Thinslayer

The Faraway Land: Arcane Adventures (Closed 9/30/18)

As long as it's not a one-liner, anything's fine.

The Faraway Land: Arcane Adventures (Closed 9/30/18)

@geminironin@The Revenant@Nox Grimoire@Lucius Cypher@Nightknight@ReusableSword
The story has begun! I have made my first post in the IC tab. Whoever still wants to play and hasn't submitted a character sheet yet should do so ASAP.

The Faraway Land: Arcane Adventures (Closed 9/30/18)

It was known as the City of Lights. Midhaven, so named for its location at the center of the continent, was as large as it was bright, and it was long said that a certain magic flowed through it, even before the opening of the Chasm. The vast, monolithic Ancient Tower at the city center and the surrounding ivory domes and spires crowned the city's skyline, bejeweled with a thousand different colors dancing in the sunlight. The streets flowed straight and true, with clearly marked names and maps at numerous points to ensure wayfarers never got lost. At evening, a city oilbearer would light the lamposts, so that even the nighttime would befriend the sundown travelers. The concrete roads, though worn with time and traffic, never threatened one's footing with cracks or potholes thanks to regular maintenance.

Although there were many wonders still left to behold in the City of Lights, a few of the new arrivals did not come here for the sights. When you enter the city, the soldier escorting you withdraws a map and points to an intersection. "Her Grace's home is here, and I can show you the way if you like. Remember to comb your hair and straighten your coats so you look presentable. Good luck to you."

The Immortal's house, situated on the outskirts of the city, looks more or less like any other house, albeit larger by half and a good deal more...creative. Strange boxes and gadgets dot the walls here and there; in one corner stands a loud box with a spinning fan, and in another corner is a barrel emitting an ugly stench (if you're close enough to smell it). A little further away, nearly hidden behind a pile of deconstructed scrap, a small building emitting steam suddenly makes a loud BANG! and stops emitting steam.

"What the frik-frak!..." comes a singsong voice within the house. It's the voice of a woman, clear and beautiful, if frustrated by the noise in the building out back. When she steps out the front door, the sight of her is enough to take a man's breath away. The rich ebony hue of her skin outlines her strong, subtle figure, while the simple elegance of her white dress and deep gray longcoat give her a homely look quite in contrast to her rank and appearance.

She seems, in a word, inviting. Her name is Winter Valentine, the woman you have come to see.

"I bet it's those freaking turbines again. Oh!" Upon seeing the group of people standing at her gate, she stops, grins sheepishly, and scratches her head. "Ah...ha ha...I forgot, didn't I? Oh, screw the maintenance. That can wait. Come on in!" As she shows the party to a table and chairs in the dining room, she declares, "Luckily, I didn't forget to make a fresh pot of coffee, so there's something to look forward to! There should be enough chairs for- wait, no there aren't. We need one more."

She pulls up a swiveling chair from a nearby desk and wheeled it over. "There. This one's mine. Who wants coffee?"

The Faraway Land: Arcane Adventures (Closed 9/30/18)

@Lucius CypherYup, he's good to go! Post him in the Character tab.

The Faraway Land: Arcane Adventures (Closed 9/30/18)

Created a new NPC: Vali Melethainiel, the object of worship for believers in the Holy Mother. Notes about relevant religious practices are included in her character description.

The Faraway Land: Arcane Adventures (Closed 9/30/18)

NPC: The Holy Mother, Vali Melethainiel

• Birthdate: 12/25/2465
• Height: 6'3"
• Weight: Slim
• Eye Color: Blue
• Hair Color: Golden blonde
• Skin Color: Unpigmented/white

Blurb:
Yes, the Holy Mother is an actual person. She is Immortal(?), radiantly beautiful, and a prolific author of religious works for her zealous followers to gobble up. She is known to possess immense (though not limitless) power, which she uses judiciously to sway unbelievers to her cause. When magic suddenly appeared in the world, sightings of the Holy Mother ended, and rumors began to spread that she had "come down from heaven" in the likeness of a pointy-eared woman to "guide her people through these turbulent times."

It's more likely, though, that just she came to learn the secrets of magic like everyone else.

Religious Notes

Whoever wishes the Holy Mother to hear them must possess a Relic of the Goddess. Relics are produced at the Holy Temple in Estergard (or Easthaven, situated at the east coast of the continent), and they are said to possess a direct connection to the Holy Mother's heart. The larger the relic, the better the chance your prayer will be heard. Relics possessing the likeness of the Mother are the best ones (and thus the priciest), and legend has it that she responds reliably and quickly when prayers are uttered to these relics.

Few have seen the Holy Mother herself, but meeting her is a requirement to join the priesthood. A priest must carry a relic of some sort, preferably a portable one, and be ready at any time to respond should the Mother give him a "Sign." A Sign is usually a distinct written or verbal message, issued in any creative way ranging from graffiti to a statement from a passer-by, requiring the priest to take some sort of action, hopefully resulting in an answered prayer.

Priests who manage to pull back the curtain to see how the Holy Mother answers prayers usually disappear under mysterious circumstances.

The Faraway Land: Arcane Adventures (Closed 9/30/18)

Some bits about orc culture, while we're on topic: Since they were descended from humans, orcs have all the same tendencies humans do. For one, orcs tend to be a highly religious lot, with beliefs ranging from worshiping the bloodthirsty Molgoth and his pantheon to faith in the Holy Mother. Unlike humans, however, with their capacity for nigh-limitless strength, one's place in society is determined by physical power and battle prowess. It's not that there aren't an assortment of brainy orcs, but they're looked down upon and seen as rather wimpy compared to practicing warriors. Incidentally, it's for this reason that farmers are high on the totem pole - having to till the clay earth with naught but their bare hands (and defend it from looters) has made them incredibly strong. A farmer who works hard enough to feed more than just himself is an orc to be respected.

As a rule of thumb, in orc society, Might Makes Right, and trial by combat is thus a popular method of resolving disputes. Additionally, any orc sentenced to a non-combat punishment may, at any time, invoke a Rite of Blood to force a duel to the death against the judge. Orcs rarely take advantage of it, since the judge got his place for a reason and is usually a difficult opponent, but sometimes death is preferable to the punishment, and a couple orcs in history even managed to survive the rite.

Since food is difficult to grow in most orc countries and orc appetites are ravenous, many have turned to cannibalism to solve their energy needs. Unfortunately, this trend is catching on, and already whole regions have devolved into gruesome, chaotic clan brawls. Since humans reproduce like rabbits (comparatively speaking), they're a popular target for those living close to human settlements.

The Faraway Land: Arcane Adventures (Closed 9/30/18)

I often find that the biggest writer's block comes from a lack of excitement about the RP - resolved by a gripping intro, in my experience. I think you'll like what I'm coming up with. Whatever you need, don't hesitate to ask, and I'll do what I can to make your job easier. ;)

The Faraway Land: Arcane Adventures (Closed 9/30/18)

If you could use a springboard for ideas, I'm here. ;)

The Faraway Land: Arcane Adventures (Closed 9/30/18)

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