Hmmm

One Piece - Here we are

Thanks for the link! Can't wait to jump in.

One Piece - Here we are

How's this been doing? Still accepting?

One Piece: Dreams of Paradise (Interest Check)

Interested.

The Black Bulls - A Story of Magic and Heroics

Will be editing in Byzance and Thalassa later.

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The World

Tellus

The subcontinent of Tellus is divided roughly in 3 parts: the north, the middle, and the south. There are 4 major cultures on the subcontinent – the Free Cities of Freiburgs to the North; the Holy Imperium Byzance in the middle; The Altepetls of Thalassa and the Satrapies of Sarrasand. These are by no means homogenous cultures - they were once many, many nations in Tellus and for many these geographic entities are really just a political arrangement or a linguistic similarity. The most homogenous nation is arguably Thalassa, followed by Byzance - who pursued a deliberate policy of homogenization over the centuries, while Sarrasand and Freiburgs are a mess of people and cultures.

Freiburgs

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The Free Cities of Freiburgs

A Handful Town Huddled for Warmth

It is important to understand that there is currently no central authority in Freiburgs and that it is a country in only the loosest sense. The cities and counties are not united under any ruler or even laws, but rather they are bound together through sets of customs agreement and trade alliances. Freiburgs is not a country, but rather a league of cities that shares a rather similar culture – and as some rather unsympathetic observers will comment – it is a mess of jurisdictions, associations, and guilds. There is a guild for everything and they tend to violate borders freely. Magic is no exception. Those who seek to refine their abilities in the arts of magic usually will join a local guild, though there is a strong independent tradition of apprenticeship. There is also the Universities, for witches and wizards of a more scholarly bent. The magic users of the Ivory Towers are called Sorcerers. Guilds, on the other hand, provide a progressive structure, but also an avenue for adventure, danger, fame and success. Witches and Wizards from the more famous and successful guilds can be approximated to rock stars. They engage in all sorts of tasks, from community work to hunting high level magical creatures, from defending the Cities to suppressing dark guilds. It makes for, at the very least, a very exciting career. The Freiburgians, while they do put a heavy emphasis on citizenship and the city in which they were born, nevertheless spend most of their life employed in supra-national guilds, who either work as part of a wider network of guilds or as a branch of a large institutions. Along with other professions, mages in Freiburgs are arranged as such in a guild network, comprising some 22 guilds (23 with Four Winds) in total scattered across the territory. Freiburgsian religion is, like Thalassan and Sarrasand, at its base animistic and polytheistic. Think Shinto with a healthy dose of Norse influences. Temples and sanctuaries for spirits and gods, not unlike how they do it in Sarrasand, though in Sarrasand, ceremonies are often conducted underground.

Freiburgs is big - bigger than any other land on Tellus - but most of it is hardly what one would call good land. To the Northwest lie the great Lasac Mountains, home to, for a good part of Tellian history, of very aggressive and warlike people. The winter are long - and get longer the higher you go. Agriculture is practiced in the valleys - especially in the south, while winter people retreat to their houses. Logging is usually carried out through the winters, and logs follow the ice when they dethaw in spring. Cities and townships are also much smaller in the north, though they are just as dynamic as in the south. Mining, trapping, hunting and fishing also play a great part in the economy. Cities in the south are populous and chaotic - bustling with activity and trade in what many are calling a renaissance. Freiburgs, in other words, is currently blossoming. People from Freiburgs are reputed for being sanguine.

Freiburgs is reputed for having most of its history written by other people. It has to be said that it was hardly the height of refinement - while empires grew and prospered in Sarrasand and Byzance, Freisians (their old name) mostly kept to themselves in independent little cities that didn’t amount to much. They mostly warred among one another in small scale conflicts that rarely amounted to anything.

So it was with considerably surprised that they repelled the Holy Imperium - at least initially. The second conquest under The Holy Empress turned from a standard invasion to a bloody battle for every inch of Freisia. Freiburgs, as a name, is a relic of Byzance occupation - an occupation that was etched in blood for every step the imperial army took.

The occupation precipitated major changes in Freiburgs organization. Cities popped up, as well as settlers from Byzance and refugees from Sarrasand in the south. Many of the semi-nomadic people of the North and the Mountains were forced to settle in cities as well. In other words, the land of cities that is now Freiburgs was slowly being built.

Of course, many features were absent - such as local armies. Those were not allowed, for obvious reasons, under imperial administration, though many Freiburgsian ended up in the service of the Byzance Army as part of their larger force. A major mutiny among their forces over controversial religious measures was the spark that triggered an open revolt of Freiburgs against Byzance - a revolt that took them offguard and led directly to the lost of their empire both in Freiburgs and Sarrasand.

Following their rebellion, there was period of serious instability as the people of the land re-adjusted themselves. After their stint with the empire, they had no desire for a ruler and they opted to return to their old way of independent cities - but after such forced interaction, much groundwork was laid for intercity connections. Ideas, peoples and goods moved and improved dramatically over the last 200 years to the point that, despite it’s disorganization compared to Thalassa, it has nonetheless comparable technology and wealth to what is otherwise the uncontested leader in Tellus.

Spingspiel

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The City of Spingspiel

Spingspiel is located in the middle of Freiburgs and on its eastern coast. It was a minor player for most of Freiburgsian history and only grew into its current role in the aftermath of the occupation. Due to that late blooming, it remained of the few major cities or town in Freiburgs not to have a dedicated mage guild, but instead resorting to the services of guilds located in nearby cities.

It is a major harbor, along with being a cultural center of medium importance. It’s architecture was heavily influenced by the rationalistic style of Byzance, but it has since then slackened into the willful neglect for organization so characteristic of Freiburgs. It’s square grid designed has been filled up and cluttered by houses and business of all kind. More importantly perhaps is that it sports an important industrial sector, one of the most developed in the country, as well as a train yard and aerodrome. It is thanks to these features that it has managed to hoist itself to the top cities in Freiburgs. It’s Whale-Shark class dirigibles are well known, as are her Flying Fish Fighter Planes.

It is not a walled city and it’s usually considered a lot more open, figuratively and literally, than most cities in Freiburgs. It has many immigrants, as well as many kinds of markets, services, and entertainment. Most guilds of Freiburgs have a counter in Singspiel and so it has been a major, if somewhat off the main path, trading point with Sarrasand and a depot for Byzance.

The city boasts a rather impressive population (for Freiburgs) of 400,000 souls, give or take. It is a compact city, despite the population, and it has absorbed suburb or two. The summer tend to be a bit cooler than in the south, but it suffers the full brunt of the cold winters as the winds of the north sweep into the plains. Powerful storms roll in the summer, and blizzards are not unknown starting as early as late fall. Another innovation was the creation of ironclad ships that allowed navigation despite the port freezing at least every four winters. Singspiel is thus a city that is just emerging from transition and into a blooming flower. The streets are buzzing with activity, people look happy, and money is coming in and out.

The city is ruled by a democratic council composed of 15 members, rotated yearly, who are randomly selected from each district of the city. A judicial assembly is also selected by lot, but assisted by several members of the Jurisprudence Guild. A sub-committee featuring members of the relevant guild serve as an advisory council. Police and military are either public (the Militia) or private (contractors, such as the Mage Guilds, for instance).

The guild is a four story building on the corner of two major streets, just off the main artery of the city. It used to be an hotel, a town manor meant to host guests who came from the countryside. It has a main hall, and the lower level is dedicated to offices, kitchens and dining room. The second floor is more office spaces and rooms. The two other floors are devoted to living spaces, bathrooms, and a second kitchen on the third floor. Most witches and wizards of the guild are lodged at the guild itself, though several of the higher meister have houses of their own outside the premise. Free board is offered to those who are not currently on mission or obviously unable to pay, though those who bring in money are expected to help pay for the amenities. It also features one main library on the second floor (well, actually, the first and second floor, at the back), filled with the personal book collections of the major meisters. Some of the more restricted stuff are kept in the headmaster's office on the second floor.

The Black Bulls - A Story of Magic and Heroics

@Medjedovic Despite the shounen-ey nature of the premise, I'm planning to sneak in certain dark and serious themes when the opportunity arises.

Also, I have nothing against well known troupes. Bring them on.

The Black Bulls - A Story of Magic and Heroics

@Medjedovic Excellent question.

Its basically magical technology, so steampunk and clockwork would be a good comparison, but powered by magic instead. Guns wouldn't be strange but nothing too intricate.

The Black Bulls - A Story of Magic and Heroics

Currently working on the OOC thread, but here's the CS for those who're interested in starting their characters. If you have any suggestions or questions, speak up and ask. The CS may be changed in the future, so just be ready.

Character Sheet

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[Image]

Name:

Age:

Gender:

City of Origin: we all come from somewhere.

Location of Tattoo: Each member gets a sweet tat. Where did you get yours?

Guild Rank: You start at Journeyman [Your Profession of Choice], which will let you do lower level missions.

History: Tell me about yourself - narratively.

Personality: How would you describe your temperament.

Talents: This includes magical capabilities, physical capabilities, skills, crafts, and the like. Be specific in describing what your character can do; avoid anything vague.

Inventory: Equipment, magical items, or other relevant artifacts.

The Black Bulls - A Story of Magic and Heroics

@Experiment 249 Just wanted to clarify, even if this is tagged as fantasy, its more of a manga-type version of fantasy. Examples of such would include Re: Monster, Helck, Dungeon Meshi, Fairy Tail, and Goblin Slayer to name a few.

@Silverlight138 For now, haven't really thought of a hardcap. With the way I plan to run things, a good handful is what I'm expecting.

@Zero Hex I'm not sure what you mean with character freedom, but I'm open to anything as long as it fits the setting.

The Black Bulls - A Story of Magic and Heroics

Some of the names mentioned in the opening post are only tentative and and may be subjected to change. Why? They sound pretty lame and even cringey.

Gotta step up my game for this.

The Black Bulls - A Story of Magic and Heroics

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The Black Bulls
_{A Heroic Epic of Magic and Adventure}

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Premise

You are a young journeyman wizard, warrior, or anything in between, starting their apprenticeship in one of the many heroic guilds of the land Freiburgs called the Black Bulls. The Grandmeister, Tau Talvane, has been advertising high and low in hope of attracting experienced individuals and avid learners to the town of Singspiel, where he has made his his headquarter. A new life is about to begin for you - one adventure, magic, and glory. It will emphasize personal growth and camaraderie in the face of danger and evil. Do you have what it takes to become a full fledged hero - and a full fledged person?

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The Story Thus Far

Prologue

Meister Tau Telvane - I mean, Grandmaester Tau Telvane (the title would take a moment to get hold, he felt) - walked through the empty halls of the building he had just bought. It was relatively small, but spacious. In his hand he carried the charters from the city of Singspiel and the charter from the Hero Association, granting him the right to start a Guild in this beautiful seaside town. The man was rather old, but he didn't show it. It was only his features that could not resist the passage of time. His posture, on the other hand, remained upright as he walked against the current. His eyes remained bright with a mischievous energy. His hands, crooked slightly by what appeared to be arthritis nevertheless moved nimbly as he drummed on his sides, spelling out an old song he liked.

"So... why did you do it? I never took you for someone who was particularly good with kids." a voice echoed down the hall. A lady in the doorframe, a sly smile on her face.

Tau smiled back right at her.

"Well, you know Selena, there comes a time in the life of a man where he feels he has to impart what he knows. I feel I now have enough with hair for the task." he said, pulling at thinning hair on his head.

"You have been gone for five years. Most of us thought you were dead. Where were you?" She asked, as she walked in, her eyes wandering around the room, her hand swatting away the rising dust.

"I did what we heroes do - I wandered. We heroes don't really have a place in this world. So we wander. But I'm getting old, Selena - rheumatism, arthritis - can you believe I now get up in the morning and my whole body aches? With a good walking stick I could walk across Freiburgs in a few days. Now I walk across town and I regret it by breakfast!" He shook his head disapprovingly. "I should have studied healing magic. I wouldn't have to suffer through old age!" he said, in good cheer.

"Well, I know a witch or two that could help you with that - can't say it will be cheap, though."

"Well, I better turn this guild into a proper racketeering scheme, then! Those bills won't pay themselves! Truly Boudin of the Golden Gear knew what he was doing!"

They both laughed. Tau Talvane's tone became more serious.

"I will need your help, Selena. I cannot do this alone. I have other friends who will be joining us, but I will need you for this." He said, making direct eye contact with her.

"Of course. I am always happy to help." She said, warmly. She turned away, looking at the empty rooms. "What are you going to call it?"

"The Black Bulls. We come from all the directions, brought here by the winds of fortune. We might as well acknowledge our roots."

"The Black Bulls? I love it. How very much like you."

"Well, it never pretended to be able to top Flame Fire, but..."

They both laughed. Mostly at how Flame Fire was such a dumb name.

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Character Sheet

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[Image]

Name: Whatever you fancy, I suppose.

Age: No hard limit, but remember that you're a mere apprentice; nothing drastic.

Gender: Surprise me.

City of Origin: We all come from somewhere.

Location of Tattoo: Each member gets one. Where did you get yours?

Guild Rank: You start at Journeyman [Your Profession of Choice], which will let you do lower level missions.

History: Tell me about yourself - narratively. Please include through what means did you join the Black Bulls and the reason behind your application.

Personality: How would you describe your temperament.

Talents: This includes magical capabilities, physical capabilities, skills, crafts, and the like. Be specific in describing what your character can do; avoid anything vague. Moderate yourselves, so nothing overpowered.

Inventory: Equipment, magical items, or other relevant artifacts.

Code

[CENTER][b][Image][/b][/CENTER]

[b]Name:[/b]

[b]Age:[/b]

[b]Gender:[/b]

[b]City of Origin:[/b]

[b]Location of Tattoo:[/b]

[b]Guild Rank:[/b]

[b]History:[/b]

[b]Personality:[/b]

[b]Talents:[/b]

[b]Inventory:[/b]