POOHEAD189

The Black Delta

Time to think of a character! Any CS template or are we free to make one up?

@PatientBean

There's a 0th post CS template in the CS tab :)

Darkwater: The Black Opal City

@Shu@BangoSkank@musicway@Gelatinous Cube@Theyra@Penny@PatientBean@Fetzen

The OOC

The Black Delta

Character Information

Character Sheet Template

Name

Race | Age | Sex

Appearance

Images are allowed, but I need a description here.

Personality

I'm sure it's a winning one

Background

• Profession (Optional)
• Class. Think of this in terms of a basic D&D game.
• Heritage. Are you lowborn? The son of a noble? Was your uncle the merchant who raised you?

History (Optional)

Reason for Travel
This is important. You need a good reason as to why your character decided to take the Skirmisher south.

Motivation/Goal
This is also important. This is a self serving and/or bloodthirsty roleplay. You need a goal. It doesn't need to be why you came south, it just needs to be something you're working towards.

Capabilities

Equipment

You will leave this blank for now.

Money

0 for the moment

Languages

You know one language. If you added Linguistics as a stat, you can speak an extra language beyond your native tongue.

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The Black Delta

Local & Relevant Information

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Hider

Darkwater: The Black Opal of the South

The Princess of Cities. Built two centuries ago on ancient ruins from a civilization lost to time, Dre Costan explorers founded the settlement. It's been owned by many since then, but the last century its been controlled by robber Barons, and was the founding member of the Coastal Confederation. A group of cities with mutual interests and mutual protection, far away from the help of the civilized world. It is here you booked passage to, and if you're lucky, you just might make it there.

Playable Peoples

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Thaegars:

Famed monster-slayers and mercenaries, Thaegars are rightly feared. They're honorable to a fault, known for being fatalistic yet stubborn in nature. They don't wish for death, but dying in combat is something they never fear. Thaegars considered Oak Trees and Cairns sacred. Thaegars speak Northern and Drimgoth, their native tongue. They hail from the Kingdom Thaegoradrim. Name examples include (Male) Beowulf and Cuthbert (Female) Audra and Ethel.

Norgardians:

Close cousins to the Thaegars, the men of Norgard have much the same outlook on life. They're less of a stickler about honor, however. They are likely the best sailors and raiders of mankind, or at least on par with a few others. Norgardians favor the axe and shield or the sword and shield. Their Gods tend not to give divine powers to their followers, but they will reward them with gifts. Norgardians speak Northern and Grim Northern. Name examples include (Male) Ulfric and Harold (Female) Brunhilde and Freyja.

Andred:

The Kingdom of Andred is likely the most powerful human nation west of the Sundered Sea. Though its power waned as all other nations did the last few centuries, it still holds technical authority over various provinces on Torek. Andredians are hard working, known for their militias, Knightly Orders, and adherence to their Triarchy of Gods. If you picture the classical castle or the noble late medieval king, you're thinking of Andred. Their heavy cavalry is likely the most dangerous in the north, and many a hero has risen from Andred's bosom. Their native language dominates the north, hence the name 'Northern,' though some know it as 'Andredian.' Name examples include (Male) Alden and John (Female) Lauren and Christine.

Dre Costa:

The citizens of this coastal nation are highly religious and ambitious in their trade. They tend to rent out their ships and armies as mercenaries when not in conflict themselves. Dre Costans venerate Dragons, putting many Dragon insignia's on their clothing or buildings, though most Dragons (save for a few notable examples) tend to pay as much attention to them as they do other humans. Dre Costans are notable sailors, businessmen, explorers, and colonizers. The tend to have olive skin and dark features. They speak Dre Costan, though some speak Northern. Name examples include (Male) Alatriste and Bolivar (Female) Dalia and Franscesca.

Vrettonians:

If Andred has a rival in any given category, it is Vrettonia nine times out of ten. Vrettonians are known for their knights, their opulence, wealth, and magic. Though still a highly religious and fuedal society, fifty years ago their Kingdom was destabilized in a coup and became a short-lived Magocracy, reducing the power of the church and the High Dukes, not to mention the royal family fleeing for their lives. It was a short lived coup, as the survivors took back control and brought the mages to heel. The dissenters were executed, but the court mages did negotiate and re-affirm some power. It has done little to change Vrettonian way of life or its foreign policy, but it's shaken up religious ideals. Vrettonians speak in a flowery language, duel one another quite often, and are avid poets. The predominate hair color in the nation is blonde and brown. Vrettonian is obviously their chief language, though many speak Northern. Name examples include (Male) Louis and Mael (Female) Irene and Jacqueline.

Praelians:

Praelior is an arid land of mountains and shrubs, with little in the way of farming save for vineyards, olive trees, and cattle farming. Visiting the country, you can scarcely believe it is the home of the 'High Men' who once ruled the largest human Empire in history. Praelians are a tall people, with bronzed or coppery skin and dark features. They live in a loose confederation of city-states. Praelians also loosely follow a rule of conduct called the 'Armadium,' which dictates the roles of society, calling for citizens to strive to perfection in all they try to achieve. Praelians are known artists, poets, and they are skilled in the sword and shield along with the spear. Praelians also tend to live slightly longer than normal men, averaging 120 years of age, maintaining their youth into their fifties. They speak Praelian and Northern. Name examples include (Male) Brasidas and Askanios (Female) Barsine and Ithaca.

Basilean:
The spiritual successors to the old Praelian Empire, though the men of Praelior would disagree. Basileans do claim some of the old blood and much of the former administration. Their empire is centered in Basileos, the greatest city in the world. Whilst the Imperials claim this, it's hard to argue. Their citizenry are cultured, olive-skinned, dark haired, and good soldiers when trained to drill. They are also notable cooks, sailors, magicians, scribes, and alchemists. They have a very western meets eastern flavor.
Name examples include (Male) Constantius and Demetrios (Female) Eudokia and Jocasta.

Izyrians:

The Izyrian Shahanate is the first step onto the eastern continent, making its home on the coast of the Sea of Swords. Izyria is much like Praelior, in that it's a collection of city states working together due to a common ancestry and culture. Izyrians are closely related to the Ra'sheeks, though slightly lighter of skin and less prone to opulence, though that is not a high bar. Izyrians are good traders and sea farers, and those that don't live within the city states are rough, mountain folk. They speak Aradian, though some speak Northern or the tongues of those they trade with. Name examples include (Male) Ashur and Tammuz (Female) Mahtab and Samira.

Ra'sheeks:

Citizens of the great Sultanates live in vast cities next to the few water sources they can find just south of the Corsair Strait. Ra'sheeks skin tone range from caramel to brown, often wearing light or brightly colored clothing. They respect wealth as it denotes status, and magic as it denotes power. Living in a barren desert teeming with horrors and dark gods encased in caverns, along with brutal laws against the impoverished give the society and very cutthroat, dangerous feel to it. You might say it's a society of extremes in many ways, though many also make a peaceful living as farmers, sailors, or craftsmen when they find suitable spots for it. Ra'sheeks are notable magicians, thieves, alchemists, and sailors. Their society is deeply religious, worshiping two unique gods. Hayashim, God of the Sun, and Sarika Goddess of Moon and Bringer of Water. They speak Aradian, though some speak Northern. Name examples include (Male) Bahram and Amal (Female) Rahajashra and Fabrija

Di'janni:

Descendents of the Ra'sheeks and Izyrians, Di'janni are exiles from the Arad'Luin desert, living in the north as wanderers and small bands. It is said they have a Djinn blood running through their veins, and their penchant for magic and mischief give credence to the theory. Despite being seen as pariahs and thieves, and some live up to that image, they're also known for being kind-hearted to fellow outcasts and the downtrodden. They're talented performers and weavers, and those that somehow attain great wealth still enjoy traveling. Di'janni speak a language of the same name (very similar to Aradian), and Northern. Name examples include (Male) Dacian and Viorel (Female) Gabriella and Ruxundra.

Banians:

Banians are much like the land they call home; cold and rugged. Banians are heavy drinkers, fell warriors, and famous trappers of beasts. They're often on the receiving end of Norgardian raids on what little coastline they have in the far north. Most people live under the protection of a boyar (baron) among pine forests or rolling hills that lie under snow much of the year. They work together to survive the harsh climate, though Banians in their Capital city are far less cooperative due to their comfort, with duels and scheming not an uncommon sight. Banians have the distinction of being attacked the most by Vampires and Werewolves, and their forests are known to be haunted. Men tend to have dark brown hair and hearty beards, and women's hair tends to be jet black and naturally straight. Banians speak a coarse language of the same name, but also Northern. They are an oddity, as the Banian people are the only nation to be under the rule of a non-human: Queen Isabella, the Silver Elf. Name examples include (Male) Boris and Grigori (Female) Magdalena and Ivanka.

Dwemorlocks:

Exiled from the Northern Continent over a thousand years ago after the Great Civil War, Dwemorlocks were set adrift on boats without sails, paddles, or food as a death sentence. Eleven Thousand were shipped off. Two fortnights later, only three thousand remained, having eaten their fellows and drank their blood. Their ships landed upon the blasted lands of the fallen Xaglethuthe Empire. Desperate and vengeful, they contacted the wraith spirits and demons of the land and became great sorcerer kings and reavers. They interbred with the Bedouin nomads and with the great sun their skin turned tanned and coppery. To this day they still live in their fortress cities over vast slave populations and undead servants, living off the bounty they take from others and giving homage to Heathen Gods. Their numbers are few, but they descend from the High Men as the Praelians do, and so they live far longer than normal men. Name examples include (Male) Zul-gyg and Rathmitar (Female) Badira and Nefertari.

Caelic Isles:

The Caelic Isles dwell within the Shrouded Sea, where few dare travel. Norgardians are the most frequent visitors (and raiders), though much of the southern Isles are under the control of Andredian nobility. The Caelic peoples are hunters, guerilla fighters, and many believe they have some fey blood in their veins. Caels tend to have red, brown, or black hair, and many have blue or green eyes. They wear woad tattoos when in battle and live under Clan Chieftans, paying homage to their Druids that live as the Gods advise. Caels are not great sailors, though those living under Andredian rule have learned how to handle a ship well enough. Caels speak Caelic, though many speak Northern and even Wydarian. Name examples include (Male) Douglas and Seamus (Female) Agrona and Murron.

Old World Gods

Hider

Solaris:

Goddess of Gold and the Sun. Alchemists tend to give her reverence.

Sulimo:

God of the Sun and Sky. Considered the Chief deity of Dre Costa and an aspect of the EverGod, though everywhere else just worships him as an important but lesser than supreme deity.

Maleum:

Malevolent god of Curses and Shadow.

Morimando:

More benevolent but grim deity of Shadows and Spirits.

Nar'rog:

God of destruction. Some see him as a natural opposite to the Evergod, serving a purpose. However Orcs and violent cultists believe he will bring about the end of the world and they intend to help him.

Boernegar:

God of Beasts and the Wilds. Many people of the forests call upon his aid to stay safe from the forest creatures.

Galena:

Goddess of Healing and Peace. One of the patron deities of Andred.

Baelyr:

God of Justice and Flame. One of the patron deities of Andred.

Gaundet:

God of Civilization and Defenses. Patron deity of guardsmen/watchmen.

Zjarina:

The daughter of Gaundet and the Goddess of Magic and Creativity.

Solomon:

God of Knowledge, Wisdom, and Scholars.

Fineki:

God of Trickery, Deceit, and Illusions.

Seradwyn:

Goddess of Fertility and Love.

Cendarius:

God of the natural world itself.

Alfrikr:

God of Magic, Wisdom, and War. Tends to be worshiped by Norgardians and Thaegars.

Ulfric:

God of Wolves, Winter, and Battle. Tends to be worshiped by Norgardians and Thaegars.

Rán:

Goddess of the Sea. Tends to be worshiped by Norgardians and Thaegars.

Fjolgi:

Goddess of Magic and Prophecy. Tends to be worshiped by Norgardians and Thaegars.

Dwarf Gods

Runar:

God of the forge and runes.

Woegrim:

God of battle and vengeance.

Magni:

God of Justice.

Gaerim:

God of the resting dead.

Hildegur:

Goddess of Protection and Settlement.

Shalleya:

Goddess of Magic and Artistry.

Pantheon of Elves

Tholendor:

God of War.

Falethorwen:

Goddess of the Forest, Hunters, and Archery.

Odarion:

God of Art and Long Life.

Nestariel:

Goddess of healing and peace.

Vanadessë:

Goddess of beauty and light.

The Banished Queen (Volduressë):

Goddess of Dark Elves. She resides over traitors, chaos, blood, and war.

The Black Delta

We don't have much room aboard, but yer money's good so we can find somewhere to pack ye. Galena's Mercy only knows why yer going down to the Cutlass Coast, anyway. What? You know the tales, it's why yer here ain't it? No use hiding it, no one that pays to board is doing it for honest reasons. Yer hoping whatever yer running from won't have the balls to come follow ye there. It's a pretty safe bet, I reckon. Only the mad or the desperate go to the that devil's land. Which one am I? Bit of both, maybe...maybe I'm the reaper of souls, myself. Ha! Don't let the grim humor get to ye. Ye'll get used to it before long. It's a two week trip to Darkwater. Just keep your eyes to yerself and yer nose out of me crew's business, and things'll run smooth as rum. Welcome aboard the Skirmisher. We'll get ye there safe n' sound.

-Captain Cole Burnside. Port Nyrothlenaen, 11 days before it all went wrong.

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Welcome to the Southlands! The New World, some call it. A land of beasts and death, but rich rewards for the lucky few that live. You find yourself in the Black Delta, a peninsula much like the Congo or Pre-Colonial Florida in our world. Only in this land, dangers worthy of Conan, mysteries of Cthulu, and peoples worthy of Warhammer dwell here. It's hot, wet, but beautiful in a way. Make sure you dress appropriately.

I expect advanced level posts, pulpy characters, and a willingness to want to collaborate a grim and fun adventure together! I'm excited and so should you be.

Pilgrim's Caravan: An Open-Ended Fantasy (with Worldbuilding!)

<Snipped quote by POOHEAD189>

Of course. Part of my intention with this RP is that folks can join and leave freely, since the Caravan is always dropping people off and picking up new people. So yeah, no rush. Good luck with your recovery, my dude, you're in my prayers.

@Tortoise

Thanks Tort! I appreciate it, my friend :D

Pilgrim's Caravan: An Open-Ended Fantasy (with Worldbuilding!)

I'm just starting a few things and I am still recovering from a surgery, but is it possible if the caravan can be joined mid-route?

Maverick Malediction

Neil nabbed a length of rope from the juniper desk and used it to tie up a sackcloth to place in the loot they had gathered. He wished he could keep the chest, but they needed to hurry as is. He placed the chest down as Ibrahim grabbed the last of the horses to take, Calliope watching him like a hawk. As he placed the chest down, a small compartment in the wood creaked up from within. Neil raised an eyebrow, suspicious of a trap but too curious not to check. He grabbed a small utensil from the desk and pulled the small pocket open, and within was a small dagger with a jeweled, ivory hilt. He shrugged and took it, sliding it within the folds of the rope and heading out into the sun.

"Let's go, we need to get out of here before Hakim and the others return." Calliope said, holding the reins of the horse as if she were born to the saddle. Both he and she would need new clothes, but even her bedraggled and ruined dress from Bania still fit her well, and the furs added to the panache. Ibrahim clung to the saddle, and Neil merely hopped on and let Calliope ride them out of there. The palms threatened to scythe them as they rode, but she weaved through the trees quickly and a few ducks later, the party was out of the small patch of life amidsts the arid sands.

"Where are we going, again?" Neil asked.

"Ragbah Shahir! The greatest city in the world!" Ibrahim exclaimed, though his excitement did not seem entirely genuine when he glanced back at the isle of date palms fading away, likely wondering if he did the right thing there.

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Amidst the Golden Gulf lay a city, larger than any in the world. Riches beyond measure lay within its walls and the greatest minds from across the world dwelt in its Academy of Wisdom. It is said the Djinni made the city as the center of their power on Torek, or whatever that meant. The boy talked a lot, clearly wanting to show off and impress his new 'friends.' Neil wasn't sure how much was truthful or not, and he was certain the Basilaens would have something to say about Basilos not being considered the greatest city in the world, but as long as it had good foot and a soft bed, he was happy.

It was the next day now, and the horse loped over the sand with a ginger trot. The ground had grown less soft, more sure of itself. Small tufts of grass began to appear, and soon birds were seen flocking and making great shapes in the sky. The air, though hot, grew less dry, and soon in the distance if one looked north, they would see a line of ocean that shimmered in the sun. Neil only gave it a passing glance, more impressed with the city that now loomed on the horizon. The kid had been bluffing a little, but it was still impressive.

Massive spires of white stone with golden domes towered over the landscape, and larger albeit more squat buildings of coppery color were cut open with arches the shape of broad sword points. Sandstone buildings with vengefully colorful tarps and drapes caught the eye, and every other color under the sun was displayed by flags or great works of artistry in the stone, and Neil could see all of this from the small glimpses he caught before they entered the walls. If nothing else, the city was grandiose and loud about it.

The wall was a huge structure, sunbaked but smooth as if made of marble. Grim faced men wearing lamellar armor and sporting helms with sharp spear points patrolled and guarded the three large entryways, holding large spears. The thief caught either moon-bladed axes or cruelly shaped maces at their belts. Each gate they defended was made from some different material. Bronze, Iron, and Brass if Neil had to guess, but he didn't ask. As they lazily approached, Calliope looked curious, her sharp eyes darting around, but kept herself from speaking. Ibrahim knelt behind Neil, warily looking at the men who watched them approach. Neil followed his gaze, and realized he wasn't looking at the normal men.

There were figures there, standing head and shoulders above the normal soldier. They were slightly lighter of skin, but still suntanned. They sported great beards and red eyes that glinted malevolently. Horribly, every time Neil saw one speak, he heard three voices. It must have been a trick of the crowd.

They weren't the only ones on the road, of course. Once the three of them had crested the hell, caravans and what seemed to be peasants and refugees swarmed like ants besides what one might call the 'mound' of the city. Though they were glared at, they were not stopped. Most cities in the west would have stopped them and asked to give a tax to enter, but either they had given up that practice here as a generous policy, or more likely the riches of Al’ardbahja lay elsewhere. Immediately their nostrils were assaulted with wonderful spices and perfumes, and as they continued, hookah smoke wafted from windows and opened doorways.

"Ok, now what kid?" Neil asked, and Calliope raised an eyebrow to showcase she was listening.

"We can go to the bath houses..." He said hesitantly. "You both smell."

"I want somewhere comfortable and more private." Calliope insisted.

"Good idea, we can go on our third date." Neil jested, mostly trying to be a tad silly. Though he was getting a little impatient on it. Calliope just winked at him subtly, but watched Ibrahim. The little boy nodded and nodded.

"I know just the place. It overlooks the bazaar and part of the gardens. It's called the Brass Lamp. Good bath, good food, great arak or...so I'm told." He said shyly. "Just keep to the side of the street. You never know if one of the Sultan's relatives is showing off their elephants or tigers."

Maverick Malediction

Neil felt like his head was full and his body waded through molasses, just until Calliope's hands pressed against his flesh. The ground, or the horse more accurately, leaped up and Neil felt everything go from sluggish to weightless, and he flipped over. His head hit the ass of the horse and before he knew it, his body hit the creek with a splash. He sucked in some water involuntarily, and then yanking his head out, he hacked as he tried to breathe in precious air. His soul might be in the realm between life and death but his body was very warm and alive, and he wanted to keep it that way. At least until he'd die doing something fun.

"Good, you're awake." She said, crossing her arms and gazing around them.

"I agree," He deadpanned. He wasn't certain if they were going to make it, and now that they were here he was bewildered they had attempted that dreadful crossing. He got off his knees and sat down in the pool, taking handfuls of the water and drinking greedily. He was careful so as not to shove more water down the wrong pipe, but he felt parched. He hadn't thought of where they were, but he didn't really care until he felt something sharp prickling his skin below the neck.

He stopped drinking, freezing in place and slowly looking up. For a moment he thought Calliope had turned on him for some reason, but instead he saw two riders swathed in tan linen, with leathery faces and dark beards. If he had to guess, they wore chainmail under their fabrics. One held a long saber in his hand, mounted on a short pony. He glared at Neil in a very familiar way; the city watch had given him that look many times. The other man was atop a strange, humped creature with an elongated neck. A kameel? Camel? One of those, and in his hand was a wicked looking whip. He had a scimitar sheathed, but he seemed to favor the longer weapon.

"Ma hi kalimat alsir?" The one threatening Neil demanded harshly.

"No thanks, I'm on a diet."

He pulled his sword away and struck Neil hard with the pommel. Red flashed across the thief's vision and he realized now wasn't the time to be clever. He caught himself before he slapped into the water again, tougher than he looked. The thief contemptuously wiped blood off his lip, blinking away the stars.

"What is the password?" The man asked, now in the northern tongue.

"Password for...for what?" Neil inquired. Yet again a wrong answer. This time it looked like the man would strike blade first, but just as he went to cleave Neil from collarbone to chest, the saber hit something unknown. A small pocket of blackness, and through it the same saber had cut through. Only now, it had chopped into its own user's head. Neil watched dumbly as the man gasped equally as dumbly and swayed, blood now dribbling down his head. A few seconds later, he collapse into the water. Calliope looked at her nails as if she were bored with the whole affair. Neil scrambled to his feet just as the second man recovered and uncoiled his whip, and instead of going for Neil, he glared at the dark woman and snapped it at Calliope. Too quickly for the witch to do the same trick twice. Luckily, Neil was smooth on his feet as always.

"Insolent wench!" He yelled.

The whip was suddenly caught by Neil's forearm, wrapping around it like a constrictor. The raider had attacked something with some physical strength, which he likely wasn't used to. With a heave, the dark haired scoundrel yanked the man off the strange mount. It snorted and groaned oddly, but did not panic as a horse might have. As the man fell, Neil reversed his arm and punched him in the face as he fell, adding to the momentum of the hit. The desert dweller lay moaning in the pool.

"Thanks," She said and laid a hand on his shoulder. Neil found it was coming easier to her, at least. He gave her a wink, and with the gusto of a man who made things up as he went along for most of his life, he did not mount the pony or the horse, but deftly climbed atop the Camel. The beast complained but didn't bolt, and Neil offered a hand to Calliope. When she took it, he grinned. "You'll be happy to know I have a plan."

"It's what I pay you for..." She said, and then paused. "When we get paid, that is."

The next ten minutes was a flurry of activity in what Neil and Calliope discovered was an oasis. The Camel and the two intruders had trotted off, and a wailing, undulating cry in the native's tongue blew into the wind. The Camel they had procured burst out of the undergrowth of hard ferns and tropical trees and galloped into a sea of endless sand and dunes, the sun looming over the land like an ancient god. Soon, men on camels and stout ponies whooped and chased the camel in pursuit, scimitars and other blades flashing as the sand kicked up. They would overtake the beast in less than an hour at this pace, if Neil had to guess.

Luckily, Neil and Calliope watched with interest from the safety of the bushes. At Neil's insistence, they had dismounted the Camel at the edge of the oasis and he had slapped its ass so it would make headway into the desert, kicking up sand and making it seem as if the two had made for the wastes in a mad dash. Now they watched as seven mounted men had trailed the camel, and all 8 figures had disappeared over the nearest hills of dry nothingness.

"Now let's go see what exactly they're guarding here," Neil said with a playful nudge of his shoulder to the woman, the two kneeling under the ferns conspiratorially.

Darkwater: The Black Opal City

Over the weekend, I'll set up the OOC. Thanks for the interest! 6 is the perfect number of people, though I might need to make it smaller. We'll see with the characters!