Hayazo

Reign of the Nine-Tailed Fox

OOC

For as long as any can remember, the realm has been ruled by Anjou, the nine-tailed fox. They say that with a single breath he can summon great typhoons, that by stomping his paw he can send tremors across the world, and that even the heavens bend to his will. So they say, but none have defied the fox in over a hundred years, so none can say for sure. One band of people doesn't believe the stories of Anjou's power. So, they set forth to challenge his minions and break the world free from his tyrannical jaws.

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Anjou's Reign: The people live in complete fear of the nine-tailed fox. Stories say that a fox that has lived long enough to acquire nine tails has acquired great wisdom and knowledge of the cosmos. If this is true, Anjou has shown none of it. He rules by his whims, often letting his officials do whatever they please. Justice is whatever the ruling lord says it is, and can only be overridden by Anjou's mood. Even the obedient are not safe, as he often rewards his finest minions by allowing them to cause whatever havoc they see fit. Many people fear that the fox will be the end of civilization. It seems that the only way to survive is to become cruel enough to earn his favor.

Anjou's Palace: Everyone knows not to approach Mount Senkiai without good reason. Most people who venture out into the forest at its base never return, and those who have returned tell stories of countless youkai and monsters prowling about. An oppressive aura hangs over the mountain, and rumors say that Anjou has put up many layers of unholy seals around the place. One traveler reported encountering a crimson arch that he was unable to pass through despite their being no physical obstructions in his path.

At the summit of the mountain rests a crimson and white pagoda from which Anjou overlooks his realm. No common folk have ever seen the fox in person, but they have seen his high-ranking officials enter and exit from time to time. Nobody is quite sure what goes on inside besides those officials, but some suspect it is a court of demonic aristocracy.

Kado Shrine: Even though the realm is in turmoil, there are still places protected by the gods that even Anjou's minions dare not desecrate. Kado shrine is one such place. It is generally invisible, locked away from mortals, youkai, and spirits alike. But somehow, a band of people from across the realm have stumbled across this shrine...

So, just a rough idea I have, and I'm throwing this out there to see if there's interest. This would be an eastern fantasy action/adventure RP. If people like it, I'll work out some more lore and whatnot.

The Tales of Winding

@DiggertonGlad to have you back.

Help with how to write through a certain situation

Well, since a collab isn't an option, I'd go with a "less is more" approach. If it is perfectly obvious that character A intends to go to the location, I think it is safe to assume that they will accompany character B to that destination. However, that is all that should be assumed. No dialogue, no details of the trip. Just have a brief time skip where they arrive at the location, and commence roleplaying as normal.

Avalon Academy: The Confines of the Crown

@Gowi

Finding a red haired girl that isn't smiling is hard.

@sakurasan

Oh really?



Lol.

Avalon Academy: The Confines of the Crown

@sakurasan Lanelia borders my kingdom of Forlonia, so it would be likely that our characters have met before. If you want to discuss that possibility, shoot me a PM or hop in the chat room.

Avalon Academy: The Confines of the Crown

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The Great Hall (With Many Watching)

Seldo gave a pleasant smile at his cousin's response. It was humble, tactful, and well-worded. More importantly, this little exchange had accomplished everything he wanted. As Anareliea spoke, the two of them were clearly the centerpiece of the room, and Seldo just loved being the centerpiece. To his delight, she had addressed him directly as cousin, so all the eyes and ears that were upon him now saw his powerful connection. He was important because he knew important people and was not afraid to approach them. And, in front of the eyes of Anareliea's rivals, he had effectively made a public endorsement of her candidacy for the throne on behalf of Forlonia; the opinion of the crowned prince of such a kingdom was not trivial, but convincing his father that family ought to sit on the throne was. The world now knew who Forlonia would vote for. How many would follow in suit?

Lastly, he got a sense of the woman that Anareliea was growing into. She had a reputation for being... fiery, one that tended to be detrimental to her image. Yet here she was, making a calm, elegant, and thoughtful response to a provocative question. Either the rumors had grossly exaggerated his cousin's temper, or she had learned how to play the game. Seldo was inclined to believe the latter, for he did remember a discussion they had as children getting a bit heated. It was also impressive that she tackled the question head-on, instead of using formalities as a smokescreen to evade it. Seldo thought that was admirable and showed great courage, and he hoped the rest of the world would see that as well. What's more, she gave him only a minor rebuke, "how forward," for his brazen question, when she would have been well within the bounds of proper decorum to simply dismiss him. The situation could not have played out any better for the young prince.

"Keep your eyes on the present to secure the future. A wise policy indeed," Seldo said. "I'm sure your father would be very pleased to hear you speak these words." Then he took a lighter tone. He wanted to maneuver the conversation away from grim things like dead fathers. "And I know my father will not let me within twenty feet of his throne until I show satisfactory growth here as well." He gave a pleasant chuckle. "So, indeed I do agree. Let us focus on bettering ourselves while we have the opportunity. I look forward to sharing that experience with you, cousin. Perhaps we can learn as much from each other as we can from the instructors. If we were permitted wine I'd offer you a toast. Instead, I'll just offer you my best wishes." With that Seldo bowed, releasing her from the obligation of anymore socialization. Still, he couldn't help but smile. He could only imagine the impression he'd made by being the first to address the Imperial Princess, and to do so in such familiar terms. People would certainly be talking about him now.

From Barren Shores: A Fantasy Survival RP

Meep? What happened to everyone?

Avalon Academy: The Confines of the Crown

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Seldo's Private Quarters

"You don't think this one is too gaudy, do you?" Seldo said, holding his hand up in front of him and counting the sparkles on his brilliant emerald ring. "It fits the color scheme, but perhaps the gem is a bit too large for this occasion."

"Not at all, My Lord!" Orchid replied in a cheerful tone as she braided a portion of Seldo's hair. "I think it looks wonderful on you. That ring just screams, 'right here is a man ready to learn, and look good doing it.' Besides, you're not just impressing lower nobility today. You're presenting yourself before a large gathering of princes and princesses, many of them crowned. Flaunting a bit of your wealth before that audience is perfectly fashionable."

Seldo smiled and gave no objection. He would trust her judgement as always... and that ring did look damn good on him. The color scheme for his outfit today was green and gold. Deep earthy greens were brought to life by the vibrant golden trim and elegant patterns woven through his outfit. He wore a light coat with the Forletus family crest sewn into the back: a golden leviathan swimming in an elegant swirl. Seldo wanted everyone to know who he was without saying a word. His family crest combined with the prolific wealth he was displaying should make it fairly obvious for anyone with a basic grasp of politics. Orchid finished his braid as she often did, tying the tips of his hair into an oval gem, this one an emerald to match the color scheme of the day. Once the preparations were done, he stood up and looked himself over in the mirror while Orchid made the final adjustments on his attire, making sure that everything was hanging at just the right angle.

"There, now that's what I call a handsome prince!" Orchid said. "I'm sure you'll have potential suitors from all houses lining up to make your acquaintance."

Seldo gave a gentle a gentle laugh. "Dear Orchid, you misunderstand my motives entirely! This is a place of learning. I would never sully these halls with such vulgar intentions. Though..." He grinned. "It would be irresponsible of me not to give consideration to the propositions of one who could bring wealth and power into the Forletus family."

Orchid rolled her eyes and let out an amused chuckle. "My lord, I'm sure that no matter which young lady happens to strike your fancy, you'll find the words to make her seem 'valuable' to the family." And with that, Orchid ran a comb through Seldo's hair one last time and sent him off to the opening ceremony.

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The Great Hall

Much to Seldo's delight, he saw that he was wearing what was probably the most expensive outfit in the room, even compared to other princes and princesses of similar stature. He recognized quite a few faces of people he had met at balls and gatherings, and he saw that his cousin, Anareliea, was in good spirits. He felt genuinely sad for what had happened to her father, and the respects he paid at his uncle's funeral were not feigned. It was one of the few events where many people failed to recognize him, and rumors even began to circulate that he failed to attend. After all, people were used to Prince Seldo wearing flashy, vibrant attire, but a funeral was no place for such antics. Instead, he wore plain blacks and grays like everyone else; he wouldn't be surprised if Anareliea hadn't recognized him there. He did not know the late patriarch well on a personal level, so he didn't feel much actual grief at his passing, but he still felt sympathetic towards her loss. A lesser woman would still be in mourning, but his cousin was attending this ceremony like everyone else as if the funeral had never happened. Ruse or not, it was an impressive display of fortitude.

However, they were not at a funeral now, so there was no shame in making his presence known. He noticed that the new students were being corralled into one corner of the room, which he didn't particularly care for. He pseudo-obliged the staff, walking in that general direction so that he stood on the fringe of the new students but could easily be mistaken for a returning student. As he walked towards this socially advantageous position, he found one of the younger looking students and walked up to him. He cleared his throat and uttered a single word: "Pardon." The expression he wore was perfectly cordial, but his eyes said, "I have somewhere to be. Move." The young noble looked up a Seldo for a moment, gave him a courteous nod, and then stepped out of the way. Seldo grinned internally. With a single courteous word, he had made a show of authority and importance in plain sight of both the new and returning students. The year was off to a good start.

The opening speech was what one would expect. Promises of greatness for the school, its staff, and the students. Standard fare, but at least it represented the Forletus family's famous word crafting abilities adequately well. Seldo made a point to softly clap once everyone was finished, which spurred those around him to clap as well. It was no rousing applause, but it was an amusing effect to observe, as nobody but Seldo knew the true origin of the clapping. Then it was time for them to "mingle." Seldo now had an interesting choice to make. Who would be the first person that he would publicly address? Why, the most important person in the room, of course: the most likely candidate for the next Matriarch.

Seldo made his way over to Anareliea and gave her a small bow. "Milady, I'm pleased to see you in good spirits." Here, he decided to avoid asking how she was doing, as the answer was fairly obvious given recent events, and he opted to avoid the topic of the funeral altogether. It would be better to make this a more positive conversation. After all, they hadn't seen each other in quite a while; why plunge right into doom and gloom? "The Conclave is a great opportunity for us, don't you think?" He continued. "It is as the Grand Keeper says. This room represents most of what the world will become. As we study, we will learn what our friends and rivals are capable of, and who those friends and rivals ought to be. I know this question may be a bit premature, and I hope it is not too forward, but I'm curious. What does the next matriarch think of the future of her empire?" He gave a sweeping motion to the crowd of students who were already chatting, meeting old acquaintances, and forming new alliances. Whether Anareliea chose to answer that question or not, it would be interesting to see what kind of person she had become.

Avalon Academy: The Confines of the Crown

Oh shit, peasant rebellions! That actually works pretty well with Seldo's philosophy. Also, @Gowi, updated Seldo's relationship to Anareliea.

From Barren Shores: A Fantasy Survival RP

~Yukine Aroi~

Yukine smiled when Lilith spoke, her voice easing the anxiety that was building in the kitsune. She decided immediately that she liked this person, and knew that they would get along just fine. Before Yukine could introduce herself, though, the ogre came over and suggested that they go inland to set up a camp. "Okay!" she said eagerly, looking up at the ogre with a relieved expression. It felt so much better having a plan. "I may not be as big and strong as you and Masaru, but I can definitely help make a camp. I make sure I stay in tip-top shape." She lifted her arm up and flexed her bicep, then gave a playful giggle.

Yukine followed Masaru over to the boxes, and nodded when he mentioned it would be good to move the seeds. "Yeah, salt water is no good for them. Neither is too much moisture until we plant them." However, she hesitated before hoisting up one of the boxes herself. "Hold on, not everyone is here. Sevita went to go do something with the snake. I don't want her to get left behind..." Just then, her ears twitched as she heard some shouting in the distance. Another survivor? She turned and saw a man walking towards them, giving them all a friendly wave. So, of course, Yukine waved back. Hey Mister! We're getting ready to set up a camp! Come join us!" She called out to him, wondering what cool skills he could bring to the group.