[OOC] OAK Order of Arcane Knights.(Open!)

[Warbozz]

"By the powers we hold, it must be our duty and honor to guard innocent life where ever it may be endangered."
-Sir Edward the kind, grand master of arcane knights Order.

The World of Sophitia.

It is claimed that supreme god "Steel" named this world after an mortal woman he fancied, creating an peaceful paradise around her so she might live the best life she could. And that she did. But all mortal life must come to an end eventually. After Sophitia was gone, Steel stopped caring for the world for he saw no value in it anymore.

Without interference the world grew independently into an wild place. New gods moved in and started to guide sentient races in ways that pleased them. Mountains grew to surround fertile lands and ferocious, majestic monsters inhabited these mountains. When it seemed that the world would be extinguished by sword and claw, another god appeared, "Mother," creator of the spark of life. She took pity of those Steel had left behind and revealed to them the great power that flows trough and unto all creation, magic. Now all can feel magic and utilize it in limited ways, and those who are born with special gift "affinity" can seek to hone their abilities much further, to conquer wilds or rule over men with unlimited potential.
Several civilizations have now risen on Sophitia, and at the center of it all rises the kingdom of Silvercliff.
From their magnificent capital rides forth an order of knights that bow to no one, devoted only to eachother,
pursuit of justice and safeguarding of innocent life in a savage world.
They are...

The Order of Arcane Knights!

Their majestic keep is located in the capital of Silvercliff kingdom, from where grandmaster Edward the kind leads an knightly order affiliated with no nation or god. When the order was founded it was from dire necessity, mankind needed warriors like never before to stand against monstrous hordes and the first generation of men and women born with the gift of affinity were reaching maturity. The order taught them how to wield weapons as well as tap to their magical powers. This deadly combination of spellcasting warriors became the first spearhead against the darkness. Now mankind has settled but the eternal battle is never over. The order will always be
needed on Sophitia. And now that it seems the number of those born with affinity for magic is on a steady rise,
grandmaster Edward the kind believes it is crucial to seek, shelter and guide these individuals from all corners
of the world so their abilities will be used to defend innocent life as intended, not to dominate your fellow man.

[Warbozz]

Civilized races of Sophitia

Humans

Children of the creator god Steel. Most rich in number, they inhabit the whole of Sophitia. Humans honor all
of the gods but tend to elevate Steel above the rest as their creator.

Dwarfs

Dour and stout folk of the mountains. From the moment Steel left Sophitia and her inhabitants to their own
devices, Dwarfs have been at an never ending war with hordes of monsters that inhabit the very same mountains
that dwarfs call home. They have an slight disdain of other races who live in relative peace on plains
and forests, however anyone who comes to help them in their eternal conflict, is treated as an trusty
friend regardless of race or religion.
Dwarfs tend to forego the worship of Sophitias gods and instead revere their own ancestors and forges
where their mighty arms and armors are masterfully crafted.

Elves

Forest folk, children of "Mother" goddes of life and magick. Relatively young race on Sophitia. Extremely
long lived and keen sensed. There are rumours that elves actually came to Sophitia from stars
following their main deity, Mother, no elf has ever confirmed these rumors.
Being creations of Mother, the gift of magical affinity is quite common among their number.

Beast races

There are several bipedal races upon Sophitia that have characteristics of animals, with felines and canines being
the most common of these. These elusive folk rarely leave their eastern kingdom of Li Lian without an reason
of extreme importance.
They revere the goddes "Vine" above all else.

Monster born

No one knows how these tall, muscular, brutish humanoids came to be. Very rarely one of monster born decide
to leave their secluded tribes and wander unto lands of men, seeking an better life, and even more rarely
do they find it. There is still widespread paranoia that monster born are all spies from real monsters up on the mountains, and their intimidating strength, sharp tusked teeth and short tempers have done very little to convince anyone otherwise.
They blend ancestor worship and simple shamanistic beliefs into their own form of religion. They also believe that hunting real monsters will one day earn them a god patron of their own, and thus a rightful place upon
Sophitia.

Monsters on the mountains

Common Orc

Good way to understand the nature of mountainborn monsters is to look at the most numerous and arguably the most successful one. Orc´s come in many shapes and forms, like an twisted and feral version of the civilized beast races. Their limited intelligence seems only able to grasp concepts of violence and primal tribe behavior. What they lack in mental capabilities they more than make up for in brutality and relentless pursuit to end civilized life. Thus far all attempts at negotiations have failed, with violent results.
-Do not engage without at least proper weapons training, and equipment!-

Wild Golems

Adhering to elements that birthed them. Their appearance and type varies greatly but most of these durable creatures have been described as unstoppable metallic terrors. Not much is known if they are actually constructs or an race of creatures themselves. Only sure thing is that when a number of then sally forth from the mountains, loss of life is guaranteed.
-Do not engage without affinity powers or heavy magitech!-

Chieftain

These hulking horrors are seen leading monster hordes when they reach headcount of hundred or more. While lacking in more sophisticated tactics they seem to excel in setting ambushes and driving opposing forces into unwise battles of attrition. As combatants themselves their raw strength leaves armored men in ruined piles by the dozen. Wildly swinging heavy greatweapons as tall as they themselves, Chieftain in combat is carnage made flesh
-do not engage without several casters backing you up-

Brutes

Brutes or giant folk are heavy hitters of mosters, greedy, lustful and violent beyond measure. These horrors mostly prefer solitary style personal war against civilized races. World of Sophitia hasn´t thankfully seen an united warforce of brute folk yet, and those who have seen how these monsters rampage trough their enemies are glad that its so.
-do not engage without affinity or several magitech fighters-

Hell hound

Clad in armor of sharp edges. These monstrous creatures can grow to size of horses, guided ever forward by the scent of prey. Sometimes appear as mounts for great orc tribal leaders. Extremely strong and ferocious, close combat with an hell hound rarely ends well for its opponents.
-do not engage without proper training and equipment!-

Under Lord

Not seen in Sophitia for a long time, these terrifying creatures led the massive monster armies that sallied forth from mountains when they first erupted from ground. They seem to posses knowledge of magic and wield this twisted version of Mothers gift to sear flesh from bone and engulf earth itself in unholy flame. Only two of these malign beings have been known to fall in combat, to order of arcane knights first grandmaster and his closest lieutenant.
-consider tactical withdrawal-

[Warbozz]

You are to become an initiate in the order of arcane knights!

Character sheet

Name:

Gender:

Race:

Age:

Title/Nickname:

Kingdom of birth: Where are you from? or are you an traveler born?

Worship: is your character an religious knight? If so, which god you elevate above the rest?

Appearance: what your character looks like? Pics allowed and even endorsed, no irl photos!

Magical affinity: 1-2 essences of magic that you feel most strongly drawn to. Magics cast from other essences are considerably weaker.

Skills: What is your character good at? put weapons and military training here if any.

Equipment: Tools to conquer an savage world. Put enchanted magitech here if you have any.

Favorite spells: Put some examples on How your character utilizes his affinities in combat.(You can always modify this later)

Character backround history: Who are you? Where did you come from? How did you came to join the order?

By my knighthood I swear: Just write "I SWEAR" in here to symbolize you agree to play nice with others and follow rulings set by GM.

[Warbozz]

Nature of magic on Sophitia

Knowledge of magic came to sentient races from the goddes Mother. It is the force that moves everything and gives gods their power. That is raw magic and WAY beyond capabilities of mortals. That is why Mother taught mortal races about essences of magic, it is an way to tap only to an specific source of magical might and project its might into new form or break it down for devastating effect. Those who are born with the magical gift of "affinity" are drawn to these essences, while it is possible to cast magic of all the essences they are never as strong as the ones randomness of birth gave to you, to research, master and dominate. Most magic users can only master one essence, those with great destinies ahead of them are born with two. There are also tales about heroes of old who could master four or more! That is however unlikely as tapping to more and more essence comes ever closer to godly power of raw magic, Those who attempt to master that forbidden power are usually disintegrated in seconds or driven to deep insanity by witnessing the great machine of universal causality...



Casting spells:
Those with affinities can cast spells. They are cast by tapping into the very idea behind an essence and is
conjured forward by the rules of universe. made no sense? It will in time. Basically you are free to take
the essence and do what you will with it, get creative! Still there are limitations,
Regular affinity born with hefty battle experience can cast from his favored essence several times hourly
This uses casters strength eventually and they get fatigued the more they cast. In the order of arcane knights it is encouraged to invent creative uses for your essence so you can press the advantage and win the day with martial prowess, as endless casting is tiring and eventually davastating for the casters own body.
example of casting and limitations, common use of fire essence is creating an ball of fire on your hand and hurling it at the enemy, or igniting things with your touch, there exist no arcane casters that can simply ignite the air or entire cities... yet...

Essences:
Here are the most common essences those born with affinity are drawn to, there are also countless legends
of rare essences that only one affinity born will master in entire history of Sophitia.

Fire

Fire is scalding raw power and gentle heat.
Fire essence is mostly used to cast spells of destructive nature and enchant weapons and armor.

Ice

Ice is chilling power of stillnes. It is the slow, numbing end of resistance.
Used to entrap, impale and freeze. also to cool drinks if youre inventive.

Stone

Stone is shelter and eternity, it is the weight of mountain on your enemies.
Used to harden weapons and armor. gain the momentum of avalanches or poise of mountains.

Wind

Wind is playful gust and the roaring storm.
Used normally to quicken own or hinder foes movements. masters of the essence seem to fly across battlefields like valkyries.

Lightning

Lightning is pure power of angry deities. Sudden end of things.
Used to electrify surfaces and call powerful bolts from the skies. masterful control of this power
can devastate battalions.

Water

Water is the running river and the unfathomable ocean deep.
Water is mysterious in its use, it can drown or float. It can give life to decrepid and extinguish.

Shadow

Shadow is whispers in the night, sudden touch and an assassins dagger.
Shadow essence has an naturally bad reputation for its use hides the caster and carries
its user on shadowy wings to strike from unexpected angles. However no power is evil in itself, its
the purposes its used for.

Sand

Sand is time and ravaging erosion. Hot and dry lifeless thing.
Sand is used for dissolution into smaller particles. The more sadistic
create storms of the stuff to strip flesh from bone.

Sun

Sun is light and heat. It is the blind healer.
Uses of sun essence are vast, from bursts of light and heat to lifegiving luminence.

Wood

Wood is thorns and poison, it is the peaceful meadow.
Used to hardening effects as well as to heal, more inventive can create near endless hails
of wooden bolts to pierce their enemies.

Metal

Metal is heat of forge, cold sharp edge of mastercraft spear.
Metal is used as propably the strongest of hardening type essences.
masters can make metal run and melt in their presence.

[Warbozz]

Rise of the magitech!

While most were happy and content with the gift of affinity, some were of the mind that it was not enough to tame this savage world. Magitech began when an brilliant dwarf married an brilliant elf and they combined their minds to bring magic to common folk. Results were masterful weapons and armor created by the dwarf powered by magic imbued stones made with elves affinity by blending stone and sun essence
These arms and armor functioned exactly as enchanted by an caster but they could be worn by anyone. The process of production was however time consuming and difficult. Even after sharing their methods no one could make large enough of an production to arm entire armies this way so they remained expensive possessions. Some also disliked how they lacked the flexibility of an real caster who could conjure his essence in many ways while magitech only did one set thing. However. Seeing folding, steaming greatswords that never lost their edge or flame, even some affinity born were jealous of the technology that had taken its first steps in Sophitia. Even arcane knights know an useful tool when they see one, as magitech has the added value of not draining its power from the caster itself.

[Warbozz]

Civilizations of Sophitia

Four major kingdoms make for Sophitias landscape, separated and surrounded by monster filled mountains and dark forests. None of these kingdoms have had the time to wage open war with one another yet, but with peace from monsters achieved for the most part, man has once again begun to turn on man.

Kingdom of Silvercliff

Thriving kingdom located in the vast fertile plains of central Sophitia. Utilizing its position as an trading hub between other kingdoms Silvercliff is rightly known for its thriving markets and large armies with much magitech weaponry. More commonly known nowdays for being the home city to order of arcane knights. It is an well known that tension is building between the king and grandmaster Edward as knights have chosen to remain neutral so they can move freely within and beyond all kingdoms. To keep this privilege, now and again
the order is honor bound to assist with matters, heavy laden with political undertones for the Silvercliff crown.

Sayings from Silvercliff:
"Bah! who needs magitech when we got the order!"
"Where else than in Silvercliff can you dress in Li Lian silk, drink mead from Jarl Tundra and get stabbed by an Al Zidoan spy all in one hours time?"

Li Lian

Located far to the south, an verdant land of jade forests and sapphire rivers. Its not like Li Lian is removed from Sophitias worries but it must seem like that to an in lander. Home to most rampart worship of the goddess Vine. Also hosts the largest population of beast races on Sophitia, consisted mostly of feline folk. Their trade of exotic materials and silk has made them wealthy indeed.

Sayings from Li Lian:
"You´d make an great silk farmer"(Actually an insult)
"We have superior style and superior affinity, why should I pay toll to enter your kingdom, you should pay me!"

Jarl tundra

When you think of the north you think mountains, while infact most of the northern parts of Sophitia are windy lifeless tundras as far as the eye can see, still largest mountains in the world take up an part of north where you can hear the bellowing of ice giants for miles around them. Jarl tundras aren´t an actual kingdom like the other three civilizations but an alliance of clans who answer only to their joined clan council, assembled during times of dire need.

Sayings from Jarl tundra:
"May the cold wind bring you home"
"Wanna stop by the longhouse?"(You might regret in the morning)

Al Zidoa

Mostly barren desert land to the west. Al Zidoans are known to be three things: Reclusive, amazing warriors and fanatical followers of the god "Sand." Al Zidoan sultanate has recently made moves to approach Silvercliff court with proposals of an marriage for alliance. While the motives of these mysterious people are questioned it is an fact that an alliance between these nations would benefit both parties immensely and give mankind an even better position against the onslaught of mountain monsters.

Sayings from Al Zidoa:
"Sand take you!"(Prepare to defend your life)
"Have you seen what they tax us to get our carpets on Silvercliff markets? To think that they dare call us thieves."

Wild and old places

Moster spawning mountains

Found all across Sophitia. It is said that god Steels abandonment of this world invited in a dark and ancient deity of unknown origin, whose singular purpose is to crush civilization and bring about an age of villainy. While that is uncertain, one thing is known, monsters come from these mountains in seemingly endless supply. While it is possible to build settlements in mountainous regions they risk an violent end every single day. Those with affinity feel the destructive power of raw magic dancing in the mountain wind...

Ancient woods

From time immemorial man has feared the woods, for these are the domain of goddess Vine, only her loved beast folk find any refuge here and even they know to avoid certain more ancient places. At times, mountain monsters make their lairs in woods, and promptly flee in terror from unknown reasons soon after. It is rumored that Vine has her own horde of monstrous forest creatures hidden within the glades, preparing to bring about her empire of green. These tall tales remain unconfirmed...

[Eisenhorn]

Alrighty, getting onto a CS now, it all looks like good stuff to work from.

[AgentFallenSoul]

Is this still open????

[Onarax]

Hoping to have a CS up soon.

[BR8K]

If this is open to new players I'd love to apply! Will be able to have a CS up by tonight!

[Damiann47]

I'm in, just be working on a CS but it won't be done for quite a while.

[Warbozz]

Gods that reside on Sophitia

On such a young world that still is heavily influenced by its creators, is it an wonder that religion serves an abnormally large part in Sophitias culture. Here are the main deities whose gazes have turned on young knights about to enter into service of the order.

Mother

Mother is depicted in her followers amulets as an young woman, half her face crying, half in a joyous smile. She is the goddess that is said to have created all sentient living things. Also Mother was the one who took pity on suffering upon Sophitia and granted the gift of magic upon mortals.
Her followers are bid to show compassion to living things as long as it doesn´t put other lives at risk.
They are also bid to use their affinity powers only to protect.
Those who break her commandments are expected to retire to an life of continuous praying and solitude until head matron of the church forgives them.

Steel

Steel is the supreme god, the creator, the great traitor. In all his power he succumbed to an broken heart and left the world he had created to fend for its own. It is said that this is why mountains rose to cover edges of the world and monsters started to rampage trough the fertile plains Steel had so carefully protected. He is still revered as the creator of planet Sophitia in all its splendor and also regarded to creating human race. He is depicted as an old warrior in plate armor, cosmical aura around him.
His more devout followers are expected to defend his domain to their last breath until his return.
Less devout are directed to do so in varying degrees from ones own home to an large piece of farmland.
Should an devout of Steel fail in this task, they are expected to travel towards monster spawning mountains and fight mankinds enemies until they fall.

Vine

Vine is the goddess of forests, revenge and wrath of nature. She is depicted as an masked woman with hair like bramble and thorn. Her wish is to see Sophitia covered in forests. Her followers are naturally forbidden to carve more from forests than space for an small village. They are to fear and respect creatures that reside within dark woods and avoid travelling forests at night time. They are also expected to not leave an single act of betrayal go unpunished.
Failing to follow her commandments means you have to go plant trees, number is equal to the gravity of offense, and each of these trees must be fed several drops of offenders own blood so they grow strong.

Sand

Sand is depicted as an golden scorpion flying on a sandstorm. To his devout followers Sand is everything, he is the metal in your saber, he is the life giving oasis and relentless sun. He is also Al Zidoas god of death, steady erosion to nothingness symbolizing natural causes and violent sandstorm that rips men to shreds, symbolizing sudden death of murder and battle. Sand is hardly an harmonious god, he desires an empire of desert as far as the eye can see. He expects extreme strength and resilience of his followers, also his followers are expected to obey his orders and orders of his high priests unconditionally. Failing to comply leads to an pilgrimage to the deserts. Offenders are expected to survive for seven days and seven nights with only what desert has to offer them. Considering all the ferocious wild beasts and sudden, deadly sandstorms of Al Zidoa, not many get an second chance with Sand.

Wind

God of travelers, messengers and protector of fools. Wind is depicted as either an giant bird or sealed scroll with wings and eyes. Moved into the world of Sophitia following Mother who he is very affectionate towards. His followers are expected to laugh, sing, drink and travel, never turning from adventure. Very few know how to break his commandments but those who do, are expected to take on journey of Wind! Demanding experience lasting an whole year where the offending party is expected to make comprehensive maps of twelve unknown parts of Sophitia and never sleep more than two nights in one place.

Roar

Roar is the newest god upon Sophitia, attracted by the violence brought by mountain monsters. He has come to bless and judge warriors of these lands. He is depicted as an heavily armored wolf or bear. His followers are yet few, only the strongest are welcome to the priesthood of Roar, they are expected to spill their enemies blood every week in the least amount of devotion. Those who fail in this are bid to seek his secluded shrines in the Jarl tundras, don the red armor found in these places and travel the world, fighting, until they meet an warrior strong enough to end them.

[Warbozz]

Is this still open????

@AgentFallenSoul

Sure is!

Jeez that was a lot of writing, adding more deities and magical essence later. Also If you guys have any questions please ask! Im always up for PM discussions also.

[Bonjour xx]

Right, save me a spot. I'll have my CS up tomorrow afternoon/evening.

[Warbozz]

Right, save me a spot. I'll have my CS up tomorrow afternoon/evening.

@Bonjour xx

Sure thing!

[The Narrator]

CS is up! Any suggestions or criticisms?

[Warbozz]

CS is up! Any suggestions or criticisms?

@The Narrator

I love it! everything seems legit to me.

[Mr_pink]

Very interested, will get a skeleton CS up now and will probs finish it tomorrow.

[BR8K]

Also have a sheet posted, lemme know if it needs any tweaks!

[Warbozz]

Also have a sheet posted, lemme know if it needs any tweaks!

@BR8K

Seems good, I like the gauntlets, nice touch!