Ƭħɛ Đɛςɛɱⱴίɾ ℭɛȴαƅɾαϯίσɳ - a medieval fantasy rp
Dec 7, 2016 22:23:03 GMT -5
~Skyblaze~, Percival de Rolo III, and 3 more like this
Post by Aphelyon on Dec 7, 2016 22:23:03 GMT -5
You Are Invited
280 years ago, a great war that swept across the continent of Trenuin, one which drew in every kingdom on the continent into its bloodshed. The war, now known as the Decemvir, lasted ten years and cost hundreds of thousands- perhaps even millions- of lives. After peace was made, the Decemvir Celebration was established to keep and celebrate peace on the continent, a festival to be held every ten years, and which would span the entire continent for several months. While the Decemvir Celebration is enjoyed in every kingdom regardless of a person's location or prestige, a different kingdom is chosen every ten years to host the epicenter of the festivities, where the reigning nobles will go to enjoy most of the summer. While this time is primarily for the enjoyment of peace and prosperity, it is also a time when the leaders of each kingdom come together to make deals and review alliances, to settle disputes or- sometimes- to create them.
It is a great honor for a country to be chosen to host the Decemvir Celebration, as it is a symbol of the respect that they hold among the other kingdoms in Trenuin. It is also economically important, as it attracts not only the nobles from the other kingdoms, but practically anyone who can afford to travel. Entire districts of wagons and tents and other temporary buildings are often established in the wilderness around major cities, sometimes stretching for miles, to accommodate the influx of people from all over the continent. The Celebration is held throughout the summer and spans 109 days, beginning on the day that the war first began- May 28- and ending on the day the Red Heart Accords were signed- September 14. Within the celebration are many smaller festivals taking place each day, week, or even month. Some festivities are held every year, while others are reflective of the kingdom and times where the current Celebration is taking place.
This year, the Decemvir Celebration is being held by the northern kingdom of Dreisten, making it rather fortunate that the Celebration is held in summer. While there has not been any major bloodshed in Trenuin for the past 39 years- besides a few minor scuffles between kingdoms- there are whispers again of war on the horizon. Therefore, this Celebration is especially integral, as it may ensure the continuation of peace, or the declaration of war. Where will you be?
About the Roleplay
This is a medieval fantasy themed roleplay, so the style will be somewhere between medieval and Renaissance. Trenuin, the continent that this takes place on, is modeled more-or-less after Europe, and so most kingdoms will be of a more European style. However, because this is fantasy, you make take inspiration from wherever you choose.
This roleplay does not have magic; not overtly at least. Magic may very well exist in the world, but no more is known of it than half-believed fairy tales and fortune tellers whose prophecies may or may not come true. This is a mostly realistic roleplay with some fantasy elements, taking place in a made-up world.
As for you yourself, you may play whoever you like: a noble from a far-off kingdom; an orphaned child stealing to eat; an affluent businessman from the city; a poor shepherd from the mountains. You may be from whatever kingdom you choose- one that has been preestablished, or one you make up yourself- so long as your character has an adequate reason and means to be here. People are pretty realistic in style, so nothing too anime or fantasy. However, you may have mild fantasy-style "mutations" for your character. For example, people from your kingdom may be known for their pointed ears or unusual yellow eyes or silver hair. However, they may not have major fantasy mutations such as plant or animal parts, unnaturally-colored skin (besides unnaturally light or dark), or anything that would suggest they're anything other than human. You may not have hair or eye colors that cannot exist naturally- if you've never seen a mammal with that color, you can't have it. So, no blue hair or purple eyes, sorry. Also, remember this is medieval times, so life spans are not all that long, and the lower your character's social class and quality of life, the lower their lifespan will be- so the poorest peasants and beggars would be lucky to live into their 40s or 50s, while affluent nobles in wealthy kingdoms may be able to live into their 70s or 80s if they're lucky. Of course, I doubt this will be much of a problem as I expect most people will play younger characters, but it's worth mentioning nonetheless.
As for the kingdoms, like was mentioned above, most will be of a more European, medieval or Renaissance style. However, you may take inspiration from wherever you like. Still, unless your character has traveled from another continent- which is highly unlikely- your kingdom will have a basis in medieval Europe. There is currently no set limit on how many kingdoms there can be, but keep in mind that there can only be so many, and so if your character would fit well into a preestablished kingdom, just join that one instead of making up your own. For the most part you don't have to ask the creator of the kingdom if you can join it; however, if they ask you to change your character because it doesn't fit their idea of the kingdom, or ask you to choose a different kingdom, please comply. On the flip side, please don't be overly critical of others who would like to join your kingdom. Please keep an open mind and allow to expand beyond what you had originally envisioned. The exception to not having to ask is if you want to be a prominent part of the other person's kingdom, such as a noble or a very influential business owner.
About Dreisten
Dreisten is the kingdom that is hosting this year's Decemvir Celebration. It is a cold kingdom located far in the north, on a peninsula separated from most other kingdoms, surrounded on three sides by water and sharing its only border with the kingdom Asmenia to its north and east. It is well known for its mountains and tundras, as well as the vast ice fields formed in the winter over the gulf that separates it from most of the rest of Trenuin. Due to being surrounded by water, one might think that Dreisten therefore would be a sea-based kingdom, but this is not the case. The kingdom is surprisingly agricultural, though it primarily herds and ranches, as opposed to growing crops. Its inhabitants tend to migrate because of their herds, and so there are few major, permanent cities in Dreisten. In the winter, many people travel to different kingdoms to sell their wares, often traveling on dog sled across the frozen gulf to the kingdoms it connects with. Others tend to either hole up in the cities or spend the winters working in the mountain mines. Because of this, ores and gems are far more abundant in Dreisten than other kingdoms, and even many peasants have items made with semi-precious stones and metals. "Wintercraft" items from Dreisten also tend to be fairly valuable, due to the fact that entire families will generally spend the entire winter working on one or two items, which they often sell in the spring. Each item, therefore, is entirely unique and made with the utmost care.
People from Dreisten are known to be hardy and strong, as well as able warriors. Due to the fact that it is in the open with few geographical defenses and no nearby allies, the entire shore and border of Dreisten is heavily fortified. This, and the prevalence of predators in the mountains and tundra who will prey on travelers, ranches, and their herds, nearly every citizen, male or female, trains with some kind of weapon from a young age. Many people also keep large dogs with them, which serve many purposes- including protection, warmth, labor, and companionship, among others- and to which people are often very attached, to the degree that their dogs are almost like family. The Dreisi people tend to live in the moment and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, and try to resolve problems quickly and not hold grudges. After all, a harsh winter or precarious stone or particularly vicious wolf could take their life at any time and it would be a shame to have wasted it lingering on petty things. Physically, Dreisi are notable for their pale appearance, with light hair of blondes, light reds, and even white or silver, as well as very pale eyes and skin so light that it is sometimes pure white. The Dreisi look as though they came from the snow itself, something many foreigners find exotic and sometimes disconcerting.
For the past 104 years, Dreisten has been ruled by the Mistmane family. The current rulers are King Nothri and his wife Queen Asa, and their three children Prince Calin, Prince Arun, and Princess Ivona. The kingdom is ruled from the city of Atrosk, which straddles the wide, shallow, and rocky Whitespring River. Atrosk is surrounded by open tundra for miles, which is for the most part used for public herding lands. For the Celebration, however, much of the countryside around Atrosk has been set aside for visitors to rent for a small fee. The white-capped mountains are visible in the distance. The city itself is surrounded by a low wall, which is mostly intended to keep wolves, bears, and other unwanted wildlife out of the city. The buildings are mostly stone, much of it from the mountains, and some from the river. The buildings tend to be low to the ground to conserve heat, and most consist of many small rooms as opposed to airy and spacious ones. Practically every room has some kind of heat source- if not a fireplace, then a small furnace, or a lamp meant for producing heat as well as light. Around the city are many large, well-insulated barns and stables to house the animals shepherds bring to the city in the winter. As if to counter the rather cramped interiors of the buildings, however, the streets are wide and open to the sky, many lined with grass and occasional trees, mostly evergreens. A few small streams run through the city to join the Whitespring River at its center.
Nobles from other kingdoms who are coming for the Celebration will be housed at the castle, Crystalhorn Keep. The castle resides at the center of the city, with a wide courtyard and a few watchtowers. Most of the castle is actually underground, though, for the sake of keeping warm. Others who come to the city must find their own housing- perhaps renting a room from an inn, or a family living in the city. If you're very short on money, you may be able to find a spot to pitch a tent outside the city, or to rent a bed from someone who did.
Currently, it is still pretty cold in Dreisten, though the late spring sun is warm and beginning to chase away the worst chill. Still, the nights are very cold. Snow still lingers, though it's not all that deep and as it rarely snows, most of it is now churned, dirty, and sludgy. At night, everything frosts over and the edges of the river freeze over with a thin layer of ice. As the world warms and the kingdom prepares for the Decemvir Celebration, people are emerging from their winter retreats and setting up for the festivities by preparing rooms to rent out and booths to set up. Tents and caravans are starting to settle into the land outside the city walls, and guards and soldiers are being called from other cities to help defend those outside of the protection of the city wall. The Decemvir Celebration is about to begin.
The Celebration
Below is a list of the festivals and other activities that will occur during the Decemvir Celebration. Italicized festivals have already passed. Bold festivals are currently happening. Regular-text festivals have yet to begin.
Current Date: May 23
The Redsoil Games - May 28
An open-to-all sword-fighting competition using leather-padded practice swords and basic leather armor. Marks the opening of the Celebration and reflects on the beginning of the Decemvir.
Candledark Festival - June 1
A traditional Dreisi holiday effectively marking the end of winter. Symbolizing the extinguishing of hearth fires, as they are no longer needed for heat in the summer. The tradition is for each person to blow out a candle and make a goal for that year (similar to a New Year's resolution).
Dragon Masquerade - June 4
A Decemvir Celebration tradition where people dress up in costumes. At dusk, a parade dragon is marched down the main street of the Celebration's host city.
First Year Feast - June 8
The day celebrating the passage of the first year of the Decemvir War. It is considered the "day of alliances," and is a day where friends and families will get together to have a feast. Traditionally, it is also a day to make meaningful pacts with people, and so many marriages are proposed on this day of the Celebration. Other deals are also made, just as business pacts or even just simple promises.
The Flower Gala - June 12
A Dreisi holiday that is a celebration of life and growth. This is around the time of year that many livestock animals are born, as well as when the tundra is in full bloom. It is traditional to present loved ones with a flower crown or bouquet, regardless of gender.
Second Year Revelry - June 19
The day celebrating the passage of the second year of the Decemvir War. On this day, friends leave secret gifts for each other- often joke gifts- and try to figure out who the giver is. If you are discovered, you "lose."
Festival of Fallen Stars - June 24-July 1
A week-long festival that is celebrated all across Trenuin. It is a reflective holiday, meant to celebrate the past and one's ancestors. Each family and kingdom has its own Fallen Stars traditions, but it's nearly universally marked by grave-visiting, as well as the passing down of family heirlooms where applicable. During this Celebration, each night will be marked by a fire show and a telling of epics from different kingdoms' histories.
Third Year Ceremony - June 29
The day celebrating the passage of the third year of the Decemvir War. It is a day where secrets are unveiled, from small personal secrets to conspiracies to deep, dark secrets. Many married couples "celebrate" by telling their spouse anything they might have been hiding from them.... children usually celebrate by playing some variation of "never have I ever." It's also a good day for telling your friend that you were the one that left that silly gift for them during the Second Year Revelry.
Fourth Year Tribute - July 10
The day celebrating the passage of the fourth year of the Decemvir War. It is marked by games such as jousting, sword fighting, archery, and other such combat-type contests, which go on for ten days.
Fifth Year Observance - July 21
The day celebrating the passage of the fifth year of the Decemvir War. The tradition for this day is to fast for the entire 24-hour period.
Day of the Emperor - July 26
This is a day celebrating change, and in particular a change in leadership. It is traditional for changes in leadership to take place on this day: the coronation of a new monarch, for example, or the passing down of a business or title from parent to child. More commonly, though, people give each other small but meaningful gifts.
Sixth Year Festival -August 6
The day celebrating the passage of the sixth year of the Decemvir War.
Dreisten Law
(these are rules that may be broken, obviously with in-character repercussions)
- Murder, stealing, and those obvious things are, of course, illegal. -
- Killing or injuring people and animals in self-defense is legal. -
- Killing in an honorable, fair, and agreed-upon duel is legal. -
- It is illegal to kill or injure an animal without reason. This includes pets and livestock. Animals may only be killed in self-defense, to put them out of their misery, or for meat, fur, or other animal products. -
- Animals must not be mistreated. This includes hurting, starving, or neglecting them. Mistreated animals will be taken away and owners will not be allowed to keep animals for 10 years. -
- If a dog attacks another person or animal without a reason- such as the defense of itself or its owner- more than twice, it is taken away from its owner. If it cannot be taught to behave, it is put down. -
- If an owner has more than three dogs taken away, they may not keep another dog for 10 years. -
- Bears, full-blood wolves, mountain lions, and other exotic predators are not allowed within the city limits, even as pets, without a permit. -
- Putting waste of any kind in the river is illegal. -
- Disruption of the public peace- public intoxication, nudity, brawling, or excessive noise- may be fined. -
- Horses and other animals may not be ridden within city limits, except on the main street. -
- Brawling in private places- taverns, homes, etc.- is legal as long as any wounds given heal entirely within nine days. IE, bruises and small scratches are fine but broken bones and other major injuries are not. -
- Children under ten years old are not to leave the city walls without an able adult. -
Roleplay Rules
(these are not to be broken and may result in a warning or even expulsion from the roleplay)
- Obviously, follow all the forum rules and ghost rules, which I shouldn't need to reiterate here. -
- No flaming, bashing, trolling, spotlighting, powerplaying, godmodding, etc. -
- No mary sues/"perfect"characters. Your character is almost never going to be the absolute best in the land at anything. Being very good at some things (not everything), however, is entirely acceptable. Your character will be bad at some things. They will have some flaws. They will lose sometimes. They're human. Similarly, though, please don't make your character so awful that they have no good aspects and are mopey and depressed and annoyingly flawed. Give them some space to develop and improve, but also let them develop and improve. -
- As always, keep things pg. So, no excessively graphic violence, language, or other inappropriateness. If you desire any of these things please take it to PM where it is legally out of my control. -
- Please try to be literate and original. Make your characters and their actions unique and meaningful rather than making them a cookie cutter with nothing personal going for them. Contribute to the plot and roleplay in a meaningful way that is enjoyable for everyone. Use good grammar, spelling, etc. At the same time, please don't write a novel every post. If you try to make things too long and complicated it gets boring and tedious. Find that comfortable middle where it's entertaining for you to write and entertaining for us to read. -
- As discussed in a previous section, keep your characters realistic. Being fantasy, they don't have to be completely, 100% realistic, but keep it within the realm of possibility. This also goes for behavior; keep your character's personality, backstory, and all that other stuff consistent and believable. Don't make their reactions wildly arbitrary- everyone has motives for what they do. This also goes for things like roleplay events. When your character attempts to do something, sometimes they'll fail. That's just how it is. You're character can't always be awesome and win at everything. It's not realistic. At the same time, don't make everything always completely awful for your character where they're always miserable and nothing good happens to them. That's just sad. -
- If you are gone for more than two weeks without prior warning, you will be suspended and your characters moved to the "inactive" slot. If you are gone for two weeks after this, your characters will be entirely removed. If you have any ranks- such as a noble of a kingdom or something- then that rank will be available for other people to fill. -
- I reserve the right to reject or remove people who are not literate enough, who do not contribute well to the roleplay, who are not active, who do not keep in the spirit of the roleplay, or who do not adequately follow the above rules. -
News
In-Character
-
Out-of-Character
12-7-2016 - This roleplay is created and open for joining.
Environmental Info
Season
Late Spring
Weather
Cold but clear. The breeze is freezing but the sun is warm.
Date
May 23
Links
N/A ATM
Kingdoms Summary
Dreisten
Nobles: King Nothri Mistmane - Queen Asa Mistmane - Prince Calin Mistmane - Prince Arun Mistmane - Princess Ivona Mistmane
Citizens: Asni Snowweaver - Tara Snowweaver - Melyssa Kovács - Holald Blackthorne
Pets: Agnar - Bane
Asmenia
Nobles: Duchess Calisto Eirene Pherenike
Citizens: -
Pets: -
Shadar
Nobles: -
Citizens: -
Pets: -
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