Nectorist
-
Posts
1263 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Personas
Wiki
Rules
War
Systems
Safety
Player Conduct
Forums
Forms
Posts posted by Nectorist
-
-
have u gone to fort sam yet? if so, how was it?
0 -
“Damn, she’s worse than me,” says the long-dead Vladimyr, his normally-wretched soul finding within itself pity for the young girl who had freed him from his earthly confines.
4 -
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
A Final Letter
Dear Father and Mother,
I heard that at my birth the two of you did so grievously weep, for from the union of Atmorice and Tundrak, two ancient houses of noble and proud blood, a twisted creature had been wrought. I was brought into this world much unlike my forebears, much unlike my brother even. I was told that for days the two of you fretted over me, protecting me from the harshness that our city brings. It is nigh-impossible for a child to live in Tahu’Lareh unaided, and those that are born runts are often left to die for the burden that they bring to their family. Yet the two of you stuck by me, as defenseless as I was, and the love in your hearts brought to me a warmth that has since never left me, even as despair may numb my skin and bite at my veins.
When I was young, I was convinced that this world was not for me. Although I was alive, I was far from well. While Vytrek played with the other boys and girls on the streets of the city, I sat shivering on my bed, watching them longingly from high above. I wallowed in the misery that only a crippled could possess- wasting away the days as I sat there solemnly. I cursed the both of you, I cursed Wyvurn, I cursed myself for having been condemned to a life of nothingness the moment I was born. Maybe, if things had gone differently, I would still be sitting there idly- lamenting what could be but isn’t.
I’m sorry, father, that I could not be the warrior-son you so wished to have, but in more ways in one I did fight. While my hand could not lift a sword, a quill is far easier: even though I am unable to run, in the books of the library I soared, sailed, swam, and rode far more that I could even imagine. Think not that I had no childhood, for I learned that to play was to recover. I may have been the slowest, and the weakest, but from old, dusty tomes I learned of secret alcoves for us children to explore and from massive volumes on herbology I learned what herbs could cure scrapes, stomachaches, and fevers. When I was young, sitting sickly within the dark, dreary confines of my room, I questioned why the world didn’t love me the same way it loved so many others. However, when I began to accept who I was, learned that the world cannot love you until you love yourself.
Father, I wept for a week when you fell ill and named me Grand Prince in your stead. I was but a child now sitting atop a throne meant for a man. You and mother were both gone, and I had no one to turn to, no one to listen to when I needed advice, no one to confide in when my troubles plagued my conscience. In your absence, though, I was able to find a steadfast and loyal group of friends and councilors to aid me. In truth, without them I would have been naught, and the living son you have today would instead be hanging from the walls of Tahu’Lareh- his own free hands his downfall. Treat them well, Father, for they are good and they are true- I could not imagine a world where I would have any others by my side.
As the end of this letter draws near, I cannot help but feel the ache of my heartstrings as they twang within me. There is so much more I could say to the both of you, but I haven’t the time (nor the ink- I dearly apologize for using so much of it!) to say all that I wish to say. The ship is soon to sail, and in just a few minutes time I will be off at sea for months, years, or until the end of my life- I know not what my voyage will entail. Even now my throat clenches at the thought of departing, possibly forever, but the memories of everyone who has made me whole soothe my quaking hand and still my heavy breathing . Preserved in my mind are the people who taught me how to love, how to hope, how to live- so long as they are with me I know I shall never be alone.
How lucky I am to have people that make it so difficult to say goodbye.
Thank you,
Aldred
SpoilerI would like to thank everyone who’s made my time on LOTC as great as it’s been. I’ll always treasure the friendships I’ve made, the fun I’ve had, and the memories that I’ve kept. Once again, thank you.
33 -
Kodak’Raguk dances.
Spoiler1 -
Bella Ciao
An auspicious occasion, it ought to have been. The Cathedral of Tahu’Lareh filled with citizens and visitors alike, eager to bear witness our wedding. Stood I there at the podium, my solitary self lacking beside me a dear friend and companion who was to become my wife. I knew whispers and words of affection were false, my dear, for none could so despise themselves so much as to hold an ounce of love for a cripple. But as we affirmed ourselves of our friendship, I believed that there was an ounce of… something. What it was I know not, but it suggested to me that there was a future with us, one that would bring about a better Fennic state than the one my father left behind. I shall not go so far as to suggest any sort of devotion in heart and spirit, but perhaps a semblance of fondness that would allow us to become trusting, capable friends.
Woe is me for being the dreamer that I am! When I first received the notice of your witchery from Lothric Vihael, my heart did so ache at the thought that one of my truest friends and confidantes could be so cruel as to deceive me. I convinced myself that the letter was a lie, I repeated the vows I was to say over and over in my head, as to remind myself of who you were- a loyal councilor and ally. I hoped that, by confronting you, this facade could be dropped and you would laugh before suddenly disproving the missive I had been given. However, I saw how your face dropped, how your eyes betrayed your tongue, and how your assurances rang hollow in my ears. You had confirmed my fears before your witchery had even began.
Though I was then a man broken in spirit and body, I still have the blood of my greater ancestors running through my veins. Even more resolute than my devotion to you was my deeper, rooted duty to my people. If it was your intent to deceive me, and overrun my city with your dark allies, then I would waste no time in thwarting your plans. Mistaken as you were to have assumed me a beaten man, even more severe to your cause was the folly that was allowing me to live! You had revealed your dark ways to me as we parted, thus allowing me the reason and the time to contact the Assembly of Xan. Though they had been outcasted years ago, for what crimes I know and care not of, I am not one to deny help when it is a true course for me to take. Even as I stood alone in the cathedral, my wrecked consciousness missing your presence even still, the paladins’ watchful eye spotted you when I could not.
What a great torrent it was that you casted, I must say. Fearful was I for my guards and paladins, for even though I knew you were a practitioner of the dark arts I had not the time nor the means to determine your capabilities. While the blizzard you created sliced at those who dared step foot outside the cathedral, your accomplices were quickly apprehended and slain by my men and the paladins alike. It was a mistake to leave them alone, but I do imagine your more primal senses- the ones that you tried so desperately to hide- played your hand for you. Victory was assured when paladin and Ivae’fenn together rushed the tower you had holed yourself up in- there is no defeating men wrought from ice and hardship.
I myself am no warrior, but even if I were, I doubt I would have ventured into that tower with the others. Although you betrayed me, although you shed you guise to reveal your demonic self, although you attempted to slay myself and the good inhabitants of my city, I still held a place in my heart for, if not you, the person that I knew as my friend and wife-to-be. When the ashes of your body was brought down for me to see, my knees went weak at the sight of my dear friend, Maeve Zinerith, so ingloriously carried in the arms of a common soldier. What drove you to turn against me? What loss was it that led you to become the way you were, and could I not have filled that void? I may have been able to help you- restore you to a better state- but you never allowed me that chance. And thus as I looked upon your barren ashes, I whispered a final goodbye to the woman I thought I knew.
The wretchedness that overcame you sought to destroy me, my people, and the princedom I govern. No matter the pity I feel for you, I still cannot help but laugh at the corruptions that failed to achieve the domination they desired. The forces of darkness underestimated me, and they paid the price for their foolishness. You, Maeve- no, I dare not speak that name, for the creature that attacked us on that fateful night was not the Maeve I knew- believed that magic was your token to victory, that through the use of the foul sorcery that plagues our world you could achieve power. In truth, as horrific as your powers were, every man, woman, and child that stood in that cathedral had faced worse. The Fennic people have seen genocide and turmoil, war and famine, we are a people who are no strangers to enemies both inside and outside our walls. The paladins themselves have fought beasts and wizards I know not about, but the legends and songs in their name speak of greater conquests than the ones they faced that day.
I hope that your demise will prove a lesson to all of the petty evils which seek to trifle with that which is just and pure. So long as those who are good stand together in the face of darkness, you and your kind will never know the taste of victory. I henceforth implore every conspirator of the wicked to leave the life which they have chosen, to forget the powers which they falsely believe will bring them satisfaction. There is no joy in embarking on a path which only seeks to destroy and consume, for one cannot love when all they know is pain, and one cannot live when all they know is death. It is much to my sorrow that you, my dearest Maeve, my treasured friend and betrothed, proved this to me. It will forever haunt me to know that when I looked into your eyes for the very last time, I saw a hunger in them- one that was, and would forever be, unsated.
I have had the last laugh. Farewell, poisoned love,
Aldred
13 -
-
49 minutes ago, FlamboyantTyrant said:
While making a public thread for the rep/to try and rally a mob may seem appealing, all it’s going to do is annoy us as you try and rush potentially complex matters. Those that keep trying to do this will receive hefty warnings.
ah yes. people who try to expose disgusting individuals who prey on other members on the server are just doing it for the rep or are trying to incite a mob. nobody does it because it’s been shown that the admins will never handle these things when they’re reported privately, nobody does it because they genuinely care about the server and all of the young people on it, nobody does it because they believe it is the morally right thing to do, we all just do it because we’re inherently selfish individuals who just seek to gain internet glory.
im happy to know you all hold the members of this community in such a high regard
12 -
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
A Response to The Sohaer’s Call to Arms
To Sohaer Dimaethor Visaj,
I know the way which the wind blows. Though you believe your call for aid is, in a purely legal and diplomatic sense, justified and obligatory, I fear I must hereby renege on the pact, which you first broke, and deny your request for support.
Our people know quite well from the centuries of warfare and bitter rivalry that have marred our minds and beings. Our alliance, forged in the face of Llyrian expansion just a decade ago, was not one of mutual love, trust, or goodwill, but one of convenience and necessity. I have no doubt that, upon the expiration of our pact, our uneasy truce would soon dissolve into the incessant conflict and strife that we have known- just as it is the way for bear and wolf to do battle, so too is it in the nature of our people to fight bitterly against each other. If I were to break my alliance with the people of Irrinor, and pledge myself to your cause, what would come of me and my people after the war? Despite our prior support for the Marnan cause in the War of the Two Emperors, the same cause that the Lord Protector Adrian Sarkozic fought valiantly for, it seems that the humans regard us not as friends and allies, but as an obstacle in the way of their expansion. Oren’s appetite for conquest has never been sated, and I have no reason to believe that this war will change this, so what does that make us but another prize to be sought after by the human imperialists?
When I look at this upcoming conflict I see neither justice nor barbarism, only the culmination of recent events and deeply-rooted ideals that predate us. We all knew that this day was to come, but for over a decade we blindly pretended that it would not be so. Hiding behind insincere smiles and false handshakes, we managed to convince ourselves that all was well and that we would prevent a tragedy such as the War of the Two Emperors from ever occurring again. Though I was a fool for believing peace could be maintained, I would be worse tenfold were I to betray not only myself but my people as well. The people of Irrinor have supported us unequivocally, unfailingly, and with a genuine desire to secure mutual wellbeing between our people. Haelun’or has only sought our demise- showed ever so clearly by provoking this conflict.
Indeed, the first blow of this war was not struck by Prince Lyemar, but by the incessant ambition of the mali’thill. Do not for a moment deny your intentions, for your actions within the past few elven weeks show your true colors:
I – The government of Haelun’or, in a moment of their typical vanity and pride, denounced both Irrinor and Fenn as sexual deviants. To further this low mockery, we were sent a crate of beets in order to ‘fix’ our problems. Do allies typically insult each other so willingly and easily?
II – The government of Haelun’or entered an alliance with the humans of Oren, a vainglorious people known to meddle in elven affairs. What could necessitate this except for the prospect of war on the horizon? History has shown, time and time again, that the Silver State is often used as a means for the human imperialists to exert their influence in the elven world.
III – The government of Haelun’or sent demands to the people of Irrinor without consulting the Princedom of Fenn. As we are allies of both states, it is only sensible that briefing us of the coming matter would be imperative. Had the mali’thill cared to handle the situation with even an ounce of tact perhaps war on this scale could have been averted.
This is not a war of righteousness, as you claim it is, but rather one of extermination. It is clear that the end result for those that oppose you and your Orenian overlords is utter destruction and genocide. We will not stand by idly while our true friends are being massacred by your hands, nor will we be complicit in the slaughter that you shall perpetuate. For better or worse, we shall defend Irrinor in victory or defeat- I can not imagine a world in which it would be otherwise. Throughout their life, every individual encounters many different paths. Each one holds a future that we can never see, only hope to predict. Today, I choose the final path I have left- the one that leads to the end. What that end is I know not, but I pray that I will do myself and my people right until my last dying breath.
HIS SERENE HIGHNESS, Aelthos of the Tundrak Bloodline, third of his name, Grand Prince of the Princedom of Fenn and Mali’Fenn, Patriarch of the Tundrak Bloodline, Protector of the Idhren’tirn, Hesin’fin, Commander of the Citadel of Acael, Protector of Tahu’lareh, the chosen of Wyrvun
Aldred of the Tundrak Bloodline, first of his name, Crown Prince of the Princedom of Fenn and Mali’Fenn
35 -
Declaration of Regency, 1735
It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that I, Crown Prince Aldred Tundrak of the Grand Princedom of Fenn, announce the illness and incapability of my father, Grand Prince Aelthos Tundrak. Seeing as he does not possess the physical and mental strength to rule, it is required that a regent take the Grand Prince’s position until he is deemed fit to return to ruling. As his son and heir, I, Crown Prince Aldred Tundrak, have been invested with the same powers that my father possesses so that I may rule in his stead until he is able to return to full capacity. May Wvyrun guide us all through these troubled times.
HIS SERENE HIGHNESS, Aldred of the Tundrak Bloodline, first of his name,
Crown Prince of the Princedom of Fenn and Mali’fenn, Regent of the Princedom of Fenn and Mali’fenn
10 -
The Treaty of Tahu’Lareh, 1730
It has pleased Wyrvun to dispose the hearts of His Serenity, Ithrendas I of House Regis, Empyrion of The Concord, Suzerain of Llyria, etc. and of His Serene Highness, Aelthos of the Tundrak Bloodline, Third of his Name, Grand Prince of the Princedom of Fenn and Mali’Fenn, Patriarch of the Tundrak Bloodline, etc. to forget all past grievances and hostilities that have upset the prosperity and good fortune which the two mutually wish to restore to their respective nations, and to remedy and reestablish their fractured discourse in the name of securing perpetual peace and harmony. Having not yet met this desirable end as of the 9th of the Deep Cold, 1730, the commissioners empowered by each side have therefore drafted a proposal seeking an end to the longstanding conflicts in the hopes of reaching the same peace that seemed unattainable mere months ago. Upon review of the treaty, the respective monarchs have hereby accepted and confirmed the following articles.
TREATY ARTICLES:
ARTICLE I. Hostilities between the Fennic Alliance and the Concord of Llyira are to cease effective immediately. Moreover, the Llyiran-Uruguan border is to be demilitarized within a period lasting no more than one Elven Day from the ratification of this treaty.
ARTICLE II. The Concord of Llyria will pay the Princedom of Fenn war reparations amounting to thirty-five thousand minae to cover the expenses incurred by the Princedom and its allies.
ARTICLE III. A non-aggression pact between the Princedom of Fenn and the Concord of Llyria lasting a period of two Elven Months will be formed. This pact will forbid not only declaring war, but any and all hostile activities conducted by, or with support from, the signatories.
ARTICLE IV. The Concord of Llyria will raise the minimum age of marriage for elves to fifty, in accordance with the wishes of Sohaer Dimaethor Visaj.
Signed,
HIS SERENE HIGHNESS, Aelthos of the Tundrak Bloodline, third of his name,
Grand Prince of the Princedom of Fenn and Mali’Fenn, Patriarch of the Tundrak Bloodline, Protector of the Idhren’tirn, Hesin’fin, Commander of the Citadel of Acael, Protector of Tahu’lareh, the Commander of the Citadel of Acael, Protector of Tahu’lareh, the Chosen of Wyrvun, etc.
Under-King Utak Ireheart
Sohaer Dimaethor Visaj
His Holy Serenity, Ithrendas I of House Regis,
Empyrion of the Concord, Suzerain of Llyria, Protector of Omeryn, and Chi, Shield of the Wayward,
Keeper of the Scions and Peaks, Member of the Irongrinder Clan, Guardian of the Primordial, Paragon of the Ohric will, etc.
12 -
He's one of the best dudes I know. Even months back when I didn't really know him, he always struck me as a reasonable, chill dude who was willing to sit down and talk. He’ll be able to bring a fresh perspective to the GM team as both a pvper and RPer, and I could definitely see him being a voice of compromise. +1
0 -
“I’m bored please just FIGHT SOMEBODY!” screams Prince Aldred, his sudden outburst causing him to seize violently.
1 -
The young Father Ludolf turns pale upon hearing the news, spending the next hour in prayer for the late Cardinal.
1 -
“My plan is still the best,” insists Prince Aldred, playing with his toy soldiers
0 -
Prince Aldred starts making a fake beard so he can pretend to be a grown adult who can go to war
4 -
Galar Ithelanen sines, cosines, then tangents
0 -
A mildly chubby elf cheers for Vaelor
1 -
Name (and House if applicable): Hans de Ruyter
Degree of Knighthood (Squire, Knight Errant, Knight): Knight
Age: 49
Liege Lord: Emperor Alexander
Date of Accolade (if possible): 1696 (ish)
Chapter/Order (if applicable): Nauzica Brigade
1 -
“please just fight somebody already” says the disembodied voice of kaius visaj
1 -
Well, what’s your name?
“Ludolf de Ruyter.”
Aye. And from whence do you hail?
“I’m Lord Sarkozic’s ward in Temesch, but I was born in Adria.”
Alright, alright, that’s a fine place this time of season. How many years have you lived?
“I’m sixteen, soon to be seventeen.”
Got it. Your ethnicity, good man? I can’t make it out.
“Lodenlander, so human through and through.”
Mmm. I never would have expected it. Are you literate?
“I can read and write well enough, for Lord Sarkozic has taught me well. However, I’m no scribe just yet.”
Good, that won’t hurt you. Do you have a wife at home, or children?
“None at all.”
They call Sixtus the Third ‘the Lewd’ for having two bastards. Don’t be like him. Have you got anything against taking oaths?
“Nope. If I did, I wouldn’t be here.”
You’re all set. I’ll have this filed away to the Prelate at once. He’s a sleepy cardinal, about to hit his centennial. Give him a few days.
1 -
Ludolf can’t read the treaty but cheers anyway.
2 -
Nation applying for: The Despotate of Syracuse
BREIF History of your Nation:
The city of Syracuse has been defined by its struggle to preserve its autonomy and Greek identity despite being surrounded by unfamiliar and larger neighbors. An ancient city, on the cusp of a millennia old, Syracuse has served as a vital port linking the east, Africa, and Italy, via the Mediterranean Sea. However, its strategic location has made it a target for as long as its been around. In more ancient times, the city found allies in its Greek sister cities, often banding together with them in order to resist the imperial ambitions of the warring states around it The city fell under the firm grasp of a multitude of dictators, tyrants, and despots, but each were able to keep the city out of the hands of its neighbors.
As the years grew on, the Syracuse’s distinct Greek identity would begin to fade as people from all over the Mediterranean found home within its wall. When the city was finally taken by the Franks after a long siege of three years, it fell into a state of decline. Though it was still a vital Mediterranean port city, the city’s freedom and unique identity had been all but snuffed. However, the city’s spirit of independence had not been crushed, and when the Italian states revolted against its Frankish overlords, Syracuse was quick to join the rebellion. Taking advantage of the relatively light Imperial presence in Sicily, the Syracusian armies were able to inflict a few key defeats on the Frankish forces, driving them from the island by 643. In 646, Syracuse launched an attack on the island of Sardinia, easily defeating the tiny Imperial garrison within a few months. By the time the war had ended, the city found itself independent once again, but still in the precarious situation it had been in since a thousand years ago.
Leader(s): Synesius Stratioticus, Basileus of Sicily and Sardinia, Despot of SyracuseDiscord: You have it
1 -
These are just some of my initial thoughts:
War is inherently uncooperative because it’s a contest between two (or more) forces that oppose each other. Trying to get players to agree on anything is difficult enough, but even more so when it comes to things as major as wars. I understand the reasoning behind trying to make wars a part of the “greater story” of LOTC and have them become a collaborative effort, but people are too OOCly attached to their Mineman nations to ever risk suffering any sort of meaningful loss. We’ve seen, time and time again, players rule-lawyer, cheat, beg, etc, in order to avoid the consequences of their actions. Now that nations at war get to decide their own fate, I imagine we’ll see this same mentality of ‘avoiding consequences’ arise when two nations meet to plan out a war. I agree with the sentiment behind this new system, but I have concerns regarding its implementation.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but from what I’m reading it seems like nations have to agree to war in the first place. This means that any legitimate RP reason I could have to declare war on another nation could be completely null and void because they OOCly don’t wish to go to war. I understand that conquest is generally something seen as unfavorable on the server, but if I were to run a nation hell-bent on making everyone’s lives miserable via raiding, assassination, banditing, etc, I should be able to be gassed by other nations. Instead, this war system would allow me to say, “no thanks, I don’t want war” and continue doing what I do. On the flip side, I could have every legitimate RP reason to go to war with a nation but be blocked by the OOC barrier of the opposing side not wishing for war.
Of course, as this is just an FAQ, take what I’ve said here with a grain of salt. Once the official rules come out tomorrow I might give a, hopefully more thorough and comprehensive, critique.
also RIP ladders
6 -
Oh, how She wept when that Thing came tumbling out of the Void. Oceans of Her sacred tears still roil in the craters of that hellish desert. From these tears were born the new ways. Where once fire had burned in the hearts of every righteous Ascended, now ethereal waters ebbed and flowed within hardened souls of crystal splendour. Every Ascended now a unique jewel whose light could be wielded against the endless legions of corrupt darkness. And yet their light was not enough. A new lens was needed to draw together the myriad glittering rays of the diamond. These souls that had become gems were destined for a greater light.
To behold the light of the Soul Shard is to behold the glow of one’s own soul. That light is the light of personal truth. The light of an inner flame that can never be extinguished. It is this true beauty found in the soul that an Ascended can use to awaken further blessings of the Archaengul, listening to Her guidance by coming to understand their crystalline soul.
All Ascended gain a single point to be spent on one blessing of their choice. This point is gained immediately upon becoming Ascended. Whilst the new Ascended need not specify which blessing they mean to choose in their first app, they should notify the Story Team at a later date to have their choice noted on their original application.
Contemplation of one’s crystalline soul is the key to harmony with the will of Aeriel. The ideals of Her everlasting song can be found in the many faces of a Soul Shard, revealed in the light of a soul bidden to be perfectly still amidst the chaos of descendant life. By meditating on their Soul Shard beneath a moonlit sky, whose light reveals the mysteries of their being, an Ascended can peer into their innermost nature and come to a new understanding of their eternal mission. This ritual meditation can require multiple attempts before the Ascended is capable of lowering themselves into a deep enough trance to accept the wisdom of Aeriel, hearing Her song for a brief, deafening moment before they are brought back to reality, their shard now glistening a little more brightly with invigorated astra. Whilst this glow has no practical effect, it is this radiance and energy within one’s astra that demonstrates the granted blessings.
- Ascended who have meditated upon their Soul Shard give up a magic slot to gain another two points, which may be spent on further blessings.
- Certain blessings have requirements as to when they can be taken, requiring particular combinations of prerequisite blessings to already be chosen. Similarly, certain ratios of chosen blessings will grant Devotion buffs, should an Ascended choose three or six blessings in the same aspect.
- Ascended may repeat this ritual to give up further magic slots to gain further points, gaining two points with each magic slot used, or they may choose to give up as many slots as they wish at any point they perform the ritual. At maximum, the Ascended will have a total of seven points worth of blessings; one from having first become an Ascended, and a further six from utilizing three slots of magic.
- The ritual may only be performed by Ascended who have reached Tier Three. Only suitably mature crystal souls are able to be used in the focusing of lunar light, having now developed properly and formed complex structures of crystallized soul essence.
Ascended who have tapped into this deeper power will find that their Soul Shard glows more brightly as a result of new energy within their astra. The more slots that an Ascended dedicates to their Ascended skills, the brighter the glow of their Tearstone Shard will be. This light is never blinding; at most, it is simply pretty to look at.
Important Foreword
In addition to "The Blessings of Aeriel" we would also like to propose the following changes be made to all Ascended:
---
Lunar Trance:
Cost 0 Astra
The Ascended enters a battle trance, making themselves still and steady as they focus on their Tearstone Shard, and slowly call Astra to them from the Soulstream, allowing them to recharge their pool.
SpoilerThe Ascended regenerates 5 Astra per emote after they emote going into the trance.
The Ascended must remain standing still, and their concentration must remain unbroken.
Whilst in this Trance the Ascended cannot cast, or Highlight. They may only charge astra.
If the Ascended moves, is moved, or loses concentration for some other reason then the trance ends.
Once/if your Astra pool charges to max, the trance ends.This can only be used once per encounter.
---
With these new changes and additions, we will also be making Ascended take up two slots of magic as opposed to one, with the blessings making it possible to have all 5 slots of magic taken up by Ascended.
Lastly, a slight adjustment to the Astra pool; after using the magic for a little while now it's become very evident that 60 is too low in longer drawn out battles. Other casters are more suitably equipped to handle longer encounters, being able to cast a reasonable number of spells. With these adjustments, we hope to equalize the difference that had been showing between Ascended and other characters.
Tier 1:
(Begins after creation, ends at 2-week mark)
An agent’s Tearstone Shard is newly formed and can store 5(10) gallons of Astra at a time. Charges 5 Astra per Emote.
Tier 2:
(Begins at the 2-week mark, ends at 1 month)
An agent’s Tearstone Shard can store 10 (10)gallons of Astra at a time. Charges 5 Astra per Emote.
Tier 3:
(Begins at 1-month mark, ends at 3 months)
An agent’s Tearstone Shard can store 15(20) gallons of Astra at a time. Charges 5 Astra per Emote.
Tier 4:
(Begins at 3-month mark, ends at 5 months)
An agent’s Tearstone Shard can store 30(50) gallons of Astra at a time. Charges 10 Astra per Emote.
Tier 5:
(Mastered the magic at 5 months)
An agent’s Tearstone Shard can store 60(100) gallons of Astra at a time. Charges 15 Astra per Emote.
Keep these changes in mind when reading the “Blessings of Aeriel”, as these additions are an integral part of their functions.
To reiterate, you will only ever have 7 such of these blessings, and are further rewarded for Devotion in one specific one. You cannot get all of these.
The Hymn of Aeriel
The Hymn of Aeriel brings with it a need for song, making their practitioners popular amongst the taverns of the land. The more Blessings an Ascended invests in this Aspect the greater their musical sense increases. They may find themselves humming tunes, tapping their foot to a song within their head, and allows them to more easily learn and sing music.
Invoke the Downpour:
By praying to their Archaengul, the Ascended calls out to their guardian, protector and guide. Her endless Song answers their call, bringing with it Astra from the seas of the Soulstream. An Ascended can use their Soul Shard as an anchor through which Aeriel can gift this downpour of Astra to nearby Ascended, refilling their reserves.
SpoilerThe Ascended must be able to sing, hum, or carry a tune in some fashion.
The Ascended has a radius of 3 blocks, and for as long as the singer remains still and continues to sing, up to 3 Ascended in the given area will recharge 5 Astra per emote of the singer.
The singer can change their targets as they see fit. It is important that one declare their targets when emoting, including any changes to their current targets.
Once different targets are chosen, or once the targeted Ascended leave the abilities radius, they cannot come under the effects of the ability for the rest of the encounter.
The singer must remain singing and remain still, if they move or stop singing the effect ends.This ability can be used once per encounter.This does not count as the singers Lunar Trance for the encounter.
Crystalline Renewal:
It is Aeriel’s Song that guides the souls of the dead to rest. Her siren voice calls home the lost to finally lay themselves down in Her city and peacefully drift into oblivion. Through harmonizing oneself with her Song, an Ascended can strengthen their connection to the great oceans of Astra that flow over the surface of the Soulstream, allowing them to draw more Astra into their Soul Shard per emote spent in their Lunar Trance.
SpoilerThe Ascended must be able to sing, hum, etc.
Whilst this ability requires that the Ascended be able to sing, a regular Lunar Trance does not, and may be used without any form of singing.
The redlines of a regular Lunar Trance still apply, restricting the movement and actions of the Ascended.
The Ascended can regain a total of 10 Astra per emote while in a Lunar Trance under the effects of Crystalline Renewal.
Divine Song:
Continued practice of the Lunar Trance allows an Ascended to further control their Astra channelling powers, allowing them to overcharge their Soul Shard with a temporary, bonus astra pool.
SpoilerWhen the Ascended enters their Lunar Trance, they are able to generate Astra above their normal limit. With this ability, the Ascended can overcharge their Astra Pool, able to charge 30 Astra over their normal limit.
This can only be done through Lunar Trance, your Astra pool cannot be overcharged through any other means.An Ascended may only overcharge their Soul Shard once per encounter.
They must charge Astra as normal, and must adhere to their normal charging limit. (i.e. 5 per emote, or 10 per if the singer has Crystalline Renewal.)
This extra pool of Astra will not persist beyond the current encounter.
War March:
(Requires Divine Song) The Ascended attunes themselves to the ancient drums of war, causing the Song that echoes within their soul to change. The Ascended may now Highlight up to 2 targets when casting their Highlight spell, and the number of available Highlight slots the Ascended has is now raised to 4.
SpoilerThe “Highlight Slots” the Ascended possesses increases from 2 to 4.
The normal restrictions to Highlighting still apply
Healing Spring:
(Requires Invoke the Downpour, and Divine Song)
The Ascended sings a gentle tune whilst standing within a body of water, blessing those waters with a rejuvenating presence.
SpoilerThe Ascended increases their radius from “Invoke the Downpour” to 5 blocks, and uses that radius for this song as well.
While standing in a body of water, and singing this tune, the singer blesses the water to temporarily grant it rejuvenating effects like those of an Astral Sanctuary.
Ascended soaking their injuries in the water will find that their wounds heal 10 times faster than normal (minus their normal negative 5, so x5 the rate of other descendants) for as long as they remain soaking and the singer remains singing.
Additionally, if the singer sings this song while in an Astral Sanctuary, the healing rate of Ascended in their radius increases by an additional x10.
Once the singer stops, the healing will continue for one last emote, and then slowly fade away.
This song only works out of combat, as it requires almost complete focus and concentration.
The healing of the water works the same as in an Astral Sanctuary, but the Ascended must be soaking the wounded area only. If the wounded portion is not in the water it will not heal.
Shattering Tune:
(Requires War March, Invoke the Downpour, and Crystalline Renewal)
A beautiful melody can all too quickly become a harrowing dirge. By spending Astra, the Ascended sings a terrifyingly brutal song that echoes through the souls of Highlighted individuals, causing them immense pain and a terrible feeling of loss.
SpoilerThe Ascended must be able to sing, hum, etc.The song can only be heard by Highlighted people.
You must spend 10 Astra per Highlighted person affected.The song does not and cannot affect other Ascended.
Being subjected to three emotes of the song is likely to cause enough stress to produce a headache in the affected.
Being subjected to five emotes of the song is enough to leave the affected temporarily deaf, their mind continuously ringing with the song that has been imposed upon them. This effect is entirely supernatural in nature; one’s hearing will return within three months (three IRL days) of being deafened.
If the singer somehow manages to continue singing for 10 emotes the Highlighted individuals will pass out from the non-stop attack on their mind, and the singer will become extremely exhausted, and often lose their voice for the rest of the encounter. Rendering any of their other songs useless until they recover.
Devotion
Enlightened Tune:
Through intense vocal training, the Ascended has learned to catalyze their Highlight spell using their voice alone, allowing them to cast Highlight without summoning their Soul Shard.
SpoilerThe Ascended can Highlight someone within 3 blocks of them that they can see by simply humming a quick tune. This requires only a single emote.
Whilst a person is Highlighted by this ability they count as taking 2 Highlight slots, until the Highlight is dropped from them.
Gift of Giving:
When you have six Blessings in this aspect, then you gain the unique ability to give astra to other Ascended through your songs. The Ascended may begin to sing; whilst singing the Ascended may choose to give 5 Astra per emote to other Ascended within 20 blocks, up to the number of free Highlight slots the Ascended has.
SpoilerYou choose an amount equal to your free Highlight slots (Between 1-4)
You don’t Highlight them, you can just only choose them equal to your free slots.
This Astra is gifted from your own Astra pool and must be subtracted as such.
You can only do this for as long as you have Astra in your Astra Pool.
Moonlight Brilliance
This path brings with it a further grasp and understanding of the Tears of Aeriel given to the Ascended by their Matron. Offering strength from afar and giving her children the strength to carry on. Ascended that take this path sometimes gain a more religious pursuit towards Aeriel, the more Blessings invested the more they may find themselves praying to the Archaengul. Those of this Aspect also, more than other Ascended, try to strictly stick to the Covenants.
Eyes of the Celestial:
The Moon dispenses Her love upon all wanderers of the night, illuminating even the most terrible abysses with Her kindness and affection. Through meditating on their connection to the dim, lunar desert that hangs high above, the Ascended learns to conjure moonlight in their eyes, allowing them to see better in normal and magical darkness. You also gain the uncanny ability to see the faint shimmering glow of aura around magical items/enchantments.
SpoilerSudden bright lights can blind you for a period of time, like they would any nocturnal creature that you shined a light at.
Your eyes adjust to changes in light, so you're not going to be blinded in the daytime cause your eyes are in night vision mode, it's a steady change that allows you to see clearly in the dark by the end of it.
The glow of enchantments is nothing put a faint sparkle, simply letting you know that it is magical. (Think Detect Magic in D&D)
Astral Reservoir:
Astra flows as easily through your veins as it does through your Soul Shard. Your very aura is infused with streaks of Astra, as it now forces its way into a deeper recess of your soul. With such affinity for Astra the Ascended is now capable of more efficiently and intuitively casting spells, reducing the cost of all Ascended spells by 5 Astra.
SpoilerThis cannot make a spell cost less than 5 Astra.
Spells that cost 10 Astra now cost 5, ones that cost 15 now cost 10 and etc.
This does not decrease Blessing abilities, only the basic Ascended Spell List (Astral Mirror, Armor, etc…)
Stemming the Tide:
The Ascended’s continued study of the soul allows them to further fortify their own against the corrupting effects of magic, particularly honing their focus on their hampering effects of Voidal Poisoning. By giving up the journey to mastery in their Voidal magics, limiting themselves to practicing them at tier 3, an Ascended can negate the effects of Voidal Poisoning.
SpoilerThe Ascended may choose to continue progressing in their Voidal magics past Tier 3. Should they do this, they will lose the benefits of this blessing and be forced to roleplay Voidal Poisoning once again.
Voidal Poisoning must be RP’d if the magic goes above Tier 3. To do otherwise is considered powergaming and can be grounds for the removal of both blessings, and Ascended magic as a whole.
Snap Freeze:
(Requires Astral Reservoir)
By focusing on the nature of astral ice, an Ascended can learn to catalyze their Crystallization spell in a new way. The Ascended may expend 15 astra to immediately freeze one limb that they are currently in contact with. This spell does not require that the Ascended have the target highlighted, they need only be in direct contact with them.
SpoilerThe Ascended must charge astra into their shard as normal to be able to use this form of Crystallization.
The Ascended does not have to be in contact with flesh to use this ability. It will work through armour, clothing, etc.
The astral ice formed by this ability does not slow the movement of the target. Rather, it binds one limb, preventing it from moving entirely.
The victim must spend an emote fighting against the ice to break free of it, at which point, it breaks and begins to dissipate over the course of another emote.
Ethereal Form:
(Requires Astral Reservoir, Unveiled Sight)
The soul is an immaterial thing, a mote of unknowable essence that exists without any need for a physical body. Ascended who have delved deep into the study of the otherworldly can learn to temporarily give up presence within the physical world, mimicking the incorporeality of the soul. By tapping into their crystallized soul, an Ascended can temporarily turn Ethereal, allowing them to interact with spectral entities and preventing them from receiving physical harm.
SpoilerRequires activation, can be used after only one emote prep. So, Prep Emote>Ethereal Form.
Costs 30 Astra to activate, and one emote to prep. Once prepped, Ethereal Form remains prepped until used, at which point the Ascended spends the 30 Astra. Ethereal Form will not remain prepped indefinitely; once the Ascended leaves battle readiness, the preparation will be undone.
Things that can affect ghosts, and specters do not affect you when you go Ethereal, they still pass through, even spells can be avoided.
While in combat it lasts for a single emote, ending at the end of that one emote.
Can only work if the Ascended is standing still.
Outside of combat you can go ethereal as long as you remain staying in place, and while ethereal you can touch and more easily communicate with
Ghosts, you can shake their hand, give them a hug, maybe a pat on the back.
Even if you’re standing still you cannot go through things. No standing in front of a door and sticking a hand through it or anything.
When outside of combat the moment you throw a strike, a strike passes through you, or you move, the ethereal form immediately drops.
Everything on your person also becomes ethereal.
You cannot use this ability to stick an ethereal weapon through someone, if any part of your body or equipment is inside of someone or something then it will be violently shunted out.
Flood of Astra:
(Requires Ethereal Form)
Due to the Ascended’s advanced relationship with astra, the body of the Ascended becomes another reservoir in which they can store astra, further increasing the amount of Astra they can hold and use for their spellcasting.
SpoilerThe Ascended’s Astra pool increases by 30.
Despite being stored in the body, this blessing changes nothing about the mechanics of the magic.
Devotion:
Divine Smite:
If you possess three abilities from the Moonlight Radiance Aspect, then you gain the unique ability to channel Astra through your body at a faster rate. Whenever you land a blow, or cast a spell (including voidal spells and such) you can spend 10 Astra to cause the wounds caused from the effect to count as Radiant Wounds.
SpoilerYou must spend 10 Astra to activate the ability, if you don't have it you can't do it.
Astral Conduit:
If you possess six abilities from this branch Astra begins to flow through your body at such a capacity that you no longer need to summon a Tearstone Shard to charge Astra into it, allowing you to prep your spells in advanced, and more fluidly summon your Tearstone Shard.
SpoilerYou must do a tell, to signify charging Astra even if your Tearstone Shard has not been summoned. This tell must include some form of aura, that is distinct from mana/Voidal aura, that is tied to your Astra colour rather than your aura colour.
Your familiarity with Astra and your Tearstone Shard allows you to summon your Tearstone Shard whilst also spending the emote to take some other magical action. For example, you could both summon your Shard and charge it in the same emote, or summon it and cast Highlight (which requires that no Astra be charged) in the same emote.
You still need to summon a Tearstone Shard to cast spells, but you can charge it in advance.
You have to remain focused and concentrated while charging Astra, if you are forced to move, are moved, or are significantly shaken; then the Astra will stop to charge until you recompose yourself.
Celestial Prowess
Ascended have known battle for a long time, those of the Celestial Prowess aspect embodies a fighting lifestyle. The more blessings invested here often make Ascended more active, hungry for battle glory and have a greater need to bring the opposition of Aeriel to justice.
Aeriel’s Raignments:
Ascended of old enjoyed the benefits of divine blood flowing through their veins, divine light in their muscles, divine steel in their bones. With time, a modern Ascended can learn to mimic this divine physique. Now blessed with celestial fortitude, the Ascended’s body can shroud itself in Astral Ice instinctually, protecting it from a single blow either magical or physical.
SpoilerThis prevents any damage from the attack being thrown at the Ascended, and can be activated in an instant, costing 40 Astra.
The ice will cause a minor kickback effect on any weapon, as if it bounced off steel.
The ice will break once struck, without any exceptions.
Arm of the Soul Maiden:
The Ascended’s body has been further transformed by the powers of their crystallized soul. The strength of one arm is increased by a half, thanks to an infusion of Aeriel’s power now flowing through the Ascended’s blood.
SpoilerEasy quick math. If you pick your right arm, and you could once lift 10 pounds with ease, now you can lift 15 no problem.
This strength increase, can increase as your own body strengthens, it will always be 0.5 times stronger than what it would be without the blessing.
Keen Movement:
What was once rigid like ice now flows and surges like water; the Ascended’s body becomes incredibly swift, allowing them to perform feats of astonishing acrobatics and dexterity. A feint might become a precise blow with but a flick of the wrist.
SpoilerBasically allows you to have more control over your body, giving you the ability to move more quickly.
This isn't supernatural movement, more akin to a trained acrobatic gymnast.
This does not grant supernatural speed or reflexes.
Ascendency:
(Requires Arm of the Soul Maiden and Keen Movement)
A true parallel to the divine lineage of the Ascended, granting further protection from magical harm as the Ascended continues their journey into the realms of aengulic influence.
SpoilerWhen a Spell hits an Ascended they lower the power of that spell by 1 tier. So getting hit with a T5 Fireball, lowers the damage to that a T4 one.
This does not shelter the mind from mind-affecting spells, however it does protect against other forms of tiered spell damage such as Voidal Arts, Kani, Runesmithing, etc.
Aengulic Strength:
(Requires Ascendency replaces Arm of the Soul Maiden)
By spending Astra, an Ascended can temporarily invigorate their already ascendant flesh, pushing their body passed the limits imposed upon mortals. Spending Astra in this way allows an Ascended to briefly infuse their muscles with divine power, increasing their power and vigor.
SpoilerAn Ascended with this blessing is so steeped in Astra that they instinctively cause tiny amounts of crystallized Astra to form around their body at critical moments. These crystals can increase the bodies’ ability to grapple, and can even prevent the body from being knocked over, as the legs bind themselves to the earth.
This instinctual forming of crystals requires that the Ascended spend 5 Astra. No charging is required for this to be spent, and the Astra may be spent in the same emote the crystals are formed.
When taken, the Ascended loses the effects of ‘Arm of the Soul Maiden’, since the Ascended has now learned how to regulate the divine metamorphosis that they experience. The strength of all muscles in their body is now increased by 0.25, pushing them slightly beyond normal mortal limits for their race. This is not typical ‘orc level strength’.
An Ascended may choose to spend 15 Astra to temporarily invigorate their body, increasing their strength to orc-like levels. The infusion lasts for 2 emotes. Since the Astra being channeled moves directly from the soul to the body, the Ascended need not have their Tearstone Shard summoned to perform this ability. The Ascended may spend a further 15 Astra at anytime the infusion is still active to add another 2 emotes to its duration.
Ascended with this blessing still require physical exercise to maintain their bodies, but find it easier to maintain peak condition for their race.
Astra spent to increase the duration of the infusion may only be spent in increments of 15 Astra.
The crystals formed by this blessing are never enough to protect from any form of damage.
Celestial Aegis:
(Requires Aengulic Strength, and Aerials Raignments)
The divine tears of Aeriel weep for the scars lain upon the bodies of Ascended by the arcane. They rain upon these most devout servants of the Archaengul, soaking them in the loving protection of their mother, who knows too well the pain wrought upon the body by the supernatural. An Ascended may choose to spend Astra equal to three times the tier of an incoming spell to reduce the tier of that incoming spell by two tiers.
SpoilerThe Ascended must be capable of seeing the incoming spell to focus their reserves of Astra on it. Spells without physical presence, like sensory illusion, cannot be protected against.
This does not protect the mind against any magic. Mental magics affect the Ascended as normal. But it does protect from other magics as well as Voidal, Chi, Kani, and Rune Smithing, etc..
For forms of magic that do not quantify power in slots, such as Chi Magic, you must always spend 15 Astra. The reduced damage of the blast will only ever be as weak as a Lesser Strike.
You do not need your Tearstone Shard summoned to use this ability. Just subtract the Astra from your pool.
Devotion:
Celestial Hide:
If you possess three abilities from the Celestial Prowess Aspect, then you are blessed with increased resilience. Your skin become harder to cut, more resistant to harm, your body essentially gaining the strength of hide armor.
SpoilerThis makes your body a little harder to slice and dice, as if you were wearing Hide Armor over your whole body. Blades may get stuck as they slice, leaving smaller wounds, or they may require more force to be forced through the skin.
Keep in mind that it’s still your body, even if it is a little bit harder to slash, and when it does get injured, you’re injured. Your skin may be tougher, but you continue to bleed out at the same rate, the pain you experience is not numbed etc.
This only stops things like slashing damage from smaller weapons or attacks that don't pack that much of a punch. Stabbing maneuvers are easier to inflict than slashes. Also really hard hits with a hammer are gonna break your bones, but your skin is okay at least!
Astral Conduit:If you possess six abilities from this branch, you gain a “sixth sense” that allows you to act a little faster, especially when in combat. Focusing on an individual allows the Ascended to see small movements, twitches, and so on, that may betray when an opponent is going to act, allowing the Ascended to prepare themselves ahead of time and act accordingly.
SpoilerThis is a slight increase similar to the Keen Movement blessing, raising your reflexes even more.
This isn't Ultra Instinct, but you can begin to predict movements.
The longer a fight goes on, the easier this becomes, as the Ascended becomes more and more familiar with their opponent. In general, the more familiar an Ascended is with the fighting style of their opponent, the more useful this ability will be.
Despite you being able predict movements this is not an ‘auto-dodge” of all of someone’s attacks. If you’re injured for example, you still have an injury, that must be accounted before. Even if you see an attack coming doesn't always mean you can avoid it. You’re not Neo.
This is not supernatural reflexes. Our body still has to be able to keep up with your reflexes.
Outside of combat this sixth sense is very minor, essentially giving you greater heighten reflexes. For example you cannot sense someone in a bush, or coming up behind you, but you can catch a falling glass instinctively, or catch a falling maiden in a bar. ?
Credits:
Written by: Farryn, Assassinofawsome, Infortunii.
Special Thanks To: The Ascended Community, Lukatarias, and Tahmas.
Formatting: BIG thanks to Infortunii ❤️
[Both Farryn and Assassin will do our best to answer any questions in regard to this lore – ALSO. Spoilers aren’t working so I apologise for the long post.]
9
THE ELVEN PRIORITY, A RESPONSE FROM THE TRIPARTITE
in Elves
Posted
Young Franz Nikolai watches Edyth rant in the corner of her office as she goes on for hours about Godric, Fatherism, and Morsgrad.
“Uh, miss, can you please get to writing that contract now?” he continuously asks her, only to be drowned out by the woman’s impassioned venting each time.