[OOC] Unquiet

[Mokley]

_{art by JohnoftheNorth}

We were bound and hooded and taken to the Stone -- all of us thieves, murderers, witches and snares, all of us guilty by law. They dropped us like cattle at the bridge; while the airship took off, we were escorted inside at gunpoint. I remember a vaulted ceiling, pinpricks of sunlight, gears and mortar and something dark moving overhead -- I was shoved into my coffin and the lid was sealed.

I don't know how long I was asleep. Everything has less color now than it did before; it's all dead, hollow, broken and crumbling. I don't think anyone has been here in years. I don't know where we are, nor the way home -- if home still exists.

I hear movement inside the coffins . . .

Premise, Gameplay, World

PREMISE

---

For your crimes, you have been sentenced to the Stone: an enormous and ancient castle where only the worst criminals are condemned. It is popularly believed that within the Stone resides an Old God who feeds on the life energy of the condemned and grants peace to the kingdoms in return. You're shut into one of a thousand stone coffins and are put to sleep by a silent gas, never to be heard from again.

When you wake up, the lid of the coffin is cracked open and the Stone is in ruin. You're starving, there's no water to be found and no way of knowing how long it's been since you were locked away. There are creatures in the shadows that you've never seen before, strange lights and plantlife, and someone somewhere is singing.

GAMEPLAY

---

You could try to find your way back to civilization, if there is any left. You could investigate what happened that woke you up. You could decide to turn the world back to the way it was; eradicate these strange creatures or befriend them; or you could collect power and call the Stone your new stronghold from which to wage war. The choices and decisions are up to you how this story will proceed -- but rest assured there is an underlying story that will unfold in different ways depending on what the characters do.

Be prepared to drive the plot at times. I will present important decisions, but it is up to your character to make them. The fact that there are so many routes to take means that the characters might end up splitting up quite a bit -- that means you might end up writing 1x1 with the GM for awhile.

WORLD

---

This setting is a freeform fantasy/steampunk world. I imagine the characters probably all came from a steampunk city, not necessarily the same place -- but the Stone is located in mountainous wilderness where there are giants and ogres and rumors of dragons. The interior of the Stone is equal parts steampunk and whimsical fantasy.

It's easy to assume this will be a dark and gritty RP, and at times you might be right -- but there will be a definite sense of humor and color, perhaps some ridiculous situations you might find yourself in. If you like doom and gloom all the time, this is not the RP for you.

CHARACTER

---

Your character was condemned to the Stone by the judicial system of their city. Those sent to the Stone are usually the most terrible of criminals, as it is considered the equivalent of a slow execution -- but it's up to you why your character ended up in this predicament.

People may also be condemned for witchcraft. Magic exists in the form of Lovecraftian rituals, incantations and symbols, and draws power from an Old God, from other people, or from sacrifices. It's rarely used for honest purposes, but good witches do exist.

Snares are people who were born with animalistic or demonic attributes: horns, claws, yellow eyes, sharp teeth, unusual abilities (telekinesis, invisibility, acute hearing, etc). Snare children are allowed to grow to the age of ten under close monitoring, at which time they are either taken for study by the scientific community or taken to the Stone. If you make a Snare character, they probably were condemned as a child.

The majority of characters will come out of the coffin the same age they were when they went in -- their bodies will have been kept in perfect stasis. However, a few of the Snares may age at varying rates within the coffin due to their natural abilities. Keep in mind that even in this case, the Snare will only have the experience of a ten-year-old.

CHARACTER SHEET

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Please post your character sheet in the OOC for approval before transferring the sheet to the Characters tab. A sample character sheet may be found under the Characters tab.

NAME: what your character is called

ABSTRACT: a phrase that describes your character

DETAIL: anything and everything you'd like to tell us about your character

[Light]

All right. I just got home and it's late so I will work on this tomorrow.

[Bubsy 2]

An errant witch with a penchant for snark who's motives and history are uncertain.

Rose

Many tales hide in tomes of forgotten lore scattered throughout the land. One such tale is that of Rose Halwell, known to the people of a dreary village called Everfall as the 'trickster witch'. The old books tell many conflicting stories, although a few key details always remain the same. They all agree that Rose appears as a young, beautiful women, although some posit that she is a actually a withered hag that uses the souls of her victims to maintain her youth. They all agree that she lures weary travelers into her swamp hut, although to what ends no book will ever know. And they all agree that she was captured and taken to the Stone. But there is one more key detail that the books lie in agreement on: All roses have their thorns, particularly the Trickster Witch of Everfall.

William Humphrey's book "On Monsters and Mysteries" is one book that tells the tale of Rose. In Humphrey's tale he writes of a hag that takes the form of a young maiden, stalking the roads about Everfall posing as a young maid in peril and preying on lone men. She plays the part of the damsel, conjuring wicked abominations for travelling men to save her from. Of course they always succeed in slaying Rose's conjurations, at which point the liberated maiden implores them to escort her back to her swampland home, stringing them along with promise of... an enticing reward. Upon reaching her hut the witch invites them inside, entering into a darkened room. As the door swings shut behind them it locks, sealed by some form of magic, and the room illuminates to reveal the horrid interior of the witch's lair. Humphrey describes the interior in great detail, painting a picture of a slaughterhouse filled with human remnants, strange brews, demonic symbols, and much and more depraved sights. Finally, as the prey realizes they have fallen into a trap, the witch's skin melts to reveal her true form, a withered old women. She then presents them with a riddle. If one answers it correctly they leave with their life. However, if they do not the witch will kills them, using their remains and their soul itself to fuel her demonic magic, particularly that which gives her life eternal.

However Humphrey's version of the story is not the sole account of Rose. Indeed there are many more, all conflicting. One other story is that told in Henry Bisland's "The Lore of the Wispy Woods", an account of the legends of the city of Everfall and the darkened woods around it. Rose's is not the only legend of Everfall, its inhabitants will tell you that the forests around it hold all sorts of dark mysteries and twisted monsters. However, in Bisland's tale Rose doesn't take the form of a malevolent hag. Bisland's account claims that she was indeed the age which she appeared, and uses no sort of demonic magic to achieve longevity. Instead the young witch roams the woods, playing harmless pranks on the people of Everfall and seeking to help lost or injured travelers in need. Those she finds in need may be taken back to her hut to rest and recover, by Bisland's account a warm and pleasant nook. Bisland describes her as a healer and a generally pleasant person to all who cross her path, likening her to some sort of whimsical forest spirit.

Both tales although differing do have the same ending, only the details changing. They both say that one day Rose encountered a valiant knight on the road, a champion of his hometown and a mighty warrior with wile to match. The tale splits here, with Humphrey's Rose using her trap to lure the knight back to her hut. Upon being presented with the witch's riddle he quickly deduces the answer, leaving unmolested. However in Bisland's tale the knight encounters Rose and the young witch becomes enamored with him, inviting him to sup at her home. The knight came to stay in Everfall for a time, and the witch came to love him. The knight too loved Rose, and as time went on the two would soon wed. However, Rose concealed from the knight that she was a witch, knowing that he was a religious man and despised witchery. Inevitably the truth would be revealed, and the knight would flee in disgust of his lover's use of demonic pagan arts.

Both tales converge when the knight returns and imprisons Rose, taking her to the Stone. Both Roses curse the knight, causing him to live a life of misfortune for imprisoning her. One story is a tale of an heroic knight, the other a tragedy of a benevolent witch betrayed by the one she loved.

No one can truly say which story is correct, and the truth is likely somewhere between the many accounts of her life.

[Cinderella Man]

Before I post up a character, I have to ask; before being put into the coffin, y'know, during his thieving days would people be frightened by the prospect of him pretending to be a Snare? Like, would everyday people and messengers have the knowledge on Snares that others do?

[Catchphrase]

Can I make a character who is serial killer? If my character is put away, I want him to be put away for a very good reason.

[Emma]

I'll have my character up some time today. That CS is different...hmmm :)

[Mokley]

@Diggerton awesome read! Rose is absolutely approved. :)

Before I post up a character, I have to ask; before being put into the coffin, y'know, during his thieving days would people be frightened by the prospect of him pretending to be a Snare? Like, would everyday people and messengers have the knowledge on Snares that others do?

@Cinderella Man

Most everyone would be familiar with snares, yes. You could think of them as mutants from X-Men really, haha. The general public knows that they're born to average human parents and that they could potentially be dangerous. The difference here is that there's a system in place that prevents potentially dangerous abilities from developing in the first place ... by locking away children. Pregnant women are screened by their doctors. An adult snare is extremely rare and reportable to authorities just for existing, and probably would cause a panic. But! If you have a different idea by all means let me know! :)

Can I make a character who is serial killer? If my character is put away, I want him to be put away for a very good reason.

@Catchphrase

Absolutely 100% serial killers welcome!

[Light]

@Mokley
Can my character be undead? Like a lich or something?

[Mokley]

@Mokley
Can my character be undead? Like a lich or something?

@Light

A lich would not be sent to the Stone - it would be killed immediately upon capture. It might be possible for you to start in a completely different situation if you have a developed idea?

[Light]

I was just trying to be more unique than being sent there for some terrible crime.

[dreamingflowers]

I have a question! ^.^
Would nephomancy (divination through clouds) be considered witchcraft? Farmers used this in the olden days to predict the weather.

[Mokley]

@Light there's plenty to be creative with, I think! Maybe your character is a witch that was in the process of turning him/herself into a lich when they were captured? My only point is that they should be mostly human to be afforded the right to a trial and sentencing. :)

I have a question! ^.^
Would nephomancy (divination through clouds) be considered witchcraft? Farmers used this in the olden days to predict the weather.

@dreamingflowers

I'm going to say that's up to you and how strict your character's homeland is. Personally I think the character should be aware that what they're doing is a punishable offense, so should have a reason to take the risk. :) depending on the situation, they might also be accused of being a snare if it appears to be an inherent ability to tell the future.

Edit: in other words, it can be if you want it to haha!

[Light]

@Mokley
In that case, can I use an edited version of this character? I would rewrite the backstory to fit this rp, and we can go with the progress instead of a full transformation.

[Mokley]

@Light Sure, works for me. :)

[Polybius]

@Mokley For your approval sir.

Romulus

NAME: Romulus "Salacious" Wisher

ABSTRACT: Mad Actor Tainted by Evil

DETAIL: Romulus was raised in a well adjusted middle class family. His father worked hard, his mother and siblings all loved one another and everything was generally GOOD. Romulus had a mind for the fantastic from an early age, and especially loved the stories told in local taverns. Whenever the troubador or traveling actors troupe would stop by his home village he was front and center, eyes affixed to the stage. And so he decided to abandon a life of toil in agricultural work and fled for the nearby city of Rock Bridge when he was 12 years old.

In Rock Bridge, Romulus quickly fell in with an acting company doing small jobs around the theatre for free. He learned what he could and over the years ingratiated himself enough with the company to actually get some stage time. He made a little money, bought a few books, borrowed some manuscripts and plays, and taught himself the trade. He flourished under the guidance of various actors; Romulus soon began to realize his silver tongue could win over not just audiences, but individuals, and that gave him power to manipulate and control. Romulus flourished first in Rock Bridge, and then the larger cities in the kingdom.

Taking the stage name Wisher, Romulus gained notoriety performing one-man versions of popular plays of the time, some scandulous, some political satire that landed him in hot water for a time. He wrote a few plays himself but nothing ever caught on. He peaked and began to fade as new acts made the rounds and his name was slowly forgotten...At age 28 Romulus had hit rock bottom. He decided to travel.

He traveled for many years, to distant lands and places. He drank, he fought and loved. He killed once, but in self-defense. He disappeared. He returned once to Rock Bridge but all of his old friends were dead or in prison and the old theatre had long ago burned to the ground. He searched for his home village, but could not remember what it was called. He traveled for many more years.

At the edge of a forest, near a mountain peaked with grey snow, Romulus fell into a pit one night. Fumbling around in the darkness, clothing in tatters, grey beard and withered soul, Romulus found a door. It was very old, covered in runes around the molding. The old oak beams had long ago been smashed in, and this revealed a tunnel. Romulus entered the darkness.

He awoke later, near a town he remembered passing a few days prior, his clothes were still ragged, his beard and hair thin and matted. But his soul...felt...young again. He found in his possession a small black book containing a play he had never heard of before called The **** and ***** of *****. It was a very thin book, of common print paper. No author listed, no publisher. The first page simply began: ACT I, Scene I.

The play so enthralled Romulus he read it cover to cover wandering around the small town. Every line a masterpiece. Every scene perfection. Each character seemed to speak to him personally, pulling some misunderstood fragment of his own strange life to the foreground, revealing for him the truths those pieces truly held. He became enamored of the piece and could not wait to reveal the genius hereto within contained to a new audience.

He found himself at the local tavern and suggested to the barkeep he give a read of a masterful new play he had written for a drink or two (...I was an actor once you know...long ago..). The bar keep agreed and the townsfolk gathered around the fire and this strange old man who wanted to entertain them for the evening.

And so Romulus began. He poured his heart into that play. Each line, each refrain. Romulus had read it only once, could feel the heart of the story in his tongue, his bony fingers. His soul laid bare for those strangers for an hour, maybe six. He began to wheeze and cough. His mouth was dry. His throat burning with the fire of the sun; And then he was finished, panting, laying prone on the floor. Coughs shook his body. And there was.....silence. The townsfolk began to murmur. "Get on with it you crazy bastard..."

Months went by. Each time Romulus attempted to perform the strange play it was as if the audience heard not a word. Furthermore, he discovered the time it took (about 2 1/2 hours) to recite the damn thing seemed to not exist. At least not for the audience. Whenever Romulus attempted to talk to someone about the play, even mention the title they seemed to not understand, or act as if he had not been talking. It was as if Romulus was the only person in the world who knew of it's existence, or ever would.

And it destroyed him. It was not long before drink and anger, sadness and disparity began to tear the mans psyche to pieces. His infatuation for the play only deepened, only widened the gulf between reality and himself. He got violent. Really violent. He was caught during the third one. Imprisoned. Sentenced. Sent to the Stone.

But he managed to hold onto the book...

[Mokley]

@Polybius Totally approved, sir! Wonderfully creepy!

[Chairman Stein]

Saving myself a little spot here, don't mind me. I'll definitely be getting at LEAST a WIP up tonight, I'm just a tad busy with a few other projects at the moment.

[Light]

Character app

Adamar

"I will not repent. I will survive."

Appearance

At 5'10", Adamar's lack of height is made up for by his eerie presence. All of his body is obscured by robes and gauze except for his face, which is guarded by a blank mask of bronze. His build is impossible to discern underneath all of his heavy clothing.

Age
28
Sex
Male

Personality
Neutral Evil
Adamar is by no means cruel, sinister, or diabolic. He is called evil by others mostly because of the nature of his existence. Adamar was fully aware of the blasphemy of his eventual transformation into an undead creature. However, he seeks no atonement for his actions. Outside of being a neutral voice in the matters of his companions, he cares not for their well-being. Adamar only seeks to preserve his own unlife, and will gladly do so even if it requires the expense of allies. However, those who he deems highly useful will see an equal amount of utility from him towards their efforts.

Biography / History
Adamar was a court witch for the king of the realm he lived in. However, his king was by no means benevolent. An oppressive tyrant, his majesty set only the highest taxes upon his subjects, and ordered the beheading of all that opposed him. Adamar was smart enough to not deny any demand made of him, which for the most part was simply to impart knowledge and advice of the supernatural, enchant items, or entertain with visually appealing spells. Occasionally, more specific needs were called for, but for the most part Adamar lived rather well by serving his king, despite being a witch.

One day, his majesty called Adamar for a very unique request. Upon his arrival, Adamar learned of the king's desires for immorality, so that he might rule the lands for the rest of time. Such a tall order required years of research, practice and preparation. This was a condition that Adamar make very clear before getting to work.

Eventually, Adamar was ready. He approached his majesty in private to inform him of his progress, and arranged a time to perform the ritual. In a horrible turn of events, the ritual failed, and the king was now dead. Fearing for his own life, Adamar decided to try the ritual himself, so that he may survive any repercussions with a well-hidden phylactery.After several hours of careful incantation, Adamar had completed the ritual correctly upon himself. Although the process itself would take years to fully mature, he had given himself a safety-net of sorts. In the event that he did die, he would one day rise as a lich.

Unfortunately, before he could escape to recluse, he was captured by the royal guard. He was not afraid of execution, hiding the fact that he would one day rise again from the kingdom's remaining government. However, to his dismay, he was instead sent to The Stone. To them, it was simply a fate crueler than death. To Adamar, it meant a literal eternity locked in the horrid dungeon, instead of passing from age or disease, or being slain by some monster.

Hopefully the "becoming undead over time" thing is ok?

[Mokley]

@Light Sure, slowly becoming undead is pretty cool! Also, I'm getting a vibe that Adamar's actions specifically might have been a part of the reason why witchcraft was outlawed entirely in most of the country -- which means he's been in that coffin awhile. ;) Approved, surely!

[Light]

I'm getting a vibe that Adamar's actions specifically might have been a part of the reason why witchcraft was outlawed entirely in most of the country -- which means he's been in that coffin awhile.

@Mokley

Mwahahahah

EDIT

Forgot to add his "undead" appearance.