Welcome to the OOC thread for "The Sindlarei Empire" RP.
Open for posting!
Check out the RP thread HERE.
OVERVIEW:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mythos
IntroductionX
INTRODUCTION:
I am looking for people interested in starting an original storyline roleplay set as a high fantasy action-drama. The plot outlined below allows for many directions for the story to lead, and will require a great deal of character interaction/relationship building and allows for dynamic action.
That said, while this is the sort of game a character can be maimed/killed in, we are all aware that this will only occur with the permission of the character owner and you will never be required to submit your OC to such fates. Know that these elements of realism are appreciated, but I would like to stress that the purpose of this game is not to create a blood bath, rather it is to build an engaging and realistic roleplay storyline. Naturally, if your character does get killed you will be welcomed to create another and re-enter the story.
I would like for this game to be open for semi-literate (read: "mostly literate") to advanced posters. While large posts and details would be most appreciated, I understand that a lot of RPers have busy schedules and can't always spend the time to create epic posts as is their want, so I will suggest not be making a paragraph requirement on each post, though you are encouraged to write between 2-3 per post. Mostly I would like the emphasize the quality of the character relationships rather than the length of posts.
THE PLOT:
Sindlarei is a sprawling elven empire, encompassing forests, mountains, plains and seas, but despite it's success it is starting to fall into decline as enemies approach from the East and turmoil boils from within. While some regions seem to have lost most of it's ties with the royal authorities and reverted into wilder lands, in general life in the empire has yet to be majorly effected by the shaky foundations their society is built upon. Because of the recent chaos the Empress, in fear for own own safety, has not left her high palace in many centuries and all of her commands have been sent through four of her seven children to the public. The remaining three have similarly not been seen for many years, though rumors are spreading of dark deeds occurring behind the palace walls and darker still are whispers about the whereabouts of the missing three.
The rebellion leaders and their factions are vying for power in hopes that they might become the new inheritors of the empire and treachery is becoming endemic within their political circles. To date none of the deaths of rebel leaders can be directed pinned on any of the others, but there is a great deal of speculation on inside jobs and double agent-like activity. The plans of the rebels are many and varied extending to marriage to one of the Empress' children and seizing power or to all out war.
The war to the East rages as well as the battles against the rebels, and generals are desperate for commands from their Empress. Here too leaders vie for glory and prestige over their peers. While none have fallen victim to the hands of their competitors, blood is running hot through the veins of rivals.
Gender: Male Age: 342 Race: Elven Physique: 6'2" and fit Origin: Imperial family Faction: Imperial family Relationships: Not romantically involved Personality: Serious, but still approachable. He is not particularly hot-headed, but can be pushed into it. Likes: Quiet company and wild places. Dislikes: Imperial cities and his family. Ambitions: To join and command the Sindlarei army. Character Flaws: Over confident, rough reputation, quick to judge
Biography: Aldelros is the third of the Empress' seven children and grew up within the walls of the palace. He has always held an interest in the world beyond the reaches of the Sindlarei empire but knew that he would not likely have the opportunity to venture to these places being born into such a position as he was. He has a limited number of connections and a fairly good reputation with the military thanks to generals coming in and out of the palace to confer with his mother.
After several increasingly ugly arguments (a few even turning violent) about the Empress' self-inflicted quarantine, Alderos finally left the palace at the age of 265 and has refused to return since.
Darcylynn: AithneX
Quote:
Originally Posted by Darcylynn
Aithne
Gender: Female Age: 12 Race: Half-elven Physique: 4'8 and slim Origin: orphaned sister of three Faction: outlander Relationships: Not romantically involved Personality: warmhearted, but easily frightened. it takes time to earn her trust. Likes: people watching, singing cheerful songs and hunting rabbits. Dislikes: Imperial cities, selfrichious brutes, and being cornered. Ambitions: to find a friend and rebuild her life Character Flaws:
Biography: the eldest child of three unclaimed orphans, Aithne has always tried to do right by her sisters.
She is in town now in order to scout the area and look for a safe place for her family to rest and blend with the surroundings... at least, that seems to be the theory.
Angelo: JaikarX
Quote:
Originally Posted by Angelo
Jaikar
Gender: Male Age: 126 years old Race: Elf Physique: 6’3” and fit Origin: Defected Imperial Officer Faction: Rebels Relationships: None, though some say he’s sweet on their camp’s blacksmith Personality: He has a rather youthful optimism and a passionate spirit. Though he can sometimes focus too hard on the war, he usually manages to keep it from oppressing him like it does to others. His infectious cheer is a huge morale booster for his soldiers and helps explain their undying loyalty to him and he to them. Likes: Fighting, strategizing, and reading Dislikes: Dealing with idiots, being lonely, and the reclusion of the Empress Ambitions: To unite the Rebel camps and overthrow the Empire Character Flaws:
Biography: Growing up in the Imperial City, Jaikar had always had a good life. He never went hungry or thirsty, and he had just about everything he wanted. Like most youthful men, he went to join with the army, quickly rising through the ranks to become a commander. Still, the horrors he had seen the army commit, and that the Empire allowed to continue were too much for him. He deserted in the middle of the night, taking nothing but a horse, his sword, and some supplies. He made it to the Rebel camp where he joined the fight to stop the corruption in the Empire. When the old leader was assassinated, the people quickly elected him their new leader. Now he seeks to unite the Rebels on one solid front with which to combat the Empire’s army.
The raid on the slave camp was rather double-sided, as they needed both the metal inside the mine and wanted to free the slaves that were holed up there. He led a small group of ten men into the settlement directly outside, breaking into buildings to incapacitate the slavers before moving onto the mine itself where the prisoners were kept. Two of the men he had brought with them were adept at spells, or as much as any elf was in the magic-dry land. They quickly moved from door to door, opening the locks with a few muttered words here and there. Just as they had been finishing up, the hired thugs barged in and began fighting despite the close quarters while their bosses went about hacking at support beams to collapse the whole thing. That’s where he had met Itzli. He ordered his men to help as many slaves out as possible, and was on his way out himself when he spotted a shock of filthy pink hair lying on the ground. Without thinking, he darted in and grabbed the unconscious girl before hauling out of the crumbling cave. He passed through just in time too; a moment’s hesitation would’ve meant both of their deaths. From then on, the two of them have been rather close through a mutual understanding that neither of them ever formally vocalized.
Angelo: ItzliX
Quote:
Originally Posted by Angelo
Itzli
Gender: Female Age: 17 Race: Human Physique: 4’ and rather emaciated Origin: A slave mine out in the hills Faction: Rebels (she’s a blacksmith prodigy) Relationships: She’s one of the General’s closest friends Personality: She’s rather timid, dependent, and withdrawn due to the horrors she had seen at the slave camp, but that means she’s a great listener and quite inconspicuous. She’s also rather inventive, having created bags of black powder that can create a lot of smoke. Likes: Working with metal, hanging out with Jaikar, the smell of fire and smoke, and testing out new inventions Dislikes: Failing at a job, yelling, making anyone mad, and being taken from her work. Ambitions: To create the best items ever and help the Rebels overthrow the Empire so that the fighting can stop. Character Flaws:
Biography: Born to a terribly poor family on the further edges of the Empire, she was sold into slavery so that her family could continue to feed themselves. The camp was terrible, with exhausting labor every day and all the while trying to fight through the haze of the sedatives they were forced to ingest to keep them docile. A failure to meet their quota by even one unit of metal was punished with the most severe punishment available: forty lashes with a whip. They were kept just on this edge of death to keep them from rioting and to maximize profit. That was the kind of life she lived for ten years, her spirit utterly broken down and spread thin. But then, a rebel group came through and overthrew the owners of the camp, freeing all of the slaves. Unfortunately, the owners were having none of that, and so they attempted to collapse the mine on as many slaves and rebels as they could, of which Itzli was one. Jaikar saved her, though she only learned who he was after the ordeal.
The two of them became rather close friends then; his presence an anchor that kept her from giving up at adjusting to her new life. The withdrawal from the sedatives was bad enough, but she had never realized just how much they dampened the pain until after they were gone. Several times throughout her recovery she had broken various somethings or had a tantrum of monstrous proportions. Strangely, Jaikar was the only one who had been able to calm her down when she had an episode, which was probably one of the sources of the rumours that he was romantically interested in her. Still, it was true that he had never given up hope on her during that period of her life: giving her a job with the blacksmith when he realized how good she was with metals and occasionally asking her for advice.
Sabiir: SylnaeX
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sabiir
Sylnae
(lit. Silver Oak)
Gender: Female Age: 287 Race: Elven Physique: Willowy, 5'6" Origin: Small village to the east Faction: Imperial Army, Healer/Herbalist Relationships: She often butts heads with her commanding officers, on fairly good terms with the men & women she patches up, however. None romantic. Personality: For an elf and healer, she has a rather large hot-headed streak. The best word for her is fiery. Syl is not afraid of anything or anyone (that she'll let show) and this gets her into more scraps than she cares to admit. Likes: Learning, gathering her herbs, practicing her small magics on the side. Dislikes: Being told no, spells going awry, generally failing at anything. Ambitions: Secretly, she desires the old magics, the power that comes with it. But for the time being, Syl is content to work towards gaining a mastery of the herbal remedies and clerical uses of spellwork. Character Flaws: Sharp tongued, impatient & often sarcastic
Biography: Syl was born on the outskirts of the kingdom, but as the war progressed her family moved in closer towards the capitol to raise their children without the threat of fighting. It had however, already 'infected' Syl to some degree. She became troublesome, stubborn, often disapearing into the forests for hours at a time. Her parents, at a loss, chose to send her to the village's cleric. She picked up these newly presented skills quickly, outstriping her mentor after a score of years.
After this, Syl moved on to be recruited by the Imperial army, and now serves as the head Healer in her stationed battalion.
MewMint20: MilwaneeX
Quote:
Originally Posted by MewMint20
Milwanee
Gender: Female Age: 180 Race: Elven Physique: slim, muscular but curvy where it counts. Origin: Imperial Family Faction: Imperial Family Relationships: Not romantically involved. Personality: Sweet and usually gentle. She doesn’t really care for the empress and is more concerned with finding her siblings. Likes: Her older siblings, serene environments. Dislikes: Being scolded, feeling left out of the loop. Her family fighting. Ambitions: To find her missing/runaway siblings. Character Flaws: Naive, lacks much 'street-Savvy'
Biography:Milwanee is the youngest of the Empress’ children. She grew up inside the palace walls. She had no real interest in leaving until her siblings started to. Although she never stood up to anyone during arguments and fights she wishes they hadn’t occurred. She was always pampered because of being the youngest, yet she made sure to not be spoilt, sharing what she got.
She has read multiple refusals of return from Alderos, she decided to set out and find him and her other siblings who left.
Wyrmskyld: Hroarr RunissenX
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wyrmskyld
Hroarr Runissen
Gender: Male Age: 35 Race: Human Physique: 6'5", 250 lbs. Big and muscular. Not bad-looking if you like them hairy, but he's not elf-pretty. Origin: North of the Empire Faction: Outlander Relationships: Only the kind that involve money Personality: Generally easy to get along with, aside from the occasional grumbling. Slow to anger but holds a grudge. Very mercenary. Is fanatically loyal to anyone who hires him-- as long as the terms of the contract last. When the contract ends, so does his loyalty, and he gets very unhappy if he doesn't get paid. He's honest by his own standards, and will do anything humanly possible to meet his end of a deal, but having no real ties to anyone in the empire makes him a bit of a wild card. Likes: Good beer, good food, money. Dislikes: Thieves, oathbreakers, hot summers. Ambitions: To someday return to his homeland with enough wealth to become a king, or at least a warlord. Character Flaws: Ambitious, not diplomatic
Biography: It's common for young warriors of Hroarr's homeland to go out into the world and sell their swords for a while to get wealth and a reputation for themselves. Hroarr has been away from home longer than most, but he's also more ambitious than most. He intends to go home obscenely wealthy or die trying, and had almost reached his self-imposed goal of riches when he was told that the bank he kept it in had been robbed by rebel forces. However, he's also heard rumors that it was taken by members of the imperial court. Not knowing which story to believe, he's rather suspicious of both sides, and has taken to burying his wealth in a secret place. He's nearly at his goal again, and hopes to reach it after this one last job. All he has to do is wear the uniform of an Imperial Guard and bring back a runaway princess. Of course, he doesn't know who he's working for or what they plan on doing with her...
Daeman35: MakailaX
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daeman35
Mikaila
Gender: Female Age: 136 Race: Elven Physique: Tan, slim, fit, 5'7" Origin: Northern hunting villages. Faction: Rebels Relationships: None at this point Personality: Mikaila doesnt talk often to anyone but her wolf for fear of saying something... awkward, but she really does try. All she wants is to make friends She doesnt take well to authority, so no one tries to tell her to do anything. She is not so smart when it comes to polotics or the imperial issues, but if you need any tracking done, your playing on one of her love's. Likes: Loves tracking, swimming, climbing trees, animals, and desserts. Dislikes: Authority, extremely rude people, Imperial soldiers and her own village chieftain. Ambitions: Hopes to take down the people.... who she thinks... rules unjustly. Character Flaws:
Biography: Mikaila grew up in the northern outlands, running through the snow and the forests. When she was little, she found a wolf cub all by his lonesome, his mother's corpse nearby. His brothers and sisters hiding under the corpse. She took in the little wolf and his brothers and sisters. When she brought them to her village, she had to hide them or else the villagers would have killed them. Her four brothers and sisters took up the other four wolves and they all took care of them, training them while being playful as well. Her wolf was the only white one out of all the wolves. Mikaila went tracking with Raffi, the wolf, every single day. One day they went tracking. When they came back, her family was in the middle of the square encircled by the people. The chieftain had apparently accused them of stealing, pillaging and murder. Her family cried over the dead wolves on the ground who had sought to protect them, They had been beaten within an inch of their lives. The villagers started to advance on her as well, thinking that she was part of the brutal acts. To tell the truth, she didnt even know about them. Raffi stood protectively in front of her, but she whispered to him to run and hide till she found him again. The dog whimpered at her, telling basically that he didnt want to. She looked at him sternly and he bolted back into the forest. When the towns people grabbed her, they dragged her inside of her own home. They beat, tortured and did other awful things to her, asking if she was part of what had happened to the other family. She gave the same answer every time. They finally believed her and let her go. When she looked out, all she saw was one of her brothers killed from the beheading. They found that he was guilty of the crimes and executed him for it. The rest of her family was released to share the shame of having a family member who could commit such an act. To this day she has never forgive the chieftain for this brutal act of justice. The villagers had just stood by and watched all of it happen, cheering for the beheading like they did every other time. They weren't evil people, just a bit misguided in their definitions of good entertainment. As soon as she was able, she grabbed her pack, filling it with only the essentials to survive. As soon as that was done, she went into the forest. Raffi caught her scent immediately and came running to her side. Ever since, they stuck together, found a rebel camp just outside the imperial walls, who fought imperial guards for their apparent unjust rule and joined them due to her own hatred for authority.
Wyrmskyld: Malyn Lithar - Lord Toramalyndar TeldarionX
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wyrmskyld
Malyn Lithar - Lord Toramalyndar Teldarion
Image: looking for the right one
Gender: Male Age: 500? The equivalent of 35-40 Race: Elf Physique: Very slender Origin: Imperial Aristocracy Faction: Malyn Lithar has been aiding the Rebels. Lord Teldarion is an Imperial Advisor Relationships: A wife and two children Personality: Due to his aristocratic upbringing, Malyn comes across as cold, extremely polite, and not very likeable. Likes: Power, and the trappings of power Dislikes: Humans, the imperial family, dirt, the poor... lots of things Ambitions: Unknown. Character Flaws Ambitious. Considers other people to be tools.
Biography: Lord Toramalyndar Teldarion is a highly favored Imperial Counselor. Malyn Lithar is a hooded figure who often appears at the rebel camps with supplies and news. No one knows they are the same person. The Imperial Counsel knows that there is an information leak somewhere, but they don't know who it could be, and they hardly suspect one of the most powerful members. The Rebels suspect Malyn is a dishonored aristocrat but would never dream he had such high birth.
Malyn's true agenda is known only to him, and he's not telling anyone.
MewMint20: Alauthan ToraalthirX
Quote:
Originally Posted by MewMint20
Alauthan Toraalthir
His hair is black and red, his skin pale and his eyes are a reddish brown, his ears not so long, but facial marking is there.
Gender: Male, although mistaken for Female at times. Age: 276 Race:Elven Physique: Slim and compact. Origin:The Deserts Faction: Rebels Relationships: He is very close to his oldest sister. Personality: Don’t expect him to follow an order he doesn’t like, he joined the rebellion to meet people in hopes of finding someone who might know of, or help him remember what happened the night of his fiancé’s death and as such is willing to side with whoever can help him. The reason is he mistaken for a woman is because he is soft spoken and cares for others. Although he is only truly loyal to himself he is willing to help others. Likes: Feeling needed, swimming in fresh water, Nights he doesn’t dream. Dislikes: His amnesia, people who pretend to be selfless, mosquitos, his nightmares. Ambitions:He aims to find out the truth behind his fiancé’s death, and then start anew. Character Flaws:He suffers from night-terrors and finds it hard to talk about them. He is only truly loyal to himself.
Biography:Originally he was as trusting as any naïve child, believing that his parents would return from a fight, that he would not be left with his older sister to look out for each other. His fiancé was an arranged marriage but he became loyal to her anyway, needing her to secure a place for his sister to live besides the run down house they survived in from their combined pay. He doesn’t remember what happened exactly as all he can recall is what his night terrors show him, flashes of her face and the blood everywhere. He knows it was someone besides the desert villagers he resided with and intends to find out. His trail led him to the imperial lands, with word someone there might know of what happened. He left his sister to pursue this.
Kilia: MalfayX
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kilia
Malfay
Gender: Female Age: 475 = late 20s Race: Elven Physique: 5"5', not skinny but not chubby, very curvy, athletic build for muscles, maybe more like a belly dancer or gymnast Origin: Wildlands Faction: Outlander Relationships: has none Personality: She has a dark side. People don't usually understand her, and she has a hard time connecting with people who are "too nice." She may not be perfect, but she is honest with herself and who she is. Likes: the night time, stealing shinny objects, creating something magical Dislikes: mornings, getting caught Ambitions: to leave a mark on the world, any mark, be it being a master thief or a ruler or any of the number of things that she does Character Flaws: accident prone, falls in love easily
Biography: Malfay was born in the wildlands, her mother having escaped the war into the land that lay to the south. Her mother died when she was at a young age, so the female had to learn how to fend for her self, be coming a sort of jack of all trades. Her original village had been plundered, people killed and other various things have happened there, even though she had been told this, she still could not believe it as she moved back to towards the kingdom, doing odd jobs to stay alive.
If you are interested in participating in this game, please make sure to read this section before you fill out/post your character sheet. A number of 'roles' are limited so do try to post these as soon as you are able, especially if your intend to take a role that would be limited in number (like one of the Imperial children).
Character BuildingX
CHARACTER BUILDING:
Because of the chance that your character might not 'survive' for the entirety of the game/story, creating a new OC is one easy option to get over the trepidation of potentially losing them as the story progresses-- I know I don't want my characters to die, but if it works within the story I'm alright for taking one for the team, especially if I don't have as much of a history with the character I'm planning on playing.
However, because we are going to be essentially building a new world (as you... gathered from the "original storyline, fantasy" description) there are a few limitations I've set up so that it doesn't get too disjointed at the start:
Playable Races include: Elf, Human, Half-elven.
The majority of the Empire is of Elvish descent.
Main Factions: Imperial family/advisers, Rebels, Army, Villagers, Outlanders.
Please remember that all characters should fit the world settings: Early Medieval/Northern European style fantasy.
Give your character a suitable name.
(Think Lord of the Rings for elven names, but please do not use cannon names)
Try not to create characters that are overly "secretive"/antisocial.
Silly or over-the-top characters are fun but do not fit this particular storyline.
Its okay (and you are encouraged) to be a little good or a little evil. Consider your character's ambitions rather than black/white personality descriptions.
FILLING OUT THE CHARACTER SHEET:
I realize that the fields "origin" and "faction" on the character sheet seem a little ambiguous. Origin is a brief description of your background (so "Imperial family" or "a farming family from the West" could fill this place) whereas faction gives us an understanding of where your character is initially standing as they are introduced to the story.
It is possible to be a part of multiple factions, though likely your character will have a stronger affinity to one in particular. If this is the case you should list the most pertinent faction on your character sheet first.
POSSIBLE MOTIVES BASED ON FACTION:
These are some possibilities you can consider while building your character. Keep in mind this is not something you have to post under the "Ambition" field if you don't want to, but if you feel your character's particular ambition can be defined by one of these thoughts feel free to use or build off of it.
Imperial Family/Court:
Preserving the line of succession
Overtaking the line of succession
Survival of self and/or family
Denied pursuits
Keeping the empire stable
Rebellion: (Causes of:)
Lack of interest/care in the common person and their needs,
High taxes with little to show for it
Fake war to the East
Unjust rule
False Empress
Empress is from the wrong family
Army:
Fulfilling duty
Seeking power to fulfill vendetta
Seeking power to gain political favor
Villagers:
Survival of self, family and way of life
Outlanders:
Survival of self, family and way of life
This particular part is a work in progress as we build the world the game is set in.
You are more than welcome to submit things to add to this section, but the players must first agree if the new addition fits with the world they have envisioned as well.
WORLD MAP:
World MapX
MECHANICS:
Game Mechanics: The Races of Sindlarei: There are three "races" in the Sindlarei Empire: Elven, Human, and the combination of both as Half-elven.
World Mechanics: The Races of the Sindlarei: While it is described as an Elven Empire there are three races living in the area the empire occupies. There is no set feelings about any of the three races that hold true throughout the vast territory, however because there are different densities and sub-cultures within these races in different areas, race relations can vary quite dramatically over the whole of the empire.
The Nature of Magic: Magic is, itself, slowly being lost in the world. While the world is steeped with magic the skills used to harness these powers are not being studied or are being forgotten as societies turn to mechanical wonders. Humans, never naturally possessing the ability to manipulate magic, call on spirits within objects that have a latent magical properties. Humans who have spent time among the elves tend to be more successful than those who have not. Elves, on the other hand, can control magic as part of their nature. It should be noted, however, that magic is extremely limited in this world. Instead of being used as the force behind great feats it is only a slight addition above the mundane. Magic can be used to open locks or produce weak lights not cause explosions, push great objects or raise the dead.
WORLD LORE:
Metals in SindlareiX
Quote:
Originally Posted by Angelo
Metals in Sindlarei: Authored presumably by Corzayin during the latter years of the sixth era
Preface:
The metals used in the Sindlarein Empire are as diverse as the blacksmiths who use them. They serve a wide variety of purposes, from decoration to weaponry to mechanical devices such as nails. I write this handbook in the hopes that a future generation will find it much more helpful, and thus preserve the knowledge that we take for granted in the present.
Strong Metals:
Bronze:
Another alloy of copper, this time with tin, bronze is more resistant to stress and the wear that is associated therewith. It resists corrosion fairly well as well, though the reason why is currently unknown. Heavy, some warriors find it harder, if not impossible to use as a weapon time. Nails though, are commonly made of this material, as it does resist corrosion. Some musical instruments are made using this metal as well, such as bells. Ironically, it also possesses the same resistance to the creation of sparks as bronze. Maybe they are properties of copper?
Iron:
Both common and strong, iron is the most common choice for both weapons and armor. Unlike bronze, the metal is quite susceptible to rust and corrosion, which means that care is necessary for those who possess iron equipment. The benefits, however, outweigh the negatives, as bronze is easily crumpled and broken when pitted against iron weapons. As such, it is found more commonly in tools such as saws, hammers, and axes than bronze or other metals. Strangely enough, iron suspended freely tends to point north, a property not demonstrated in other metals.
Steel:
Because steel is an alloy of iron, it has a higher strength and better resistance to rust and corrosion. Still, it is harder and more costly to create, thus limiting its use to only those who could afford it. The increased cost, however, is worth it, as steel is to iron what iron is to copper. Typically, it's used in large projects, like gates, rather than individual products like weapons and armor. Every Imperial soldier with a rank of captain or higher does possess a full set of steel armor and a steel weapon, though. Most of the lower-ranking soldiers make due with their iron. It is important to note that steel does not line up with the north star when suspended freely, unlike iron. Are we missing something here?
Azurite: Mithril:
A recently discovered metal with properties that indicate it's stronger than steel. It is light blue in color and shimmers in the right light, but so far, it has proved impossible to shape into something wearable or wield-able. All attempts have shattered so far.
Precious Metals:
Brass:
Typically only used for decoration, brass is an alloy, or combination, of the metals copper and zinc. Soft and malleable, it is incredibly easy to be shaped into just about anything. It also displays incredible acoustic properties and is used in bells, strings for lutes and harps, and many other instruments. Due to its softness, it is a horrendous choice for weapons and other things that experience a lot of stress in their use. Interestingly, it resists the creation of sparks, unlike several other metals.
Tin:
Serving as an alloying agent with several other metals, tin has very few uses by itself. For one, it makes excellent containers if crafted properly, and provides a brighter shine than that of pewter. It's also used in the lowest denomination of the Empire. A common nickname for the commonly found metal is "Poor Man's Silver," which is an apt description considering tin's vastly lower price. Tin, like silver, does tarnish after a period of time, though it can be cleaned rather easily with some water and, if on hand, lemon juice.
Pewter:
An excellent material for common items such as tankards, taps, forks, spoons, and knives, and plates. It is a highly polished metal, casting a simple dark-silver sheen. Due to its decorative nature, it is often found in places of worship or in jewelry. Strangely enough, it is another alloy of tin, with no noticeable difference in strength.
Copper:
Typically lustrous upon creation, copper is viewed as a very beautiful metal, if not very strong. It is also very malleable and resistant to the creation of sparks. Strangely though, it often appears to change color throughout time, a process known as tarnish to metallurgists. Still, that hasn't stopped it from being used widely in jewelry and other decorative items. It's even the second denomination of coin in the Empire at present.
Silver:
Very beautiful, silver is a soft and precious metal coveted by people all over the Empire. It is often found in rings and necklaces, though the diadems of the Empress's children are cast with the same material most of the time. It is also used in mirrors, though only affordable by the rich, and in the third denomination of the Empire. Like copper, it also tarnishes after prolonged exposure to the air and water.
Electrum:
Also known as white gold, this alloy of gold and silver is quite expensive, though not as much as gold. Typically it is found in the fourth denomination of the Empire, read coins, and ornamental hilts found on weapons. It also provides a great contrast to armor when applied decoratively. Centers of religion make great use of the metal to contrast with pewter.
Gold:
The pinnacle of precious metals, this lustrous metal resists tarnish completely. It makes up the fifth denomination of the Empire and is incredible expensive. In its pure state, it is very soft, able to be bent with just the fingers of a child, but incredibly heavy. Most ornamental armors of the Emperor and his generals make use of gold plating, rather than pure gold through and through. Still, it is the most coveted metal in all of the Empire and is featured prominently in jewelry.
Additions by Itzli:
Mithril:
Impossible to turn into plate armor before it shatters. Scaling smaller plates also doesn't work. Making it into chain mail is the best option. Very likely to cause sparks when hit with another metal. Shimmers with blue light, so it makes good jewelry too. No known alloys as of yet. Scratches solatium, but not adamantine.
Adamantine:
Green metal discovered after mithril. Like mithril, it shimmers in the right light, but green not blue. Too stiff to make into chains, but not possible to turn into plate armor either. Best option is scaled armor, which is armor made up of overlapping, smaller plates. No known alloys as of yet. Sparks easily too. Scratches mithril, but not solatium. Good jewelry.
Solatium:
Red metal that shimmers like the other two. Maybe there's a connection? Chains are impossible with this metal, but scales and plate aren't. Best option is plate, of course. No known alloys. Requires the highest temperature. Not sure why. Sparks easily. Scratches adamantine, but not mithril. Very good jewelry like the other two if used for that.
Same! I'm very excited. :D
I really liked your idea of magic aided herbal healing. I thought that was neat... and the 'old magic' business was intriguing as well.
I agree about the magic. It really made a lot of sense for an elf. Personally, I was planning on adding in the magic behind the last three metals: mithril, adamantine, and solatium. That doesn't mean that they can do things; it just explains some of their properties. :P I like to think of the world as steeped in magic, with fewer and fewer able to use it as they head towards more mechanical means.
On an unrelated note: Have either of you guys happened to have read the Percy Jackson and the Olympian series, or its follow-up, The Heroes of Olympus? :3
-wriggle- Thankyou. :3
What Angelo just said sums up what I was thinking pretty perfectly!
Quote:
I like to think of the world as steeped in magic, with fewer and fewer able to use it as they head towards more mechanical means.
Depending on how long and how far we take the story, I wanted to leave it open as an option for things like old mostly-unintelligible/destroyed spellbooks to surface, or artifacts, things of that nature.
I saw the Percy Jackson movie, but never read the books or anything.
I've read all the old original god/hero legends though, mythology stuff I should say.
I definitely like that idea Sabiir and Angelo.
The thought of someone finding a tome or item imbued with 'old magic' sounds dangerous and wonderful, especially if it's not used as an OP weapon of some kind but rather as something not reliably controllable, but hopefully this will be down the road a great deal. I imagined we'd be starting off the story in a time where there is still some minor ferromancy going on (Which Itzali and any other metal smiths should be happy about).
I also only saw the movie. I quite liked it, though and plan on reading the books. I am a huge fan of Greek myth (as one might be able to tell by my user handle)
I like the idea of a tome. :D Maybe a book that no one can translate, but someone just mutters a phrase as best they can and the book reacts with its magic. It would certainly underline the inherently dangerous nature of magic and its use.
That just made me think of a question. Are humans able to learn magic? I understand that most elves are probably born with a small affinity for some type of magic, diminished over the ages of course. But can humans use magic at all, or is it just limited to elves?
I avidly suggest that you do read the books. :D The movie was good, but like most movies that are based on books, it skipped some things here and there. That's why I personally didn't care much for the movie. If it had been the other way around though, yeah I would have loved it. :P
Anywho, the reason I was asking was because I'm trying to start a roleplay based on the universe that the books and movie take place in. :3 If you're interested, go ahead and look here. Just be warned that I'll be editing stuff to the plot and everything now that I know there's enough interest, which means that things may change drastically by the end of the day.
Hmm... It might be neat if humans had a different kind of magic if they are able to use any. That might make balancing characters a little more complicated, but not impossible. The trick would be developing the difference between the two and then determining what half-elven characters would be able to control.
I saw the thread, Angelo, but wasn't certain it was the same thing when I read it. Good to know that it is the PJ universe, though, I'm keen on RPing some of that, the problem with me is that I'm not sure I'll have the time to dedicate to both this RP and another-- even if I'm interested. Bummer. I would really like to try it out... I suppose I'll talk more about it in your thread, then? xD
At least early on, any old tomes or artifacts that pop up I could see being more of a hindrance to the reader than a help. Not knowing what it will do or if its going to be helpful/hurtful. :)
I did see your thread Angelo, but for the time being this will be the second RP I'll be involved in and I dont want to take on too much. (But it seems like you have a fairly good response going on so far~!)
Well, elves would probably lean more towards plants and nature, while humans would lean more towards mechanical things like metals. So a half-elven character would be able to use... a weaker form of each? Or something completely different? This all reminds me of a book I read called the Furies of Calderon. The furies were little spirits in regular things: a fire, a spoon, a puddle, etc. that magic users could speak with to get help accomplishing some task. :3
Yeah, the wording at the top was a bit strange, I'll admit. But it seemed kind of awkward to write out both titles of the series as well instead of the general term they're known by, albeit to a lesser extent. Still, it's a shame that you won't be able to join. :/ If you change your mind at all though, feel free to sign up! XD
My problem is that I see metal as being earthen and therefore tied closer to nature than mechanics.
I'm just not sure. If people are alright with the idea of humans being magic-less or requiring of some amount of elven heritage I'm willing to go for that.
The 'washing out' of fey purity by associating with humans might fit well with the vanishing magic theme we have going.
It is a very shady area. To be more specific about the metals though, they're refined through mechanical processes, so they could lose their association with nature? Unless they were in the state of being ore. That would certainly be more earthen and natural. Otherwise, there really isn't anything mechanical when it comes to magic. *shrugs*
My two cents would be anything refined or used as weaponry humans might have a more natural affinity for, but in general I'd see it being much less apparent, even in those states, as humans are usually considered far removed from the magical side of life. Perhaps humans that have constant association with elves, would pick up certain tendencies.
I've not read that book, but I like the idea~!
Quote:
The furies were little spirits in regular things: a fire, a spoon, a puddle, etc. that magic users could speak with to get help accomplishing some task.
Ohh that's a very interesting idea (about the "furies") - do we want to spin that into this game, or would that be best suited in a game of it's own? Would magic, then, not be evocations but rather formal requests made to particular little spirits or spirit communities?
Sabiir: I also associate humans as being mundane and non-magical, but I didn't want to cut off any interest someone might have in developing a human character.
Then again I think it's more amusing to have a limited character than an all powerful one.
Maybe we could work in both somehow;
Perhaps humans cant access magic directly like the elves do, but they could learn to speak/work with the magic already in an item or thing?
That is a great idea! :D And it would kind of work well too. Elves are typically stuck-up by nature, so they demand things, while humans would go about it a different way. Just a bit of philosophical connection. It would also be interesting to detail the interaction between the little spirits and the people making requests. Especially if the spirit is lazy or just spiteful. :3
