The Dragon Moon
Upon their backs, we found the skies
Their blessed wings ne'er cease to fly.
For war would come and war would go,
And the blood of battle would always flow.
That is, until, one fateful fight
In which both moons gave us light!
The Dragons, oh the Dragons, for without them we are lost.
Their duty and their sacrifice is always worth the cost.
We are of one mind and of one heart.
Only the Creator can tear us apart.
To keep the covenant between the Dragon and his Rider,
We must always honor the dual-mooned flyer.
For upon the double rise of the Moon
We know that more Dragons will rise soon!
The bard's song echoed throughout the Grand Hall, his lute lightly twiddling away a tune familiar to everyone young and old. The cacophony of the crowd, however, nearly drowned out the traditional tune as highly decorated men and women fluttered about. Drinking, dancing, and general merriment flooded each corridor and room within the Grand Castle. The whole of Evolin had been preparing for this month long event for nearly a decade. After all, the Dragon Moon only dawned once every two hundred years.
High above the cloud of sounds and people, the King leaned heavily against the white stone of his balcony, looking out over the angry sea with a furrowed brow. He was a young man, still years off from thirty, but the tension in his face beneath well groomed facial hair aged the poor man well beyond his years. This was to be the Third Dragon Moon.... nearly six hundred years.... since the unification of the War-Torn Angora... twelve or so generations since men, elves, dwarves, and the ragnork fought each other. And themselves... the King thought, flicking a loose piece of rubble from the balcony.
A quick knock at the door drew the man's attention from the waves that crashed upon the Holy Island. With a slow breath, the man straightened up and moved to open the heavy oak door. "Your Eminence." The King said, surprised to see the High Priest in his door. With a pat on the heavily armored guard's shoulder, the young man ushered the aged elf into his chambers. "I didn't expect to see you until the Dawn."
The old elf waved a hand, cutting the King off. "The dawn is still a ways off. I intend to take a long nap and perhaps soak in the hot springs before heading to the Alter." The High Priest slowly sunk into a nearby chair, reaching for the nearby tankard of a deep red wine. "I actually came to deliver all my notes on the First Dragon Moon, as you requested."
The King smiled. So the elf hadn't ignored him. "I suppose I could read it before the dawn if you have it on your person."
A boisterous laughter filled the room. "I fear you wouldn't even get halfway through it before the dawn. Go let my manservant in..." He muttered before his face disappeared into the wineglass.
With a quizzical look, the King took a few steps towards the door, then scoffed and closed the rest of the gap. Behind that door stood the High Priest's right hand man, dragging a small cart full of scrolls, books, and loose letters. "Ah. I see what you mean..." the King stated, waving for the man to enter with his load. "Well, I suppose I should get started right away if I am going to speak before the Nobility."
The High Priest set the emptied glass down and smirked. "I suppose so." He replied coyly before standing up and shuffling towards the door.
Alright, so if I haven't lost you yet, then welcome to The First Dragon Moon. Our story will start a year before the First Dragon Moon (which is 600 years prior to what you read above!). Angora is similar to the Earth in atmosphere, year/day/night cycle, varied terrain, and flora and fauna despite it's extreme deference in lunar bodies and sentient creatures. In this war-torn time there are four races (Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and The Ragnork (see below)) who rule over five regions (with a sixth unruled and almost unlivable region housing an elusive nomadic tribes of all four races). These kingdoms are at war. According to their historians, they have always been at war, fighting over long forgotten insults, land disputes, and more.
Traditionally, these five kingdoms send their royalty, generals, high priests, or anyone of great power to the Treaty of Hearthstone when the twin moons rise and fall together (even if not on the same exact phase like the double full moon of the Dragon Moon that happens once every 200 years). Originally, this time of peace on the Island (that is a risk in itself to sail to) was intended to garner friendships and alliances between kingdoms. However, over time, it only became a war of words and gets closer and closer to bloodshed. This particular visit to Hearthstone is not any different, save for the fact that it happens upon a double full moon (later known as the Dragon Moon).
Something is going to happen. Obviously. Something that will change Angora forever and push them towards a unified Kingdom. What that is... and how it comes about.... is up to you.
P.S. (Yes, there will EVENTUALLY be Dragons. But not at the start. They are only mythical creatures.)
This game is going to have a Game of Thrones meets Lord of the Rings meets Dragon riders of Pern feel to it.
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Game Play:
I am looking for a group of dedicated writers to play as the head of each kingdom. I am expecting these players to post at least twice a week (but more would be nice) and have the ability to not only put together several paragraphs, but possibly use named NPCs to help drive the story. I will also be accepting other characters outside the scope of leadership. These roles should be able to post in paragraphs, but I will not hold them to as high of an expectation as the leaders. If (and only if) this gets popular enough, I intend to make the leaders of each region Sub GMs and hope they can help push the overall story.
Character Creation:
Each regional leader will be allowed to create a history and specifics of their culture. To start, I will only be providing details of the physical region and the people found within it. From there, the world is your oyster. All applications must be PMed to LeiaHair for approval. Once approved you may post in IC once it is opened.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AT ALL, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK IN BOTH PMs OR VIA OOC POST!