[OOC] The Elder Scrolls V S: Sentinel

[Raineh Daze]

A Brief Treatise on the Post-Stormcloak Years

by Marcus Ancharia

It would be remiss of any work dealing with the results of the Stormcloak Revolution to not address the event itself. For the novice scholar, simply bear in mind that in the 4th Era, years 201 through 203, no clear news came from the province and both the Empire and Dominion awaited a result. When the dust had settled, it was not the Legion that emerged, but news of an assassination, dragons, and an army fronted by dragonborn.

With the advantages of Nordic magic and a dragon's co-operation, the dragonborn took the White-Gold tower and was proclaimed Emperor, Ysmir to the Nords and Glaucia Whitestrake, ruling under the name of two of Man's heroes. The subsequent shift in power within the province of Cyrodiil from the Colovian heartlands towards the Jerall Mountains and passages into Skyrim marked the beginning of a period of political strife, pitting the Legions loyal to the order and the Penitus Oculatus against the new regime and the resurgent Blades.

Outside of the Imperial province, tensions between High Rock continued to increase, with the campaign against the Forsworn regularly threatening to spill over the border and expand beyond the Reachmen, and friction with a staunchly independent Hammerfell threatened to return the Iliac Bay region to the political strife that preceded the so-called "Warp in the West". With the Aldmeri Dominion gearing up for war, the Emperor was unable to devote resources to a military conflict without leaving the Imperial City unguarded, and instead made the move in 4E 214 of sending what agents could be spared to Sentinel, aiming to achieve a reunification by diplomacy and subterfuge.

These actions were to...

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This is a freeform Elder Scrolls roleplay set in the aftermath of Skyrim, where a Dragon Break caused some seemingly contradictory (and game-impossible) outcomes to reshape the course of the Civil War and provide a path where the Stormcloaks have won their autonomy, yet remain in the Empire, and worship of the Nine Divines has been restored. The player characters are a collection of official agents, with a token Blade presence, and local adventurers based out of Sentinel. Nominally, reunification of the Empire is the goal, but as in Morrowind it is highly important to establish a cover identity before getting into the clandestine stuff.

The starting ability level/equipment is geared at around level 10, above the usual rank and file yet not at the point where charging a bandit camp or most Daedra is no longer a reckless move. The magic schools work like Morrowind, birthsigns are back, and yes magicka does regenerate without resting (it literally comes from the sun and stars, that's not a limited supply).

Character Sheet:

• Name:
• Race: Where racial powers have changed over time, pick any one game's version. Presumably, the races aren't as specific as games indicate.
• Sub-Race: For Khajiit. Delete otherwise.
• Gender:
• Appearance:
• Personality:
• Birthsign:
• Skills:
• Equipment:
• Brief History:

(If you're wondering about the S, look up Roman fractions)

[Hank]

To repeat what I said in the interest check, my character will be a local Breton spellsword mercenary that is skilled with the blade, moderately proficient with the bow and capable of various minor spells and cantrips from different schools of magic, wearing practical armor that is both durable and not too heavy.

A complete sheet will follow Soon(tm).

[Lord Orgasmo]

Mind if I hop on?

[Raineh Daze]

I don't mind.

[Lord Orgasmo]

Cool Cool. I'll get working on a CS.

[clanjos]

Hider

Name: Korja, AKA Burns-His-Foes
Race: Argonian
Gender: Male
Appearance: A bright red-skinned Argonian with a head rather reminiscent of an iguana- though he has a pair of large, curled horns he gets from his mother's side of the family. He's quite stocky, which thankfully makes spending most of his day in his heavily singed steel armor more bearable.
Personality: There is a stereotype of a mad wizard. Cackling, bellowing, using his powers to subvert or destroy others for personal gain. Well, two out of three isn't bad- Burns is one of the few Argonians who have learned to express joy by laughter. Of course, he's also the kind of guy who really likes fire spells- hence his name. He believes that any problem can be solved with a sufficiently large explosion. Actually a pretty mellow guy when he's not in the zone.
Birthsign: The Mage
Skills: Destruction, Heavy Armor, Enchanting, Hand-To-Hand, Mysticism
Equipment: Steel Armor
Brief History: An Argonian born in Black Marsh, his talents for Destruction magic were apparent at a young age. The closest options for magic tuition were the Arcane University in the Imperial City- in the middle of political turmoil as always- or the Mage's Guild of Morrowind- the homeland of the Argonians' most ancient enemy, the Dunmer. So, messages were sent to Burns's uncle, the owner of a fishing trawler in Skyrim, who passed them along to the College of Winterhold. It was quite unusual, but anyone who could cast Enemies Explode by 18 would be an asset to the College. So Burns was sent to the frozen north to receive academic instruction in the arcane arts- though, as ever, he displayed an affinity for Destruction above all other skills. He took in a goat he found on the mountainside, kept to his studies, avoided making remarks about dunmer or altmer students (usually), and spent plenty of time at the tavern. Oh, also, he met the empereror. After a night of drinking following a successful test of the spellmaking altar he'd ordered from the Imperial City, he staggered back to the college, hearing that- as he had repeatedly told everyone- Ancano was a Thalmor spy. Well, he did what he could to help, settling for bombarding the barrier with low-end destruction spells to try and whittle down Ancano's power. Well, for all the good it did, that mess was cleared up by the emperor.

Burns has spent the past ten years continuing his studies in Winterhold, hoping to make a grand breakthrough in spellmaking- though with a former archmage's letter, now bearing the imperial seal, he- and his goat- have been called back into action.

Edit: Touchpad is ass, clicked "Post." Meant to be WIP.

[Pulserix]

Can I join this RP? I've been a fan of Elder Scrolls since Oblivion so my knowledge of Morrowind is very little.

[Raineh Daze]

Yeah, it's fine. Mostly you just want to go find UESP and look at Morrowind's list of magical effects to see what went and got removed between games if you're dealing with magic. Otherwise it's not too relevant.

[Raineh Daze]

@Pulserix Okay, first thing: could you please not post unaccepted characters in the char tab?

Second thing... the grammar and level of detail there just doesn't seem appropriate for casual whatsoever. I'm sorry, but that's just not acceptable. I have more detail in the skeleton I have for if PC's have some direct involvement with the Emperor than that entire bio. And even if it might be acceptable in theory it... seems entirely insufficient to paint a clear picture.

I also have several reservations about how coherent that background even is. Simply put... it has the Dominion conscripting for a war they aren't involved in, fleeing the Dominion by heading to said war, and seeking refuge in a place... with a Thalmor agent. This is not something that can hold together.

[Lord Orgasmo]

Yes, he's a meme. I can do something with the name if you really want to.

Codename Black Stabbath

Name: Codename Black Stabbath. He doesn't know his real name. Also known as Po'ino Ka'Honua. Usually called Po for short.

Race: Dark Elf (Dunmer)

Gender: Male

Age: 22

Appearance: Usually wears a tunic or other everyday clothes when not on the job, as an attempt to blend in. When on the job, or most combat scenario, he wears the Dark Brotherhood armor, or any other form of leather armor. Usually it's Brotherhood Armor while on the job, and leather armor while remaining anonymous. As for looks, he has a fairly pointed chin, deep red eyes, and dark black skin, hence the name. His hair is short, black, clean cut.

Personality: Usually keeps to himself, and likes to stay out of sight and observe his surroundings.

Birthsign: The Shadow. Can become invisible for 60 seconds every day.

Skills: Stealth, silent assassination, pickpocketing, alchemy.

Equipment: Dark Brotherhood armor. Leather armor. A pair of Steel daggers. Various poisons. Lockpicks.

Brief history: Po was brought to the Dark Brotherhood as a baby. Left in a basket in front of the Black Door in Dawnstar, Skyrim, he was raised as an assassin from birth. Growing up, he was tasked mainly with gathering information, as nobody suspects a child, as well as other small errands. Soon enough on his 18th birthday he was given his first contract. A nameless mercenary had pissed off the wrong guy, and he wanted him dead. Getting his equipment, he swiftly executed the mercenary on the road, and was back within the day. His skills only improved from there. However, he still hasn't received many contracts, he's received only five so far. But now he has a new one. His target, supposedly, is his father. Knowing only that his father is a dark elf named Alani, and presumably has his last name as well. Unfortunately, the client, who prefers to remain anonymous, does not know where he is. Po may have to travel all of Nirn, but he'll see the contract through. He feels no remorse for what he was going to do. His father had abandoned him. He had no father. His only family was the dark brotherhood. He treated his parents as if they were already dead, he supposed there's no harm in making it official.

Eh. Not to sure how to feel about this guy. May make some adjustments in the future.

[Raineh Daze]

I'm not going to rule that out entirely, but just to be certain, there's three points to consider:

1) That is not a Dunmer name in the slightest. Superficial, but still. And the Dark Brotherhood aren't really big on codenames, more on not being discovered. And I cannot work out what race that name is supposed to match. O_o
2) With the year given in the OP and the Skyrim timeline, he would've been all of 9 years old when Skyrim starts. When the Dark Brotherhood was busy dying.
3) Why is a Dark Brotherhood member in Hammerfell and likely to interact with anybody else?

[Cu Chulainn]

Okay, I've decided. I'm making a Bosmer ranger who adheres to the Green Pact. Deserted because he hates the Thalmor, who see his sort as "savages." He'll be good with the bow and skulking around, and is good at alchemy not involving plant matter (fungi doesn't count because Bosmer are good at finding loopholes in their pact. Hence why some usi foreign wood to craft.). Will be wearing light armor for obvious reasons

[Raineh Daze]

Ah, the green pact. My favourite thing about the Bosmer is flipping the normal wood elf "respect animals and use only the plants" thing totally on its head, even if it's only binding within Valenwood.

[Cu Chulainn]

Just curious, by the way, but would the skills of trapping be under its own skill, or are we using one of the existing skills, like lockpicking or smithing?

[Raineh Daze]

It would be its own thing. As I've said, I'm not expecting people to hew perfectly to game skills, just the general magical classifications. By the same token, it wouldn't make sense that knowing how to use a katana translates to being able to use a broadsword with equal effectiveness.

Basically, as this isn't a full-on ES game, just use what you think makes sense.

[Hank]

Started working on my sheet. Anything else I should keep in mind, @Raineh Daze?

[Cu Chulainn]

The Vengeful Hunter

Name: Pharis

Race: Bosmer

Gender: Male

Appearance: Pharis stands at 5'4, as Bosmeri males are normally short, with a slim, lean frame and an athletic physique. His skin is a dark biege tone, a few scars darting his body from his more vicious hunts. Pharis's long hair is a dark brown color, tied into a tail, and his eyes are a maroon color, sporting a short beard. He has the habit of using dried blood as facepaint, painting four horizontal lines on the sides of his cheek (with two on each side).

Personality: Pharis is a mostly quiet individual who tends to keep to himself at times. This stems from his times living as a hunter, and him now being a fugitive. This doesn't mean he's antisocial, however, and is actually a quite friendly person when approached and conversed with, once suspicions have been calmed down.
Pharis has strong ties to Valenwood traditions, being raised in a community that practices the teachings of Y'ffre. As such, Pharis follows the Green Pact, to some respect, swearing not to harm or consume any vegetation or plant life. He doesn't mind if others give him items manufactured from such material so long as it wasn't made from the plant life of the Valenwood. He also doesn't see things such as fungi as "plant-life" and will happily consume or otherwise utilize such materials. As far as cannibalism goes, he only feeds on the remains those who he believes are "worthy foes," only fasting himself before a battle if he knows there will be such opposition he will face. He also practices this because he knows well enough how many others see cannibalism, and won't practice such in front of others... most of the time, at least.
While he is a mostly friendly person, Pharis does sport a rather quick temper to certain things. Those who do not respect his pact with Y'ffre or consider his beliefs "barbaric" aggravate him the most. This does not mean he treats all those who believe his beliefs are strange with outright hostility. He only wishes that others treat his beliefs with respect. As a result, Pharis harbors a seething hatred for the Thalmor, who burned down his clanhouse and who believe his people are savages.

Birthsign: The Warrior

Skills:
Major: Archery, Stealth, Evasion, Survival, Athletics
Minor: Tanning, Alchemy, Trapping, Fletching/Bowmaking, Close-Quarters (Dagger)

Equipment: Pharis sports Leather Armor, crafted by himself, reinforced with bits of bone. The armor is tied together tightly to minimize noise made. Pharis also wears a Black Wolf Hide Cloak, using it both as a means to keep warm and to help him skulk around in the woods, or within the shadows.
For weapons, Pharis carries a Laminated Bone Shortbow, a prized possession of his, as well as 25 Bone Arrows, fletched by himself. In case his opponents get too close, or for when he's gathering the meat and skins of his recently hunted quarry, Pharis has a Bone Dagger sheathed in his boot.

Brief History: Pharis was born in Valenwood, and like most Bosmer, was raised in the teachings of Y'ffre. Known as the most talented of the young hunters from his small community, Pharis became a sort of local celebrity. Word of this went to a Thalmor outpost, who believed he would serve the Aldmeri Dominion well if drafted. A Thalmor agent approached Pharis and proposed thet he would serve well in the coming war. Pharis refused politely, saying that he'd prefer to stay and continue providing for his clan. For some reason, the Thalmor agent was angry at his reply, but accepted it regardless. A few days later, on his return from his daily hunt, he found that his clanhouse had been burned down. He was then approached by the Thalmor agent again, this time with an entourage, who told him that he doesn't have a clan to worry about anymore, and as such, there's nothing holding him back from joining the Dominion's standing army. Enraged from this attack, Pharis shot an arrow through the Thalmor's eye, killing him before escaping the Thalmor's grasps. Now, as a fugitive of the Dominion, Pharis seeks a way to get his full vengeance on the Thalmor and eliminate their hold on Valenwood, so he could return to his homeland once more.

And here he is! I plan to raise the quality of writing for his backstory later. For equipment, I only listed clothing and weapons. If you would like me to also add his miscellaneous items such as a pack or a waterskin, then I'll throw that in, as well.

[Raineh Daze]

No, I really don't need you to list things like waterskins unless you're gearing up for the Alik'r Desert specifically. It's accepted (though I fear that "you don't have to structure skills like the games" isn't being heeded :P).

@Hank Only to let me know if they'd have any direct dealings with the Emperor for some reason and know more beyond the basic "they really hate the Thalmor".

[Cu Chulainn]

I structured my skills that way just to show what he's more specialized in since we're going with the lines of being around "Level 10," just to clarify he isn't the best smither archer alchemist assassin man in the world xD

[clanjos]

Right, I think Burns should be in order.