Stop The World...

[SurrealSanity]

There is an old shipman's tale that speaks of a place beyond what the world knows. No mortal has ever been known to gaze upon this place, but stories have long been told. Stories of a glistening crystal palace that lay in the veils of ice and snow, or of an unspeakable place deep below the sharpened crags filled endless miles of darkness and doom. No one knows for certain what hides there in the furthest reaches of the north.

In a world of science and reason, there is bewonderment in this unknown place. Many believe it to be enchanted. A thing of magic, whether good or bad, or simply just so. Many believe it an ethereal plane; a hallowed ground where man was never meant to tread. They believe it to be so because, as record would tell, every two hundred and fifty years there is a great phenomenon which takes place. There were shipmen who have seen it; whether by sea or sky, they have witness this splendor. The skies become aglow in an otherworldly display of light and colors, an aurora of delicate majesty. In an elegant spectacle the colors dance in a chilled silent waltz that captivates like a spell.

In a matter of moments the painting is pierced by a shining beam of light that carries a vibrance beyond anything that would seem natural. The 'Gateway,' a tower of light so bold and strong one would believe that a person could reach out and physically touch it; a tower so high that it connects from whatever icy terrain it seeks to far beyond the Heavens. Slowly the visual seranade resumes, circling this celestial pillar. Again the shades and hues blaze and flush, swirling and spinning until finally the entire brilliance diminishes altogether and faces are left to the cold dark caress of the northern winds.

The Awakening.

A singularity believe to be the ritual of a spirit. The spirit of what, few can say, but maybe that of the world which they inhabit. Many deeply believe that this one occurrence every 250 years is the stirring of the planets soul decending through the Gateway in order to walk amongst the earth. Many adventurers bold and foolhardy enough have tried to catch sight of the truth, to lay eyes upon this spirit's physical home, or even the spirit itself should it even exist. But, there have been no accounts of success and all are still left with mysterious wonder as to the sincere nature of The Awakening.

[SurrealSanity]

As you guessed, yes, The Awakening takes place in that remote little spot to the far north. From there we have just a couple more places worthy of bringing to light.

Surlis would be the high kingdom and home to the regal bloodline. It is established that if anyone wants anything done, the place to go would be Surlis. The King holds all form of power and his hold extends as far as his reaches allow. Naturally, the further from his kingdom walls he reaches the less and less hold he has. But it's rather general knowledge that he's the one that likes to be in charge of "everything."

Ken Sanctum is the place of knowledge. It houses tomes and texts of all sorts. It can be said that the Sanctum is the center of all thought. Ideas, dreams, histories, blue prints, and old jokes; it is almost a holy place for those who seek any form of wisdom. The usual rule of thumb is that anyone who seems to hold any form of extra-ordinary knowledge is believed to be a student at the Sanctum.

Kelpurth is probably the largest and most developed city. Even Surlis is a little small compared to the complete area of the port city. It is the greatest place of business and worldly news. Many people; traders, farmers, merchants of all sorts, soldiers, sailors, anyone from all walks of life can be found in Kelpurth who seek their fortunes or just a warm tavern that to a damn good ale.

Lai is, just as Kelpurth is the largest city, the darkest. It is the most dangerous place to be in the lands. If there is anything one is in search of, person, item, or service, there is a way to find it in Lai. Of course, it would come at a price. It would behoove any traveler to walk lightly and keep a keen eye out when walking the streets.

Galvorough is a decent size port town and where our story begins. Regardless of what niche you choose to fulfill, the only thing that I ask of you is to begin your entrance in the town of Galvorough. All players will begin their part of the journey here.


(Not sure what Tornum is good for just yet. =P)


Now, these are just the bigger points of the world that needed pointing out. I give you all the freedom to create homes and such as you please since I know that you will all do so within reason. I know that there is probably a bit that I haven't touched on that might be poking at you to inquire about, and that's alright. Please, I insist you bring it up in here so that it can be addressed. You all know that I am open to and greatly appreciate the help that you offer.

So, I guess after that, all that's left is for profiles. I guess the basic rundown applies. Grab a skeleton and fill out the info bits. I only ask that you post profiles for the sake of letting players have open opportunities to plot and plan with a little bit of insight to use as hooks for others. Makes it a little more fun and keeps the main plot interesting with a bit of side variety happening.

[B]Name:[/B]
[B]Age:[/B]
[B]Appearance:[/B]
[B]Carried Items:[/B] [I]I only ask this in particular because of the different sort of characters 
that are open to be played. I wouldn't want an inventor to carry a set of throwing knives 
for no reason, etc. I'd just like to know what sort of things your character's profession would provide. 
This adventure is sort of... "come as you are."[/I]
[B]History:[/B]

Are there limitations on what kind of enemies we encounter? Will they all be human? Will we have some awesome, steampunk robots and Gods? And will this be a modern world, or c. 1700, or is this in a completely different universe?

In regards to this universe, it will be predominantly human. Such things as furries, imps, and the like are not going to be present on these lands.

There will be the scientific advances of grand proportions that do include the mega mechanics of war dirigibles, steam powered robotics, as well as the harvesting of electromagnetic principles provided by the Tesla coil.

The period will be rather reminiscent of the Victorian Era, as is generally the staple for steampunk universes. There is, of course, a sort of monarchy in place with a heavy reliance on military.

As far as the science of steam and electricity, there is also the exploration of alchemy. Gunpowder is a large staple to the military power thanks to the endeavors of select alchemists. It is a rather thinned profession and not many practice this trade, but it is obvious how much of an impact the science has had on the civilized world.



Thank you for the questions, doaj.
That should about cover it. But again, if you notice anything I missed, wave a flag.

[SurrealSanity]

OOC is officially open, I suppose. =]

P.S.
The banner is a lie. It's not a closed RP..

[Doaj]

Name: Saigon Jones

Age: 41.

Appearance: Saigon is a tall, muscular man. He's six feet tall, and weighs about 200 lbs. Having grown up and lived in Lai until he was 23, survival of the fittest was a rule he lived and killed by, and because of this motto his body is covered in scars and burns. He is a bit pale, living so far south, but he has burns visible across his left forearm, his neck up to just under his chin, and if he happens to be wearing shorts, then you would be able to see burns wrapping around each leg, the left leg burn stopping just under the knee, and the right leg extending out of sight. His hair is kept very short at all times, and is black, though it is thinning and the roots are beginning to gray. His fingernails are consistently short, though his hands themselves are scarred and he is missing his left index finger. One thing he has kept safe all these years though, is his smile, with white teeth, and they're all there. He generally wears a black tunic, to help hide any weapons he may carry, although when he travels he dresses for the weather.

Carried Items: Saigon carries a single flintlock pistol hidden under his tunic. He also may be carrying a blacksmith's hammer, but usually only if he expects to be walking around in the dark.

History: Saigon Jones grew up in Lai, born and raised. He was constantly fighting, and it wasn't personality driven. He, like most youths in Lai, had to fight. Growing up, he quickly learned not to cry. Saigon cried only a few times after turning thirteen. Once when his father was killed during a business transaction gone awry, on Saigon's fourteenth birthday. The second time was when two older boys held him down and soldered off his left index finger, when he was fifteen. The third, and final time that Saigon cried was when he was thirty, and he had escaped from some people who had owed him money, and had to skip town. He went back to Lai, to visit his family, and learned this his mother had passed away, and his sister had killed herself. When Lai was 23 he had finally left home, leaving his mother in his sister's care (she had become quite unhealthy ever since their father's death, but she urged him to go to find a better place in the world). He had traveled far, and ended up in Kelpurth, which schoolboys in his neighborhood had called, The City From the Future. There Saigon studied under a revered blacksmith, Jareth Lawrence. Lawrence was regularly employed by the Kelpurth military, and he built many of their war machines and weapons. Saigon learned quickly; after having seen the wealth this had brought Lawrence, he knew he could move his mother and sister out of Lai if he became just as good.

Unfortunately, things were hectic. Not only did he become as good, he became better. The requests were large, and though they paid well, it left him with no time of his own. He rationalized it to himself that he needed the money regardless. To travel back home would be expensive, to buy another house would be expensive, and to transport his sickly mother, again, would be a pretty penny. Seven years after leaving home, and five years after reaching Kelpurth, he took a job from a new costumer. He built them ten rifles, each made of silver, and instead of paying him, they aimed them at him. Saigon fled, and was shot twice in the back. He fell to the ground, and pulled out his own flintlock pistol, built by J. Lawrence himself, and when one of the thieves stood over him, his foot pushing at his body, he rolled onto his back and shot the assailant through the head. He left out a back entrance, killing one more outside, and escaped. He informed the military he would be taking a hiatus as he went to a hospital, and also went to visit his family in Lai. His family was dead though, and so he returned to Kelpurth, but found to no longer be happy with his work there. He sold his shop and moved to Galvorough, a much quieter port town. He lived there for the next decade of his life, in an expensive, but conservative home. He mostly builds for himself, although he does take work when the person seems kind, and he often builds things for the city, or the poor, free of charge.

Note: Will our characters be approached after the RP starts, or should I add an interest for my character to go see the Awakening?

[Aleister Black]

First off: nice intro, cool map!


Secondly: Are we to understand that the entire map is under the reign of the kingdom of Surlis? Or are there more kingdoms? Also, if that's the case, is the kingdom old or new? (as in, a few regions were only recently conquered?

I'm now making a character based on my own assumptions. If anything's wrong or out of place, let me know and I'll change it ASAP!

Name
August Morrisson

Age
69, a few days from his 70th birthday.

Appearance
August is a short man, but he carries himself like a 6'2" person, his back straight despite his years. His skin is far from smooth. Not only wrinkles make deep grooves across his face; a scar runs from his nose to his ear. His nose appears to have been broken multiple times, and his left ear seems to miss a bit when compared to the right. His eyes are a watery grey and stare from beneath thick white eyebrows.

He keeps his white hair neatly clipped, but he has allowed himself sideburns, a moustahce and a small beard, all of which are still neatly trimmed every day. His beard still carries some traces of red, his former hair colour.

His dress isn't very special. It does look slightly more formal than what your avarage old man wears, but that's probably only because he takes good care of his clothes.

He does not have his left hand anymore. In its place is now a hand crafted of metal. People often think that this hand gives him some sort of superhuman strength, but August himself rather dislikes the thing. He can hardly move it (the hand does not move at will but rather is made to respond to movements of the arm), so he hardly ever uses it.

Although his face is usually set in either a grim or a strict expression, August is actually a rather welcoming and warm person. He likes to share his stories, especially when enjoying a glass of brandy or two.

Carried Items
August carries a cane, although he doesn't really have any use for it; he still walks well and does not really require much support. It's more for show than for anything else.

In his house, he still has a strongbox with all the things he kept from his military career. The old black-and green 19th MI uniform with silver trimmings, the sabre, the long rifled musket and the pistolet, as well as several leather quickloaders and carry-bags.

History
August has lived in Galvorough all his life. For most of it, he has been hailed as one of the Heroes of the Barricades. He became one of these heroes when the kingdom of Surlis marched on Galvorough. He served as a soldier in the 19th Marine Infantry - Long Rifle Men at that time and his unit was one of the few that was still left after the war. Defeat was inevitable.

However, the men of the 19th Marine Infantry and the 7th and 25th Regiments of Foot were able to hold off the army from Surlis for so long, that they were able to negotiate much better terms than they would ever have gotten if they had surrendered. Many stories of these people's exploits have been told and are still being told, some of which by August himself. Even without embellishments, the tales are gruesome and heroic.

The units who had so bravely defended their home town were allowed to keep their colours and return home, where they were welcomed as the heroes of the barricades - the men had built several barricades at the city entrances and held off the enemy army for many days there, before they had to pull back into the city.

August got wounded during the final battles, like so many did. A bullet grazed his cheek and pierced his ear, and a grenade exploded so close to his hand that there had been almost nothing left after the shrapnel had been removed.

Ever since then, August has done light work, mostly administrative jobs near the docks or in the warehouses. He also trains recruits every now and then.

He has a house in Galvorough and is well known by many people. He likes to go to the local pub and talk to his old friends, of whom fewer and fewer are still alive to reminisce on old times with.



---


If there's anything in there that you don't like, be sure to tell me. I made quite a big assumption on that whole war thing, but you DID say:

As for the details, I don't have much on them as I would truly like to give a bit of free-range to you as players in my game to create the world and build it's progression.

[SurrealSanity]

My, my, my. What a couple of old men I shall have to coddle on this journey of mine! xD
But really, the profiles are wonderful. I enjoyed them both.

Note: Will our characters be approached after the RP starts, or should I add an interest for my character to go see the Awakening?

Actually, there will be a different purpose for characters departing on this journey - which shall be 'developed' after everyone's introduction posts in the IC. I do not wish to go into much detail at the moment without the exposure that I have prepared. In due time, my dear friend. In due time. =]

In the meantime, though, I strongly encourage players to discuss and plot with one another ways that their characters can possibly interact or perhaps know each other. (And I am saying this, of course, for all of those who join. I do hope more will - whenever ReHu and Contra get back. ¬__¬ [I kid.]) I will be putting out some direction for everyone when we have a few more pieces placed on the board.

First off: nice intro, cool map!


Secondly: Are we to understand that the entire map is under the reign of the kingdom of Surlis? Or are there more kingdoms? Also, if that's the case, is the kingdom old or new? (as in, a few regions were only recently conquered?

o1. Thank you most kindly.

o2. Yes and no. There are no other kingdoms aside from Surlis. The lands have generally 'answered' to Surlis. However, previous reigns had been much more benign than the current crown. His grasp, however, is not as tight as he would prefer it to be.

Worry not, though. Your history is quite perfect the way it is and needs no reworking. I have made my 'Official Overseer GM Notes' for each of your profiles. Your contributions are most helpful and will not go unappreciated.




Welcome to my world, gentlemen. =]

[Contra Fates]

I will try my hardest to join this RP! It'll definitely be a challenge to design a character for this kind of time frame, since most of my characters reside in high-tech, futuristic scenery.

I do enjoy a good challenge, though!

[Viorahn Ehllenfort]

I'm interested, I'll start drafting character ideas now, and will PM you the result before sticking it on here.

[SurrealSanity]

Sounds excellent, Razz! (But I was only joking. Still, would love to have you aboard though! <3)

[Aleister Black]

Soooooo.... Any news? Eagerly awaiting news!

[SurrealSanity]

I know.. As am I.
RazzMaTazz has yet to PM me anything and neither Chris nor Kendra have shown any inkling to posting their own as of yet.

As I am leaving tomorrow for a week, I will give it that much time for others to put in some character sheets. I would really have preferred it be a larger group than this, but, I'm not above throwing in a few extra NPCs in order to get where we need to.

I would hate for my second attempt at this to bomb just as quickly as it did the first time... But.. As you [both] are most patiently awaiting - and for so long - I am willing to move forward.

[Aleister Black]

Glad to see you're still in for it! Would be a shame to let that work go to waste.

Anyway, looking forward to starting this in a week or so!

[SurrealSanity]

Cheers, Dew.

[Doaj]

I'm still looking forward to this. Also, you don't necessarily have to throw in NPCs. I'd be willing to play two or more characters, and as far as I'm concerned you're both more experienced than I am, so we could have a cast of at least six if we each played two.

Just a thought.

[SurrealSanity]

I would just like to lay out apologies to both men who have staved off any want or need to bash my lying mouth in with a spatula. (Or lobster.)

I won't be laying out the excuses, as that's all they really end up being anyway. But, I will throw out an actual RP post to begin the real RP and cross my fingers in hopes that it would stay your interests and/or pique others' anew. I would ask that those who have already placed their hat into the game - and chose to stay, would post all inquiries about the post here and hold from posting as I would have other notes of import to relay after the initial post has been put forth.

Thank you, and, apologies again.

[Doaj]

Well, I don't have many questions. Mostly: Where do we come in? Is this item relevant to our cause? Should I bring a jacket?

[SurrealSanity]

I would like for your intro posts to take place in Galvorough. Specifically, if you would be so kind as to find some excuse to be around the docks region - or, if one cannot find a particular reason to be about the docks exactly, a pub inn would suit just as well.

It is an important key to the overall cause, yes. But it is a developmental sort of relevance. So no need to worry too much on it.

Currently the weather is lightly brisk, but it wouldn't hurt a gentleman to tote his coat about with him. It's always a good thing to be a prepared adventurer.



Also, before we get along too far, (ah hah..) I would like to open the floor to thoughts on our party. I didn't know that our band would be so small, as well as on the slightly aged side. I have no qualms with this, honestly, it's just rather dampening on the sort of group dynamic I was looking for in order to make this a somewhat 'high-flying adventure.'

I did like doaj's idea about taking up an extra character, but I wouldn't want to force that on anyone that wasn't interested in doing so. I can imagine the lacking want to overwhelm one's self with such a task.

[Ryvius]

Let me first off say that the only reason I haven't expressed interest in your RP set good sir, is that I simply haven't had the time to take up anything extra. Maybe it's just my imagination, but things seem to be settling down on my end, so if the others are still interested and you don't mind I'd love to make a last minute entry.

[SurrealSanity]

Iz no trouble, Comrade.

I can understand not having the time to pick up another time-taking task when there is so much more to be done that unquestionably takes up far more precedence. I only speak so disparagingly simply for the fact that the fine gents that had signed up from the first posting of my RP have been awaiting my go-ahead that I've withheld in hopes of gaining a larger turn out.

Also;;
I would absolutely love your entry. At any point, to be quite honest. Though this is my first tug at the reigns, I hope to have the RP run in such a way that would allow anyone who would see it take their fancy to join at any point of the game.


TL;DR ver.
By all means!! <3

[Ryvius]

I wanted to add some variety, so I figured a young girl would be the opposite of some old men. I originally intended for her to be uppity high-class, but she turned into more of a cliche steampunk character. I'll likely be back to edit it, so please give me any comments or changes you want.

Name: Vivian
Age: 19

Appearance: Vivian is skeletal in appearance, her skin clinging desperately to her bones and long slender fingers. She has short blond hair that is kept almost constantly unkempt. Her light blue eyes shine bright set in her scarred face. A variety of scars appear over her body, helping to give her the appearance of always being a little dirty. (Always being a little dirty also helps.) Her breasts are all but nonexistent; this combined with her boyish looks and rough personality lead most people to mistake her for a male. She has no interest in correcting anyone. Life in Lai isn’t easy for young women. She usually wears loose clothing, a tan shirt with a brown jacket and pants, gloves, a tattered scarf, her lucky goggles, and large boots.

Carried Items: a flick knife, lock-picking set, and an ornate six-shot revolver with five bullets left.

History: Vivian is another orphan from the streets of Lai. She knew nothing of her parents, and got her name from a homeless man asking her for a “Vivian” which is a popular brand of cigarette. The defining difference between her and most bastard children of Lai is that she survived. By the time she was 17, she had become a general in an up-and-coming child gang. It was around this time that the acting regent of Lai offered to take her in. She accepted, abandoning her street family. Anyone that really cared about her would never hold her back from escaping the harsh streets. Vivian would come to find out why it was a ruling class would be banished to the dark city of Lai. The adoption was done in secret, and Vivian wasn’t allowed to leave the home. His sexual fantasies were worse than much of the abuse she suffered on the streets. The abuse lasted until she was almost 19. Making the mistake of thinking Vivian had been broken, he wasn’t cautious enough to lock up his own office anymore. Vivian stole the gun he had received as a gift from some briber, and put a bullet through her tormentor’s head. She stole what she could and fled the city as fast as she could. Since none knew of her existence, the murderer of Lai’s ruler remained a mystery subject. Exactly as mysterious as the thief that has become one of Galvorough’s most wanted “men.”