Benzaiten

The Witches Of Shipden Peak

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THE PLAGUE CONTINUES ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ March 22nd, 2024 JUST WHAT ARE WITCHES DOING? Rainstorms. Pitfalls. Voilent Fungi. Nature is revolting. Crops are dying. Delaware's coast still stands under water. Reports of fungi attacks keep trickling in. And now a Dretch - a vile, demonic creature - has been sighted in Wisconsin. Is this the peak of it all or is it only just beginning? It stands to reason, we ask ourselves what the witch community has attempted to correct these unnatural occurences of magical origin. As members of this society, we have welcomed witches into our midst. As a service to the greater good, witches should be expected to band together freely to protect humanity against such wicked influences. But where have they been? Coven Head of the "Los Angeles Witch Society", Eolin Bennig, seems barely concerned. "Occurences of such nature have happened before", she tells our reporter. Such devasting incidents were last recorded "around the years of 1690", Bennig confirms for us. With the Salem Accord having been sealed in 1693 [...]

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The paper crinkled in Lina's hands, her fingers tightening involuntarily at the words in front of her face. Lina Calvo was not the type to get unnecessarily angry, especially right before a big event but even she had her limits. "Where have we been?" She questions in a murmur, brows furrowing. "Probably exactly where you have been."

The problem with humans was often that they didn't seem to grasp that witches didn't exist to keep each other in check. Whoever was behind the odd occurrences was not a part of her coven, it's hardly as if she'd know how to stop them or if she even could stop them. The power output behind the attacks was clearly quite high, and while she was well-trained, she could not make up for the magic of what was likely multiple witches on her own. Nor did she exactly want to involve her coven in a fight where the enemy was entirely faceless.

Stupid.

"And I could wring Eolin's neck," she continued in her silent tirade, it was better to get it out before she was in front of her people. "'Such occurrences have happened before', do you want them to think the worst? Tell them we're working on figuring it out-- something."

The paper crinkled further in her grip before she slammed it down on the table and growled under her breath. If there was nothing in this world that frustrated Lina more, it was situations being handled incompetently. Nightmarish.

---

Her nerves were still on end by the time of the event but she'd never been very good at shaking off her feelings, at least she wasn't projecting them.

She was dressed smartly, a white off-the-shoulder number that showed off the opal necklace she'd spent too long choosing. Her hair was pulled back away from her face. She looked open, honest even, which felt performative but she was not one to do without performance. At any rate, she looked good, maybe a touch too soft around the edges but not bad. She rarely looked bad.

The gathering was humming with activity, the telltale sound of people laughing and talking could be heard as she made her way out to greet them.

She drew in a breath, offered a smile to her coven. "Hello, everyone." Her eyes crinkled a little at the edges. "Alban Illir is a time in which we all celebrate the brief but wonderful balance of darkness and light. It's an important time for us all to remember that life is not without beginnings and that though darkness has its time to thrive, we will always see it through."

She paused to let her words sink in, to let them settle over the murmurs and conversations that came with large gatherings. She could see the faces of her coven, the people she loved most in this world were all scattered around her. With worry over the news ringing in the back of her mind, she couldn't help but wonder if she was enough to keep them safe. If something happens to all of you, who will you blame?

She swallowed despite herself, her vision clouded briefly at the edges. She did what she could to reign it in, not wanting to will her foreboding across the group. "We celebrate the coming of a time of light, but we do not forget the darkness." She said, trying to keep her voice soft. "It is all of our responsibility to make sure that this season will be fruitful for our coven members. So-- with that said," she spread her hands to either side of her to indicate the festival around them. "I invite our practitioners of light-based magic and shadow-based magic to join in the show."

She laughed then, a pretty sound that didn't match how she felt at all. "And to everyone else, enjoy the food, enjoy the soup. Have fun and remember that brighter days are on the horizon!"

She drew back a step and closed her hands together in a near-prayer position. As she did so, light gathered around her hands, casting a warm, golden glow on her face. Her eyes did little to give away the misgivings that clung to her, nor did her smile.

---

As Lina initiated the show presented by casters of light and shadow Evocation, she began to draw herself back into the crowd and was promptly chatted up by some coven witches.

As with every outdoor feast, the tents were all propped up in the Patch. Some stood empty, safe for the groups of witches gathering in them that stood with warm mugs in their hands and enjoyed the safety from the chill evening breeze. One tent offered beverages on a wooden table, mostly warm tea and some warm fruit beverage but some witches brought alcoholic beverages to share despite Lina's half-hearted announcement they should not. Another tent offered some food choices. You would find the traditional soup of cleansing that was always served at Ostara - or Alban Eilir, as Lina had called it - but you would also find bread, sausages, some self-made noodle and potato salads other witches had brought in, a cake, and a bowl of different sweets.

The show the Evocation caster put on under the clear evening sky lit the tents up to then swallow them in darkness as the sun crept behind the horizon. Around an open fire stood several witches in different groups, chatting. Some were holding bread on sticks near it to roast their slices.

In front of one particular tent stood a sign formed like an upside-down V. On that sign, two words were written. An elderly male witch pushed past the shrouded entrance to enter the dark tent and was obscured from the view of the party people. Minutes later, he returned. This was the tent of the Fotune Teller.

[+]

O P P O R T U N I T Y
This is an action. Your character may or may not take it.

˃ Characters may ask for their fortune to be told by the Fortune Teller.
GM Note: Entries will be limited. Fortunes require you to roll dice (3d100). If you roll, make a note "Fortune Teller (Character Name)".

If your character enters the tent, they will notice that behind a simple table, a young witch is sitting. Only 13 years old, she has brown hair down to her buttocks, sits straight and radiates authority. In her hand, she holds a deck of cards. A chair is provided for you to sit down on. She is a lady of few words and therefore will not chat with you but she will act polite, calm and straightforward. If you try to recognize the card deck, you will notice that you don't know these type of cards. It is not a tarot deck nor any deck you have ever come across. Before beginning, she will ask you: "Are you sure you want your fortune read? I can not provide you with clear answers, I will not take questions and you may not be satisfied by what I provide." This is clearly not a reading that will tell you your next love interest. If you answer in the affirmative, the girl will then shuffle the cards for you and lay them out downside in front of you. She tells you to pick three cards. (Do not describe the cards in your post.)

˃ Characters who have been at Shipden Peak for at least 6 months will know the following information.

The young witch is called Khalida. She is a very promising Diviner. She has decided to offer these simple readings at various feasts. Mostly this was born out of a joke about the "fortune tellers" of humanity but Khalida stuck with this. The coven knows she is legit, so people who come to her during festivities for readings usually know what to expect. Khalida does not offer readings of any kind outside of these festivities. The coven also knows that Khalida will be off to magic college soon.

_{(Lina's POV is courtesy of my Co-GM @Prosaic. Thanks, buddy.)}

CLOSED [DnD5e] Perils of Xepreath - Character-driven Adventures

Let me know if anything needs amending. The dnd CS can be accessed by clicking on Aren's name. (I still need to choose some spells, I'll let you know once I did. Probably too tired to do that now.)

Changeling Sorcerer

Name ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Arenzya Aren Rasji Age ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ The body is 32 but Aren has lived 86 years, give or take a year or two Gender ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ None Sexual Orientation ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Hard to say Languages ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Common, Elvish, Dwarvish, Halfling, Celestial Specialties ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Persuasion Deception Chaos

Sorcerer - Chaotic Neutral - Changeling ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Personality ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ First and foremost, Aren is a traveler and enjoys the changing scenery, different personalities and different experiences. They are always willing to hop onto a wagon and see where the next path leads them. Having traveled far and therefore met many people, Aren is willing to listen to every side of an argument before they make a judgment. They don't tend to favor one side over another unless they're trying to get something. Aren's mind seldom works on direct lines. It has bridges and tunnels and curves and dead-ends. When they have a new idea, they get wildly excited about it until they come up with another, better idea. This cycle repeats. Although it has gotten them into many quarrels, they seem to have handled themself well enough to not end up in a ditch or in a cell (for too long). One of the reasons they keep ending up in temporary cells is their need for flexing their fingers. Aren can't help but pocket loose coins and other trinkets they come across. Naturally, someone like Aren likes to keep their secrets. They aren't the mysterious broody type but they also don't share their secrets willy-nilly. One of those secrets being their identity as a Changeling. You never know when it might come in handy that someone doesn't know. Aren has a wild fascination with all things magic. Although they were a little intimidated by their own innate magic as a child, the wonder was always there and never ceased. Aren finds magic in all its forms to be compelling. The more magical a place, the more they are drawn to it. As such, the Feywild is a place high on Aren's bucket list. If you'd ask Aren about their ideals or their morals, they'd likely answer with two things: Freedom and Change. Aren considers inquiry and curiosity the pillars of progress. And to achieve progress, one must demand change. Changeability, being able to adapt are the ideals they live by every day. They also tend to live by loose, changing rules to fit their convenience. Background ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Aren has no home and knew no home other than the streets. This is not to say that Aren considers themselves "homeless". They were born to a Changling parent who loved adventures, loved people and loved life. Whoever the other parent involved in the creation of Aren was, they don't know. Aren has probably traveled more in their first year of life than many others do during their entire existence. Or so they like to say. Aren's parent was always on the go. By the age of eight, Aren had been to all countries at least once. They grew up a traveler and are a traveler at heart, an adventurer even! Although not in the traditional "fight evil, protect citizens" way. More in a "what can I experience next?" way. By the age of 17, his parent had passed and Aren was on their own. They had been well-prepared for this and although it stung to be alone suddenly when it had always been the two of them, Aren moved on. As a distraction, they threw themselves more into their arcane study. Although "study" might be stretching it. Since they never had a teacher for long, their magic was a little... chaotic, at best. Always pushing and pulling, wild magic was not easy to control for young Aren. By the age of 17, they had it mostly "under control". But with their support person gone, Aren began to experiment more with that arcane power inside them. Through "self-study", if one might want to call it that, and some graceful, patient teachers they traveled with, some longer than others, Aren finally mastered to... well it is less destructive now, let's say. Through some mishaps, unfortunate events, and unluck, Aren ended up stranded in the Astral Sea when they were 32. For longer than they can remember, they have traversed the Astral Sea. There, they experienced firsthand the wonders of the Silver Void: Aren stopped aging and no longer felt hunger or thirst. Driven by wanderlust, they drifted from one part of the Astral Sea to another, like a mote of dust on the wind. Aren has lost count of the decades that have passed while they were there. In the Astral Sea, Aren crossed paths with a wandering deity. The encounter was brief and nonviolent, yet it made a lasting impression on them. Once returned from the Astral Sea, Aren promptly joined The Red Wraiths. .................................................................................................................................................

Character Archive

Aren Rasji

Name ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Arenzya Aren Rasji Age ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ The body is 32 but Aren has lived 86 years, give or take a year or two Gender ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ None Sexual Orientation ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Hard to say Languages ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Common, Elvish, Dwarvish, Halfling, Celestial Specialties ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Persuasion Deception Chaos

Sorcerer - Chaotic Neutral - Changeling ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Personality ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ First and foremost, Aren is a traveler and enjoys the changing scenery, different personalities and different experiences. They are always willing to hop onto a wagon and see where the next path leads them. Having traveled far and therefore met many people, Aren is willing to listen to every side of an argument before they make a judgment. They don't tend to favor one side over another unless they're trying to get something. Aren's mind seldom works on direct lines. It has bridges and tunnels and curves and dead-ends. When they have a new idea, they get wildly excited about it until they come up with another, better idea. This cycle repeats. Although it has gotten them into many quarrels, they seem to have handled themself well enough to not end up in a ditch or in a cell (for too long). One of the reasons they keep ending up in temporary cells is their need for flexing their fingers. Aren can't help but pocket loose coins and other trinkets they come across. Naturally, someone like Aren likes to keep their secrets. They aren't the mysterious broody type but they also don't share their secrets willy-nilly. One of those secrets being their identity as a Changeling. You never know when it might come in handy that someone doesn't know. Aren has a wild fascination with all things magic. Although they were a little intimidated by their own innate magic as a child, the wonder was always there and never ceased. Aren finds magic in all its forms to be compelling. The more magical a place, the more they are drawn to it. As such, the Feywild is a place high on Aren's bucket list. If you'd ask Aren about their ideals or their morals, they'd likely answer with two things: Freedom and Change. Aren considers inquiry and curiosity the pillars of progress. And to achieve progress, one must demand change. Changeability, being able to adapt are the ideals they live by every day. They also tend to live by loose, changing rules to fit their convenience. Background ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ Aren has no home and knew no home other than the streets. This is not to say that Aren considers themselves "homeless". They were born to a Changling parent who loved adventures, loved people and loved life. Whoever the other parent involved in the creation of Aren was, they don't know. Aren has probably traveled more in their first year of life than many others do during their entire existence. Or so they like to say. Aren's parent was always on the go. By the age of eight, Aren had been to all countries at least once. They grew up a traveler and are a traveler at heart, an adventurer even! Although not in the traditional "fight evil, protect citizens" way. More in a "what can I experience next?" way. By the age of 17, his parent had passed and Aren was on their own. They had been well-prepared for this and although it stung to be alone suddenly when it had always been the two of them, Aren moved on. As a distraction, they threw themselves more into their arcane study. Although "study" might be stretching it. Since they never had a teacher for long, their magic was a little... chaotic, at best. Always pushing and pulling, wild magic was not easy to control for young Aren. By the age of 17, they had it mostly "under control". But with their support person gone, Aren began to experiment more with that arcane power inside them. Through "self-study", if one might want to call it that, and some graceful, patient teachers they traveled with, some longer than others, Aren finally mastered to... well it is less destructive now, let's say. Through some mishaps, unfortunate events, and unluck, Aren ended up stranded in the Astral Sea when they were 32. For longer than they can remember, they have traversed the Astral Sea. There, they experienced firsthand the wonders of the Silver Void: Aren stopped aging and no longer felt hunger or thirst. Driven by wanderlust, they drifted from one part of the Astral Sea to another, like a mote of dust on the wind. Aren has lost count of the decades that have passed while they were there. In the Astral Sea, Aren crossed paths with a wandering deity. The encounter was brief and nonviolent, yet it made a lasting impression on them. Once returned from the Astral Sea, Aren promptly joined The Red Wraiths. .................................................................................................................................................

The Witches Of Shipden Peak

@Blizz Hello! Nice to have your interest :) Thank you for letting me know about the discord link. I have set it on non-expiring 2 times and yet it expired. Here is the link: discord.gg/h8F85pHHcC

Blood & Ruin (A Fantasy Role-play) (M)

I am still lurking here but I wanna see some more people flock to it before I decide whether I want to make a CS or not. If you're looking to gain some more interest, maybe opening an Interest Check could help, especially because this is tagged as "large group".

If you could give me more of an idea what you're looking to do with this, I could possibly narrow down if this suits my jam. Are you looking for mid-high casual players? Do you have some plot ideas of where you will lead the group? What will our objective as adventurers be beside "survive the war"? Will there be clear goals/opponents along the way, sort of like "quests" to fulfill / a clear directive?

Looking for other roleplayers

Welcome to the guild! As mentioned before, if you're explicitly looking for 1x1s, I'd suggest browsing the 1x1 section or putting up an Interest Check yourself.

As for groups, you can find some DND games in the Table Top section if that's your thing. I am just getting back into this after a hiatus so I don't have too many RPs to suggest yet. There is a fantasy RP that's been going on for I think a year called Avalia, with different races and magic and a war. The GM is very kind and would help you jump in if you'd consider it. By the same GM, there is another RP. More romance focused with some mystery and some (forbidden and corrupting) magic. It's called Roses and Daggers. The third is my own RP. It is modern though, not medieval. Witches are facing growing anti-witch sentiments as magical occurances disturb the peace of the world. This one's called The Witches Of Shipden Peak.

I think that's all I can mention so far and I'm aware those might not fit your taste very well.

In any case I hope you find a good RP group or partners and have a lovely time here :)

The Witches Of Shipden Peak

We got a few accepted peeps now :)

@KyQuinn @Katakuri @Lionhearted Let me know how the adjustments to your sheets are coming along. If you need any help, we're happy to work with you.

For anyone wanting to join, there are still spots open.

Trying to get back into RP!

Not sure if groups are your thing or if you're looking for 1x1 but you mentioned "fantasy & queer romance" and I guess two RPs came to mind for me. My own roleplay: The Witches Of Shipden Peak which focuses on a modern-day witch coven as anti-witch sentiments rise, magical threats occur and the political climate turns against them. And 🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕 which is more romance with some (forbidden) magic weaved in and mysteries. Definitely a high emphasis on romance.

Edit: There is a new Interest Check for Roses as they're looking for some additional players: Here.

The Witches of Shipden Peak

There is still some time to apply. :)

The Witches Of Shipden Peak

@Prisk Hi. I think the highest I am willing to go is 15 players (including myself). I would be comfortable with around 10 players. But this RP would also be able to work with less than that. Counting all the peeps in the discord (accepted, GMs, interested people) we are currently at 13. I'm expecting at least 2-3 not to partake in the end (it would be DOPE if all who showed interest did, but that is rarely the case).

As it currently stands, I am aiming at starting the IC on Wednesday. We are still waiting for a few CS to trickle in.