- Posting Speed
- 1-3 posts per week
- One post per week
- Writing Levels
- Adept
- Advanced
- Preferred Character Gender
- Male
The hall was silent save for the occasional snap of the torches as the fire cast dancing shadows against a grey stone wall. It was a long hall with two doors on either side. Small archer slits in the walls allowed for a slight breeze and a quick view of the sky painted light blue as the sun threatened to chase away the night.
Pressed against the wall tucked behind a few barrels was a man pulling his cloak closer to him hoping that the morning light and the torches wouldn't reveal his secret agenda. His eyes darted from the door he'd come from to the door on the opposite end. He wanted to make his move but he knew he had to wait. If the intel he got was correct then any minute now…
As if on queue, the doors at the far end of the hall opened up. Out stepped two soldiers donning their battle-tested armor and yellow and red tabards. One carried a sword and shield while the other had a bow resting on his back. They began marching down the hall toward the hidden man while they talked between themselves.
Pressing himself against the wall, the thief sunk behind the barrels hoping the shadows would engulf him and keep him hidden just long enough to avoid detection. The marching footsteps and chatter grew louder and the thief had to hold his breath as the guards paused a moment by the barrels. His eyes slid shut and his lips moved in a wordless prayer for help. As if to answer his prayer, the soldiers began moving again until they disappeared behind the other set of doors.
The thief took a moment to gather himself before he stepped out from his hiding place and quickly darted toward the other door. Upon cracking and peering through it, he noticed only a singular guard watching over his mark. Everything was as he was told it would be.
Stealthily, he slipped inside the room and closed the door silently behind him. His heart pounded against his chest as he took quick but quiet steps towards the unaware guard. When he was within reach, his hand slipped inside his cloak and wrapped around the hilt of his dagger that he'd spent extra time sharpening that morning. Like lightning, he was upon the guard. He used his free hand to grab the guard by the face and jerk his head back. Before the guard could let out a yelp, the dagger bit deep into the guard's throat. Satisfied, the thief tossed the guard aside and took a step toward the glass-like orb suspended in the air.
Just before he could open it, the doors opened behind him. He glanced over to see the two guards from before. Their one with the bow quickly readied an arrow and aimed it at the thief.
"Stop!" shouted the other, "Don't touch that!"
The thief grunted. His face twisting in disappointment. He must have left something behind that alerted the guards because he was supposed to have a few more minutes before they returned. He didn't have time for this. Instead of complying, the thief turned back toward the orb and took another step.
A sudden pain filled his shoulder accompanied with a thud. When he looked down, an arrow was protruding from his shoulder. He grunted and took another step. Another sharp pain, this time in his chest. He coughed and blood coated his bottom lip. Breathing was becoming more difficult. This arrow must have pierced his lung.
"Stop, I said!" the other guard called out again.
But he couldn't. Not when he was so close. Not when everything they had worked for was just within reach. With a groan he reached out and caught the orb in his hand just as a third arrow pierced his chest. It brought him to his knees.
Looking down at the orb, memories flooded his mind. All they needed to do was destroy this orb. Hee was dying now, and he was going to fail. Surely the God of death would punish him for failing.
Blood dripped from parted lips and splashed against the orb in his weak grip as his hand sat in his lap. He couldn't fail. Everything he knew and everyone he loved was at stake. He could hear the hurried footsteps off the guards behind him.
With what strength he could muster, He raised the orb above his head. As his pierced body crashed against the stone, he brought the orb down hard. He heard it shatter into pieces as he lay face down on floor.
A hard kick to the side rolled him onto his back, the arrows snapping under his weight. It should have hurt, but he couldn't feel anything. A smile crept slowly over his face as he weakly chuckled. Each breath labored until he knew he could bring in no more air. With his final breath, he cried out:
"For Kairos!"
The guards watched as the life drained from the thief. A shiver crawled up their spines as they turned to each other. The man before them had cried out to Kairos...to the God of Death.
Pressed against the wall tucked behind a few barrels was a man pulling his cloak closer to him hoping that the morning light and the torches wouldn't reveal his secret agenda. His eyes darted from the door he'd come from to the door on the opposite end. He wanted to make his move but he knew he had to wait. If the intel he got was correct then any minute now…
As if on queue, the doors at the far end of the hall opened up. Out stepped two soldiers donning their battle-tested armor and yellow and red tabards. One carried a sword and shield while the other had a bow resting on his back. They began marching down the hall toward the hidden man while they talked between themselves.
Pressing himself against the wall, the thief sunk behind the barrels hoping the shadows would engulf him and keep him hidden just long enough to avoid detection. The marching footsteps and chatter grew louder and the thief had to hold his breath as the guards paused a moment by the barrels. His eyes slid shut and his lips moved in a wordless prayer for help. As if to answer his prayer, the soldiers began moving again until they disappeared behind the other set of doors.
The thief took a moment to gather himself before he stepped out from his hiding place and quickly darted toward the other door. Upon cracking and peering through it, he noticed only a singular guard watching over his mark. Everything was as he was told it would be.
Stealthily, he slipped inside the room and closed the door silently behind him. His heart pounded against his chest as he took quick but quiet steps towards the unaware guard. When he was within reach, his hand slipped inside his cloak and wrapped around the hilt of his dagger that he'd spent extra time sharpening that morning. Like lightning, he was upon the guard. He used his free hand to grab the guard by the face and jerk his head back. Before the guard could let out a yelp, the dagger bit deep into the guard's throat. Satisfied, the thief tossed the guard aside and took a step toward the glass-like orb suspended in the air.
Just before he could open it, the doors opened behind him. He glanced over to see the two guards from before. Their one with the bow quickly readied an arrow and aimed it at the thief.
"Stop!" shouted the other, "Don't touch that!"
The thief grunted. His face twisting in disappointment. He must have left something behind that alerted the guards because he was supposed to have a few more minutes before they returned. He didn't have time for this. Instead of complying, the thief turned back toward the orb and took another step.
A sudden pain filled his shoulder accompanied with a thud. When he looked down, an arrow was protruding from his shoulder. He grunted and took another step. Another sharp pain, this time in his chest. He coughed and blood coated his bottom lip. Breathing was becoming more difficult. This arrow must have pierced his lung.
"Stop, I said!" the other guard called out again.
But he couldn't. Not when he was so close. Not when everything they had worked for was just within reach. With a groan he reached out and caught the orb in his hand just as a third arrow pierced his chest. It brought him to his knees.
Looking down at the orb, memories flooded his mind. All they needed to do was destroy this orb. Hee was dying now, and he was going to fail. Surely the God of death would punish him for failing.
Blood dripped from parted lips and splashed against the orb in his weak grip as his hand sat in his lap. He couldn't fail. Everything he knew and everyone he loved was at stake. He could hear the hurried footsteps off the guards behind him.
With what strength he could muster, He raised the orb above his head. As his pierced body crashed against the stone, he brought the orb down hard. He heard it shatter into pieces as he lay face down on floor.
A hard kick to the side rolled him onto his back, the arrows snapping under his weight. It should have hurt, but he couldn't feel anything. A smile crept slowly over his face as he weakly chuckled. Each breath labored until he knew he could bring in no more air. With his final breath, he cried out:
"For Kairos!"
The guards watched as the life drained from the thief. A shiver crawled up their spines as they turned to each other. The man before them had cried out to Kairos...to the God of Death.
Welcome to the land of Agganoth! Life has been normal since you can remember, but with the breaking of the first seal, magic has begun to invade the lives of those who have a natural affinity to it. Ordinary people as well as those considered well off find themselves suddenly able to do things they were not able to do only moments before. Some are frightened while others embrace it. While they have these differences, one thing they both have in common is that they have no idea what this means for the people of Agganoth!
This is a Fantasy rp set in a medieval theme. You can play a character who suddenly has the ability to do things they weren't able to do or simply a person who's life has been changed because someone else has magic now. Either way, it will take both the gifted and ungifted in order to save the realm from the threat that also found its freedom in the breaking of the seals. I would like to add that whatever you choose, please make sure your character is beneficial in some way to the party.
This is the OOC thread where discussions about the story can take place. If you have questions, ask them here and I will clarify them as best I know how. There is a link at the top that will take you to the character list and, eventually, the info dump. I look forward to playing with you all! Please read the rules before you decide to sign up!
Here is the Character Application Page!
1. Communicate. I know that some of us have very busy schedules and because of that, I am only asking that you try to write one post a week so that the story can progress. If you lose interest or cannot post, let us know so we can keep the story alive everyone involved.
2. Your character is not invincible. All players who opt to have a character who can now use magic will be playing a character who knows nothing of it and has to learn as you go. You character is not God, is not indestructible, and will not land every blow. Be realistic guys.
3. Be courteous of others. Be mindful when writing to not over-step your boundaries. If you are writing a scene with multiple characters, communicate with the other players and even collaborate on a post. Work together to write a great story; not against each other.
4.Posting Expectations. As stated above, I'm asking for one post bi-weekly barring extenuating circumstances. Obviously more is awesome, but I want to keep the expectation reasonable for those who are little busier than others. I am a college student, full-time employee, and a family man so I understand being busy. Also, I prefer that all players play at an Intermediate level at least. Sorry if this doesn't fit you, but I tend to enjoy that level of writing so much more.
5. I am the GM. My word is law. Having said that, I REALLY like hearing what players have to say because they can bring a fresh perspective that I did not think about. While I have the basic plot in mind, how we get there is up to US. Get involved. Throw some ideas my way and we can discuss if they can fit. If they don't, please don't take it personal. It has nothing to do with you and everything to do with the continuity of the story!
2. Your character is not invincible. All players who opt to have a character who can now use magic will be playing a character who knows nothing of it and has to learn as you go. You character is not God, is not indestructible, and will not land every blow. Be realistic guys.
3. Be courteous of others. Be mindful when writing to not over-step your boundaries. If you are writing a scene with multiple characters, communicate with the other players and even collaborate on a post. Work together to write a great story; not against each other.
4.Posting Expectations. As stated above, I'm asking for one post bi-weekly barring extenuating circumstances. Obviously more is awesome, but I want to keep the expectation reasonable for those who are little busier than others. I am a college student, full-time employee, and a family man so I understand being busy. Also, I prefer that all players play at an Intermediate level at least. Sorry if this doesn't fit you, but I tend to enjoy that level of writing so much more.
5. I am the GM. My word is law. Having said that, I REALLY like hearing what players have to say because they can bring a fresh perspective that I did not think about. While I have the basic plot in mind, how we get there is up to US. Get involved. Throw some ideas my way and we can discuss if they can fit. If they don't, please don't take it personal. It has nothing to do with you and everything to do with the continuity of the story!
1. Everyone is new to casting. Some will learn quicker than others, but everyone is basically a newbie so no ultra mega Fireballs at the beginning! :D
2. The Schools of Magic and examples of their use are below. Don't be afraid to be creative. Magic is easily molded once your character learns how to do so:
Light - Conjure a small ball of light to light your path in an otherwise impossibly dark situation, bend the light into an impassible barrier to protect your allies, cause a flare of light to blind your enemies, or use the warmth of the light to heal minor wounds.
Dark - Meld into the shadows to prevent detection, strike fear and doubt into the heart of an opponent, or summon shadowy tendrils to plague your enemy.
Fire - Spark a fire to soak up its warmth, burn away your enemies from before you, or cauterize a medium wound.
Water - Call down rain to water your crops, pull the moister from your foe dehydrating them instantly, move water that bars your path, or use water to revitalize weary allies.
Earth - Construct nearly indestructible barriers, harden your own resolve, bury your enemies in an mudslide, or reap the healthiest crops known in your area.
Wind - Deter a barrage of arrows, cut without being seen, move without hesitation, or call for the wind to aid you in day to day life.
Life - Heal grievous wounds, or even bring the recently dead to life, alter the ebb and flow of life essence within a living object.
Death - Dabble in the reanimation of decomposed corpses, call diseases and curses upon your enemies, or commune with those long passed.
3. The most important rule of magic is that it will always cost you something to use it. You can stick with mental or physical exhaustion or be more creative (which I STRONGLY encourage) and devise a unique penalty for your character's use of magic!
2. The Schools of Magic and examples of their use are below. Don't be afraid to be creative. Magic is easily molded once your character learns how to do so:
Light - Conjure a small ball of light to light your path in an otherwise impossibly dark situation, bend the light into an impassible barrier to protect your allies, cause a flare of light to blind your enemies, or use the warmth of the light to heal minor wounds.
Dark - Meld into the shadows to prevent detection, strike fear and doubt into the heart of an opponent, or summon shadowy tendrils to plague your enemy.
Fire - Spark a fire to soak up its warmth, burn away your enemies from before you, or cauterize a medium wound.
Water - Call down rain to water your crops, pull the moister from your foe dehydrating them instantly, move water that bars your path, or use water to revitalize weary allies.
Earth - Construct nearly indestructible barriers, harden your own resolve, bury your enemies in an mudslide, or reap the healthiest crops known in your area.
Wind - Deter a barrage of arrows, cut without being seen, move without hesitation, or call for the wind to aid you in day to day life.
Life - Heal grievous wounds, or even bring the recently dead to life, alter the ebb and flow of life essence within a living object.
Death - Dabble in the reanimation of decomposed corpses, call diseases and curses upon your enemies, or commune with those long passed.
3. The most important rule of magic is that it will always cost you something to use it. You can stick with mental or physical exhaustion or be more creative (which I STRONGLY encourage) and devise a unique penalty for your character's use of magic!
Agganoth
When someone speaks of Agganoth, they are talking about all the land known to man now. This encompasses Eldrassir (El-druh-sear'), the ice capped mountainous terrain to the far north that hosts the territorial Kingdom of Etollen, the forested peninsula of Cythien (Sigh'-thee-in) to the southwest where the mankind has built a thriving kingdom amongst the branches and roots of Esterwynne, the expansion-minded Dellynian kingdom grows within Agrenna (Ah-grin'-uh) to the south, the desolate Tumaran desert to the east hosts a confederate of nomadic tribes that are only at peace with each other within the limits of Valburn, a massive trade city on the coast, and lastly, resting in the west and center of Agganoth is Drakos (Drah'-kose) where the longest line of kings has ruled from Norcrest.
To the north of Agganoth expands a rough, mountainous terrain with a massive fjord where the city of Etollen prospers. Because of this, Eldrassirans are often rugged people though the closer you get to Etollen, the more 'civilized' they become. Etollen's isolation due to the mountains has bred it an isolationist's mindset. It maintains a tight grip on the smaller towns and villages that managed to sprout up in the valleys, but you will not hear them complain. Because of the terrain, most of the towns and villages are left to their own devices so long as they answer the call should the king extend it.
Government:
Etollen is led by Elder King Edvard Thune who has recently lost his wife of forty years, Gjertrud. He has proven himself a kind, firm ruler and has invested much time in training his eldest son, High Prince Tor Thune. His only daughter, Lillian, now serves as the wife of Ikaros Drakon, King of Norcrest. Tor has three boys of his own with the oldest being the most useless and the youngest the most promising.
Political Scene:
Due to their isolated home, Etollen has avoided becoming involved in many conflicts over the years. However, Lillian's marraige to Ikaros has strained that policy as Ikaros has called on Etollen at times to aid in his own wars. They are at war with Agrenna only because Ikaros. They enjoy a lucrative trade agreement with Cythien and gets most of their goods from the merchant city of Valburn in Tumar.
Religious Scene:
While worship of all the deities is encouraged, the predominant faith in Etollen is in worship to Eses, God of Earth. They rely heavily upon the fertility of the valleys and offer yearly sacrifices to Eses in hopes of having good crops. They honor Eses with the Feast of Firsts where the first harvest and firstborn of the livestock is given as offerings to the temples of Eses.
Notable Features:
The Emerald Throne: At the north west corner of Etollen is a mountain bathed in green fauna that never ices or is covered in snow despite its altitude. Those faithful to Eses believe that it served as the throne from which the earth God watched over his domain.
Palendragos: A monastery midway up the Emerald Throne where the most faithful go for further study.
To the southwest of Agganoth is the enormous Aldervine Forest. Deep within the forest stands a tree that pierces through the sky and stands as proud as any mountain of Eldrassir, Esterwynne. Beneath its expansive boughs and between its extensive root system, the city of Esterwynne was built. From here, the Cythein Empire watches over all its subjects.
Government:
All of the Aldervine Forest, the villages and towns within it, and the ones on its outskirts are subject to the Cythein Empire. Empress Leena Cythein guides them. She is the sole survivor of an assassination attempt that claimed the lives of her parents and her three brothers two years ago. While she dug her claws in quickly, the Ravenness (as she's been called due to her raven crest) still struggles with those who do not believe she is fit at her young age, 17, to rule. An extremely loyal guard and army are the only reasons she has not been deposed.
Political Scene:
Due to the unrest within Cythein, Agrenna has ceased upon the opportunity and has begun to chip away at the outer territories. Unable to focus on this due to inner conflict, Empress Leena has called upon King Ikaros Drakon for help. Cythein has a trade agreement with Eldrassir, but bad political moves from an ancestor has made it difficult for Leena to establish trade with the Merchant City, Valburn.
Religious Scene:
While worship of all the Deities is encouraged, Rymera, the Goddess of the Hunt and Forest, has become the patronness of Cythein. The Wild Hunt is an event held every seven years where the contestants search for the famed Ivory Steed. The one who successfully hunts it is believed to be favored by the Goddess. It has only happened once in all the history of Agganoth: when Andrathath Cythein brought down one. It was then his line was established as the rulers of the Aldervine Forest.
Notable Features:
Esterwynne: The massive tree can be seen from atop the mountains of Eldrassir. People come from far and wide to admire the city built among its branches and roots. It is believed to be the Life Tree from which the first of humanity emerged from.
Claiming much of the south of Agganoth is Agrenna. To the west is the Aldervine Forest, to the north is the Plains of Vakenar, to the east, the Tumar Desert and to the south the Endless Ocean. A beautiful, tropical place, Agrenna was once a place of seclusion and refuge for those who simply wanted to enjoy the best that Agganoth had to offer. Unfortunately, the wars to subdue the land have destroyed much of what was once beautiful about it.
Government:
Agrenna was once a realm that tasted freedom on a level no one else did. With no ruling family, each town lived as they wanted and in wartime, they would aid each other. Believing that Agrenna could be greater united than several individual city-states, Phaon Kormos began to conquer them all. The war raged for decades until Phaon completed his task. Now his grandson, Pyramos Kormos, leads the war machine. The city-states are taxed into oblivion and the men are shipped to feed the machine as it continues to march on. Pyramos rules with absolute power and little to no grace or mercy.
Political Scene:
Agrenna is currently at war with Cythein, Dakros and Eldrassir. A military genius, Pyramos has managed to take some territory from these nations without substantial losses on his end. He has a profitable trade agreement with the merchant city Valburn.
Religious Scene:
Pyramos never believed in the existence of the Gods. As such, the only worship allowed in Agrenna is that of Pyramos. Anyone caught worshipping a false God faces punishment ranging from lashes to even death, depending on the level of devotion on the part of the judge.
Notable Features:
Dellyn: The capital city of the Dellynian Empire is built overlooking the Bay of Hedros. The architecture alone is reason for people to admire.
The Ruins of Etheren: Etheren was the seat of the ancient world. It is believed that a horrific earthquake shattered it so badly that it was left abandoned to the ages.
The Tumar Desert is a slowly expanding desert on the east end of Agganoth. Ruins of a civilization long forgotten are found scattered through the land. A few small villages exist but most of the inhabitants are warring nomadic tribes. The only exception to this is the merchant city Valburn where no fighting is allowed. It is massive and built right on the coastline.
Government:
Hundreds of nomadic tribes call the desert their home. The largest clans, the Naerian and Vineapan, are constantly trading territory. Many smaller tribes do the same. Valburn is governed by a council of merchants and a large mercenary army that ensures its inhabitants obey the laws.
Political Scene:
Between the tribes, everything is uneasy and can change with the wind. In Valburn, it maintains neutrality only allowing trade agreements with the other nations. Though Valburn is walled, the desert is its most valuable defender. Because it is so vast and deadly, no army dares to march into it.
Tribal Customs:
Naerian: Men are taught to hunt in the desert as soon as they can walk. Women are tasked with the maintenance of the home and village needs. Only men have an authoritative position within the tribe and women that oppose this leadership are beaten publicly by their husbands as examples. At the age of 13, young boys go on their first Zywatha (Man Hunt). If they return victorious, the boy becomes a man. The mightier the warrior, the more authority he has within the tribe with the chieftain being the mightiest. Old men are treated with respect due to the fact that they must have been mighty warriors to live as long as they did. Daughters are looked down upon because they are not the warriors men can be. Fathers often marry off their daughters quickly so that their daughters can produce more sons to feed the war-like mentality.
Religious Scene:
The tribe you are interacting with will determine what Deity is worshiped more as each tribe worships their own God.
Notable Features:
The Ruins of the Ancient World: Long ago was a civilization that prospered in the Tumar Desert. Unfortunately, it faded away without leaving a record as to why. One can explore and be impressed by the many ruins that dot the land.
The Pinnacle: In the Tumaran Desert, a massive tower stretches skyward. No one knows where it came from or who built it. No one has been able to venture in because it is sealed by some unknown mechanic.
Drakos expands from the west coast of Agganoth to the Tumar Desert. It is the largest kingdom on Agganoth and has the richest history. Many of the magical fables told center around the massive scar that stretches through the center. It is here the infamous Shadowmancer, Kairos, was said to have been sealed away by the Aegis of Olric. It also boasts the longest successive line of kings in the history of Agganoth, the Drakon line.
Government:
Ikaros Drakon currently rules Drakos from his throne in Norcrest, the capital of Drakos. His wife, the daughter of King Edvard, bore him one daughter Ayalaiah. Ayalaiah shows much promise as a future leader and is being groomed to replace her father one day. This has caused much concern as no woman has led a nation, however, Ikaros is more concerned with a Drakon on the throne than a male.
Political Scene:
Drakos is at war with Agrenna to aid Cyrein. It has a political connection with Eldrassir through marriage that allows it to call upon Eldrassir for aid. Drakos also has a trade agreement with Valburn though Norcrest's location on the opposite coast makes trade difficult.
Religious Scene:
Ikaros believes in freedom of choice for religion, though he is partial to Athos, the God of Light. Because of this, Athos is currently the preferred God of public worship.
Notable Features:
The Dread Scar: A massive scar of blackened earth and onyx carved into the earth. It is believed that this was the site that Kairos fell in battle and was sealed away so that he would no longer harm humanity.
The Temple of Olric: Erected before anyone can remember, this temple commemorates the Paladins of Olric that defended Agganoth from the shadow.
When someone speaks of Agganoth, they are talking about all the land known to man now. This encompasses Eldrassir (El-druh-sear'), the ice capped mountainous terrain to the far north that hosts the territorial Kingdom of Etollen, the forested peninsula of Cythien (Sigh'-thee-in) to the southwest where the mankind has built a thriving kingdom amongst the branches and roots of Esterwynne, the expansion-minded Dellynian kingdom grows within Agrenna (Ah-grin'-uh) to the south, the desolate Tumaran desert to the east hosts a confederate of nomadic tribes that are only at peace with each other within the limits of Valburn, a massive trade city on the coast, and lastly, resting in the west and center of Agganoth is Drakos (Drah'-kose) where the longest line of kings has ruled from Norcrest.
To the north of Agganoth expands a rough, mountainous terrain with a massive fjord where the city of Etollen prospers. Because of this, Eldrassirans are often rugged people though the closer you get to Etollen, the more 'civilized' they become. Etollen's isolation due to the mountains has bred it an isolationist's mindset. It maintains a tight grip on the smaller towns and villages that managed to sprout up in the valleys, but you will not hear them complain. Because of the terrain, most of the towns and villages are left to their own devices so long as they answer the call should the king extend it.
Government:
Etollen is led by Elder King Edvard Thune who has recently lost his wife of forty years, Gjertrud. He has proven himself a kind, firm ruler and has invested much time in training his eldest son, High Prince Tor Thune. His only daughter, Lillian, now serves as the wife of Ikaros Drakon, King of Norcrest. Tor has three boys of his own with the oldest being the most useless and the youngest the most promising.
Political Scene:
Due to their isolated home, Etollen has avoided becoming involved in many conflicts over the years. However, Lillian's marraige to Ikaros has strained that policy as Ikaros has called on Etollen at times to aid in his own wars. They are at war with Agrenna only because Ikaros. They enjoy a lucrative trade agreement with Cythien and gets most of their goods from the merchant city of Valburn in Tumar.
Religious Scene:
While worship of all the deities is encouraged, the predominant faith in Etollen is in worship to Eses, God of Earth. They rely heavily upon the fertility of the valleys and offer yearly sacrifices to Eses in hopes of having good crops. They honor Eses with the Feast of Firsts where the first harvest and firstborn of the livestock is given as offerings to the temples of Eses.
Notable Features:
The Emerald Throne: At the north west corner of Etollen is a mountain bathed in green fauna that never ices or is covered in snow despite its altitude. Those faithful to Eses believe that it served as the throne from which the earth God watched over his domain.
Palendragos: A monastery midway up the Emerald Throne where the most faithful go for further study.
To the southwest of Agganoth is the enormous Aldervine Forest. Deep within the forest stands a tree that pierces through the sky and stands as proud as any mountain of Eldrassir, Esterwynne. Beneath its expansive boughs and between its extensive root system, the city of Esterwynne was built. From here, the Cythein Empire watches over all its subjects.
Government:
All of the Aldervine Forest, the villages and towns within it, and the ones on its outskirts are subject to the Cythein Empire. Empress Leena Cythein guides them. She is the sole survivor of an assassination attempt that claimed the lives of her parents and her three brothers two years ago. While she dug her claws in quickly, the Ravenness (as she's been called due to her raven crest) still struggles with those who do not believe she is fit at her young age, 17, to rule. An extremely loyal guard and army are the only reasons she has not been deposed.
Political Scene:
Due to the unrest within Cythein, Agrenna has ceased upon the opportunity and has begun to chip away at the outer territories. Unable to focus on this due to inner conflict, Empress Leena has called upon King Ikaros Drakon for help. Cythein has a trade agreement with Eldrassir, but bad political moves from an ancestor has made it difficult for Leena to establish trade with the Merchant City, Valburn.
Religious Scene:
While worship of all the Deities is encouraged, Rymera, the Goddess of the Hunt and Forest, has become the patronness of Cythein. The Wild Hunt is an event held every seven years where the contestants search for the famed Ivory Steed. The one who successfully hunts it is believed to be favored by the Goddess. It has only happened once in all the history of Agganoth: when Andrathath Cythein brought down one. It was then his line was established as the rulers of the Aldervine Forest.
Notable Features:
Esterwynne: The massive tree can be seen from atop the mountains of Eldrassir. People come from far and wide to admire the city built among its branches and roots. It is believed to be the Life Tree from which the first of humanity emerged from.
Claiming much of the south of Agganoth is Agrenna. To the west is the Aldervine Forest, to the north is the Plains of Vakenar, to the east, the Tumar Desert and to the south the Endless Ocean. A beautiful, tropical place, Agrenna was once a place of seclusion and refuge for those who simply wanted to enjoy the best that Agganoth had to offer. Unfortunately, the wars to subdue the land have destroyed much of what was once beautiful about it.
Government:
Agrenna was once a realm that tasted freedom on a level no one else did. With no ruling family, each town lived as they wanted and in wartime, they would aid each other. Believing that Agrenna could be greater united than several individual city-states, Phaon Kormos began to conquer them all. The war raged for decades until Phaon completed his task. Now his grandson, Pyramos Kormos, leads the war machine. The city-states are taxed into oblivion and the men are shipped to feed the machine as it continues to march on. Pyramos rules with absolute power and little to no grace or mercy.
Political Scene:
Agrenna is currently at war with Cythein, Dakros and Eldrassir. A military genius, Pyramos has managed to take some territory from these nations without substantial losses on his end. He has a profitable trade agreement with the merchant city Valburn.
Religious Scene:
Pyramos never believed in the existence of the Gods. As such, the only worship allowed in Agrenna is that of Pyramos. Anyone caught worshipping a false God faces punishment ranging from lashes to even death, depending on the level of devotion on the part of the judge.
Notable Features:
Dellyn: The capital city of the Dellynian Empire is built overlooking the Bay of Hedros. The architecture alone is reason for people to admire.
The Ruins of Etheren: Etheren was the seat of the ancient world. It is believed that a horrific earthquake shattered it so badly that it was left abandoned to the ages.
The Tumar Desert is a slowly expanding desert on the east end of Agganoth. Ruins of a civilization long forgotten are found scattered through the land. A few small villages exist but most of the inhabitants are warring nomadic tribes. The only exception to this is the merchant city Valburn where no fighting is allowed. It is massive and built right on the coastline.
Government:
Hundreds of nomadic tribes call the desert their home. The largest clans, the Naerian and Vineapan, are constantly trading territory. Many smaller tribes do the same. Valburn is governed by a council of merchants and a large mercenary army that ensures its inhabitants obey the laws.
Political Scene:
Between the tribes, everything is uneasy and can change with the wind. In Valburn, it maintains neutrality only allowing trade agreements with the other nations. Though Valburn is walled, the desert is its most valuable defender. Because it is so vast and deadly, no army dares to march into it.
Tribal Customs:
Naerian: Men are taught to hunt in the desert as soon as they can walk. Women are tasked with the maintenance of the home and village needs. Only men have an authoritative position within the tribe and women that oppose this leadership are beaten publicly by their husbands as examples. At the age of 13, young boys go on their first Zywatha (Man Hunt). If they return victorious, the boy becomes a man. The mightier the warrior, the more authority he has within the tribe with the chieftain being the mightiest. Old men are treated with respect due to the fact that they must have been mighty warriors to live as long as they did. Daughters are looked down upon because they are not the warriors men can be. Fathers often marry off their daughters quickly so that their daughters can produce more sons to feed the war-like mentality.
Religious Scene:
The tribe you are interacting with will determine what Deity is worshiped more as each tribe worships their own God.
Notable Features:
The Ruins of the Ancient World: Long ago was a civilization that prospered in the Tumar Desert. Unfortunately, it faded away without leaving a record as to why. One can explore and be impressed by the many ruins that dot the land.
The Pinnacle: In the Tumaran Desert, a massive tower stretches skyward. No one knows where it came from or who built it. No one has been able to venture in because it is sealed by some unknown mechanic.
Drakos expands from the west coast of Agganoth to the Tumar Desert. It is the largest kingdom on Agganoth and has the richest history. Many of the magical fables told center around the massive scar that stretches through the center. It is here the infamous Shadowmancer, Kairos, was said to have been sealed away by the Aegis of Olric. It also boasts the longest successive line of kings in the history of Agganoth, the Drakon line.
Government:
Ikaros Drakon currently rules Drakos from his throne in Norcrest, the capital of Drakos. His wife, the daughter of King Edvard, bore him one daughter Ayalaiah. Ayalaiah shows much promise as a future leader and is being groomed to replace her father one day. This has caused much concern as no woman has led a nation, however, Ikaros is more concerned with a Drakon on the throne than a male.
Political Scene:
Drakos is at war with Agrenna to aid Cyrein. It has a political connection with Eldrassir through marriage that allows it to call upon Eldrassir for aid. Drakos also has a trade agreement with Valburn though Norcrest's location on the opposite coast makes trade difficult.
Religious Scene:
Ikaros believes in freedom of choice for religion, though he is partial to Athos, the God of Light. Because of this, Athos is currently the preferred God of public worship.
Notable Features:
The Dread Scar: A massive scar of blackened earth and onyx carved into the earth. It is believed that this was the site that Kairos fell in battle and was sealed away so that he would no longer harm humanity.
The Temple of Olric: Erected before anyone can remember, this temple commemorates the Paladins of Olric that defended Agganoth from the shadow.
Alrighty. If you've got any questions, feel free to throw them at myself or @Elle Joyner (Super Mega Awesome Co-GM). When there's enough interest, I'll put a link to character applications up! We look forward to writing with you!
@KatSea
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