Cold. That's how you felt. Cold. A sapping coldness. A coldness that chilled you to the bone. A cold that took every breath you took. Winds howling past, mixed with the cacophonous calls of the Elder Beast Azral Suralng, the Restless Rimefrost as it trudged past on its eternal migration. The village had been prepared, at least, that is what you had thought. Chief Enli had ensured, or at least done his best to make sure everyone had plenty of food, sheltering as many as he could in both his longhouse, while the Priestess Akala let everyone who could fit inside the old temple, let them. Still...it wasn't enough for everyone and even in such shelter some could still bear the brunt of the blizzard if your source of warmth went out. The blizzard howled outside, and for a moment you'd think you'd hear a voice...a beautiful, voice...but it was getting hard to see, or stay awake. Why was it so hot now? Your body felt like it was on fire, did you accidentally burn yourself? Maybe it'd be best to take off your clothes...but that'd be dumb, it was freezing here? Why was it so hot - Tired...tiredness would soon overcome you. maybe if you slept, it'd be better in the morning... ... ...... .......... ............ [color=6ecff6]"Oh dear, oh dear...well what have we here? Another poor, lost soul? Haaa, so many still dying..."[/color] Well, this was odd. You couldn't move, nor could you really recognize the voice presented to you. It was feminine, but your vision was dark, and she herself obscured by a veil of shadowy moonlight. The sound of water would gently caress your ears, almost as if you were floating. [color=6ecff6]"Ah, sorry about that...its a bit dark, isn't it? Here, let me just..."[/color] The cold previously would melt away, as would the tiredness within your body. You still couldn't move, but you no longer felt like you were on the verge of embracing darkness or visiting the underworld. The darkness at the edge of your vision too, would fade, and standing before you was a [url=https://i.imgur.com/ogzwc7J.jpg]woman wearing a robe of water.[/url] Surrounding her were innumerable celestial bodies overhead while underneath was an ocean of stars that would blend together as if it and her robe were one and the same. Far, Far below you could almost swear you could see a small sphere of mostly blue and ice-white below. [color=6ecff6]"There we are, that's better. Hehe, surprised to see me again? Hm? What we've never met before? Ah, sorry, sorry, I was thinking of something else. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Delpithi. The Lunar Goddess of Heroes, Trials, and Oceans."[/color] The woman would proclaim, and indeed, you would be unable to deny it however you desired too. [color=6ecff6]"Why have I called you here? Tsk tsk, so impatient. Not even a hello? Or ask me how my day was? I tell you dealing with other gods can be so utterly [i]annoying[/i]. What, you don't care? Ow, my poor little goddess heart. Well, you're about to care a lot because currently you are juuuust on the precipice of dying."[/color] Ah. So that's what it was. You had been on the verge of freezing to death, was that it? Was that what the Goddess was implying? [color=6ecff6]"Hehe, don't give me that look. I've done this specifically to stop that from happening. The world has gotten rather stale, wouldn't you agree? So the other Gods and I have decided for more...direct intervention. We've chosen you~! Congratulations, hehe~!"[/color] The Goddess laughed.[color=6ecff6] "Well, you and about five others. You'll get to know them fairly quickly, I'm certain. So here's what's going to happen. You are going to live. We've all agreed. And you...will survive."[/color] A brief moment of silence where you could contemplate the rather...simple request. [color=6ecff6]"What? Expecting me to ask more? Please you could barely survive a blizzard. How could I ask you to do more at the moment?"[/color] She'd laugh. [color=6ecff6]"You will survive. And you will build. You will unite, gather, and [i]thrive[/i]. So I'll be giving you a little gift. Don't worry, its nothing big or special. Something to help...guide you since its much easier than direct intervention." [/color] Your vision would slowly start getting dark again, the creeping feeling of coldness washing over you once more. [color=6ecff6]"Seems our time is up. You may only have a vague recollection of this conversation, but if nothing else you will remember this: Delpithi has Chosen you as a Hero and you [i]will[/i] entertain me. Hehe...got it? Then I have no further reason to keep you."[/color] You'd find yourself sinking into the starry waterlogged abyss below, dragged by some force...and soon, you'd waken in your room again. You could just barely remember what was said, but if nothing else you'd remember that final bit...but what gift was she speaking of? Ah...the howling wind and snow had ceased. Outside, a bright, sunny clear day filtered down over the village of Dawn. It was a blizzard. Nothing unusual there, really. The lands of Lyreneth have been plagued by such frigid conditions ever since humans left the Tower and settled within the continent. What was unusual, though, was simply how severe it was...and the Elder Beast Azral Suralng, ever wandering deciding to make its migration path right through the village. Its kin not only spread soul-stealing frost, but attacked any villager they could get their hands on as it slowly passed by the village on that terrible day. Honestly, its a miracle even a hundred of you survived. Well, thank the goddess as they say... [hr] Hello hello, welcome to the [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/183108-the-epic-of-beginnings-fragments-of-a-weathered-scroll/ic]Reboot of the Epic of Beginnings[/url]! As you may have guessed, its a reboot of that particular RP that I ended last month for various reasons. Namely, to fix some inherent mechanical issues that became very apparent after two years. This new version will be a bit smaller scale, instead of focusing on everyone building their own nations, it will entirely be focused on the characters working together to rebuild the currently ailing village of Dawn after it was ravaged by both an unusually harsh blizzard as well as the Elder Beast of Rime. Maybe you almost died, maybe you didn't. Either way, the Goddess would have contacted you in some fashion regardless. I won't get into too much here, since every here are probably the same folks from the previous iteration and we've already discussed a few things about how things will be run in discord, however there are a few points that weren't discussed that I'll be going over below and putting things there just for ease of access. The main thing is the little bit of assistance the Goddess mentioned. Rather than giving everyone special abilities, she'll be giving everyone access to a sort of...hm, if I were to use game terms, a 'Quest Menu' and 'Inventory/Character Screen'. [hider=Like So] Current Location: Dawn Time: Morning/Noon/Evening/Night/Late Night [hr] Hearsay, Events, and other things: 1. You overheard the Dwarf, Asvar mention not having enough ore. Maybe you could ask him about it 2. The Chiralta, Calra, is standing nearby her shop seemingly asking if anyone could help her with something. 3. Hm...a huntress with short brown hair is standing near the outskirts of the village. Maira, is her name. She lives by herself in the forest. Odd to see her here by herself, without her wolf companion. 4. A fisherman is complaining about something spooking the fish. Without this staple food, the villages chances of survival drastically decreased. 6. There's an old man with a white beard and silver eyes holding a cane upside down in his hand standing on a tree stump in the middle of town. Odd, he seems familiar but you don't recognize him...do you? You want to say you do and don't at the same time. Perhaps saying hi could job your memory. 7. Does nothing catch your eye? Perhaps there could be something else if you poke your nose around where it doesn't belong. [hr] Current Objectives: Mie has requested help, she's under attack by some of the Yaga Clan not far too the north. The Kyrnith has attacked the hunters and is attacking the village! Fend it off! [hr] Insert skills here [hr] Other misc info. [/hider] It will be a bit more in-depth and likely a bit more fleshed out in the actual RP, but its mostly for helping people keep track of things that could be of potential interest during down-time between plot related events that are listed under current objectives. I'll be placing this at the bottom of every GM post, even if you are currently wrapped up in a plot. As well, people will have free access to it to view individual inventories, skills, and other things special and of individual note to their character. Consider it as sort of official gm direction for things that you could do if you're feeling unsure of what you can do. What do I mean by skills? Well, Ideally people will be starting with a few noteworthy and usable skills related to both their history and racial perks they choose. A bit like D&D if you want to get technical. Ideally people will have 2 applicable perks from their background, and whichever one from their racial affinities...which I shall list below along with the races themselves. [h3]-Races-[/h3] [hider=Races] [b]Human:[/b] The humans of the world are one of the oldest, if not the most numerous race due to their connection with the Nameless Time God. In the past its said they committed some great offense against Delpithi, though whatever it has was lost to the Moonless Era. In this day and age, they primarily worship the Sage for wisdom and Guidance. They possess no special talents, aside from perhaps ingenuity and persistence. They can primarily be found in Chagawa, Dawn, Svyataya Zemlya, territories held by the Apostles and Elysium Towers. Choosing a human will grant the following: [list] [*] Adaptability: Humans, while they bear no special natural born talents, their limit for growth and power is near infinite should they choose to cultivate said power. They, in their finite lives will find it easier to learn new skills and adapt to new situations if they put their mind to it. [/list] [b]Dwarf:[/b] The Dwarves of Azurumnal, located in the Sky Reach mountain range, under the mountain known as ‘The Worlds Provenance’. Dwarves say this is where the Great Sage created the majority of the continent before ascending to the heavens. The sage led them here after they left their old homeland as it was overrun with terrible demons from the Moonless Era. Ruled not by a king, but by a council consisting of representatives of the Castes. Scholars stand at the top, followed by Warriors, then by Miners, Merchants, General Laborers, and those that have no caste. They possess a relic known as the ‘Sage’s Eye’ which is said to be the source of all water in both Azurumnal and Gloomhollow as it constantly generates an infinite source of fresh water. They also possess a unique ability and culture of ‘stone singing’ which allows them to move stone and earth with voices alone, often sung in rhyming verse though not all dwarves pursue it and its considered something of an art to them. Often no taller that five foot five with sturdily built bodies Choosing a dwarf will grant the following. [list] [*]Dwarven Physique: Short, hardy folk of the mountain. They possess average strength and endurance greater than that of humans. They can both take a beating and dish out a beating despite their short stature. [/list] [b]Chiralta:[/b] The wandering and wistful Chiralta people. While they can be found all over the lands, they are primarily seen in the Northern Snow Fields, eking out a living following the God Ealdir and Tythera. Compared to the other races, those of the Chiralta can come in many different forms. While they are primarily based on arachnids, their appearance varies depending on what particular star-sign they are born under. The most common are the Chiraldir, humanoids with obviously arachnid appearances, typically sporting a set of spider-like pair of extra arms and an extra pair of eyes along with fangs. They are often healers and fortune-tellers. Less common are the Tycherta who are born with the lower body of a spider and the upper torso of a human. They are physically imposing, and often end up acting as the muscle for the caravans as well as artisans and craftsman. Extremely rare are those born under Tythera’s constellation, and are considered the be the Goddess’ few chosen. They are just…spiders. Typically extremely large, sentient spiders. Powerful, long lived, they are just as intelligent as any other mortal and don’t seem to mind being born like this. Depending on their size, they can act as mounts, beasts of burden, or even shelters if large enough. The largest one was supposedly able to carry an entire caravan of thirty people plus supplies on its back. (unplayable, as none would leave the caravans) They have no formal body of government, relying on their God and Goddess for direction and leadership, who both seem happy to oblige. They generally are peaceful people who are happy to help travelers and those who find themselves stumbling upon their caravans. Yearly, a majority of the caravans convene in their Sacred Land for a month, where the Chiralta will discuss any discoveries, visit relatives, trade stories of their travels, and make offerings to their Gods. Typically a fairly risque affair, according to some of them…and a secretive one. While outsiders aren’t unwelcome, not a single Chiralta speaks of where this ‘Sacred Land’ is, and few outsiders have ever set eyes on it. They often tell outsiders if they ask that the land doesn’t exist and its just a joke they tell others. Choosing a Chiralta will depend on which of the two forms you choose. [list] [*] Guidance of the Stars: The Chiraldir have a far stronger connection to Ealdir, as they say. The stars guide their steps and judgements and warns them of danger. They will roughly know from where and how in danger they are should they be in such a situation. [*] Silk-weavers: Tycherta quite literally, produce vast quantities of silk thanks to their spider like bodies and nature. Quite useful, and is typically strong as any weapon. [/list] [b]Sardell/Frost Elves/Little Elves[/b] What do you get when Fey and Elves procreate with one another? Elves that possess Faerie magic that typically don’t grow taller than 4’5. The blue skinned Sardell Elves are a small and diminutive race of Elves that are the result of Fey and Elves intermingling for various reasons. Because of this, despite their small size they do possess some of their ancestor elves physical ability while also keeping some of their more subtle fey powers…and some of their more mischievous personality tendencies. Their society is focused greatly on meditation, worship of Kyshella, and purification of demons and have perfected a kind of hand-to-hand and melee combat despite their diminutive size that is aided by their natural abilities. They usually, however, do not have access to the typical Elvish Leargas. Their magic typically includes purification, curses as well as lesser versions of other fey-related magic. The Little Elves of the far north live upon ‘the ever moving glacier’ named because, well, its location isn’t certain. It in fact, moves across the northern seas freely. Why? Unbeknownst to all but them, its a massive Elder Beast that has a glacier upon its back, and the Ice Elves live within and around it. Named ‘Saphed Kachua’, it is a peaceable creature that does not seem to possess any more intelligence than a housecat, and does not seem to mind the elves which live upon it. Rumors say that there is an entrance to the Fifth Circle of Naraheim here. Choosing a Sardell will grant the following: [list] [*] Kyshella's Purity: Due to their connection with their goddess, the Sardell boast an innately strong resistance to things considered 'evil'. They resist influences of any mind-altering affects and can pinpoint any small amount of demonic corruption or presence no matter how small s well as any other source of instability within the world. [/list] [b]Raam[/b] The hardy people of metal bones. Human in appearance, but the God Grams gave them unbreakable bones and physical resilience. Few in number, but long lived and possess immunity to most diseases and toxins. They live along a large inland sea to the south and are often in conflict with both the Apostles and Bastelians for various reasons due to their own desire for testing their unbreakable bodies in battle. They however, are not impenetrable nor are they infallible - they are incredibly susceptible to heat for one. Their bones may also be unbreakable, but it does not stop other wounds nor does it stop a sword from gutting their stomach. As well, they tend to have to eat twice as much as their normal human counterparts to sustain themselves despite being similarly sized. As well, they do not reproduce naturally, either - they are quite literally created by their God, typically only a 'birth' happening every few years. It should also be noted Raam are 'born' fully adult, with all information needed to function and language instilled in them by their God. Because of this, they do occasionally have trouble with the population. Overall, the Raam barely number above 200 in total that live in their temple city of Allohold. When a Raam dies, its often a great loss for them, even returning their bodies to Grams, it may take years for another to be born. Most are close knit due to this, and all usually live within this temple complex. To them, as well, no crime is greater than the murder of one of their own. Fighting is fine, but to actually kill - is absolutely taboo. They are incapable of swimming due to their higher body mass, and are incapable of magic for whatever reasons. Choosing a Raam will grant the following: [list] [*] Body of Steel: While their skin is still skin, and organs still organs, there is not a blade nor mortal creature that can break the Raam's bones leading them to be quite formidable on the battlefield and possessing fortitude similar to those of dwarves. [/list] [b]Oni[/b] The Oni of Chagawa are a violent bunch. Claiming heritage from the old Demon Serpent that the Four Guardian beasts killed, they possess inhumanly strong bodies and fortitude and a typically savage nature. Its no secret that the more violent and savage clans can and will devour the humans they capture. Not all are that violent however. Divided into clans just as the humans are, with vastly differing beliefs they are often led by the rule of Strength. The largest clan, Hashiyama, is currently leading a campaign of terror against the humans and Kitsune, forcing the smaller clans to bend knee and join. The only exception is the Merchant Clan Yukima. They are mainly based on the Shikonai. Choosing an Oni will grant the following: [list] [*] Hellion Blood: While already inherently strong, if angered or they simply wish to, Oni can regress into little more than violent demons if they are not careful. Taking a much more monstrous appearance, and an increase in physical ability...however their blood also makes them incredibly weak to holy artifacts and purifying spells. [/list] [b]Kitsune[/b] Descendants from the two nine-tailed guardians, The Kitsune of Chagawa are either a mischievous bunch or an isolationist society, depending on which of the two clans you're dealing with. The Kufumi Clan are a studious bunch, preferring to stay on their mountain home of Kaokuta that they share with the Miyaka clan. They are the priests and caretakers of the Noble white fox. Festivals are held both on the day the serpent was slain as well as the day the Black Fox was put down. One for celebrating, the other for warding off evil spirits. The Miyaka, conversely, were once the priests and caretakers of the little black fox - who was also the one corrupted by the Demon God when the Oni first appeared. Often seen as omens of bad luck, should a human run into one. A lackadaisical and overall non-serious bunch, most often spend their days playing pranks on humans. Less known is the fact though, most are trained assassins and spies. Similarly, two festivals are held by them as well. One the same as their cousins, the second though, is more of positive rite that is designed to help spirits on their way to the Underworld. Choosing a Kitsune will grant the following: [list] [*] Child of the Guardian Beast: As descendants of the two Great Foxes, the Kitsune possess a deep connection to the land they are from. Though not all train in the art, all can call upon the power of either one of the guardian beasts. Doing so often grants the Kitsune a temporary boon to magical ability and inherent ability to resist and admonish evil spirits and Oni. Its said one day, among the kitsune, the Guardian Foxes shall be reborn. [/list] [b]Shadow Elf:[/b] A race of Elves that live deep underground beneath the Sky Reach mountains. They managed to survive the Moonless Era by making some sort of deal with a demon that would give them forms and abilities suitable for living underground and avoiding the horrors above. With such a deal, they not only survived but also prospered. Often treated with suspicion and disdain by their Tamalan and fey cousins because of this. However, they no longer associate with demons and instead act as self-proclaimed guards of Naraheim in order to stop demons from getting closer to the surface or making sure the demons sleeping there do not wake. Sporting skin colors from pale white to grey, the Shadow Elves are skilled with magic and learned the arts of ‘Soul Domination’ from the demons. A particularly heinous form of magic that allows a user to alter and change their own and others nature - that is quite literally changing one's nature from one thing to another. Only practiced by the elite mages of the Shadow Elves, and while not illegal and can be used for good, its often used for more…dubious reasons. While some possess the ability of the Leargas, it is considered a rare talent for them. Ruled typically by either a Queen or King, whichever is the child of the current monarch at the time. Their home of Gloomhollow, is rather pleasant all things considered. Choosing a Shadow Elf will grant the following: [list] [*] Mage Blood: A society that highly venerates the magical arts and skills. Their blood is highly magically reactive due to their histories, and as such have an easier time learning and controlling the magical energies of the world. [/list] [b]Forest Elf[/b] Cosain Elves, or Forest elves as they are most commonly known as, are the residents of the Tamaln forest, one of the few actually green forests upon the land with trees as tall as mountains and a pleasant climate thanks to the protection of the Fey which inhabit it. They possess strong physical abilities, and are a proud tribe of honorable warriors for that is what they were created for - by the Fey to act as their eyes, ears, and protectors in ancient times since the Fey while possessing arguable powerful magic, are physically weaker. Led often by a King from the royal family, or appointed by the Fey should any disputes arise, they generally are peaceful, though highly territorial and seem to always be in conflict with the Bastelians and Apostles they share relative close proximity to. They have a fairly communal society, as they have no concept of monetary value - the Fey have always provided for them and have promised to always provide for them so long as they do their duty to protect it, the forest will provide. That’s not to say they don’t understand that things can have some form of value - just that money in the form of gold and other things seems silly to them when they could just go out in the forest and hunt for food themselves. Most like to unwind the day with a drink or a public feast. When it comes to magic, they possess very little save for the Leargas, or the ‘Ancestor Protection’. All the Forest elves possess an ability to connect with and channel the abilities of their ancestors, typically granting both formidable superhuman strength as well as some special skills relating to their ancestors. Some might find themselves able to use magic had their ancestors were Elvish Druids, or perhaps they’d find themselves able to push their bodies beyond limits had they been injured. Learning to use the Leargas, however, is extremely dangerous and could very well result in ones death. As such, its rare for any to actually go through with it save for the king who must learn it. Choosing a Forest Elf will grant the following: [list] [*] Ancestral Scion: The fey created the Elves with a specific purpose in mind - to protect, and constantly learn in order to do that. As such, they instilled the Elves with a specific ability to call upon their ancestors. Most often it simply takes the form as some sort of sixth sense to make the supernaturally good at some skill, rarer some elves earn particular favor of an ancestor spirit and it manifests to protect them. Even rarer, though all are capable of it - is the Leargas. A skill that turns a living elf into an Incarnation of every single ancestor. [/list] [b]Fey[/b]The creators of the elves. Diminutive, small creatures barely a half a foot tall. Esoteric and enigmatic beings from the ‘Wildes’. At least, they were once upon a time. Their connection to their land of endless forest has supposedly been completely lost thanks to the Moonless Era. Their magic and abilities are far less direct, tending to be more focused on curses, illusions, altering the natural world and manipulation of the natural world. Fey magic is capable of much, though indirectly. They tend to be rather mischievous, though not often actively malicious unless you’re dealing with an Unseelie. The unseelie are the result of a curse being placed on a certain population of the Fey by some scorned god. Losing their natural and mysterious beauty, they were in turned twisted to look as vile as their soul had been. They possess similar abilities to their Seelie counterparts, though anything done by them will always end up twisted as they are, for their very beings became corrupted. They are rare in Tamaln as they are either hunted or sealed within special groves. They have no formal society, and though there may exist Kings or Queens, they are hardly united as Fey much rather prefer freedom and adherence to no one group. Choosing a Fairy will grant the following: [list] [*] Otherworld Scion: Originally hailing from a different realm in ancient times, the Fey became stranded here during the Moonless Era, cutting them off from their realm of spring and mystical forests. They are inherently alien beings to this realm, and as such do not play by some of its rules. The very fabric of the world is unstable around them, making it easier for them to perform feats of alteration to themselves or others. [/list] [b]Valtem:[/b] A curious race that lives in the just as curious region known as the Amethyst isles. For one, they’re a race consisting completely of females. Secondly, they tend to take a more Aquatic, fish like appearance for the simple fact, they are the children of an Elder Beast known as Valla Levetha. Possessing lithe bodies, most are athletically built and possess a myriad of scale colors ranging from black, blue, white, violet, orange. They possess fins, gills typically located on the sides or neck, or other features that aid one in moving underwater. They are an oddity among oddities for a number of reasons, but perhaps the most glaring…how did an Elder Beast make humanoid creatures? They are not just humans who worshiped it and were blessed by it, the Valtem are uniquely created by this Elder Beast. However, their disposition towards others leaves much to be desired. While they can be considered beautiful, they are also entirely carnivorous, and its not unheard of for them to drag humans back to their underwater homes, drowning a human before devouring them. Interaction with them is rare because of this, and little is known about their society otherwise. Of course, being an all-female race means that they do need to find other willing partners if they wish to reproduce. Many will often leave home and explore around just for this purpose. They can be found all up and down the Amethyst Isles and its surrounding seemingly flash-frozen jungle. Tend to be skilled with water based magic and are extremely athletic and possess extreme resistance to cold weather and temperatures. They however, are extremely sensitive to loud sounds and don’t do well if on land for extended periods, especially in dryer areas and around fire. Due to the fact they usually spend most of their lives underwater, they tend not to wear or have a concept of clothing aside from decorating their bodies with various colorful trinkets from the sea though they do wear armor if intending to fight. Choosing a Valtem will grant the following: [list] [*] Blessing of Lavetha: Valtem possess a special connection to Valla Lavetha. As their 'mother' and creator, they carry with them the blessing of the sea, and allows them to use water based magics as a natural talent. [/list] [b]Yaga Clan[/b] The Clan of people sporting dog-like ears and typically white hair and lupine, yellow or red eyes. They live within the shadow of Svyataya Zemlya, on the land under the city though they are loosely scattered all through the central region. A hardy folk of unknown origin, though they may have roots in the Moonless Era from humans who messed with magical forces in order to survive. A society focused heavily on veneration of a various spirits and following a Supreme serpent Deity and veneration of various lesser animal spirits born from it. Though they pledge allegiance to Zemlya, they do not share the same worship of them as the Krysa do. Their shamans are said to be able to shapeshift into beasts and animals in order to defend themselves, as well as possess a great knowledge of alchemy, curses, and abilities to perceive time. Each clan is led by some form of elder, and occasionally the Elders will convene to discuss things, but typically they’ll be fairly independent of one another. Typically a strong and physically hardy race unbothered by the cold. A curious note, is that most of the Yaga are absolutely terrified of Rifelshka and only venerate her enough as to not incur her wrath. Choosing a Yaga will grant the following: [list] [*] Burdened by Death: The Yaga absolutely fear the Goddess of Death, though for what reason its unknown only spoken of in hushed tones by their elders. Perhaps, it has something to do with their inherent connection to spirits and the dead, and their ability to interact with them without any special means or magic. [/list] [b]Krysa[/b] The main inhabitants of Svyataya Zemlya. A race of Matriarchal rat-folk whose women are as tall as most other races' men, and the men tend to be no taller than just over five feet. They worship the Elder Beast Vechnaya or the ‘Beast of Eternal Frost’ who claims to be the oldest and also the ‘most beautiful’ of the Beasts. They themselves follow their Tsarita, who in turn gets her orders directly from Vechnaya. It does not directly lead, and they do not actually receive blessings from them, for though they worship the beast, they do not ask for protection beyond what he has already given. They are tough, goal-oriented people who put 100% behind everything they do. The females are skilled with magic and tend to excel with leadership and charisma. Males are notoriously skilled marksmen and though they are not possessing extreme physical ability, they are quick on their feet and make use of that in anything they do and are excellent thieves and often tend to work together extremely well. Choosing a Krysa will grant the following. [list] [*] Frigid Crafts: The Krysa are a race of self-reliant hardy folk who rarely interact with any but the yaga that live in close proximity. While they have to special skills or physiques for surviving in such a harsh environment, they do one thing fairly well - put their minds and hands to use. Krysa know how to build and how to make things that are considered fairly advanced for the current state of the world, aiding with survival and keeping warm. [/list] [b]Bastelian:[/b] The chosen people of Auset-Kythet. With feline traits, they worship the Goddess of the Sun and are a particularly violent race of peoples who value strength and prowess in battle, with a tendency to view any race other than their own lesser unless they can go toe to toe with them in a fight. This honor only extends to the Raam, and not even the Harpy messengers are exempt from this. Led by one chosen by the Goddess, they will typically rule for life unless they are overthrown due to being seen as less worthy - only the strong have a right to rule, after all. They routinely go out into the surrounding snow fields and conduct raids for supplies and slaves from the various other races. Their own are not exempt from this, and ‘any who are conquered should be honored to serve the goddess’. Needless to say, they are not very popular among other races and humans, as none are safe from their raids. Choosing a Bastelian will grant the following: [list] [*] Sun-Chosen: Their blood is fire, and their skin warm as the sun itself. Bastelian's are immune to the effects of frost and cold, and seem to get physically stronger the higher the closer the sun is towards the apex, while also getting weaker at night. [/list] [b]Harpy[/b] The messengers and servants of Auset-Kythet. Humanoids with wings for arms, taking the appearance of various birds, namely birds of prey or owls. While they lack the physical ability of the Bastelians, they have a powerful affinity for wind and fire and are typically fairly intelligent. They tend to be scribes, scholars, and writers. They are rarely seen outside of the Sun Temple aeries and the surrounding canyon. They do often act as advisors, strategists, and prefer bow and arrow if forced to wield weapons though most will choose to flee rather than fight if confronted directly. The Harpy society is led entirely by the high priestess who is considered both a mouth for the sun goddess and one who shares part of her will along with the Leader of the Bastelians. In this way, they have a sort of balancing act where both the Harpy high priest and the Bastelian must reach some sort of agreement before acting in unison or deciding upon major problems. Choosing a Harpy will grant the following: [list] [*]Divine Solar Wings: Messengers of Aesut-Kythet, they are her devotees. They share the same immunity to cold that the Bastelian do, but possess a different blessing. Their wings are of steel, razor sharp and sturdy serving both as armor and weapons. [/list] [b]Mothraki[/b] Appearing as humanoid moths, the Mothraki are a group of people who inhabit the same plot of land that the Bastelian’s do. Bitter rivals, they worship the Elder Beast Algblaze or the ‘Cold Sun’. Right at home in frigid temperatures, the Bastelians consider them the tribe responsible for the worlds current ice-age. How true this is isn’t know, but the beast they worship is definitely one of ice and cold. They are masters of ice-based magic and moving swiftly, and their wings can spread a toxin that can, if they so desire, ‘fascinate and enthrall others’. They all tend to be rather vain and self centered about their outward appearance. Choosing a Mothraki will grant the following: [list] [*] Enthralling dust: Mothraki produce a potent pollen like dust upon their wings. Merely by existing they spread this where they go, though its mostly harmless if not inhaled in large quantities. Causes hallucinations and dulls one senses. As one may expect, people tend to frown upon this sort of thing. [/list] [/hider] Simple enough, I hope? I tried to give everyone mostly unique things that I felt weren't to terribly overpowered or could come in handy starting out, and to make the races at least all uniquely pleasant or attractive to be, and remember! They're just a base to work with. If you wanna play a Forest elf Mage, or a Mothraki berserker, as long as you can come up with a semi-plausible reason for it by all means. Of course, it'd be easier to run such ideas by me first! A last bit of world info I'll put here for the moment, are the various Divinities. I'll be organizing them better along with important Elder Beasts later, but for now this is intended to give people and help with a starting point. [h3]|Divinities|[/h3] Divine Entities When the Moonless Era ended, many of the gods of the Old World fell. Killed by the nightmares that plagued the era, and some, perhaps even by the hands of humans. Needless to say, much of their histories have been lost. No one is quite sure where Gods first came from, but as far as the populace is concerned, they have always been there. Whatever they believe though, their power is real, regardless of their origin. What is true - is that without them Humanity would likely not have survived and all tend to have some varying levels of benevolence towards humans. [hider=Gods and Goddesses] [b]Delpithi[/b] - Moon Goddess - Oceans, Stories, Heroes, Trials, Moon The Goddess of the Oceans. Likely the oldest and most prominent Goddess of the land. Often depicted as watching the world from a cistern from which rain and water falls from the sky and lands upon the earth to give birth to life and the oceans. She is considered the patron of heroes, chronicler of stories, and giver of trials and placer of obstacles. Her Divine Regalia is a book which records all tales from all histories and all realms upon its pages, a trident with three prongs on one end and a brush with which to write upon the other, and a blue dress made of water. Is very fond of humans and constantly seeks out worship, but has a tendency to give any who worship her trials to prove their worth. People who pray to her, typically do so to ask for salvation, or strength to complete some seemingly insurmountable challenge. Supposedly was born from the fragments of the Old Moon during the Moonless Era. You could likely say she just likes the attention. [b]Auset-Kythet[/b]- Sun Goddess - Sun, Strength, Light, Sky The winged bird of fire and light. When the Moonless Era ended, it was she who brought the blazing sun and warmth of light back to a cold, dead world. Typically worshiped by Bastelian and Harpy’s in the southern regions. A proud, arrogant Goddess who allows no weakness within her sight, and demands complete and utter respect from those who worship her. Her divine Regalia includes a crown of fire which gleams with fire and chases away the night and her own feathers iridescent and gold which can protect one from any sort of harm. Those who worship her often seek personal strength and camaraderie. She is often depicted sitting upon a throne of gold under a sun. Supposedly was born when a human during the Moonless Era climbed a heavenly tower and ‘released the sun from a silver cage’ [b]Rifelshka[/b] - Underworld Goddess - Order, Oaths, Judgment, Dead The little worshiped Goddess of the Underworld. Some say she’s as old as Delpithi, while some records say they share the same age. A quiet goddess who doesn’t even desire to be worshiped save by a select few and prefers to keep herself out of mortal matters unless undead are involved and is not worshiped by one select group of people. Most, lacking anywhere else to go, typically will find themselves drawn to her as per legend that the underworld is where all the unwanted and lost will eventually gather. She upholds all contracts, judges those who sin and has a hand in keeping the world stable and ensuring the dead can pass on either into some afterlife or are returned to the Sea of Beginnings and reincarnated. Often depicted with a lantern which she uses to judge and guide souls, a chain that binds both her to the underworld and others to their oaths, and a sword that can inflict death upon even immortal beings. Those that do worship her either do so to find belonging, or protection. In some aspects she’s the kindest god, while also remaining the cruelest. Her word is law in the underworld, and should you break it not even running to the ends of the earth shall save you. A few scattered legends say she became the Goddess of Death after her mother locked her and her sister in the underworld, fearing and jealous, hoping the underworld would kill her, where she would eventually steal the ‘secret of death’. [b]Iva’Krorh[/b] - God of Knowledge - Knowledge, Inspiration, Ingenuity, Learning The ever enigmatic God of Knowledge. Created by the Sage Urumna from the corpses of the old gods so that they may learn of the old world. Was a primary deity of Dawn in the past, though fell out of favor after his carelessness had almost unsealed a creature from the Moonless Era. While he doesn’t actively desire worship, nor need it, he often tempts mortals with excessively dangerous knowledge to see what they would do with it. He does however, seem to have some manner of responsibility as he will actively stop those who hold things he deems dangerous or the world unready for. Often depicted as a being lacking any features save for a long, slender body of white, an old man, or a hag. Possesses a Cane that when one is touched with it can confer divine knowledge and mask that will allow one to become anything they wish at the expense of becoming nothing at all. [b]Tythera[/b] - Goddess of Health -Secrets, Medicine, Magic, Artistry The secretive Goddess of Magic and Healing that is seen as primarily a teaching diety. Depicted as either a woman with eight arms, or a woman with the lower body of a spider. Worshiped primarily by the scattered Chiralta people. A Goddess of somewhat unknown origin, though they say she was born towards the end of the Moonless Era. She favors those who use their hands to create, as well as those who spend their lives in service of healing others. [b]Nameless Time God[/b] - God of Time - Time, Cycles, Endings, Renewal The Nameless God of the Apostles. Though his name and origins have long since been lost, they claim he is the first God of the world and much info about him is given by them. Depicted as an endless serpent that encapsulates the world, he has dominion over time, cycles, and renewal while also bringing the end of the Eras. They say when he sheds his skin, one Era ends and another begins - yet due to machinations of some unknown evils, the Era could not end properly and thus the Moonless Era was the result and thus this world should not exist as it is. [b]Sage Urumua[/b] - God of Luck - Science, Wisdom, Luck, Alchemy The once human beloved by the Moon who helped bring about the end of the Moonless Era and was given divinity by the Moon Goddess. Urumna is not their true name, but the name attributed to them by the Shadow Elves and Dwarves that they uplifted and blessed during the Moonless Era. Depicted as a genderless being, often wearing nothing but a long robe and long hair, though there are many interpretations - its said when they gave up their name in the underworld to gain the knowledge of how to make the God of Knowledge, their form and identity became uncertain. Worshiped widely by all humans save for the Apostles. Those who seek wisdom and understanding of the natural world will seek their advice, but the sage is often reluctant to help humans, unlike their child. [b]Ealdir[/b] - God of Travel - Stars, Travel, Fortune, Path-Maker The god of Stars and Travels. Worshiped primarily by the nomadic Chiralta along with Tythera. Though he was said to have been put to rest in the Moonless Era, it does not stop remnants from his power and influence to be felt. Those who endlessly travel - adventurers, nomads, merchants - often will find themselves in his service. Said to once have possessed a sword which could remove all obstacles and make the impossible a certainty. [b]Grams[/b] - God of Smithing - Metal, Lightning, Smithing, and Warriors The God of Metal and proud warriors. Worshiped by those of the stalwart Raam population. A supposedly honorable god who venerates combat, strength of body and blessed his followers with bodies of metal and fire, and was supposedly born sometime during the Moonless Era to lead people to victory against its monstrosities. The patron deity of the Raam people, or those seeking skill in battle and smithing. A giant temple is built to him upon the southern shores. [b]Kyshella[/b] - Goddess of Eternity - Eternity, Purification, Dawn, and Life The Goddess worshiped by the Frost Elves of the Wayfaring Glacier to the extreme north. Not much is known about her, however, due to the rarity of the Frost Elves ever leaving their home. Depicted as a dark-skinned woman sitting cross-legged upon an hourglass, a bow whose arrows can purify all evil and thoughts, and upon her head sits a crown of every realm and all realms that will ever exist. Supposedly loves dancing. [/hider] Hopefully that suffices in case there's something you wanna do with them...so without further ado, some small rules before you get the CS. If you're still here, I assume you at least have some desire to earnestly play so - [h3]~Rules~[/h3] 1. I have very few, and really, most are guidelines, but If nothing else, read this one. It is likely the most important rule here. In regards to combat - PvE should be simple enough. Against lesser mobs I'll likely let you go ham as you need to and feel free to describe what you do yourself. Against bigger threats though, you do not get to decide whether or not you hit an enemy - or if your attempt at something was successful or not. I do. If you're unsure, just ask. In the case of PvP...which really shouldn't happen here, but on the off chance it does, work it our yourselves or I'll be arbitrator of what happens. 2. I will be attempting to post twice a week for those that have posted. This is not exactly a hard and fast rule, as I won't be keeping any strict deadlines here. Only real rule I have - is post at your earliest convenience. At most I will be willing to wait a week. After that, I'll continue posting as usual whether you post or not. Go long enough, and well, I'll probably start checking for a replacement. 3. Once I make a final decision on something, that's it. I will try to be as fair in things as possible, but if you're not happy with it well...too bad, I guess. If you're unhappy enough to give me grief or constantly question my decision after then either leave yourself or I will eventually eject you from the RP and banish your character to the shadow realm. 4. I know we had ten players in the original...but honestly, that is far too many for what I want for this. I will be accepting [b][i]SIX[/i][/b] players at most. I apologize in advance for this, but I simple can not handle ten people in a single game. [hr] Supposing you're still here and ready to play, well, here's a CS! [hider=CS] [center]Photo Here[/center] [b]Name:[/b] [b]Gender:[/b] [b]Race[/b] [b]Appearance:[/b] [b]Bio[/b] [b]Goals:[/b] Any goals or aspirations? Want to be the best weaponmaster in the world? King of a prosperous nation? Just something that gives you something to do in game. A self-drive goal that you work towards outside of plot things. [b]Skills:[/b] (This should include both your racial and two background relevant skills. They shouldn't be [i]too[/i] amazing, but also enough that they're relevant to you and what you wanna do, if that makes sense. Just enough to give you some direction in game. Try to stay away from...charisma-type speaking skills or skills that are overly ambiguous or broad. [b]Inventory:[/b] You can start with things within reason, but no magical weapons or other op things...of course there can be leeway depending on discussion and background stuff, but just try to keep it in reason. If I tell you no, I mean no. [/hider] I think that's it? Any questions or comments, do ask or tell. I shall try my best to respond and answer as promptly and as fully as possible either here or in discord.