Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by VitoftheVoid
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VitoftheVoid thesunthesunthesunth

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The Fading World


The world is dying.

Anyone can feel it.

From the Kings in their castles to the most ragged vagrant on the roads.

A slow and creeping decay has been edging its way over the lands with plagues and famines. So many crops fail. So few plants will grow. The days are shorter. So many places are now overtaken by barren waste and foetid swamps.

Magic is leaving, leeching out of the fabric of the world, and the life force of the land is leaving with it. Dragons and other creatures died out years ago, and magic has become more and more scarce. The lands that remain fight over what resources remain..and from that one nation has risen to a position of superiority, Yulia.[/font]

The Risen Power



The nation of Yulia. Once a small, mountainous kingdom in the north with little influence on the world, Yulia nevertheless held its own rigid laws and conventions even then.

  • Only a man may lift a sword, even in defence.
  • Only a woman may learn the ways of magic.
  • Neither will disguise as the other.
  • No man may take another man as a lover, nor any woman take another woman.
  • No man nor woman may hold any worship for the gods. Clerics are committing crimes against the people by encouraging them to have faith in nebulous forces and not in themselves.
  • Obey the Inquisition at all costs.


This nation might have remained relatively obscure, were it not for one great factor that changed the balance of power in the lands. Whilst most Kingdoms lost any trace of magical abilities in their bloodlines, Yulia's mages remained. They were strong, and dangerous. The Wizard's Guild and the Royal Inquisition made devastating use of battle-magic and blessing of weapons and armour.

Bolstered by this power that no-one else might possess, the Yulians began an aggressive campaign of expansion and conquest, pushing their borders out and absorbing the surrounding lands.

Pradus, land of stalwart soldiers and renowned smiths was overrun, people forced down the mines and into the forges to fuel the war machine.

Miriand, kingdom of clerics and the Great Church, burned as Yulia's hatred for the gods was turned upon those who attempted to call on their power.

Aressa, land of the fearsome Wolf Knights held out for months under the onslaught, but was eventually brought to heel.

Yulia held superiority over the continent.

But this would not save them, or anyone else from the creeping decay. Quietly the wizard school and the inquisition plotted and schemed within the walls of the fortresses, seeking out a way to turn the tides of destruction.




The Setting



Midgate.
A large, drizzly border town between Pradus and Aressa, once a trading post where Pradians came to sell their wears to the Aressan citizenry, the place has become filled to the brim with Yulian Troops as they've taken over Midgate Fort, a once seldom-used castle along the walls.

Midgate Fort now serves both as a barracks for the troops of the Yulian Army, and a prison for the Yulian Inquisition. Many who have broken the strict moral codes of their new empire have found themselves facing the rest of their life within those dark, dank walls...alongside those who found themselves on the wrong side of the war with Yulia. The Inquisition is brutal, merciless...and up to something behind closed doors.

Meanwhile, in the town itself, there is activity in hidden places. A group of rebels from the four kingdoms have setup an underground network within the town, working towards one purpose...the liberation of Midgate Prison. Rumours have it that within its walls are some very high profile prisoners...including, perhaps, the heir to the throne of Aressa.

But to do that, they will have to get in, and defy the force of magic itself.



The OOC


Hello and welcome to Lost Lands. I am Vit, your GM for the evening.

Lost Lands is a medieval fantasy-type RP with a dark setting, inspired in part by Berserk and things of a similar, based on a setting I created for a tabletop campaign a while ago. This on the other hand, is more broad and freeform in its approach rather than setting a specific quest for players.

A rebel looking to break in?
A prisoner looking to break out?
A Yulian soldier, mage, inquisitor, there to uphold the will of the empire?
A neutral party out to save their own skin?

The choice is yours.



Rules and Additional Reading









Lost Lands Discord - discord.gg/Fx6K2sS
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Azazaa
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Azazaa Genghis Khan

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C-can I be a plague doctor?
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by VitoftheVoid
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VitoftheVoid thesunthesunthesunth

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C-can I be a plague doctor?


You could, though the region concerned doesn't have an active epidemic going on at this moment, (other places in northern Yulia have, that relates to my character's backstory to some degree) so keep that in mind.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Halvtand
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Halvtand The Voice of Reason

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@VitoftheVoid Just out of curiosity, what would happen if one would break the Yulian code?
I have my eyes set on a convict, and would like to tie it (at least partly) to the code.
Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by VitoftheVoid
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VitoftheVoid thesunthesunthesunth

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@VitoftheVoid Just out of curiosity, what would happen if one would break the Yulian code?
I have my eyes set on a convict, and would like to tie it (at least partly) to the code.


If someone, either in Yulia or in the conquered kingdoms, was caught breaking the code, they would be visited by an inquisitor. Mild infractions might get them a more minor punishment, such as heavy fines and public humiliation like the stocks, but any severe breakages of the laws are likely to get people locked up, either as a custody sentence, or as a means for the inquisition to 'reform' them...something that's most likely highly unpleasant.

EDIT: Also sounds like a good concept that'd work very well!
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by ineffable
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ineffable The Illustrious (not really)

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@VitoftheVoid
Hi!! Seems interesting! :)
Do you have any characters in mind for me to fill?
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Natsume Honnaji
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Natsume Honnaji Angel among Demons

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So for curiosities sake would a female rogue/assassin be a possible character?
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by VitoftheVoid
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VitoftheVoid thesunthesunthesunth

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@ineffable And idea what sorta thing you'd like to play? I have a few potential plotty roles if people ant them, but I don't want to force a particular one on you, haha.

@Natsume Honnaji Most certainly. c:

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Natsume Honnaji Angel among Demons

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Awesome in that case I have just the character
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Natsume Honnaji Angel among Demons

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How's this?
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by VitoftheVoid
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VitoftheVoid thesunthesunthesunth

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How's this?


Looks fine! Approved. c:
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by BingTheWing
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@VitoftheVoid How long ago were the Yulian wars of expansion? I could play as a former veteran of those conflicts.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by VitoftheVoid
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VitoftheVoid thesunthesunthesunth

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@VitoftheVoid How long ago were the Yulian wars of expansion? I could play as a former veteran of those conflicts.


Been around four years since Yulia conquered Aressa, seven Miriand, nine for Pradus, so it's perfectly likely there are veterans about.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Magister
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Full Name: Ayame Iediori

Nicknames/Aliases: Kyojin Kira, The Maneater, Pale Swordsman.

Age: N/A

Gender: Male

Occupation/Class: Disgraced Jiamo/Roving Swordsman

Kingdom of Origin:The Far East

Description: Ayame's odd appearance, his stark white hair and youthful face, often makes him a curiosity in lands where such is an uncommon occurrence. His youthful features glow with a good nature, and make each emotion displayed on his face stand out with clarity. His eyes are a warm brown, with bright gold hues circling his pupils. During the heat of battle, his eyes sometimes take on a malevolent red tint, but this could simply be a trick of the light. He is slim, but well toned. His legs, arms, and torso are all covered in grey bandage, leaving no skin visible aside from his face, which is rarely missing it's small, reflective smile. Over this is a thin robe of a robust red, with depictions of various flora, armed with teeth and wickedly hooked thorns scattered haphazardly across the fabric.

Equipment:

The Nagamaki: A curious weapon from the east. The blade is a bit thicker then other weapons originating from the hidden lands, wrought from a dark metal that seems to absorb light. The hilt of this blade is of a sanguine hue, with dark metal plates in choice locations along it's length, which near equals the blade. The more imaginative would claim the weapon looks something akin to hungry, and that it seems to sigh when a person draws near.

The Wikizashi: A small blade from the far east. More commonly associated with Assassins and Emissaries then honest swordsmen. Aside from the strange symbol etched into the hilt, a vine intertwining around a pair of lips, it's unspectacular, and only useful in a handful of situations.

Hilt of Life: This hilt, bound with black cord that hung from the bearer's neck, is dark green in colour, and missing a blade. It is a kind looking thing, pale blue, with darker blue, curved streaks,naturally occurring on it's surface. It is a calming sight, with a kind tone that seems reflective of the owner.

Ayame's Bandages: Bandages that would cover every inch of a relatively normal sized person's body. Spun from a hardy, eastern plant known for it's difficulty to kill due to it's tough consistency. It is particularly strong against piercing and slashing attacks, which are common in the land it was made. Is only a notch up from being nude due to the way it hugs one's frame.

Ayame's Robes: A robust red robe that hangs comfortably from the wearer's body. In contrast perhaps, to the horrifying depictions of man eating plants embroidered across the fabric with disconcerting realism. On toward the hem where few eyes would wander, it would seem the plants are devouring humans, their blood splashing to the ends of his thin robe, dying it a darker shade then the rest. More often the not, Ayame has this disturbing section rolled up, and thus, obscured from view. Boasts a respectable defense against against that which cuts with no blade.

Personality: Ayame is an immediately disarming character, a warm smile is often the first thing on his face when greeting a stranger, with eyes that always smile in cohesion with his mouth. He isn't fond of deception, and would prefer to stay silent rather then mislead others. He is initially warm and inviting, and maintains that attitude even if it isn't reciprocated. His affinity and skill in swordsmanship and killing are viewed as necessary tools for his life, with the latter being something he tries to avoid when possible. Kind to a fault, Ayame will naturally try to coexist with most. That being said, there is a niche personality type he doesn't like, and will not interact with said personality type unless it's unavoidable.

Skills: Ayame is a swordsman of considerable skill, who can adapt to different fighting styles, and combat situations with ease, as well as float between different sword techniques on the fly. He is able to wield his sword with brutal efficiency, and boasts strength that far exceeds the optimal for using his weapons. Ayame's situational awareness is an asset to him in battle, and contributes to his effectiveness in a team, along with the intuitive ability to call upon the energy that surrounds him, and that which resides within him.

Weaknesses: His lack of heavy armour means that even a single hit can be devastating if not parried or avoided properly.

Fatal Flaw: His dreamlike nature.

Brief History: Ayame's career as a Roving Swordsman started when he struck down Jiama Ni'oshi, leader of the Jiamo, and claimed his sword as his own. With his oath broken, he left the East, a land of writhing mists, absconding lands, and carnivorous plants, to find and perfect a sword technique that would accomplish the impossible. A sword technique that could heal the mind, body, and soul. The first part his puzzle was found, a hilt that healed the user. The second, remained out of sight.

Which is why he was inexorably drawn to this cursed Kingdom.

Other: Is in love with personalities, not people.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by VitoftheVoid
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VitoftheVoid thesunthesunthesunth

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@Magister Looks good, that's a yes on Ayame!
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by VitoftheVoid
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VitoftheVoid thesunthesunthesunth

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I think imma go ahead and grab the role of Midgate's new Inquisitor. Other defined roles folk could go for include, but are not limited to:

-The Aressan Heir
-Head of Yulian Troops at Midgate
-Head of rebel group.
-Members of rebel group.
-Prisoners at Midgate (Either left over from war, breakers of the code, of common convicts.)
-Midgate Citizenry
-Yulian Soldiers/Mages
-Something that ties into Yulian scheming (If you have any ideas feel free to drop me a PM.)

I'm trying to go for a loose sort of feel rather than imposing a strict plot on things.

Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Awesomoman64
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@VitoftheVoid

What would you say to a battle mage? One skilled in both sword and Magic? Obviously he would be against the empire as he'd be breaking Yulia laws.
Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by Halvtand
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@Awesomoman64 You could be in prison with me :) If we were both code-breakers it would be a conversation-starter.

I was thinking about doing either a breaker of the magic code or religion code. If you're going for magic I can go for religion and complete the set.

With that in mind. @VitoftheVoid would this be a kind of DnD-esque setting where gods both exist and are able to grant boons or channel some sort of magic through their believers? Or anything at all? Or is it just a matter of faith and we're all doomed to waddle through our miserable little lives in search of answers to questions we don't understand?
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Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by VitoftheVoid
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VitoftheVoid thesunthesunthesunth

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@Awesomoman64 Yep, that would be fine! It's entirely possible for dudes to manifest magical ability too, they just tend to keep it to themselves under Yulian rule.

One caveat I would say though is that an illegal mage would probably struggle to go toe to toe with a Yulian battlemage on magic alone, as Yulian mages train from childhood and probably far overburden themselves when casting.

But then Yulian battlemages are also untrained in combat, so one could easily punch one in the face. It evens out.

@Halvtand Sounds good! Got to have some believers about!

As far as gods go, I do actually have some gods written up that I'll stick on the top post.

The general idea I've has is that the gods' existence is a bit ambiguous....ambiguous enough that one of the most powerful nations can be militantly atheist. So maybe some prayers might come true, maybe some things might go a person's way after calling on the gods, but it may be uncertain whether this was divine intervention, or perhaps their own will calling up some latent magical power. Who knows? :D
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Halvtand
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The general idea I've has is that the gods' existence is a bit ambiguous....ambiguous enough that one of the most powerful nations can be militantly atheist. So maybe some prayers might come true, maybe some things might go a person's way after calling on the gods, but it may be uncertain whether this was divine intervention, or perhaps their own will calling up some latent magical power. Who knows? :D


This ambiguity will of course be completely lost on my character, who will be absolutely certain about both the existence and effects of the god or gods.
I usually like playing religious people as they tend to step on a fine line between complete authority and bat-shit crazy depending on perspective. One can have a lot of fun with a character like that. I'll start writing right now, just mention me when you put the list of gods up and I'll see if I find something I like.
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