gorgenmast

Empire of the Dead

If anyone wants to go ahead and get started on their first IC posts, feel free to do so. I will be posting my character sheet and first IC post tonight or tomorrow.

Empire of the Dead - a spooky Nation Roleplay in time for Halloween

The OOC has been posted here. If you've posted your character sheet in this thread, feel free to post it in the character tab. Thank you all for your patience.

Empire of the Dead

Empire of the Dead

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There are a great number of tales of undead hosts terrorizing the living. Literature is replete with these stories of necromancers and armies of zombies laying waste to civilization, carrying out horrifying atrocities against all living things. Inevitably, however, the forces of righteousness ultimately emerge victorious against the forces of death itself. But in this story, the valiant efforts of the living defenders ultimately prove futile.

This instead is the tale of Death triumphant.

Several decades have passed since the warlock Eagoth first raised his army of cadavers and waged war against the realms of Leria. Eagoth's undead legions took the continent by storm; his armies multiplying after every single battle. His undead warriors were unburdened by fear, hunger, or weariness and were motivated only by mindless subordination to the necromancer lord. For all their valor, the mortal armies of Leria were hopeless against the endless undead legions. A year after the start Eagoth's conquest, the numerous and mighty kings and lords of Leria were reduced to a handful of isolated holdouts trapped within the walls of their own castles, besieged by swarms of howling ghouls. Two years later Eagoth's conquest was absolute; every single Lerian - down to the last man, woman, and child - was a walking corpse. Leria had become an empire of the dead.

While Eagoth had proven himself a capable warlord, he found managing his vast undead dominion intolerably tedious. Eagoth granted to his most capable ghouls the capacity for free thought and introspection, that they could use their ability to think for themselves to take on the tasks of governing the various wards of Leria in the lich's stead. These Revenants Major served as governors and generals, ruling large portions of Leria in Eagoth's stead. The Revenants Major in turn appointed the cleverer ghouls as Revenants Minor, who served as deputies, leftenants, and taskmasters over the slavering, mindless ghouls. And it was the lot of the vast multitudes of mindless ghouls to toil unquestioningly to advance Eagoth's continuing war effort against the mortal kingdoms beyond Leria, who had now united in common defense against Eagoth's undead legions.

The combined armies and fleets of the living have managed to contain the undead to Leria's shores. Numerous invasion fleets have been sent out across the White Straits to establish an undead foothold on the lands of the living, but none have succeeded due to enduring naval superiority of mortal men. And though the living control the seas, they dare not attempt to field any foray onto Leria's shores lest their armies fall against the undead hordes and join their ranks in death. The resulting stalemate between the undead of Leria and the mortal men beyond has held for over twenty years now.

Over the course of such time, the undead dominion has had time to stabilize. A society of undeath, with its own strange polities and economies, has emerged. Eagoth, bored by the governance of his undead empire, delegates nearly all control to the Revenants Major. Not even death can prevent rivalry and intrigue. Infighting is strictly forbidden by the necromancer lord, but is not unheard of. Even open rebellion has a precedent, though the last uprising was stamped out ruthlessly many years ago and has not been attempted since.

Though the undead realm of Leria has ossified to a degree, this is a period of change and potential. The Revenants Major that carry out nearly all of the governance of Leria are beginning to realize the extent of Eagoth's apathy and have started to test the limits of their own authority. The undead legions are not the hivemind once previously thought and the monolithic undead realm begins to show signs of fracture.

In this story, you are a wight in any stratus of Eagoth's dominion. You may be a Revenant Major governing one of the wards of Leria or a legion of walking dead, perhaps you are a mere ghoul recently exhumed by the gravediggers with no power nor recollection of who you were in life. Or perhaps you find yourself somewhere in the middle.

That choice is yours to make, as is the path you lead in undeath.

---

Empire of the Dead is a freeform, literate roleplay with some optional nation roleplaying elements. As with most Advanced Roleplays, the goal here is not to "win" but to engage in collaborative storytelling and worldbuilding. Creativity is the number one priority here. I have therefore only sketched out the backstory and the setting so as to offer plenty of blank space for players to fill in. For the same reason, the plot of this roleplay is not on rails. I may have a general idea for an overarching plot that I might nudge the players along, but if something else develops naturally, I am perfectly fine with that. Players may focus on a single character, or play through the point of view of multiple characters in the Nation Roleplay fashion.

Regular RPG rules apply, but beyond that anything goes - within reason.

If it isn't clear already, the setting is generally medieval middle-fantasy (if such a term exists). Roughly halfway between Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings in terms of how present fantasy themes are. Magic is present but fairly uncommon (save for the dead walking around). Standard fantasy races (orcs, dwarves, giants) may be present, but are not the focus. The level of technology is roughly that of Europe circa 1300 AD sans gunpowder. Wizards and destruction magic exist, but are either few enough or weak enough that castles and wall fortifications are still relevant.

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Application

Character sheets should be kept relatively brief and posted initially on the OOC thread. If I've given you the go ahead to proceed, please feel free to paste it onto the character tab and jump into the IC. You may add additional fields to the character sheet if you like, but remember that brevity is key for character sheets. Those who have posted their character sheets on the interest check may skip ahead and post directly to the character tab.

Name:
Rank: (Revenant major, minor, or ghoul?)
Description: (Missing a limb or eye? Well preserved, or a skeleton? Male, female, or is it even possible to tell anymore?)
Background: (Don’t feel obligated to spell out every last detail of your character’s background, as you can - and should - tease this out slowly over IC if possible. Just give us a quick rundown of who your character is, and who they were in life if they know. Most ghouls have little to no recollection of their former life.
Wards(If applicable): (For those characters that are higher-ranking wights. Briefly describe the region of Leria that they have charged with managing. Does it have a name? What is the industry here that supports Eagoth and his legions? Notable undead cities, ruins, etc?)

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Snippets on the Undead, the Living, Leria, and the wider world

On the Undead

The undead are the deceased peoples of Leria that have been resurrected by the necromancy of Eagoth to serve in his legions of walking dead. Be they man or woman, prince or pauper, all Lerians whose deceased body was mostly integral during Eagoth's Conquest (i.e. not burned or hacked into many pieces) became one of Eagoth's undead minions.

Corpses do not immediately rise up in Undeath. A corpse takes three days to become a ghoul, during which time the corpse can be burned or otherwise destroyed to prevent it from becoming a ghoul. The Undeath is not a virus or plague; a living human can be bitten, scratched, or otherwise wounded by a ghoul and make a full recovery without "turning" a la George Romero. The Undeath is instead necromancy magic, and effects only those corpses slain upon or buried in ground that has been cursed by the Ritual of Undeath (virtually all of Leria at this point).

Undead rise with the same physical capacity as the corpse. A powerful warrior in life will be a powerful warrior in Undeath. A frail, old woman in life will be a frail ghoul in Undeath. Undead do not age; a child that rises in Undeath will not grow into an adult, and will remain a child for the duration of their undeath. Because undead do not grow, they cannot ever grow stronger. Physical training is useless for an undead and is in fact deleterious. The wear caused by intense exertion cannot heal as it would in a living human. In other words, a ghoul is as only as strong as it was when it died and will gradually weaken over time.

Corpses can also become ghouls when the ground they were buried in becomes cursed by the Ritual of Undeath. In order to rise and walk about, these ghouls must have some flesh left on their bones. In some areas of Leria - particularly in the North - climatic factors and soil chemistry have left even very old bodies very well preserved, resulting in extensive reserves of high-quality ghouls just waiting to be dug out of the ground. These areas are of significant strategic value to the undead. Completely skeletonized bodies cannot rise up, though this is not to say that skeletons cannot be ghouls. It is possible to graft ribbons of flesh onto the joints of a skeleton that allow it to move about. While this can be done, it is a very labor-intensive process even for skilled meatworkers. Skeletons are usually only "stitched-up" when decent corpses cannot be sourced from local cemeteries.

The undead are theoretically immortal, and will persist as long as their body does. However, as previously stated, the undead degrade over time due to wear and tear as well as environmental factors. Ghouls that routinely perform strenuous work or engage in combat will not last more than a few years while very sedentary undead could last for perhaps a hundred years or more. The degradation process can be further slowed with the application of embalming fluids, which stave off decomposition and can also keep undead flesh supple and elastic. The most common embalming fluid in Leria is aqua vitae: high-proof grain alcohol. The enormous demand for potent spirits with which to make aqua vitae which has rather-curiously forced the undead to begin farming again. More exotic embalming fluids requiring advanced alchemical knowledge to produce are reserved for some Revenants Major or the strange endeavors undertaken in the Meatworks of Necron.

Geography of Leria

Map of Leria

Leria is not terribly diverse in terms of biomes. Most of Leria is comprised of temperate forests and grasslands. In the northern reaches beyond Vardo's Bridge, the deciduous forests gradually transition into coniferous forest and windswept tundra with peaty bogs. In the southern extremities, the climate is dry and warm. Broadleafed evergreens like cork oak, laurel, and the occasional palm tree grow on the windswept headlands carved out by the tumultuous seas of the White Straits - named after the numerous whitecaps of these treacherous waters.

Empire of the Dead - a spooky Nation Roleplay in time for Halloween

A simple CS for the time being

Razzak

Rank:
Ghoul

Description
Razzak is completely unrecognizable from when he was alive, with nearly all of his flesh having rotted away and leaving him as more skeleton than ghoul. He dawns his old and bronze, decrepit armor from a time long before the rise of Eagoth now rusted and tinted black from the many, many years of neglect and coffin sitting. He is adorned with a rotted, fur cloak that is trailed by shadows wherever he goes. The face of this once mighty man, is non-existent with only a haunting, hallowed skull to look upon. His body is only held together by the rotted strips of flesh that connect his bones at odd angles, the largest of this flesh sat upon his chest. This does not change the fact that this once warrior is now but a glorified skeleton who serves Eagoth.

Background
Razzak is ancient, perhaps one of the oldest that can now be found amongst the ranks of the undead legions, however, there is no evidence as to what he was before being raised. He had appeared out of the twisted, corrupted woods to serve his master and nothing more could truly be said about his origins other than that he had appeared from nowhere. It is theorized that he is some ancient champion that was lost to time and was just now raised as a result of the cursed earth that is now the lands of Leria. Whether or not this is true remains to be seen as Razzak is still “fresh” in these lands, now serving the legions as he is told, even still not having yet fought in any battles to test the newly raised mettle that now wanders Leria.

Wards
As a ghoul, Razzak holds no wards.

@Lauder

Excited to have our first ghoul on board. I like how we know next to nothing about him. I'm looking forward to having you tease Razzak's backstory over the posts.

Name: The Pale King; formerly Callidus of Yzen
Rank: Revenant Major

Description & Sigil

Description:


Sigil:

Background: One of the most powerful of the Kings of Leria prior to its fall. A formidable mage in his own right, Callidus foresaw the inevitability of Eagoth's victory and betrayed many cities into the hands of the Great Necromancer. He has been a valued- if never wholly trusted- servant of the dark lord ever since.

Wards:
- Yzen, the White City
- The Wizard's Vale

@Flagg

Always an honor to have you with us. I love the backstory and the implications for plot arcs. He's already inspired some of the backstory for the character I have been brainstorming.

Hider

Urgun von Mackelberg

First of the Circle of 13

Lord Marshal of the Order of the Savior

Rank: Revenant Major

Description: Before his undeath, Urgun was an orc in his prime. Without his armor one can still make out the outline of his burly build. However one would also notice the numerous pathwork of operations done to keep his body in battle-ready condition. He wears his full plate armor that is now full of the symbols of his order. His axe has the words “semper fidelis” etched onto the blade. In battle he rides his steed “Ferrus Anima” which like him has been subject to many meatworks operations to keep the animal battle ready.

Background: Urgun was a lowly squire during Eagoth’s conquest of Leria. He was the adopted son of a local landed knight. A knight in service to the Order of Amonth. An order dedicated to the one god. However even though Amoth was known as the champion of righteousness and equity, prejudice against his kin was common. The best that an orc like him could hope for was the head of the servants or as a landless knight untitled to serve another. Though his father had great wealth and lands to settle and tax, he was forbidden from inheriting them. However he was determined to prove his worth. Come the surge of the undead, Urgun was more than willing to fight for his father and his home. Soon enough Urgun himself was pressed into combat. Finally donning on a suit of armor. He proved himself capable on the battlefield. However like most of his brothers, he stood no chance against the endless horde. Joining them in undeath.

Urgun proved particularly competent during the rest of Eagoth’s campaign. Proving both sharp of mind and deadly with his axe. After the first failed campaign on the southern shores, Eagoth gave Urgun free will to guard over the Meridions while he devised his next strategy. Urgun would stand vigil for an attack that never came. Urgun would use this time to write his introspections about his second life. He came to see Eagoth as a divine figure. A great uniter who saw beyond race and class. Through his many meditations, Urgun came to the realization that Eagoth essentially practiced Amonth’s will. In his own twisted logic, he saw Eagoth’s war on the living as Amonth’s test. A great cleansing of the world as foretold by the old priest. He wrote his beliefs in what would come to be known as the Canon of the Savior. He believed that he and the other revenants given free will are the instruments of Eagoth’s will. His disciples who would do and say as Eagoth commands.Meanwhile the common ranks of the undead had their bodies to be used in Eagoth’s divine campaign while their spirits crossed over to Amonth’s eternal kingdom. Urgun became a warrior theologian compelled to spread his new doctrine among his fellow revenants and those still living beyond the white straights.

When Eagoth came back with a renewed army to invade the south, he was more than surprised to see an ecstatic Urgun with his reformed knightly order. Eagoth was initially amused at the orc knight. He would occasionally play along to Urgun’s eccentric beliefs. This only helped to strengthen Urgun’s fanaticism. The second campaign into Phasto was led by the over-zealous Urgun. The undead orc knight would always fight in the front. Eager to sweep aside the non-believers. However Urgun would also gain Eagoth’s irritation. The campaign was slowed because of Urgun’s insistence on building small chapels wherever the undead horde moved. His knightly conduct, such as treating his injured enemies and allowing enemies that had surrendered back to their lines, cost numerous victories. Eventually Eagoth’s second conquest failed and he would partly blame Urgun for this. However the knight was useful and he allowed the revenant his position.

Eagoth would be surprised come the next season that Urgun would launch a campaign south on his own. Taking 12 revenant minors with his and carving a bloody path. Urgun would call this his “crusade”. In the years following, Urgun’s white crusades, named after the white straights that they have to cross, has become a yearly occurrence. The men of the south would name these incursions as the “black tides”. Year after year, Urgun would wage his war with the southern alliance. Trying to convert as many of their ranks as he can to his new faith. Either by his scriptures if possible or his blade. Each crusade would bring fresh bodies back to the north. Fresh bodies that Urgun has to share with the other revenants. Those that joined his ranks would be back next year in the south. For another fruitless stalemate that has held for the last 20 years.

Ward: Urgun and his Order of the Savior have come to take the largest island in the Meridions their home. On this island lies the port city of Luminara. Once it was the gem of the north. A gleaming city of marble that merchants from far beyond travel to to trade their goods. Urdun has fortrifide the city with massive walls to protect her from any possible attack. The glorious palace that once housed the rich kings of the Meridions has been turned into a monastery. This is where Urgun and his circle of 13 calls home when they are not on their crusades. The city is perpetually kept clean by undead unfit for combat. Their task is to keep the city in immaculate condition. Urgun aims to make Luminara an image of Amonth’s heavenly kingdom. A little piece of heaven on the mortal world. Meanwhile his hordes of undead soldiers are kept underneath the city. In the city crypt which spans the entire city. The air in the ancient catacombs is warm, dry and still. Keeping the dead soldiers in excellent condition until they are needed.

My rough and unfinished CS. Just something to give everyone an idea of. Checking in if it's okay.

@The Incredible John

Very interesting to include orcs. I had never really considered other races in the undead dominion. I am really interested that Urgun has come to see Eagoth as a messianic figure. My character will have come to a similar conclusion, but by an altogether different manner. Kind of curious how Urgun didn't end up in the zombie gulag for letting living combatants flee.

All the apps posted so far are wholeheartedly accepted. Please feel free to post in character once the thread is up. It will be posted in Advanced, as the interest check that I cross-posted in the NRP Interest Check section has inspired... well, no interest. Whatever, forget those guys.

Keep your eyes peeled for the OOC thread soon. I will start on that next.

Empire of the Dead - a spooky Nation Roleplay in time for Halloween

Two more questions have sprung to my mind: do you have a general idea as to what sort of technology level the setting is at, and how prevalent magic is? Should I imagine that there are human wizards of the generic fantasy sort and abundant forms of magic besides the necromantic variety?

@Cyclone

Apologies for the delay.

Technology level is late medieval but without gunpowder. Crossbows, ballistae, and plate armor are high technology. Now that Eagoth has permitted all manner of previously forbidden arts, the undead have discovered some new technologies. Extremely primitive electrical experiments allow for crude resuscitations and galvanization of dead flesh. Only very sophisticated meatworks like those in Comiriom and Necron will have access to this very cutting edge technology. Electricity is too poorly understood to power lights or machines. Basically, electrical understanding in this setting consists of “haha, bzzzt make dead thing move”.

Will get to new apps in a bit.

Empire of the Dead - a spooky Nation Roleplay in time for Halloween

Sorry! Just wanted to let everyone know I'm still alive! Something came up that needed my full attention for the past 36 hours. But I am back at this. Will give the new apps a thorough read over the next 10 hours. OOC coming soon. Excited to see what everyone's brought to the table. Cheers!

Empire of the Dead - a spooky Nation Roleplay in time for Halloween

Fantastic! I am excited to see what horrible monstrosities Ghural patches together. I already have plot arcs in mind to include him/it in!

Empire of the Dead - a spooky Nation Roleplay in time for Halloween

Viking zombies! What a fantastic mix! I love it!

Empire of the Dead - a spooky Nation Roleplay in time for Halloween

Some more details on Eagoth and necromancy itself might be nice. Is Eagoth still alive? Is he mortal and with potentially failing health?

I'm also wondering if he has personally raised all of the undead, or if there are liches or some sort of undead necromancer (presumably Revenants Major) that can raise other undead.

@Cyclone

I have honestly not put a lot of thought into Eagoth’s situation. I left him without a lot of details in the event that someone wanted to play as him. I see his as someone who wanted eternal life at any cost, and as such is probably not quite alive but prolonging his existence through some unholy means. I am willing to leave this somewhat open. Perhaps there is even some doubt as to whether Eagoth is even alive anymore - as few undead ever see him.

Eagoth certainly delegates raising undead to his Revenants Major. So there are definitely undead necromancers, and probably quite a few of them as Leria is a big place.

Empire of the Dead - a spooky Nation Roleplay in time for Halloween

Thank you all for demonstrating your interest here. I think we are more than ready to start on the OOC thread and begin making character sheets. I will have an OOC thread available in a day or so. In the meantime, please feel free to begin brainstorming your character[s]. I encourage you to keep your character sheets relatively brief.

Name:
Rank: (Revenant major, minor, or ghoul?)
Description: (Missing a limb or eye? Well preserved, or a skeleton? Male, female, or is it even possible to tell anymore?)
Background: (Don’t feel obligated to spell out every last detail of your character’s background, as you can - and should - tease this out slowly over IC if possible. Just give us a quick rundown of who your character is, and who they were in life if they know. Most ghouls have little to no recollection of their former life.
Wards(If applicable): (For those characters that are higher-ranking wights. Briefly describe the region of Leria that they have charged with managing. Does it have a name? What is the industry here that supports Eagoth and his legions? Notable undead cities, ruins, etc?)