Gowi

Avalon Academy: The Confines of the Crown

♚ A N A R E L I E A ♚

_@Hayazo

♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚

— The Imperial Great Hall, The Conclave —
— 6th Day of Summer —

"The Conclave is a great opportunity for us, don't you think? It is as the Grand Keeper says. This room represents most of what the world will become. As we study, we will learn what our friends and rivals are capable of, and who those friends and rivals ought to be. I know this question may be a bit premature, and I hope it is not too forward, but I'm curious. What does the next matriarch think of the future of her empire?"

How gracious of you my cousin, to announce such things before everyone. What is your game, I wonder?

Outside of friendly courtesies they hadn’t spoken for many years and if he had attended her father’s funeral he did so with humility and discretion. But her little birds had told her of Seldo’s accolades since they were younger, and she had heard no news that he had changed in regards to the goddess— a fact that had been on her mind since she was told he would finally be attending The Conclave. Anareliea hadn’t forgotten what sleights he had uttered and if he was wise he would’ve understood she wouldn’t until a royal apology was addressed to her. However, she was no wicked harpy and she knew very well that she had to react with kindness and courtesy. Especially considering the fact he had just recognized her as the next Matriarch, the role she so desperately craved. But Anareliea had rivals and she knew it; with Seldo being as clever as he was this could’ve been all a ploy to embarrass her in front of her potential allies and newfound friends. Though she couldn’t be sure what he could gain by such a depraved joke.

Perhaps he was sincere?

Could he be?

The area around them had grown a little quiet as the question was uttered and Anareliea could see the eyes of her rivals upon her. It was time to act with dignity and confidence; there was no question about that. She thought for a brief moment on how to address the situation before responding quickly but not haphazardly to the amber-haired relative of hers.

“How forward, Seldo, my cousin.”

Anareliea moved her hands together, palm to palm as she looked over Seldo and her newfound “audience”. She knew this answer could set her up as a power-hungry child, an overzealous follower of the faith, or a conniving fool if she worded her answer incorrectly. A princess was all about appearances even within the framing of a student of The Conclave. A precarious situation for sure.

“Well, if I am to become the Matriarch I am going to have to do much more than thinking, I’m afraid. The state of the imperium is in strong need of a fearless and rightful successor to Patriarch Theodoric the IV, but it all falls to whom the people think deserves that right. I would be flattered if the people choose me as that successor and would follow faithfully as their wish. However, such thoughts are much too early to dwell on, I believe. I think I should focus my efforts on becoming the best student I can be as my father surely desired before I set my eyes on the imperial throne. Do you not agree?”

♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚

Avalon Academy: The Confines of the Crown

♚ R H E L I S S A ♚

_@GreenGoat

♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚

— The Imperial Great Hall, The Conclave —
— 6th Day of Summer —

By the goddess, he’s so insufferably boring.

As far as Princess Rhelissa was concerned, this whole “imperial academy” business had started like she had predicted it would— boring, unimpressive, and a complete waste of her time. A poor impression indeed considering how she had not spent much time within the halls of the prestigious citadel of learning. Regardless of that fact it mattered very little in the long term— the proper agreements were put forward with her guardianship being handed over for the second time in her life. So with a disinterested expression on her face she stood onward listening to the prattling of a man who thought he was more important than he actually was. But she supposed that was common of men and women who held little significance, especially in the south. Perhaps it was the intolerable heat that was the result of the desert winds carrying themselves to Hulevia through the north wind?

She always did hate the southern weather.

Rhelissa’s brows narrowed as the Grand Keeper continued on with his speech as she began to see subtleties in his dialogue that had she not been intelligent may not have picked up. A light smile curled on her lips from the intriguing facts that this man tried to keep secretly hidden away. Underneath all of the politeness and inspirational flowerings of his speech were little words that he repeated— a flaw in his understanding of the common language or perhaps an indulgence he could not let go of. Words like friend, truly, and ward were meant to be used lightly but he spoke them with emphasis. A minor deduction of any individual with relative intelligence and perception would show that this was a man that loved power of other; especially those with greater prestige than he could ever wield. The power to discipline the “future” of the imperium if he so wished. But he flavored it with guile and insistence on his friendly disposition. Interesting, but worrisome.

He finished his introductory speech with a phrase from the old tongue of the south— what her ancestors had called “the summer language”. E Pluribus Unum, otherwise meaning “One from Many”. She supposed he was an intellectual shill who served to only exist to eat the trash thrown on the streets like a bottom feeding eel and thus liked repeating words he had heard of some decades ago. Pathetic.

And so she was left to her own devices. She had already told her companions to keep their distance or get busy— the only one who remained within her relative vicinity being that of Ser Lucarn whom had designated a comfortable yet appropriate distance away from her in The Great Hall. She did find his insistence amusing even back in the castle halls of her home in Aladore; she imagined he would not change much, but really she did not completely mind his presence being a little intrusive. After all, he had a responsibility to upkeep as her sworn sword and protector. Just like she had a responsibility to serve as a student and Princess of Aladore.

Heh.

Her thoughtful musings came to a halt as the chattering of others began before she could find a sensible place to sit down and read— though the voice was one she had known for the last year or so considering her guardianship under her father as was the wish of her own father. Princess Telaivas of Xahria.

"Princess Rhellissa? Is that you?" She spoke, a gentle smile upon her face, though it had a slight mischievous curl, a small chink in her facade. "It has been quite a while, hasn't it?"

She must be referring to the fortnight reprieve since we last saw one another— prior to the Patriarch’s funeral. Did she get so lonesome or forgetful in such a short time? Pity if so.

Rhelissa nodded as she turned to her friend, “Around a fortnight and a half, yes. You seem well.”

♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚

Gowi's Prebuilding Workshop

_{D I S C L A I M E R}

---

Currently, The Order Saga (2003-2016) is not taking applications or invitees for players. If you are interested and know me or any other member from a previous game please contact myself and @DruSM157 through private message so we can see if it is manageable to work you into the game.

_{P R E M I S E}

---

The Order Saga is a collaborative story that has gone through several changes and influences over the course of twelve years. It is the longest running RP I’ve ever worked on and I couldn’t even begin to tell you what number of revisions and reboots it has had. The idea came to me when I was sixteen years old and was working with two of my closest friends on a story that provided escapism for us with heavy anime and high fantasy influences. Whilst it has become much more elaborate in the years since, it still represents itself at the core an escapist fantasy about heroes fighting against the forces of a fanatical cult that holds mysterious and dangerous powers that they wish to use to control, dominate, eliminate, and purge those against them.

The setting takes place on the planet of Sengia, which is generally by all appearances a normal modern world— but as suggested this isn’t exactly the case. Based around modern fantasy conventions the world of Sengia is home to several fantastical and supernatural abilities ranging from conventional magic, spiritual energy, inherent elemental abilities, psychic powers, and so on. Those who are gifted are not necessarily the “norm”. But the focus isn’t exactly on people who are the ungifted majority— much like any story focusing on high octane action/adventure with magic as its centerpiece, the focus is on the gifted individuals who come to get swept up in this whole nonsense about cults, heroes, artifacts, and agendas.

The central location where The Order Saga, particularly this chapter, takes place in is known as The Confederacy of Dun— a small assortment of independent nations occupying a lowland area encompassing marshland, swampland, forests, and soft rolling hills alongside sprawling rivers. It’s a wide area that is loosely affiliated and is equivalently a wild frontier similar to the western United States in the 18th and 19th centuries; just replace tumbleweeds with bog monsters. The year itself is the winter dawn of 4427, and the cult known as The Order has been quiet for a few months; but they are back to doing what they do.

_{M A G I C}

---

A question that many have pondered over the course of the universe’s existence, no matter where the question is asked it is always answered in silence. Magic is an umbrella terminology for the energies of the world that cannot be explained away by rigorous study like objects of conventional science. For every theory about these energies there is another handful waiting to offer a different explanation and people as a whole have not found their answer. However, whilst magic’s origin or purpose cannot be explained into a concrete design there does exist the ability to harness it despite the dangers that comes with attempting such a thing. Depending on the magic the individual seeking to harness it can find themselves walking a dangerous path that could potentially corrupt or harm themselves doing such.

There are six types of unknown energy:

Arcane Energy: Named after ancient scientist and scholar, Arcanus Potestatis, it is the magical energy that acts as primordial glue of all mystical phenomena. It is known to be the most imaginative of all magic as it is the only one that can be bent to the imagination of the user in its entirety. The study of Arcane Energy can lead to a variety of utility such as conjuration, alchemy, divination, and much more.

Celestial Energy: Named after the celestial skyline where mortals dream of the afterlife, it is the magical energy of souls long departed and of good & evil. Most certainly it is shrouded in obscurity and secrets holding knowledges at bay due to the dangers that could be. Despite this there are few men and women who do dare to cross into the celestial plane and try to grasp the power of corrupted and long-dead souls. To tap into this force can cost you your life and the life of others when you let loose something that should’ve been left well enough alone.

Divine Energy: Named after the divinity of the gods of chaos and harmony, it is the magical energy of sin and virtue. It is a radiative energy that absolutely corrupts or enlightens with various cults and tribes worshiping the power of the artifacts left behind as symbols of the energy’s power. Prolonged use makes you inherently more orderly and lawful or destructive and chaotic, but many go beyond the risks to unsurprisingly achieve power over others.

Elemental Energy: Named after the elements of nature, it is the magical energy that runs through the world and for some their own dynastic bloodline. To be of elemental blood is rare, especially considering many of the bloodlines have thinned out due to ancient wars and infighting amongst rival clans. The study of Elemental Energy is limited to the bloodline but still exceptionally powerful within the abilities to manipulate and create these elements as the user pleases.

Psionic Energy: Named after the first clairvoyant and psychic, Sofia Psioni, it is the magical energy of the mind. There are a small handful of private educational institutions that cater to the unique gift of clairvoyance, psychokinesis, telekinesis, and telepathy. Much like elementals, psions have a huge swath of power at their disposal and many of these aforementioned institutions make it their mission to keep their knowledge obscure and anyone that opposes them taken out of the picture.

Spiritual Energy: Named after mortality’s crutch, the soul, it is the magical energy that lives in every living being and can be utilized by anyone with a little focus and determination. Due to the widespread knowledge of this type of energy there are hundreds of clans and schools that have unique techniques developed for combat, defense, and longevity; thus it is probably the most populous of magical applications in the known world. It however is one of the most dangerous due to the energy being tied to the soul itself and misapplications can lead to critical injury or death.

_{E V E N T S}

---

Chapter I: Dawn of Fear

Text

Chapter II: The Edge

Text

Chapter III: Awakening the Dragon

Text

The A-Team [Blue & Gowi]

I knew you’d come around to like Burn Notice in time! :D

Avalon Academy: The Confines of the Crown

Minimalist at its heart, but I like it. Go onward to the CHAR tab!

The A-Team [Blue & Gowi]

I'm cool with whichever, Blue. I figure Murdock would find a way to "gently" crash the plane in some lake/river in the middle of whatever nation of Africa they are above.

Avalon Academy: The Confines of the Crown

Will the name still be an issue, or is it OK because he's a prince and royalty usually have more fanciful names?

@Shadow Daedalus

It's passable for tromani princes, sure. Maybe give him a forloni mother as a safeguard?

And some info on the danger in the northern areas would be greatly appreciated. What kind of animal or monster would attack him in the forest/woodlands, and what larger animal/monster would try to steal its meal?

@Shadow Daedalus

Okay, just like in Aladore— the forests and hills of the Blackwater Vale are dangerous. There are still some bands of orcs, goblins, and the like; but also populations of furfolk who live in the woods. There are also thickets of human bandits (because humans are shitty) but the monstrous wildlife is the most dangerous. Smaller predators like dire vultures, harpies, ekalan lizards (lizards with metal-hard spikes alongside their back), ogres, dire wolves, vaws (land sharks), and the ususal fantasy wildlife persist alongside larger predators like cave/forest spiders, wyverns, raktar (dire turtle-lizard), and other varieties of bullshit. The weather is a bit colder; harsher due to the northern climate and the mountainous hills.

So generally in terms of quantity it is likely that it could've been a group of wolves (or even dire wolves) that got attacked by a wyvern who had made its den in the woods.

The Blackwater Vale is like this, this, and this. Also new elven settlements like this are turning up: click.

Hogwarts World Tour

Sorry if I've been AFK from the relations PMs guys; lots of RP and IRL stuff distracted me, but I'll respond to them sometime tonight if I can help it. Will work on a post when I've read Kirah ahd Luna's posts too.

Avalon Academy: The Confines of the Crown

@Gowi So, now the only remaining issue is the name. I'm not sure what constitutes a simple name in a fantasy world, so would you care to give me an example, or something to work from?

Also, Sterling said she was probably going to give up on her character because she didn't feel interested any more.

@Shadow Daedalus

Oh. Well, here’s some of the examples that come to mind— Edawin, Andor, Harlik, Riaon, Krathon, Ivarn, Gurnor, Tyron, Trant, Rorik, Marald, Ararik, Skorm, Isdar, Brarnir, Baern, Styrn, Thonar, Zrefre, Lothar, Jarell, and Thoromir. The idea initially was the mix simple warrior-like medieval conventions (norse, slavic, lappish, east germanic) with fantasy like flavors. These names tend to feel different then tromani, forloni, aladori, etc. names which are more conventionally western/southern European influenced.

Addendum: Would It be entirely possible to change houses completely? I was thinking of moving Prometheus to House Blackwater (a Tromani House) and starting fresh or giving up with my House Lothlahr.

@Shadow Daedalus

Yeah, if you wanted you could switch out to a forloni or tromani house easily. If you need information on the type of threats (for stress-induced white hair) let me know when you've decided.

Note to Self: Write out some example names next time.

EDIT:

Random half-assed naming examples even though its too late now are as follows...

My Hider

Aladori: Rhelissa, Jhavek, Kalora, Diana, Zain, Roamin, Teresi, Kelas, Nandel, Kaitlyn, and Torvic.

Forloni: Aldous, Tiberius, Cornelius, Ambeon, Jaycen, Alford, Sirenia, Geralt, Percival, Celana, Laelis, and Iaius.

Hulevi: Caim, Auric, Sael, Davos, Canaan, Gon, Ieian, Raxia, Theodoric, Jaias, Ulan, and Anareliea.

Phoeni: Eveima, Reina, Anora, Thaal, Salumin, Luda, Aludin, Eryah, Sachar, Jafar, Jaimes, Iyle, and Gianna.

Tromani: Alexia, William, Pythia, Ydrian, Kara, Wynan, Orland, Riaon, Uther, Aleandra, Ilayna, Randal, Vaylin, Oriana, and Karn.

Zkreli: Edawin, Andor, Harlik, Edaela, Riaon, Krathon, Ivarn, Gurnor, Tyron, Freya, Rorik, Marald, Ararik, Skorm, Ingrid, Brarnir, Baern, Styrn, Thonar, Lothar, Tarja, and Thoromir.

Avalon Academy: The Confines of the Crown

So what do you actually want us to do for the opening post? Sorry if I missed an important detail somewhere or accidentally skimmed a paragraph. What's our prompt? Sitting in the great hall listening to a speech?

@Dead Cruiser

Well, standing in the Great Hall listening to a speech, anyway.

The idea for people’s opening post, I suppose, is to have your character introspect about things and perhaps interact with those around them. Between the speech, being thrust into a new environment, initiating dialogue, and their inner perspective.