[OOC] The Shifting Sands [Reboot] [Full]

[Flynn]

The Shifting Sands

"It has been 141 years since the great Calamity. To this day, we still do not know where the sands came from, only that it forced us from our homes. Now, we are stuck travelling like nomads from one oasis to another.
When our cities disappeared in the sand, so did our hearts too apparently. All the races blamed each other for the great disaster and each went their own way. Now we have dozens of tribes roaming the sands, each tribe fighting for the little resources that are left.
Basic resources like water and food are already scarce, but the things people really kill for, are down in the cities. Things like technology, books or whale oil. To retrieve these things, we sent down expeditions. But we quickly learned that it wasn't that simple. Apparently other creatures have made our old cities their home. So we trained special folk to go down. We called them the Dwellers.
Now that you know our history, I shall tell you a special tale. This tale begins with a peculiar tribe. You see, this tribe had people from all races. Human, elves, dwarves and much more. Why was it like that you ask? Well, this tribe was tribe of outcasts. People thrown out of their own tribe were drawn to this tribe of misfits in order survive the Sands. Here your past didn't matter, only the present and the future. And this tribe too had special trained Dwellers, which this story will be about...

---

Welcome to the Shifting Sands

Races

Since it's a fantasy, all the basic races are there: Human, elf, dwarf, gnome, etc. If you have any creative race ideas, just pitch them to me.

Magic

Magic -was- a thing, but all the great mages have long since perished and the secrets of the arcane lie buried beneath a thick layer of sand. Who knows? Maybe you'll find something in one of the old cities. Your character cannot start with magic, but might be on a breakthrough and just needs one last little important thing perhaps?

Technology

The world as it once was, was on the pinnacle of whale oil technology! Airships, trains and much more crazy inventions dotted the landscape. With the coming of the sand the world was basically flung back into the medieval period. Working pieces of technology are very valuable and the whale oil required to get them running even more!
Your character can have fancy equipment, but nothing too advanced and also know that it will most likely require loads of whale oil.

The World

An entire world covered by nothing but sand. Where great cities once stood, now just the biggest spires stick out of the thick sand. Rock formations dot the landscape, presumably once great mountains. Small oases have started forming on various different locations. No one knows why on these certain spaces, but they make for popular travelling destinations as well as reasons for tribal wars.
Far to the west lies the Empty Void, a salt waste where nothing lives or grows. It is said that across this expanse civilizations still thrives, but nobody who tried crossing the Empty Void ever returned.

The Story thusfar

For those curious, there is an overarching story line, but also a bit of sandbox. You will be send to certain locations where you are basically free to do what you want, but there are goals to achieve and an overall mystery to solve.

For you to nicely play along, I need you to fill out this Character Sheet. Send it to me via PM or post it in the OOC. When it gets an approval of me, then you can throw it in the Character Tab.

Character Sheet

Name:
Race:
Age:
Appearance: (Picture or description, up to you)
Reason for joining the Outcasts: (Why was your character thrown out of his last village. If you do not wish to make this public, that is up to you)
Skills: (Be realistic. Don't be a master at 10012312 things)
Motto/Catchphrase:

Fill that in, get a wink from me, and you're on board. With at least 4 Characters sheets in and approved, the playing will commence!

---

Meet the crew:
- Hawlin as Ahnci
- Agentmanatee as Azak Ahriam
- gcold as Linna
- ImpLaughs as Fizz
- TommyToledo as Brimar the Bloodied
- RangingWolf as Enric Yulf

Don't let the 'full' deceive you. If you really want to join, you're more then welcome to try.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

[Hawlin]

Ahnci

Name: Ahnciel R. Nyvaal (Heir Black of 'No Sky to Dark')

Race

The Chimeric Aylvs

Back before the sands, a small group of humanoid chimera were made through ritualistic druidic alchemy. The point was to combine otherwise docile animals with humans as to create essentially small dolled-up humans which would serve as servants to nobles rich enough to pay for the components. It began as a means to find a loophole in the ban on slavery which had become popular, since it wasn't illegal to own a 'construct' (an entity created through artificial means).

These creatures were usually something like rabbits, deer, cats and dogs to give them alluring features while still remaining human enough for the tastes of those who sought to own them. They often stand between 4-5ft tall and usually sport features like rabbit ears/tails, antlers, cat eyes and fangs though bits of dog can sometimes be found in their ranks. Time passed and the sands occurred.
By their design, these 'aylvs' (also known as Sand-Rats, Jackals or 'The Lost Boys') had resilience to abuse which went so far as a tolerance to starvation and dehydration, making them suitable to the changing conditions.

These days, the aylvs form a type of bandit monarchy in the sands and are...begrudging...of their previous lot in life. They have a passionate dislike for most other humanoid races (especially humans), though they compose themselves almost like aristocrats from their origin of having etiquette beaten into them. However, the times had changed since then, and many who know of the 'aylves' hear of them mostly through stories of their ruthlessness and cannibalism. Regally as they carry themselves, they're not above taking a bite out of those who once took a bit out of them...so to speak.

"They'll kill you, sew your skin into clothing and eat your flesh...and if you're very very lucky, they'll do it in that order"

In all honesty, Aylvs are mostly fickle and territorial. They mostly prefer to be left alone, though this is aggressively stated by the 'scarecrows' left to denote their hunting ground; poles stuck in the ground from which flayed human skin flaps in the wind as a haunting omen. Likely, even seeing these markers means you're already deep in Jackal lands.

Age: 37 (appears 15-18ish)

Appearance

Boyish and fairly androgynous, Ahnciel stands at 4'6 with a slim, lithe physique. Dark tan complexion. Poking out from under wavy black hair are three-point antlers that that are probably due to be trimmed. Pointed rabbit ears and tail matching their hair save for white areas making up inner ear fuzz and under-tale fluff. Chocolate brown eyes with slit, cat-like pupils. Sharp k9 fangs.

Usually clad in a large section of what was either a tent or a section of the hood of a wagon which he repurposed as a cloak, sun-bleached beige-white. The hood of this cloak is modified with sections for Ahnciel's ears to be covered while standing up and even buttoned slits for their antlers to poke through while holding the hood in place. For the sake of desert winds, his face is covered by goggles mounted to a dust mask. The mask has a design of a jagged grin over the mouth, intimidating details depict broken, decaying teeth and large savage fangs. The goggles have a third lens which flips down over the left eye, adding a level of magnification for long-shots while giving the side of the goggle the look of a bloodshot eye.
Truly, the intent was to come off as imposing as possible.

Aylvic nobility that Ahnciel was, his left ear has three silver studs set wish a chain linking them. The stubs of antlers have polished steel spikes capping them with vine-like designs etched around the base.
With mostly stolen clothing, Ahnci typically wears a white buttoned shirt with folded sleeves at the elbows covered by a faded plaid vest. Over this is a layered leather cuirass crafted surprisingly masterfully from elven hide, indistinguishable from common leather. Also adorned with a twice-looped black-gray-white plaid scarf. Its significance is unknown.
Wears fairly meager shorts as well as mid-thigh socks with garters running up the shorts legs. Wears Knee-high boots with the heels broken off.

Inspiration

Reason for joining the Outcasts: Due to a shift in management through uprising against Ahnci's father, he was driven out of his tribe with meager supplies in order to make it far enough to be found. Begrudgingly found new purpose with those who took him in, still true to his ways.

Skills

Marksmanship - Through occupation as an Aylvic hunter, Ahnciel is talented with crossbows and most other projectile weaponry. Ears to sense sound and wind currents, eyes to see in minimal light, a nose with the scent of blood on the mind, little gets past an Aylvic hunter in their element.

Keen - Understanding the anatomy of most humanoid's physiology through practiced butchering, picking out weaknesses and vital points comes with ease. A strike from Ahnciel is likely to be aimed for such points with efficient results. Alternatively, picking out projectiles or stitching wounds comes with the territory, allowing Ahnci to be fairly reliable at first aid...assuming he cares for the individual's life.

Nimble - Basic anatomy grants Ahnci that much of a dexterous edge, mostly in the way of dodging and jumping as long as the ground hes on is solid enough for his feet to dig in. The soles of his boots help to meet the difference, but only so much.

Survivalist - From knowing how to milk a cactus to hunting, prepping and cooking and even to building rudimentary sand-ovens, Ahnciel spent his life in the desert in a state some would call 'savage'. Those who could not provide for themselves were not worth keeping. Nobility hasn't been spared, and his eloquent proficiency in the culinary arts is certainly worth being noted...assuming he's willing to share.

Composed - As uncouth as Ahnci is at heart, he comes off as almost inappropriately polite and linguistic...if only to tell someone in as many words as possibly how lovely their teeth would be as a necklace rather than flapping about saying things he doesn't care about. With this comes a strange proficiency with string instruments; a steady hand and sensitive hearing, from voices on the wind to a subtle ripple in a string, this bandit's taste for music is almost as discerning as their eye for loot.

Weaknesses

Weak - 4.5ft tall, without an opportunity to 'ankle-bite', Ahnciel suffers in hand-to-hand combat with his basic understanding of swordplay ("Stick them with the pointy end") and lack of physical strength. This isn't to say he couldn't defend himself in close quarters, but that hes far better sticking to range. Considering physical stature, hes not going to be wrestling a box of cereal off the top shelf any time in his life without a stool to stand on.

Untrusting/Untrustworthy - Simply based on basic resemblances to Humans and elves, most other humanoid races are likely to meet Ahnci's ire. Because of his origins and disposition, Ahnciel is more likely to rob you than come back with extra provisions while on watch.

Inventory

An array of small knives - Serrated, smooth blades, hooked, sharpeners and weighted. A small bandolier of sheathed knives contains the intimidating cooking armaments that many would mistake as torture devices. Arguably so, if you're on their receiving end, as Ahnci knows how to use each one of them with brutal efficiency.
Dinner will be lean...

Hex and Cross - Supposedly, 'Cross' is a crossbow with arms forged from the melted holy symbols of priests that wandered into Aylvic hunting grounds. It is a family heirloom which Ahnciel fled with. Vainly, he hopes it carries the strength of ancestors and the luck of their successful hunts. The stock is filed from ebony likely found by Aylvic Dwellers specifically for such purposes. Though it may be a simple crossbow, it is masterwork in its creation and one of a kind.
'Hex' is the short blade forged from the leftover material from making 'Cross'. Made from Silver alloy, it serves poorly against armor, though its ritualistic intent is apparent as its handle is fit with a sharpening block slid into the back for finely honing the serrated edges. Each cut comes out jagged like a swipe from a keen saw, certain to cause intense bleeding from an otherwise messy wound.

Game bag - Mostly intended for small game such as scorpions and lizards, side pouches hold flint&steel as well as a tapping kit and two canteens for water as well as a third which seems already filled (a messy mix of alcohol found on tresspassers. It smells of something between red wine and heavily spiced rum. The smell alone is enough to make the stomach churn, though its surprisingly sweet...if not blindingly strong)

Tent poles - The folded mess that Ahnciel calls a cloak is designed to be undone and propped up as a tent lavishly bigger than he needs as well as enough to fold under himself like a cocoon. Two telescoping poles are used to accomplish this and the tent can hold three small humanoids or a bit more than one standard-sized one...needless to say, Ahnci prefers to keep this luxury to himself.

Motto/Catchphrase: "Like sands in zee hourglass, zeez ah zeh days ouf our lives..."

[ButtsnBalls]

Linna

Name: Linna (Formerly Sister Lin Na)

Race: Human

Age: 29

Appearance:

Picture

A dark-haired and dark-eyed woman, standing slightly above average height, Linna is lithe but well-rounded as someone who had regular meals. Her skins are finer than desert nomads. In her nun days, her hair would be trimmed short. Those same hair had seldom been cut in her travel, and goes just below her shoulders as the result. She ties her hair up in a messy ponytail, with ornaments and a rare flower.

Linna's clothing are robes, loose-fitting and free-flowing. She forgoes armor in favor of mobility, and as such, tend to run and fight with grace. She hauls around a eastern style knapsack, belt with pouches and a scabbard for her sword. She would wear a scarf during sandstorms.

Reason for joining the Outcasts: 29 years ago, Lin Na was born a twin to Lin Kan, daughter in a shoddy but caring tribe. Six years later, her tribe was faring so poorly that they had to beg in order to survive. Her parents stumbled upon Azure Lake, where an old monastery sat on a oasis. They needed water, but something to sate an entire tribe did not come free. Little Lin Na was that price. Her parents had reluctantly decided that a son could do more work than a daughter, and a girl like her would live better in here than out there.

Fast forward ten years, Sister Lin Na was officially ordained as a nun of the Great Way. She would train to preach the ancestor-sages' words, defend the vulnerable that came to her doorstep and ultimately, detachment from sins that dried up this world. Ten more years would hone her as an skilled fighter and preacher. Though at heart, she always wished she could do more that what the priests told her. On one fateful night of her 26th year, a messenger from a nearby settlement was turned away when asking help against a horde of "monsters". She would find only ruins and corpses a week later; that was the last straw.

She set out just before her 27th birthday, changing her name to simply Linna as she wandered the world. Linna initially wanted to find her biological family, but after weeks of fruitless search, she gave up. At this point, she began to realize her life had been a blessing rather than curse. Life outside of the oasis was harsh, and as her supplies dwindled, she had to do things unbecoming of a nun in order to get by. Still, she would uphold compassion outlined in the Great Way, and for the first time, help beyond what the priesthood dictated. Her journey eventually led to a tribe that could basically be described a variety pack. For the time being, Linna stayed with them for shelter and supplies. But soon, she would be drawn by curiosity into a risky expedition.

Skills:

• Swordsmanship: The Azure Lake Temple has a proud martial tradition, with many of its members carrying forth its ancient martial arts. Linna in particular was trained under Mother Luchi, who was known in the region to be a defender of justice. While she is not as powerful as a dedicated warrior, Linna's focus on defensive techniques allows her to hold her own against stronger opponents and escape unharmed. An oriental straight sword always hangs by her side.
• Alchemy: The oasis of Azure Lake provides many unique ingredients, and Linna gained a rudimentary knowledge of potion-making from them. Her travel across the desert world brought her into contact with a greater number of materials, some of which she had experimented with, while others she learned from books or experts. In particular, Linna's expertise is the firecracker, something that could be used from entertaining children to blinding aggressive foes. When it comes to potions or poisons, her works are passable but sub-par. Pockets are always reserved in her bag for firecrackers.
• Theology: Studying alchemy and sword-fighting is all well and good, but a nun's main job remains that of her faith. Sister Lin Na was constantly exposed to worshiping dedicated to Mother Earth, Father Sky and the ancestor spirits. She is qualified to perform an array of rituals, many of which she had came to question as time passes. Outside of her native belief, Linna had read foreign myths.
• Literacy: Literate and educated in liturgy, Linna can read and write better than the common folks (if they are literate in the first place). Reading is one of her passions, especially with poetry. One can often find Linna writing and reciting poems in her spare time.
• Flute Music: Linna carries around and plays a wooden flute. Her music tend to calm living beings, though a child clearly wasn't calmed when he threw an egg at her. The flute is durable enough to fend off daggers in a pinch.

Motto/Catchphrase:

"Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know."

[ImpLaughs]

Name: Fizz
Race: Goblin
Age: 20
Appearance:

This Exactly

Reason for joining the Outcasts:

Falsely exiled with sister held hostage by chieftain

Fizz is a born thief and tinkerer. However, he was the brother to the chieftain's wife so they allowed him to live amongst their people, other goblins. Working with his friends, who had discovered an evil plot by the chieftain, he planned to steal important documents from their guards to verify that the chieftain was turning on them. He was caught and almost executed if it weren't for his sister, who called for his exile. Before he was exiled, the chieftain spoke with him personally and said that if he loved his sister, he would never return or she would die.

Skills:

• Sneak/Stealth - Skilled at blending in, hiding, and sneaking by anyone/thing
• Burglary - Skilled at pickpocketing, lockpicking, etc.
• Inventive/Builder/Tinkerer - Spending his days tinkering with what he had stolen, he has a knack for building any and all things given the time. He is rather inventive when it comes to making things easier for himself.
• Perception - He is able to find things of use quickly, spot small details, and notice changes in a person's behavior easily.
• Agile - Being smaller than most, he is able to dodge attacks easier, climb faster, and run quicker than most.
• Impulsive - He's not the sharpest tool in the shed, him being impulsive and instinctive doesn't help at all. Though, that instinct has saved his life more times than he can count.

Motto/Catchphrase: "I prefer to think of it as...borrowing."

Inventory:

• 10x small sticks of homemade dynamite
• 2x Dagger
• Homemade Gas mask
• Leather armor
• 5x Filled with various chemical concoctions
• Canteen for water
• Small satchel

[Hawlin]

If we're doing inventory, I have a bit to add...

EDIT: As of this time that I'm writing this, Agent should have something ready in a few hours.
*cracks knuckles* or eeeeelllse!

[TommyToledo]

Hope I'm not too late. Every party needs their brash and drunk dwarf.

Hider

Name: "Brimar the Bloodied, pleasure tah' meet you."

Race: "Are yah' blind or you tryin' to be funny!? I'm a dwarf!"

Age: "Does it really mattah'? I'm 53. You happy now!?"

Appearance: "I look just about like any other of mah' kin. Short an' hairy, the weh' God made all dwarf kin. I have this rund' and bulbus nose that goes red wen' I get into a fight. Wanna see? Then fight me yah' milk drinking coward! Ain't got no more hair on the top of mi' head but I got this beard all long an' white. I have this scar runnin' down the lenght of mi' arm. A gud' storeh' to tell over a camp fire, aye? This suit of fine armur' was passed on to me by my dad. It's the fighten' wear of my clan. Another good story to tell sometime. Solid steel it is. Painted red so we don't ave' to repaint it after a good bash."

Reason for joining the Outcasts: "I used to be part of the Peak Cliff clan, far to the east yah' see. Been some bad blood between me and mi' cousins. Nothin' uncommon between us dwarven kin. We've been driftin' apart this past few years few years though and it's only been gettin' worst. Then a couple of months ago, I was woken up in the middle of the night but a huge ruckus. Found out mi' cousins are lyin' in a pool of their own blood. Guess who the rest of mi' kin blamed. Ever since then, I'd been driftin' around this here parts till I met you lot."

Skills: "I make things thin's bleed. It's in mah' name. I can tell mi' metals apart too. First thin' you learn if you're a dwarf. Wanna know if it's brass or gold? Bring it ere' and I'll tell yah. Apart from thos'? I can make moonshroom ale. It taste like turd but it's gun'a make yah' drunk an' happy."

Motto/Catchphrase: "Let's get bashin'!"

[Flynn]

@gcold
@ImpLaughs
@TommyToledo
@Hawlin

A varied cast! Interesting. All accepted. Throw them into the Character Tab.

[agentmanatee]

@Hawlin Geeeeeeeeeeeezzzeee I wake up to exxtorsion!? OUTRAGEOUS!!!

IT'll be up today no worries

[Hawlin]

@agentmanatee
Ye'n it'll be ya nips if ya dawdle! D:<

Jk :P

Take your time and don't mind the bothers.

[RangingWolf]

I'm gonna try to and see if I can get in

Enric Yulf

Name:Enric Yulf

Race: Human

Age: 24

Appearance: "I'm a handsome devil. I know."

Reason for joining the Outcasts: "Well you see I've never been a part of a tribe or village. I've always been a wanderer of sorts. Used to travel with a small group. We were known as the devil's miscreants. We were young and didn't have much to live for so we became raiders. Though I see it as more of us taken from the rich and giving to us the poor. We had a good thing going for about six months I'd say. Eventually though the people we were raiding got smart and managed to kill a good portion of us. Me and one of my buddies managed to escape. He died a few days later. He pulled a knife on me trying to get my portion of the water. So I killed him and took whatever belongings he had that I could use. A few days later I managed to make my way to this village of outcasts. I thank the old gods that we never hit them in a raid. And well now I'm here

Inventory: Carries two swords. One of the swords being modeled after the sword that knights used. The other sword being used as a piercing weapon. If all else fails he carries a simple dagger. He has a suit of armor that he crafted during his time as a raider. The armor was designed to strike fear into his enemies as well as offer protection while keeping mobility.

Skills: Expert Swordsman during his time as a raider and before Enric has worked on being one of the best swordsman in the land. His style is a mix of using either using one sword or dual wielding. He has become very proficient.
Tracking/Survivalism when he was a wanderer he became very good at tracking. Learning where the small animals lived and what was safe to eat/drink and what wasn't.
Scavenging he's learned where to look and what items are valuable and what aren't.
Charismatic being a raider you gotta to be a bit charismatic. Makes raiding easier. Cause sometimes you can just talk you way out and not have to kill anyone.
Metalsmith you learn some tricks when you're a wanderer one of such was how to make armor and various weapons out of whatever metal you come across. Makes it easier to keep your weapons and armor in good condition.

Motto/Catchphrase: We're just taking from the rich and giving to the poor. And the poor being us.

[Flynn]

@RangingWolf Former brigand? Always nice to have those in the camp! Consider yourself accepted.

[RangingWolf]

awesome thanks man. I'll putting 'im in the character tab now

[agentmanatee]

Bandit Chief

Name: Azak Ahriam
Race: Human
Age: 30
Appearance:

In armour... I know its not great

Out of his armour his face has a single long scar on its left side. He keeps his black hair long and unkempt and has dark brown eyes

Reason for joining the Outcasts:

The Life of a Bandit

Until recently Azak was a bandit cheif, he led a vicious group of naredowells and criminals about the dessert, killing anyone who got in there and taking what they wanted. It was a good gig for a long time, and they even eventually had a few towns ppaying them protection taxes in order to remain free from their attacks. That was until the towns turned against them. Sure, one town they could handle, but all three attacking at once overwhelmed the bandits, and they fled. Azak himself wandered the desert for awhile, until he came upon one of the dangerous Aylv Creatures alone. He quickly charged it and imprisoned it, making the Aylv his new companion and ally... after that he sought others to help him regain his power as a bandit chief.

Skills: Above all Azak is a warrior, a bandit chieftan who led through strength. A monster with his clever, he is able to cut through solid rock to an extent with the heavy instrument of death, but his attacks are somewhat slow and predictable, if powerful.

Motto/Catchphrase: "Only person that matters is number one, yoursself."

[Flynn]

@agentmanatee A pure fighter character and an asshole at that. Very well. Put him in the character tab.

[Hawlin]

What a lovely group of bandits and thieves we have going. What could go wrong?
:P

Edit: Just a little curious when we're starting. No rush.

[Flynn]

@Hawlin As soon as @agentmanatee throws his character in the Character Tab! Jfmoore is taking too long.

[Flynn]

Right, since everything is ready, I'm hoping to whip up the first post tomorrow.

When we start, the Tribe is on the move to some rock formations. The Tribe of Outcasts counts about 50ish people, so it's a rather large crowd.
I'll often post * next to unknown words, so people know what I actually mean by that. Like Sandboat! Wtf should I imagine by that? Well, don't worry. Got you covered when we get there.

[ButtsnBalls]

Sandboat

@Flynn

This?

[Flynn]

Taaadaaaaa! I officially declare this RP... openend!!!!

[RangingWolf]

hell yeah