[center][b]Vlario: A Colony Alone[/b][/center]

[center][img]https://i.pinimg.com/474x/52/f5/99/52f599059981199fbb02e7cf0c4b2870.jpg[/img][/center]

The continent of Aislira is in chaos as the once mighty Mitkir Empire, which ruled much of Aislira. Finally, it collapsed due to years of corruption and civil unrest. Now, with wars being fought over its ashes, as multiple groups vie for control and resources.    

Leaving the empire's solo colony of Vlario alone on the distant Muur continent. Now, having to adjust to functioning without imperial supplies and manpower. In a land where some of the natives seek to do everything in their power to evict the colonists of Vlario from Muur and burn the colony to the ground. Taking advantage of the lack of imperial support to find weakness in Vlario's defenses, it has become increasingly hazardous to venture outside of the colony's walls and into the Muur interior. 

Under the capable rule of the former imperial governor Lycaon Katsaros, Vlario had managed to stay and fight off and survive so far despite the increased attacks made by the natives. Unfortunately for Vlario, crime has started to become a problem, and the colony's security force is stretched thin as it is. While everyone is busy getting ready for a major festival in the colony. A festival whose aftermath will lead a local noble by the name of Nicusor Mihnea to take action, with Governor Lycaon reluctantly allowing third parties to help with the colony's manpower problems and find out who is responsible for what happened. Starting with this noble, and his hired help, discovering the truth of the colony's internal problems. A shadow war is being fought over the colony in the shadows by three factions. The Heirs of the Commonwealth, House Váradi, and the Followers of Vurdis   

But there is something else happening in Muur. Beyond Vlario's borders, magic, something thought to be myth is returning to the land. Along with something else, an ancient evil that the natives thought was dead. Whether Vlario can survive this evil and the shadow war, it is up to fate. 

[center]Rules: 
1. Expected to follow standard site rules 
2. No godmodding or powergaming or etc...
3. No OP characters 
4. A max of one character
5. Minimum of two paragraphs[/center]

[center][b]Overview[/b][/center]

This is a character rp set in the fantasy world of Iomia during the equivalent of the early 16th century. Set on the New World Continent of Muur and within the colony of Vlario. Meaning that while firearms are allowed, they are primitive enough that bows, crossbows, swords, etc, are still viable weapons, and firearms are not widespread. So only an arquebus and wheellock pistols, if you need an example of what kinds of weapons or armor are allowed, look up what early conquistadors had, what they had, you can have within reason. Also, Muur is this world's equivalent of South America so expect jungles, heat, and unique wildlife. 

In this rp you will be playing either a local colonist, a refugee, or someone with a reason to come to Vlario, who after attending a major festival where there was an attack and your character survived. The player characters will come under the employment of Nicusor Mihnea. A local noble who has taken it upon himself, with the reluctant blessings of the governor, to aid the colony and find out who is responsible for the festival attack. The rp will start during the festival, and the players will voluntarily then come under the employment of Nicusor Mihnea in its aftermath. So while most of the rp will be taking place within Vlario, there will be times to venture outside of the colony and into the Muur interior. 

I should say that the type of people Nicusor is looking for are people who have the skills or know how to investigate, fight, know how to use a weapon, and other skills that would be good or great to have in finding out who attacked the festival.      

While is unknown to most, but it will be discovered by the player characters. There is a shadow war being fought over the colony by three factions. The Heirs of the Commonwealth, House Váradi, and the Followers of Vurdis. Which info of them is provided below. Which you will more or less play as a fourth faction seeking to stop these factions from taking over the colony. If the player characters can, that is.    

So, some information about the Mitkir Empire. The Mitkir, a good amount of the nobility, royal family, and a chunk of the empire is largely Central and Eastern European in naming schemes. Think of the empire being the Austro-Hungarian Empire in terms of the nature of the people in it and how it collapsed in some aspects. The Mitkir Empire though is not a dual monarchy. This is where similarities end for the most part.

As you can see by the names I use down below and throughout the OOC. But, that does not mean you have to use a Central or Eastern European name. Since the continent of Aislira is a large and diverse land. You can use other name schemes as well.        

Since this rp is focused on Vlario and Muur and not on Aislira or other parts of the world. You have the liberty to make up what you want for Aislira as long it does not contradict what I have for the Mitkir Empire. Magic is considered a myth, but is returning to the world. Starting with Muur which there will be instances of seeing it during the rp. But, no playing as a magic user. Also, I am looking for a CO-GM, so if you want to do it, just say something.        
[hr]
[center][b]Background Info[/b][/center]
[hider=Mitkir Empire]
The Mitkir Empire was formed seven hundred years ago, by the Ringel Dynasty when the Kingdom of Mitkir conquered its large neighbor, the Kingdom of Cegia. Which, under various emperors and empresses, had expanded the empire through wars to include most of the continent of Aislira. Only stopping its conquest after losing several wars with the last independents of Aislira, who formed the Dalerrn League to fight off the empire.

For the last two hundred years, under the Ferenc Dynasty. The empire had been on the decline with corruption and civil unrest caused by the policies of the Ferenc Dynasty. Which the only good thing to come out of the empire was the discovery of Muur and the establishment of the Vlario Colony. But, the empire would collapse under the rule of Simon Ferenc as discontent grew to a point that could no longer be contained, and rebellions exploded over the empire.

Now there are wars being fought over the former empire by rebels, nobles, and warlords for territory. Which Simon and his family's whereabouts are currently unknown.                
[/hider]

[hider=History of Vlario]
Vlario was founded fifty years ago by imperial colonists after an Imperial expedition secured a site in the Aziota Bay in the ruins of an ancient city. The first clue that someone lived on the continent at one point and while settling a ruin was not the first option for a colony. The ancient city was built on a natural harbor and there being intact underground aqueducts that supplied fresh water to the city. Once the city was properly examined and when no better site was found. It was decided that the colony would be built upon the ruins of the city. Named Vlario by Jakob Kuhn, the explorer who first discovered Muur. Vlario would make steady progress over the years. Building over the ruins and establishing a foothold on Muur. 

Five years had passed since the colonists first encountered the natives while exploring inland. The natives chose to keep their distance from the colonists, and rarely was there a chance for the colonists to understand their language, let alone begin an open dialogue. Only the persistent attempts by Vlario's governor did the colonists finally managed to get on friendly terms with some of the tribes, and talks between the two started. However, as the colonists discovered and as they expanded into the interior. They found that some of the tribes did not like their presence in Muur and wanted to kick the colonists out of Muur. Initial attempts were laughable, and the colony's superior weapons and armor sent the tribes back into the thick jungle. 

Vlario with support from the empire, would expand to include two other settlements within its borders. There was one going to be a new one called Caurat and while it was being built. The natives came back with better weapons and armor and something new. Large reptilian war beasts that were only repulsed by taking heavy casualties and Caurat had to be abandoned. Now knowing what the natives were truly capable of, the governor ordered that all further expansion was to be suspended and the colony to be reinforced. A great wall was constructed to enclose the colony and to make sure that any natives could not sneak through the border. Only then did the raids lessen, but the danger was still there, more so if the natives unveiled something new to attack the colony with.  

About two years ago, there was talk of trying to expand once more with more imperial support, and the current governor was against the notion. For he dared not wish to further antagonize the natives. Before the Emperor could enforce this order, a rebellion had started in Aislira, and he switched his attention to quelling the rebellion. That was the last time any imperial message was heard and only 2 months after the empire collapsed, did Vlario hear of the empire's fate. 

Now forcefully independent and spared the upheavals of Aislira which wars were being fought over the remains of the empire. The now-former imperial governor was focused on keeping Vlario stable while the natives continued to probe the colony's defenses. To add to the colony's problems, a rise in crime has put the colony's security force wondering what caused the sudden uptake in crimes. Most blamed it on the collapse of the empire and the refugees that have come over to escape the wars of control over Aislira. Combined together make living in Vlario harder than it was without imperial support. For now, things are stable though for how much longer, that is up to the wind.[/hider]
[hr]
[center][b]Vlario Colony[/b][/center]

[b]Colony Locations:[/b]

[hider=Vlario]
The founding city of the colony and the Empire's first foothold on Muur. Located on the eastern coast of Muur and in the Aziota Bay. Built upon the ruins of an ancient city, Vlario is the crown jewel of the colony and its beating heart. For it is the only port city on Muur and is the first stop for anyone visiting or settling in Muur. Much of the old ruins have been removed or built over in order to make way for buildings, to the dismay of antiquarians who wished to study the ruins. Though while the surface ruins are mostly gone, there is a lower level that extends under Vlario and is filled with tunnels. The lower level remains vastly unexplored and is believed to be used by criminal elements in the city to get around without being seen.
[/hider]

[hider=Talmatei]
The first settlement to be founded after Vlario and located to the southwest is Talmatei. A place with fertile soil. Talmatei started as a farming community and became the main source of food for the colony. Cutting down the nearby jungle to make way for crops and livestock. Before the walls were built, Talmatei would get raided by native tribes and was one of the first settlements to be reinforced. Since the wall was built, Talmatei has been quiet. Most of the crops grown are imported from Aislira, there are some native crops that the colonists found to be edible. The most popular being the Coa bean, which can be made into a sweet delight(chocolate).[/hider]

[hider=Rozryn]
Founded on the base of the nearby Gauldown Mountains to the northwest of Vlario. Rozryn is the site of Vlario's mining operations. After prospectors found that the mountains were rich in valuable minerals such as copper and iron. Mines were set up soon after, and Rozyn grew into a mining town. It was among the first settlements to be raided by the natives and was fortified after Talmatei. Since the wall was built, Rozryn has been deemed safe from native raids and has expanded its mining operations[/hider]

[hider=The Wall]
The wall that surrounds the colony, simply called the Wall. It was constructed after a costly battle with the natives and to stop incursions into the colony. The Wall is a long wooden wall reinforced with steel with watchtowers that extends from the Gauldown Mountains to the north to the Talmatei settlement. A lengthy and costly project in both time and resources. The Wall has proved to be able to resist the natives' raids, though parts of the Wall have been damaged by the large beasts that the natives use. The jungle in front of the wall was cut down to help the security force spot natives as they approach the wall and deny them cover in the jungle foliage. Most of the colony guard is deployed to the wall due to its size and faces repeated probing attacks by the natives. For now, the Wall can hold, and it is fully manned.[/hider]

[hider=Ruins]
There are various ruins scattered throughout Vlario Colony. The biggest of them being located on the base of the Gauldown Mountains to the east of Rozryn. From what has been gathered from antiquarians, an advanced civilization used to exist around Vlario. It is guessed that the natives of Muur belonged to this ancient civilization, though others are not sure, given how primitive the natives are. However, it appears that several tribes consider the ruins to be sacred as they worship the ancients who built these structures. Also, access to these ruins has proved to be troublesome, as most are sealed. Which antiquarians have made little progress with opening them and remain unexplored. While antiquarians and other interested citizens have asked the governor about helping them to open and study the ruins. He has denied them, saying that there are bigger priorities than dealing with old ruins. The main supporter of studying and trying to open these ruins is the wealthy merchant Vedran Kuhar. A self-proclaimed antiquarian, and until a way can be found to get into the ruins, they will remain a mystery to Vlario.[/hider]
[hr]
[center][b]Muur Info[/b][/center]
[b]Muur Continent[/b]
[hider=Vlario outskirts]
Beyond the colony lies the vastly unexplored Muur interior. Several imperial expeditions have been carried out over the years, and they have given valuable insight into the land. As the thick jungle contains large beasts, predatory plants, and various tribes. Some expeditions even found ruins that seem to be similar to the ones found in Vlario and are considered sacred to some of the natives. They were driven off by the natives before they could explore the ruins in earnest, however. Since the construction of the wall and the increased native raids, there have been no further imperial expeditions into the interior due to the increased danger. This has not stopped certain wealthy individuals from funding their own expeditions to the dismay of the governor. These expeditions had mixed results, and the last expedition to be sent out never returned. No further expeditions have been made since then, and it would take quite the courage and charisma to launch another expedition into the interior.
[/hider]

[hider=Muurian Natives]
The Muurians or the Natives are a blanket name for any of the Muurian humans encountered by the Vlario colonists. Most that have been encountered are tribal are use primitive weapons made out of obsidian and stone. It was thought that the natives would not become a problem for future expansions of the colony. However, over time, as the colonists explored the interior that the natives were not so primitive as thought. Inland tribes were found to be using iron and even had tamed the large beasts that roam Muur. It is unknown where they acquired their new steel weapons and armor. What is certain is that the tribes further inland are stronger and more advanced than the tribes encountered on the coast. Efforts have been made not to antagonize these tribes and to keep away from them.

There are tribes that are friendly to Vlario however, though small in number. They often trade with Vlario for supplies and some were guides for the colonists during their expeditions. Some of even allowed to enter the colony and meet with the governor. However, since the increased raids, it has become dangerous for them to approach Vlario and became a target for the raiders. So most have stopped trading with Vlario and try to stay away from the colony. None trade with Vlario now and have seemingly left the colony to its fate. Still, there is a rumor of a native presence in the colony, but for what purpose is unknown.[/hider]

[hider=Wildlife]
The wildlife that exists in Muur are mainly dinosaurs and prehistoric species. Which here are some examples of what lies in Muur 
[url]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/53/c8/7e/53c87e44ea76046c7e48df83a0c616d3.jpg[/url]

[url]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b6/f2/32/b6f232206e4f1f2acddecd7a3a975b39.jpg[/url]

[url]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/89/5c/5b/895c5bfd574c9c7627a737ba2535f9c5.jpg[/url]

[url]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/cb/5f/c0/cb5fc06580e90f8f5f9164f6a5acd790.jpg[/url]

Cursed- The Cursed is a title given to some of the animals found in Muur by the natives. Believing that these animals are cursed in some way and try to avoid or kill them whenever they are spotted. They tend to be more aggressive than most animals and can be rather cruel to their victims.

[url]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7c/1c/89/7c1c8902238fd6e7a71922574443c225.jpg[/url]

[url]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8c/ee/ca/8ceeca0a045e1ef110eebfef0efa9036.jpg[/url]

[url]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4e/a3/e8/4ea3e8a363f79d8ce8140055831ac296.jpg[/url]

[url]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e3/28/1f/e3281fe72ba327394e4f86a55742e747.jpg[/url][/hider]
[hr]
[center][b]Major Factions[/b][/center]
[hider=Heirs of the Commonwealth]
[url=https://i.pinimg.com/474x/0d/5d/38/0d5d38c39f51fc04eb1dbe4b66339c02.jpg]Symbol[/url]
The Heirs started in the declining decades of the empire by a group of merchants and commoners who were tired of the weak and increasingly corrupt leadership of the empire. Realizing that the system of the eldest of a family will inherit a position of power no matter how incompetent, is a badly flawed system. They were driven to replace the monarchy with a fairer, meritocratic form of government. Taking inspiration from the long-conquered Qedria Commonwealth, which is remembered for having been the only kingdom that elected its kings and queens. The group called their new form of government a republic where the people, not blood, decide who sits in positions of power. They called themselves the Heirs of the Commonwealth as a homage to the old kingdom’s elective ways.

At first, there were able to get a strong following, and they were planning to launch their revolution. Hopes were high, and during their planning, another group launched their revolution against the Mitkir Empire. Then another and another group added their weight to the growing fire. So the Heirs were drowned out by other groups and when they started their revolution. They were one of the few rebels that were defeated by Imperial forces. With most of their powerbase gone and few members left, they realized that their plan for the empire was no longer possible. While they argued and debated on what to do next, one of the Heirs, a young man, spoke up. He said that instead of forming their republic out of Aislira, they should do it at Vlario. The man pointed out that Vlario was not being contested by other groups and was far away from those who could strike down their republic if they were successful. The rest agreed, and plans were set to move to Vlario.  

Two months later and the Heirs had successfully relocated to Vlario. Setting up their base somewhere hidden somewhere in Vlario and have started to gain followers within the colony. They sustained themselves by turning to criminal ventures. The Heirs, when they became known to the governor, they were declared a criminal group and were soon highly wanted by the colony's security force. Despite this setback, the Heirs are determined on their goal of creating a republic and hope that Vlario can be their republic one day.[/hider]

[hider=House Váradi]
[url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1f/8d/7e/1f8d7e6f8fe30dd12b3a2394e2a55b18.jpg]Family crest[/url]
House Váradi is an old noble house whose history dates back centuries and was once one of the major houses of the empire. From their beginnings as a lowly knight turned war hero and granted a major duchy near the heart of the empire for his efforts. House Váradi had enjoyed a steady climb in influence and power since then. At that height of its power, House Váradi was one of the few houses known throughout the empire, and even some emperors had ties to the house. However, by the time for Zsolt Váradi became head of the house. They had become blinded by hubris and fell prey to the empire’s growing descent into greed and decadence. Zsolt's foolish decisions would spark the end of his house's influence and power. 

By the time Zsolt was dead, and his son took over the house. The damage was done, and House Váradi had been reduced to a minor house with barely a fortune to sustain themselves. It was impossible for Zsolt’s son to regain his house power with the corruption in the empire and their rivals that made sure that the Váradi could never regain their former power. Zsófia Váradi, Zsolt’s granddaughter, realized that the only way to regain their house's past power lay not in Aislira but in the new world of Muur, away from the corruption and the other houses. It took every bit of coin the house had to relocate to Vlario, and when they were finally settled in their new home. The Mitkir Empire finally collapsed under its weight, and wars were started to fight over its remains. 

Zsófia's aim in Vlario seems to be to regain her house's lost prestige and influence. In that, she has been making progress to increase her standing in Vlario by investing in local businesses and even helping the colony guard by bolstering them with her men. Though she has come to butt heads with Governor Lycaon over her increasing influence in Vlario. Still, it seems her interest in restoring her house's power seems to be helping Vlario even if she is not trusted by some of the citizens and Lycaon himself. Secretly, she plots to take over the colony and do something her house has never had. The honor of being a king and Zsófia have promised to herself that Vlario will be her kingdom one day.[/hider]

[hider=Followers of Vurdis]
[url=https://i.pinimg.com/236x/dc/60/63/dc6063593b846c46d736051da53a848a.jpg]Symbol[/url]
The Followers of Vurdis are a group with a complicated past with ties to an ancient Aisliran religion that managed to survive into the modern day. For they follow the fallen god Vurdis or, as he is more known, the Exiled One. Ancient texts and oral traditions say that Vurdis was one of the more benevolent gods until he committed an act that caused the other gods to exile him from the heavens. Curiously, after Vurdis was exiled, any information that can be found about Vurdis is often contradictory. Which oddly can describe the Followers since their emergence 500 years ago. They have done horrible acts like human sacrifice to legitimately helping those in need during a crisis. These changes are unexplained, and the Followers are rather a mixed bag to the people of Aislira over the centuries. 

Currently, the latest version of the Followers has proven to be a humanitarian group that has helped refugees after the collapse of the Mitkir Empire. Ironic enough to become refugees themselves as they were forced out of their holdings and were being persecuted by various leaders. The Followers, in order to escape religious persecution in Aislira, they have fled to Vlario and have established themselves there. Now they serve to help ease the burden of dealing with the refugees and other domestic problems. Most of the colonists were wary of the Followers but had accepted their aid. Though there are rumors that have started to circulate about the Followers that they have a dark intent for Vlario. Whether the rumors are true so far have been only baseless talk, but who knows for sure with the Follower's checkered past. 

Secretly, they plan to take over the colony and make it into a theocracy that worships Vurdis. Seeing it has a way to please their god and hear his voice. So they plot and scheme in the shadows to take over the colony.  [/hider]

[hider=Muurian Pact]
[url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5f/5b/0a/5f5b0ac32494beb3c9846070acc75c6d.jpg]Symbol[/url]
No one knows when the Pact was formed, and no one knows much about them. What is known is they are a native group with seemingly unknown intentions that is rumored to have a presence in Vlario. There are even rumors that some of the colonists are apart of this group, but so far, nothing has been confirmed by Vlario authorities. For why they may be in Vlario is a mystery, and more so, the potential that they are involved with Vlario's increased crime. The knowledge that the Pact exists is limited to high government officials in Vlario and some higher-ups in the security forces. Despite efforts made by the governor to find out more about this mysterious group, no progress has been made in uncovering this group.
[/hider]
[hr]

Here is the cs, and at the moment, I will not be allowing Muurian Native characters 

[hider=Character CS]
[center][img]image%20here[/img]

[b][u][color=white][h2] Name here [/h2][/color][/u][/b][/center]

[b][u][color=white]Gender[/color][/u][/b]
[indent][indent][color=A1A1A1][b] gender here [/b][/color][/indent][/indent]

[b][u][color=white]Appearance[/color][/u][/b]
[indent][indent][color=A1A1A1][b] appearance here [/b][/color][/indent][/indent]

[b][u][color=white]Age[/color][/u][/b]
[indent][indent][color=A1A1A1][b] age here [/b][/color][/indent][/indent]

[b][u][color=white]Personality[/color][/u][/b]
[indent][indent][color=A1A1A1][b] personality here [/b][/color][/indent][/indent]

[b][u][color=white]Skills[/color][/u][/b]
[indent][color=A1A1A1][b] skills here [/b][/color][/indent]

[b][u][color=white]Weakness/Flaws[/color][/u][/b]
[indent][color=A1A1A1][b] weakness/flaws here [/b][/color][/indent]

[b][u][color=white]Equipment/Persional Belongings[/color][/u][/b]
[indent][color=A1A1A1][b] equipment/persional belongings here [/b][/color][/indent]

[b][u][color=white]Reason for coming to Vlario[/color][/u][/b]
[indent][color=A1A1A1][b] reason for coming to Vlario here [/b][/color][/indent]

[b][u][color=white]Background[/color][/u][/b]
[indent][color=A1A1A1][b] background here [/b][/color][/indent]
[/hider]