The world of Avalon lives under an unyielding prophecy. As long as intelligent beings can sense and wield the magical powers of the aether, the miraculous energy of the gods that grant mortal beings a mere sliver of their power, then the cycle will continue.

[indent][indent][i]As long as the aether flows, there will rise a congregation of sorcerers taken by the dark powers, united in vision and purpose to upheave and reshape civilization. With their rise, dynasties end.
[right]-- Lord Cairn Christian[/right][/i][/indent][/indent]
King Friedrich Vahlen, third of his name, has stopped at nothing to see the recurrent devastation come to a close. Yet his people resent him. The once-great elven kingdoms of the forests and plains were savagely annihilated half a century ago at the dawn of Johann Vahlen’s reign, and his sights settled on the dwarven people’s of the Siegfried Mountains soon after when the cut off his supply of war gear in protest. They eventually sealed themselves away within their mountain fortresses to avoid a similar fate. The cost of that war was placed squarely on the shoulders of the citizenry as it was a war “for their protection.” Taxes and high demands on the tradesmen of the Vahlens’ kingdom that have not subsided. Now they pay for the tyrannical hunt for any man, woman, or child brave or foolish enough to explore the mystical powers of the aether that are soon to be a relic of a bygone age. Friedrich’s Royal Inquisition listens around every corner and pounces without mercy on those caught.

Now the fifth incarnation of the Sorcerers’ Cycle is upon the world. The Kingdom of Man is poised to finally crush the sorcerers’ rise once and for all. The only obstacle remaining is to find them among the populous. But a rumor is spreading throughout the kingdom: This incarnation of the cycle could undo much of what the Vahlen family has done in its long and bloody tenure; that the races of Avalon long thought extinguished would return to save humanity from its grim fate, whether they deserved it or not. But first the aspiring sorcerers would have to escape the insidious talons of the Royal Inquisition.

[b]Who are you?[/b]
[indent]You are no one. A commoner, a tradesman perhaps, no one the kingdom would ever really care about as an individual, for now. By a convenient happenstance, dumb luck, or maybe fate, you found something from the sacred library of the old mage’s academy. Most people would rip it to pieces, burn it even. The possession of just a page from an old spellcraft text would have a mere commoner staring down an Inquisitor’s blade. Yet you keep it hidden instead of doing the sensible thing and destroying it. Perhaps given time, you can learn something from it. Prophecy works in mysterious ways, and it is nothing if not relentless. You are now a part of the Sorcerers’ Cycle.[/indent]
[b]What can you do?[/b]
[indent]It takes months of study, practice, discipline, and a clear and focused mind to practice even the simplest techniques when conjuring aetheric power in its purest, cleanest form. It takes less than ten minutes and some frustration for a desperate soul to summon power beyond description. The power of the aether is bent and shaped by the willpower of the wielder, but is attracted to and colored by the emotions of its host. This is the danger of the aether’s multifaceted nature. Even an amateur will realize that strong emotion seemingly amplifies their power, and that power feels good. Without formal training, most self-taught magic wielders fall into the trap that is the darker form of aetheric energy, and everyone who wields it is invariably twisted and consumed by the emotions they feed it with, by unrelenting powerlust, or are destroyed by the raw power they cannot hope to contain.

The magical possibilities of channeling the aether are as limitless as the imagination of the wielder. Given enough willpower and aetherial energy to make it so, anything is possible. A great and powerful fighter can defeat dozens of opponents and slay any beast living or undead, but a great and powerful mage can level whole cities in seconds. The capability of a would-be sorcerer is limited only by what they can will to happen, and how much power they can channel and contain within themself without being ripped apart.[/indent]
[b]What happens now?[/b]
[indent]It is only a matter of time before Vahlen’s inquisitors find you. They seemingly smell the magic emanating from those who channel aetherial power. Some believe the ancient knowledge of the old academy has been given to the Royal Inquisition to aid in their hunt. Some even believe the mage academy is not shut down but instead trains inquisitors in the ways of magic for themselves. No one dares speak such heresies aloud.

You must avoid the bloodhounds for as long as you can. Whether with dangerously intoxicating power, or with steel of your choice, you must prepare yourself to fight for your life. Sooner or later, you will need to. It will take all of your practiced skills, and no small amount of luck to survive and escape. How far are you willing to go when everything is on the line? [i]How far is too far?[/i][/indent]
[hr]
Welcome to The Sorcerers' Cycle! If, by any chance, you remember the name [i]Tear the World Down[/i] then welcome back friends, I have missed you. This is a spiritual successor/world reboot of my old roleplay, [i]Tear the World Down[/i]. The world around you is grim, but you will have to do terrible things to bring about change. This is a roleplay that asks the question "Do the ends really justify the means?" While I do expect a relatively advanced level of worldbuilding, I am more than willing to entertain more casual writers who wish to attempt to grow their writing skills. The character sheet I wish to see submitted is quite simple, though I have a far more complex and thorough framework that I encourage all participants to slowly work through.

Please use this simple version when posting your information publicly. This is for the reference of other players on what their character should know about yours:
[Hider=Public Sheet]
[b]Primary Alias:[/b] The name they give when asked.
[b]Appearance:[/b] Abridged, but sufficient, visual definition of the character.
[b]Equipment:[/b] Any visible equipment (omit concealed) or items the character keeps on their person.
[b]Reputation:[/b] The information other characters would be expected to know.
[b]Recent History:[/b] A writing excerpt from their relatively recent past. Doubles as a writing sample (under 1000 words please).

[code][b]Primary Alias:[/b] The name they give when asked.
[b]Appearance:[/b] Abridged, but sufficient, visual definition of the character.
[b]Equipment:[/b] Any visible equipment (omit concealed) or items the character keeps on their person.
[b]Reputation:[/b] The information other characters would be expected to know.
[b]Recent History:[/b] A writing excerpt from their relatively recent past. Doubles as a writing sample (under 1000 words please).
[/code][/hider]
Please submit this version of the sheet to the GM via private message. A few bits of this are not known to other characters and you are not required to reveal them publicly unless you want to. PM sheet submissions are [b]not required until an OOC thread is posted[/b].
[hider=Submitted Sheet]
[b]Name:[/b] Current legal name
[b]Aliases:[/b] Any other names used or answered to.
[b]Sex:[/b] Needs no explanation.
[b]Appearance:[/b] Thorough visual description, including preferred wardrobe & any identifying marks.
[b]Equipment:[/b] Whatever items the character may carry with him/her.
[b]Abilities:[/b] Physical and magical abilities the character possesses at present.
[b]Recent History:[/b] A writing excerpt from their relatively recent past. Doubles as a writing sample (under 1000 words please).

[code][b]Name:[/b] Current legal name
[b]Aliases:[/b] Any other names used or answered to.
[b]Sex:[/b] Needs no explanation.
[b]Appearance:[/b] Thorough visual description, including preferred wardrobe & any identifying marks.
[b]Equipment:[/b] Whatever items the character may carry with him/her.
[b]Abilities:[/b] Physical and magical abilities the character possesses at present.
[b]Recent History:[/b] A writing excerpt from their relatively recent past. Doubles as a writing sample (under 1000 words please).[/code]
[/hider]
This final sheet is my personal Master Character Framework[sup]TM[/sup] and is extremely thorough. I recommend all persons interested work through this for their character. This is not strictly required, nor will I be checking up on it. However, it will help you flesh out your character incredibly well. This may seem intimidating, so I recommend working through it slowly. [b]This is not required.[/b] Do not feel like this needs to be anywhere close to complete to start posting. It does not. Develop it at your leisure.
[hider=Master Character Framework]
[h3]Basic[/h3]
[indent][b]Name[/b]
[indent]Name given at birth/legal name.[/indent]
[b]Aliases[/b]
[indent]Include both accepted and resented pseudonyms/nicknames.[/indent]
[b]Sex[/b]
[indent]Needs no explanation.[/indent][/indent]
[h3]Appearance[/h3]
[indent][b]Physique[/b]
[indent]Include any relevant identifying characteristics. No amount of pictures can substitute for a well-written description.[/indent]
[b]Wardrobe[/b]
[indent]Include signature apparel and general fashion preferences.[/indent]
[b]Demeanor[/b]
[indent]Include all non-physical components of general appearance e.g. mannerisms. Focus on baseline rather than specialized interactions.[/indent][/indent]
[h3]Psych Profile[/h3]
[indent][b]Goals/Motivations[/b]
[indent]Where does this person see themself down the road? What is it they hope to do? What keeps them doing what they’re doing? Section by item and explain.[/indent]
[b]Fears/Regrets[/b]
[indent]What is this person running from? What do they wish they could take back? What do they avoid at all costs?[/indent]
[b]Psychology[/b]
[indent]Describe more general thought patterns & processes. Be detailed and thorough. Explain in detail why they make the decisions they do.[/indent]
[b]Daily Routine[/b]
[indent]Walk through a daily routine. Make note of the (lack of) personal significance of all things.[/indent][/indent]
[h3]History[/h3]
[indent][b]Upbringing[/b]
[indent]Focus on early history and any relevant events within.[/indent]
[b]Defining Period/Event[/b]
[indent]Describe in detail the event that set them on their current path. Clearly show how the events that take place achieve that.[/indent]
[b]Noteworthy Incidents[/b]
[indent]Describe any other events in more recent history that are of relevance to the character or their reputation.[/indent][/indent]
[h3]Abilities[/h3]
[indent][b]Best Qualities[/b]
[indent]Defining positive personality attributes.[/indent]
[b]Worst Qualities[/b]
[indent]Defining negative personality attributes.[/indent]
[b]Strengths[/b]
[indent]Defining positive skills and physical abilities.[/indent]
[b]Weaknesses[/b]
[indent]Defining negative physical limitations.[/indent][/indent]
[h3]Ties[/h3]
[indent][b]Family[/b]
[indent]Section by relevant family members. Focus on describing perception and relationship.[/indent]
[b]Friends/Allies[/b]
[indent]Section by individual. Explain relationships well.[/indent]
[b]Enemies[/b]
[indent]Section by individual. Explain relationships and the causal circumstances.[/indent]
[b]Trinkets/Paraphernalia[/b]
[indent]Any physical object that holds meaning to the individual.[/indent][/indent]

[code][h3]Basic[h3]
[indent][b]Name[/b]
[indent]Name given at birth/legal name.[/indent]
[b]Aliases[/b]
[indent]Include both accepted and resented pseudonyms/nicknames.[/indent]
[b]Sex[/b]
[indent]Needs no explanation.[/indent][/indent]
[h3]Appearance[/h3]
[indent][b]Physique[/b]
[indent]Include any relevant identifying characteristics. No amount of pictures can substitute for a well-written description.[/indent]
[b]Wardrobe[/b]
[indent]Include signature apparel and general fashion preferences.[/indent]
[b]Demeanor[/b]
[indent]Include all non-physical components of general appearance e.g. mannerisms. Focus on baseline rather than specialized interactions.[/indent][/indent]
[h3]Psych Profile[/h3]
[indent][b]Goals/Motivations[/b]
[indent]Where does this person see themself down the road? What is it they hope to do? What keeps them doing what they’re doing? Section by item and explain.[/indent]
[b]Fears/Regrets[/b]
[indent]What is this person running from? What do they wish they could take back? What do they avoid at all costs?[/indent]
[b]Psychology[/b]
[indent]Describe more general thought patterns & processes. Be detailed and thorough. Explain in detail why they make the decisions they do.[/indent]
[b]Daily Routine[/b]
[indent]Walk through a daily routine. Make note of the (lack of) personal significance of all things.[/indent][/indent]
[h3]History[/h3]
[indent][b]Upbringing[/b]
[indent]Focus on early history and any relevant events within.[/indent]
[b]Defining Period/Event[/b]
[indent]Describe in detail the event that set them on their current path. Clearly show how the events that take place achieve that.[/indent]
[b]Noteworthy Incidents[/b]
[indent]Describe any other events in more recent history that are of relevance to the character or their reputation.[/indent][/indent]
[h3]Abilities[/h3]
[indent][b]Best Qualities[/b]
[indent]Defining positive personality attributes.[/indent]
[b]Worst Qualities[/b]
[indent]Defining negative personality attributes.[/indent]
[b]Strengths[/b]
[indent]Defining positive skills and physical abilities.[/indent]
[b]Weaknesses[/b]
[indent]Defining negative physical limitations.[/indent][/indent]
[h3]Ties[/h3]
[indent][b]Family[/b]
[indent]Section by relevant family members. Focus on describing perception and relationship.[/indent]
[b]Friends/Allies[/b]
[indent]Section by individual. Explain relationships well.[/indent]
[b]Enemies[/b]
[indent]Section by individual. Explain relationships and the causal circumstances.[/indent]
[b]Trinkets/Paraphernalia[/b]
[indent]Any physical object that holds meaning to the individual.[/indent][/indent][/code]
[/hider]
[hr]
Some additional lore bits have been put together into coherent sentences from my piles of scratch notes, for your reading pleasure.

[b]The Magic of Avalon[/b]
[indent]The aetherial energy that flows through the world is a manifestation of the very forces of Creation and Annihilation themselves. Its potential is limitless, but the limits of those who bring it to bear are very real. The bigger the goal, the more energy it takes. The laws of thermodynamics still apply; the human body can only contain so much energy before the wielder suffers irreparable internal damage. For tasks that demand more than a single being’s potential, multiple sorcerers can channel their strength through another, briefly granting them the combined power of everyone. Alternatively, carefully refined crystals can be used to store and to focus magical energies and enhance the power of an individual.

Once power is held, it can do whatever its wielder desires it to do. Directed casts are often guided with simple hand gestures, though sheer force of will is sufficient for the task if the caster is up to it. The limits of its uses are the limits of the caster’s imagination and the fundamental laws of the universe. Matter, energy, and souls cannot be created nor destroyed. The flow of time cannot be altered. The player characters have been touched by fate, and possess a natural affinity for the aetherial arts. They will learn quick and can bring incredible power to bear, but even they are not infallible.[/indent]
[b]The Lost Races[/b]
[indent]Avalon was once home to many peoples, most well in tune with its magics. In their unholy crusade against the magical forces, the Vahlen Dynasty has seen all others cast into unreachable exile, or hunted to extinction. The dwarven forge-cities once ran the world with their mighty output of goods. The great elven kingdoms once ruled over half of Avalon. Now one is barricaded in isolation within their mountain fortresses, and the other is believed long destroyed. Rumor has it that the last elven bastion resides deep within the forests of Khabbirack, though none have been seen by the likes of men for nearly a century.[/indent]
[b]The Fifth Cycle of Sorcerers[/b]
[indent]The rise of great and powerful sorcerers touched by the hand of fate has come every three hundred years for over a millennium. In the second cycle, those who rose saw it as an opportunity to remake the world in their image, rather than serving the world as it was. Their apocalyptic conquest redefined the world order, and forever vilified the fateful sorcerers of the cycles. Fate does not make the sorcerers good or evil. But without fail, men of power have seen them as a threat to their continued rule and sought to control or destroy them, and they have fought back with equal fury. The Vahlen family has gone further, demonizing the very magic that Avalon once thrived upon, for without magic there can be no sorcerers. Now Friedrich seeks to snuff out the fifth cycle in its infancy, securing the dynasty for centuries to come and finally ridding Avalon of the aetherial powers he so disdains. The sorcerers of the fifth cycle have a terrible choice to make: see the end of magic in Avalon and the continued tyranny of the Vahlen Dynasty for centuries ... or become the villains they are made out to be and tear the Vahlens’ world down.[/indent]
[b]The Order of the Inquisition[/b]
[indent]The Order of the Inquisition is relatively young, having been established not long before Friedrich’s reign began. Though predating him, Friedrich Vahlen has wielded them with uncompromising ruthlessness, and they have since become associated closely with his reign, more so even than his father who created the order. Inquisitors of the order, in the utmost cliche, adorn a witch hunter’s top hat and sleek, menacing black armor. They are well trained, well equipped, merciless, and relentless. If the Order of the Inquisition wants someone’s head, the only question is how quickly they will get it. Perhaps most terrifying is just how subtly they can operate, often working swiftly and quietly under cover of night. While many have never seen an agent of the Inquisition, most imperial citizens know better than to attempt to lie to one if they wish to keep all of their fingers.[/indent]