The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

[Letter Bee]

The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

It is the Year 168 of the Fourth Age, and the Empire is a shadow of its former glory. The current Emperor, Titus Mede II, has just ascended the Ruby Throne, yet already, things look dire - Hammerfell, Skyrim, and High Rock are the only provinces loyal to the nation while to the south, the Aldmeri Dominion and its rulers, the Thalmor, plot a grim war to end the worship of Talos, the man who became a God, no matter how many they have to slaughter to do it. In the story we know, they would win the Great War and get everything they wanted, but today, there is still strength and hope.

Realizing the decay and inflexibility of the Imperial Legions to changing circumstances, the Elder Council has authorized a discreet package of reforms to them and the Empire as a whole meant to strengthen not just its armed forces, but the nation's institutions as a whole. These reforms are enforced by the 'Hidden Militia', a covert force recruited from adventurers, mercenaries, and wandering traders whose purpose is to supplement the Blades.

You are one of them, tasked with one of the most important reforms of all - Paving the way for negotiations to recognize the Reach and its inhabitants plus the Wrothgar Mountains, where Orsinium (already a source of Legionnaires) is, as legitimate provinces of the Empire with the full rights of such; this means that they will be legally equal to Hammerfell, High Rock, and Skyrim, albeit with safeguards to make sure that it does not look like the Empire is allowing Daedra-worshippers to have their own provinces that worship the forces of Oblivion openly.

Whether you are Imperial, Nord, Dunmer, or Anti-Thalmor Altmer, you are to make sure this happens. Protect the diplomats trying to make this a reality, discredit dissidents trying to undermine the peace of the Empire by hindering this reform, and above all, screw over the Thalmor and their agents, who are trying to stop you!

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Yes, an RP set in the Elder Scrolls universe a decade or more before Skyrim. You are part of the 'Hidden Militia', a group working for the Elder Council, to strengthen the Empire of Tamriel. You can be from any of the 'accepted' races (the ones in the Skyrim Character Creator), and if you are a veteran RPer who can justify a Snow Elf well, you can try making one. Being a Vampire is forbidden because in TES Lore, Vampires are almost always willing servants of the vilest Daedra, Molag Bal. Werewolves are also not allowed, unless you are a veteran RPer who can write your OC as keeping a secret (your superiors ICly will still have to know about it, though).

Now, the rules!

1.) No godmodding, powerplaying, metagaming, etc.
2.) No getting raunchy with OCs or NPCs under 18, please. With OCs and NPCs above 18, just be careful not to do anything above non-descriptive nudity.
3.) No OOC feuding! If you must argue, be respectful. IC, meanwhile, you can hate each other as much as you like as long as it doesn't seep over to OOC.
4.) Please notify me if you will be gone longer than a few days, I will let you guys know if I will be gone.
5.) Having Necromancy as a Magic is forbidden ICly. If you want it, be prepared to be slaughtered by every other PC if you can't hide it.

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Character Sheet:

Name:
Race: (Nord, Redguard, Imperial, Breton, Orc, Khajit, Altmer, Bosmer, Dunmer, Argonian; no Goblins or Akaviri, while Snow Elves need [i]heavy[/i] justification.)
Appearance:
Age: (Adults are encouraged, for once in my RPs.)
Skills: (Including Magic; Conjuration, Destruction, and Alteration. Necromancy is only allowed if you are willing to be killed by the other PCs.)
Personality:
Bio:

OOC Discussion Discord

[Morgannis]

I'm interested!
Will hopefully have a CS up for you to look over in a few days. :)

[Lunamaria Hawke]

Sylruna Velaryn

Character Sheet

Name: Sylruna Velaryn
Race: Dunmer (Dark Elf)

Appearance:
Sylruna has a youthful and delicate beauty, with smooth, ash-gray skin that glows faintly in moonlight. Her almond-shaped crimson eyes are soft and expressive, giving her a kind and approachable air despite her race's often harsh reputation. Her silvery-white hair is long and braided intricately, falling over her shoulders like a cascade of starlight. She is petite and lithe, standing at 5'3", with a graceful build that belies her strength and agility. Sylruna wears a mix of lightweight leather armor and robes, dyed in shades of midnight blue and crimson, accented with faintly glowing runes.

Age: 24

Skills:

Destruction Magic: Specializes in fire-based spells, with a penchant for creating controlled, dazzling flames to intimidate and disarm foes.
Alteration Magic: Skilled in protective spells like Oakflesh and Stoneflesh, with a budding talent in using Paralysis spells.
Archery: Proficient with a bow, Sylruna uses her sharp eyesight and steady hand to pick off enemies from a distance.
Alchemy: Adept at crafting potions and poisons, she often uses them to enhance her spells or weaponry.
Stealth: Her nimble build and quiet demeanor make her a natural at sneaking and gathering intelligence.

Personality:
Sylruna is warm and compassionate, a rarity among Dunmer, with a genuine desire to help those in need. Despite her gentle nature, she has a fiery determination and a mischievous streak, often finding creative and unorthodox solutions to problems. She is fiercely loyal to her friends and allies but holds a deep-seated mistrust of the Thalmor due to their history with her people. While she strives for diplomacy, her sharp wit and stubbornness can sometimes get her into trouble.

Bio:
Born in a modest household in Blacklight, the capital of Morrowind, Sylruna grew up amidst the rebuilding efforts after the Oblivion Crisis and the eruption of Red Mountain. Her family, traders by profession, instilled in her a deep respect for hard work and resilience. As a child, she showed an unusual affinity for magic, which led her to train under a traveling mage who passed through her town.

When she was 18, Sylruna's life took a turn during a raid by a rogue band of mercenaries. Though her family survived, their home was burned to the ground. This event ignited her desire to protect others from the same suffering and to fight against those who exploit the vulnerable.

Sylruna eventually made her way to Cyrodiil, where her magical prowess and archery skills caught the attention of the Hidden Militia. Drawn by the chance to make a difference, she eagerly accepted the opportunity to join their cause. While she is new to the organization, her idealism and resourcefulness have already made her a promising recruit.

Now, she faces her greatest challenge yet: helping pave the way for peace and unity within the fractured Empire, all while navigating the perils of politics and warfare.

[Alfhedil]

As stated, I am around with my Redguard/Altmer.

[Crimson Flame]

I’ll be an Altmer Mage. Need to find a good FC.

[Letter Bee]

So, we're mostly an Elf (even the Redguard is Half-Elf) party now? Cool. :P

[Crimson Flame]

Elven supremacy!

[Alfhedil]

> Who will save the Empire from these dastardly elves and their plans on domination?
> Entire party of elves standing there nervously

[Letter Bee]

@Lunamaria Hawke, would it be okay if you join the Discord Server, if only to make coordination easier?

Having everyone on Discord or approachable through some other form of Instant Messaging also means that if they are called away, they can just take a few seconds to tell the others why they are disappearing.

[Lunamaria Hawke]

joined!

[Raqueltrper]

I joined the Discord, but I do want to mention my interest here.

Seeing others have picked elves, I am interested in potentially playing a Nord. I happen to love the Elder Scrolls universe, and I happened to make a Nord character a long time ago that I was quite fond of. That being said, the mention of Snow Elves does make me ponder things, and almost makes me want to say "challenge accepted" in trying to create a character...

[Letter Bee]

I joined the Discord, but I do want to mention my interest here.

Seeing others have picked elves, I am interested in potentially playing a Nord. I happen to love the Elder Scrolls universe, and I happened to make a Nord character a long time ago that I was quite fond of. That being said, the mention of Snow Elves does make me ponder things, and almost makes me want to say "challenge accepted" in trying to create a character...

@Raqueltrper

Whether the current trend of making a Mostly-Elven Party continues or not, I'd be happy to have you!

[Randomguy]

Name: Arnvidr Frost-Weaver
Race: Nord
Age: 32

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SKILLS

"Well met, mage of Skyrim. The Nords may have forgotten their forefathers' respect for the Clever Craft, but your comrades throng this hall. Here in Shor's house, we honour it still."

-Tsun, greeting the Last Dragonborn before the Whalebone Bridge of Sovngarde

THE CLEVER MEN

While the modern Nords shun magic, true scholars of Nord’s history would realise that the Nordic culture was one steeped in magical traditions. Look no further than the vaunted Thu’um known better as ‘Shouts’ in the common tongue, which is heavily romanticised by the Nords, within the academic circles of magi, Thu’um is classified as magic. But even were we to look for more traditional magic, the ancient nords practice ‘conventional’ magic, from the times of the Dragon Cults to heroes such as Gauldur to archmagi the likes of Shalidor. There is a reason why even today, traditionally a Jarl’s council holds a seat reserved for court wizards. Indeed, while these practitioners of what was called the Clever Craft—fittingly called the Clever Men’ were not the typical wizards who sat in dusty towers shying away from battle, magic used to hold a respected and important place in Nordic culture. Yet another aspect of Nordic Culture that has been lost to time and cultural assimilation.

-Frost-Weaver, A. (4E 165) Rediscovering the Ancient Nords: Reclaiming the Lost Arcane Heritage of Skyrim. Haafingar, Solitude: Shalidor’s Folio

Destruction - Master
The school of magic which concerns itself with dealing damage to all forms of matter, most commonly by wielding the elements. For the ancient clever man, frost magic is the primary way they practice the Destruction school, as anyone who had gone to ancient Nordic burial sites can attest to, by virtue of facing down draugrs slinging frost spells at them. Arnvidr, following this tradition, specializes in frost magic.

Conjuration - Expert
Sometimes known as the art of summoning creatures and items from another plane. The ancient Nord mage makes great use of conjuration, as evidenced even today by Draugr Scourge who summons frost atronach, to Shalidor who made Conjuration part of the test in Labyrinthian, even before it was acknowledged as a mainstream magic school. Post the Dragon Cults era, aside from summoning daedric creatures, nord mages also bound spectral weapons when they need to get into close combat, for Clever Men might be wielders of magic, but as Nords, their sword-arm is not something to be scoffed at. Arnvidr is able to bind weapons from Oblivion, with a quality comparable to Ebony, able to turn raised creatures and banish summoned Daedra. Although Arnvidr is also capable of summoning daedric creatures, he is only Adept at it and his true skills lie in Necromancy. Necromancy—as evidenced by the draugrs—has been a part of Nordic culture, and though its usage dwindled after the era of the dragon cult, while Nords view necromancy negatively when used on them, if used against one’s enemy, it is a tool to achieve victory, nothing more, nothing less. The College of Winterhold itself does not ban necromancy practices and thus was one of the subjects Arnvidr studied. With the recent Empire-wide ban on necromancy, Arnvidr has stopped using them in compliance, but the skill remains.

Alteration – Expert
The Magical School that ‘deceives’ reality to bring about an alteration of its rules. For the ancient Nord mages, alterations are often used to complement their fighting prowess, by transforming their skin to be as hard as ebony or to conjure a shield, or other defensive utility. Arnvidr focuses on these very aspects, focusing on the battle application of Alteration School rather than its more mundane uses such as mineral transmutation.

Restoration – Adept
Restoration spells heal, restore, and fortify the body's attributes and abilities, cure disease, and protect it from other malign influences. While healing is its primary purpose, as a culture steeped in battle, the Nord magi of old often focused more on using restoration to fortify their body or to protect them in battle by creating wards. Arnvidr is an adequate healer, having skills in restoration in the rank of an apprentice, but he mostly uses them to fortify his body in battle.

Two-Handed – Adept
There is perhaps no image that is seen as the quintessential Nord of a warrior wielding a great axe. From Wulfharth to Ysgramor there are no ends of iconography of Nord heroes depicted with an axe, and thus the axe holds great significance in Nord culture. Even as magi, the Clever Men in old Nord culture were still a warrior, often trained in the use of at least a single weapon. For Arnvidr, that weapon is a great axe.

Enchanting – Expert
One of the two-part duties of the essence of being a Clever Man. In ancient Nord culture, while remarkable warriors in their own right, their real role is to be the one who changes the tide of battle, primarily with their superb craftsmanship of weapons of war. When we are talking of Nord craftsmen, there is, of course, the famed Ahzidal who is said to be the first human who mastered elven enchanting. But even after the Dragon Cult Era, this practice of Nord craftsmen being also master enchanters remains, as seen from the famed Wuuthrad, the axe of Ysgramor, is known to be an enchanted axe from fragments that had been discovered and studied by enchanters. Arnvidr possesses various magical daggers enchanted with various effects for utility use, as well as the ability to create expert-level enchanted items.

Smithing - Expert
The other half of the essence of being a Clever Man. Enchantment is only as good as the durable weapons or armour they are used on, and is enhanced by the inherent quality of the items. Thus, a Clever Man was often both enchanter and smith, typically imbuing the forge with magical properties, such as using fire salts to kindle the flames. Arnvidr is able to work with common materials and exotic ones such as ebony, glass, and moonstone. He carries an Ebony Shield enchanted with the effect of fortifying its wielder’s blocking skill.

Thu’um
The ancient magic art of the Nords, practiced by warriors called the Tongues. Arnvidr had always thought that Thu’um is a vital part of Nordic culture, and Jurgen Windcaller banning its use for battle was what started the downfall of the Nords. Despite the knowledge of shouting having been lost except to the Greybeards, there are enough records of legends describing shouts, as well as some people who at one point learned with the Greybeards but left High Hrothgar. After finishing his apprenticeship in the College of Winterhold, Arnvird dedicated his research to discovering how Thu’um works in the theory of modern magic. He tracked these Ex-Greybeards, poured over records of legend, and scoured Nordic ruins for ancient tomes or other secrets. Eventually, he managed to learn Thu’um on his own and published an academic paper on it.

Available Thu’um: Become Ethereal (2 Word), Ice Form (1 Word), Whirlwind Sprint (1 Word)

PERSONALITY

Arnvidr is someone who can be described as a rather ‘traditional’ or ‘conservative’ Nord, having great regard for Nordic tradition. However, he is also someone who sees the current Nord culture as watered-down Nordic Culture, and that most have no idea about the actual culture of the Nords that has been lost. The culture of the Nord’s golden age. This could range from something that is easily accepted by many Nords, such as restoring the veneration of Shor and the rest of the Nordic pantheon, Kyne instead of Kynareth, and so on. But it could also be something that causes many Nords to raise their eyebrows, for example, Arnvidr sees the Greybeards as a blight on the Nordic culture, stripping away the use of Thu’um from the Nords as how Kyne originally intended them. Though he is rather passionate and opinionated on these topics, rather than a firebrand, he typically discusses them with the calmness of an academic.

BIO

Arnvidr was born in 4E 136 in Winterhold, Skyrim. His father is a local smith and his mother a tavern wench. Though Arnvidr took well to smithing like his father, he was always a curious child, enamoured by the College of Winterhold that was shunned by many in Winterhold after the Great Collapse 14 years earlier. His parents discouraged his wishes to enrol at the college at first, however, after managing to learn some enchanting on his own, Arndvidr enchanted his father’s forge to produce higher quality weapons and armour, along with providing minor enchantments. The enchantments he put on the products his father sold were nowhere close to the quality of enchantment done by the College of Winterhold, but it was cheaper, sold as part of a ‘package deal’ and local nords trusted his father more than the mages of the College. Thus, they were able to attract different sorts of customers than those that came to the College, those that did not need serious enchantment, merely for a bit of utility or novelty, eventually making his family’s shop the most successful smithy in Winterhold.

Arnvidr's parents acknowledged the merit of his enchantments, and when eventually mages from the College came, offering a spot of apprenticeship, they gave their blessing and Arnvidr enrol in the College of Winterhold. In the College, Arnvidr studied magic, focusing on the Destruction school, as well as furthering his study of Enchantment. He graduated from the apprenticeship in 4E 159, before achieving mastery in the Destruction School two years later.

Afterwards, as a senior member of the College, Arnvidr focused his area of research on the ancient Nords and the magic they wield, including Thu’um. It is during the course of his research, delving through ancient tombs, that he picked up some skills in wielding an axe from the mercenaries he hired to protect him. It is also in his research into ancient Nords, that he truly came to appreciate the ‘True’ culture and history of the Nords. In 4E 164, Arnvidr finished his research, culminating in proving his hypothesis of Thu’um being an application of tonal magic principle by learning the Thu’um through the lens of arcane paradigm. His dissertation, ‘Applications of Tonal Magic Principles in Discovering an Arcane Paradigm for the Thu’um: New Evidence from Literature Review and Archeological Findings’ was published as an academic tome, before a year later he published a book under the title of ‘Rediscovering the Ancient Nords: Reclaiming the Lost Arcane Heritage of Skyrim’, more for the cultural zeitgeist, focusing on the lost magical tradition of the Nords he had found over the course of his study.

The book gained him some following and fame, now somewhat known as a battlemage of sorts, who fashioned himself like the ‘Clever Man’ of ancient Nords, in 4E 167, he was approached by an agent of the Imperial Legion, who had been looking for new recruits for a ‘Hiden Militia’ due to rising tension with the Dominion. Not wanting to not be able to walk the talk, Arnvidr accepted. Despite his reservations about the Empire, he did recognize the threat the Aldmeri Dominion posed and believed that currently, a united Empire was for the better.

[Raqueltrper]

Name: Sabrina Coranus

Race: Imperial

Appearance: Sabrina has a somewhat tanned complexion familiar to those of Cyrodilic birth, as well as dark hair. She might be considered by many to be attractive, though she likes to quip that she doesn't consider herself "aggressively so". She has a voluptuous figure which she often keeps under a modest dress.

Age: 23

Skills: Speech - Master | One-Handed - Adept | Sneak - Adept | Lockpicking - Novice | Pickpocket - Novice

Personality: Sabrina is very adept at adjusting the way she needs to address people, thanks to her speaking skills. She can be more blunt and crass when speaking to the lower class, or polite and dignified when speaking to the gentry. That being said, those who know her will understand that she is not of a chameleonic type. Though she can be snarky and sarcastic, it's often meant as a sign of affection towards those she trusts. Although she is able to defend herself, she would much rather use words and wit to get out of a problem than dagger and sword.

Bio: Sabrina was born to a father and mother who were respectively a diplomat in the imperial court and a well-connected merchant. As such, she grew up surrounded by a lot of books, which she began to peruse even at an early age. Her father influenced her love for reading, while her mother began teaching her thriftiness and mercantilism. Her father was eventually disgraced for reasons that not even he was entirely certain of, and the family forced out of the Imperial City with the need to start over. As such, she was forced to learn the use a dagger, as well as the ability to speak to those in the lower echelons of society. Her encounter with folks in darker circles at this time also taught her a few tricks of working a lock and a coin purse alike. These skills she learned more so out of curiosity than a sincere interest, and while she does have some knowledge around it, she didn't pursue it as someone in a thieves guild might.

With her mother's wisdom they eventually made their way back up in society. Sabrina eventually went on to make a name for herself in some merchant circles, as well as assisting her father with some diplomatic tasks. Though her father no longer held a position in the imperial government, he still used his skills for arbitration across Tamriel, dealing with rivalries between noble houses and merchant factions. Sabrina would accompany him and continued to hone her skill with her tongue and coin. Her father's old connections with the old Imperial court, especially those on the Elder Council, eventually led to her being confronted by those who wished to assist with the formation of the "Hidden Militia". Though not as patriotic as some of her brethren, she did, as an Imperial, feel an inner sense of duty, and hence heeded the summons when the Empire called.

[Carantathraiel]

Oh My Gods an elderscrolls roleplay. I am absolutely in. I'll make a CS shortly!

What is the currant ration to male/female characters?
Can't have a whole party with one dude, even if he'd enjoy that immensely.

[Lunamaria Hawke]

currently, it is 3 female characters (me, Alfhedil, and Raqueltrper) and 2 male characters (Randomguy, Andre Valias (in discord))
Morgannis and Crimson Flame have not yet posted their characters, so i don't know if they will be joining (they haven't joined the discord, either)
i don't know what letter bee's character's sex is, as he hasn't posted his character in the discord or here

[Carantathraiel]

@Lunamaria Hawke Many thanks!

[Crimson Flame]

currently, it is 3 females (me, Alfhedil, and Raqueltrper) and 2 males (Randomguy, Andre Valias (in discord))
Morgannis and Crimson Flame have not yet posted their characters, so i don't know if they will be joining (they haven't joined the discord, either)
i don't know what letter bee's character's sex is, as he hasn't posted his character in the discord or here

@Lunamaria Hawke

I’m in the Discord. I just haven’t posted anything lol.

[Letter Bee]

@Raqueltrper, the war has not started yet, it is still hree years before the Great War.

[Raqueltrper]

@Raqueltrper, the war has not started yet, it is still hree years before the Great War.

@Letter Bee

My apologies, my mistake. Easy fix.