Riven Wight

Mystic Orphanage (Aristocles and Siaya Dragalorn)

*Gives you a thumbs up.*

I didn’t say one of each race. In the end, that would be a LOT of actual kingdoms, I think. Just that there were five original kingdoms run by different races. So, we wouldn’t need one for each race. I said five mostly because I that number for some odd reason. And it feels like a decent sized group to keep close track of, neither too big nor too small. We can still split things between the orphanage and our adventuring kids, so you could still do whatever you wanted with Jorn, especially in adding subplots. Because subplots can be amazing things, and would give each of us a greater opportunity to guide the plot while potentially keeping the interest and mystery.

I’m one of those people who likes when the actual PCs or main characters end up being THE people for something. When they’re “special,” or are the only ones who can fix something. So, do you think the following would be a good compromise? It still has that “chosen one” aspect, but no prophecy, just a magical and blood connection linking them all.

Possible Plot

In ancient times, when the land was new and order was but a distant dream, five men rose from among the many races: a halflings, an elf, a dracon, a lizardman, and a human. Together, they managed to bring peace, and divided the land into the five kingdoms that still hold today. Since then, the rulers have changed even in race, most now ruled by human families, the true story of the original five falling into the realm of myths and legends.

However, these five feared the destruction of their kingdoms, that one day they would once more fall into war and ruin. So, with the powers of the elven ruler and a few others they trusted who were strong in magic, they created what they hoped would be a failsafe. Using a crystal already imbued with magical properties, they enchanted it to see and seek out their descendants should the world fall from the original family’s grasp, or their hands grow corrupted, descendants who shared the same great power, characteristics, and, ultimately, desires as them. Descendants who were pure of heart, and wanted to see joy and calm restored to the people.

They succeeded in the creation of the crystal, which was placed with the elf for safe keeping. If—or when—the time came, it would activate, and the search for those few capable of restoring order would be sought out.

Through the years, the crystal has remained in the hands of the elf’s descendants, but has rested dormant all these thousands of years, its story lost to all but a select few. Until now.

Though how remains unknown, a few of the current rulers have heard of this crystal. Now, wars rage through the land, ravaging cities and towns and leaving piles of dead in their wake as armies fight against one another for a cause unshared with them: to find the crystal first, and ensure their reign does not come to an end.

With the safety of the land compromised and corruption running thickly through the veins of the current rulers, it has chosen those worthy enough to take their place. With its and its chosen children at risk, the land in turmoil, and spies and traitors hidden everywhere, only time will tell if they will be capable of working together and succeed, and if everyone living within the orphanage they call home will live or perish beneath the blades and magic of the kings.

I decided to go with elves for my other actual PC, but there are two of them. Do you mind? If you like any of the above plot, only one of the two would be a descendant. The other’s adopted. And their profile is kind of long. If anything, I'll probably make something semi-official for Noname if we go that route, too. Because I'm OCD like that.

Sweet. Thanks for the info on the word! Good to know I used it correctly and all that.

Mystic Orphanage (Aristocles and Siaya Dragalorn)

Okay, cool!

Yeah, I know the usual reaction there about your locker room aspect. I was just wondering. All females is fine by me!

*Gasp!* Hater. XD I'm a pretty big fan of the series. Honestly, I've never gotten into Star Wars, have no idea who Willy the Wizard is, and the old-fashioned writing of the King Author tales has always put me off. Really, though--and I'm not trying to argue for her or anything, just stating opinion--these days, there isn't too much that has not already been done in one form or another. So, it's really about taking the old and putting a new spin on it. I'm one of those people who like a few of the more modern interpretations of old legends/stories, and have actually been capable of appreciating the work put into book-to-movie adaptations more as of late... you try turning a 500+ page novel into a 120 page script. The movie is never as good as the book, but there is still an art to it. Though, that's something else entirely... aaaaand I'm rambling.

Oh, awesome. I look forward to seeing your orphan character post, then! It will probably also help with interacting, since they'll probably know each other to some extent, and our main dracons would probably have some kind of record of them, anyway.

Dang it. I forgot. So, how about 170 or so, maxed out at 200 with some kids hunkered on the floor instead of cots?

I like the coin titles and ten-to-one.

I have an idea, then, for the underlying cause, and a generic sort of plot that could happen for some of the orphans and maybe Arjun, if you're up for it. So, what if the wars, beneath the surface, is, as you suggested from a mix of an ancient conspiracy and a bit of a druidic (or other magic creature... Is "druidic" an actual word, do you know, or did I just make that up?) prophecy? Say, like, five young people who are descendants of the first five great nations of their world will rise up against all odds and bring a peace to the land, a peace in which those five young ones will rule over the people? (1) A human with the heart of a true hero and warrior, (2) a dracon (Arjun?) with great strength and honor, (3) a halfling with uncanny stealth (maybe my unnamed boy?) and the ability to notice even the smallest of details, (4) a lizardfolk with cunning on his/her side, and (5) whatever my younger character ends up being (I'm still somewhere between a different spin on a half-breed of sorts, and an elf) who is strong in magic. Then, on the other side, maybe the orphanage itself could come under attack, since they have such a large gathering of each of the races. The arrival of my other character could be an inciting event. In a way, all that would also kind of split it between the normal daily dealings of the orphanage with that daring, life-altering adventure I'm fond of. Let me know what you think. I won't take offense either way, or anything!

Of Men and Elves (Siaya-Dragalorn x AutumnFrost)

With the elf cooperating and walking along with him instead of resisting, Ryathane slowly led her toward the edge of the clearing, his own posture and pace compensating for the extra weight and Aeylisia’s hopping motion.
Ryathane looked to her as she tried to reassure him through clenched teeth, the closeness of their faces making the tightness in her jaw easier to see. “Uh huh.” The shadows of the trees darkened as they left the small clearing and entered the denser trees. “And you know this by, what, studies, experience, or some sort of connection between you and it?” He glanced down as she half hopped, half walked forward, and smirked. “You’d make a great rabbit.”
Maybe she can be a rabbit, The elf in her wolf form entered his mind. Wonder if she can turn into any animal.
The amount he knew of elves--or, rather, the lack thereof--again set his nerves on edge, making his shoulders stiffen. After all, she had turned a branch, a thing of wood, into a sword. A sword even a peasant would not purchase, but a weapon of metal nonetheless. All the stories he had heard conveniently failed to mention that little ability. Shapeshifting, sure; they were creatures of the earth and nature, after all, but object transfiguration?
He glanced down once more toward the tattered skirt over her wounded leg. He did what he could to both put more of her weight on him and hurry along their odd trek.
Finally, they reached the large tree he had chosen for his so-called camp. He stopped and looked up. “Here we are.” He stopped with a smaller tree near Aeylisia, and nodded to his chosen headquarters. “Tree sweet tree. Since I assume you can’t exactly climb, I’ll grab my pack.” He released the hold he had on her hand and waited for her to remove her arm from his shoulders.

Mystic Orphanage (Aristocles and Siaya Dragalorn)

And that is the math of a person who desperately needed sleep. XD Why not do it 80 minutes, then, with the capability of four sets? I'll do more math later (before I get too tired, heh) to figure out how many therapists they would need in either case. Unless you get to that first, of course!

Oh, and I forgot to touch on the gender thing. What about doing it males with males and females with females? I don't know how it would be for men/boys, but I think girls, at least, do tend to converse and feel more comfortable around their same gender. Is it the same with guys, usually? I never really thought about that.

The "dimensional magic" has actually been around a lot longer than Harry Potter. Heh. Would I be correct in guessing that you are a Harry Potter fan? :-)

As long as we don't call them knuts, sickles, and galleons, I'm good with that. XD Technically, that is a normal currency use in that time setting.

Do you mind that I posted my current orphans in the characters tab? It helps me keep them all in order.

Lastly, do you have anything in particular in mind as to what is causing the wars?

Mystic Orphanage (Aristocles and Siaya Dragalorn)

My Orphans

Torgay (Tor)

Race: Lizardwoman
Appearance: Your typical lizardfolk. Green scales with a tinge of brown.
Age: 14
Time at Orphanage: About a two and a half.

Kai

Race: Elf
Personality Snippet: She considers herself herself the leader of her usual group (Laya, Ilyrana, and Nick when he can join, with the occasional addition of Tor), and is often the mastermind of their little mischievous schemes. She hates the fighting training of the day, and much prefers magic, and is quite the drama queen.
Age: 12
Time at Orphanage: About three years.

Appearance

Note: She is the youngest and shortest of her group.

Laya

Race: Elf.
Personality snippit: She, like many of her kind, are magically inclined, but can still hold her own in a fight... mostly.
Age: 13 ½
Time at Orphanage: About three years.

Appearance

Note: She is the middle-height in her usual group of girls, and the eldest by a few months.

Ilyrana

Race: Elf
Personality Snippet: Unlike the others in her usual group of friends, she is less magically inclined, but a great fighter. She also tends to be the quieter of the trio of girls.
Age: 13
Time at Orphanage: About three years.

Appearance

Note: She is the tallest of her group, but not the eldest.

Nickryn (Nick)

Race: Elf
Personality Snippet: He is a bit of a know-it-all, very observant, and likes to count things. He is more of a magic user than a fighter.
Age: 14
Time at Orphanage: About three years.

Appearance

Mute Boy

Race: Halfling
Appearance: Brownish black hair that always sticks up like a porcupine, and hazel eyes that sometimes look more gold than anything. He is short for his age, and quite tan from hours spent out in the sun. Currently has a freshly healed cut on the left side of his face running from jaw to earlobe.
Personality Snippet: He is extremely stealthy and usually hates confrontation. It takes a lot to push him to it, but when he is, he can show some skills. He is quiet, choosing not to talk because of what happened before he came to the orphanage, and thus no one knows anything about him.
Age: Best guess is between seven and eight, though he looks quite younger to the untrained eye.
Time at Orphanage: A little over a month and a half.

Belle

Race: Human
Appearance: Brown hair and eyes. She is about the right height for her age, and has a medium figure.
Personality Snippit: She is quite smart, and is often working on something. She and Laya started to spend time together a little over a year ago.
Age: 14
Time at Orphanage: Five years.

Appearance

Mystic Orphanage (Aristocles and Siaya Dragalorn)

As Serapis spoke, Thayva’s tail curled around to her front. She gripped it lightly near its tip, her fingers toying with one of the gem-encrusted golden bands she always wore—an heirloom that had been passed down for generations from female to female on her mother’s side.
She snorted when he mentioned the king and his fears. “With how things have been going, it wouldn’t surprise me if it started up again.” She gave a deep sigh, and stroked the scales of her tail as he continued. An odd smile spread over her long mouth. “We’ll find a way to manage. We always do.”
“This matter can be saved for another time.”
Thayva gave a sharp nod, and her tail whipped back around, creating an “S” shape behind her. She turned her back to Serapis, went back to her desk, and moved a few scrolls around as she searched for one in particular, making more of a mess than tidying her previous one.
Finding the scroll she wanted, she grabbed it and placed it in the waist of her skirt so half of it stuck out near her side. She glanced back at her desk, giving the mess an irritated sigh, then went to make sure her and Serapis’ son, Arjun, had already left his room.

* * *

A young halfling boy walked close to the walls of the dining hall, doing his best to remain unnoticed by most of the other boys. No older than seven, maybe eight, the child was short even for his race, making it easy for the untrained eye to think him younger. His hair stuck up messily from his head, no matter how hard he tried or the female staff complained, making him look almost like a porcupine. A freshly healed cut ran over his face from jaw to earlobe, creating a line against his tan skin. He kept his head bent, making himself look as small as he could.
One of the newer arrivals, the child silently made his way toward the breakfast table. He stopped near the table with his back against the wall, waiting for the line to clear out a bit more.
Though he had lived among all the others for nearly a month now, his family lost to a raid according to the men who brought him to the orphanage, the child still had yet to speak to anyone, regardless of how much others pressed him. From his name to his true age, the child remained a mystery hidden behind a silent tongue.
He waited. And he watched. A brawl almost broke out between a lisardman and dracon over a stolen piece of meat. Girls giggled and boys guffawed. They slapped each other encouragingly on the back, shook hands as the more experienced orphans spoke to newcomers. Though a couple others still kept to themselves, they all sat together, the staff patrolling the tables and cushions often making any standing alone socialize with the others.
Yet, he remained beneath their radar. Neither child nor adult looked his way, or even spared him a quick glance. Which suited the boy just fine. It was far better than the cruel names and words often shot his way by the older kids when the various staff turned their backs or turned out the lights. He still smelled like sweaty undergarments from being locked in the laundry room the night before. That, or the scent still clogged his nose, tainting everything with the foul stench. Though he knew his tormenters, he would not speak even to say their names to the kindly human who found him, which, he suspected, was one reason they chose him to pick on.
Finally, most of the orphans had gotten their food. He slunk from the wall, needing to put forth little effort to remain mostly unnoticed as he got his plate and turned to head to the spot he had claimed as his: a little alcove tucked between a broom closet and the kitchen, where he could still hear when the staff called an end to breakfast.

* * *

“Nick, are you still working on those food spells?”
The tallest of the elven girls, Ilyrana, nearly choked on another mouthful of water for the second time that morning as the boy continued.
Kia cast Nick a glare cold enough to put out the flames of even the mightiest dragon.
Nick’s eyes widened, and he swallowed before looking to Aurelian with narrowed eyes. “I told you to keep quiet about that.”[/i] He sighed, then glanced over his shoulder in the direction the boy had come. “Greentail again?” He smirked. “Don’t worry. He’ll get what’s coming to him soon. I’ll make sure of it.”
Kia huffed, then turned her frustrations to biting into a soft, juicy pear.
“Which one’s Greentail?” the middle height elf, Laya, looked over the crowd.
“The one who just got in trouble.” Nick nodded toward the lizardman.
“Got it.”
“What, you going to cover him in pastry vomit?” Ilyrana teased quietly, smiling.
Laya glared at her. “I’ll cover you in it if--” Her words cut off as the dwarf girl, Laura, and her friend sat near them. She turned in her seat so her back faced the table and front turned toward the stalky dwarf, glad to have someone else to talk to. “Laura! Good morning!”
Ilyrana laughed, turned long enough to wave at Laura, then went back to her plate of food.

Mystic Orphanage (Aristocles and Siaya Dragalorn)

@Aristocles
Don't think I have time for the actual post right now before I get ready for bed, buuuuut...

Gotchya on the farm/self-sufficient aspect. And that would be more staff they would have to pay without the orphans manning it... what if the staff were payed with room and board, and a small allowance for necessities? Not sure if that would even really come into play, but hey. Gotta cover those bases, right? XD Sorry if I already suggested this or if we went over it. My mind has been traveling in too many directions at once these last few days. Heh. Oh, and what kind of currency do we want? I was thinking some kind of coin currency to stick with the time period. Actual paper would have been extremely expensive (with parchment being easier attained).

O.O Yeah, your numbers are significantly higher than what I had in mind. Heh. I was thinking around 100-150 max, give or take. So, what about somewhere between those two numbers? Two-hundred fifty, maybe, with 280-200 maxing them out? In that case, though, that would have to be one HECK of a mansion. Though not an original idea, what if the building was enchanted to be larger on the inside?

Increased to 60 minutes sounds good to me. Or, if I adjust things right, how about making it 90 minutes, but keeping it at 20 minute sessions? That would allow for fewer staff.

Sector X (Invite only)

Thursday Morning:
Training Room

Talia stopped spinning in her chair and looked to Kalik as he trotted to her side, let out a low growl, and pulled his droopy ears back. She followed the dog’s gaze to the door a moment before a black-haired girl who appeared about her age opened it and looked around.
When the girl addressed her, Talia opened her mouth to respond, but before she could so much as inhale, a male’s voice came from behind the girl in answer.
Kalik growled, startled, and stepped slightly in front of Talia.
“Hush,” she whispered, placing a reassuring hand on Kalik’s soft back as the tall man entered the room.
The dog looked at her for a moment. Taking in her calm expression, his ears moved to a more neutral position. Both his and Talia’s attention turned to the man when he addressed her.
Her brows furrowed for a moment, wondering how he knew which of the girls were which, before it dawned on her half a second later.
I doubt there’re too many other newcomers running around here with a dog. Though, ultimately, it would surprise her little if he knew what she had for breakfast that morning. She was, after all, in a place called Sector X. She raised her eyebrows as he continued to speak about others who were supposed to join them. She glanced to Kalik with a sarcastic look that said, “That’s reassuring.”
She slid her own chair back to the table, careful to not run into Kalik, her eyes following the man she assumed to be Kyle Richards to the front of the room.
Kalik stood on his hind legs and placed his paws on the table, his head cocked as Kyle spoke and pulled out the temporary ID cards and a tag.
Talia grinned and nodded at his further instructions with Mrs. Rivenridge, then eagerly took the card and tags when he handed them to her.
She flipped the tag over in her hand, reading the engraving on the small piece of metal. As Kyle started pulling other instruments from his briefcase--Talia partially disappointed at the normality of the items--she threaded the tag onto the ring of Kalik’s collar with the couple others already hanging there. She released the collar and rubbed both sides of his neck before Kalik hopped down from the desk and shook his head, the tags jingling together.
She looked up when the power point displayed, the simple greeting on the first slide making her suppress a chuckle before he switched slides. She momentarily divided her attention between his presentation and tucking the card safely away in her purse.
Not sure which title’s worse... The thought trailed off as Kyle continued, her expression sobering at his “brief overview.” She inhaled through her nose, her gaze turning dark as she eyed the simple word Kyle’s electronics displayed.
Talia’s grin returned at the mention of doing field work. Of being above ground. “I’m more than alright with that, Mr. Richards.”
Talia thought for a moment at his final question. She raised her hand, her elbow bent, glanced at Sophie to be sure she was not about to cut her off, then spoke. “If I may, about Shadow. Are they, like, government spies or normal citizens bent on eradicating Psychics, or are they Psychics themselves?”

Sector X (Invite only)

@kittyluna45
Wanted to let you know that my computer is acting up right now, for some reason. I'm borrowing someone else's laptop at the moment. It won't let me do, well, most anything, really. I hope to get it fixed in the next day or two, but I wanted to give you a heads-up, just in case.

The Collector (2) [Closed]

I'm totally in for continuing, if there are still enough players around!