Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to the Black Star Storyboards.

We're a small, backwater, literary roleplaying community who takes pride in our very realistic writing styles.

Have a read, and register an account if your interested in joining us!

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
  • Pages:
  • 1
Fires of War
Topic Started: Mar 4 2008, 09:08 PM (672 Views)
Bakatare
Member Avatar
Morale Guy
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Ok, new plan!

A fantasy story. Basic concept is that you are all various people of various races (probably 4... Human, Orc, Elf, Dwarf), living in a mainly human country. Everything is fine and dandy some tensions begin rising between that country, and it's neighbors, the homelands of all the other races. As a result, you need to deal with everything from war-related violence to plan old racial prejudice. Undoubtedly something shocking and unexpected will happen which will thrust you into adventure and intrigue.

Warning: There will be rules and regulations about what you are capable to doing. I'll write up a list of races and they're abilities. You are free to be whatever you want occupation-wise, though. Merchant, Mercenary, Noble, Beggar... whatever.

I'll get all the specific rules and character stuff up later. I just wanted to judge interest first. No point in me writing all that stuff out if nothing comes of it.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Cyrus
Member Avatar
Author
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
Yeah, I like most your stories. If you go on with this, I'll play. Get the character stuff up.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Castille
Member Avatar
Inquisitor
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Good old-fashioned D&D! Lets roll - I'm in!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Phoenix
Member Avatar
Editor In Chief
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Sounds intriguing.....post those rules and lets get going!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Hanacho Anda
Member Avatar
Zealot
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Come on Tare, you're keeping us waiting! Let's see those character stats! I'm in.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Bakatare
Member Avatar
Morale Guy
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Alrighty, here's the first of several posts. This should at least give you an idea of how to start with characters. I'll post some sample ones later, I suppose.

Races

Humans are the most common races in Aurania, as it is their native land. Humans do not have many natural advantages like the other races. However, some have shown a natural talent for magic, a talent which has been refined over generations. Humans have mastered elemental magic. Summoning fire, freezing water, causing great storms or earthquakes; all of these and many other abilities are within the grasp of a well trained human mage. If it has to do with the elements, it’s human’s magic domain.

Elves are fairly similar to humans. Physically, the only way to tell an elf from a human is the slightly pointed ears, the very fair skin and hair, and the eyes (always bright blue or green) that have cat-like slits for irises. Elves have a few natural advantages: All of there senses are heightened, and they are faster than the other races. Each and every Elf possesses some skill in one of two aspects in magic: Spiritual and Mental. Elf Mentalists gain abilities in telekinesis and telepathy. Elf Spiritualists have the power to commune with the dead, to summon ghosts and spirits, and to reanimate dead bodies. They cannot, however, truly bring people back from the dead.

Orcs are the largest, and often considered the most dangerous, or all the races. Usually standing between 7 and 8 feet tall, and solidly muscular, they possess amazing physical strength, and keen ears and noses. Their eyes are not as good as the other races, however. In addition to being physically powerful, Orcs also can communicate with animals. Finally, they are the only race with healing abilities. They heal from wounds at an increased rate, and, though it tires them greatly to do it, they can choose to heal themselves or others instantly. The more hurt the subject is, the more it tires the Orc to heal them.

Dwarves are short, stout, hairless creatures, often standing between 4 and 5 feet. They are also the only race without some sort of magic. However, this is balanced by a tremendous constitutional fortitude and strength, and some amazing natural abilities. They are immune to poison and disease. If they are touching the ground, they can brace themselves so that it is almost impossible to move them; powerful enough dwarves have been known to stop rampaging boars with their bare hands in this manner. Finally, for a brief period, dwarves can turn their skin to stone, become nearly immune to most dangers. In stone form, however, they cannot move their lungs, so they can only stay this way for as long as they can hold their breath.

Wraiths are the least common, and often least trusted, of all the races. Standing slightly shorter than most humans, Wraiths have skin that ranges from grey to black, and strangely bright blue eyes. Wraiths are the only race with no known homeland, but can be found in nomadic groups in most places. Some theories suggest that Wraiths are Elves that have given into dark powers. As a whole, the Wraiths have no unified government or agenda. Individually, most Wraiths are mercantile, working for whomever they wish. Though this attitude makes many people distrustful of Wraiths, they are also known to have very strict business honour, always following through on anything they have been paid for. They very seldom give their word, but when they do they never break it. Wraiths can magically turn themselves invisible. They are completely silent when they move, and can magically silence others. Their blood is toxic, and they often coat their weapons in it. Finally, Wraiths can also channel their dark energies into an attack. This magical blast of pure darkness is very dangerous, but not very versatile. Where a human can either use his elemental magic to do damage, or for something as simple as light a stove, the Wraith dark energy is used for only one thing: Destruction. And it's very suitable at that, capable of leaving deep scores in the earth, or shattering stone, or killing creatures, all depending on the strength of the Wraith in question.

----------

Those very very observant folks out there will notice I'm not posting anything about classes or stuff like that. You can be anything you want, as long as it fits with the race. Trained in anything you want, as long as the race would know how to train in it. The overbearing logic is that all the races are very secretive, and don't like sharing their knowledge with each other. So no human would know Elven magic, and no Wraith would know Orcish magic, and so on.

Don't make it too over powerful, or it's boring. And preferably something that is common enough. If everyone is the last of a noble order of knights, destined to save the world, well... That's just no good.

And I reserve the right to ask you to rethink your character if I think it's too powerful or counter-productive to the story environment.

Finally, any question about races or their abilities, ask. A post on geography, and one on basic history is coming.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Castille
Member Avatar
Inquisitor
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
WRAITH NECROMANCER!!!!!!!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Bakatare
Member Avatar
Morale Guy
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
More information that does nothing but make your life more difficult! YAY!

Geography

In all the world, there are only 3 known continents. All of them are large islands, separated by the Great Sea that covers the rest of the planet. Over the ages, many people have gone far to sea, looking for land. Many of them never return. The most common theory is that, if you sail far enough out in the Great Sea, you will eventually reach the land of the dead, from which return is impossible.

Aurania is the largest continent. It’s also the most diverse, from the tall mountains to the west, to the northern snow deserts, to anything in between. Humans come from various parts of Aurania, and Dwarves come from the western mountain range. The main capital in Aurania is the city of Aura (and this is where this story takes place). Aura is a very large city, and in its center is the castle of the human king Gabriel Balchard.

Setik is the name given to the jungle filled continent to the south of Aurania. The smallest of the three continents, Setik is always tropically warm, and entirely covered in thick jungle. This continent is the homeland of the Orcs. While there are some large, almost fortress like, cities, most Orcs are nomadic by nature. As such, there are not many villages.

Lustarin is the Elven homeland, East of Aurania. Instead of the large cities that most humans live in in Aurania, Elves tend to live in smaller villages, but the villages will be bunched in groups near each other. Near the northern bank lies the castle of Umbreial, surrounded by some dozen small villages. It is from this family that the Elf rulers preside.

Non-Player Races

Dragons are the most historically significant of the other races. Long ago, they ruled the lands. Large, flying, reptiles, they were both physically dominating, and powerful magic users. They roamed throughout all the lands, and were feared. Eventually, however, the five main races grew tired of the dragons rule of terror. They united, and waged war on all the dragons. While the dragons were more powerful, they were sorely outnumbered and, after a war lasting many years, they were defeated. It is widely believed that all the dragons were slain in the final battle. Indeed, none have been seen since. However, some speculate that a few dragons survived, and went into hiding to replenish their numbers.

Merfolk rule the deeps of the Great Sea. For the most part, they keep to themselves. However, occasional, some foolish merchant vessel angers the Merfolk, and they retaliate. They use a magical control over the very sea, and the animals within it, to sink ships and kill sailors. Typically, most people know that if you do not bother the Merfolk, they won't bother you. It is tradition, however, to throw back some of all the fish you catch in the Great Sea to appease them.

There are countless other races of beasts and monsters that wander the land. However these two, along with the five main ones, are the only truly sentient beings.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Phoenix
Member Avatar
Editor In Chief
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
I believe I shall be Elven.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Hanacho Anda
Member Avatar
Zealot
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
I think human will suit me well in this story. Will post later about the character itself.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Vulcan
Member Avatar
Author
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
Bring on the dwarfs!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Bakatare
Member Avatar
Morale Guy
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Political Standpoint

Some twenty years ago, there was a war between the humans and the Orcs. After it was over (the humans being victorious and driving all the Orcs out of Aurania, and back to Setik) there was an uneasy peace between all the races for some time. Lately, however, tension has began building between all the races, and some believe war is inevitable.

The Orcs have a very high birthrate, often giving birth to three or four children at a time, once or twice a year. This, and the relatively small size of Setik, means that the Orcs are overpopulated, and need to expand. This urge to expand is what caused their last invasion of Aurania. In their loss, however, so many Orcs died that, for a brief period, overpopulation wasn’t a problem. It didn’t take them long to regrow as a people, however, and Setik is now stretched to its limits again. As a result, many people think that an invasion from the Orcs is unavoidable.

A large attribute of humans is their natural curiosity. The only magic-wielding race who learned magic, rather than being born with natural ability in it, they are constantly trying to expand their skill range. As a result, they often try to learn the secrets of the other races. The current human king, Gabriel Balchard has been much more aggressive in his attempts to delve into other races. The Elves claim that it won’t be long before humans launch a full scale invasion in an attempt to learn their secrets.

The Elves, in general, believe themselves to be the highest of the races. They think the Orcs are barbarous and stupid. They think the humans are pests. Dwarves are solitary and don’t bother them. And that Wraiths are not to be trusted. As a result, there is some talk of the Elves attacking the other races, especially with the rumours of the impending Orc and human attacks. Elf logic is that it’s better to get the pre-emptive strike on the weaker races than to let them get the jump on you.

No one really knows where the Dwarves stand in all of this. For the most part, they keep to themselves in the mountain. It doesn’t bother them one way or another if the neighbouring human city falls. However, the know that should the Orcs invade, they would probably attack the mountains as well. So, the most common theory is that, in the case of an Orc attack, the Dwarves would side with the humans to fight off the threat. Should Elves attack humans though, the Dwarves would probably stay out of it.

Wraiths don’t have any real, race-wide standpoint on any of this. Each individual Wraith works for whoever pays them. They don’t care if the Orcs take Aurania, or the Elves do, or the humans keep it, so long as someone is their to employ them. However, it is important to note that there are some (though very few) cases in history where all the Wraiths have come together, to fight against some common threat. This hasn’t happened in several generations, but when this does happen, the Wraith armies are highly destructive. Entire invisible legions attacking other armies with their poison swords and dark magic. Who calls or leads these Wraith armies is unknown, even to many of the still living Wraiths. After whatever threat they fought against has been defeated, the Wraiths once again go their separate ways to their individual employment.

It is important to note that the ideas and theories posted here are the typical ones. Not all Elves feel themselves superior to other races, not all humans would attack other races to learn their secrets, not all Dwarves are uncaring to the plights of the humans. This is the way the majority, and ruling casts, do however.


Really, I promise that I'll put character's up shortly. Really, for real, I promise.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Castille
Member Avatar
Inquisitor
[ *  *  *  *  *  * ]
What is the age-span for Wraiths? Is it similar to the lifespan of a human or are they partly immortal similar to elves?
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Bakatare
Member Avatar
Morale Guy
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
You assume elves are partly immortal? Remember kids, I'm not really basing this on any existent system. So I guess I should talk a bit about lifespans.

Humans reach adulthood around 17. Typically, they live until 60 or 70.
Elves reach adulthood around 100. Typically, they live until 600.
Wraiths' lifespans are close to those of elves.
Orcs reach adulthood around 10. Typically, they live until their 40 or 50.
Dwarves are the strangest. They mature quickly, reaching full adulthood around 5. Then they stop aging. Around the age of 200, however, their bodies will suddenly stop working, and they will die.
Merfolk are hatched from eggs. They reach full adulthood around 2. They live for 4 or 5 years.
Dragons were hatched from eggs. They wouldn't reach full grown for at least 200 years, some longer depending on the sort of dragon. It's always been a matter of debate whether dragons simply did not die of old age, or if they did after many hundreds of years. Either way, they viewed all other lifeforms as transient, or mortal.

Really... Character's are coming. Really for real. I'll probably post the leaders of the various races as an example. Remember, the things I post are going to be the leaders of entire races, so they will be considerably more powerful than you guys.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Bakatare
Member Avatar
Morale Guy
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Name: Gabriel Balchard

Race: Human

Age: 52

Abilities: Balchard is a very capable fighter. In his youth, he won many tournaments in both combat and jousting. He is also fairly good at all the elemental magic, though not the most talented in the land.

Appearance: A tall, slightly over-weight man. His dark black hair is receding, and his eyesight is beginning to fail. He wears elegant, but fairly simple, clothing. He tends to only wear his crown when he's on official royal business.

History: An only child, Gabriel was raised to take the throne. He has rules the human lands since he was 18, when his father died of a mysterious illness. He has been a just, if relatively unimpressive, ruler. His largest effects has been towards the relationship with neighboring countries. He has lead the humans in an attempt to learn other race's secrets, and as a result, has created tension with them.


Name: Aelfirn Shiantist

Race: Elf

Age: 715

Abilities: Years of training has made Aelfirn the single most powerful Mentalist known. However, his exceptional age (old even for an Elf) has taken it's toll, and he is not particularly strong or an able fighter.

Appearance: Aelfirn is not particularly tall, and walks with a slouch that makes him appear even shorter. His eyes are very brilliant blue, and his ears are quite long. His hair is so blond it's almost white, and worn tied back in long braids.

History: From a young age, Aelfirn was very talented in Mental magic. As he trained, his skill only grew. In a society that respects the power of the mind, he soon distinguished himself and was appointed as their leader. He has ruled for nearly 200 years, which is longer than most Elves rule (as they are often elected in their old age, and die before reaching that long a time). He is, however, slightly narrow minded, and believes the Elves to be naturally superior to all the other races.

----------

So that's your basic character creation. A long wait for something really simple, wasn't it? I'll get more up later, you guys can rock out now.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · Storyboard Discussions · Next Topic »
Add Reply
  • Pages:
  • 1


Theme Silt created by tiptopolive of IDS