simpleglitchbro

It’s been around two and a half years since I first joined LOTC, and you know, frankly, I never would have thought to see myself in the position I am today when I first joined. I wasn’t expecting to be making an entire realm, having the build done, and having people look forward to seeing the end product. Though, in that train of thought, I never expected to be even considering leaving the server, much less committed to the choice. There’s a variety of opinions I’m expecting from this, but I’ll just run through my thought process, and perhaps that can shed some light on things. This is one stream of thought, unfiltered and unedited, so it may jump between topics here and there, just to be warned. I haven’t had fun on LOTC in over a year. This is just the truth. To be honest, I believe it started with the transition between maps. Nobody’s to blame, but around that time it felt like being on LOTC was more an obligation to do than something I enjoyed. It felt like a job, like I needed to log on. Around this time I started taking breaks, and every time I logged on, I got messaged immediately about wanting to roleplay, but due to the already entrapping feeling I had, it made me feel more claustrophobic. Soon, I started making decisions in roleplay on what was “best” rather than what I actually wanted to do. This all came to a head with the moment that many point to as the reason I left my previous community, but that moment wasn’t the sole trigger, it was the catalyst. Straw, meet camel’s back in a sense. When I made the decision to leave, I found myself feeling a bit more freed. I knew this could be good, I could make some new things and start having a lot more fun again. I left my old group because I knew our visions didn’t align, and I was okay with that. I made sure people left the resources stocked, and tried to keep things civil for others. Though many have been told that is not the case, it was the truth. I called out people for being aggressive and hostile to those we had left as I didn’t want to stir up any problems. Though, in the end, I was made aware that a sentiment was spreading that I was OOCly attempting to stoke flames and act in the opposite of how I had attempted to. But that’s neither here nor there. It’s in the past, and I try to avoid dwelling on the past, even if it’s hard not to in times like these. Creating Vansk was some of the most fun I’ve had. And that’s something I’ll stand by always. Being in voice chats and piecing the build together with the talented group of amazing people, it was like nothing I had felt on the server before. I began to feel hopeful, like the atmosphere that kept me on the server in the first place, the vibe I had been chasing so much, might come back. Though, everyone here knows how this story ends. We got warclaimed while trying to raise mina for the build. Without any tile mine, or any fortifications, or even a build that people could live in, I had to concede it. Some might call this a cowardly move, but the honest truth is much more simple: I’m tired. I have no more fight left in me at this point. I’ve been told this is just how the server is, that it’s something I should just get used to. And if that’s the case, then this really isn’t the server for me. I’m sorry to everyone who looked forward to Vansk, and those who poured months worth of effort as well as their own money towards the build. I was thinking it could have been something truly special, but I don’t have the strength to see it through any longer. I’m going to be leaving a link to a document that entails a large majority of the things that we as a community have gone through and dealt with before and after our leave. I don’t intend for it to do any damage, I only hope that it helps provide added context to this entire situation. Goodbye to all of you wonderful people I’ve met on this server. It truly has been an amazing time with you, even despite the things I’ve said about my time here. Catch you on the flip, simpleglitchbro Here is the link for any who are interested, or who have read this far.

THE VANNIK FEAST OF PLENTY The City-State of Vansk invites one and all to partake in a feast. ════ A MESSAGE TO FAMILY AND FRIEND As the chill of The Amber Cold settles over the north, the outpost of Vansk calls all kin and kith to gather 'round the fire. On the 4th of the Amber Cold, 231 SA (Sólsmánaðr, IAÁ 557), a humble feast will be held to honor our growing unity, the strength of our comradery, and to raise much-needed funds for the construction of Vansk. Though our halls are but tents and our walls mere timber, our spirits burn as bright as the First Flame. Bring what you can; food, drink, coin, and tales to share. Let this be the first of many gatherings as we carve our home from stone and sea. May the Flame guide you, and may your cups never empty.

(Should've been on it earlier) IGN: simpleglitchbro Persona: Váli PID: #84138

Realm Leader MC Name: simpleglitchbro Realm Leader Character Name: Váli Realm Name: The City-State of Vansk Realm ID (one word, all lowercase): vansk Primary Realm Color: Red (dark_red). White (cadet_gray), Gold (gold) (Any of these) Proposed Capital Tile (Highlight 3 on the map): Realm Lore (could include previous roleplay posts showing involvement with the community) (1000 words minimum): The City-State of Vansk was initially just a singular home, serving as nothing more than a temporary bastion for a man who needed shelter from the wild snowstorms. While this wanderer slowly built a homestead, other people, souls just as lost as him, began to find his home. They settled themselves, creating their own bastion against the seemingly endless snow. It wasn’t long before this simple homestead turned into a simple village, and not longer before the village turned into a city. Somehow, these lost souls each lifted bricks for each other, building something they were all desperately seeking: a home. Constructs who were accustomed to persecution found their skills welcomed, so long as they were able to pull their weight. Sailors and others with naval skills decided to lend those very skills to the city, catching and making use of the many whales that populated the seas. They shed their past upon joining the freshly budding city, becoming something new entirely: The Vannites. Vannik architecture slowly began to develop in line with the city itself, and this is evident within the design. As the lands expanded, the homes became more modernized, showcased mainly through the increasing reinforcement. Oversized whale bones line the walls for structure, and the original house that sparked the settlement still stands, now expanded into a feast hall for all. Outlined below are roleplay posts that all will be posted to the forums to outline this new culture. These are intended to be posted on a hypothetical Vansk sub-forum if accepted, but are works in progress as of now, with varying levels of completion. Government Vannik Laws Vannik Government Overview On Kinships Faith Grigorian Faith (Past roleplay document) Military The Vanguard Culture Vannik Alchemy (To be submitted as proposed Lore) The Glacier Beasts Living with Polar Bears First Encounter Whale Uses Whaleblight Whalebone Charms Traditional Vannik Attire Traditional Vannik Dishes Realm Government Structure Explanation: The High Chieftain–the elected official of Vansk–is the highest authority, though they do not wield an absolute power. They act as the hand that guides the many pens of the people so as to write their future in stone. Set to advise them are two councils, both an Inner and an Outer Council: The Inner Council consists of the representatives (or leaders) of the many Kinships that inhabit Vansk, a direct line of communication to the Vannik people. The Outer Council is a group that consists of Advisors, those with specialized roles and jobs that directly assist the High Chieftain in governance. The Inner Council is the direct link between the people and the High Chieftain. As the leaders of recognized kinships around the city they are responsible for hearing out the concerns of their members, and either remedying simple issues or bringing them to the attention of the High Chieftain in an official capacity. In order to become a recognized kinship, a group must garner notoriety through acts that serve the interests of the people of Vansk, before dedicating their blades (or pens) to protect the city as long as they will serve. A Kinship is not limited to a family, nor is it an official title: merely a blanket term to cover all manners of guilds, factions, families, and clans that may swear fealty. The process of registering a Kinship is not a complex one, but it does require a written contract between the Kinship’s representative and the High Chieftain. In this contract, the purposes and goals of the Kinship are outlined, as well as the practices and structure of their Kinship. This contract serves a dual purpose: both to certify their fealty in the form of a written agreement, as well as acting as a reference document to any wanting to learn more about the Kinship. The Outer Council directly assists with the efforts of the High Chieftain, acting as specialists in their respective fields. Any citizen worthy may ascend to a seat on the Outer Council, but the process of removing an Advisor is not a simple one. An Advisor may only be removed either through a majority vote amongst the council, or if they are found guilty of a major crime, their role may be stripped from them as penance. The High Chieftain, while able to appoint citizens into the role of Advisors, is not granted the right to strip an Advisor’s power without proper reason. A major role in the Outer Council is the Warden of the Vanguard. They are the mastermind of the Vannik military, organizing every aspect of the military and overseeing its operation. Their primary concern is to protect the people of Vansk, though if the need arises to go onto the offensive, they are well-suited and prepared. A more in-depth description of the Warden’s role can be found inside the documentation detailing the structure of the Vanguard. The Coinbearer is the individual responsible for managing the financial structure of the city. They manage the bank, treasury, and taxes as well as ensuring the Councils of Vansk are not spending too much from the treasury. They mint Vannik coins, collect taxes, and ensure all of the money flows properly throughout the city. The Forgekeeper manages the religious practices of Vansk. Whether toiling away in the Great Forge to keep the heart of the city beating, or assisting spiritually downtrodden citizens with their issues, the Forgekeeper is a friend to all Vannites within the city. The Forgekeeper is a unique role amongst the Council, and therefore more about them is detailed within the documentation of religious practices. Capital Builds Concepts (photos required): How does this realm offer a unique niche not already found in an existing polity on the server?: A major focus of the culture of Vansk is the whaling undertaken by the sailors, something which permeates through the build and the culture of the city. Whales make up a large majority of the Vannik diet, architecture, and even clothing in many forms: Whalebone charms and goggles to ward off dangers both spiritual and physical is one example. The yearly whale hunt feeds the entire city with the amount of meat, and every section is recycled and reused elsewhere in the industry of the city. This comes with its own dangers as well, as some sailors have found themselves victims of a condition they refer to as “Whaleblight”. While the medicine staff dismiss it as an urban legend, the sailors believe it wholeheartedly, as a real and tangible threat. On an OOC level, whales are also intended to be used for events, utilizing the sailors and whalers we have to do roleplay events, handing out unique items centered around the whales and their materials. Whalebone charms and runes will exist as both builds and items to enhance roleplay. This addition of whales and focusing on their contributions to the society brings a unique niche both in and out of roleplay. Another unique aspect of Vansk is its usage of the Tundra environment for roleplay. The city acts as a beacon in the tundra, yet the people of Vansk are prepared for such cold. The Vanguard wears pelts in their armor to preserve heat, and whalebone goggles to guard their eyes from the snow. This is not just used for clothing, however-the people of Vansk have also gained a connection to the local wildlife, due to a need for survival. This means that polar bears are an essential part to the culture: children bond with a cub early in life, and the “Glacier Beasts” accompany them in many parts of their day-to-day life. The tundra was specifically selected on an OOC level to lean into the environment and how it plays into our roleplay of living in such a cold space. It’s intended to be a core part of our culture both now and moving forward. Constructs also serve as a large part of the city’s backbone. As constructs had a large hand in forming the city, so too were they accepted as a part of the city, and its people. Whether they have a will or not, constructs are welcomed and respected. Whether it be an automaton server in the Feast Hall, or a Sorvian tiring away in the Great Forge, their impact is felt in every corner of the city. The Sorvians in particular are a community that are helping to found this nation. In several nations on the server, Sorvians and other such constructs are looked down upon, or treated as lesser, for not being made up of flesh and blood. Despite this, within Vansk, they are an essential part of the community, and respected as such. A family of Sorvians known as Beskytte is one of the founding Kinships of Vansk. They have a workshop within the city that caters to all manners of constructs as well as descendants. Despite sharing no blood, the Constructs within the city are as much a family as any other, and they are determined to carve a home for themselves and other constructs within the walls of Vansk. Vansk was written as a “people-first” nation, in which a large amount of focus was put into the culture and the average life of a citizen within the city. Because of this, there are several open opportunities for roleplay that are not found elsewhere on the server. How does your realm tie to the greater lore and narrative set by the community on LotC?: Vansk is forged through roleplay, a city formed by and for outcasts who felt as if they had no home to go to. Each of the founders of Vansk were plagued by that same desire, and came together within the tundra to rebuild what they had lost before. To that end, Vansk is a safe haven for these groups, allowing them to continue, free of the worry of persecution that they had faced before. To be “Vannik” is not to be of a single bloodline, race, or even simply flesh and blood. Vannites simply find each other kindred spirits, and as such, any who wish are welcomed as Vannik, without any persecution. We have also begun roleplaying within the tundra area using the Architect plugin system to generate tents for the sake of roleplay. There has been active roleplay leading up to this location, and each group that has worked to found Vansk has had roleplay to interact, meet up, and decide on their future together. Have you ever run a settlement on LoTC before and what experience do you have with leadership within roleplay communities among the current groups of players?: While I personally have not held a Nation Leader role, I (and several of our members) have had solid hands in leadership of multiple groups, settlements, and nations. There are previous Nation Leaders on our council as well who are able and willing to advise on the subject. Do you understand the metrics for upkeep, maintaining activity, and the grounds for realm removal? Yes, we are aware that we must activity checks both within our city as well as our city members roleplaying in general, meeting a 2% net activity check. We are also aware of the upkeep costs and intend to pay them all accordingly.

These are currently my favorites, in no particular order but here are 3: 1) Distinct lack of Dr Stone on this thread (seriously give it a watch, Globetrotting arc is almost over) 2) Erased (hits the hardest by the end of the series-if you know you know) 3) Delicious in Dungeon (shows what the whole series is about in a 2 minute OP) Wuh-oh, what's this? This is an anime game so I'm not listing it with the others but Full Moon Full Life from Persona 3 Reload just hits different

Váli simply speaks to himself as he walks along the roads-nothing to accompany him but the ice, snow, and any unsavory denizen within the frozen wastes. "They may say what they wish about me-about us, but words shall not mend a schism of this size." he squats down momentarily, beginning the process of striking up a nearby fire. "To prove credence to one's words, they must act. I have no intention of floundering about, I've still a flame to burn, after all."

High Keeper Ellenore av Eiriksdóttir, In my brief time away, I have been made aware of a missive penned by you about my actions as they occurred at the Kingsmoot. Since you neglected to reach out to me personally to handle these issues, instead opting to pen up a missive that attempts to paint me in a bad light– all without acknowledging the issues at play, I am forced to respond in kind. I will speak about your letter, but beforehand, I wish to address those who still need to be informed about the situation, from the perspective of the one who was deemed a “coward” for daring to question your judgement. The letter will begin as follows, before I address your own missive. 🙞🙜 🙞🙜 High Keeper, it is within the face of such claims that I have elected to remain steadfast. Should an attempt to speak on equal terms had been made, I would have spoken my mind in kind– yet the only word I have heard from you has been a missive filled with inconsistencies, assumptions about my intentions, and in some places even falsehoods. There is no honor in words spoken as such. I hope you intend to reach out to me personally. As the matter stands, I have no intention of returning. My decision was made by your choice of actions and inactions. Throw all you can at me, meaningless words to obscure the truth to the public combined with promises of a hollow role as you believe I am to be simply sated like a child. I have known you since I was a boy, and while I saw you as a mentor, and a friend, it has become clear you see me as nothing more than that same bright-eyed boy that I used to be. But that time has long since passed, and as I have grown into my own, you have seemed determined to dig in your heels and remain stagnant. You claim I have insulted our kin in the walls with my leave, yet you have insulted me every step of the way. You did this by ignoring my concerns, by avoiding my letters, and by casting the people’s wishes aside. There is no greater insult than indifference, and you have consistently proven time and time again that while your prowess as a leader is evident, you remain indifferent to the suffering of your own people. Should you wish to reclaim any of the respect I once had for you, I request you send a letter to me personally, rather than spreading misinformation about the very people you chose to ignore. You put words in my mouth, and force my hand to pen a missive in the open because you would not elect to speak to me. May the Father’s ever watchful eye guide you,

Indigo sneezes, despite...not needing to sneeze anymore. "Hrm...perhaps someone...talked about me." Váli wanders aimlessly and thus has not seen the missive that came as a result of his actions. Though he feels subtly guilty over it.

"Olaf's statue will stand proudly among the market stalls and stands-The Decadent will guide the hands of the economy forevermore!" Váli sheds a single tear, wiping it away as he mutters "Bjorn's beard...I love the economy."

Váli nods to himself upon reading the missive, an action he just realized he has done with every missive he reads. "Well, no matter, this is an important one-setting a structure, a foundation for the years to come is essential. I should probably see if the newly dubbed Hesir of Dunrobin has any questions I can answer."

"May our economy flourish! May the stall holders be rolling in mina!" Váli cheers from within his home

Váli found himself doing the last thing he had ever pictured himself doing. Stepping back through the door nestled in the back of the tax office, he ascends the stairs, bringing himself to a room in the back corner. He drops his bags on the floor as he pushes open the door. Sure, it was temporary, but the circumstance left him shaken to his core. But that does not change the reality present to him. Váli Freysson Ruric was coming home.

Indigo's gaze settled upon the missive with a hollow expression. No breaths let out, nor tears to be shed. It seemed this old soul had nothing left to speak for him other than his words. "I have...remained, but cursed with watching them all...fade. Who will be next?" He ponders to himself, before lightly tossing the missive into a fireplace, allowing the words on the page to burn away to ash, floating into the skies with the memories in hopes they might reach her, wherever she has settled. "So long...old friend. You were one of the few to...understand how my mind worked. I will...miss that." Váli was able to contain himself just long enough to reach privacy. The moment he is sure he is alone, away from prying eyes or ears, he slams a fist into the brickwork that is unfortunate enough to be nearest him. "Why does everyone have to be dying on me?" he asks himself as he grits his teeth "I had plans in store...she'll never get to see them. Or...to see her nieces and nephews grow up." he bites his tongue as he takes a deep breath in. "No. I must regain my focus. People die all the time, and she was getting old. Surely she was content her time had come. Aye, that must be it." he convinces himself as he walks off.

Indigo smiles and simply nods at the finished flyer "I am sure it will be a...wondrous occasion. I will help...prepare for such a feast." Váli unfolds the letter with a neutral gaze, before his eyes widen "Huh, the Sturmstrike lass is hosting a feast? That's all I needed to hear, I'm in."

Despite an intense distance, Indigo can feel something unspoken break and snap. For a moment, his gaze drops, his head hanging low as he speaks. "Perhaps it is best you were not...aware of me. I would not want to have brought more...heartache into your life. May you rest in peace...mother."

Godspeed brother, hope things go well for you in whatever the future holds! o7

The aforementioned Purifier comments upon the missive while busy doing his morning exercise routine as Io holds it aloft for him to read. "Well, hopefully this remains as a warning to any servants of the naught that might come about. We're watching." A ghastly specter reads over the missive with a calm eye, a long way's away from Norland. "I guess that means I am...darkspawn...filth, now. Oh well...they brought harm to my...people. And they do not...forget...easily."

A certain 'Creature of the night' scans his eyes over the flyer. "I do not see reason to...worry. Those such as myself would...not show up, the gathering is too...vast. There is a much more...real concern that could knock at the gates."

Váli steps away from his training for a brief moment to address the missive laid out on the table. Panting with exhaustion, he unfurls it, and smiles at the contents within. "Aye, another darkling down. They thought they could snuff us out within eternal night." Letting out a small snicker, he leaves the paper on the table and returns to his work "Pity for them. Trying to snuff us out just makes us burn ever brighter."

Last Word Letters Grimm’s final marks left on this world. “I left something for you. Willow knows where it is.” Those were some of the parting words that Grimm shared with his kin shortly before his demise. The man had many secrets, that was apparent, but this one perplexed you for quite some time. In search of answers, the hunt led you to the attic of the Sturmstrike clan house-a dusty, dimly lit room filled with cobwebs and stacks of paper reaching nearly as tall as yourself. Brushing past cobwebs and dodging the scattered pieces of a fractured mind, you eventually arrive at his desk. Looking over the sight fills you with melancholy, memories flashing into your mind of the overworked man hunched over his cramped workspace, still with a smile on his face…the same one he wore at the moment of his death. Was this life comfortable for him? Did he just enjoy the workload, or did he find some joy in the never-ending chaos, a bright light within the raging storm? Your brief reflection is interrupted by the sight of a box sitting on the desk. Small, inconspicuous, unassuming. Hesitantly stepping forward, your fingers trace over the smoothly carved wood, feeling for a latch of some kind, but finding nothing. Attempting to open the box, you find it to be locked, from the inside? Your head tilts in confusion, pondering over his words for a moment before Grimm’s voice echoes through your mind once more, reading aloud the words on the box. “The ties that bind are stronger than blood;speak to their power and I shall open.” Having no other option, you lean down towards the box, whispering, pleading to it to open and reveal its secrets. A quiet thunk sounds from within the box. Then, the sound of skittering, like a dozen little legs running about inside. Eventually, you hear a KA-CHUNK! As the lid hangs loose slightly. The latch must have been undone from inside. Swinging open the lid, your eyes catch the source of the noise-a small ball, about palm sized, with six multi-jointed legs. Sitting in the box as well is a stack of letters, the top one bearing the writing “To whoever finds this.” Taking the tattered envelope in a shaky hand, you open the letter, and begin to read. “To whoever found this, If you’re reading this, there’s a very good chance I’m dead. And if I’m not, put this letter back and pray I don’t find out. As for my…let’s just say unorthodox approach to this, what’s a good story without a little mystery? At that point, it just becomes boring. But, when the story’s told and done, when the last page is turned, the mystery must be stripped away. And that’s what I intend to do. What you’ve discovered are my pure, unfiltered thoughts. Each of these letters are addressed to their intended recipient, with information on where to locate them. Even those that are more…difficult to track down. Normally I’d see this through myself, but given the circumstances, the task must fall to you, dear reader. Whoever you may be, may you grant a dead man one last favor? Please, deliver these as you see fit, be it by bird, by land, or sea, the method doesn’t matter. Only that my friends and family read these sealed words I have to share with them. I’ve lived a life full of regrets. Please, do not let this be one of them. Thank you, Grimm Halfaway-Sturmstrike Warden of Ironguard Chieftain of Clan Sturmstrike” Vildr @PerfectLittleLady Gylldene @PestyWarlock @ShinyB @Calise11 @PanicZealot Anarore @Lunan_EXE @ichigomaster98 Sturmstrike @Liam5232 @Azorablue20 Odin @ichigomaster98 Medea and Walter @JTMedea @6Dark Quildor Soltee @PlutoPhobia

Váli rolls up his sleeves at the sight of a contract to sign "I've seen enough of these contracts to know to read the fine print. Give me a moment." He scans the document with his eyes, poring over every word to find a possible loophole, or any clauses that may come back to bite him. When satisfied, he smacks his hand on the table "Perfect! Where do I sign?" He takes up a quill and signs his name on the dotted line. Váli Freysson Ruric. "It's going to be good to get rid of those skeletons once and for all."

Váli lets out a small chuckle on reading the posted notice "Aye, it'll be good to have you around." he mutters to himself before gently placing the missive atop a stack of papers.

Váli Freysson of Norland scans his eyes over the bounty poster with a confused glare "...Who is Mary?" He crumples the paper up into a ball, then tosses it into his wastebasket like a professional Bucketball player. "Must just be another random bandit, not one of ours."

Váli rubs his temples as he reads the leaked journal entry. "Well his first mistake was taking Farian's advice..."

As the calls of the Captain (@PanicZealot) echo through the dense trees, they fall on the ears of a figure, perched on a nearby branch, sturdy enough to support his light frame. Grimm waits for Vicnan to leave the scene, before dropping down to the dirt, glancing over the path while muttering to himself "Shoulda known something was wrong when she wasn't freaking out at me every day." he squats down and inspects the scene for something-anything to help find her. "Not letting her disappear like this." While he was infuriated by half the things she did, he couldn't deny that Sinner, Farian, and the Gylldenes were like family to him. He takes a deep breath, before uttering out in a shaky voice. "I'm not losing any more family."