Flames of Darkness (Started- Still accepting)

Shady · 2012-11-25T21:18:27Z

A mighty warrior assembled behind him a massive, skilled army. He led his army across the countryside, devouring small villages, crushing rebellion- until none remained but he and his followers. He declared himself King and few were living to dispute his claim. He wasn’t faithful, and soon found himself with many infant sons. Advised to name an heir, but uncertain which of his sons would be most suited to the crown, he split his kingdom into eight parts, and named each son heir to a throne, with intentions to amend his decision once his boys’ personalities were fully formed- to restore his kingdom to a single fortress. He died before that day came, and his kingdom was broken. Four short decades later only three kingdoms remained- the others conquered, crushed, forgotten: Neko, Atra, and Genor. Genor had withdrawn all contacts from the neighbouring nations, and shut itself deep within the protection of its mountainous ranges. Neko and Atra, both aggressive nations, reached an agreement- that the Prince of Neko and the Princess of Atra would wed, and that the nations would become allies. The Princess of Atra had no desire to marry her cousin, nor did the Prince want to marry her- and fresh, civil battles were waged. Messengers carried forged letters. Spies reported false information. Atra and Neko’s leaders were killed in the battles. The newly assumed thrones, their pride injured by the other’s refusal of marriage, declared war on each other. Who will you side with? The Queen of Fire? The King of Shadows? The Lord of the Mountains? When nothing is certain but fear and death, and no one is what they seem... Atra- Kingdom of Fire Roles in society: Women- Women are to birth and raise warriors. A prized woman will be silent and observant, respected by her children (though not often her husband), and possess ample strength to run her household and give her sons basic training. Women are to be seen and not heard. If a woman ventures to speak out against a man- or against a man’s abilities- she had better be able to defend herself and be prepared for a Test, because other men won’t come to her rescue. A woman who can defeat a man in battle, or simply requests one, will be given a Test, and, if she passes, she will be placed in the Fire Queen’s ranks- to be treated, in all respects, as a man of equal rank. A woman, once she has proven herself, is given an equal opportunity for advancement, though is not given a handicap because she’s a woman- if she can’t earn something, she can’t have it. Girls- Girls are given only the most basic training in arms, typically in whatever Craft their mother learned—they only learn enough to be able to train the sons that they are expected to bear one day. The age of their training varies, depending on the capabilities of the girl, but is typically completed by the time they’re nine. Girls learn their basic figures, reading, and writing- and then begin mastering the things women commonly do, cooking, cleaning, caring for children, etc. Men- Men are prideful and possessive, often brawling if they feel they’ve been done wrong, or that their woman has been slighted (outside the mild condescension to be expected). From an early age (commonly four winters) they cease to be babied by their mothers, who eventually become their first tutors. From age 4 to 7 they are Stage One, from 8 to 10 is Stage Two, when they are 11 and 12 they are Starters, and ages 13 and 14 are Apprentices. Stage One- The boy will begin to learn independence. He will master dressing and bathing himself, as well as begin to keep his Father’s or older brother(s)’ weapons cleaned. He will begin to learn a Craft- typically the one his mother learned. He will learn to read, write, and perform basic math computations. He will begin to learn horsemanship. Stage Two- He will know how to fully groom himself, and how to maintain weapons. He will be proficient in the Craft his mother decided to teach him, and will begin learning the other Crafts- usually from an older brother or older friend, but sometimes his mother. His reading will be fluent, his writing legible, and an older man will teach him more advanced mathematics. His father will observe him as he trains, and will discourage any weakness he displays. His father continue to teach him horsemanship. Starter- His education will be fully taken over by his Father, who will now be familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of his son. His time with his mother will be significantly restricted, and all sympathies lost. He will practice his Craft- his shortcomings punished more severely- and practice the Crafts that he’s unskilled in, though the majority of his time will be spent honing his skills in his Craft, and the Craft of his father. Apprentice- The boy will take up residence with a Master of the Craft he wishes to pursue. His Master will hone his skills in the Craft, and teach him things beyond the common knowledge (see the list of Crafts). In return, the boy will care for h is Master’s arms, cook meals, keep his Master’s house and stable, and accompany his Master wherever he goes. Test- When a boy is 15 years old, or whenever his Master deems him ready, he will be tested in the Craft of his choice. The Test is intense- taxing mentally, as well as physically- and different, depending on the Craft. All Crafts require the Apprentice to survive for a fortnight in the wilderness, with nothing but their weapon, a knife, a flint, and some steel. Neko- Kingdom of Shadows Roles in society: Women- Women have two options- become a Yulaki or a Citizen. Yulaki are women the mild type, treated gently- in word and deed- behaving as perfect ladies. They are ever available to keep a man company, and only speak when they’re spoken to- excluding talking to other Yulaki. Often if a man finds a Yulaki who he is particularly fond of, he will take her into his dwelling, providing her with food and shelter, in return for her services. Women who decide to become Citizens are decidedly more opinionated and express their opinions more freely. Women who pass the Citizenship Test are treated as a man, being allowed to freely converse with them, and, if she feels she’s been slighted, she can brawl with men without bringing any disgrace on her or her household. Men- Men are raised to be warriors. Every man is a Citizen, and therefore a soldier in the King’s army, which is his first profession. Men often prefer swords to any other weapon, leaving archery for women- not out of disrespect, but because women tend to have better aim, and seem to prefer long-distance fighting over hand-to-hand combat, though all weapons are welded by both genders. Men tend to be arrogant and prideful, but usually keep their opinions private, unless they have a score they wish to settle. Few men speak empty threats- and fewer still live long enough to speak them twice. Any insult is taken on a highly personal level, and typically settled before the night is through. Children- Children are raised from birth to be warriors. From the time they can walk, boys begin to spar with their fathers, who aren’t gentle in their lessons- backhanding, punching, and slapping boys, sometimes no taller than your belt, when they err in their form. Girls receive somewhat gentler lessons until they’re five years old, when they choose whether they’re going to become a Citizen or a Yulaki. A girl can change her decision to be a Citizen until she takes her Citizenship Test, a Yulaki may apply for Citizenship at any time, though it’s far harder for a girl who didn’t receive the training as a child. Children training to become Citizens receive a crude education, reading, writing, their primary figures- and intense training with swords. Every Citizen must be somewhat capable with a spear and a bow, but only those who choose those as a primary weapon receive extensive training. Yulaki, having more time for leisure, learn to read more fluently, and more advanced mathematics. Yulaki study poems and practice their elocution, learn to sew and embroider, and learn to play an instrument- usually a harp, lyre, or piano. Yulaki that are talented masseuses tend to be the most popular, as do Yulaki who are skilled in the kitchen. Citizenship Test- Every winter, a faction of young Nekoites, typically in their twelfth year, apply for Citizenship through an Audition, in which they must prove themselves stronger than their peers. They are taken to the bottom of a steep mountain, and put in one end of an arena- in the other end, there are several Nekoite Citizens. The Citizens are armed with clubs, as are the initiates. The initiates must fight their way out of the arena, and up the mountain- battling against each other, for the honour and ranks that come with being in the first ten to arrive back at the town, and against the conditions. Genor- Kingdom in the Mountains Little is known about the people of Genor. They typically keep to themselves- allowing few people to enter their country, and fewer still to leave it. They’re considered Rebels, resentful of both the ruler of Neko and the ruler of Atra, but neutral in the war- rumoured to be waiting for the two to exhaust their resources, and thus be easier to defeat once the other throne falls. Crafts Archery- Soldiers who choose a different Craft recieve minimal training, making them accurate at only a very short distance. Soldiers and Citizens who chose this as thier Craft, however, recieve detailed instruction. They will learn to shoot different types of bows, different types of arrows, learn how to make their own weapons, learn to make arrows and re-fletch them, and learn tricks to make them lethal at a further distance-- such as a countering cross-winds and tweaking arrows. Magic- Magic comes in many different forms. Wizards have the furthest range- at least they rumor themselves to. They have tendancies of making interesting things happen when they come around, and are generally a better thing to have as an ally than an enemy. Enchanters can charm nearly anyone into spilling thier secrets or helping them out of a pinch. Magicians come in many different facets- from magicians who can control the Elements- Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, to magicians who can only control smaller things, such as items or situations around them. Swordsmanship The Craft favored by Nekoite Citizens, and an art practiced by all, swordsmanship requires a good deal of strength and discipline, speed, and finesse. You have to be observant, as to see the weaknesses in your opponent's guard, and quick enough to use the opening. Staffsman Few people use staffs, finding them harder to wield and even harder to maim someone. It takes a great deal of strenght and endurance for this Craft. Spearman A more popular choice than a staff, few people use spears either. They're useless in hand-to-hand combat, and, being projectile, are usually only good for one enemy at a time. Hand-To-Hand A somewhat popular choice, people who pursue thier crafts in Hand-To-Hand combat will be trained extensively with thier hands, and a few other select weapons, depending on the Master that teaches them. Someone who choses this as his Craft will learn the pressure points and lethal areas of a human body, and no longer be under the socially accepted rule that a Challenge must be answered. Few people are willing to fight with someone of this Craft, and for good reason. Other If your character wants a different Craft, let me know, and I'll add it. :) Character Profile: Name: (First and last names required) Nickname: (A personal title, if you have one, or what people call you) Age: (Age range is from 15-45 *Kings should be in their teens or twenties*) Gender: Class: (wizard, enchanter, warrior, ranger, rogue, peasant) Race: (human, dwarf, elf, shape-shifter *specify which shapes you can take*, other commonly known creature) Rank: (Apprentice, Graduate, Citizen, Lieutenant, Captain, other- see below) Skills: (choose three: speed, strength, endurance, intelligence, dexterity, magic, accuracy, camouflage, stealth) Weakness: (choose one: speed, strength, endurance, intelligence, dexterity, magic, accuracy, camouflage, stealth) Allegiance: (Nekoites or Atraians) Appearance: (Pics are optional. Try to avoid Anime) Personality: (Minimum 50 words. Be descriptive.) History: (Be descriptive. At least two paragraphs in length, and none of this "don't remember" nonsense. Even if they don't, explain why, and besides, each character has a story.) Up for love: (Yes, no, and what orientation.) Other: (Anything forgotten.) Character Slots Queen of Fire- ShadowVyper Fire Advisor-Trinity9001 Fire War Chief- Megsug Fire Master of Spies-DudeMcGuy Fire soldiers- -Payne -Thelios Apprentice- - Graduate- -ShadowVyper King of Darkness-Impaired Dark Advisor-thestorygirl Dark War Chief- Dark Master of Spies-Dawnpath1 Dark soldiers/Citizens- -SidereaAquila -Trinity9001 King of Genor-Megsug Rebel Advisor- Alvarin Rebel Master of Spies- Rebels- - - - - - Rules (Gotta have 'em) Don't kill off another character without the creator's permission. Keep romance to kissing and holding hands. Fade out if it goes much further than that. Try to post fairly regularly, please. Have fun! :)

Alvarin

Gender

Points 305

Reviews 30

Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:07 am

Alvarin says... · Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:07 am

Name: Havelock (the) Shepherd

Nickname: Most people only know him by the name of "Hunter", which goes for both his human and his canine form.

Age: 23

Gender: Male

Class: Wizard (specializes on magic of life and nature)

Race: Shape-shifter. He can morph into an australian sheepdog.

Rank: Advisor

Skills: Intelligence, magic, stealth

Weakness: Speed in human form, and everything except for speed and stealth in his canine form.

Allegiance: Genorian

Appearance:
Canine form:

Spoiler

Human form:
Hunter's human form shares many traits with his canine one. 6'2, slim and athletic. Messy black hair with brown streaks. Pale white skin. His eyes are peculiar and often make people stare. His right eye have an unnatural blue color that almost looks white, and his left eye is dark brown. Whenever he smiles he reveals four long and sharp canines.
Most of the time he wears practical, dark, warm clothes with a pair of sturdy boots, fit for hunting or climbing the steep mountains.
Hunter limps on his right leg when in human form, but not in his canine form, and therefore chooses his canine form whenever he is traveling.

Personality:
Hunter's 23 years old, but acts like an old man in the sense that he's very calm and peaceful. He'd rather spend his time reading a good book than drinking or brawling like most men in his age.

He doesn't talk a lot (a typical trait among people from the northern mountains), but often smiles and laughs and people tend to find him very agreeable. He's friendly and loyal, which makes people relax around him. This is something that he uses - since he is also very intelligent and observant - to gain peoples trust and find out any important secrets.

He likes being outside, and often disappears for months when he finds his room at the castle to small. It also happens that he sleeps outside in his canine form, simply because he likes the feel of grass underneath him.

History:
Hunter grew up with his parents as a shepherd in the northern mountains. His father's family had worked as shepherds for as long as anyone could remember, and the ability to morph into a dog at will had been passed down from father to son for generations. Hunter's mother came from a nomad tribe and before she met his father she had been a shaman. She knew a lot about magic which she taught Hunter.

At the age of 15 a large part of the family's sheep were killed by wolves. His father went to hunt them down, but never came back. Hunter and his mother rejoined the tribe and lived with them until Hunter turned 17.

When he was 16 he fell down a cliff and injured his right leg. The leg didn't heal properly so now the leg hurts whenever he puts weight on it, forcing him to limp.

On his seventeenth birthday there was a horrible storm, which the King of Genor (who had been traveling through the mountains) was caught in. Hunter found him and his companions by coincidence and saved them by using his magic to calm the storm. The King was impressed by Hunter's abilities and offered him a place in the army. Hunter took the offer and by the age of 20 he had been appointed as the King's advisor.

Up for love: Yes, straight.

Other: His human from has a far better sense of smell and hearing than normal humans.

“Are you looking for sympathy? You'll find it in the dictionary between shit and syphilis”
― Thomas Harris

Shady

Gender

Points 3330

Reviews 938

Sat Dec 01, 2012 2:30 am

Shady says... · Sat Dec 01, 2012 2:30 am

Name: Mikhail Carter
Nickname: “Mick”, “Mickey”, or “Carter”
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Class: Ranger-in-training
Race: Human
Rank: Graduate
Skills: Strength, Endurance, Dexterity
Weakness: Accuracy
Allegiance: Atraians

Appearance: Mikhail is 6’3” tall, lean, and muscular. His chest and abdomen are sculpted, his arms toned, though not particularly large. He’s got short dark brown hair and a short, scruffy beard. His height mixed with his leanness made him lanky, with long arms that he never could quite figure out where to keep- making him seem aloof, unless he’s got something else to occupy his mind. His body obeys perfectly when his mind is set to accomplishing a certain goal- which makes him a deadly warrior.

Personality: Mikhail tends to be forward and honest, rarely hiding his opinion of anyone, in any company. He’s often impulsive, speaking and acting before he fully thinks about what he’s doing- which results in him being in many brawls. Mikhail doesn’t really care whether you like him or not, though he tries to keep a list of who doesn’t like him, just so that he can be sure to watch those people.

History: Mikhail doesn’t know where he came from. His earliest memories are jumbled and broken, but are of him trying to protect his little brother in a harsh world that seemed to have no room for two little boys. When he was about eight years old he and his brother were drifting from place to place, searching for a place to stay, when they got caught in a downpour, and took shelter in a small barn. The two huddled in the corner and fell asleep, waking to find Sik, a kind, gentle old man, waiting for them to wake up.

Mikhail and his little brother were invited to live with Sik and his wife, free of rent. Mikhail accepted their invitation, and the two Carters lived there for four years, until Mikhail was twelve years old. Mikhail, deciding that he was no longer a boy to be cared for, felt like he was imposing upon the elderly couple, and snuck out in the middle of the night, leaving his brother in their care. Mikhail made a lot of enemies and got into more than a few scuffles, trying to make it on his own, but finally managed to get a job as a fisherman.

Hating fish- and everything to do with fish- he desperately longed for a different career, but didn’t know what, or how to change his profession. When he was seventeen, having squirreled away every cent he’d earned, he risked a trip back to Sik’s house- only to find the beloved old man was in poor health, and a widower. His brother resented that he had left, but the hearty sum that Mikhail gave to Sik helped to reconcile the brothers.

Mikhail stayed with them for a few months, and then started out with a new purpose in mind: to become a Ranger. His training has brought him into the city in Atra.

Up for love: Yes, straight
Other: (Anything forgotten.)

"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus
"From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf
"A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni
[they/he]

Thelios

Gender

Points 752

Reviews 5

Sat Dec 01, 2012 8:38 am

Thelios says... · Sat Dec 01, 2012 8:38 am

Name: Dryden Thelios
Nickname: Dry or Thel to his closest friends
Age: 22
Gender: Male
Class: Warrior
Race: Human
Rank: Captain
Skills: Strength, Endurance, Dexterity
Weakness: Speed
Allegiance: Atraians
Appearance: Dryden stands at 5'6" and weighs a mere 145 lbs. He has shoulder length dark brown hair, which he often holds in a ponytail. He has fierce blue eyes, which are hardened from years in the wilderness, but are soft when he looks upon children or women. He wears a black vest with a pair of black trousers, and hardened boots. He has a sheathe for his sword, which, slides onto his back. He has certain pieces of armor, rarely wearing a helmet or a right arm guard.
Personality: A man of few words, Dryden is often seen wandering around the city, alone or with a child or two following him. He speaks little to people, except for children. He is very straight forward, but more often than not, giving crisp and direct answers. He finds little enjoyment in the company of other men, unless on the battlefield, and sits upon the wall, staring out over the lands.
History: Dryden was born into the kingdom of Neko and lived there until he was 7 years old. One night, shortly after his 7th birthday, a man broke into his house at night, attempting to kill his father and take his mother as his own. Dryden was awake at the time, heard the shuffling of the man and went to stop him. Upon the man opening the door to his parents bedroom, Dryden gave a shout, jumping at the man and hitting him with his full body. The noise awoke his parents, but not before the intruder could strike out at Dryden, striking him in the left shoulder, and dragging the knife all the way to Dryden's right hip. The assault caused Dryden's parents to move to Atra, where they found a healer who did all they could to ensure that Dryden's scar never inflicted him. However, due to the scar, Dryden has to rest for longer bouts of time, often resting for half an hour or longer. When Dryden was fully recovered, he begged his father to train him again, though his father was weary. Finally giving in, Dryden's father taught him how to be a swordsman. Dryden followed his father's instructions, quickly surpassing his father in combat. Upon his 17th birthday, Dryden's father fell to an illness, bearing poor health. Upon his father's death, Dryden's mother shut herself in, barely speaking to anyone. Dryden rose to the call of the militia, wielding a two handed sword that stood as tall as him.
Up for love: No, married. Well. engaged to be married.
Other: Dryden's sword is forged from the mountains, and no one knows how, but he has the ability to wield it with one hand, whereas, everyone else, but those deemed worthy by Dryden can barely lift it with two hands.

Last edited by Thelios on Wed Dec 05, 2012 10:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.

"To end up in the bottomless pit, you must first fall farther than you have ever fallen. But don't worry. You won't get there. Not easily at least."

Payne

Gender

Points 425

Reviews 158

Sat Dec 01, 2012 10:47 pm

Payne says... · Sat Dec 01, 2012 10:47 pm

Name: Ulric Jensen
Nickname: "Ric" or "Turnbull" (the latter rarely used, generally only by his closest friends)
Age: 21
Gender: Male
Class: Staffsman
Race: Human
Rank: Soldier
Skills: Strength, endurance, dexterity.
Weakness: Stealth
Allegiance: Atraians

Appearance: Ulric is generally noticed as soon as he enters a room, mostly because of his size; standing at 6' 4", with broad shoulders and a stocky build, Ulric is hard to miss. He has scraggly shoulder-length auburn hair, generally pulled back with a strip of leather. His eyes are a light blue that can either be jovial or filled with fire, depending on his mood. He isn't the most fastidious person, so sometimes he'll go several days without shaving and his clothes are usually in disarray. Though he isn't the most graceful person, he has sort of a wrecking-ball strength; if he hits you, it will hurt.

Personality: Hot-headed, impulsive, and aggressive, but with a good heart and an easy laugh. He's just as happy drinking with his friends as he is going to battle with them; his loyalty, once earned, can be frightening at times. Due to his own experiences as a child, he hates bullying and will usually intervene if he sees someone being mistreated.

History: Teased from a young age about his training with a staff, Ulric suffered for years and his anger grew. Then he hit a growth spurt at the age of thirteen, and his tormentors quickly learned that it was unwise to goad a tall, strong-armed boy wielding a heavy stick.

His temper was both a blessing and a curse throughout the rest of his training. His mother scolded him on a daily basis and, when his father began to teach him, attempts to tame him were in vain. When he took up residence with a Master of Staffsmanship, things didn't improve much. Ulric actively ignored his master's wishes (earning his fair share of beatings) and refused to do work when his lessons didn't go the way he wanted. Finally, his master found a method that truly worked; he used the boy's deep-seated anger to his advantage, sparring with Ulric with no lessons, rules, or general purpose. Every time the boy lost the fight, he came back with renewed determination and a new strategy, though it didn't do much good. After three weeks of this, a bruised and limping Ulric finally broke down and asked his master to teach him how to use the staff well. After that, he learned quickly. His size and strength made him ideal for being a Staffsman.

After his Test, he spent a few years wandering from town to town, generally ending up being kicked out for drunken brawling in the local taverns. At nineteen, he met an Atraian soldier in a bar and after much discussion he decided that was his goal in life. He worked tirelessly to be accepted into their ranks, and they eventually accepted him because of his brute strength and fiesty good nature.

Up for love: Yes, straight.

Other: In his spare time, he enjoys carving small wooden figurines.

Last edited by Payne on Mon Dec 03, 2012 4:36 am, edited 2 times in total.

I aim to misbehave.

Is it weird in here, or is it just me? --Steven Wright

Trinity9001

Gender

Points 819

Reviews 7

Sun Dec 02, 2012 12:39 am

Trinity9001 says... · Sun Dec 02, 2012 12:39 am

Name: Adrian Flare

Nickname: Flame Rider

Age: 25

Gender: Male

Class: Magician (Can use all the elements, but fire is his primary)

Race: Human

Rank: Advisor

Skills: Intelligence, Magic, Endurance

Weakness: Camouflage

Allegiance: Atraians

Appearance:

Spoiler

: cw-thevampirediaries-prt-isomerhalder_038042-c61e32-325x425.jpg (72.82 KiB) Viewed 547 times

Spoiler

: his outfit; draft_lens17778770module149112262photo_1301019874111.jpg (11.66 KiB) Viewed 547 times

Personality: Adrian always speaks what’s on his mind no matter how insulting (except towards the royal family of Atraia) He can be a joker at times, but is also very serious when it comes to the protection of his nation. He is very proud and hates to make mistakes. He is very smart when it comes to warfare and is an excellent strategist.

History: Adrian was the son of a soldier. His father wanted Adrian to be a soldier to, but Adrian wasn’t fit for that life. He didn’t have a soldier’s body or mindset. He was 11 when he discovered he had magic and that was probably the happiest day of his life until he lost control and killed his family.

Fire was the first element he learnt to wield, but when he was practicing in his house he lost control and set it on fire. He tried to save his parents and little sister, but a neighbor saved him before he could get the chance. By the time they made it out of the house and the neighbor went to look for his family they were already dead. Adrian still blames himself for the fire till today.

After his family’s death, Adrian decided to learn how to control all the elements. He studied under a tutor for 10 years away from civilization. At age 21 he returned to Atra where he was given the rank Fire Advisor. He has been the kingdoms of flame’s most trusted advisor ever since.

Up for love: Yes, straight

Other: none at the moment

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLETS PLAY!!!!

Gavin: "I wanted us to bond over a common problem."
Michael: "But Gavin, you are the common problem"

"We are the things you see out of the corner of your eye"

-Mother Maiden

Trinity9001

Gender

Points 819

Reviews 7

Mon Dec 03, 2012 4:30 am

Trinity9001 says... · Mon Dec 03, 2012 4:30 am

is there a DT for this SB?

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLETS PLAY!!!!

Gavin: "I wanted us to bond over a common problem."
Michael: "But Gavin, you are the common problem"

"We are the things you see out of the corner of your eye"

-Mother Maiden

Shady

Gender

Points 3330

Reviews 938

Mon Dec 03, 2012 7:03 pm

Shady says... · Mon Dec 03, 2012 7:03 pm

Heh, thanks for pointing that out Trin.

viewtopic.php?f=200&t=96028

"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus
"From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf
"A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni
[they/he]

Stori

Gender

Points 1395

Reviews 565

Mon Dec 03, 2012 11:12 pm

Stori says... · Mon Dec 03, 2012 11:12 pm

name: Cevan
nickname: Hard Heart
age: 32
race: human
skills: strength, accuracy, intelligence
weakness: magic (he has none)
craft: unarmed martial arts
personality: Cevan is a walking contradiction of the "big men are dumb" stereotype. He's smart (some might say cunning) but prefers actions to words. Anytime he's seen as "just a soldier," he tends to react violently.

note: He's never had much faith in magic and will tell you flat-out that his skill
comes from discipline, not mystical powers.

History: Cevan got where he is through the school of tough knocks. He has little patience for the "finer things of life" (including alcohol). When he was fourteen, he cut his shoulder nearly to the bone. A miniature dragon saw his plight and brought him aid. Since then, he and Sora have been inseparable.

Sora: Her kind seldom bond with human beings, but when they do, they're as loyal as dogs (and a bit more clever).

Appearance:
Cevan: Hard to miss. He stands 6'2" and has a dragon on his shoulder. There's little or no fat on him; again, this is due to him attending the school of tough knocks.
Sora: Close-fitting blue scales cover her except on her wings and nose. She likes to have her snout tickled, but not before she's acquainted with the tickler.

Don't ask him about love unless you're prepared to reckon with her, too.

Shady

Gender

Points 3330

Reviews 938

Tue Dec 04, 2012 3:46 am

Shady says... · Tue Dec 04, 2012 3:46 am

Anaki Shadowflame (Queen of Atra)

I tugged on the stifling dress I was wearing and sighed. I hated formal wear with a passion- yet here I was, yet again, wearing it. I absently allowed the guard to guide me down the stairs, out of the palace, and into the busy street. Only a handful of villagers stopped and bowed to me, a few more nodding to me as they went past.

I shrugged at their indifference, and started to force my way through the crowd, my guard of four following close behind, doing nothing to clear my path.
“Your Highness.” A cold, commanding voice hailed me as a large, mountain of a man stepped squarely in front of me.

“Cordel,” I acknowledged icily.

Cordel Silva had been treading in dangerous waters for months- cursing me, turning the general opinion against me, all but actually committing treason. I knew what he wanted, and it greatly displeased me. A Challenge couldn’t go unanswered, and I was by no means his equal- not in size, strength, or strength.

“It’s a nice day, today.”

“It is.”

“…for a fight,” he added.

I glared at him sharply. He took a step nearer to me, so he could loom. He stood head and shoulders over me; his arms were nearly as big as my legs. He’d crush me in an instant. He raised an eyebrow and smirked, though I knew I had remained passive.

“What? Are you going to let my Challenge go unanswered?”

And let the throne pass to you by default? “You wish.”

“Very well then, two o’clock this afternoon?”

“Mr. Silva, you know very well that one of the privileges if the Crown is to be allowed to set the terms of a Match.” And you’re damn well not taking that from me.

“Well while yer settin’ his Match, set mine too!” Several voices called out, and several more grunted for their names to be added to the list.

I bit my lip. It looked like Cordel had done a better job of stirring up discontent than I had supposed.

“Very well, if all of you wish to try your luck, we’ll have a Tournament. I’ll fight the champion of the Matches this evening, at 5 o’clock. Organize yourselves.”

~~~
Half an hour later the villagers had gotten their explanations to my decision, and were signing up for the Matches. I sat quietly in the box overseeing the arenas, and watched Match after Match after Match.
~~~

“I’m ready for you now!” The threat hung in the silence that had suddenly fell, and the crowd instantly parted to make a path for me.

I was careful to keep my face neutral, even though my heart was racing and my mind was filled with curses. I still had to fight him. All I could do was maintain my dignity, and hope that he’d gotten pounded enough that I’d be able to win.

Cordel had managed to fight his way up through all the Matches and now stood, bruised and bloodied, calling me to the ring. I stood leisurely and held my arms out. My attendants rushed forward and stripped me of the stifling gowns- leaving me in simple trousers and a plain tunic. I was shod in leather-soled boots, and already had my hair pulled back into a tight pony tail.

I set down the path, keeping my glare fixed on Cordel, but taking my good, sweet time getting there- making it obvious that I was going of my own accord, not from his summons. Much too soon I was in the ring, staring at his bare, sweaty chest…slowly raising my gaze to his face.

“I honestly don’t see what this gained you, Your Majesty.”

Well, let’s see. You’re tired, bloody , and sore. I don’t have any other fights to deal with tonight. I don’t have to have in the hottest part of the day. Take your pick.“Well thank you for humoring me, Mr. Silva.”

A moment later he realized that I was mocking him, and his fists flew up to his chest. “Ready?”

“I am.” I brought my fists up to my face.

We stared at each other for a long moment. “I’ll give you the first swing.” Cordel offered.

“That’s very kind of you, but ladies first,” I bowed to him mockingly, barely avoiding his fist as it skimmed past my nose.

I hastily stepped back as he threw his other fist towards me, crossing my arms in front of my face, catching his arm. I swung my left him towards him, making him turn to the side defensively. I drove my elbow into his ribs, ducked under his descending arm, and landed a solid kick to his lower back.

He stumbled forward, taking longer to find his balance than it should’ve. When he whirled around, his face was flushed- he was angry, and exhausted. I hopped lightly on my feet, waiting for his next attack. I ducked under several swings, and caught his leg when he tried to kick me. I slid my shoulder under his calf and lifted as hard as I could, trying to deposit him on his back.

He chuckled coldly and hooked his leg around my neck, suddenly throwing me to the ground, cushioning his fall. I groaned loudly as he fell squarely onto my back, making my ribs ache terribly. A moment later he was up and had a handful of my hair. His fist landed heavily on my left cheek, and I staggered across the arena, dizzy.

I shook my head, trying to clear it, and quickly retreated from him. The world was spinning, my head was throbbing. In a final act of desperation, unable to outrun him, and finding it hard to bear the booing of the crowd, I threw my shoulders into him, my fists striking the spot just under his ribcage, stealing his breath, while I brought my knee up into his area of weakness.

He made an odd noise and crumpled to the ground. I stood, panting, and looked around at the now silent crowd. A murmur rose, slowly at first, quickly growing to a loud noise that hurt my throbbing head- as everyone realized that I had just beaten up Cordel. Cordel, terror of the bars, menace to society, toughest of us all.

I stepped out of the ring, and the people nearest me fell to their knees. Soon the majority of the crowd, at least of the crowd that I could see through my one good eye, were on their knees- I walked to my war chief, Eira, and my Master of Spies, Ankinseth.

“Well done, m’lady,” Ankinseth said admiringly.

“Thanks.” I smirked and wiped my hand on the rag Eira offered.

“Hey Naki!” A mocking voice was right behind me. My blood ran cold and I whirled around, about to give someone the cussing of their lives—right into a fist that knocked me flat on my back, which was more than even Cordel’s blow had done.

I blinked stupidly. By the time I hauled myself to my feet, swatting Ankinseth’s hand away, Eira already had a blade pressed against the man’s throat. He was on his knees, his eyes burning with a passion that wasn’t all that foreign to me.

“Shall I? Or do you want the honors?” Eira asked.

I felt my mouth, which was hot and tasted of metallically-it came away red. I spat on the ground and glared at the man, who seemed somewhat proud of his work. I spat again, and had a thought. “No. Bring him inside. I’ll deal with him there.”

I couldn’t help but feel a bit intrigued by a man who wasn’t scared to take a cheap shot on the Queen of his land- when her War Chief and Master of Spies were both standing there. Boy’s got balls, if nothing else.

I turned; still dizzy from Cordel’s blow and even more-so from the man’s, and started up the stairs…too quickly. I caught a flash of the bluish red afternoon sky, and then Ankinseth’s face as he caught me. Then blackness. Complete, utter, silent darkness- peaceful yet pained at the same time.

~~~
I opened my eyes, suddenly awake. “What’s going on? Why am I here? Whoa, did you see that? I just saw a, a- look at my hand, dude. It just…and my legs are like rubbery and…I’m like a snake. SSSS.”

“Shut up.”

I looked around and grinned stupidly when I found the owner of the voice. “Eira! Man! I didn’t know you were here! Did you see my hands?”

“Naki, you’re blathering like an idiot. Shut up,” she said, as she pressed me back into a bed.

“That-that’s not very nice,” I blink. “You should-you should be more nicer to me. I’m…whoa…I feel like I’m…flying…or sinking…or…”

“What did you give her?” I turned my head to see that Ankinseth had an elderly man pressed against the wall, a blade on his throat.

“And Sethie too!”

“Sethie!” Ankinseth spat, his face turning red. He glared at the old man. “What. Did. You. Do?”

“I gave her a sleeping aid. It’ll reduce the pain, and the swelling, and give me time to-“

“Pain? Oh! Oh yeah! Ow! My face hurts!” I howled, suddenly remembering. Things weren’t making good sense…then suddenly everything was spinning. I stopped fighting Eira’s hands, and fell into the bed. It was dark once more.

"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus
"From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf
"A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni
[they/he]

Alvarin

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Points 305

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Tue Dec 04, 2012 4:37 am

Alvarin says... · Tue Dec 04, 2012 4:37 am

Hunter
"We need help in the east district. We haven't gotten any rain in weeks, and the crops are starting to die."

"I'll take care of it," I said mechanical before quickly making another note in my book. Day in and day out it was always the same. The framers couldn't grow their crops because of the harsh environment in the mountains. They needed my magic to get by. "Next."

"We are trying to dig a new field just outside of town, by the river, but the ground is too hard for us to.."

"I'll take care of it."

".. and we would appreciate if you made the ground ferti.."

"I'll take care of it," I repeated. "Next."

No one came forward. I looked up with a frown. My office was completely empty. I let out a sigh of relief. Finally. I thought they would never stop coming. This had to end. I couldn't keep this up much longer. I was working day and night to make sure the citizens of Genor would have food on their plates, but I was starting to wear myself out. How the hell had the people survived here before I came?

"You look like you've had a tough day." I looked up, startled. It was Balik, the king. He had entered soundlessly.

"Just the usual. Is there anything I can do for you, Your Highness?"

He frowned. "I've told you a thousand times to call me Balik, Hunter. How long have we known each other?"

"About six year, Balik." That earned me a small smile. "And now you're going to tell me that people who have known known each other for six years should be on first name basis, and I'm going to tell you that I agree but then I'll go on calling you Your Highness anyway. Now get to the point. You know I don't like beating around the bush."

He laughed. "Fine, have it your way. I need your advice on something."

"This is about that messenger from Atra who arrived this morning, right?" Before he could ask, I added: "I have a good nose."

I and the king had always gotten along quite well. We were similar in many ways. Both were men of few words, both preferred a good book rather than a night at the tavern and both worked their asses of for the people of this country. Not to mention that I had saver his life once in the past.

“Are you looking for sympathy? You'll find it in the dictionary between shit and syphilis”
― Thomas Harris

Thelios

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Points 752

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Tue Dec 04, 2012 1:02 pm

Thelios says... · Tue Dec 04, 2012 1:02 pm

Dryden stared out over the land, the soft breeze blowing through his hair. His eyes swept over every inch of the landscape he could see, watching for anything out of the ordinary. His sword was laid on his lap, the whetstone sweeping over the edge of it. He felt more than heard the presence next to him, noting the young boy staring at him silently.

"Yes?"

"Dryden, why do you sharpen your sword so much?" The boy asked in soft awe and wonder.

"Hmm... I don't actually know. I'll give you a soft history lesson. Swords are very delicate to deal with. When a sword weakens after extended use or lack of use, the blade grows dull, and it will break. Sharpening a sword can keep it sharp, but be careful, if you sharpen it too much, you risk it breaking. Your sword is an extension of your arm in the battlefield. You have to trust it to do its job as it has to trust you to take care of it. When out on the battlefield, you have to notice littler things, but when that sword tip is coming at you, you lose focus on it as that sword, it's just someone throwing a punch at you. By that time, your own arm should be coming up to block that punch." Dryden answered in a quiet voice as he stared out at the lands.

"You talk like swords are alive." The boy answered after a moment of silence.

"In some cases, little one, they are alive. But that is said of all things. I believe my sword is alive. Now, don't you have lessons to attend?" Dryden finally took his eyes off the land, looking down at the boy for the first time.

The boy looked down and Dryden knew he had caught the boy.

"Well, go on then, lad. You wouldn't want to miss lessons. Especially if you were to come to being a swordsman. Missing a lesson in the art of using a sword can be the difference many years later."

The boy ran away, waving back at Dryden. Dryden let a small chuckle escape, turning to face the land. "If only I had followed that same advice myself." He muttered as he ran a finger over his chest, silently tracing the scar from his past.

"To end up in the bottomless pit, you must first fall farther than you have ever fallen. But don't worry. You won't get there. Not easily at least."

Trinity9001

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Points 819

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Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:38 pm

Trinity9001 says... · Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:38 pm

Adrian Flare, Fire Advisor

“Why must she be so reckless,” I mutter to myself as I walk towards the queens bedchambers. I had just heard about the stunt she pulled while I was away and was getting ready to scold her.

As I near her rooms and spot an old man leaving, he looked angry. I walk up to him, “How is she?”

“She’s fine, I just gave her something to relieve the pain, she’ll recover in a day or two,” He grumbled. What was his problem?

I sighed, she needed to stop being so careless, especially with a war on its way. I open the door to her room and find Eira and Ankinseth staring at me, hands on their weapons. I hold up my hands, “Woah, it’s just me.”They relax and go back to watching over the queen.

“The doctor said she’ll be recovered in a day or two, I just hope he’s right.” I tell them. "We're going to need our queen, now more than ever."

Last edited by Trinity9001 on Tue Dec 04, 2012 9:03 pm, edited 2 times in total.

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLETS PLAY!!!!

Gavin: "I wanted us to bond over a common problem."
Michael: "But Gavin, you are the common problem"

"We are the things you see out of the corner of your eye"

-Mother Maiden

thestorygirl

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Points 495

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Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:53 pm

thestorygirl says... · Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:53 pm

I will not be able to post for a week. I'm sorry, but I'm grounded.

Nella vita vi è la distruzione, desolazione nella morte, ma c'è speranza nella rivoluzione.

Shady

Gender

Points 3330

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Tue Dec 04, 2012 10:30 pm

Shady says... · Tue Dec 04, 2012 10:30 pm

Aw!

That's okay.

"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus
"From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf
"A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni
[they/he]

megsug

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Points 12208

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Wed Dec 05, 2012 3:10 am

megsug says... · Wed Dec 05, 2012 3:10 am

Eira
I was relieved when Anaki finally got out of the ring. She was... an idiot. The man was a giant, but she was... heh... smart.

I handed her a rag as she approached us.

"Hey, Naki."

I stiffened, but Anaki had already responded, whirling around... into a man's fist.

I reacted before Ankinseth. I noted that with a slight sneer and held the traitor at sword point. Staffs only work if you can hit the scum on the head immediately.

“Shall I?" I asked, Anaki who was already getting to her feet, allowing a excited smile, "Or do you want the honors?”

“No. Bring him inside. I’ll deal with him there.”

I sighed disappointedly and shook my head, nodding to the new prisoner as Anaki turned. I stifled a gasp when she collapsed.
~~~
I leaned against the wall, watching the doctor carefully as he bent over Anaki. He backed up when she awoke.

“What’s going on? Why am I here? Whoa, did you see that? I just saw a, a- look at my hand, dude. It just…and my legs are like rubbery and…I’m like a snake. SSSS.”

I rolled my eyes. “Shut up,” I muttered.

She looked around blearily. “Eira! Man! I didn’t know you were here! Did you see my hands?”

I moved toward her. “Naki, you’re blathering like an idiot." I pushed her down by the shoulders, trying to be somewhat gentle. "Shut up."

“That-that’s not very nice,” she slurred, making me sigh heavily. “You should-you should be more nicer to me. I’m…whoa…I feel like I’m…flying…or sinking…or…”

I closed my eyes in an attempt to ignore her.

“What did you give her?” Ankinseth asked darkly, his blade against the doctor's throat.

That made me smile a bit.

“And Sethie too!”

I almost laughed, but Ankinseth looked like he wanted to strangle someone, which was funny for... Sethie...

“Sethie!” Ankinseth spat. He glared at the old man. “What. Did. You. Do?”

“I gave her a sleeping aid. It’ll reduce the pain, and the swelling, and give me time to-“

“Pain? Oh! Oh yeah! Ow! My face hurts!” she howled.

And I gritted my teeth in preparation for a fight, but she relaxed, falling back into what I assumed was a drug induced sleep.

The door opened soon after, and I went on guard again. It was obvious Anaki was unliked enough by the population to be quick to act.

Adrian lifted his hands. “Whoa, it’s just me.”

I sighed tiredly and dropped my hand.

“The doctor said she’ll be recovered in a day or two, I just hope he’s right," he informs us. "We're going to need our queen, now more than ever."

I glanced at him and raised my eyebrows. "Really?" I asked drolly. There was a minute of silence. I swear it was a full minute of silence which... can be tiresome. I pushed myself off a bed post and gave those in the room a bright smile. "Well, we have a new prisoner in the dungeons who should be dead right now by all laws." I smiled. "I wanna know why he decided to attack our queen. Anyone else?" I was already heading out the door.

Balik
I watched Hunter sag against the seat. "You look like you've had a tough day." I grinned at him at his slight jump.

He sighed. "Just the usual. Is there anything I can do for you, Your Highness?"

I frowned at the title. "I've told you a thousand times to call me Balik, Hunter," I reminded. "How long have we known each other?" I walked in a little a closed the door softly, leaning against the wall.

"About six years, Balik." I smirked. "And now you're going to tell me that people who have known known each other for six years should be on first name basis, and I'm going to tell you that I agree but then I'll go on calling you Your Highness anyway. Now get to the point. You know I don't like beating around the bush."

I laughed, having had this conversation before, and shrugged. "Fine, have it your way. I need your advice on something."

"This is about that messenger from Atra who arrived this morning, right?" I blinked, opening my mouth to ask when he replied to the question on my lips. "I have a good nose."

I nodded, accepting as I usually did. "We need food." I smirked as he knew this almost better than I did. "...And the Atreans have..." I gritted my teeth. "Kindly offered to give us necessary supplies for our support." I worried my bottom lip. "I've been giving this some thought of course, but Anaki has just been attacked."

Hunter raised an eyebrow. "What does this have to do with our supporting the Atreans?" he asked softly.

"I don't think I want to be against the Nekoites..." I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I don't know who attacked her or why, but... It's a good guess, don't you think? They're on the brink of war. I would send an assassin if I were either of them..." I groaned. "We'll get wiped out by either the Nekoites or the Atreans. Our complete isolation has been all that has saved us." I grimaced. "I have already cracked that wall." I gave him a miserable smile. "I like to believe I am a fairly capable ruler, but I'm not sure what to do.

"Do I let my people starve to death or do I allow them to be slaughtered in a conflict that is not our own?"

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