Muttonhawk

Mid/High Casual - Divinus: The Deity Roleplay Mk.II

<Snipped quote by Muttonhawk>

Those lil buggers are so difficult to picture in my head! I actually imagine their heads to be shaped like the Alien from Alien vs Predator

@Frettzo

Damn! I should have given hain little snappy heads on the ends of their tongues...

<Snipped quote by Muttonhawk>

Ah, but as I was saying before, I've deemed it unnecessary to maintain linearity...

@Cyclone

I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm probably not going to get around to extending Minus & Cinead's storyline, Majus' current shenanigans, the Yorum series, and wherever the hell Conata's going to end up. There's still the final showdown between Toun and Zyus to do, but I'm not sure if I'll get further than that.

Re: Wikiing
Absolutely. Kicking off with a requirement to make at least a two-sentence stub page for each significant creation and important character will help immensely at keeping things organised.

I think my forays into this wiki showed that my eyes were waaaay to big for my typing fingers. Don't get me wrong, it was fun to elaborate on hain anatomy and social behaviour but I think that drew away from the original purpose of getting a wiki together.

Re: Technological advancement and mortality
Alright. Rambling time!

I actually found this part to be a tad too gamey for the style we ended up going for. It was thematic to keep technological advancement for Teknall and co, but the arguments we had smacked of avoiding players playing to win the game rather than telling stories. Closely guarded technological advantage is the go-to way to justify steamrolling half a world map in the space of two or three posts. I would propose going about it a different way for next time. I have two ideas:

1. We can keep the technological aesthetic in the hands of the GM and the turns. Rather than civilizations independently discovering things or being bestowed the knowledge by their gods, we can have the setting epoch displayed on the new turn posts, thus dictating what is widespread in the world now. We can start off in the stone age (or the bronze age because that might be more fun tbh) and advance as the turn pace requires. Exceptions can be made for one-off blessings, for example a god bestowing a limited collection of steel weapons for a devoted century of soldiers or something.

2. We pick a technological age for the setting and stick with it. I'm not saying we should make the entirety of Galbar stuck in the feudal age for thousands of years ala Middle Earth, but it may help us stay consistent to what we want to explore.

There are downsides to each here for sure. You can probably tell what the tradeoffs are without me laying them out.

Another problem still present is relative timescale. We had people dealing with mortals and civilizations growing at vastly different paces, which cause the progression of years to come to a massive screeching slowdown in the latter turns of MkII. The stop-gap solution of having a time window in the new turn posts certainly helped, but it didn't make the slow paced stories speed up any. One way to deal with this could be to cram together solutions 1 and 2 above in a way; The opening turns of the game could be reserved for long-term story stuff on the god and civilization level to establish mythology and early creations. As the turns progress, the time window advances less and narrows until its chugging along at a much more mortal pace in a technological age that we don't mind sticking around in for a while. There, we can explore mortal-scale stories and have the godly events happen at a similar pace. If we want to jazz things up, we can vote to do a timeskip of eighty or more years and work with a new era. We could narratively contrive such skips as a temporary period of peace decreed by the Bossman of the Spheres.

Merry Christmas to all of you!



I see a lot of talk about a new Divinus and a lot of opinions being thrown about. What I want to say is that despite all my inactivity and general lack of presence in the latter parts of the RP, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you all while I was fairly active. You guys have shown me what a few ideas and some collaborative work can give birth to (i.e. 150k word posts... looking at you @Cyclone and @Antarctic Termite).

It's been close to 3 years since the start of MK2, and I like to think that getting to know you all through your writing throughout these 3 years has been one of the best RP experiences I've had since I started RPing.

I think we should all take this time, spend Christmas with our loved ones or however you'd like, and then come back reinvigorated and ready for whatever lies ahead.

@Vec

I feel you man. This has been a great ride. I want to ditto this in that I love you all dearly for making this crazy dysfunctional divine family and the world it has wrought. It's been in this RP that I've been satisfied with the semi-large scale narratives I've written. You guys can say what you like -- we've all got better at writing during this time.

Mid/High Casual - Divinus: The Deity Roleplay Mk.II

I have a few things I want to articulate to add to the details of the next Divinus, but I'm really tired tonight -- I think I'll defer that for a bit later.

Frettzo, make me cry all you want, you still owe me a drawing of a hain ;_;
Also don't ever be ashamed to be here, my dude.
...You know, unless your university friends google your steam ID and accidentally come across a corny 1x1 RP you write in, but that's just me.

In other news, if and when we get a new iteration going, you'd best believe I'll be writing epilogues for my characters and creations. I ain't leaving that shit out in the cold.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Janius shrugged. "No idea. I don't know the man. He doesn't seem to be angry about it, at least not openly. In fact, one of the reasons mother is talking to him now is to gauge his feelings on the matter. At any rate, if you would rather not talk about the tattoos now, we can wait until later this afternoon." He gave Julan a smirk and a sideways glance. "You really should ask some questions of her next time. Maybe you could do that now. What do you feel like? It's up to you."

---

Calia remained smiling softly, but Llarasa was beaming. "Oh, I do love when a romance against the odds works out," Llarasa said. "And it's just so fortunate you have been able to help each other achieve in life."

Llarasa and Calia found a place to seat themselves while waiting for the others, but Calia continued the conversation. "Well, I can say that your new family is truly a diverse one with three mixed marriages in its tree. When I was growing up, the few attempts at husbandry of an Argonian and a Khajiit only ever resulted in at least one life lost rather than any more gained. If the empire can unite Tamriel's mainland for a few centuries then perhaps they deserve credit for Leyawiin being a place where you and he found love, Shevari."

"Mother, I don't think that's a nice way to put it," Llarasa said, her smile turning nervous.

Monderyn was hesitant to answer. He showed his teeth and drew in a breath. After a pause, he closed his mouth and glanced away. "We'll deal with it if that happens. We should just keep on our toes for now." He looked over Ahnasha's shoulder. "If you don't mind, we should probably join the others before mother gets more underhanded."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"I don't think Thorantilth will be upset to talk about it," Janius said. "If you would prefer to talk to your mother about it, you may, though she's meeting with the master-hunter at the moment."

Janius turned and started to walk back towards the village with Julan in tow. "Hal-Leeus told you she is the daughter of Juran-Selth, correct?"

---

"What a wholesome journey you have undertaken, Shevari. I do hope you achieve your goal." Calia made motions towards the lake. "Now, I would hate to keep you away from the meal preparation, but I am very curious to hear how a travelling Argonian came to marry into a Khajiit family in an Imperial province. How did you meet your husband? Do you have any children?"

Llarasa followed along with Calia to ensure she did not trip herself up. Monderyn only glanced up at them briefly before continuing. "I fear it may not be so simple if we're unlucky. Father...opened a bottle of spirits after breakfast today. He rarely gets himself into a stupor, but it is not unheard of and..."

"...His temper weakens when he drinks." Fendros said. "I remember it. He's always had more decorum than to drink heavily during the day, though. I don't understand."

"It's only one other regular occasion he behaves like this, Fendros. Your birthday," Monderyn added. "I don't know if Llarasa has told you via her letters but the last time he drank like this he ended up killing the neighbour's hound. We could afford the fine, of course, but it was unlike him. It was senseless."

"Do you think he'll come here?" Fendros asked.

Monderyn shrugged.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Janius turned his head away in thought. Julan saw no quick answer from his father as his lips curled inwards nervously.

"It's hard to say," Janius said. "I'm sorry if it wasn't clear that the tattoos were involved. It's our fault for assuming that, Kaleeth and myself." He brought two fingers to his temple and took in a slow breath. "I understand if you don't want the tattoos. They tend to stay for life. At the same time, they are very important to the village here."

He looked to Julan, more resolved. "We should talk to Thorantilth about it. He is an understanding type and he knows far more about this than I do. He might have a solution...or perhaps he might end up changing your mind." He shrugged. "Would you like to go now or wait a while?"

---

Calia held a reserved smile as Shevari explained. She took a moment to respond but did so smoothly. "That would explain my nostalgia. Young lady, I have not partaken in such dishes since before most standing here were even born. I look forward to out meal. Fendros explained to me that an Argonian relative would be in charge of the cooking but I did not expect this kind of speciality."

Fendros explained further. "Shevari here is a professional chef with a successful restaurant, mother."

"Really?" Calia's eyes lit up, though it was difficult to tell whether it genuine or just a polite reaction. "Congratulations, dear. Have you finally convinced these picky Imperials of the merit of Dunmer cuisine?"

"Excuse me, Fendros, Ahnasha." Monderyn subtly nudged the two of them and beckoned them a few paces away from the conversation. He continued in a hushed tone after they followed. "Mother invited father to the picnic today. He refused to even answer. Did you manage to convince your family to leave him alone, Ahnasha?"

Mid/High Casual - Divinus: The Deity Roleplay Mk.II

A rework of the rules mechanics and a move to Advanced would be cool. I would especially like Might to get chopped up to be a bit less rushable and to get more might for purely creative tasks. All this stuff would require brainstorming but I can see it working.

As for the layers of the universe, I very much like that idea, just so long as there aren't too many default layers to start with -- or if there are, just so they aren't the kitchen sink of places you see in Forgotten Realms or Golarion. I would make a distinct exception for a mysterious source and sink of souls flowing to/from the spheres inhabiting mortals.

If there is anything else I would like to transfer over, it would be the slowly developing idea of divine essence as we know it in this iteration. Toun's been on a journey to discover How Gods Do this entire time and I have a bunch of notes for that stuff that are kinda nifty and generalisable.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

While Julan's surprise was obvious, Janius remained casual. "Hm? Oh, no, any man and woman who are old enough can do it if they both want to. Doesn't mean they should. Unfortunately, if there is anything the Hist and the Divines both agreed to put into their children, it is the powerful curiosity to try it out regardless of whether it's a good idea." He put a hand on Julan's shoulder and leaned down to his eye level. "I wouldn't worry too much. If you haven't been thinking about it by now I doubt it'll be a choice you'll face here at the village. It's just worth mentioning."

Janius stood up straight again. "Did you have any more questions?"

---

"I've been just as eager to meet Ahnasha's side of the family as well, in truth," Llarasa said. "Ahnasha and Fendros have been telling me a little about you all. Despite being an Imperial city, the culture in Leyawiin just seems like another world compared to here. Ah, but I'll get back to in just a blink, I need to greet my brother. Fendros!"

After stepping away from Fendros to allow Llarasa her own hug, Calia addressed Ahnasha with her hands clasped and her elbows slightly bent. She quickly recovered from her hint of emotion at an alarming speed, almost as if her tear ducts had sucked away all the extra moisture. "I am sure they are delightful, Ahnasha. It is only natural to be nervous when introducing one's family. Especially outside of an arranged pairing such as where we found ourselves. But enough about that, shall we get settled? We have some events to catch up on, no doubt, and if that smell is any indication I..." Her smile faded and she blinked a few times. She quickly shook her head a moment later. "Excuse me, I was lost in ages-old memories for a moment. What is it that is cooking?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Janius nodded at each addition Julan made. He gave a couple of seconds before he straightened and crossed his arms. "Just one," he said. "You're not to get her pregnant."

He left no time for Julan to get over any shock before he ruffled the top of Julan's head. "Though, that about covers it. I think you have this well in hand, son."

---

Llarasa had just pulled away a saddlebag that clinked with glass bottles inside. Her attention went to Shevari with some surprise, but was quickly replaced with a smile. "Oh! A few varieties from our cellar. I have a few lighter red vintages, aged a few years and good to keep everyone warm today. But excuse me, I'm Llarasa," she switched the bag to her other hand and extended her right hand forward. "You must be Shevari. Lovely to meet you."

Calia responded to Ahnasha. "Oh, my dear, do not put my younger days to shame. Things are better now but you should have seen me when I was closer to your age. Speaking of which, Rhazii, do not think your growth spurts have gone unnoticed, young man. Come, come, I want to see you too."

Rhazii was smiling but nervous as he and Calia shared a similar hug after Calia put her hands to his cheeks. "Good to see you again, grandmother."

"Hmhm, I see you have turned into a fine specimen. No doubt Mephala has tangled you up with all sorts of trouble already."

They pulled away and Rhazii grinned and abashedly felt at his neck. "I guess, just some."

Monderyn approached after hitching up the horses and gave everyone a nod. "Ahnasha, Rhazii," he greeted.

Rhazii nodded back but did not quite maintain eye contact with Monderyn. Llarasa and Shevari filled the silence with their conversation over the wine.

The awkward moment did not last before Fendros finally approached, jovial but short of breath. "Welcome everyone. Thank you for coming. Good to see you again, mother."

Calia brought her hands to Fendros as well. She showed a chink in her usual emotional armour when looking on Fendros' face; through her broad smile, her eyes moistened just a little. "You have no idea how good it is to see you, Fendros." They hugged. "But, I dare ask if we arrived a little early? Where is your clan, Ahnasha?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Those are both good," Janius said. "I'll give you one more from what you said before, you may not infect her. Now, there's one more I'm thinking of that is very important. If one thing leads to another, where else will you have to draw the line, Julan?"

---

Rhazii was so absorbed by the cooking he was startled by Ahnasha's nudge. He stood up to join her.

The horses snorted and tapped.

"Oh, Llarasa, guide mother please!" Monderyn turned and tried his best to ease the horses.

Calia waved dismissively. "I do not need a guide for just a small distance. Ahnasha, I can make you out now, come here." Calia carefully stepped to close the distance with her hands outstretched. Ahnasha noticed Calia's eyes seeing her for the first time but she still placed her hands either side of Ahnasha's face. "There's my daughter-in-law, just as I remember. I fear my eyes never fully mended but I can see enough to say you are looking healthy and lovely." Calia stepped up to conservatively embrace Ahnasha.

"Hello everyone," Llarasa added with a broad smile. "I brought us some wine for our meal. I hope you don't mind."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Son, there's a difference between kissing and making promises you know you can't keep," Janius retorted. He raised a finger, his words landing at a proper answer before he knew it. "That's all I want you to do. To avoid making promises you can't keep."

Janius breathed out and calmed his voice. "Listen, Julan, I'm sorry if this is coming off as confusing. These things are hard to relay precisely in words because they're generally learnt through experience. It's just that you're mother is worried you're going to hurt yourself." He shrugged. "I think you'll be fine, but just so we can know, I need you to answer my question. Try to think of an answer in terms of what you're definitely not going to do. What promises can't you keep here? An easy example to start; you're not going to bring her home. What else?"

---

Ahnasha saw figures along the trail several minutes early. Three horses walked along the path towards them. The one in the lead carried Monderyn, sitting up straight and holding a cord leading the horse behind his. That guided horse carried Fendros' mother Calia, the older Dunmer woman looking just as perfectly poised as the last time Ahnasha saw her. She was even riding side-saddle. Llarasa followed along behind them both on her own horse, not riding side-saddle but still her usual self. She waved when she and Ahnasha made eye contact.

When the three came closer and their details stood out, the formality of their clothing became more apparent. While not as resplendent and markedly more suited to the climate than what they wore to Ahnasha and Fendros' wedding day, the nice dresses, embroidered doublets, and hats with flowers and ribbons made the rest of them look starkly under-dressed.

"Greetings again, Ahnasha," Monderyn said, managing a small smile. He dismounted just as Calia spoke to a space nearby.

"Oh, my daughter-in-law is here? Ahnasha, my dear, let me finally see you with my new eyes!" Calia's eyes wandered with more purpose than before, but she did not lock onto Ahnasha. Monderyn stepped up to help Calia down from her horse.

Just as well, as Monderyn's horse started to shuffle uncomfortably as Ahnasha neared.