its most treacherous hazard is without doubt its mountain chain. It has claimed more lives than any other disaster. The economy of the region is based on mining, farming, and lumbering. Paron is the only city-state of the region. Its dealings are fairly balanced across the board and the Regent holds conservative views. However, due to the war, Paron has become a forward base of operations for the United Defense Force. Even if the Regent is provided with generous compensation, he is not happy with military presence of such quantities—not to mention all the millions of refugees from Breudrun coming through Idall. The total population of Idall is 27 million, 12 of which is in Paron. The native language is Perat. Spirit worship is widespread in Idall, more so than other regions. What puts the region on the map is that the mountain chain of the region is home to one of the few, known Archons of the world. Many attempt a dangerous pilgrimage to the highest peak in order to converse with the Archon, if it should please to show itself. The Archon is known as Pandemona and appears as massive, bird-like creature. It is most associated with air, which is also the most revered type of element and spirit in the region. Four times a year there is a festival held throughout Idall that centers around spirits of air. The festivities honor the spirits, creatures of the skies, Pandemona. The Paron Air Force always makes an impressive appearance at every festival location, showing off their aviation skills. Activities such as flying kites, releasing balloons, parachuting, and bungie jumping are very popular during the festivities. The festival itself is known as ‘Sorah’ in the native language, which means something like ‘Breath of Life’ or ‘Air Life’.[/color][/indent] a u s o s b r e u d r u n[hr][indent][color=silver]This is the frontline of the war. The region is in total chaos. Breudrun is one of few regions of the world that has a substantially sized lake. Most of the land is clad with various forests, which makes the prime export lumber. However, production and export has been severely crippled due to the war. The region thrives mostly on U.D.F. and foreign aid in order to sustain whatever infrastructure and population that still exists. The only city-state of the region, Odesa, has become a hardened fortress for the military. Its walls are clad with heavy artillery and machines of war. Military Intelligence maintain that Odesa is the best possible line of defense considering the Hejmla Lake to the south of the city, which is an ideal location for various purposes. Even if most civilians of Breudrun have migrated south, there is still a considerable amount still there. The total, native population of Breudrun is 11 million, of which half have been in Odesa. 5 million of the native population have since the war migrated south. The current population of Breudrun, including U.D.F. forces, is 105 million. The native language is Daru. Odesa used to be a city of rich culture and taste. Between its architecture, artists, and innovations, Odesa has been on the leading front of contributions to the world. However, the days of glory have passed. A great wall has been constructed around the city, buildings have been reinforced, and places and shops of ‘no value to the war effort’ have been forced to closed. Those who have been led to financial ruin due to stock market crashes and other bubbles breaking have either migrated or taken to surviving by sketchy means. The presence of prostitution and drugs have skyrocketed in the city, whereas before there were none of it. The soldiers of the U.D.F. are the primary customers of such services, but the locals indulge as well in order to cope with the troublesome times. Some people make do by keeping shops with useful supplies or keeping up with logging under armed protection. As most spirits of the region have migrated, spirit worship has all but vanished. This has also led to the environment withering and unpredictable weather to occur. This is why many of the locals have begun to listen to the cult and their preaching about ‘The Light’ and ‘Etro’. Between the financial ruin, alien threat, violent weather conditions, and the Stigma disease, the locals of Breudrun do not have much hope for the future. The utter chaos and destruction has also attracted a quite infamous Archon named Ifrit. The local militant group known as ‘The Cleaners’ are said to worship this Archon, as it is heavily associated with fire.[/color][/indent] t e n e b r a[hr][indent][color=silver]Located as the Southern region of Nova, Tenebra has been popularly dubbed as the entrance into winter and snow as most naval transports dock within the well known city-state, Insomnia, that possesses a lavish port always bustling and alive in constant activity. Tenebra is mostly consumed of pine thickets that swell into vast forests and thin out into tundra clearings, the summers brief and intense in humidity from the sea canal betwixt Nova and Cetra with a slight mountain ridge sister to the Sulta mountains up North referred to as Alta. The region is heralded on its' primary cuisine and exotic flavours accumulated from their fishing exports and trade, and has been known to exhibit foods found only in the North. The economy primarily depends on these various displays of food and the fishing trade with regions in Cetra, and has one of the largest taxation on the import and export of goods and sea fare by the creed of the royal household in Insomnia. In these events, the cost of living in Tenebra tends fluctuate rapidly depending on how close or far one lives from the city-state. Tenebra has been rumored to possess an experimental method to the refinement of Whale Oil that will completely change all utility methods and uses world wide. The population peaks at 6 million with at least 3 million living within the walls of Insomnia, with the language being primarily Aolian. In tradition with the Northern regions, Tenebra operates under the royal influence of the Fleurane bloodline, one of the original founders of the city-states within Nova, alongside the Archembaults. Fleurane royalty is smaller within structure and heirs with a tendency to be incredibly secluded. Due to their habits of secrecy and concealing their faces when graced in public venue, it has eluded to murmurs of ritualistic cleansing and methods of severe purity in respect to their own Archon. This royal family is known to be matriarchal with slight influences of man to purely act as muscle and protection to the women who are selected by their Archon as an Oracle that recites song and prayer near weekly with daily worships done so within seclusion. This Archon is known as Leviathan, the secondary Archon found within Nova, and the only other one known to be involved with mortals. Leviathan is depicted as a massive serpent that commands the sea, deep in azure hue and glimmering a sheen of colours that reflect all sources of light. Despite the peaceful sermons and graceful worships, there are dark secrets that linger within the Fleurane line that tell of rather macabre rituals and performances that mar the body. Leviathan is revered much like a Queen or a Goddess, known to be severe, beautiful, and graceful. However, much like the sea, it is incapable of being tamed. Leviathan and Bahamut are told to be intense rivals, and thus, has pitted the Fleurane and Archembault families against one another. Their warfare is subdued on the surface, as the competing royals tends to exhibit dark and cruel methods to strike each other down. (Written by [@Rockette])[/color][/indent] a n a t o l i a[hr][indent][color=silver]Being one of the most North Eastern regions of Nova, Anatolia has oft been a mysterious landscape of ancient legend, and isolation. In fact, the only public road made accessible is through the bordering region of Juno through a railway transit with tickets being incredibly expensive due to a travel and luxury taxation by the royal family in Cainhurst. The landscape is eternally winter, even during the warmer cycles of the seasons, where the temperatures mediate to a brisk cool and harsh winds that roll down from the Sulta Ridge, the main peaks that span across the North Eastern border to the Novain Sea. The economy fluctuates depending on the decisions of royal council, wherein taxes rise and then fall routinely through the year dependent on their needs and comfortably. The locale themselves survive primarily on mining with communities built right into the foundations of the Sulta Ridge rich and abundant in resources liken to Obsidia alloys, Nethium, and the rare Lethium that is peculiarly conductive and thus used for energy sources that power the massive Cainhurst estates. Lethium is only found within Nova, however the prominent Whale Oil continues to eclipse the potential of the stones found. The population barely peaks at 4 million, with more than half residing in Cainhurst alone with the locale speaking fluent Dalmac. Rather than operating under Regents, Cainhurst is under the rule of the Archembault family which originally founded the city-state during the original discovery of the North. Through the years, the titles of Kings and Queens has been diluted due to the failure of conception from abused genetics, and the Archembault family suffering under the loss of proper and suitable heirs. As such, the estates have been sub divided through various kin, no more than Grand Dukes and Lesser Marquis that gather every few months or so to discuss the affairs of the region. However, important decisions are regulated through what is called the Main Family that possesses queer and fanatical ties to one of the few known Archons. Being one of two that exist within Nova, Bahamut is seen as the sire and patron of the Archembault herald, and appears as a massive dragon like creature bathed in silver and ebony scales that ripple constantly from the sheer amount of spiritual energy wreathed around it. Bahamut communicates only through an Archembault, and traditionally selects one to acts as an Envoy. The chosen is thus referred to as a Familiar and is revered much like a higher being. Worship is immensely advertised through the region, being seen both as an obligation and even sanctioned as a must by the royal family. Daily rituals are performed by the dictation of the Bahamut Envoy and massive sermons are held weekly to ensure that appeasement of their draconic lord. Bahamut is revered and worshiped much like the Kings of old and viewed as the Being of All Things, liken to that of a god. Failure to appease such and completely immerse ones self into worship results in isolation, and sometimes, banishment from the region. (Written by [@Rockette])[/color][/indent] j u n o [/hider] [hider=t i m e l i n e] [indent][color=silver] ✣ August, 3012 — Calamity strikes the northern parts of Cetra. ✣ September, 3012 — The dust clears and the alien threat emerges from the crater. ✣ September, 3012 — Reports of attacks on remote towns and expeditions come rolling in at various headquarters. ✣ October, 3012 — The alien threat reaches the city-state of Drando. ✣ October, 3012 — Drando is abandoned after massive losses. The United Defense Force initiative is executed by a central military committee in Dunwall. ✣ November, 3012 — The northern parts of Cetra and Breudrun fall under U.D.F. martial law. A number of chaotic confrontations with the alien threat occurs. Civilian losses are in the millions. ✣ November, 3012 — The mass spirit migration occurs. People all around the world rapidly discover new Guardians all around them. The U.D.F. executes a secret surveillance program to monitor the newly formed Guardians. ✣ December, 3012 — Independent armed forces emerge around the frontlines. Reports of the Stigma disease reaches U.D.F. high command. ✣ January, 3013 — Soldiers on the frontlines report having fought 'insane Guardians'. A militia group named 'Cleaners' take matters of the disease in their own hands by burning everything with fire. ✣ February, 3013 — The alien threat breaks the borders to Breudrun. The U.D.F. has enforced Odesa in order to hold the line. Soldiers coin the term 'Renegade' for insane Guardians. ✣ February, 3013 — Rumors circle the frontlines about 'a man who whispers courage into your ears during hard times'. Civilians speak of Guardians blessed by 'the light', having saved their lives. ✣ March, 3013 — Operation 'Arrowhead' takes place. The large-scale attack is sufficient to halt the rapid advance of the alien threat. The frontline is held just north of Odesa. ✣ March, 3013 — A symbol for 'The Faith' begins to appear around the fontlines and throughout Breudrun, Ausos, and Idall. It is determined that Renegades are perpetuating an alternative religion, which becomes classified as a cult. ✣ April, 3013 — The cult is becoming a serious threat to the war effort. Reports of soldiers abandoning their duties, civilians persecuting each other, and independent military forces conducting 'witch hunts' are coming in. ✣ April, 3013 — The Supreme General of the United Defense Force determines the situation out of control. He gives the order to proceed with an experimental operation named 'Silversky'. ✣ May, 3013 — Present day.The word of the faith is spreading throughout Cetra. It speaks of a single, benevolent deity named Etro, or 'God'. [/color][/indent][/hider] [hider=i n s p i r a t i o n][center] [img]https://i.imgur.com/oJW7abZ.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/ETo4gPq.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/LrxddoG.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/FUT3TZv.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/DFBVXdl.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/yrSiJps.jpg[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/LYHxmfU.jpg[/img] [/center][/hider]