[center] [img]https://i.ibb.co/1sv45cF/image-44-png.webp[/img] [color=00aeef] Be transported to [b][i]Islas Azules[/i][/b] (Azul), an idyllic set of islands off the Gulf of Mexico The Flores and Cardenas families have been fighting over the precious treasures and future of Azul for centuries. The Flores family has been running things for the last few decades, but after some mysterious deaths in the family, a power vacuum has been created. Will the Flores be able to retain their power? Or will the Cardenas take control and usher in a new age? The HOH of the Flores family has passed away in a boating accident. Since he was the mayor of Azul, a special election is called. The eldest son/daughter of the Flores and Cardenas families are expected to run for the position in a battle for the future of Azul. [hr] [img]https://i.ibb.co/BzF0xbt/El-Farito.jpg[/img] Long ago, brave sailors ventured into the blue seas and discovered something in the distance they said shined as bright as diamonds. "[i][b]Azul[/b][/i]", as the locals call it, is best known for its beautiful beaches, seafood cuisine, and warm citizens who are always eager to help one another. Tourists flock to the area to soak in the sun and saltwater. Biologists from all over the world come to study the unique flora, fauna, and topographical properties that make Azul so different. Treasure hunters adventure here in hopes of finding the precious blue diamonds said to form around the islands. For centuries, the Flores family have been the majority leaders of Azul, keeping the abundant islands safe from foreigners who wish to exploit the lands. They are the only ones who know where the blue diamond deposits are, and have kept the mythical locations a protected secret. Recently, whispers have begun to make their way throughout the islands claiming a new potential threat to the conservation of the lands. People say the Cardenas, another old family who has occupied the islands almost as long as the Flores, are poised to make a move that could change life as Azulians know it. They claim to know where the location of the diamonds are, and want to mine them for profit, protesting that the people of Azul should stop relying on outsiders to make their money and take control of what is theirs. [/color] [/center] [hr] [center][color=00aeef][b][i][h2]The Islands[/h2] Listed From North to South[/i][/b][/color][/center] [hider=Isla Ramilo] [center][img]https://i.ibb.co/343sCLr/c1b9aizfmbjgumjnvwgf.webp[/img][/center] [color=00aeef] [center][b] - [i]Playa Diamante[/i] - Beach - [i]Puro Parque[/i] - Wealthy neighborhood - [i]School[/i] - Azul Primary School - Cardenas Winery & Vineyard Hacienda - Monuments - Church [/b][/center] [/color] [/hider] [hider=Isla Zafrio] [center][img]https://i.ibb.co/LYKQgTc/Isla-Mujeres-Guided-Golf-Cart-Tourwith-Beach-Club-Access.webp[/img][/center] [color=00aeef] [center][b] - Bars/Clubs - Parks - Bookstore/Boutique - Market - Hotels - Marina - Lighthouse - Hospital - Town Hall - Police + Fire Station [/b][/center] [/color] [/hider] [hider=Isla Cuadro] [center][img]https://i.ibb.co/g6JCr3q/2347c5-b7fe9b4e42c148898337628f7badb0fb-mv2.webp[/img][/center] [color=00aeef] [center][b] - Cenote - Caves - Trails [/b][/center] [/color] [/hider] [hider=Isla Estrella] [center][img]https://i.ibb.co/1myfY5x/csm-isla-de-puercos-007-000f371f61.jpg[/img][/center] [color=00aeef] [center][b] [i]- Untouched by tourists and modernity, forbidden to outsiders and considered bad luck to set foot upon. Even the natives avoid it. - Farthest south and most distant of the island chain[/i] [/b][/center] [/color] [/hider] [center][color=00aeef][b][i][h2]Lore and Visitor Info[/h2][/i][/b][/color][/center] [hider=Town Lore] [center][img]https://i.ibb.co/mF03LJL/image-46-1536x844-png.webp[/img][/center] [center] [color=00aeef] [b][i]La Mujer Fatal[/i][/b]: The Mujer Fatal “Killer Women” are siren-like creatures who dwell in the ocean and have been a local legend since the founding of Azul. They are said to protect the precious blue diamonds that form around the islands. Since humans started occupying the islands and scouring the lands for diamonds, the Mujer Fatal are blamed for harassing and even killing people who don’t respect the land and precious gems. [b][i]The Vida de Exito Ceremony[/i][/b]: Azul Days concluding ceremony commemorating the continued success of the islands. Citizens line the sidewalks of the city with native flowers leading to the ocean, and there is a sunset ceremony at the beach where flowers are released into the water as an offering to the Mujer Fatal. [/color] [/center] [/hider] [hider=Islas Azules “Wiki” Quick Facts] [color=00aeef] [b]Coordinates[/b]: 19°26'55.2"N 86°53'34.1"W (Isla Zafrio, approx) [b]Adjacent to[/b]: Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Belize [b]Length[/b]: 6.3 mi [b]Width[/b]: 1.4 mi [b]Administration[/b]: Independent Self Governance [b]Municipality[/b]: Isla Zafrio (Capital) [b]Population[/b]: 5,642 (2019) [b]Currency[/b]: Mexican Peso [b]Languages[/b]: Spanish, English, Mayan [/color] [hider=History] [color=00aeef]In Pre-Columbian times, the islands were considered sacred to the Mayan deities of the moon, however this is a matter of some uncertainty as information about the ancient habitation of the islands has been mostly lost to history. Records of any merit, particularly evidence of the existence of blue diamond deposits have been generally relegated to myth over time or lost completely. The remains of a temple to the goddess Ixchel can be found within the Hacienda Cardenas winery grounds, but there is speculation if the ruins may have been a shrine to another deity. Based on worn inscriptions, some have suggested another shrine may be present on Isla Estrella, but no expeditions have been allowed and the few that have been unsanctioned have not found any trace of past habitation. The islands were also a favorite stopping place for pirates in the early period of Caribbean exploration. The shallow lagoons on the mainland side were a good place for sailors to sit out major storms, careen their hulls, trade and stage for journeys across the Gulf to bigger ports. During this time, the British and Spanish both laid claim to the islands with their fate being intertwined with the English victory in Belize and subsequently becoming an offshoot territory. It is during this time that the existence of blue diamond deposits first became known to the English however only a few small deposits were ever uncovered much to the frustration of the colonists who had written the islands off for anything more than basic agriculture and storage. As with most colonial territories in the latter twentieth century, Britain chose to withdraw its very limited holdings still on the island and the residents voted to become a fully independent territory of Mexico principally so that the most common method of exchange, the Peso, could be adopted as the primary currency. In addition, most residents felt compelled to rejoin with the islands’ shared origins with Mexico. The referendum established the “mayor” as what could technically be considered the head of state, however most of the island’s governance continued on without much change. At present, the Flores family have been the predominant political office holders since the official British departure. [/color] [/hider] [hider=Transportation] [color=00aeef] Transportation on the islands consists mainly of small taxis, golf carts or scooters. Full size cars are considered an impractical luxury, but a few trucks and other utility service vehicles can be seen on the main island. Boat traffic between the islands is common with a few larger ferries that also provide service to mainland Mexico. Some of the locals operate “party barges” and other day trippers for visitors, though like many small towns, things tend to quiet down in the late evening. There is no airport and Azul offers only one aviation charter that flies to the islands and operates a small float plane that seats six people. [/color] [/hider] [hider=Tourism] [color=00aeef] Azul has a strong culinary culture with numerous small, outdoor restaurants located throughout Isla Zafrio. Seafood is prepared fresh with traditional and local recipes and there are no “chain” restaurants. Hotels fit a similar fare with the majority locally owned or are tiny branches from established names in Mexico and Belize and because of the somewhat hidden nature of the islands, prices are surprisingly affordable particularly when compared to well-known commercial resorts and villas. Playa Diamante on the northern island is the most picturesque beach, but is somewhat secluded due to the residential nature of Isla Ramilo. Most guests prefer staying around the beaches of Isla Zafrio to be near the majority of entertainment and attractions. Dolphins are common around all the islands and considered good luck. Isla Cuadro provides the most natural experience being sparsely populated. The abundance of terrestrial and marine plants and animals, including extensive coral reefs, place the islands just within the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, though it is largely considered an “honorary” membership promoted by the Flores. [/color] [/hider] [hider=Island Life] [color=00aeef] Not being nearly as commercialized as its northern neighbors, there are many homes on the main islands that have been there for generations with the majority of the more affluent on Isla Ramilo centered around the Cardenas Hacienda Winery. Housing for seasonal residents, fishermen and maritime visitors are located on the western side of Isla Zafrio and its dedicated docks for yachts, general boating and small commercial craft. In general the population of the islands noticeably declines in the winter due to slowing tourism and ferry service to the mainland diminishes principally to residents going to work or school. For decades, shopping on the islands was limited by the Flores’ preference for seclusion leading to a tremendous amount of revenue leaving the islands for the mainland at the cost of increased privacy. However, skillful lobbying by the Cardenas and other prominent locals have relaxed the isolationist policy within the last twenty to thirty years. Rather than having residents ferry to the mainland to purchase supplies for their small shops, dedicated air and sea services were implemented to accommodate a more welcoming view of tourism. During the early 2000s, chain super-markets from Mexico and Belize were allowed to establish a presence that freed residents to spend less time and money moving goods from the mainland. There are several parks and small stadiums throughout the islands, principally on Isla Zafrio including a full scale baseball park and organized football (soccer) venue along with makeshift dirt or sand fields which can commonly be seen played on by local children or organized teams. Technology was humble for many years with the island’s secluded nature. Only since the implementation of “careful modernization” in the early 00’s did satellite television, cell phones and other modern conveniences begin to become commonplace. Very little violent crime has been reported on the islands over their history, lending to the relaxed nature associated with Azul. Under the Flores, the safety of both residents and tourists being unusually high comparatively. The biggest danger to the residents of the island has historically been the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes, some of which have caused extensive damage though there has not been a direct hit for many decades. [/color] [/hider] [/hider] [hr] [center][color=00aeef][b][i][h2]Character Sheet & Guidelines[/h2][/i][/b][/color][/center] [hider=Character Sheet] [color=00aeef] [b]We are looking for 4-5 other writers max. We may open it up to more over time. This is not necessarily first come, first serve. Those with well thought out characters and concepts that fit into the setting of Azul will be given priority over others that do not.[/b] [i]*Questions in the brackets are not required to be answered, just prompts to get you thinking [/i] [b]Name[/b]: [b]Nickname[/b]: [If any] [b]Age[/b]: [21+] [b]Gender[/b]: [b]Occupation[/b]: [b]Appearance[/b]: [Both describe with words and use some form of art reference. No IRL images please. Does your character have any defining features or physical characteristics? How do they dress and present themselves to the world?] [b]Character Concept[/b]: [Who is your character? Are they natives of the islands, expats, visitors? What do they think about themselves and how do they portray themselves to others? What do they do for work, and what are they passionate about in life? What are their hobbies? Any odd mannerisms, or annoying habits? What kind of future do they envision for themselves? What do they live for? Greatest strengths and weaknesses?] [b]Character History[/b]: [What circumstances in your character’s life have led them to this point of being in Azul? Where did they grow up, and what is their family like? What is their educational background? Did they move around a lot or have they developed roots in one spot?] [b]Likes[/b]: [b]Dislikes[/b]: [b]Special Talent[/b]: [What is one special thing your character is talented in. It should relate somewhat to your character concept and history.] [b]Supporting Information[/b]: [Please describe other assets this character owns including but not limited to dwellings, vehicles, equipment, and pets.] [/color] [/hider] [hider=Guidelines] [center][color=00aeef] This is a SoL-themed RP with aspects of murder mystery, political intrigue, family feuds, and last but certainly not least, romance. This is also a casual rp, but with that said, we prefer quality over quantity here. Characters should be driven by their individual concepts and plot lines. While there is an overarching story plot, it is highly encouraged that you develop your own goals for your character, and collaborate with other players to incorporate each other into your plots as you see fit. We’re looking for mature writers who are ready to develop well-rounded characters over time. Here are some other expectations to help get us all on the same page: 1. [b]Observe standard RPing rules[/b]. No godmoding, no-metagaming, stay in character, and stay within the storyline. If you want to make any major changes to the story, ask first. Be polite to the other members. 2. [b]Write in third person, past tense[/b]. Try to make your writing coherent and legible. There's no official word requirement, but at least a paragraph is expected per post. Each post should move your plots forward in some way. 3. [b]You are not your character. Your character is not you[/b]. Please don't be offended because someone else's character was mean to yours. Likewise, please do not carry real-life arguments into the RPG world. This applies to RPG Guild, Discord and any other platforms that may be used. 4. [b]Reminder[/b]: Primary character images need to be in an art-based style. No IRL images please. 5. [b]Try not to let anyone get left behind[/b]. If you and another person have posted/collaborated back and forth several times, take a break and let the other players catch up. Of course, there may be times when only a few characters need to be involved in a particular scene; just don't get ahead of someone without giving them the chance to respond. 6. [b]This game is rated PG-13+[/b], so just about anything goes as far as language, violence, sex, etc. However, you will need to observe standard Guild rules should you feel that your posting is headed in this direction. Please read the Guild moderator posts concerning these topics. 7. [b]Second characters are allowed[/b]. You have to be an active player with at least 5 IC posts. Characters should not be related and please try to avoid scenes where your PC’s are interacting with each other instead of other players. 8. [b]In general the RP is using a permissive rule system[/b], as long as events are not too likely to affect other players or alter the dynamics of the RP heavily. These actions do not require permission. 9. Obviously this isn’t going to cover everything, so the GM and Co-GM reserve the right to make decisions as situations arise. Thank you for checking out our game. We hope you have fun RPing with us! [/color][/center] [/hider]