"There's a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can't take part! You can't even passively take part! And you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels…upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and you've got to make it stop! And you've got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you're free, the machine will be prevented from working at all!"
-Mario Savio
This RP will be set in an area that's on the brink of revolution. With years of civil unrest, and many separate factions that wish to see the current system of governing permanently changed.
So join a cause, raise up your arms, or just live out life in the countryside if you so wish, but be wary. Not everything is as it seems on the continent of Kyind'osa...
Introduction
Welcome to the land of Volvonweiss. The most peaceful city on the plains of T'ulaar. Or, at least, that's what they want you to think. The White Order's guards that is.
In power for the last 300 years, (304 to be exact), the Volksblot family of the capital city Volvonweiss has employed The Order as its main force to police the people.
Currently in power, King Ordammis Volksblot II, (age 26), is known to despise his people. Hatred has ran through his veins ever since he was a child. His father, King Ordammis Volksblot I, had him undergo a series of rituals at the Church of Almantis when he was only a baby. None of the civilians in Volvonweiss know for sure what the rituals were for, but it was commonly said to have caused the child to be possessed by horrible spirits. Spirits which granted the boy invincibility.
At age 10 young Ordammis snuck into his father's room, and carved a channel deep into his dad's esophagus. Information was later leaked that it took eight of The Order's guards to pull the small boy off from the deceased, former ruler.
Young Ordammis' uncle, Frueh, was sent into power a week after his father's untimely demise, but it wasn't long before he gave up the throne. Citing, "Strange, unprecedented episodes of schizophrenia", as his reason for leave. Frueh Volksblot disappeared seemingly overnight. Frueh was the first of several placeholders for the throne. Each of whom had a ruling term lasting only 3-7 days, and every one disappeared seemingly overnight.
After two and a half months of the crown switching hands, the high-priest was appointed to teach young prince Ordammis his duties, and how to rule the nation. Ordammis was taken from the castle and brought to the Church of Almantis for two years of prepping for the throne.
King by age 12, Ordammis quickly developed a superiority complex. By age 16 he demanded the highest taxes in the history of the nation, and personally gave public demonstrations of what happens to people who don't pay their taxes. He had The White Order forces nearly doubled by the time he turned 19, and kept expanding their influence over the people until the current state of seeing them everywhere had became commonplace to them.
The White Order's guards are known for their unprovoked ferocity, and they now had the most ruthless ruler in history controlling them.
Most people follow the strict laws, and live in constant fear of the omnipresent Order guards.
As far as being opposed, The Order faces no such problems. Anyone who dares rebel, or speak-out against King Ordammis, or The Order, are made examples of for the rest of the populace. Normally by being quartered, and dragged on the spot, although, "lesser", punishments are sometimes administered. It's not uncommon to walk down the cobble streets of Volvonweiss, and meet someone lacking the ability to speak. These individuals have spoken in a way that The Order deemed disrespectful, and have had their tongues removed, courtesy of King Ordammis. Any woman that The Order deems adulterous are tied to the nearest pole, and they have their Achilles tendons slashed, and a small, hemispherical mark gets branded onto their face. Thieves are stripped of all possessions, lashed 15 times with cat 'o nine tails whips, (each end having a lion's tooth tied to it), and they are then exiled to the desert.
"Purge all the blemishes of iniquity from the face of the planet, so that only the world's righteousness shines through."
-The first command that all new Order recruits hear upon completing their initiation.
Although most don't contest The Order directly, there still exist factions that don't mind living outside the law. These are The Color Groups: The Black Hand, The Blue Scorpion, The Yellow Hearse, The Red Railroad, and The Green Dragon. They make up the entirety of The Color Groups in order from oldest to youngest.
The Color Groups each have secret havens in every town and city on the plains. Although they all share the same hatred for the totalitarian government, each group is a completely different entity with different goals and practices.
The Black Hand: The only faction that takes direct action against The Order. Being the oldest of the Color Groups, (est. 237 years ago), older members of The Black Hand tend to hold the other groups in contempt, with the sole exception being The Blue Scorpions. In contrast to the other groups' hideouts, Black Hand havens are more akin to secret bases of operations for the faction. It is said that one of Ordammis' generals is actually a member of The Black Hand, but those who whisper of such things soon find it hard to whisper at all.
Goals: The Black Hand is Volvonweiss' best protector from Ordammis' tyranny, and they hope to soon be the force to finally dethrone the Volksblot family.
The Blue Scorpion: The second oldest members of The Color Groups, being just 3 years younger than The Black Hand. While in their hideouts members of The Blue Scorpion enjoy many pleasures that they could never enjoy in the city proper. Some just like the ambiance of the secret taverns that they meet at. Others enjoy fine, imported tobacco from J'irazz, the finest local whiskeys, or even some harder substances if they so desire. The Blue Scorpion has an open relationship with The Black Hand, and the two faction's members are allowed into the lesser gathering places of the other. Although The Scorpion doesn't agree with all the restrictions imposed on society by The Order, and members indulge themselves in a sinful atmosphere, most members of The Scorpion are devout in their country's faith.
Goals: Peace. Members of The Blue Scorpions long to live in a Volvonweiss that is untainted by the constant oppression of The Order. The small amount of dues that members have to pay go, in part, to the Black Hand's efforts to overthrow King Ordammis.
The Yellow Hearse: Some say these cutthroats are worse than The Order. The grittiest, most obscene member of The Color Groups. It's not uncommon for members to be murdered by other members, and member sacrifices are held weekly. This faction is famous for housing necrophiliacs, sadists, and masochists. All Yellow Hearse hideouts are nasty, and disease ridden. Cockroaches always cover the floors, and even rats pray to never have to end up in one of the Hearse's cesspools. A medical practitioner from The Black Hand once reported, "Half this city's illnesses could be conquered, if only their breeding grounds could be cleaned up." The Hearse started 27 years after The Black Hand, and consider The Hand as old, ignorant men, who are too set in their ways. The Yellow Hearse, and Blue Scorpion have strict policies about protecting their members from the other group. These sanctions weren't originally in place, but a chain of murders in each group were determined to have been acts of retaliation against the other. To say that the Hearse, and Scorpion's relationship is a tense one, would be an understatement.
Goals: Anarchy. Total, and complete destruction of the current system of government, and eventually all systems of government.
The Red Railroad: An occultist group that hides mostly in Agkhey, the town of perpetual fog that sits on the coast. However, few ever travel to Agkhey, and fewer still return to tell the tale. The Railroad meets with the Yellow Hearse on occasion, and they hold sacrifice events twice a year. Members meet up, and all kinds of debauchery take place. It's common knowledge in the country to not go outside during a full moon. The Railroad conducts their most grandiose rituals on these nights. The Railroad only associates with The Yellow Hearse, and couldn't care less about the other three groups. The capital seems to be a point of interest though...
Goals: The members of The Red Railroads seek esoteric knowledge, and hope to expand the influence of the occult throughout the continent. The higher-ups in the chain, however, seem to have their own agendas, and generally do not communicate with initiates outside of rituals and the occasional test of will.
The Green Dragon: Led by a three person committee known as, "The Wyrm Council," The Dragon is mostly a group of merchants that specialize in ill-gotten, or outlawed goods. Though there also exists a small mercenary presence in the group. The Dragon has only one, small meeting place for The Wyrm Council, and the other members make their rounds throughout the other faction's hideouts to sell their wares.
Goals: Profit. Most members of The Dragon have been orphaned at a young age, and they are scouted by the faction shortly after losing their parents. They are brought up to either be battlefield ready, or taught mathematics, and good business practices for selling wares to the other Color Groups.
-Mario Savio
This RP will be set in an area that's on the brink of revolution. With years of civil unrest, and many separate factions that wish to see the current system of governing permanently changed.
So join a cause, raise up your arms, or just live out life in the countryside if you so wish, but be wary. Not everything is as it seems on the continent of Kyind'osa...
Introduction
Welcome to the land of Volvonweiss. The most peaceful city on the plains of T'ulaar. Or, at least, that's what they want you to think. The White Order's guards that is.
In power for the last 300 years, (304 to be exact), the Volksblot family of the capital city Volvonweiss has employed The Order as its main force to police the people.
Currently in power, King Ordammis Volksblot II, (age 26), is known to despise his people. Hatred has ran through his veins ever since he was a child. His father, King Ordammis Volksblot I, had him undergo a series of rituals at the Church of Almantis when he was only a baby. None of the civilians in Volvonweiss know for sure what the rituals were for, but it was commonly said to have caused the child to be possessed by horrible spirits. Spirits which granted the boy invincibility.
At age 10 young Ordammis snuck into his father's room, and carved a channel deep into his dad's esophagus. Information was later leaked that it took eight of The Order's guards to pull the small boy off from the deceased, former ruler.
Young Ordammis' uncle, Frueh, was sent into power a week after his father's untimely demise, but it wasn't long before he gave up the throne. Citing, "Strange, unprecedented episodes of schizophrenia", as his reason for leave. Frueh Volksblot disappeared seemingly overnight. Frueh was the first of several placeholders for the throne. Each of whom had a ruling term lasting only 3-7 days, and every one disappeared seemingly overnight.
After two and a half months of the crown switching hands, the high-priest was appointed to teach young prince Ordammis his duties, and how to rule the nation. Ordammis was taken from the castle and brought to the Church of Almantis for two years of prepping for the throne.
King by age 12, Ordammis quickly developed a superiority complex. By age 16 he demanded the highest taxes in the history of the nation, and personally gave public demonstrations of what happens to people who don't pay their taxes. He had The White Order forces nearly doubled by the time he turned 19, and kept expanding their influence over the people until the current state of seeing them everywhere had became commonplace to them.
The White Order's guards are known for their unprovoked ferocity, and they now had the most ruthless ruler in history controlling them.
Most people follow the strict laws, and live in constant fear of the omnipresent Order guards.
As far as being opposed, The Order faces no such problems. Anyone who dares rebel, or speak-out against King Ordammis, or The Order, are made examples of for the rest of the populace. Normally by being quartered, and dragged on the spot, although, "lesser", punishments are sometimes administered. It's not uncommon to walk down the cobble streets of Volvonweiss, and meet someone lacking the ability to speak. These individuals have spoken in a way that The Order deemed disrespectful, and have had their tongues removed, courtesy of King Ordammis. Any woman that The Order deems adulterous are tied to the nearest pole, and they have their Achilles tendons slashed, and a small, hemispherical mark gets branded onto their face. Thieves are stripped of all possessions, lashed 15 times with cat 'o nine tails whips, (each end having a lion's tooth tied to it), and they are then exiled to the desert.
"Purge all the blemishes of iniquity from the face of the planet, so that only the world's righteousness shines through."
-The first command that all new Order recruits hear upon completing their initiation.
Although most don't contest The Order directly, there still exist factions that don't mind living outside the law. These are The Color Groups: The Black Hand, The Blue Scorpion, The Yellow Hearse, The Red Railroad, and The Green Dragon. They make up the entirety of The Color Groups in order from oldest to youngest.
The Color Groups each have secret havens in every town and city on the plains. Although they all share the same hatred for the totalitarian government, each group is a completely different entity with different goals and practices.
The Black Hand: The only faction that takes direct action against The Order. Being the oldest of the Color Groups, (est. 237 years ago), older members of The Black Hand tend to hold the other groups in contempt, with the sole exception being The Blue Scorpions. In contrast to the other groups' hideouts, Black Hand havens are more akin to secret bases of operations for the faction. It is said that one of Ordammis' generals is actually a member of The Black Hand, but those who whisper of such things soon find it hard to whisper at all.
Goals: The Black Hand is Volvonweiss' best protector from Ordammis' tyranny, and they hope to soon be the force to finally dethrone the Volksblot family.
The Blue Scorpion: The second oldest members of The Color Groups, being just 3 years younger than The Black Hand. While in their hideouts members of The Blue Scorpion enjoy many pleasures that they could never enjoy in the city proper. Some just like the ambiance of the secret taverns that they meet at. Others enjoy fine, imported tobacco from J'irazz, the finest local whiskeys, or even some harder substances if they so desire. The Blue Scorpion has an open relationship with The Black Hand, and the two faction's members are allowed into the lesser gathering places of the other. Although The Scorpion doesn't agree with all the restrictions imposed on society by The Order, and members indulge themselves in a sinful atmosphere, most members of The Scorpion are devout in their country's faith.
Goals: Peace. Members of The Blue Scorpions long to live in a Volvonweiss that is untainted by the constant oppression of The Order. The small amount of dues that members have to pay go, in part, to the Black Hand's efforts to overthrow King Ordammis.
The Yellow Hearse: Some say these cutthroats are worse than The Order. The grittiest, most obscene member of The Color Groups. It's not uncommon for members to be murdered by other members, and member sacrifices are held weekly. This faction is famous for housing necrophiliacs, sadists, and masochists. All Yellow Hearse hideouts are nasty, and disease ridden. Cockroaches always cover the floors, and even rats pray to never have to end up in one of the Hearse's cesspools. A medical practitioner from The Black Hand once reported, "Half this city's illnesses could be conquered, if only their breeding grounds could be cleaned up." The Hearse started 27 years after The Black Hand, and consider The Hand as old, ignorant men, who are too set in their ways. The Yellow Hearse, and Blue Scorpion have strict policies about protecting their members from the other group. These sanctions weren't originally in place, but a chain of murders in each group were determined to have been acts of retaliation against the other. To say that the Hearse, and Scorpion's relationship is a tense one, would be an understatement.
Goals: Anarchy. Total, and complete destruction of the current system of government, and eventually all systems of government.
The Red Railroad: An occultist group that hides mostly in Agkhey, the town of perpetual fog that sits on the coast. However, few ever travel to Agkhey, and fewer still return to tell the tale. The Railroad meets with the Yellow Hearse on occasion, and they hold sacrifice events twice a year. Members meet up, and all kinds of debauchery take place. It's common knowledge in the country to not go outside during a full moon. The Railroad conducts their most grandiose rituals on these nights. The Railroad only associates with The Yellow Hearse, and couldn't care less about the other three groups. The capital seems to be a point of interest though...
Goals: The members of The Red Railroads seek esoteric knowledge, and hope to expand the influence of the occult throughout the continent. The higher-ups in the chain, however, seem to have their own agendas, and generally do not communicate with initiates outside of rituals and the occasional test of will.
The Green Dragon: Led by a three person committee known as, "The Wyrm Council," The Dragon is mostly a group of merchants that specialize in ill-gotten, or outlawed goods. Though there also exists a small mercenary presence in the group. The Dragon has only one, small meeting place for The Wyrm Council, and the other members make their rounds throughout the other faction's hideouts to sell their wares.
Goals: Profit. Most members of The Dragon have been orphaned at a young age, and they are scouted by the faction shortly after losing their parents. They are brought up to either be battlefield ready, or taught mathematics, and good business practices for selling wares to the other Color Groups.