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Swords And Sorcery: The 5th Province

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Swords And Sorcery: The 5th Province

Wizard Knight Orion

Wizard Knight Orion
It's all in your head.




_{Orion, without his armor}

Name: Orion, the Everwandering.

Age: ?

Height: 1,92 m

Weight: 98 kg

Class: Spellsword

Race: Human

Description: an old man with long, hoary hair, a well-kept beard, and light blue eyes, Orion stands taller than most men, and despite his face has been rugged by the years, his gaze reveals a mind as sharp as few. Pleasant to discuss with, his calm and fatherly behavior is fully expressed by his deep voice, often interrupting to allow him to draw a hit from his long wooden pipe, one of his two most loyal companions. Along with his armor, he is usually cloaked by a blue mantle, and covers his head with a hood or large wizard hat of the same colour. He is always closely followed by his other companion, Vox, his owl, often standing on the pauldron of his armor, which he also rarely leaves. Another prized possession of his are his many bags, backpacks and pouches, containing either seeds, dried leaves, roots, strange powders, and other such items, or strange trinkets and artifacts of varying utility, everything from a chemist's alembics to curious little items of unknown make.

Weapons and Equipment:

Runic Armor: a heavy and bulky plate armor, decorated and carved with numerous magical symbols and seals. One piece at the time, over the years this armor was forged by Orion himself through arcane means, and bears the signs of his many battles.

Seal of the Arcana: an ancient round greatshield, adorned with gleaming runes and seals of power. The shield was found in a forgotten dungeon, between the clenched arms of the skeletal body of a magician of old. Since then, Orion worked steadily to unveil the artifact's power, but some of its secrets yet escape the wizard's comprehension.

Staff of the Magus: given to him by a spirit during his journey to Arcadia, this powerful magical staff, engraved with shimmering runes, always subtly vibrates and resonates, following the rythm and melody of an unknown song: its upper end is often surrounded by an aura of occult energy, like a white flame in the darkness.

The Megatome: this burdensome tome is an ancient grimoire of sorcery, found by Orion in the depths forgotten mountain, far from the known world. Inside its glimmering pages, strange symbols and rhymes are written, used to cast spells that alter the flow of the song of the cosmos. They say that once this book was found by another brave adventurer, but what happened next has been lost to the mists of time.

Skills and Abilities:

Wall of Sound: the manipulation of the song of the cosmos is a technique mastered by Orion in decades of constant training. By altering the rythm and melody surrounding him, the wizard may perform sorcerous feats such as conjuring a solid wall of sound capable of deflecting bullets, or concentrate a sound wave to strike a mighty blow upon an enemy.

Hammer of Botany: Orion is an incredibly knowledgeable botanist and herborist. Thanks to his encyclopedic wisdom concerning plants and their uses, he may produce all kinds of poisons, drugs, potions, and the like.

Psychonauta: using psychotropic substances and plants, Orion may enter a trance-like state of communion of the song of the cosmos. In this altered state of consciousness, he may catch glimpses of the future or of things unknown, teleport through astral gates or contact the world of spirits.

Bio: born long ago in the outskirts of Alvion, Orion was the last son of a family belonging to the lower nobility of the realm. Few recollections of his childhood remain in Orion's mind: the first clear memories come from his early teenage years, during the times of the civil war. As the noble families of Alvion torn each other in bloody battles, each claiming the throne as their own, Orion's family was swept away by the tide of war: as the family mansion burned, Orion's eldest brother attempted to escape, carrying his youngest sibling with him, only to be cut down by an ambush. Orion managed to flee, ran across hills and deep forests, before taking shelter from the harsh weather inside a secluded cave, and there he collapsed, exhausted, his face crossed by streams of tears.

When Orion woke up, he found himself surrounded by the anchorets of the valleys. The old, bearded men welcomed the young orphan, barely eleven years old, into their community, as he had no other places to go. Soon, they discovered he had a talent for magic, and they taught him the ancient knowledge of the flora of the dales surrounding him. In his teenage years, Orion grew and blossomed, displaying a great interest for the natural world: he would spend entire hours walking in the deep woods, observing the magnificence of the flowering mountains. Soon, he started to wander ever farther from his valleys, discovering the beauty of the world surrounding him: the deep green leaves of the parthenoxylon, the vibrant red flowers of the callistemon, the intricate brown roots of the rhizophora. Soon, the time came when Orion asked to be left free to wander the world: the anchorets accepted, and after a long goodbye, Orion packed his things and left for his garden, the world.

Orion usually avoided great cities, preferring to keep to isolated paths and secluded villages. In these times, he gained quite a reputation among the peasants and farmers of his region, as he was known as a kind hearted man, and it was said that when he came, spring soon followed. In one of these peaceful hamlets, Orion met what perhaps was the most beautiful flower he ever saw: her name was love, and with her petals of wisteria she kept him close to her, as he with his leaves and branches of leucadendron kept her close to him, and the two became one. Yet, all flowers wither, and so did she. Disease caused her body to become cold, pale, but her heart remained warm, until death claimed her, and all that was left to Orion was an image, a spectre of felicity lost, the dried petals of a disappeared flower.

A solitary lifetime of journeys followed, after the initial winter of his soul. As seasons passed, warmth returned to Orion's heart, yet the idyll of that spring still accompanies Orion, however no more than a memory. Orion returned to travel, and while he travelled he also studied, becoming an ever more powerful magician. Soon, through song and sorcery, he could walk the realms of spirit, and the dreamlands that lie beyond the veil of sleep, from the desolate wastes of Eiriel to the towering walls of Arcadia. And there, to mysterious Arcadia, the city of a thousand lights, Orion arrived after his most arduous adventure. The gate of the city, surrounded by blossoming flowers with colors so vibrant they produced a synesthetic melody of their own, opened in a ray of blinding light, and a vision of an ancient love brought closure to his travels.

Now, Orion, in his old age, still roams the world, seeking the thrill of adventure, but also seeking someone to pass down his knowledge to, before his bones become the home of pteridophyte and erythronium, and his souls once again meets the flower of its spring.

Vox the Owl

Vox the Owl
Who? Who!

Name: Vox

Age: ?

Height: 52 cm

Weight: 810 g

Class: owl familiar

Race: Tawny Owl, a.k.a. Owl of Sorcerers (Strix Aluco Arcana)

Description: a rather large female owl, cloaked in deep brown feathers, and with two profound dark eyes, Vox can be found perched on the pauldron of Orion's armor, observing the world around her with her penetrating gaze, capable of cutting through the thickest curtains of darkness. Sometimes, her deeply echoing call can be heard resonating in the night: also, the owl often seems to speak in Orion's ear, and some say that Vox is capable of reporting what she saw in his journeys of exploration.

Weapons and Equipment: none, other than her claws and beak: Vox is a rather peaceful owl, but not many would like to see her angry.

Skills and abilities: none in particular, unless you count flying, night vision, and a very cunning spirit of observation.

Bio: the Arcana are a rare and noble branch of the Strix Aluco, one of the greatest families of the race of Owls. They are known for their very long lifespans, and for their talent for magic: thus, they have been called "Owls of Sorcerers", as they are highly sought after by wizards. Orion found Vox when she was still inside her egg, her nest destroyed by one of the fires men had started to clear the woods, in order to make room for more fields. Orion offered the egg warmth and shelter, until it finally hatched, giving birth to Vox.

Since then, Vox has always been at Orion's side, acting as his eyes and ears, scouting the territory ahead and sometimes even attacking enemies with her claws and beak: however, she often leaves him in order to spend time with her kin, the owls of the deep forests, guardians of the ancient knowledge of the woods, and to offer her prayers to the shrines of her ancestor, high on the top of the great trees.

Done. Let me know if it needs editing or something.

Judah

As you might notice, IMPLYING something does not always make it known to be. And you cannot assume people are just going to know things. As my mother has always told me, when you assume, it makes an "ass" out of "u" and "me".

Fine, my mistake then. If you still want to play, please edit that part. Are we good?

You also never once said that the sinners were not killed or did not die. Nor did I assume we would be playing undead. Is there not a mention of an "afterlife" in the bible? Or did I grow up in the wrong Bible Belt?

This is nonsensical. So, let me guess: you automatically play as an undead character in every roleplay, even when they are never mentioned in the campaign description, unless the GM says clearly that you can't do that?

Also, I'm not looking to get into a "who knows more about the Bible" contest. Indeed there are mentions of an afterlife in the Bible. And so? The Bible mentions a Jewish princess decaptitating a saint, but that doesn't mean I'll be including that in the campaign...probably.

Also, according to said bible, sin is not measured in value, simply in quantity.

In Protestantism, yes. In every single other branch of Abrahamic religion, no. Thus, I think I'll follow the general rule of hamartiology, which admits that there are varying degrees of sin.

Judah

Well, you might be able to if you aren't an a$$hole about everything.

I simply pointed out something that needed editing in your char. No need to get pissed.

You never explained the time period, other than just mentioning Sodom and gamora (sic).

Eh, that's true, because it is not based on any precise historical period. Still, I thought that the fact that it was a fantasy setting was rather clear.

Not even once does it say you have to have a character that is basically the ultimate sinner

And those who were the greatest in sin, they were thrown to the pits below, and chained thrice and then thrice more, vntil the day ov the Great Consvmmation.

Swords And Sorcery: The 5th Province

I'm currently writing my character's backstory. One last question: are familiars allowed?

Swords And Sorcery: The 5th Province

Are hybrid classes allowed? More precisely, I'd like to make a half-warrior, half-wizard.

Judah

Hopefully we can get it running this time ;_;

Hope dies last.

Judah

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't accept your character as it is. First of all, bloody jeans and t-shirt? For real? In the name of God, please modify your character's appearance in order to make sense with this setting. And if you can't figure out why jeans and t-shirt is wrong, then I'm afraid you're not fit for this campaign.

Your character's backstory is extremely lacking. Other than the fact that he is bipolar, which might be interesting if used in an interesting manner, you gave me absolutely zero information about him. Also, you're not going to play as an undead. Those who were brought to the Prisons were never killed, simply locked up.

Lastly, your character's sin is not nearly enough to gain him a lifetime of torment in the Prisons. As I said in the OP, only the greatest of sinners were sent to the Prisons: that means warlords, necromancers, and other such evil figures. Some (how many?) murders, one suicide and unbelief ain't enough: in the apocalyptic hellhole that was Sodom and Gomorrah after the fall of the angels, such acts were ordinary.

Judah

Character Sheet Template

Name: your character's name.

Gender: your character's gender.

Appearance: a description of your character's appearance.

Backstory: a narration of your character's backstory: include details about his/her personality as well.

Sin: the reason your character was imprisoned, with some details. It can be one of the Seven Deadly Sins (Wrath, Pride, Lust...) or something else. Creativity is heavily encouraged, as is linking this with your backstory and covenant.

Covenant: your character may choose one of the Fallen Angels to worship, in order a particular power: see the description of the various angels above. Entering no covenant will yield no special power, but know that an oath with a Fallen Angel will take its toll...

Judah

The Fallen Angels

Samyaza ov the Dark Hand

Samyaza ov the Dark Hand, Black Lord ov Sorcery
The hearts ov man stand open,
'tis harvest ov my gospel.

The leader of the Fallen Angels, and first discoverer of the magic arts. He peered through the Veil of Death, and what he saw made him fall into madness. He is represented as a hooded figure, cloaked in darkness and with an aura of blood, with a skull in his right hand, and the left one, completely black, raised in a sign of malediction. His followers will be able to master the magic of Death, and become Necromancers; they may call forth the powers of the dark beyond the Veil, Sh'ol, they may bring the corpses and spirits of the dead, and let them fight as their thralls. Other spells include the draining of life from foes, and the summoning of darkness. The greatest in power of these dark magicians become Gravelords, and can be recognized by their left hand, completely rotten and black, and the horrible sounds of their tortured undead followers.

Rot-Father Araqiel

Rot-Father Araqiel, Emperor ov Maggots
And you shall know perdition;
and it will set you free.

He who taught humans the mastery over the Earth, and the knowledge of her signs. He was sent to search for the light below the World, but found only darkness. He is represented as a great warrior wearing bronze armor covered in dirt and humus, crowned in the roots of trees, and sitting upon a throne of fungi, earthworms, and roots. His followers are the Rotten, and they shall fall to none; they may welcome the Earth into them, and survive the mightiest of blows. Also, the decomposition in their bodies allows them to perform feats of inhuman strenght and endurance. Those who finally choose to become one with the Earth are the Chtonians, and offer their hearts in exchange for a piece of putrid, maggot-infested wood, writhing where their hearts used to beat.

Stargazer Kokabiel

Stargazer Kokabiel, ov the Open Eye
'Tis not the last empire to crumble:
I bore witness to rise and fall ov tribes ov Adonai
and fallen short ov a glory ov God.

The brother of Baraqel, and watcher of the constellations. He spent many eternities watching the stars and reading the signs of the firmament attempting to solve their Mystery, and its solution has driven him insane. He is represented as a hooded figure, with a single, cyclopic eye being the only thing visible of his face; he is crowned by dead stars, shifting in an endless movement, and in his hands he holds a spyglass and a sextant. His followers are called Watchers, and they may foresee what is yet to happen, be it a strike from an unseen enemy, or a catastrophic event. Those who manage to solve the mystery of the Firmament become Hierophants; their eyes will fall off, and another one will open in their place, constantly writhing and watching the blackness that lies beyond the stars.

Chazaqiel ov the Black Lightning

Chazaqiel ov the Black Lightning, Unbegotten Storm
I'll smite Heaven's golden pride,
and never pity thee, immaculate divine.

He who taught man the signs of the sky and the clouds. He was taken by the obscurity that dwells behind the sky; when he returned, he did so riding the most terrible storm the world had ever seen. He is represented as a giant beast with massive demonic wings, horns, and fangs, and an aura of black winds; in his hands he holds a bundle of lightning, dark as the deepest night. His followers learn to summon the powers of the tempestuous skies and become Stormcallers; they may hurl lightning against their enemy, and call forth the storm winds to destroy any who opposes them. Those who are found worthy become Typhons, sacrificing their sanity for a pair of horrible demonic wings, and an insatiable thirst for blood.

Father ov Liars Baraqel

Father ov Liars Baraqel, Watcher in the Darkness
Breeding lies, weaving discord,
dreaming death, a two-sided sword.

Brother of Kokabiel, and watcher of the blackness. When he found that there was nothing but endless dark surrounding all of creation, his sanity abandoned him. He is represented as a figure with a perennially open mouth, which contuously vomits blasphemies and lies; his eyes are filled with blackness, and in his hands he holds a large parchment, on which are written the highest of truths, and the greatest of lies. Those who decide to serve him are called Illusionists, and they may manipulate the minds of their enemies, instilling emotions such as terror or rage in their hearts, or making them see things that are not there. Those who have managed to deceive even themselves become Nightmares, horrible monsters whose jaw has fallen off, and replaced by a writhing mass of black tentacles, erupting from the throat.

Armaros the Vnbelieving

Armaros the Vnbelieving, the Living Dark
A quenchlesse fire, a nest of trembling feare:
a path that leads to perill, sorrow and despaire.

The first one to refuse the existance of God, and master of godlessness. Once, he was the greatest of the faithful, but something has deeply changed in his heart. He his represented as a hooded figure, completely surrounded in darkness and crowned in rays of black light; in his hands, he bears only nothingness. Those who hear his word become Unbelievers, bane of magicians; with the use of their willpower, they may render magic powerless, and with their refusal they may undo even the greatest of miracles. When they have fully denied the light, they become Abysswalkers, and are accompanied by a costant, deafeningly loud sound of static, as the fabric of reality strains around them.

Shamshiel ov the Svn

Shamshiel ov the Svn, Beholder ov the Light
Bornless One,
as darkness bright:
found not in tongues;
found not in light.

He who taught man the secrets of the Sun. When he found that every light cast a shadow, he solved the riddle of the cosmos. He is represented as a naked, genderless and faceless man, with one eye plucked out and bloody, and the other staring in front of him; he is surrounded by an aura of flames, and in his hands he holds two suns; one black, in the right hand, and one red, in the left one. His followers are called Magi (singular Magus), and learn the magic of the light; by manipulating it they alter the course of life, and may heal any wound, no matter how grievous. Those who learn all the secrets of the light become Beholders, and are surrounded by a red aura of healing light; their left eye is offered in sacrifice, and blood constantly drips from its empty socket.

Darkmoon Sariel

Darkmoon Sariel, the Writhing Mirror
Formless Thou hath appeared before me:
I am before all things.

He who taught man the secrets of the Moon. When he was sent to survey the Moon's surface he found a portal on her dark side: he looked inside the portal to see what was on the other side, but something there looked back. He is represented as a beautiful, androgynous figure with long black hair, surrounded by an aura of silver; a crescent-shaped mark is carved in his front, and he holds a blood-stained dagger in one hand, and a mirror in the other. Those who follow him become friends of the shadows, and are called Stalkers: they become adept at hiding and sneaking, and they may easily disappear from the eyes of their foes, in order to strike while unseen. The most potent Stalkers, the Haunters, characterized by the sharp silver claws that replace their hands, can even turn invisible at will for some time.

Azazel the Fallen

Azazel the Fallen, the Black Goat
To pierce the eye ov JHWH.

The greatest of all sinners, and father of weapons and warfare. He was not driven to madness; instead, he decided to embrace it. He is represented as a hooded figure, wearing a crown forged of the bones of the slain; in his right hand, he bears his sword, stained with the blood of the innocent; in his left hand, he bears the ending of mankind. Those who follow him, the Slayers, do not receive any gift in particular, and can cast no spell. However, they will find themselves more and more lustful for blood and death, eventually becoming brutal beasts of war and slaughter. Once all humanity is replaced by hatred, Slayers ascend to become Titans, bringers of the end.