Avacyn

A Note has been pinned in response to Throdo.

Lord Therving, there are many reported cases of the subject using his fake titles to command others and attempt to hold superiority. These charges would be called off as him just acting as an imbecile, but due to the nature of these poisonous lies, a trial must be held.

A notice is pinned to the main board in New Arethor, that one sees when walking in through the gates.

Citizens of Oren,

The Lord Commander of the Shields, Adreonel, has been charged thusly with the three offenses of false claim of Lordship, false claim of Princehood, and resisting arrest when approached peacefully. It has been confirmed that he is neither a prince nor Count, as he claimed to be, and so he is wanted to be trialed for his crimes. He is not to be harmed in the process of arrest, ideally, but if he attacks then force is authorized. No punishment should be decided until a fair trial is given, as the High Chancellor has requested to oversee it himself.

A new note is pinned under the original.

Adreonel is dead, executed for his crimes.

House Briarwood has been granted a County in Westfall by Duke Harrion. The Family currenty ranks 4 members, but there are only two Thornguard outside of the direct family. Knights and Thornguard are needed.

House Briarwood, for its loyalty to Duke Harrion of Westfall, has been granted a County, and thus the Thornguard hold a bit a higher position. We have land and holdings now, and thus others who would wish to fight against those who defile the Creator's name should be encouraged to join.

-snip-

You have passed the first part of your trial. I will seek you out in the next few Elven days, and speak with you. Then, if you are deemed worthy, you shall be initiated.

- Lord Hunter Marcus Briarwood

Minecraft Name: merrymoogle

Skype ID: logan.ferioli

Timezone: Pacific

What do you believe are key factors for a successful event?

The first, most important factor is player interest- what will keep them playing, and sticking around for the event, and not just yawning is a good question to ask when creating an event. Action, intrigue, even tragedy will all be able to keep them on the edge of their seats, and continuing to take part in the event instead of just logging to go play xBox because they're bored. The event honestly can't be boring. Even if it has a "boring introduction", this can still give players the impression the event itself will be boring, because they do not know what is to come. Thus, foreshadowing is a tool that can be used.

Let's say the event goes as follows- a group of merchants are coming into the city, but a... dragon will attack, roasting them alive and taking a few buildings with it. If the first hour of the event is just merchants walking into town, and trying to sell you things, people will get bored. So, it can be spiced up, with hints such as distant cries floating in the air, or maybe the loud beat of wings flapping. Just descriptive broadcasts made like that will keep the players anticipating what is to happen next.

The last thing I want to talk about with creating a successful event is the idea of "Don't make it Dungeons and Dragons". This relates to two things- flexibility of an event, and the players' place as a viewer. Dungeons and Dragons is known for the ability for the Dungeonmaster to, well, "make it up as they go". An event should not be too strict in its progression, yet not too flexible. There are pros and cons to going either way. A strict event can lead to players attempting to make decisions, and ultimately being disappointed when they have no weight in the way the event goes. Yet an event that is too flexible can lead to the actors running the event scrambling to come up with ways the players' decisions can affect the event's progression. A good balance is to give the players certain times when they can make decisions, and have the outcomes well-planned by the team behind the event. Finally, the role of being the viewer is one that is boring. An event should be inclusive, and should not be the players watching events unfold between "important" characters, with the players having no say, and even possibly being ignored by the characters in the event.


What type of events are you most interested in creating?

One of my favorite event scenarios (which I've actually never seen executed in Minecraft roleplay) has always been the "Whodunit" mystery. Some crime is committed, and there is a group of characters who all are somewhat suspicious of committing the deed. It's up to the players themselves to question the characters, and make their own decision about who committed the crime- whether their decision is right or wrong.

I also am a fan of having many smaller events bridging the gap between the large-scale, important events. Smaller events that do not necessarily have much weight in the grand scheme of the server's plot, but events that still nonetheless attract player interest. Spontaneous, fun, attention-grabbing things usually work out well.

Update: Had a great idea recently. The concept is simple: LotC Holidays that have some nice, fleshed-out lore written for them, that are essentially run by the event team for a week. Fairgrounds/festival areas would be built and placed near the capital cities, and they would be manned by event team members where there could be competitions, games, prizes, and a lot of fun things to bring people together for some genuinely fun RP. This is something I would /love/ to make happen with the Event Team, as I think it would bring a lot to the server.

What strengths could you contribute to the Event Team?

I have been told I'm a very good Roleplayer and writer, and I have a "writer's touch" when it comes to description and making things sound pretty. I do have a bit of strength in content creation, as well, and have the occasional idea to pipe in. But I think the main strengths I can bring to the event team will be my spontaneity and descriptive abilities, as I've found I have a talent for improv. I was brought onto the staff team for another RP server, simply because I did a fantastic job during my trial run in creating random events to keep the players going, with a bit of help from my good friends creative mode and /vanish.

Create 3-5 distinct RP scenarios that you, as an actor, could create for others (at least one paragraph each):

1. The <insert important title here> is holding a grand celebration after his wedding, and everyone who can attend is invited. At the celebration, a few significant nobles make themselves present and noticed (These can be volunteers among the actual nobility/important positions of a nation). A feast is held, and everyone sits down at the grand table, the <insert important title here> sitting at the head of the table. He raises his glass to toast, but suddenly, the torches in the room go out, leaving it in darkness. There is a shout, and the torches reignite… the <insert important title here> dead as a doornail. The signifiant people are all suspected for the crime. It is up to the players to speak with each one, learn as much as possible, and formulate their own conjecture about the murderer. If enough people agree on one suspect, they will be executed for their crimes (even if they were not the real murderer).

2. A strange man, extravagantly and strangely dressed arrives in a town, along with a mule pulling a cart along. They stop, and he opens a few panels. Banners, brightly colored signs, and even a small stage with curtains are revealed as being packed inside the cart, after being unfolded. A sign reads "The Marvelous Magician Malvian, the Magnificient". The man from before steps out from the curtains, now wearing a cape and hat. He calls for the attention of the people gathered, and begins his show. Card tricks, simple sleight of hand tricks, as well as some small, bright fireworks for eye candy. He then calls to the crowd for help: he needs small donations of Minas from each of them. He takes the donations, ready to perform a trick. He turns around, and lights something, and a plume of colored smoke explodes around him. He disappears into the smoke, the cart folding back up, and the mule racing up. It's up to the players and any guards nearby to stop the con artist and get their money back, as well as decide what to do with the attempted petty criminal.

3. A rather frantic dwarf approaches a group of people, claiming he's been mining and discovered the entrance to a labyrinth, in his mine. They go there, and in fact, an ancient ruin lies deep in the tunnels of the mountain that he's carved. They venture inside. Through player decision, they must journey through the twisting, winding corridors of the labyrinth, facing the challenges along the way like jumping puzzles, mobs, and riddles. A treasure for them all awaits them at the end.

4. A rather disgruntled grizzly bear comes down to a local village, having been woken from sleep by a recent event. It begins roaming the town, entering houses, probably eating food that it comes across.
 

((Currently a WIP, but feel free to fill out the application or contact me In Game, merrymoogle))

The Thornguard are the active "military" of House Briarwood. They are a special team of fighters, trained and equipped to deal with heretics and users of dark magic, as well as reconnaissance missions. They are at the command of Marcus Briarwood, usually being dispatched to aid Oren's other military groups in dealing with these types of foes.

A Thornguard, specializing in heavy, close quarters combat.

Another Thornguard variant, this one specializing in light armor, and quick strikes from close and from afar.

As you can see, the Thornguard accepts almost all fighting types, including magic users. They may all be different, but they have one thing in common: Devotion to the Creator, and devotion to their task of cleansing the world of heretics alike.

The Thornguard have a few weapons they commonly use. Crossbows are a staple, and there are a few different types of bolts used. There are normal, steel bolts, the average ammunition. Then there are two special kinds: bolts with wooden tips, that can be lit on fire, and bolts coated in nonlethal, paralyzing poison (Curare, to be exact. Wikipedia it for the details). Most Thornguard are equipped with some kind of blade, whether it be a rapier, dagger, axe, or large sword.

The Thornguard have an Oath that they must swear upon initiation.

Blessed be he, The Creator

His Radiance shines upon me

So that my blows

Against those who threaten His Glory

May strike true

And strike with his Righteous Fury.

I devote myself to protecting His Name

From the Horrors that dare defile His Sanctity.

I accept His Generosity, His Forgiveness,

So that all sins I may have committed shall be

Absolved upon my taking of this oath.

Blood! Blood for the Creator!

Initiate : Members who have spent only about a month. They usually do not take part in missions, only observing if they ever do.

After their training, a member takes one of two roles:

Hunter : Lightweight armor. Trained in stealth, one-handed weapons, ranged weapons, and agility.

Slayer : Heavy armor. Trained in two-handed weapons, strength, endurance, and sometimes magic, but this is only if they pursue the art themselves.

Upon reaching a certain amount of time served, and being a veteran of a variety of missions, a member ascends to the position of "High ___", depending on the role they chose.

Lord ____ : The leader of the Thornguard, depending on the role they took early on. It is currently Lord Hunter Marcus Briarwood.

((Application: Fill this out here if you wish to join, or contact me In-Game and strike up a conversation of interest.))

[b]Username:[/b]


[b]Age:[/b]


[b]Link to your accepted Zealotry Minor VA, and any others you may have:[/b]


[size="4"]In Character[/size]


[b]Name:[/b]


[b]Age:[/b]


[b]History (1-2 Paragraphs at least, but make it long if you wish):[/b]


[b]Why do you want to join the Thornguard?:[/b]


[b]Will you promise to swear the Oath of the Thornguard?:[/b]


[b]Where can I find you, to begin Initiation?[/b]

I see absolutely nothing here about dark elves.

Instead of lurking on the forums and making points that you don't back up and just "meh" at other people's, why don't you contact Sheumgal, SKiddles, Chaqery, or Viscen and talk?

((I'd be totally fine with you playing the brother. Pop me a forum message about what you want him to be like personality-wise, goals, etc. Or feel free to add me on skype, loganferioli ))

"It's good that you would not accept those who would be enemies of our Holy Empire into your nation. That would just worsen our relationship right now, yes? But of course, he is also undermining your words. He shall be dealt with accordingly, I assure you. Now... give him here, and we'll bind him, eh?"

Rorik brings out a length of tight, tough rope, and prepares a knot to keep the man's hands bound in anticipation.

Nods, knowing very well just what he's talking about. After all, an informant from Malinor had told him earlier some elf was preparing a terrorist attack on the Order of the White Rose. He beckons him to bring the man forward.

"What's his name, and what crime has he committed?"

Rorik has been charged with being the Inquisition's presence in the camp, to look for any possible stirrings of treachery or heresy within the ranks of the soldiers that lie in wait of war. He notices elves approaching from the distance, and a smile spreads across his face. He sees that they're bringing another elf forward... he decides he will approach them, and see just what's going on. He leaps down from the grassy cliff he was perched on, and strides over to the approaching elves.

A robed man slinks around, and sees the note on the board. He grins, thinking to himself...

"A terrorist organization within Malinor...? His Divinity will /love/ this."

The city of New Arethor has been devoid of knights, soldiers, for the last three days now. They have all marched off to war, leaving nothing but the city's petty gate guards to stand guard over the people who still wander the streets. But there are others who still keep a watch... they are the Emperor's eyes and ears, keep a restless vigil on the people of Oren. Night falls. A hooded figure, clad in grey, purple, and black robes ducks behind a building. He reaches to his hips, draws his two sickles, wickedly hooked. He eyes the building, tall, a sheer surface... but there are a few key points where the stone is unevenly placed. He leaps, placing his right sickle into the first niche in the wall. He propels himself to the next, and the next, the only sound in the cool, night air being the quiet clatter of the sickle clashing with the stone. After merely three minutes, the man has scaled the building, and now stands atop the Horen Manor. He clasps his hands behind his back, gazing out over the city, and spots two of his Brothers as well, crouching in the shadows of an alleyway, and the other mingled among the people that normally gather at the courthouse nearby. He adjusts his robes and the leather armor beneath, making sure he is ready for anything. When the Emperor, King, and Nobles are all away... the people of Oren will play. They have become increasingly restless, their supposed rebellious actions more daring every day. Just two days ago he had to saw the skulls of four men open, all who had tried to incite a riot in the streets. They supposedly want Oren "for the people". If only they knew how hard they'd fall if they ever tried to rule themselves.

A man, clad in robes, a hood obscuring his face, stands watch over the city, looking from the rooftops. He scans the people below, watching them reading these new posters, looking for the smallest clue of insurrection among the crowd.

House Briarwood is currently a small house, with only two real members. Marcus Briarwood and his wife, Cosette Briarwood. They are unlanded, currently having no real titles or positions in Oren, but they want to change that.

Lands: County in Westfall, Granted by Duke Harrion



Blood Among Brothers



House Briarwood's origins lie in Godfrey's conquest of the human kingdoms. A small forest lay within the lands of Salvus, known as the Briar Woods, because of the odd amount of thorns and brambles that grew. It was almost impossible for one to walk through the forest without ending up with cuts and scrapes. A group of woodsmen and hunters, living in these forests, heard of the armies coming to unify the kingdoms. These people lived as common folk, a family, but there was something distinct- they worshipped their own deities, spirits of the forest and nature. Two elder brothers were the men who decided things for the family. One day, one of the brothers travelled to meet the holy men of Oren, and became enchanted with the Faith. He brought the teachings of the Creator back with him to his family. Many members of the family listened, and began to believe in the Creator, but this angered the other brother. He attacked his sibling, killing him, spilling the blood of a Devout man. The others fled, and joined with Oren, remembering the blood shed against one of the Creator's servants.

Blood for the Creator

It would not be until the people of Asulon came to the island of Elysium that House Briarwood would officially appear. Marcus, a man quite devout to the Creator's will, would learn of his origins from his dying father. His father bid him to take vengeance upon the heretics that shattered their family and spilt holy blood. They had died out long ago, but revenge could still be enacted upon all the heretics of the world. Marcus pledged his life to this goal, and decided that in order to remember the place where this blood was shed, he would create House Briarwood, inviting his brother and sister to join. He married a woman, Cosette, and they intend to continue the Briarwood bloodline they have created. They are currently recruiting any and all who wish a place among a smaller house who aims to take place in the Clergy and Holy Orders of Oren.



House Briarwood's origins are dark and bloody, deeply entrenched in the conflict of of the Faith and heretics. Their goals are to spread their roots into the Holy Orders of Oren, and become solid and steady, not wanting to climb much from their. They wish to find a niche to remain in, a place among Oren. They are very humble, as they have almost no real current status, but they seek to change that. Thus, they are taking anyone not part of a House and willing to serve the Creator. Knights, Guards, Priests alike are all welcome as long as they share a common goal of seeking out and purging heretics from Oren.



((NOTE: Due to our House's dark, zealous nature, all members will be required to have a Minor VA for 3. It's easy to get accepted. If you've submitted it and it hasn't officially been accepted yet, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and let you in anyways. But if it's denied, I'll ask that you please refrain from any actions under our House that would require that VA until it is accepted.))

Direct Family:

Marcus' Child (Not quite yet, but soon. Contact me to find out the date.)

Military:

Knights who represent House Briarwood's interests will be needed. (Requires in-character interview)

((Another note: we're not looking to become big at all- this is meant more for the kind of person who wants a smaller, tightly-knit roleplaying group. We'll travel together, roleplay together, and even when interacting with others, we want to stick together. if you're looking for a niche to sit in, this might just be the place.))

A note is pinned to the board, written in fierce red ink- not blood, that's just too cliche for him. The note is pinned to the board with a knife, stuck through the top.

It would seem your request has found the right person. I am ready to offer my... services to you, for both positions.

Signed,

Your Friendly Neighborhood "the Ripper"

Rorik sits deep within the rock confines of the Inquisition Headquarters on Elysium. A chair pulled up, his scythe in his hands, a whetstone, the scraping of metal echoing through the dark halls and rooms. He finishes his task, leaving his scythe on the chair. He strides over to his "Chamber of Forgiveness", which his Brothers in the Inquisition refer to as his "torture room". He sifts through the equipment lying on the table, and sees that the rat he keeps in the cage has passed. He shrugs, and leaves it there, when he hears the flutter of wings upstairs. A bird has arrived in the coop. Slowly, he makes his way up the staircase, to see a common carrier hawk perched inside, the Inquisition Ravens staring at it, deciding whether to eat the newcomer or not. Rorik opens a panel, and reaches into the coop, untying the letter from the hawk. He sends it away, back through the small passage and out the mountain side. He closes the coop, and returns downstairs, opening the letter with a throwing knife as he walks. He unfolds the parchment within, and begins to read. He finishes, looks up, and strides over to the furnace in his Chamber.

"Adorellan Baelish... gone? And now Cailean is left, quite the untrustworthy man. We'll have to see what Lord Aegis thinks of this..."

He brings out some parchment, purple ink, and a quill, and copies the contents of the letter into factual form, a report for his superiors. He lets it dry, and takes the original letter, throwing it in the fire, not caring for what Adorellan's "heartfelt" goodbye letter.

A Note has been placed on the Wanted board. It is written in purple ink, with an "I" stamped in wax at the bottom.

Kill on Sight Targets:

Artemis Lars

Thalin Letholdus

These people are dangerous criminals, and must be subdued or killed on sight before they can cause harm to the people around them. If they are seen and not apprehended or neutralized, please tell your local authority of the time and place where they were seen.

Note: Artemis Lars may change her hair color and length between sightings.

A note is pinned to the wall, in dark purple ink. The handwriting is neat and cursive.

Prince Lancel. Let me just say, it was quite the attempt you made to have your Shields arrest me, for attempting to murder a girl. Your oaf of a shield, John Milan and his friend, somehow recognized me on sight- my robes are identical to my Brothers. Strange, I must have had a note pinned to me for recognition. Anyways, their feeble attempt at an, well, illegal arrest was quite laughable. Let's just put it this way- Queen Kyral was there to tell your "Shield" that you have no authority to arrest me. She said it would be wise to leave the Shield to my mercy, and I agreed. And so I decapitated the bugger and crushed his body into pulp. The lesson here? You can't have Agents of the Inquisition arrested, dear Prince. And try to keep them in line better. Maybe they won't run around getting themselves offed.

There is no signature, just an "I" stamped in wax.

Congratulations all of you, and it's funny to see there's a rule that sprung from me xP

A shadowy figure slinks along the perimeter of the crowd of guests, watching, observing, noting every bit of information spoken, every glance given to another with some emotion behind it, whether it be anger, joy, or lust. Of course, he is here on behalf of the Inquisition, having been sent by the Lord Inquisitor as a bit of a training exercise. He is here to make sure there are no... disturbances among the people. After all, corruption does tend to sit among the nobles of Oren, and a gathering of them is a prime opportunity to learn a few things. He clasps his hands behind his back, and silently makes his way around the room, keeping track of every noble present. He gives a brief, courteous nod to Lord Denims, and finds a good, dark corner by the stairs to roost until he is needed.

Rorik watches the ceremony, being of great devotion to the Faith and the Creator. He is garbed in his brand new Inquisition Acolyte robes, and joins in on the group prayers when they come. He is grinning beneath his hood, for he knows where Lord Velwyn's roots lie.

((Trust me, I've very much tried to find a teacher IC: I can't tell you how impossible it is. I have been to about 5 different people that have all told me to find other people, who are either inactive or belong to the "Mage's Guild", who's only presence I've seen is an empty tower in the wilds. This was pretty much my last resort.))