Listen to me well, children. I shall tell you a story. A story of darkness, of despair, of fear, of terrible tragedy. And yet...a story of hope.

A thousand years ago, the gods of our world did decide to rest. They had created Artina, and guided our worlds well for eons. They thought that mankind ought to grow independent, unencumbered by their constant presence...but our divine lords and ladies did not wish to leave us undefended.

They chose a man. A simple man, a widow's only son, naught but a shepherd. This man, brave, noble, virtuous was given a fraction of the powers of each god.

The man's name has long been forgotten, but we call him The Guardian. The gods instructed The Guardian to protect our world, and all those who lived upon it. The young man accepted the duty without complaint, and the gods went to their sleep.

Thus started the Golden Age. Oh, how it must have been to live in that time! The bards still sing of it, you know. The Guardian, now an immortal demigod, did many great deeds in the name of his duty...He slew the Dragon Lord, he stopped the city of Lemure from sinking into the ocean with his bare hands...he battled monsters, demons and evil men. He was a symbol of everything good...he was the most powerful being in the world...

And yet...and yet he never forgot who he was. He remained the humble shepherd he had been. He was a quiet man, but he never sought power but did his duty with diligence and humility...

At that time, he met an Elfmaid by the name of Morgana. Now, Morgana was gentle and kind, if naive and shy. In time noble hero and lovely maiden fell in love, and the protector of our world found his own happiness...

Alas, it was not to last...Humanity is a fickle race, children, and in time it began to take The Guardian for granted. In their sloth, they took advantage of him. In their greed, they tried to control him. In their envy, they began to hate and fear him.

The Guardian never once complained, but continued to do his duty without fail. However, on a day a hundred years ago...the fair Elfmaid Morgana was slain. No one knew how, or why. The Guardian grieved, and in his grief he went to the Sanctuary of Gods. He didn't return for a long time.

Then. Fifty years ago, the Guardian returned. And he had changed. He declared himself Lord Emperor of Artina and he began to attack the people he swore to protect. He slaughtered men, women, and children. Burnt down entire cities. All the while saying thus "I must protect humanity. This is the only way. To know peace, you must all be under my rule!"

Next came the Shadowarmies. Beasts and soldiers of unknown origin, an unstoppable war machine. With the Guardian at its head, they began their conquest...

Fifty years...fifty long years of death, of atrocity after atrocity. Mankind is dying out, children. Outside of our walled cities, the Shadowarmies await. The sky is covered with ever-present smoke. The sky has turned blood-red, as has the twin moons. The sun is dull now...some magic of the Guardian, we presume. Plants struggle to grow. Wastelands threaten to engulf the world. The earth is rotting, children. The gods have not answered our call...we have prayed for years and they do not answer...

However...I have heard...rumors. Rumors of men and women granted divine gifts. Of a fledgling Resistance, plotting to end this horrid age..

My children, pray that these rumors are true. For this...this is Artina's last hope...

-Veron, the old storyteller

---

Oh, look. A non-Beacon RP from me. So, as you just read, this is a fantasy RP set in a dying world where everything is terrible forever unless you do something about it.

We'll fight the Shadowarmies, try to thwart the Guardian, reverse the dying state of Artina...but, there's a big question here. What happened to the Guardian? Why did he turn? Just what the hell is the Shadowarmy?!

The tone of this RP is just like Veron's story. Dark, bleak, but with a ray of hope all throughout. Time to Earn Your Happy Ending.

So, just who are we playing as? What kind of world is Artina? Read on to find out.

---

The World of Artina

Races of Artina

Classic fantasy stuff, humans, elves, dwarves, orcs, and werebeasts. There USED to be massive racial tensions between these races, especially dwarves and elves who despise each other, but the batshit demigod kinda forced everyone to get along.

• Humans: Duh. Vanilla race.
• Elves: Incredibly long lived, magically gifted. Frail as a wet tissue paper.
• Dwarves: Lifespan in between humans and elves, tough and sturdy, unable to use magic.
• Orcs: Surprisingly, they're basically just bigger, tougher humans with green skin, fangs and horns. Take incredibly long to mature, but lives just as long as elves.
• Werebeasts: Secretive shapeshifters who were driven almost to extinction. Proud warrior race sort. Lives a human lifespan.

Magic

Magic is split into two schools: White or "Divine" magic, healing, supporting, that kind of thing. Unfortunately, with Artina dying, "Divine" magic has gotten weaker. The second is Black or "Nature" magic, all about blasting the crap out of people. This has also gotten weaker.

A key difference in the schools are their source of power. "Divine" magic works off faith, the more the caster believes in the gods, the more potent the spell. It takes the energy needed to cast the spell from one's self. "Nature" magic derives its power from the caster's belief. The more you think the spell will be powerful, then the more powerful it will be. It takes its energy from the outside, from the "mana" in the air.

Of course, there are "Red" mages, those who can use spells from both schools...but that is extremely rare.

The Shadowarmies

Malevolent creatures made of living shadow. Some humanoid, some bestial. An overwhelming aura of fear engulfs those who face them. They serve the corrupted Guardian and their origin is unknown.

The Five Dominances

The Five parts that comprise the world of Artina. They each have their on varied history and culture.

The Western Dominance: The Kingdom of Laglade

The largest dominance, and home to the biggest remaining civilizations and fledgling resistances.

It is a mountainous region, with Laglades capital nestled deep within the great mountains. Rather thick forests too.

The Elf Kingdom is here too, although no one really knows where.

Population: Humans, elves, a few dwarven cities.

The Southern Dominance: Gothal

Plains and deserts, basically. The people here are nomads. They're disorganized, and so quickly fell to the Shadowarmies, but survivors carry on a fierce guerrilla war.

Population: Humans, Orcs, the last of the Werebeasts

The Eastern Dominance: The Sakuya Empire

Wutai, basically. An archipelago of islands. Still fighting a hopeless war with the shadowarmies.

Their ruler, the Sun Lord was assassinated recently. Yeah, lots of chaos.

Population: Humans, elves, dwarves

The Northern Dominance: Kingdom of Rogar

Highly-urbanized, corrupt, elitist kingdom. Immediately surrendered to the Guardian. Like that will help. Life is kinda hell for the poor saps still living here.

Population: Humans, Dwarves

The Central Dominance: Kryptos

A collection of small, largely independent fiefdoms. Varied terrain, lots of different cultures. The Sanctuary of the Gods was here...until it was replaced by a big honking tower built by the Guardian.

Population: Humans, Orcs, Elves

Of course, your own worldbuilding is very much welcome to me.

Now...

The Gods

Yeah, they're kinda a big deal. See if you can guess what they're based off on.

Kelel, Lord of Light, King of the Gods

The sun god and head of the pantheon. He is the husband of Dinana and brother of Athma. He is also the god of justice, of good leadership, of protection and of hospitality. He is usually depicted as a man with dark hair, a red cloak, and shining eyes.

Dinana, Lady of Truth, Queen of the Gods

Goddess of the moon, queen of the gods. She is Kelel's wife, but only after he bested her in combat. She is the goddess of truth, of life, of family, and of knowledge. She is depicted as a tall darkhaired woman with a crown, clad in armor, wielding a spear and whip.

Athma, Lord of Judgement, King of the Dead

God of the dead, ruler of the underworld. He is Kelel's brother, a dark, stern, but just god. He is also known as the Avenger, as it is he who rains down divine retribution to sinners. He is depicted as a tall, black-armored, man with great black bat wings.

Aurin, King of the Ocean

God of the ocean, he once rebelled against Kelel but was defeated by Dinana and swore loyalty. A tempestuous deity, he controls storms, rain and lightning. He is depicted as a golden-haired man carrying a gold trident and riding on sea monsters.

Ionus, The God of War

The Emerald Warrior, brother to Mercurius. He is a god of war, of courage, of warriors, of hunters and the patron of the Orcs. Ge is depicted as a massive emerald-armored knight carrying a giant battle ax. He hates Athma with a passion, and the two are bitter rivals.

Mercurius, The Messenger

The Swift God, twin brother of Ionus. Messenger of the gods, guide to souls, bringer of hope. In contrast to his brother, he is gentle and loves the mortals dearly. He is depicted as a red-armored man with the wings of a great falcon on his back and on the soles of his feet.

Jonius, The Wise Scribe

A mysterious but benevolent god. He is in charge of guiding the mortals directly, he was the one who actually created them. Crafting humans from dust, elves from wood, orcs from clay, dwarves from stone and werebeasts mud. He is the god of medicine, of magic. He is depicted as ever-changing, a man, a woman, a beast, an elf...

The Chosen

Holy player characters, Athma! ...Literally holy. The Chosen are those mortals given by the gods great power to combat the Guardian. They are those whose faith never wavered.

On a day like any other, the Chosen heard the voice of a particular god. They found themselves in forgotten shrines. There, they faced a trial and once they succeeded were given a portion of their patron's power and a divine weapon known as a Regalia.

There are Seven Chosen, one for each god. Of course you can choose to play someone who is not a Chosen, a simple member of the Resistance they are gathering. But we need all seven slots filled to start the RP.

As for powers...well, it's based on their patron deity. Look at the profile above and make your own unique skillset.

---

Character Sheet

• Name:
• Age:
• Gender:
• Race:
• Appearance:
• Abilities/Skills:
• Magic: If applicable. I'm giving you the freedom of making your own spells.
  • Spell Name (School): Effect
• Equipment:
  • Regalia (Chosen Only): Name, appearance, special qualities.
• Chosen Powers: (Chosen Only)
• Personality:
• Bio:

Have fuuuun!

edited 14th May '15 6:02:09 PM by GrimHelm

Nothing is what it seems. Master of Shipping and Sadism.

Interest! If possible want to stake a claim on making a Chosen of Dinana.

If I'm sure of something it's that I'm not sure of anything.

I am interested as well

Ooh, very interest. Will come up with a sheet in a few hours, once school gets out.

“Not a promise, not an oath, or a malediction or a curse. Inevitable." - Taylor Hebert

interest, obviouslly

-dramatic music ensues-

This is finally coming about? Pin me down as interested!

Allurand and surrounding world loading, 28%...

Ooh, interest.

off the shits

• Name: Alexander Ruthal

• Age: 24

• Gender: Male

• Race: Human

• Appearance: A tall, kinda slim guy with short black hairs and blue eyes. He bears the scars of multiple battles, fought during the Guardian's reign of terror.

• Abilities/Skills:
  • Swordmanship: As he is a mercenary, of course.

  • Archery: He is also able to use a bow

• Magic:' Nature.
  • Ardesco (Nature): A fire magic, create a fireball which is sent towards the enemy. Said fireball dimensions are directly proportional to the time spent charging it

  • Shield (Nature): Creates a magic forcefield around the user which is more resistant the more it's charged.

• Equipment:
  • Regalia (Chosen Only): Raikiri, the Forbidden Blade:

A sword that possesses great power, a gift of the god Athma. It has various powers, all related to the element of fire and of darkness (but we prefer to call it "ancient magic"). It's handle is made of ruby while its blade of obsidian, or at least very resistent materials similar to them. On the handle shines a black gem, simbol of the god.

• Bow: He is also skilled in archery after all, though he prefers not to use it

• Chosen Powers: Being the champion of Athma, in addition to being more powerful, he can:
  • Use some dark magic and fire manipulation in addition to the Nature spellcasting, also being able to infuse his weapons with dark/fire energy. As far as magic goes, some of his spells are:
    • Luna, a magic spell that can pierce through defenses
    • Nosferatu, a dark spell that drains some of the target's energy to give it to the caster.
    • Apocalypse, which is basically a Limit Break dark spell, which can hit For Massive Damage but leaves the caster exhausted and open for a counter.

  • Can create shadow clones of himself, whose attacks don't deal any phisycal damage but give the impression of being hit (as in, you think you're being hit while in fact you are not being hit and do not feel pain).
  • Can inject a sense of fear in his enemies, and can also manipulate their fears, bringing out their worst ones and taking them Up To Eleven

• Personality: Alexander is a cold, reserved person, with Deadpan Snarker tendencies, and never really likes to talk about himself, and almost never showing any emotion. Sounds like the average RPG protagonist, doesn't it? He also likes to be able to take his decisions by himself, and hates when things are forced on him

• Bio: Alexander was born in Tykelad, a city near Laglade. His father fell prey to a Shadowarmy when he was 15, and her mother soon followed, dying after being raped by a gang of brigands. Alone, Alexander began training in the ways of the sword and in archery, surviving on his own and eventually taking up his father's job of mercenary and joining the Resistance, swearing to avenge his parents by exterminating every one of the Shadowarmy, and to find these brigands to slay them one by one. One day, after yet another battle against the Shadowarmies, he heard someone calling from afar. He turned that way and walked some steps, only to faint and wake up at a shrine, a sword by his side. He instinctively took it, and as he did that he saw Shadow creatures appearing, and almost immediately attacking him. He fought them all off, determined to kill them like he would do with their entire race. Even when they seemed to be too many, he kept fighting, and suddenly he felt a power: the power of the god Athma. Imbued with power, he fought off the remaining creatures easily. With not one remaining, he heard a voice:

"I am the god Athma, god of death, revenge and retribution: I choose you as my champion, for I see you've dedicated your life to avenging your parents and taking down the Shadowarmies. I will grant you both the power to do so, and my blade, Raikiri. You have the mission to take down not only the Shadowarmies, but the man leading them. You have the strength and power needed for this task. Now go! Slain that man and let retribution fall on him!"

edited 17th May '15 1:52:42 AM by DarknessAwaits

Quick question before I do my sheet: Can werebeasts use magic?

“Not a promise, not an oath, or a malediction or a curse. Inevitable." - Taylor Hebert

@daltar: Okay, will reserve~!

@Tojin: Yep.

@Darkness Awaits: Looks okay so far, tell me when it's out of beta.

Nothing is what it seems. Master of Shipping and Sadism.

• Name: Bazur Dorgda
• Age: 85
• Gender: Male
• Race: Orc
• Appearance:Give this guy a nice hat and a cape and you've got the idea.
• Abilities/Skills:
  • Duelist: Though it may come as somewhat of a shock Bazur is actually quite skilled in single combat
  • Sailing: And quite good at the wheel.
  • Brawling: He is still an orc and a pirate though.
• Equipment: His scimitar as well as a heavy knife for back up.
• Regalia (Chosen Only):
  • Mac Lir: His cape, which he can flourish to temporarily summon a heavy mist.
• Chosen Powers:
  • Underwater breathing:
  • Able to conduct electricity through his weapons
• Personality: Though a man of violence and swift action Bazur is calm and intelligent. He speaks well and is regarded highly by his crew. That being said he is stubborn and prone to tunnel vision when he has set his sight on a goal which can often lead him into unfavorable situations. And like many orcs, he still has his moments of unstoppable anger.
• Bio: Bazur and his clan lived by a large bay in Kryptos for many years peacefully. It was when he was in the orc equivalent of his teenage years that he ran away and joined a crew of pirates. He served admirably and learned how to kill a man in vicious single combat as well as how to steer a ship. Eventually this stuck as a career choice. Piracy was a dangerous matter before the Guardian began his conquest, however once the Shadowarmies' navy and aquatic beasts began attacking trade routes Bazur and many other pirates suddenly found themselves both targets of the invading forces and guards for merchant ships carrying much needed supplies. Then one night during a storm the ship Bazur served on was sunk and he was left to drift. He awoke in a secluded cove at the center of which sat a decaying temple dedicated to Aurin. We'll see if you do. You are both a man of the sea and a warrior. An orc after my own heart. Prove yourself. Shortly after that an old skeleton, animated and strengthened by unknown magics and carrying ancient but strong weapons strode up out of the water. It was a difficult fight lasting an hour but in the end, the creature was defeated and Bazur gained the favor of the sea god. Since then he has gained a small but loyal crew and returned to his duties.

-dramatic music ensues-

Interest. will probably do a non chosen werebeast.

What weapons are we allowed?

Can I roll down Ionus? WIP'ing for now, hope it's acceptable.

• Name: Ragnar "The Stranger" Betrassus
• Age: Apparently higher twenties, lower thirties, but his actual age is probably around a hundred. Maybe centuries. Who knows where or when he came from.
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Appearance: Should be incredibly obvious and at odds with the ruined world. But nobody can really identify this armor.
• Abilities/Skills:
  • Martial Arms- Ragnar was, is a great warrior. He is well-versed in a number of martial skills, such as the sword, the spear, hand-to-hand, archery, and more.
  • Riding - horses fuck yeah
• Magic: NA
• Equipment:
  • Shield - A notched shield made of iron and wood.
  • Great Cross - A fine weapon from finer ages. It appears to be an elegant spear carved of polished ash with a silver, long bladed tip. A combination of magic and fine craftsmanship allows Ragnar to separate the top from it, becoming as serviceable a sword as it is a spear.
  • Regalia (Chosen Only): The Potential Knife - Appearing to be a simple knife, save for the emerald stuck in its hilt. Perhaps forged by a novice blacksmith. As the name implies, when the blade strikes, it makes all potential attacks rather than just one. However, these potential strikes can easily be turned towards the wielder - so it takes something better than an absolute novice to wield it and to eliminate those self-harming cuts. At the same time, a master swordsman would subconsciously find the 'optimal' strike and eliminate the 'sloppy' ones, thereby limiting its powers by too much. Therefore, to maximize the Knife's... potential, it takes someone not too poor, but not too skilled to wield it.
• Chosen Powers: (Chosen Only)
  • The Stranger: Technically not a Chosen Power, but it feels significant enough to go here. Ragnar's place in this world, his destiny, is to be forgotten. As soon as he leaves a person's line of sight, they completely forget about him. They could hate him with enough fury to wage war against the heavens... they could love him enough to search hell... and they would still forget. Ionus's blessing weakened the curse enough to allow Ragnar to remember himself, and others, him... to an extent. Should Ragnar leave another's line of sight they will still have impressions of their meeting, as if a dream. For example, if he is in the middle of a fight and ducks around out of sight, they will still feel aggression and danger.
• Personality:
  • Fish out of water - Ragnar comes from a different time when things were good and the Guardian watched over the mortal races. Now this. Much of what has happened passed him by. Thus he seems inexperienced with people.
  • Talkative - Almost a bit unhinged there. What's the point when nobody remembers? Perhaps he just wants the attention. To make a connection before it gets severed.
  • Guilt - What did he do that warranted such punishment? It eats at him. He does not know, nor is he sure whether he wishes to know.
• Bio: Listen well, for this tale will only be told once. There was a great warrior, fanatically loyal to his mage-king. Ragnar challenged champions, waged war, and sacked cities all in his king's name. Ragnar the Terror, Ragnar the Great. Ragnar slew shadows and hunted monsters to protect his kingdom. Ragnar the Bold, Ragnar the Mighty. And then... Ragnar fell from grace. For some unknown crime, he was cast down and cursed. His name was stricken from the world, his deeds and wonders forgotten. Ragnar became little more than a shade wandering the world as the horrors of the Shadowarmies passed him by. A lost warrior without a name or a purpose. One day, the shade felt a pull, a call. It wandered, bidden hither, until it came across a broken, ruined temple to Ionus. Echoes of his old life flickering, Ragnar entered it and did battle with shades and other men seeking Ionus's favor. He defeated them all, and the sundered emerald statue to Ionus spoke. Warrior. Your name is forgotten. You have forgotten yourself. But I remember. I remember that you have served me well. Rise again and remember, Ragnar Betrassus. Rise and redeem yourself. The shade was given substance, fragments of his memory and purpose restored. But only fragments. Honors without deeds. Faces without names. Punishment without crimes. A knight without a country. No doubt, by accomplishing Ionus's task, Ragnar will be rewarded with the full knowledge of himself. And now, perhaps you wonder why this tale will only be told once. See... the curse still lingers on. He may speak to others, may make friends... they will forget him as soon as he leaves their line of sight. An eternal Stranger. It is only Ionus's radiance that convinces others of the Stranger's status as his own Chosen.

edited 17th May '15 2:53:30 AM by HazzyHaz

Humph. Who even needs those fancy blessings? I've made it this long against these bastards without it.

• Name: Ferosin Ifrit Brightclaw

• Age: 64

• Gender: Male

• Race: Werebeast

• Appearance: A tall rather intimidating man of strong stature. Age has been kind to this man, and even if it hadn’t he wouldn’t care. Standing at 6’ 2” with strong muscles and covered in scars and tribal tattoos all along his arms and torso. He has short chin-length hair and a nicely trimmed short beard, both already silver from age. He is dressed in a sleeveless leather tunic/vest and wide legged cloth pants. He has a long coat that he keeps on while casual, and with the torso of the coat hanging by his belt while in battle. He is also often seen with his clay pipe.

• Abilities/Skills:
  • Feral hand to hand – Ferosin is experienced in wild combat, using sharpened nails like a beast’s claws, and can fight with punches as much as he can with claw slashes.

  • Beast Form/Transformation: Takes this form

• Magic: If applicable. I'm giving you the freedom of making your own spells.
  • Fist of Flame (Black/Nature): Ferosin lights his hand on fire. Beyond the obvious is also very handy when lighting his pipe.

  • Firaga (Black/Nature): Ferosin flings a small ball of fire that then ignites in a glorious explosion of flame.

  • Hellfire (Black/Nature): A very much desperation move (and if my understanding of what the werebeasts are correct it will be something he can only use in beast form) where he bathes the area around him in flame before condensing all the fire into a single pillar of inferno to incinerate everything around him. He will promptly collapsd afterwards from overexertion.

• Equipment: Who needs weapons or armor?

• Personality: Ferosin is a wise old man, and battle hardened. A warrior in body and soul, he knows how far he can go before he’s in over his head, which has saved him many a time in his life. He is loyal though, and will fight for a cause with all his might.

• Bio: Ferosin was there when the Guardian emerged. His parents sent him away as the tide of the Guardian’s forces swept across Gothal, wiping out tribe after tribe of Werebeast, including Ferosin’s. His young eyes shattered at the site of the hero whose tales he had heard from such a young age, he realized that a single savior was never enough. If you want to save anything, you yourself must be strong enough to save it. And so he fought, and got stronger. 50 long years of fighting against the soldiers of the Shadowarmies. And even in his old age he continues, never ceasing to fight for the pride of his long gone tribe and family.

edited 19th May '15 11:33:26 PM by SolusLupus

I've kinda lost interest in this, to be honest. Sorry. Good luck to the rest of you!

“Not a promise, not an oath, or a malediction or a curse. Inevitable." - Taylor Hebert

• Name: Shedjhan Miaalden
• Age: 40
• Gender: M
• Race: Orc
• Appearance: Shedjhan is a big guy, but he's on the chubbier side◊ of things. He carries himself with an extremely precise posture and wears lots of simple robes to make sure he can always have his movements unrestrained.
• Abilities/Skills:
  • Book-Learning: Shedjhan is highly knowledgeable of scholastic history, particularly those of the Orcs. He is also extremely skilled at navigating the inner workings of a library. If he doesn't already know some obscure fact of long-forgotten history, he can probably find it in less than an hour.
  • Exploration: While Shedjhan can't run fast or fight strong without The Guiding Light, he is accustomed to extremely long journeys on foot; he can forage for food if necessary, and he is well adapted to both heat and cold.
• Equipment:
  • Scrolls, books, and inks: typical scholar supplies.
  • A traveler's bag with torches, a waterskin, 50 feet of rope, a flask of oil, and a week's supply of rations.
  • Regalia: The Guiding Light is a seemingly normal oil lantern. However, when lit, not only does the oil never diminish, but Shedjhan gains the ability to telekinetically manipulate any objects that the lantern is directly illuminating. Attempting to exert more force than he could with his body causes the lantern to heat up, potentially burning him in the process if he goes over twice his bodily strength.
• Chosen Powers:
  • Augury: If Shedjhan concentrates on a very specific plan laid out on paper in front of him, he can get one of three results, the outcomes of that plan aggregated out of all possible futures: mostly failure, mixed, or mostly success.
  • Senses: Shedjhan can dull his senses at the expense of sharpening others. He can shut down one sense for a 25% increase to all others, up to shutting down all but one sense in order to double that sense's precision and sensitivity.
  • Craftsmanship: Shedjhan can copy any skilled labor he sees and send his body into overtime replicating it, working superhumanly fast at a repeatable craft. This is very harsh on his body, and can result in severe injury once finished.
• Personality: Shedjhan's life is touched by certain facts that are always on his mind. First of all, his father is some Kryptos warrior that he doesn't know anything about, who left him to learn all this academia stuff in the hopes he could become just as strong as dad; he has a great hope in the power of Academia and learning as a tool, and trusts in his dad, even if he hasn't met the man. Second, orcs' culture is threatened by acts of violence; while this could mean extermination of marginalized tribes, it also manifests as the erasure and ignorance of the Orcish heritage. Shedjhan views his position as Chosen as a huge responsibility first and foremost to his tribe, his people, and his monastery—worldly before metaphysical beliefs, basically.
• Bio: Shedjhan's father was a warlord of Kryptos with ambition. He noticed that, first of all, he conquered his way to the top by being innovative and unpredictable. Second, this world was dangerous and dying; not all of his children would survive, so he would have to expand his prospects. Each of his five children were sent to different vocations: swordsmanship, white magic, black magic, thievery, and finally Shedjhan, a scholar. He was sent off to one of the last few libraries in Artina to be raised by the monks there. He learned about the history that was being forgotten, and the history of his people, the Orcs. Shedjhan instantly recognized his people as strong, but in need of a savior: him, somehow! He struggled and struggled through the libraries, working himself to the bone until he had some kind of hallucination, freaked out, and fell off of a ladder, crashing through the floor into a hidden subbasement: the shrine of Jonius. He emerged armed with new powers and a new tool, ready to leave the monastery and do... something... save the world, for sure. He just had absolutely no idea how.

edited 17th May '15 7:36:52 AM by Taco

Certainly interested. Would like to reserve the Chosen of Kelel, if possible.

Got two extreme end choices I'm torn about. Both feel so good, but... well, I'd like to see some extra peeps joining in. ^_^;

grah

@Guyshane and Solus: No problemo, welcome to Artina!

@Guys with WI Ps: No problems so far.

@Weapons: Medieval-esque tech only. No guns or anything like that.

@Ferg: Noted.

Nothing is what it seems. Master of Shipping and Sadism.

If there are any Chosen left, I'd also like to reserve a spot for one.

Allurand and surrounding world loading, 28%...

• Name: Jane Elariel Hightower
• Age: 76 years, early twenties in looks and maturity.
• Gender: Female
• Race: Half-Elf, functionally an Elf.
• Appearance: Like this, though dressed in a more functional manner
• Abilities/Skills:
  • Magical Skill: Jane has been raised since she was a babe in a tower for the study and practice of magic and as one who lived not only surrounded by such mystical arts, she embraced them obtaining the title of Mage. Besides the capacity to weave spells, she has great knowledge of magical theory, circles, bindings, seals, magical gateways and portals and many other subjects. Studying in a refuge for the collection and safeguard of magical tomes and knowledge, she should be fairly well read of most magical teachings. As tradition of her school of magic, she has a tattoo on the back of her right hand, The Arcane Mark of Hightower, in blue ink with a magical symbol on it, allowing her very hand to serve as a magical focus.
  • Scholarly Knowledge: The tower she lived in, however, not only contained tomes of magical theory... since she was six years old she has been reading near any book to be put in her hands. Studying history, biology, math, physics, arts, culture and many other topics, Jane has a very well rounded education supported by some practice and classes by the elders in the tower.
  • Crafting and Brewing: One of Jane's brightest points and what she got compliments about, is her skill at creating. Whenever it is potion making or crafting of small magical trinkets, the half elf is quite dexterous and patient with her hands, possessing a great amount of creativity and the capacity to envision how something may turn out. She has spent quite some hours in the workshops, creating things on demand of her instructors and other mages.
  • Elven Grace: As a member of the long living Elven species, Jane boast a long lasting youth and energy. While her mental and body development took long than it would a human she'll live much longer. She has a good connection to magical forces as well as good balance and dexterity making her appear graceful to other races.
• Magic: Through her life, Jane has mastered mostly nature magic during her time in the Hightower, enough to earn her Arcane Mark and be recognized as a fully fledged mage on her own. However, since her meeting with Dinana, she also acquired a special mark to mimic her mark of the Arcane... the Divine Mark of Dinana, giving her access to sacred spells to broaden her repertoire.
• Fireball (Nature): A Mage's classic, shooting a small orb of brilliant red and gold that on contact with something or the caster's trigger will explode into a mighty fireball.
• Project Force (Nature): An useful and versatile spell that allows the user to manifest their magical energy as a physical force to interact with the world. By using this spell, they can lift or push things at the distance with a blue aura of force becoming more solid and capable of power the more the user sinks concentration and magical energy with it. Extra useful to retrieve books from tall bookcases, fetch the cocoa without standing up from a cozy armchair or push away at a rushing monster.
• Spell Binding (Nature): A spell meant to restrain, manifesting as chains trying to rush and grab hold of an enemy. It can also be cast upon a door, container or something that is chained to manifest as an arcane lock meant to keep the thing closed.
• Lightning Shock (Nature): A spell producing electricity for general use, though in combat this is usually manifested by lightning coming out of the hand or staff, the intensity of which depends on strength of concentration and magic energy used. Can be one strong bolt or a weaker cone of electricity, can be maintained at a weaker power to continue shocking the same target.
• Healing Glow (Divine): Projected from Jane's left hand, a silvery glow that serves to slowly close down wounds and mend the flesh, accelerating the body's healing process while cast on the area. All purpose, somewhat weak healing magic.
• Sacred Barrier (Divine): A spell meant for defense. When cast at once, it produces a translucent barrier of energy that can shield from medium strength attacks, good timing being key as the barrier is stronger the second it is brought to being and unless fed constant magic it dissolves in a few seconds. If a special circle is prepared before hand, the barrier can be cast and remain standing at greater strength than if it's supported by nothing more than the instant cast of the user.
• Vitality (Divine): Buffing spell, increases physical ability of the buffed creature by giving them more energy and vitality. Tiredness is wiped away to a certain extend while under the effect of this magic and general physical prowess increases by the surge of extra energy.
• Equipment:
  • Regalia - Elularan - Spearstaff of the Moon: A wondrous staff made of some sort of pure white wood run through with small curving lines making patterns upon its surface. The tip is crowned as the wood expands into a small diamond shape with an encrusted, oval gem whose color changes depending on the phases of the moon, filling with clear white or darkest black as it necessary. The staff by itself is quite resilient and an excellent focus for magical energy... the gem in it naturally producing and conducing magical power to help a caster in their spells. However, in case the user needs to engage in battle, the staff then can be turned into a spear. By the thoughts of the user, a spectral, magical spearhead will appear around the head of the staff... glowing softly in a silver light, this blade is quite sharp, cutting with a cold burning sensation. The spearhead can be manifested or dismissed at will... and indeed, the whole staff can vanish into pure moonlight to be summoned again at the wish of the user. Beyond these abilities, the staff also enhances the ability of the user to Weave Moonlight as described in the powers of the Chosen of Dinana.
  • Magical Dagger: Small, enchanted dagger as most tools in the Tower are. It can resist rust and rough use, meant not so much for battle as a tool for travelling, cooking or carving.
  • Moon Silver Armor: Armor crafted from moonlight weave made into silver armor... for her to craft over the course of her journey. At the moment she only has a circlet and upper breastplate ready, made of a material as strong but lighter and more flexible than steel. The armor can be dismissed and made to disappear or form itself around the user who can control moonlight weave. When damaged it cracks as if it was crystal and while it can repair itself a little after a battle, it requires the user to fix it properly in a ritual by moonlight to be made whole again.
  • Miscellaneous items: Aside from these, Jane carries with herself a magical satchel with great capacity to store items within. Inside she carries rations, alchemical and crafting tools, vials, some ingredients for potions, a magic tool that always points north, some maps and books, writing implements, a small crystal ball for magical communication, a waterskin, a wand that produces little floating lights she can control and 7 small spell crystals on which she can cast a spell to store it for later use by her or someone else.
• Chosen Powers:
  • Moonlight Weaving: The greatest power given to Jane by Dinana is to weave magical moonlight for a wide variety of purposes. The thing appears in it's natural state as a silvery mist of magical light... a prime matter for Jane to work and shape. With it, she can weave illusions, make her hair and features look different than they are or change her clothes by overlaying them with the light, shaping it as desired. However, gathering more and more of it together, Jane can weave solid things as well. So long as she can keep a measure of concentration into it, she could make a dress out of Moonlight and it would look and feel like the real thing until she dismisses it. Another use of the ability is to form weapons and items of solid Moonlight, these tend to be temporary and require more concentration and power to maintain... though the easiest to do so with is a whip. The second weapon of Dinana, weaving the light into a long whip seems natural and easy for Jane. Finally, there is a chance for creations made out of Moonlight to be made permanent. Doing a little ritual, on nights with the moon out and a source of non tainted water around, Jane can weave Moonlight, let the shine of the proper moon fall on it and the water to create a permanent creation out of magic, usually making a material known as Moon Silver... the more complex or powerful, the more time it takes to craft and more energy it takes out of Jane. At the moment, Jane is creating her armor... one piece at a time. Such a wondrous creation takes a lot of power out of her... and she can only create a new piece not only when the moon is out, she requires it to be a night of full moon to create more parts for her armor. The power of Moonlight weaving grows and diminishes a bit with the phases of the moon... and during the day it is a bit weaker than usual. Creations made out of Moonlight can usually be dismissed and remade back into light and energy by the user.
  • Divine Mark of Dinana: Appearing on the back of Jane's left hand in contrast with her Arcane Mark of Hightower on the right one, this mark is a gift by Dinana that connects Jane to the Goddess, allowing her to access a small repertoire of Divine Magic as well as serving as a focus, together with Elularan, for Moonlight Weaving.
  • Gift of the Tide Tamer: As the moon can move the tides and Dinana once conquered the God of the Sea, such power is passed down onto the chosen of the Queen Goddess. Jane can control water to a light extent and additionally can walk over it without sinking if she chooses to. She cannot drown on water, breathing it as if it was air unless it is water controlled by magic or the Chosen of the Sea God. Finally, she can decide whenever water sticks to her, making it so that she can step out of water with her and her equipment completely dry. She also has a light resistance to cold weather.
  • Royal Presence: The last of Dinana's gifts... affected by confidence and security. This is a sort of inner glow, a power of bearing and influence. On regular people it affects their perception of Jane when she wills it, making her seem as a personal of authority and bearing, more inclined to listen to her words and believe her if she says she's important. It forces nothing out of nobody, though people who are meek or cowed by her may be more inclined to do as she says and even snobs may admit that she does look important.
• Personality: Jane is a bright, cheerful and inquisitive young woman, with a boundless curiosity and thirst for knowledge. She always wished to know the truth, the real reason of what happened around her, leading her to do a lot of questions... but more than that to think things through and carefully observe the world and people around her. She has a good and somewhat innocent heart, having been raised in a controlled, scholarly and sheltered environment. While she has faced harshness within it, it's quite a different sort of experience from the real world outside the walls of the Hightower. This is something she's deeply aware off, facing the prospect of moving out into the world with both enthusiasm, uncertainty and some fear. That she must do so for a higher purpose, with a lot in the balance is incredibly humbling and at times overwhelming... but nevertheless, the pain she has seen ever moves her forward to do her best.
• Bio: Unknown to Jane herself and most people dealing with her upbringing, Jane is the daughter of an Elven Noble from the capital of the Elven Kingdom as well as the daughter of a human ambassador to said Kingdom. Her mother fell hopelessly in love with the elven noble, who saw her as a sweet conquest and adventure, an exotic human in a hidden kingdom of nothing but elvenkind. Their romance was intense and lovely while it lasted... until the moment where the ambassador's daughter found herself pregnant. The enchanting dream was thus shattered as the elven noble wanted nothing to do with the child, turned her away and refused to even see her. The ambassador's daughter was filled with sadness, regret and grief, suffering a lot during her pregnancy. Trying to hide her state from her parent, a couple of elven assistants and friends who cared for her gave her a recommendation. Once the daughter was born, they all travelled to the Hightower... to offer up her baby daughter to be raised by the mages within. The Hightower lay high on the mountains of Laglade, a secretive order who dwelt on their own, investigating magic and knowledge away from being affected by affairs of the greater world. The mages within tended to be elves and humans... and sometimes it was said that they took in young children who had a knack for magic. With Jane's parent being a somewhat renowned elven wizard, they were sure she would pass muster. Negotiations were hard... but eventually, Hightower accepted to take the child in. Thus began Jane's true life... all she knew was the tower, hidden in the tall mountains, using their knowledge and magic to foster a tightly controlled, independent population of roughly a thousand mages and thousand and a half assistants. Despite her lineage, Jane was meant to be the second one... with no sponsor and being only a young untrained child, she was meant to be an assistant of the Tower... that is, until she showed her mettle. In an environment without family, without parents, cared by aloof figures caring more for knowledge than sentiment, she managed to worm her way into their hearts... and with her keen mind and love for knowledge, she got the instruction she needed to show herself capable to be an initiate. From there on, she studied hard, an exemplary student who went from department to department, always learning more. She had a particular knack for creating things, so she spent a good amount of time in the workshops, where her attention to detail and craftsmanship were appreciated. Obtaining her Arcane Mark, Jane was happy with her life as a scholar... however, not long afterwards came the news of the Guardian's conquest... and the terrors he inflicted. Jane heard the report, spied from afar with her magic at what happened in the world and even grieved as some of their travelling mages were caught in the conflict and killed. Due to this, the mages of the Hightower tightened protections around the tower... tried to erase their presence even as they sent out more agents out into the world... to recover as much knowledge as they could from the fallen nations. There are always people like them... who when faced with an Apocalypse, strive to be a vault to safeguard the knowledge and traditions of the dying world. Jane went out on a couple of these expeditions... indeed, she was returning from a safe, little mission when she was chosen. As if by a trance she walked onto a frozen lake at night... whose ice suddenly melting, making a perfect reflection of the full moon... onto which she fell. Instead of a lake, she found herself in ruins... in a dimension that was unknown to her. She faced through what seemed like days to her many trials... of her body, her mind... and her soul. "Are you true, my daughter? You must be to wield my power and do what must be done. It is what you did and did not do what led you to this day... the life you leave behind. Now, more is required of you. I'll look over you as you go into the world... of magic, tomes and knowledge you are an expert, but you'll need more to be worthy. I approve of a life of searching and answering... but you must be more to be my chosen. Of the sacred and spirit, power I give you... of the martial, you must learn by yourself. I am Queen of the Gods... and I demand nothing but perfection from the one who would stand for me. Such is to truly live. To grow, to evolve, to indulge in the new and master it. A hard path awaits you, my child... but know that so long as you're true, I stand by your side, every step of the way" With such words at the end of the path that was her trial, Jane awoke from her dream, floating in the middle of the frozen lake... yet feeling not the bite of the cold nor the wetness of the water... only the cool warmth of the moonlight falling onto her. Daunted by the sheer scope of her mission, she still stood up... and while uncertain of her own worthiness, she'll do her best in this new path. Sending a message back home, she thus began her own, solitary journey into the world.

If I'm sure of something it's that I'm not sure of anything.

I've finished my application.

So how may I ask does the werebeast shape shifting work and to what extent?

The Chosen of Ionus should be good.

Alright. Let's see how this pans out.

• Name: Reina. Just Reina.
• Age: 20
• Gender: Female
• Race: Human
• Appearance: "I fear no evil for Kelel is my savior." Has green eyes.
• Abilities/Skills:
  • As an apprentince priestess, she knows all about first aid. Patching up wounds, putting casts, bandaging, disinfecting, you know the drill.
  • She is also knowledgable with the various religious rituals, amongst them burying the dead and mummfication.
  • Is a born swimmer.
  • Great with animals of all size. They just gather to her out of instinct. Surely makes up for her interactions with people.
  • Cooks some mean rice.
• Magic:
  • Soothing Glow(Divine): a small spell meant to dull the pain, though it can also be used to dissuade a killing intent from someone by essentially numbing his senses just enough to quench his bloodlust. Tested and proven even on spawn of Shadowarmies.
  • Mending Light(Divine): a healing spell to deal with the wounds requiring immediate attention rather than the ones that can be patiently worked over. With enough extertion and energy used it can be used to deal with serious injuries although the process exhausts Reina beyond measure.
  • Holy Shield(Divine): a semi-transparent projection made of pure, warm light; meant to stop incoming strikes, the size of a kite shield. Reina can move it around or "attach" it to her target so it follows them, blocking on its own.
• Equipment:
  • A small knife used as a utility tool.
  • A lucky charm from the shrine she was raised in, worn under her shirt. Has a lot of sentimental value to her.
  • A wooden flute. She often uses it in conjuction with Soothing Glow to further expand spell's effect, but she's not above just playing it for the sake of playing it.
  • Some belongings of her carried in a small bag, including a spare pair of clothes, a couple of tools and what not.
    • In there, first aid kit in a separate, smaller bag.
• Chosen Powers:
  • In Reina's case, she has no item that could classify as a Regalia. Instead, one of her powers manifests as aforementioned Regalia and that is her command over the giant white snake in the picture, named Snow. As in, the snake is her Regalia. A giant beast that is both her guardian and the mode of transportation, it wards her from harm and strikes down those who would dare hurting her. Well, she insists that he just incapacitate them without hurting them. Generally speaking, she doesn't command him as much as their relationship would imply. They, in truth, are pretty good buddies although he's more cavalier about fighting while she'd rather avoid it altogether. He's resistant to damage, but can ultimately be killed. If so, he will return to Reina's location within a day. The only way to disperse him for good would be to kill her.
  • At expense of her own well-being she can heal someone's injuries proportionally to her decreasing health. This is not mere Divine magic, but rather the very divine energy itself doing the deed and as such can be used at any time. However, the process can kill her. She can't raise the dead back to life that way, however.
  • Her voice can gain a certain "compelling" quality that she uses to convince people and creatures of certain things. She tends to use it to dissuade hostiles from attacking if Soothing Glow proved ineffective and to open a path to reasoning if possible.
• Personality: Reina is a kind, gentle soul. Perhaps too gentle. As a priestess, she made a vow to never harm another, even in self-defense, and she abides by this vow without failing. Her belief is that everyone has a piece of goodness within them and it's possible to pull it out of any depth, even the spawn of Shadowarmies. Some would say she's naive and guillible, but her unwavering resolve to rescue her world and set things right again would shame many boastful ones that claim the same. She's well-aware that it's not possible for everybody to get along and that probably not everybody will listen to her, but it is worth trying. Sarcasm-blind, taking just about everything at face's value unless it's blatantly obvious.
• Bio: As far s Reina is concerned, she's been living in the shrine all her life. Orphaned as a result of the losing war against Shadowarmies, she was took in by the head priestess presiding over the shrine in question. Well-aware of the war all around them, shrine maidens did their best as medics that cured those that needed aid. Some ventured into the field to cure there, some remained within shrines, miraculously untouched by the blightening spawn of darkness. Sooner or later however they would come here as well.
  • Such was the day of her twentieth birthday. The horde of black marauders raided the shrine, intent on burning it to the ground and salting it. Reina went to meet them despite the warnings of the other maidens, evacuating via a hidden passage. She spread her arms open and commanded the horde to halt. It did halt... only after a giant snake seemingly out of nowhere got between them and her, baring its fangs at the foul creatures. Reina wasted no time. Climbing on top of the giant serpent she spoke firmly and loudly for the horde to turn away and sully not this place. Shadowarmies... retreated. To this end, Reina's shrine remains untouched by the spawn of darkness and is a safe asylum for the wounded and the lost.
  • Only then did Reina hear the soothing voice in her mind, voice of none other than Lord of Light himself. The words were clear: she was a Chosen, handpicked by Kelel himself to, alongside others, perhaps bring Artina its rest from the terror. She accepted the mission without any hesitation or questions, happy to be able to help. With the giant white serpent as her companion and with her superior's blessing, she embarked on a journey to the main continent, there to bring Artina hope.

edited 17th May '15 6:23:51 AM by FergardStratoavis

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