[OOC] Fire Emblem: Legacy of the Empyrean Throne

"All nations want peace.
They only want peace on their terms."

^{- Daimyo Akihiko Kimura, 1495 AC}

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For centuries, the realms of Nohr and Hoshido have waged war unto one another. Victories were exchanged, honors gained and lost, and their fields watered by the blood of sons and daughters, martyrs and heroes, but final victory lay forever out of grasp. Untold grievances compile to the tone of drums and poems, and these products of long-ruptured Valla, like quarreling young brothers, clash evermore between East and West. There exists little in terms of reconciliation, and even lesser a will to do so - only will nothing short of utter and total submission shall do, and this mutual feeling has long been cemented in aeons-old rivalry. And, perhaps, it lie time yet again that the fields of Iusera dance to the tune of war.

Kingdoms, fiefdoms, regular peoples and fledgling tribes find themselves caught within the maelstrom, for few inside Iusera escape the vision of either great power. Fewer yet still operate freely, without the good graces of one power or another, and within this mosaic of moxie do others still align with one or the other. One by one, the sovereigns of Iusera step in line, pledging their allegiance to Nohr or Hoshido, in such tumultuous web that they no doubt have their eyes upon leveraging the great powers to resolve grievances of their own. Day by day, the lines in the sand are drawn, sides chosen, and flames flared, and when the fuse on the powder keg does finally reach its munition, once again shall the thrones of Himeji and Windmire throw themselves unto the fray.

In this tempestuous middle, there are no doubt those who shall find themselves involved, whether they like it or not. Mercenaries, spellhires, and other arms-for-sale have never fared shortage of work throughout Iusera. Your company - The Silver Hawks - have been in the most gracious employment of Nohr's aristocracy for the past two months, but their contact is soon to come to an end, where the Hawks shall move to greater opportunity. There is but one final matter to resolve before the company's contract with Nohr's throne is up - one ultimate job to take. One, unwittingly to the members of its takers, shall be the catalyst that may forever change the face of Iusera...

Map

Setting Info

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Nohrian Empire

In contrast to the lush, sunny lands of Hoshido, much of Nohr possesses a far more dreary climate. Northern Nohr - much of which is situated in the colossal Carathian Plateau - fosters a frigid alpine climate, where a vast majority of its land remains far above the tree line and its temperatures rarely rise above 10 °C. Northern Nohr is famous for its intricate mountain structures, with entire cities, roads, and aqueducts painstakingly carved from the colossal craters and gaping caverns of the Carathians. The cold temperatures, lack of sunlight, and rocky soil fosters a tundra-like climate where only the hardiest plants can grow, resulting in Northern Nohrian cuisine often having to take creative liberties to fill its hardy peoples' plates and glasses. Mushrooms, mosses, roots, and other hardy plants make up the bulk of Nohrian staples, where they are often ground into a starchy flour with taste similar to turnips or potatoes - far from the most traditionally appetizing diet, but Nohr's hardy populous has long learned that hunger is the best spice. What is far more remarkable about the Carathians are its rich mines and cavernous quarries, from which its denizens more than happily extract enormous gems and exemplary metals.

Southern Nohr makes home to only comparably more comfortable climates. The region of Farion just to its Southwest lies its great bogs, where its freshwater marsh likewise makes for difficult regular traversal, and its weather typically downcast and muggy. Only along the southeastern regions of Ambré-Comté and Olten, close to its border with Cheve, does the climate ever reach anything close to temperate, and even these are still prone to long, dry, cold winters. Naturally, the Southeast of Nohr is important for the agriculture of the Empire, Ambré-Comté naturally earning its title as the "Breadbasket of the Empire".

To describe Nohr's political landscape as "treacherous" does her great disservice - even if it is not far from fib. If one is to do such service unto her as to not simplify her situation as slander, it then becomes imperative to tell of her situation. Nohr stands - unlike Hoshido - as Empire, as unified kingdoms, republics, and free counties all tied unto common allegiance to Windmire and its Ebony Throne. Likewise, Windmire's empire is a vastly cosmopolitan construct, home to several different lands, of many varied peoples in possession of many varied tongues. The sheer number of differences between the constituent states of Nohr, as should be common sense, stands such that the needs of each county remain near impossible to efficiently monitor and govern, for what could a nobleman from the frigid county of Fuschienzire possibly possess to know all the needs of the temperate, agrarian Ambré-Comté? Nohrian subjects expect a degree of autonomy in their daily goings-on that other Emperors would simply find unacceptable, yet it is in such diffuseness that has allowed Nohr to survive where others might wither away to rebellion. Her guidance, then, does necessitate nothing short of a masterful maestro to orchestrate the diffuse wants and needs of Nohr's subjects.

The many wanting eyes of her peoples likewise cause no shortage of feuds nor bickering. Garnering Windmire's fullest attention has long been the name of the game for Nohrian internal politics, for her favor comes unto it the riches long brought unto her by gold and silver - and Nohr would be the first to proclaim her mantra, for she has long learned that what the quill and plow cannot provide must be obtained by steel and fire.

Following the "mysterious" circumstances surrounding Emperor Garon's death in 1491 AE, the vatic and rather quizzical Arete of Metéoré - one of Garon's many, many wives of entertainment - has ascended to the Premiership. Empress Arete has ruled with uncanny foresight, masterfully able to balance the multitudinous needs of the Empire with adroit display, but in recent months has become more and more reclusive, falling to fits of erratic behavior. The Nohrian Diet seems increasingly polarized on the opinion of whether Empress Arete is truly well, but for as long as she does sit upon the Ebony Throne, she shall have none of it. Many believe that the Empress seeks to fully consolidate Nohr's internal issues, and when the time is right, shall once again make advances unto Hoshido.

Major Counties and Regions of Nohr

• Windmire
• Fuschienzire
• Wetzen
• Lower Carathia
• Innszire (Also called Upper Carathia)
• Drakesrift
• Krakenmire
• Farion
• Macarath
• Osetiénne
• Metéoré
• Olten
• Ambré-Comté
• Sain-Gallainé

Kingdom of Hoshido

A far cry from the difficult, rugged lands of Nohr, Hoshido is blessed by gentle, prevailing westerly winds, which moderate its already temperate climate and allow it biennial harvests. As a land of many rivers, Hoshido bountiful sunlight and predictably flooding lands allow it bountiful riverside harvests of rice, sorghum, and fish. Agriculture remains the overwhelming pride of the Hoshidan economy, with such bounty being the norm of the realm, many Hoshidans take to the work of artisanal crafts. Woodworking, lacquering, and intricate mechanics are keystones of Hoshidan artisanal prowess, and the famed mechanics of Hoshido craft with lacquer and bronze - a key difference from the works of other nations a result of Hoshido's poor iron quality. Bronze and copper remain the most common metals for the use of laymen, for regular Hoshidan iron and steel must be painstakingly folded and purified to attain even modest quality in contrast to other nations.

The Hoshidan capital encircles Castle Shirasagi, the crown jewel of the capital Himeji, and home of the royal family. This bounty means almost no one in Hoshido wants for anything, and crime is rare. The Hoshidan monarchs rule fairly and justly, and are loved by their people. Dissent is uncommon in Hoshido, curiously enough, for a nation likewise so deprived of much besides from the most basic needs of man - and perhaps it is due in part to the overwhelming employment of various secretive forces - ninja clans and samurai - that so dutifully preserve this peaceful narrative.

Perhaps the greatest victim of Hoshido's success remains her very society. While life in Nohr remains tumultuous and changes a near daily occurrence, the aristocracy of Hoshido have entrenched within their caste nothing short of staunch belief in the righteousness of Hoshidan culture, by virtue of her comparative tranquility. Hoshido, impressively even more than the most ardent Nohrian Imperialist, as a result remains a stubbornly conservative nation, ardent against even the most minute of change. Chance for social mobility is virtually nonexistent, and even some of Hoshido's most heroic figures have little reward for their service - unfaltering performance and unshakeable faith has long ceased to be exception and become expectation. This deeply-ingrained cult of status quo so ardently defends Hoshido from within, and without. The prosperity of Hoshido acts as the greatest ideological reinforcement for nothing short of divine righteousness to rule, for it is propelled that critique of the Divine Nobility is tantamount to rejection of the gods. By Divine Right, the King of Dawn is ruler beneath all under heaven.

Many smaller nations pledge their loyalty to Himeji, most notably Mokushu, Igasato, and Sarukina, where they act as tributary states in return for the much more apt protective ability of the Solar Throne. Some go as far as to say that the tributary states are little aside from puppets of Hoshido, owing to the near draconian diligence for which Hoshido employs its network of spies and informants. This has no doubt caused much tension within both Cheve and Osha - the former of which long-standing its rivalry with Nohr and turning to Hoshido for support, while the latter sharing much of its grievances over independence and undue control over Osha's internal affairs, has taken a staunchly pro-Nohrian foreign policy. Hoshido stands, of course, with the sovereignty of Cheve in support of Nohr's famously aggressive diplomacy, and naturally shall make no overtures towards the notion of Osha subduing themselves beneath the Windmire's gauntlet. For their own good, and for the good of all Iusera, Nohr's influence must be subdued, no matter the cost to Osha.

King Sumeragi IV sits upon the Solar Throne, the famous stoic of Shirasagi. With his beloved Queen Ikona - and the influence of a certain Lady Mikoto, whose rise to power with the blessings of Sumeragi have caused no shortage of suspense within the courts of Hoshido - Sumeragi rules with a harsh, but even hand across the Kingdom of the Sun. His reign has been a long and healthy one, but Sumeragi grows old, and his eyesight has faded unto obscurity with age. His senses, however, are none the lesser in his age, and the old Samurai King unto his final breath shall devote himself unto Hoshido and her people, and while he still draws breath, by the honor of the Line of Sumeragi, Nohr shall nevermore cast stains unto Hoshido's peace.

Kingdom of Cheve

Cheve is a relatively small nation which lie to Nohr's southeast, and is a largely temperate nation blessed by the fertile crescents of its Ardeche and Cher rivers. Mused by its gracefully declining alpine slopes, Cheve possesses pleasant summers which provide ample harvests in the summer, but is offset by early winters which tend to last well into the spring months. It is famed for its highly-skilled knights, and its people uniquely hold the belief that their dead become new stars in the sky - a belief which has its origins in ancient Vallite burial customs. During significant events, such as holidays, festivals, charges, and knighting ceremonies, Cheve knights pin flowers on their chestplates.

Cheve proudly hosts three companies of knights, whose undue influence have long turned its principalities and constituents into their own petty fiefdoms. Nary a single coin goes untraded without one of the three orders' knowledge, for merchants must have the blessing of at least one of them to even stand chance of success - anything for the security of Cheve, as they would say. Countless schisms between Nohr and Cheve have largely poisoned the well between the two, and many Chevois openly resent Nohr.

To nobody's great surprise, King Bastén Linart has made friendly overtures to Hoshido, pleading for more amicable relations between the two, but Nohr has likewise had none of Hoshidan influence in what they see as their sphere of influence.

Kingdom of Osha

Coupled on one side by the the Kingdom of Cheve and on the other by Hoshido, Osha is surrounded by deep-running rivers and itself is largely aching peaks with crested valleys, which wind all throughout the nation as some of the widest and most reliable of corridors through what are otherwise the near-impassable barrier that are the Tauranian (Hoshidan: Yukigara) Mountains. The many winding corridors that format the overwhelming bulk of Osha's townships and villages have given rise to the nation's influential status as a beacon of trade between East and West, where most every good and service can be found throughout one of its many chaotic markets. Osha stands uniquely influenced by a platitude of influences, as its oriental architecture shares many common elements of Nohrian architecture in its designs along mountains and cliff-faces.

Oshans have seen a marked separation from Hoshido's peering eyes, and have long attempted distance from the Solar Throne and towards their own destiny, only to be whisked back into the influence of Hoshido by means of subterfuge and insurrection. It seems for the moment that they have had more than enough, and word from its Queen Ilha Fujuri has come to the attention that she requests Nohr's official guarantee of independence.

Grand Duchy of Nestra

A small, mercantile duchy along the Coast of Atalia, Nestra remains a key trading location for those navigating along both the Iuserian coast as well as on the gorging Bourdeon River. Its crown city of Sircenzia (natively spelled "Cyrkensia") is famed internationally for its singers, dancers, and actors, who populate its opulent opera houses and theaters.

United Provinces of Notre Sagesse

Notre Sagesse, the "land of philosophers", is an islandic nation located in the southern sea between Hoshido and Nohr. Comprised of sixteen main islands in addition to countless smaller ones, Notre Sagesse holds its unique position in Iusera as perhaps the most conservative of cultural aspects to the ancient Vallite Empire, and retains much in the way of its marble-laden, spherical architecture, its traditions of intellectualism, and its rich heritage of oration and narration.

Proudly, the Sagessians have taken upon themselves the title, "Ruler of the Seas" - a notion which neither Nohr nor Hoshido might truly contest. From the Atalian Coast to the Sea of Izumo, Sagessian triangular flagships sail the seas in quantity that Windmire and Himeji alike may only marvel at, and like the great Vallite Empire before them, in this display as their ancestors is the Ephastian Ocean, "Thálassia Mas" - "Their Sea".

Mokushu Shogunate

Mokushu is a kingdom located to the south of Hoshido, Izumo, and Igasato, known for its highly-skilled ninjas and vast number of samurai. Mokushu has a vast array of terrain, such as forests and rough hills, all peppered by intricate cave systems. As it is one of the few regions of Eastern Iusera which possesses quality iron - no matter how pauce its sizing - weaponsmiths of Mokushu find themselves routinely contracted to create the bulk of Hoshido's weaponry. Indeed, Mokushu goes to great lengths to acquire whatever iron and steel they might find to fulfill their quarry, and likewise they have made many an overture to Osha to acquire Nohrian steel - a fact they do their best to keep hidden from the peering eyes of Hoshido's more ardent mercantilists. In spite of their status as a tribute state to Hoshido, Mokushu prefers to remain neutral in other nations' conflicts, no doubt propelled by internal fears that official declarations of war will weaken on daimyo and embolden others. There are few shortages of samurai who take on students in Mokushu, and instructors of swordplay and spearplay can be found in virtually any sizable Mokushite settlement. It's ninja clans, on the other hand, are far more secretive, and are typically simply skilled peasants, possessive of a fierce display of independence against their shogunate tax collectors. Taxes on the lower classes of Mokushu are nothing short of exorbitant to pay for its vast sums of cover-ups and mercantilist endeavors, and its rebellious peasantry have long harbored disdain for its ruling samurai, who enforce heavy taxes unto them and routinely brutalize those who cannot offer tribute. Ninja of Mokushu are appropriately rather skilled, but masters of the craft are secretive and only teach their art to a few, chosen students.

Its most recent shogun, Kotaro, harbors ambitions of expanding asserting the status of Mokushu into one of greater power. While it has no love for Nohr nor its machinations, they do not deny that they more or less require Nohr's constant inflow of metal from Osha to continue their lucrative primary trade.

Kingdom of Igasato

Igasato is as a tributary state to Hoshido, nestled firmly along its Sagato Basin. A land of lush rivers and verdant hills, crested in dense cherry forests, With Hoshido with a longstanding alliance with the main country. It is perhaps most well known for producing ninja who often work for the Hoshidan aristocracy, and as bodyguards for the Royal Family. Training for prospective ninja begins at an incredibly young age, with some of the most promising children from across Igasato sent - willing or otherwise - to be trained beneath the tutelage of the Saizo clan.

The nation is led by an individual named Saizo, the eponymous head of the current Saizo clan which has ruled over Igasato for decades. Currently, there are five known individuals who have carried the name of Saizo. The title is generally given to the eldest son of the current Saizo when the previous either steps down or passes away. Upon taking up the title, the inheritor relinquishes his old name and is referred as Saizo from then on out by all individuals in the clan. The Saizo clan, however, is the noteworthy exception of ninja in Hoshido, and has long been the sworn enemy of the many ninja clans of the East, for their allegiance to the Crown of Hoshido has long stood against the virtues of anti-establishmentarianism that the peasant clans long stood for. Assassination attempts are rife in Igasato, agents of the varied clans come to exact vengeances and reverse the influence of the clan, but the Saizo clan yet possesses the full backing of the Solar Throne, and for as long as that remains yet true, they shall nary be removed from their post if Hameji can yet help it.

Archduchy of Izumo

Most curiously for a nation which shares such proximity to Hoshido, Izumo has managed to retain not only their freedom from vassalage, but has even gone so far as to exert its neutral policy. Of course, it should maintain as no surprise that Izumo has needed to maintain certain...concessions for this course of action to manifest, for Hoshido still exerts considerable influence within Izumo's political leanings. While it does border both the powers of Hoshido as well as that of Mokushu's shogunate, Izumo maintains a token military force, only intended to provide security to Izumo's famed orders of monks and healers along its many spiritual temples.

Izumo has many temples of worship, to which no shortage of pilgrims undergo a lengthy journey to its many springs, fissures, and sites of physical and spiritual healing. It is perhaps due to this open policy and its generous offerings to provide services to Hoshido that have earned Izumo its spot in Hoshido's good graces.

Galynia

Galynia (Hoshidan: Gari-Kukuo) - Also known as the Flame Tribe - are one of several indigenous Turlinian peoples of Iusera, and are known primarily as element-worshippers. Galynia technically is the domain of neither realm, nor does it pay any levvy nor homage to either power, though it is relatively friendly with Hoshido. The people of the tribe worship the God of the Flame - known as Nari-Khan in the native Galyni language - and keep a sacred flame burning at all times in honor of Him. To protect the flame, the tribe enacted a strict policy of isolation. This may have contributed to their strong feelings of independence, as they are not officially allied with either nation or rely upon their support.

The location of Galynia's sacred flame is poorly-understood, and is speculated by scholars and travellers to be an itinerant location which changes quite regularly. Common mythos of Galynia relates that when an enemy tribe invaded the village and extinguished the sacred flame, the holy mountain erupted and destroyed the enemy tribe, but as punishment for the insolence of their people, Nari-Khan drenched the Galyni in fire for their failure to protect His tribute. Galynia has a low tolerance of outsiders, believing them to be harmful, though a select few trusted merchants and traders are allowed safe passage through their territory insofar that proper homage is paid to both local chieftains as well as their traditions.

Busara

Busara (Hoshidan: Pusari-To) - also known as the Ice Tribe - is a small kingdom far to the north of Nohr, and are one of several indigenous Turlinian peoples who inhabit North Iusera. Officially, they are of no allegiance to any entity besides themselves, but have been known to be on good terms with Nohr. Nestled high in the mountains with fierce winds and frigid temperatures, Busara is a frigid nation of simple gatherers who live in small villages to tough out the alpine climate. Though they have little to economically offer, Busara possesses a rich tradition of magic and navigation, and produce a plethora of knowledgeable mages, pathfinders, and soothsayers - many of whom earn a good living in Nohr, where the money earned is often sent back to their families back home.

Sarukina

Sarukina - Natively known as "Salkhind" and also known as the Wind Tribe - are Turlinian peoples who inhabit the gusty northeastern shores of Iusera. Sparsely populated and with little in the way of agricultural land, the Saru peoples are nomads famous for traveling incredible distances along their iconic wind-gliders. Though the land in question is rather poor for much productive, the handiwork of Saru crafts in their hang-gliders have made them famous all over the world.

Permia

The name given to the sparsely-populated arboreal lands to the far north, the vastness of Permia is difficult to truly understate. With hardened tundra spreading for endless kilometers, the nomadic peoples of Permia largely migrate along dogsleds and stocky horses across the lands, often traveling in tribes of a hundred or fewer. Most of Permia remains as untamed, unsettled wilderness, and the undeveloped nature of her vastness makes travel difficult for non-natives unfamiliar with her many avenues.

Shiva

Shiva is a vast confederation which lies to the west of Nohr. Largely composed of the sprawling Kâri Desert and intermittently sprinkled with rugged badlands and more gentle Mediterranean coasts, the few permanent cities of Shiva are near-entirely relegated to its sealine, from which its famed enterprising merchants bring famous spices and exotic animals to and from Iusera. Traveling traders often make great voyages across its vast land, which connect Nohrian trade to and from the exotic lands of the Far West.

In stark contrast with most of its neighbors, Nohr's border between itself and Shiva remains porous and ill-defined. Owing to the great distance and difficulty of most of its terrain, there is often much overlap between principalities and villages under the nominal allegiance to Nohr or Shiva's Sultan.

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Let's just get this out of the way: Yes, every Fire Emblem fan ever has come up with their own theories and ideas to how they'd make Fates better, because Fates is a mess and ugly and weird and tone-deaf and all other sorts of bad things. So, of course we can do better because Intelligent Systems just isn't "big-brained" enough to make a "real" setting with a "real" story.

Now that i've gotten the part where I sound pretentious out of the way...*clears throat*

Welcome, one and all! This in particular is a brainchild i've been storming up for a little bit, after i've taken a bit of a deep dive into the history surrounding Fates' (very) troubled development. I thought with all that knowledge regarding the various changes and iterations from Fates original drafts into its final rendition, it would be a bit of fun to take those concepts and apply another spin on them. It's far from an uncommon opinion that Fates' worldbuilding and storytelling is...less than stellar. But likewise, its enamoring aesthetics and unique, thematic bridgehead between East and West has always been something interesting to be as well. All that being said, I suppose it's been long enough since its been out that there should be another take on it with the hindsight on it in the years of discussion on it, and i'd like to bring something to that table that isn't another person going, "Fates bad".

In this RP, you would play as a member of the titular mercenary band, the Silver Hawks, as they go about on missions that will - advertantly or no - change the face of the continent with their actions. Situated right in the middle of this powder keg of nations, the Silver Hawks will eventually need to make some difficult decisions as who to pledge their allegiance to, whether that be Nohr, Hoshido, or just themselves. The setup should be familiar enough, but there should be enough leeway to let everyone say their peace and alter how they would like for the course of the RP to go as well.

Guidelines:

• This is a re-imagined version of Fates, so a lot of key details have been changed between the source material and this rendition. If anything needs further explanation, or if you have questions, do the (hopefully intuitive) thing and ask.
• You don't really need much knowledge about Fire Emblem Fates to enjoy this. As I said earlier, much has been changed from the source, right down to many of the plot hooks, the setting details, and the story beats. If you know your basic low fantasy politicking tropes and you have some decent reading comprehension, you'll be fine.
• My style as a GM isn't really to make a "main character" that everyone is intended to follow around. I tend to give pointers, answer questions, and guide along the general tone, throwing in NPCs that assist the story as it progresses and then largely let the players do their own thing. I expect most players to have their own ideas as for what they want to do and what would make their characters "tick", and i'm willing to let most things go along as long as there's a clear player consensus on how everyone wants to proceed.
• All that being said, I expect most players to have their own subplots and ideas for what they want to do with other characters, and the setting as a whole. Don't be afraid to pitch ideas and try and set up events.
  

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  Q&A:
  
  • What's the current year? - 1495 AC.
  • Are countries that aren't Nohr and Hoshido available as character origins? - Yup, they sure are.
  • What about Valla? Where's it? - Going with the original notes and taken from interviews from Intelligent Systems, I made it such that Valla was a long-bygone Empire that was in control of the entire continent of Iusera, which is more what was originally envisioned for it instead of what was shown in Revelations. By the time of 1495, Valla is long gone: Trying to resurrect Valla is like trying to recreate the Roman Empire in today's political climate.
  • What about the kitsune and wolfskin and manaketes? - They exist: They're just sprinkled around the place in various smaller communities. They either tend to be so well integrated with their host that they're not particularly differential to the greater nation as a whole, or they're quite insular.
  • What if the role I want is taken by another applicant? - Some of the roles, like Quartermasters and Signalers, can easily have multiple in the same company. Others would require some coordination, like a situation with two co-captains: In these cases, i'd just talk it out beforehand with their relationship before we settle on anything.
  • What will you do? - Me? I tend to fill out whatever roles are left out in the party, then adjust with NPC characters. I got plenty of notes and ideas, so don't worry about me.
  • When are applications due? - Mmh...by Saturday sound good?

CS Template

Name:
Hopefully not too complicated. There is, however, a good list of names in Fates provided for generic units that should give you a good idea of what sort of names are common where.

Age:
Try not to give a 2015-era Reddit answer of, "She looks 8 but ackshually she is 5000 years old" and pretend it's comedy gold.

Nationality:
The character's nation of identification, usually also their country of origin. Exceptions exist, though, and if that's the case, a denomination marking such (EX/ "Sagessian, Nationalized Nohrian") will be nice.

Class:
As this is mostly something used for equipment and familiarity, you can flavor this however you like. Don't expect me to kiss your ass because of whatever you put here. You can find a list of classes here.

Role:
Your character's position in the Company. Check in the "Roles" tab for more info.

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Appearance:
Pilfer some anime-looking goofball from Google or DeviantArt and plaster their pretty mug here. If you feel ambitious, draw them yourself. Either way, a brief (one paragraph or so) description of their appearance - what they wear and how they look - will do.

Personality:
I don't expect text walls here - just write down the gist of what they're like as a person so that nobody's surprised when pen hits paper.

History:
Write as much as you think is necessary. A few paragraphs are fine, but don't feel like you have to kill yourself over this. You can always add on more In-Character.

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Skills:
No, not those skills. Basically, list out what your character is good at.

Trivia:
Anything you think that needs saying but doesn't fit anywhere else goes here.

Roles

Note: I might just get rid of these if they end up being too much of a pain in the ass to incorporate, especially if people want the same role or can't agree. I don't think it will happen given my experiences on here, but if people just don't like the idea of taking up roles in the Silver Hawks, i'll just get rid of them. Do me a favor and give me some feedback in the Int Check, 'kay?

Captain:
Every mercenary company needs a capable (and barring that, willing) leader. Ours is no exception. The captain finalizes and gives the go-ahead on all plans that are made, and acts as the "face" of the group, usually conducting the bulk of the interactions and negotiations on behalf of the company.

Sergeant-At-Arms:
Typically considered to be the "second-in-command" of the company, the sergeant-at-arms duties act as the subordinate commander of the company, and accordingly handle the more minute details of the daily operations. A sergeant-at-arms is expected to challenge both the company's tactician and captain as necessary to ensure that all planning is foolproof.

Tactician:
A company's tactician is responsible for the more precise planning of all battle plans, whereas the Captain and Sergeant-At-Arms are more inclined to make broader policy goals and determine the general course of action. Together with the signaler, the company tactician prepares and executes the exact plans outlined by the general goals approved by the company's leadership.

Treasurer:
The treasurer deals with anything that has to do with finances. Whether that's dishing out payment, maintaining costs with the quartermaster, or renegotiating payments or contracts with clients, it has to go through the treasurer.

Quartermaster:
An army marches on its stomach. Having a dedicated quartermaster assists in maintaining supply and provisions inside the company, and accordingly keeps track of the supplies the company has to offer.

Signaler:
The "message boy" of the company, the signaler provides no shortage of important position. Communicating orders efficiently and effectively keeps the entire thing working, and often times, it's the signaler who gathers everyone in one place for meetings.

Other:
Got another idea I haven't listed out? Give it to me. Give an explanation for what they do, regardless of whether that's just an average guy, the bard, the cook, whatever else you can think of.

[Yam I Am]

@Lady Lascivious @Dark Cloud @Spectral @Rethel34 @Crimson Flame @Haha @Hero @KenjuGuy @Hawthorne @dwyer austin @Agunimon @vancexentan @Mistress Dizzy

Damn, that's a lot of people. May need to limit the party size a bit, but I suppose i'll see how many applications I get and how many definitely interested peeps are around before there's a final decision. Might end up being fine, who knows?

[Antediluvixen]

Nice.

[Yam I Am]

Nice.

@Lady Lascivious

Nice.

[Dark Cloud]

Aw fuck me I just woke up. Saturday sounds reasonable.

[Antediluvixen]

I open clip studio to begin sketching a character and find myself surrounded by the ghosts of doodles past, beckoning at me to finish them, to complete the thoughts that brought them forth from the mind's primordial anarchy and into being, yet know I will never finish them because I have more fluffy foxgirls to draw.

[Dark Cloud]

@Lady Lascivious If I had money I'd totally pah you to draw the character I have in mind. There are no good pictures of mustachioed anime strongmen that aren't pornographic, agh! :o

[Dark Cloud]

The Shivan Mercenary (WIP)

Name
Arcos, of Shiva
Age
30
Appearance
At an imposing height of nearly seven feet, and an impressive two-hundred pounds of muscle to boot; Arcos can easily be picked out of a crowd. One might describe him to look and carry himself like the typical hired-sword; a man who appears to be rough and husky, whose body language is closed off or possibly reticent to expose one's true feelings.

Arcos has the skin of an outlander, as with most hailing from Shiva; one's complexion looks akin to the color of chestnuts or the wood of a ceder. Most noteworthy of all, Arcos' eyes are an exotic fiery orange that reflect brightly when light meets his vision.

As for his attire, Arcos' wears simple clothes beneath light protective gear consisting of two iron shoulder-plates, and leather shin-guards with a pair of heavy brown leather boots.

Underneath the usual equipment he wears, Arcos often sports a white button-up shirt of silken texture worn rakishly to expose his hairy chest. A sturdy leather belt keeps Arcos' old trousers up, the buckle a shiny silver. Arcos also wears a leather vest, worn from years of wandering. Lastly the only keepsake he possesses on his person; an amulet set with a topaz, that nearly reflects the color of his own eyes.
Nationality
Shivan
Class
Mercenary
Role
Tactician

---

Personality

History
Arcos' life has mostly been spent on the road, and to most that is as much as he will tell. In truth however this tight-lipped man wasn't always the stone-cold mercenary he is today, although he is loathe to even speak of his former life. Arcos had been orphaned at a young age, on the streets of a small settlement by the name Ostra in the country of Shiva. He was only eight years of age, his early childhood a spotty recollection of sensations and feelings that to this day he cannot fully remember; Arcos had no family to call his own and no land to lay claim to.

---

Skills

Trivia

[dwyer austin]

Man I'm excited for this, I haven't been on here in a long time. Wait should I have posted my character here first to be approved rather then the Character tab to be approved?

[Yam I Am]

Man I'm excited for this, I haven't been on here in a long time. Wait should I have posted my character here first to be approved rather then the Character tab to be approved?

@dwyer austin

Yeah, you should have.

[Dark Cloud]

@Yam I Am Can I still use the Mercenary class but replace Sword with Axe instead?

[dwyer austin]

<Snipped quote by dwyer austin>

Yeah, you should have.

@Yam I Am

Right. Apologies. Like I said, it’s been awhile and I don’t remember the proper order of things.

Bhaskara Doran

Name: Bhaskara Doran (Pronounced Bah-scar-ah Door-an)

Age: 22

Nationality: Turlinian, Galynia

Class: Flame Initiated Cavalier (More lance focused but still uses swords when advantageous.)

Role: Signaler

Appearance: Bhaskara while relaxing or doing menial chores for the mercenary group can often be spotted wearing a bright brown, long sleeved shirt, along with dark blue pants and marching boots. His bright red hair easily drawing attention to himself as it is rather hard to miss when out in the open. His body is on the slightly shorter side, being 5'6" though there is definite muscle under his clothing from his training. His bright blue eyes shine brightly and his pale skin is slightly marred by cuts and a scar across his right cheek from battles and training. However, along his left arm are multiple burn scars of varying damage, being more severe down at his hand, and less so the further up the arm it goes, from the elbow up is not burned. When in battle he dawns red, plated armor with various white flaming decals to distinguish himself in battle, his horses armor has matching patterns on its armor to his own.

Personality: Bhaskara is still young and inexperienced, and is thus naive to the worlds ways and lacks knowledge of traditional customs of nations, however he is very eager to learn of the world. He is almost always wearing a smile and is eager to prove his worth to others. He is always ready to lend a helping hand to others in trouble or simply listen if someone just needs to talk. In battle while he still retains his excitable attitude, he is much more serious and won't falter even in the face of dangerous odds. He follows orders to the best of his abilities, but if something seems wrong or out of place he will speak out. His faith in his god is highly important to him, and each night he lights a flame and prays before going to bed.

History: Bhaskara was born in Galynia as a member of the flame tribe, and was a highly curious child as he grew up. He was playful and enjoyed running about and playing like all children do, however he could be rather reckless, and would wind up coming home with bruises and cuts from all the adventures he'd have. Learning of his tribes ideals and culture he would soon wish to show his strength of faith and so at the young and foolishly brave age of 13 he lit a flame in the dead of night alone and placed his left arm within, wishing to show his strength and pledge his loyalty to his god, though in the process, his lower arm, under the elbow, all the way to his hand, he would have offered more but his father caught him doing so and forced him to stop. After a serious scolding and extinguishing the flame, he was taught more of their tribes teachings and specified the proper meanings for their rituals to show why what he did was foolish and irresponsible, even so what was done was done, and Bhaskara would have to live with his decisions, though he didn't regret his choice. For a long time his arm would hurt, and he had difficulty using it, but he endured and learned to push through the pain to use it in his everyday life once more.

Once he was 20 he looked out to the world before him and with the blessings of his parents and a long and heartfelt farewell, with a promise to return one day, he took a horse, a lance, a sword, food and what little money he had, and set off to explore the world. It was during this time of wandering that he worked as a mercenary, and with what income he made he used to take care of himself and create the armor he and his steed wear today. After traveling alone, doing these odd jobs for about a year and three months, he then happened upon the mercenary group known as the Silver Hawks, and immediately wished to join them on the spot. Assigned to be the Signaler of the group, due to his quick steed and nimble movements, he now gets orders around the battlefield from the commander to those who are already moved onto the battlefield. While he is possibly the newest member of the Silver Hawks, he does his best to stand out and works with the vigor of someone with something to prove, he stands at the ready, sword and lance in hand to aid his allies and those in need. And that leads us to now.

Skills: He is rather adept at horseback riding, he is a decent enough cook (though sometimes he uses a little too much spice), his penmanship is exquisite, and he has a deep understanding of how to survive in the wild on his own if need be.

Trivia: Along his back are a few ritualistic markings of his tribe, each carefully hand designed as flames that reach around under his arms before curling up, as one would do to lift someone up from behind. It is a marking meaning, 'if you hold faith, your faith will hold you.' In Hindi the name Bhaskara means, ‘the sun’ and in English and Celtic the name Doran means, ‘pilgrim’ so his name effectively means, ‘The Sun Pilgrim’.

Edit: Just decided to add a little trivia about his names meaning.

[Antediluvixen]

@Lady Lascivious If I had money I'd totally pah you to draw the character I have in mind. There are no good pictures of mustachioed anime strongmen that aren't pornographic, agh! :o

@Dark Cloud

okay I rarely ever actually watch any anime but

[Yam I Am]

@Yam I Am Can I still use the Mercenary class but replace Sword with Axe instead?

@Dark Cloud

Class:
As this is mostly something used for equipment and familiarity, you can flavor this however you like.

You can put whatever's "closest", really. I'm not going to be a huge stickler for it.

[Yam I Am]

Right. Apologies. Like I said, it’s been awhile and I don’t remember the proper order of things.

Bhaskara Doran

Name: Bhaskara Doran (Pronounced Bah-scar-ah Door-an)

Age: 22

Nationality: Turlinian, Galynia

Class: Flame Initiated Cavalier (More lance focused but still uses swords when advantageous.)

Role: Signaler

Appearance: Bhaskara while relaxing or doing menial chores for the mercenary group can often be spotted wearing a bright brown, long sleeved shirt, along with dark blue pants and marching boots. His bright red hair easily drawing attention to himself as it is rather hard to miss when out in the open. His body is on the slightly shorter side, being 5'6" though there is definite muscle under his clothing from his training. His bright blue eyes shine brightly and his pale skin is slightly marred by cuts and a scar across his right cheek from battles and training. However, along his left arm are multiple burn scars of varying damage, being more severe down at his hand, and less so the further up the arm it goes, from the elbow up is not burned. When in battle he dawns red, plated armor with various white flaming decals to distinguish himself in battle, his horses armor has matching patterns on its armor to his own.

Personality: Bhaskara is still young and inexperienced, and is thus naive to the worlds ways and lacks knowledge of traditional customs of nations, however he is very eager to learn of the world. He is almost always wearing a smile and is eager to prove his worth to others. He is always ready to lend a helping hand to others in trouble or simply listen if someone just needs to talk. In battle while he still retains his excitable attitude, he is much more serious and won't falter even in the face of dangerous odds. He follows orders to the best of his abilities, but if something seems wrong or out of place he will speak out. His faith in his god is highly important to him, and each night he lights a flame and prays before going to bed.

History: Bhaskara was born in Galynia as a member of the flame tribe, and was a highly curious child as he grew up. He was playful and enjoyed running about and playing like all children do, however he could be rather reckless, and would wind up coming home with bruises and cuts from all the adventures he'd have. Learning of his tribes ideals and culture he would soon wish to show his strength of faith and so at the young and foolishly brave age of 13 he lit a flame in the dead of night alone and placed his left arm within, wishing to show his strength and pledge his loyalty to his god, though in the process, his lower arm, under the elbow, all the way to his hand, he would have offered more but his father caught him doing so and forced him to stop. After a serious scolding and extinguishing the flame, he was taught more of their tribes teachings and specified the proper meanings for their rituals to show why what he did was foolish and irresponsible, even so what was done was done, and Bhaskara would have to live with his decisions, though he didn't regret his choice. For a long time his arm would hurt, and he had difficulty using it, but he endured and learned to push through the pain to use it in his everyday life once more.

Once he was 20 he looked out to the world before him and with the blessings of his parents and a long and heartfelt farewell, with a promise to return one day, he took a horse, a lance, a sword, food and what little money he had, and set off to explore the world. It was during this time of wandering that he worked as a mercenary, and with what income he made he used to take care of himself and create the armor he and his steed wear today. After traveling alone, doing these odd jobs for about a year and three months, he then happened upon the mercenary group known as the Silver Hawks, and immediately wished to join them on the spot. Assigned to be the Signaler of the group, due to his quick steed and nimble movements, he now gets orders around the battlefield from the commander to those who are already moved onto the battlefield. While he is possibly the newest member of the Silver Hawks, he does his best to stand out and works with the vigor of someone with something to prove, he stands at the ready, sword and lance in hand to aid his allies and those in need. And that leads us to now.

Skills: He is rather adept at horseback riding, he is a decent enough cook (though sometimes he uses a little too much spice), his penmanship is exquisite, and he has a deep understanding of how to survive in the wild on his own if need be.

Trivia: Along his back are a few ritualistic markings of his tribe, each carefully hand designed as flames that reach around under his arms before curling up, as one would do to lift someone up from behind. It is a marking meaning, 'if you hold faith, your faith will hold you.'

@dwyer austin

Not bad. Let me see just how many we get before I start promising people to move their sheets to the CS tab, though. Might end up coming down to the wire a little, but I sorta doubt it. Can't hurt to be cautious, though.

[dwyer austin]

<Snipped quote by dwyer austin>

Not bad. Let me see just how many we get before I start promising people to move their sheets to the CS tab, though. Might end up coming down to the wire a little, but I sorta doubt it. Can't hurt to be cautious, though.

@Yam I Am

Sounds good!

[Dark Cloud]

@Lady Lascivious I uh passed that one but I found an image actually.

[Haha]

Uwu

♦ Nerea of Ilpasire ♦

The spider beside her.

- A g e -

Twenty-six

- N a t i o n a l i t y -

Pureblooded Nohrian

- C l a s s -

Dark Knight

- R o l e -

Quartermaster

---

- A p p e a r a n c e -

<sub>The short-statured silhouette stands before you clad in black suede, darksteel, and sheer silk. Her figure is lithe with toned musculature around the arms and legs. She is built like a gymnast, and trained her body to be more suitable for mobility than raw strength. Nerea’s half-lidded gaze is a striking hue of pale yellow. She often stares off into the distance and lets her mind wander, donning a vacant expression on her visage.

Her hair is a shade somewhere between ash blonde, and washed-out lavender. It’s styling might seem unsuitable for combat with its length, braiding, and well-kept nature, but Nerea does have days where she cannot keep up with it and her mood reflects the mess of a mane atop her head. Her skin doesn’t seem to be weathered not conditioned to the outdoors. Her complexion is fair and mostly unblemished, but to a trained eye the scars of warfare can be found mostly near the hands and exposed areas near the torso.

When not in her repertoire of plate and fabrics, she can be found in simple dresses of dark tones. Her favorite is a short royal purple dress that is cut just above the knee, it’s make is of a thin and comfortable woolen textile that seems to hold flecks of reflective material traced throughout. Aside from such showy outfits, she’s also known to wear simple working shirts and roughspun attire meant more so for durability than style. With her role as a quartermaster, she takes pride in making sure that her fellow company men and women are outfitted to the best of her ability — whether they like her or not.</sub>

Warfare Ensemble

- P e r s o n a l i t y -

<sub>Nerea would come off as distant, and a bit cold on first interactions. Conversations are sparse, and should she decide to engage at all — her choice of words may strike nerves. She is also strangely defensive when asked about things involving her personal life, transitioning from aloof and uninvolved into an fully ignited aggression with some topics.

Behind that wall of ice, to the few who can handle the biting cold is a much different exterior. Nerea keeps those whom form strong bonds with her close and defends them and their intentions whether they are right or wrong. Initially she may seem to be uncaring and uninvolved, but the moment a friend is assaulted verbally or otherwise.. a switch flips within the small framed girl. She is loyal to a fault, happily willing to burn alongside those she stands beside just as much as she’d support them in their endeavors.

Lastly, Nerea is a bit deceitful at times. In tandem with the fact that she does not enjoy speaking of herself, the spectral woman is prone to avoiding people who are nosy and will even make efforts to get them to dislike her should she see it necessary.</sub>

- H i s t o r y -

<sub>While her upbringing is a touchy topic, Nerea has no problem speaking of her years of traveling and her eventual arrival at the company. Around a decade ago, Nerea set out from the township of Ilpasire to explore the greater territories outside of Nohr and find what else the word had to offer. She had some martial training with swords and lances before she began her travels, often finding coin in assisting traveling merchants and pilgrims who’d need protection throughout the unmanned territories. Many asked to hire her for services in long term, some even offered to accompany her in her travels — but all of these were turned down with a simple request being ”Should you pass through Ilpasire, offer the inn your coin.”

Her ventures eventually brought her into contact with a number of mercenaries, with each being more colorful than the last. But one that stood out to her more than the rest was Ludwald. A strange willowy man with a strange aesthetic— and seemingly poor luck in the aspect of hairline recession. On first impression Nerea didn’t think much of spectacled man, but after a couple of outings and seeing Ludwald’s capability in combat she would eventually come to respect him enough to join the Silver Hawks. But it would be befriending Berit that fully convinced her to plant her roots in the company, finding someone she could confide in and open up to was nearly impossible as it was.</sub>

---

flAvor

- S k i l l s -

_{➢ Seamstress: Tucked away in her quarters in a small wooden chair, Nerea often sits with thread and needle. There she empties her mind and forgets her troubles by weaving elegant tapestries for herself or other comrades who have need of her skills. Whether it by simple repairs to simple wares, flags, banners, or beautiful flowing dresses, Nerea finds tailoring garb to be second only to spilling the blood of her enemies out on the battlefield.
➢ Haggler: You’d think that someone with such an unlikeable personality and wouldn’t do well with mercantile, but it is very much the opposite. Nerea knows her way around a shopping district and shines when value seems off with a product. Her quietness melts away and an inferno ignites within her, often to a swindler’s dismay.
➢ Vanguard: Nerea is a frontline fighter that thrives in the chaotic dance of blood and steel. Her lack of shield does not stop her from charging forward alongside cavaliers and armored knights alike. Skirmishes upon the frontline are a dance to Nerea, and the joy of combat overtakes her increasingly so the longer it goes on. While some may begin their battles with the surge of adrenaline and a rush to end things quickly and cleanly, the nohrian woman takes her time to find her rhythm in the combat— and upon doing so seems to reinvigorate her with a sort of second wind.
➢ Dark Magic: Hexes and curses are the jelly to her lance’s peanut butter. While Nerea does prefer to be up close and personal with her opponent with her lunging weapon being her primary form of a offense, that does not mean she isn’t opposed to incanting debilitating sorcery upon her opponent to put the odds in her favor. She particularly enjoys spellcraft that slows or disables her opponent to improve her odds of landing gruesome blows at vital locations.}

- T r i v i a -

_{• Judges books by their covers.
• Materialistic to a degree.
• Holds grudges for a long time.
• Enjoys music and dancing.
• Chose to be quartermaster so she could choose what she ate.
• Afraid of horses.}

[Dark Cloud]

I'm either gonna be Nestran or Nohiran; whichever would likely have people in the mercenary trade.

EDIT: Actually he's from Shiva

[Dark Cloud]

Is anyone hellbent on the Tactician role?

[Agunimon]

Very cool. I'm thinking of a wyvern rider, or if that would be too much a warrior. We'll see by Saturday.

Edit: staking a claim on a role of "company cook" as well.