GambolMuse

Adelon: Steeling the Faith (High-Casual)

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On board the Marigold, in the Thalassa Sea

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Under the heat of the summer sun the Marigold, clad in its golden paint which gave its namesake, swayed upon the open water. White surf lapped against her reinforced hulls and the occasional spray surged over the edges, delighting the passengers on the decks above. She was fashioned to take storms and surfs higher than her cabins, a casual trip like this barely registered for her or her crew. The captain took a stroll around the deck, greeting crew and patrons alike. A man of many seasons and even more voyages his tanned, wrinkled skin clashed with the stark-white attire he wore. And beneath the brim of his cap were his eyes shone with an exuberance befitting someone of many years younger than himself. All his life he'd been on the ocean in some capacity, and not once had he lost his love of it. Though gone were his days of leading vessels into battle he still found delight in being upon the water, even if to only ferry people to and fro.

"Cap'n, we should reach port in a few hours, sir!"

"Excellent, let the crew know we'll be making landfall soon," replied the captain, a toothy grin on his face as he looked out to sea, "Galloway's a-waiting, and we're ahead of schedule. Let the boys know once we reach port we'll be heading to the taverns, I think you've all earned a bit of fun."

Excited, the deckhand saluted before hurrying inside to spread the good news. These kids worked hard so it was only right to let them enjoy themselves. They would be in Galloway a few days anyway, being restocked and awaiting the next load of passengers. Adjusting the brim of his hat, the captain smiles, watching a pair of children run by him, chasing one another. An adult, presumably their father, chases after them while shouting about minding the edges.

"The rails are there for a reason, sir!" he calls with a laugh, though he's certain the man doesn't hear him. Folding his hands behind his back the captain resumed his tour, greeting the occasional passenger and exchanging pleasantries. It certainly was a stark contrast from his old life, but it was a contrast he liked. He loved people - the good kind of people, he knew well enough not everyone was agreeable - and a chance to meet new faces was one of the many perks of his station. They took all kinds of folks aboard, each with their own stories, their own adventures, and often times he got to hear those. Few jobs enriched your world quite like his own.

Spotting a lone passenger near the bow of the boat he approached the young man, noting how he was leaned over the rails. Standing at the boy's back he leaned over and confirmed what he'd expected: seasickness. Smiling sympathetically he reached out and pat the boy on the shoulder, a hearty laugh bellowing from his stomach. "Not everyone can find their sea legs I suppose! You'll be glad to hear we're nearly at shore, just bear with it a little longer."

Ethan didn't so much as lift his head from its position, merely raising a hand and giving a thumbs up for confirmation. That was a godsend, though it would be even better had it come several hours earlier. For a luxury ship this journey had been anything but luxurious. The captain gave him another word of encouragement that went unheard as the splashing of water drowned it out. Left alone again Ethan let out a groan, picking himself up and steadying himself with the railing. He couldn't wait until they got back to land and he could actually stand without feeling ill. He swore he was going to kiss the ground as soon as the ship made it to port.

"Still losing your lunch, eh?" a man called, and Ethan turned to see one of his companions. Kent, if he remembered right. He'd only met the man before they set sail and, having spent most of his time along the ships rails, hadn't much socialized.

"If I even had anything to eat," Ethan replied somberly, groaning as he returned to his post, covering his hand with his mouth and letting out a belch. "I just want to be in Galloway already, this boat is killing me."

Kent rolled his eyes, reaching out and grabbing Ethan's shirt. The boy protested and tried to hold his grip on the railing but was overpowered, whining as he was stood up straight. "Don't forget why we're on this ship, kid. You can't do your job if you're busy staring at the water." Reaching into his pocket he pulled a small vial out, shoving it into Ethan's hands. "Peppermint, drink it. At the very least you'll be able to walk without looking like you'll pass out."

"Yeah, th-thanks!" Uncorking the bottle and swallowing the contents in one go Ethan shuddered, his face contorting at the overwhelming taste. Kent was already on his way back underside, leaving him be once again. Smacking his lips and resisting the strong urge to spit up what he'd drank he pocketed the bottle, taking small steps as he willed himself away from the edge. Just a few more hours, he could bear it.

Adelon: Steeling the Faith (High-Casual)

Looks a-ok to me! :D

Adelon: Steeling the Faith (High-Casual)

@Raylah

Then looks like you're all good!

Adelon: Steeling the Faith (High-Casual)

@Raylah

The only thing I'd say - for now anyways - is maybe pick either the fire OR ice arrows. Really it's not so bad having both, but trying to keep characters relatively simple to start :) The tracking's fine on both accounts, I like it!

Adelon: Steeling the Faith (High-Casual)

@Artymis

Sure do! Giving it a bit before we get things running.

Adelon: Steeling the Faith (High-Casual)

Name: Ethan Campbell

Race: Muran

Age: 20

Appearance:

Ethan Campbell

Art done by Midorynn!

Magic:

• Speed Magic - Ethan accelerates himself using air magic, running and striking much quicker than a normal fighter.
• Air Burst Magic - Releasing concentrated bursts of air magic, Ethan can knock away opponents, deflect attacks or launch himself to high places - the latter of which he rarely uses, poor landing strategies.

Gear:

• A bo staff, made of treated snakewood with small steel rings around the ends, both reinforcing and packing an extra punch with strikes.
• A small, wrist-mounted launcher which contains woven steel coils. Used to swing himself in conjunction with his magic for excellent maneuverability. More often than not ends up flying into something.

Brief history: From the tiny forest town of Kinsgrove, Ethan is a novice Magi and hapless explorer. He grew up enamored by guards, the concept of upholding the justice and maintaining the peace. Even at a young age he hurried along the brave men and women of Kinsgrove, and more often than not snuck along during patrols to see them in action. He would frequently be seen in town, wooden sword in hand, helping guards with their day-to-day activities. When he grew up he was determined to join them and help keep Kinsgrove and the surrounding lands peaceful and quiet for all of its residents.

Ethan would have his chance at playing peacekeeper, though not in the way he had hoped. In a regular training session with the town's resident Magi, an old man by the name of Cedric, members of the Church visited the town. Practicing magic was explicitly forbidden without license, this was known but kept quiet. For who was going to turn in a child and a beloved, long time citizen of their village? Though their first offense the Church made an extreme declaration: both Cedric and Ethan would be taken away and sentenced within one of the cities. In the blink of an eye Ethan's world changed and he found himself in a wholly new environment, the one person he knew carted off to a cell somewhere.

His fate would be a bit different. Instead of being locked up as a prisoner he would be changed into a Hunter for the Church. With very little formal training both in magic and swordplay he had a lot of work to do. When it became apparent they could not instruct him in any reasonable amount of time he was passed, declared a Hunter and relegated to simple jobs. Help to settle local disputes, clean up the city, and on a very rare occasion, actually accompany other Hunters to find a Magi. He preferred the menial tasks: dragging people into custody was never enjoyable and he never quite felt like he was dishing out justice. But he hadn't a choice, he was a Hunter now, and he'd do as the Church told him.

Adelon: Steeling the Faith (High-Casual)

FINALLY done! It's a lot of reading, but that's everything we'll need to get started :)

Adelon: Steeling the Faith (High-Casual)

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Races of Adelon

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Muran

Humans, in the simplest terms. The most numerous of races in Adelon, and thus disproportionately holding the most positions of power within the kingdom. As the leader of the Nine Saints himself was a Muran, many credit themselves as being the true leaders. The result of this mindset has brought about no small degree of discrimination and bias towards other races of peoples. Murans - particularly in the larger cities - often own companies which employ other races, and often times they are treated as little more than cattle. Not to say that all Murans are bad, far from it, but it only takes a few to give them a bad name. Within the major cities and settlements they are viewed favorably, as the majority of those locales feature predominantly Muran populations. Other regions of the kingdom are less welcoming, some less so than others.

Murans are arguably the weakest race in terms of magic. Powerful Muran Magi do exist, but their numbers are far and few between. To make up for their shortcomings they accelerated technology and its development, being one of the chief proponents of the change in culture of the kingdom. It should come as little surprise then that the Murans benefit the most from this change, while other races - far more attuned to magic and the environment at large - suffer for it. And the Church - another predominantly Muran construct - is only too happy to support these changes.

Divined

No race of people are more magically adept than the Divined. Graceful beings with soft features, vibrantly colored hair, unusually pale skin and renown for their temperament, the Divined are the poster child for the current events of Adelon. Reliant so much on magic and the perpetuation of its use they have suffered by far the most with these changes. Though unrivaled in spellcraft they are physically weaker than other races, and more susceptible to illness without magic. Many have gone into cities to act as healers, or join the Church for an opportunity to practice magic without fear of punishment. Those who do not have built up small communities well out of reach of the Church,
becoming isolated as they cling to their way of life and the practice of magic. When in the cities, Divined have a tendency to wear concealing clothing, trying to mask themselves as much as possible for fear of scrutiny.

Dimuran

Physiologically similar to Murans - hence the name - Dimurans are a hardy peoples. In place of body hair they grow scales, tough enough to match some forms of armor. Horns sprout from their heads, tails are grown, and their irises are often slits. Many people liken their appearance to that of dragons, though they are more Muran in appearance than beast. Originating mainly from deserts of neighboring kingdoms, Dimurans have mostly taken up residence along Adelon's rocky plateaus and near geothermal vents. They are considered brutish by nature, known to be a warring peoples and highly aggressive. With their tendency for combat they have also gained an unfortunate label of being the dullest of all races, and any jobs given to Dimurans tend to consist of menial labor or mercenary work. Their martial prowess is exceptional as they are trained to fight at an early age, and very few would consider themselves an equal to them in combat. Plenty would think they could outwit one however.

Varuna

Where the Dimura took to plateaus and fiery chasms for their home, Varuna found their homes in the shores of Adelon - and sometimes beneath the waves. Aquatic humanoids, the Varuna are stout, have brightly colored skin with varied patterns, webbed digits, and large eyes ideal for seeing in low light settings. All Varuna are capable of breathing under water - very few are naturally able to breathe on land. To remedy this their people developed a breathing apparatus while on land, allowing them to spend extended periods out of the water. Their knowledge of Adelon's waterways and the sea is unparalleled, and one will be hard pressed to find a better helmsman or guide across the kingdom. Constant travel has made them exceptional as traders as well, and many merchants are Varuna. Their propensity for water is twofold: some have taken to the less amicable side of things and become pirates. When set upon one of Adelon's bodies of water travelers would be well pressed to exercise caution until they know what kind of Varuna they are dealing with.

Ydra

The Ydra are a nomadic race of hunter-gatherers. Originally hailing from Adelon's forests and the northern steppes, they like many other races have dispersed throughout the kingdom. A proud race, and deservedly so, they are renown for their knowledge of the land, as well as their exceptional sense of sight and hearing. A pure-blooded Ydra has angular features and long ears, though in every other sense resemble Murans. Having been so close to nature for so long, Ydrans are particularly sensitive to the energies around them, similar to the Divined. This connection to the world gives them the second highest rate of Magi of any race. Ydra are exceptional in the way they are able to tame and breed animals. Nearly all Ydra outside of the city has an animal companion, and the more dangerous a beast, the more successful they are seen as a tamer. Some keep their companions in the city as pets as well, though this can be tricky depending on the animal.

Naga

The Naga are the newest race to join the lands of Adelon. Having only begun migrating to the kingdom within the last few decades, they are still seen as an uncertainty by many. Naga have had an increasingly difficult time adapting to the customs of the kingdom and its laws, and the Church's reluctance to fully welcome them as citizens as opposed to refugees leaves them open to discrimination. Within cities they are often shunned and at times even openly beaten, with many establishments refusing to serve what they deem "thieves" and "leeches". In some regards these harsh labels are not without merit - many Naga have been forced to take to unsavory lifestyles to make ends meet. In appearance they are humanoid-serpents: their torsos and heads resemble Muran features, though they have scales in place of skin, and their facial features resemble that of snakes. Their lower bodies are more that of a serpent, with their entire body being covered in scales and often sporting a variety of patterns and colors.

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Character Sheet

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Keeping these brief because I personally think it's more fun to reveal things IC. That said, write as much as you feel necessary!

Name: (Don't worry too much about naming conventions, but try being creative! A Varuna named "Chuck" would be unusual.)

Race: (From the "Races of Adelon" list above.)

Age: (Don't go too young, and don't go so old we have to carry oxygen tanks with us!)

Appearance: (An image or description is fine, or both if you really want to!)

Magic: (Doesn't need to be a specific element, and feel free to be creative with your magic! That said, do try keeping elements in mind.)

Gear: (This will change obviously as we go. But to start with, what does your character usually carry?)

Brief history: (Just a paragraph or two. We don't need a life story, even a scene will do, just something to tell us who your character is.)

Adelon: Steeling the Faith (High-Casual)

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Magic and Technology

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Magic: How does it work?

Power in faith.

Note: For the beginning keep magic relatively simple! Unique magic is fine, but save really advanced spells/abilities for later on!

The widely accepted theory on magic is that Magi utilize energy in the world around them, as well as their own, to cast spells. By manipulating the nine elements found in the world and their own energies, Magi can craft a wide variety of spells. From healing to illusions, enchanting tools and weapons, something simple like fireballs, or animating golems, magic has nigh unlimited applications.

To cast magic requires both physical ability and mental aptitude. Even the youngest of Magi can cast a simple spell, but more advanced spellcraft often requires years and years of training. Incantations are not necessary, and while some spells utilize glyphs or sigils most can be conjured simply by willing it to be, and manipulating the energy around oneself.

Magic is not limited to simply elemental alignments. Most Magi do so simply because it is easier, as combining elements in the correct proportions for a spell is difficult. Fire and earth can be combined for magma, air and ice can be combined to create a hailstorm, the variations are as many as they are complex. Some magics are wholly unique to an individual as well, and though these tend to be rare some are known to be hereditary and passed down through a family.

Technology of Adelon

Technology in Adelon is wide and varied. From appliances to weaponry, steam powered ships and tools, the kingdom has enjoyed numerous inventions over the past few decades. Its technological affinity gives it a military and production boon few other kingdoms can match. Production of almost every device and equipment is carried out in the intermediary towns and cities, then either distributed through the kingdom or sent to the coastal cities for trade. Regular citizens can afford most appliances, though not every town or settlement has the power to run devices. Luckily, not every device runs on electricity.

The existence of Demacite allows for some machinery to operate without being connected to a power grid. A naturally occurring gemstone, demacite is renown for its ability to "soak" and retain magical energy. Using extractors and specially designed circuitry, many appliances can use raw magical energy as a replacement for electrical, and depending on the purity and size of the crystal can power a device for periods of time. Think batteries!

In addition to everything else that Adelon has, there is a class of machinery that only this kingdom has: Machina. They are the most advanced machinery created bar none. Humanoid in appearance, these machines act as servants, as workers in assembly lines, and in general, physical labor fields. Powered by Demacite gems and programmed uniquely for their assigned task, they enable Adelon's people to work on more specialized jobs. The Church is ecstatic about the advent of Machina and grants companies developing them large sums of gold, incentivizing companies to continue development and research.

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Church of the Nine Saints

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"And so they ascended, surpassing the mortal coil and becoming gods."

Look anywhere and you'll see the Church's lauding of their Saints. Figures who are linked to the founding of the kingdom, who united to drive back any and all threats that would prevent Adelon's formation. Said to be Magi of unrivaled power they were praised as gods among men, and when the kingdom finally formed they were treated as such. For some, worshiping idols and false gods might seem as heresy. But when these men and women passed and the kingdom seemed uncertain in her future, something was needed to fill the void. People needed some way to find solace and refuge in Adelon's earliest days. For this purpose the Church formed, and for a time that was all they offered to their people. Facilitating the worship of these heroes-turned-gods, the Church steadily gained influence and power within the kingdom. Enough so that within the last century their influence not only matched that of the royal family, but exceeded it.

With so much power the Church could dictate policy and influence governing decisions as it saw fit. When the technological revolution began it played its cards close to its chest, perpetuating the worship of Saints as businesses slowly began to take hold. Once it became apparent these new machines were here to stay they shifted their focus, pledging most of their resources to the companies which would bring Adelon into the future. Worship became an afterthought, and with it many people ceased attending services which had once been routine. Numerous buildings closed the kingdom over, and most of the Church's people were instead trained to deal in business.

This was a move that angered Magi. With magic dwindling and the Church all but taking away worship they were left with little recourse but to fight back. A series of failed attacks led the Church to mount a counter-offensive, utilizing Magi and soldiers to stomp out any pockets of resistance. Though the majority of incidents were successfully ended, the Church still saw fit to instill a new series of laws. In short, these laws made the practice of unapproved magic punishable, and any Magi who practiced without the Church's explicit permission faced heavy penalties. The Saints would understand, they argued, they too would want Adelon to continue to grow. And they will not allow anyone to get in the way of progress.

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The Nine Saints

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Credited as founders of Adelon and unparalleled masters of magic, the Saints are Magi who have ascended into godhood. Each Saint was renown for their power over one of the nine elements, and when the Church was formed each was aptly named a patron of their element. They are as follows:

• Ralthor - the Saint of Fire.
• Xalia - the Saint of Void.
• Genrei - the Saint of Water.
• Edos - the Saint of Luminous.
• Ferra - the Saint of Earth.
• Kedo - the Saint of Air.
• Zorander - the Saint of Shadows.
• Oranoak - the Saint of Wood.
• Suros - the Saint of Ruin.

These nine represent not only the elements, but the phenomenon in the world which concern them. Zorander is often spoken as the one who brings about the night, for example. And if a sailor has trouble at sea it is said they have angered Genrei. Many small churches were formed for worship of a single Saint, though the larger ones tend to incorporate all nine.

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Church Hunters

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The Hunters are Magi responsible for handling other Magi. Affiliated with the Church and bearing an insignia, these Magi are given autonomy to act as they see fit, taking care of Magi who refuse to conform to the new laws. In terms of authority they are above the guards posted in cities and towns, and in some cases can exert their power over military personnel as well. A Hunter's word is absolute, and refusal to comply rarely goes well for Magi.

That said they are still limited in what they can do. Seeking Magi is not a witch hunt and they cannot blindly charge people with crimes, they must provide solid evidence both to the Church and the local authorities that their target is indeed a Magi. Hunters have taken their roles with varying approaches: some only seek to uphold the peace, some enforce the law to the letter, and other still seek any excuse they can to exert their authority, often abusing their power.

Adelon: Steeling the Faith (High-Casual)

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The Kingdom of Adelon

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How do you reconcile magic and technology? Do you trade one for another, can they coexist, or will one ultimately erase the other? For the kingdom of Adelon, this question has still yet to be answered. Nestled between the kingdoms of Astia and Oscea, a once barren, uncivilized land has grown into one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world. Members of every race congregate to the great kingdom, seeking fortune in its world-reaching enterprises, or fame in numerous adventures. The dichotomy of ancient ways - life built on magic and worship of the Saints - contrasts the modern, sprawling cities. In Adelon it seems that anyone can find a way of life, it is the kingdom of opportunity and where dreams can be realized.

Or rather, it used to be. Some kingdoms have done well with combining magic and technology, Adelon is not among them. While the majority of its people's are content to change their way of life, there are some who still cling to the old ways. Magi - people of all races who are able to cast magic - are fighting against the changing tides. Whether due to spite, simple reluctance of change or a deeper reason, Magi have resisted the development of Adelon for a number of years. And at first their resistance was peaceful: protests, demonstrations, always non-violent, attempting to make their voices heard. An alarming cry rallied Magi to gatherings, desperate to gain the attention of the Church. Magic, it seemed, was vanishing from Adelon. There was no explanation, no cause, and from the Church, no acknowledgement or offer of assistance. After a number of years no progress was being made, little allowance was given to these people and the Church of the Nine Saints, ironically the leading religious body, pushed away from faith and magic. Feeling utterly abandoned some resigned themselves to their fates, others clung to what little they could. Others still took a more proactive - and often more violent approach.

It went about as well as one would expect. In tandem with the royal family and the kingdom's military, the Church led the way in stomping out pockets of resistance. Utilizing Magi who sided with them, as well as traditional forces, most were swept aside easily, and the few who weren't were forced into hiding. Change is inevitable, and time stops for no one. Many parties are invested in bringing Adelon into the modern era and they refuse to be stopped by something so petty as "the greed and ignorance of Magi".

In ages past, Magi were heralded as heroes and saviors. With their magical talents they had helped to colonize Adelon and seize her lands from beasts and bandits alike. They had been for many generations the strength of Adelon, the reason why a young, unproven kingdom had managed to survive, stuck between two hostile kingdoms. They had been integral to the development of the kingdom and were now being cast aside. So is it spite that they fight? Is it a feeling of betrayal? Step into the shoes of a Magi and help discover why Adelon is now turning on her champions.

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That brief introduction aside, welcome to Adelon! A kingdom currently caught in a massive paradigm shift, you'll take on the role of a Magi - an individual with talent in magics, as you try to make sense of what is happening around you. To keep things simple to start everyone who takes part will be fighting AGAINST the Church and the change in some capacity. We don't all have to be saboteurs and fighters, but your character probably has something at stake as far as losing your magic, and your way of life. Magic itself is fading from the kingdom and no one knows why, and the authority figures remain silent on the matter. They must know why, yet they refuse to tell anyone, or even acknowledge it. It's up to us to figure out why.