[OOC] The Elder Scrolls: Year of the Wolf

Lord of Shovelry

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The Elder Scrolls

Year of the Wolf

"Wolf Queen...hear our call..."

4E 5

It has been five years since the end of the Septim line, and the world burns. Since Martin's sacrifice, the Empire has held a tenuous grasp on Tamriel, civil unrest, Provincial infighting, a distinct lack of decisive action on the part of the Elder Council...some call it a curse, the lack of a Dragonborn Emperor of Tamriel. That the Empire has lost the favor of the Nine. Even as the Red Mountain exploded, the people of Tamriel worried that the once great Empire of Tiber Septim would collapse in an orgy of violence and death like those of Alessia and Reman before it, their fears seemingly confirmed by the withdrawal of Black Marsh and the subsequent invasion of Morrowind. Although the seat of Imperial remained unchallenged by the armies of Argonia, or the threat of recently-independent Khajiiti Confederacy, there is cloud of fear thicker than the Ash of Red Mountain.

In times like these, there are opportunists. Men who know they can prey on the weak in the shadows of a receding Empire. Imperial efforts to curtail banditry become less and less important as the very real threat of foreign invasion stands on the horizon. Organizations such as the Thieves' Guild, the Dark Brotherhood, even more legitimate efforts such as the Fighters Guild, flourish in this chaos. A lack of Imperial enforcement, as well as those brazen few who see this chaos as not the death of an empire, but the opportunity for advancement use means legitimate and illicit to seize power in the regions forgotten by the eyes of Imperial officials. There are a fair few who fight against this rising tide of darkness, but there is little they can do without serious institutional support, a precious resource in a time of collapsing Imperial influence.

Though, there is one event that bodes ill for all.

Away from prying eyes, there are those who wish to control the Empire, to seize control through the power of necromancy. Perhaps it never occurred to those who fought the Mages' Guild, that shattering the largest bastion of magical knowledge like glass would play right into the hands of these wicked few. In the shadow of the God of Worms, a pact was formed, remnants of the Guild and the Order of the Black Worm swore to re-instate the preeminence of magic within the Empire. Soon, those who drove them out of society would understand how wrong they were. They knew precisely who could rectify their unfortunate position...all they need do is bring her back to this world.

So comes the Year of the Wolf.

You might find it implausible, that the Courier who delivered the letter to you had handed you the ramblings of a mad man. Unfortunately, the letter was addressed to you, even had a small sum of Septims to entice you along with it. The ink glimmered like living shadow, the parchment felt...haggard, like they had a scant few minutes to put thoughts to paper before it was sent off alongside its siblings. Come to Helgen. It said, the stain of blood splatter misting across the letter, with only a symbol as signature: A Blade, inlaid within a Moon.

Overview and Expectations

Hello there, and welcome to the Elder Scrolls: Year of the Wolf! First of all, I'd like to say that I'm appreciative that you have all either shown interest in this roleplay, and that you've taken the time to read through the above plot introduction. Just so everyone is aware, I'm intent on having this be a smaller group game, with 4-5 players maximum, though that may change as co-GMs are added, or I feel more comfortable managing more people. For those of you who have played Skyrim, this should seem like a sort of familiar plot, as it is somewhat loosely based off of the Wolfskull Cave plotline, albeit in a different time in the Elder Scrolls setting.

The general idea behind the plot of this roleplay is that your characters have been selected by the Breton Nightblade Gaspard Moret, be it for their skills or their specific knowledge, to stop the resurrection of Potema Septim, the Wolf Queen of Solitude, and one of the most notorious – and powerful – necromancers in the history of Tamriel. This journey will extend well beyond the reach of Skyrim, into several other provinces, though not into the totality of Tamriel's lands. With that being the case, your characters are somewhat expected to be of various backgrounds, even if they are specialized into a specific area of combat skills, or magical abilities, within reason. Nobody is the Grandmaster of the Fighters Guild, while simultaneously the Arch-Mage of the Mages Guild who is also the Listener of the Dark Brotherhood. The games do allow this to be possible, but these are realistically untenable positions in tandem, it takes years to reach those positions, let alone the responsibility that confers.

This story is not on rails, and player actions do matter in the context of the world. Generally speaking, specific actions may not have a directly actionable state on the World State, but the completion of various side quests may, and building off of this: Actions have consequences. So please, think before you do something over-the-top, or outwardly violent towards, say, the local blacksmith. While you know that you're on a quest to save the world from the Wolf Queen returned, the local guards do not, and if you kill someone, they're highly unlikely to care. 

As for writing, as well as maturity, the generally acceptable level is that of an Advanced roleplay, and the connotations that come with that. I will expect a certain attention to detail in posts by players. Please, do look over your writing – don't leave gross typographical errors, and do pay attention to your grammar while writing. If it helps, I really recommend typing in a word processor - Open Office is a free alternative to Microsoft Word, if you need it. In addition, I expect there to be some degree of familiarity with the Elder Scrolls Lore, UESP is a fantastic resource that will be able to keep you up-to-date with the lore presented in the roleplay.

World Information

Year: 4E 5
Red Mountain has exploded, leaving Vvardenfell mostly uninhabited.
Morrowind is currently being invaded by Argonia.
Potentate Ocato is the current ruler of the Empire, leaving the Ruby Throne empty.
The Mages' Guild has been dissolved, leaving the Synod and the College of Whispers as successor entities.
Dragons have not yet returned to Tamriel.
Vivec has disappeared, marking the end of ALMSIVI.

There are other events underway throughout Tamriel, the Thalmor have started to gain power within the Summerset Isles, and as a result of the Red Year coupled with the Argonian invasion, there is an increasingly large refugee crisis in Cyrodiil, Solstheim, and Skyrim, though the significance of these events won't be apparent until later in the timeline than what we're currently playing with. 

The Rules

And now, for the part that nobody likes to have to deal with. The Rules, Guidelines, and Regulations.

1. Don't Be A Dick. – I feel like this one's pretty obvious. Please, be respectful, and don't treat others like shit. In all honesty, this is probably one of the most important rules to me, as it's pretty easy to not break. Treat each other nice, and we'll all be happy, otherwise we'll have to have a chat.
2. No Godmodding/Powergaming. – This is set in a period of time previous to the time of Skyrim, with some changes. Obviously, you all know what the world may look like 195 years in the future, and exploiting that to get in early on the ebony market to make your descendants rich, I will...not look happily upon your character. Also, your character is not invincible. They can die, they are not Gods any more than you yourself are.
3. Need Help? Ask. – If you're unsure about something, just go ahead and ask in OOC or PM. It will save a lot of time, effort, and trouble in the long run rather than asking after the fact.
4. Your Luck is Finite. – Despite the fact that you are the player characters, your luck is finite. Lucky may be better than skillful, but eventually your luck will run out, so think before you make that next leap. When your character dies, your character dies, when they're hurt...well, it takes a hefty amount of time to heal from those wounds, depending on the severity.
5. Have Fun. – Above all else, enjoy yourself! This is just a game, not something to lose your mind over.

Character Guidelines

Classes and Skills

There are two approaches that can be used to develop a character for this roleplay. First, there is the Class approach, and there is the Skill Select approach.

The Class approach involves selecting a specific class. Classes in the Elder Scrolls consist of seven major skills, and these primarily existed in the games prior to the Skyrim-era. A helpful list of classes is here, though if you choose a skill, please do list out the skills that you have selected as well as your proficiency level in that specific skill. By contrast the Skill Select approach is just that, you pick a grab-bag of skills and list your skills as needed. If you want to be broad and use One-Handed instead of, say, Blunt or Blade, that's fine, but you'll need to specify your specialization in that specific skill. After all, swinging a sword is not the same as using a war ax, etc.

Between these two approaches, there is also Minor Skills. Though each approach gives you seven major skills, you may also have three Minor Skills that can be either from the traditional listing of skills such as Smithing or Lockpicking, or things further off the beaten path such as Leatherworking, Cartography, or specific aspects of Tamrielic History. The difference between a Major Skill and a Minor Skill is that Minor Skills are usually things that add a little flavor to your character's particular approach to their class or lifestyle, as well as being things that fall out of the purveyance of their normal work.

Finally, there is Skill Proficiency – if Class is “What are you?”, and Skills are “What can you do?”, then proficiency is “How well do you do it?” Major Skills can reach a proficiency rating of Expert, or if you're able to get permission for it – Mastery. Minor Skills are stuck reaching a ceiling of Adept, and cannot advance further than that without becoming a Major Skill. Bearing that in mind, the higher a specific skill is, the more likely you are to be lacking in other areas. Skills take time to learn, and gain the experience and understanding necessary to achieve that recognition of mastery or expertise. Below is a useful list for what is and isn't appropriate.

Novice – 6 Months to 1 Year – Skills at this level aren't untrained, but you aren't exactly all that skilled either. Bladesmen at this level may not understand the nuances of more advanced techniques, but they certainly know enough to swing a blade correctly.
Apprentice – 1 – 5 Years – At this level, you know enough to know what you don't know, but might be reckless enough to try something that's a little out of your comfort zone. Apprentice Bladesmen feel much more comfortable swinging a blade, and performing some advanced techniques, though they are not well-versed enough in the utilization of a blade as to challenge someone more well-versed in the art of the blade to a duel.
Adept – 5 – 10 Years – On the cusp of true expertise, operating at this level of skill no longer brings with it a direct question of your abilities. Those less skilled than you are many, those more skilled are few, and many individuals at this rating will set themselves up as trainers in their particular skill. A Bladesman at this rating has spent many years practicing his skills both in the mustering yard and on the battlefield, he knows what techniques work in practice, and those that only work in theory.
Expert – 10 – 20 Years – The jump from Adept to Expert is vast, and is often times something that is more agreed upon rather than officially stated. What separates an Expert from an Adept is typically the amount of time and the sheer amount of use that has been garnered through years practical and theoretical usage. Most individuals at this rating are well-renowned for being the best in their region at a specific task. A Bladesman at this rating may be well-renowned for their skill in the usage of the Blade, with very little being unknown to them but the most esoteric of skills and techniques.
Mastery – 25 – 35+ Years – At this rating, you are one of the few in Tamriel who could be truly regarded as a master of a skill. The line between a Master of a skill and an Expert of a skill is even more blurred than the one between an Expert and an Adept. Masters of a skill are known among their peers as the best in the Province. A Bladesman at this level is well-known as the best in his province, and may even be known as a prodigy at his skillset, though they may not take on students that often, those who do typically form a long line of Masters of their skill.
A Note on Masters and Experts: Typically speaking, those who are Experts or Masters in a skill are older than your average individual, primarily due to the time involved. If your character is 25-34 and you are requesting an Expert level skill, your character will be scrutinized more heavily due to their “prodigy” status, and those who are 35-49 with a Mastery rating will be scrutinized moreso, both for the Mastery and the Prodigy status.
A Note on Magical and Physical Skills: There is a stark difference between Magical and Physical skills in the realm of Tamriel. Physical skills, while difficult to master, are significantly different than grasping the specifics of magical laws, as well as the practicum of magic itself. The manipulation of magic requires much longer to master and grasp than your typical physical skill. On that note, magical skills typically take the maximum amount of time to master.

Equipment

As we all know, the Elder Scrolls universe has many different materials that equipment and materials are made out of. Below is a list of materials and their required level of explanation and wealth.

Leather, Hide, Fur, Iron, and Steel – Materials that are abundant throughout Tamriel, and are generally available to all but the most destitute of peoples. Though they are abundant, weapons and armors made with these materials may still be of fine craftsmanship.
Elven, Orcish – Made with more rare materials such as Moonstone and Malachite, Orcish and Elven smiths are known for their craftsmanship and quality, though for vastly different reasons. Elven crafts are known for their elegance, lightweight, and their price, while Orcish materials are known for being more function than form, made heavy and – in most cases – with little care for form, though they are still quite well-made. Weapons and Armors in this rating aren't exactly uncommon, but they do come with a higher price tag due to the quality of craftsmanship, and the rarity of materials involved in the manufacturing processes.
Dwemer – While more a specific class than a material, Dwemer (or Dwarven) armors and weapons are artifacts from the long abandoned ruins of the Dwemer civilization in Skyrim, Hammerfell, and Morrowind. New items in this class are typically not being manufactured, due to the loss of the knowledge on exactly how to make the alloys utilized in their creation. The only way to make new items in this class is to melt down the scrap metal of a long-dead civilization into new ingots and manufacture new weapons and armors. Subsequently, weapons and armors in this category are not only rare, but also pricey.
Mithril and Adamantium – This particular class of material is rare, typically only found in the High Rock, Hammerfell, and Cyrodiil regions, but also extremely expensive. Mithril and Adamantine items are known for their extreme durability and light weight, but they are almost exclusively available to the ultra-wealthy of Tamriel. Profiles utilizing these materials will be subject to extreme amounts of scrutiny.
Stalhrim and Nordic Steel – Nordic Steel is less a material and more a specific process of manufacture. Nordic Steel's production process is native to the isle of Solstheim, a trait shared by the material Stalhrim, and is noted for its ornate craftsmanship and sturdiness. Stalhrim, however, is a material only recorded to be found on Solstheim, and its refining process is something only known to the Skaal, the natives of Solstheim, who guard the secret of Stalhrim forging with a vicious zeal. Good luck getting Stalhrim-made gear.
Ebony and Glass – The most rare, and expensive, materials on the whole of Tamriel. Ebony and Glass items are highly valued for their rarity, and as a result are often times more status symbol rather than practical weapon utilized for combat. When you do see them on the battlefield, however, they tend to be in the hands of the most wealthy, most skilled, or most influential members of the cadre, though those groups often times do not overlap. Access to these items is extremely limited, and good luck affording them.
Daedric – Despite the recent end of the Oblivion Crisis, not everyone is marching around Tamriel with a Daedric weapon strapped to their back. Daedric weapons are deadly, yes, and often times extremely valuable, but they are also rare. The amount of power needed to keep something like that on the material plane is almost implausible for an individual to achieve. In addition, carrying something like that around would make you not only infamous, but a target in a post-Oblivion Crisis world. Also, I'll scrutinize you. A lot.
Artifacts, Daedric and Otherwise – These are your Goldbrands, Chillrends, Mehrunes Razors, and your Ebony Blades. That caliber of weapon is explicitly banned, with no exceptions.
Enchanted Items – Not explicitly banned, but certainly up for more scrutiny than other items. Enchantments are expensive, and while magical groups are more than willing to go through the work to make them, they aren't something that is exactly economical for the average individual.

There's one thing to bare in mind: Materials are not a replacement for skill or luck. Let me say that again, a weapon made out of ebony is not a replacement for skills or just sheer luck. You don't need Glass armor to be a master of light armor, or an ebony longsword to be a master of Blade. Materials may play a role in weapon maintenance and durability, but not necessarily in skill. So, don't feel the need to put yourself under stupid levels of scrutiny just for that ebony longsword.

Races, Ages, and Religion

In the world of Tamriel, there are many races, though the still extant groups tend to boils down to four races of Elves (Mer), four races of Men, and two Beast races. While the specifics of each race will be listed in a list below (sorry), there is something to be said about the specifics of Hybrids and Age between the various races of Tamriel.

All the races in Tamriel can interbreed, excluding the Argonians and the Khajiit. Humans can interbreed with Mer, and vice versa, however the spawn from this interbreeding will share the mother's specific race, but will inherit a degree of traits from their father's race. A perfect example of this is Agronak gro-Malog, the Grand Champion of the Arena circa the time of the Hero of Kvatch. While his mother was an orc, he inherited his pale complexion from his father – a vampire. Agronak is no the only individual who comes from an inter-species relationship, but he is certainly one of the most prominent examples.

Secondly, there is the subject of age. Meric races live vastly longer than their human counterparts, and even the most long-lived Breton is but a mere blip on the radar to their Dunmeri counterpart. In the list below, there will also be a list of typical expected lifespans of the various races below, alongside the races and their native provinces.

Finally, there is the subject of religion. In the world of Tamriel, religion is a particularly important hot button issue, the Auri-El-Akatosh issue, as well as the very nature of religious splits that led to the formation of entire new races within the plane of Tamriel entirely (such as the Dunmer), it's important that you at least make mention of who they pray to, or even pay lip service to religiously. Here is a list of Gods and their associated pantheons, feel free to seek help on this.

Altmer – Summerset Isles – 300-700+ Years
Argonians – Black Marsh – 90-100 Years
Bosmer – Valenwood – 100-300 Years
Bretons – High Rock – 90-100 Years
Dunmer – Morrowind – 200-600+ Years
Imperials – Cyrodiil – 90-100 Years
Khajiit – Elsweyr – 80-90 Years
Nords – Skyrim – 100 Years
Orsimer (Orcs) – High Rock/Hammerfell/Skyrim Border – 50-60 Years
Redguards – Hammerfell – 100 Years

Character Sheet

[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Age:[/b]
[b]Race:[/b]
[b]Appearance:[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Affiliations:[/b] (If applicable)
[b]History:[/b]
[b]Class:[/b] (If applicable]
[b]Major Skills:[/b]
[list]
[*] Skill – Proficiency[/list]
[b]Minor Skills:[/b]
[list]
[*]Skill – Proficiency (If applicable)[/list]
[b]Spells:[/b] (Only for Spellcasters, Spells are correlated to Skill Proficiency)
[list]
[*] Spell – Spell Level[/list]
[b]Equipment:[/b]

Hidden 6 yrs ago Post by Terminal

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Terminal Rancorous Narrative Proxy

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Making a character sheet now.

Hidden 6 yrs ago Post by The Revenant

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The Revenant Mors Vincit Omnia

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Aye... A man must contemplate such things. A sheet will be available shortly. 

Hidden 6 yrs ago → 6 yrs ago Post by Terminal

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Author's Note: When assigning Ormoneric spells, I picked from the spell lists for Skyrim, Oblivion, and Morrowind. Originally I had intended to select spells only from Morrowind and Oblivion, but the OP's prerogative in their own character sheet encouraged me to select a few choice spells from Skyrim as well. As for Morrowind, the reasoning there is simply that the events of the game Morrowind and the return of Dagoth-Ur transpire close to the end of the third era, during which time Ormoneric would still have been embroiled in study and thus expected to be familiar with contemporary spell theory. I also included a custom spell (spell-mixing only being possible in Oblivion), and it should be assumed it is the only unique spell-mix he has (he will not be pulling more out of his ass). He may be able to mix more spells if he gets his hands on enough Magetallow and Soulgems. It should also be noted that, where a spell is listed, the level of expertise listed beside should be assumed to be the maximum level of the associated spell Ormoneric actually knows, since individual spells between the three games can vary in magnitude (as an example, Ormoneric can cast Fury - a novice level Skyrim spell - at an Adept level of expertise). This is done not only for the sake of convenience, but also to more helpfully accentuate Ormoneric's particular strengths (such as Ormoneric's mind-affecting illusion spells all being at an Adept level despite being an Expert with Illusions).

Let it also be noted, I am hereby requesting for OP's permission for Ormoneric to have Mastery in a particular skill. It is identified in the profile below; let it be known I am entirely open to revising this as necessary.

"Hello me! Have we died again yet, or are we still waiting for the nonsense with the horker tusk and the chair with the broken leg? or wait, am I in Quagmire again? This is not the place for us to complete the circuit, that was done here two years ahead! You dolt, obviously I'm supposed to stand still until you walk behind me and then I fall down de- What are you doing? You got it mixed up again! Stop dying! Argh, fine. Everyone, go back to where you will be so they can try again. I promise to get it right this time; just remember not to be me!"Ormoneric


Name: His name was on record at the Arcane University as Evoker Ormoneric (last name omitted), but he does not remember even this. There is much that he does not remember.

Age: He has trouble telling the time, let only how old he is. By appearance he is clearly the age of an Elder of at least 70 summers.

Race: Breton

Birthsign: The Tower

Appearance: (I am making an actual Skyrim character model for him but it is not quite ready yet.)

Personality: About as Mad as Sheogorath, as Ominous as a storm, as Creepy as a headless zombie - and about as straightforward as conversationalist as Shalidor's Labyrinth. If you have any idea what this lout is saying at any given time, you are way ahead of the curve. A couple of things stand out though - for one, he can be extremely stubborn when he sets his mind to something. Nearly impossible to dissuade once he decides on a course of action, come Oblivion and the raging Sea of Ghosts. Another thing is that he is, for lack of a better word, extremely gullible and susceptible to suggestion. In any given interim where he has not decided on something, he may well just latch onto the first thing he hears and act on it as though it were objectively true. For better or worse, and regardless of who says it. He can tell friend from foe most of the time and will follow most orders, but he is unpredictable and erratic at the best of times.

Affiliations: The Arcane University, formerly of the Mages Guild (Now Defunct).

Who is this madman? Where did he come from? Few remain who know. But there are bits and scraps, here and there, that yield tantalizing hints and glimpses of what was.

Penned by the hand of Irlav Jarol Master Wizard of the Arcane University under the Archmage in the year 423 of the Third Era.

I write now to officiate the expulsion of Evoker Ormoneric from the Arcane University for conduct unbecoming of a senior mage, and to notify all appropriate coteries that he is neither welcome nor trusted by the magical community of the Mages Guild. His competence and acumen are hereby null, and no receipt of his experience shall report anything other than a low association with either the Arcane University or any of its associate Guildhalls.

Evoker Ormoneric has been a notable and respected member of the Arcane University for a little over three decades at the time of this condemnation. Although his return of transcribed spells has been less extensive than any other senior member of the University he nonetheless has contributed several published tomes of research and knowledge to the Arcaneum, and he was often consulted on matters pertaining to ancient spellcraft and technical matters pertaining to the realm of Mysticism. However, after a time his behavior and professional decorum deteriorated considerably, likely due to several years of strenuous and taxing investigation of liminal and aetheric theory. After several instances of notable misconduct that I shall forebear to mention here, his madness was made apparent in an incident whereupon Evoker Ormoneric claimed to have convinced an Argonian Master Wizard employed by the University that they had never existed, and that Master Wizard Raminus Polus was actually a tanner from Hammerfell who had been transliminally recalled to retroactively obscure the ontological failure of the former. Naturally, no evidence of such an occurrence was found and it is with both great regret and personal concern for Ormoneric as a friend and colleague that I must officiate his expulsion, both for his own safety and for those around him.

In the professional opinion of the members of the Council of Mages, the Arcane University, and the Mages Guild, Evoker Ormoneric is not responsible for his own actions and is not to be entrusted in any position of authority or responsibility. Any semblance of competence or magical ability on his part are likely transient and not to be regarded as normal. He is not likely to hurt or endanger others intentionally, but it may be prudent for him to be confined for his own safety should such prove necessary.

Before you is an arcane tome roughly the size of your head. As far as you can tell it is not a spellbook, but an honest-to-Akatosh book of magical theory. About as immediately practical as a brick, assuming you don't drop it on your foot mid-lob. Its contents, even on the first page, are just as unhelpfully esoteric as the title. What very little you can understand is seemingly tautological, paradoxical, impossible, or all three. There are passages about sharpening gems with starlight, colors with twelve wheels, metal that weeps pus, and nails that devour kings. The price-tag adhered to it is outrageous, in excess of most of the other books in the shop you found it in - the shopkeeper indicated that while it is indigestible gibberish to layfolk, it's apparently both a blockbuster seminal treatise on a magical school called 'Mysticism,' and also incredibly rare and therefore valuable on account of only thirty copies having ever been made. You are not sure how much of that you believe.

At the very back of the book there is an editor's note that the last page of the original copy has been deliberately redacted, due to its contents being 'profoundly unsuitable' and apparently written when the author was in a state of maddened fugue.

Said author is listed as being one 'Evoker Ormoneric' of the Arcane University.

"I know of someone who might be of use to us, and our Master Mannimarco. An Evoker who used to be a member of the Arcane University - but don't let the title fool you. Ormoneric used to have more wits than half the Mage's Council combined, likely only falling a step short of my own brilliance. They were uniquely knowledgeable as to the ancient magical art of Mysticism. He was probably the best researcher in that field of magic in the entire Mages Guild, even if you count Dagail and Agata. 

He was expelled from the Mage's Guild nearly a decade ago now, I believe? I am not entirely sure why, it came about at around the same time his assistant was in the midst of making hand-copies of his new book. Judging from the contents, I suspect the Council used some kind of pretext to dismiss him since otherwise it would have looked too much like they were encouraging mages to be overtly political and less devoted to arcane study. The contents are rather extraordinary even by my standards, but most of the 'experts' up at the White Gold Tower would not have seen it that way - they'd doubtlessly have come knocking, complaining that the University had abandoned its true purpose as an academic institution.

Since then, I've heard the occasional rumor of him wandering about as some kind of madman, addled as Sheogorath and nearly as dangerous. He's skilled, knowledgeable, and likely disgruntled with the Mages Guild. We can use him..."Master Wizard Caranya, days before being killed by the Hero of Kvatch

"Yeah. I know the man. The name didn't ring a bell, but once Ules mentioned weird pronouns it came back to me. He used to be a member of the Arcane University, pretty loaded too. His house here in the city was used as a safehouse a few times because of how infrequently he ever went there. Then one day, there's a fuss that a mage has been kicked out of the university - physically dragged and tossed out, even - and that's big news in certain circles. Means lots of loose, valuable magical items floating around unaccounted for. I think the Guild sent someone in to pick a few things out of his study. A copy of a book and a few staves.

Thing is, I saw him a few days after that. In the streets. Torn-up robes and not a crooked Septim to his name, begging passerby for...well, not quite certain what he was asking for really. He was askin' for gibberish. Made no right sense. I recall it was weird to be seein' him at the time, because I had just cased his house and the place was still furnished, practically untouched. He obviously had a roof he could put over his head, so seeing him in such a state on the street was mighty befuddling. Not to mention, he was a mage. They can turn wood into sweet-rolls, right? Why'd one of them need to beg for anything?

But anyway, I went up to him, try and get some kind of measure of him...it was unsettling. I think...this was a long time ago you know? But I think he thought he was me. Kept mixing and flipping his pronouns and tenses, talking to me as though I were him or other people every other word. Thing is, he started talking about a Skeever that had bit his hand while he was trying to snatch a rotten tomato and turning yellow...And then about a week later, a Skeever I didn't see come and bit me on the hand after I spotted a tomato in the gutter. That's how I got the tick, way back.

And then I saw him again, recently.

Maybe around two months ago? He came through the city briefly. Begging like before. Knew it was him become of how incoherent he was. When he saw me he told me to 'speak fondly of him' to the Wolf Come Calling."Puny Ancus, Beggar

"I was out hunting in the woods, and I made a mistake. A bad one. Got a little too obsessed with tracking this stag...chased it right into a pack of wolves. The stag was faster than me. They cornered me, and I thought that was that...

But then, this wretch who was old as death and dressed in rags jumped down from a boulder and saved me. I think.

I say I think, because I am pretty certain he was either feral or mad. At first he seemed all normal, looked confident and composed, he even told me to relax and that I would make it home alright. One of the wolves jumped at him -

I'm not really certain what happened then. I might have been too scared out of my wits to keep track of what was going on between the man and the wolves, but I swear he seemed to...trade places with that wolf. One second it was pouncing at him, the next it was standing up on its rear legs, and he was jumping up at it on all fours. He bore the wolf back down to the ground with his bare teeth, then he went for its throat and literally bit a huge chunk out of its neck. That's about when I made a break for it.

Then, a few hours later, same guy shows up at my shack with around half a dozen skinned wolf pelts hanging over his back and covered in blood. I'm pretty sure none of it was his. I'm just sitting there on my porch, stunned, and he acted the same way when he saw me. Then he said...

He said, 'Wait a minute, you're not me,' dropped the pelts on the spot, and vanished into thin air."A Woodlands Hunter

"It wasn't a standard job to begin with. The offices I worked at did not even have the man's name on file, we had to be given a physical description by the client and told of a likely place he was probably going to be within a certain span of time. Well, I went there, and he turned up alright. But get this.

I'm waiting near the side of an inn, looking out at the road, and he suddenly creeps up BEHIND me and practically screams, '"I've been looking for you! Got something I'm supposed to deliver - your hands only!' Scared me witless and sent me sprawling on my ass.

Then he says, 'Let's see here,' and holds out the actual letter I had been giving - guess I had dropped it or something when he scared me - and says 'I came all the way from Helgen to give this to you. Sender was someone mysterious, paid good money to get it to you. That's all, I'm off!'

Then, and I am not messing around here, he starts running backwards down the road, heading North.

I tried to chase him for a bit - he hadn't actually gotten the letter, he just picked it up and dropped it! But lost sight of him over the next ridge. Had to report it as a failed delivery."Professional Courier

"Why am I here? That's a stupid question! I'm here to ask an old senile hermit why he's trying to cross the border, and very soon I will walk backwards to the barracks. I still have my lucky septim, the one with the two-headed Akatosh, and so I need to go back to yesterday and remember to forget it.

You don't need to tell me I'm mad, you already knew that, boy. You aren't mad, you just don't have the senses to see where you are in the cosmological sense! It's been so long since they've been able to truly see whenwhere they are. Thankfully, everything I do is always nearby. Relatively speaking.

I'm not sure why I'm here nowthere though. All I know is that's therewhen I'm supposed to be. It's the way of things. I have spied it with the finest arguments against that position, and all the data we contributed to the wanderer directed him whenwhere we were supposed to have been will be. You were the outcome boy, and you are the answer that tells me that here is where and when and why and what and who. Not how though. Everyone I've met has agreed that the how wasn't all that important. Which is good. I'm tired of how.

Does that answer my question? No. I still have that stupid look on his face.

I am HERE because I traversed the skein of Nirn. I am NOW because from my perspective I have walked forward. I am NEEDED because for what I will see, and what you will do, he must travel forward relatively to see backwards to what they are looking for.

I am your Mystic, you gibbering old madman, and he shall hold the hated Blade of the Night safe against the sharpness of our arms and the ferocity of our spellcraft. He is no madman, he is the watcher who stands on every path to guard against our manifold dooms.

Also because the Cyrodiilic countryside is was and will be boring within that really weirdly shaped window. Where you are going, I will not need eyes to see something new that we will have looked upon with fondness. Also because we couldn't say no to the stupid old man. Ain't no law saws the mad can't cross the border into Skyrim."Ormoneric, speaking to a border guard South of Helgen

Class:The Mage
Major Skills:

Alchemy: Adept
Alteration: Expert
Conjuration: Adept
Destruction: Adept
Illusion: Expert
Mysticism: Master
Restoration: Adept

Summary: Ormoneric, as a mage who has studied Mysticism almost exclusively for the better part of nearly three quarters of their adult life, can only be considered a master of it...with all the consequences such Mastery brings with it. Ormoneric, prior to his condemnation and expulsion from the University, was never expected and never had to devote much attention to other magical fields of study. Ormoneric still possesses a degree in expertise in every magical field, but only insomuch as a master of Destruction magic understands nuances of Restoration magic due to the simple principle that all schools of magic overlap in at least some aspects. Ormoneric possess expertise with certain principles of Alteration and Illusion in particular due to the greater degree of inter-relation the three specific schools of magic have with one another, and is of middling competence as to the other schools of magic.

Minor Skills

Enchanting: Adept
Athletics: Apprentice
Hand-to-Hand: Adept

Summary: Ormoneric has spent over a decade of his life since his expulsion from the University as a destitute, indigent madman. What wealth and possessions he bore even as a respected member of the Arcane University were abandoned due to his own fractured memory and psyche, and as such he has had to make-do in the streets and wilds, albeit nonetheless aided by not-lacking magical prowess. A side-benefit of living across the countryside of Cyrodil rough-and-tumble has been a marked improvement in his physique and general athletic ability. Having never owned or used most weapons in anything resembling an extensive capacity, his adequate physical strength does not lend itself to the skillful use of most implements.
Ormoneric is a Master of Mysticism. Mysticism is the branch of Magic that the Psijic order was founded upon, and that has often been described as 'Just like any other schools of Magic, but more." Its effects are subtle, and its ways difficult to master. A user of Mysticism must find ways to rearrange the great tapestry of the world to suit their own will, often imposing their will against the truth that is reality in order for a spell to function. Mystics therefore enjoy a diverse and useful assortment of spells, but suffer from the innate paroxysm and idleness most accomplished mages would find unacceptable. A Mystic must accept anything as possible - that the sky can be broken, space swallowed, that time can be danced with, and that the unreal might become real. Many devoted Mystics of the past have thus been claimed by Sheogorath, and those who aren't have found themselves spending decades of time struggling to develop new arcane theories and spells while their colleagues have developed dozens. Masters of Mysticism are masters not of casting spells, but of manipulating the fabric of magic and the world itself.

Alteration - ExpertBurden & Feather - Expert
Candlelight & Magelight - Apprentice
Ironflesh - Adept
Jump & Slowfall - Expert
Open & Lock - Adept
Water Breathing & Water Walking - Expert

Conjuration - AdeptConjure Atronach, Fire, Frost, Shock - Adept
Conjure Bound Dagger - Apprentice
Conjure Soul Cairn Skeleton - Apprentice
Reanimate Corpse - Apprentice

Destruction - AdeptFire Stream & Bolt - Adept
Frost Stream & Bolt - Adept
Poison Stream & Bolt - Apprentice
Runes, Fire, Frost, Shock - Apprentice
Shock Stream & Bolt - Adept
Sun Stream & Bolt - Apprentice

Illusion - ExpertChameleon - Expert
Charm - Adept
Courage & Fear - Adept
Fear & Fury - Adept
Night-Eye - Expert
Silence - Expert

Mysticism - MasterAbsorb Attributes &  Skills - Expert
Clairvoyance - Master
Detect Life, Death, Enchantments, & Objects - Master
Mark & Recall - Master
Dispel - Master
Reflect (Physical & Magical) - Master
Spell Absorption - Master
Soul Trap - Expert
Telekinesis - Master

Restoration - AdeptGreater Ward - Adept
Heal Self & Others - Apprentice
Restore Attributes &  Skills - Adept

Custom SpellsEnantiomorph Gambit - Master
A modified combination of the Mark, Recall, and Reflect spell effects. Ormoneric flings a Marking Bolt at a target. On impact, Ormoneric and the target switch locations with each other, and exchange any items they were holding in their hands at the time. The Marking Bolt is fast, but can be dodged and has a prominent glowing pink aura. It can also be blocked by wards, and it has no effect on constructs such as Dwemer Machines, and it does not work on inanimate objects. Notably, it is extremely difficult to dodge at point-blank range, and the process is extremely disorienting. Both Ormoneric and the target retain their momentum and face the same direction as when the Marking Bolt struck, meaning that at point blank range, if Ormoneric and the target are facing each other, they will then be standing back-to-back when they switch locations.

Equipment: Seemingly just the rags on his back. Readily mistaken for a beggar on first glance. Or fifteenth glance.


Edit: Included Ormoneric's Birthsign.

Hidden 6 yrs ago Post by The Revenant

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@Terminal

 Is it customary to for a boy to post their characters in the "Out of Character" section before posting them on the actual character page? Inquiring minds want to know. 

@sandman9913

 Unfortunately, it seems a boy has ignored their personal messages. If there was a misunderstanding with such a question please, inquire so that a man may share his knowledge. However, the question was presented as a means to assist in developing a character. The answer would not necessarily hinder the progression of said character; however, it would provide interesting interaction.

Hidden 6 yrs ago Post by Terminal

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@Terminal
Is it customary to for a boy to post their characters in the "Out of Character" section before posting them on the actual character page? Inquiring minds want to know.@The Revenant

Of course. You cannot place a character in the character sheets section before it has been approved by the GM. Placing it in the OOC permits the GM and other posters to look over it and provide feedback without any party having to commit.

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 A man appreciates a swift response. It has been quite some time since this one has participated in forum role play. The last forum to haunt thy memories was an entire persistent world requiring character approval. Of course, an entire category was devoted to characters alone where as a style of role play may be found here as a category. 

Hidden 6 yrs ago → 6 yrs ago Post by The Revenant

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Name:
Marcurio Khorun

Age:
236 years

Race:
Imperial


Personality:
Marcurio does whatever he can get away with. He is out for himself, pure and simple. He will shed no tears for those he kills, whether for profit, sport, or convenience. Marcurio has no love of order and holds no illusion that following laws, traditions, or codes would make him any better or more noble. On the other hand, he does not have the restless nature or love of conflict that a more chaotic patron may have. Marcurio has no regards for others while advancing his own goals. He may very well represent pure evil without honor and without variation.

Affiliations: (If applicable)
The Whet-Fang
The Order
The Blades
Knights of the Rose
Thieves’ Guild

History:
 < Coming Soon..._>
Class:
Spellsword/Battlemage

Major Skills:
Alchemy - Apprentice
Blade, One-handed - Mastery
Destruction - Adept
Light Armor - Expert
Lock Picking - Adept
Stealth - Adept

Minor Skills:
Poisoner, Alchemy
Disintegrate, Destruction
Dual Savager. One-handed

Spells: (Only for Spellcasters, Spells are correlated to Skill Proficiency)
Sparks - Mastery
Lightning Bolt - Expert
Chain Lightning - Adept
Lightning Cloak - Adept
Thunderbolt - Apprentice
Wall of Storms - Apprentice
Thunder Storm - Novice

Equipment:
Common clothes fashioned with the accents of leather armor.
Mythril Dagger
Steel Rapier
Lockpicks (15)
Several mundane vials of a crimson, viscous fluid (5)
Bone Hawk Amulet
Rashka, Bone Hawk Rashka acts as Marcurio’s animal companion or familiar which he maintains an arcane connection with by way of an enchanted Bone Hawk Amulet.

Hidden 6 yrs ago → 6 yrs ago Post by sandman9913

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@The Revenant sorry, I just got in stupid late last night, and fell asleep before I could properly respond. Either way, reply sent.

Hidden 6 yrs ago Post by sandman9913

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Okay, so, after looking most of it over, @Terminal your character is looking fine. The only thing that I'd warn against is using your custom spell with impunity, since it is a particularly powerful spell, given its effects. Also, side note: I really like the concept of approaching the history section as a series of testimonies rather than a book-style. I'd give him a little more equipment than just the literal clothes on his back. After all, the trek to Skyrim through the Pale Pass into Helgen is decidedly not a warm one.

@The Revenant, as for your sheet as it is right now (I assume you're waiting for my answer before you complete history), under Minor Skills you've actually listed Skyrim perks, not a huge deal. If you want to dual-wield, that is perfectly acceptable, you don't need to use a skills slot for that. Thunder Storm is actually Lightning Storm, and I think it'd be out of your character's grasp as far as spells go, as would Thunderbolt and Lightning Cloak, though the rest are acceptable. You'll also need an explanation on the One Handed Mastery, though I have no doubt that you'll be able to explain that with his nigh-240 year lifetime.

As for Affiliations, there are some...very contradictory ones in there. The Order and the Whet-Fang do not get along with, per the Manifesto Cyrodiil Vampyrum they are, and always will be, enemies, so one of 'em has to go. Eventually, The Blades might have an issue with the vampirism, and given the close living quarters would certainly notice during the training and selection process, so you'd either have to explain, or drop it.

As for for the Equipment section, all I need explanations on is are the Mithril Dagger (Kinda a rare item), and the Bone Hawk Amulet/Rashka. Otherwise, it's fine so far.

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A man shall clarify through a minor historical recount. The correct assumption was made with regards to the history in waiting for a response. A man shall continue his work.

Hidden 6 yrs ago Post by josephb

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Is there still room? Or have you got enough people now?

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Name: Durlag gro-Shag

Age: 38

Race: Orsimer

Appearance: Broad shouldered and powerfully built, Durlag gro-Shag is everything one might expected to see in a mountain orc. Long years of service to the Empire, along with nearly two decades working the forge, have transformed a once long, lanky youth into a veritable mountain of meat and muscle; while life constantly lived on the Imperial frontier, has turned his dull, gray-green flesh into rough, well worn leather. Small, amber eyes gleam with a ferocious love for life, and his thick jaw and wide chin seems all the wider whenever he grins a toothy grin. 

At a height of nearly seven feet, he is tall, even by orcish standards. Rumors abound that there might be, perhaps, a small touch of ogreish blood in his ancestry, a claim he vehemently denies. Typically, he is seen in heavy armor. On those rare occasions when he is not, he tends to favor simple garb, not at all unlike that worn by a village smith or miner.

Personality: Durlag gro-Shag is one jovial and boisterous when drunk, yet silent and contemplative when sober. Perhaps a touch more cerebral than others of his kind, he is prone to long bouts of melancholy. His thoughts are often turned inwards, and it is wise to leave him be whenever he is taken by one of his so-called “black moods”. However, when gathered amongst fine company, with a horn of mead in hand, he is quick to raise his voice in valorous song of deeds past, and of deeds yet to come.  

Affiliations: 

Imperial Legion (Formerly)

Cheydinhal Fighters Guild

History: Durlag gro-Shag was born the son of an orcish warchief in a minor stronghold in the Wrothgarian Mountains during the bloody years leading up to the Miracle of Peace, which some name the Warp in the West. He was seventeen years old when Orisinium was at long last granted provincial status by the Empire. At eighteen years of age, he was among the first orcs to enlist with the Imperial Legion.

Having been schooled in the ways of the forge from the time he was eight, Durlag found himself pressed into service as a quartermaster. His days and nights were filled with long hours mending the broken armor and weapons of his fellow legionnaires, and even forging new ones when demand was great enough. He saw is fair share of combat as well, as all were expected to take up arms whenever camp or fort came under attack.

Durlag met his destiny some years later during the Oblivion Crisis, when all of Tamriel was nearly brought to its knees. No longer left to slave away at the forge, he was dispatched face the Daedric invasion along with just about every other legionnaire in the Empire. Battle after battle, he slaked his axe's thirst for Daedric. Battle after battle, he narrowly avoided death by the skin of his tusks.

The end of the Oblivion Crisis, also marked the end of his service to the Empire. Martin Septim's sacrifice had brought peace to a war weary Tamriel, and Durlag found that he was no longer interested in facing death on a daily basis. He sought quieter work, as a porter of the Cheydinhal Fighter's Guild. The Guild's many mercenaries always need their weapons sharpened and repaired, or needed their armorer mended, and here he didn't have to worry about ever being asked to fight.

The last five years have been among the best of his admittedly short life, though the thrill of battle has once more begun to creep its way into his heart. A letter delivered to him by a harried looking courier, has set him once more upon the road. Obeying its cryptic message, he now makes his way to Skyrim, and to Helgen...

Class: Warrior

Major Skills:
Armorer – Expert
Blade – Apprentice
Blunt – Adept
Block – Apprentice
Heavy Armor – Apprentice
Light Armor – Novice
Marksman – Novice


Minor Skills:
Athletics – Apprentice
Leather Working – Novice
Enchantment – Novice


Spells: None

Equipment:

Steel Battle Axe
Steel War Axe
Steel Armor
Leather Traveler's Pack
Armorer's Tools
Armorer's Hammer X10
Inkwell and Quill
Leather-bound Journal
Map of Tamriel
Trail Rations x14
Filled Waterskin

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Hidden 6 yrs ago → 6 yrs ago Post by sandman9913

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Is there still room? Or have you got enough people now?@josephb

As of right now I think we have enough people. The other folks from the Interest Check are making characters at the moment, so I'm going to tentatively close this, but I appreciate your interest. Eventually I may open it back up, as people leave or as I feel more comfortable with more people.

Also, @Nox Grimoire, gonna give you the BIG APPROVE.

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@sandman9913 Well if anyone drops out or doesn't end up making a character, let me know. :)

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Feel free to take my place, I have been crazy busy of late, I'm sure a more regular poster would be preferred :)

Hidden 6 yrs ago Post by Terminal

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Making another significant edit to Ormoneric's Profile - thanks to @Nox Grimoire, I am reminded that Enchanting, which was not a distinct Skill in Morrowind/Oblivion, is in Skyrim. It would not make much sense for him to not have at least some skill in the area, so I have replaced his Acrobatics skill with Enchanting.

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Making another significant edit to Ormoneric's Profile - thanks to @Nox Grimoire, I am reminded that Enchanting, which was not a distinct Skill in Morrowind/Oblivion, is in Skyrim. It would not make much sense for him to not have at least some skill in the area, so I have replaced his Acrobatics skill with Enchanting.@Terminal

As a matter of a fact, Enchant is a skill in Morrowind, but it was only used as a major skill by the Sorcerer and the Wichhunter classes. See here.

Either way, your specific changes are acceptable, and I feel that it's probably a little more...realistic that he's able to do things with enchantments rather than the good jumps. BIG APPROVE.

Feel free to take my place, I have been crazy busy of late, I'm sure a more regular poster would be preferred :)@UltimoScorp

Sorry you've been busy. :( 

If you're ever looking to join, I can probably find a way to work you in further down the line.

@sandman9913 Well if anyone drops out or doesn't end up making a character, let me know. :)@josephb

@josephb, feel free to cook up a character!

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