KoL

War Notes

So, here's my explanation:

This fight is really poorly designed. Our team does not have the tools to handle large, flying creatures. This could be a good thing. If the rocs were to show a weakness in the team [...]

@Leotamer

This fight was more or less chosen at random since rocs are typical inhabitants of Orello's region. That said, you can't and shouldn't expect every fight you face to be one where you have chances of winning by superior force. Yes, the team has a weakness against flying foes, but ths doesn't make that an imposible fight, just one that requires a bit of creativity.

This was the first battle of its kind in the RP up to now, as well. The Cadets led the advantage on all of the previous encounters. In short, it was not poorly designed, it was challenging.

[...] except the rocs pose very little threat. And not in the sense that they are the main characters and this is a minor encounter, but in universe, rocs aren't that scary. Sure, for a regular villager, a giant eagle is pretty scary, but for military-trained students, who can easily duck and dodge their attacks, there isn't much that they can really do.

@Leotamer

This is something some of you don't seem to get no matter how many times I mention it, so let me explain it again. Your characters aren't normal people. They are supersoldiers in training, simply that. The juvenile rocs aren't supposed to be a death threat to any of you. However, conventional military and civilians would freeze in fear from just seeing one of those things. They are deadly threats to the normal population, the thing is that none of your characters are supposed to be normal.

Vessel bearers aren't rank and file members of the military, they are the very elite either as commanders, shocktroopers, or top operatives. They are the ones that get the job done. Even a moderately trained knight is better than a whole squad of conventional soldiers if not more.

When your characters are ready to graduation I don't expect anything less of them being like at least Cloud Strife level.

Honestly, Regina plan probably would be better. Why do we have to kill them? They attacked us, but as far as I am concerned, they are just territorial beasts and that their presence and their attacking are particularly normal and natural.

@Leotamer

No one ever disqualified Regina's plan, the thing is... No one chose to lead and very few even placed their votes for a leader when asked to, preferring to spend their post in other ways, or tucked in a bush. The few that voted chose Gradon and he asked the Princess to lead while he serves as deputy.

In other words, you are complaining because of Ires' plan but IC your characters allowed her to lead. They are being childish, at least and putting everyone's lives in danger by not following the plan nearly everyone agreed to, at worst.

Not voting is your prerogative. However, you can't complain about the result when things don't go your way because of that.

Taking the chance, I'll address this as well:

I am not sure what argument you are referring to, but I think you are referring to appeal to nature. And if it is, I am not not making an appeal to nature fallacy. The AtN Fallacy is that because something is natural means that is good, which well fallacious. I am not making a moral judgment about the rocs attacking people. I am saying that we don't have a reason to mess with it. This is just something that happens, and besides, ecosystems. Killing predators can have a domino effect downwards, but I don 't think this is the time or place to go into that. And if you aren't talking about that argument, be more specific.

@Leotamer

Didn't I ask you guys to stop making baseless assumptions less than two weeks ago? Where in my previous post did I comment anything that would give the least impression of this argument you brought up?

I'll ask again, stop doing that. This is not how people are supposed to debate. It's just frankly annoying when you change the subject of the argument in such a way.

@Lonewolf685

Yeah there also needs to be a balance. Getting teeth kicked in all the time isn't good either.

@Bushman501

Well, like I said above, this is the first harder encounter the characters had in the RP. And you are exploring a very dangerous region, to begin with.

It would be cheap of us to hit where you are weak every single time, but on the first one we do it you have a reaction like this? Well, that's not entertaining to anyone. We thought it was going to be a cool fight but seems that it just became a frustration.

Though this does get me curious. Probably should have asked this before but what training standards are the minimum for cadets to even be considered to go out into the field? They'd obviously not throw in extremely young ones with no training in combat or tactics but it does not seem to be the best of the best cadets either.

@Bushman501

Well, I addressed this more or less in the OP. None of your characters are beginners and, even if they are, they are supposed to be above the common people anyway. The Academy is harsh, so Cadets are sent to the field pretty much as soon as they have the basics drilled on them, it's just that the types of missions vary drastically. The one you are now is something that only advanced Cadets like your characters are supposed to be are allowed to join.

@KoL

Sorry, I've mostly been just thinking over things.

@Crimmy

That's no problem. The issue is that you didn't tell us anything. Even if you want to take a time, you need to tell us, otherwise, the RP will be stuck waiting.

We aren't pressuring people to post but rather to understand what's up.

Talking about that: @DracoLunaris you have until tomorrow. I'm asking it politely, is it so hard to tell us if you are going to continue in the RP or not?

War Notes

Just a heads up, I may or may not have the time to reply until next week. Work related reasons.

@Hammerman

Thanks, we will try to not torture Esther too much until you come back.

War Notes

@Crimmy

Well, if they can kill one, they can certainly kill more. Your bloodlust and common sense are your only limits.

War Notes [recruiting new players]

@Agent 47

Hi.

Sadly, no. This is an original idea, though it's based on a plethora of different works.

As for the RP. It's a call for more players since we have suffered some drops along the way. YOu can feel free to do a character and post it on the OOC linked above for evaluation.

War Notes [recruiting new players]

Glossary

Vessels

Vessels

Putting it simply, what is called Vessels by many are in fact portions of their users' soul. Their crystalized will made manifest. For this reason, each of them is unique in its abilities and potential even so all of them work under a certain few guidelines, or better, rules that seem to apply to all magic users.

A Vessel will always have at least two different forms, the Dormant (or Standby) form and an Active form. A more skilled and or powerful user may have access to more numerous or complex forms but this is very rare for all but the most elite users.

Each of the two forms may have access to different abilities and powers, but the Standby form will always have a mundane appearance and generally simple functions. Ex: a cloak that grants better protection against the weather, a pair of boots that will never wear from normal usage, a piece of jewelry, or anything in between.

The Active form will usually take the shape of another object (more often than not a weapon or defensive gear) that allows the user to unleash their true powers. These powers can come in nearly any shape, from control over the elements to incredible strength and durability, summoning, invisibility, healing, etc. The possibilities of a Vessel's power are nearly limitless. Their only limitation is that they'll always reflect their user in one way or another, for that reason they tend to be highly thematic abilities.

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The Imperial Records

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Imperial Records #000

The Valys Continent: A great landmass composing most of the Known World. Valys is a land of sharp mountains, deep forests and vast plains the majority of which are very low populated thanks to the many dangers —both natural and not— that plague the land. Valys weather is predominantly temperature in nature and very humid thanks to the the large oceans all around it. Nevertheless some areas, like high mountain ranges, or isolated islands have climates and biomes unique to them.

A large number of beings inhabit Valys. Some of them are natural like wolves, bears and horses. Most of them are fearsome beasts which are said to posses incredible powers and that threatens mankind's everyday life on a constant basis.

However, men persevered. It created civilization and culture, mastered fire, steel and magic, founded nations that rose and fell to the inexorable tide of time. The Golden Era of Valysian men may have ended a long time ago but mankind still thrives on this land. Currently the three main powers which claim domain over the land are known as the Arcadian Empire, the Grand Duchy of Westris and the Alliance of the Free States.

Imperial Records #000

Imperial Records #000-A

The Empire: The Empire occupies most of the Northern Valys, a mountainous land of deep valleys and temperate forests full of natural resources which power the Empire's mighty economy. The very Northern however are a harsh land where few can prosper. Despite its riches, the fact that the Empire is plagued by dangers, both mundane and supernatural is the main reason why it hasn't succeeded in reunifying the continent once.

Imperial Records #000-A

Imperial Records #000-B

The Alliance: The Alliance occupies most of the Southwestern Valys, along with many of the maritime territories of the Valys Southern coast. Their lands are far poorer in resources to the Empire but have a better agricultural potential, allowing the many smaller states that comprise the Alliance to stand up with numbers that pretty much match the Imperial Army toe-to-toe.

Imperial Records #000-B

Imperial Records #000-C

The Grand Duchy: Of the three major powers in Valys, the Grand Duchy is the least plentiful of resources and population, or so is said, but they more than make up for it with intellectual and technological advancement. They occupy the high mountains and plains of the Northern Valys, nearly completely encircled landlocked, except for some bits of the North Sea's coast.

Imperial Records #000-C

The Empire.

Imperial Records #001

Arpeggio: The Capital of the Arcadian Empire and largest city in the Known World, with a total population of a little more than a million souls. The city is was founded —in fact, the older parts of it were carved— in a heavily defended mountain side, making it nearly impossible to siege. Arpeggio is a truly vivid and luxurious city unlike any other in Valys. It's perfectly cobbled streets, beautiful arched bridges and many ancient monuments dating all the way to the Empire's foundation are true treasure trove of mankind's history.

Imperial Records #001

Imperial Records #002

Orello: Fort Orello and its namesake village were located. Being one of the last remaining citadels of the Old Empire, originally build to thwart the lackeys of the vile Goddess of Strife, Orello is one of the Empire's most critical defense positions, standing right in the way of the Grand Duchy's forces.

The village of Orello itself is very well known through the most of the Empire for the quality of it's beer, made from their freshly clean waters, as well as for their sheep, whose both wool and meat are coveted as luxury goods.

Imperial Records #002

Imperial Records #003

Aquaria: Second only to the Imperial Capital in terms of importance, self-administered City of Aquaria is the trading heart of the Empire, it's no exaggeration to say that all of the Empire's treasures pass through Aquaria before reaching the Capital. The City of Water is also a major hub for enlightened, having the most advanced schools and academies, not to say anything of museums and the Grand Library, which is said to house a countess number of volumes in its maze like chambers. The Aquarian Royal Guard are the stalwart defenders of the city, known for their fierce determination and skill at arms, thought most of them aren't as magically gifted, unlike the Cadenza Knights.

Imperial Records #003

Imperial Records #004

Religion & Myths: A long, long time ago it's said that Valys was a land of peace, where mankind and their Gods, known collectively as The Thirteen, lived in peace and harmony. Under the rule of the Gods, mankind built its greatest civilization, the Arcadian Empire, which lived in a Gold Age of peace and advancement far beyond that of today's world. However, the Goddess of Strife grew tired of the other Gods' complacency, tricking them, stealing their divine essences and, eventually, killing them.

With the power of all of Gods together, the Goddess of Strife wagged war against mankind, building an army of dark and twisted creatures. It seemed like men were doomed, falling like flies before the mighty of the Goddess, only thing they could do was pray and try to survive.

Mankind's prayers were heard by The Three, who came to their aid. Some say that The Three are mighty archangels left behind by the Fallen Gods to safeguard the world in case of disaster, other say that they are beings of immense power —dragons, perhaps— created by the Goddess of Strive who ultimately grew a consciousness and challenge their Mistress besides mankind. Yet others say that they were neither, but humans who, somehow, achieved the greatness necessary to lead their armies to victory. The Three are said to have imparted, some say they have in fact sired or gave birth, to the first Vessel Bearers. To this day any who can manifest a Vessel is regarded as a physical manifestation of The Three by the most superstitious.

Regardless of the truth about The Three, it's said that, with their aid, humanity finally could push the armies of the Goddess of Strife back and defeat the Goddess herself. However, she was too powerful to be destroyed. Instead of that, it's said that the Goddess' divine essence was divided in thirteen parts and sealed away in the distant reaches of the world to never be seen again. It's still a common belief between certain natural philosophers and historians that areas with unnatural concentration of monsters and old ruins may indicate the places were such remains have been sealed. Nevertheless, the danger posed by such a research keps it out of reach of any rational scholar.

Imperial Records #004

Imperial Records #005

Time & Age: .

Imperial Records #005

War Notes [recruiting new players]

War Notes

[OOC]

Intro

The Neo Arcadian Empire is the greatest and most powerful of the three major powers that dispute the supremacy of the Valys continent for hundreds of years. The reason why the Empire remains as the lead military power, outmatching its bitter rival, the Alliance of the Free States and the Grand Duchy of Westris, lies at the core of the Imperial lands: Cadenza Military Academy. It's at this Academy that the most powerful of the Empire's elite warriors are raised and trained as the swords and shields of its people.

While Cadenza may not be the only one of its kind in the World, it certainly is the best one. An uncontested proof of that is that its students won more Interacademy Tournaments, one of the most traditional events of the Liberation Festival, than any of its rival academies combined.

However, this isn't a story about such heroic exploits, at least not about the feats of its students during the upcoming tournament where only the highest achievers are allowed to compete. This story will be about a group of students, a provisory class, assembled among the best of the remaining students.

A commonplace borderlands training patrol took an unexpected turn, changing their fate forever.

The World

The known world is pretty comprised of the Valys continent. A land that was once ruled by the Almighty Arcadian Empire. Ever since its fall, the world has passed through various periods of turmoil until a group of legendary heroes succeeded in defeating the mysterious Goddess of Strife, paving the way to the current era. Their victory is remembered in the Liberation Festival.

The Empire occupies most of the Northern Valys, a mountainous land of deep valleys and temperate forests full of natural resources which power the Empire's mighty economy. The very Northern however are a harsh land where few can prosper. Despite its riches, the fact that the Empire is plagued by dangers, both mundane and supernatural is the main reason why it hasn't succeeded in reunifying the continent once.

The Alliance occupies most of the Southwestern Valys, along with many of the maritime territories of the Valys Southern coast. Their lands are far poorer in resources to the Empire but have a better agricultural potential, allowing the many smaller states that comprise the Alliance to stand up with numbers that pretty much match the Imperial Army toe-to-toe.

Of the three major powers in Valys, the Grand Duchy is the least plentiful of resources and population, but they more than make up for it with intellectual and technologic advancement. They occupy a small enclave at the high mountains of the Nothern Valys, nearly completely encircled by the Empire, except for a bit of the North Sea's coast.

Characters

As explained before the characters of this RP will be a group of cadets from the Cadenza Imperial Military Academy sent on a training mission to patrol a borderland region while the Academy's best are away, representing it at the Liberation Festival.

What makes Cadenza students different from most other soldiers is that they are part of a group of select few individuals who can give physical shape to their souls in the form of Vessels which allow each of them to do a variety of deeds. Usually, a Vessel looks like a small keepsake, a piece of clothing or jewelry. When called upon they will reveal their form, allowing their user to access the full extent of their powers.

Character Sheet

Name: Your character's name. You can add any nicknames, titles, etc here as well.
Age: Your character's age. Must be between 14 and 19 years old.
Appearance: Your character's appearance. It can be an image (no real life pics, please), short description or both, at your discretion.
Bio/Summary: A short description of your character, with any details worth of notice. You can be creative, but keep this simple and short (nothing longer than 2 paragraphs, please). Thin of it as the profile of a character you'd get from readying the back cover of a book/any other media.
Vessel: The appearance of your character's Vessel on any of its forms. Most Knights also give names to their Vessels, if you think of one you can add it here too. Again, keep this small and simple. Up to three different forms is a reasonable limit, even though most most Vessels only have two (Dormant and Active).
Abilities: Your character's abilities. Most Vessels follow a theme to their abilities, so keep it simple as well. No OP abilities, please.
Equipment: Any other important equipment your character may have on them that's not their Vessel. If they carry anything else on them, of course.
Trivia/Other: Anything that the above secins may not have covered. This section is optional, you don't have to include it if there's nothing else you want to add.

*: You can play around with the formatting of the CS as long as it remain readable and you follow the instructions above.

Character Example

Name:

Ordfinne "Finne" Aeglinn.

Age:

17 years.

Appearance:

As seen above. Height: 172 centimeters (aprox. 5'8"); Weight: 59 kilograms (aprox. 130 lbs).

Bio/Summary:

A rather tomboyish girl with a strong personality. Finne was born at one of the many high valleys of the Empire and lived a mostly normal life until the day her magic potential was discovered. After moving to the Academy she didn't change that much, always keeping her carefree attitude.

Vessel:

Finne's Vessel is named Keroberus. In it's standard form it looks like an unassuming bracelet, with a trio of charm representing the Sun, the Moon and a Star hanging from it. When called upon, it'll take the form of a short wand that can both be used to invoke her supernatural powers as well as smack things at short range.

Abilities:

Keroberus' power allows Finne to create illusions, generating all kinds of visions and sounds. With concentration she can even have it cause some damage. Since they are illusions, Finne can will her attacks to ne non-lethal if she wants to.

Equipment:

Witch outfit, tarot deck.

Trivia/Other:

She own a black cat curiously named Tabby.

Rules

I'd rather avoid adding an extensive set of rules since I believe we all already know (or should know) the basics etiquette and education. However, since experience has shown me that showing is better than telling more often than not, here are some guidelines for us to follow:

• Follow the Guild's rules as well as you can. It's ok to skirt around and bend them a little in favor of fun but let's try to not get anyone banned, shall we?
• A little of respect goes a long way into making a healthier game for all of us.
• Do to others what you want for yourself.
• When in doubt, either ask someone or use your common sense. Preferably both.
• Try to keep some quality standard on your posts. You don't need, or should try, to deliver a novel on every of your posts. One or two paragraphs is more than well enough, as long as they both have quality content and are well written. In other words, "Quality over Quantity".
• Have fun. God knows that I want to so you'd better have it in mind as well if you wanna join.

War Notes

I'll explain more things tomorrow, by the way.

War Notes

First things first.

@Crimmy, and @DracoLunaris

Any of you two is still on this? Your silence, especially when we are asking about posts that you could have done since both of your characters are enabled to do so.

If you fail to reply by the end of this weekend, we will just move away without your characters. No ill effects will happen, your characters will just fade away until you come back. I just don't want to leave the RP stuck waiting on unresponsive players. I hope you can understand this.

War Notes

@Leotamer

I get your point, thanks for the input.

Nevertheless, there are some misconceptions Oh that argument. I'm at college now, so I cannot explain in details. I'll do it once I'm back home or tomorrow, at most.

War Notes

I wouldn't like to go out of my way to poke people to post again. But, if that's not done, I guess we aren't going to move forward, huh? I'll see about it later.