eclecticwitch

James Darwin and the Professor (MxF)

Danger was her middle name.

Not literally of course. It was Ryanne. But, if she were to choose, Danger would be in there somewhere. Careful hands grasped along the stone. She was attached to multiple other lines, but she feared not the fall. This was her life’s work and if she passed in pursuit of it she would be quite pleased. Her brown eyes checked back to the form behind her to ensure he could keep up.

Well-muscled and intelligent, she had chosen this intern to accompany her. She had felt, through the test scores and his questioning attitude, he could ensure that she did not get too carried away regarding their finds. He could carry things like a mule and could reach all the things in the up high places. The perfect intern. While she was wont to get carried away, he had a magnificent ability keep a level head. He would help ground her.

Mountain wind whipped through her hair and tore at her clothes. It attempted to remove her soft waves from their bonds and succeeded in freeing only a few shorter locks around her face. It was exhilarating and made her feel as if she were flying. Soon enough they reached their destination and she began to help set up the tents and equipment necessary. She also ensured that her smaller travel pack had all her essentials – digging supplies, notepad, sketchbook, pencils, and her camera. Harrie was jittery with excitement. She could hardly wait to climb up into the cave. And when, finally, everything was set up she found herself pushing James toward the spikes.

--------

The cave was beautiful. Cool and dry. The earth was well compacted but appeared as if it might be easy enough to dig. There was some clay like spots which concerned her. It just meant Harrie had to be extra careful. She wore knee and elbow pads to kneel more easily in the dirt.

As James spoke to her, she hardly paid any mind. She was much too excited by the prospect before her. Her brain was already mapping things out and looking for promising places to start. He mentioned something about time travelling and she snorted in response. “Sounds like it would make for a great novel.” Students could be so silly sometimes. Though his 51 puzzle joke went over her head.

As she wandered the inside of the cave, she came upon a spot where, as she looked up, she could swear there was a darkened patch. Perhaps from ancient fire smoke. She gasped loudly and ran toward James. “Come take a look at this,” she said - almost too quickly to understand. Harrie grabbed his hand to drag him with her to the spot.

Pointing up she looked expectantly at his features. “What do you think?” He had a very short time frame in which to answer before she continued, “We’ll have to get some scrapings to test. I wonder if I could reach it if I sat on your shoulders, oh giant one,” she teased. And then she was off again, searching deeper into the cave. Unfortunately, the light from outside did not quite penetrate this far which would mean bringing up equipment. It was a tedious task but her annoyance was overpowered by thrill.

She came back toward the lighted area. “So, how should we section this out? Where should we start?” Harrie was now speaking in her teacher voice rather than her excited, child-like jumble. She cocked a hip, placing a hand there.

James Darwin and the Professor (MxF)

Will update as needed...

Harrie

Name: Harriet "Harrie" Ryanne Chester, PHD
Age: 27
Birthdate: 8/1
Sex: Female
Race Caucasian/Latin
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Height: 4'8"
Weight: 120lbs
Hair: Long, black, curling waves
Eyes: Amber brown
Skin Tone: Tanned
Appearance:

Small, athletic, and curvaceous. Her most defining features are beautiful eyes, thick lips, and her bust. It has earned her the nick-name Professor Chestier amongst the students.
Skills: Research, historical knowledge, speaks many languages (most ancient), can read even more, gentle/steady hands, drawing, and a great charisma to get people on her side.
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Likes: Traveling, discoveries, documentaries (though she might point out inaccurate information and fume the whole time), drinking/partying, being the center of attention, paperwork, and writing.
Dislikes: Dealing with governments, lobbying for grants, too many clothes, waiting, unpacking, breakfast, dishes, and doing that fancy shit.
History: Her family has a long history of travel and archaeology. They say that members of her family were present at many great discoveries but she has a feeling that is more pomp than it is the truth. In her early years, she spent her time homeschooled and travelling with her father. Being small she was often allowed into the tight places to help them gain access to certain chambers an adult could never reach. Her father gained a tenured position and the travelling stopped. She went to regular school. Despite her strangeness, she managed to make many friends and have a great school life. Her mother was never in the picture, her father never talked about her, and Harrie never had an interest. She developed into a clever young woman and went after the same job as her father, even raising to a doctorate. She teaches classes and travels, working closely with the school. She has written a number of books on ancient history. Her real money maker is the sordid historical romance novels she writes in her spare time.

New info: n/a atm

Vivify

Maria sighed. She had gone nearly everywhere and her basket was starting to get heavy with supplies. Much more than it should naturally fit, it weighed down on her arm like a brick of gold. None the less, she carried on fairly certain her spell had not worked. Where else was there to go? She kicked a rock and watched it stir up dust as it bounced down the road. Perhaps she was trapped beside a village of simple folk, really and truly.

'What has you so upset?' came a soft purring voice behind her. She turned to find a little black cat, fat with kittens, grooming herself on the porch of a home. She was a lovely silken thing with bright amber eyes. She turned her large orbs upon Maria and seemed to be quite satisfied with herself. 'Not enough fun in your life?'

She frowned at the cat before coming closer. "Little woman," she said to the beast as she sat beside it, "I assure you I have plenty of fun."

'And yet no kittens,' she drawled, stretching and then coming to settle in Maria's lap.

"I am an unwed woman."
'Wed? What is wed? How does it matter?' She supposed she would never be able to explain such a concept to the creature. Instead, she stroked the soft fur as the cat purred.

"I am looking for someone but I've been all about this town. I haven't met them yet." There was a long silence as the cat enjoyed the attention she was getting, rolling and pushing herself into Maria's hands. At long last the cat seemed to have had enough attention.

'Have you tried the mill? You know, where the skin the wood?' the cat inquired as she hopped off of Maria's lap.

"I haven't yet. Thank you." She offered the cat one last pat as she began the process of cleaning herself once again.

'That is what we are here to do,' she stated blandly before sashaying away, presumably to hunt.

Maria was not sure where the mill was located. After asking some of the townsfolk she got directions. What she would make her excuse there to be, she was not sure just yet. However, she could not stop until she knew for certain her spell had worked. Lugging along her heavy basket she walked along the path until she came upon the site. She watched in awe as the men moved, processing the wood.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Bride of Gwillim @Tracyarmav, Scyrvensrel @amethyst and Sister Bride of Hestia @eclecticwitch
Interacting with Scyr

[color=00aeef]

Tempe was just as surprised as Scyr to see her there. She had not anticipated that Drakken would be married to other Drakken. Though it made absolute sense. The woman gave her a grand and graceful curtsey. Tempe stared a long moment, quite confused as she had never - not even from the likes of Gems - been treated with such measures of society. Rather like rats or pigeons they were, though perhaps quite a bit more entertaining. Awkwardly she returned the curtsey - though it made her appear more as a stumbling crane than a graceful member of the court.

She had not minded Scyr's statement. It hardly mattered really that her last husband was now dead. The true disturbing thing was the man who had killed him. Seeing all of the blood. Seeing his dead body on the ground. The harshness of Gwillam's form. Tempe shuddered before she could stop herself. "I.." she started, glancing at the violent man who had captured her. He spoke gruffly and she found herself quite afraid of him. He was a monster, like from a fireside story. She found his tone just as horrifying as his blade had been.

Hesitantly she started again to reply to Scyr. Nervousness made her hands shake and she attempted to hide them in the folds of her orange dress. "I am Tempest," she replied, her voice shaking just as terribly as her hands. "Nice too meetchya." More and more people came into the room and it became obvious that she would not need to serve. She decided to take a seat near Scyr since she had been the kindest in so far to speak with her. The foods before her were quite foreign but she ate them without complaint. Who knew when she would get the chance to eat again. Twas the struggle of a traveller.

Summary

Tempe is deeply concerned about Gwillim and is in fact terrified of him. Scyr seems nice and she chooses to eat her breakfast near the woman.

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Bride of Gwillim@Tracyarmav and Scyrvensrel @Amethyst
Interacting with Alfhi [@Tracyarmav

[color=96BF75]

Hestia mumbled something in reply as Scyr spoke to her. She could not remember what it was she said or what Scyr has said to her. She was so exhausted that her tired brain merely put her back into sleep. She curled around the jumble of blankets, her hair splayed around her in a tangled mess. She vaguely heard the door open and then close. For a little while more she slept in peaceful bliss.

However, when she awakened a terror gripped her heart. How long had she been sleeping? Would her father beat her for not getting the chores done fast enough? Not having breakfast prepared? She sat up in the bed, clutching the blankets to her chest. As she looked around the room she realized this was not the same home she had lived in all of her life. The events leading up to now, including her removing her shift and sleeping naked next to a complete stranger, flooded her mind. Her cheeks flushed darkly as she hid her face in the blankets.

Since there was no one else in the room, her embarrassment was short lived. She removed herself from the bed and washed up, bringing her reckless hair back into a tamed position as a lion's mane around her face. The new dress she found was of a soft moss green and complimented her willowy physique. She donned it before hesitantly poking her face out of the door. There was no one present so she went through, closing the door silently. Hestia wandered down the hall until she came face to face with a guard. He grunted at her and she squeaked back in fear.

"That way," he gestured down the stairs. She gave a quiet thanks as she followed his directions. A couple more guards gave her the path and she found herself at a full dining room. Her cheeks were warm with shock. So many people, many she had met the night before. And here she was, the last to enter, the center of attention. She would have sat next to Scyr save the strange, dark girl next to her. Instead, Hestia made her way apologetically around the table to sit next to Alfhi. She offered the young Drakken a small smile but then caught sight of Gwillam's angered face. She immediately turned to look at her empty plate. She dared not move another muscle lest she draw more attention to herself.

Summary

She sleeps a bit longer, wakes up to think she has disappointed her 'father' only to remember that she is in Drakka. And was naked with Scyr. She gets dressed, makes her way down to breakfast and finds a weird girl at the table. Decides to sit next to Alfhi, is terrified of Gwillam, and stares at her empty plate.

Lochpine Preserve

perfect, go ahead and put him in the characters page!

Vivify

The evening had been much too short. The energy it had taken in order for her to perform the spell coupled with the lateness of the night before left her feeling drained. The rays of sun naturally woke her. Normally she was awake well before the dawn. It was unsettling to know that sun greeted her before she had a chance to do so for him. Rubbing her eyes she removed the furs from herself, exposing her naked form, and stepped out into her garden. Here she did her usual morning greeting. Lifting lightly tanned arms up to the sun she arched her back, presenting herself to the father. She then leaned forward, sweeping her arms down and brushing the tips of grass with her fingers. lastly, she reached forward and lay stomach to the ground and once again arched herself toward the sun.

She repeated the series of movements a couple of times before she lay herself out to enjoy the rays. They danced warmly over her naked flesh and she relaxed. The tiredness of the morning was long forgotten. The energy of the sun helped her feel more awake and prepared for the day ahead. The woman stretched, loathe to remove her body from the languid warmth. However, there were chores to do.

Back in the house, she donned simple clothes of easy to move in fabrics. She cleaned out spider webs, dusted bottles, and took down herbs from the ceiling ready to be ground up or bundled. She had to make sure her house was presentable if there was a chance she would have to be teaching new witches. Once satisfied with the cleaning she grabbed a wicker basket from beside the door and made the trek down to the little town. The stone pathway up to her house soon turned to dirt turned to a deer trail. Grasses swished around her skirts and bramble thorns grabbed at her clothes.

When she finally emerged from the trees and onto a grassy hill there was the town just below. Off a little way was the church. The woman wrinkled her nose and spat on the ground. She always took the longest way around to avoid stepping near the offending building. God had not been kind to his flock as of late. Especially not those on the fringe of society, such as herself. She ripped her eyes away from the church and instead went into the town.

She was normally here when the town was just beginning to awaken, however, the lateness of the hour at which she woke meant that the residents were already bustling. She liked the sounds. There were a few horses drawing wagons filled with hay or goods. The blacksmith's hammer clanged loudly against metal and anvil. The scent of baking bread was just starting to drift away. She smiled lightly to know that life was still in full swing. But she could detect no signs of a magical awakening. Perhaps it would take time? Maybe they were hiding it? She would be sure to visit as many places as she could today. She would start by going to the General Store. It was a comfortable wooden building with no sign out front. None was needed as everyone who lived here knew exactly what it was.

As she entered the shop a bell rang and a man stepped out from the back of the shop. "Why God ye good den, Miss Maria. Late start I see!" He was an older man, bald on the top of his head and sported a thick grey beard. It hid his smile but she could see in the way his warm eyes crinkled at the edges he was wearing a great big one for her.

Maria smiled in kind. "Good morning and blessed day, Mister Arrow." She approached the counter and set the basket down. "As requested, here are the five containers of burn balm, eight of healing cream, and ten of the cold tonic" She removed the containers from the basket and Arrow counted them out.

"Perfect," he said as he set them aside. "And I have for you, my dear - a case of empty bottles and jars and a dozen eggs." He pushed a small crate toward her. It was a bit bigger than she had anticipated but would easily fit in her basket. She stowed it away and asked - "Anything interesting happen lately?" Maria leaned close in a conspiratorial way.

Arrow laughed, "Well, they say that Ana is already with child and that is why she is to be married to that lout Phillip. And that strange wind last night, but besides that nothing new." Maria pouted. "What can I say, little duck, our town is a dreadfully boring one." He reached over the counter and ruffled her black curls. Maria made a sound of false indignation, all the while smiling. Smoothing her unruly hair back down into her long braid, she lifted brown eyes up to meet Arrow's. She hoped that he might be one of the changed, one of her Kin. He had been such a fatherly figure throughout her lonely life. But, if he had changed it was obvious he was very good at keeping it a secret.

"I have some more shopping to take care of today and I am running behind. Unfortunately, I have to cut this visit short, many apologies Mister Arrow."

"I am glad just to be able to see you from time to time Maria. Come have dinner with me and Lydie sometime." Lydie was his wife, a sweet but devout woman. She sometimes made Maria a bit uncomfortable.

"I'llGoodbyeood bye and God bless," she hefted her basket over her arm and out into the world she went. When her back was to Arrow she lifted a cloth over the small crate. As the cloth settled the crate seemed to disappear, making the basket look empty. All of these actions were hidden behind her handy shawl. She supposed the next thing she should purchase would be bread. Perhaps some fresh milk from Abby...

Lochpine Preserve

@BurningCold I will give all a max of two at the beginning, but if you prove to me you are in it to win it, so to speak, I will allow more. That is to say, further down the line in the RP.

Vivify

The room was only lit by the embers of the fire in the fireplace. Their glow cast eerie shadows around the room, flickering over the minimal furniture to create shadow beasts. A woman sat in front of the fireplace, murmuring to herself as she tossed herbs into the fire. The smoke of them filled the air with a hazy fog, allowing the shadow creatures to hide and peek. She paid the dancing shadows no mind. Her eyes were firmly placed upon the embers.

“Hissing cat.” She tossed more herbs into the fire. “Snarling dog.” Another plume of smoke. “The clawing of a babe as the sister smothers her shrieks for life.” This time she placed a log onto the fire and it bloomed into light, forcing shadow to take cover. “Kin kill kin,” she whispered to the flame. “I call out. I beg. Let them see our crying face.” She took a knife from in front of her and slit open her wrist. Red life trickled from the open gash and she held it over the fire. The flames sizzled and sparked as it greedily sucked up the fluid. “One and same. Face to face. Water to blood.” She brought her wrist down to the burning log and the scent of her searing flesh overpowered the smell of burning herbs. She winced and furrowed her brows as the pain of the burn overtook her senses.

With, a gasp the woman fell backward. Above her, in the rafters of her cottage, the drying herbs swayed. The dancing shadows congregated there while the fire flickered. She watched them for a long moment and wondered if it had worked. She lifted her arm and inspected the burn carefully. It was not too horrible, it should heal with minimal scaring in time. She lifted herself from the floor and lit a candle. Carrying it with her, she approached a large cupboard from which she took a small tin and bandage. She slathered a sharp smelling salve over the burned cut and then wrapped it in the gauze. It was blissfully cooling.

She carried the candle out of her small cottage. The garden out front was lit by a full moon. She walked the stone pathway to her gate. Above her, the stars were nearly outshone by the lunar mother. The woman could only just make them out through the break in the trees that consisted of her clearing in the forest. A mere mile away the town slept. In her, dreams she had seen dark things come to pass for those they deemed witches. Devil worshippers. She hoped her spell would abate that.

A warming summer wind rushed past her and the leaves sang her a shuddering song. She prayed that it would carry her spell and awaken the town before their foolishness became murder. How many would it awaken, she wondered. What would their new powers do? Excitement rolled in her gut, but it could not edge away the fear that what she had seen would still come to pass.

Vivify

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High Casual/Advaced - Lochpine Preserve

roleplayerguild.com/topics/172747-loc…

I will be accepting 4-6 more characters~

In our world, there are preserves that hold all the mythical creatures of lore. They are extensive, acres and acres of land. Some have areas changed into impossible biomes to allow these creatures to live comfortably. These places are guarded against human eyes and technologies by extreme and powerful magic. The preserves and all its inhabitants are cared for by Rangers, a title and jobs passed down through a family. These people have some small magical ability and resistance to much of the mind magic that the creatures might force against them. This is the story of Lochpine Preserve.

There is a parking lot located at the edge of a highway in Wisconsin. Across the way is a field of cows. The parking lot leads to a novelty store which sells beautiful, handcrafted items. These items are created by the residents of Lochpine. Some do have a small amount of magical ability, nothing harmful to the human world. Most are just intricate artworks made by the Fair Folk. This shop is tended by outsiders, people who are hired and work if they don’t get too close to the truth. The store is called “Goldie Loch”

Behind the shop is a thick forest. The path is only large enough to allow a four-wheeler through. Some ways ahead is a small house where the Ranger of Lochpine lives. This house and yard are a safe place. The Fair Folk cannot enter either without express permission. Some benign fairies live in the yard and preserve the garden. Except on solstice nights, when they may enter the yard but never the home.

Beyond the home are beautiful forests. Thriving, decaying swamps. Tall mountains. Dry deserts. Pristine lakes. All throughout the nearly endless preserve are areas where the Fair Folk may find their homes. Many, in fact, most places, are extremely dangerous. In some areas, a human may find an ally. However, only the Ranger and his kin may gain control over those in the preserve and has explicit safety.

The preserve is currently controlled by Ranger Rick. She has not married, and her family has passed away, allowing her to gain the official title of Ranger. She takes care of all the beings in this place and she is a very busy lady.

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ROLES/EXAMPLES

1 shopkeep who discovers the secret of Lochpine due to some family heritage (of your choice, within reason) [TAKEN]

The Fair Folk – I will accept nearly anything. Please be reasonable. I am willing to work things out with you but please consider what might be too far. It does not have to be listed to be accepted. Below are just some ideas.

Dragons: They can live in any biome and their appearance and abilities will depend on that biome. They are also hoarders who will take exclusively that which they view as exemplary artwork. A dragon may choose to hoard gold and treasures. One artwork. And another, butterflies. Their collections vary but they desire to collect only one thing. They may take human form. (I will only accept one dragon) [Dragons from other parts of the world (example: Eastern or South American) will also be accepted!]

Unicorn: They are beautiful creatures varying in colour. Their abilities include things like healing powers, purity which only allow those with good intentions to meet or touch them, and the growth of plant life. They also may take human form. (Max of two in character unicorns though there may be a herd of NPCs)

Fairy: Small and sassy little creatures. They are genderless, though may take on a gender should they choose for procreation purposes. Their magic is light – creating bubbles, rejuvenating plant life, making music, and general merry things. Rarely they may fall in love with a human at which time they can grow to the same size at the loss of an abundance of their power.

Clarification on Fairy Abilities and the Loss there of

Fairy ability will be up to the player for the most part. A lot of the time it may have to do with the specific biome they choose. Example of fey ability would be things like rejuvenating plants/talking to plants, speaking with animals, making sparks or perhaps their bodies light up like fireflies. If they were to choose human life the fairy who could rejuvenate plants would perhaps have an exceptionally green thumb. Or the firefly fairy would have a more dewy skin that caught and reflected light giving them a somewhat glowy appearance. The fairies may have multiple powers.

Satyrs: They are troublemakers and partiers. They are not malicious by nature but can sometimes get themselves into or create negative situations. They are “fair weather friends” only around when things are well. Will take off when things get hinky – though some have been known to perform acts of magnanimity and bravery.

Dryads, nymphs, and naiads: they are always women and do not differ much from legend. They are not particularly fond of humankind and will try to harm them if allowed. Some have been known to be kind to those they favour though and will give them a blessing to force others of this clan (all the above, and related cousins are so) to not harm them. This is given by way of a deep kiss.

Trolls: For the most part they are exceedingly intelligent. They collect works of knowledge. Books detailing history or instructional manuals. They will also collect treasure as a way of bribing others to collect knowledge from them. They are clever, ruthless, and known to cheat on a deal if able. Their magical ability and appearance depend on their preferred biome. (not a required character) [I should also note this is an example of a troll and other sorts will be accepted!]

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RULES/What will NOT be accepted:

Overpowered/overly fantastical creatures (OF COURSE)

Witches, warlocks and the like

The shopkeep does not have magical powers beyond an immunity to charms/mind control/diversion magic. They may gain and use magical items in the future though.

Evil creatures – Good to Neutral only

Most non-humanoid creatures should be able to have a human form. Some have lived outside of the preserves for a lengthy amount of time so they should be able to blend as intelligent life forms. A human form is not required unless specified above, but can be fun should we need to leave the preserve for any reason.

Made up creatures - If it is not something I recognize I will ask for proof of its tale. Please do not be offended. I would like this to run more off mythology and I want you to get creative with the source material. (source material being Fablehaven or just your run of the mill mythos.) You may make some edits to current beasts, I am willing to consider and discuss this.

~@~------------~@~

Character Sheet

CS

[u][b]Name:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Age:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Sex:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Race[/b][/u]
[u][b]Biome:[/b][/u] (shop keep, just put store)
[u][b]Sexuality:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Relationship Status:[/b][/u]
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[u][b]Height:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Weight:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Hair:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Eyes:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Skin Tone:[/b][/u]
[u][b]Appearance:[/b][/u] (some words of description accompanied by a drawing of some sort)
[u][b]Skills:[/b][/u] (Magic, crafting, wordplay, etc.)
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[u][b]Likes:[/b][/u] (Max of 7 things)
[u][b]Dislikes: [/b][/u](Max of 7 things)
[u][b]Brief History: [/b][/u](Min of 5, Max of 10 sentences)
[u][b]Your Story: [/b][/u] (Write a post. Instead of relying on personality through traits or a history though mere sentences, give me you character as you would write them. Don’t write their past. Write them now. Establish them. The MOST important part of your CS.)

~@~------------~@~

Beginning: Characters establish themselves and some relationships. Perhaps work this out beforehand. You have lived on this preserve for a number of years. It makes sense to have numerous friends.

First Arc: A magical artifact has been stolen which endangers the preserves. We must seek it out and bring it back to be hidden before it exposes the preserves to a population who will never be ready.