Assassins anyone?
(it sounds better in kwaalish, I'm sure.)
I enjoyed that aside.
Darkmatter Member
Resident Engineer & Physics Afficiando
STATUS: Currently buried in a number of things which I hope will benefit the Guild. 9 yrs ago
- Last Seen: 5 yrs ago
- Old Guild Username: It starts with a D and rhymes with sharkmatter.
- Joined: 11 yrs ago
- Posts: 1233 (0.31 / day)
- VMs: 0
-
Username history
- Darkmatter 11 yrs ago
Status
Recent Statuses
9 yrs ago
Current
Currently buried in a number of things which I hope will benefit the Guild.
9 yrs ago
In some ways, the guildfall was a blessing. It makes it harder for my original 2009 RPing to be found...
1
like
9 yrs ago
I've finally returned to the Guild. Many months of much RPing ahead.
10 yrs ago
A thousand things to be done; plenty motivation.
Bio
Aeronautical Engineer
Irish
TV and Film addict
Been here on the guild since April '08, seen a lot of change but still love it. I've been on and off, I've GM'd fantastic projects and train-wrecks, it all comes with the territory. I once tried to make a YouTube ad for the guild because I'm slightly insane. In a weird place with the Guild right now, seems like so many names I knew are gone, but more than happy and ready to meet new people. Been writing casually for over a decade, a lot of that practice has been here. I have some small short sci-fi stories printed in anthologies but those are so heavily edited they don't even feel like mine any more.
When not on the Guild I'm most likely working, playing FFXIV or the Souls series or (insert recent must play video game).
Anyone with a passing interest in sci fi needs to read Saga by Brian K Vaughan.
Irish
TV and Film addict
Been here on the guild since April '08, seen a lot of change but still love it. I've been on and off, I've GM'd fantastic projects and train-wrecks, it all comes with the territory. I once tried to make a YouTube ad for the guild because I'm slightly insane. In a weird place with the Guild right now, seems like so many names I knew are gone, but more than happy and ready to meet new people. Been writing casually for over a decade, a lot of that practice has been here. I have some small short sci-fi stories printed in anthologies but those are so heavily edited they don't even feel like mine any more.
When not on the Guild I'm most likely working, playing FFXIV or the Souls series or (insert recent must play video game).
Anyone with a passing interest in sci fi needs to read Saga by Brian K Vaughan.
Most Recent Posts
I enjoyed that aside.
My critique so far (for the purpose of trying to guide the RP down th right path) is that maybe we ought to tone down the merchant/trader states. If we have too many, it's going to be counterproductive to the theme of a harsh, desert world where everyday survival is a main priority to most people. As far as I can tell, we have two, with a third being considered.
Agree with this personally.
Though that said, The College doesn't care who brings it water, just as long as you know, their magic door is spooky. Very spooky.
Hey and welcome to guild! Always good to welcome new members with experience. We're still slightly in the post-holiday slump but things usually kick off with crazy activity in Spring!
You are definitely right about the RPing bug being one you can never escape. It's a timeless hobby, and I'm sure you'll have great experiences here on the guild. If you've any questions feel free to drop me a line.
You are definitely right about the RPing bug being one you can never escape. It's a timeless hobby, and I'm sure you'll have great experiences here on the guild. If you've any questions feel free to drop me a line.
Hey and welcome to the guild Kouki. It may be initially a little confusing but everyone is super helpful. Except that Darkmatter guy. I heard he's suspicious.
Anyway, feel free to message with any questions even if it's just simple navigation of the forums, or understanding the sections. It'd be a pleasure to help!
Anyway, feel free to message with any questions even if it's just simple navigation of the forums, or understanding the sections. It'd be a pleasure to help!
Unapproved By Supreme Leader Flagg
Faction Type: An institute of education and understanding. Similar in hierarchy to a guild, but monastic in the pursuit of and devoutness to its craft.
Flag/Banner:
Capital:
The College, oft called 'The Observatorium', is its own being. The College is situated on the slopes of the Moon Reach, one of the largest mountain ranges that break up the wastes of Azoth. Only a couple kilometres downhill, sits the large town of Aurum Valya. The town, and college, have grown and fed off of each other. The town relies on the college's renown to attract would be Astrologians and tourists, and to give the town any significance at all. Likewise, the college relies on the very little fertile land the town claims, for food and water. As with many a town in this harsh world, Aurum Valya was founded on and survives because of a small underground river which exists the mountain near the College. The town and college are separate entities but are commonly regarded as being the one; even amongst the townsfolk and Astrologians.
Outside of the college, there is nothing significant about Aurum. It is a decent size, with several thousand people living there. It retains enough arable river bank to sustain itself and export a small amount of produce. On the whole, it imports most goods and is by the by, a quaint and extraordinary settlement.
Government Type:
The College is essentially a dictatorship, run by the Master Astrologian, though works in effect more like a minature meritocracy whereby the Master confers at all times with the current Seers. All Astrologians are afforded weight to voice their opinion, and open forums are regularly held when decisions that affect the College arise. Ultimately, the Master Astrologian has final decision.
Aurum, is less clean in its politics and is run by all intents and purposes by a mildly corrupt Sultan. The Sultanate historically has not been overtly corrupt in being despotic, but have all worked hard to keep their fmaily in power and taken countless bribes allowing certain traders unfair advantage. Nay sayers have claimed the royal guard little more than fancy mercenaries. Though, Hez Al Vut, the current Sultan, respects her people and has worked to crack down on more violent crimes.
The two facets of power on the slope, meet often to discuss mutually important topics.
Currency:
Both the College and Aurum Valya trade in coined gold, silver and copper, much as any nation in the wastes does.
Population:
The College itself houses at any one time, around two hundred astrologians, though the number of course changes with time. Around that many also work in the field.
Aurum Valya is a moderate township with a little over ten thousand residents.
Unique Trait #1 ~ Wisdom & Wit:
Knowledge : It is power, and the College has amassed a great quantity of it. Though primarily focused with the understandings of the world, and universe at large, the College has rather astutely collected innumerable tidbits of information. Much of which the associated parties would not wish disclosed.
-Unique Trait #2: (Created by me)
Unique Flaw #2 ~ Dependent:
The College is heavily reliant on Aurum for its foodstuffs and other basic needs. The town, in turn, imports a huge majority of its basic supplies. Thus, the College exists in a fragile state, with an enemy being able to tighten a noose on its neck, by cutting trade access.
-Unique Flaw #2 (Created by me)
History:
WIP ~ Shared historical events will be edited in in the near future so this is intentionally brief.
The history of The College of Celestial Arcana Observation is, as one would imagine, a very storied affair. Not least due in part to the fact that the Astrologians themselves are prone to weave a tale or two. What is hard fast fact is that the College is over a thousand years old*. In its beginnings it was little more than a cult. For deep beneath the modern College is cavern network below Moon Reach, in which is situated a door; The Anshk, The Truth, The Salvation. Though called a door, it bares little resemblance to anything the average person would name a door. Perfectly circular in shape, and fifty metres in diameter, the Anshk is a foreboding and evidently artificially made object. In the centre of the Anshk, is a head-sized carving of what is clearly an eye, surrounded by the most intricately detailed runes on the entire door. This section, is called The Truth.
It was first discovered by modern explorers that thousands years past, by an expedition intent on scouring the Moon Reach for archeo-tech. At this time, early settlements existed in the area, but the Moon Reach was rather unexplored. Amongst these were a pair of ancient astrologians, whom upon discovery of the Anshk, were able to transcribe many of the seemingly chaotic runic markings that adorned its surface. Very quickly, the new goal of the project became unlocking the door and its secrets. Days, weeks and eventual months passed as did word of this discovery. Soon, dozens of would-be scholars, explorers, treasure hunters and archaeologists swarmed the site.
Over the years, interest in the Anshk dwindled among the general populace of the surrounding wastes. The nearby river had begun to become a vital resource in the area, and a former trading crossroads, was quickly a village, and eventually expanded to become the Sultanate of Aurum. During this time, a permanent house of study was erected on the mountainside and a small group of astrologians, convinced the Anshk's purpose to be divine, made it their sole mission to unlock it. The runes depicted, stars, moons and great constructs among them. Thus, the the key to its mystery must lie in the stars; in the art of Astrology.
Fast forward several hundreds of years and the College had begun to develop into the modern institute which it is to this day. Formal organisation and teaching was slow to overtake the initial goal of decrypting the runes. Eventually however, the day to day running and maintenance of the College itself became more readily dealt with than the Anshk. In modern times, the College has grown side by side with Aurum, which itself became an important northern* trading hub. Reputation spreading like wildfire, the College once again became a novel attraction for many in Azoth and viewings of the Anshk, became an easy way to extract money from people.
On a more functional level, Astrologians are regarded as being unbiased diviners, not tied to any set of beliefs and have sold themselves as being able to therefore apply to their craft to any set of beliefs. In essence, they may be naught other than the greatest snake oil salesmen in Azoth.
Religion, Magic And Archeo-Tech
Three concepts within the College, which couldn't be any more closely connected, are those of religion, magic and archeo-tech. The Anshk is considered by everyone now, with modern foresight, to in fact be one of the most complex pieces of archeo-tech as of yet discovered. This realisation high up within in the College, has brought about the acceptance of the fact that they very likely will never be able to decipher its secrets, or at least not for many more generations. This of course, is not something the College touts, instead it presents itself as constantly edging closer to great world changing contents of the door.
Abuse of this widespread faith in their mission and craft has lead to the College having people embedded in almost every culture across Azoth, within reason. Though many commoners miscontrue Astrology as a magic-based art, it is in fact a physical and mental craft. Reliant on mathematical precision, a natural eye for understanding celestial movements and armed with visorscopes*, astrology is wholly a human, though extraordinary art. There are however, quite a number of minor magic users amongst the College's ranks. These Astrologians often assume field roles and thus have spread the misconception that the Astrologians are arcane in their nature. The naming convention of 'arcana' a now dead word actually meaning 'mysteries or secrets', hasn't helped the cessation of this rumour.
The Astrologians are deft-handed in their speech, and a sharp tongue is as important in the field as a polished scope. Easy manipulation of those blinded by faith, has lead to much of the College's current esteem, power and knowledge base.
The College Of Celestial Arcana Observation
Faction Type: An institute of education and understanding. Similar in hierarchy to a guild, but monastic in the pursuit of and devoutness to its craft.
Flag/Banner:
National/General
Capital:
The College, oft called 'The Observatorium', is its own being. The College is situated on the slopes of the Moon Reach, one of the largest mountain ranges that break up the wastes of Azoth. Only a couple kilometres downhill, sits the large town of Aurum Valya. The town, and college, have grown and fed off of each other. The town relies on the college's renown to attract would be Astrologians and tourists, and to give the town any significance at all. Likewise, the college relies on the very little fertile land the town claims, for food and water. As with many a town in this harsh world, Aurum Valya was founded on and survives because of a small underground river which exists the mountain near the College. The town and college are separate entities but are commonly regarded as being the one; even amongst the townsfolk and Astrologians.
Outside of the college, there is nothing significant about Aurum. It is a decent size, with several thousand people living there. It retains enough arable river bank to sustain itself and export a small amount of produce. On the whole, it imports most goods and is by the by, a quaint and extraordinary settlement.
Government Type:
The College is essentially a dictatorship, run by the Master Astrologian, though works in effect more like a minature meritocracy whereby the Master confers at all times with the current Seers. All Astrologians are afforded weight to voice their opinion, and open forums are regularly held when decisions that affect the College arise. Ultimately, the Master Astrologian has final decision.
Aurum, is less clean in its politics and is run by all intents and purposes by a mildly corrupt Sultan. The Sultanate historically has not been overtly corrupt in being despotic, but have all worked hard to keep their fmaily in power and taken countless bribes allowing certain traders unfair advantage. Nay sayers have claimed the royal guard little more than fancy mercenaries. Though, Hez Al Vut, the current Sultan, respects her people and has worked to crack down on more violent crimes.
The two facets of power on the slope, meet often to discuss mutually important topics.
Currency:
Both the College and Aurum Valya trade in coined gold, silver and copper, much as any nation in the wastes does.
Population:
The College itself houses at any one time, around two hundred astrologians, though the number of course changes with time. Around that many also work in the field.
Aurum Valya is a moderate township with a little over ten thousand residents.
Unique Trait #1 ~ Wisdom & Wit:
Knowledge : It is power, and the College has amassed a great quantity of it. Though primarily focused with the understandings of the world, and universe at large, the College has rather astutely collected innumerable tidbits of information. Much of which the associated parties would not wish disclosed.
-Unique Trait #2: (Created by me)
Unique Flaw #2 ~ Dependent:
The College is heavily reliant on Aurum for its foodstuffs and other basic needs. The town, in turn, imports a huge majority of its basic supplies. Thus, the College exists in a fragile state, with an enemy being able to tighten a noose on its neck, by cutting trade access.
-Unique Flaw #2 (Created by me)
Cultural
History:
WIP ~ Shared historical events will be edited in in the near future so this is intentionally brief.
The history of The College of Celestial Arcana Observation is, as one would imagine, a very storied affair. Not least due in part to the fact that the Astrologians themselves are prone to weave a tale or two. What is hard fast fact is that the College is over a thousand years old*. In its beginnings it was little more than a cult. For deep beneath the modern College is cavern network below Moon Reach, in which is situated a door; The Anshk, The Truth, The Salvation. Though called a door, it bares little resemblance to anything the average person would name a door. Perfectly circular in shape, and fifty metres in diameter, the Anshk is a foreboding and evidently artificially made object. In the centre of the Anshk, is a head-sized carving of what is clearly an eye, surrounded by the most intricately detailed runes on the entire door. This section, is called The Truth.
It was first discovered by modern explorers that thousands years past, by an expedition intent on scouring the Moon Reach for archeo-tech. At this time, early settlements existed in the area, but the Moon Reach was rather unexplored. Amongst these were a pair of ancient astrologians, whom upon discovery of the Anshk, were able to transcribe many of the seemingly chaotic runic markings that adorned its surface. Very quickly, the new goal of the project became unlocking the door and its secrets. Days, weeks and eventual months passed as did word of this discovery. Soon, dozens of would-be scholars, explorers, treasure hunters and archaeologists swarmed the site.
Over the years, interest in the Anshk dwindled among the general populace of the surrounding wastes. The nearby river had begun to become a vital resource in the area, and a former trading crossroads, was quickly a village, and eventually expanded to become the Sultanate of Aurum. During this time, a permanent house of study was erected on the mountainside and a small group of astrologians, convinced the Anshk's purpose to be divine, made it their sole mission to unlock it. The runes depicted, stars, moons and great constructs among them. Thus, the the key to its mystery must lie in the stars; in the art of Astrology.
Fast forward several hundreds of years and the College had begun to develop into the modern institute which it is to this day. Formal organisation and teaching was slow to overtake the initial goal of decrypting the runes. Eventually however, the day to day running and maintenance of the College itself became more readily dealt with than the Anshk. In modern times, the College has grown side by side with Aurum, which itself became an important northern* trading hub. Reputation spreading like wildfire, the College once again became a novel attraction for many in Azoth and viewings of the Anshk, became an easy way to extract money from people.
On a more functional level, Astrologians are regarded as being unbiased diviners, not tied to any set of beliefs and have sold themselves as being able to therefore apply to their craft to any set of beliefs. In essence, they may be naught other than the greatest snake oil salesmen in Azoth.
Religion, Magic And Archeo-Tech
Three concepts within the College, which couldn't be any more closely connected, are those of religion, magic and archeo-tech. The Anshk is considered by everyone now, with modern foresight, to in fact be one of the most complex pieces of archeo-tech as of yet discovered. This realisation high up within in the College, has brought about the acceptance of the fact that they very likely will never be able to decipher its secrets, or at least not for many more generations. This of course, is not something the College touts, instead it presents itself as constantly edging closer to great world changing contents of the door.
Abuse of this widespread faith in their mission and craft has lead to the College having people embedded in almost every culture across Azoth, within reason. Though many commoners miscontrue Astrology as a magic-based art, it is in fact a physical and mental craft. Reliant on mathematical precision, a natural eye for understanding celestial movements and armed with visorscopes*, astrology is wholly a human, though extraordinary art. There are however, quite a number of minor magic users amongst the College's ranks. These Astrologians often assume field roles and thus have spread the misconception that the Astrologians are arcane in their nature. The naming convention of 'arcana' a now dead word actually meaning 'mysteries or secrets', hasn't helped the cessation of this rumour.
The Astrologians are deft-handed in their speech, and a sharp tongue is as important in the field as a polished scope. Easy manipulation of those blinded by faith, has lead to much of the College's current esteem, power and knowledge base.
<Snipped quote by Darkmatter>
Probably not the first one to notice, but we haven't had an RPG News post in a while, and they did show a bit of life in the forum. Without allocating a single person as such, would it be possible to have a bit of an editing committee that could put together the News for the month? Maybe each month could have a topic theme as well for discussion, or a poll for fun. Just food for thought.
Now when it comes to this...
<Snipped quote by Ellri>
...I think a sense of belonging is what people are probably after. Yes this can be achieved by friends lists, VMs and RP groups and other such additions, but what we need to aim for is achieving that desire to return to talk to your friends, not just return to catch up on an RP.
Agreed on the whole. As I mentioned, I'll do my part anyway, and attempt to greet new members! Try give people an anchor to stay with the guild.
I was initially involved with the News on a minor level, years ago, then it went through some large procedural changes and I didn't resume. It was always a fantastic feature, in its various iterations and I feel it needs to resume.
It might sound insane, but the spam section used to also have a little heart of its own, even if it was a rotten one.
@Flagg
I have an idea that may be a little unconventional. Essentially a small city state run by a sect of Astrologers or at least founded by them, tucked into a mountain in a corner of the map. They are there, with the Observatorium built around a massive artificial recess in the mountain, blocked by an impossibly strong door. I thought it best to ask what you feel is best to explain said door? Archeo-tech seems to be the 'thing'.
Anyway, for reasons they have divined there to be great green pastures beyond said door, and first moved there centuries ago with aim to use the stars to figure out the door's mysteries. However, with time came nonchalance and now the door is little more than a physical metaphor for what is essentially an Aristocracy of astrologians. I'd like to leave room for (insert epic foreboding name for door here) to have option of being an actual plot/talking point or purely a fluff background piece.
To that end, it isn't a nation, it's an organisation so a lot of the sections in the NS are going to be redundant?
Either way that's the very basic, very crudely written explanation of the concept, and I'd appreciate feedback before diving right in and continuing with the concept!
Disclaimer: Yes I stole Destiny's Trials Of Osiris banner. It's a giant yellow and black mystical eye? Did you expect me to not do so?
I have an idea that may be a little unconventional. Essentially a small city state run by a sect of Astrologers or at least founded by them, tucked into a mountain in a corner of the map. They are there, with the Observatorium built around a massive artificial recess in the mountain, blocked by an impossibly strong door. I thought it best to ask what you feel is best to explain said door? Archeo-tech seems to be the 'thing'.
Anyway, for reasons they have divined there to be great green pastures beyond said door, and first moved there centuries ago with aim to use the stars to figure out the door's mysteries. However, with time came nonchalance and now the door is little more than a physical metaphor for what is essentially an Aristocracy of astrologians. I'd like to leave room for (insert epic foreboding name for door here) to have option of being an actual plot/talking point or purely a fluff background piece.
To that end, it isn't a nation, it's an organisation so a lot of the sections in the NS are going to be redundant?
Either way that's the very basic, very crudely written explanation of the concept, and I'd appreciate feedback before diving right in and continuing with the concept!
Disclaimer: Yes I stole Destiny's Trials Of Osiris banner. It's a giant yellow and black mystical eye? Did you expect me to not do so?
I'll be on the chatzy all day GMT i.e. From now until 8 hours from now.
Slow day at the office.
Slow day at the office.
@Darkmatter It really was. Spam was much better back on old Guild. Kinda like the site in general >>
<Snipped quote by Darkmatter>
Pretty much. I spent more time in Spam than anywhere else on the internet, there were nights that I was up until 4 and 5 in the morning just so I could continue conversations with these people. And plenty of those conversations were side-splittingly funny. It was an awesome place back then. Not that it's not awesome now, but it's changed. I really miss OG Spam.
It will be great again! We just need to respamify it......
gay
Quiet you.
@LetsFly I hit spam pretty hard, but in phases. So I'd be really super active in Spam for a week or two, then just focus on my RPs, then hit Spam again, etc. I MOSTLY stuck to RPing. I joined sometime in September 12 or 13? I can't remember exactly for sure. I know it was early september because I was just about to have a birthday, I just don't remember WHICH one. I know it was 12 or 13 though. Probably 12, since I joined THIS place in 2014--literally the day after it was created. Might have even been the same day.
I actually do recognise the username.
A few years back though, Spam was essentially it's own social media platform
© 2007-2024