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    1. Ichthys 10 yrs ago

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@Kingfisher, well shucks.
@Kingfisher, don't worry about apologizing! It was never explicitly stated (although I hope implied a little), but yes, this will be taking place in a fantasy setting. The setting is akin to our world's Dark Ages, a time of relative stagnancy (and lots of death). That said, the setting will not be on an alternate Earth; it will be an original land, which I have simply called "The Realm" - a rather vague place that is like our own world but different because of the prevalence of the phenomenon known as magic.

Thank you for that question! I adore when people are willing to ask and/or discuss.

I have an overview of the Magic System being typed up, as of this post, and should hopefully have it up soon. Bear in mind that it'll be a simplified draft of the final system, meant to just inform. The final one will be more expository in order to provoke thought and imagination, besides just telling you mere rules.
@Howler, it's gonna be very close to the one that was made collaboratively. If you haven't checked the old thread, I encourage you to do so.

The adjustments I'm making mostly revolve around explaining things a bit more concisely, since the FAQ format is pretty overwhelming. To make it shorter requires a few less nuances and ambiguities though. The fundamental bits are gonna remain.

These include the ideas of:
- The body, the spirit, and the soul.
- Magic as a normal force, like gravity.
- Spells being intentional and requiring certain knowledge and understanding to work.

So glad to see your interest, though. :D
You are completely right, @FantasyChic. :)

We wanna give everyone ample time to express interest and all that, before we let people call dibs on archetypes.

That said, if you already have one in mind, I encourage you to ask questions about it, in order to get a clearer understanding.
Many moons ago (about two years ago), I began one of the most interesting RPs I've ever had the chance to GM. From the get-go, player interaction and questions were as fruitful as harvestime, and I was impressed. That RP revolved around a fantasy coven called D'Cerf, and on their problems in their realm. Unfortunately, back then, RPG was still having it's server hiccups and problems and was still relatively new; we had just began the new RPG. It was through this and some other factors that the RP met its formal end before making it too far.

For those interested, here was the original interest check and RP thread: Interest Check | Coven: Shattered

But now, it's time to bring this baby back. As expected, I've spent time fixing the kinks of the original one, and have changed the plot around so that those returning still got a fresh experience.





Coven
Book One: Shattered


"I remember when times were different. Times when we were one, united. In our communion with the occult, regardless of the form or expression, all spirits were in harmony. We lived alone and together, finding company within our walls, refuge in our community. Times now are not as times were. The D'Cerf stand in pieces. Each poor sliver vies for victory over the others, have power over its own, never understanding that a house divided cannot stand."

---------

The Introduction
Homed in Castle D'Cerf, the coven of witches that shares the name of D'Cerf was once well-reputed, known for their magic, resources, wealth, prestige, and kinship. Powerful, they ruled among the other covens; they were the kings of the occult, ambassadors to magic, nobles of the witches. The largest of the coven, diversity and conflict was expected among them, but family always overcame enimity. However, when the rival coven Vilicus began to challenge the D'Cerf's sovereignty, tears in the community formed.

Under the pressure of being usurped of their power, the mighty house began to crumble. The veil beginning to tear, many voiced their convictions, some even suggesting to voluntarily give up their position to the Vilicus in order to stave off a detrimental war. Before the two heads of the coven could act, the very foundation of the coven was shaken!

In an event some considered impossible, the two leaders of the coven, High Priestess Olwyn and her husband Lord Bayard were found dead in their bedroom, faces unusually expressionless and hands clasped together in what otherwise would've been a sign of affection. Some speculated suicide, others speculated murder, but all were rendered distraught.

A power vacuum was created. The death of the two had been untimely; the lovers had yet to make children for heirs. Suddenly, friend turned against friend, family against family, witch against witch. A coven once known for its solidarity and close community was split, as many fought their way up to claim the position as leader of the D'Cerf, each for their own reason. Deceit became as common as magic; traitors and alliances were both many; friends were no longer trusted, family no longer together. Even the common laborers and servants had their hand at moving up the ladder. It seemed as if, in one fell swoop, the D'Cerf had been all but destroyed by its own people. That is, until the Vilicus made their appearance at the door of Castle D'Cerf.

It was a small battalion of warriors, witches from the Vilicus—the emblazoned, crimson 'v' was unmistakable. Their presence was a herald, an omen. Armed with weapons, they did not wage war, for their threatening appearance was already an act of war. They marched into the throne room with no opposition. Standing in front of the empty thrones, the captain of the battalion addressed the coven.

The general talked of a revolution in the world of the witches. Pointing to the empty thrones, he voiced how the old ways were no longer, how the times were progressing, and no longer could each separate coven continue on its own. He talked of a new system of governance, of witchcraft, and of coven life. Yet for all his talk of unification, his eyes were red with fire, and his tongue blazing with destruction. His message was hollow, and his face bore no care the welfare of the witches. Despite his words, he was threatening the D'Cerf. This was a warning against the ones who long had been those seated on the thrones. Slithering snakes and crouched lions were waiting to strike and remove the D'Cerf from power. And with that, the Vilicus marched out.

The D'Cerf were pale, their faces drained of color, their eyes flung wide like open doors. Not a breath escaped into the empty throne room. Was it a joke? A foolish move? A lie? Or was this the truth?

Whispers began, faint voices watering the seed of doubt, of defeat, of discord, of destruction. Something would have to be done, but none were courageous or wise or kind enough to give up their chance at the D'Cerf throne. It seemed now more than ever, the fate of the D'Cerf rested among themselves. What was needed was unity, but amidst selfish hearts, pointed tongues, and honeyed words, it would seem the D'Cerf are doomed to shatter.


The Overview
Welcome to Coven: Shattered, the first book of the Coven RP series. I'm very excited to be reviving this series, and I am completely overjoyed in your interest! Below, I've provided a synopsis. I hope you find this RP to be interesting and immersive. In the realm, magic may exist everywhere, but it's us, writing and roleplaying together that is the real magic.

Coven: Shattered is a story about politics, war, magic, ambition, and the unknown. There'll be combat, exploration, and intrigue. This RP is intended to provide a fantastical plot wherein your characters' choices shape not just themselves but the whole realm. This RP will be dark and gothic, as an overarching motif is on the capacity for all to do evil. A common question posed regards what one will do, when everything is at stake, to secure themselves, to survive. I hope to challenge the characters' morals and goals, as well as the player's creativity. As a consequence of this, expect mature and possibly triggering themes to make their appearances in the RP - this is your warning.

Planned conflicts will include dilemmas involving: the few vs the many, personal morality versus personal goals, and the past vs the future. These conflicts have been planned ahead of time, but considering RPing is a collaborative effort, things are expected to change as we work together and find ourselves immersed in the world.


The Magic
Way back when I first started this RP, the magic system developed in a way I had not expected - through the debates, questions, and collaboration of the players. The system became robust, intuitive, and required a lengthy FAQ to explain well. We will be using that magic system; however, to make learning it easier, I will be working on a nice write-up to explain it all. Some adjustments will be made from the original system to aid in this effort.

That explanation will come with the OOC thread and not here in the interest check. If you are interested in getting an idea what the magic system will be like, feel free to check out the FAQ on the old thread (which is already linked at the top of this interest check).

As I did then, I encourage debate and discussion! On almost everything, I am willing and desiring the input of the players, from the magic system to the lore. If you have questions or ideas, feel free to shoot them my way.


The Characters
To add a bit more structure to the RP and make including everyone easier, I will be providing archetypal roles for the characters. The use of this archetype system does mean that the RP will have limited slots, although I may make exceptions, especially if someone is able to suggest a new archetypal role! The fact that we're limited also means that I expect commitment from the players! If you think you might be unable to post regularly or don't know what your schedule will be like, you may take part in the OOC but please don't try to take part in the RP - your absence may be detrimental! Please use your discernment here.

The roles will all have distinct qualities, and I will personally provide specific information for each character and their role via PMs. Each character will have different and specific information or resources. Each role is general, and the details of the character are left up to the player. E.g. the clergy may be a Temple Guardian or take care of the general needs of the people as a Cleric. Or maybe the peasant was an immigrant from another coven or earned his slavery through a crime. It's up to the player.

The Roles
  • The Noble: At the bottom of the coven's upper echelons, the noble has had a better education than most everyone else and has experienced the chaotic politics and corruption of the nobility.
  • The Guardsman/Knight: A sword for the D'Cerf, they are more than just a threat or nameless warrior. Their role has provided them special insight into things beyond the castle walls, and they have the most knowledge of things that threaten the D'Cerf.
  • The Clergy: Having spent most of their time under the White Temple's roof, the clergy is part of the temple but never made it into priesthood. A scholar and defender of the temple, the clergy has the most intimate connection with the mysterious Occult.
  • The Peasant: Perhaps a slave or lowly laborer, the peasant has permission to places meant only for nobles when laboring. They lack a noble's life, but their position allows them special access to the gossip of the grapevine.
  • The Healer/Doctor: Practiced in medicine, the healer has a special place in the coven. Knowing about various maladies and injuries, a lot of their time has been with corpses, and they have seen things that some others would never know existed.
  • The Commoner: Possibly a merchant or artisan, the commoner is more specialized than the peasant and has a place to call their own, albeit small. They may not have power or money, but they make up for it with their other resources.


The Rules
  • Adhere to the forum-wide Guild Rules.
  • Be kind, courteous, and respectable in all things, especially in debate.
  • Write at the standard expected of an Advanced Roleplay; that is, where quality takes precedence over quantity.
  • Enjoy yourself, the others, and the RP. Involve yourself!
  • Do your part to make this become an immersive, collaborative, and living experience.



Who's interested?
At this point, a collab seems like a better choice for Tataruki and Kawatake (and other Monzaemon members, if they want to join in).
Monzaemon Discipline Center → Monzaemon Meeting Hall Night ---
Tataruki was leaning on the table, seated on a simple chair directly across from another person. She wore a bubbly smile, and her feet were tapping away on the floor to an inaudible rhythm. The room was a bare one but well-lit. "Now, Hanyou-san, did you or did you not try to feed our clan's private intelligence files to other enemy clans?" Tataruki's voice seemed playful and inviting. Taken out of the current context, one would suspect she was casually talking to a friend about any pointless topic, and not to an accused traitor. Something about the subtext, the particular emphasis she put made her words carry the slightest bit of an intimidation factor. The man across from her shook his head, not willing to talk. Whether his silence was caused by nerves, fear or simply unwillingness to obey, Hanyou had been communicating solely by nods or shakes of the head, which was beginning to wear down Tataruki's patience. "Don't be so difficult to work with. You're only going to make things worse for yourself." Hanyou just shook his head even more fiercely, effectively answering 'no' to Tataruki's question regarding his accusation. "Is that so?" Tataruki seemed disappointed in his answer, "Then, I guess, all the accounts of people catching you in the act are false? Is that what you're saying?" Tataruki pulled out a file from under her; she had been sitting on it. As she opened it up, she revealed countless of accusations and pieces of evidence from a variety of sources. The quantity of the evidence was readily apparent; now, whether all of the evidence was veritable was another thing. Regardless, the file did it's trick and the man broke. "OKAY!" he cried out, exasperated and cornered, "I did it! I tried! But I did it as an act of vengeance! A payback! Those two blind, ignorant brothers that we call our leaders are fools! They are leading our clan down a dark path, saturated in blood. With them as our superiors, the Monzaemon clan will never know peace; we will fall apart!" Tears of passion began to roll down the man's visage, as his eyes were colored red in irritation and his face took on a burnt-red hue. "Well, on the bright side, I can see you're finally telling the truth," Tatruki began, giggling a bit, "Unfortunately for you, that was the wrong answer." And with that, Tataruki waltzed out of the room, allowing two other shinobi to apprehend and subdue the man. He would be executed on the count of treason, and Tataruki would be doing the execution. Fortunately for him, executions only ever happened in the mornings, so he had to whole night to contemplate his life and death. As Tataruki made her way out of the discipline center, having conducted her last session of the day, she found herself meandering the clan territory instead of heading straight home. Tataruki rather enjoyed strolling in the night. The stars were always a marvel to her, being so bright and enthralling but at the same time, so far. Hitomo had been waiting outside the discipline center for her, and as soon as she appeared from the building, the fox walked alongside the kunoichi. While she was walking, she heard a call from one of Uemura's assistants, ordering everyone to rally. Curious as to what they were being called for, Tataruki glided over to where everyone was meeting. As Tataruki neared and the crowd increased, she instinctively called Hitomo into her arms, cradling the fox to keep it from being overwhelmed by the mass of people. She wondered what could be going on, hearing whispers and gossip that were foreboding and ominous.
Tataruki MonzaemonThe Red Fox
"I'm so glad you could join us today; we're so glad you could come, isn't that right, Tomo-chan? Now, if you wouldn't mind telling us what we want to hear... Or, if you decide not to tell, I'll have to kill you."
Is everyone from the Land of Fire? Regardless, anyone wanna have a connection to my upcoming character? Plus, anyone got a clan for me to join, so I can finish out the details of my character?
Hey, Yosh. You. Me. Naruto. Yes.
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