Nonival

“This tah be the vereh bes’ drinkin’ night, I don’ doubt! None bettah in all tha land!” Liesl waves a fist triumphantly 

*feels left out but proud of her finding nonetheless ;-;

(Hip hip huzzah for the halfling golden age! And thanks a million to all those halflings that make the group so wonderful and work so hard for it)

Liesl runs forward, dragging her papa behind her “C’mon c’mon hurry!”

Primary Shogger: Rollo Applefoot

Secondary Shogger: Liesl Applefoot

Desired Team Color: Yellow

Dame Aldonza de Castelo would welcome the old knight to the seven skies with a kind smile.

Liesl Applefoot would be deeply insulted! The halflings sorrow being wielded like a sword to better wage war? A cut as deep as the first. The young’un would lament once more within her burrow at the treachery of the nations.

Liesl would move to quickly paint over the odd scribblin’s on the Applefoot’s door. Although... the weird design was rather pretty! The li’ul halfling would proceed to spend many a sunny day doodling on the door. Surrounding the lovely design with hearts, smileys, and doodles in as many colors as she could. What a nice fellow to have come up with such a heartwarming idea! And to paint it on every door? A truly caring soul. Just the thought was enough to set the girl a whistling as she worked.

Liesl Applefoot, after a long day of a proud tinker’s work would skip back to the Applefoot dwelling, eager to hear the news of the latest Pumpkin Raid from kinsmen and parentage alike! Who now has vowed a life of peace? What would be shared at the table, drinks in hand, of strange bigguns and merry tavern tales? But it was not into a happy home and proud aura that Liesl returned to. The young halfling looked up to her father and Thain with a worried gaze, sensing his spirit to be off put. And with a woeful look in return, he shared that dreadful news. The peaceful role model and faithful Knoxist would return no more to cheer her on in shogging matches or nod approvingly at her most recent creations. Or even to tell a bedtime story when the night seemed especially dark and the world far too big for a young’in halfling. The tyke sealed herself away to process the news of her mother’s death. And she would stay sealed away within the Applefoot’s humble burrow for the days and weeks and year to come. 

The lady Ildaria Castelo would begin speaking with her brother and his levymen about closing the settlement to outsiders for a time. This war was truly no good for business or peace of mind within Rodenburg. 

My signature is a handy dandy list of past and present characters. Dame Aldonza the human is the character I ended up putting a lot of effort into and has a lot of accomplishments under her name. I enjoy seeing other communities and races, so I’ve experimented with a few interesting personas. Currently, my mains would be Ildaria (Aldonza’s daughter) and the halfling Liesl of the wonderful and ever growing Applefoot family.

Name: Liesl Applefoot

Race: Halfling

Tell us more about yourself: Ain’t no shogger like this shogger!

Why do you want to win this Tournament: FOR GLORYYY

1 hour ago, Tha_Mystery_Man said:

Mystery Uialben seems to be insulted that a human city would lock down over this, "JUST DEVALUE MY OLD TIMES NOW WHY DONTCHA?" he says, thinking deeply on the poor down fall of the Senntisten legend over time..

Dame Aldonza de Castelo cackles from the Seven Skies

Liesl Applefoot would nod along thoughtfully as she looks over the papers. After brief consideration, she finds this to be exactly what she has been looking for to finish her makeshift birds nest! She then proceeds to rip up the pages and stuff the scraps between the twiggies. No doubt some lovely birds will come to make their home here now. Liesl might’ve even gone so far as to make a “Welcome Home” sign if’un she was able to read and write.

HAVE SCIENCE: 

“A number of women’s magazines have recently carried goodnews reports claiming that the smell of cinnamon buns has been proven to ‘boost male erections’ - some use the more scientificsounding euphemism ‘increase penile blood-flow’. A few reports also mention lavender. In fact, the study in question - conducted by the Smell and Taste Research Foundation in Chicago - discovered only that ‘in those with a normal olfactory ability, a variety of odours can increase penile blood-flow’. These odours included pumpkin pie, liquorice, doughnuts and lavender, and various combinations of these, as well as oriental spice and cola.”

[Source: https://www.sirc.org/publik/smell.pdf]

“When it comes to using essential oils in products, lavender is one of the most popular ones selected. Used throughout history, lavender has made its mark in the cosmetics, medicinal, and perfumery industries. This is true for two reasons; first lavender is one of the most recognized scents worldwide. And second, with such an array of skin and health benefits from lavender, it is easily a front runner for induction in to products.”

[Source: https://www.naturesgardencandles.com/blog/tag/what-does-lavender-smell-like/]

“Lavender is traditionally alleged to have a variety of therapeutic and curative properties, ranging from inducing relaxation to treating parasitic infections, burns, insect bites, and spasm. There is growing evidence suggesting that lavender oil may be an effective medicament in treatment of several neurological disorders. Several animal and human investigations suggest anxiolytic, mood stabilizer, sedative, analgesic, and anticonvulsive and neuroprotective properties for lavender.”

[Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/]

Additional Links:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181023085648.htm

YOU CAN TEAR THE WONDERFUL SMELL OF LAVENDER OUT OF MY COLD, DEAD HANDS. (although, I do actually like mint better)

Liesl Applefoot flexes her good boating arm

Awesome guide! Big ol’  +1

“To the Theodosian Imperial Academy in regards to the acceptance of once Illdaria Castelo de Castillo,

Though it is such that my brothers have undergone the necessary schooling or have already made plans to, the nature of my tutelage is minimum at best. It is under the watchful eye of parents and relatives alike that I pen this letter in hopes of furthering my education to continue our family’s path within nobility as best I may.

Saudações,

Illdaria Castelo de Castillo”

STUDENT APPLICATION

IGN: Nonival

RP Name: Illdaria 

Discord: Nonival#6199

First Option: Imperial Governance

Second Option: Physical Education

Third Option: Language

Fourth Option: Realm History

Boruto. Their general writing skill and quality emotes are on point. 

Zac Clay. Not around the community much anymore, but gotta give em full support!

Mystery. Still gotta love that murder event and always enjoy droppin by to visit his royal Thaneness. #1 Hype bud.

Cranky_Varangian. Probably one of my best buds on the server. Keep keepin it real.

zePato. Has done a kick butt job as Grand Marshal. Really helped form it for the better and continues to do so.

Jondead. We’ve only talked maybe once, but you’ve always seemed like such a force of positivity I couldn’t NOT put you on here!

I’ll probably add more later, too. I’m so thankful for everyone I’ve met through this community.

Keep fighting the good fight, m'dude. Stay safe out there and don't forget your pixel battle brothers.

The Encounter

Aldonza Castelo takes a tentative sip of the wine, eyes glimmering in delight as the decadent liquid passes her lips. The woman leans back in her chair, swirling the wine as she looks up towards the evening sky, “Ah, yes. The story of my scar.” Her gaze drops back to the inquisitor. “I suppose it all began with a Grand Marshal and the King’s quest.”

This was no simple errant quest. The far Southern reaches of Atlas is a cold and unforgiving wasteland of death. It is far too easy for the common man to fall prey to frostbite, starvation, or worse. However, if the King wanted the Southern region of Atlas mapped, then by the Seven Skies Roland Castelo would see it done.

Four other brave souls would come to accompany him on this endeavour. The Sergeants Aldonza Cervantes and Vittore Stefano Volaire- both seasoned warriors of the Legion- help form the backbone of the group. Then, of course, there was the recruit. Bringing Jack along was clearly a mistake, but this was merely a mapping expedition and there were other soldiers of experience to call upon if necessary. The final member of the team would be a man by the name of Louis. A scholar of questionable scholarly attributes that was itching for a bit of adventure. Unbeknownst to them just what fate had in store, the five packed their bags and headed off towards the snowy mountains.

The sky would soon grow dark as skies often do and crystal-esque snowflakes began to fall softly about the travelers. Five weary travellers came to a halt in a field of white. For you who might never have dared the forbidding Southern reaches, night is not a pleasant time to traverse the land. Three stayed behind to prepare tents and the yearned for embrace of a fire while the Sergeants split off, moving several yards out in separate directions to scout the region they had settled.

Sergeant Aldonza was the first to return followed shortly by Sergeant Vittore. Each soldier announced their own discovery of ruins and edifices to the Grand Marshal. Over the crest of a small hill a few mere steps away, the other two followed the Cervantes to her findings. The ruins of a wall connecting two snowy hilltops loomed over them, too refined to be that of the ice wall that keeps the people of Atlas confined to that which they call home. Not to mention that this particular wall had a sizable archway within the center of it, guarded by cracking statues taller than any uruk could hope to stand.

These desolate ruins posed no foreseeable threat, so a mark on the map and promises to return to investigate in the sun’s light were made as the group continued on to what the Sergeant Vittore had observed. Trudging over the flurry brushed hills- struggling to maintain their balance with the sporadic trembles of the ground- the trio came in sight of a Keep. Hopeful walls glowing of candlelight stood firm, beckoning to the soldiers. The remaining comrades were quickly summoned from the camp and together they all stood before the closed gates of solace.

Their calls for the master of the house- or anyone willing to open its gates- were answered only by their own voices, echoing into the night. The darkness of forsaken hope cast its veil upon the union. Biting cold kissed them with icy lips and the wind seemed to howl only louder. It was nay over for the group, but the thought of returning to their little fire when compared to the comfort of shielding walls and warm food wrought everything in despair. Even the faint trembles of the ground seemed to grow in strength and number. For so they did. The howls of the wind were mere whispers in light of the thundering roar that made even the gargoyles adorning the Keep tremble at its might. A new chill- that which had little to do with the snow and wind- passed over our heroes.

    Five travellers of forgotten weary plow onwards through the snow, further up the mountainside to a surface of stone. The foundation of some structure lost to time. Moonlight glistens off soldiers’ blades and arrow tips alike as suspense plays its cruel tricks, catching breaths and warping time to a dreamlike halt. Even the gale waits silently, reverently, for the beast to make its debut. Now matter how the wind blows, the mountain does not bow before it- so say some. But this creature of fury and frost makes trembling cowards of the mountains.

    Thump. Thump. Thump.

    The sounds of night and rumbling ground applaud the warrior of the Southern reaches. Its icy gaze, peering around a snow-capped mountain peak, strike the group unlike any sword. This creature was surely one of the Seven Skies. Scales formed of the stars themself glisten. And from the wyvern of ice and frost so booms its powerful roar.

“To arms! Stand your ground!” The voice of the Grand Marshal battles for dominance over the beast’s. Two arrows whistle through the air, each meeting its mark. Bows hold favor over the sword wielders as the creature pushes up into the sky. For a moment, the language barrier between man and wyvern is undistinguishable. All its rage is encompassed in a powerful breath of ice and wind. Those with shields raise them high before their comrades as more arrows are knocked at the ready by those with a bow to release them. These weapons of war are but toys to the beast.

It’s roar replicates that of a merciless laugh as it swoops forward, claws outstretched to ****** up its nearest prey. Soldiers leap into action to no avail. Sergeant Vittore is raised briefly into the night sky for a mere few feet before the creature loses hold on its stubborn victim. Nonetheless, he is momentarily left winded by the cracked stone that greets him.

The notion that the layer of ice protecting the wyvern is impenetrable begins to settle in their mind. Their arrows are practically useless against its natural shield. Fear shrouds them for but a moment when the Grand Marshal calls out once more “Down the mountain men and to the North!” Without question, the group hastens down the mountainside. Though they run in fear, do not take this act in cowardice. Soldiers and scholar alike career onwards to an awaiting forest. Snow begrudgingly gives way to forest floor, leaving frosted puddles here and there. Within the woods embrace, the five each take to the cover of a tree and await the approach of their predator.

It’s cry announces its presence before the shaking of the ground as it lands ever could. The soldiers whirl around from behind the decent safety of their respective trees all at once. Arrows are knocked into place once more by Sergeant Vittore and Footman Jack as the other two soldiers begin their charge unto the beast.

The Sergeant Aldonza fuels her charge with a mighty warcry only to receive a roar in return. The barrier of tongues is meaningless once more as the two foes cry out to one another, each one mightier than the last. Before any real winner can be determined, blades and arrows descend at once upon the beast. The weapon that were once useless strike the beast, its armor of ice melting away in the warmer air of the woods.

Blood and sweat taints the air. The moon casts shadows of the battle upon the trees- the sole audience to the scene. Man and beast alike stir up the mud of the earth in their struggle. Blade and arrow upon scales. Claws and icy breath upon shield and armor. With a sickening squelch, the Grand Marshal’s blade is thrust into his foe once more in a substantial blow. The wyvern launches into the sky with a cry of agony, the action ripping the weapon from the officer’s grasp. Sergeant Aldonza is quick enough to leap back as their foe quickly descends, but the same cannot be said for the Castelo soldier.

Five yells of varying intensity ring out. Bows are replaced in haste with swords and two sergeants, a recruit, and a scholar move with newfound rage to the aid of their Grand Marshal. Its victim still mangled beneath its claws, the wyvern spreads the once beautiful wings of icy crystals out. The air whistles from the sheer force of the motion as its wings arc forward, dangerously sharp claws upon each like that of a bats reaching to strike at its oncoming enemies. Another powerful blow is delivered, a claw catching the face of Sergeant Aldonza- the wyvern’s nearest opponent. The woman is sent flying back, leaving the remaining three to see a losing battle won. But their wrath holds no meaning to the foe, satisfied with the chaos it has wrought. The magnificent creature takes to the sky. And so the wyvern flies off, tracing its path of flight in a trail of blood.

The trees look upon what remains of the group mercilessly. Two soldiers kneel beside their officer, looking unto the lethal damage done as the scholar moves to see to the wounds of the Cervantes. “Help the Grand Marshal,” the woman pushes Louis away, crawling forward towards the others as one hand clutched to the blood that pools from her face. It is evident that time will not be kind unto our five hopeless heros.

Roland does no more than groan as the life slips from his weary form. Aldonza clutches the wound dealt to her face, pleading for someone to save him, damnit! Vittore looks over the wounds of his fallen friend and leader with a hopeless stare. Louis digs through what little supplies they still had on them in a desperate attempts to find something of medical value. Jack goes back and forth between Louis and Roland, as unsure as the rest of them as what was left to be done. And all of them slowly feel the weight of the night’s battle and the wretched nightmare they bore witness to bear down upon their shoulders.

Aye, the story could end here. You who comes to know of this forlorn tale must surely now weep for our fallen heroes. But do not let yourself despair, for the trees themselves must have whispered of their state to passing wanderers. Three beings emerge from the foliage, surely Aenguls come to lift their sorrows and heal their wounds. And they do. One of the three embodiments of hope steps forth, enacting miracles of medicine unto the wounded soldiers. The three beings leave almost as quickly as they came, leaving no more than whispered words of advice and healing wounds. Those of us the wiser know the trio to nay truly be Aenguls, but for such light to pierce the veil of despair, they may have as well been.

Five comrades sit in the woods. A Grand Marshal, two Sergeants, a recruit, and a scholar. Tonight they rest and give thanks for their life’s. But the time may come- the time will come- when five comrades seek out their foe once more.

((A few quick notes! This story is based an actual event that occured within LOTC. A huge thanks to Unwillingly who was the ET member who ran the event and later on also ran the revenge event. Also a huge thanks to Zac Clay who happened to have been streaming LOTC at the time and dropped by to stream a bit of the tail end of this event. And of course, a huge thanks to all those that were participants in the event and got to experience this with me! This forum post has been a long time coming and I’m really glad to be able to have finally finished this so that I might share it with all of you. Please let me know if you would like me to write a part two for this that entails the revenge story.)

I feel like I’ve already said it before on a past post, but oh well!

This guy’s the man. His emotes and general writing capabilities always impress me. I think I have screenshots from past events like fighting that giant plant creature and so on where the way he expresses his character’s and their actions just leave me speechless. Couldn’t recommend him to the  position more. Thanks for inspiring me to better my general writing skills and helping make LOTC even more enjoyable. 

Regards,

Nonival

Dame Aldonza knew not of how to explain her grief to her children. As it were with the passing of Demetrio, they shared no blood of family. Yet the aspiring Dame had solidified a place in her heart in the way a daughter might. This would be another death that Aldonza does not grieve silently. The sword of sorrow cuts deep, leaving unseen scars to add to her collection.

Rurvin, would eye all preparations suspiciously. Anything could happen during such a festivity with a murderer still at large.... *cue film noir music*

THE HAMLET OF STETTIN

It is often an accidental feat to enter the hamlet of Stettin, but its people welcome you nonetheless. Merchants and travellers shrink before the gleaming walls of Carolustadt. They had no intention of visiting the humble homes and rolling fields just before the city, but the bustling Capital can be a bit overwhelming. For those less accustomed to travel, Stettin would seem the distance between the Seven Skies and Atlas in comparison to Carolustadt, though it’s walls are still close enough to revel in. Here the people share no blood, but call each other family nonetheless. Metal on stone echoes from the mine and children play about their mother’s feet as they plow the fields in harvest time. The passing merchants are welcomed as friends for a quick flagon of Castelo wine. Stettin is a hamlet of peaceful jubilation and the Castelo’s welcome you with open arms. Be sure to pick up a scroll at the town hall and read of our guidelines. If you cannot read, ask any passing resident and they will surely read it for you.

1. A resident must not be a member of a foreign military group. This includes mercenary groups and parts of the Empire other than Carolustadt. The only militant groups joinable by a resident are the Castelo house guard and the Imperial Legion.

2. A resident must not own a residence outside of Stettin. (On the same character)

3. If the resident is a Male, in a national state of distress they must accept levy service in the defense of the Empire.

4. A resident must abide by Imperial law.

5. A resident must not preach any word other than that of the Cannonist faith.

6. A resident must agree to pay taxes on their homes.

Then on Taxes

1. Taxes must be paid every saint's week (by Saturday) and cannot be paid in advance without the lord's direct permission. Failure to pay taxes will result in the resident being evicted and a notice to vacate the home within three saint's days.

2. If the resident's goods are not removed after the three day period, they are forfeited and are now property of the lord of Stettin. These goods can be returned to the previous owner at the lord's decision.

3. If taxes cannot be paid due to some outstanding circumstance (Vacation, RL stuff, etc.) the lord must be notified. (Message on Discord)

How to Pay Taxes:

Taxes will be paid through the purchase of tax slips. These slips can be bought in the base floor of Stettin's windmill and vary in price depending on the house you have. Once a tax slip is purchased, deposit them inside of Stettin's tax office located within the castle. Each slip covers one saint's week worth of tax, thus one must be purchased and deposited every saint's week.

Then on Jobs

Farmers

Agriculture is the backbone of the Empire. Farmers ensure that the commonfolk and soldiers have enough food in their bellies to be happy and healthy. Farmers collect bushels of wheat and meat from the animals, selling them at the stockpile in the windmill. It's not the highest paying job, but hey. It's honest work for honest pay.

Miners

The lands around Carolstadt have long been known for their rich iron veins. Miners use the Stettin mine to reap the world's mineral wealth,  selling blocks of iron at the stockpile in the windmill. Hard work, but good pay.

Guardsmen

Though the capital is just mere yards away from the border of Stettin, the village is right by the busiest crossroads in all of Atlas. The commerce coming through can attract shady folk, and it's always good to have someone to enforce justice. Additionally, guards will be expected to accompany the Stettin lord into potentially risky situations or carry out missions themselves. Guardsman live in the barracks located inside the lord's castle and do not have to pay taxes.

Special Jobs

There are a couple of buildings designed for self-employed jobs, such as the brewery and the smithy. Your income is in your hands! (Make sure you rp selling your goods, it's great immersion!)

Then on Houses

There are two classifications for housing: regular and family houses. These are taxed differently, so keep that in mind during tax day. There are no special requirements for a small home, but for a family home you need to have at least two different people living there.

Those seeking to join the humble community, be it for work or shelter, are urged to send courier to the Lord or Lady Castelo (Cranky_Varangian, Nonival). The settlement and its people offer their hospitality to those of virtuous intent. Merely follow the path to Carolustadt and you will find yourself there.

Minecraft Account Name(s) Nonival

Discord Nonival#6199

How long have you played on LoTC? 6+ months (activly. Not counting my 2 some years of absence.)

Timezone and Availability 3pm CST - 12pm CST (Time's may vary and will be decreased in 2 months)

What lore are you versed in most?

Land and region Lore (The Firelands, Southern Wastelands, etc.)
Artifacts

Give a summary of any staff positions you have held on LoTC

N/A

Have you ever written lore for LoTC?

None that has officially been submitted. Over time I have developed Lore for regions or items a persona may have that they believe to be the case (”These ruins must once have been an elven settlement!” “The sword I wield must surely have been forged by the hands of GOD for it never misses its mark”, etc.)

Have you ever received a blacklist or ban?

N/A

Who do you not get along with on the Lore Team?

I'd like to think I do well to get along with most people, but I did have one not-so-great encounter with an LT. I feel like there was a bit of miscommunication during the conversation and they have since not taken too kindly to me. (I honestly don't remember who it was, but if they see this: sorry if I offended you!)