ayzrules

Steamtown: Blood and Gunpowder

Will try to have a post up sometime this week. It may have to be the weekend, though-not sure how much time i'll have

Rolling Thunder

@Hostile alright I finished my two characters-do you think that I should make an additional character and have it be a guy?

Rolling Thunder

aight i uploaded them

Rolling Thunder

@Hostile yeah I do somewhere lemme post em real quick

Rolling Thunder

Violetta

Name: Violetta (she does not have a last name); Princess Phillipa calls her Vi or ViVi

Age: 33

Gender: Female

Occupation: unofficial ministerial assistant to Princess Phillipa Forrester

Affiliation: Violetta is half-Alumnallen, half-Meralitian. She is currently working for the Alumnallen crown.

Appearance:

Violetta's face and body are covered in numerous scars; either burn scars or scars from some type of blade. Violetta is very tall due to her Meraliti ancestry. Her black hair and bony frame were inherited from her Meraliti mother, and her brown eyes and complexion were inherited from her Alumnallen father.

Personality: Violetta is timid, obedient, and meek, owing to a childhood of ostracism and poverty. She has a habit of flinching at sudden movements or loud noises. Violetta is extremely well-educated, having spent her teen and early adult years quite literally living in a library, and her mind works quickly and accurately. On the rare occasion that she is assertive, it usually has to do with some fact or figure that she has personally verified, though she tends to back down very quickly at any sort of challenge. Being viewed as less than human by most of the populace has made Violetta extremely wary of strangers and people in general.

Mini-Bio: Violetta's Meraliti mother raised her in secret in Miravvy, Meraly's one port city. Unfortunately, when Violetta was four years old, the oracle of Miravvy discovered Violetta's existence. The Meraliti cast Violetta and her mother out to sea on a flimsy raft, leaving them to die. They were eventually discovered by an Alumnallen ship headed back to Alumnall, and when the captain of the ship learned that Violetta was a half-blood, he tossed her mother overboard. One of the Alumnallen sailors was tasked with disposing of Violetta, but he instead took pity on the silent four year old and hid her away for the rest of the trip. When they returned to Alumnall, the sailor parted ways with Violetta (who vehemently swore that she would be fine on her own). Violetta then spent the next ten years of her life living on the streets of an Alumnallen port city, only coming out at night to scavenge for food. When Violetta was ten, a cook in the employ of a wealthy merchant caught Violetta sifting through their scraps, and she flung hot oil onto Violetta, leaving her badly scarred for the rest of her life.

Violetta experienced similarly harsh treatment whenever people caught sight of her. She desperately wanted to learn how to read and write-all the Alumnallens were doing it, anyway-so she would sneak around libraries simply to catch a glimpse of the books. Finally, when Violetta was fourteen, one of the librarians told her to "just come inside already, instead of sulking around like that", and Violetta was surprised to find that he was not at all inclined to hit her simply for existing. The librarian explained that Alumnallens were infamous for their "looser moral standards", and that there was a movement in Alumnall to be more accepting of half-bloods. Violetta stayed at the library for ten years. Since she didn't have an Alumnallen name, the librarian helped her pick out one for herself, and he taught her how to read, write, and some basic sums. Violetta lived in the basement of the library, which was off-limits to patrons. She spent her days organizing old records and archives, and she spent her nights gobbling up the books that the library had to offer. Violetta found comfort in the words and pages and numbers-they were calmly accepting of her. Books certainly didn't beat her for no reason.

Violetta's life changed again when the then-Princess Letitia Forrester visited the library with her younger sister, Princess Phillipa Forrester. Mischievous Princess Pippa wandered down into the library, where she discovered Violetta busily scribbling away. Intrigued, the princess looked over Violetta's shoulder to find that Violetta was busy deciphering a complicated math problem. Princess Pippa demanded that Violetta should work with her-indeed, Pippa had just been appointed to her Minister position-and soon enough, Violetta was working side-by-side with the royal family.

Even if Pippa was fully accepting of Violetta, the rest of the Forresters were decidedly less open. Pippa's brother was shocked, as well as Pippa's older sister, but Princess Phillipa Forrester was nothing if not a veritable ball of fire. However, even she was eventually forced to make concessions-Violetta slept in the servants' quarters, she was not given a title (as a full-blooded Alumnallen would have been given for the same position), and she was not paid in coin. Pippa was furious, but Violetta was just thankful to have a roof over her head and food to fill her belly.

Violetta would do anything for Pippa, at this point. Though she keeps her head down and mouth shut, Violetta has a mind as quick as Pippa's and very much enjoys her current occupation.

Phillipa Forrester

Name: Phillipa "Pippa" Forrester, princess of Alumnall and Minister of Records and Finances

Age: 27

Gender: Female

Occupation: As the Minister of Records and Finances for the realm of Alumnall, Pippa is in charge of overseeing the collection of taxes, recording any pertinent figures and sums, record-keeping, and a host of other administrative tasks

Affiliation: Alumnall

Appearance:

Like most Alumnallens, Pippa is rather short. However, unlike most Alumnallen women, Pippa has not a single curve to speak of.

Personality: Pippa values punctuality and is a stickler for details. She has a sharp tongue and quite a temper, and she is extremely, extremely logical. Pippa is good at memorizing oddly specific bits of information and she frequently rattles off a long list of things to be done. She is practical, pragmatic, and efficient, and doesn't take any shit from anyone.

Mini-Bio: Princess Phillipa Forrester has always been unbelievably bossy. The king and queen of Alumnall had no idea what to do with their youngest daughter when she got into one of her moods-when Pippa was undeniably correct, and her logic and reasoning made sense, yet she was behaving in the most atrocious manner.

When her tutors and instructors discovered that Pippa had an uncanny knack for remembering everything, they began grooming her to assume the position of Minister of Records and Finances. Through most of Almerinte, members of the royal family are given important governmental positions, and if they seem to be particularly well-suited for one at an early age, then all their studies shift to that one particular subject. This was exactly what happened with Pippa.

Neat, meticulous Pippa always seems to know every fact, every figure, every sum. With her dear ViVi's help, Pippa has taken over her ministerial position by the storm. Pippa simply adores Violetta-her wondrously accurate mental math, her attention to small details, the way that she always seems to have the book or parchment that Pippa needs on hand. Pippa frankly has no idea what she'd do without Violetta.

Why We Fight? (WWII with superpowers)

@Bright_Ops awww thank you so much <3

@ONL awesomeeeeee if you are indeed accepted (which I think you will be lol) I shall PM you w/ some basic character q's! (it's super simple i promise, lol-I ask dumb stuff like their fave food)

Rolling Thunder

Summary of Almerinte (for quick reference during RP):

Meraly

Politics: Strict isolationism, utopian socialism-type communities/tribes, current rulers are Queen Voryna and King Vollyros, of the ancient Liyyr clan

Economy: Based on communal cooperation and bargaining within Meraly (no real monetary system), mostly isolated from world trade (has one port city named Vavvya, this is the only place that foreigners are allowed)

Religion/Appearance: Ver'lya is their goddess. The Meraliti value wisdom and patience and reliability. They are a very peaceful people who are content with what they have and believe strongly in the natural order of the universe. Meralitians tend to be tall and lithe, with dark skin, black hair, and golden eyes. The Meraliti have built a magnificent stone temple in Ver'lya's honor. The goddess herself does no more than ensure that the sun shines, the rain falls, the crops grow, and that all is as it should be. Quiet meditation and contemplation is considered very important. Ver'lya chooses to be mentally connected with everyone in realm, and she has been known to send her people visions of what is to come.

Social: The Meraliti live in tribes throughout most of their islands. They are ruled jointly by the chief, the medicine man/woman, and the oracle. Their lifestyle is a simple one, devoted to growing/gathering food and worshiping their goddess.

Intellectual/Cultural/Technology: The Meraliti are content to follow the wisdom of the high priests and priestesses. Their technology is very primitive. Typical cuisine consists of local vegetation, depending on the region. Fish is also popular. Meraliti music is very rhythmic and features lots of drumming, and the Meraliti are famous for their gowns and robes of sheer silk, though most people don light cotton or linen tunics for everyday wear. Some regions are known for their incorporation of vibrant feathers or colorful seashells into their headdresses.

Location/Geography/Places of Note: Meraly is an island located at the western end of the Known World, across the Shimmering Sea from mainland Almerinte. Its capital is Miravy. The climate/terrain varies widely, but it's hot no matter where you are. The Sum'ell Mountains cut through the middle of the island (Ver'lya lives in deep jungles of the mountains). The port city of Vavvya sits on the eastern coast.

Itervia

Politics: (centralized) feudal monarchy-one ruler in capital of Illyri, landholding nobles scattered throughout realm, expansionist and a bit militaristic, currently ruled by Queen Marleyna and King Alran Farwynd

Economy: primarily based on mining, ship-building, and furs and exporting these goods to Cyraine and Alumnall, any agriculture/fishing is usually kept within Itervia, trade thrives on southern coast but peters off as one goes north

Religion/Appearance: their goddess, Ophelia, is cold and severe. The Itervians respect her power tremendously and regard her with a mixture of profound reverence and fear. Ophelia normally only communicates to the people through her priests and priestesses, but if she is displeased, the entire realm will feel her wrath. Itervians are pale with blue eyes and brown hair. The worship of Ophelia involves many complex rituals. Ophelia primarily uses her power to affect the weather of the realm.

Social: Great emphasis on honor and chivalry and obeying one's "social superiors", respect and integrity, etc. Itervia is big but sparsely populated, ruled by lords and ladies and kings and queens and the like, uphold rigid standards of propriety and value rationality and logic and staying calm no matter what

Intellectual/Cultural/Technology: Itervians do not tend to be creative geniuses. Their military is formidable, blessed with Ophelia's iron strength, and they are primarily an expansionist power. Technology is not advanced, but it isn't backwards, either. Many of their weapons incorporate magic somehow. They wear furs and wool and medieval clothing in general (think Game of Thrones), and eat fish and caribou and wild berries and any vegetables that they can manage to grow in the poor, rocky soil.

Location/Geography/Places of Note: marble temple for Ophelia is located at the foot of the Inner Wytesias, and Ophelia resides somewhere past the mountains in an icy tundra. Outer Wytesias are mostly used for mining. Itervia is heavily forested and has a rocky terrain, capital city of Illyri on southern coast

Cyraine

Politics: monarchy but w/ hella court intrigue and political maneuvering, tends to be rather corrupt, very involved in trade and exports lots of foodstuffs, usually neutral in overseas disputes, currently ruled by Queen Gracelynn and King Aren Allyrion

Economy: agriculture and textiles are the main industries, very much a trade-based economy, merchants are politically powerful

Religion/Appearance: goddess is Lativia, who is the embodiment of a fair, innocent maiden in her flighty, kind-hearted, and rather naive ways. She is pretty much completely isolated from Cyrainese politics and concerns herself with making flowers and crops grow, priests are corrupt and bought and paid for by the rich, meaning that they push for their masters' causes when they communicate with Lativia. The Cyrainese have peachy complexions, blonde hair, and green eyes

Social: typical medieval society structure, w/ villages and towns and cities, ruled by landed aristocracy and monarchs. Cyrainese come across as gentle and carefree, but some of the nobles can be quite cunning. Common people value honest, hard work, while nobles are concerned w/ monetary gain

Intellectual/Cultural/Technology: technology is not the greatest (about Itervian-level), military focuses on naval power, the Cyrainese favor colors and flowers and whatnot. Cuisine in Cyraine features many fruits and vegetables that grow in temperate climates. Breads and cheeses are also popular. The rich wear colorful, hand-sewn gowns decorated with delicate lace and expensive jewels, while the common people favor loose, flowing clothing in more muted hues

Location/Geography/Places of Note: Celine Rivers (the Upper and the Lower Celine) flow to Shimmering Sea, capital of Mirielle is located where they intersect, Cyraine has lots of grassland and fields of wildflowers and rolling hills and forests and meadows, Lativia lives in a meadow beyond the nigh on impenetrable Cyrainese forest in the northwest, tower-temples used to worship goddess

Alumnall

Politics: parliamentary monarchy w/ a rather large bureaucracy (lots of ministers to oversee governance), very active overseas, the current rulers of Alumnall are Queen Letitia and King Philander Forrester.

Economy: primarily trade-based, not much agriculture due to mountainous terrain and windy climate, export lots of manufactured goods and items created by artisans

Religion/Appearance: Scarletta is fickle and mischievous and adventurous and so very human, which is what Alumnallens love about her. They value curiosity and creativity and they are known for having short tempers and acerbic tongues. Scarletta is a trickster and frequently involves herself in Alumnallen affairs by changing her appearance. She imbues her people with creative, intellectual energy and doesn't do much in terms of weather besides the wind. Alumnallens are lightly tanned, usually freckled, with brown eyes and red hair

Social: Alumnall is a densely populated realm, despite the mountains. A village in Alumnall is considered a city in Meraly. Alumnallens tend to have looser morals and they value intelligence, freedom of expression, and witty comebacks

Intellectual/Cultural/Technology: Alumnall is the most advanced technology-wise in Almerinte. They have created gear- and wind- powered contraptions with the help of ancient magic (think high fantasy steampunk). Alumnallen fashion is quite unconventional compared to the other realms, and they eat a wide variety of food due to their position in world trade.

Location/Geography/Places of Note: capital city of Corvell is nestled in a valley, while port cities dot the coast of the Shimmering Sea. In general, very mountainous terrain (which spurred on the invention of wind-powered airships), very windy and brisk climate, trees perpetually have red leaves

Updates to Lore:

*Alumnallen technology and society-think high fantasy steampunk

pics

*When two people who are not of royal blood and are from different realms have children, they are known as half-bloods. Half-bloods frequently share characteristics from both parents, both in their appearance and personality. Half-bloods are ostracized and cast out by the people of all four realms. They are viewed as a disgrace to the goddesses and people believe their very existence is a grave insult to the aforementioned goddesses. Due to their mixed blood, half-bloods are not connected to any one goddess and therefore receive no protection/insight from them. Half-bloods are frequently beaten to death in highly public spectacles if they are discovered

*When two people of royal blood from different realms have children, the children take after their mother (Almerintian society is matrilineal)

*Marleyna Farwynd and her Cyrainese husband, Alran Farwynd (formerly Alran Allyrion), have ascended the Itervian throne

Why We Fight? (WWII with superpowers)

i got bored lol


will make for other chars if u want me to

Rolling Thunder

​

Almerinte

Origin Story

Legend says that the world of Almerinte was created when Mother Nature wed Father Earth in the heavenly palace of Mother Moon and Father Sun. Father Earth laid down mud and mountain, and Mother Nature breathed life into the world.

Mother Moon and Father Sun gave birth to Brother Sky and Sister Star, and Mother Nature and Father Earth gave birth to Brother Desert and Sister Sea. Sister Sea wed Brother Sky in a magnificent ceremony where the sky and sea met, and rain fell for the first time.

Sister Star shone brightly every night in hopes of capturing the attention of Brother Desert, who she was madly in love with, but Brother Desert had no eyes for her. He was too focused on stealing the silver crown that allowed Mother Moon to shine so brightly. Sister Star took notice, believing that Brother Desert was too enraptured by the beauty of Mother Moon to even look her way. Heartbroken, Sister Star shattered herself into a billion pieces. The shards scattered across the night sky and shone as brightly as they had when Sister Star was whole.

Father Sun also took notice of Brother Desert's unusual interest in Mother Moon. He was prepared when Brother Desert attempted to take the crown for himself. Father Sun's fury took the form of scorching flames, driving Brother Desert back down to the lands of Father Earth and Mother Nature and creating an arid, lifeless region for Brother Desert to rule.

The years flew by, and Mothers and Fathers and Brothers and Sisters retreated to their own separate responsibilities, letting life flourish in the world. Father Sun's rays nourished the plant life lovingly created by Mother Nature, and rain fell to enrich the soil of Father Earth. Soon enough, Father Sun and Mother Moon would have four more children, all sisters. The oldest was dark-skinned and graceful, with hair like a black waterfall and eyes of gold. They said that she was made from mud and mountain and pure warmth itself. Next came a cold maiden carved of ice, with skin like snow and eyes like the frozen sea and a breath like the wind. Third was a gentle maiden with sunlight in her hair and life in her eyes. She was kind and carefree and the whole world cried with her when she was sad. Finally, the youngest was bold and fierce. She had hair like fire and ran as fast as the wind. These four sisters were given pieces of the world to rule over in peaceful harmony.

Legend has it that Brother Desert created humans in order to plague the fertile lands that he was banished from, but Mother Nature and Father Earth instead welcomed the humans as they explored the world of Almerinte and settled down in each realm. As time passed, the four sisters-the four queens-withdrew from human life, naming rulers in their stead. They retreated to locations only known to groups of devoted priests and priestesses that serve the sisters with their lives.

Thousands of years later, Almerinte is a prosperous land, filled with sun and snow and flowers and forests. Just beyond eastern border lies the Wastelands, the dreaded realm of Brother Desert. Many explorers have attempted to venture forth in search of a land beyond the Wastelands; none have returned.

Meraly

There once was a maiden, patient and wise
they said she could make time stop with her eyes
her hair was a waterfall, loose and free
and she stood tall and regal, like a tree.

Her skin was dark, but her eyes were bright
warmth flowed through her veins and she brought the light
she cared for life, and loved it so
but watched serenely when it had to go.

Meraly is an island separated from mainland Almerinte by the Shimmering Sea. Its people have skin the color of chocolate and thick hair the color of ink. Their eyes are a disconcerting golden color. The Meraliti are tall and slender and lithe. They worship the goddess Ver'lya, who is the oldest of the sisters.

Meraly's climate and terrain varies widely, but one thing is constant: the heat. There are a number of tropical rainforests and beaches, as well as deserts and grasslands. A mountain range cuts through the middle of the island, and the rain shadow effect has created a significant amount of desert on the leeward side of the mountain range. Meraliti deserts are nothing like the Wastelands; while there is no life whatsoever in the Wastelands, Meraliti deserts sport numerous varieties of cacti and low-lying shrubs and even the occasional copse of trees.

Ver'lya is believed to reside somewhere in the lush jungles of the formidable mountains that divide the island-which are known as the Sum'ell Mountains. A magnificent stone temple has been built in her honor at the foot of the Sum'ell Mountains, and it is from there that the high priests and priestesses convey any messages that Ver'lya passes to the people of Meraly, a task usually given to the oracles. Only the most devout have ever had the privilege of actually setting eyes on Ver'lya herself, but nobody would ever doubt her existence; Ver'lya is who makes the sun shine, the crops grow, and the rain fall. She is renowned for her wisdom and as dependable as the rocks of the very mountains that she has taken as her home.

The royal family of Meraly lives in a sandstone palace that overlooks the sea on the northernmost point of the isle. The palace features two towers with rounded roofs and intricate runes that decorate the stone pillars on the interior. The palace is located in the 'capital' of Meraly, known as Miravy.

The current rulers of Meraly are Queen Voryna and King Vollyros, of the ancient Liyyr clan. The Liyyrs have ruled Meraly ever since Ver'lya retreated into the Sum'ell Mountains.

Palace

Temple

Typical Meraliti cuisine consists of local vegetation, depending on the region (for example, some coastal diets contain many coconuts, while some more inland diets are made up of grapes or berries). Fish is also popular. In terms of music and couture, Meraliti music is very rhythmic and features lots of drumming, and the Meraliti are famous for their gowns and robes of fine silk, though most people don light cotton or linen tunics for everyday wear. Some regions are known for their incorporation of vibrant feathers or colorful seashells into their headdresses.

All Meralitians report feeling Ver'lya's presence in the back of their mind at some point or the other. This sensation is especially strong in the royal family and in the priests and priestesses.

Meraly's isolationism is considered a fundamental part of its foreign policy. Foreigners are only permitted in Vavvya, its sole port city. The Meraliti are a mellow people who take life slowly, one day at a time. As such, Meraliti technology is lagging behind that of the rest of Almerinte, and they have no military to speak of.

Ver'lya

Itervia

There once was a maiden, carved of ice
they said she haunted the snowy nights
her skin was white, her eyes were cold
bringing back the sorrows of the old.

Her song was the wind, her tears swirling snow
she danced through the mountains and valleys low
chasing everyone away as the moonlight shone
and deep in the woods, she slept alone.

In the far north of Almerinte lies Itervia. A realm of ice and snow, Itervia is nevertheless the second most populated realm, after Alumnall. Trade thrives in the southern portion of Itervia, which borders the Shimmering Sea, and the Itervian capital city of Illyri sits on the coast of the sea. The palace of the Itervian royal family is made of pure ice, held together by Ophelia's unbending will. The lands just north of the capital city consist of forests and barren plains and the occasional town or city, and fishing villages dot the coast.

Ophelia is the second-oldest sister, and such she is the goddess that the Itervians worship. She is believed to reside in the northernmost point of all of Almerinte, in a tundra shielded from the rest of the world by the icy Wytesia Mountains. Anyone who wishes to lay eyes on her for themselves must prove their worth by scaling the steep slopes. Whereas Ver'lya is kind and forgiving, Ophelia is harsh and at times, cruel. For the most part, she leaves the inhabitants of Itervia alone, but if she is displeased...well, let's just say that one does not want to displease Ophelia. When one of the kings grew too greedy and began mining for precious metals in the Wytesia Mountains that bordered Ophelia's tundra, Ophelia created fearsome blizzards and storms that ravaged Itervia's northern landscape. Fortunately, Illyri and its glittering palace was spared.

Ophelia's priests and priestesses are as severe and unfeeling as she is, yet they command great respect. Each and every one of them has successfully made their way through the treacherous mountain passes of the Wytesias and offered their mind and body to Ophelia, who honors their devotion by communicating directly to them through visions and dreams so that they may spread her messages to the entire populace. She also grants her priests and priestesses some of her own power over ice and snow. The rulers of Itervia would do well to heed the advice of the priests and priestesses, or they would risk angering the goddess. Ophelia is by no means quick-tempered, but she does not take insults lightly.

Itervians have skin as pale as porcelain and dark, ocean-blue eyes. Their hair is a wide variety of browns. Itervians tend to be fairly average in terms of height and weight. They are known for their prowess with ship-building and their furs. Itervians eat fish and caribou and wild berries and any vegetables that they can manage to grow in the poor, rocky soil. Their clothing consists of heavy gowns of wool and fur and velvet doublets laden with jewels mined from the southern Wytesias. Long, braided hair styles are popular.

Similar to Meraly, the temple dedicated to Ophelia lies at the foot of the Wytesia Mountains. It is made of marble.

Palace

Temple Interior

Ophelia

It should be noted that when Ophelia is displeased with a ruler, she will tell her priests and priestesses, who then must decide on a new ruler. Ophelia originally appointed the noble house of Morrigan as the rulers of the realm, but there have been a dozen or so "dynasties" since then. The current rulers are Queen Marleyna and King Alran Farwynd. Traditionally, Itervian monarchs have pursued an expansionist foreign policy, frequently clashing with its southern neighbor of Alumnall. Itervians come off as cool and aloof and slightly condescending to outsiders, and they uphold rigid standards of propriety. Itervian domestic politics is just as icy as the landscape of the realm, with subtle threats hidden behind frigid nonchalance and brittle smiles. Nobles curry favor with the priests and priestesses, who are actually more powerful than the royal family, since they have the capability of removing a king or queen if Ophelia deems it fit.

Cyraine

There once was a maiden, young and fair
they said she had the sun in her hair
her eyes were green, like cheerful new life
full of joy, free of turmoil and strife.

She wore flowers in her hair and grass grew where she stepped
she made things come alive, even when she wept
for her tears were rain, and her smiles were light
that was all she needed, to stop an eternal night.

Cyraine lies in the far south of mainland Almerinte. From its southern coast, it is merely a day or two of sailing across the Shimmering Sea before one reaches Meraly. Cyraine is mostly composed of fields of wildflowers and wide, expansive grasslands, though it has several forests and foothills to boast of as well. Quaint villages and the occasional small city dot the coast, which is the most populated area. Further inland, cobblestone streets give way to farmland. Indeed, Cyraine is a primarily agricultural realm. While the Cyrainese cannot compete with Meraliti spices or Itervian furs, their crops and flowers are indisputably the most renowned in all of Almerinte.

And for a good reason, too. Their goddess-Lativia-is carefree and kind-hearted, with a love for creating life. She is responsible for ensuring that crops grown and flowers bloom, and she does her job extremely well.

To outsiders, Cyraine is an idyllic paradise, but behind stone walls covered in ivy or slender willow trees and delicate morning glories, Cyraine is a land of cutthroat politics and sinister scheming. Lativia's gentle, trusting nature has led to various noble houses taking advantage of her generosity. They shower the priests and priestesses with lavish gifts in hopes of winning them over, but one must be careful not to go too far.

In one instance five hundred years ago, Lativia discovered that corrupt priests and priestesses were being bought off by wealthy aristocrats in order to lie to the populace. Devastated, Lativia retreated within herself in the meadow separated from the rest of Cyraine by the dense Cyrainese Forest that she had taken up residence in, neglecting the crops and flowers and insects that were so vital to Cyraine. Her despair caused plants to shrivel up and never-ending rainstorms, and Cyraine was blanketed in a cold, grey haze.

Even the greediest of the nobility recognized that something had to be done. First, they sacrificed animals in Lativia's honor, and then they moved on to precious jewels and silks. In desperation, some of them even sacrificed their children.

Horrified by the bloody displays, Latvia emerged from her meadow for the first time in centuries and pleaded with her priests and priestesses to stop the carnage. They, in turn, beseeched the goddess to return things to normal, and begged her forgiveness for their treachery. Latvia, moved by their emotion, agreed.

One would have to be a fool to believe that the corruption stopped there. The nobility forgot their history and turned to their corrupt ways once again, and the common people lament that it will not be much longer until Lativia discovers their shadowy dealings and plunges Cyraine into cold, rainy darkness.

The Cyrainese generally have peachy complexions and blonde hair and green eyes in a wide range of shades. Some Cyrainese have hair so pale that it is almost white, while others have hair like spun gold or hair so dark that it is practically brown. This is also the case with their eyes, which can be deep emerald and bright spring green and everything in between.

The Cyrainese capital is located on the banks of the Celine River. The Celine Rivers (known as the Upper Celine and Lower Celine) meander through all of Cyraine and branches off into multiple streams and tributaries before feeding into the Shimmering Sea. Kirralla, Cyraine's capital city, was built where the Celine Rivers intersect.

Palace

Cyrainese Buildings

Lativia

Cyraine is currently ruled by Queen Gracelynn and King Aren Allyrion. Cuisine in Cyraine features many fruits and vegetables that grow in temperate climates. Breads and cheeses are also popular. The rich wear colorful, hand-sewn gowns decorated with delicate lace and expensive jewels, while the common people favor loose, flowing clothing in more muted hues. One unique feature of Cyrainese fashion is their penchant for hats, hand fans, and parasols. The Cyrainese countryside is scattered with grey stone towers which serve as the "temples" built in honor of Lativia.

Tower-Temple

Alumnall

There once was a maiden, fierce and bold
they said she painted the trees red and gold
she was as swift as a fox and as silent as an owl
the rapid rushing wind was her defiant howl.

She had hair made of fire and eyes made of mirth
she drew mischief from the squirrel and adventure from the earth
but beware the scarlet maiden, is what they say
for her carefree laughter means the cold’s not far away.

The realm of the youngest of the sisters, Alumnall lies in between Itervia and Cyraine and is composed of forested mountains and gently rolling hills. Alumnall is famous for its trees, which have leaves of vibrant red and gold as opposed to deep green. The majority of Alumnall's cities lie in the western portion of the realm, where there are not as many mountains. Alumnall's western coast has numerous port cities that bring in trade goods from all of Almerinte.

The Alumnallen Landscape

Alumnall's goddess, Scarletta, is very energetic-they say that Alumnall's blustery winds are created as she travels. Quick-tempered and capricious, Scarletta's moods change as rapidly as she moves.

Alumnall is the most populous of all four realms. Its major industries include trade and innovation and the arts; merchants from all over Almerinte convene in Alumnall's bustling cities to hawk their wares, and inventors tinker with newfangled contraptions on a day-to-day basis. From glassblowers to potters to seamstresses to writers, Alumnall is the realm of the craftsmen and artisans and musicians, the realm of creativity (legend has it that, thousands of years ago, Scarletta had a human lover who was a painter. He fostered her love for the arts and convinced her to paint the trees red and gold).

Mischievous and sly, Scarletta is an active player in Alumnallen politics, unlike her three older sisters. She frequently changes her appearance and poses as a regular human, going about court and playing games with the courtiers. Scarletta does not have the patience for long-term politics, though. She usually comes and plays a couple of tricks before disappearing into the night, gone as fast as she appeared.

Scarletta's priests and priestesses are just as devout as any of their Meraliti, Itervian, or Cyrainese counterparts. They recognize that it is in Scarletta's nature to be fickle, but that quality is what makes Scarletta so respected in the eyes of the populace. For many, the knowledge that their goddess mingles with them on a day-to-day basis shows that she does not consider herself superior to her people in any way.

The Alumnallen capital city of Corvell is located in a valley. There are no temples dedicated to Scarletta; instead, individual households create small stone altars and burn incense for the goddess. It is believed that Scarletta makes her home high up in the trees, nestled in the branches and leaves. Alumnall's forests and streams run abound with wildlife, from deer to birds to fish. Staples of Alumnallen cuisine include nuts, berries, and roots, and cold-water fish and waterfowl. Some Alumnallen dishes feature venison and elk as well, since Alumnall is home to the best hunters in Almerinte. They also import food from the three other realms, giving Alumnallens the most varied palate in all of Almerinte.

Palace

The current rulers of Alumnall are Queen Letitia and King Philander Forrester. Scarletta selects new ruling families as she sees fit with a mixture of direct communication with her priests and priestesses and her own maneuvering in court. Scarletta maintains a 'presence' in the back of her people's minds if she so chooses, though she does it on a whim and never really stays consistent like Ver'lya does with the people of Meraly.

The technology of Alumnall is the most advanced in all of Almerinte. Scarletta is curious and adventurous, and her people are, at the very core of themselves, thinkers. As such, Alumnallens have pioneers in technological innovation since the dawn of time. From wind-powered airships to mechanical wings imbued with magical properties to curious little timepieces that operate with gears, if you can't find it in Alumnall, then you can't find it anywhere.

Alumnallen fashion features primarily white, brown, gold, and black, with a dash of red or green or orange. Nobles and aristocrats wear waistcoats of Meraliti silk and ball gowns sporting a riot of ruffles and a fashionably high neckline, while people of lesser means don jodhpurs and blouses and boots. Alumnallens have red hair that is usually a more fiery hue, although darker, more auburn-leaning shades and lighter, more strawberry-blonde shades are not unheard of. They tend to have lightly tanned complexions and warm brown eyes. Scarletta herself has curly flame-red hair, a small stature, and a smattering of freckles across her face.

Scarletta

(best picture I could find)

Almunallens and Itervians have had tense relationships for as long as anybody can remember, partially due to the natures of Scarletta and Ophelia. Both are unyielding and stubborn, and where Scarletta is blunt and expressive, Ophelia values the art of invisible strength and rarely allows her emotions to show through (save for instances where she is really, really angry). In turn, Alumnallens and Itervians have grown to resent each other for the very traits that the others are proud of, despite the many peace-keeping efforts headed by Cyrainese dignitaries (and the even rarer efforts made by Meraliti nobles).

Summary

*Four realms: Meraly, Itervia, Cyraine, Alumnall
*Four realms used to be ruled by the four goddesses (who were the daughters of Mother Moon and Father Sun); they relinquished direct control to hand-picked rulers once the human population was significant

*Ver'lya (Meraly) chooses to 'connect' herself with her people, though she remains physically separated from the affairs of the realm and does not meddle with Meraliti politics. The people pray to her for advice and wisdom and trust that she will maintain the environmental conditions of the island-realm.
*Ophelia (Itervia) only communicates with her priests and priestesses. She is normally isolated from Itervian politics, though if she finds something that angers her greatly, she will create devastating snow storms that can destroy entire cities. Itervians pray to Ophelia mostly to keep her happy and to prevent her from leveling their homes and such.
*Lativia (Cyraine) communicates frequently with her priests and priestesses in person, though the average person will not see her face. Like Ver'lya, she maintains favorable environmental conditions, though she is a very emotional and flighty goddess. The Cyrainese pray to her for good harvests and warm weather. Lativia does not get involved with Cyrainese politics.
*Scarletta (Alumnall) communicates directly with her priests and priestesses and assumes the form of a normal human being in order to communicate directly with the populace (who do not know that it is her). She sometimes chooses to 'connect' herself with certain individuals. The Alumnallens do not pray to Scarletta in the traditional sense of the word, but they honor her and sometimes may ask her for favors. Scarletta frequently appears in court as a human to meddle with Alumnallen politics.

*Nobody knows what is beyond the Wastelands (ruled by Brother Desert), and nobody who has tried to find out has ever returned
*The relationship in between Itervia and Alumnall has always been rocky. Cyraine and Meraly have always remained neutral; Cyraine because its nobles are more interested in trade, and Meraly because the Meraliti have always pursued a policy of strict isolationism.

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Why We Fight? (WWII with superpowers)

@ONL In the original RP, there where Italian, French, Polish, English, Swiss and Spanish supers, so don't be shy.

And I have a couple ideas on the couple first missions. The thing is, do we want first a mission shere we prevent a political assasination either Washington or New York, or does the TSF take part in the St Nazaire raid (operation Chariot) in France?

@Oak7ree

Hehe I had a Chinese character! And I really like the first idea