The great, and diverse continent of Aeqen has witnessed mankind rise exponentially from it's savage, and lowly beginnings. It marveled at the ancient giants known as “Earth Tumblers” and their carving of primitive cities into mountainsides, It witnessed the great warlord Tyreas establishing a common law, paving the way to civility. But Aeqen has greatly changed since then. The many existing clans intertwined, forming thriving empires known as the “four pillars” they have supported, and ruled these fruitful lands for several generation. Each utilized a corner of the expansive land, prospering on their resources.
They had tamed the lands on their side of the Ashen Wilds; a dark and murky natural barrier between two lands, riddled with unseen dangers. But beyond the darkness of the Ashen Wilds, there lay a land, thought to be uninhabitable. These four pillars established a peace treaty, one of the conditions of said treaty, displaced an ancient law. Instead of execution, lawbreakers who committed crimes punishable by death, were banished into the deadly forest. Rather than being executed publically, they were sent to die off in the barrens. Some expired pushing their way through the forest, most others once they had emerged into the other side. But a select handful defied the odds, they stood against savage peoples, And eventually, the continuous trickle of surviving outlaws banded together with these outlandish tribesman. And their forces grew exponentially, like blackened, rolling waves of a powerful thunderstorm, they loomed ominously in the horizon, waiting to strike.
Seventeen long winters had passed since this treaty was established. The threats had become minimal, their armies had been slowly reduced, the manpower, and resources placed elsewhere. But this peace, was soon hastily broken. At first, small war parties crossed the Ashen wilds, they raided outlying villages, these token forces were merely scouts. Before long, these raids grew less frequent, and suddenly, the enemy was upon them in full force. Valiant kings and the eldest heirs to broken thrones rallied sparse forces to face the flood of opposition cascading from the forests. Their sacrifices bought time for the remaining populations of each empire to flee into their various harbors.
One of these empires resided closer to the forest than the rest. The leaders established various lumber mills, utilizing the variety of ancient timber that existed near their home. Along with the wood, the forest also held substantial threats. The descendants of the ancient earth tumblers, lived in isolated pockets, dwelling deep within the forest. These animalistic creatures banded together to stop the encroachment upon their homes. but they were defeated. The survivors who did not flee were enslaved. They were used for both militaristic, and agricultural advancements. This empire sat upon fertile flatlands, the climate was humid. Rainstorms were frequent, despite this, the temperatures miraculously remained somewhat constant.
The second remained at the base of the towering Athas bluffs; three main peaks standing just above jagged and spanning mountain ranges. The bluffs were rich with carpenters stone, and other rare, valuable minerals. This was perhaps the largest, and most wealthy of the four pillars. These riches came with a price though, bitter cold and frigid snowstorms relentlessly pounded the city. But the people made do. They were even sheltered from conflicts of any sort, up until the end of the pillars, mostly due to the incessant weather.
Another had existed on the shoreline, with the constant stinging breeze from the ocean before them, and the arid red rock deserts leading to impassable cliffs behind them, life was a daily struggle. Because of these conditions, they ofttimes looked to the sea, and the stars. They studied astrology extensively, it was how they connected with their gods. They also explored the openness of the seas, reaching islands and continents winters away from their homelands. They exported seafood, and salt, this being the most substantial part of their economy.
The last empire dwelled in the very furthest corner of Aeqen, residing in the mouth of a wide canyon. Damp winds and tremendous rivers supported a rainforest of sorts. Lush green vegetation blanketed most everything. The varying councils forged mines to gather the crumbling sediment from the walls, along with plantations to farm the readily available, and unique natural herbs and dyes. Though they were the least wealthy of the four pillars, they made up for it with their brutally ingenuitive militaristic tactics, without a doubt they far surpassed the rest of the pillars militaristically.
The story begins, some years after the cataclysmic event known as “The Fall” pushed these four empires from their lands. They discovered a new land, one nearly twice the size of their homeland. After much exploration, they found a land adequate enough to begin building a unified civilization. Most of the leaders had been killed in combat though their builders and architects remained. Along with livestock, they managed to bring enslaved giants, who aided greatly in the construction. First the Hearthfire keep was built, a marvelous work of masonry. It was constructed atop an enormous boulder, with tunnels burrowing deep into the layered rock. Despite this accomplishment, the rift between these people grew substantially, and clashing ideas temporarily ended development
The remaining leaders have agreed the only way to find unity was to bind the clans through marriage. Though it is most certainly an odd one. A presiding council is to be formed and to ensure each kingdom has a spot in this council, they have decided to wed the most qualified male heir, to the eldest female heir of each remaining empire. Each of the partners becoming an advocate for their people, given a fourth of the say in the ruling of this newfound kingdom.
They have begun establishing their claim, and they are preparing to erect walls large enough to keep their people safe. They have been given a second chance, and they must act upon it before they are scorched from this world. This world is like nothing they have before experienced. The parts they have explored, are governed by beasts of legend, all manner of people, and above all, savage gods. These new leaders are inexperienced, their cultures vastly differ. Treachery threatens them within their battered walls, and a dark storm is brewing outside them. __________________________________________________________________________
I am looking for three literate, and fairly active females. (One of which, I need to become a Co-Gm.) As the title suggests, this would be high-casual, meaning I am not looking for partners who can create 3-6 paragraph posts. The lore, characters, and environment will also be delved into extensively in preparation. I am looking for partners who can help me create an extremely immersive experience. I request that you are able to help me come up with your unique clans saga, culture, characters, etc. And perhaps even assist me in further in creating this new world. I can guarantee, considering the fact that I will be playing the only male role, your characters will be actively involved. It would be very story driven, but it would in fact also contain a variety of highly mature themes. Be aware of this beforehand. Because of these mature themes, I am wanting this to take place in a group PM.