Monkeypants

Hello!

Well hopefully you can bring your long years of writing to help continue to better the stories we write.

Welcome to the Guild!

Phosphoros - Heroic Fantasy for fans of Conan, Greek myth and Antiquity

May i ask one favor? Can lore discussions be posted here? Things getting burried elsewhere makes me sad.

:)

Phosphoros - Heroic Fantasy for fans of Conan, Greek myth and Antiquity

Consider this one.. Interested!

Dark Matters (Open)

The Dominion

UNN, Universal News Network.

Your local, regional and Galactic news source, Live with Jen Silvers and Brogok!

"For those just tuning in, you can watch more on the Scorpine crisis on UNN and our affiliates." A bubbly blond said, a forced smile plastered all over her face.

Brogok, a rather large Kalixuran, stood next to her. Holding a datapad. "Todays stock prices are all over the spectrum." It spoke in a gruff, deep voice. "Most bond sales are down while many weapon manufacturers are reporting all time gains. The various wars bring profit."

"But they are bad for stability and life." Jen chimed in before turning to the camera once more, forcing that smile out once more,

"Stay tuned for more news and Brogok's meeting with Paulina Cobb, Founder of the Dominion protest group, 'Anti Dominion'. with her newest story regarding the "plight of the tiger kittens at the hands of the Dominion menu tyrants." Coming up at the top of the hour."

------

Sis,

Nikki! you'll never believe what happened. I got a message from him! you aren't the only one now! orders right from the top. Cool huh?

Oh and I'm sorry I missed your big premier. I know I know, this is the biggest installment to the Traveler series yet. Seems like just yesterday I was forced to watch you sing barracuda at that dive. But yeah, I saw the reviews and hey yeah! whaaaaat! So I was looking at clips. Kinda felt out of place but I didn't think anyone could make fighting a giant squid in nothing but a bikini work.

So I'm gonna be gone for two weeks, I'll send ya a message when i'm back. Hopefully It will be the last time.

Love ya,
-Lily

Nikki sat alone in a large lobby of the Dominion Headquarters, Slowly lowering her hand, along with the paper away from her face. She leaned back and sighed,

"You are so dumb sometimes. But It's been.. a month now." ." She said quietly before standing up and walking towards the front desk. A young woman sat with her legs crossed, glaring at her from behind the desk.

"May I help you?" She said politely.

"Uh.. I've been up here four times already, the name before me was called, and then the guy after. So.. Any chance I can be seen?" Nikki replied, growing rather impatient.

The young woman turned her head to a large holographic display. "Ah yes, You are next to be seen." She smiled, "Just await your name please. Thank you."

Nikki huffed and turned her back to the woman and walked back to her bench. Before she could sit, a male voice called, "Nikki Kepler."

The male led her through a long corridor, passing many rooms with closed doors, frosted glass revealed only shadowed figures and muffled words. "Guess that's me now." she said, knowing these people were all in for the same reasons. The governments of the lands were useless when it came to matters of missing persons. And best place to start is with her sisters very employer.

When they reached the room, the man motioned for her to sit. "Hello, my name is Todd, customer relations. How may I help you."

Nikki sighed, "I need information on my sister. She is one of the execs with your company. Sarah Kepler."

"Ok, give me just a few minutes to look that up." Todd replied, turning to a holographic panel. Nikki leaned over, trying to gaze at the screen. Todd glared at her, then motioned his hand up, pivoting the screen out of her view.

"Alright, Miss, Kepler. I do not have a record of a Sarah Kepler on file." Todd said.

Nikki gave a puzzled look then leaned in, "Don't treat me like an idiot. Do you know who I am!? I am Nichelle Kepler.. Nichelle, Fucking, Kepler. I sing, I dance, I make movies that make more money than your whole damned family. Respect me!"

Todd laughed, "That's precious. Look. I don't care how poor, how rich, how humble or entitled someone may be. I am honest. I have no record of this Sarah Kepler. I'm sorry but there's nothing I can do."

Nikki leaned back, crossing her arms. "So what now, I have a sister that worked for this company for twenty years and you're just gonna brush her under the rug. Sit there and lie to me like that."

"Listen, look. Ok, I'll send a message to my supervisor and we will get back with you shortly." Todd replied.

Nikki leaned forward, "Awesome! should I wait in the lobby?"

"Expect a reply in a few weeks to a month." Todd replied, standing up and motioning towards the door.

"Are you fucking kidding?" Nikki said, before standing up. She took a few steps away from his desk before leaning over and knocking his name placard from his desk. "Oh let me pick that up." She snarled, "In a few weeks to a month." She turned and walked out.

Outside, reporters and snoops sat eager for her to emerge. Nikki stood at the main door, staring at the flashing cameras. "Damn. Damn damn damn." As she opened the door, a Xuhajann and a Janari took flanking positions, motioning the paparazzi away.

As they took their seats inside a hover car, a female human sat across from her, Nikki's personal assistant Haley. "Ma'am. I was going over some of the circumstances of Lily's disappearance and I think it might be wise to seek alternative measures to find her."

Nikki cocked her head. "What. Go to who. One of the other nations? maybe someone will pick up the scent. Help a girl out?"

Haley frowned and shook her head, "No, I believe you might have to take this into your own hands. Perhaps the Valkyries could help."

Nikki leaned forward, "You do realize that me being ex Dominion Military would likely turn them away.. right?"

Haley smiled, "enemy of my enemy is me friend? Even though you left on good terms, I'm sure they'd consider it. It's not like you just got out. its been what, ten years?"

"Yeah.. ten years next week. Wow its been a while." Nikki said, before nodding to Haley. "Ok, arrange a meeting with the Valkyries. I'll give that a try."

"Ma'am might I suggest not flaunting your status, most will probably know you anyway. It might help them." She paused, and cleared her throat intentionally. "Understand your humbled civility."

"Yeah, Right." Nikki said, prompting both to start chuckling.

Dark Matters (Open)

The Dominion

The Dominion

Brief Descriptiom

The Dominion is a private venture operating in most known regions of the galaxy. This group operates an unknown number of agents in small cells, or companies, that operate in the fields of science, engineering, logistics, security, Among others.

Claim

The Dominion operates various facilities, both planet based and space based throughout the known galaxy.

Government

The Dominion is led by a figure known only as Sovereign. Sovereign never shows up in person, always prompting to send a representative who would then display a heavily encrypted holographic projector. The figure is shrouded in black, and speaks through a voice synthesizer.

Below Sovereign are the board, a grouping of individuals that oversee the routine operations, though they are bound to service through Sovereign, they are not bound to one another. They do seemingly work well together, engaging in debates to decide actions on a lower scale. It is not uncommon however for one of the board to do their own thing, as the only one who they ultimately answer to, is Sovereign itself.

At the "bottom" of the leadership chain is the various company leaders. These companies operate semi-autonomously, offering services to the highest bidder or working exclusively for individually preferred governments. It is rare, but there has in the past been instances of unmarked agents operating unknowingly against each other, though most larger operations requiring unmarked are carried out far from one another.

History

The Dominion was officially founded some two-hundred years ago, but it existed as a coalition of civilian ventures along with various military leaders banding together to survive during the Orionic empires fall. This group eventually started to include elements of the Zuukid empire as well, growing into the corporation it is today.

The most recent iteration of this group was founded by Sovereign some five decades ago. It began pushing for more involved partnerships with "friendly" nations, assisting them with scientific, exploration, transportation, and even in some cases military assets. They offer affordable pricing, which has begged some to ask what Sovereign is truly gaining by all of this, as the prices alone barely cover operating costs of the group itself.

Military

Dominion military works in a few separate ways. The individual company's work to pay for their own equipment, With my opting to purchase other nations tools due to the rarity of their own domestic designs.

The official military branch of the Dominion however is armed to the teeth with the very best they could purchase and build themselves. Below is some of the more prolific domestic technologies.

Ground Service:

Mk V pulse rifle

The Mk V is a modular weapon, highly capable in any small arms combat. It can be used as a long range marksman rifle, or fitted with a adjustable stock and a suppressor for those close quarters engagements.

LMR pattern Anti-Material cannon

One of the largest personal firearms in the Dominions arsenal. A railgun rifle that fires a 15mm slug over long distance. It is very accurate, a high rate of fire, and in the right hands, outright devastating. Sadly, its heavy weight keeps many from using it except for times of real need.

Ranger light tank

The ranger light tank is the Dominions only domestic tank so far. It sports a 105mm railgun capable of also firing missiles. Two MLRS were added to later models for area saturation but most crews remove them as having rockets mounted externally has been seen as dangerous. It is lightly armored to improve speed. The mentality was, with the types of weaponry in play, regardless of armor, if you're spotted first you're dead. So they went the glass cannon route.

Space Service:

Modular Platform Fighters

One of the staple military hardware to originate from the Dominion is the Variable fighter. It has seen many variants and updates, with many models existing. Though most retain the same trademark transformations. All contain the prefix AF, for Adjustable Frame.

AF-104 Crusader

The crusader is the current front line fighter used by the Dominion and other client states, though the sales version is moderately dumbed down. This model has been tried in combat over decades and proven itself a very modern contender even among the larger nations. It is primarily an interceptor and light ground attack, though with sufficient upgrades, can be used as a medium bomber or anti ship torpedo boat.

AF-112 Centurion

The Centurion is a newer addition to the Dominions space faring arsenal. A completely upgraded stealth interceptor with various weaponry in an internal and external loadout. This is the first attempt at a universal fighter, that isn't quite the greatest at any one particular task, unless very specifically outfitted for it, but good at all tasks.

AF-150 Avenger

The Avenger is the new top-line fighter. These fighters are the most advanced fighter fielded by the Dominion to date, utilizing many construction techniques to create a lightweight, stealthy, heavily armed and shielded fighter.

L type heavy fighter

Another new addition is the heavy fighter, or more commonly called a corvette, is a large heavy ordinance delivery craft. It is quite maneuverable considering its large size and it carries various anti-ship and anti-ground weaponry, along with ample defenses against aggressor fighters.

Pegasus class cruiser

The raider is a warship that is somewhat under firepower standards as a classic cruiser, however its strength lies due to its wing of 32 manned fighters it carries. Operating as more of a light carrier, it can forego hangar space to hold troops or equipment. This vessel is the primary workhorse of the Dominion.

Titan

Nearly ten years ago, Sovereign did something unheard of for more private companies. It commissioned plans for a super heavy capital class ship. Dominion scientists studied designs of the galaxies heaviest ships and devised methods to create a vessel that was comparable in both firepower and armor, but at a reduced overall size, gaining it a distinct advantage over many competitor designs, and that was speed.

Its main downside is its rarity, Though many have been started, only a handful roam the stars.

Religion/Culture

Demographics (Species)

Unknown but is comprised of people from just about every known race. Every company hires and fires its own people. Some companies operate with as few as eight, while others operate in the thousands, or in a few select areas, the millions, for a single company.

Characters

Sovereign

Sovereign is the "leader" of the Dominion. It's chief benefactor and shareholder yet no one except it knows who it truly is. Many theories have been presented but never proven. Sovereign never appears in person, rather in heavily encrypted transmissions that even when traced to their source, reveal a barren world, or the dead of space with no trace of anyone to be found. Sovereign speaks in an androgynous, mechanical voice. The figure presented always matches the race it is communicating with.

Sovereign is also very choosy as to whom it convenes with, usually only people within its highest echelons of Dominion leadership.

Kepler "Twins"

Nichelle "Nikki" Kepler


-----

Sarah "Lily" Kepler

Relations

Aurolian Republic

The Vesta Cell

The Martian State

The Juno cell;

A rather large, predominantly militant and logistics company based on Europa. Long years of working with the State governments prompted Sovereign to personally lease land to build a local headquarters for the Juno company operating there. They operate many functions for the local governments and offer discounts for loyal services.

Company boss: Eric Greene. Eric is a easy going leader, usually leading by example rather than making examples. He has been with the Dominion for decades and has many good relationships with the board, and is one of the few company bosses to have spoken with Sovereign directly.

notable operatives:

Habitation

There is no real standard as members of any race can join.

Legend of the Silver Legion Redux (Open)

If you dont wish to participate, let me know.

Legend of the Silver Legion Redux (Open)

(un) Fortunate Events

The Heavenly Sphere

@Serpentine88


Capitol city of Mígōng-

Deep inside the city a crowd gathered around the most central government building. Glass and splintered wood laid about, directly underneath a rather large hole in the structure. A trail of splinters and glass bits flanked by human footprints led casually towards a central pillar, that had been defaced with the calm writings of a professional,

"My name is Li, a humble man from a place far from this city. We all hold things dear, and in my possession is an item to help set us all free. You see, many believe the Sphere should open up to the world, become one with the community of friends this world has to offer. Perhaps this is a bad thing that I have done what I have done, but I'm a businessman. So in the pursuit of fairness, I'm going to send an offer to you, to purchase what I have in my possession.

There is a tree in Lynnfaire near the biggest Serene church, and a Large barrow in Matathran near the Utrye border. At each of these places, I want a large sum, one thousand pure gold coins left at each location in unmarked boxes. I'll leave both halves my this objects at those two locations upon payment.

Do not mistake my charity for complacency. I will be watching carefully, and if I do not recieve this payment within three weeks, I'll reach out to Matathran, Lynnfaire, Vlaanburg, and others to purchase what I have.

-Li"

At the base of the pillar there was a symbol of the authenticity of this mans intent, A corner of a very detailed map of the Heavenly Sphere, a map that had locations of garrisons, wall details... The keys to bypassing the Heavenly Sphere's defenses.

==============

Olira

@Ekreture@Commodore



"Father!! Hurry!!" A young boy cried, grasping a rope as hard as possible. All around him was sound and fury, water splashed into his boat, rocking it violently left, then right. He shouted again as loud as a waterlogged child could. His body began to shake from fear as there was no reply from his father. Above him, a large sail tore from its mast, pulled the rope from his hands. "Help!!" He shouted as if the storm were listening.

Fear gaveway to acceptance as he fell to his back, staring to the heavens. It was a beautiful sight, purple and white hues flanked by dark greys and in some areas dark black clouds against a barely visible blue sky. In the distance, further west, all he could see was near pitch black clouds and water. He was barely on the cusp of this massive storm, and it was moving fast.

His only regret was never getting to say good bye to his mother, who herself stood on the shores, staring into the heart of the storm.

==============

The Emerald Empire

@DracoLunaris



Deep in the northern most forests a young human female sat on the porch of her humble abode. It was a simple day like most others up until the singing caught her ears. It was a strange sound that seemed to guide her body into the trees.

"Can.. I help myself?" She said, unable to control her own body. As she traversed the trees, a strange stave caught her eyes, sticking out from an old rock. "What is this?" She said, regaining control of her body. Her curiocty piqued as whispers caught her attention. It called to her, "Do not fear." It whispered, in a strange deep voice. The Imposing weapon, at least three meters in length, shined with a solid gold frame with dark red symbols. As she grasped it, the rock cracked in half, easily allowing her to remove it.

It was strange, everywhere she stepped, the grass turned bright green, as if it were now bristling with life. Her first thought, blessing her crops that after a few moments near the weapon, had flourished into a glorious bounty. Her next thought, travelling to the nearest military post to turn it in. "It's the right thing to do." She said, mimicing what she kept hearing in her head..

"The right thing to do."

===========================

Hider

Its a rather short one, but these events have occured nonetheless.

The HS has been breached, The Emerald Empire has aqquired some strange object, and a hurricane of epic proportion is bearing down on the western part of the continent.

Legend of the Silver Legion Redux (Open)

Utrye

Esreth- Holy Capitol of Utrye.

In the holy city, life went on fairly similarly to those of other nations. Town guards patrolled, watching for law breakers or counting clouds. Children ran themselves in circles in a sea of innocent laughter, and people in the many marketplaces enjoyed hunting for that special bargain. All was well in this part of the world.

Further into the city sat the keep itself. Among its many wings and ornate spires, one room in particular did blue birds love to perch. The main chambers of Marcelles, highest priest of the Argent church. The birds melody seemed to brighten many peoples hearts, helping to alleviate their sorrows of working day after day.

To many a people's sorrow, the birds took off in panic as the main door to Marcelles chambers slammed open, revealing a very ill-tempered Elise. "Did you know about this?" she shouted before storming towards Marcelles desk. Elise noticed her chair was faced away, which only fueled her frustrations.

Elise never bothered to sit down but rather slammed a small piece of parchment onto her desk. "From the holy throne if King Louis IV, Utrye has taken the official stance as to recognize Princess Abigale d'Montigue as the rightful ruler of Lynnfaire. All official matters of state between Utrye and Lynnfaire will be through Queen Abigale or her appointed delegates." she took a deep breath. "Signed King Louis IV."

"Did you know? The only thing here to recognize is that they are Infidels! Why do we pander to these swine." Elise balled her fists, "Tell me!"

Nearly a minute went by before a soft, calm voice replied. "Are you asking me? Or ordering me?" Marcelles replied, slowly rising from her chair to face Elise.

Elise's voice grew shaky as Marcelles form became apparent. "I-I meant no offense."

"I suppose your comments missed their mark then." Marcelles replied dryly. She took a few moments to collect her thoughts before circling her desk to meet Elise face to face. "I shall.. Humor your question. Times are changing Elise, you have to understand that."

Elise frowned, "Times are changing? Advancing time means we can forsake our ideals?"

"You presume too much." Marcelles snapped. "The way things work. Crusades alone cannot accomplish as much as before. Politics, military posturing, trade embargoes, all are the new tools of war in these times."

"Military posturing? If we call a crusade, the prophetess will protect us, we will have justice on our side." Elise replied confidently.

Marcelles shook her head, "You have to put yourself in the prophetess position. if you were her, what wou-"

"Blasphemy!" Elise shouted, "How could anyone, especially you compare yourself to a god!" before she could continue though, a massive force of unseen energy burst forth from Marcelles now outstretched arm. Elise flew backwards into the chambers door, where she found herself unable to move. Pain began to fill her mind as Mercelles, still holding her hand out, walked closer.

"Elise! I've warned you before! A firm.. Yet just hand. That's what you must deliver. But all you deliver is pain." Marcelles shouted, before pushing Elise into the wall even harder, drawing screams that echoed through the room. "Our own people afraid! You're too heavy handed Elise!"

Marcelles got as close as she could and with her free hand, withdrew a bracelet from her cloak. She shoved the bracelet onto Elise's left hand and with a gentle wave of her hand, the bracelet shrunk down to Elise's wrist width, firmly settling on. After a few moments, Marcelles let up on Elise entirely, watching her tired body slide onto the ground.

"Submit Elise, There's no reason to continue this path. Be the inquisitor you were born to be." Marcelles said proudly, staring right into Elise's now wide eyes.

With her head now bowed in defeat, Elise examined the bracelet, "What is this?" She said calmly, with the clear intent to not provoke Marcelles again.

"It is a tool to remind you of your service to Utrye and Argenism." Marcelles answered.

Elise slowly began twisting her wrist, as if to try and adjust the bracelet.

"Don't bother." Marcelles said, watching every move. "That will be on until you have regained the trust of the inquisitors."

"What must I do." Elise said dryly, followed by a long sigh.

"Hmmm." Marcelles turned her back to Elise and moved towards a nearby window. Outside she saw the rolling green hills before her. "There is a situation that only a true inquisitor could solve, this will be your test. There has been an affront to the gods in the south. The land itself seems to have been torn asunder, Like a god had cleft through it with malice."

"It will be done." Elise said simply.

Marcelles turned to her and took a stern tone, "No. Not as you are." Elise stood up and gazed about the room.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Remove your armor and surrender your sword." Marcelles said, motioning towards her desk.

Elise didn't question it, though her confusion was beyond apparent. After a few moments of silence and the degradation of nearly fully undressing in front of another, Elise stood with only a faded blue loose fitting belly-cropped shirt, and worn beige breeches.

Some pity did fill Marcelles mind as she watched Elise place her armor upon Marcelles desk, "You may keep your knife." Elise turned to Marcelles who then continued. "Help yourself to those sandals, and take that map next to your armor. Take your leave, earn your position back."

Elise was quick to leave, and promptly left the city walls. All the while, Marcelles watched from her high window. As Elise crested a hill and disappeared from sight, King Louis walked in. "Is she gone?"

Marcelles smirked, "Yes, that problem has taken care of itself." She chuckled a bit before returning to her chair. "Your problem in the south will likely be dealt with as well. Two problems gone at once."

Louis frowned. "Is getting rid of her really wise? Her power is..." He rubbed his chin, "Intense."

"To say the least." Marcelles added, "It took everything I had to hold her in place. She was barely resisting and I had to put my all to... just maintain control. It's too dangerous. She is a woman out of time. Imagine her glory when Utrye was first born."

"You seem to envy her." Louis said, moving in to examine Elise's armor.

Marcelles shrugged, "I only envy her ability to wildly tip scales in what ever she believes in. Soon the prophetess will embrace her, and welcome her into the silver legion. It will bring her glory, a peaceful end."

"Making excuses to ease your conscience. Though, I cannot argue with it." Louis replied before turning to the door and taking a few steps. He stopped and turned his head for a moment, "I just hope... this works like you hope it does."

"As do I."

---------------
Days later, in the south.

Elise's heavy steps and nearly fixed furrowed brow had done wonders keeping both bandits and citizens from socializing with her. Even the wild animals seemed to have no desire to interact with her as she strode through the country side, stopping only to eat, drink, and relieve herself.

Upon finally entering her target village, she saw a crowd near the town square where men were telling of the crags. The Inquisitor in her wanted to detour, harass the locals about the situation, but something in her, a pure focus brought on by near rage sent her straight by the group of people.

Instead, she found herself at the house that the map had described. She went to the front, seeing the door swung open. Something didn't feel right, a feeling that caused an natural reaction to draw her knife. "Hello? Anyone inside?" She said softly, but clearly into the door.

Ban the Person above you

Banned all three for turning this into a sentimental, nearly personal conversation.