Sanguinis Umbra
Quick OOC Info
So a quick few things about this RP that I wanna get out of the way before you start reading what took me way more than a couple of monster-fueled nights to world-build. First off, I haven't really done much group RP in the past because I didn't really quite have the time—but now all I have is an abundance! That being said, I'm not all that comfortable with large groups of people so this will have limited slots to it. I'll probably be accepting around three to five RPers in and that'll most likely be my limit for the foreseeable future. Another small note is that this will be a bit of a darker RP and not all that super cheery, though that can probably be a little obvious from the name itself. This same post will also most likely be used as the OOC post as well, but I'm including it as the interest check so those who are interested can start working on their characters and their sheets ahead of time.
Well, that's for this little snippet, go ahead and read along little rabbit.
Disclaimer: I should've probably structured it a bit better, but all information on the world will get explained--not right away in the history section as there is a lot of lore to bite into. By the end of the post, the goal is for you to have a decent understanding on the world. A lot more information will be discovered and delved into within the RP itself as a lot of knowledge has been lost IC, but the characters will be rediscovering bits and pieces if certain paths are taken. Plus I may or may not have a giant meaty starting post for the IC that'll explain some of it.
Recent History of The World
Before The Plague -
The Continent was...mostly peaceful and filled with trade between two main nations. Vaeleon and Ziawroya. Vaeleon at the time was a magocracy, meaning those with magical potential were those in power, and usual kept the same families in power through an in-depth caste system. This caste system is what Vaeleoni society was centered upon. Everything was done in the thought of all and never the one. Within the Magus Ordinis, the highest caste and mainly comprised of mages, there was a council of a chosen few that made decisions for the nation.
Ziawroya, however, was a free nation and mainly comprised of merchants and various villages instead of large cities. Though, the one city they did build, was a military power on its own. Vaeleon and Ziawroya, having their different ideals, would clash at times but never in war. Those that attempted to leave Vaeleon in an attempt for a new life quickly disappeared. Whether they made it to Ziawroya or The Crimson Eye had gotten involved, was usually for one to guess. This peace would find itself tested in time.
Ziawroya, however, was a free nation and mainly comprised of merchants and various villages instead of large cities. Though, the one city they did build, was a military power on its own. Vaeleon and Ziawroya, having their different ideals, would clash at times but never in war. Those that attempted to leave Vaeleon in an attempt for a new life quickly disappeared. Whether they made it to Ziawroya or The Crimson Eye had gotten involved, was usually for one to guess. This peace would find itself tested in time.
The Black Blood -
As time went on, the merchants of Ziawroya began to start expeditions into the snowy peaks of the mountains to the north, in search of mines and perhaps hidden nations to begin trade with. While they created these colonies to the north, Vaeleon continued to stay insular and began a spiral into isolation as they began to further the bonds that their caste system created. These mining colonies would hit setback after setback, due to the inhospitable environment that they were sent into. Rockslides, starvation, and death of cold weather injuries were all common in each of these colonies. But after thirty years of expeditions, Ziawroya made a breakthrough with a single mining colony which had excavated a cavern that was hidden within one of the highest peaks. What they discovered within would change the world as they knew it. An ancient ruin was found inside the expansive caverns and with it, the discovery of a new resource; Onyx Aliotlite, a black crystal which grew in the cracks of the ruin walls and ceilings.
The crystal was taken to Ziawroya's brightest scholars who found that the resource had properties not found in any other—it could enhance the magic capabilities of those who could manipulate mana and even more, give the capabilities to those that had not a drop of mana in their blood. Taking advantage of this, they began to open a new avenue of trade with the Magocracy of Vaeleon. What soon began to result was an addiction to the crystal, starting small at first but over the span of a year, those who had utilized this crystal and the powder that came from it, found their blood to run ebony. When a common user ran dry, the first symptom was a loss of magic—including previous magi even before the Onyx.
As the resource's rarity increased, eventually the ruins were ran dry, and the only holder of the crystal—Ziawroya, began to grow possessive of its prize. Eventually, the nation went dark.
The crystal was taken to Ziawroya's brightest scholars who found that the resource had properties not found in any other—it could enhance the magic capabilities of those who could manipulate mana and even more, give the capabilities to those that had not a drop of mana in their blood. Taking advantage of this, they began to open a new avenue of trade with the Magocracy of Vaeleon. What soon began to result was an addiction to the crystal, starting small at first but over the span of a year, those who had utilized this crystal and the powder that came from it, found their blood to run ebony. When a common user ran dry, the first symptom was a loss of magic—including previous magi even before the Onyx.
As the resource's rarity increased, eventually the ruins were ran dry, and the only holder of the crystal—Ziawroya, began to grow possessive of its prize. Eventually, the nation went dark.
Onyx War and The Wall -
With there no longer being trade and contact from Ziawroya for months, not even messenger ravens, the nation of Vaeleon marched into their borders. What happened when they reached the first remote village within Ziawroya's lands started a war not on a nation but for humanity itself. A plague had ran through their population which had been deemed Sanguinis Umbra, not only decimating the population but transforming them into mutated monstrosities. The first scouting regiment was mostly wiped out, only a few surviving to tell the tale. As larger armies made their way through, they disrupted the hive and the fighting spilled over the borders and into Vaeleon. Black clouds dotted the sky and eventually blocked the sun, starting an eternal night, allowing these mutants to move freely as they had a fear of light. Torchlight and lamps were often used to keep them away from encampments, towns and cities.
As time went on, a wall was built around the capital city of Vaeleon, deeming it their Bastion. The only beacon of light that was left for what was left of humanity. All surviving humans outside of the wall would be sequestered inside, simultaneously testing them for Sanguinis Umbra to ensure that they were not allowing future mutants inside their safe haven. A war that raged for a long ten years soon became a losing fight for humanity, becoming just a hunt for the creatures that haunted even their dreams. Those who fell to them, soon became them, and anyone who showed signs of sickness were quickly rounded up by the Crimson Eye to be burned in piles en masse. The world stood on the precipice of destruction as an invasion was launched against Bastion by the hive, mutants crawling up the walls and dragging what was left of any guards. They managed to hold for a few hours until the creatures made it inside the city, rampaging anything they saw, shredding those alive without distinction.
The council within Magus Ordinis held an emergency meeting as their city and the last bastion of humanity was under attack. A decision was come to within their spire and citadel at the center of Bastion. As the city was being mercilessly ravaged, the Council of Seven moved to the spire's peak and began work on a ritual that they would give their lives to. A burst of magic radiated throughout the city as a beam of light shot out into the sky, turning the council into crystal statues as their life-force was sapped. Dark clouds parted away from Bastion, causing the sun to burn the mutated on sight, and forcing them to scramble out of the city. With the final act of sacrifice, Bastion became the last safe haven for humanity. The war was ended and they were safe behind their wall, for now.
As time went on, a wall was built around the capital city of Vaeleon, deeming it their Bastion. The only beacon of light that was left for what was left of humanity. All surviving humans outside of the wall would be sequestered inside, simultaneously testing them for Sanguinis Umbra to ensure that they were not allowing future mutants inside their safe haven. A war that raged for a long ten years soon became a losing fight for humanity, becoming just a hunt for the creatures that haunted even their dreams. Those who fell to them, soon became them, and anyone who showed signs of sickness were quickly rounded up by the Crimson Eye to be burned in piles en masse. The world stood on the precipice of destruction as an invasion was launched against Bastion by the hive, mutants crawling up the walls and dragging what was left of any guards. They managed to hold for a few hours until the creatures made it inside the city, rampaging anything they saw, shredding those alive without distinction.
The council within Magus Ordinis held an emergency meeting as their city and the last bastion of humanity was under attack. A decision was come to within their spire and citadel at the center of Bastion. As the city was being mercilessly ravaged, the Council of Seven moved to the spire's peak and began work on a ritual that they would give their lives to. A burst of magic radiated throughout the city as a beam of light shot out into the sky, turning the council into crystal statues as their life-force was sapped. Dark clouds parted away from Bastion, causing the sun to burn the mutated on sight, and forcing them to scramble out of the city. With the final act of sacrifice, Bastion became the last safe haven for humanity. The war was ended and they were safe behind their wall, for now.
Vaeleoni Culture and The Caste
Magus Ordinis
The highest caste within Vaeleoni society and what used to be comprised majority by mages, is now simply comprised of scholars. With the Manaburst that happened in the past, magic is no longer manifested, the mana having been ripped out of the population during the ritual in order to preserve humanity. This caste also happens to be comprised of a subrace of humans, called the Hasivani, the only ones that were previously capable of magic in times tribal. They distinguish themselves to this day with runic tattooing which runs on one half of their body, usually from scalp to toe. They strive to keep a balance to society and keep it safe from the Hive beyond the wall, at any cost. The wisest of the caste are usually handpicked by the Council to become one of the Seven's protégé, eventually taking their master's seat on the council.
The Crimson Eye
Those within The Crimson Eye are usually stronger and fitter than the rest of the caste, due to the training they start at such a young age. Raised for combat, enforcement, and inquisition, all they know in life is hardship. One that is different from those of the laborious caste of Proletarians, but still a hardship nonetheless. Those who are weak, usually die during the trials at a young age, but those who are strong make it to adulthood and usually serve their stations. The most illustrious of stations is the Red Guard, those who serve directly under the Council of Seven, and become the Council member's right hand—the most powerful position one could be in, as they are not only their guard, but also at times their advisor on matters of security for the state. Inherently, those in that position become commanders.
The Crimson Eye is also commonly feared due to disappearances amongst the other castes, typically those who speak out against the Council's actions and decisions—which the Council itself sees as the work for the greater good of humanity.
The Crimson Eye is also commonly feared due to disappearances amongst the other castes, typically those who speak out against the Council's actions and decisions—which the Council itself sees as the work for the greater good of humanity.
Proletarian
The lowest caste and what makes the majority of the population. Proletarians are usually laborers and poorer men and women. They are a working class and tend to do a profession that has been in their family for generations. For example, if their father was a smith, they too will be a smith. They can only marry to another smith-bearing family. The caste is held to the whims and decisions of the Council of Seven within the Magus Ordinis, The Crimson Eye being their enforcers. Those within the Proletarians that are dissentful usually disappear during the night, not even a whisper being spoken of it due to the common occurrence and fear of being next.
Phoenix Order
Founded during the Onyx War and the last stand for humanity, the Phoenix Order took to the walls to defend Bastion from the oncoming horde of mutated creatures. Made up of the various castes, all working together under a common goal, they made a stand. Those that hailed from the Magus Ordinis lit the blades of their brothers afire and began the long battle against darkness. Due to their sacrifices made to be the Aegis for their people, they are forever remembered and revered as an organization. To this day they still exist, however in much smaller numbers. They alone have the power to save others from the Crimson Eye and their inquisitive sentences. They hold a writ to take anyone from their caste and make them a Phoenix. But because of this, there are also dark rumours around the Order and their methods, questioning whether or not they are really better than the darkness that used to snatch people during the night.
The Order is made up of two distinct sections within itself. First of these sections is the Aegis, those who stand atop the wall and keep their eternal watch. They live on the edge, between the unending night and the unending day. Fight on the wall, sleep on the wall, defend the wall. That's all they know. All members of the Order join the Aegis first, barely surviving the training regiment for the Order—one that is more rigorous than that of The Crimson Eye. Those who pass the trials, earn their shield and take place on the wall which wraps around the coastal city, staring out into the darkness and keeping a vigil with some think useless.
Next is the Rangers of the Order, easily identifiable by their dark cloaks. They are the elite select few of the Order, taken from the Aegis and subject to trials that are unknown to the rest, most dying quite early on. But those who survive are changed forever and join the ranges beyond the wall. For that is their place in life, to live in the eternal darkness on long scouting missions in which less return from every time. The older Rangers are distinguishable from the rest, their skin paled and eyes clouded, seeming to be uncomfortable with the light just as the mutants they fight and hunt. The sole mission of the Rangers is to find a way to restore the world to it's previous state. To forever destroy the darkness which taints the Continent.
Quick Info
So, this RP is set 25 years after the Onyx War, and your characters hail from various castes. Whether they are younger or older, they now found themselves in the Phoenix Order. How they joined the Order is of no import to them, either crime or bad luck, you're now a Phoenix. A brother amongst arms. After a few weeks of the trials to become an Aegis, a letter is left to your character within the barracks. They were chosen to become a Ranger, without having finished their Aegis training. A great endeavor draws near.
Note: You don't have to use the character sheet given, it's just to give a rough idea!
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