Water. Earth. Fire. Air.

Long ago, Avatar Korra brought balance to the human and spirit worlds. The four nations have undergone many changes. The entire world is different from what it was. But some things remain the same. Even with Avatar Korra gone, we are ever in need of balance.

Welcome to Republic City, the center of the world. With a spirit portal at the heart of the city, that is certainly not just a boast. Envisioned by Avatar Aang and Firelord Zuko to be an example of cooperation among the nations, Republic City is a multicultural metropolitan hub that millions call home.

Gone are the quaint old days of trams and rickety satomobiles. With maglev trains zipping through the city and the latest Futurons burning asphalt and rubber, the city has truly stepped into the modern era. Telemovers are in every house, bringing entertainment right to their living room. Handheld varricks allow people to communicate with each other from across the world. It is truly a new age!

But all is not fine and dandy in the city of eternal lights. President Kiki has her hands full with a city that is only thinly held together. Multiple forces vie for her attention and control of the city.

The Raava Cultists, once a humble collection of acolytes dedicated to the light spirit, are now a powerful religious force sweeping through the inhabitants of the city. Their Grand Abbott is a man who is as ruthless as he is pious.

On the other hand, Equalist Terrorist cells are still operational within the city, all too frequently orchestrating dastardly acts of terror. Their current leader has so far proven to be a very elusive person.

Also on the President's agenda is the growing monopoly of Future Industries and their heavy-handed lobbying tactics. The current CEO, Mizuki Tanaga, is a ruthless businessman who sees governments as mere playthings to be toyed with.

There are external forces at play, too. For a hundred years, the United Earthen States has been a staunch ally to the Republic. But splinter cells of the now-defunt Dai Li, calling themselves the Earth Liberation Front, are whipping up nationalistic fervour in UES, threatening the fledgling democracy of the Earth nation and harking back to an era of authoritarian rule. Should the untoward happen, Republic City will lie directly in the crosshairs. Prime Minister Lee Beifong of the United Earthen States has quite a lot on his hands as well.

And the other nations have their problems to deal with. For years, the North and South water tribes have talked of Integration. Their access to the spirit portals give them an unprecedented mobility around the world and it has brought the two tribes ever closer to their eventual dream of coalescing into the Greater Water Nation, something that Avatar Korra was firmly against.

After Fire Lord Zoran's ascension to the throne, the Fire Nation has become increasingly isolationist. While not exactly antagonistic, Fire Nation has her borders tightly closed for anyone not born in the Fire Nation. Despite the Age of Information that we are living in, the Fire Nation continues to be an enigma, as few can know for certain what goes on in the island nation.

The Air Nation, after a century of rebuilding, is back to its original strength. Monk Jinora, Avatar Aang's granddaughter, is the current head of the Air Nation. The Air nomads now constitute the International Peacekeeping Force and stay away from internal national politics. They negotiate disputes between the nations, strive to keep the spirits in check, and are responsible for protecting the Swamp and Spirit Wilds from poaching.

Times are particularly perilous right now because of Avatar Korra's death. We all know that the avatar is born again somewhere, most likely in the Earth territories. But he or she will be an infant, incapable of rising up to any challenge. Historically, conflicts often flare up within years of an Avatar's passing away. If history were to repeat itself, the world will have to look for other heroes to save the day.



The RP will be largely set in Republic City. So your character must start there but can be from anywhere. There is an overarching plot to this RP involving the White Lotus, but I don't want to reveal it now.

No canon characters are allowed, but you can be related to one if you wish. You are, however, prohibited from playing them even as NPCs. Please refer to the appendix for the fate of canon characters and where they are now.

Please give a detailed bio of your character, including:
Name
Age
Gender
Physical Description (no pictures please)
Backstory
Bender/Non-bender
NOTE: If bender, please mention element. Fire bender are allowed lightning bending. Earth bender can also wish to choose metal or lava bending, but understand that metal benders are usually associated with the Police while lava benders are so incredibly rare that they are bound to be SOMEbody. Water benders can choose to be blood benders, but remember that it is illegal to practice blood bending in any of the nations. Combustion Bending is also available, but it means you will have a third eye.




Avatar Korra - She died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 118, after having lived a full life surrounded by her friends and family. Apart from the Avatar Park in Republic City that is dedicated to her, Korra also has a memorial in the Temple of Raava. Korra and Asami's relationship eventually blossomed and they were married. This also indirectly led to a more open outlook on sexuality across the world, although the Fire Nation still clings to archaic notions of matrimony.

Asami Sato - Asami died of natural causes at the age of 102. She was a highly successful entrepreneur and champion of industry, helping to rebuild Republic City after the Day of the Colossus. Future Industries became synonymous with technology and they grew from strength to strength. Their only serious competition was Varrick Industries, and the two eventually reached agreements regarding market sharing.

Mako - Mako, after eventually rising to the position of Chief of Police, was killed during a raid of an Equalist cell, at the age of 65. Needless to say, his death was swiftly avenged by the Avatar and the Police Force, and he remains, to this day, a legend in the history of Republic City. He was instrumental in bringing benders other than metal benders into the police force, and also helped form the Chi-blocker Brigade.

Bolin - After a brief stint in the police force, Bolin returned to his first love, Probending. He was instrumental in reviving the sport and giving it the reach that it deserved. Today, Probending is an international sport with its own numerous variations. But the Republic City leagues still draw the highest viewership. Bolin currently is a rich and content old man living out his final years with his wife Opal in Zaofu.

Jinora - Avatar Aang's granddaughter, Monk Jinora, is a legend in her own right. With the help of Avatar Korra, she finally brought peace to the nexus of spirit and human worlds. The Human-Spirit Friendship Treaty is a testament to her great achievement as a spiritual leader and she now leads the Air Nation to their rightful place as benevolent guardians of the balance. She currently lives in the Eastern Air Temple, but can be frequently seen in Republic City to discuss matters with the President or to commune with the portal.

Note: More canon character stories will be added as the universe develops, and you can contribute to it too. But it is safe to assume that anyone who was an adult in Legend of Korra is now long gone.

Ever since Avatar Korra revealed the origins of the Light spirit, there have been many people, particularly among the air acolytes, who believed that Raava was the world's salvation. While this was initially a personal faith that helped individuals get by their daily lives, it soon became a cult, and then a movement. With increasing inequality among the rich and the poor, and among benders and non-benders, and sometimes even among benders, the situation was ripe for the Cult of Raava to establish itself as the most inclusive path to salvation.

As much as it sounds like a chilling echo of the Equalist movement (especially when the central tenet of this 'religion' is called the Revelation), the Cult of Raava is largely a peaceful organization that borrows several ideas from Air nomad philosophy. Followers of this movement are expected to show respect to spirits, abstain from dark thoughts or violence, and spend life in contemplation of the Light spirit. But like any popular movement, the Cult became quite powerful and influential, counting some of the richest men and women among its members. The current CEO of Varrick Industries, Iknik Jr., is one of the Cult's most notable members and he helped build the first Temple of Raava.

As part of the Human-Spirit Friendship Treaty signed by Monk Jinora with representatives of the spirit world, ordinary humans were allowed to enter the spirit world through any of the portals for one day of the year, to coincide with the Spirit Festival. During this day, no spiritual harm will befall the humans in the spirit world. Several important events happen on this day, such as the Water Passage ritual held by the north and south Water tribes. Since the advent of the Cult, thousands of cultists use this day to gather around the Tree of Time and meditate, or chant Raava's name. This is now an annual pilgrimage and serves as a rite of passage for new acolytes of the Temple. Incidentally, the word 'cult' is considered derogatory when talking to a Raava cultist. They prefer the term Temple and acolytes of the Temple.

@Leah
I'd like to participate in this as a non bender, if possible. :)

@Hushed Whispers Of course possible. Do feel free if you have any questions about the setting, time period, world status etc

Hi, I'd love to join if you'd have me! @Leah
Not sure on character yet! Possibly an earthbender.

Awesome @Buzzkill! Earth bender sounds good if it works for you.

I think this could be really fun! I'd like to be a fire-bender

I've been wanting to play an air bender who is a bit more blunt, and violent with his bending style in comparison to the typical airbender. Not in a 'I want to beat in your head' sort of way more like he's just more willing to use his air bending with more force comparative to Zaheer maybe. A lot of air benders do dodging I want to play a guy who does a more offensive take on the matter. But just in case no he won't have flying, and he won't be air bending people's air out of their lungs. He's just a bit of a nihilist in comparison to the old nomands. If air bending is not allowed I'd be willing to take a earth bender with a sand bender background.

Awesome @Ithradine. Fire bender suits me fine too.

And, @vancexentan, I see no problems with your character premise. Flight is something I don't want any characters to start with, but the rest of it seems fine. The more powerful you make your character, the older he has to be. There are always exceptions to this rule, but I don't want any unbalanced characters at the start of the RP.

Also, @vancexentan, please remember that the Air nomads will not take kindly to wanton destruction or nihilism unless it is tempered with some sort of the spiritual realization that they inculcate. If your character is as you describe, I would imagine he frequently butts heads with the higher monks and benders regarding his style.

Having said that, the Air nomads have become something of an International policing force, albeit with their trademark restraint. This means that many have indeed made the transition from defensive 'cut and run' techniques to more offensive ones.

My character is going to be skilled but he's no master I intended to make him just about 25 years of age, or roughly around it. He doesn't like to spout his ideology its more than he views the world is morally grey, and views inaction, and seclusion as being the same as promoting evil. In other words he's a chaotic/true neutral styled character. 'I do these things because I feel I must. I do what i need to do because either no one else will, or because others won't do it correctly.' he has no aspirations to become a leader, or a pillar of moral standards. He thinks people are just as capable of great good as they are of great evil but if someone has proven themselves to be a threat he has no qualms making sure they aren't put down for good for the 'greater good of things'.

The international police forces that air benders may be a part of still follow a style that doesn't fit him as bureaucracy isn't something he's fond of too often it causes people to get bogged down before they can do anything like the Kuvira incident. Also they still follow the moral standards of Avatar Aang I would assume who failed to kill Ozai despite his many atrocities. He doesn't intend to cause great destruction either not unless it serves a greater good. @Leah

You seem to have really thought this through, @vancexentan. Don't let me hold you up. Show me what you got ^_^

@Leah
Just realized the sheet mentioned no pictures. Is it okay if I use one anyway? -hides in a corner-

Interested in making a water bender!

@LeahBefore I do are we white lotus at the start of this, or are we just individuals? I'd also like to know how many people we have as I'd hate to put effort into a CS for nothing.

@Leah Tag me to edit if I took too many liberties with the CS! I don't mind changing things around.

@Hushed Whispers even if you put a picture, I would still need a written physical description. If you absolutely must, please put the picture in spoiler tags if you can.

Sounds good, @Skai. Go for it!

@vancexentan, the White Lotus will be a major part of the plot. Currently, the White Lotus has become a highly elite force with only one mission - to find and protect the Avatar. If you want to be part of the White Lotus from the beginning of the RP, you will have to majorly rethink your character. For instance, the White Lotus would not allow a nihilistic individual like your air bender unless he was one of the leaders of the Air nation. If the Air nation's current role as global police is something your character has a problem with, then why would he choose to be a part of a more specialized example of the same role? Those questions must be answered if you choose to start as a White Lotus member. Also, PM me if you do choose to start as a White Lotus member.

With regards to how many people we are going to have, I am not sure. Currently, four of you have announced interest. That's actually a good number to start with. But two or three more will certainly help.

@Buzzkill, Jun-He sounds like a great little rascal. I like the idea of a simple-minded but well-connected urchin sort of a character. Just one thing though - his eyes. Is that because of some strange thing that happened in his backstory? I don't remember anyone in the Avatarverse with eyes like that. Not a deal breaker, but just feels too... force fitted? Other than that, it's perfect!

EDIT: Sorry, @vancexentan. I assumed you wanted to start as White Lotus. I would say starting off as individuals is a safe idea. It will also be interesting if two or more of you decide to be related in some way before the start of the RP.

@Leah
Of course! That's why I need the picture! :D Thanks for that.

@Leah Oh, lmao I think I phrased my eye description poorly the first time (he just had black eyes) but now that I think about it the eye colors in Avatar were always very deliberate, I’ll go green to match earth nation <:

@Leah
I hope you like her. :)

Name: Gao Xiang
Age: 25
Gender: Male

Physical Description: A skinny young man though physically fit Gao has lightly tanned white skin, and dark brown eyes. He has dark brown hair that's been clean cut. He refuses to shave all the way through opting to remove as much hair as possible while keeping enough on his head to appear distinct. He has no facial hair, and no noticeable scars on his body though his calloused hands, and bruises on his arms, and legs tell that he is experienced enough upon close inspection. Gao typically is not considered a handsome man, but he isn't ugly either he is extremely plain and tends to blend in with a crowd of average people. He typically wears a simple loose brown shirt, and sometimes a black jacket. His pants are likewise unremarkable simply being a pair of worn white pants.

Backstory: Born in the Earth Sphere in a small village young Gao was nothing worth noting initially his parents were farmers, and his fellow villagers generally unimportant. His life in his young years was rather uneventful as the Earth Sphere's issues were rarely brought into the village due to their remote location in the northern earth sphere. He spent most of his life learning farming, and hunting as he viewed cities grow in size from afar and from an outsider's prospective he fought it fascinating. These massive cities were large, and prosperous. So many things he'd never seen before were housed there, and it led his imagination wild. However his grand father warned him that nothing good came from the cities that bad men ruled them, and that they would continue to do so into the near future. His grand father had gone to these cities, and had seen many things in his youth from air benders to, metal benders in Republic City the patriarch of the Xiang family knew many things.

But after some consideration Gao, and his friend Yu decided to travel to one of the cities in the earth kingdom to understand just what exactly they were. After some time travelling, and experiencing the sights all seemed to go the opposite of what his grand father had warned him about. The city, and the machines in it were all amazing and being very self sufficient the duo managed to live a rather poor but ok life in the city for a few months before a gang attacked, and scarred Yu for life burning his hand. An Earth Bender tried to force money out of Gao by force, whom had none at the time, and decided to fight back. During the fight he learned that he was an air bender after knocking the earth bender on his rear end through a window, and managing to blow out the fire bender with sheer force. He was a strong bender in terms of power but it tired him greatly to use his power. Bringing Yu to a doctor they had met he had his friend treated, and then returned home shortly after. His grand father was not surprised to learn of his gift, but his parents were. It had been known that air benders on occasion popped up out of nowhere.

After discussing it with his village elders young Gao left his village with his grand father, though old he was he insisted to come with Gao, and learn more about himself after he refused to join the air nomads because he knew nothing about them just yet. He didn't want to become a part of something he knew so very little about. Living day to day Gao, and his grand father traveled from place to place as he saw more of the world he saw more cruelty, and less kindness. People who had power refused to act, or sometimes chose to help those who hurt the innocent. Though there were good people often their acts of kindness left voids where evil simply reappeared once the heroes left, or died. He learned air bending through his grand father's example, though his grand father was not an air bender he knew one as a child, and through scrolls purchased from people in the markets. Though most of the air temples were taken back by the new air nation at this point he chose to visit some of the ruins that were deemed unable to be repopulated minor settlements in the former air nomad nation. He didn't get a bison while there but he did pick up an old air nomad flier built from a man whose family sold them to the modern air nomads.

By the time the air nation noticed him, and found him he had grown despondent to the world disliking morality seeing too much black, and white that it blended into grey. He would do as he wanted to, and live life as he would. Refusing to join the kind air nation he left on his own journey. He would go through the Earth Sphere learning, training, and fighting through the wilderness, and thugs that tried to stop him learning combat techniques as he learned much about avatar korra's journey, and some of the villains such as Zaheer who he summed up as a zealot though with his own merits from what he had been told. As he is now he is a simple traveler, and occasional vigilante. He doesn't want for glory, or to move up the food chain. He simply travels to better himself, and become stronger as an individual. Though the grey world he walks in sometimes disgusts him he chooses not to use his power for his own gain, and or to force his opinions onto others. A wandering 'nomad' in a sense he has a home though he doesn't return to it. When the world has finally given him a purpose he hopes its for the best.

Bender/Non-bender: Air Bender - A blunt, and straight forward bender he has more in common with some earth benders than the air nation. However he is still light on his feet, and capable of dodging with ease simply willing to dodge when needed but engage directly with heavy blasts of wind, and subversive uses of wind to knock people off balance before delivering a brutal gust of wind.

I hope my CS is alright!@Leah