The orange glow of the hearth filled the dark great-room with a warm twilight; the flickering light animating the shadows of the ornate wooden furniture scattered throughout the oversized room. In the middle of the room, his face as hard as the stone floor, a man sat wrapped in thick, brown furs contemplating the choices that lay before him. His ice blue eyes stared hard beyond the flames.
At the mantel, a second, much larger man traced a finger along the thick, oak beam adorned with deep carvings of swirling vines. His muscular body was wrapped in rich, colorful silks held in place by leather straps which were as rough and worn as the tanned skin on his face.
“Is this how it ends, Shay?” The man’s voice was barely more than a whisper, but it was acidic enough to burn. His nails angrily dug into the mantle as he turned his head to look towards Shay. “Is this how you betray me?”
“Kel... There’s still my son.” Shay replied evenly, his eyes still on the fire. In the glow, his dark brown hair and goatee looked like thick, copper fibers. The shadows of the twilight deepened his mid-age wrinkles, adding centuries to his age. “I’ll even let you choose any of your daughters.”
“Your son!” He scoffed. Stepping away from the hearth, Kel faced the man. Dangerously, his dark eyes flashed. “That boy was damaged at birth! Do you think you could pull a fast one on me? Your infant son will never be whole.”
An electric silence filled the great-room.
Turning from the man that he had once called friend, Kel continued in a sad tone. “You should have let him die with your wife.... I want Eireann, and, with her, the throne.”
“If you won’t take Shayden, then you will have none of the North.” Shay snapped, quickly getting to his feet. His smooth, white cheeks quickly flushed to a dark scarlet. He couldn’t believe that his man, a man he had once called friend, would have the audacity to suggest such a thing. “The choice I made was not what is best for me... but what was best for my Kingdom! Do you think that I enjoy the fact that my daughter will become the wife of an elf! That my grandchildren, my heirs, will be soiled by elven blood!? Trust me, Kel, when I say I had no other choice.”
Nodding smugly, Kel took a few steps towards the door. After a pause, he looked over his shoulder.
“Then I must do what is best for my kingdom. A promise has been broken, Shay. A promise in which our father’s father’s father made!” Looking hard down his nose, he sighed. “How could you have allied yourself with those... elves!? There would be no war so bad that would make a pact with them.”
Shay stood helplessly in the middle of the room. “Kel-”
“No, Shay.” Kel barked, throwing his hand in the air. “The North and The South shall no longer be at peace. You will regret turning your back on me, friend.”
After one last stern look, Kel continued on his way out the door, his black boots clicking lightly on the stone floor. “And I will laugh from the south as the blood of your half-breed heirs melt the snow of The North.”
The door slammed shut, the sound echoing deep into the northern king’s heart.
With a huff, Shay dropped into his chair, his mind deep in thought. As heavy wings beat outside the Great Room windows followed by a great rumble of a Dragon's bellow, he knew there was never any going back on what had just happened.
Not that he ever would.
From the far corner of the room, a silent shadow crept into the orange firelight. Pulling his cloak from over his head, the elven King gracefully marched to Shay’s side. “I am sorry, Jes Suh-tah’Nahwah’c.”
The smooth, elvish words were like salt on a wound... even if his new ally had called him by his proper title and not the alternative elvish one that had long become a curse word amongst their people. Putting his many lessons in diplomacy to good use, the King turned to face the elf, his face void of emotion. “Thank you, Adrastos... but I fear I have lead my people out of one fire and into another.” As if age had suddenly caught back up to him, Shay fell heavily into his chair.
Gently placing his long, elven hand on his shoulder, Adrastos smiled sadly. “But you now have an ally to fight at your back.” His large, golden eyes looked over the King. “Do not think on it this night. You will need a good rest before Eireann finds you on the morrow.”
Shay blinked hard a few times, trying to rid his mind’s eye of the memory of the betrayal on his daughter’s face. She had taken the news of her betrothal even harder than he had expected... and that was saying a lot. Shay believed she would have run him through had she been armed.
Eireann, his poor Eireann....
“She will forgive you...”
“I doubt it.” He snapped. “You don’t know her.”
Raising an eyebrow, the elf sat down across from Shay. Adrastos’s face was stone hard, but not angry. “I know more about your family than you do, Shay of the North. Do not forget that it was I, not an ancestor, in which walked these halls as a friend of your forefathers. She reminds me so much of King Lheyon...”
The elven king trailed off, his eyes distant with memories.
Standing up, Shay fought the urge to curse at the ageless elf. Gathering his thoughts before he spoke, the King of the North smiled quickly. “If you will forgive me, Adrastos... I have other matters to attend to before I head to bed. Let me know if there is anything you are in need of this week that your chambermaids are unable to attend to.”
Adrastos stood up and placed a hand on Shay’s shoulder. “Everything will fall into place... if you give it time. Sleep well.” Smiling, the old elf walked past Shay and left the room, his dark, ruby robe floating gracefully over the floor.
**************************************************
The world of Evolin
Our story takes place in the fantasy world of Evolin. The society is reminiscent of many medieval fantasies and should be something seemingly familiar, even though it is not based off of one single story. Magic itself is more of a naturalistic element and requires a life time to study, something that only Elves and very VERY old humans have managed to obtain. This 'magic' is seen in the forms of potions and enchantments (upon objects, not living things). The races of Evolin have been divided for generations, even though most religions preach that they were all once the same race. Old insults and newer efforts towards power has slowly crept into the political scene, creating more and more friction between the already uneasy peace amongst most kingdoms.
To add insult to injury, the dragon moon is almost upon the world. What is this Dragon Moon, you ask? Evolin has two moons that orbit at different rates.... when these two moons rise and fall through the evening sky as one (a phenomenon that happens almost every 50 years), the dragons of the world gather on one island and 'duke it out' to mate with their pick of females. This almost animalistic event is considered the greatest of all events through out the world, and a chance to bond with a hatchling. Everyone who can afford the journey to Dragon's Keep and the price of a tavern room, makes the trip for the month long festivities.
Evolin's greatest leaders (both political and military) are what they are because they were graced at an early age with the ability to 'bond' with a dragon. This bonding holds a great lifetime effect for both the hatchling and the child. It is unknown if this bond makes the two one mind, or if they are 'bonded' because they are so similar... yet one's emotion greatly effects the other, and vice a versa... some emotions more intoxicating than others.
It is this bonding that brings dread into the hearts of most of the world leaders. When a dragon is hungry, the rider is hungry.... when a dragon is saddened, it's rider will feel greatly depressed... and, thus, when a dragon is mating, the rider feels they must to do the same... and with the rider of the other dragon. These events sometimes bring about children between various races and kingdoms, and while most inopportune (or opportune, depending on the point of view), these Dragon Children are considered great blessings.
On top of this, the world powers take the opportunity to meet on peaceful terms... for war and battles are forbidden within the marble walls of Dragon's Keep. These meetings are always most interesting due to the heightened emotional outpouring from their dragon counter parts.
The world itself is divided into five kingdoms (on 3 continents) and neutral island.
Khar
This continent is the largest and furthest north. Home to three of the four races of Evolin, it is considered to be the birthplace of all races. Three kingdoms claim Khar as their homeland.
---The North: Home to the northern humans, a people who have carved out a life in the harsh winter wastelands. Although their numbers are smaller than the other kingdoms, their warriors are the most feared in all of Evolin and their ice diamond-swords (another odd phenomenon of the world) are most sought after. The kingdom is well off due to their great number of exports of furs and various weapons. Until recently, The North's only enemy was the elves.
---Ali'tian: The only Elven kingdom. Ali'tian's dense forests borders the snow covered North... a thousand year border dispute now at a rest due to the treaty signed by King Shay and Adrastos. The elves are the epitome of homebodies, only leaving their lands on buisness or for the Dragon Moon... and hate outsiders. Only a rare few non-elves have been allowed into the royal city of Lathial'tian and even fewer have been allowed to learn the art of magic within the Mages Guild at Greydom (their southern most city at the edge of the great forrest). Elves are known for their ageless knowledge and sought after magic, which they sell at great costs. These intellegent beings don't care for anyone, but maintain shaky peaces with all kingdoms (even the North now).
---Faltan: This is the underworld kingdom of the Dwarves, the salesmen of Evolin. With vast, unmapped cities deep within the rocky costal mountains of Khar, the Dwarves have it all. Gems, metals, minerals, and even food. Deep within the mountains is a lush valley in which the Dwarves have learned to cultivate to it's highest potential... and thus, producing a barley ale of great renown. The Dwarves (who are currently at peace with the humans and not on speaking terms with the Elves) are at near war status with their long time on again off again enemies, the Oolargs, who have invaded their costal cities once again.
Norivan
Located just south of Khar and just west of the centralized Dragon's Keep island, this Continent is broken into two parts... a desert wasteland in which only the odd nomads of the world choose to live, and the southern human kingdom (known as The South).
---The South: The southern humans are considered the richest and most numerous of all the kingdoms. While they are not feared as their northern counterparts, they are most respected. Their cities, great marble buildings adorned with colorful silks, are said to be the work of the gods, due to their beauty. Even the people are considered to be beautiful, with their tanned skin and golden hair (although not all southerners look this way, just most). Fineries such as silks, wines, and art are their greatest exports. For now, they are neutral with the other kingdoms, but their kings become more and more power hungry with each generation.
Mallik
The eastern world. Mallik is the smallest of the three continents and very little is known of it. Here is the home of the Oolarg, a race of grey skinned tribes that historians believe to be the closest to the original race of Evolin, before they split into the different peoples. The Oolarg does not have a kingdom, but is ruled by a council of Tribal Elders, who meet yearly deep within the jagged, volcanic mountains that cover most of their lands. The Oolarg do not see 'bonding' in the same way the rest of the races see it. They believe it is their duty to overcome the mind of the dragon, and treat their large companions as though they are just and advisor, and not a friend as the rest of the races do. The Oolarg don't have much to trade and don't buy much from the other lands..... yet, their northern tribes spend their entire lives trying to destroy the dwarves, whom the priests of their people teach are deformities and blights up on Evolin.
The Dragons
It is unknown why a dragon 'bonds' with a rider, but as far back as history can show, they have. However, dragons have their own, higher morals and act more as guides or advisors to their riders. It is said that a dragon will not kill another dragon, though he may fly his rider in a manner that will allow defeat to the other dragon. (NOTE: In RPing a dragon, they cannot speak as humans/elves/dwarvs/oolag do, but through a sort of telepathy (that is heard by anyone within range, it is not private). This can be RPed by using italics instead of quotations. )
Each breed of dragon has strengths and weaknesses. (Dragons listed in most common to most rare).
-Blue: These are the most seen dragons. They are quick in the water, but the smallest in size.
-Green: Most intelligent dragons, but their physical strength is lacking.
-Red: Largest of dragons and are known as brutes. They are strong, but VERY SLOW
-Black: These dragons are known to be like shadows.... their long builds make them very silent on the air, but they lack stamina.
-White: These small dragon's wings outspan all the others, making them the fastest of all the breeds, however, they are the least aggressive and will all but turn from a fight.
Gold and silver dragons are considered myths and nothing is known about them, but they are said to be the most feared beasts.
**********
The RP
Okay, so if you have read this far, you are *hopefully* interested in playing with me. I started this story years ago just for myself and have decided to make it an RP, since I love it so much. While my story has a plot already, I want to stress that this is an OPEN ENDED story. I want to give YOU GUYS a chance to form the story from the world I have created.
What kind of characters am I looking for. All kinds! First of all, I want to say that you can play a dragon as well as a rider if you choose.... just a rider (or even non-rider) or even just a dragon! (However, if you chose to be a rider or dragon, you must be bonded with another writer's character... PM me for more details). I will approve any well written character so long as it 1. fits the world I have created here 2. is of advanced caliber and 3. is complete. THIS EXCLUDES ALL ROYALTY/LEADERS OF THE KINGDOMS.
I am distinguishing the Royalty roles from the rest as sorts of Co-GMs. I am looking for responsible and mature writers for these roles. This is to help ensure a fluent story for everyone (because I am putting no limit to the amount of RPers in this story). If this is something you are interested in, please PM me your character sheet as well as a brief brainstorm of where you want to take your kingdom.
Should you have any questions and/or suggestions, please, by all means, speak up! This is my first game on these forums, but not my first ever. I have been RPing elsewhere for many many many years, so forgive me if I do something a little different in my ways than the rest of the games on these forums. I will do my best to conform to the RP Guild's ways!
Character Sheet
**If you are playing both rider and dragon, please post 1 character sheet with both characters' names in the name and the breed of the dragon in parenthesis.Code:Name: Race: Kingdom: Age: (For elves and oolag: Real age and looks like. NOTE: Oolag live half as long as elves, but twice as long as humans and dwarves) Sex: Physical Apperance: (BE DISCRIPTIVE) Picture: NOT REQUIRED Character Bio: (Please spend time on this part!)
Example:
Name: Eireann Beorn, Queen of the North; Lilith (White)
***********************
The Cast:
(Note: When the game starts, it will be 10 years after the prologue above)
**Open means it is available to play, but Character must be approved via PM**
*These are not your only choices! Just a list of what is needed as well as what is already claimed!*
The North
-Eireann Beorn, Queen of the North; Lilith (white)--LeCuppycake
-Shaden Beorn, Prince of the North--OPEN
Ali'tian
-Adrastos Je'kal, King of Ali'tian--LeCuppycake
-Aditya Je'kal, Crowned Prince of Ali'tian--Gunther
The South
-Kelton Feylon, King of the South--OPEN
-Unnamed Crowned Prince--OPEN
-Unnamed Princesses (4 openings)--ANYONE CAN PLAY
Faltan
-Leader of the dwarves--OPEN
Mallik
-Tribal Elder--OPEN
-Bodzil Foxe, Hero of the Oolarg--Norther Oolarg Tribe; KWATOKO (Red)--Gunther
Nomads of the Norivan Wastlands
---------- Post added at 06:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:43 PM ----------
Oops! Forgot the character sheet!!! I'm putting that in now!
Last edited by LeCuppycake; 07-19-2012 at 12:33 PM. Reason: type-o
I'm definitely interested, though, I do have to ask, if Golden and Silver dragons are considered myths, would you even consider someone playing one? Hell, I'm tempted to solely be a dragon, though I do have a genetic love of Dwarves.....but anyway!
What exactly are the differences between Gold and Silver dragons? Or are they both just mythical beasts of extreme power, color being the only difference? (That would be quite boring.)
Well, I had planned on bringing them out later on in the story.... so, as myths tell it... they are one and the same dragon... some myths talk of a golden dragon, others speak of a silver.
In my mind, I saw them as basically the largest, most powerful dragon you could behold. However, I'd be up for interpretations. If someone is looking to play one, I'd be happy to listen to their plot ideas for such a character, but I do not want them appearing in the story right away.
If that makes sense?
Ooh, I'd be interested in playing a Norivan Nomad, but there aren't a lot of details about them. Do they have any quirks I should think about before thinking up a character?
Just think traveling tents meet Gerudo Valley. I left it pretty open ended so that whoever plays them can do their own thing. These are people of the sand.... they aren't going to be very rich or very powerful. So, no dragons. However, I imagine them as traders and having large caravans. LOL.
Just do your thing!!
Also! I forgot to post a picture of the Oolarg. This may help people invision them better:
Oolarg Male Elder:
Oolarg Female:
Alright, coolio. One more question ^^. Even if a Nomad didn't begin with a dragon, could they still possibly bond with a hatchling during the Dragon Moon?
Possibly. I'd be willing to entertain the idea!
Woohoo! OK, off I go.
RadiKS shows interest in this, but he would like to know more about the physiology of the dragons.
How fast do they grow? How long do they live? How big are they exactly? What happens to a rider/dragon if their bonded partner dies? What is their nature (like, do they have their own culture/clans/rules, what do they eat, where do non-bonded dragons live)?
Also, I would like to know if there are other beasts (magical or otherwise) in the same vein/powerscale as dragons? Sphinxes in the south? Trolls in the dungeons? Monsters... basically.
+
You know you know I know you know... you want me...
Great questions!
Dragons take 10 years to grow from hatchling (the size of a small pony or very large dog) to their full size (blues being the size of a large horse to reds being your typical Optimus Prime sized lizard). If a dragon dies first, it's rider will always feel like they are missing part of themselves... some go 'crazy' while others will flat out commit suicide. Usually, it is the other way around... and dragons will disappear onto the vast island of Dragon's Keep. Here, they remain in an almost hermit like state until they too pass away.
Very few dragons do not bond. The ones that do not have a rider live out their lives amongst the older dragons on the island who have returned after their partner has died and watching after the hatchlings before they are bonded.
It is unknown exactly how long a dragon can live.... they usually only live a decade or so after their rider has passed away... so those bonded with elves or oolarg living longer than those bonded to humans and dwarves.
While there isn't any laws or culture to the dragons, there is an unspoken code that they are born with. They don't kill each other (on purpose, however there have been accidents in the Dragon Moon fights) and they don't lie. However, dragons are the masters at skirting around the truth. They are incredibly knowledgeable for not having any of their own technology or their own history, for they are sort of cultural leeches to their riders.
Dragons eat fresh meat.... and can be fed (wealthier riders will have animals slaughtered to feed their dragons), but they prefer to hunt. Most dragons will leave their riders when they sit down for a meal to go hunt for themselves.
As for other creatures, they are just that...creatures. They are hunted or bred for food or as working animals, but they are not like the dragons. I'm open to any sort of mythical creatures being in RP as long as they are portrayed more as animals and not as magical creatures, if that makes sense.
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