Avalon ~ City Centre
Avalon weaved through the seething crowd, planting his pole arm, sharpened like a boat hook towards the end, into the back of one of the Atropos. It was a weapon he learned to use in Afon amongst the black-market traders and it always proved thoroughly effective. Yes, he was afraid and this was not how he had planned this. However, fear is what lit him up and fear is what gave him access to the hawk that lay within. Though he knew that the way the Canavar had shifted in broad daylight had broken their cover, he could not be concerned with that. What was important was this one Canavar who had somehow escaped death even when it pursued him in so many forms.
Avalon took stock of his surroundings. His vision had cleared and he found he could notice minute details. They were fighting well, the attention they drew was massive and he was afraid that there was no way out for them. The panic that spanned this block had, like a disease, spread through the adjacent street and was making its way towards the Kings Table, the concentration of the king, nobles and guards who would soon become wrapped up in this as well.
Hopefully, Leolin can explain this away. It was his idea after all. Avalon focused no the task at hand. Then he saw him, a terrified looking boy who seemed to believe that pressing himself into the cobblestone would obscure him completely. He obviously did not look as if he ran with the tavern crowd, as his hands looked unworked and his skin was pale and smooth which indicated a lack of manual labor. This was most definitely the young lord Taliesan.
Avalon rushed past him, scooping him up as he went and pulled him into cover. Then, he heard something in the sky that he had only heard once before in his life. Each abbey of the Nightshade was outfitted with enormous iron bells, meant to signal death. When one Abbey set off it's bells, it only meant a death within that Abbey. However, when all Abbeys within a city set off their bells at once - it meant the death of a King. Currently, the sky was trembling with the resounding sound of bells, deep chimes that resonated throughout the air. People everywhere froze and looked up to the sky watching black flags rise to the top of every Abbey in the area.
Avalon took this opportunity to signal his Canavar to stand down. A mix of human and beast withdrew with him into the shadows.
"You all know what this means. If the Abbey is correct, which I don't doubt they are, then the King is dead and we are no longer protected by him," Avalon handled himself with his usual sternness, but he did not know how long the facade could last. Despite their differences, Leolin and Avalon were like brothers and this death devastated him.
"I know of one place nearby that we can be safe, but there is no doubt that they will look for us. We made our presence quite obvious today.
Avalon drew them into the forest, unaware of a brown rat that hurried after them.
When they reached cover, in the form a cave obscured by the roots of an enormous tree, they settled to catch their breath.
"This changes everything. If the King is dead, then the Belladonna will become the interim ruler. This will make our existence even more tenuous."
"Who are you?" the boy Avalon had been supporting as they ran suddenly spoke up.
Avalon had forgotten about him in the rush into the forest. He didn't know what to say. While the King was alive, this group had a purpose, but what would they do now? Would they go their separate ways, would they search for more Canavar and protect them those that would destroy them, or would they seek vengeance for the King. Right now, all Avalon wanted to do was see the entire forest in flames. A purge of all the horrible evils that inhabited it. His absence from the Kings side would look suspicious and he as well as the rest of the Canavar would no doubt be framed for his death. It would be a few hours before the full force of Gandryll would tear up the forest looking for them.
"We are Canavar," Avalon started, deciding that answering his questions was the easiest route to take. "We existed before man but after all of the other beasts of the world. We were a transition from the wild and untamed to the rational and the self aware. Though we look human we all have a beast within us. I suspect that at one point in time, all humans were Canavar. Perhaps all humans still are - they have simply forgotten their connection to the wilderness."
Avalon suddenly felt speechless and exhausted and sat against the wall of the cave, which felt more and more like a cage as time progressed. What were they supposed to do now?
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Hello everyone! Thanks for your interest. To answer you question, I hadn't really imagined any limitations on type of power you could have. It's just important that any power has limitations or weaknesses so as to avoid imbalance.
The Premise ~
On the outside, Obsidian is a major American defense contractor that specializes in designing and manufacturing high tech weaponry. However, their headquarters conceal a vast network of laboratories and facilities deep underground that only trusted and high ranking officials know about. Here scientists have developed weapons that go beyond what anyone in the world could imagine - Superheroes.
Using an injection dubbed Quartz, scientists have altered their subject's DNA, creating unpredictable changes in the subject that allows them to harness a variety of powers that humans have only dreamt of wielding. But, though resembling the Superheroes of popular culture, these subjects are not meant to save the world.
These subjects, dubbed Operatives upon a successful procedure, are essentially hired guns of a very high caliber. Obsidian accepts extremely wealthy clients on an international scale and they have demands ranging from espionage to assassination. Operatives must abandon any sense of morality and ethics because the missions they are assigned will not always lay within the law.
However, very few people meet the qualifications to undergo the procedure to become an Obsidian Operative:
Condition one is that you have nothing left in the world to lose. You must be desperate and alone. Becoming an operative means you must give up your entire life. Your identity will be erased and you will be assigned a code name. You will cease to exist in the outside world and thus you can never belong to it again.
Condition two is that you must be physically and mentally strong and between the ages of 18 and 34. The procedure requires that you have extreme strength of mind and body as the changes you undergo can be lethal to anyone unprepared.
The third condition is more holistic and careful study of the subject is required before they are deemed well suited to the procedure. It is that you must be able to fit into a team dynamic and be able to succeed living the life of an operative. You must possess skills already suited to the kind of work you're doing and you must display trainability and potential. Obsidian invests a lot of money into their operatives and their investment must promise a return.
Operatives ~
You will be an Obsidian Operative. You were recruited by Obsidian because they recognized the above qualities in you and, intrigued and desperate, you agreed to the terms. You most likely began your procedure in a large group of people, but after the procedure, very few would have lasted until the end. You came to your senses to discover something different about yourself. You do not only possess advanced strength, stamina, durability and intelligence but you also possess a superpower. None of the scientists can predict how Quartz effects you as it has different results on different people.
Of course, how could Obsidian control an Operative with such advanced abilities? A Kill Switch. Each injection of Quartz contains a microchip that, if activated, would promptly stop your heart.
Good luck - you'll need it. Obsidian does seem lucrative; if you can survive the procedure, the training, and the missions they throw at you, you are given a community, wealth, and immense opportunity. However, Quartz is only a recent development and nobody knows how it effects a subject longterm. Also, Obsidian has only just realized the power they wield with their Operatives. Power corrupts - are you willing to handle the consequences or might you be inspired to turn against the people who have essentially created you?
Let me know if you're interested! I'd love to answer any questions you have and if you have any suggestions for plot or story concepts, do let me know!
Thanks,
Dymtra
On the outside, Obsidian is a major American defense contractor that specializes in designing and manufacturing high tech weaponry. However, their headquarters conceal a vast network of laboratories and facilities deep underground that only trusted and high ranking officials know about. Here scientists have developed weapons that go beyond what anyone in the world could imagine - Superheroes.
Using an injection dubbed Quartz, scientists have altered their subject's DNA, creating unpredictable changes in the subject that allows them to harness a variety of powers that humans have only dreamt of wielding. But, though resembling the Superheroes of popular culture, these subjects are not meant to save the world.
These subjects, dubbed Operatives upon a successful procedure, are essentially hired guns of a very high caliber. Obsidian accepts extremely wealthy clients on an international scale and they have demands ranging from espionage to assassination. Operatives must abandon any sense of morality and ethics because the missions they are assigned will not always lay within the law.
However, very few people meet the qualifications to undergo the procedure to become an Obsidian Operative:
Condition one is that you have nothing left in the world to lose. You must be desperate and alone. Becoming an operative means you must give up your entire life. Your identity will be erased and you will be assigned a code name. You will cease to exist in the outside world and thus you can never belong to it again.
Condition two is that you must be physically and mentally strong and between the ages of 18 and 34. The procedure requires that you have extreme strength of mind and body as the changes you undergo can be lethal to anyone unprepared.
The third condition is more holistic and careful study of the subject is required before they are deemed well suited to the procedure. It is that you must be able to fit into a team dynamic and be able to succeed living the life of an operative. You must possess skills already suited to the kind of work you're doing and you must display trainability and potential. Obsidian invests a lot of money into their operatives and their investment must promise a return.
Operatives ~
You will be an Obsidian Operative. You were recruited by Obsidian because they recognized the above qualities in you and, intrigued and desperate, you agreed to the terms. You most likely began your procedure in a large group of people, but after the procedure, very few would have lasted until the end. You came to your senses to discover something different about yourself. You do not only possess advanced strength, stamina, durability and intelligence but you also possess a superpower. None of the scientists can predict how Quartz effects you as it has different results on different people.
Of course, how could Obsidian control an Operative with such advanced abilities? A Kill Switch. Each injection of Quartz contains a microchip that, if activated, would promptly stop your heart.
Good luck - you'll need it. Obsidian does seem lucrative; if you can survive the procedure, the training, and the missions they throw at you, you are given a community, wealth, and immense opportunity. However, Quartz is only a recent development and nobody knows how it effects a subject longterm. Also, Obsidian has only just realized the power they wield with their Operatives. Power corrupts - are you willing to handle the consequences or might you be inspired to turn against the people who have essentially created you?
Let me know if you're interested! I'd love to answer any questions you have and if you have any suggestions for plot or story concepts, do let me know!
Thanks,
Dymtra
The posts are so entertaining! I've been really enjoying reading them. Also, cthulu always makes me laugh.
For those of you interested, here's an NPC profile for Rhonwen. I've also copied it to the original post. The thing I love about NPCs in this kind of situation is that it's kind of an inappropriate title for them. They should really be classified as "Everyone-playable character" (EPCs...?). Anyone can really add onto the character and create actions and situations for them, and this goes for everyone from the Kings and Queens and Rhonwen. Although Oathsworn may be an exception as he's not really my creation. Anyway, keep it up guys!
Rhonwen Sayer: This precocious but ineloquent 10 year old grew up in Gandryll in a workhouse associated with the logging industry. However, she ran away and now takes on odd jobs. She is a Canavar that is very in tune with her transformation, a black adder, and can channel the qualities of her transformation while still human - a very rare ability even before the Canavar went underground. It is suspected that this ability arose to compensate for her blindness, a handicap she was born with. Though Avalon has become an unlikely friend of hers, she was not invited to be a part of King Leolin's project given her age and her blindness. She has her suspicions about what Avalon is doing and wants to prove herself worthy. She will often follow the group from the shadows, despite how often she is discouraged from doing so, and will attempt to aid them. She is sometimes effective, but more often than not she mucks things up.
For those of you interested, here's an NPC profile for Rhonwen. I've also copied it to the original post. The thing I love about NPCs in this kind of situation is that it's kind of an inappropriate title for them. They should really be classified as "Everyone-playable character" (EPCs...?). Anyone can really add onto the character and create actions and situations for them, and this goes for everyone from the Kings and Queens and Rhonwen. Although Oathsworn may be an exception as he's not really my creation. Anyway, keep it up guys!
Rhonwen Sayer: This precocious but ineloquent 10 year old grew up in Gandryll in a workhouse associated with the logging industry. However, she ran away and now takes on odd jobs. She is a Canavar that is very in tune with her transformation, a black adder, and can channel the qualities of her transformation while still human - a very rare ability even before the Canavar went underground. It is suspected that this ability arose to compensate for her blindness, a handicap she was born with. Though Avalon has become an unlikely friend of hers, she was not invited to be a part of King Leolin's project given her age and her blindness. She has her suspicions about what Avalon is doing and wants to prove herself worthy. She will often follow the group from the shadows, despite how often she is discouraged from doing so, and will attempt to aid them. She is sometimes effective, but more often than not she mucks things up.
Hang in there stagprince, we're coming for you... maybe ;) And if you're interested in another character, that's totally fine!
Avalon ~ Castle Gandryll with the Canavar
It had been a surprisingly simple task to awaken the Canavar at dawn the next morning. In fact, when Avalon arrived, they appeared to have been awake for hours - for the better or for the worse, Avalon would soon discover. He currently led them through the long, narrow passageway that connected their annex to the underground portion of the castle. When they finally reached the area, torches on the wall were lit to reveal a spacious armory. Leolin had not managed to wrest control of the military from Avalon, at least what was left of it, at the equipment was relatively modern and well-kept.
Avalon drifted to the back and pulled out a chest, covered in ornate carvings that dust and age had dulled. Inside was what looked like folded black clothing.
"Today is the last day of the Month of Rain and there is a festival in City Center. While that kind of chaos will make excellent cover, we will attract too much attention as we are. You will need to wear these disguises," Avalon pulled out one of the clothing bundles to reveal a well armored black and gold uniform, complete with a long draping cloak whose hood could be pulled over the head. To finish it off was a scowling mask of thick golden-bronze that obscured the wearers face and identified them as Atropos of the Abbey of the Nightshade. "These are authentic uniforms and should prove to hold up against clergy themselves, as long as you don't get too close to the real thing or open your mouth. Nightshade is hosting this festival and their presence will be very noticeable so we will not be out of place. These uniforms are not going to be easy to transform in, account for that if we should have to battle."
Avalon knew that the four were trained in various weaponry and transforming was too risky today. He encouraged them to bring personal weapons or choose one from the armory.
"As long as you can conceal your weapon within your cloak, you will be fine. Just be mindful of when you decide to pull it out and know that your cover will be blown as soon as you do," Avalon tied the sash of the Atropo uniform, fastening a longsword in a hilt across his back before concealing it underneath the long cloak.
When everyone had finished preparing and put on their mask, they made for a very formidable group. Nightshade induced respect and fear throughout Gandryll and nobody would question them as long as they played the part well.
"Now we can walk right out the door," Avalon said, noting how unique of an opportunity moving openly in a crowd was for this group. "Look confident and stop bouncing Empie," Avalon sighed, as the overly stern and aggressive manner of the Atropos was diminished wholly when they looked as if they were skipping.
City Center
City Center was packed and though the sun had just risen, shopkeepers and performers had overtaken the street already, preparing their wares or rehearsing their performances. The Nobility of Gandryll were arriving in sleek carriages and the common people were filtering in, reveling in the chaotic mix of music, the cries of street vendors and the performances of fire eaters and acrobats. Wherever they went, people often gave the a wide berth, never meeting their eyes and sometimes scattering before them.
"Here," Avalon said, as he indicated for them to duck into a small shop. It was difficult for them all to move comfortably in the small dining area of what looked like a tea house.
A small, spindly looking girl, no more than 10 years of age, turned towards their direction. Her eyes were heavily clouded over, indicating a blindness that had been with her since birth. She appeared to look through them and her posture remained bold. Though her stringy black hair fell over her face, it was easy to tell that she had no fear of them.
A woman ran out from the back of the shop, glaring at them and waving a wooden spoon.
"I gave you everything I had last time you came in! We don't keep Ghost Candles and we surrendered our last unicorn horns to you when you raided the day before last. Why do you harass honest shop owners, especially on a day such as today!" The woman's wrinkled face looked both panicked and indignant and her greying hair fell from her bun as she brandished her spoon.
"Betrys, it's Avalon," the girl spoke clearly, her high voice breaking through the tension and causing them all to turn. "He's come to visit. Though I didn't expect you to be ready today birdie, fluttering about with the wild ones." She giggled and when her mouth opened, a forked tongue flickered from between sharpened teeth.
She led them to the back of the establishment, dragging the broom that matched her height - and stature - behind her.
"Funny cape! I almost didn't recognize you Birdie, that swooshing sound isn't like you." She laughed and her dark eyes flickered. She reached up to touch Avalon's face and she nodded knowingly as she detected the mask."But your friends...they wear their fierceness on their sleeve, animals pacing in a cage! Back and forth!" She directed her blank gaze to the other four, her forked tongue flickering from between her lips again, tasting the air.
"Rhonwen, we are looking for Lady Taliesan's son. What do you know?" Avalon asked her point blank.
"I been slithering around at night! Listening in all the nooks and crannies like you asked me. Found myself at the Inn, yes, by the forest. Pretty new boy but green like a sprout. Sings like a birdie but he's a gallop-y one. Knew it right away - Rhonwen knows what she hears." She nodded and laughed. Then she paused, staring widely at an indeterminate spot behind them. "Wait, someone outside? They shouldn't be here!" She froze and hunkered down, as if listening to the ground.
"Fly away!" She screamed suddenly, "Fly away, now!" The girl crumpled to the ground, looking like a discarded pile of clothes. Then, from one sleeve of her now limp dress slithered a small black adder who darted into a hole in the stone and disappeared.
From the front of the store a noise like a huge explosion wracked the building and Avalon gestured at the four to make for the back exit. The shopkeeper let out a piercing scream that sounded as if it were cut short - strangled out of existence.
"Someone has been tracking our movements! They mean to delay us. Follow me, we must make it to that inn before they do, that is our priority."
They evacuated the now demolished tea shop and saw that the once busy street had emptied completely, the people having taken cover within other buildings. Before turning towards the forest, anticipating the journey to the inn, Avalon caught sight of three shadows racing across the rooftops with the same goal in mind.
"Le's go, we must either stop them or beat them there. Follow me."
However, Avalon's heart dropped as he saw a group of eight legitimate Atropos storming towards the teahouse. Two held massive and vicious looking dogs on tight leashes who sniffed the air. One of the dogs appeared to have a lead. It turned it's ugly head towards them before baring its teeth and barking, straining at them and drawing the attention of the other clergy.
It had been a surprisingly simple task to awaken the Canavar at dawn the next morning. In fact, when Avalon arrived, they appeared to have been awake for hours - for the better or for the worse, Avalon would soon discover. He currently led them through the long, narrow passageway that connected their annex to the underground portion of the castle. When they finally reached the area, torches on the wall were lit to reveal a spacious armory. Leolin had not managed to wrest control of the military from Avalon, at least what was left of it, at the equipment was relatively modern and well-kept.
Avalon drifted to the back and pulled out a chest, covered in ornate carvings that dust and age had dulled. Inside was what looked like folded black clothing.
"Today is the last day of the Month of Rain and there is a festival in City Center. While that kind of chaos will make excellent cover, we will attract too much attention as we are. You will need to wear these disguises," Avalon pulled out one of the clothing bundles to reveal a well armored black and gold uniform, complete with a long draping cloak whose hood could be pulled over the head. To finish it off was a scowling mask of thick golden-bronze that obscured the wearers face and identified them as Atropos of the Abbey of the Nightshade. "These are authentic uniforms and should prove to hold up against clergy themselves, as long as you don't get too close to the real thing or open your mouth. Nightshade is hosting this festival and their presence will be very noticeable so we will not be out of place. These uniforms are not going to be easy to transform in, account for that if we should have to battle."
Avalon knew that the four were trained in various weaponry and transforming was too risky today. He encouraged them to bring personal weapons or choose one from the armory.
"As long as you can conceal your weapon within your cloak, you will be fine. Just be mindful of when you decide to pull it out and know that your cover will be blown as soon as you do," Avalon tied the sash of the Atropo uniform, fastening a longsword in a hilt across his back before concealing it underneath the long cloak.
When everyone had finished preparing and put on their mask, they made for a very formidable group. Nightshade induced respect and fear throughout Gandryll and nobody would question them as long as they played the part well.
"Now we can walk right out the door," Avalon said, noting how unique of an opportunity moving openly in a crowd was for this group. "Look confident and stop bouncing Empie," Avalon sighed, as the overly stern and aggressive manner of the Atropos was diminished wholly when they looked as if they were skipping.
City Center
City Center was packed and though the sun had just risen, shopkeepers and performers had overtaken the street already, preparing their wares or rehearsing their performances. The Nobility of Gandryll were arriving in sleek carriages and the common people were filtering in, reveling in the chaotic mix of music, the cries of street vendors and the performances of fire eaters and acrobats. Wherever they went, people often gave the a wide berth, never meeting their eyes and sometimes scattering before them.
"Here," Avalon said, as he indicated for them to duck into a small shop. It was difficult for them all to move comfortably in the small dining area of what looked like a tea house.
A small, spindly looking girl, no more than 10 years of age, turned towards their direction. Her eyes were heavily clouded over, indicating a blindness that had been with her since birth. She appeared to look through them and her posture remained bold. Though her stringy black hair fell over her face, it was easy to tell that she had no fear of them.
A woman ran out from the back of the shop, glaring at them and waving a wooden spoon.
"I gave you everything I had last time you came in! We don't keep Ghost Candles and we surrendered our last unicorn horns to you when you raided the day before last. Why do you harass honest shop owners, especially on a day such as today!" The woman's wrinkled face looked both panicked and indignant and her greying hair fell from her bun as she brandished her spoon.
"Betrys, it's Avalon," the girl spoke clearly, her high voice breaking through the tension and causing them all to turn. "He's come to visit. Though I didn't expect you to be ready today birdie, fluttering about with the wild ones." She giggled and when her mouth opened, a forked tongue flickered from between sharpened teeth.
She led them to the back of the establishment, dragging the broom that matched her height - and stature - behind her.
"Funny cape! I almost didn't recognize you Birdie, that swooshing sound isn't like you." She laughed and her dark eyes flickered. She reached up to touch Avalon's face and she nodded knowingly as she detected the mask."But your friends...they wear their fierceness on their sleeve, animals pacing in a cage! Back and forth!" She directed her blank gaze to the other four, her forked tongue flickering from between her lips again, tasting the air.
"Rhonwen, we are looking for Lady Taliesan's son. What do you know?" Avalon asked her point blank.
"I been slithering around at night! Listening in all the nooks and crannies like you asked me. Found myself at the Inn, yes, by the forest. Pretty new boy but green like a sprout. Sings like a birdie but he's a gallop-y one. Knew it right away - Rhonwen knows what she hears." She nodded and laughed. Then she paused, staring widely at an indeterminate spot behind them. "Wait, someone outside? They shouldn't be here!" She froze and hunkered down, as if listening to the ground.
"Fly away!" She screamed suddenly, "Fly away, now!" The girl crumpled to the ground, looking like a discarded pile of clothes. Then, from one sleeve of her now limp dress slithered a small black adder who darted into a hole in the stone and disappeared.
From the front of the store a noise like a huge explosion wracked the building and Avalon gestured at the four to make for the back exit. The shopkeeper let out a piercing scream that sounded as if it were cut short - strangled out of existence.
"Someone has been tracking our movements! They mean to delay us. Follow me, we must make it to that inn before they do, that is our priority."
They evacuated the now demolished tea shop and saw that the once busy street had emptied completely, the people having taken cover within other buildings. Before turning towards the forest, anticipating the journey to the inn, Avalon caught sight of three shadows racing across the rooftops with the same goal in mind.
"Le's go, we must either stop them or beat them there. Follow me."
However, Avalon's heart dropped as he saw a group of eight legitimate Atropos storming towards the teahouse. Two held massive and vicious looking dogs on tight leashes who sniffed the air. One of the dogs appeared to have a lead. It turned it's ugly head towards them before baring its teeth and barking, straining at them and drawing the attention of the other clergy.
Also, new RP concept -
I had previously left out any kind of religious aspect but I thought this world needed something in that vein just to liven it up a bit. They will be making an appearance during the next few posts. Here's what I've got for you:
The Abbey of the Nightshade - Basic Overview
Known simply as Nightshade, their ideology centers on the belief that "the universe is unknowably vast and swarming with all manner of dangerous spirits and forces, most of which are hostile to man's existence." They originated in Bryn and while there were other religions active at the time, they eventually gained dominance and now they permit no other religions (though many exist underground). They opposes all acts of magic and witchcraft, as well as condemning those that diverge from Nightshade's way. They are heavily militant and have been known to execute "heretics" (those who dabble in magic), seek and destroy magical creatures, and eliminate any artifacts that may have any occult significance. Their religion is spread and enforced by men and women known as Atropos who are trained in mainly poisons and ranged weaponry. They consider themselves shepherds protecting their flock from the unknown, to use a modern metaphor.
While there is no specific deity they believe in, they rely heavily on astrological and cosmological movements, using them to establish holidays, predict the outcome of wars...etc. They are led by the Belladonna, an elected official much like the Pope who acts as the people's spiritual watchdog. The Belladonna often has the final say in conflicts. Nightshade is also involved in the domestic life of the people; holding festivals, performing marriages and the like.
There are many Abbeys located around the Four Kingdoms, but the grandest is located in South Bryn. The Kings and Queens have always allied themselves with the Belladonna and the Nightshade. Doing otherwise is unheard of and would most likely result in that ruler being removed from power. The Abbey controls land and wealth and largely operates on their own terms. They value justice over mercy and are extremely dangerous if opposed.
I had previously left out any kind of religious aspect but I thought this world needed something in that vein just to liven it up a bit. They will be making an appearance during the next few posts. Here's what I've got for you:
The Abbey of the Nightshade - Basic Overview
Known simply as Nightshade, their ideology centers on the belief that "the universe is unknowably vast and swarming with all manner of dangerous spirits and forces, most of which are hostile to man's existence." They originated in Bryn and while there were other religions active at the time, they eventually gained dominance and now they permit no other religions (though many exist underground). They opposes all acts of magic and witchcraft, as well as condemning those that diverge from Nightshade's way. They are heavily militant and have been known to execute "heretics" (those who dabble in magic), seek and destroy magical creatures, and eliminate any artifacts that may have any occult significance. Their religion is spread and enforced by men and women known as Atropos who are trained in mainly poisons and ranged weaponry. They consider themselves shepherds protecting their flock from the unknown, to use a modern metaphor.
While there is no specific deity they believe in, they rely heavily on astrological and cosmological movements, using them to establish holidays, predict the outcome of wars...etc. They are led by the Belladonna, an elected official much like the Pope who acts as the people's spiritual watchdog. The Belladonna often has the final say in conflicts. Nightshade is also involved in the domestic life of the people; holding festivals, performing marriages and the like.
There are many Abbeys located around the Four Kingdoms, but the grandest is located in South Bryn. The Kings and Queens have always allied themselves with the Belladonna and the Nightshade. Doing otherwise is unheard of and would most likely result in that ruler being removed from power. The Abbey controls land and wealth and largely operates on their own terms. They value justice over mercy and are extremely dangerous if opposed.
Hello all! Great work, I'm loving reading what you've come up with. I do have a concrete idea of where I'm thinking of going next, but I'm still fleshing it out, so it can wait while the final few posts come in. Though I do look forward to your writing, I understand that you all have priorities, so don't feel too stressed about getting your posts in.
In the mean time, here is some amazing artwork I found that has inspired some aspects of the Four Kingdoms -
Castle Gandryll
Canals of Afon
Southern Bryn - Meiriona's Fortress
Northern Bryn - Maxen's Stronghold
Castle in Ofera
In the mean time, here is some amazing artwork I found that has inspired some aspects of the Four Kingdoms -
Castle Gandryll
Canals of Afon
Southern Bryn - Meiriona's Fortress
Northern Bryn - Maxen's Stronghold
Castle in Ofera
Thrydwulf said
I'm gonna take full advantage of not having to be among the group at the start of the story by introducing a nefarious element to the plot. I imagine that will present some manner of villainy but I've always found that in a fantasy-based setting there is really no practical application for excessive opposition and I think introducing another villanous dynamic to the story will make it that much richer. I won't go in depth -- I imagine would want me to consult with her prior to any public extrapolation -- but it will be hinted at.Great reading so far everyone.
You're free to do as you please and the other characters can react to what you have planned! I'm excited to see what you have in mind.
TheHumbleMagnificent said
Just a couple of quick questions I have that can hopefully get cleared up before I get to posting: 1. How long has the group been together? A couple of weeks or so? 2. I imagine we're not allowed to roam around the city in our transformed state, but it seems with the king's concerns, that we're prohibited entirely. Is my assumption correct? Or is good ol Avalon nice enough to look the other way, so long as we don't literally paint the town red?3. Did the King's actual birthdate happen, and was there a big celebration in town? Thanks in advance!
1. I think the initial group would have been together for at least a week, but not long enough to be entirely comfortable with each other.
2. Given the relative inconvenience and shock factor of transforming, it's important to keep it low key. But, Avalon does not really restrict their movement as long as they do not cause scenes or be too conspicuous.
3. We can definitely assume there was a big celebration in town if that's important to you!
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