[OOC] Darkness and Light

[IcePezz]

Sorry it took me all day. Was brought in as a padawan today, and had a great light Saber duel!

[Firetiger3]

*inserts self back into the RP*

[Cultural Titan]

@Firetigress3

Just when I thought I knew who all the players in this encounter were the tables get completely flipped on me. Still need to read your posts though.

[Cultural Titan]

so overall that doesn't make things change too much. need to get MAkrin to make a god damn post but I an torture him about that tomorrow. For now I shall sleep and await Absolis's attempts to keep Adria alive.

[Absolis]

Alright. I have posted @frengo@cultural titan@icepezz suffice to say, I think adria might have been able to get out of it herself, but the arrows and sudden charge of knights definitely helped. Hopefully.

[Frengo]

@Absolis These sound traps you speak of, how long do they last? Will the rangers and knights accidentally run into them? Can they be resisted?

@Firetigress3 Pardon me saying, but your character sounds like he's a bit of a dodgy fellah. An Elf with a taste for power, blackjack and hookers. Three generations of Royalty? He's going to be rather well known then, as well as his exploits. I'm sure Kalar will begrudge him thoroughly.

He could have at least brought more than himself and Mr. Brom to the battle!

@Cultural Titan You're up buddy, let me know what your banditos and tacos are doing about the craziest day of their lives.

Good posts everyone, I'm glad we've been able to keep this RP alive and well despite a few mysterious disappearances and possible kidnappings.

[Frengo]

Meanwhile, in the south of the Kingdom...

High King Galather Whiteguard

Name: High King Galather Whiteguard

Appearance: Galather is tall for his race, with a very slender build. His arms and legs, though thin and fragile in girth, are extensively toned and possess no blemishes. His skin is the color of a pale morning sky, and his long golden hair shines as bright as burnished steel. He has a long, sharp nose, and an angular jaw; his grey eyes are slanted and narrow. No wrinkles or other sign of aging marr his appearance, much like most of his kin. Two pointed ears, approximately six inches in length, stick up vertically either side of his head.

He wears a light suit of mithril chainmail, which gleams fantastically no matter how obscured the sun may be, and gives him an ominous blue glow at night. A blue silken cloak with silver trim envelopes his form, obscuring his armaments and hands from view. A plain circlet, forged from dragon bone, rests carefully on his scalp.

Age: 4000 years, estimated.

Gender: Male

Race: High Elf, Silverspirian Breed.

Race Description

The High Elves are smaller in stature than men, but are nimble and quick on their feet. They are skilled warriors, but reclusive diplomats. Also, sorry for stealing Warhammer's appearance - I couldn't find anything better.

The High Elves of Silverspire are an offshoot from their much older, and more established kin. They first came into existence during the Great Fall, when Elvendom was sacked by the forces of darkness over a thousand years ago, causing a mass migration of the Elderborn. The High Elves fractured into several warring tribes, and with the legions of darkness close on their heels, they were scattered to the wind.

One band settled in the forested realm that is now known as Silverspire, and under the guidance of their reclusive king, Galather Whiteguard, they have kept themselves safe and secure in their forested bastions. In recent years however, having regained their strength, they have sought out diplomacy with the city of Oakoarth. A firm alliance has existed between the two political entities ever since, and trade is flourishing; however, the High King is reluctant to fully align himself with the wider human kingdom.

They specialize in the use of White Magic (detailed below), though only a tenth of the population is blessed with any real talent in its use. This has allowed for Silverspirian Mages to augment the kingdom's technological and military might.

The High King is considered the most gifted of all spellcasters in the Kingdom, and the average Silverspirian mage weighs in at around half his ability.

Side: Light

Weapons(s):

Elvendom's Wrath

The High King carries a halberd, a weapon of ancient origins and ancient powers. In appearnce, it is six feet long and made of solid gold; an emrald blade and spike form the weapon's fighting edge. Though it looks fragile, and merely a ceremonial trinket, Elvendom's Wrath is unbreakable by common means, and will cut through most non-enchanted armours with ease.

The real power behind Elvendom's Wrath however, is its ability to absorb hostile offensive spells of most Schools, and return them to the original caster with even more strength. This works with low to moderate spells, but it will not work against something more devastating. Instead, Elvendom's Wrath will simply absorb the spell and shatter, if it is unable to deflect it.

My Hider

Examples: If a mage was to shoot a fireball at the High King, he could block it with Elvendom's Wrath, and send it back in the mage's direction. The fireball would be burning brighter, and be more destructive than its original form.

It was forged by Taran'dol, the Elven smith that rose to prominence shortly before the Great Fall of Elvendom. His gift in weapon craft allowed him to develop the means the Elves desperately needed to turn the tide of battle against the endless legions of the Darkness. Once, hundreds of such halberds were wielded by the mightiest of Elves, but it is now believed that the Elvendom's Wrath is all that remains of such an armory.

Abilities/Powers:

High Elven - Possesses enhanced senses, such as better sight, hearing, taste and smell than an average human.

White Magic - Can call upon his life force and manifest it into arcane magic, allowing him to shoot magical bolts at his enemy, create force fields around himself and his peers and to summon beings of arcane origin to assist him. However, the greater the spell, the greater the toll taken on his life force; therefore, if he were to cast a powerful offensive or defensive spell, it would severely weaken his physical strength.

The time taken to recover from White Magic depends entirely on the strength of the spells used, and how often he used them. It is perfectly possible for him to accidentally kill himself if he gets carried away, although obviously he is more than aware of the risks, and often "calls it a day" once he senses his strength fading.

If he was to go "all out", it would take him days to recover, during which time he would be extremely vulnerable.

To give an idea of his magical strength, he could smash a formation of a hundred men and still have enough left in him to fight off moderate combatants. He could smash a formation of two hundred men, and collapse shortly after. So he's big and tough, but not unstoppable.

A Long Life - The High King is ancient, and with such a long and colorful life, comes experience in all things. Like many of his kind, he is an expert combatant with heightened reflexes. This wealth of experience allows him to outperform mortals in most things, but he is still restrained by the limitations of his body. In short, if a 1000 year old Galather went to battle with a 2000 year old Galather, the older one would likely win through experience and practice alone.

Talent(s): Legendary Fighter - Even among Elfkind, Galather is a fighter without equal. It would take gifted and equally skilled combatants to take him head on in a duel.

Personality: Galather is a kind Elf, full of compassion but he is marred by sorrow. The memories of his people's fall, the length of his life, the struggle he has constantly been going through to safeguard Silverspire's rise have all taken their toll. He could be described as "tired" at best, and "depressed" at worst.

Biography: When Elvendom was torn apart by the legions of Darkness, over a milienia ago, Galather was the first Elf Lord to disobey the High King and lead his people in retreat. Though this was a matter of treason and the utmost dishonesty on his part, his actions caused a rift between the Crown and its servants which possibly saved the entire High Elven race.

Other Elf Lords soon followed Galather's example, and Elvendom was abandoned to its fate. By this time, the armies of the Elderborn were all but shattered, and continued resistance was a futile effort. Galather realized more than anyone that the High Elves needed to retreat and recompose themselves into a renewed fighting force; however, this part of his plan was thwarted by infighting between himself and the other Elf Lords.

Instead, the High Elves became fractured, and split into minor factions. They fled to all corners of the globe, where they settled down into their various enclaves.

Galather led his peoples to Silverspire, and quickly established a foothold in the forested area. There, he and his kin stayed low, keeping themselves hidden from the roaming armies of darkness, and left the mortals to handle a war that the High Elves had already lost.

For a thousand years, Galather carefully nurtured the resurgence of his people. Mortals were often turned away from Silverspire, and sometimes, they were outright killed if it was believed they posed a risk. However, despite a few minor skirmishes with the neighbouring human kingdom throughout the centuries, Elf and Man have existed in relative peace.

The humans respected the Elves' wish to be left alone, and the Elves respected the humans' rights to the world at large.

However, Silverspire has now become an emerging power. A population of a few hundred has transformed into a population of tens of thousands; the High Elves are set for a cautious return to the world.

A few years ago, the High King sent delegations to Oakoarth to open diplomatic ties with the human kingdom. Trade has flourished between the city and Silverspire ever since, however Galather has so far declined any further interactions. He is cautious, and does not want to get too deeply involved with the mortals, for he sees them as unpredictable at best, and dangerous at worst. Still, Silverspire cannot continue to progress without outside interactions, and so for now he tolerates the existing trade agreements.

This however, is all about to change...

Extras:

Can I keep him? Please? PRETTY PLEASE!? You know I wont ruin anything; I'd just like to be able to write more when Kalar's waiting for y'all responses. This RP has become my passion, kinda.

And hey, if someone wants to come with me, there's plenty to be going on.

If accepted, I'll hash out my plans with Titan to ensure nothing breaks.

EDIT: Sorry, I know this is all terribly forwards of me, and the introduction of another potentially major faction may complicate things. Therefore I fully respect Titan's refusal to accept the High Elves into existence. I enjoyed writing it all, to be honest, and it's good practice for me, so no hard feelings :)

I'm also more than open to dampening them down into something less dramatic, and White Magic can be revisited if needed. I'm still determining how strong the Mages might be, though I plan for the High King to be the pinnacle of the Kingdom's magical strengths.

[IcePezz]

Hmmmmmmm .... I always hated elves, and high elves were always so snooty :p. I played a half high elf once though, that was fun. Not sure what role I could take on, but I'm game if Titan allows it.

[Cultural Titan]

@Absolis

Well, we'll see. I want to try and get Markrin to post before me, but we shall see if that takes too long for my liking or what. Then I'll think about how to best kill you and drape your pelt over the fire =P

@Frengo

Might need @Firetigress3 approval on what elves are like. Wouldn't want there to be disagreements, so if there's a problem between the two of your perceptions work it out. You halberd seems to be a much worse version of the Sword of Celakor and you may desire something more unique. Depending on how aging works 20 year old Galather may be more like an infant than a young man.
Not sure on how to incorporate him into the story, but I assume you have ideas so I can accept him if Firetigress3 has no issues with your lore on elves.

[Frengo]

Hmmmmmmm .... I always hated elves, and high elves were always so snooty :p. I played a half high elf once though, that was fun. Not sure what role I could take on, but I'm game if Titan allows it.

@IcePezz

Yeah I never play as them, but Firetigress3's character pointed out to me that Silverspire hasn't got any lore going on... so I started writing some lore for it, gave up, and made a fully fledged character instead. Oups.

I mean, an Elven Kingdom in the south should hold some significance to the overarching plot, right? The Crown is going to need allies, and who better than a bunch of snobby and reclusive High Elves?

Also, Shadowsong Forest looks like the perfect place to establish some kind of evil presence, such as giant spiders or evil sock puppets running rampant.

And hey, if you don't like Elves, I'm sure there's room for a "human ambassador", who could play an extremely important part. You know, a human that has been allowed to live with the Elves, and who handles their diplomacy with Oakoarth so that they don't have to meet the mortals face to face. I unno, just brainstorming, but we could figure something out no problem.

EDIT:

@Cultural Titan Yeah, when I think Elves I always think traditional LOTR versions. You know, the ones that liver forever and that mature quickly. To make things easier, I'll base the High Elves more along the lines of what Firetigress3 has written... just real slowly aging humans, from what I gather. Though I better await some confirmation.

Might need to make the High King older too.

As for his weapon... yeah I forgot you still used my sword. The "magical cut through normal stuff" weapon is my go-to-choice, so I'll revisit that and make something else.

As for their entry into the RP, I've got a beautiful idea that should work a treat, but I'll talk to you more about it once I've worked all the creases out of the sheet.

SECOND EDIT: Huh, looks like LOTR Elves reach maturity after 150 years. Shows what I know.

[IcePezz]

I always looked at elves in a d&d fashion. Which I don't think is -that- different :p

[Frengo]

I always looked at elves in a d&d fashion. Which I don't think is -that- different :p

@IcePezz

Yeah, they're the ones that mature quickly (physically at 25 years, mentally at 125, apparently), but they only live for a few centuries. Other than that, they're pretty much the same. Graceful, beautiful and seemingly arrogant towards lesser-spanned races. Blah blah blah.

[IcePezz]

@Frengo hehe I prefer a bit more meat on my characters :p

But let's see what I can come up with once all is set :)

[Firetiger3]

@Firetigress3 Pardon me saying, but your character sounds like he's a bit of a dodgy fellah. An Elf with a taste for power, blackjack and hookers. Three generations of Royalty? He's going to be rather well known then, as well as his exploits. I'm sure Kalar will begrudge him thoroughly.

He could have at least brought more than himself and Mr. Brom to the battle!

@Frengo

Oh, hey, no worries, he's super sketchy. I mean, he's tryna keep up an act, but hey, who are we kidding here?

Might need @Firetigress3 approval on what elves are like. Wouldn't want there to be disagreements, so if there's a problem between the two of your perceptions work it out. You halberd seems to be a much worse version of the Sword of Celakor and you may desire something more unique. Depending on how aging works 20 year old Galather may be more like an infant than a young man.
Not sure on how to incorporate him into the story, but I assume you have ideas so I can accept him if Firetigress3 has no issues with your lore on elves.

@Cultural Titan

I have no problems, I'm sure there can probably be different races of elves, if need be. Though that's not really up to me, of course.

I'm just a little confused, though. All elves aren't High Elves, right? Also, I know that Silverspire is supposed to be the home of the elves, but I'm assuming that several factions can live there. Khyssoun's not a High Elf, but he's from a small tribe in the forest, not a large one. So as long as, say, several factions can be in the forest at once, then I really have no problems.

Also, as with aging. Khyssoun's about half of Galather's age, and I made Khyssoun around 32, is that going to work for you?

[Frengo]

@Firetigress3 I think having the differing races of Elves would be the way to go; the High Elves I've written about are directly descended/survivors of Elvendom (a name I decided to give whatever great nation the Elves had many centuries ago), and could be said to be "pure breed". That is to say, they differ slightly from their other kin, in that they are immortal - or live much longer than lesser breeds. That would make things more in line with my thinking, but I'd have to consult Titan for his opinion.

So getting onto Kyssoun's tribe and his origins, let's look at what you've put:

"Khyssoun was born in the forest to two mid-ranking elves of the Syranthr Tribe in the local forests. It wasn't a large tribe, but they managed well on their own without relying too much on the help of outsiders. They were skilled at farming and traded with the humans for clothes and other supplies they needed, depending on the season. He helped in the field, and when he wasn't, he attended a rag-tag "school" led by a well-traveled elf. Otherwise, he would train with some of the village elders in the healing arts."

I took this to mean that his tribe was small, and could have existed in any of the woodland areas across the Kingdom (or even off the map, for all that is mentioned). I guessed from this that you meant he was possibly a Wood Elf, or just an ordinary Elf. It could be argued therefore, that his peoples are descended from other survivors from The Great Fall, and have simply chosen to stay clear of Silverspire... or perhaps they had nothing to do with Elvendom, and are an entirely different sub-species altogether that have lived on their land for generations.

Silverspire is an actual Kingdom, a coherent political body with a history of isolation. I decided to make them High Elves because it left room for your Elf, should he ever seek to rediscover his heritage, to elaborate more/invent his own sub race. I thought it might make for an interesting interaction, if the High Elves were to bump into them or if they tried to "bring them back into the fold". I think Khyssoun would hate them personally, for he seems fully indulged in mortal pleasures.

Anywho, with all that said, if Khyssoun's tribe have indeed originated from Silverspire, then that's fine, and we can ignore the whole High Elf suggestion. You were there first, and I'm certainly not going to go stomping on anyone's feet.

Hey, if this idea doesn't go through, there's plenty of other ideas I can pursue - but I do have my heart set on creating a second character, so that I have something to do when Kalar is waiting his turn.

[Frengo]

Alright, having thought about it, I think I'm going to drop the High Elf idea. It was only going to complicate things, and I feel bad for enforcing my will on others.

If anyone wants to take anything from what I've written for the High Elves, then they are free to indulge themselves.

So here's my second character. He's a nobody, but I should be able to use him to go on some adventures.

Oglaff the Mighty

Oglaff the Mighty

Appearance: Oglaff is seven feet tall, and a walking mountain of muscle. Scars and enlarged veins sprawl across his entire body to form the kind of grizzly masterpiece one can only craft with a long life spent in hardship and war. His skin is tanned, but weather beaten and almost scaly in appearance - telling onlookers that this man is no stranger to bearing the elements.

Rustled grey hair runs in thick strands from his scalp, and stretches across his shoulders. A beard, patchy in places where scar tissue has formed, blotches out the southern half of his face, and is longest around his chin. Cracked lips, and crooked white teeth (not all of which are there!) protrude from this hairy, scarred mass. Two menacing eyes of pale blue display constant scorn.

Age: 62

Gender: Male

Race: Human, Barbarian.

Race Description: Oglaff's people are a hardy race of barbarians, from across the great seas. They are physically imposing specimens, but hold no genetic advantage over other menfolk beyond a hardiness against the elements.

He wears little clothing, besides a leather groin covering (to hide his modesty from the womenfolk), and some robust marching boots. A thick but worn woolen green cloak is chained around his neck, and covers his back entirely.

Side: Neutral, Glory Seeker.

Weapons(s): Oglaff carries a giant bastard sword, named Widow Maker, and has a couple of throwing axes hooked around his belt. None of his weapons boast any particular unique qualities, but should an onlooker treat the man to a bucket of ale, then he'd be glad to give them an in depth account of Widow Maker's proud history.

Abilities/Powers: Berserker Strength - Oglaff comes from a warrior race of terrifying barbarians from across the great sea. Even in his advanced age, he is still capable of giving himself to bloodlust, which enhances his strength to fearsome proportions. He could literally rip a man in half with his bare hands, if he becomes "passionate" about any threatening situation.

Talent(s): Hardy - Rain, wind and snow mean little to this man. He has traveled the world in nothing but a loin cloth and a cloak for most of his life, and he isn't about to stop now. Only extreme temperatures (fire, for example) will effect him.

Personality: Oglaff is a macho, loud mouthed boaster - but he can at least back up his boasts with actions. He is fiercely competitive, and gleefully accepts any test that can be considered "manly". Whether this involves throwing big rocks further than the man next to him, or downing a whole barrel of ale in one hit, nothing is beyond Oglaff's lust for accomplishment.

Biography: Oglaff the Has Been, Oglaff the Grey Warrior.

That's what they started to call him, and such insults struck the aging barbarian's pride deep. Indeed, life for Oglaff was fast becoming unbearable. His friends had died years ago, in righteous combat. His children were dead too, having gave themselves willfully unto the blades of their enemies. But Oglaff? He was still there, still alive. Sixtytwo years of age! For a barbarian male, this was unheard of, it was shameful. The newer blood of his clan looked at him with disgust, rather than in awe.

It wasn't his fault though, that he was still alive. It wasn't as if he hadn't tried to die valiantly. He was just unlucky; it was always a comrade getting that lucky stray arrow in the face, and it was always his enemy that fell before him, no matter what their advantage was. He'd seen a hundred battles, killed more men then he could remember, and ploughed more wenches than he... well no, he remembered most of those quite fondly.

He had done it all, not once, but several times. He had become a legend amongst his people; Oglaff the Mighty, they had called him once upon a time.

But now he was old. His knees were starting to ache, his breath was starting to get heavy after a few hours march, and don't mention how hard pissing had become! Like pushing a stone through the head of a needle!

To be taken by the Great Reaper in sleep is perhaps the biggest shame of all in the culture of Oglaff's people, and this is a sin he was not ready to commit. He hopped the first ship off the continent, to get away from those who mocked him, and to find his demise in some foreign land where no beast nor man would know of his shame.

So as the ship, a merchant vessel from across the great sea, pulled into Frennstone, Oglaff dutifully glugged a skin of spirit and set off into the streets - a wolf among sheep - to find his end.

Extras: Not sure where he will start yet, as Frennstone is miles away from anything of interest. His story may well start as much as a month after his arrival in the Kingdom, and place outside some haunted ruin or something. Anyone seeking a D&D style mini-side story is welcome to tag along.

Look good?

[Absolis]

@frengo they last for a little bit. More then enough time for Adria t9 get away from someone chasing her. 30 seconds maybe?

[Absolis]

And as long as the Rangers stay where they are, they should be fine. They could, but considering they are all to the side and away from the rangers, it's unlikely

[Absolis]

@cultural titan *covers pelt with skunk odor*

[Cultural Titan]

@Frengo

Now this does not necessarily apply as we are dealing with a fantasy setting, but I don't think in the real world any group has ever held being a barbarian as a part of their societal identity as it is typically used as a label to dismiss the other as uncivilized. So its weird to me that a group would refer to themselves as such. Again, its a fantasy you don't have to change anything, so whatever.

Other than that he seems fine. I can't imagine it will be easy for him to fulfill his intended purpose of giving you more to do as I now need to make up something for him to do. and there are not currently any free characters to interact with.