OOC: Overtaking Shadows

[Morgoth]

Well, after a loooong hiatus, I find that I can no longer resist the temptations and yearnings presented to me by this wonderful place. With that aside, let me introduce to you a lil' scenario.

The world is Cordest. A temperate planet, orbitted by three pale moons, each the home of one of the greater gods. Forests, streams, mountains and hillocks all perforate this planet. Nations and empires rise, and then fall. Heroes and adventurers are common-place. It's a dangerous place, this world, and someone needs to set it to right. The ancient deities, powerful enough to obliterate existence itself with a simple wave of the hand stir in their comatose slumber. The dead heroes and villains of ages past rise from their places of rest and begin to fight their titanic battles anew. Artifacts of immense power litter the mausoleums of the great, or the battle-sites of the mighty. A group of heroes must band together and vanquish the darkness that has arisen. While not the strongest, or the wisest, or the most intelligent, or even the most charismatic, these heroes(or villains) must rise from their humble origins and save Cordest.

I have the full world fleshed out and develloped at this point. I'll do m best to upload the maps, but if nothing else, you'll get a synopsis of the major history, as well as introductions to the individual nations.

If you decide to hop on board, the story will be narrarated. The narrarator will be myself, and this will (hopefully) bring a sense of moderation and fairness (as well as a good look at events outside the characters' scope) to the entire affair. I will also be playing a character.

If you're interested, characters can be anything from the mundane to the magical. Dead heroes, living villains, even a god-made-mortal, anything goes. If you are considering a role with somewhat... epic origins/powers please send me a PM. We can fully flesh out the details there. Characters can literally run the moral gamut. Feel free to mix and match- the only guideline is that the character should be interesting and unique. If you do decide to go with the tried and trusted village-boy-made-reluctant-warrior add the spice of originality and hand his history, or even his present some uniqueness.

There is a set goal, which the group (or individuals, if that route is taken) will be working towards (but it won't be released for a significant time). In the meantime, realize that this world is exceedingly dynamic, and will react to your individual actions. Quests (though not labelled as such) will be sprinkled throughout the multitude of adventures.

There is one final request. If you don't like long adventures, or you foresee some attendance difficulties, please refrain from posting or at the least have a back-up who's willing to post for you.

I'll do my best to post Cordest's specifics by 9PM, Feb. 16.

 

[Wolfsister]

Wow, this sounds very interesting, with a little more information, I would love to give it a try.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Sounds really great. Am interested and would like more information before committing.

 

[Crimson Wolf]

Sounds fairly interesting, might wait till we get a bit more of a run down before I jump in the fray.

 

[Vixandra]

Sounds like a fun time.

Were-critter caster sounds spiffy. Maybe a bard?

 

[Morgoth]

Sorry about the tardiness in the reply.

Let me begin by listing the off the dominant races of the world. Their inclusion in this list indicates that they each have at one point held at least a kingdom, if not more. Some of these are more spread out, others foregoing the xenophobic kingdom to allow any races and religions into their borders. All of these can be selected by you fine folks for your characters, but please don't feel limited by them. If you go the route of the truly exotic (a half-demonic dragon, for example), send me a PM first and we can work out all the possible problems.

Human (Many, many varieties)
Dwarf (Mountain, Hill, Gray)
Gnome (Standard and Deep)
Elf (Sun, Moon, Wild, Dark)
Half-ogre
Minotaur

 

[Morgoth]

Scanner is going through some troubles, so I'll just go through the dominant nations, and also note a few others. First off, though, let me introduce you to the three conscious deities (many are currently asleep, or dead, or in a kind of fetal stage).

Devdrel: God of Life, Valor, Courage, and Nobility(in deed, not birth)
Inhabits the moon of Folsern- Capital city: Godsreach
Estruviel: Goddess of Balance, Nature, the Mortal Races
Inhabits the moon of Cadral- Capital cities: Godsmind, Godsight
Holvidrien: God of Chaos, Death, the Afterlife(none are necessarily evil)
Inhabits the moon of Folsern- Capital city: Godsmight


Kildara
Capital: El'Gorden (268,000)
Population: 389,000(68% human, 15% elf, 10% dwarf, 7% others)
Government: Military Oligarchy- Ruled by the "Lord Captain Generals"
Notes: Kildara is a military state. It was once a thriving empire, before the plummeting body of one of the dead deities of the ancient times slammed into it, tearing a hole clean through the world and into the Abyss. Since that time, Kildara has been a desert where nothing grows, and the only mortals who willingly make their way there are soldiers and mercenaries. The Lord Captain Generals take their roles very seriously- to guard the entire world, ally and enemy alike from demonic invasion.

Kirvand
Capital: Kolvorl
Population: 1,786,500(63% human, 21% dwarf, 10% elf, 6% other)
Government: Theocracy- Devdrel- "Speaker of the Blade"- Current Ruler: Speaker of the Blade Kinsith
Notes: Kirvand is highly radicalized. They've gone to war many times with their neighbors for slight injustices. They take the valor and courage that their god espouses to extremes bordering on fanaticism. The national economy is slowly slipping into a deep depression, a result of frightening away numerous merchants via their extremist ways.

The Eterian Empire
Capital: Elsiam
Population: 6,947,300(53% dwarf, 41% human, 3% elf, 3% other)
Government: Empire- “Lord Emperor”- Current Ruler: Lord Emperor Edraven Galvont
Notes: The Eterian Empire is in a slow, but steady, state of decay. A number of wars that resulted only in significant losses combined with several exceedingly poor Emperors has thrown the nation into political decline. The ever-expanding Oliarch Desert has begun to creep over the Empire’s southern border, the Coruscen Mountains. To add to its troubles, the Empire suffers from a steady insurrection. A number of militant dwarves have hidden themselves in the massive forest, “The Golgoth Wood” and from there stage steady attacks.

Dornvest Empire
Capital: Sordinla
Population: 33,762,400(71% human, 20% other, 6% elf, 3% dwarf)
Government: Empire- “Edgemaster”- Current Ruler: Edgemaster Peldren Kazlorl
Notes: The most populous nation in Cordest also happens to be the most militant. Considered by the more “civilized” states of the south, this far northern giant has waged wars across the entire world. Continental differences make little impact, and this behemoth never loses. The Edgemaster is “selected” each year by arena combat. The current Edgemaster has reigned for nearly 15 years, and few have dared challenge his rule. The nation’s northern border is formed by the Icecrown Mountains, and its Eastern border by the inland Bordlen Sea.

Lezran
Capital: Lorgendal
Population: 5,483,200(83% dwarf, 10% elf, 5% human, 2% other)
Government: Republic- “Grand Citizen”- Nearly 1,000 Grand Citizens comprise the Senate
Notes: Lezran has always been geographically important. Inundated by rivers, it is almost unavoidable for merchants heading north to cut through this nation. Lezran has always made a steady profit over this passing trade, but recent tariffs have driven some of the smaller merchants away. The northeastern section of the nation has recently been swallowed up by the Caldaren Desert, but the finest mages the world could bring together have managed to enchant the desert and stop its encroachment. Lezran also has the dubious honor of housing the Sovdani Peaks, the birthplace of the Great Wyrms.

Torrenelli
Capital: Torli
Population: 2,345,200(95% elves, 3% humans, 1% dwarves, 1% other)
Government: Absolute democracy
Notes: After the collapse of their respective empires, the Moon and Sun elves banded together and forged this nation. Determined to avoid the corrupt Speakers that their old empires were known for, they decided upon a true direct democracy. Despite their attempts to be different from their ancestors, they remain highly xenophobic, and other races are permitted in only as visitors. They are marked with special tags, and are forced to pay a severe fine for every day they overstay their “Visitor’s Contract.”

Avalanel
Capital: Avalanel
Population: 29,345,200(54% humans, 25% elves, 15% dwarves, 6% others)
Government: Constitutional Monarchy – “King”: Current Ruler: King Reslor Dvorden
Notes: While a constitutional monarchy, the king still holds the vast majority of power within Avalanel. This nation is renowned for their merchants, and in fact the country’s geographic location in the south makes this possible. Nevertheless, the nation does have some serious problems to contend with. Like the Eterian Empire, Avalanel will soon have to find a way to deal with the Oliarch Desert. Unlike Eteria, the Oliarch has not yet crept across the Coruscen Mountains in Avalanel. Moreover, the ancient elven and dwarven strongholds within the Epistahen Wood, long abandoned, have recently become inhabited by all manner of fell beasts.

There are MANY more nations in Cordest. These, however, are the truly powerful. Each of these has significant military, political, or economic assets. If a nation not on this list is mentioned and you would like some background on it, just ask me and I'll add it to the list.

 

[Morgoth]

Some brief history for you all.

10,000 PC: The first elves awaken within the Celestial Wood.
9,983 PC: The first orcs are spawned in the Northern Barrens.
9,944 PC: First dwarves awaken in the Trifalgel Mountains.
9,842 PC: The First Mother (Elf) gives birth to Edrisel.
9,234 PC: The Gods hand knowledge of civilization to the elves and orcs.
7,632 PC: Edrisel murders the First Mother, blames the orcs. Quite literally invents war.
6,143 PC: The First War of the Ancients is won by the orcs. Elven capital of Suldunelldrenar is razed.
5,245 PC: Edrisel murders the First Father. Once more, war between orcs and elves.
5,000 PC: First humans awaken in the Eterian Plains.
3,145 PC: Elves completely destroy orc civilization. Orcs create tribal society.
3,100 PC: Edrisel announces his rule of elves. His crimes are discovered; he flees.
3,084 PC: Edrisel is killed by vengeful elves, human allies.
2,548 PC: Naming dispute begins the Second War of the Ancients. Humans vs. Elves.
2,034 PC: Elves eradicate Eteria. Humans agree to truce.
1,564 PC: The Sun Elf Empire (Eldrevenredal) collapses due to corruption, internal power struggles.
1,463 PC: Moon Elf Empire (Devdrelordel) collapses for same reasons.
1,245 PC: Sun, Moon elves form Torrenelli.
1,143 PC: Humans declare Eterian Empire.
568 PC: First demonic influence enters Cordest. Humans, dwarves, elves, orcs battle together.
564 PC: Demons flee. Not knowing how to split up spoils of war, elves and dwarves declare war.
52 PC: Third War of the Ancients completed. Dwarves repulsed. Stalemate.
0 Pre-Cataclysm: The Cataclysm. Falling body of a god hits Cordest.
24 AC: Edrisel returns as a lich.
459 AC: Edrisel is once more killed.
567 AC: Eterian Empire at its apex.
798 AC: Kin'Rith Uvaldren, a lich, seizes power in Elvatar.
843 AC: The present. Avalanel declares war on Lezran, Orgal.

 

[Crimson Wolf]

So, is that all that's going to be posted for a while or are we to wait on some more before we start posting characters and what-not?

 

[Morgoth]

Feel free to post characters. Once I can get that damn scanner working, I'll put up maps, but quite honestly, they're not all that important.

 

[Morgoth]

Here's the character I'll be taking the role of. Characters you post can be both more or less detailed.

Name: Gorleth Istovian
Race: Half-angel Minotaur
Sex: Male
Age: 78 (26 in human years)
Height: 8'3"
Weight: 345
Eyes: Golden, no pupil or iris
Hair: Very light brown
Skin color: Black
Physique: Immensely powerful
Weapons: Fists, The Purifier(Claymore), Wayfinder(Longsword), Holvidrien's Caress(Dagger)
Background: Ages ago, a visiting angel met and became enamored with a minotaur priestess. Despite the taboos that the relationship shattered, it was sanctioned by the Gods. Gorleth is the 16th descendant of the priestess, and the angelic influence is still clear within him, despite its weakening influence. While raised within the minotaur capital city, Gevastrol, on the island Pelg, he constantly dreamed beyond the massive stone walls. In his time there, he met and befriended dozens of adventurers. The son of a major noble, he was not without resources. He trained day and night, until he could effortlessly best even the best swordsmen his father could hire. Understanding that the city no longer held anything for him, he eagerly awaited the day he would reach Age. When his Ageday finally came, he set off in pursuit of the glory and adventure so many of his friends had once preached to him of. He left with a trusty steel longsword, a small metal buckler, a chain shirt, and a promise to return.
A dozen years later, he returned, grizzled and scarred, a hulking titan of muscle that even the other adventurers shied away from. Strapped to his back was a claymore his length, a dagger in a sheath on his chest, and at his side a longsword sheathed in a scabbard of ebony and gold. At his side hung a purse pulled far down by the weight of its gold. He returned the hero of a hundred battles, the slayer of dragons, the killer of giants. He stayed for only a few days, meeting with his family and then setting back upon the road. He disappeared from the face of Cordest itself for 6 years. He has reappeared now, without warning, in the middle of the Great Bazzaar of Avalanel, Avalanel. His legendary strength and weapons remain intact, but his wisdom and intelligence are shattered, the victims of a curse that has left him with the willpower of an infant.

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

Name: Unknown
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Eye Color: Green
Hair Color: Dirty Blonde
Physique: Wiry but muscular
Weapons: Long knife, a throwing dagger, and a scimitar

Though a hill-man, he wears the loose cotton robe, pants, and headdress of a desert shiek. Underneath the robe he wears a fine leather vest for protection. His past is unknown and he doesn't share details, let alone his name. He seems unusually relaxed in almost any given situation.

 

[Crimson Wolf]

Name: Laken Daskard
Race: Dark-elf
Sex: Male
Age: 103 (Looks to be in his early twenties)
Height: 6'0"
Weight: Unknown
Eyes: Greyish Green
Hair: Dark Red
Skin color: Dark Grey
Physique: Muscular, Athletic
Weapons: Katanas (Karinsgiri and Arak's Oath), Longbow (Serpent Shreak), several concealed darts and throwing knives.
Background: Raised in the Dornvest Empire by his parents, strong worshippers of the god Holvidrien, near the Icecrown mountains the young elf quickly learned he was unlike many of his kin. After getting into many battles in the streets of his city, and feeling entirely unmatched, he decided the time for him to leave had arrived.

Taking the Longbow his father had given him, along with several blades he had taken from his fallen foes, he left to try find some of the fabled ruins his father had mentioned when recounting stories of his family's exile many years before. At barely the age of 40, far too young by his people's standards, his first journey had begun.

After almost 20 years of travel he built up a small sum of money, his modest skills gaining him enough advantage in battle to beat the average caravan guard, with which he purchased a small manor several days from the capital city of his home empire. Here he remained honing his skills for a couple more decades, his income coming from unknown sources with few ever seeing him leave his home.

The few times he has been seen he most have said he seemed in a rush, black robe parting as he ran revealing dark black leather armor and clothing with a scabbard on each side of his waist. Others yet describe an odd looking bow hung across his back, alongside a quiver bristling with black arrows. Very little besides these few facts is known about him.

 

[Morgoth]

Vixandra, Avalon, Wolfsister, are you all still interested? If not, please give me a heads-up.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Sadly

Morgoth, I was very interested in your story idea, however, I must bow out of this one as I have already two stories on my plate. I wish you the best of luck. Will be an avid reader of your story!!

 

[Morgoth]

Sure thing Mystical. Anyway, I'll try to have the IC up within a day.

 

[Crimson Wolf]

Sure thing Mystical. Anyway, I'll try to have the IC up within a day.

And unto this I have one thing to say *BUMP* withing which day?