After you're approved, please post your PUBLIC character profile in this tab. I'll add them to this first post afterwards for easy access. If my expectations for the public profile were vague, check the "Governess" hider.
“Governess”
Whether loved, hated, respected, or disdained, there likely isn’t a more well-known figure within Zameen. The will of the Emperor, leader of the Empire that has spread over much of the continent. It would be a farce, of course, to claim that little is known about her. After all, her military career spanned over a decade, and the number of soldiers who knew her before she took up the mask practically guaranteed that information would be available to those who sought it. Ethelind Wakefield, Commander of the 1st Zameen, a woman who served with dignity and pluck, like her father before her. With the majority of her left hand, and the entirety of her left leg lost in battle, it cannot be said that she did not earn her position, though the fact that she is the fourth member of her family to take on the mask leaves a bad taste in the mouths of some.
She has proven to be an effective administrator, although there has been no real crisis to test her rulership. While her public persona has been all-business over the half-decade of her rule, those who knew her before speak of sharp wit and sharper tongue. Unmarried, childless, and now in her thirties, people speculate who make take over her position once she dies. There are certainly many potential candidates for the position throughout the territories Eileanan controls, and it would convenience them greatly if she died before being able to secure an heir.
If she takes after her father, any such plots would have to succeed on their first attempt. The Governor, whose true name has mostly faded from memory, was a fair but ruthless man, and any opposition was crushed as soon as it made itself known- often with his daughter carrying out his commands. If she opposed his actions, she carried them out anyway. The Governess is dutiful, if nothing else.
Zameen is designed to be a character-driven political roleplay. I and my Co-GMs will run NPCs, world events, and the larger empires exerting influence over the land. Your characters’ goals, both long and short, are what will really shape the narrative, while adapting to changes in the setting brought about by broader world events. The goal is not to unite Zameen against the Eileanan (though that is certainly a narrative that can evolve), but for characters to struggle for more personal goals and power both with and against each other.
As such, with Zameen being such a diverse continent, there is plenty of room for players to carve out and design their own little slice of it, and such is encouraged. That isn’t to say that any region design will be accepted as-is (It needs to make some sense within the context of the setting after all), but world building is encouraged. If there is a lack of interest from the player base towards this aspect of the RP, there’s little worry. The Co-GMs and I will be more than happy to flesh out the world one region at a time.
While this RP is based around the real-world situation of British India, realism will not be too strictly enforced when it comes to characters and regions. Magic exists, but is so rare and powerful that it’s more whispered of in legends than a part of everyday life. It can be used in world building, but we shouldn’t be seeing any necromancers ravaging the countryside or a region run by shapeshifting dragons. Overall, you can be fun and creative, and I will try to work with your original ideas, but I may need to ground them in order to function within the setting.
THE SETTING
(Expect this section to be expanded over time)
Zameen, perhaps the most diverse land in the world. Peoples of all different cultures and religions inhabit the continent, and have for as long as history can remember. Insulated by its three guardians The Mountain, Desert, and Sea, it has enjoyed an existence that has mostly been isolated from the world at large. Empires rose and fell over time, never uniting the continent, but leaving their mark on its peoples and history all the same. United by a common language and little else, this pocket of humanity made its first significant contact with the world at large when Eileanan arrived on its northern shores nearly two hundred years ago. Thus, a long and contentious history between the two began.
At first merchants simply sought trade, to bring Zameen’s goods to the outside world (For great profit, of course). Still, while Zameen was an accepting land, values are never universal. Over time, reactionaries grew restless at the growing number of soldiers embarking on its shores. They began attacking the merchants, which prompted armed reprisals from Eileanan, and soldiers arriving on the shores. They were skirmishes of course, not massive battles, but their objective to secure a safe port for trade eventually tuned to securing a safe city for its people to visit and settle in. Eventually, these small piecemeal conflicts and conquests resulted in Eileanan controlling a third of the entire land. The two have become so intertwined over the centuries that it is hard to imagine Zameen without its once-foreign “protector”. Their relationship isn’t perfect, but it is stable, for now.
The head of government for the territories under Eileanan control. The Governor-General ostensibly acts as the will of the Emperor, although in reality they more or less govern Zameen by their own means. Upon being appointed (An appointment that is supposed to be open to all, but has effectively become hereditary) they don a mask and are never seen in public without it. This is meant to represent their place as a mere extension of the Emperor, but in truth it was a practice adopted from the Pratikrivaadee, former rulers of what has become the heartland of Eileanan control in Zameen. The last three holders of this position, all being decorated veterans, have used a modified military helmet for this purpose, and it is likely this tradition will continue afterwards.
TECHNOLOGY
While I won’t expect you to have extensive knowledge of it, the tech level of the RP will be something resembling 19th century British India. For weaponry, multi-shot pistols exist, as do rifles, artillery (Cannons, mortars, howitzers), and all of these can be found alongside more traditional weaponry such as swords and spears. The technology level is not consistent across the entire continent, and most modern inventions exist almost exclusively inside the territory directly controlled by Eileanan and its allies. “Railroad diplomacy” has slowly begun to unite the continent, and the offer to build one onto a ruler’s land has become a strong bargaining chip for the Empire.
Still, that isn’t to say that the countryside, or areas more hostile to Eileanan, are backwaters. Two centuries of interaction with the Empire mean that there are plenty of older firearms and other technology circulating. You won’t find factories or steam engines, but the world does not transform into a medieval one either.
THE RULES
I really expect this to be at a level where basic rules shouldn’t need to be stated, but there are a couple that need emphasized:
1. You guys can do whatever convoluted political incest marriage backstab plots that you want. Just keep all the intimate stuff PG13, you can do whatever you want in PMs.
2. No godmodding. I don’t mean in relation to combat (Use common sense there) but in regards to character knowledge. Try to keep your OOC and IC as separate as possible, and I really don’t want to see posts where one character tries to lie and the other immediately knows it’s a deception, or other things of that sort. No mind reading (except where mutually agreed upon for a scene, the characters know each other well enough that they’d be able to pick up on it, etc.
YOUR CHARACTERS
There is no character sheet. Instead, I would like you to submit public information and private information. The public one should consist of information that can be gathered about your character from the streets. This can be information about their appearance, personality, reputation, anything you’d like. If they’re a significant enough figure that it makes sense to play them in a political RP, then there should be public information available. Still, don’t go crazy with this. A couple reasonable-length paragraphs will do. This can be a bit flexible if they’re particularly important (I’d prefer four paragraphs to no information, given the choice). In addition, please have an image with your character. No photographs, all characters should use artwork for their image.
If additional context is needed for your character (Such as information about their religion if they’re head of a sect, or other important nuances of their position/role in the world) I will gladly add it to the setting category for the region that character inhabits.
Now, for you private character sheet: That’s the real deal and similar to what you would submit for most RPs. I’m not going to enforce categories, but if there’s information lacking I might ask you for more. While I’m not going to enforce total realism for the RP or anything like that, I might ask you to make changes if your character doesn’t fit with the tone or realities of the setting. Please try not to be offended if that is the case, it’s not meant to imply anything about your abilities as an RPer if changes are requested.
Please PM a copy of your public and private sheets to me, so the GM team can look over it before approval. It's probably best to send the public copy first, so you don't lose a lot of work if your first concept is rejected for whatever reason.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
While this is a historical RP, there’s no inherent racism and sexism built into the setting. You can build such into any region as you please, but it’s not the default.
To stress again: While magic exists, it’s rare and powerful to the point of being awe-inspiring and world-affecting when it’s used. There are no people that can use it in the manner of spells, and enchanted items are almost nonexistent, even amongst the most powerful of individuals in the world.
The amount of characters (Outside of NPCs used by the GM team) who can be Eileanan will be very limited. Likely two, though if this generates enough interest more slots may open up.
I’ll allow two characters per player, but only one can be a “Ruler” style character. I’d like to see a healthy mix of leaders and followers, ideally, each trying to acquire their own goals and power (However they define it).
The RP will always be accepting, and will function better the larger the player base is. I will add more Co-GMs as needed. This OOC will probably be updated frequently, although I’ll usually give an indication of when a major change has occurred.
Thanks to everyone who has checked in/shown interest so far. I would prefer a bit more interest before fully committing (It really is designed with a large player base in mind), but this is probably enough to begin working on the OOC;. ETA will likely be a few days, so please have patience.
Zameen. Nowhere in the world could claim to be so diverse. A collection of cultures and religions scattered across dozens of kingdoms that still considered themselves, at least nominally, to be one people. This land, with its long and colorful history, has been pulled into the modern world via conquest, although not a wholly unwelcome one. The Empire of Eileanan arrived upon the shores of Zameen more than a hundred years ago, and brought with it both death and prosperity. Factories make silk available for the masses, though the profits go overseas. Sanitation standards improve life expectancy in the cities, while modern firearms cause death across the countryside. Zameen has transformed into a land of dualities, with the natives and invaders both looking to use each other to their own advantage, even as other empires gaze on hungrily through the periphery. Native warlords and nobles look to gather as much power around themselves as possible as the invaders look to keep a stable grip on their holdings, and every person, as in every other land, is looking to accomplish their own goals above all else.
This is Zameen, a political roleplay that those familiar with the time period might notice is based around British India in the 19th century. The focus of the RP isn’t a conflict between the Zameen and Eileanan (Though it can be), but is meant to foster a diverse landscape for characters to have a wide range of goals and motivations. This is, ultimately, an RP focused around the characters, rather than an overarching plot. There will be large, important background events that will likely change the course of the RP as they happen, but ultimately there will be a large degree of freedom for characters to pursue their own goals (Both against other players, and the setting as run by me and the Co-GMs). I’m leaving much of the setting open for players to craft their own regions and kingdoms throughout Zameen, but if there’s little ultimate interest in that I can do the majority of world building.
The OOC, once finished, will contain much more information on the setting, but the basics:
Based on the situation in British India, complete with a mix of both 19th century technology (Revolvers, railroads, factories) and older tech (Swords, etc.) as is appropriate to the situation as it was in real life.
Since it’s a fantasy setting, I of course am not going to expect people to know the history of the time period, and I’m not going to enforce strict historical accuracy.
The players, preferably, are going to be natives to Zameen, with only a few slots allowed for Eileanan characters. In general, I’d prefer a group of smaller, regional plots going on than every character participating in the same event at the same time.
The above will require quite a large player base to accomplish, and the RP will likely always be accepting. I will take on new Co-GMs as needed to handle the work load.
That said, this is going to be a High Casual/Low Advanced level RP. I might ask for several revisions on your characters (Since it is a character driven RP) before accepting them, and I expect the posts to be well put together, even if a strict length isn’t something I will enforce.
Please feel free to ask any questions as needed, hopefully with enough interest the OOC will be up in a few days.
The street perhaps wasn’t the best place for Lloyd to try and put his life back together, but he didn’t have much choice in the matter considering it’s where he came to. Had nobody seen him? Or were they simply too used to the sight to care? Admittedly, he didn’t wake up in alleyways that often, so the first was more likely in a town as small as Millington. On the plus side, waking up on the streets was better than waking up in a stranger’s bed- at least he didn’t have to worry about getting tested for an STD this way. Not that his aching bones or head cared very much about that at the moment. If left up to his body to decide, it’d gladly sleep with every woman in town to avoid waking up on concrete. Probably the men too, if he was drunk enough.
With a groan and more than one cracking joint Lloyd did eventually manage to collect the willpower to stand- with the rush of blood causing yet another throb of pain dig into his skull. Why did he keep doing this to himself?
Nevermind- there were more important things to worry about.
It was… Saturday? No, Friday, unless his night was far more wild than he could remember- which was probably true. It was definitely daytime, and while he could check the time on his phone Lloyd had no desire to find out how long he had actually been on the streets. Problems, after all, went away if you ignored them, and he had a number of bigger issues to address. Like a shower, a change of clothes, and more important than either: food. The reverend felt like he was starving to death- and he had no desire to meet the God he preached about quite yet. So against the protest of his popping knees, the zombie-preacher began shuffling his way down the streets of Millington in search of food.
Thankfully, it didn’t take him long to recognize where he was. Fairly near to the heart of town, which meant the Orchid was nearby. Good food, good staff, good prices, a veritable godsend to a man with his needs. A quick check confirmed that he still had his wallet on him- and the money was even still inside- and Lloyd began moving with renewed purpose. The zombie almost became a man, one with a clear mission. The real question though was what he was going to order. Certainly coffee, his throbbing head wouldn’t forgive him if he let that opportunity slip by. As for the food itself: Eggs and bacon? A sandwich? Oh! He knew what would be perfect, a solid order of-
CLOSED
“God is dead.”
Only silence greeted his blaspheme.
Still, after a moment of frustration he noticed the additional note beneath:
We are very sorry for the inconvenience! With recent events, we have taken the day off. We'll be back tomorrow! See you then! Mention that you came by today and we'll give you a discount for the trouble!
Tch.
Of course he knew about the troubles of the Reese family, who didn’t in this town? The mother died of… suicide? All the better, so she didn’t have to witness losing her husband and daughter these months later. Sure, there was a chance the two were unharmed- they hadn’t been missing for too long yet- but Lloyd found it hard to have much hope there. Perhaps he should try harder to have faith, given his role in the community, but it was difficult in today’s world.
Man, I really do suck at my job.
With a sigh he turned away from the door of the diner before depressing thoughts- depressing memories- could overtake him. Problems, after all, went away if you ignored them. Instead he tried to find a new destination, now that the zombie-man had been freshly slain by a closed sign. Thankfully for his stomach, it didn’t take long to find one. Right across the street from him was salvation itself, Oasi Pizza. He didn’t even like pizza all that much, but he wasn’t willing to be too picky at the moment.
As if washing his hands of their plight, Lloyd stepped away from the Reese’s diner and began making his way towards their competitor. He would, of course, help them how he could, but right now he suspected they needed more than words and empty comforts to soothe their souls. He didn’t know how likely it was that the cops would be able to give them a satisfying conclusion to the disappearances, but for now the reverend would put his faith in them. He would also, of course, have to take the Reese family up on their offer for a discounted meal.
While not a particularly strong man, many years of dancing as a hobby have certainly turned Lloyd into a fit man if nothing else- and one who is clearly good on his feet. A five o’clock shadow is usually resting on his face, along with a small smile. He is a man who seems to always be in a good mood, and is quick to react to a joke with a laugh that seems altogether too loud for what his body should produce. When not in the garbs of his profession, Lloyd tends to dress smartly, almost always in a button down shirt and jacket. Overall, he’s a fairly normal guy, with no obvious scars, disfigurements, or other visible problems.
Position Relationship:
Friends:
Resides in: The Oakland at Millington
School Holds a Master of Theology degree.
Occupation Pastor of the “Our Lady of the River” church
Personality “I said I was a man of God- Not that I was a very good one.”
Lloyd is… Certainly not what one would expect from a man of the cloth. While it might be one step too far to denounce him as immoral, he certainly makes no real effort to put on appearances. He’s known to be fairly active within the night life of Millington, seemingly frequenting the bars and dance clubs every night. While he tries to perform his duties with nobody being any wiser about his antics, more than one sermon has been delivered while visibly hungover. It has, to say the least, been off-putting amongst the older generations attending church, but it has also caused an undeniable influx of new blood amongst the younger generation- many of whom he met on his nightly excursions.
While capable of putting on the Godly serenity that men of his profession are known for, it’s something Lloyd rarely sees the need to do. Instead he’s usually in a friendly, welcoming mood. He’s quick to treat strangers like old friends and engage them in conversation- even if they’re obviously inclined to be left alone. The warm demeanor is consistent from day to day, though begins to fade as he starts drinking. Lloyd isn’t an angry drunk, but he’s certainly a quiet one, and far more reserved than his sober self.
Overall, he’s a slightly polarizing figure within the community with an equally polarizing personality.
Short Bio Lloyd moved to Millington three years ago, taking the position of Reverend Smith. A man who, unfortunately, clung very deeply to many of the old ideas of his faith. He was, of course, a product of his time, but one that had driven many of the younger and more open minded members of the community away from the Church. It was uncertain who his replacement would be when he passed, but whoever Millington expected it certainly was who they got- Reverend Lloyd Townshend. A name that probably carries more controversy than it should within the community, given his position.
From the beginning he provided no illusions about how seriously he took his appearance. Somehow though, in spite of an initial drop in church attendance he was allowed to stay in his position, a decisions which seems to have since paid off. Slowly but surely, many of God’s lost sheep began to return to the flock- or at least began attending church again if for no other reason than to see this new Reverend work his craft. Over the last three years he’s made many acquaintances amongst the younger generation in Millington, and though few could call him friend many have begun attending his Sunday sermons- if for no other reason than to confirm that indeed he was the same man they had met on the dance floor the night before.
As for his life before coming to Millington- it was horribly boring from what anybody could gather. Spreading God’s word was the family trade dating back to the years of the pilgrims, and it was a calling that Lloyd himself also answered. After a normal childhood, he spent most of his adult years as both a student and a missionary, earning his Master of Divinity and later Master of Theology degrees between trips to Africa and South America. Eventually he finally accepted an offer to take over from Reverend Smith in Millington, which he gladly accepted. Though it seems as if he never truly grew out of the partying college student who earned the degrees he holds.
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