Aquarius

Arvel prayed he could make it. He had missed too much of his little one's big days, and really hoped to not miss this one. It had been far too long since he had seen the bride to be, and he wanted to make it the best day he could for her.

"Rest well, Xio. You have earned that much." A tired Ker proclaimed, laying down the missive in his hands. "The world was not the kindest to you, but you truly were a light upon it. Please do find your peace." Arvel stowed the missive away, "You worked so hard, from the day you took the throne, all those years ago.. I will do my best to watch over what you have built."

Arvel now quietly mourned under his helm.. for one of his little ones had passed on this day. He had watched her grow from a young knight, to the day he was honored to watch her and Dante at the alter, to eventually see her family grow. A light had been taken once more from this tired ker, and while he had a duty to watch over others in her stead once more, he did quietly mourn.

A tired Ker quietly wept, for his Goddaughter, for another light had been extinguished in his life. One lost far too soon. He prayed each moment he could for her peace and rest. Arvel wasn't prepared for this sudden loss, and it was another blow to his hope for a better world.

Arvel couldn't be more proud of his little sister. "Wonderful! You'll do great sis!"

Arvel was quite proud of the work of the Flower Princess and Princess-Royal, what wonderful work indeed! He might have to go around to spot the various flowers on the list!

Arvel read the missive... and felt both satisfaction and hollowness. He hoped he argued well enough in trial against them, but still, that had left him exhausted. Either way, he would say he won that trial this day.

The day a Godfather wakes up to multiple Grand Godchildren is one he certainly wouldn't forget. Arvel found himself a bit amazed, he had to find time to speak with the bunch soon, and see the little ones so he can help where he is needed.

THE SOVEREIGN STATE OF HYSPIA El Regimiento de Hyspia Issued on the 7th of Maria’s Peace of the year of 128 D.R. The Armed Forces of Hyspia Following many years of disrepair, the Orden de Francisco have found themselves strengthened once more as many members flock to their ranks. With this new restoration in place, it is only right that this military is reformed in order to prevent a decline which almost brought Hyspia to ruin. Her standing army must be prepared to defend against the various threats of the world, but just the same, they must be ready to uplift and inspire the Hyspian people, and fight for their futures. Reformation of Ranks Following decades of no use of most of the ranks within the order, and a notable lack of promotions to fill these ranks, the Capitán is now the highest rank of the order. One thing to clarify is that each rank will not be losing the responsibilities of their previous status. The Capitán is still expected to man the gate when needed or be prepared to patrol, just as any other rank is. With this being stated, the ranks have been reformed as follows: Capitán Now marking the highest rank of the order, the Capitán is charged with ensuring the proper maintenance of the order, with all military decisions ultimately falling into their hands. This does not excuse them from the duties of the other ranks, but rather, places them as the final authority regarding military matters. The Capitán is additionally charged in maintaining a position among the Hyspian High Council, and should be included amongst discussions of diplomatic matters when war is involved. Sargento The Sargento is selected by the Capitán to lead in their stead, entrusted with the responsibility of making sure the rest of the order are well trained. They are the established successor should something happen to the Capitán, though this must be approved by the ruling Monarch. Cabo A Cabo serves as an officer rank in the middle, performing general command duties, such as leading patrols and groups into battle. They are the first rank that is entrusted with the ability to swear in those who wish to join the order. They are also entrusted with overviewing the training of the other Soldado. Gaucho The Gaucho are those of the order who are expected to expand both their martial capabilities and patrolling ranges beyond just the common Soldado. They are expected to have at least one style of combat they excel in, and to be ready to patrol not just Hyspia’s capital province, but her other territories as well. This is also the rank to which access to the prison is granted. Soldado The Soldado is a new and fresh member to join the order. They are expected to learn from other Soldado as well as those above them in their efforts to protect Hyspia. They are expected to learn how to man the gates, and are expected to at least patrol the city and the outskirts of Hyspia’s capital province. They are to follow the directives of those above them, and are expected to wear uniform when on duty. The Order of The Aurum Smiths. In order to ensure that Hyspia’s guards are never left unequipped, an order of blacksmiths is to be established to keep the forges ready, and to provide for the soldiers of the royal army. The Order will be organized under their own command structure, but are not excluded from the rest of the military hierarchy: The Master of the Aurum Smiths This rank is the equivalent to the rank of the Cabo, though they are to command those of their order rather than the broader order, still following the command of the Capitán and the Sargento. Outside of their position of command, they are to share in the other duties of the other smiths, and are to make sure training and standards are upheld similar to their equivalent in the rest of the order. Soldado Smiths These specialized Soldado’s are prepared to arm the ranks of the Order, and are expected to be prepared to make equipment at the best quality possible. Outside of this, they are still expected to maintain the duties of the typical Soldado, and may also achieve rank amongst the traditional command structure. Expectation on Equipment While this has been a hotly contested debate amongst the ranks of the order for some time now, the ultimate conclusion is that armor must be kept in the Hyspian style. This style is allowed to be done in light or leather armors, half-plate, or full plate, but is expected to show the proper Hyspian style. While other weaponry is not uniform, all members of the order are expected to have their own prepared weapons. One exemption from this is that all members of the order are expected to maintain an aurum dagger to perform darkspawn tests at the gate. Oath of The Orden de Francisco I, _________, do hereby swear my undying loyalty and service to my liege and sovereign. In the presence of these witnesses, I vow to uphold the chivalric code, to be ever faithful and true, to defend the realm and protect the weak. I pledge to honor the principles of bravery, justice, and mercy, and to serve with integrity and valor. I swear to defend the Hyspian throne and people with my life, to fight for Her causes, and to carry out Her commands without question or hesitation. I shall stand as a shield against Her enemies, and wield my sword in Her name. By the grace of DIOS and the honor of my oath, I shall uphold these vows. Let this oath be binding, and may Seven Skies strike me should I fail in my duty. This I swear, with my heart, my soul, and my blade. Long live the Sovereign. An Overviews of Expectations Some of the expected duties of the Orden de Francisco: Retain your duty to the Sovereign and the people of Hyspia. Be prepared to man the gates, which are to always remain closed when not attended, and be prepared to issue out Darkspawn tests. Seek only the righteous course of action; perform no ill-will, even if it is the easier path. Protect and serve the Peoples of Hyspia. Be prepared to patrol the lands of Hyspia, in order to both aid the people when needed and to handle threats when they arise. Gate Expectations When manning the gates, there are 5 expected steps to go through when allowing for entry, unless specifically being informed that certain guests are allowed in past the questioning. If any of the 5 steps are refused, either turn the visitor around, or ask a higher ranking officer for clarification on how to handle things. The 5 expected steps are: Ask the name of who is entering. Ask the place of origin. Ask their reason for visiting Hyspia. Have the visitor go through a darkspawn test. This consists of a cut to the forearm with an Aurum dagger, to which salt is then pressed to the wound. Upon spotting any unusual reactions, the visitor in question is to be locked in the gate house, and reinforcements are to be called if they are needed. Ask to check the individual for their weapons (Use the /invsearch command), and unless they have provided a good reason or are well known by the people of Hyspia, they are to turn in these weapons. (They only have to turn in weapons IRP.) Patrol Expectations The lands of Hyspia have grown to be quite expansive, and each member of the Order is expected to patrol these lands. In this regard, the regular Soldado is expected to patrol La Dorada and the rest of the capital province. Those of higher rank are expected to patrol all of the territory of Hyspia. Activity Log In order to receive payment, a member of the Order must fill out the activity log each Saint’s week at least once to show they are still performing active duty. (This process includes your discord username, persona name, your rank, the activity, and how long you did this.) DIOS LOS BENDIGA, HER SERENE HIGHNESS, Xiomara I, Sovereign of Hyspia, Duchess of Pacazu, Viscountess of Banderas, Baroness of Arenisca, Del’mar, Monterro, Campagnon and Sevilla, Lady of La Dorada, Lady of Niseep, Gereon's Hold, and Ciudad de Plata, Protector of the Hyspian People, Protector of the Farfolk, etcetera. HIS EXCELLENCY, Arvel Tou, Capitan del Regimiento de Hyspia.

Safety Helmets on, and Carry on! -Arvel Tou (He will be proud of you as long as you stay safe and do what you can.)

It was just another day in Hyspia.. except the streets were missing one of their key protectors. Sat alone at the edge of his bed, the news hit rather hard to Arvel. For that was the way of things, following a great trial, there was joy, and then the very next day, tragedy struck once again. Unlike many tragedy before this one, he found himself unable to go out to lift up the others hurt from the death of Lady Esmeray. A Ker quietly wept in his home, for one of the key lights of his early life, one which truly kept him on course when he needed it, was gone. And he wished to mourn her himself before he was ready to help others do the same.

I feel I should certainly comment on this, as I actually have done some interactions with the caves fairly recently. I had explored the caves a couple times, and only recently, did I along with a group find a hidden door in the cave. It was here I made a bit of an exploration team, made it an official heist, and got to explore things a bit further into the cave. While we were a bit disappointed there was no loot to be had, it was still a rather fun experience, and I would certainly look forward to expansions to how the caves work. Getting more official stuff connected to the caves could be great, and I hope to see it in the future.

Arvel couldn't help but smile, for it was such an honor to be invited to such a day. He couldn't help but laugh a bit, however, as he noticed his last name hadn't actually made it to the invitation. Alas, perhaps it wasn't used as much with the kids as he thought. Regardless, it would be a truly wonderful day, one he hoped would lead to a long and prosperous marriage.

When you are running a nation for so long, do you tend to get more sway on the server for events and story and such? I've noticed some groups tend to get more events than others, and I wondered what tends to lead to such choices and situations?

Oh poor Xio, may good tidings come her way.

Hopeful Angel, Lady of Dreams, The Wings of Beginning The world is often a cruel place, ripping those of kindness down and shattering innocence in the name of anguish and corruption. And yet, in spite of it all, time and time again, new heroes rise to try and combat the tyranny of the world. And from those heroes, a hope is born into the world to inspire new heroes, and to allow for the next generation to begin despite all that the world throws against them. Lady Evisi is a spirit on the rise in her own right, and she hopes to inspire those of the world to stand up for what is right, hoping to usher in a new era of the good and righteous. "Please, not again. I worked so hard to be done with this." Arvel thought to himself as he could hear whispers once more as he sat. How many months, years even, had he been trying to get a handle on the voices he heard, the figures he saw, those who haunted him? He had been getting help, he had a lot of people supporting him. Yet all it took was another demon, and he found himself burned once more. The voices creeped up again.. yet this time was different. He had won against the demoness that wandered her way into their home. He had back up, but even if not, he likely would have banished her all on his own. And yet, as he sat meditating once more, trying to continue his recovery efforts from the burns, he could hear that he wasn't alone. It didn't make any sense. How could he not be alone up here? This mountain top, the Peak of Enlightenment, had almost always been abandoned. For all the talk he heard of possible threats lingering up here, he had been climbing this mountain for years, and only ever saw one of the grounds keepers once. She offered him no harm, and it had been years since then. And yet he still heard whispers on the wind. He didn't feel alone up here. He.. felt colder than before. That was odd. Despite being rather high up, the Peak was in the heart of a desert, the sun's warmth was not something he lost so quickly. And yet he could feel the air get cooler, the light of the sun no longer radiating on his skin, the sharp sound of the wind had dimmed to that faint whispering.. and running water? He opened his eyes, no, something had certainly changed. Now as he sat, he looked around at even higher cliffs around him, the day had turned to dusk, but the sky was still filled with light. The moon was full, and accompanying it and the stars were beautiful waves of green dancing through the night, leaving the sky glowing as if it had been day. A new realm before him.. and higher peaks to climb. He took a deep breath, the fresh air of evergreen trees filling his lungs, as he got to his feet. The whispers continued faintly on the wind, ever calling, but no figure stood to speak their words. Not yet at least. There was only one route to travel, he had another climb before him. But what was one more mountain to climb? The climb itself wasn't that much of a challenge physically. How many mountains had he climbed at this point since that day long ago.. That was it. This must be the realm of a Spirit or a God, it had to be. Just like all those years ago, climbing a mountain to reach the Lord of Crocodiles, he had another before him. Yet the trouble for him wasn't that, but what came alongside it. The whispers picked up on the winds, growing louder and clearer the further he climbed. There were cries, angry shouts, tirades, mockeries. From the tree line as he climbed, their shadows called to him. "Come back to us!" They pleaded, "You are not worthy!" They spat, "Failure!" It stung once more, freezing him in his place. How many times had he heard such scolding? How long had he let it drain him, especially now, echoing the tone of past figures haunting him. How many had he failed? How long had he worked just to be losing himself once more. Their cries grew louder, their words grew more demanding, the call to face them in the forest and accept their demands weighed heavy on him. He could face them now, the demons and the dead, forever haunting his mind, and cast himself to their madness and oblivion. He could accept their titles, bow his head to receive their laurels, and lose himself as their champion. A champion of nothing, a hero to no one, a protector who needed protecting. And yet.. The ascent continued. Now was not the time to give in to old words, old stings, gnawing at the back of his skull. He had worked too hard, he had fought for too long. He couldn't let the nightmares drag him back down again. He worked too hard for this, he had too many looking up to him. He was going to get this right.. And there he was, just about reaching the top. He had almost lost his outward focus, he had been so keen on steadying his mind, he didn't realize he had long since past the cries of howling winds. That life was behind him, he wouldn't be dragged down any further, he had been so close, he had succeeded where time and time again he failed. There was but a gentle breeze caressing the cliffs as he made it to the summit. Atop the cliff, Arvel found himself looking over a breathtaking landscape. The smell of the mountain air and the evergreen trees elevated him, the light of the stars and the aurora were truly stunning, and their very mistress was perched overlooking her valleys, streams, forests, and cliffs. The one person who had been missing from the crowd of shadows from the forest. The one who had always encouraged him, even when every other thought berated and belittled him. His sister. Or.. not quite her. His sister certainly hadn't reached her age, she had such an elegant look to her, the moon light radiating her image, she was simply divine. A flowered dress of beautiful blues, matching the flowers perched in her vibrantly flowing silver hair, reaching down to rest on the cliff. She turned to face him, her powerful crystal blue eyes quite the contrast to the purple his family had. And yet what had almost left him speechless, her angelic visage leaving him in awe, her elegant figure had been a bit of a facade, as she clumsily tripped in trying to address him, stumbling forward. She caught herself right in front of him, having to actually look up slightly to meet his gaze, and she let out a cheerful giggle as joy radiated her face. While still radiant in her own right, a childlike excitement filled her words as she looked to Arvel before her. "Oh Arvel! I have waited so long to speak with you.. I think you are finally ready." She addressed him now, trying to return to her more proper pose. As she did this, Arvel would attempt to offer a bow, but would be wildly caught of guard as the spirit before him pulled him into a hug. "No need for that! Not yet anyway.. you've earned a bit of respect, you hero! You banished a foul one, a demon! I've waited so long to see you shine like this, I always knew you could do it! Ever since the first day I heard your calls, all those years ago." She took a step back now, allowing him to continue his greeting, seemingly satisfied with her own introduction. Arvel, for his part, was stunned. The grandeur he had grown to expect from spirits was notably lacking here. She didn't tower over him, she didn't overwhelm him with emotions, she wasn't demanding, or anything of the sorts. She had just pulled him into a hug, and was acting more like long lost family than the powerful figure she likely was. His confusion was clear to see, as he simply asked. "I.. I don't understand. How long have you been.. Ivala? You.. you can't be her.. I know it. But you.. I.." He stumbled through his words, as he finally was able to get to his bow of his greeting. "Forgive me, I.. I am Arvel Tou, and I am honored to meet you Good Lady. I am sorry if I.. didn't respond the right way, I.. I wasn't-" But he was cut off, as she held up a finger, and playfully shushed him. "Nonsense! There is no need to apologize, you have done more then enough to be earning praises! Though.. I liked that politeness, that was nice of you." She laughed at that, now standing with proper grace and form. The aurora behind her shone to highlight her wings, although most of the light came from the now emphasized moon highlighting her visage. "My name is Lady Evisi, and it is such a pleasure to finally speak with you in a way you can understand." "I have to ask you something, if you wouldn't mind Evisi." Arvel had put forward, the two of them had taken to sitting by the cliff side overlooking the valleys. "Of course, go right ahead!" She cheerfully encouraged. "You said you had been watching me for years.. how did you find me? And why? How long has it been?" He tried asking, with Evisi giggling a bit in response, "That's quite a lot of questions! Well.. they all sort of have the same answer. I.. had first noticed you long ago, I had struggled for a long time trying to find my footing in the world. High hopes are often trampled by the struggles this world had to offer... but you were different from the start. You were determined, and hoped to find a way to honor your sister. You built a shrine in her honor in a land of Gods and Spirits. I.. I had a chance to find myself honored, after being passed over by many. That hope, that beginning you made in Rah'tuma, it helped make me who I am today." She opened her wings, and briefly stood, offering a twirl to show her appearance before she sat down with a smile. "You never gave up. You always kept putting yourself forward. Even when in service to others, you always held what was right the highest, and you encouraged those around you. That much is something truly special. I have to admit.. I would try to send encouragement your way, especially when you were at your lowest when the banishment took place, and when the demon struck you down." Arvel couldn't help but ask, "You were talking through my sister then? Or.. what I saw as my sister?" Evisi simply replied, "You weren't.. well at the time, but look at you now!" She tried to encourage. "You not only defeated a demoness, but you are almost whole again. I believe you will make it all the way, start something new.. and if you would have me, I would like to do so together." He looked up, having waited for this to come. "You won't abandon me.. will you?" She shook her head, a frown crossing her face for a moment, "I'm not tied to a kingdom, Arvel, you have been my hero for all these years. Working so hard to make things better for others, to help them reach their dreams. I would be honored to work with you, maybe we can really make a difference in this world. I just.. have one request." Arvel looked over to her and smiled, his mind having been made up. He would simply ask. "What would you have me do then, Lady Evisi?" The Angel seemed ecstatic at the confirmation, getting to her feet, and ushering Arvel to shift to kneel before her. She was filled to the brim with excitement, her first knighting of her own hero. "Please rebuild my shrine once more, I know you have a place set out for it in your home. If you would honor me this way.. and perhaps make a flower garden on the surface to match it, then I believe we can start things fresh. A new beginning for us both. Thank you Arvel, for giving me all the hope in the world I could ask for. Go, and raise up those around you the way you always do. I'll always be here if you need it, go forth, and change the world for the better," With that, a bond is forged, as a crystal blue glow would illuminate Arvel's eyes, marking a new beginning, as he awoke once more atop the Peak of Enlightenment. He would begin making his way home, for he had a shrine to rebuild, and a flower garden to plant and tend to. [Spirit Pact with Lady Evisi, Lesser of Ublulhar, 1/3]

As he gathered supplies to build a new tower to watch over the river, Arvel stumbled across this bounty here, and let out a bit of a laugh. "Oh I sure hope this doesn't lead to more trouble.. but I have a feeling it just might." He spoke to himself, "I'll have to keep an eye out." As he kept walking, getting preparations made by the beach where he personally released the Octopus to get it away from everyone so no one else was hurt.

Lord of Crocodiles, The Great Protector, Enforcer of the Natural Order Of the many great beasts that roam the lands, sands, and waters of the world, an ancient legacy of strength is brought forth through one of the most powerful of the world's creatures, the mighty Crocodile. This ancient and stalwart watcher of the rivers lays a swift and decisive judgment upon any who dare disrespect it, safe guarding their waters and territory from all who seek to trespass. It is this vigilance, this power, this endurance, that the great Lord Dorabek embodies, and it is these traits which he demands from those who follow his creed. But it is not just physical strength one must muster to follow the will of the Lord of Crocodiles, but a great spiritual and emotional strength as well, for the strength of a people rests not just in their bodies, but in their morale, and their very souls. To this, those who wish to honor The Great Protector must be a foundational anchor for the communities to which they oversee, a beacon of strength whom others may lean on, who keeps strong in the face of darkness. Overlooking the vast Marshes of old, a new temple rose to overlook a domain once lost. A shining beacon, a revival of power, one to honor the mighty Lord Dorabek. A grand and glistening structure marks a new era, and inside, a ritual took place to begin the great revival. Below the great inner chamber, a seating area housed two, Arvel Ahmoskhnum Tou, a younger, smaller dark elf who had constructed this monument to the God of Strength, and the dwarven high priest of Te-uth, Nebkhet-Sha. It was here that the high priest prepared a ritual for Ahmoskhnum, one to honor a God who's priesthood had nearly died out in these lands. The two entered with a determined resolve, Ahmoskhnum in particular had done much to honor Lord Dorabek, and if he was to respect the Lord of Crocodiles, he couldn't show any weakness in his conviction here. Ancient words were preached, sacrifices were offered, but it was this conviction to which Lord Dorabek truly cared for, and that would send the scholar and the protector to be into the void, as they traversed to the lands of the Gods, and the Domain of the Natural order. To meet with the Great Protector, however, was not a rushed endeavor, for his domain was vast and demanding, not just any could traverse the dangers that lie in wait. But the dwed and elf persisted, for their conviction in mind and spirit would match their resilience and their strength. Entering the domain of the Lord of Crocodiles saw the two placed in a vast valley oasis, one filled to the brim with much of what called the world home. But it was the Dorabekin, the crocodile, which reigned supreme, basking in the glory of the sun across the vast oasis. To approach the waters of the watchful without respect would be foolish, as hundreds of eyes now turned their gaze towards the unfamiliar pair, testing their resolve. But neither faltered. While the dwarf had been the one to initiate the ritual, Ahmoskhnum would be their guide from now on, not flinching to the test of resolve. He would not disrespect the Dorabekin, for it was they who were protecting their own waters, but he would not be dismayed from his course, carefully leading his companion down the banks until they reached an eventual clearing. It was here that a vast sea sprawled out before them, with a jutted stone outcropping rising above it. The blackened rock was not unattended either, as more Crocodile had chosen this place to bask in the sun. For it was here, they now had to test their strength, and reach the very top. The climb to the top was long and arduous, though the pair never lost their resolve. The dwarf was well experienced, having served the Gods for some time now, while the elf was filled with unwavering dedication, to protect those he has grown to care for, and to embody the strength of the God he wished to honor. It was here where their resolve was tested the most, the final leg of the journey, yet if found them unwavering. It would seem the last test before meeting the mighty Dorabek was one which the two Rah'muns were able to match. On reaching the top, Ahmoskhnum was prepared to advise patience, but before he even had the chance, a voice boomed out from behind the two, leading to both to bow. "You are persistent." Dorabek said as he rose from his throne, going to look out over his great oasis, "What drives your conviction? "I come to honor you, my lord." Ahmoskhnum raised his head, to speak with a determined conviction, moving to a kneel instead to maintain respect. "I wish to restore your priesthood, and to protect those for which I have grown to care for." "Long has my will been neglected, and my name near-forgotten. It is a great shame. But I know who you are, and I know of your deeds. I have seen the temple for which you honor my name." "And it is my honor to do so." The elf bowed his head once more. He'd turn to look down at the elf, "You have a strong will, and a heart of bronze. You have done well in my name, and as such, I shall grant you my boons. You shall carry it, but only through great effort shall you keep it." With that, a blinding light would briefly engulf the now chosen of Dorabek, imbuing him with the strength needed to keep his people safe. "Go now, and remember that actions speak louder than words." [Spirit Pact with Dorabek, lesser of Freygoth, 1/3]