D
Doughguy
Guest
In Character Thread
Centuries ago a king became aware. He opened the Road of the Gods and sampled its substance, bringing a portion back to the human world with him. This was the Miasma. The purity of the piece he took granted him unparalleled power and immunity to the debilitating effects of the chaotic magic drawn from its substance. Augmented by this strength his armies became unstoppable machines of war, at the cost of their own humanity. Halfway to conquering the known world the Gods travelled the Road themselves and emerged into the human world. Their own power obliterated his armies and they carved a path to his palace. But the King had grown too strong feeding off the chaotic magic to destroy him without risking their own lives. Instead they chained him to his throne and contained the Miasma upon his island, sacrificing his citizens for the rest of the world's safety. To this day the King remains caged and the Miasma trapped with him. Thankfully none have been able to replicate his results, though not for lack of trying. It is commonly thought amongst the ruling class that the Universities are working to reopen the Road of the Gods and claim the power of the King for themselves.
When the King of Chaos was chained to his throne and the Miasma of Chaos settled over his lands the inhabitants of the Island became the Scoured. The Scoured resemble humans except their skin is wrinkled as if dehydrated and dark red in colour. Their veins and arteries are grey and eyes a dull brown. They are weaker than human and more easily damaged, but have a deep connection to the Miasma. As far as the mainland is concerned all Scoured are mindless animals and can do little beyond shuffle around the island they are trapped upon. However, once every decade or so, a small group of Scoured may awaken to an individual purpose that grants them sentience. For most this sentience soon fades away again, as there is no escape from the Island and no way to fulfil the purpose.
The plague strikes the mainland once every one to two years and initially makes itself known as an innocent cough. It infects thousands, but the truth is the chance of being infected is quite low, therefore so is the danger of dying from it directly. The real danger comes from those who are infected. Each time the plague strikes, after a day or two, it turns the infected into some manner of monster. The last three plagues have resulted in half human half wolf beings, fleshy slugs covered in eyes, and human kraken. It is a race every plague for the hunters to develop new tactics against the latest breed. Many assume the plague is part of the Miasma as the King's island flares up with every plague, as well as the ever changing nature of the infection resembling chaos magic.
The last three plagues were wolf, slug and kraken. The wolf plague was a typical plague, average losses all around and contained relatively quickly. The slug plague was a cakewalk for the hunters. The only losses were those suffered initially when their only attack was unknown. Once the knowledge spread they were dispatched easily and there were less than one hundred Hunter deaths across the mainland. Then came the kraken plague. It was the most vicious plague in a century, and hunter losses were horrendous. Many theorised if the next plague came within a year, or had the previous plague been tougher, it would be enough to destroy some nations. Fortunately it did not, and the hunters have recovered their numbers somewhat.
Hunters are those trained to track down the beasts created by the plague and destroy them before they can kill more people. There are two types of hunters, Cutters and Doctors. Cutters use large weapons like swords and axes to kill beasts as quickly as possible. Doctors use more strategic weapons like knives and rapiers to kill the beasts with little damage so they can study them afterwards. Generally they work in groups of four, with three Cutters and a single Doctor, but it is not a rare sight to see them travelling alone.
Not all hunters work purely for the good of mankind. There are many cases of hunters who abuse their position and will kill anyone they 'suspect' of being infected. The job attracts sadists and psychopaths as often as it does noble hearted warriors. Those hungry for power can often find a quick high battling the plague.
Though anyone can technically become a Cutter there does exist a chain of Universities throughout the mainland for training Doctors. Within these universities Doctor aspires are taught the common features of all beasts and how to recognise their weaknesses and strength. Their training is very harsh and every doctor has their share of battle scars over their body. Much rarer are the Hunter Schools, of which there are only one in each country at most. Here the most promising fighters in the local militaries and Universities are trained by Master Hunters.
Weapons: Hunters worth their salt carry ironically named Chaos Weapons. These weapons can change into a different shape that increases their utility through mechanical means. There is no magic involved therefore the changes are quite limited if both shapes are to be usable. Three shape weapons do exist but are highly prized and absurdly rare. Most hunters will never see one in their life, let alone own one. Even the prestigious Hunter Schools rarely have one between all their teachers.
Magic: The magic of the mainland is quite limited due to its possible connection to the Miasma. It is rare for anyone but a hunter, who is assumed to be trained properly, to be cause openly practising it. Cutters will primarily use elemental magic to assist their fighting. Doctors use healing or 'wire' magic. The latter creates thin metal wires that can hamper or cut a fast moving, unarmoured opponent. None of the above magics are very powerful and are never a primary fighting technique. This type of magic is only taught or learned, innate magical talent does not exist.
Magic is cast mentally with small hand gestures to direct the energy. Each spell consists of a mental 'construct' that is the idea of the spell. It may be as simple as a shape for the more straightforward spells, but more intricate ones might be an entire scene. Learning how to form the constructs is a skill in itself (that you magic users will all have) that makes learning new spells easier. For people experienced in using magic forming the constructs they know is simple and can be done without much thought. Teaching spells can be tricky as the construct must be explained in enough detail for the other person to picture it clearly. A gesture, such as a pointed finger or sweeping arm, then directs the spell after release.
The most powerful form of magic is Chaos magic. Harnessing the pure essence of the Miasma allows one to unleash devastating attacks that can tear people apart or transform them into mindless beasts similar to the plague's infection. Fortunately the magic works in two directions. In order to use chaos magic a person must visit the Island and breathe the pure Miasma and infect their lungs. To us it they must bring forth the Miasma in their lungs, expel it into the air and put their will into the Chaos itself. This brief connection is enough for the Chaos to steal a person's mind if they are unprepared. Further if their body is weak the Miasma may spread to other organs when it is brought forth causing horrible damage.
The Hunters will begin in a non-descript village on the mainland, a short distance from the coast. You will all have come to the Hunting trade recently, Doctors have only recently graduated and Cutters have only fought in the previous two plagues (as Cutters) at most. The posting speed expectation is a post every 2-3 days. Go over that too much or too many times and your char might end up with 2-3 limbs :3
Unknown
[spoili]
[/spoili]
[spoili]
There are four gods worshiped on the mainland and every nation but the tribals pays tribute to them. While the Merkath Tyranny has theoretically denounced the gods and outlawed their worship the common people have ignored the edicts and continue to pray to them. The gods are,
Laurence, the God of Law
Herenis, the God of Chaos
Delquious, the God of Life
Tennerben, the God of Death
Laurence is the most prominently worshiped god and the one people pray to to keep them safe from the plague. His already widespread worship increases when the plagues strike. Every evening the peasants will pray to him as the sun goes down for protection. He is depicted as a large being in shining golden armour wielding a flaming sword, smiting away a cloud of miasma. He lacks any real rituals because obeying the law of the country is considered worship in itself. As such criminals can be punished rather harshly for smaller crimes and are looked upon quite unfavourably by the common folk.
Delquious is the second most prominently worshiped as the giver of life. While Laurence has a specific time the peasants will go out of their way to pray to him, Delquious is more casually worshiped. Goodbyes and well wishes are done in her name and considered to impart her blessing upon the receiver. She is depicted as large woman resting in the branches of a tree and a golden aura glowing around her. Rituals include the planting of a new sapling every month.
Tennerben is less commonly worshiped, but whenever someone dies or is close to death their family and friends will pray to her. Plague victims themselves will often pray to her in the hope their end will be swift. She is depicted as a large woman in a white robe, pulling the skeleton from a body struck with the plague transformation. Rituals include placing a human bone upon the sick or dying so she can see them in the real world and prepare to welcome them in the afterlife.
Herenis is the least worshiped god and generally only in a "Please keep your chaos away" type deal. He is the creator of the Road and the substance that guards it, i.e. the Miasma. He is depicted as a large being in heavy stone armour, standing before a gateway blocking entrance. Rituals include the scattering of objects in random patterns, then aligning them orderly with reverence.
To the east in the Memory Empire they worship a being known as the Fallen God. Supposedly in the past he blessed their lands and led them to great victories. But an assassin turned ruler known as the Scarlet Queen traveled to his home in the north and killed him. Therefore they worship his memory and who he once was. Travelers from the east who bring their worship with them to the west will find it mocked and treated with contempt. After all, why would you prayer to a single dead god when there are four healthy, living ones who could actually do something?
Du'Rin'Lavan Tribals
An odd people originating from a land further to the north, they arrived less than two centuries ago by obliterating the Kingdom of Feldi and taking over their lands, sending refugees fleeing east. Since their invasion they have shown little wish to expand further likely due to them encountering the plague. They are a tall, bronze skinned people who shave themselves completely hairless. They ride short but wide lizards that can carry up to six people at a time. Evolutionarily failed wings provide the riders with a measure of protection. There are no hunters amongst the tribals given their recent arrival to the region however their warrior folk are quite adept at putting down any infected. Though the other Kingdoms call them tribals around half the population lives in Feldi's cities, while the rest live a nomadic lifestyle and they are all quite civilised.
The Merkath Tyranny
When the Du'Rin'Lavan invaded Feldi and destroyed it thousands fled from their advance by running east. Amongst these were hundreds of deserters who knew the rest of the army had no strength to chase after them. Captain Lovalo rallied these deserters together, along with the worst scum he could find amongst the refugees. When the King of Merkath opened the doors of his capital to the refugees they struck and took over the palace. From there it was a decade long war between the Feldi and the Merkath which resulted in the Feldi refugees taking over their once neighbours and finding a new home. There is now an obvious class system with the Feldi above the Merkath. Isolated from the other Kingdoms there are few people who leave or enter their lands but they have developed at about the same rate as the other Kingdoms.
The main thing to note about Merkath is the Order of the Flame, the Tyrant's elite soldiers. These red armoured knights, who are pure Feldi descendents, travel the lands of the mainland and are known for their skill in battle and advanced fire magic. It is rare for one to show their face and they spend most of their time encased in their armour.
Kingdom of Rief and Duchy of Vestav
The once united kingdom of Rief was split a year past when Duke Vestav declared the current king incompetent and his own independence. The country split evenly between the two sides and both realised that meant a long, protracted civil war that would not end soon. That has proven true and after a year of fighting there has been little change. Realising a miasma plague is coming and already suffering from the plagues of war a temporary ceasefire has been called yet is very fragile. The Republic believes both sides will collapse when the plague strikes and stands ready to take that opportunity.
The reason for the split was the country's slow recovery after the previous plague. Unlike other countries Hunter numbers had barely increased within the year and there were still many homeless citizens. The Duke refused to see his land so weak and decided to take matters into his own hands.
Theocracy of Kel'Zan
One of the older nations on the mainland, the priests claim their records date back to a time before the King of Chaos opened the Road. They also claim it was there that the Doctor Order was originally founded, as a way of choosing the warriors of god who would fight the chaos. Regardless of the veracity of those claims the Kel'Zan theocracy is dedicated to bringing an end to the Miasma and trains more Doctors than any other nation. It also instils a deep faith in them so they will not forget their mission.
The Kel'Zan have a gothic architecture and take great pride in their quad churches, massive structures with a sector for each of the four gods. Their priests strive to emulate the gods themselves and thus are all large, well-built people, many of them Doctors as well. Further the people have a dash of flamboyance amongst them and are known for their large, bright clothing, though obviously reds, browns and greys are unfavourable colours. Between fervent prayer and their clothing a Kel'Zanite is always obvious.
Hurudian Republic
The Hurudian Republic is less than three centuries old, yet is (possibly) the most powerful nation on the mainland. From the devastation caused by a particularly deadly plague a group of revolutionaries emerged and put the country on the road to democracy. Using what remained of the country's treasury they hired hundreds of additional hunters and trained them quickly. For the next two decades the Republic was the least affected by the plagues and rapidly rebuilt itself. And from there it began to expand, seeing its new system of governing as superior to the system of Kings and Queens. Every one of its neighbours have felt the kiss of its armies who seem to care little for the plagues, traditionally a time of peace between nations. They have even gone so far as sending infected civilians and legionaries into enemy camps to wreak havoc. Roman/Greek themed.
Kingdom of Crest Lilidan
Another old nation, it was recently one of the largest and most powerful easily rivalling the Republic. However it had become to decline in recent times and the last plague rapidly accelerated its fall. Facing an invasion from the Republic they viciously counterattacked and forced the invaders back. But the generals overextended and when the plague struck their army was mauled by the Republic's tactics. To make matters worse Meralis invaded from the south while the opportunity was there and took the southern provinces for itself. The republic claimed the eastern provinces as the Crest army retreated hurriedly. In the last two years King Pride Lilidan has been forced entrench his army around the central provinces and play defensively.
The atmosphere amongst the people is tense and the hatred for outsiders is strong. Knowing a plague is soon coming the peasants place great hope upon their hunters to bring them through it safely. Traditionally the land has bred some of the best hunters in the world, and its Hunter School boasts, truthfully, the best teachers. The nobles feel like their only hope for survival is other means.
The Barrens
A region of land close to the Island it is abandoned by all. The mere proximity to the Miasma has burned away the vegetation in the west and the east is little better. The only people who ever travel there are Chaos mages looking for a safe place to practice their art. Even they find it unhospitable and difficult to live in and abandon their 'homes' despite the privacy. Superstition keeps anyone else away.
Kingdom of Meralis
Meralis is a nation eight centuries old and always a rival of the mainland's greatest power, never the greatest itself. It is a cause of much bitterness within the ruling class. Before the last decade Crest Lilidan was its main competition. However as Crest began to decline and the Republic rose with speed it took over the top spot. Meralis has taken out part of its anger on Crest by snatching some of its provinces. Now the King sees an inevitable showdown with the Republic over the rest of Crest, and is possibly preparing to attack. This bitterness has even penetrated to the common people who see their national pride as constantly wounded. They are a competitive nation who hate to lose at anything.
Of important note are the Kingdom's Enforcers, a special group of noble funded hunters, specially trained by the military apart from the nation's Hunter School. The group was an obvious attempt to trump Crest's highly skilled Hunters without relying on external help. With Crest's fall these Enforcers are now less prized than they were a mere two years ago. The King is more interested in proving the power of his ruling system.
Kingdom of Rstan
A nondescript Kingdom in the south east, Rstan's most notable feature is its good relationship with the Memory Empire and its many trade agreements. Because Meralis and the Republic are both more interested in Crest Lilidan it has remained unaffected by their ambitions. Still, its successful economy is being turned towards preparing for the inevitable invasion. Many people from Rstan travel the world in their youth and there are a large number of traders from the nation all over the mainland. The land is covered in a network of rivers which are widely used for transportation and leisure. There isn't much to say about the kingdom except the people enjoy their quiet lives that way.[/spoili]
Centuries ago a king became aware. He opened the Road of the Gods and sampled its substance, bringing a portion back to the human world with him. This was the Miasma. The purity of the piece he took granted him unparalleled power and immunity to the debilitating effects of the chaotic magic drawn from its substance. Augmented by this strength his armies became unstoppable machines of war, at the cost of their own humanity. Halfway to conquering the known world the Gods travelled the Road themselves and emerged into the human world. Their own power obliterated his armies and they carved a path to his palace. But the King had grown too strong feeding off the chaotic magic to destroy him without risking their own lives. Instead they chained him to his throne and contained the Miasma upon his island, sacrificing his citizens for the rest of the world's safety. To this day the King remains caged and the Miasma trapped with him. Thankfully none have been able to replicate his results, though not for lack of trying. It is commonly thought amongst the ruling class that the Universities are working to reopen the Road of the Gods and claim the power of the King for themselves.
When the King of Chaos was chained to his throne and the Miasma of Chaos settled over his lands the inhabitants of the Island became the Scoured. The Scoured resemble humans except their skin is wrinkled as if dehydrated and dark red in colour. Their veins and arteries are grey and eyes a dull brown. They are weaker than human and more easily damaged, but have a deep connection to the Miasma. As far as the mainland is concerned all Scoured are mindless animals and can do little beyond shuffle around the island they are trapped upon. However, once every decade or so, a small group of Scoured may awaken to an individual purpose that grants them sentience. For most this sentience soon fades away again, as there is no escape from the Island and no way to fulfil the purpose.
The plague strikes the mainland once every one to two years and initially makes itself known as an innocent cough. It infects thousands, but the truth is the chance of being infected is quite low, therefore so is the danger of dying from it directly. The real danger comes from those who are infected. Each time the plague strikes, after a day or two, it turns the infected into some manner of monster. The last three plagues have resulted in half human half wolf beings, fleshy slugs covered in eyes, and human kraken. It is a race every plague for the hunters to develop new tactics against the latest breed. Many assume the plague is part of the Miasma as the King's island flares up with every plague, as well as the ever changing nature of the infection resembling chaos magic.
The last three plagues were wolf, slug and kraken. The wolf plague was a typical plague, average losses all around and contained relatively quickly. The slug plague was a cakewalk for the hunters. The only losses were those suffered initially when their only attack was unknown. Once the knowledge spread they were dispatched easily and there were less than one hundred Hunter deaths across the mainland. Then came the kraken plague. It was the most vicious plague in a century, and hunter losses were horrendous. Many theorised if the next plague came within a year, or had the previous plague been tougher, it would be enough to destroy some nations. Fortunately it did not, and the hunters have recovered their numbers somewhat.
Hunters are those trained to track down the beasts created by the plague and destroy them before they can kill more people. There are two types of hunters, Cutters and Doctors. Cutters use large weapons like swords and axes to kill beasts as quickly as possible. Doctors use more strategic weapons like knives and rapiers to kill the beasts with little damage so they can study them afterwards. Generally they work in groups of four, with three Cutters and a single Doctor, but it is not a rare sight to see them travelling alone.
Not all hunters work purely for the good of mankind. There are many cases of hunters who abuse their position and will kill anyone they 'suspect' of being infected. The job attracts sadists and psychopaths as often as it does noble hearted warriors. Those hungry for power can often find a quick high battling the plague.
Though anyone can technically become a Cutter there does exist a chain of Universities throughout the mainland for training Doctors. Within these universities Doctor aspires are taught the common features of all beasts and how to recognise their weaknesses and strength. Their training is very harsh and every doctor has their share of battle scars over their body. Much rarer are the Hunter Schools, of which there are only one in each country at most. Here the most promising fighters in the local militaries and Universities are trained by Master Hunters.
Weapons: Hunters worth their salt carry ironically named Chaos Weapons. These weapons can change into a different shape that increases their utility through mechanical means. There is no magic involved therefore the changes are quite limited if both shapes are to be usable. Three shape weapons do exist but are highly prized and absurdly rare. Most hunters will never see one in their life, let alone own one. Even the prestigious Hunter Schools rarely have one between all their teachers.
Magic: The magic of the mainland is quite limited due to its possible connection to the Miasma. It is rare for anyone but a hunter, who is assumed to be trained properly, to be cause openly practising it. Cutters will primarily use elemental magic to assist their fighting. Doctors use healing or 'wire' magic. The latter creates thin metal wires that can hamper or cut a fast moving, unarmoured opponent. None of the above magics are very powerful and are never a primary fighting technique. This type of magic is only taught or learned, innate magical talent does not exist.
Magic is cast mentally with small hand gestures to direct the energy. Each spell consists of a mental 'construct' that is the idea of the spell. It may be as simple as a shape for the more straightforward spells, but more intricate ones might be an entire scene. Learning how to form the constructs is a skill in itself (that you magic users will all have) that makes learning new spells easier. For people experienced in using magic forming the constructs they know is simple and can be done without much thought. Teaching spells can be tricky as the construct must be explained in enough detail for the other person to picture it clearly. A gesture, such as a pointed finger or sweeping arm, then directs the spell after release.
The most powerful form of magic is Chaos magic. Harnessing the pure essence of the Miasma allows one to unleash devastating attacks that can tear people apart or transform them into mindless beasts similar to the plague's infection. Fortunately the magic works in two directions. In order to use chaos magic a person must visit the Island and breathe the pure Miasma and infect their lungs. To us it they must bring forth the Miasma in their lungs, expel it into the air and put their will into the Chaos itself. This brief connection is enough for the Chaos to steal a person's mind if they are unprepared. Further if their body is weak the Miasma may spread to other organs when it is brought forth causing horrible damage.
The Hunters will begin in a non-descript village on the mainland, a short distance from the coast. You will all have come to the Hunting trade recently, Doctors have only recently graduated and Cutters have only fought in the previous two plagues (as Cutters) at most. The posting speed expectation is a post every 2-3 days. Go over that too much or too many times and your char might end up with 2-3 limbs :3
Unknown
[spoili]
[spoili]
There are four gods worshiped on the mainland and every nation but the tribals pays tribute to them. While the Merkath Tyranny has theoretically denounced the gods and outlawed their worship the common people have ignored the edicts and continue to pray to them. The gods are,
Laurence, the God of Law
Herenis, the God of Chaos
Delquious, the God of Life
Tennerben, the God of Death
Laurence is the most prominently worshiped god and the one people pray to to keep them safe from the plague. His already widespread worship increases when the plagues strike. Every evening the peasants will pray to him as the sun goes down for protection. He is depicted as a large being in shining golden armour wielding a flaming sword, smiting away a cloud of miasma. He lacks any real rituals because obeying the law of the country is considered worship in itself. As such criminals can be punished rather harshly for smaller crimes and are looked upon quite unfavourably by the common folk.
Delquious is the second most prominently worshiped as the giver of life. While Laurence has a specific time the peasants will go out of their way to pray to him, Delquious is more casually worshiped. Goodbyes and well wishes are done in her name and considered to impart her blessing upon the receiver. She is depicted as large woman resting in the branches of a tree and a golden aura glowing around her. Rituals include the planting of a new sapling every month.
Tennerben is less commonly worshiped, but whenever someone dies or is close to death their family and friends will pray to her. Plague victims themselves will often pray to her in the hope their end will be swift. She is depicted as a large woman in a white robe, pulling the skeleton from a body struck with the plague transformation. Rituals include placing a human bone upon the sick or dying so she can see them in the real world and prepare to welcome them in the afterlife.
Herenis is the least worshiped god and generally only in a "Please keep your chaos away" type deal. He is the creator of the Road and the substance that guards it, i.e. the Miasma. He is depicted as a large being in heavy stone armour, standing before a gateway blocking entrance. Rituals include the scattering of objects in random patterns, then aligning them orderly with reverence.
To the east in the Memory Empire they worship a being known as the Fallen God. Supposedly in the past he blessed their lands and led them to great victories. But an assassin turned ruler known as the Scarlet Queen traveled to his home in the north and killed him. Therefore they worship his memory and who he once was. Travelers from the east who bring their worship with them to the west will find it mocked and treated with contempt. After all, why would you prayer to a single dead god when there are four healthy, living ones who could actually do something?
Du'Rin'Lavan Tribals
An odd people originating from a land further to the north, they arrived less than two centuries ago by obliterating the Kingdom of Feldi and taking over their lands, sending refugees fleeing east. Since their invasion they have shown little wish to expand further likely due to them encountering the plague. They are a tall, bronze skinned people who shave themselves completely hairless. They ride short but wide lizards that can carry up to six people at a time. Evolutionarily failed wings provide the riders with a measure of protection. There are no hunters amongst the tribals given their recent arrival to the region however their warrior folk are quite adept at putting down any infected. Though the other Kingdoms call them tribals around half the population lives in Feldi's cities, while the rest live a nomadic lifestyle and they are all quite civilised.
The Merkath Tyranny
When the Du'Rin'Lavan invaded Feldi and destroyed it thousands fled from their advance by running east. Amongst these were hundreds of deserters who knew the rest of the army had no strength to chase after them. Captain Lovalo rallied these deserters together, along with the worst scum he could find amongst the refugees. When the King of Merkath opened the doors of his capital to the refugees they struck and took over the palace. From there it was a decade long war between the Feldi and the Merkath which resulted in the Feldi refugees taking over their once neighbours and finding a new home. There is now an obvious class system with the Feldi above the Merkath. Isolated from the other Kingdoms there are few people who leave or enter their lands but they have developed at about the same rate as the other Kingdoms.
The main thing to note about Merkath is the Order of the Flame, the Tyrant's elite soldiers. These red armoured knights, who are pure Feldi descendents, travel the lands of the mainland and are known for their skill in battle and advanced fire magic. It is rare for one to show their face and they spend most of their time encased in their armour.
Kingdom of Rief and Duchy of Vestav
The once united kingdom of Rief was split a year past when Duke Vestav declared the current king incompetent and his own independence. The country split evenly between the two sides and both realised that meant a long, protracted civil war that would not end soon. That has proven true and after a year of fighting there has been little change. Realising a miasma plague is coming and already suffering from the plagues of war a temporary ceasefire has been called yet is very fragile. The Republic believes both sides will collapse when the plague strikes and stands ready to take that opportunity.
The reason for the split was the country's slow recovery after the previous plague. Unlike other countries Hunter numbers had barely increased within the year and there were still many homeless citizens. The Duke refused to see his land so weak and decided to take matters into his own hands.
Theocracy of Kel'Zan
One of the older nations on the mainland, the priests claim their records date back to a time before the King of Chaos opened the Road. They also claim it was there that the Doctor Order was originally founded, as a way of choosing the warriors of god who would fight the chaos. Regardless of the veracity of those claims the Kel'Zan theocracy is dedicated to bringing an end to the Miasma and trains more Doctors than any other nation. It also instils a deep faith in them so they will not forget their mission.
The Kel'Zan have a gothic architecture and take great pride in their quad churches, massive structures with a sector for each of the four gods. Their priests strive to emulate the gods themselves and thus are all large, well-built people, many of them Doctors as well. Further the people have a dash of flamboyance amongst them and are known for their large, bright clothing, though obviously reds, browns and greys are unfavourable colours. Between fervent prayer and their clothing a Kel'Zanite is always obvious.
Hurudian Republic
The Hurudian Republic is less than three centuries old, yet is (possibly) the most powerful nation on the mainland. From the devastation caused by a particularly deadly plague a group of revolutionaries emerged and put the country on the road to democracy. Using what remained of the country's treasury they hired hundreds of additional hunters and trained them quickly. For the next two decades the Republic was the least affected by the plagues and rapidly rebuilt itself. And from there it began to expand, seeing its new system of governing as superior to the system of Kings and Queens. Every one of its neighbours have felt the kiss of its armies who seem to care little for the plagues, traditionally a time of peace between nations. They have even gone so far as sending infected civilians and legionaries into enemy camps to wreak havoc. Roman/Greek themed.
Kingdom of Crest Lilidan
Another old nation, it was recently one of the largest and most powerful easily rivalling the Republic. However it had become to decline in recent times and the last plague rapidly accelerated its fall. Facing an invasion from the Republic they viciously counterattacked and forced the invaders back. But the generals overextended and when the plague struck their army was mauled by the Republic's tactics. To make matters worse Meralis invaded from the south while the opportunity was there and took the southern provinces for itself. The republic claimed the eastern provinces as the Crest army retreated hurriedly. In the last two years King Pride Lilidan has been forced entrench his army around the central provinces and play defensively.
The atmosphere amongst the people is tense and the hatred for outsiders is strong. Knowing a plague is soon coming the peasants place great hope upon their hunters to bring them through it safely. Traditionally the land has bred some of the best hunters in the world, and its Hunter School boasts, truthfully, the best teachers. The nobles feel like their only hope for survival is other means.
The Barrens
A region of land close to the Island it is abandoned by all. The mere proximity to the Miasma has burned away the vegetation in the west and the east is little better. The only people who ever travel there are Chaos mages looking for a safe place to practice their art. Even they find it unhospitable and difficult to live in and abandon their 'homes' despite the privacy. Superstition keeps anyone else away.
Kingdom of Meralis
Meralis is a nation eight centuries old and always a rival of the mainland's greatest power, never the greatest itself. It is a cause of much bitterness within the ruling class. Before the last decade Crest Lilidan was its main competition. However as Crest began to decline and the Republic rose with speed it took over the top spot. Meralis has taken out part of its anger on Crest by snatching some of its provinces. Now the King sees an inevitable showdown with the Republic over the rest of Crest, and is possibly preparing to attack. This bitterness has even penetrated to the common people who see their national pride as constantly wounded. They are a competitive nation who hate to lose at anything.
Of important note are the Kingdom's Enforcers, a special group of noble funded hunters, specially trained by the military apart from the nation's Hunter School. The group was an obvious attempt to trump Crest's highly skilled Hunters without relying on external help. With Crest's fall these Enforcers are now less prized than they were a mere two years ago. The King is more interested in proving the power of his ruling system.
Kingdom of Rstan
A nondescript Kingdom in the south east, Rstan's most notable feature is its good relationship with the Memory Empire and its many trade agreements. Because Meralis and the Republic are both more interested in Crest Lilidan it has remained unaffected by their ambitions. Still, its successful economy is being turned towards preparing for the inevitable invasion. Many people from Rstan travel the world in their youth and there are a large number of traders from the nation all over the mainland. The land is covered in a network of rivers which are widely used for transportation and leisure. There isn't much to say about the kingdom except the people enjoy their quiet lives that way.[/spoili]
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Age:
Gender:
Appearance
Picture and/or description.
Personality: At least one paragraph
Bio: At least two paragraphs
Class:
Chaos Weapon: You may start with one two shape chaos weapon. You can bend reality a bit in terms of the mechanical transformation, but it must still be believable.
Armour: Most hunters prefer leathers and speed over plate but you can use whatever you wish
Magic: Elemental - Element/Healing/Wire/None (Keep the applicable ones)
Other Equipment:
Trivia: Anything else important
