Fire Emblem: The Black Mirror

Foreword

As the title suggests, this will be an RP based off of Nintendo's Fire Emblem games the most important thing to note before going in is that this has no connection with any other games in the franchise. Rather, this is will be an entirely original story in an entirely original setting with entirely original characters. It will, of course, contain many of the recurring elements and touch upon the same themes as the franchise. If that weren't the case, this would have no right being called a Fire Emblem RP, right?

It should also be noted that the setting information below is by no means comprehensive. If it were, this post would be far, far too long. Rather, it is a primer that gives one all the necessary info one needs to know going into the game. I encourage you to PM me if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. Fill in any of the blanks that you feel are in need of filling when writing your character's background in your post below. Anyway, let's get this show on the road.

Setting: Ancient Lore

It has been 840 years since the continent of Tounela was reborn. The years have muddled the truth, but no one can argue that a great calamity befell the continent, reducing all that once was to dust. Accounts differ as to what happened to Old Tounela. Some argue that the gods saw mankind's sinfulness and decided to wipe that slate clean with fire from the heavens. Others contend that some dark power rose the dead from their graves to destroy the land of the living. Still others argue that it was merely a cruel, cruel trick played by mother nature. Regardless of how it came to be, the result was the same: humanity was reduced to but a fraction of their numbers, and the world descended into anarchy and barbarism.

Storytellers and historians can agree upon one thing, however. It is thanks to the actions of twelve individuals that order was carved from the chaos and that society rose from the desolation. Collectively, they are (fittingly) known as the Lifebringers. Their individual names have been lost to the sands of time, but bards and poets are more than happy to fill in the gaps. One would not think it to be possible, but these twelve individuals possessed the right combination of personal magnetism, intelligence, and raw strength to bring together people of all sorts under a single banner. Day by day, their followers grew in numbers, and through their actions some semblance of civilization formed in Tounela.

Of course, not even heroes can escape time. With the death of Kur the Dragonlord, the last of these great men to shuffle off the mortal coil, their vision of a united Tounela was forever to be left unfulfilled. At the time of Kur's death, a large empire had arisen in central Tounela. Their followers who had previously worked in perfect harmony descended into petty bickering and infighting. Some moved towards the coasts to establish their own civilizations. Those that remained warred over the tiniest scraps of land.

History is composed of a number of eras of goodness and darkness. Fortunately for all of us, the warring eventually died down. Though the glory of the Lifebringers' accomplishments was marred by this initial dark age, the fighting eventually died down. At around the year 107, the constant warring had been reduced to a series of small skirmishes between newly formed city-states. By the year 188, several small states had arisen, reuniting parts of the Lifebringers' domain. Finally, by the year 205, the empire of the Lifebringers' had been brought together once more under the name of the Pohjan Empire. By they year 730, all of the major powers present in Tounela had come into being.

The tale of the Lifebringers has not been forgotten, but hearsay, hyperbole, and the loss of many historical texts has led to differing opinions on their true nature. Were they gods in human form trying to salvage the world? Were they appointed by some divine figure to recreate the world in its image? Were they simply remarkable individuals? Further, do the magical artifacts they created truly exist? None can say.

Setting: The Current State of Affairs

Though smaller countries and city states litter the map of Tounela, the affairs of the continent are generally dominated by six major powers.

First is the Empire of Pohja, ruled by Emperor Agathius III. It is the oldest and largest of the major powers, twice as large as the domain ruled by the Lifebringers. It is the home of all sorts of individuals: warriors, scholars, artists, merchants, and many more. Its capital and largest city, Pellam, is truly a marvelous sight to behold. It is the only one of the major powers that is landlocked. Due to its size and location in the center of the continent, almost every land trade route runs through it.

Second is the Republic of Sarino. Of the six powers, it was the first to transition from a monarchical form of government to a republican one. Though it is the smallest of the six powers, it rivals Pohja in terms of mercantile strength. Due to the strategic location of its largest city, Port Pontus, most trade vessels stop by it on the way to their destination. The fact that they are home to some of the most skilled bankers, merchants, and craftsmen certainly helps matters.

Third is the Magocracy of Guidgen. It is the northernmost and second oldest of the six powers. It's largest city, Bogna, is the intellectual capital of all Tounela, and many of the world's most learned scholars and most powerful mages can be found here. Unfortunately, the frigid weather and mountainous terrain makes in difficult for foreigners to enter. To those that can enter, the xenophobia of the Council of Mages located in the capital city of Weathersky certainly doesn't make life easy.

Fourth is the Republic of Corsicoa. Of the six powers, it was the second of the six powers to transition to a republican form of government. Corsicoa's navy is on par with Pohja's army; it is a force to be reckoned with. That said, Consul Phocus has no interest in involving his country with conflict with the other six powers and primarily uses the considerable forces at his disposal as a means to fill his nation's coffers; merchants and travelers pay for his mariners' services to protect them from corsairs and the dangers of the high seas. Currently, it is trying to steal to title of wealthiest trading nation from Sarino with mixed results.

Fifth is the Republic of Kamir. It is the third and final of the powers to transition to a republican form of government. Its transition, however, was not a peaceful one. A violent revolution against the nobles and the king took place, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives. This already disrupted the economy. Consul Orun has also proven to be more capable of overthrowing governments than operating one. Though he has the best of intentions, his attempts to aid the people have actually harmed their standard of living. All functions of Kamir, from commerce to military, have been disrupted.

Sixth and finally is the Kingdom of Chryso. It is the second largest of the powers. Chryso is best known for being the seat of power for the Church of Saint Ansgar and for being the biggest producer of food on the continent. Queen Aletheia is notorious for her reclusivity, meaning that the church holds most of the governmental power at this moment.

Though the past few decades have been peaceful, tensions are brewing once more. As one can plainly see, there has been a wave of republicanism sweeping the continent, and Chryso, Pohja, and to a lesser extent Guidgen have been coming under pressure for their refusal to institute republican reforms. The nobles of these countries aren't very happy with the push to remove them from their positions of power. The only figure who is at all sympathetic is Emperor Agathius. Well, until recently, that is.

Story (FINALLY)

Emperor Agathius has always been a kind and fair ruler. He actually seems to care for his people, regardless of their social standing, and has even appointed an untouchable, a member of the lowest caste in Pohjan society, to his inner council. He has heard the cries of his people and wants to institute republican reforms in the country, regardless of what the nobles think.

Seemingly overnight, however, the emperor changed.

First, the emperor barricaded himself in his palace for nearly three months. Agathius had never put distance between himself and his people and regularly made public appearances. When he emerged, however, the extent of his transformation was made clear. Without any warning, he declared war on Chryso, Pohja's staunchest ally. Martial law was enacted, the possessions of citizens were confiscated, books were burned, mages were either executed or forced into the service of the king, brigands and thieves were being recruited to bolster the number of soldiers at the emperor's command, and other humanitarian offences took place. Why this happened, no one can say. Many of the officials within Pohja are just as shocked and horrified as the citizenry. It's even rumored that two of the twelve Grand Generals, the highest ranked members of the empire's inner circle, have deserted.

You are a citizen of the capital city of Pellam. One thing has been made clear to you: you must leave. Maybe you're a soldier who wants no part in what's going on. Maybe you're a mage seeking to avoid execution. Maybe you're a noble who's tired of the emperor's rule. Whatever the case, you want out. Perhaps you're simply leaving the empire all together or perhaps you'll try to assemble the resistance movement. Whatever the case, keep in mind that you will find yourself involved in something much greater than you could've ever imagined. Alliances will be formed. Countries will fall. Relics of the past will be uncovered. Prepare yourself. Setting: Major Figures Inside Pohja

EMPEROR AGATHIUS III

It is the duty of a ruler to serve his people, not the other way around.

The man behind the crisis befalling Pohja and Tounela as a whole. Emperor Agathius assumed the throne at the age of fifteen. His mother died during childbirth, and his father, stricken with grief after his brother and younger son were murdered by brigands, took his own life. Agathius was very much unlike the nobles of Pohja and the emperors who came before him. The Empire of Pohja never had a good reputation for things such as care for the common man or the fair treatment of foreigners. In the year 231 when Sarino abandoned its monarchy and became a republic, a war nearly broke out between the two countries due to Emperor Gheorghe fear that the "republican menace" would spread. In the year 299 when the Council of Mages in Guidgen called for a mass execution of every foreigner in the country, Empress Tisiphone called the decision "inspired." Fortunately, things vastly improved over the years, but it wasn't until Emperor Agathius took the throne that it genuinely seemed that a the empire was actually in touch with its people. He actively fought against the rigid caste system in Pohja, attempting desperately to end the discrimination against the Gahets, the untouchables in Pohjan society. Further, he enacted laws giving foreign immigrants and visitors the same rights as citizens. Additionally, he passed legislation limiting the power of nobles. For these reasons, he was universally hated among the higher classes of Pohjan society, but universally loved by the common man. He even fought alongside his troops in major battles as a demonstration of his loyalty to Pohja and its people.

Of course, all good things must come to an end.

One day, out of the blue, the emperor barricaded himself in his palace and didn't leave for three months. When he emerged, his reign of terror began. Why this happened is anyone's guess. One thing's certain, however. In his current state, he won't be satisfied until all of Tounela burns, Pohja included.

THE TWELVE GRAND KNIGHTS OF POHJA

Upon my honor, I swear to serve Pohja and its people. From this day until my last breath, my being is no longer my own, but that of the empire. Just as the twelve Lifebringers who came before me, I will work tirelessly to transform chaos to order, sickness to health, want to plenty, and ignorance to knowledge. I will use this power granted to for the sake of justice alone, lest I die a traitor to the essence of goodness itself and to the glory of the Lifebringers.

No one respects the legend of the Lifebringers more than the people of Pohja, and that goes doubly for the royal family. To honor their memory, twelve individuals are handpicked by the emperor to serve as his most trusted advisers and enforcers, one for each Lifebringer. No one holds more sway within Pohja than the Twelve, not even the highest of nobles. Each is truly a remarkable individual, possessing great intelligence, charisma, cunning, and quite frequently, unparalleled martial prowess. In their given field, few can match them. They are also fiercely loyal to Pohja. On several occasions, the emperor was assassinated by one of the Twelve because he or she felt that they no longer represented the empire's best interests.

The Twelve Grand Knights (who shall be listed below) in service to Agathius III are absolutely horrified by the emperor's actions, but nonetheless they continue to serve him. If your party attracts too much attention, it is not unlikely that you will be forced to face one of the Twelve. That said, they would make extremely powerful allies. If you can somehow appeal to their sense of morality, they might be convinced to assist you. Is their loyalty to Pohja stronger than their loyalty to Agathius? Only time will tell.

CADMUS, PRINCE OF PAGES

Member of the Twelve that corresponds to Siem the Sorcerer. Acting as royal scholar; all research, magical or otherwise, is overseen by him. Once a Gahet, a member of the lowest caste in Pohjan society, he rose to his position through tireless study and self-imposed Training from Hell. He is a childhood friend of Farad (listed below), the only person to show him kindness in his youth. He is a perfectionist prone to bout of anxiety and depression...in private, at least. Publicly, he puts on the mask of a bitter, cynical, sarcastic individual. He has a deep, deep hatred for nobles and people born into wealth, as he believes that their sole achievement is "springing from the right set of loins at the right time." The only exceptions he makes are Emperor Agathius and Farad. Though he has never seen a day of combat, it is rumored that his prowess with elder magic puts him on level with the most powerful mages of Guidgen. When Emperor Agathius went mad, he deserted his post alongside Farad. He may or may not still be alive. The current reward for his dead body is 50,000 gold pieces. Bringing him in alive is worth 100,000 gold pieces.

FARAD, QUEEN OF THE DAYTIME SKY

Corresponds to the Lifebringer Hepit the Seraph. High Commander of the Pohjan Empire's pegasus knights. Born into a wealthy merchant family, she never had any need to work. That said, she was always fascinated with tales of heroes in the past, the Lifebringers included. If the actions of a few people can forever change the world, should we not take the path they walked? Should we not try to better ourselves and the world at large? To reach this goal, she trained herself both physically and mentally, studying the art of the lance, the sword, history, the sciences, politics, and much, much more. She would eventually go on to join the pegasus knights of Pohja to serve her country, and her exceptional performance, diligence, intelligence, and care for the people of Pohja caught the attention of the emperor. She joined the ranks of the Twelve on the same day Cadmus did. The day the emperor's reign of terror began, she disappeared alongside Cadmus. One can argue whose idea it was. If one suggested it to the other, their Undying Loyalty to each other would compel them to follow. She has a similar price on her head as Cadmus.

Character Sheet

Name: Self explanatory. Fire Emblem is frequently subject to Aerith and Bob naming, so no restrictions on it so long as it makes sense. Try not to make it something too obscure (like Jagannatha) or too mundane (like Joe).

Sex: Self explanatory.

Age: Self explanatory.

Appearance: Self explanatory.

Background: The most essential part. Who is your character? What are the events that shaped his or her life? How did he or she obtain the skills that she have? Who are the people that affect his or her life most? What's his or her opinion on the politics of Tounela? Why is he or she in Pellam? What are his or her underlying motivations? So many questions to answer! No requirements here, just be as thorough as possible.

Personality: Related to background. Is he or she unfailingly cheery and optimistic? Is he or she a grumpy pessimist who snarks and complains at every turn? Is he or she a heroic individual and a champion of the downtrodden? Is he or she a pragmatist who will sacrifice innocent lives to achieve his or her goals? Be as thorough as possible.

Strengths and Abilities: What's your character good at? What special skills does he or she have to offer your Ragtag Bunch of Misfits?

edited 14th Dec '14 3:30:23 AM by cerebralTheatrics

Yes. Very yes. Interest right here, character sheet to follow in this post.

• Name: Loren
• Class: Merchant
• Sex: Male
• Age: 37
• Appearance: Loren has long-ish brown hair due to spending lots of time travelling the major trade roads between Pellam and other parts of the Empire, and it is streaked with grey due to his "advanced" years and the stress of the job. He also sports a short beard that he keeps well-groomed (for a lower class merchant); it's a business decision. Loren is somewhat short and stocky, and severely burnt from the time spent in the sun rather than behind a counter in a high-class town shop. He typically dresses in greens and browns, preferring solid, well-made clothes that can handle the stresses of the road.
• Background: In the beginning, Loren and his family were not very well off. His father was a day laborer from the city of Tharkad, further north, while his mother lived in Pellam her whole life working as a seamstress. Both benefited from the reforms instituted by Emperor Agathius and so, while Loren had no siblings and no special comforts in life, he and his parents eventually moved up in the world. While his parents eventually moved up to better paying work he would steal food from the gardens of nobles, and assorted trinkets he found in the wilderness, to trade with other boys and girls. As he grew older and his friends started getting spending money, he would move on from trading to selling, and he expanded his stock from minor trinkets to exotic spices, cups of wine, and even his time, serving as a negotiator and go-between when two children wanted favors. He was a well-known local fixture in his neighborhood until his parents caught wise to the fact that he was fencing stolen goods as much as running a harmless little side business. From then on they drilled honesty, integrity, and respect for the law into him, and kept a closer eye on his activities to make sure he wasn't running with the wrong sort of people.
  
  Still, his early misadventures in that crowded little neighborhood taught Loren just how much money could buy and not just from kids either. That he would go into business one day was never in doubt and his parents managed to get him an elusive apprenticeship with the Merchants Guild of Pellam where he could learn the basics of running a shop. His master ran an apothecary, reselling tonics, vulneraries, and assorted cures made by local alchemists. The work was interesting for Loren when he was stocking shelves, taking purchase orders from customers, and helping at the counter but inevitably he chafed at his introduction to the more mundane work of inventories, profit and loss accounts, and other incredibly boring but necessary bookkeeping skills. Loren was nothing if not diligent and followed his apprenticeship through to completion but when the time came to talk to the Guild about getting a license to open up his own shop, he found that nothing came to mind. Nothing interested him. Up until the very first step on the splendid staircase leading up to the Guildhall's front door he had no idea what decision he would make when applying for that license. He was so lost in thought that he bumped into a red-haired woman walking the other way.
  
  Loren apologized profusely to the woman, who introduced herself as Anna, a free trader who traveled the length and breadth of the known world buying up things that people wanted, with the occasional trip into the wilderness to acquire said thing herself when the situation called for it, and selling to them at profit. This caught Loren's attention; it was what he had been doing his whole childhood, not tied to any one market or clientele but being all things to all people at all times. They talked until sundown, Anna regaling Loren with tales spanning the Empire and beyond, of trifles worth almost nothing that eventually became all the rage at the highest circles of society thanks to a few well-placed words, of ancient ruins and capitalism played by people at the very top of their game. By the time they parted ways, Loren knew what he wanted to do and Anna left him with a warning: "The life of a free trader is everchanging. Sometimes dangerous, sometimes mean, sometimes frantic, sometimes lean. It is never glamorous, but for those who do well, freedom has a taste that others will never know." She also told him the unspoken code among free traders:
  
  

1. Never cheat a customer. You can bargain with them all you like but when the deal is done, close it with honesty and forthrightness.
2. Never cheat a free trader. That doesn't mean you have to help them, but never steer them wrong.
3. Never give up your freedom. When you shiver in the night, your stomach growls, and your pockets hold nothing but your hands, it is all you will have.
   
   Loren spent the next 15 years travelling up and down the Empire. The work was just as dangerous and miserable as Anna promised but he still loved the independence, the freedom to buy and sell what he pleased and test his wits against the everchanging markets. He had his fair share of close scrapes with bandits, thieves, city guardsmen, and other free traders but his love of the open road never diminished. The day finally came when his dedication to the code would be sorely tested — rumors had been spreading for months about the sudden change that had come over Emperor Agathius and Loren began to hear grim tales of free traders being requisitioned as spies or assassins for the Imperial Army, their goods confiscated for provisions or to line the coffers of some greedy commander or other. Those who resisted were put to death. He began to wonder if he should leave Pohja altogether, staying one step ahead of the advancing armies, but he still had his parents to think about, and so he kept coming home to Pellam. One day, he came home to find a familiar red-haired woman standing outside his family's house. Loren was shocked; Anna hadn't aged a day since he met her and first started down his fateful path. Her expression was grim, though, and he could see her hand stray to a sword that now hung at her hip. Though he tried to greet her, she delivered a warning and left as quickly as she had appeared:
   
   "They're coming for you. Run."

• Personality: Loren is courteous, polite, and knowledgeable on a variety of subjects. He has little concern for what governments do or don't do as long as it doesn't interfere with free enterprise and his own ability to make money. Speaking of money, he does not see himself as being overly greedy; he is an honest man who deals fairly and squarely with customers and partners alike and money is a means to an end rather than being the end itself. Because he has lived a long time Loren takes a more pragmatic attitude towards a variety of subjects like love, honor, principles, and other things that younger people devote themselves passionately to. It is not that he looks down on such things, rather, he has seen many people sacrifice far too much and ruin their lives over things like that and as such he is hesitant to place his faith in a single ideal in the same way. Above all else, Loren is a wanderer; he values his own freedom and does not like to be tied to one location or one group for too long.
• Strengths and Abilities:
  • Civilian: Being neither a soldier or a wielder of arcane magic, Loren is just about as vulnerable as they come in this cruel world. He cannot fight in combats, and will be killed just as assuredly by enemies, but can contribute in other mysterious ways...
  • Connections: Loren has been in business for many years and has cobbled together a loose network of friends and associates who are able to bring him rumors, potential sources of profit, bodyguards, and other assorted assistance.
  • Profiteer: As a free trader, Loren has a keen eye for what sells and always seems to have just what a customer needs on hand at the time.
  • Drug Deal: Many merchants, especially free traders, have only one foot planted in legitimacy; the other is planted in the dark underbelly of society, the better to survive when one does not have steel or magic to back them up. Loren is no exception and, as such, is no stranger to the back room deals and dangers of dealing with organized crime.

edited 11th Dec '14 8:24:48 PM by HouraiRabbit

More than interested! Will be making a sheet soon!

Double post for sheet.

• Name: Selene

• Sex: Female

• Age: 21

• Appearance: Selene's most recognizable feature is her long silvery colored hair, uncommon enough to easily mark her wherever she goes. She's slightly shorter than the average for a woman her age, though she boasts a slender, athletic build of packed, compact muscle. A build made for agility and surprising power in a small package. Her eyes are a light amber color, boasting a look of seriousness and focus.

• Background: "Take care of Diana, Selene" Those words are the most vivid memory in Selene's life. Sleep and awake, she can remember with crystal clarity that moment... the tone in which those words were said. At any moment she can hear those words spoken again in her mind and indeed, in times of danger she will most often unwillingly hear them again in her mind. Selene herself doesn't remember the details surrounding the event very well. She was a young girl when she was given the hand of her baby sister and told to run out into the night by her mother, to go search refuge with an aunt they hardly ever visited. Whenever their parents had accrued a great debt with people they shouldn't have, his father crossed the wrong people or some other reason, Selene only knows that ever since that day in which they were made to run away in danger she never saw them again. Their aunts wasn't a person of means, nor was she too kindly or healthy. Only a couple of years after their arrival did their aunt die of a complicated illness, leaving the girls to fend for themselves. Selene did her best to do as she was told... taking care of her little sister. She sold her aunts stuff one by one to sustain them, and once they were driven out of the house she stole, cheated and begged to keep Diana safe. Selene had to grow up quickly and strong in order to keep them both safe. The young girl had an unshakable will and determination that allowed her subsist and carry onwards where some may have fallen in despair. She had to learn how to fight and eventually, kill, to keep Diana safe from the dangers of the slums. Her skills eventually caught the eye of criminal gang of murderers and thieves which practically captured the two girls. However, seeing the danger in Selene's eyes the clever boss offered the one thing she could not refuse. Safety. So long as Selene worked with them and trained under them Diana would be safe and untouched. Selene agreed and then spent nearly two further years honing her abilities as a killer and thief. However, things changed when young Diana displayed signs of an ability more precious than Selene's skill with a blade... magic. Selene knew the look in the eyes of the chief, his desire to control that power and shape Diana into tool for his dark ways. That Selene couldn't abide. Quicker than the chief could even expect, Selene betrayed the band to the authorities, ensuring that they all would be captured or killed while she led Diana to safety. The knight in charge of the purge had heard of Selene's reputation... and seeing the girl for herself he made an offer to her. In order to avoid the jail time or execution for her crimes, the girl would join Pohjan's army. Selene agreed with the deal in order to survive. Then started the best years of the girl's lives since that night long ago when they were made to run away. Selene joined the army, putting her blade to use in something she could be proud off. Diana's budding magical abilities were recognized by a local magic school which agreed to train and let her become learned in the arts... letting the bright, smart young girl realize her dreams of an education. It took time for Selene to work the baggage she accumulated as a killer in the employ of the bandit chief, however, little by little and with the support of truly good people among the rank of warriors and knights of the army she began to see a bright future... something worth fighting for. A proper and worthy life. That, however, all crumbled down as the King made his move... and said his mandate. War and a purge of magic users. The knight who saved Selene of her dark life, now her commanding officer went to her the moment the news got out... only to curse seeing she was already on the march. She left behind her soldier's spear, taking up once again her blade. In the death of the night she rushed to the school where her sister resided, cutting down any opposition. Reaching Diana, it was time to move once again. No matter what happens, Selene is getting Diana safely out of here. No matter what needs to be done.

• Personality: Selene is a serious and focused young woman. Though she has a good heart, circumstances in life have forced her to steel herself and do what she must in order to protect the sole precious thing in her world. While having morals and clearly knowing right from wrong, she has the determination to commit any act in order to protect Diana and do what she must. Her love and respect for her sister in unwavering, thinking Diana to be a far greater person than she is... admiring her noble spirit, clever mind and her good, cheery nature despite all they have gone through. Though naturally steadfast and loyal and somewhat selfless, all priorities go below the safety of Diana... however, if someone earns her trust and respect she's more than willing to put herself at risk and fight limb for limb for them.

• Strengths and Abilities: Selene's skill lay in survival and the use of the blade. She has trained with soldiers of Pohjan to learn proper martial discipline, combined with ruthless killer tricks and her own natural abilities at handling a sword. Though she has trained the last years in the use of the spear, the blade remains her favored and most skilful weapon. She knows how to move in the underworld, how to make contacts with the skum of society and the like. She's also incredibly agile and quick, with a body honed to keep her alive during her hard history.

Will we be taking up Classes as the story progresses?

It's not necessary, but if you want to assign your character a class, feel free to do so.

Definitely has my interest. I'll work on a character sheet based off my FE:A Avatar. Although with my Finals looming in the next two weeks, (assuming the thread starts near such) I might not post right away.

Interested, will post a character sheet soon.

I don't recall whether you put a restriction to how many characters we can use. Since I plan to create another one (a mage who subverts the whole magic triangle of Fire Emblem by specializing herself with earth magic, being more druidic than anything), do I have your green light?

Name: Darren of Estshire

Sex: Male

Age: 25

Appearance: With 1,74m, Darren can easily be considered small for a knight, though he may be taller than the average citizen. Though not as muscular as his fellow comrades, he manages to be athletic and also as capable of wearing a full set of iron armory as they are. His brown hair is kept as low as military tradition demands, his face is composed of rough outlines which makes him seem older and more experienced than he actually is. Below his armor (color-coded by the empire for convenience's sake [citation needed from the host]), he wears a dark red shirt (which is bad news) and black pants, which are conventionally the colors of his lowly House.

Background:

• Darren is the fifth son of a relatively unknown and weak noble family which holds the Barony of Estshire, elder only to his sole younger sister and very unlikely to inherit anything. His father, the ambitious Baron of Estshire, had his children's fates planned since the time they were born. The elder son would inherit his land and be educated on the matters of administration and diplomacy since his early age, his other two sons would be raised to become soldiers and attain fame and glory for the family through the military, and his other two daughters would increase their influence within the nobility through arranged marriages. Darren learned how to mount and swing a training sword from an early age, and when he was 13, his father managed to find him a knight to whom he could serve as a squire.
• When he joined the military as a 18 year-old young man, he became disappointed when he learned that he would be stuck to sweeping horses, chasing brigands and keeping order in the province, about which he complained (likely to his own horse) that "I haven't learned how to swing a sword and mount a horse only to keep drunkards from setting their own backyard taverns on fire, nor to chase armed baboons hardly capable of lifting a weapon, much less swing it". However, it turned out that these 'armed baboons' were more than meets the eye after a series of events took place. His commander affirmed that, after some prisoners were properly questioned, they spat out the location of their group's hideout: An abandoned warehouse, which did not amuse Darren much, but less so than their imediate surrender after the levy surrounded their hideout and their commander ordered them to stand down. What really caught his eye was a strange figure sneaking past the guards through the nearby alleys, which he found prudent to follow just as quietly down the sewers and into a seemingly dead end, until he saw that the back walls were revealed to be fake as the stranger went on his way inside after answering a password. Sophisticated, hm?, he thought, with a smirk, I should at least try to listen to something before returning. And so he did, until the voices became too far to be heard properly. One part caught his interest: "It seems our... affiliates... have been compromised. We need to warn our main branch. ... I'll be heading to the capital, make sure no one comes too close..."
• Darren returned to his commanding officer with the news, who then ordered an immediate invasion on the recently discovered hideout, but only after reprimanding him of acting on his own and disobeying his orders to surround the warehouse earlier in the day. They successfully managed to surprise the outlaws and storm the hideout, where only a few dared to resist before being dispatched off by the guards. Days later, Darren was called to his commander's office and got assigned the task to send a message to the capital, since "their problem also became our problem". He added, "Isn't that what you wanted, trying to act so bold and disrespectful? Well then, I hope you enjoy your promotion as our delivery boy". He hurried toward the capital on horseback, all the while complaining about his assignment while contemplating the chance to see the capital. There, he was received by an older commander who shrugged upon receiving the news. "Your commanding officer could as well as have written to me that there are drunkards and beggars down on this forsaken place where you came from. ... This is no news to me, I know their influence is high outside the capital... However, I will provide aid. The best I can do for him is cripple this organization on its craddle, and you will stay here and help until the situation is dealt with".
• It took years until he was ordered, late at night, to reunite with the sortie to storm their hideout and arrest the group. A day later, he found out through one of his peers while drinking in a tavern that "it was a girl who denounced their hideout to one of the guards, from what I was told". Darren could do little but laugh at how the situation was dealt with, after years of investigation and attempts which led them in less than frutiferous blind chases. "I guess some things are really that unreasonable and unexpected", he remarked, then gulped the rest of his cup. Luckily for him, the capital's garrison was too used to him and he managed to stay with the group, being apparently forgotten by the higher officers.
• He was satisfied with being a knight in Pellam, and instead waited patiently for his chance to show his talents to the military and increase in rank. When the emperor declared several eddicts to place the Empire under martial law, pursue mages and prepare the troops for an invasion on the country of Chryso, he saw that his opportunity had come... albeit not as he wished it to be. The tummoil in the capital made him perplexed. An act of cruelty in particular had weighted on his mind: Several troops were ordered to seize one of the local magic schools, and upon being met with resistance decided to burn it down - along with everyone inside. This single act made many of the soldiers protest against such an order, Darren included. Those who protested were arrested, while those who deserted on the spot were made an example.
• The arrested parties were given a chance to redeem themselves by joining the main army on their trek to Chryso, an opportunity that Darren was forced to accept... Only to desert the group halfway to their destination, along with several of his peers who were as perplexed as he.

Personality: Darren is bold and sometimes brash, which has led him to situations he'd rather have skipped altogether. He finds it hard to lie, and prefers to be honest than to deceive others, also because he is hardly capable of lying or tricking someone. Often serious and sullen, most people would never guess that he is capable of letting it go when offered a drink in a tavern or when around friends, where he is more prone of making ironic jokes about everything. He values honor, which drives him to overachieve on his tasks and face opposition with courage, and he inherited his father's ambition - though his morals speak higher than his duty to his liege or family. Persistent as a mule, one should rather speak with a wall than try to convince Darren about something contrary to his beliefs.

Strengths and Abilities: Darren is proficient with swords and spears alike, not being hindered much by heavy armory, though a look at his build would make one think this is contradictory. He is also capable of riding horses, though he does not fight well mounted on one.

edited 8th Dec '14 7:51:15 PM by Rapier

Hmmm...I think that it would be best for each player to have only one character just for the sake of convenience. I've been in several R Ps in which players made multiple characters and only ended up using one of them. The ones that they didn't use showed up and dropped of the face of the earth with no explanation. It also occasionally creates confusion among the players. I'm not saying that it can't be done. It's just difficult. I won't stop you, but I wouldn't recommend it.

As far as earth mages go, it's an interesting idea, but he can't be a mage in the traditional sense of the term. In Fire Emblem, there are five types of magic (excluding staves): Fire, wind, thunder, light, and dark. I will allow such a character, but calling him a mage would be a misnomer. As long as you can give a detailed description of this hypothetical character's powers and a proper justification, you're free to play him. It wouldn't be the most unconventional thing to be introduced to Fire Emblem by a long shot. PM me what you had in mind and I'll think it over and offer suggestions and comments if necessary.

Might try it

Well, maybe I am not one of these players. If anything, we can just pretend she was abducted by an alien (which translates to 'dragon' in Fire Emblem) bus (kind of like what happened to Lewyn after Chapter 5), on the worst case scenario.

I thought about a druid approach for that character of mine. Using the earth and nature in general against enemies seems like an interesting approach. If I see that this idea is worth continuing, I'll message you with an outline of what I'm thinking about.

Sounds good!

Side note: I'm actually kind of surprised that this has attracted a decent amount of attention. Thanks guys!

I'm interested, but It will be a day or two before I can get my character up.

I'm finished. I think I exaggerated a bit, though. Hope there's no problems.

No problems at all!

I'm considering adding a tiny section in the first post about some of the big power players inside and outside Pohja. Won't get to it tonight, however. Thoughts?

edited 8th Dec '14 7:40:23 PM by cerebralTheatrics

Well, any kind of insight about the setting is great, in my opinion.

Another question: Can we control NP Cs for minor things? For example, Selena (daltar's character) has her younger sister. And if I want to use a NPC to recruit my character to La Resistance, can I use it?

edited 8th Dec '14 7:56:43 PM by Rapier

For minor things, go right ahead. Now, if that NPC is created by another player, you should ask permission from them first, naturally.

Going drop in my interest, hacking together char at the moment. Always interested in hearing more about the setting, might like to get a basic idea of the geography i.e. which nations border which.

Excellent! I was planning on adding more to the setting in the original post this evening.

• Name: Luka
• Class: Trickster
• Sex: Androgynous, and Luka’s not giving any hints
• Age: 23
• Appearance: Luka's medium unkempt blonde hair falls in voluminous layers an inch or two from their head. Their eyes are a vibrant shade of green. They are of slightly below average height, and of lean build. A long ancient-looking wooden staff adorns their back, and an especially sharp yet plain steel sword hang by their side. Luka’s armor is fitted to their body, and it is comprised of a leather chestpiece with steel bracers and greaves. These are decorated with a pastel green stripe, etched with rhombus-like design work. A long, verdant cloak rests on their shoulders, reaching down to their ankles. This will occasionally wear a matching green tricorned feather hat.
• Background: All Luka can remember about their early childhood was growing up on a rainy street corner of some unknown hamlet in the middle of nowhere. Everything was a blur of trying to survive and making the best out of having nothing. However, while still at a pretty young age, Luke managed to sneak themselves onto a passing by merchant caravan. The merchant took a shine to the little beggar, but was not the idealistic kind of man to just let them stay for free. In exchange for being allowed to travel with the merchant, Luka learned how to fight, how to heal, how to sell, how to lie, and how to cheat. After some time, they parted from the merchant, but they continue to send him the odd letter now and then. The merchant, Kalet, isn’t much of a father figure, but more of a respected colleague to them. Lately, Luka’s had a stint at managing a shop own in Pellam. It was going pretty well, right up until the Emperor started acting mad. Sure, business was booming for a couple days directly afterwards, what with people stockpiling supplies for self-imposed exoduses and all, but now there was hardly anyone left. The only thing that really matters is money, so Luka couldn’t honestly care how deep Pohja was getting itself into. What was important is that they leave before things got too bad.
• Personality: Luka’s motto for life is “Money is the root of all happiness.” Despite their money-oriented nature, Luka can be an amicable person at times. More often than not, they will sell their morality for money. That is of course, only if they aren’t too attached to the thing they’re selling. They also don’t care if they are referred to as either female or male, and often laughs whenever someone is confused by their nature. Luka is by no means the Robin Hood type.
• Strengths and Abilities:
  • Lucky Seven: Luka’s accuracy and evasion rates are increased in battle.
  • Acrobat: Luka can easily traverse any terrain
  • Healing Staff: They are trained in healing magic, repairing magic, and any other staff-based school of magic.
  • Swordsmanship: They know enough swordsmanship to protect themselves, and enough to get by.
  • Bartering: Having scammed countless people out of their money, Luka knows when something is up.

edited 14th Dec '14 8:12:29 PM by amporiusrex

Nice, nice.

Trying to write a section on the power players inside Pohja, but it always ends up being far, far too long. Seriously, the first draft of the write up for just one of the characters out of the thirteen I've planned ended up being almost three pages long. I think I'll just give a one paragraph overview of each and elaborate later.

EDIT: Finished two of the twelve grand knights.

edited 10th Dec '14 3:43:31 PM by cerebralTheatrics

Whew, finally done. You guys always drive me up the wall with your super long backstories because then I feel like I have to write a super long backstory.

edited 11th Dec '14 8:50:35 PM by HouraiRabbit

I like what I see so far. Reminds me of FE 6 and FE 8. Also, there's no need to try to make detailed profiles, since it'll also spoil our IC interactions.

I feel the same, but I couldn't compete with daltar on quality. =P

12? Damn, my friend you have a lot of writing ahead of you. I'd just get a few profiles in your notes somewhere and make up the rest as it becomes necessary. After all, you may not even use all the NPCs you have planned.

edited 12th Dec '14 10:20:03 AM by HouraiRabbit