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Post by Starchaser on May 15, 2020 22:19:10 GMT -5
Blood of the Lost Ones
[ Discussion Page | Lore Page | Character Page ]
An ancient curse,
A deal long forgotten,
Promises written in verse,
To prevent a future broken.
By blood bound,
Through flame or famine,
The chosen shall be found,
In a world war-driven.
A price must be paid,
A final sacrifice made,
Old sins to rest laid,
Or all of life will be flayed. |
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Post by Starchaser on May 15, 2020 22:21:28 GMT -5
⊰ Introduction ⊱
In all the years Naessia has been around, it has yet to have known true peace.
Before there was power over magic, the land and all its inhabitants were forced to abide by the laws of nature. Once magic became a viable source of power, there was fighting between its users, each claiming their way was the best and most powerful.
Over the years, this led to the establishment of the five magic types and their subsequent Families. As the battles became more vitriolic, some began to seek ways towards peace. In the end, it only led to more destruction and bloodshed, and the creation of a terrible curse.
However, hope still exists. The original peacemakers of each family set out to find a cure for their world, creating a prophecy that one day their descendants would be able to end the cycle and save their world. Every few centuries, this prophecy comes around again and chooses a descendant from each of the old families. Thus far, none have been successful.
After 1000 years of relative peace, the prophecy has appeared once again. For the first time in generations, a chosen one has appeared in each of the Families. With the legend all but forgotten, these so-called chosen ones are uncertain of their true purpose, and hesitant to ally themselves with those who are supposed to be their enemies. However, as they will soon discover, things are rarely as they seem.
Will they be able to bond together and save their land, or will they fall victim to the same mistakes of their predecessors?
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Post by Starchaser on May 15, 2020 22:25:24 GMT -5
➺ About
This roleplay takes place in a magical fantasy world called Naessia, in which five different groups known as Families live. Each Family uses a specific type of magic and may contain several different species.
For many years before the Empire of Veuxdelys was established, the Families kept to themselves and were hostile towards the others at best, with battles and bloodshed being frequent occurrences. Over time, the conflict between the Families escalated in full-blown war between all of them, a long and harrowing event known as the Great Wars. It was during this period that one member from each of the Families attempted to make peace with the others, although they failed in the end. Or so the story goes.
The basic premise of this roleplay is that the world is cursed and slowly falling apart due to the consequences of a worldwide disaster known as the Cataclysm. A prophecy was created by those responsible for the curse, which foretells that one descendant from each member of the original group will break the curse and bring peace to the land.
Every few centuries or so, the curse rises again and brings a new reign of terror upon the land, while the prophecy chooses its new members. Up to the present point, none of the groups have been successful in fulfilling the prophecy.
Now, after 1000 years of tentative peace, the world is once again falling into chaos. The new chosen have begun having dreams that usher them on their new quest.
Rules ⬶
Alright, most people know what's expected of them at this point, so I'll keep it brief.
I. forum rules. It goes without saying that the general forum rules also apply to this roleplay.
II. activity. As we all have lives offline, I don't expect you to be on constantly, and tend to be flexible about activity. However, given that this is a small group RP, it is especially important that members try to remain active.
III. characters. You may only claim one main character, though feel free to create a few on the side, if you so desire. The plot, however, focuses most prominently on the five members of the prophecy. Additionally, keep your characters realistic in accordance with their species. The members of the prophecy are more powerful than the average member of their Family, but they are not invincible or all-powerful by any means.
IV. advanced. This is a somewhat advanced roleplay and generally expected that replies will be grammatically legible and a few paragraphs in length. There is no strict word requirement, but you should try to match the post lengths of others, for everyone's enjoyment. ➺ Joining
[ Joining is closed ]
Name • Gender • Age • Family: Species
Physical description, personality, abilities, etc. here. Feel free to be as descriptive as you like.
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Post by Starchaser on May 15, 2020 22:27:32 GMT -5
Setting ⬶
The world is similar in size and composition to earth. It is believed that there are four continents, though only one is known to be inhabited after the events of the Cataclysm.
Naessia is the largest of them, roughly equal to Eurasia in size, and is also home to the largest (and only) known group of survivors. Very little of the land is actually inhabited, however, due in large part to the increasing instability and danger across the land. The only permanently habitable place left in the world is an area of land controlled by the Empire of Veuxdelys.
The Empire of Veuxdelys is made up of five territories that each belong to a Family. The entire empire is surrounded by a magical shroud maintained by Mages and Heavenlys, meant to protect the empire from the horrors of the outside world. It's mostly successful, though there are occasional breaches and weak spots. Outposts have been established across the nations to protect the Empire's interior.
Heavenly Empire
• Capital: Cloudhelm • Current Leader(s): The Inner Council of the Three Siblings • Notable Groups: ○ The Caelums • Notable Locations: ○ Aviamore ○ Celes • International Relations: ○ Good: Mages ○ Neutral: Shifters, Elementals ○ Poor: Infernals • Rolling, wide open tundra and and soaring mountains make up the Heavenly home. Heavenly territory occupies a peninsula leading out to open sea. • Due to their ability of flight and use of Lux, Heavenlys reside in floating islands high above their territory. Most live in one of the three large, interconnected cities: the capital, Cloudhelm; Aviamore; or Celes. However, there are smaller towns and villages.
• The islands, by contrast with their natural climate, may have more mild temperatures and flora normally not found at such an altitude. • A limited number of permanent on-ground settlements exist.
• They share a border with Shifters and Mages.
Infernal Lands
• Capital: The Burning City (Infernals); The Capital (Vampires)
• Current Leader(s): Infernal Demarchy (most Infernals); the Elder Fae Courts (Fae), The Council (Vampires) • Notable Groups: ○ Antier Coven ○ Antlers Coven ○ The Dawn Throne ○ The Noon Throne ○ The Twilight Throne ○ The Midnight Throne • International Relations: ○ Good: Elementals ○ Neutral: Mages ○ Poor: Heavenlys, Shifters (mainly vampires to werewolves and vice versa) • The Infernal territory is rather wild and variable. To the north lie mainly dense, sprawling evergreen forests. To the south, rolling plains and a scorching desert. The middle is split by a mountain chain known as the Ridge.
Elemental Domain
• Capital: River Pass
• Current Leader(s): Fire Commander, Water Ambassador, Earth Chancellor, Air Priestess • Notable Groups: ○ The Talises ○ The Drakes • Notable Locations: ○ Oak Burroughs ○ Shade's Mire • International Relations: ○ Good: Shifters ○ Neutral: Infernals, Heavenlys ○ Poor: Mages • Lots of variable wilderness. Forests, swamps, mountains, plains, deserts, etc. • Dotted with small towns and villages. Not many large settlements to speak of.
Shifter Territory
• Capital: Rafe's Keep
• Leaders: Alinsky Alphas • Notable Groups: ○ First Pack (Alinsky Pack)
○ Terric Pack
○ Audra Pack • International Relations: ○ Good: Elementals ○ Neutral: Heavenlys, Infernals (most species), Mages ○ Poor: Infernals (Vampires only) • A massive wilderness comprised of open plains, dense forests, and mountainous areas. In the far North it remains constantly cold and snowy.
Mage Nation
• Capital: Dawncrest
• Leaders: The High Council • Notable Groups: ○ House Lancaster ○ House Salix ○ House Morgana ○ House Ouranos • International Relations: ○ Good: Heavenlys ○ Neutral: Infernals, Shifters ○ Poor: Elementals • One of the smaller territories, primarily comprised of temperate grasslands and smaller forests. Mostly some towns, a few cities.
Sanctum
• A neutral territory on an island towards the center of the five nations, where all of the Families can gather in peace.
• Despite its status as more of a transient city than a home, there are permanent residencies here. This includes some inter-Family relationships. Others may be diplomats, politicians, or other government workers. • Individuals usually come here to trade or seeking services only the other Families have the powers to do.
• Sanctum has a bit of a reputation as a haven for criminals and vagrants. It isn't entirely uncommon for individuals who have broken laws of their home nation, or are otherwise shunned by their homes, to hide or reside here. This includes rogue or exiled shifters, fae outside the courts, low-magic mages, and even the rare bondless vampire. Unless they have also broken a Veuxdelian law, many considered criminals in other territories are effectively untouchable in Sanctum.
Beyond
Not much is known about what lies outside of Veuxdelys' territory, although there have been a handful of expeditions and there are historical documents from before the Great Wars. The world outside is dangerous due to volatile magic and a strange force that seems to be destroying it. This also results in magical mutations and natural disasters, among other dangers. |
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Post by Starchaser on May 15, 2020 23:16:04 GMT -5
➺ History
Thousands of years ago, Naessia was a wild, untamed land, though not unlike the earth we know. However, Naessia has one main difference: it possesses magic. This powerful force was integral in transforming Naessia into the world it is today. The most advanced creatures that inhabited this world at the time, mundane humanoid beings, were still forced to abide by the laws of nature, and consequently, magic. It wasn't until they began to study magic that things changed.
Over time, these people began to learn how to utilize and manipulate the magical forces around them in beneficial ways. This allowed them to alter and improve the world to meet their needs. Certain individuals naturally gravitated towards specific types of magic, focusing their energy and skill solely on their chosen aspect.
Groups began to coalesce based on their chosen form of magic, which eventually led to these individuals developing traits specific to their magic form. Often, these traits were both the advantageous results of using magic and also ways in which to more efficiently utilize them. Eventually, the five main Families were born: Shifters, Elementals, Heavenlys, Infernals, and Mages.
Inevitably, there was tension and fighting between the different Families. Each thought they were the best at using magic, and thus most entitled to the land's resources. Battles between families broke out over rights to territory, different beliefs, or even out of pure distrust and fear. Before too long, the families were locked into a massive all-out war with each other. However, there were some who disagreed with their Families' choices.
The first connection between families was forged when a member of the Heavenlys couldn't bring themselves to finish off a wounded Infernal during a battle. When they let their enemy flee, they changed the course of Naessia's history forever. One day, the two ran into each other again, this time agreeing to start meeting each other in secret.
Over time, they got to know each other and began to grow close, wondering why their Families must be at constant war. They eventually meet others disillusioned by their ancestors' war; those who longed for peace and not prosperity. This group, one member from each of the families, set out to find a way to end the war and bring their warrior families together. However, such and undertaking was more difficult than they had anticipated.
Years of failed opportunities and false hopes began to discourage some. Some of the friends became convinced their plan would never work and they should just give up. Tensions and hostility grew between the previously inseparable group as the conflict escalated into all out war.
A brutal battle between the Shifters and Infernals led to the death of one member's close friend, leading to further anger. Eventually, the group began to break apart, rifts forming between them as a result of the war raging between their Families.
As a last resort, the Mage of the group attempted to find a way to rebind the magic types, so that all Families would be connected again, but deep down they knew such a plan would never work. Even so, they convinced their past friends to help them go through with it. In the end, all they were able to do was cause a much worse problem.
In their attempt to connect the families, the group accidentally brought about a strange new magic that was highly unstable and uncontrollable. This powerful force razed the land and destroyed anything in its path, only growing in strength over time.
In a strange, twisted way, this plan did bring the group together once again, and forced the Families to set aside their differences as they now faced a greater threat. As the friends once again desperately worked towards a resolution, it became apparent there was no easy fix, certainly not one they would find in their lifetimes.
Thus, they all created a prophecy, one that foretold that descendants from each of them would one day end the threat and bring peace to the land. This has yet to come to pass.
At least, that is the story those who remain know.
The prophecy was what held the fragile alliance between the Families together for many years. With much of the world no longer safe, the Families are relegated to maintaining tentative alliances with each other as they attempt to fix what's plaguing their world. However, skirmishes were still common, and many don't trust their neighbors.
Years later, the Empire's origin has mostly faded from memory. There are still those who remember, but the story will be different depending on who one asks. Some see it as only a cautionary tale of what would happen should the Families let hate run rampant, while others revere it as myth, or a mere false hope meant to provide some comfort over the world's state.
One thing is for certain, no matter how it transpired, the Cataclysm has irrevocably changed the world and may still yet lead to its doom.
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Post by Starchaser on May 15, 2020 23:16:35 GMT -5
Magic ⬶
In the world of Naessia, magic is simply another force. Like gravity, it is invisible, but very powerful. Magic flows throughout the world in currents known as flux, as well as in living creatures and inanimate objects. Magic once operated primarily as a natural phenomenon: ever-present and uncontrollable. However, certain individuals began to study magic and learn how to manipulate it. Over time, the majority of sentient creatures were able to effectively use magic for a variety of things. Five main groups of magic were identified, though each has potentially thousands of uses.
Originally, magical types were much more interconnected, but as individuals began gravitating towards certain magic types, they learned to cultivate specific areas of magic. This would sometimes lead to conflict between different magic users and eventually caused rifts between them. As groups from the same magic type came together, this gradually led to magic becoming more concentrated in those groups. These groups were able to tap deeper into the potential of their specific magic type and even developed traits to better utilize them.
Belua
• The magic of the "self."
• An internally-based magic that flows through all living creatures. Users of Belua have learned to tap into the full potential of their internal magic reservoirs and use it to alter their physiological processes. As a result, users have enhanced physical abilities such as: senses, stamina, speed, etc. This often gives Belua users a far better physical prowess than the other families. These users also have the power to temporarily transform themselves into other creatures, including animals and other powerful forms.
• Because belua is so closely connected to one's body, it can be dangerous to manipulate in certain ways. If too reckless, Belua users may accidentally upset their body's functions and balance, leading to a host of issues.
• Associated with the Shifter family.
Vis
• The magic of nature.
• This magic is found throughout the world and imbued in inanimate objects, as well as what powers natural forces and phenomena. Users of this magic can channel and manipulate different elements. There are five main ways in which this power manifests.
• While Vis users can improve the environment, both for themselves and nature, they must be careful when attempting difficult or unknown practices. Improper utilization or overuse of Vis magic has a high potential of disrupting nature's delicate balance, potentially even leading to natural disasters or extinction of certain species.
• Associated with the Elemental family.
Lux
• The magic of the aether.
• This is a somewhat obscure, difficult to understand magic. Users of Lux are able to manipulate a mysterious form of energy that appears much like light. Healing powers are often associated with this magic, thus seeming to indicate that lux is an integral force to life. Additionally, Lux magic is related to the mystical or unknown, with some Lux users being able to divine knowledge or predict future events.
• As it is closely tied with balance and life, users of Lux magic must be wary of how they use it. Throwing caution to the wind has been known to cause many issues in the past.
• Associated with the Heavenly family.
Stygian
• The magic of chaos.
• Often thought of as the opposite of Lux magic. This magic is also rather difficult to understand and typically involves the manipulation of a strange dark energy, as well as often being associated with death and destruction. It seems that users of this magic suffer detrimental side effects from controlling this unusual force, thus many can drain the magic from other families in variable ways to replenish themselves. Some believe Stygian magic is the culmination of all other magics sources or what happens when there is too much magic in an area, leading to an instability. In essence, a black hole.
• Overuse of Stygian magic can have devastating effects on the psyche, eventually "corrupting" the user. This phenomenon is poorly understood, but seems to involve biological alteration in the user, eventually leading the, to be consumed entirely, becoming pure Stygian magic. This process can be reversed if caught early enough, but is incredibly difficult and often requires intense magical management.
• Associated with the Infernal family.
Anima
• Pure magic.
• Users are directly bonded with magic and thus can manipulate it in the rawest form. This magic thus depends much more on the user's individual ability and prowess rather than being passed down through bloodlines. This magic tends to manifest in highly variable, unstable ways. Considered the most difficult and dangerous magic to work with. Anima requires much more energy than other magic types in order to wield it, hence why most users' spells have small effects. Spells are completely unique to each user, much like fingerprints.
• Given its inherent instability, Anima magic has both limitless potential, but also great danger. Backfiring is not uncommon, which can cause major problems for both user and others. These effects are also difficult to predict, making Anima magic a volatile force.
• Associated with the Mage family.
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Post by Starchaser on May 15, 2020 23:17:08 GMT -5
➺ Families
The Shifters
• Main Family: The Werewolves
• Appear entirely humanoid, but with enhanced senses and physical abilities.
• The original Shifters, as the first form taken with Belua was a wolf. Old shifter religion revolved around a lupine god that they worshiped and strove to please by taking its form every full moon. The origins of this belief are uncertain, but it may have to do with the stark increase in magical ability of Shifters on full moons. Now, its become less of a spiritual practice and more socially acceptable for werewolves to shift whenever and wherever they want.
• Users of Belua. In regards to their magic, they have relatively the same amount as other families, but their magic on the full moon is stronger and more detrimental to the health of the werewolf if used too much.
• A nomadic society. Werewolves live in packs, usually made up of family members, and have a strict social order. Other shifters live in nomadic clans or packs that are based on preferred forms. Multiple packs may inhabit a territory they defend and migrates through, but these territories tend to fluctuate a lot. New packs come about sometimes when some juveniles/young adults leave their birth pack and try to establish their own. This isn't super common though because it's considered traitorous, mostly to werewolves. Some very old packs have a permanent territory that is usually not fought over.
• Packs have a strict hierarchy based on individual strength and prowess. The more powerful rise through the ranks. This Family is very focused on strength.
• They don't interact as much with other species, but do trade with them for supplies and such. They have semi-decent relations with the other Families.
• They only specifically have very bad relations with vampires. Werewolves frequently fought with other Shifter families in the past due to their belief that it was blasphemous to take any form aside from a wolf. Werewolves have become more accepting of other shifters, though still hold a deep animosity towards vampires for dabbling in stygian magic.
• Sub Families: Any other type of shapeshifter ○ These shifters come from pushing Belua past its original intent. Instead of taking the form of a wolf, they take the form of any other type of animal. Each family has a certain animal they favor based on the old gods or perhaps some families specialize in a vast array of animals.
○ These subfamilies have beef with the werewolves because they are seen as heretics.
The Elementals
• Five distinct subfamilies, each having control over a a specific natural element.
• They live in small towns, typically based around their powers. There isn't much of a hierarchy among these groups, though those with more power or experience may take on a leadership role.
• Technology levels vary based on the group. Some elementals prefer to live with less tech, while others enjoy having more "modernity," though most all feel a deep connection and responsibility towards nature. Thus, many work in fields dealing with biology or the environment.
• Subfamilies:
• Fire
○ Can manipulate/create fire and the like. Less common though versatile in shape and use. Associated with animals and flighty movement. Among the more industrial elementals.
• Water ○ One of the most common breeds of elementals as water exits in almost everything. Can manipulate, but not create water or the like. They often work with agriculture and may enjoy gardening.
• Earth ○ Also common, but less so than water. This involves manipulating earth or the like with these elementals being talented stone and metal smiths.
• Wind ○ Least common outside of void elementals. This remains one of the harder elements to manipulate, but can also be the most versatile once grasped. It is represented by breathing and the mind and these elementals tend to be intellectuals.
• Void (Space) ○ Can manipulate the unseen energy: the most basic natural forces of the world (Gravity, inertia, vectors, etc). This is a broad and overarching element, as it is purely defined as the absence of the ‘earthly’ elements and presence of the intangible elements. Many can do things that are largely seen as taboo (such as reversing the flow of someone's bodily vectors or controlling gravity itself). It is the rarest and most misunderstood of the elements.
The Heavenlys
• Main Family: Angels
• One of least diverse species around. They have humanoid body structures with massive bird- or bat-like wings. These wings can vary in size, shape, or color.
• Though this Family doesn't have many branches, their magic tends to be stronger or more versatile than the other magic types, creating little specialization among the species.
• Users of Lux magic. Over time, they developed wings in order to reside closer to their magic source, which is found in the aether and believed to come from celestial bodies. Through the utilization of Lux, Heavenlys are also able to survive in the extreme conditions of their high-altitude homes.
• Despite Lux often being represented by light and purity, Heavenlys are not inherently good or pure. These beings can be just as cruel as any of the other species in this world.
• Many live in large communities made up of several family groups each led by a head of the house, often the eldest family member. These groups communally share responsibilities, assets, and goods.
• Reside in floating cities far above the land and are typically rather isolated from the other Families. They have a relatively cohesive culture and religion among the different species (though different Asteriae groups may vary), with most believing in the same higher powers as the source of their abilities. Their society is predominantly egalitarian and highly cooperative.
• They are thought of as peace-keepers and maintain good, if distant, relations with the other families. However, the do have a tense relationship with the Infernal family, as the two often fought vehemently in the past. As Stygian is the opposite of Lux magic in many ways, Heavenlys consider it extremely dangerous, resulting in a negative view of Infernals.
• Subfamilies:
○ Valkyries: Direct descendants of angels. This group appears nearly identical to Angels, but thy typically have bulkier appearances. This species tends to live in isolated areas and has the uncanny ability to predict deaths. It is said they use lux to alter the fates of others and keep balance in the mortal plane.
○ Asteriae: Also known as "star folk." Humanoid creatures with membranous (and often translucent), sparkling wings. They are a mysterious nocturnal race that is rarely seen by other families. They have the ability to tell future events by reading the stars and other cosmic signs, a power known as divination.
• Animals and non-sapient lifeforms:
○ Pegasi: Highly intelligent equines that possess wings and the ability of flight. It is believed they may have originated from being the early Heavenlys' primary mode of transportation. The typical mounts of angels and related species. They are sometimes hunted for their feathers, which are said to have medicinal properties.
○ Phoenixes: A large, beautiful avian species with red, orange, and golden feathers. These creatures have achieved immortality, using Lux magic to essentially cheat death and bring themselves back again. It is uncertain how they gained this ability, but the species seems to have a tight control over Lux. Highly sought after for their feathers, which are used as decorations and in healing. As a result, they are rarely spotted and live far from civilization.
The Infernals
• Main Family: Demons
• Generally seen as the polar opposite of Heavenlys in every aspect. This species can take many forms (humanoid, animal-esque, and spirit- or shadow-like) and is the most diverse Family in this world. They are hard to classify, so anything that controls Stygian magic is labeled as a demon.
• Despite what many might think, these creatures have a good relationship with most every Family, as they are generally easy going and adapt quickly to new environments or situations. However, some of the smaller subsets tend to be mischievous, but most carry distinct traits that prevent them from taking things too far. Even so, there are some who do no trust Infernals and fear their magic, particularly the Heavenly Family.
• Unique in that they are one of the only species known to be born from magic itself, contributing to the high diversity among the Family. Unlike other Families, Infernals are continually developing into new species, with many springing up from the continued use of Stygian magic.
• Users of Stygian magic. The mysterious and often uncanny nature of stygian magic means that little is known about how it works, even among the Infernals. Stygian magic is often referred to as supernatural, much like Lux magic, and the source of this magic is unknown. This magic grants the user powerful abilities with much potential, but also has a great price to pay. Stygian magic often involves negation, manipulation, and other destructive powers. The use of Stygian magic slowly chips away at health and potentially lifespan, hence why many Infernals sustain themselves in some way on the life force of others. It is also the most malleable of the magic types, changing the user over time, with many Infernals developing new traits and abilities over their lifetime.
• Infernals are mostly solitary creatures with a loose social structure, though some live in family groups. The exception to this is vampires, who live in covens with stricter hierarchies and fierce loyalties, and sometimes fae.
• Among the most technologically advanced of the Families, though this is only apparent in larger towns and cities, as most individual Infernals do not carry much tech on them. They are particularly known for their mining techniques, as the mountains of their home are rich in ores and gemstones.
• Subfamilies:
○ Fae: Tall and agile humanoid creatures that are known for their unnatural stillness and inability to lie. Those outside the Courts coexist peacefully among the other species as wandering merchants.
○ Vampires: Unnaturally pale humanoid/animaloid demons that survive on the blood of other creatures. This was a once feared race of demon, but through time, vampires were successfully able to integrate into society by only drinking the blood of the lesser animals, such as deer. While their overall body shape resembles a human, they maintain some animal-like features, such as slitted eyes and sharp canines. They are nocturnal and most despise the the full light of the sun. Vampires have odd origins, being descended from the Shifter family. Early vampires were among the first Shifters to try out new forms using belua, taking the form of bats. Over time, some began to dabble in stygian magic, which led to them eventually merging with the Infernal family. This transition unfortunately caused them to lose their shifting ability, though they gained new powers and retained some others from belua. Originally, vampires were accepted by neither Shifters or Infernals, leading them to become very closed-off and mistrustful of the other Families. Eventually, they were absorbed into the Infernal Family, though still maintain a separate government and prefer to keep to their own kind,
○ Imps: Small, shadow-like species that are known for being mischievous and having a high concentration of stygian magic. Many are at-least-partially incorporeal.
○ Many other uncategorized species; there are more being created all the time.
 The Mages
• No overarching family structure as anima magic tends to manifest in wildly unpredictable ways across the race.
• Some families are more stable than others, but due to the flighty nature of anima, no family has higher status than the other. More based on individual prowess and ability than bloodline.
• Mages must use spells, typically in spoken/written word to manipulate anima. More skilled mages are able to "think" their spell into existence, which essentially involves figuring out how to wire spells in their brain and directly manipulate anima. Most all mages use some sort of object to focus and direct their spells, such as a wand or staff, though some mages are rather creative. Though some are capable of using anima without a "buffer" of sorts, these spells tend to be much more volatile and often backfire.
• Though there are many "universal" spells, which are recorded in books, mages are also capable of creating new spells. Even spells with similar effects can be achieved through rather different means, since using anima involves an individual's personal thought process.
• Undoubtably the most difficult type of magic to contain or utilize, but strong mages are to be feared for their limitless potential.
• They are governed by a group of leaders called the Council, which they vote on every few years.
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Post by Starchaser on May 15, 2020 23:18:15 GMT -5
     Characters ⬶
The Chosen - -
➼ The Chosen Shifter Clarisse Alinsky • female • twenty-three • werewolf • claimed by @shootforthestars
➼ The Chosen Elemental Caspian Talis Drake • male • twenty-two • water, earth, air, fire elemental • claimed by Starchaser
➼ The Chosen Heavenly Avani Roshan • female • twenty-three • angel • claimed by Amber
➼ The Chosen Infernal Alexander Rojas Lopez • male • twenty • vampire • claimed by mossecho
➼ The Chosen Mage Lilah Lancaster • female • twenty • mage • claimed by Starchaser
- - Side Characters
see characters page
➺ Members
Starchaser ➼ Lilah Lancaster, Caspian Talis Drake, Zane Audra, Gabriel Lancaster, Harley Thorsen, Maddox Thorsen, Azar Rathorul, basically all the npcs
Amber ➼ Avani Roshan, Lysandra Floros, Crispen Desi Vladimiri
spiderlace ➼ Byun "V" Veive // excused
@shootforthestars ➼ Clarisse Alinsky, Redis O'Bri, Irene and Myrek Alinsky, Altalune "Al" Abernathy
mossecho ➼ Alexander Rojas Lopez, Lucrecia Zembrowska
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Post by Starchaser on May 15, 2020 23:24:30 GMT -5
Credits ⬶
➼ Credit to @shootforthestars for the layout and post coding.
➼ Map design by @shootforthestars
➼ Credit to mossecho for the prophecy.
➼ A huge thanks to Amber , spiderlace , @shootforthestars , and mossecho for ideas and development, and being great friends!
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Post by Starchaser on May 29, 2020 21:22:59 GMT -5
{ So how do you guys wanna start? I figured it would probably be with everyone having a weird prophetic dream and establishing post combo, but just wanted to see what everyone felt like doing. Do we want the other charries to see each other in them? I know we mentioned that as a possible way of them recognizing each other. }
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2020 21:36:33 GMT -5
I think seeing each other would be interesting, but I think it could depend on each persons dream.)
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Post by Starchaser on May 29, 2020 22:27:30 GMT -5
{ We could have them start with being alone and then they see each other later on as the dreams escalate? Or it could vary for each one like you said. How many do we want to do before people start leaving? Or maybe we do a first one and skip a little ahead? That would probably work better so we're not just rping with ourselves the first few posts. }
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Post by mossecho on May 30, 2020 3:33:28 GMT -5
[[ I'd be happy if we did a bit of a timeskip or something. Or we could stagger it, so some people are starting to get dreams while others have already had them and are out exploring. Idk, just throwing ideas on the wall. I'm really happy doing whatever which I know isn't the most helpful response in the world... sorry ]]
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Post by Starchaser on May 30, 2020 11:10:10 GMT -5
{ Okay, I don’t have much a preference either. You can all do whatever you like best and we can go from there. I’m going to help with a birthday party today so I might not be on until later, but I’ll try to pop in now and again. You guys can go ahead and post starters though if you want and I’ll respond when I’m on. }
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Post by Deleted on May 30, 2020 21:35:34 GMT -5
That sounds good to me! I think we could post a dream and then skip ahead. As I said, I just want to read everyone's dreams. XD Also, posting this for keepers.  )
 Clarisse Alinsky  “The sun watches what I do, but the moon knows all my secrets.” - J M Wonderland ✶ ⤐ ☾ ⬷ ✶
'Text. “Text.” Text
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Post by Starchaser on May 30, 2020 21:43:06 GMT -5
{ Sounds good to me! I’ll start working on something soon, but you guys can start if you want. }
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Post by Starchaser on May 31, 2020 0:25:06 GMT -5
{ I feel weird double-posting, but I also feel weird editing my post this late, so I just wanted to say that your post layout things is so pretty @shootforthestars!
Also, I'm working on a starter, but it might be a while because I'm not sure what I want to do with my dream exactly. So , if one of you want to post first, feel free and I'm not just saying that cause I want to see what everyone else does first. }
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Post by mossecho on May 31, 2020 0:44:52 GMT -5
[[ Here is my first post! Kinda post-time skip, but whatevs. Really, really looking forward to this! ]]
Alex hated goodbyes.
They always involved a long, elaborate ceremony. A kiss on the cheek, on both for close relatives, handshakes and hugs and promises to see each other again. Everyone knows that those promises are empty, but everyone always insists on making them. Alex understands it to a certain point. Vampires are all about the eternal, so any change in that forever is, naturally, a very big deal. But while Alex appreciated the goodbyes, he still hated them. He hated what they marked, what they represented. He would certainly never make it back here again.
He got his first dream only two weeks ago. Two weeks and everything changed, like some twisted nightmarish fairytale. Of course, it was not a complete surprise. Alex's coven marking was always wrong. Coven markings were ambiguous, they always were, but they displayed patterns. Alex's coven had markings on the upper parts of their arms. Some had them near the elbows, others right beneath the deltoid. Alex's wrapped up onto his neck, delicate black swirls that would shift and shiver in the night. Yet despite that, he had managed to convince himself that the neck was close enough to the shoulder. Then the dreams came and toppled everything.
Alex almost never remembered his dreams, but he remembered this one vividly. The calling, the screaming. The figures who he could not see but trusted so implicitly. The others. The light, the fear. Being completely senseless, something so impossible for a vampire but so real that Alex could not help but quiver at the possibility. And when Alex woke up, the elders just knew. They just knew it.
That was two weeks ago. Now he was making his way to the border of the territory, dressed in a stereotypical all-black ensemble with sunglasses to block out the light, and spectacularly unsure of whether or not he was going in the right direction. He was not heading to the mountains, at least, if he was he would be on an upward incline. But other than that, Alex had no idea where he was going. It was still vampire territory, yes, he could tell by the smell. But he had no idea where he was going to. He wanted to go to the Sanctum. May he actually get there.
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2020 0:56:36 GMT -5
Thanks! I fiddled with it for a while. I had messed around with the idea of creating a universal post for everyone if they wanted it. They would just change the pics and the colors or the quote, etc. I'm just OCD like that and it pleases me to see uniformity so, you know. If you want to use it and just change some things go for it! XD) |
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Post by Starchaser on May 31, 2020 1:00:55 GMT -5
{ @shootforthestars Thanks, I'll probably play around with it and see if I can't come up with something I like.
mossecho Working on a response now!
Also, do you guys have any ideas for what to name our world and kingdom? I don't want to just have blanks forever lol }
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2020 1:06:54 GMT -5
Go for it.
So I have names: One was by looking at the back of a shampoo bottle so it might be a bit weird and the other was made by a generator.
Naessisea
Veuxdelys (Shampoo bottle XD Pronouced Vou-del-es {think Vogue} )
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Post by mossecho on May 31, 2020 3:30:54 GMT -5
[[ I’m not going to respond right now because honestly Iâm too tired to really be coherent, but I like that idea! It would definitely work. And I like Lilah 2.0, Alex 2.0 is Alex 1.0 without the fancy cars or thinly-fabricated confidence ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ although I’m trying to figure out a way to work in a fancy car.... I have a problem]]
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Post by Starchaser on May 31, 2020 3:54:01 GMT -5
{ No worries, I’m pretty tired myself. Also, most of my other posts won’t be near that wordy, but sorry about it for now. All versions of Alex are great, I wish I had him is a real friend.
Honestly, we always need a fancy car somewhere in the rp. }
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Post by mossecho on May 31, 2020 18:35:19 GMT -5
[[ Okay, hope this helps. Let me know if I got the terrain wrong or need to change something. ]]
That smell was awful. Thick and bitter and overwhelming. Disgusting, like a half-eaten rat or a tree rotting from the inside out. Alex knew what it was like for a smell to become overwhelming, but normally he could find a way to escape it. Yet this stench knew how to settle in the air, how to sink into the ground and corrupt it. Alex could not even tell exactly where it was coming from. When he continued down the hills, the smell got stronger. When he tried to flee back up the incline, it got even worser still. How was he supposed to avoid it all?
Alex kept going up the hill. Then that hill dipped downwards and upwards again, evolving from woods to rocky mountains. Alex had never actually been to the mountains. He came from the forested flatlands, not the empty and bare side of the world. Quite frankly, Alex never understood why anyone would live there. There was no protection from the sun and far too much wind to carry the smell of stones and emptiness and prey so thin their blood was practically water. It was so dry, so arid, and the only nice part was the view. Although that would probably get old very quickly.
But, at least, that view could help Alex figure out where to go. Or help him figure out where that stench was coming from and escape it. Alex walked up the rocks, hissing at the impracticality of his shoes and their ruined shine. The wind blew hard down on him, and while Alex was not actually affected by it physically, it was still frustrating. Not any more frustrating than the stench the wind carried with it, but still awful. Alex stopped for a moment, turning back to survey the little progress he had made while dwelling over how much he hated the mountains. When he did, Alex frowned. The stench was now accompanied by magic. Muddled magic, but magic. Alex could not describe it, not quite, but it was definitely magic. Alex pivoted on a heel until he knew he was facing the direction from where it came and began to head in that direction. He could make out some shapes in the distance, figures that slowly came into detail. The stench got stronger and stronger, but Alex was too curious. Maybe he could at least find someone to give him directions. Maybe he could get rid of the source of said stench. Or maybe it would be a mistake and Alex would live to regret it.
Alex dreaded the very real probability that he would regret it.
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Post by Starchaser on May 31, 2020 20:12:13 GMT -5
{ No worries, you're good! I don't really mind people using their own interpretations anyways.
This is a a really weak fight scene, which I hate because they're my favorite to write, so I apologize. Having some trouble with my muse tonight. Just pretend it’s thrilling and cool. }
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Post by spiderlace on Jun 1, 2020 0:11:44 GMT -5
// Just gonna break the immersion a bit to say that I am absolutely Marveling at all you guys have done like. Wow. This looks so awesome!
I also have name ideas for cities/territories & such if you guys need them! I keep a personal list for all my fantasy needs lol
// Also! In reading Lilah's passages as well as what you've put for Elementals, I get the sense that I might need to tweak V's magic? Like there's no weather option unless it's wind, which might be similar to some of Lilah's basic spells- ex moving things and herself around- So I might change one of his secondary abilities with the intent of creating more combat variety? Like Void & Fire..? which sounds like just the kind of terrible combaintion for him~ I would like to go for lightning/electricity though as it's closer to his original magic but I'm not yet sure how to spin it.
// Loving both your introductions and Lilah's veritable Chapter <3
I'm not sure of the what and how of Veive's dream(s) yet so I might put it off and then slide it in at a crucial time later because it's totally On Brand for him to pretend less than pleasant things never happen to him. He doesn't 'do' trauma or angst. until he does
// I'd love to use your coding thingy because it's so cool and I like consistency too but I'm worried about using it because I'm not very savvy with that kind of thing ^^"
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2020 0:30:48 GMT -5
Ok, yall. I know I said that I would reply today but I've been so tired lately and haven't had the energy. It WILL get done tomorrow because I already have half a post and I really like it so far and want to work on it. I think that we talked about V's magic at one point and thought that maybe the weather can be a combination of the elements. If he is calling a storm, then it would be air, water, and lightning (which would probably fall under fire). Since the chosen are a bit special, I don't think it would be unreasonable for them to be able to control more than once. However, if you want to change it then go for it! Just fudge it if you really want him to have his original powers XDspiderlace, go for it! Anyone is welcome to the template. If you don't feel like you can work with it very well, I can help you make it the way you want. I just need a color scheme and pictures. Or I can show you how! It's easier when you are just replacing coding. ) |
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Post by spiderlace on Jun 1, 2020 0:53:38 GMT -5
//Ooh thanks, I missed that! That sounds awesome so I'd like to go with that~
Thank you again! I'd like to try, so I'll look for the content that'd go best with V. It might take a while ^^"
As for my starter, it might take me a while too because I'm trying to figure out how much background establishment I want to put into it and such- I'll probably be reusing parts of my old starter because I don't want to take too long though ^^"
It seems we have a knockout storm every day around 5 or so and I have work all day before that- but I'm getting off earlier tomorrow and have Wednesday and Tuesday free so hopefully V will be caught up by then!
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Post by Starchaser on Jun 1, 2020 4:48:33 GMT -5
{ spiderlace Welcome back! I’m glad you like the page, Shoot did a great job with the coding and I think we all did a pretty great job at making this our own. I’m happy with how it turned out, even though I still need to edit some sections for clarity. I’m also hoping to get the extras page up at some point and put in any other info there.
That’d be great if you share some ideas. I usually can’t name things until I get to know them a bit, so I’m not the best at it. And feel free to add onto anything we already have.
Yeah, like what Shoot said, we figured Veive’s powers would just come from him having multiple elements. I’d like to think that very powerful and/or talented elementals are able to combine their present elements into sort of a new element (ie Water/Air into Storm, Water/Air into Plant, Air/Fire/Water into Lightning, you get the gist). I’m totally cool with you keeping your original powers even if we don’t have a super solid explanation for it yet.
Thanks! I have a really bad habit of trying to cram too much in up front and sounding really gratuitous, but I had an idea and went with it. I really should have saved more for later though, like I was doing in the original rp. I do hate how lackluster and... I don’t know, inexperienced all my writing feels now, but I guess I’ll just have to get back into things. That’s cool, plus they’ll be having dreams throughout the quest so it can really be whenever. Veive is basically the opposite of Lilah who wakes up and says, “I will be sad on purpose today.”
Anyways, I can’t wait to rp with you again and looking forward to seeing Veive.
@shootforthestars No worries. Excited to see what you come up with
I’ve got work again today, but I’m off on Wednesday and Saturday. I’ll try to respond later in the evening though if anyone gets a post up by then. }
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2020 22:05:45 GMT -5
Clarisse Alinsky “The sun watches what I do, but the moon knows all my secrets.” - J M Wonderland ✶ ⤐ ☾ ⬷ ✶
The first dream had not been violent.
In fact, it has been so tame that Clarisse had shrugged off the oddity of it by the time the first watch had ended. The night was uneventful besides a stray pup wandering into their camp, crying how it had lost its dolly in the woods. Clari, being the only sympathetic watch of the night, had gone to retrieve it for her before ushering her back to bed all without waking her parents once. They would be spoken to in the morning once the Alpha’s woke.
She remembered the second dream when she woke up clutching her chest, panting uncontrollably. Sharp nails frantically pulled at the buttons of her nightshirt to reveal a tanned sternum. No blood. No arrow to her heart. It was harder to shrug that one off when the pain had been so intense that tears ran down her face. She could still feel the way that the silver tipped arrow had torn apart sinew; she could still taste the metal in her mouth as she choked on her own blood.
It was then as the owls hooted and Devon snored to her right that Clari debated waking up the pack elder. She decided against it when the female rolled over with a groan to sit up, dark amber eyes shinning in the light of their shared tent.
“What’s wrong? You look like you saw Redis naked again.” Even as the female’s eyes settled on her scratched chest and half open shirt, she waited for her friend to respond. The attempt at humor dispelled the affects of the violent dream and Clari had chuckled.
“Nah, just a bad dream.” She settled back under the covers of her bed roll and let the familiar scent of her childhood friend and companion wash over her. “Rafe take me away if I ever see that again! I barely survived the first time.”
The morning after the third dream was like a living daze. The faces of her friends and family morphed into ones she didn’t recognize and yet somehow intrinsically knew. Those around her started to notice the strange behavior when she confused them for the strangers. Clari, what’s wrong with you today? You look pale and you just called me Vede... or something... The werewolf had shrugged it off, blamed it on exhaustion from participating in the hunting party the night before. She was simply tired, it would rectify itself in the morning after she had gotten a nice, long night’s sleep.
But the fourth dream was the worst, echoing the second in tone and succeeding it in violence. Except, instead of waking up to make sure that she hadn't died, Clari had died in the dream and had watched the faces die as well. One by one, they all fell to their knees, the angel's ash gray wings splintered and bloodied behind her head. A white jaw heaved for air as her lifeblood stained her creme fur and a mist covered the bodies like a burial shroud. She should have woken up then because she had the last three times, but she stayed on the blemished ground until she felt herself die.
She woke up screaming and sobbing, lips forming the words of an ancient call for help from Rafe himself. Devon had dragged her to the healers against her will. Two hours and several rounds of strong anti-anxiety herbs later, Clarisse had calmed down enough to tell them she had had a dream. The healer had lifted a brow at the female, her bright blue eyes piercing her soul and demanding more.
"A dream? What kind of dream?"
Don't tell them.
Clarisse opened her mouth but snapped it shut. The voices had gotten stronger in the wake of the third dream and even though she knew that Gladys was trustworthy, she heeded the voice. Clari hugged the blanket around her shoulders and made a show of thinking. "I don't remember. That's the problem. I can't remember any of them."
Gladys and Devon looked at each other, disbelief rampant on their face. But this was Clarisse Alinsky, daughter of the Alinsky Alphas and model pack member number one. When had she ever purposely misled her own pack mates? So they let it go, Gladys giving the young female herbs and teas to drink before bed to stimulate a stronger, numbed sleep. They went back to their tent only thirty minutes later, but when Devon's snoring began, Clarisse slipped out of the tent to clear her head.
She wasn't going to wait for a fifth dream. So she snuck past the guards and sprinted for the tree line where there was a chest hidden in the nook of a tree. Clari pulled off her clothes and stuffed them into the chest in a hurry, desperate to shed her human skin and take a different form. It happened, the ripping away of humanity and the donning of freedom, with a thought. The wind tugged in her thick fur, meeting little resistance as she ran and ran and ran. Far from the tents and the campsites that held her friends and her family. Far from the dreams and the voices and the foreboding notion that had been stuck in her head since the first dream started.
Leave, Clarisse. Leave in five days time.
Clarisse closed her eyes as she ran. That was tomorrow.
---
Mist enveloped her, tickling the fur in her ear drums and awakening her senses. She rose on shaking feet to the sound of whispers in the woods. There was no one around or at least, no one that she could sense through all the mist, yet she felt comforted. As large paws crushed the snow beneath, Clari picked her way through the frozen landscape in search of the whispers.
"Clarisse."
She turned, suddenly bare in her human glory, towards the figure behind her. It was a man, tall with stark black hair and golden eyes. He was naked like her, but the bareness didn't bother her. A life as a shapeshifter brought about uncomfortable situations for the whole pack and rarely was anyone truly embarrassed by it. Well, expect that time with Redis.
Her breathing turned harsh as she inspected him, "Who are you?"
The man tilted his head at her in the same way that her father did when dealing with those unfamiliar. He stepped closer to her, gazing into her eyes as if he could see her very soul. "You mean, you don't recognize me, young one?"
Clarisse stepped back through the mist, every instinct within her warring at his presence, "Am I suppose too?"
"No. Yes. Perhaps? Werewolves, despite all their desire to maintain tradition, were never the type to look back for long." He bent at the waist like she was royalty of long ago, inky hair long enough to braid falling against his cheeks. "My name is Evaric Alinsky. A relative of yours from an age long forgotten. I'm here to guide you."
Clarisse's lips pulled back in what seemed to be confused distaste, "Right... So you're my dead, long lost great-something that is here to lead me to... to what exactly?"
Evaric smiled, "To your destiny." It took her a second before she busted into a laugh, ignoring the way that he looked to the sky and murmured something about the youth being too lazy. "Stop that. This is serious!"
She wiped a tear, "Sorry, I think Gladys gave me too much merrymint last night. I must be higher than a - "
"This isn't a hallucination, Clarisse. This is real. Don't you want to know why you've been having the dreams? Whose faces you have been seeing?" He smiled again when she stilled. "It's a long story, one that I can't tell you now because I'm running out of time here, but the world is dying. It has been since the original war and we couldn't stop it. This very may be our last chance for the prophecy to -"
The she-wolf threw out her hands, "Woah, woah. Hold up! Are you talking about the prophecy? The Prophecy? The one that has gotten dozens of people killed because, I don't know, it's an impossible task? I thought that was a bedtime story made to scare the pups to sleep at night."
"It isn't just a bedtime story, Clarisse. When the five realized that there was no way for us to undo what we did, we created a time thread, one that transcended us and would be passed down to our children and their children. You, Clarisse. Your great-aunt was chosen almost a hundred years ago, but she failed. They all did."
The mist started to thicken, choking them both and blocking her view of the man. He looked up at her. "I'm out of time. Tomorrow is the fifth day. Your parents will be leaving tomorrow. You must go with them to find the other four."
And before she could counter with anything else, the man was gone into the mist.
---
A nudge to the gut woke her up. Snarling, she exploded from the ground only to meet the yellow eyes of her mother. Immediately, she backed down, ears back and tail tucked down submissively. The rage and dominance in the she-wolve’s lupine eyes made her glance to the side with a low whine, the equivalence of a groan. Great, she's angry.
They traveled back to camp in utter silence and despite the anticipation for the yelling upon their return, Clari counted the time to think about what Evaric had said a blessing. The watch let them pass, one of the males admiring her size, and she went to the tent of her Alpha's immediately.
The creme hair of her father was the first thing see saw when she ducked behind the half wall to shift and change. "Just what in the name of Rafe do you think you were doing? No one, not even you Clarisse Fayre Alinsky, is allowed outside the camp alone. You know it's too dangerous right now! What would I or your mother have done if we found you shredded by a Terric pack member?"
The she-wolf sighed and came out from behind the wall when fully clothed, "I was just thinking, Papa."
Her mother groaned. She looked like she hadn't slept either, "Clari, a Summit has been called." Honeyed hair flopped as the female turned her head at the news. "You're a full grown werewolf now. We can't go running off to find you every second of every day. Especially when the world is crumbling around us and we should have been gone hours ago!"
She bit her lip at the news, barely listening to the reprimands. Your parents will be leaving tomorrow. You must go with them to find the other four. Rafe above... So he was right. Clari pulled her hair back nervously. "I'm sorry, ok? I'm trying my hardest to do better... I just needed to get out of camp to think... Maybe I could come with you? You know... to make it up to you both? Show you I'm trying?"
The two Alpha's looked at each other, years of marriage giving them unspoken communication skills. Finally her father relented and sighed. "Fine, pack your bags. This isn't over. We'll discuss your punishment after the Summit."
Clarisse smiled and nodded, "Thanks, Papa!"
But when she left, she felt the unbelievable weight of her deception. She wasn't going to the Summit to make it up to them. No, she was going to very well run away to save the world.
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