The new Archbishop and Ascelpius' former apprentice, Ioannis has been with the church his whole life. He was abandoned as an infant on the church's steps and taken in, and at the age of five had heard a revelation from the Goddess. Despite his young age, he is dedicated to the people and will do everything he can to help those in need.
Former second-in-command to Archbishop Ascelpius, Arianthe had planned on retiring before his death, but chose to stay and help the transition. At his request she has stayed by his side and offers her guidance to all; without her organization it would have taken much longer to get things to normal. A quiet, gentle woman, Arianthe is something of a recluse and seems to have a hard time trusting people. Still, her wisdom is indispensable and she is always open to those who seek her out.
Stepping in as the Church's second-in-command, Sirius is a former Knight of Seiros who stepped into an administrative role. He is stern but means well and goes out of his way to ensure order is kept at all times. He works closely with all the professors in an effort to have everything running smoothly and goes out of his way to learn each student's name. His decision to leave the battlefield came as a shock to many, but rumor has it that Ascelpius himself had asked him.
Head of the Knights of Seiros, Kalliope is one of the fiercest warriors of the land. She was transferred from the Southern Church to Central recently, though has no qualms about it. That said, she certainly doesn't have the personality to match her title of 'Lightning Strike of Fódlan'; loud, rude, and full of herself, if people aren't intimidated by her skill, they're certain to steer away anytime she has a drink in her hand. Of course, she is a different beast on the battlefield, so one can't help but have curiosity.
A recent graduate of the Officers Academy and new inductee into the Knights of Seiros, Theo specializes in working in the shadows. Despite his age he is widely respected and has pulled his weight. Even before he became a knight, he knew how to form a network to keep himself informed of all the whispers and ongoings of Garreg Mach. He was also known for having sneaky hands, but was reigned in by his older brother, Sirius. He's somewhat dry-witted but usually well meaning--so long as you have nothing to hide, of course.
Since Edelgard's dumbass war never happened, does that mean Brigid is still a vassal state to the Empire? If so, wouldn't it be plausible for other Brigid nobles to attend Garreg Mach as part of the Black Eagles class too? I know Petra was more of a hostage than anything, but if Brigid is essentially a province of the Empire, after 300 years maybe they're sending students to Garreg Mach on purpose now.
That...is actually a great point. I'll recant what I said before and allow characters from Brigid if people want to be from there.
@Obscene Symphony@Achronum Aight, bet. Probably making a mounted knight then. Or maybe an archer depending on what other people do.
Ditto what they said, I'm kinda throwing out anything the story does in favor of my own plot so you don't really need to know anything? The (arguably) most important thing to know
I'll definitely update the OOC with either links or a small blurb on each empire/kingdom/alliance place so that people have some idea what to look for, or they can always ask as I'm always around. Alternatively/In the case that my explanations don't suffice, the Fire Emblem Wiki does a fantastic job explaining things and I'll probably copy/paste the more important stuff from there.
I'm also putting down something @Tony Pajamas brought up:
Crests are considered blessings from the Goddess, which in a religious place like Fódlan (the continent we're all in) is a pretty big deal. Noble houses in particular determine the line of succession purely by these, so if a duke finds himself with three kids without Crests, he may as well have no heirs and could find his position compromised by his younger brother who happens to have two kids with Crests. This also works in the commoners' favor: if your kid is born with one, you could always arrange a marriage and score you some money, a title, or in some cases fame.
In game, Crests provide an ocassional buff usually coordinated with their strengths, but in this rp we'll be applying that to the less-talked-about-but-still-prevalent alternate powers they give. Some crests give their users strength (such as Prince Dimitri's Crest of Blaiddyd), some greatly boost their users' magical prowess (Like Lysithea's Crest of Gloucester), and in less known cases give the ability to speak to animals (like Marianne's Crest of the Beast). For RP purposes we can try to stick to those, and if in doubt just ask and I'll okay, veto, or suggest an alternative.
I know @POOHEAD189 and @Lauder would probably benefit from knowing this, too, (I'm not sure if @ThatCharacter has played or not, but just in case I'll tag them as well), and as always I am here for questions and answers. I'll add this Crest info to the OOC.
PLEASE PUT ANY SPOILERS IN A HIDER TAG! SPECIFICALLY ANYTHING AFTER WHITE CLOUDS REGARDLESS OF ROUTE!! THANK YOU!!!
As joy surrounds, comfort abounds and I can feel I'm breaking free For just this moment lost in time I am finally me
Year 1495 Great Tree Moon
Located at Garreg Mach Monastery, the royalty and nobility of the Adrestian Empire, Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, and Leicester Alliance send their heirs to the Officers Academy to learn the art of warfare. The Officers Academy was established sometime around Imperial Year 980 in response to incursions into Fódlan from the powerful eastern kingdom of Almyra. The archbishop at the time believed that the Church of Seiros had a responsibility to raise a generation of nobility to excellence to guarantee the continent's leadership was prepared for the future. Serving as a microcosm of Fódlan, students are organized into one of three academic houses according to their nationality: the Black Eagles for the Adrestian Empire, the Blue Lions for the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, and the Golden Deer for the Leicester Alliance.
With the passing of Archbishop Asclepius, this year's students are guided by a high ranking bishop named Arianthe. With the help of the second-in-command, a man by the name of Sirius, the church looks to educate and welcome all. Despite a tumultuous decade of fighting off disease and an assortment of scandals, all are in agreement with the hope for a peaceful future. However, under the surface lies a force seeking to dismantle the unknowingly fragile bonds between nations. Will the students ride the wave of change, or will the flow of time swallow them all?
The World of Fódlan
The Church of Seiros, also called the Central Church, is the main religious organization in Fódlan. Its headquarters is Garreg Mach Monastery in the Oghma Mountains of central Fódlan, a neutral territory that is also home to the Officers Academy. A neutral power, they maintain peace around the continent by keeping the other three nations in check.
The Church's founder and namesake, Saint Seiros, was said to have been given a revelation, a "gift to help guide the lost", from the Goddess who was watching over Fódlan. Seiros first appeared in the Enbarr region of Fódlan 41 years before the founding of the Adrestian Empire. She performed miracles that inspired the people, and the Church of Seiros was founded to venerate her.
The Adrestian Empire was founded in Imperial Year 0 by Great Emperor Wilhelm I, with Enbarr chosen as its capital due to the presence of Seiros. In Imperial Year 32, Wilhelm I launched the War of Heroes with the goal of conquering all of Fódlan for the Empire. Nemesis, the King of Liberation, united the Empire's opponents under his leadership. Seiros finally slew Nemesis at the Battle of Tailtean in Imperial Year 91, but the war did not end until 98, when Wilhelm I's successor, Lycaon I, succumbed to illness.
In Imperial Year 751, the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus seceded from the Empire after winning the War of the Eagle and Lion. The Church crowned Faerghus's first king, Loog of House Blaiddyd, and granted his nation autonomy. In 801, the region of Leicester rebelled against the Empire, and the Kingdom took the opportunity to occupy the region. In 861, the death of King Klaus I led his three sons to partition the Kingdom into three parts, with each of them ruling a certain part as an archduke. The death of the archduke of Leicester in 881 gave the Leicester lords the chance to form an alliance rather than accept his heir, sparking the Crescent Moon War. In 901, the war ended with the founding of the Leicester Alliance under the leadership of the influential Duke of Riegan. The constant threat of invasion from countries surrounding the continent eventually forced these three powers to band together under the Church.
In the present era, the three nations exist in relative peace and equilibrium, largely thanks to the mediating influence of the Church. The Church also runs the Officers Academy, which trains the royalty and nobility of Fódlan in the arts of warfare, magic, and leadership.
Key to the nations of Fódlan are Crests, magical sigils passed down through families that play key roles in the continent's history and politics.
Believed to be blessings bestowed by the Goddess, Crests grant special powers to those who hold them such as high aptitude for magic, enhanced strength, and other boons that give them an edge over others. Crests are inherited by blood and thus recipients of Crests come from an ancestor who likewise had the same Crest. The actual Crest inheritance varies greatly. In most cases, the singular child of a family inherits a Crest, but in some cases, multiple children of the same generation can inherit the same Crest.
Being a Crest holder is not physically obvious and leaves no mark on its bearers. However, those who possess them may have certain qualities such as unnatural strength that indicate their status as Crest holders. Soem centuries ago an avid scholar of Crests, developed a device that can show an individual their Crest. These days most churches are in possession of one due to the archbishop at the time stating that it was a service of the church.
In Fódlan, Crests have had a significant impact on society. They are often seen as a sign of prestige and respect. Many noble houses value crests and are desperate to obtain one as a sign of their nobility. Some have been known to marry or adopt individuals of lesser houses or even commoners who have spontaneously inherited a Crest just to obtain one should their heirs by birthright lack a Crest. The crest is not universally inherited by the eldest child, leading to power struggles within houses when a younger sibling is born with one. Houses are known to disown or otherwise disregard all other non-crest bearing children, heaving all expectations on the crest bearer while ignoring the others. The Church does not condone this behavior but does not intervene.
Crests are classified as either Major Crests that contain immense power, or Minor Crests that contain weaker, but somewhat potent power. Generally, it is believed that the stronger that a hero's blood runs within an heir, the higher the chance of that heir possessing a Major Crest. It is still possible for a child from a distant branch of a bloodline to be born with a Major Crest unexpectedly and it is unknown why this occurs.
The Adrestian Empire encompasses the southern part of Fódlan, a relatively lush and bountiful region with ample access to the sea. It is ruled by a dynasty that can be traced back over 1,000 years to its legendary founder, Great Emperor Wilhelm Paul Hresvelg, who is said to have been crowned by Saint Seiros herself. Its capital city is Enbarr, the largest city in Fódlan, which was chosen for its association with Seiros. Adrestian Empire Founding Day is celebrated annually on the 1st of the Great Tree Moon.
The Adrestian Empire is a hereditary monarchy with a rigid hierarchy. All important government ministries and leadership positions are passed down through the same noble families, generation after generation, although that has not stopped political maneuvering among the nobles.
House Hresvelg, the royal family, wielded supreme authority over the Empire until Insurrection of the Seven in Imperial Year 1171, in which much of its power was stripped away by the nobility. The head of House Aegir occupies the post of prime minister, with the title being hereditary. House Vestra is responsible for managing the darker tasks of the Empire, as well the emperor's periphery affairs, including coordinating affairs such as ceremonies and rituals, Imperial consorts, and the Imperial Guard. House Hevring has rule over the Empire's domestic affairs, particularly those relating to administration, finance, and the judiciary. House Bergliez rules over the Empire's Ministry of Military Affairs and commands all of the armies that do not directly belong to the emperor. House Varley is responsible for the Empire's Ministry of Religion, whose main responsibility is to maintain amiable relations with the Church of Seiros. House Gerth directs Empire's diplomacy, foreign relations, and relations between various provinces and the capital. It worked hard to secure the ceasefires that ended the Dagda and Brigid War in 1175.
Students from the Adrestian Empire are members of the Black Eagles.
Wyvern Moon 1483 The Plague that Swept the Empire
The Plague came stronger than most but ravaged the Empire all the same. The borders were closed in an attempt to contain it, but all measures were fruitless. It was uncommon to hear families that didn't lose someone to it and for years the Empire struggled to recover. The worst came when it ravaged the royal family, killing five of the seven children of the Emperor, and the eldest committed suicide out of grief. In an effort to retain power, the Emperor's last living relative was arranged to another to give the lineage another heir. While most agree that it is the proper course of action, some have said the marriage was a play for power, others believe that the Emperor's hands are tied, and others feel that there have been a few too many new faces around the Emperor.
The Leicester Alliance is located in eastern Fódlan, a temperate region of plains and mountains. Leicester Alliance Founding Day is celebrated annually on the 8th of the Horsebow Moon. In contrast with the other two countries of Fódlan, the Alliance's relationship with the Church of Seiros is neither especially warm nor antagonistic.
Unlike other territories, the Leicester Alliance is a league of multiple noble families who refuse to swear fealty to any king or emperor. Instead, the Alliance is ruled jointly as a republic through roundtable conferences between the five most prominent allied dukes called the the Five Great Lords, which is led by House Riegan and joined by the heads of House Goneril, House Gloucester, House Daphnel and House Edmund, all of which convene at the capital city of Derdriu. Each house's territory is technically an autonomous region, though they all swear reciprocal oaths of allegiance to each other.
Although membership in the Roundtable is generally hereditary, it is not permanent; House Ordelia was once a member of the Roundtable, but has lost their position due to recent events.
Students from the Leicester Alliance are members of the Golden Deer.
Ethereal Moon 1489 The Failed Coup D'état
The Leicester Alliance was shaken when Duke Ordelia slayed Duke Gloucester in what was supposed to be a mock battle. None of the other houses would have ever suspected that Duke Ordelia had held any ill will towards Gloucester, with his troops surrendering immediately. The battle, however, was brief--the decision was reckless and served only to drown morale, with many troops outright throwing down their arms and refusing to fight. Only Duke Ordelia was taken in and tried before the Great Lords, who unanimously decided that the House of Ordelia would lose their seat as a Lord and replaced with House Daphnel. While the shakeup was recent, there are those that feel the actions of one should not have resulted in something so drastic. Rumor has it that Ordelia is on its last legs, and some say the duke had been encouraged by others to take action.
The Holy Kingdom of Faerghus lies in the north of Fódlan, a cold, rugged land that has forced its people to adapt. It is ruled by the royal House Blaiddyd and a number of knightly orders. The nation was founded by Loog, the legendary King of Lions. Its capital city is Fhirdiad, which is also home to a prestigious school of sorcery. Holy Kingdom of Faerghus Founding Day is celebrated annually on the 21st of the Red Wolf Moon.
Due to the harsh environment, children are trained to wield a weapon before they are taught to read and write. Since it was founded thanks to mediation from the Church of Seiros, the country's royal family and most nobles are both pious and enduring supporters of the church. The Kingdom's military is disciplined and instilled with a strong sense of chivalry and duty. The Kingdom army is known to rely on its knights, with House Gaspard and Gautier renowned for their cavalry while Galatea was famed for their pegasus.
Students from the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus are members of the Blue Lions.
Red Wolf Moon 1494 The Fight for the Throne
For years the Kingdom of Faerghus has had only one recognized heir. However, in recent days another has been revealed to the world: the previous king had taken on a secret lover whose child bore a Major Crest. Said child has now made a claim for the throne, fracturing the nobility. Some agree that the current heir is already poised and ready to take leadership. Others argue that the bastard shouldn't have any stake, their Major Crest has given them an edge, especially after their Crest was recognized by the Church of Seiros. The fighting has been mostly kept under wraps, as the Kingdom's current regent has made no inclination as to which they support.
Looking for at least once a week in posting
Character Sheets should adhere to lore and will not be first come, first serve
Said characters should have crests for a future plot point
Be chill
Ask and ye shall receive, I've changed some stuff from the game
Speaking of the game, please avoid any spoilers. Add your character's fav dish to the CS under Trivia, doesn't have to be something found in-game
-Insert Appearance Here-
Name
First and Last
Age
The minimum age for attendance is sixteen
Country of Origin
This will determine what house you're put in. There's the Adrestian Empire, the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, and the Leicester Alliance. Other countries do exist, but you'd have to convince me why someone from out of Fodlan would be attending.
Social Standing
Are you a commoner or a noble? If noble, from which house do you hail?
Crest
There's a list of Crests here! Be sure to add in the Crest's effect.
Maybe it's something you've trained yourself in, maybe it's something you're planning on picking up. I only ask to stay within the confines of the skills offered
Strengths
In regards to skills, which two are your character most proficient at?
Weaknesses
Same as above except which two do you suck at?
Starting Spells
If applicable, what spell does your mage start with? If not a mage, can delete this
Eris was not a huge fan of promises. People had this thing where you were basically expected to follow up on that, and while he was fine with commitment sometimes he just didn't like how it basically meant people expected things out of him. Now, other people promising him stuff was great. And Sunny had just wrapped himself up in a beautiful ribbon and had basically committed to spending the night with him. Not that Sunny knew that just yet, but that little agreement from Varis meant it was on.
Of course, he'd cross that road when it came to it. For now, Eris took in every word Varis said. Unfortunately, it wasn't anything new, but it was a decent refresher, at least. While he was about eighty percent sure the change of topic was coincidence, he couldn't help but stay on guard. It didn't help that he was definitely still convinced Morgan and Landar had a thing, but until he had his hands on some proof, it was just a hunch.
"I'll forward them to you, interesting stuff," Eris replied, keeping his cup where it was as he mentally went over what Ismene reported. "Even the seminar answered few questions but there is some prevalence pointing to that she didn't want to be found. Could have been from shame? It's easy to hide when you aren't wanted." He suggested with a slight shrug.
@Hero What sort of battle system are you thinking of? Should we be choosing classes from the game? (I guess starting classes if we're all new students - which we should be since I think the officer's academy only lasts one year right?)
Will it be as granular as having to pick specific spells/combat arts, or more freeform?
1 - I'll be using a behind-the-scenes roll for some stuff but otherwise I'll likely leave it to narrative. 2 - People will be considering their routes for classes, though the option to stop at Advanced will be viable since some master classes are still trash imo but we'll see 3 - A spell list will be an option on the sheet and will be limited to 5 per category. Characters will be able to also train IC to hone their reason and/or faith to learn more spells.
@HeroRight I forgot about those. In all honesty I don't wish to disrupt roleplays with possible past issues of drama so I'll drop the interest for the sake of not hurting your roleplay.
@HeroAlright that sounds good would you like to talk over the idea of my character possibly having a Macuil crest? I'm willing to discuss it with you if you'd be willing otherwise I'll start thinking over one of the crests from the elites.
You mean do you as the player want to tell me as the GM the ideas you had in mind? Cause I'll be honest, I also remember the kind of conversations we had the last time you applied to something I co-gm'd and you weren't too happy with the things I had to say. That said you can post it here, go to PM's, or just wait until I throw down the CS and go about it that way.