They say that the world, as beautiful as it is, was created by Lady Nilonne. She dragged the landmasses, Aralea and Norarus, from the depths of the ocean. She caused the snow to fall in the north and the painted the southern sands white. She created the humans that litter the earth in her own image. She gave humans the sky, the seas, the earth. She gave the people everything they know, but they have branched out over the land by their own hand. They painted the borders, created alliances, seated kings and queens upon thrones.
Many lives have passed ever since the creation of man. The two continents, Aralea and Norarus, are home to five nations: Anarcas, Estala, Ibion, Cesadas, and Mirivia. These five countries constantly squabble between each other, and there is never peace for long. While tensions between Anarcas and Estala skyrocket, a dangerous pirate war brews to the northern islands. The king of Estala, desperate for an end to the dispute, decides to send his son, the crown prince, to the north to calm the malignant battle. Even though the prince is young and rather inexperienced with the world, the friends he brings along with him, along with the ones he gains on his travels, will follow and support him.
What the prince does not know is that, as soon as he leaves home, things will never be the same.
The World
Numbers 1-4 make up the Rozelian United Islands. 1: Moros Harbor 2: Norathe 3: Rozel 4: Sadan Quay 5: Seeker's Bay 6: M'raan Isles
Aralea
Aralea is the western continent of the realm. The landmass is divided into three countries: Anarcas, Estala, and Ibion.
Anarcas can be described as a country that is to the extreme north of Aralea. Its frequent snowfalls, almost all year round, are caused by the temperature often reaching record lows. The nation's capital is Blackwater.
The largest country in Aralea, Estala's climate ranges depending on geographical location. The nation's capital is Greymont.
Ibion is the southernmost country upon the continent. Its tropical biome leads to warm winters and fierce summers, benefiting tourism. Many nomadic tribes roam the land, mostly sticking to the bountiful waterways. Its capital is called Ayrith.
Norarus
Norarus is located to the eastern side of the realm. It is known for its two nations, Cesadas and Mirivia.
Cesadas is a small nation to the north of Norarus. This country's winters are cool, while its summers are hot and arid. Much of the land is covered in hills and mountains. It currently occupies Sadan Quay. It is the heart of the Laguz slave trade, due to its close proximity to Mirivia. Cesadas' capital is named Myre.
Known as the oldest nation in the world, Mirivia's climate is hot and arid throughout the year. Many Laguz reside within the country's borders, drawing in poachers from the Cesadan landscape. The Shire is the capital of Mirivia.
Formed from four islands: Moros Harbor, Noranthe, Sadan Quay (which is currently occupied by Cesadas), and the main island, Rozel. The isles draw in tourism and a variety of trade, although recently, raids from the pirate factions has run extremely rampant among the waters. This led to the creation of the alliance between the four islands, who are currently in the midst of a war against the pillagers.
Formerly an uninhabited island, it has since been claimed by pirates from several factions. It is the hub of piracy, where they have created their own base of operations. There is a large port on the northern coast where the pirates gather and gamble. Only certain people, such as traders, are allowed there; the Swindler's Market lies within the center of Seeker's Bay.
An uninhabited island that is surrounded by dangerous rock and water formations, such as typhoons and storms. The landscape is barren, and the horizon is dreary, leading to an overall unpleasant and demonic atmosphere. There are many who have attempted to sail to the strange landmark, though none have lived and returned to tell the tale.
The Races
The two races that are present on the two continents of the world are named the Beorc and the Laguz.
Beorc, or humans, are the major and more populated race that live upon the five nations. They are the only race that can use conventional weapons, such as swords, and speak the common tongue.
Subjugated by the Beorc due to their vast differences, Laguz are humanoids that bear animal qualities. They have the ability to morph into creatures resembling large animals. There are a variety of different Laguz, but all of them exhibit specific traits, such as longer ears, tails, and wings, in their humanoid forms. Most of the Laguz are enslaved by the Beorc, but there are some tribes that still coexist.
Rules
- All RPG rules apply.
- There is zero flexibility when it comes to inactivity. It's normal to be busy and whatnot, but if we check your profile and see that you're posting in other places when you claim to be busy, then we reserve the right to kick you.
- Romance is allowed, but keep things on a fade-to-black level.
- All GMs have the absolute last word.
- Character sheets will be thoroughly looked over and studied before they are accepted. Expect to have to edit them before you are able to roleplay your character.
Key: Bold means Armored class, Underlined means Horseback class, Italicized means Flying class
Wyvern Rider (Lance) ⇨ Wyvern Lord (Lance / Axe) or Griffon Rider (Axe)
Bard / Dancer (Support)
Appearance Picture (optional, mandatory if no description) Name: (name of the character) Title(s): (if nobility) Age: (age of the character) Class: (refer to the class list; custom classes may be allowed, but they must be within reason and be approved by the GMs) Race: (race of the character; if they are a Laguz, include the animal that they are) Birthplace: (where they are born) Appearance Description: (optional) Personality: (their character traits) Biography: (the character's backstory) Inventory: (what they currently carry) Other: (miscellaneous)
I made up some minor world building details to help explain his appearance and fighting style, since it didn't seem like any of the five countries had the kind of Eastern feel that's usually associated with the Myrmidon/Swordmasters. If that's not cool just let me know and I'll come up with something else.
(Minus the horns of course)
Name: Gorou Title(s): None Age: 20 Class: Myrmidon Race: Beorc Birthplace: Estala Appearance Description: Gorou stands an even six feet tall and weighs around 170 pounds. Though they aren't often seen through the slits of his mask, his eyes are a sharp gray-blue, almost silver in the right light. His voluminous clothing hides it somewhat, but he's more muscular than one would think, and an errant pat on the shoulder or arms is like grabbing a solid rock. It can't be seen, obviously, but he has a slight aroma of cloves due to the oils he uses when cleaning his sword.
Personality: Aloof and stoic, but not unfriendly, Gorou is a deep thinker who listens more than he speaks. There is a melancholy about him, but under the murky gloom something smolders, an inner fire that seems to have burned down. Once he has decided on something, he will follow it through. If he thinks he can help someone he'll offer advice, but he tries not to impose. The moments when he seems most at peace are the times when he devotes himself to swordsmanship, when introspection gives way to complete focus as he sharpens his skills.
As one might expect of a man devoted to the blade, he doesn't have much of a problem with violence. He doesn't revel in it...but at the same time, he seems cold hearted and uncaring. He doesn't express the "sense of justice" one might expect the wandering swordsman archetype to have, but he doesn't give any mercy to those that come at him either. Things that actually seem to get under his skin, however, and peel back some of the metaphorical mask if not the physical one, include: Discrimination by nobility against the lower classes, several forms of vice (drinking, promiscuity, etc), mistreatment of children, incorrect or sloppy use of a sword (this one really gets to him), and barbarous treatment of an opponent on either side of a fight.
Biography: In days long past, before Estala came into its own as a kingdom, there were different tribes and clans that vied for territory and power. The ancient kings of Estala would unite the land and put that era to an end, but still there are some who keep those memories alive--they are Estalan, make no mistake, but they practice ancient customs for the sake of preserving their history. Gorou comes from such a place, wearing clothes that might seem odd and using a nearly outdated sword style.
Sword schools across Estala--gentlemen's dueling clubs, knightly academies, and defensive fighting halls alike--have begun to hear the rumors by now: Beware the challenge of the masked man. He claims no lineage of swordplay, nor bloodline, and perhaps even his name is a falsehood. He is polite, well-spoken, and willing to meet many conditions others would consider woefully unfair.
Yet once the gauntlet is thrown, the eyes behind that mask are as sharp as the blade in his hands. Though he is younger than one might expect of a professional duelist, it's clear he has immense talent. The first few stories of his duels indicate desperate struggles where his victories were note-worthy precisely because they were unexpected. The latest tales, by contrast, suggest a complete reverse in circumstance. Enough of his opponents are alive to guess that he's not looking for bloodsport, but nothing can be assumed--those who did not survive his challenge were put down with efficiency, with no question to his intent and no sign of reluctance or regret.
He has been seen taking work as a sellsword, here and there, but rarely does he stay in one place for long. He wanders the roads alone, save for the occaisonal bandit who soon regrets their choice of mark.
Where his seemingly endless path leads, only a blade's gleaming edge lights the way...
Inventory:
Zanbato - A single-edged blade with a curve more subtle than the usual saber or scimitar, and longer than the usual swords made in this ancient style. The extra length and weight make it difficult to use for an unskilled swordsman, but in the right hands it's especially deadly to cavalry because of its reach.
Vulnerary - A small cloth satchel containing some kind of bitter tasting, sharp smelling medicinal solution. It disinfects wounds and stimulates the healing process, but it's not much compared to a healer's staff or an Elixir. Contains enough to be used a handful of times before running out.
Other: The quiet, polite, enigmatic aura Gorou exudes is completely and utterly ruined by watching him eat. His appetite is monstrous, and while he's not going out of his way to be disgusting or anything, table manners take a far away backseat to efficiency and quantity. Another, slightly more understandable quirk is that he almost never completely lets go of his sword--when he's bathing, it's in one hand, held away from the water; before he sleeps, he will always tie himself to it. Even when he walks he'll sometimes make unusual movements to keep people or things from bumping into it.
"My father entrusted this heirloom to me. If I can't preserve my family name and my people, then who will?"
[ ❇ ] I N F O R M A T I O N
Class: Lord (Mage)
Title(s): Prince Eli, Crown Prince, Heir of Estala
Birthplace: Estala, Greymont
Race: Beorc
Age: Fifteen
Inventory: The Estali Family Heirloom, a Fire Tome, and a Wind Tome.
Other: Suffers from a fear of Dragons/Wyverns and travelling out in the water. Being a member of the Royal Family, the Estalis, Eli is capable of using any of the three Anima types, provided he has their respective tomes.
[ ❇ ] P E R S O N A L I T Y
When one thinks of the name 'Estali', great leaders and conquerors are usually the first to come in mind. With Eli, this cannot be farther from the truth. A passionate youth with more dedication to learning magic and learning about the world, Eli is far from taking up the mantle of a leader. His mind is constantly racing on other matters than what is currently at hand. Even his own bravery is put into question by most who meet the young man. He is not without his positive features however. As most Estali are, Eli is noteworthy of his kind heart and eagerness to resolve a matter as peacefully as possible. Conflict without reason is a worthless endeavor and only fuels the flames for more conflict, Eli was taught. Perhaps his greatest characteristic is his inquisitive mind on Anima and the ability to interpret tomes far easier than most mages, another fine quality passed down the Estali bloodline.
Another interesting quality that Eli displays is a lack of romantic feelings, unlike how most boys around his age begin to harbor such thoughts in their pubescent minds. Most advances upon the Prince are met with a polite apology and an easy denial. He has been shown to give a cold shoulder or even a verbal jab to others who try to flirt with him, so long as they keep it up. This, along with his intensive practice with Anima and exploratory tendencies, have made his father aggravated and even scared at the thought of being unable to continue the bloodline. Of course, just like he does with those who push him, his father is met with a cold shoulder. Despite this, Eli has shown to be quite polite to women, even chivalrous to an extent.
[ ❇ ] B I O G R A P H Y
When word spread of the prince being born, celebrations and festivals dotted the landscape. For centuries the Estalian Royal Family, the Estali, had governed with wisdom to bring the kingdom to its current glory. With another king on the way, everything seemed to go smoothly. The boy grew up as most Estali do; discovering the world around them. The inquisitive and exploratory nature Estali are born with developed them into leaders, struggling to understand the world around them. When the time was right, all Estali took up leadership roles of some kind at a considerably young age, where their attitudes mellowed and began to see the world from a more logical standpoint. With Eli, this was hardly the case. As an Estali, Eli was naturally born with a talent for Anima. What was unperceived was his passion for understanding it and the impressive ability he had as a pupil. What took a year to understand and process took four months. Scholars were baffled at his skill and pointed to his heritage as being the only possible explanation. With every passing day, Eli looked away from the political scene, and more into the beauty of the world, as well as the magic that he possessed.
Eli's very own father, Erigan the IV, was beginning to worry about the path that he took. If there was even a slight chance that Eli had know desire to fill in his own spot when he died, how would the kingdom run safely? Fear of anarchy and future wars led the king to taking desperate measures to thrust Eli into the political scene of the world. Books on the ancient history of the Estalian tribes, wars fought between rival countries, customary manners expected of a ruler, and even as going as far to match him up with various other noble girls. All of it was done to ready him for when he was to become king, but all of it fell on deaf ears. The boy wanted nothing to do with politics, thrones, or large scale battles. He want to explore the world and adventure with his powers, not coop up in a castle all day.
As the world begins to suffer from rising tensions between countries, Erigan has temporarily set his eyes off of his son in order to defend his kingdom. Eli, free of his fathers pestering, has grown restless of being held in a castle all of his life. With conflict at hand, it seems that Eli just might get his wish...
[ ❇ ] F A M I L Y
Father: Erigan 'IV' Estali - Current ruling monarch of Estala. Through his guidance, Estala has managed to enter a relatively peaceful state, but recent rising tensions, conflicts, and reports of mysterious happenings have put the King on edge. He is well-known for being a war hero, as well as earning the prize of taking Ceiya's hand during said conflict.
Mother: Ceiya Estali - Former queen and wife of Erigan. Ceiya was a widely adored lady that Erigan fought in a war for after a dispute between suitors from both Cesadas and Anarcas. She died from complications during child birth.
Uncle: Garen Estali - Erigan's brother and a member of the Counseling Triumvirate, a three-person council with the intention of aiding the king, each with their own respective duties. His duty as the head of the Body of Defense is to ensure Estala's military forces are up to date and performing at peak performance, as well as maintaining security for places of interest.
EDIT: I decided to add in a few more interesting pieces of knowledge. They don't do much for the story, but they're cool to know if you like lore.
EDIT EDIT: @Kazemitsu I'm very certain having two Wyvern Riders is perfectly fine.
Name: Gaivred Title(s): N/A Age: 23 Class: Axe Knight Race: Beorc Birthplace: Estala Appearance Description: Gaivred could best be described as a bear of a man, big and fuzzy. Standing at about five foot ten inches and roughly two hundred sixty pounds. Thick muscle hidden beneath a layer of padding and very sun darkened. Hidden beneath the helm is a head of jet black hair a little on the long side and tousled more often than not. His eyes, resting under those thick black eyebrows, are sunken like caves. They brown colored with odd gold 'flakes' mixed in at the right light. His nose, which is broad, is a little crooked from repeated breakings. A strong jaw accentuates some of his masculine facial features. His mouth is a little wide and on the thinner side of average.
Personality: Gaivred is blunt, just so incredibly blunt. Meaning he doesn't deal with flowery language or beating around the bush. There isn't a subtle bone in Gaivred's body, and sometimes that causes trouble. Then again he's completely oblivious about it which mitigates some of that trouble. Which is why he learned early on in life to just shut up. Of course that doesn't always work since he has quite the temper. Another cause for trouble in his life since it seems to be so easily triggered. Part of the reason he was nicknamed Bear honestly.
Aside from those little faults he's a nice enough guy. Tends to follow the way knights are supposed to walk. Honorable, loyal, and chivalrous. Although while he follows their way he's not unthinking, he doesn't do what he's told to if it sounds fishy. He'll act like he does until he finds out what is what and has always done so since he was a young lad. Another thing that gets him in trouble it seems. He does not having the best of luck but his capabilities tend to outweigh his troublesome nature.
Biography: Gaivred has always had knightly qualities about him. Well the storybook ones anyway, the whole chivalry code that had been written down. Unfortunately as he got older he saw that knights didn't seem to abide by this code,. They were human after all and humans could be corrupted. It was during a small campaign that the incident happened that turned him into what he is today. A wanderer with a heavy chip on his shoulder for the nobility.
It was the night after a good battle, loses were low and the enemy sent running. The other knights and soldiers were merrymaking. But Gaivred's sober ears caught something that didn't fit the celebrations. Muffled screams coming from the floor above. So off the young knight went to investigate the sounds of distress, his heavy axe at his side. Locating the room he had heard the sounds from he quietly opened it. It was a well maintained door so there was nary a squeak, not that it'd be heard by the party going on down below.
It took his eyes a moment to register what was going on. But he flew into a rage when it finally registered. Entering the room he slammed the flat of his axe into the man performing such a vile act on an unwilling partner. The force was strong enough that the man hit the wall several feet away. Only to reveal Gaivred's superior officer, a rather high standing noble. That was the only thing that stayed his hand from sending the edge of that steel axe into his face. Turning his attention from the dazed officer he helped the poor girl.
Unfortunately the act, while good, had consequences. His superior officer was just given a warning and stern talking to. But otherwise nothing was done for the act. Gaivred however was stripped of his rank, removed from his post, and exiled to keep him quiet and out of the way. He hadn't done enough damage to warrant an execution, just wounded the mans pride. Gathering his things, he didn't have much really, he left with a more keen eye to the wrongdoing of those in power.
Gaivred started traveling the world at this point. Upholding the chivalrous order knights were supposed to be doing. Not this shadow that they tended to do, doing what they could to gain and not give.
Inventory:
: A rather large single sided axe with a blunt spike counterweight for balance. A simple weapon made of steel.
Vulnerary: A medicinal solution used for healing minor wounds. (3 Uses))
: His back-up weapon is a simple one handed battleaxe. Typical trumpet shaped head with a hardwood handle.
Other: His mannerisms are quite odd, almost the opposite of what everyone else does. If he's looking off to the side, as if looking for something in the distance, you have his complete attention. If he looks like he's watching you with his undivided attention his brain is elsewhere thinking of 'more important' things.
His horse, since he's still classed as a knight, is a mare of the Morgan breed. A good and sturdy horse that he raised himself.
I really think your characters are good to go, but if you want other inputs you can wait for @Solace to arrive.
@Kazemitsu There's a couple of things wrong with your sheet. Firstly, I would prefer it if you changed your character's picture. He's all clad in armor and it's hard to get a good picture of him. Also, your personality kind of clashes. If he's blunt and things of the sort, he can't be nice at the same time. Thirdly, your grammar and sentence structure is kind of off. You should proofread it! :)
Also, I wouldn't make your characters too old, as there will probably be a skip later on.
"Actions speak louder than words. Well, more so in my case than anyone else."
[ ❇ ] I N F O R M A T I O N
Class: Bard
Title(s): None
Birthplace: Ibion, Perten
Race: Beorc
Age: Seventeen
Inventory: Zachary carries his grandfather’s lute with him always, never letting it out of his sight. He also carries a satchel that carries miscellaneous items: whatever spare currency he’s acquire, a journal and pen, tobacco and matches, as well as small non-perishable provisions. Fitted into his hat is his grandfather’s pipe, which he occasionally uses. A wanderer needs not much.
Other: He’s quite overprotective of both his hat and his lute. Both are gifts to him left by his grandfather to carry on his mission. If someone were to attempt and take these items from him, Zachary would protest greatly. Another thing noteworthy is that, although flirtatious sometimes, Zachary carries little intention of settling down. If something were to spark he would surely fan the flames, but he is not actively seeking a life settling down with a family. He has a mission to carry out before he tends to his innate desires, but as his grandfather always said, “Life can happen at any moment, so enjoy it while it lasts.” Lastly, he speaks in broken tongue sometimes mixing both the international language and the Ibion tongue. This is rare and only occurs when he is speaking without thinking.
[ ❇ ] P E R S O N A L I T Y
As with all Bards comes a kind soul that loves teaching people the joys of music. Wherever Zachary goes, it’s with a smile on his face as he plays the lute like it is an extension of his own self. He is a young, passionate boy dedicated to a life of bringing the beauty of music to life. Zachary approaches any situation he can with a kind and merciful heart, for that is the way his grandfather taught him. However, he is not without negativity. He carries the guilt of leaving his mother and father at a young age everywhere he goes. Zachary only wishes them the best, but he has a mission to revive the Nyrid family name as prestigious musicians. It was a legacy left to him by his grandfather. If his father was not up to the task, then Zachary will gladly step up to the mantle. The guilt he carries does not weigh him down too much. Instead, it ties him back home and gives him a reason to return once his quest is complete. Zachary is a man driven by his passion for music and he intends on making a name for himself.
[ ❇ ] B I O G R A P H Y
Zachary was born into a poor household in the city of Perten, a northern city of Ibion. Ages ago his ancestors once played music for any royalty willing to request their talents. Their musical talent was unrivaled for generations, and the way they produced such music almost seemed magical to spectators. Alas, those are only the stories Zachary heard from his grandfather when his parents were out on the fishing boat. Zachary’s father always complained that grandfather should not be teaching his boy such nonsense, but Zachary’s grandfather always just shrugged him off. Nobody had played an instrument in this family since ancient times according to Zachary’s father. Zachary knew better than this; in fact, he’s heard better. Whenever Zachary’s mother and father took to the fishing boat for work, his grandfather would bring over his lute to play music while telling Zachary of his heritage. The stories were spoken almost lyrically as his grandfather played every day. Zachary’s ancestors did not only play music for royal events. They inspired soldiers in the middle of battle to rally the troops and keep on the fight. His grandfather would always somehow manage to tell a new story every day about the ways of his heritage for years of Zachary’s life. It wasn’t until his teens that Zachary was taught the ways of the lute and the magical sounds he could make. However, with everything gained something must be lost. One day Zachary’s mother and father came home early in the middle of his lute lessons. Zachary’s father was furious, betrayed by Zachary’s grandfather for going behind his back. It was on that day that Zachary’s grandfather was cast from their household, never to be seen from again. Zachary was upset by his father’s reaction and rebelled in the only way he knew how: playing his grandfather’s lute and the music he was taught. His father soon grew wary of his son’s actions and attempted to destroy the lute with Zachary present. Zachary struck his father and fled from the house that day with lute in hand. Zachary wandered further north from then on, earning spare currency from passersby he played for. He was on a personal quest to find his grandfather and thank him for all he taught. The stories he heard took place in the great kingdom of Estala and that was where he traveled. Along the way he somehow acquired a red-breasted grosbeak as a companion. He neither fed nor offered it a place to rest, but it would always find Zachary every time he played his music. And thus the two traveled northward into Estala, in search of a master gone by.
[ ❇ ] F A M I L Y
Father: Yakuso Nyrid - A self-taught fisherman by trade. He did not buy into Angelo's stories and musical lessons like Zachary did. Yakuso believes that those story are mere children's tales and that the only true meaning in life is the profit earned from hard work and labor.
Mother: Isabella Nyrid - A woman whom was taught the trades of fishing by her own family. As much as she tried to participate in raising Zachary, she reluctantly passed that responsibility onto Angelo whom was more avaialbe to watch her child. Isabella wishes that her work wasn't as demanding as it was.
Grandfather: Angelo Nyrid - Zachary's sole reason for his passion in music. He was taught how to play by his own grandfather, and used the knowledge and talent he possessed to pass on the mantle to his own grandchild.
Thanks LordVoldemort for copy and pasting everything into formatting for me!