Locklathlan

LOTC, has a long history of issues with magic, namely due to the issues present in the lack of knowledge in the player base - whilst the users of the maigc know what it is they are doing (generally), people on the receiving end of the magic have little knowledge to call upon (generally). Whilst in D&D for example, players can call upon the handy rulebook to tell them exactly how said magic should interact, and there is the always present DM to check if magic was used correctly, or to help extrapolate it to unorthodox uses, we have neither of these things in LOTC.Our rulebook is incredibly convuluted, not due to the complex nature of the lore, but due to the differing standards between one lore piece and another. This is namely due to most pieces of magicl lore, being from entirely different LOTC "generations", with players leaving and joining over time, this magnifies and becomes an issue as new roleplayers try to interpret. Whilst some may call for a lore wipe, this really has never been neccessary - what it really needed, is the rulebook we lack. Of course, calling it a rulebook is wrong - it would not restrict how magic is used, simply explain why it works, and how it CAN be used. Now, you may be wondering, how exaclty can we accomplish this "book" without it becoming like every other piece of magical lore. . . times however many pieces of lore there are? Which is a lot. The simple answer is to make them all "too long, didn't read" versions (or TLDR for you acronym lovers out there, of which there are a lot). Whilst trying to explain the complexities of all magic would take some time, giving very simple, basic "yes it can do this, no it can't do this, this is very basically how this works", would provide more than enough information for the average non-magic learned RP'er to understand the practical nature of all magics put before them. In fact, that is probbly a better description. Make a PRACTICAL compendium, of all magics. Maybe even ditch trying to explain the source of magic, and just explain the most common uses of any given form of magic. Given this community, this would probably come in the form of combat capabilties, seeing as we are that way inclined (I know, not all of us, but a lot of us). The sources of magic are perhaps a little more complex, and your average Joe probably doesn't have to understand the everything and nothing that we pull our magic from (if talking about voidal magics). He probably just wants to know, how can this fire evocationist, use his fire? Can he manipulate real fire? Who can manipulate real fire, if not this guy? Simple questions, with relatively simple answers (I know, all you evocationsists are gonna tell me how artsy you can make it, but if we're talking combat, we can extrapolate our descriptions and keep them simple). So; in short. Make a thread that calls on those educated in magic to provide a short list of information vital to interacting with their magic, in much the same way as "The Allusionists" recent document concerning elemental shamans. In fact, see his TLDR for the example I would have all magics use. If we produced a document such as that concerning only the practical natures of all magics, the knowledge would surely help to mitigate the need for GM/LT intervention in magical situations, and make people feel much more comfortable with ineracting with magicians across he server. TLDR; we don't need a wipe, a redo, or a change of any kind. We need to work together, and pool our knowledge into a succinct volume that accounts for all currently existing magical knowledge. ((If this is in the wrong place, I apologise profusely. Wasn't sure what exactly this counted as. If an FM feels it needs to be moved, again, my apologies.))

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! IT'S HAPPENING! In all seriousness, this may very well be the thing to help with a lot of server issues. More power to you! Name: Charcoal1 (willing to give skype over Pm) Timezone: GMT Meme: "Imma high elf, dark elf wood elf knife thrower from rivendeeeeelll (this be lotr serber roight???????????)!!!!"

Name: Gwendolyn Carcimor ((MCName)): Charcoal1 Origin (Previous citizens should include how long they’ve resided in Haelun’or): Of true 'aheral origin - no more and no less. How can you declare that you are Mali'thill: My physical traits do not betray impurity, and my mind is scholarly and well organised. Why do you wish to become a citizen of Haelun’or (Previous citizens may skip this question): These Silver walls harbor the truest peace and calm needed for contemplation and achievement. The silence within here is soundly beautiful compared to the rabble of the outside world, and there is naught a place so great as that which is here. What does maehr'sae hiylun'ehya mean to you: It is the single truest of missions that must permeate all aspects of life. It is the single greatest feat of logic though it may seem common sense to those of Silver kin, and the most wholesome of truth that leads to ever lasting prosperity. How familiar are you with the Elven language?: Conversing in fluent Elven is not a quality I can attest to having, although phrases and simple words that appear in everyday speech are not beyond me. What is the subject of the first book you will submit to the college?: A book on the basic aspects of the philosophy of perception, and a short introduction to the qualities of sound logic and therefore, the beginnings of a strong argument. Are there any other details about yourself you wish to relay to the council: None come to mind.

The only issue I have is with the fact that it uses aura as a power source. I was reasonably certain that aura was simply a by-product of mana usage, and therefore, is inert? It would make little sense for it to up and start doing things when passed through a special shape made of special stuff.

In addition, whilst your character-to-be can only grow based off of the information taught to him/her IC (in-character), people here on the forums are generally more than happy to help you get to grips with some of the more basic concepts found in magic (mana, the aura and what it's color can mean, the ideas surrounding the "Void" etc, etc). Never be afraid to ask a question, no matter how stupid or basic it might sound in your head; some of those most simple questions can have really interesting and helpful answers to them.

The gentleman grimaces, groaning and taking a hand to his eyes; after a moment he lets it fall back to his waist, making no move to say anything more. His other hand waves at the others in an attempt to move the conversation on as he turns to look at his feet.

He nods to him, smiling for but a moment before letting a slightly more determined look take his visage. "I see that you're a man of action, Andriel, and that is something that I can respect. However, all of us here are but a cog in the machine; though you may name "your" work in Tahariaes' name, I would give you the humble advice that no matter where you personally might see your duty, Tahariae Himself knows where it is your work should be. When the time is right, you will know when to take up arms. When the time is right, we shall, unified, take up our arms. That time, shall be when Tahariae sees it fit to lend us arms enough to do so. Do not rush ahead, into territory not yet illuminated by His brilliance." He relaxes back to the wall, exhaling deeply.

The gentleman goes to speak, but silences himself quickly at Andriels' words; he inhales deeply whilst shuffling his feet.

((woops, double post

The gentleman raises his hand from the back of the room, letting his fingers waver slightly back and forth; he swallows ,undoing the neckerchief about his throat some ways.

A rather shaken and tired looking gentleman enters; he makes no move to speak with anyone but gives a nod and pleasant smile to Heshakomeu, before moving to find a corner of the room to stand and observe from.

Really pleased to see how this ended up looking; very prim and proper! Hopefully this continues to clear up issues (as it already seems to have for some).

Seems interesting, probably even fun if it gets handled well. Again, echoing the above posts, detail on the aengul themself is always a plus; the concept seems like a nice jaunt though.

Though I may have come a little late to the party, I'm interested. I attempted playing with fi' some time ago when I was new to the server; failed miserably, but I think I have a better feel of the waters. Let me know.

*A small note would be found just inside the doorway of the Spring Circle. The hand writing would fluctuate in legibility, some times being tidy and neat, other times becoming a veritable scrawl, puncturing the thin parchment at various points.* I hope this note finds you in good health; recently, your way of life has come to my attention. I have witnessed the beauty of your craft, and the delicacy with which nature functions. May I say that from what I saw, those that represented you at the healing of your previous Grove have done you a proud service. I, wish to be a part of this, if you will have me. I shan't sign my name here, as it is unimportant, and I would prefer to give it in person. If, perchance, I could meet with one of you to discuss my suitability, I would be most grateful. Character Name: -- Gwendolyn Powell Minecraft Username: -- Charcoal1 Timezone: --- GMT Usual Playing Times: -- I'm on all through the week, after school my time, as well as weekends and holidays.

-((Please ignore this for the time being.))-

Having seen some of the RP prototypes in action, and having actually abjured said magics, I can confirm all of the above to be accurate. Good work in my opinion, and nothing stupidly OP. It's good to see some real machines being built using enchantment and the like. +1 from me.

*A bird would arrive, a tattered letter tied around its left talon.* Dear Mariane'a Fouriner, leader of the Enchanter's Guild, I, Gwendolyn Powell, seek private tutoring, be it within the my homeland (Thesserion), or some location that you deem suitable. I ask for tutelage on the subject of; the Void Connection, and the school of magic referred to as "Alteration", specifically the practice of "Transmutation". I am 18 years of age, though (as can be implied) will be starting with very little knowledge of the Arcane Arts. A messenger/ reply is awaited, yours sincerely, Gwendolyn Powell

The Crimson Falcon A family of battle worshipping duellists’; trained to perfection, these warriors don brilliant red garbs, with a distinct feather cloak, dyed a sickening red. Formation After the turbulent events of both the Fringe and Thales, knights from many kingdoms had returned to their homelands. In Athera, this war seemed as though it would continue forever; many soldiers of the great kingdoms rid themselves of their ties to the various companies’ that controlled them, and set out as sell swords. As a matter of course, these new mercenaries found themselves in conversation with each other, across all of the taverns and bars in the land, sharing quiet conversations, on delicate subjects. One particular group, spoke of how each battle that they had ever fought in, was preceded by a letter, carried by a messenger falcon. Each time, the same claw tattered sheet, bearing the same news of anger and hatred; that soon, a great force would be mustered to attack their respective homes. They spoke of how they felt the need to defend their lands, even though they had never held any interest in the army before. They spoke, of how they had trained rigorously for combat, and how they had said their goodbyes to their families before trudging off to terrible war. Finally, they spoke of the blood soaked fields, of the nightmares that gripped them still, of the horrible, horrible screams that haunted their every waking moment. A strange folk tale sprang from these conversations; that, these falcons carried with them not only their letters, but a battle-fuelling courage; that nudged the men and women of every land to rally to the side of their lords, and take up arms to defend their homelands. These falcons not only preceded the blood that was to be shed, but also instigated much of the blood shedding. As a result of these myths, many men began to dream anew; of a lone falcon, flying above a red field, the sun just setting on the horizon. And for each, this field was that of the final battle that they had fought. The most terrible battle they had fought, that had destroyed their courage, and shattered their loyalty to their sovereignties. When these men did meet again, they spoke of these dreams, of the crimson, and of the lone falcon, strangely resolute in its course. Many of the men forgot of their dreams, disregarding them as silly thoughts brought on by their thinking on past events. However, not all of them disregarded these dreams. A small few, felt a new found power well within them; a… desire, a desire to be as that falcon. Resolute in its course, its eyes scanning the field of crimson below, talons at the ready to swoop down onto the plains to rend some small creature from the ground, and feast upon it. To have the power to fall whenever they did please, fall on their prey and take their flesh for themselves. To live as a stark reminder of what it was to be a true warrior; a warrior who lived for battle, and would take it wherever it was found. And, to be as a great family; to share the great victory of battle with those who can truly appreciate the art that is combat. Thusly, was The Crimson Falcon born; born of the dreams of shattered men, who bound their shattered pieces together, to form an unbreakable force. Culture The Crimson Falcon live an almost entirely isolated life; within the high walls of their Keep, each member will spend much of their time training solemnly. Small groups are rarely sent outside, normally for aid in situations that cannot be handled from within. The little time they do spend gathered, is generally spent discussing battle tactics, and past victories; or, in the case of the young children born within the walls, practicing with the older warriors. On the subject of training, once a member has reached the age of 15, it is unusual to continue receiving basic weapons training. Most members will begin to develop their own style, either by themselves, or in groups of two or three. Even within these groups, there is no real tutelage, more of a quiet observation of the technique of your peers. Due to this style of learning, to outsiders these men and women seem mysteriously silent giving only quick glances to their associates. The little they do say, is stern and sensible, with a trained efficiency at “getting to the point”. Having spent much time observing falcons, and learning of their behaviour and overall presence, the Crimson Falcon is influenced by a strange psychological phenomenon. It is very normal for members to be visited by dreams, pertaining to decisions, and even romance (more on that later). It is common to find members discussing the falcons “ideas”, as if they were capable of sentient thought. (No, the falcons are not sentient, magical or godly in any way. This is, as stated, psychological. The player can use this come up with whatever role play they choose to. If their character is struggling to make a decision, they can choose to have the falcon come to them, as long as the decision does not in any way give them a meta gaming advantage i.e.” I shouldn’t go in that room cause the falcon has told me there’s a bad guy in the closet”.) The Roceoustüng (pronounce roh – shush – stoong) The main form of communication between members; the Roceoustüng is a collection of subtle movements that allow members to confer battle strategy, signals and ideas in an almost completely undetectable fashion. The movements and signals can be anything from a shift of the eyes, a twitch of a finger or a change in breathing; these movements and changes are normally so small, that outsiders disregard them as nothing more than nervousness. This “language” has many different dialects, some developed entirely by the small training groups mentioned above, secret even to the bulk of the Crimson Falcon. Combat Combat is (of course) treated very seriously. Once a child has reached the age of five, they immediately begin training with a wooden weapon; this weapon is determined by the parents of the child. Having been the two who have spent most time with them, they are the best to gauge what type of weapon would best suit the child (at least, at this early stage). A master of that weapon is then found to teach the child; this training then continues for another five years. Upon the completion of this five years, the child is then allowed to choose another weapon to learn, and they are handed to another master. Once another five years has passed, the armoury is opened to them, and they are allowed to learn of whatever weapon they wish. The types of weapons used are as follows – - The Long sword - The Rapier - The Spear - The Halberd - The Axe - The Claymore (I hope to add more weapons here, as the group expands, and RP takes place.) Once another five years of self-training has passed, the member may choose to leave the walls for a time. This pilgrimage, is to see the world outside the walls, and learn of the conflicts and political stances of the time. This, in turn, illuminates to the member, the possible wars to befall the world. This pilgrimage will last another five years; upon its ending, the member will return to the walls, and fall into the daily routine of survival, and learning of battle. One important custom exists within the Crimson Falcon; That, if blood be spilled willingly, a Falcon may choose to fall, fall upon the spiller of blood, and take their blood for themselves. This proverb is held in a somewhat sacred status amongst Falcons, and many a fight has ensued, in many a bar or tavern across the land. However, as a side effect, a Falcon will not act if blood is not spilled; meaning, that a Falcon cannot, and will not fight unless combat escalates to a serious level. Falconry A task held sacred amongst Falcons; the caring for, and nurturing of the falcons kept within the Keep. These falcons are kept symbolically, as a sign of respect to the bird that first granted them their courage. Young people (normally, between the ages of five and ten) are selected, based upon their past interactions with falcons, to look after and maintain the birds. They abstain from combat, and instead learn hunting techniques. As a result, they spend most time outside the walls, and most groups sent outside the walls are generally selected from hunters, so that they may also send word back to the Keep, if anything were to go wrong, or if assistance was needed. (Falcons (capital “F”) refer to members of the Crimson Falcon, whereas falcons (lower case “f”) refer to the actual bird, a falcon.) Cloaks Those that wear cloaks, belong to the guard of the Keep; due to the fact that no real “army” exists, this group protect the Keep from threats within, and without, being sent to faraway places to do battle. These battles are normally to aid other factions that have been deemed worthy by the Vigil, or who have promised aid in return for support in battle. The cloaks themselves, are made from the feathers of deceased falcons, dyed crimson; the taking of the feathers may appear to be a disrespect, when in fact it is a way of honouring them. To allow their brilliant feathers to simply rot away, would be both wasteful and blind. These brilliant feathers must be cherished, displayed for all the world to see, for we are the Crimson Falcons. Romance Marriage is based upon waiting; spending time with the possible bride/husband, and learning of their many flaws, and perfections. When the marriage is truly ready, the two will be visited by a dream; a dream of a falcon falling, not upon fresh meat, but upon another falcon. Not to attack, but to comfort and nurture. The two then have the option to tell each other, and appear before the Vigil. From this point onwards, they are considered engaged. A simple ceremony will take place in around another years’ time (from the visitation of the dream), to confirm the joining of the couple. Divorce is not something that is done; once the two are joined, it is not allowed for them to part. A parting is both troublesome, and sorrowful and not something that is needed within the walls of the Keep. The Vigil The body that makes decisions upon the sending of parties into the outside world, and the handling of political issues. They sit upon the thirteen thrones that sit atop the Great Roost, a huge tower built at the centre of the Keep. These thrones are symbolically left open to the sky, so that the thirteen may see all within the Keep. The Vigil are highly respected, and are normally elderly, as they are considered to have the worldliest knowledge. The Vigil communicate nearly entirely, through their use of the Roceoustüng; their particular variant is unknown to all but themselves, and is imperceptible to even the most perceptive onlooker. (I’m hoping to use the Vigil as the “sender of dreams” to the various members, so the dreams can seem truly random.) ((First things first; hi! Many of you here on the forums probably don’t know me, seeing as I’m a boring, simple, sometimes annoying and relatively new role player. So, again to everyone who reads, what’s up! This guild was created by one of my numerous “pictures”; an image of a man standing in a red field, the sun setting painting the sky a violent red as the dark of night began to set in. This man is swathed in a cloak of crimson feather, and a lone falcons sits on his shoulder eyeing the horizon, and the many fallen warriors that litter the battlefield. This image blossomed into what you see above, and I hope that it will continue to blossom into something fun, and maybe lasting. An important point to note; I hope for the guild to be a /serious/ role play environment. Sure, some of the OOC jokes I see around in the cities are great, but I envision this guild to be a haven for some deeper role play than what I have seen in the cities. I’m not saying that there is /no/ serious RP out there, cause my god the mali’aheral aciding people is some real serious ****; I just want to add another haven to the list. Somewhere for people to join up when they’re really in the zone for some in-depth discussion, role play fights and (just maybe) IC (and OOC!) friendships. Well, if you just read all this, then you may be interested in joining up. Instead of the normal applications system, I’m going to be handling everything over Skype. Message me here on the forums, and we can set up a time for a call. The call won’t so much be an interview or application, as much as a chat about the character that you will be playing as, what you hope to develop them into etc. There won’t be any set questions, and it’ll basically devolve into whether or not I like you (god, that sounds so condescending). Well, happy LoTC-ing, everyone! Please, do contact me if you decide this looks like the right thing for you!))

Locklathlan looks over the document, before penning a note. Dear Sohaer; as an accomplished bard, I have significant intellectual prowess, specifically in the examination of literary works, as many a song begins as a musing on a sheet of paper. You are also aware, that I have spent much time outside the cihi, and have returned rather recently. Due to these two traits, I would like to offer a course on "The Elven State of Mind". As I can take an outsiders view on our way of thinking (namely, the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya) I can examine many of our thoughts and goals from a useful perspective. This course would help those within our blessed cihi to better understand why their way of thinking is above those of others, and any outsiders interested may be enlightened as to this mental supremacy. Moving on from basic ideas, we will investigate some of the best elven poetry, philosophy and any other type of literature that offers particular insight into the elven way of life. Many thanks in advance; Locklathlan Rad'kenral, dutiful Mali'aheral. (( The class will be held every Saturday, where possible, at 12PM EST.))

* A tattered note is found tucked next to the Cloud Temple notice board. * I seek an enchanter to aid a friend, who has found himself in quite a predicament. He has (sadly) lost his left leg to a rather horrible accident, some time ago. He was given an enchanted ferrum limb, though has now lost its use due to its loss of power. As said above, I seek an enchanter willing to use their services to "recharge" his leg. Those who wish to help, send a letter by bird to Jornarn Kessewick. Many thanks in advance.

((MC Name: Charcoal1 )) Name: Locklathlan Rad'Kenral Age: 26 Gender: Male Parents/Guardians (If applicable): N/A (They are now lost to the previous two movements, and I cannot tell of their whereabouts, or even their health.)

~~OOC Information~~ Minecraft Name: Charcoal1 Skype (optional): charcoal103 Time zone: GMT Have you ever been banned? If so, why? No. ~~Roleplay~~ Name: Locklathlan Rad'Kenral Age: 21 Race: High Elven (cultural Snow Elf) Gender: Male Profession: Bard Choose a class -Royalty: -Noble: -Citizenship: X

Out-Of-Character Information The simplest section of the application! Simply answer these questions so we can get to know you a bit better. What’s your Minecraft Account Name?: - Charcoal1 How old are you?: - 15 What time-zone do you live in?: - UK Time Have you ever roleplayed before - if you have, how?: - On some private servers with friends, but never seriously, no. Have you been on any other roleplaying servers?: - Aside from the private servers mentioned above, no. Have you applied to this server before? (Please link past applications): -Twice before, some time ago, on a different account: http://www.lordofthecraft.net/topic/76934-charcoal-1-wirek-galbadash-second-application/?hl=charcoal1 http://www.lordofthecraft.net/topic/76741-charcoal-1-wirek-galbadash/?hl=charcoal1 How did you hear about us?: - Google :) What do you think the server will be like? - A collection of enthusiastic roleplayers, to weave stories with, and enjoy the experience with. Have you read and agreed to the rules?: - Yes. What’s your favourite rule / the rule you agree with the most?: - Within the application rules, the fact that your character cannot come from royalty is a nice touch; it's good to let people know where they stand in regards to making a character. Within the standard rules, the "non-explicit sexual roleplay" is a nice touch; keeps the silly from being... well, TOO silly. Definitions This is simply so that we can get an understanding of how much you know about roleplaying. Feel free to Google the answers, but make sure that you write the reply in your own words, not another website / person's! What is roleplaying?: - Similar to acting, you "play the role" of an imaginary character, reacting to events in the way they would, and taking on their mannerisms and overall presence. What’s metagaming?: - Using knowledge that your roleplay character could not possibly know. What’s powergaming?: - The act of taking events into your own hands(e.g in RP combat, telling the other player that they got hit by an attack of yours, without allowing them to decide, or at least roll for the chance of getting hit). In-Character Information Now you actually make your character - be creative but stay reasonable! Make sure they make sense and that they follow lore. Try to come up with a character that you actually want to play. What’s your character called?: - Locklathlan Rad'kenral What race are they (and sub-race)?: - Elvish, High Elf What sex are they?: - Male How old are they?: - 21 Give us a brief description of their life - their story, childhood, family (Include server lore when writing): - Locklathlan was born on the island of Elysium, shortly after the departure of Asulon. His father was a bard, well known for his great tales, and beautiful voice. His mother, ran an apothecary, healing the sick, and providing remedies for illness. He grew up mainly with his mother, and when his father returned, learned to play the lute, and use the voice his father had gifted him with, as he too, had a wondrous set of lungs. His mother also imparted some of her trade, teaching him of basic herb gathering, and uses of many of the worlds plant life. Between the lute practice, and the many hours he spent grinding herbs and preparing poultices, Locklathlan grew to be very lithe fingered, nimbly accomplishing most tasks, with a bards signature flare. He also gained a somewhat uncanny feel for his surroundings, able to pinpoint a pindrop instantly within a room, or noticing something insignificant in the corner of his eye. He regularly caught objects that fell from his mothers work surfaces, replacing them nimbly. However, his parents did not impart very much social sense to him. His father was in fact a very shy man, who used his music to cover his timid nature. His mother rarely interacted with people outside of her patients, and rarer still, held a conversation with someone of her own age. However, Locklathlan made it his duty to not have those weaknesses, and once he was old enough to handle himself, he spent more time outside, interacting with people, even the passing strangers. He remained quiet, but always smiled, and held himself confidently in public, easily making friends, and dealing with acquaintances. But, Locklathlan did seem to have a rather odd quality; even while walking down the street, he would be seen actively talking, presumably to himself. He did this regularly, and many were mindful of his seemingly jovial nature. By the time he reached adulthood, he appeared to ramble endlessly, and many shunned him for it, even though he acted with the utmost courtesy and kindness to those he encountered. Locklathlan eventually decided to leave, and set out in search of new and exciting folk, to both hear his musical talent, and converse with, forming new bonds and friendships. What are they like (personality)?: - Jovial, happy, and rarely without a smile on his face. Optimistic, inquisitive and friendly, though relatively quiet, and generally does not take control of a conversation, merely starting one and "going with the flow". To sum it up, he acts in very much the opposite way to most High Elves. However, due to his upbringing being around that of other elves, he finds it difficult to speak with other races. What are their ambitions?: - To become a well known figure, liked by many, hated by few(hopefully none!). Do they have any special skills?: - Lither fingered, easily accomplishing finger work with neatness and ease. A strange feel for his surroundings, responding quickly to events. What are their weaknesses?: - Sometimes shy if the person he attempts to chat with is socially aggrassive. Not physically strong, due to little time doing strenuous activities. Give us a description of how they look (not a screenshot yet!)?: - Very, very bright hair, that most see as white, with hazel eyes, and a slight but happy face. Leather knee high boots, half arm length gloves, a white highwayman style coat, under which he keeps his travelling equipment, in various satchels, a gift from his mother. His trousers are a gray cloth, not stiff in anyway, to allow the performing of tricks with ease. Finally, he wears a white fether hat, a gift from his father before his departure. Anything else you want to say about them?: - Nope, pretty much summed it up. Please give us a screenshot of your character’s skin: -