Current Co-GM's: Goldeagle
I have returned!
So roughly two or so years ago I started up an NRP that some of you may remember called a Gilded Throne. I have wanted to return to that style of NRP structure for some time. Well, I’m happy to say after a long wait that I am finally ready to test the waters. To start off let me say this will be a High Fantasy, Grimdark setting. Also if you’re unfamiliar with A Gilded Throne allow me to explain the setting as well as bring to light some of the changes brought about from previous experiences.
The Setting:
Black Sun takes place on Ethica, a high fantasy world where technology is transitioning from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age. The famed Mother Night known as Izalith, a god-like being of immeasurable power, is close to completing her over a 100-year long campaign to conquer Nachesh and impose order, having already overtaken much of the land through force or intimidation. Beneath Izalith are the Archons, men and women imbued with strange and unique magical powers, made seemingly immortal by Izalith’s favor. Archons rule over regions, districts, armies, or individual groups on Izaliths’ behalf. Beneath Archons are the Exarchs, those beings capable of extraordinary feats, but lack the favor and longevity of a true Archon.
Archons, and to a slightly lesser extent Exarchs, are women and men who possess incredible powers. They are more than just skilled fighters or mages. Each Archon has unique abilities that set them above the rest of humanity. No one knows how the Archons obtain their powers, but they ultimately bow to Izaliths’ will.
Plot:
As for how the NRP itself will play is as follows.
Each player's Exarch will be a count or vassal of a major province within the greater realm and jockey for position within the hierarchy, each swearing loyalty to an Archon. The spiritual and official ruler of the realm is Izalith, who stands as official Empress of Illyrica-- but leaves much of the administration and governing to the highest ranked of Exarch called Archons. Each Archon will have the choice of a given territory, which pretty much amounts to the rank of a king/queen. I plan to allow/have only three Archons at max. From there on players can choose to have small city-states within that Archons province. Archons can call other players(Exarchs) in their province to war and answering will be up to the players, or they could fight each other in smaller civil wars for territory.
Beyond that, at the start of the RP, the next Pontiff will soon be chosen from among the Exarchs, who is expected to lead the realm in Mother Night's stead once the Long Night comes. It is known those who become Pontiff's more often than not become Archons in their own right once the Long Night ends. Once more an Exarch chosen will obtain an incredible amount of political power within the capital for their Archon. It should be noted it is the Archons are the ones who choose who can be a candidate from their home province. Thus giving players an incentive to not only remain loyal but go out of their way to impress their own Archon. Meanwhile, an Archon will have to be incredibly careful who they nominate for the position.
Summary:
The RP will take place in the world of my own making called Ethica. Ethica is a world shrouded in despair and desperation, as the races of the lands rebuild after the War of the Heavens that followed the great Disjunction. It was during this time that Izalith, Mother Night, arose from legend to bring stability to the world. Creating what would be known as the Long Night, a power that shields the realms from the malign wrath of the Devourer. An eldritch being of incredible power trapped within the moon.