THE STORY

Mene Kingdom has seen an much growth in the past few months. Outsiders from every continent have made the prosperous world their home. However, not everything is as cozy as it seems. The king of Mene is worried that this growth will stretch his land's resources. And so, he struggles with the decision of expansion or limitation.

Unbeknownst to their king's struggle, the Menopians carry on their daily life. And a colorful life it is in this magical world full of wizards, elves, demons...almost anything one can imagine.

Does your avatar have a story behind him or her? Well here you can post your story RP style and interact with other players. Remember this is a magical world where anything can happen. However, for those who break the King's laws, they will automatically be exiled from Mene Kingdom, never to return.

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UPDATES

• We now have a map and description of the kingdom, complements of Talitha001 =3. I'll transfer it from the OCC to a section below.
  
• The OOC thread has some new discussion topics. http://www.menewsha.com/forum/commun...-hall-ooc.html which will also be found in the new Links section at the end of this post.

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The King thinks new citizens should know (and perhaps he should put this in the first post for them to read) Gates of Mene close at 12am sharp and open again at 6am. After that, you need special permission to enter. Security reasons. This has no bearing on anyone actually >_> he just thought it sounded official. However, that would mean new arrivals to Mene cannot sneak in during the dead of night (unless they are sneaky characters.)

The King's ancestors have thought long and hard about how the kingdom should be formed, and now that it has grown since then, it is time to create a map so his new citizens will not be confused upon entering.

Mene Basics

Etymology
Mene is derived from the word Meneshwa, the small world in which Mene is.

History
Long ago, Mene Kingdom was just a small farming village. Then, as surrounding lands began to invade and loot, the people of Mene built a fort to protect themselves. Some traded in their hoes for swords and learned to fight while others mastered magics. The people of Mene learned that the gods of the land they farmed loved them and blessed them with success. So in only a matter of years, Mene became prosperous. The descendants of the first Guardians became the royal family and royal council. For years, Mene has had to fight for its stake in the world, but as other kingdoms began to fail, Mene held strong. Now, it has been at peace for almost 100 years and is ruled by a benevolent King who practices the arts of his ancestors. Lately the King has become more involved in politics to the dismay of his advisors.

Government and Politics
Mene is a constitutional monarchy. All power is reserved to the King as long as he rules justly. The king then has the power to distribute authority to the Council which acts like a parliament. Council members represent their districts and have the power to oppose the king if their constituency votes in favor of it. However, this has never happened in Mene history. There is also a Mayor, who acts as Grand Advisor to the King. All requests of the king must go through him. The position of Mayor (like a president) is elected by the Council. The current Mayor is a young man that is always being chased by girls. Because of this, his tutor and former General of Military Affairs tends to complete most of the work.

Inside Mene's Walls

Economy:
Currently, it seems Menewsha can do no wrong thanks to the blessings of the gods and goddesses. The King and his council have done a very good job in keeping the population happy. However, there are increasing chances of shortage with more travelers. Thus, harvest festivals are the most important of the year. It is one of the King's duties to pray for another prosperous year and a harvest that will grow as large as Mene's population.

Demographics:
Mene's citizens are normally human, but as the kingdom has grown, so has its diversity. There are many types of races that pour in from other worlds, as well as races born here. Mene has a large population of mixed breeds. Also, like any magical kingdom, Mene has fantasy creatures and plants that are usually imported from other worlds and raised in Menewsha.

Culture and Festivals:
Mene's citizens come from a wide range of beliefs, but all acknowledge that the gods and goddesses of Menewsha are powerful and good. As long as they obey the laws of the Mene gods, not even the king can harm them. Festivals are always full of color and life. There is one for each season, as well as sudden celebrations when the king feels his people need a break. Sometimes the Market will have special events without the need of a festival. In short, Mene Kingdom loves to celebrate for any occasion.

Four gates to Mene:
North Gate -- faces more forest, though west is deciduous and north becomes more coniferous and sparse
South Gate -- faces the sea and long white sandy beach
West Gate -- ie Main Gate that new visitors tend to come through (though the are welcome to use the N or S gates as well)
East Gate -- closer toward Castle which is carved from the mountain. It's not so much a gate as winding mountain path. It has not been used in years save for by the king when he goes hunting in the mountains.

Climate:
Mene has all four seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each season has a festival. Currently, Mene is in the midst of preparing for the Autumn festival which takes place anywhere between the 10th and 11th month of the year.

Calendar:
Mene has 12 months in a year.

Mene's Infrastructure

The Outer Wall
>>Farming Districts = there are three farming districts that surround Mene (N, W, and S) and thus three farming representatives in the Council.
>>The Beach
>>The Port = where people can fish and sell them in the market.

The Bronze Wall
>>Lower District = has 2 representatives
>>Low priced shops
>>Low priced taverns
>>Shady characters like assassins tend to lurk here for "jobs."
>>Wells

The Silver Wall
>>Middle District = has 3 representatives
>>Main marketplace where you will find most shops
>>Town Square where tournaments can be held, the town crier can be heard, and a giant clock that rings out the time.
>>Respectable citizens live here. Most well-to-do families like this area.
>>The largest section of Mene thus has more representatives
>>mid-level taverns
>>Blacksmith and Armorsmith
>>Wells and some plumbing
>>Medical Center near the South gate

The Golden Wall
>>Rich district = has one representative which is the Mayor
>>A few high priced shops and specialty stores
>>A Magic School where only the best and brightest of Mene citizens can get into
>>A resort and 5 star hotel
>>Shrine to the gods and goddesses
>>Plumbing

The Castle Wall
>>Castle grounds = no representatives, just the King. Full of picturesque nature
>>Guard and Military Academy
>>Castle and Council Chamber
>>Plumbing

City Streets
Mene is set up like castle town. Most buildings are built of brick and stone from the mountains, but some in the poorer section are made of thatch huts like those in the farming districts. Aqueducts carry water from the river that flows from the northern forest to the southern sea to help farmers during dry spells and ever offers comforts for people within the city.

Menewsha World and Beyond

Foreign relations and military
Despite being a peaceful kingdom, Mene has a strong military and his heavily guarded. The King worries that peace cannot last forever and fears they will be on the verge of war some day. For that reason, he seeks to foster good relations with his neighbors who were former enemies. However, he suspects that the only reason they have not attacked in the past 100 years was not because of the treaty after the sound beating Mene gave them, but because they are waiting for the right time. The head of Mene's military is the General of Military Affairs. Usually this position is appointed by the King upon recommendation. Requirements include knighthood and acute knowledge of battle tactics. The current General of Military Affairs is not known by the citizens. For a long time the position had been open because there was no one to fulfill the requirements, nor no sense of need that the position needed to be filled.

Geography
Mene is surrounded by snowcapped mountains on the East, a beach and sea on the South, a thick deciduous forest on the West, and a coniferous forest to the North. Beyond the East lies a desert land. To the North is a frozen tundra. To the West are more prosperous kingdoms in mild climates like Mene. To the South is an underwater kingdom and further beyond on the other side of the sea is a jungle. Because of its relative isolation, Mene is considered the Last City of the World.

Foreign Kindoms

East Kingdoms:
Desert warriors and tribal nations. The mountains use to be riddled with bandits, but those times are long gone. There is a secret path through the mountain that goes underground. Only the Royal Family knows of it and can open it to pass through.

North Kingdoms:
Magically imbued lands full of darkness and strife. Tends to be the world of giants and dragons who live in the frozen peaks. Few people come from the far north where there are rumors of an evil king. The stronghold of the Drow is also said to be far north.

West Kingdoms:
Also full of intensely magical kingdoms. There is more west of Mene than there is east. Most travelers hail from these kingdoms. Also, the West boasts of portals to carry people to other worlds in the sky. Some of these worlds are friendly traders with Mene.

South Kingdoms:
The Sea of Mene is also known as the Underwater Kingdom to the merfolk. No one from that Kingdom has come to Mene, since the only all water way to Mene is via the viaducts that water farms and run through the streets. There is also a Jungle Kingdom beyond the sea. Exotic goods are imported from there and one of Mene's most successful shop keepers if from a southern kingdom. It is said that if you go far south, you will find a rare portal that leads to a galaxy beyond the World Wide Web where there is no magic and people toil in misery. However, some say that it is from here the gods and goddess of Menewsha as well as other worlds have come.

Sky Kingdoms:
There are several kingdoms and worlds that float in the atmosphere of the world wide web. One of such kingdoms is Flyff and Luna.

Demon Kingdoms:
These dark places are avoided by anyone with a sensible brain. These build from the darkness of every world in the world wide web. Normally they will be referred to like so: the Demon Kingdom of Warcraft or the Demon Kingdom of Luna.

Things You Should Know About Worlds, Kingdoms, and Portals that don't actually affect the RP

For example, the Nexon portal leads to worlds like Maplestory and Mabinogi. These are called large worlds and have multiple kingdoms, cities, or towns within. Most travelers come from the world of Gaia because Gaia needs no portal to access Menewsha World. It is similar to Mene but has more troubles than the peaceful kingdom. They connect from the West via Forum road. There are many more worlds and kingdoms out there. You'll have to ask the citizens about them if you want more information, for not even the King knows all.



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RULES (will be added as needed)

1. Please PM me your profile before you post. You can post before I confirm you as I'm not a regular player, I just want to be able to keep track of players.
   
2. As obvious, follow the rules of Mene and RP. If I find you breaking them, I will blacklist you *mwhahaha!*
   
3. Avoid unnecessary OOC. I understand sometimes you need to clarify something, so please do it in PM's or like so ((ooc)) in a separate paragraph.
   
4. No god-moding. The king has supreme power, can't be killed unless I say otherwise, etc. Obey!
   
5. Please be semi-literate if possible. If you struggle with being descriptive, I'm more than happy to give tips as, I'm sure, potential heroes would be as well.
   
6. Be sure to play your avatar (that is the character you made for Mene). I won't hate you if you decide to change your character somewhat (clothes, gender, species, name, etc.) but absolutely keep them original.
   
7. Feel free to give your character a personal font color. Just try not to use the same color as everyone else at first. This is more so a tip than a rule.
   
8. I know "forceplaying" is frowned upon, however, in some occasions I will allow it if the partner's response is not necessary for furthering the story. Albeit with that partner's consent. Basically, a good lengthy RP involves the ability to go back and fill in your response and then carrying through the up-to-date portion. Simply put, if you find you've left your partner with a one-liner response, keep going so that person can fill in the response along with future ones.
   
9. You may also play a sub-character, or "multiplay," that may or may not have a connection to your original. Be sure to post that character's part within the same post as your main character and not in a separate post.
   
   >>Note: Please separate the two character's responses with a line (dotted, solid, or starred...I don't care) if they are in two separate scenes.
   
10. Make friends and have fun!

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PROFILE SKELETON

>>Character Name ((italics and size 3))

• Played by: ((your name))
• Age:
• Race:
• Occupation:
• Height:
• Personality:
• Appearance: ((avatar pic, link, description))
• Story: ((how did you come to Mene? Or were you born here? Anything else you'd like to say?))

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MENE MYTHOLOGY(will be filled in as story progresses

*::Gods::*

*::Goddesses::*
Kale (if she doesn't mind) -- Goddess of

*::Tricksters::*


>>Note: These gods and goddesses rule over Mene. Other gods rule over other nations. Trickster figures are like demons or evil spirits and are in every mythology They can travel over from one nation to another as they act independently unlike gods and goddesses who must abide by their constituency.


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HEROES(regulars, donators, and people that are just plain cool):

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VILLIANS

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EXILED(Blacklist):

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KING'S EVENT(S):

• TOURNAMENT(Pending):
  
  "By the Wisdom and Benevolence of
  The Great King of Mene
  We the Council of Orders hereby Decree
  On the Harvest Day of the 11th Month
  In the Year of King Durgas IX
  His Majesty shall host a Tourney
  That Calls on All Strong of Heart and Mind
  To Compete in a Friendly Regional Competition
  Of Wits and Muscle for a Grand Prize!"
  
  >>Currently looking for ideas on what should be done and awarded. Feel free to advise via PM ;)

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CENSUS:

*::NPC::*

King--Basically a faceless character ruled by yours truly. He makes decrees that changes major plot lines which will affect every citizen unless noted otherwise. The king has the power to Knight citizens as well as Exile them.

>>Being Knighted: Once Knighted you have the special privilege of forming your own guild, creating your own sub-kingdom in which you can make your own laws as long as they are agreeable with the Mene King, and asking one favor of the King if it is in his majesty's power to grant it. *note: the more the kingdom does for the king, the more the king can do for them*

>>Being Exiled: Simply put, you're blacklisted and you can't come back. You must consistently break the laws.

Shopkeepers--They have their own story, I'm sure, but until the Mene gods (the moderators) deem the right time to reveal them to us, the king must be mum on their livelihood. Until then, the citizens will have to discover their stories from themselves.

>>Note: You can run your own shop if you want. Also, you are free to interact with your personal favorite shopkeeper and develop a story with them. Multiple stories of the same person are allowed here, but please try not to get confused. I may cancel this privilege if it gets out of hand.

Game Characters--This includes Lance, the Mayor, etc. Like shopkeepers, feel free to interact with them as you please.

>>The Mayor: A special note about why there is a mayor in the kingdom. Because the King said so! That is all.

*::FELLOW PLAYERS::*

Citizens--Your fellow citizens' profiles will be placed here. Be patient with me as, I've said before, I'm a busy King and it's hard to keep census with the rapid growth of the Kingdom.

>>Alaktonroos (beloved dark child) Godelyl (Clan of the Blade)

• Played by: Code4destruction
• Age: 57 (young for his races) looks 21
• Race: 1/2 Fairy, 1/2 Drow
• Occupation: Wandering, unsuccessful merchant
• Height: (in fairy form) 6 inches, (in "human" form) 5'8"
• Personality: Good humored, soft spoken, energetic, and kind-hearted Alak is the exact opposite of his Drow brethren. He possess abilities of both parties but prefers to use his fairy skills...though he's not very good at them.
• Abilities: Drow based = swordsmanship, agility, archery, hunting, stealth, keen ears and sight. Fairy based = flight, height change, charm, healing.
• Appearance: Tends to dress in worn human travel clothes that were once fancy purples, blacks, and silvers. His face tends to look more like a scowl when he smiles, making his charm technique less effective. However, he is fairly good looking once one gets past their initial fear of seeing him. Occasionally, he shows his fairy wings, though he's embarrassed to be seen like so because he feels he's not attractive enough for them like his fair-skinned playmates.
• Story: Though visibly more drow than fairy, Alaktonroos, or Alak for short, was raised by his mother, a fairy. He never knew his father, but apparently he was exiled from the Drow kingdom for killing his own kind to protect Alak's mother. In the end, his father was hunted and killed by Drow warriors while Alak was still in the womb. Alak grew up with little worries, save for that of how his appearance tended to scare away people. However, he was raised well and held no feelings of vengeance against the drows that killed his father or the fairies that shunned him. After his mother died, he left the grove and traveled. Currently Alak feels it's time to find a new profession, so he's come to Mene to see what life has to offer.

Originally Posted by Lusalma

>>Character Name : Lusalma Sidhe

• Played by: Lusalma
• Age:17
• Race: Elf and something else
• Occupation: Citizen Healer (fights and lives with knives, don’t piss her off)
• Height: 5 foot 6 inches
• Personality: Happy, caring, preppy, hyper, optimistic, friendly
• Abilities: Able to Communicate, Knife fighting, Sidhe hands of power, dimension traveler
• Appearance: Avatar except in robes of red and a white staff with knives strapped under Lusalma's clothing
• Story: Lusalma was born in Gaia and was raised, for the largest amount of her childhood, in Evony. Lusalma was born as the brain child of the Fae, the Sidhe, the Elves, etc. Lusalma was born and immediately made herself a nuisance. Others didn’t really like her because she was way too hyper and had too short of an attention span to help matters.
• So Lusalma start traveling the World Wide Web. This travel put her into thousands of different places and sites but her most common home and resting site was Evony. Evony is a green, rich land that is torn apart regularly by war. Due to constant tragedy Lusalma became the youngest medic at age 8. (not real)
• However, as she traveled and learned about her inheritance and history she found that she had unexplainable powers. She could speak…to anything. And if you talked long enough than what she wanted to happen, happened. So slightly nervous Lusalma traveled back to her birthplace of Gaia and found that a nicer, more welcoming world of Mene had grown a little over to the side of Gaia. Curious and hopeful that they would be able to help her Lusalma moved to Mene at 17, hoping to live a happy, settled life and anticipating a loving family ready to be made.
  

Originally Posted by Talitha001

Character Name---Alana Vartos

• Played by: Talitha001
• Age: 16
• Race: half human half demon
• Occupation: assassin
• Height: 5'0
• Personality: quiet and good at keeping to herself. She loves to read books. She friendly to most people and very good at tricking people into doing what she wants.
• Appearance:
• Story: Alana is from the town of Ruatha. She traveled to mene in search of her father. Hes a demon who raped her mother. Alana has one goal in life. To destroy her father. As a child she practised archery so that she could one day make this dream a reality. She rents a little cottage on the outskirts of town. She is very quiet and sticks to herself but everyday she goes to the marketplace looking for a job. As a sucessful assassin she has to move all over. Last she heard her father was working for the king in mene.

Originally Posted by Labyrinth Doll

>>Character Name: Sirena (Greek: Fatally beautiful temptress)

• Nickname: In the dancing world she is known as Tanit (Phoenician myth name of a Goddess of love, the moon, and stars meaning "Serpent Lady").
• Played by: Labyrinth Doll
• Age: 166 but appears 17
• Race: Lunar/Shadow Elf (Not Drow)
• Occupation: None at the moment sadly.
• Height: 5'3"
• Special Talents: She is an excellent dancer as well as flute player. She can communicate and control snakes and has an immunity to any of their venom.
• Personality: She has a very wild and spitfire personality and isn't afraid to speak her mind. She only obeys the lord she serves otherwise she's pretty independent. She can appear to be childish one moment and ethereal and graceful the next.
• Appearance: She has very pale skin and a rosy complexion. Her eyes are a rose pink and she has naturally red lips. Her hair is a dark raven color and very thick and long. Her belly has a tattoo of a black moon signifying her servitude to her lord. (More detail on him once he establishes his character.)
• Bio: Her mother was a Lunar Elf who raised her from birth after her father who was a Shadow Elf left with his clan. Because of her mixed blood she and her mother were considered outcasts and they joined a traveling fair of Gypsies and Thieves at an early age for her. Unfortunately her mother was killed by another roaming band of thieves making her an orphan. She grew up learning how to dance and entertain for a living using her snake charming abilities to her advantage. Her traveling family were still considered outcasts and it was sometimes hard to make a living. It was then a young lord grew interest in her and offered her a better chance at life. She accepted only if her makeshift family got something in return. He agreed and gave them there own bit of property and gave them gold every month for there survival. So she now happily serves him.

Originally Posted by Phoenixxangel

>>Character Name: Phoeniare

• Played by: Phoenixxangel
• Age: Appears 21
• Race: Phoenix
• Occupation: Rogue item retriever.
• Height: 5ft6
• Personality: Phoeniare is used to constant wandering, as she has lead a gipsy like life so far in the land of Gaia. This makes her a little inconsistent and usually late for many things. She's not used to keeping time for things, and always worries about being locked out of the town or locked in when she needs to be in the wilderness.
  
  This is not the only part of her personality affected by her nomadic tendencies though. She has a very accepting nature for people, races and beliefs and a very wide horizon when it comes to her thoughts. A very welcoming being, she seems very warm and happy. It is essential to have a generous nature whilst living as a gipsy, and this has definitely rubbed onto this little being.
  
  However the loneliness of travelling alone has also tainted this little being. She might have a warm, friendly potential but it also seems that she hides this when meeting most people. When one is alone, one must rely on oneself totaly, and she has learnt to apply this to every part of her life. This puts her at a slightly lonely, detached disposition with most strangers she meets and therefore hinders her chances of making new friends. However once she does overcome this boundary with an individual, Phee is a friend for life and it is hard to get rid of her.
  
• Appearance: She has a strong body, not stick thin at all, with beautiful curves. No one could ever describe this girl as plump, though. Her skin is lightly tanned, sunkissed and golden. Her eye colour and hair colour change often, however her face always remains pretty. She has a straight, strong nose (not big or small, but cute and well shaped), full lips without looking too pouty (and fish like), eyes that sparkle fondly at the world and a heart shaped face.
  
• Story: She travelled along the forum road from Gaia, searching ardently for a new land. Luckily, she found Mene after her long journey and decided maybe she should settle there. Only just arriving to the town, she is just getting to know the ropes and trying to make her way.
  
  She has always been a wanderer, and hopes to achieve a real, settled home from this place.

Originally Posted by Erym

Erym Von Lance

* Played by: Erym
* Age: 15
* Race: Human
* Occupation: A neglected twin prince, hunters.
* Weapon: Rapier
* Ability: Move fast
* Height: 150cm
* Personality: Erym is a childish boy, thats why
Erym always looking for attention.
* Appearance:
* Story: Erym come to Mene's to find the murderer who killed his twin sister. And his parent

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LINKS

http://www.menewsha.com/forum/commun...-hall-ooc.html

Alak sat alongside the river just on the border of Mene. He had traveled long and far from the forests of Hasbro near the Wizards of the Coast. He was tired, hungry, and not in the best of moods. However, upon seeing the beautiful kingdom of Mene, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. It had been indeed a hard journey. Last week, he lost his horse and most of his belongings to bandits as he passed through Albion, a fair sized country that was currently in turmoil since the death of it's ruler. Since then, Alak has had to rely on his hunting skills to survive. If only he hadn't taken that nap during midday, the bandits would not have caught him off guard and he would have been in Mene days ago.

He sighed and stretched. "Ah well...No use crying over stolen goods," he said and closed his eyes for just a moment. One thing that made Alak much different from Drow was that he loved the sunlight. He made sure to bask in it every chance he could get. And the best part about Mene was its peaceful countryside border. Alak could smell fresh wheat and barely. It must be harvest time here, he mused. A soft breeze rustled the grass and golden leaves. Through half closed lids, he watched fluffy white clouds float lazily across the blue sky like sheep on the plain.

"Perhaps I should be a farmer..." he muttered as he drifted off to sleep.

An hour, perhaps two, passed before Alak woke with a start. The sun had sunk a little, casting shadows of the little cottages east toward the city. Mene was built of stone and mortar. It boasted of imposing and indestructible walls and a strong army. Mene was also framed by mountains further East and North and the Grand Ocean to the South. The only potential attacks upon the kingdom would be most likely from the West Forest, from whence Alak came. Perhaps this was the reason it had not seen war in over 100 years. Even now, while other worlds were falling apart, Mene has seen little change.

Alak spied a long train of people entering through the main West Gate. Guards tallied them off after checking their belongings. Most of the travelers were women and children. Some were old men. Alak hurried down the dirt path to the end of the line. He didn't dare tarry longer else he'd have to wait until morning when Mene opened its doors again to travelers. In front of him stood an old woman and a young boy. The boy took one look at the half drow and began to whimper. Alak frowned and tried to comfort the child with soothing tones.

"Please...Don't cry. I'm a good guy I promise," he murmured as he knelt closer to the boy. This set the boy off in a wail of tears and he clutched tightly to his grandmother's skirt. The old woman had been speaking to a young girl with short red hair up until now.

She held her grandson close and sharply said to Alak, "Isn't it too early for your kind to be out? Or do you always go around tormenting children?"

Alak was use to such comments, but that didn't make them sting any less. Futilely, he tried to explain. "Ma'am. I'm sorry. I didn't mean too..."

"Hush Tobias," the old woman said softly. "It's ok. Gran-gran will protect you from the bad man." She turned cold gray eyes upon Alak and whirled back around.

"Honestly," he heard her say to the girl in front. "What ever makes him think Mene will allow his kind in?"

Alak frowned. And the day had been so promising. Hopefully, the actual citizens of Mene were a bit more open minded. After all, they had little reason to hate drow considering very few drow have been this close to Mene in over 100 years.

((@Lulsama: The girl in front of the old woman can be you if you are looking for an opening. If you have something else in mind, feel free to post it =3. I always try to leave openings for other players to jump in.))

((Thanks Code4, that was nice, and yes I do think I will jump in))
Lusalma had been traveling for a long time. She didn't mind however. Lots of people liked a traveling nurse, especially those who were trained in Evony.
On that particular day Lusalma had been traveling for a reasonably long time. Waking up as the first rays of light touched her sleep dusted eyes, Lusalma had been in a good mood. The sun was warm and loving and shiny. This made Lusalma happy. Packing her bags Lusalma idly wondered, 'If I ever settled down I wonder how myneighbors would react to me being half Sidhe...probably not well.' Pulling a face at the disreputable thought Lusalma dismissed the train of speculation and started packing up for the last stretch of her hike.
As the noon day sun started pounding down on Lusalma's head she saw the imposing stone walls of a towering fortress. The imposing view was offset however by the small, scattered cottages dotting the countryside around the brooding monolith.
Stopping to take a rest and appreciate the sights for several more seconds Lusalma stared and pondered. She pondered her unusual powers, her chaotically lonely past, and her hopeful future.
"....OK ENOUGH!! Think of good thoughts, good thoughts..... yeah like, umm KITTIES!!!" Giggling maniacally at her thoughts Lusalma started picking her way gingerly down the sloped road. Heading towards the West Gate.
Coming up near the end of the line Lusalma looked ahead to see what the line was for. Seeing the guard, and the strewn materials, Lusalma frowned before she realized that she had her medicane belt, her staff, her knives and a small satchel of clothes and necessities.
Nodding her head in satisfaction Lusalma eased her body back into the line more fully, waiting for her turn. And waiting... waiting...and waiting. Fidgeting, Lusalma wondered when the wait would be over.
Than a scratchy, but warm voice asked very rudely, What are you doing here deary?" Lusalma turned around and frowned. This old lady was nosing into business not her own.... Lusalma grinned mischievously. "I'm from Evony and hopefully I will be able to find work here....maybe." The old lady frowned and than asked suspiciously, "You're not one of those mercenaries are you?" Lusalma stared and than comprehending what she asked snorted in laughter. "No, I'm not but I have lots of friends who are." The old ladies eyes widened in disgusted fascianation and asked with a simper, "Are they very mean men?" Lsualma stared, again, but before she could answer scathingly she heard a whimper near the foot of the old ladies dress and placating voice stating, "Please...don't cry. I'm a good guy, promise" But the old lady was obstinately rude and berated the new stranger.
Lusalma frowned when the old lady asked her opinion on Mene's immigration laws. Hearing the excuse for refusing the drow, Lusalma raised her non existent eyebrow mockingly. Smiling vindictively Lusalma asked innocently, "If this nice, sun loving drow (He has a tan, dear) is refused entry to this great and powerful nation than why in the world would they take an unknown Sidhe half breed who knows how to kill a person a million different ways?" The old, wrinkled lady stared incredulously at Lusalma before comprehending her words and gasping in outrage dragged her grandson, Todias right?, towards the back of the line, as far away as possible from the dangerous people.
Lusalma frowned at the old womans retreating back. Sighing at the typical behavior Lusalma picked up her satchel and staff and stepping forward a couple paces paused. Glancing back curiously Lusalma asked with an impish smile to the drow, "What's your name anyway, good guy?"

Alana woke up and smiled. She had had a wonderful dream. She got up and decided a nice shower would be appropriate. She grabbed two buckets and ran to the well in the middle of the marketplace. She lowered them one at a time with a rope humming a tune to herself.

Suddenly she heard a voice behind her "You there halt!!"

She turned and look to see her good friend geoffrey. "Hello geo." She said setting her buckets down to give him a hug. "You guys need anyone killed today?"

"Not today Lana." He smiled a crooked grin at her. She did always hate it when he called her Lana. But he hated her for calling him Geo so it was a matched habit. "I just saw you here and thought I might help you with your buckets."

She giggled "You always were the gentlman. But no thanks Geo I can handle the buckets." She nudged him with her hips heading back to her cottage "Maybe later we can practise sword fighting. YOu did promise to teach me." She winked at him over her shoulder.

"See ya later Lana you know were to find me." He went back to his patrol.

Alana went inside her cottage and hanging the first bucket on a hook she tied a rope on the handle. She stripped and stood underneath the bucket with some homemade soap and washed her body and hair. She put on her other set of clothes along with her cloak and headed outside of town to the river. She smiled at the guards by the gate passing by an old woman arguing with some funny lookin halfbreed. She got on her knees and began beating her clothes on the washing rock humming to herself. When she finished she headed back into town bypassing the line. She went to the marketplace and situated herself at her spot waiting for a job to pass by.

((boy, poor Alak is surrounded by some tough women. np Lusa.))

Alak stood with a gaped mouth as the red headed girl, with half-concealed knives he immediately noticed, turned around and confronted the woman. He watched helplessly as the grandmother and her young ward moved to a different section of the line. A guard passed buy and glanced at them suspiciously.

Alak gave a nervous chuckle and glanced his way, "A Sidhe from Evony, hm? I've never been there myself, but I was warned your lot were feisty." It was true. Sidhe did tend to be the more mischievous of his fay cousins. Alak, on the other hand, hailed from more reclusive fairies who spent very little time in either mingling or messing in human affairs.

The guard moved on.

In a lower, calmer voice he said, "And thank you...but you really should be careful how you approach people like that ma'am."

He nodded to the old woman, far out of earshot. "See that burn scar on her hand?" he pointed to the woman's right hand. It was an old wound, but Alak could tell it still gave her some trouble.

"There is a larger, similar one on the boy's torso. I can tell by the way he favors his side and how his grandmother avoided touching that particular spot, though it would have been easier to grab there," Alak tried to explain.

He sighed sadly, as if he felt sorry for them. "It's black fire. They must have come from a village attacked by Drow. It's only natural for them to be skiddish around me..."

He shrugged and turned his full attention to the girl with a quiet smile. "...Or a knife wielding healer," he observed based on her luggage and dress. "I'm Alaktonroos, by the by. But please call me Alak," he said with slight a courteous bow of the head.

"And what is the name of my hero?" he said with a slight chuckle.

The sun set faster now during these days. Though it could not have been past 4 on the clock, the skies were already turning a pale blue and purple. The guards were picking up the pace to have the droves of people in before dark. In fact, Alak and the Sidhe were almost next in line.

He could hear the guard ask the people in front their names, age, jobs, reason for travel, etc. Some were nervous, some confident. Alak noticed a lovely blue haired woman pass through with ease. She must have been a resident for the guard nodded at her after a moment. Her moves were graceful like a dancer. He wondered if she might be elven, but something said otherwise. It encouraged him to know that if the guards could feel comfortable letting someone with such a dangerous aura as her's in, then they'd surely let a simple half-drow with no business in mind carry through. Alak suddenly wished he had something wooden to knock on.

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((so Tali want's to put the King in action in some way, true? very well then.))

"What is the status of our neighbors?" The King was sunken into his large thrown, head of the committee meeting of advisers from every part of his country.

They reported that all was fair save for more independent attacks on villages far away that have prompted another wave of refugees. The King frowned. Things were getting out of hand, slowly but surely. He'd speak with the neighboring kings about maintaining safety in their own kingdom, but none have responded to his messengers. Something in the air did not feel right, but with matters so busy in Mene, there was little he could do save for rely on reports and make decisions from here.

"Perhaps a tournament?" he said suddenly as he mused.

Some of the advisers were discussing crops but looked up abruptly as their king spoke.

"A Tournament Mi Lord?" one replied with a raised brow.

The King nodded. "At the end of the Fall Festival, we should have a tournament calling all brave warriors in Mene and beyond to fight to submission. The winner could receive....oh let's see what is a good prize...?"

"Gold? Land? Knighthood?" another adviser prompted. They thought the King was merely jesting at first.

"Perhaps..." the king replied to their dismay.

"B-but sire. Why would we wish to spark something so...violent after maintaining years of peace?"

The King laughed. "Violent? It'll be a friendly sport with weapons! What could possibly be 'so violent' about that?"

Behind his laugh, the King's shrewd brain was working. Perhaps a different approach to his neighbors would get them to respond to his requests.

"There will be a small entry fee. Those proceeds can go to improving the harvest for next year some of you were so worried about. There! It's decided! Let's get to work on making plans then, shall we?"

The advisers sat and wondered, as they usually did, why the King bothered having advisers in the first place? He never actually took there advice if he even, on the rare occasion, allowed them to give it. They sighed and nodded and began to make plans. Within several candle marks, the information was out to the king's generals and messengers to spread the word.

"By the Wisdom and Benevolence of
The Great King of Mene
We the Council of Orders hereby Decree
On the Harvest Day of the 11th Month
In the Year of King Durgas IX
His Majesty shall host a Tourney
That Calls on All Strong of Heart and Mind
to Compete in a Friendly Regional Competition
of Wits and Muscle for a Grand Prize!"

What exactly the Grand Prize is, was strategically omitted.

((do tell more about Alana's father Tali))

((hehe, thanks for the tip Code 4))
Lusalma paused in the line, once it stopped moving, and stared thoughtfully toward the area into which the grandmother and her son disappeared towards. Shrugging in apology Lusalma smiled ruefully and stated, "I noticed the burns but I didn't know they were black fire, I haven't been around Drow injuries that much. Our own people make too many injuries as is. " Ending the statement Lusalma blushed slightly and looked toward the head of the line, noticing the passing girl and the fact that she was about 3 places back from getting her own luggage checked. Nodding to herself Lusalma than stated ruefully, "I don't mind that she is scared of drows, and I would treat her the same as a patient no matter her beliefs. What I can't stand is she acted on her fear and sought to draw me into her way of thinking, or assumed I already thought that way, I don't like being controlled in that manner....Anyway I hope they have sugar in town!"

Realizing that she still had not answered fully to his questions Lusalma looked to the side and watching from the corner of her eye smiled slowly and stated, "My name's Lusalma Sidhe, I'm a nurse from Evony, I have come to this fair city to see if I can settle and if they could help me with a mystery, you?" Lusalma grinned and wondered if Alak had any sweets on him, so far she had only eaten healthy food, wasn't hard to find what with her ability to talk to anything, the only thing she couldn't eat was man made food products...there wasn't a lot of food for men in the wild.

She noticed Geo heading her way with a huge grin on his face. Alana chuckled to herself hoping it was somthing good.

"What is going on Geo?" She asked when he got closer to her. She always loved the way his black hair blew with the wind. It was long and in a pony tail falling down to his shoulder blades. It looked nice with the guard armor he wore.

"The king is having a tournament. All are invited to attend. Although the compeditors are meant to be men Im sure you could enter. Your stronger and tougher than all those men combined." He smiled at her giving her a hug. "Theres going to be a prize. If you win maybe you can actually become a proffesional assassin instead of sitting around the market place like some common whore."

She laughed suddenly all the people in the market place looked at her astonished. They all knew Alana well as someone to stay away from and they had never once heard her laugh. "Thanks for the info Geo. I'm sure that I can win any contest out there." She stood up hugging him back. "now if you dont mind im going to help the guards process all the newcomers." She headed to the town gates a grin on her face.

Alak considered at the sidhe's comment thoughtfully. It had never occurred to him that one person's valid fear may righteously anger another. Controlling huh... he mused once more.

Her sharp change of subject startled him. Alak could not help but chuckle. "Never mind sugar my friend. An entire bakery would be wondrous."

She must have realized that his previous question was still unanswered. Alak was not one to press matters either. If the sidhe did not wish to share her name, then that was her business. However, while looking out of the corner of her eye, she smiled and said her name slowly.

Alak began to feel an inexplicable ease wash over him. Soon he found himself responding promptly to her "you?" without thinking.

"I'm Alak," he reminded her. "Here because...there really is nowhere else for me to go..." He felt the pressure ease from his head.

Nowhere else to go? He'd never thought of it like that before. All this time he had felt he traveled where the skies seemed calmer. Was Mene truly the last calm place to be? Or was Alak trying to run away from something and hoped that Mene would be salvation?

"Mystery?" he inquired, his mind absent from his lips.

The line moved forward again. They were next. Alak noticed the young blue haired lady approach them with determination, her garments floated gently behind her. Was she a guard come to give leave to another?

((be sure to read the OOC thread I made. more on the tournament there. and yes women can attend >.> but the king will pretend he doesn't know women are entering ^-^. You can find the link in the first post of this RP ;D))

Alana approached the guard and smiled sweetly. Using her mind nudging abilitys (kinda like the force for jedi) she told him she was letting him go on break. He nodded and left. Alana stood in his spot and smiled at the line of people. She quickly scanned down the list and nodded at some girl with red hair and some guy who was talking to her. You two are next. I need names, occupations, reasons for visit and spiecies. She looked at them waiting for the answer a slight grin on her face.

At this rate getting to the king and from there to her father would be a sinch. She wondered what kinda tournament this was and how it would help her in her plan to destroy her evil father. She always did love to do this and the guards let her. They enjoyed her company and her flirting personality. Like they stood a chance with her. She smiled inwardly at her thoughts.

Lusalma grinned brightly and at the new woman and said with a distinct chirp in her tone, "Lusalma Sidhe, Sidhe of course, Nurse from Evony, and here to visit your oh so wise counsel of scholars!" Taking a bow at the end of the statement Lusalma glanced up mischievously from under her bangs and than straightened up and took half a step to the side, waiting for Alak to take her place.
While stepping to the side Lusalma swished her red rode towards her front, enclosing her white staff more closely towards her. Closing the front of the robe she settled her hands in a fold in front of her body and let her satchel dangle from within her limp fingers. Wondering, all the while, when she would be able to change her black peasant blouse and her red skirt back into trousers and a clean blouse, once she had a room and bath of course!

Alak frowned a bit as the girl approached. He sensed a slight crackle of magic, but he couldn't discern from where or of what kind. As if by fate, the slim woman called them up next. Alak wondered for a moment if this was a good omen. He had been worried about the stern looking guards. However, this new examiner seemed pleasant and he could detect a hint of a distant smile grace her lips. Her abrupt tone took him a bit off guard. His compatriot, Lusalma, replied immediately with hardly a breath between words. Her voice chipper and full of life compared to the other's smooth languid tones. Interesting how two women so similar in age were so different in personality. Then again, people always easily amazed Alak.

After Lusalma's cheerful reply and bow, she signaled to Alak his turn. He shook himself from his thoughts, saying in his ever calm voice, "Oh...right. Alaktonroos Godelyl. Merchant. Business."

He hesitated for a moment before answering the last question. It wasn't as if he could deny what he was in anyway. Nor was it that he felt ashamed of his mixed race. Finally he said with a softly and quietly smiled, "Moon fae and drow."

He glanced to Lusalma for a moment as the young woman adjusted herself. They had been tallied together as if they were from the same party. Perhaps he should have said something, but Alak remained silent. He could hear the hustle and bustle of the town beyond the walls now. The sounds and smells of a busy market place hit him all at once and for a brief second, a part of Alak wanted to be back in the forest or by the riverside. He enjoyed observing people go about their daily lives, but large crowds tended to unnerve him as they overpowered his senses. It was one of many reasons he made a horrible merchant. Hopefully he could find a little tavern out of the way once they entered.

As for Lusalma, perhaps they should stick together for now. This place was new to the both of them and, as the Sage back home would constantly say, "where the moon was silver on one side, it was black on the other." In other words, though this place may look peaceful from this angle, there was bound to be quite a few unscrupulous folk lurking in every corner.

Doing as those before him, Alak set out his thin long sword for inspection before the female guard could ask. He wanted to show that he had absolutely nothing to hide. In fact, his sword was still clean and the sheath still slick. He rarely used it. Even when he was robbed, Alak did not draw his sword against the bandits but used a little fairy magic to get away unharmed. His lack of motivation to fight was another reason he was a bad merchant. Still, new places sparked new dreams. Even if he had to give up selling third rate goods, he could probably find work elsewhere. Alak tried to think of just what it was he was good at.

He looked at the blue haired woman expectantly. [jump] Before she sent them along, he asked, "Pardon me...miss? Perhaps you can direct us to a quiet tavern?" He emphasized the word quiet. Lusalma may not have appreciated being included in his request. He would apologize to her later.

Alana wrote down the information they gave her nodding her head. She looked at them a very unusual pair. She had never heard that a drow and sidhe would ever be together for anything especially a relationship. She rolled her eyes would this be somthing for later or what. She eyed the sword he placed in front of her sceptically and wrote it down on the paper in front of her. He requested a tavern and she grinned suddenly

"I happen to have a room for rent that im sure you and your She paused for a moment and looked at the redheaded woman with distaste "wife would love. The taverns are all full up im afraid because of this tournament the king is holding. Apparently word gets out fast."

She finished up her paper and handed him back his sword "Your best bet would be to take my offer. Unless by some chance , which I doubt, You have friends or relatives who will offer you a place.

She motioned for them to move out of the way so others could come through. She started working on a family of humans here on vacation.

Hearing the word wife Lusalma blinked and than looked between the female, who was now busy, and Alak. Feeling as if she was missing something Lusalma blinked her eyes and than grinned. Moving forward she looked to her side and teasingly asked, "Do we really look like a couple? Because if we do hang together for a very long time your going to have to get used to blood, after all my patients don't really have the manners to avoid bleeding on me while I'm healing them." At the end of the teasing statement Lusalma looked ahead and than stated thoughtfully, "I do think that we should hang together a bit more, you seem to understand me. Which is kinda weird, people don't usually know that I like quiet when I sleep, easier to hear evil approaching." Looking down at the cobblestone path Lusalma frowned a little and mummbled under her breath, "Also depends on how long he'll WANT to stay around me..." Shaking her head in a brief grimace Lusalma than jerked her head back up upon hearing a sound and glanced side to side at the businesses lining the cobblestone path.
Seeing a herbalist sign hanging above a well-to-do shop, and a strengthening strain of music coming from inside, Lusalma's eyes brightened and glancing at Alak she asked excitedly, "Hey, you want to check out the competition? Or if your not into herbs you still want to look around? I think they might have some cool stuff!" Looking at the Alak with puppy dog eyes, all the while hearing this sweet, angelic song floating gently and unobtrusively out of the cracked doors of the shop. Lusalma didn't really know why but she REALLY wanted to visit that shop right now...if for no other reason than to find what was making that song that nobody else was really responding to.

Alak stood, stunned at the mention the word wife. His dark skin turned a slight red around his cheeks, and as he kept from glancing toward Lusalma he stammered to explain, "Wife? No...um...we just--" but the woman did not seem to be listening and continued to speak.

"Very well," he sighed when she was finished. Tournament or not, Mene was always a crowded city and now it was getting even more populated by the minute. Merchants and craftsmen alike carried through town on a regular basis and many decide to make Mene their home. He was not surprised that the taverns would be full by this time of day. If only he hadn't have dozed off earlier...or the time before that.

He stood to the side to make room for the family of humans passing through. "Where is this room of yours? Or would you show us after you finish your shift?" ((read OCC))

He turned and said sideways to respond to Lusalma only to find her grinning. He thought their appearance over for a second, though they had only just met. He was short thanks to his mixed species. Had he been full drow he would have towered over Lusalma at a height of at least 6'4". Instead, he could only reach about 2 inches over the redheaded woman. Though she looked young, her eyes seemed to hold an uncanny knowledge behind her mischievous smile. She was attractive and lively while Alak always considered his looks to be average in comparison to others of either spectrum of his lot and docile. Perhaps they looked more like a comedy routine portraying couples rather than the actual thing, but Alak had was born from a stranger pairing.

"Forgive me for intruding," he said. "I'm sure you have other plans in mind that did not involve picking up a wayward half-drow." The tease went completely over his head.

"I don't like blood, but unfortunately I am use to it," he responded seriously. It seemed no matter where he went, someone was always in trouble or causing trouble. He had chalked it all up to the deteriorating times and helped those he could, which usually ended in him giving away supplies.

At her thoughtful statement, Alak replied, "I honestly did not know. But I'm glad it is to your liking." His eyebrow rose at the "evil approaching" comment, but he let it go.

"What was that?" he asked when he heard her mumble. She was a little ahead of him, and from the droop of her head she looked depressed. Concerned, he wondered if he said or done something wrong.

Then she perked up. How could he refuse her excited request? She looked at him innocently and for the second time, Alak felt his face color more than it already was.

Alak scratched his head and said without looking directly at her, "I don't mind herbs..." He also wondered what it was that got her so excited. He followed her eyes to the shop with its doors half open. He thought he caught a glimpse of music, but when he tried to listen for it among the canconphony of sounds, it was drowned out. Perhaps it was just his imagination.

I'd like to get settled before dark, but I think we have time for a little shopping...Alak thought. The other woman told them the place and time they should meet, which was only a few hours from now. He mentally checked how much gold he had. 287g. It wasn't much in a place like this, but he was thankful for it. The thieves took the majority of what he had, but he always kept a little white satchel of gold on him as well.

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The King thinks new citizens should know (and perhaps he should put this in the first post for them to read) Gates of Mene close at 12am sharp and open again at 6am. After that, you need special permission to enter. Security reasons. This has no bearing on anyone actually >_> he just thought it sounded official. However, that would mean new arrivals to Mene cannot sneak in during the dead of night (unless they are sneaky characters.)

The King's ancestors have thought long and hard about how the kingdom should be formed, and now that it has grown since then, it is time to create a map so his new citizens will not be confused upon entering.

Mene Basics

Etymology
Mene is derived from the word Meneshwa, the small world in which Mene is.

History
Long ago, Mene Kingdom was just a small farming village. Then, as surrounding lands began to invade and loot, the people of Mene built a fort to protect themselves. Some traded in their hoes for swords and learned to fight while others mastered magics. The people of Mene learned that the gods of the land they farmed loved them and blessed them with success. So in only a matter of years, Mene became prosperous. The descendants of the first Guardians became the royal family and royal council. For years, Mene has had to fight for its stake in the world, but as other kingdoms began to fail, Mene held strong. Now, it has been at peace for almost 100 years and is ruled by a benevolent King who practices the arts of his ancestors. Lately the King has become more involved in politics to the dismay of his advisors.

Government and Politics
Mene is a constitutional monarchy. All power is reserved to the King as long as he rules justly. The king then has the power to distribute authority to the Council which acts like a parliament. Council members represent their districts and have the power to oppose the king if their constituency votes in favor of it. However, this has never happened in Mene history. There is also a Mayor, who acts as Grand Advisor to the King. All requests of the king must go through him. The position of Mayor (like a president) is elected by the Council. The current Mayor is a young man that is always being chased by girls. Because of this, his tutor and former General of Military Affairs tends to complete most of the work.

Inside Mene's Walls

Economy:
Currently, it seems Menewsha can do no wrong thanks to the blessings of the gods and goddesses. The King and his council have done a very good job in keeping the population happy. However, there are increasing chances of shortage with more travelers. Thus, harvest festivals are the most important of the year. It is one of the King's duties to pray for another prosperous year and a harvest that will grow as large as Mene's population.

Demographics:
Mene's citizens are normally human, but as the kingdom has grown, so has its diversity. There are many types of races that pour in from other worlds, as well as races born here. Mene has a large population of mixed breeds. Also, like any magical kingdom, Mene has fantasy creatures and plants that are usually imported from other worlds and raised in Menewsha.

Culture and Festivals:
Mene's citizens come from a wide range of beliefs, but all acknowledge that the gods and goddesses of Menewsha are powerful and good. As long as they obey the laws of the Mene gods, not even the king can harm them. Festivals are always full of color and life. There is one for each season, as well as sudden celebrations when the king feels his people need a break. Sometimes the Market will have special events without the need of a festival. In short, Mene Kingdom loves to celebrate for any occasion.

Four gates to Mene:
North Gate -- faces more forest, though west is deciduous and north becomes more coniferous and sparse
South Gate -- faces the sea and long white sandy beach
West Gate -- ie Main Gate that new visitors tend to come through (though the are welcome to use the N or S gates as well)
East Gate -- closer toward Castle which is carved from the mountain. It's not so much a gate as winding mountain path. It has not been used in years save for by the king when he goes hunting in the mountains.

Climate:
Mene has all four seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each season has a festival. Currently, Mene is in the midst of preparing for the Autumn festival which takes place anywhere between the 10th and 11th month of the year.

Calendar:
Mene has 12 months in a year.

Mene's Infrastructure

The Outer Wall
>>Farming Districts = there are three farming districts that surround Mene (N, W, and S) and thus three farming representatives in the Council.
>>The Beach
>>The Port = where people can fish and sell them in the market.

The Bronze Wall
>>Lower District = has 2 representatives
>>Low priced shops
>>Low priced taverns
>>Shady characters like assassins tend to lurk here for "jobs."
>>Wells

The Silver Wall
>>Middle District = has 3 representatives
>>Main marketplace where you will find most shops
>>Town Square where tournaments can be held, the town crier can be heard, and a giant clock that rings out the time.
>>Respectable citizens live here. Most well-to-do families like this area.
>>The largest section of Mene thus has more representatives
>>mid-level taverns
>>Blacksmith and Armorsmith
>>Wells and some plumbing
>>Medical Center near the South gate

The Golden Wall
>>Rich district = has one representative which is the Mayor
>>A few high priced shops and specialty stores
>>A Magic School where only the best and brightest of Mene citizens can get into
>>A resort and 5 star hotel
>>Shrine to the gods and goddesses
>>Plumbing

The Castle Wall
>>Castle grounds = no representatives, just the King. Full of picturesque nature
>>Guard and Military Academy
>>Castle and Council Chamber
>>Plumbing

City Streets
Mene is set up like castle town. Most buildings are built of brick and stone from the mountains, but some in the poorer section are made of thatch huts like those in the farming districts. Aqueducts carry water from the river that flows from the northern forest to the southern sea to help farmers during dry spells and ever offers comforts for people within the city.

Menewsha World and Beyond

Foreign relations and military
Despite being a peaceful kingdom, Mene has a strong military and his heavily guarded. The King worries that peace cannot last forever and fears they will be on the verge of war some day. For that reason, he seeks to foster good relations with his neighbors who were former enemies. However, he suspects that the only reason they have not attacked in the past 100 years was not because of the treaty after the sound beating Mene gave them, but because they are waiting for the right time. The head of Mene's military is the General of Military Affairs. Usually this position is appointed by the King upon recommendation. Requirements include knighthood and acute knowledge of battle tactics. The current General of Military Affairs is not known by the citizens. For a long time the position had been open because there was no one to fulfill the requirements, nor no sense of need that the position needed to be filled.

Geography
Mene is surrounded by snowcapped mountains on the East, a beach and sea on the South, a thick deciduous forest on the West, and a coniferous forest to the North. Beyond the East lies a desert land. To the North is a frozen tundra. To the West are more prosperous kingdoms in mild climates like Mene. To the South is an underwater kingdom and further beyond on the other side of the sea is a jungle. Because of its relative isolation, Mene is considered the Last City of the World.

Foreign Kindoms

East Kingdoms:
Desert warriors and tribal nations. The mountains use to be riddled with bandits, but those times are long gone. There is a secret path through the mountain that goes underground. Only the Royal Family knows of it and can open it to pass through.

North Kingdoms:
Magically imbued lands full of darkness and strife. Tends to be the world of giants and dragons who live in the frozen peaks. Few people come from the far north where there are rumors of an evil king. The stronghold of the Drow is also said to be far north.

West Kingdoms:
Also full of intensely magical kingdoms. There is more west of Mene than there is east. Most travelers hail from these kingdoms. Also, the West boasts of portals to carry people to other worlds in the sky. Some of these worlds are friendly traders with Mene.

South Kingdoms:
The Sea of Mene is also known as the Underwater Kingdom to the merfolk. No one from that Kingdom has come to Mene, since the only all water way to Mene is via the viaducts that water farms and run through the streets. There is also a Jungle Kingdom beyond the sea. Exotic goods are imported from there and one of Mene's most successful shop keepers if from a southern kingdom. It is said that if you go far south, you will find a rare portal that leads to a galaxy beyond the World Wide Web where there is no magic and people toil in misery. However, some say that it is from here the gods and goddess of Menewsha as well as other worlds have come.

Sky Kingdoms:
There are several kingdoms and worlds that float in the atmosphere of the world wide web. One of such kingdoms is Flyff and Luna.

Demon Kingdoms:
These dark places are avoided by anyone with a sensible brain. These build from the darkness of every world in the world wide web. Normally they will be referred to like so: the Demon Kingdom of Warcraft or the Demon Kingdom of Luna.

Things You Should Know About Worlds, Kingdoms, and Portals that don't actually affect the RP

For example, the Nexon portal leads to worlds like Maplestory and Mabinogi. These are called large worlds and have multiple kingdoms, cities, or towns within. Most travelers come from the world of Gaia because Gaia needs no portal to access Menewsha World. It is similar to Mene but has more troubles than the peaceful kingdom. They connect from the West via Forum road. There are many more worlds and kingdoms out there. You'll have to ask the citizens about them if you want more information, for not even the King knows all.

Glancing curiously at Alak as she heard the uncertain conformation of his liking of herbs and thoughtfully observed him. Seeing the heightened blood in his face and the sheepish expression Lusalma smiled softly and stated clearly and concisely, "I don't mind being with drow, or anyone for that matter, but I think I like your company so right now I categorize you as a friend, unless you say otherwise, and I don't count you as 'wayward' or lost, you came here for a reason and that reason is enough for us to meet so that's a blessing. Just to let you know though, I'm here because I have a problem so if you ever find yourself uncomfortable or what have you than you don't have to feel an obligation to stay and save the distressed damsel." Looking forward once again she headed towards the half-opened door of the Herbalists store and, entering it, surveyed the variety displayed on levels of shelves and dangling clumps of herbs from the ceiling. Pausing a moment to breath in deeply once she was inside the store Lusalma paused and stilled, standing slightly to the side of the door she listened, hearing the gentle song Lusalma turned towards the back of the store and started moving towards it. However, before she went a few paces she was accosted by an over helpful clerk. Asking if there was anything he could help her with. Staring for a few moments at the overly enthusiastic clerk, until they got slightly uncomfortable, Lusalma smiled blindingly and stated in an overly bright tone, "No I'm doing just fine, just looking....BuUt you can tell me if there are any stores here with Healers, midwives, or healer folk. That would be SOO helpful, thanks!" Slightly dazzled by the overly bright teeth the clerk stumbled out his reply. Smiling less brightly at the staggering, and retreating, back of the clerk Lusalma waited for his back to disappear among the crowd before glancing impatiently in the direction the song WAS coming from, now silent. Sighing in disappointment Lusalma looked back at Alak and explained, "I heard something really interesting but now its gone...oh well, you want to go anywhere? Like the tavern to get rooms or your work place area or stuff like that?"

Alana looked at the last few people and smiled You will have to come back another time. The gates will be closing in 5....4....3........2........1 She saw the guards approach and close the gates. She didn't feel at all bad for the people who didn't make it. She handed the guards the chart and took off to the marketplace. She loved spending time here just watching how odd people were. She decided to go sit by the castle. She needed to see the king and she knew it was geos day for guard duty.

She approached him and smiled Geo love I need a favor.

what is it this time Lana? He asked smiling at her and giving her a quick hug. He had always had a bit of a crush on her but was to shy to ask her out.

I need to talk to the king. She said nonchelant. She hugged him back giving him a tight squeeze. She was never one to fall for guys. She rather enjoyed watching them beg her instead. She giggled slightly as she thought of Max the last guy who fell for her beuty.

The king!!! He looked at her like she was crazy. Its not that easy. Hes a busy guy and not just everyone can see him. Why do you want to see him anyways?

I need a job. Im sick of taking pesant jobs. I want a real assassin job. She never told him about her father. SHe never told anyone hoping to death they never found out. She closed her eyes for a moment to control the urgency in her facial expression. She just had to find her father. She promised herself she would avenge her mother and bring her fathers skull to lay on her grave. She knew that that would put her moms spirit to rest.

I'll see what I can do. He sighed. Sometimes Alana was just to much work.

((@ Lusalma and Tali. wondering where we should go with this musical herb store. i have some ideas in OCC. please comment on them. I'll be going to dinner for a bit, but I'll be back to post again ;)))

Alak bowed his head slightly and looked at the ground. Friend? No one had ever called him that. For a moment, he was at a loss for eloquent words. He barely heard the rest of what she said but he nodded and mumbled, "Thank you Miss Lusalma."

Alak followed into the store behind her quietly. He felt a strange energy wrap around him. For a quick second, the shop looked empty. The, it was cluttered with oddities and shoppers that did not seem to notice anyone had entered. Alak felt strange and suddenly did not like being in this place. Perhaps it was the overpowering aroma of the many different herbs, or it could have been the clerk who seemed all too eager to approach them. Alak resisted the urge to sneeze while he was surprised that Lusalma seemed to enjoy the air in here immensely.

The girl made her way to a door. Alak reached to stop her, for it was rude to suddenly open doors that did not belong to you, but he paused as the clerk who had been eying them rushed forward.

After a slight exchange, the clerk stuttered, "S-south Gate, S-silver District..." he pushed his glasses forward on his nose, giving Alak a strange look over the rim, before turning away.

Alak hurried out, beating Lusalma to the door, before getting a breath of fresh air. "Interesting? Like what?" He remembered the faint music he had make him think he was hearing things.

"Perhaps we should browse the shops on this street? We've had a long day and you seem hungry," he said whilst ignoring the fact that his own stomach was beginning to complain. "Then we can meet with that nice guard lady."


EDIT: As he spoke, Alak noticed something odd. He blinked and looked around him, turning in a full circle. He rubbed his eyes for a second and blinked again. He could not believe his eyes. It was pitch black outside save for the softly glowing mage lights on the corners of the streets. Astonished, he looked to Lusalma to see if she too saw the sudden jump in day time. They must have been in the shop for only 2 or 3 minutes...but now it looked as if several hours had gone by. Alak turned back around to the shop, but it was closed. His stomach growled loudly as if it had not eaten all day. What was going on?

His rational mind figured there must have been some strange magic on the shop to get people to buy more than they would, or perhaps to punish them if they left without buying. He was sure that'd be illegal, but in this part of town, most things done were illegal. That's what Alak's rational mind said anyway. But his gut pulled at him worriedly.

"We'll be late meeting with the young miss..." he said with an absent mind, more so to himself in need of hearing his voice than to Lusalma. The event had shaken him somewhat. For any type of magic that strong to go past him undetected was...unnerving. He took one final suspicious glance back at the shop. A blank sign swung innocently.

Despite the hour, Mene was still a busy city. The ally they had been down with the herb shop was dark, but most of Mene was lit up with dozens of mage lights around every corner. It was perhaps brighter on some main streets at night than it was during the daytime. Crowds still ambled about, most drunken or lewd or a combination of the two. Alak forced himself not to turn his nose up against the smell. He had only had fire liquor once...it had not been a good experience. Shops that were open almost all night were the blacksmith and armorsmith in the Main Square and some Pubs. The woman said the Main Square was easy enough to find, and she had been right. If one got lost among the weaving crowded paths and large buildings, they need only to look up toward the clock tower and make their way in that direction. That was exactly what Alak set off to do after making sure Lusalma was with him.

((sleep...I need it...might make changes when i can think better.))

Sirena moved around quickly as she dodged the busy streets. They always seemed busier every time she visits. It's not surprising with how many travelers arrived everyday. The little mixed elf was holding four large rolls of colorful fabric and two baskets filled with sowing materials. A woman in her gypsy family was having a child soon and she volunteered to pick up materials to create clothing. She was happy to do it since the woman was like a sister to her and the lord she was serving didn't mind her doing so.

It was part of the contract after all, that she would still be able to freely do things family related. True they weren't her birth family but they were all she knew since her mother died when she was fairly young. Sirena was lost in her thoughts when a man pinched her bottom causing her to drop everything. She cursed softly to herself for making the mistake of letting her guard down slightly. She knew better, growing up the way she did is why she knew better but she let herself become careless now that she was no longer having to sleep with one eye open in the middle of the woods.

The man chuckled drunkenly and reached down to 'help' her up. Sirena growled at him and let her piercing rose pink eyes settle on him, which under normal circumstances would make those wary of her since it hinted of her Shadow Elf background. Shadow elves scared most not because they were evil but because nobody knew much about anything of them. It unnerves people because they couldn't predict what a Shadow Elf would do.

The man being drunk couldn't really understand her warning. He continued to reach down for her and she merely slapped his hand away before speaking. "If you value your hands or life I suggest you leave me alone." He ignored her and slurred his response after laughing. "C'mon sweetheart, if you follow me I can...I can show you a good time." She wrinkled her nose in disgust as he stumbled over his words before quickly cutting his hand with her dagger, which she kept under her cloak, when he tried to grab her.

The man shrieked in pain before his face contorted into an angry scowl. "Bitch!" He yelled at her. She snorted softly before standing up and opening her pouch pocket and slowly a small Spitting Cobra revealed itself. It slithered up around her shoulders and flicked its tongue out and opened its hood in warning at him. Sirena didn't say anything to the man letting him decide if he wanted to tempt fate. She felt some grim satisfaction as she watched his face pale. Apparently he was lucid enough to understand he was walking a very thin line.

It took only a few moments before he stumbled away angrily mumbling to himself. She watched him walk off and noticed that a crowd had gathered, mostly travelers who just entered the gate. She just shook her head before putting her little companion back into her pouch. She huffed in frustration as she looked at her fallen objects and crouched down to pick it up, silently thanking that no one had stepped on them.

((mk just moving some forward action here because i see an opening for Alak and the rest to meet with our new addition. don't worry Lusa, feel free to respond to my last post and this one as well all in yours ;) my my what a busy girl you'll be. Doll, you can choose to respond to this one or wait until the other's post to get more action in.))

As Alak approached the Main Square, he saw an elegant raven haired figure stooped to the ground collecting some fallen objects. He did not know how they had gotten there, nor did he see the cobra slither silently back into the glittering black pouch at the woman's side.

"We should help," he mumbled to Lusalma.

He approached the woman and, without a word, began to help her pick up the oddities. She looked like an enchantress, or perhaps a dancer as well. He wondered if she was in league with the strange guard-woman. He also secretly wondered just how many young beautiful woman Mene sheltered within its many walls. However, they were heavily shadowed by the angle they stooped, thus Alak could not make out her features clearly. It took him a moment to realize that she was a mixed-elf, and another to see that one of those mixes was Lunar. Lunar elves and Moon Fairies were solid allies back where Alak hailed from.

[For later just so I don't forget.] Once he had a closer look at the young woman, he gasped. She even favored his mother to an extent. Save for the pink eyes. Those were the tell tale sign of a shadow elf. Shadow elves were like Drow brethren. However, the two normally had nothing to do with each other. While Shadow elves liked to live in dark forests, Drow favored caves and underground caverns. Also, Drow were typically the evil version of the two.

Alak handed the woman the rest of her things, not able to take his curious gaze off her face. His piercing blue eye and soft green eye studied every feature.

Alana decided to go home. She was tired but before she did she went over to the town square to see if those people were taking her up on her offer. She looked around and saw them helping some lady. She walked over and stood at a distance watching them. She noticed the Drow seemed extremely friendly. She wasent used to that. Most Drow were in fact very mean. She studied them for a bit and then thought *maybe those two werent married.*
She watched closely and then shook her head she was sure they werent.

Geo sighed and ran up the castle stairs. He had never talked to the king before. He went all the way up and stopped by the body guards outside the kings throne room. He smiled at them and spoke his name and rank. They nodded and let him through. Geo ran up to the king and god down on his hands and knees. "Your highness. May all glory and strength go to you. May you live on to time indefinitate. YOu are mighty my lord and will rule all with an iron fist. He finished the first part of his speech and stood up.
"My lord I know of a young assassin whose a freind of mine. She needs work. And asked me to ask you about it."

(edited)

(kinda does, i was thinking you'd come meet us at the town square and intend to lead us to your room for rent which happens to have a short cut back down that ally. it'd pull all of us in.)

(M'kay thanks.)

Sirena was silently startled when the stranger began to help her and noticed he too was of mixed blood. She found it a bit ironic that he was was almost like a mirror in heritage patterns. She was Lunar and Shadow while it seemed he was Moon Fey and Drow. He handed her the last of her things and it was then she noticed he was staring intently at her.

She tilted her head politely after adjusting her items. "Thank you Sir, It's rare to see common courtesy within these streets." Although she was still naturally wary of him she didn't let it show. She wasn't afraid that he was half Drow more like she was suspicious with all strangers. He was also quiet which made it harder to read him.

His staring didn't bother her in the least, she grew up with it and learned to ignore it mostly. She inclined her head in a curious matter as she waited for him to speak. He was obviously curious about her, possibly seeing a kindred spirit within her for there similar share in mixed blood. She was honest enough to admit she was curious about him as well. It was not often you found mixed blood such as his though she assumed it was why he was a traveler.

She noticed a red haired figure not far behind him watching them. She wasn't sure if this person was a passerby or part of his company but she would find it very interesting if they were companions. Most creatures avoided anything to do with Drow, or even Shadow for that matter. Most that do are most likely the outcasts of the world. She returned her piercing, almost soul searing, gaze back on him and waited.

Lusalma was shocked. The dusk had turned to night in only a couple of minutes...puzzled by the condrum Lusalma followed along behind Alak docilely as they transversed the allies and back streets of Mene. Lusalma idly wondered what that song was and when she would be able to hear that song again. After several minutes of standing with no movement Lusalma finally noticed that Alak was helping this new lady and that new lady was watching her. Wondering why the lady was watching her, Lusalma tilted her head at an inquistive angle. Than as the new stranger went into a intense staring contest with Alak she lost interest. Staring around them Lusalma saw a dark alley with shadows and mage lamps inserting dots of color across the blanket of night. Staring upwards in curiosity Lusalma frowned as she noticed a flicker of movement on a nearby rooftop. Staring unblinkingly at the spot she thought she saw the movement on, she quickly grew bored and looked downward again after several minutes of uninterrupted study. Rubbing her eyes lightly to bring moisture back into her corneas Lusalma glanced back towards the crouching pair of Alad and the stranger, wondering when they would stand back up or move, hopefully soon as Lusalma was starting to feel the effects of her day long trek.

The King pondered the young soldier's sudden appearance. What was the manner of his urgency? Was it kindness that brought him in such haste to find a job for his friend? Or something more? After a moment, he spoke.

"Rise young man," he said, a soft smile upon his lips. "Who is this friend of whom you speak? Surely it is within my power to grant jobs. But assassination is a different matter entirely, you see? If there is no need, then there is no job."

He scratched his scraggly beard for another moment. "Perhaps your friend can put her skills to different use. I do not doubt your honor, but I much rather speak to your friend before I assign any duties to him...," he gave a knowing look to Sir Geoffrey, "...or her."

"Bring them to me tomorrow and I will discuss what can be done," he said finally as he leaned back into the chair, a sign of dismissal.

Assassins were an unfortunate side effect of a prosperous kingdom full of warriors, corrupt nobles, and peace. They were like a secret guard of the kingdom and so they were allowed as long as they did not kill innocents. However, the King never enjoyed admitting they existed. From the looks of Geoffrey, his friend was a young woman, and beautiful to boot, to bring him running to the king at her request. Hopefully, he could find her a steadier and more tasteful job.

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Her words shook Alak from his reverie. He realized he had been staring and quickly glanced at his feet. Then, following her eyes to Lusalma, he was ashamed to admit he had forgotten to introduce himself and his companion.

"I apologize. I did not mean to stare," he said softly with a short bow. "My name is Alaktonroos. But I go by Alak."

He turned to the strangely quiet Lusalma, slightly surprised that she had not also joined in assisting the woman in recovering her things. Was his action truly so rare as she had said? She seemed quite fatigued. Alak decided they should hurry and find their escort.

"This is..." he wondered momentarily just how he should introduce Lusalma. After all they had just met, but the young girl had already called him friend. "This is my friend, Lusalma. We have both just arrived to Mene and are not use to the people's customs. Please forgive me if I've offended you, miss?" He bowed again, a little lower.

[after Sirena introduces herself]
Through the thinning crowd, his eyes caught a glimpse of long blue hair. It was the female guard from earlier. "Ah...our escort is here to take us to her rental room," he said out loud after straightening. When he saw that she did not approach, he waved to her.

In the back of his mind, he was still worried about that shop as well as the affects it had on both he and Lusalma. Perhaps he should ask the guard about the incident.

She was quiet for a moment as she took in what he said before responding with a small bow of her own. "No offense taken. I'm am known as Tanit. Courtesy is a welcome sight in this area believe me. Anyway it's nice to meet you both and I hope you enjoy yourselves here. I know how being a stranger can be hard." She bowed slightly in politeness again.

She didn't give them her real name, only those close to her were allowed to call her that. She could tell he was slightly nervous and she tried to tone down her sometimes uncomfortable vibe she can give off to strangers. She watched as his line of vision was aimed on a blue haired woman whom she had seen on previous occasions through the streets. The woman didn't seem to notice him and Sirena wondered if she should help him and his companion should their plans go awry, he did stop and help her after all.