M
Murasaki_Sama
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Atanwan, the White Isle, the City of All Souls, is the largest and most famous city in the world. There scholars, artists, warriors, merchants and politicians gather to exchange everything from ideas to gold. It is also the only city-state that does not owe allegiance to another power, and has managed to remain neutral for nearly 1000 years.
Every fifty years Atanwan stands as host to the Ritual Reconciliation. Every leader in the known world sends one son or daughter to be married to the child of another leader. These marriages are determined and agreed upon decades in advance, and cannot be changed; they often serve as marriage in form only, not in function. Second and third children are preferred over direct Heirs, as not all marriages result in children. The Reconciled must live in together in Atanwan for one year and one day prior to the mass wedding ceremony of the Ritual.
The Year of Reconciliation is upon the land and royal entourages from kingdoms far and wide pour into Atanwan in preparation of the Ritual. The year will be a busy one, as merchants and pilgrims descend upon the city to celebrate. Global politics will be played out in a single city, while nations turn their eyes from war and peace to power, remembrance and Reconciliation.
A Brief History
Note: PR = Pre-Reconciliation and is like BC (the larger the number, the further back in time it is). ER = Era of Reconciliation is like AD (the larger the number, the longer it has been since Reconciliation). The official year is 948 ER, but it will be 949 in a few days time.
Nearly fifteen hundred years ago, around 539 PR, the island nation of Atanwan attacked the Southeastern continent, and conquered all nations there in (496 PR). For fully one hundred years, the Empire solidified its grip on that continent. Then, the Empire moved upon the Southwestern continent (396 PR); for seventy-three years the armies struggled and fought, the rebels vainly fighting a war that was lost (423 PR). Again, the Empire held and waited.
In the year of 300 PR, the Empire of Atanwan, led by the God-King, moved upon the Northern continent. The westernmost nation (2) fell first, although it fought for nearly two decades. The center nations continued to fight, even on two sides. Eventually, the easternmost nation (4) fell, betrayed from within (263 PR). Still, the two center nations fought, holding off the almighty Empire, and the man they called the Demon King of Atanwan.
Pohoni (1), a nation long despised by its neighbors, for its extremists mindset and preference for isolation and conflict over friendly trade, saw that there was no way to survive the war as it was. They sent messages, ambassadors, to every conquered people, to the small rebel forces which had lasted centuries. The nations, defeated and broken, staggered from their rest and joined with each other.
The Empire of Atanwan, which had conquered nearly all of the known world, was broken in 207 PR.
But the war was not over. The nations no longer had defining borders, and once the alliance was no longer necessary, many leaders took it upon themselves to carve out new domains. Another two hundred years of warfare followed, in which the already devastated nations turned upon each other. The land, and the people, were desolated.
Eventually, from the shattered island nation came a voice, calling for peace (9 PR). Ambassadors from all lands descended upon what had once been the capital of their conquerors and enemies. Over the next several years a treaty was worked out between the lands. This treaty marked the official national borders of the nations, borders which have changed little since. The accord also created a special ceremony, conducted every fifty years, to mark and remember the empire, the war, and what came after. Most of all, this ceremony was designed to commemorate the time when all nations fought as one against a common foe.
The Ritual of Reconciliation is the only thing maintaining peace between the nations. Without it, minor wars and frequent border skirmishes might become something more; perhaps even another Empire. In the year 948 ER, the ritual is near. Its successful completion will once again confirm the Treaty of Atanwan, and the tentative peace it created.
The Ritual takes place the day after the new year of 950 ER. As such New Year Day 949 ER marks the beginning of the Year of Reconciliation.
World Info
Magic
Magic is rare in this world. This rarity makes magical abilities a great boon to any nation's power base. As such, mages are often recruited while young, trained at the nation's capital, and kept close to the capital for the rest of their lives. They are almost never allowed to travel abroad.
Unlike most kinds of knowledge, magic is not studied or discussed at the Great University of Atanwan. Members of different nations do not discuss magic with foreigners. It is unknown if magic works the same in all countries. Even the Empire of Atanwan was unable to discover a great deal about the magic users of its conquered nations.
There are no sentient non-human races. However, there are some 'magical' creatures, such as griffins. There are no dragons, but there are dragon kin, lizard like relatives of the extinct dragons. These creatures rarely have special magical abilities, and are mostly just strangely shaped beasts, as ordinary as lions or elephants.
Technology
While the current level of technology varies slightly from nation to nation, the known world is mostly on the same page. Machines made of gears and crystals (powered by either raw lightning or direct sunlight), called crysger, are a recent invention, mostly appearing about two decades ago. They are still considered novelties, and do not fulfill many functions. They are expensive, hard to make and easy to break. Most technology is basic pre-Industrial Revolution. No steam power, no gas or electric. Horses, plows, ect. There are printing presses, but only in about three places across the world.
War/Peace
Despite the Treaty of Reconciliation, there is still war throughout the known world. Most wars are short, brutal and result in little or no change in borders. They often result after insults given, or in a failed attempt to intimidate and force action upon a neighboring nation. While it is possible that nations are at war, these wars would be called into truce for the year of Reconciliation, which is the year and day before the the 950 ER Ritual ceremony.
Languages
Every nation has its own language, and some nations have several dialects. This is because the ten nations that currently exists are not the same nations that existed prior to the Great War, and languages die hard. However, the most common language, spoken by traders, travelers, politicians, and soldiers (among others) is the language of Atanwan, which was used extensively during the Great War and was just picked up by most nations since then. The language is now called the Trade Tongue.
Calendar
While most nations developed their own calender prior to the Great War, the spread of the Empire once again such things outdated and unnecessary. Religious celebrations are still marked via original calendars; however, official documents often use the Atanwan calendar, as other nations are more familiar with it.
Every day is 24 hours long (same as our day). There are 10 days in every week, and 3 weeks in a month. There are 12 months in a year. The first month starts with the New Year Day's celebration, which takes place in the middle of Atanwan's coldest season, and they go from there. The months are as follows:
Tokko || Lama || Sadii || Afur || Shan || Jala || Torba || Saddet || Sagal || Kudhan || Ebar || Toban
The date is written in the following format: 17 of Tokka in 949 ER. (The "of" and "in" are always written out in the date, no 17/1/949 or 17 Tokka, 949 formats.)
Important Dates
Ceremony of Investiture: 1 of Tokka in 949 ER
Ritual of Reconciliation: 2 of Tokka in 950 ER
Falconwing has provided a calendar for those who might wish to view one.
Locations
The story will take place primarily in the city of Atanwan, the largest city and once capital of the Empire.
The City of Atanwan
Atanwan is divided into tiers. The first tier hosts the Palace, the Library, the University, the Arena, the Heart and the Bearing Woods. The second tier contains the mansions of the wealthy and powerful. The third tier is where most of the middle class, artisans, scholars, scribes and the like live. It also is home to many members of the Guard, lower ranked officials and the more expensive, popular inns and taverns. The fourth tier is entirely commercial, from four star to two star taverns and inns, to custom shops and novelties. The fifth tier is the Bazaar. Outside the city walls, at sea level, is the Poor Quarter. The fifth tier is two floors above sea level; each additional tier is one or two floors higher.
Gazing down upon Atanwan from the first tier, where a natural cliff overlooks the northern sea, is the Palace of Pearls. On the western bank is the Library of Anox-Emon and the Great University. On the eastern bank stands the Tearful Heart, the artist's paradise, and the Arena of Glory, where the bravest and best of all warriors test their skill against each other.
The Unending Bazaar (tier 5) takes up a large portion of the southern city, and must be safely navigated before travelers can enter the city proper.
Other locations of note include the city parks, such as the Catacomb Gardens or the The Bearing Woods; the residential neighborhoods, particularly the mansions of the wealthy and the sprawling firetrap of the Poor Quarter; and the maze of streets adorned with artists' scrawl on every wall, and statues at every turn.
Locations of Note in Atanwan
Palace of Pearls - Once the home of the God-King, the palace now hosts the children and ambassadors of all ten nations, in addition to the offices and home of the Lord or Lady Steward. The palace is the location of the Ritual of Reconciliation.
The Library of Anox-Emon - Founded almost a century before the Empire began to expand, the library is the largest, most comprehensive collection of knowledge and literature in the entire world. One part of the Treaty of Reconciliation established that all nations must equally contribute to this library, sending copies of their manuscripts to be added to the archives.
The Great University - Since all knowledge was right next door, this small university has grown to be the most prestigious place of higher education. Although it does not teach magic, it teaches everything else. Scholars and students from around the world come to Atanwan to enjoy both the Library and the University.
The Heart of Tears - It is said that the first Emperor's queen was sent as tribute wife from a smaller island. She was a great and passionate artist, but hated her husband and his dreams of conquest. In order to convince his wife to do her duty and bear him an heir, the emperor was forced to build her a special place away from the palace, away from the prison like suite where she was kept. This gift became known as the Heart of Tears, for it is said that the Queen wept deep in her heart, for even though she seemed free, she knew she was still a slave. Artists from around the world come to honor her memory, and to create their own masterpieces. Murals, sculptures, statues, and other pieces of art work litter the city. Most are created in the Heart. Wealthy patrons throng to the Heart four times a year, looking for new undiscovered artists to sponsor.
The Arena of Glory - Once, this arena stood as training ground for the Empire's greatest warriors, feared across the land. Now, it serves as a challenge field for the world's greatest warriors. With war fought by common soldiers, the carefully trained children of generals and kings must find new ways to prove themselves. Every year, the Arena hosts a minor Game. Every five years, the Arena hosts the Tournament of Kings, the prize for which is mere bragging rights. The Arena also hosts a few duels throughout the year. Primarily, however, it is a place for warriors to train and practice against other warriors.
The Unending Bazaar - Founded when the city stood as the center of an Empire, the Bazaar is a much depleted thing. There are entire sections of it which are empty. Still, trade is not entirely dead, and much that is available elsewhere in the world can be found in the Bazaar. The entire lower tier of the city is taken up by the Bazaar, its shops, booths and warehouses.
The Bearing Woods - Located directly across from the palace, this unnatural orchard contains most known fruit trees. Thanks to the extravagance of previous emperors, and some science, the trees, regardless of their natural season, almost always carry fruit. In addition to trees, the woods has some glass houses, fountains, and walking paths. It is often used for riding or picnics.
The Catacomb Gardens - Since the city is built above sea level, there is space below the streets. Careful and clever openings throughout the city allow light to enter this subterranean area. Centuries of hard work, a little secret magic, and a strange, exotic garden took root. The further back one travels, the more strange the plants become. Eventually, the Gardens open onto the beach through a few large (artificial) cave openings. The entrance to the Catacombs is somewhere in the Bazaar.
The Poor Quarter - Not part of the planned city, this quarter is outside the city walls and is built at sea level. It is prone to flooding. It also seems to be where all the grime and slime from the city gathers, be it humankind or sewer filth. The poor quarter has several inns and taverns, a few shops, and some factories. Generally, those who live here are fisherman, itinerant sailors out of work, poor laborers, or criminals cast out from the city.
Other - There are many parks and gardens throughout the city. A few clubhouses also exist, special eating houses and taverns where only members may dine. There are training dojos for warriors who wish to learn new styles of combat or prepare for the Tournament and Games. Anything else a normal, olden day city might have, odds are Atanwan has.
Maps
The City of Atanwan Green is gardens or forests. The two green dots on Tier 5 are entrances to the Catacomb Gardens. Gold is road. Tier one details are sketchy, ignore that.
First Tier of Atanwan:
|| Palace || Library || University || Heart || Arena ||
Maps are not to scale, but are mere rough indicators of general placement/location.
Rules and Regs
Rules of Play
1. Roleplayers may play citizens of Atanwan, members of a Reconciled entourage, or a Reconciled.
2. Each roleplayer may only play one (1) of the Reconciled.
3. Players may have up to three (3) profile characters at the start, up to 10 named side characters, and may play any of the NPCs when needed. A side character is a named character, who speaks and interacts with other characters, but is primarily a hanger on/extension of a profile character (a character with a full profile); side characters are not allowed their own posts, but can take up some of the POV in a profile character's post.
4. Each Reconciled is engaged to another Reconciled. The pairings will be announced In Game after all spots have been taken.
5. In addition, each Reconciled is required to develop a relationship with another Reconciled (be it secret lovers, best friends, enemies, political alliance, whatever). Unlike the pairings, these relationships are not reciprocal (which means A might have to develop a relationship with F, but F might have to develop a relationship with C,…and so on). All pairings and relationships are predetermined and will be announced later.
6. No killing other people's characters without their permission and my approval.
7. Characters must be human. Reconciled must be between the ages of 15 and 30. Other characters should be between the ages of 15 and 50.
Posts
1. No one-liners or chat speak. Post length - 1 paragraph minimum; 2-4 paragraphs optimum; 10+ paragraph acceptable occasionally.
2. Proper grammar, spelling and punctuation is highly appreciated. Lack thereof will result in you being removed from the roleplay. Occasional typos are, of course, understandable and acceptable. However, please do try to take the time to proof read all posts.
3. This RP is rated PG-13. This means no smut, no gratuitous violence, and no extensive obscene language. Some kissing IC, or a fist fight, or a few curse words, this is fine. But keep it limited. ((Of course, if you come up with your own curses, go ahead and use those.))
4. Posts should not be formatted in such a way that they are full bold, full underline or full italics. Additionally, font size should not go below the standard, and would be best as slightly bigger. Do not use full color posts, and try not to use colors that are too dark or too bright.
Rules are subject to change. The GM's word is law.
1. Roleplayers may play citizens of Atanwan, members of a Reconciled entourage, or a Reconciled.
2. Each roleplayer may only play one (1) of the Reconciled.
3. Players may have up to three (3) profile characters at the start, up to 10 named side characters, and may play any of the NPCs when needed. A side character is a named character, who speaks and interacts with other characters, but is primarily a hanger on/extension of a profile character (a character with a full profile); side characters are not allowed their own posts, but can take up some of the POV in a profile character's post.
4. Each Reconciled is engaged to another Reconciled. The pairings will be announced In Game after all spots have been taken.
5. In addition, each Reconciled is required to develop a relationship with another Reconciled (be it secret lovers, best friends, enemies, political alliance, whatever). Unlike the pairings, these relationships are not reciprocal (which means A might have to develop a relationship with F, but F might have to develop a relationship with C,…and so on). All pairings and relationships are predetermined and will be announced later.
6. No killing other people's characters without their permission and my approval.
7. Characters must be human. Reconciled must be between the ages of 15 and 30. Other characters should be between the ages of 15 and 50.
Posts
1. No one-liners or chat speak. Post length - 1 paragraph minimum; 2-4 paragraphs optimum; 10+ paragraph acceptable occasionally.
2. Proper grammar, spelling and punctuation is highly appreciated. Lack thereof will result in you being removed from the roleplay. Occasional typos are, of course, understandable and acceptable. However, please do try to take the time to proof read all posts.
3. This RP is rated PG-13. This means no smut, no gratuitous violence, and no extensive obscene language. Some kissing IC, or a fist fight, or a few curse words, this is fine. But keep it limited. ((Of course, if you come up with your own curses, go ahead and use those.))
4. Posts should not be formatted in such a way that they are full bold, full underline or full italics. Additionally, font size should not go below the standard, and would be best as slightly bigger. Do not use full color posts, and try not to use colors that are too dark or too bright.
Rules are subject to change. The GM's word is law.
Characters
Available CharactersThe following characters are the center of the RP. The character does not have to be a prince or princess, if the nation has a non-monarchial system of government; however, the person must be the child of the current leader of the country. Players may only take one character from the list below; in addition to creating the character, they must develop the nation and name it. More on this elsewhere.
Nation 1 (Pohoni) Reconciled: Taken
Nation 2 (Vulfuhre) Reconciled: Taken
Nation 3 (Ester) Reconciled: Taken
Nation 4 (Targessa) Reconciled: Taken
Nation 5 (Asiluppe) Reconciled: Taken
Nation 6 (Reinkuni) Reconciled: Taken
Nation 7 (Name here) Reconciled: Reserved
Nation 8 (Barrenshore) Reconciled: Taken
Nation 9 (Alendres) Reconciled: Reserved
Nation 10 (Winterhual) Reconciled: Reserved
Atanwan:
Lord/Lady Steward of Atanwan [Taken]
Main Villain - (Not obviously a bad guy) [Taken]
Heir of Atanwan (between one and three of them, PM Mura before making or reserving) [Available]
Secondary Villain (right hand and trusted aid of the main villain; also not an obvious bad guy) - [Available]
Other officials, members of the guard, servants, scholars, artists, warriors, merchants or common citizens. (Captain of the Guard(s), Men/Women trying for the Tournament of Kings, Scholars and Professors at the Great University, Artists/Performers training or teaching at the Heart, or looking for a Patron, ect) [Available]
Other Nations:
You may play a character from nations other than Atanwan. However, if the character is not from the nation associated with your Reconciled, you have to talk to the person who created the nation before creating the character.
Character & Nation Sheet
Please post your completed character skeleton in the OOC/Sign-Up/Discussion thread. (That's this one.) If there are any revisions I would like to see, I will let you know, and you can just edit your post. Once a profile is accepted, I will link to that post from the post following this one. This will make it easier to find people's profiles for reference. Also, please try to format your profile to look pretty. How you do that is up to you. However, please make sure to put everything other than "Basic info" in spoilers.
In addition, if you play a Reconciled, please take a moment to think up basic information on the nation, including a name and its style of government. This information should be put in a spoiler below your profile, or in another post entirely. You may add as much extra information as you wish, or you may keep it simple. [Only nations 1 and 3 avoided imperial conquest.]
CHARACTER SKELETON
In addition, if you play a Reconciled, please take a moment to think up basic information on the nation, including a name and its style of government. This information should be put in a spoiler below your profile, or in another post entirely. You may add as much extra information as you wish, or you may keep it simple. [Only nations 1 and 3 avoided imperial conquest.]
CHARACTER SKELETON
[dash=gray][/dash]
Basic Info
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Sexual Orientation:
Height: (ft'in" // cm)
NATION SKELETON
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Sexual Orientation:
Height: (ft'in" // cm)
Details
Appearance: (a physical description is required in addition to any images. Images should be posted as links not as imbedded pictures.)
Family/Friends: (who make up this person's social circle back home? how do they fit into their family?)
Skills/Abilities/Training: (what can your character do?)
Interests: (list hobbies, likes and dislikes, stuff like that.)
Official title(s): (example: Prince Tertiary of Atanwan or something. Reconciled of [Insert nation name] is an official tile, btw.)
In Depth
Personality:
Biography:
Extra/other:[/solid][/dash][/solid]
Appearance: (a physical description is required in addition to any images. Images should be posted as links not as imbedded pictures.)
Family/Friends: (who make up this person's social circle back home? how do they fit into their family?)
Skills/Abilities/Training: (what can your character do?)
Interests: (list hobbies, likes and dislikes, stuff like that.)
Official title(s): (example: Prince Tertiary of Atanwan or something. Reconciled of [Insert nation name] is an official tile, btw.)
In Depth
Personality:
Biography:
Extra/other:[/solid][/dash][/solid]
NATION SKELETON
[dash=white]
[/dash]
Nation Number and Name:
System of Government:
Basic terrain and weather: (lots of mountains, marshes? Hard winters, no winters? Be realisticish).
Notable and Interesting Facts: (historical or current).
Anything Else?:(put that here)
System of Government:
Basic terrain and weather: (lots of mountains, marshes? Hard winters, no winters? Be realisticish).
Notable and Interesting Facts: (historical or current).
Anything Else?:(put that here)
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