ApocalypticaGM

Night Kiss

http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/15063/posts/ooc?page=1#post-340829

OOC is live. I have not finished the Character Sheet yet, but you'll figure out why pretty soon. Here's a tip: the descriptions of each land are chunky. I'll cut them down later, but right now each paragraph ends with a quick summary. You don't need to read them all, but definitely read up on Logos & Lef. You're allowed to be from any land that sounds reasonable (you'll know what I mean). Each has a very unique backstory and setting, so you should be pretty inspired after you manage to read them all.

Night Kiss

THIS THREAD IS A WIP. EXPECT HEAVY CHANGES (24/02/14)

Interest Check
Primary Google Doc (Posts)
Secondary Google Doc (World Building, Organizations, Characters, etc.) If Needed

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Of Sweet Night, One Faint Kiss

Nazeek Thorne said The world grows tumultuous and I fear this fact is revealed to me all too late. I serve you, Selene, however, my years in this world have taught me that little of what comes easily is true and that life's secrets come with struggle. Léva is a vast and beautiful land with unparalleled histories. Yet, tucked between the years of culture and advancement hide transgressions sewn deep as if to the bone of this very land. How many hints at the reality of things have passed these eyes without notice? We talk about this great threat, too afraid to even properly mark the name, but did the threat ever pass? I don't believe so.

Excerpt from Journal of Nazeek Thorne, 409 4E

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Index
I. Regions of Léva
1. Léve, "Mystical Forest"
2. Lémuria, "Floating Isles"
3. Nebel, "Dark Lands"
4. Annwn, "Underlands/Desert"
5. Himlan, "Spine of Léva"
6. Sanctum, "Seat of the Empire"
7. Selvia Oscura, "Shadowed Forest"
II. The Arts & Mythos
1. Art of Lef
2. Art of Logos
3. Mythos
III. People of Léva
1. Organizations
2. Night Kiss Roster
3. People of Note

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I.
Regions of Léva
Léva is one continent, but its share of concerns befits a world's. The land is believed by some to have a special connection to Lef, the magick of life, so one must never be surprised at what wonders hide in the furthest reaches. Ours is also a land of surprising variance. A thick forest with seemingly endless fog might quickly dissipate into barren tundra quicker than elsewhere. Most regions are known for their unique qualities, and if well researched, one should know what may be to come. Finally, Léva is an old land with scars and myths mysterious to even the learned. Without this history to guide and to build from we are lesser than we might be. Always keep an eye for answers to our great mysteries.

All descriptions are current as of the present, Autumn, 415 of the 4th Era

Map Draft

Lémuria and Annwn's underground tunnels are not included on this draft. I'll come up with a more refined, better looking version later.

Léve, the Forest of Lef _________________________________________________________________________________

Léve

Legends referring to Léve go back as far as Léva and is considered the oldest region of the land. Léve is a region covered entirely with thick forests, coniferous and deciduous, that grow as tall as the great cities. Even simple beings feel the rejuvenation and heightened senses of the Forest of Lef, which some say freely gives even unto death. One must remain weary of the various sorts of creatures this land hosts -- predators to those caught unawares.

Léve rests in the Northeast corner of Léva with a curved side against the sea. Forestry is heaviest deeper inland and at the edges of the region against the water, leaving a the middle nearest to the beach-border is thinned and bayou-like. Within Léve are several multilevel cities built high above in the trees with pathways running around and through the ancient wood. Each city is connected into a singular network, though broken into districts. Districts more inland are High Alps, while nearer to the water are Low Alps. Districts bring their own subcultures, but ultimately, the Alps are built with great reverence to ancient lore. The Alps are chiefly populated by all sorts of Elves, though humans have been welcomed. Bayou lands, however, draw mostly humans and beings hungry, if not gluttonous for abundant Lef. Meanwhile, the western border is well guarded and watched closely with great distrust for their western neighbour, Selvia Oscura.

Léve is known for being the center of Elfkin in Léva. A Council shares authority and though castes are respected, one born into a place usually remains there. Additionally, the High Alps host the largest, most respected University of Lef in all of Léva. Léve also see Corrupt Lef as an abomination and threat

Lémuria, the Floating Isles_________________________________________________________________________________

Lémuria

South of Léva where the coast straightens out lieshovers Lémuria, the Floating Isles. It is said that Lémuria became a haven, a creation by the Human neighbours of the Forest of Lef to offer protection against a great threat, and thus was raised. Reinforced by the awe at such an undertaking, many hold the legend as outright truth. Lémuria is treated as a place to be protected and of protection. Ancient forests once a part of Léva decorate the hills to the north, kept as a memory of the land's roots, while thinner forestry and grasslands cover the rest of the isles. The isles float lower as one moves south, leaving some to call Lémuria the Divine Stairway. Beauties such as rivers and lakes that run off isle, raining onto Nebel and the sea as well as the gargantuan chains tying Lémuria to land dazzle onlookers. Despite the exotic nature of the land, creatures of Léva still inhabit the northern forests, while horses, cows, deer, coyotes, and felines are also common. Unique to Lémuria, one should watch for the birds of prey, which encircle the isles like vigilant guardians, and at times may attack.

Lémuria is a land of great wonders. Myth suggests the Floating Isles is one of the few spared by time and conflict since rising. Lémuria is connected to the lands below, Nebel, by six grand chains of old. For every chain there are two pulley-carts capable of lifting three full carts in a single trip and offering significant border protection. Perhaps just as staggering, however, is the level of advancement in the Art of Logos. Lémuria boasts one of the largest cities in Léva, and more, the only city built entirely on clockwork -- Logos. Logos dominates the southern isles with equally impressive towns and villages stretching into the north. Folk of all types live in Lémuria, though craftspeople and engineers are highly valued. For an unknown reason, Lémuria is quite opposite of Léva as it leaves those on its land without the ability to form Lef. The culture of Lémuria believes in Lef, however, looks down upon it as a fickle beast unlike the control behind mastering Logos. Humans dominate Lémuria, though Elves and Beast-folk are welcomed.

Lémuria runs under a feudal system with a single Matriarch residing in the Castle of Logos. Though humans are spread all about Léva, Lémuria is thought as their center. Additionally, Lémuria hosts the world-famed School of Logos in the middle isles.

Nebel, the Dark Lands_________________________________________________________________________________

Nebel

Nebel lies quite literally in the shadow of the Floating Isles. Legend has it the great threat that drove Lémuria to the skies left Nebel little more than a gaping wound. They say that the sea rushed in to cool the gash and, curiously, froze. Solid and harder than stone, the land of Dark Lands formed. The only connection to the Floating isles the Dark Lands boasts are the roots of the great chains which feed into abrupt, spire-like pillars and the pulley-cart stations. Beyond this, the land is largely a frozen tundra cast in evernight where the very air feels and tastes off. In the north the land steadily lowers where a massive and strange lake, Dark Water, is said to reside. Meanwhile, tundra gradually ebbs and flows, like flash-frozen waves, and thus can prove dangerous. What water streams from Lémuria's waterways quickly freezes, creating a permanent snowstorm that only grows stronger at the core of Nebel. It is widely believed that in addition to wolves, bears, and sabre-toothes, there may well be trolls, giants, and other dark creatures lurking in Nebel's midlands.

Lizardfolk moved into Nebel first, then Orcs. The resilient species established a string of small, fort-like villages surrounding the outskirts of Nebel and a few scattered deeper inland. Stewards travel in small troops to ward off creatures and help guide merchants and travellers so often travelling to the pulley-cart stations. While 'road' might be a charitable term, there are indeed routes all over the skirts of Nebel that are watched. A curious feature to Nebel is the effect on Lef. Though orc and lizardfolk rarely practice the mystical art, it is documented that Lef responds erratically within Nebel. Perhaps related, strange and horrible beasts are rumoured to travel near the center. Though a strong system exists to maintain travel, the core of Nebel is generally considered wild. Undoubtedly, those stricken with diseases such as Lycanthropy, Vampyrism, or Possession take advantage of this fact.

Nebel is considered the center for lizardfolk, though the orc population is also strong. All sorts are welcomed, but travel at their own risk. Government is loose, nearly non-existent, the protection of the land largely local militia funded and armed by Lémuria. Beyond the strange weather patterns or history, Nebel is renown for the Night Watchers.

Annwn, the Lands Above & Below_________________________________________________________________________________

Annwn

Another peculiarity in the land of Léva, Annwn is a vast region of rolling hills covered by grasslands. The north border of Annwn is notable for the marshlands, which combined with hills have proven treacherous to the unsuspecting traveller. Due the endless snows from Lémuria falling so close the marshes rarely dry up and grow a variety of foods. At first sight, Annwn appears to be nothing more than endless greenery and overgrown ruins. Compared to Lémuria, the folk of Annwn are a modest people content with the basics and making due with the ruins. They build little for structures, instead focusing on agriculture and husbandry.

The true source of renown for Annwn is the underground network of cities. Like Léve, the subterranean region exists as a single entity split into districts based on placement. Warriors and hunters live nearest to the surface with farmers and other surface-workers beneath them, then merchants, artisans, and commoners below. Royals live in a multi-level tower that runs through the center of each district. Beneath it all, on the bottom level is an intricate web of tunnels for mining and excavation. While Lef reacts quite normally in Annwn, if felt more bodily, the folk of Annwn respect physical work over magick or machine. That said, Annwn does in fact use several tools designed by Lémuria's brightest.

Annwn is chiefly populated and was built by Dwarves-- though most live below ground, leaving humans and orcs popular above. One must assume that in light of the great threat and in case Lémuria failed, Annwn was built as a haven. For this reason many families go back centuries in the region. Dwarven customs are law and the government reflects their deep respect for familial ties. Four dwarven kings serve as the Patriarchs of Annwn, each of which seeing over a single level of Annwn and coming together to watch over the surface. Annwn is renown Léva's most talented smithies and for hosting several criminal organizations.

Himlan, the Spine of Léva_________________________________________________________________________________

Himlan

The southern grasslands of Annwn gently rise, feeding into the Spine of Léva, Himlan. Mystery surrounds the mountainous region due to the severity of its terrain and how few successfully brave its passes. What is known lies mostly in myth, suggesting several temples hide amongst the mountains holding sacred wisdoms. Those who've tempted the mountains report caverns, some wild and others seemingly crafted spotting the walls of even the most difficult paths -- like resting points along the journey. Most disagree exact locations of these points, but all note strange and booming cries amidst the heavy winds.

As a region, Himlan spans from the southern border of Annwn until the land begins to curve in the southeast. Off its cliff-side coasts there are several islands, far less treacherous than Himlan, but mostly wild. Ruins remain on each island, though their design is significantly different from those of Annwn. Additionally, the sea creatures and beasts on the islands sport various predatory adaptations unlike those on the mainland. Those islands inhabited by Lévan and in Himlan are generally owned by the Schools for study and, in some cases, used for royal assemblies.

Himlan is renown for the Temples of Myth and stories of Phantom Cries.The Spine of Léva is a treacherous mountainside higher and colder than most and without government or documented cities. The islands are largely unexplored, dominated by deadly creatures apt to kill any untrained explorer. Yet the ruins may offer insight into what mysteries lie in Himlan, not to mention Léva. Some believe that settlements might exist within the mountains and islands of Himlan, though have risked proving these rumours.

Sanctum, Seat of the Empire_________________________________________________________________________________

Sanctum

Sanctum consists of the southern lands in Léva until the bottom hook of the continent's crescent (the bottom of a backward C). The lands are built upon the rubble of past nations. Eastern regions jutted too close to war without suffering painful losses instead colonized the south to grow their power. Should conflicts arose, they were argued in the east and fought in the south. When new nations grew they came into the world without support or wealth and all too often submitted to the east for both. And so the cycle continued. One hundred years ago a republic resting on the southwestern hook, Sanctum, swept across the southern lands. Over the decades they unified the warring nations into a power separated from the east physically by Himlan and philosophically due to their pasts.

Sanctum exists today as an assembly of nations ruled by the Empire. Though each nation has generally unique terrain, the southern lands are generally mild, if warmer than the east. The heart of the empire rests in the original Sanctum in the western hook where a monumental fort-city serves as a symbol of power. Additionally, the Empire's fleet rests all along the southern coasts, docked and ready to protect the lands from attack. Many of the nations also keep large walls between them and the sea. Despite the collective hatred for the east, there are conflicts within the borders across the empire -- nearly all ending in bloodshed and the elimination of dissidents. As a hodgepodge of nations, Sanctum also enjoys various cultural centers, schools, and mythos, making the peoples of this land extremely diverse.

The Empire of Sanctum has a relatively even distribution of folk as all were sent to colonize the south. Sanctum is renown for its sheer size, for its alternative Schools of Lef and Logos, and its Divine Temples. While an empress reigns from Sanctum, the nations are governed as they please, but all with authority figures who answer and pay into the empire. Visitors are welcomed, though the closer to Sanctum, the more thorough the background checks. Ultimately, Sanctum is a common land for those seeking protected, familial living.

Selvia Oscura

Selvia Oscura

North of Sanctum's southwestern hook, Selvia Oscura sweeps into the northeast until bordering Léve. Selvia Oscura is a forest perpetually covered in a thick and grim fog. Legend has it that while Léve experiences life-enriching Lef given by the land, Selvia Oscura offers a corrupted form. While stories of old may be dismissed, this legend resonates with most and has deterred nearly all. Though legends kept explorers out they did not keep the blight in. After villages between Léve and Selvia Oscura reported dark apparitions, corrupted folk, the Empire of Sanctum and Léve met. Two villages were found slaughtered before a treaty was signed, forming a small army, several small forts, and large tower-like torches visible to the edges of Léve and to Sanctum. The treaty meant only that the borders of Selvia Oscura be guarded despite past or future politics. Perhaps the only good thing spawned from the forest.

The forest covers all the land, but the land itself varies. In the furthest east mountains rise from out of the hook of the crescent and continue north. Before the lands bends at the sea the mountains give way. Outposts are generally kept to the borders of Selvia Oscura nearest to the water with small docks in case of emergency. No soldiers are officially stationed deeper into the curious woods, though some might disappear of their own volition. Otherwise, there are rumoured to be winding rivers of blood as well as black waters. On the western border of the forest, as the woods thin and meet Léve, there lie a handful of townships. These are the only known occupants of the region and they are mostly quiet about their homeland.

Selvia Oscura is the origin of many horrors shared across the land. The chief population are a host of overgrown predators corrupted by the strange Lef in the lands. Otherwise, there is a small set of villages on the eastern edge of the region populated by Dark Elves. This land is renown for its legends which suggest it to be the origin of the diseases leading to vampirism, lycanthropy, possession, and so on.

II.
The Arts & Mythos

Art of Lef_________________________________________________________________________________

Art of Lef

Léva (Yuh-Ee-Vuh) is a word gifted by the Ancients meaning 'To Live'. Elders of the Elfkin, among the most learned about the Ancients, maintain that the name Léva was assigned due to the belief the continent was alive. This thought might be strange to those who've not felt the grace Léve seems to breathe or the horror Selvia Oscura sews deep into one's core. The Elders describe Lef as energy which can be expressed as heat, light, form -- it is essence and it is Life. They say the Magick of Life is thought to flow from Léva into the body. To receive the energy purely the body must be open, however. Restored journals illustrate the flow of energy channelled through a series of seven chakras beginning low in the body and rising upward. Each chakra is thought to open with great practice and discipline and as each open the Lef grows stronger and truer to one's will. If one cannot open the first chakra, they cannot use Lef. In short, Lef is energy and may flow from land into the body given the paths be opened.

Lef, as energy, can be expressed in various ways. Some forms teach the Art of Lef in the form of light, others heat or fire, some create gravity, force, lightning -- the possibilities are endless. While there are many ways to use Lef, not all are pure. Purity is not a moral thing, rather it simply means one is exerting energy. When Lef turns to flame it releases energy, as with light, force, and so on. Lef is corrupted when it absorbs energy. Some vampires will use their Lef to absorb the life-energy from another, clearly immoral, while others may simply use Lef as ice to keep their food longer. Corrupt Lef merely means that the magick is used to collect energy, and therefore can endanger those who are targeted. The Ancients believed, according to Elven Elders, that Corrupt Lef might destroy Léva if used widely. Old beliefs still cause strife, though, so the point must be repeated. To be clear, Pure and Corrupt Lef are not named for moral intentions -- one can kill with fire and the Lef still be Pure-- Pure and Corrupt merely designate the way energy flows. Also, summarizing, Lef can be used in many forms so long as they absorb or exert energy. Sustaining a form or creating complex ones require higher concentration and mastery of one's chakras.

There are some who believe Lef is a gift from Léva as a divine. This belief is a pleasant musing, however, some take claim so far as to demonize those who do not/cannot use Lef as easily. Former nations within Sanctum committed genocides against those incapable of 'deep' use of Lef. Similar extremists still exist in pockets across Sanctum, and significantly in the bayous of Léve.

Art of Logos_________________________________________________________________________________

Art of Logos

Logos is another gift from the Ancients, this one meaning loosely 'To Speak'. Elders of the Elfkin explain that Lef was viewed as natural without action whereas Logos requires action. Lef can be felt and experienced even by those with little to no access -- Logos must be spoken or created. Though Logos is mentioned throughout restored texts from ancient times, it is largely to do with rhetoric, mathematics, and measured observations.Texts speaking of mechanical creations like the clockwork city of Lémuria are among the many lost in light of the great threat. What is known is that for some time the Arts of Logos and Lef communed, but little more known outside the Elders or Scholars of Himlan. Today Logos is used most visibly in the city by the same name in Lémuria. The analytical nature of Logos allows for impressive machines and complex creations that run solely on force as opposed to Lef. That said, like Lef, Logos is but another path to solve a problem -- this one is merely usable by all.

For all the benefits to Logos, there are also drawbacks. The great threat left very little in the way of records even describing what mechanical creations spawned from the art. Clockwork is merely one branch from Logos, however, what other knowledge was is now lost. Also, the metals used to produce more complex creations are often found across the lands, taking deep pockets, time, and dedicated sources to collect. Crank-powered carts are an example of a modern creation stifled due to the drain in resources for production. Similarly, clockwork rifles can be produced alongside flintlocks, yet should the clockwork break, it is far less likely to find a smithy skilled in advanced Logos than an interchangeable part to a flintlock. Despite all this, Lémuria enjoys a vast wealth and continues with such creations within their lands. The products are expensive outsiders and rarely traded in mass as to keep superiority in the Floating Isles.

There are some who believe Logos is an equalizer for folk unable to use Lef. This belief can be true, but some stockpile the advanced weaponry and machines to compensate for feelings of weakness and inequality. Lémuria is a land where Lef is not attainable and it is also the most advanced, Logos driven city in all of Léva. Some believe Lef to be a way to oppress, suggesting Logos a tool for freedom and equality (often through violence).

Mythos_________________________________________________________________________________

III.
People of Léva

Organizations_________________________________________________________________________________
Night Kiss

Night Kiss

Night Kiss are a curious assembly of assassins originating from a southern nation called Guayaba destroyed and consumed by Sanctum almost a century ago. Consumed in that the culture, beliefs, and texts were largely destroyed when the nation, which denied occupation, was razed. The remnants salvaged what of their homes they could and so Night Kiss was born. Two missions stand out for this band: 1) To follow Selene, Divine of Night and Balance, and 2) To Maintain the Ways of Old. While they are by no means the only group of assassins in Léva, Night Kiss seem a popular choice for work. Not surprisingly, the assassins do not play well with others of their profession. To maintain secrecy, the location of the Night Kiss Sanctuary is revealed to members only after 5 years of service. A second official branch of Night Kiss is also known live and travel by sea.

Empire of Sanctum

Sanctum

Sanctum is an assembly of nations built from the rubble of those poised to war by the eastern regions. Officers and older soldiers who felt the manipulation fight fiercely, displeased with the east still, while youths may or may not inherit this same fervour. Besides historical motives, the Empire is a region built on obedience and loyalty to preserve its borders from the wilds. There is a growing belief among the Empire's government and soldiers in one true Divine rather than the pantheon -- they call the Divine Atabey as She who nourishes and sustains them.

Night Watchers

Night Watchers

Sometimes nicknamed simply 'Guardians', Night Watchers are a skilled band who hunt the so-called Corrupted. Watchers are skilled and armed specifically to kill those tainted by Lycanthropy, Vampyrism, and Possession -- though other strange occurrences may be dubbed abominations. The group has existed in some form since the great threat centuries ago and maintain a well guarded fort supposedly built off the ruins of their ancestors in Annwn. Those who have suffered at the hands of the 'Corrupted' often praise Night Watchers, rendering the heroes in many cities. It is worth noting that Night Watcher camps exist throughout Léva and the troops may well be more educated about their abominations than the abominations are of themselves.

Followers of Logos
Followers of Lef

People of Note_________________________________________________________________________________
Empress Hila Diane Rodham of Sanctum (b. 365) Empress of Sanctum (circa 395), Retired General under last Emperor, Third to Rule Sanctum
Elven Elders (Est. 1st Era) Council made up of centuries old Elves who remain in Léve forgoing death and freedom to serve Léva as non-partisan advisers, scholars, and sometimes spiritual leaders
Patriarchs of Annwn (Est. Early 4th Era) Four Dwarven Kings with respected familial lines who share power over Annwn through a deeply patriarchal system
Queen Malala 'Iron Lady' Tuff of Lémuria (b. 380) Queen of Lémuria (circa 404), ...
Nazeek Thorne (b. ???- 415 (?)) Master Assassin under Night Kiss

Night Kiss Roster_________________________________________________________________________________

Character Rules/Info

I've been keeping a mostly IC-ish feel so far, but this is an important note. You're welcome to create 2 Main Characters within Night Kiss (one may leave the group later, in the future I'll allow them to start in other groups). You don't need to post two separate posts for them unless they're off in other areas or what have you. That said, please create NPCs within Night Kiss and outside to serve as contacts for your character. NPCs are fair-game for all, so you're adding to the pool of potential. NPCs are placed under People of Note. NPCs are a lot freer. You're welcome to just include the basics when creating them, no need for an IC character sheet. Thanks!

Sogna of Sweet Night, Fall 370
Simeon Cythera of Sweet Night, Spring 399
Rhus Lancia of Sweet Night, Spring 409
Samantha, the Wisp of Sweet Night, Winter 410
Dez, the Shadow of Sweet Night, 411
Arin the Black-Blooded of Sweet Night, Winter 414
Rose Thorned One of Sweet Night, Autumn 415

The Oath

I am fate's strike unexpectedly come, I come too soon and am before their time, I am reaper, predator, and I swear this Oath before Selene. I, [ B ]WHOLE NAME[ / B ] of Sweet Night, One Faint Kiss. Amongst Night's Chosen, I shall be [ B ] Desired Nickname or Alias [ / B ].

The Chosen are my kin, I am servant to Selene for She is my patron, my Divine. Through my kin, I offer my skills to Selene. I offer my [ I ] DESCRIBE THREE STRENGTHS. Write as you please, there's no minimal length or need to keep to the tone [ / I ]. I submit my greatest flaws: [ I ] TWO FLAWS, SAME AS BEFORE [ / I ] so that my kin might aid me in my time of need. I recognize the Sweet Night knows no politics and declare mine openly to shed temptation. [ I ] DESCRIBE any noteworthy hatreds or loves of regions, of species, races within, or any sort of 'political' jazz. This could be religious, could be biases for or against Lef/Logos... etc. [ / I ]. May my kin aid me should I stumble as I shall do so for them.

Openly I declare with neither pride nor shame-- for Sweet Night knows neither-- my past as kin may know. [ I ] OPPORTUNITY to share a brief background on your character-- this should give us a good idea of how you came here. If you hadn't noticed, this should be IC, and as such, you should be realistic to what someone might say. Would you really write a 2-3 page life story right now? Or would highlight a few key experiences that shaped you or stay with you today. Things we're apt to hear about IC as you expand on them, or things that shape your skills, flaws, and personality. We don't care about your first steps or any of that... Tell us what truly made you who you, what haunts you, and what you can't ever forget. Who are you? Additionally, feel free to comment on one's own perspective of their personality, kin/friends as they're relevant to your future, etc.[ / I ]

I do not hide from the gaze of my kin. [ I ] Feel free to add in anything you don't believe you've had room for so far. This is a great place to mention skills you've gained that you did not choose as Strengths. Secrets are good here too and you're welcome to mention weapon preferences or your personal style (i.e. You prefer deception over needless bloodshed to achieve an end's. Murder might kill you, but you recognize it can be the greater good. You wish to you ascend and shall work toward that end. You stroke it way too often, etc.) [ / I ]

Truly as I am [ I ] ALIAS/NICKNAME HERE [ / I ] and amongst Night's Chosen, I seal my Oath. Of Sweet Night, One Faint Kiss. [ I ] DATE... You swear this Oath once you become one of the Night Kiss. Look at the date of the IC and decide how long your character has been a member with this date. Most characters should have been members roughly 2 or more years, but I would like a couple freshly admitted.[ / I ]

Night Kiss

@Beowulf: And that's how you make me cry. Please, please don't make me cry.

So y'all know, the OOC will be up tomorrow with at least a detailed description of each Region. There are a good number of them and they are very, very unique. Almost have them wrapped up and then I'll start writing on the technology and magic, then character sheets. Those should be the hard essentials to create your characters. General politics will be with regions so you can draw from there, expand, and create as you please. I should be giving you the foundation, basically, tomorrow night. I'll keep updating until complete, of course.

Just wanted to update y'all!

Apocalyptica

I noticed a couple of us are posting a tad more than others. Does anyone need anything from Aweena or myself to continue on, or simply biding your time? Everything will shortly converge into what we have planned, however, this can't happen if everyone doesn't post until that point. So how are all of you?

Night Kiss

Once y'all have enough information to add meat to your characters you're free to talk amongst each other if you'd like to have a couple people who've worked together or had some sort of connection. I'd prefer if not everyone had worked together though.

Benefit to my expectations are that putting 20 minutes here and there throughout the week should make a post pretty manageable. I never understood how Advanced threads could have members posting fully several times a week... just sounds, consuming.

Night Kiss

The six months was in reference to how I'd have it, In Character, that everyone in the team would not be 100% comfortable with each other (making room for characters who are new to the team). The main plot would've started right then. My current plan has changed since, though, as we are a newly formed sect within Night Kiss. This will let some people create characters who have been a part of the organization yet may not know each other, as well as bringing in new members while putting everyone on the 'new to this' playing field. It had nothing to do with when plot events would occur. Our first mission will be introduce a couple big world events and get everyone connected and invested. It'll help you all be inspired as to how your characters might be rooted in the world, in addition to whatever you think up prior. Trust me, it'll be a ride.

Posting wise, I'm patient and expect patience. This is a great RP for someone who wants to go long-term, but doesn't have hours upon hours to set aside -- perhaps you work, have school, a family, obligations and all that (as I do). I expect 1-2 posts a week, though we'll move as the group can. Trust me, that may sound slow compared to some threads, but this speed has kept another project I've helped with (Apocalyptica) going for around 14 months now.

Night Kiss

Three days to be done, most likely. I'll put up the skeleton with essentials like the immediate premise, a bit on setting, your characters sheets, and enough to give you all something to build from while greater detail is on the way.

As I'm developing there's a few details I've thought up not yet mentioned that I'll use to answer this. Night Kiss is the organization, yes. The Night Kiss exist in two bodies, one is where the group was created and grown, and the second is newer, made up of a few old members as well as blood -- ours is the latter. We serve no political power. We receive our missions and see them done, though individual members may opt for less direct involvement. It could be possible that the missions given to us may serve certain powers more than others, we'll see, but the goal is to be apolitical. And I suspect political strife will become a real issue as we go on. I look forward to it!

Night Kiss

Working on the OOC now. Please do keep the questions coming as y'all have them, useful as I compile everything. You can expect a mock-up OP that will give the essentials until everything is finished. Some information will be discovered with time, but I'll mark those simply under construction. As usual if something is not clear enough do ask.

Happy to see so many interested and expressing it here!

Night Kiss

LittleAlouette said
Hey, so I'm totally interested. Quick question: what sort of technology are we dealing with, here? I mean, seeing as we have magic thrown into the equation, do you think mechanical limbs would be feasible? Because I was thinking of a character infected with a sort of, uh, magic-borne rotting sickness. That happens to make a lovely poison if she harvests her own bodily fluids. In all its weird usefulness, though, it would have a nasty habit of consuming her, though, and I'm thinking she lost an arm and maybe a good chunk of her leg when she wasn't accustomed to the nature of the sickness yet...Except a one-armed, one-legged poison mistress wouldn't make the best of assassins, so I was thinking about mechanical limbs that, though they aren't anywhere near as good as the real thing, still manage to be functional. I'm thinking they'd be iron joint systems fueled by the potent internal magic consuming her from the inside?Alright. I'm going to shut up now. But I would like to know about the state of technology and/or its relationship to magic. That really wasn't a quick question, was it?

If you hadn't no noticed there are very few quick answers from me too -- you're in good company.

1) Magick: Good chance that the most common magick that one can be use is something to weakly ward off bad spirits and to encourage healing. Some regions will likely have developed a deeper understanding of the magical arts, but the common layperson would not have this in most of the continent. If you're expecting technology running on a battery of magick, knowing what I've just said, then you'll need to speak with me personally (if a limited number of places are magical savants, stands to assumption your tech would be from them).

2) Magick-Disease: Awesome! I absolutely love this so much that I am going to play that idea into the OOC as a drawback.Thank you! Specifically related to your character, I love the idea of a diabetes-like disease created from the misuse of large amounts of magick. We could brainstorm on this together, but if you plan on using the blood as a poison, I'd recommend making that essential to her survival. That is to say, her blood is corrupted by magick and she must give, say, 1/4 pint every 1-2 weeks. The blood works as a poison, but if she forgets or she draws too much too often she suffers (average person needs 6-8 weeks between giving 1 pint). Again, totally something I'm willing to help you craft here if you need. It's good to start thinking of weaknesses though, as they'll be useful.

3)Technology: Big question for last. Prosthetics have always been something of interest to me in fiction and I love characters who push the hegemonic norms of our society. You want to play a character who pulls strength from their difference? I'll get on the fuck dis[/] in disabled train right now with you. For our purposes I would say having a usable prosthetic is in fact possible (they had them in Ancient Egypt and Greece). I'd say you're welcome to play this. If your character, or someone else's (hint to anyone wanting deep interaction!) is a skilled 'mechanic' of sorts I'd even say I'd accept some level of modification to the limbs for a mission -- like hiding a dagger within the hand. How you'll fuel the tech is another question... I'd like it to be renewable, but by something like a battery so the limitation is more felt. Maybe the prosthetics are mechanical and still do feed off the magick in the blood, but some of the blood she gives to making poison must be put into the prosthetics like fuel (perhaps a vial suffices for however long, we don't need exact times or all that).

[I]Technology & Magick: Some regions embrace technology deeply, usually creating magnificent clockwork cities, carriages, boats, and intriguing weapons. Their devotion to 'science' is seen by most as curious, and by some as heathen. Other regions give themselves to magick with the same fervour, building an entire society off the ability to use magick (think of Brent Weeks' Chromeria), and many see this as risky, and some again as heathen. There is mostly a scale with the two on opposite ends. We will find some regions where both are intertwined though, but they're more rare.

4) I keep saying this, but I want to hammer in the point. Our missions aren't going to be quickies ended with awkward, half-smoked cigarettes and a walk of shame. The Night Kiss will have a fixed base where they may live, train, and store their needs and the like (can't decide if ours will be a large home-ship or land-based). As needed, we'll leave our base to travel to whatever region and township our job requires. We may stick around there a little while, making relationships with NPCs, learning the politics, and all that. Some areas may judge y'all for your race or accents, others may have treasures or technology that could better your life. It'll be entirely possible to have your own mini-plots within a mission while you meet the folk, potentially do work for them, or even find lovers. All in all, you all will be able to take from most of these places what you'd like. Perhaps magick-enhanced weapons, clockwork limbs, and other gems. The Night Kiss are pilgrims, in a way, and that has its benefits.