Thedeadoor

[Written in an old, worn journal]

=  Entry 1 =

As I write, I do not yet know who I write for, I do not know why, other than the dream I had this night before. I've dreamed of my words, set on paper, my thoughts and my wonders. This dream, this vision, I've come to realize was given to me by the All Father, the great and powerful, the savior of my soul. Perhaps these words will be for none but me, perhaps these words are simply the way the All Father has guided me to my reflection. Let them be found by none or by many, for I do not question when such visions are presented to me. Who am I to ignore this? Less than that of the All Father, that I know to be true.

As I sit and I think deeply on which words to place and for what purpose, it comes to me, that of my salvation. When young, I had little, I had few. When I look upon those who have many, I know this to be true, I could see at a young age, my misfortune. Though with the little that I had, my mother, my sister, and not much more...what I had was mine and I was glad to have it. I am a highlander, as was my mother, my sister, my father before me, and his father. Our blood had been cursed it had seemed with little mina, no steady home. My home was among the trees many times, found in tents, in caves, on top the hills. 

Our food was not obtained from farms, it did not come from taverns, or delivered to us on silver plates, with a kneeling servant and a ******* crown placed upon our heads. It came from blood, sweat, suspicious trades, from taking the few we needed, from those who did have the many. We all survive in this world, in the ways that we know, though I think it is few, those who have survived the ways that my family and I have. To many in these times, survival looks like hoarding, it looks like deception in political pursuits, and cunning minds of business folk. 

This is important for all that I am. My lowly place in this land, the struggles I've had before me, these have shaped my hands and my heart. Where once my heart was full of youth and awe of but a simple butterfly, now, this heart is hardened like stone and cold like the ice. Though coldness and hardness are nothing compared to the rage within my blood, the anger that days onward, will continue to threaten to consume me. This I know to be true, it is what I am. My mother and my sister did not leave me silently, they left me screaming and bleeding, it was the same day my eye was taken from me.

Many moons ago this has happened and yet as I write, I can not write the details. The little I had before me, was taken from me. The day the warmth left my body, as if I had died once already and now live as something else. I am Brandr but not the same Brandr once known by those I once loved. See now, this anger, this rage, this need for vengeance and blood that had nearly corrupted me, was the strongest and most intimidating foe I have met. For this corruption to be one with me, to know me deeper than I know myself, to strike at all the parts I am weak, in a violent silence, it nearly guided me down a path far from that of the flame.

"Suffer not the unworthy"

In this corruption, I had been unworthy. Though through all of the darkness, through the blackest of nights, the flame of the All Father guided me home. I have asked to myself, to the All Father even, when in isolation 'Why did I have no home? Why have I never known this?' and to that, I received an answer. My home is no structure, it can not be contained within walls, for it is too grand, too powerful, my home is with the Red Faith, my home is in my duty to spread the flame, it is in purpose where I find my place, the greatest purpose to stand against the Long Dark.

And so I write with this entry, through a path of thorns and corruption, one can still find the Faith and one can still be saved. To Elle - The Justiciar, I say, for those who deny this truth, for those who dare stand unworthy and say to me "There is no way", let my hands guide them to the flame and let them find peace through the burning of their corrupted flesh.

I'll be honest, I know very very little about recent bans or what many of these people even are accused of doing. I've heard a story here and there, so I don't have any place to speak as if I know what I'm talking about when it comes to the individuals and I won't attempt to. However, I do have general opinions on these topics. I've been part of LOTC for a long time, with long breaks in between my active periods and one reason I consider never returning is toxicity. Aka doxxing, ooc political bs, so on. I get it my my dude, this is a block game but I'm here, when I'm here, for enjoyment, for story, for roleplay, that's why we should all be here.

Toxicity ruins roleplay communities. It should be punished.

Now, when it comes to doxxing or doing things that target the literal person behind the screen, not their character or actions within the community, I will never feel bad for anyone who's permanently banned for that. It's disgusting and needless. When you have to resort to those things, you aren't cool, you aren't edgy, you didn't win, you're the loser. Hot take? Shouldn't be.

Certain actions should receive not only harsh but swift punishment with no remorse. I saw some posts talking about "leaders were banned, that's bad" in short. In theory, yes, leaders being banned is bad for the community they lead but if it's leaders who not just break rules but break serious rules and target people behind the screen, they should 100% be handled roughly.

Even if a leader is an RP role, it usually ends up being an OOC role as well. You are an example, you run how things are done (generally), you guide a sub-community within LOTC. If you are the one, as a leader, being overly toxic, doxxing, being racist, whatever, you are then setting a theme in your sub-community and now you are doing greater harm. If there are leaders who genuinely did some bad shit, got banned, I don't see how their actions that got them banned can defended because they are a leader? The ban should be /supported/ because they are a leader.

Again, there is literally not one individual I'm targeting with this because like I said, I know very little about the specific details. I also want to say, staff can 100% do too much. I've been in many communities where staff have guidelines for how rules should be handled and because of ooc cliques or general bias, those rule guidelines are thrown out of a window and people are banned when they should have gotten warnings if anything at all. There are always questionable staff decisions in every rp community I've been in and it's very clear that staff can be humans like the rest of us, all the bad and good that comes with that. 

Though just because one staff decision was bad in your eyes, or one community member did something from this group, doesn't mean a blanket should be put over many people. I'm sure there's been many staff decisions over the years that people disagree with, many bans, rule changes, whatever it may be. Though again, as someone who often considers if it's worth being here because of all the toxicity I hear about, I'm damnnnnnn sure that there's many people who deserve their bans, leader or not.

I also agree that probably regardless of the action, people should be contacted and communicated with once/before banned. I saw that issue come up here. Something that really sucks is being banned without any knowledge of why or any chance to defend. Everyone should have the opportunity to defend themselves at the least. 

=== “The Erling Foundation of Oren” has been renamed to “The Erling Foundation” as efforts are moving to extend past the Empire. Ownership has been given to Nokah Erling, Hakon Erling’s surviving son ==

== Updated with an employment section ==

3 minutes ago, Will (TauFirewarrior) said:

Personally I think Oren should make drfate its next emperor.

+1

This letter is hitting kinda different

=============

My problems with Oren

=============

What aren’t my problems with Oren? The Orenians killed my father and some **** Orenian by the name of Castelo married my mother and thinks he can replace my Erling name. Then you have those guards in blue or really, any of those guards in Oren. I’ve heard stories of their doings, to their own people and to my family. My problem with Oren is that they believe if they wear fancy clothes and put on those silly wigs they have, they are better than me because I have a few less mina. Well, they are wrong. 

It is us with a few less mina that put in the most work into their Empire and we are fully capable of running things better. They are born into power, it does not mean they understand it. You would think, as well, with all those fancy guards Helena has, that it could protect it’s roads better but clearly they can not. 

Oren’s roads are unsafe. I do not suggest traveling on them anymore. I see no reason to even enter Oren as it is. Anyone reading this letter should listen well to my words. Oren is not safe.

- Nokah Erling

====================

Change of ownership

====================

Following the death of Hakon Erling and his son, Nokah Erling, being of proper age, The Erling Company is hereby transferred in full ownership to Nokah Erling. 

If I Was in Oren

[A Norlandic Poem]

==

If I was in Oren, I'd powder my wig

Join up with the guard and arrest me some kids

If I was in Oren, I'd pay bandits to kill

Then blame it on Nordlings, oh man what a thrill

If I was in Oren, I'd go visit Haense

Where they store things in their heads

Not so hard without brains

If I was in Oren, I'd buy me a dog

I'd call him a Hound, have him jump like a frog

He'd do what I say and if he declined

I'd call him a Nordling, the fault is not mine

If I was in Oren, I'd start me a war

Our needless aggression can be such a bore

You may think the aggression would be quite fun

But no action is had when needing to run

If I was in Oren, I'd say others have worms

To distract from the fact that corruption is norm

As a matter of fact, the more that I know

If I was in Oren, I'd probably go

=============================

===========

As Brandr makes his way from the Nordling tavern, helmet planted on his head, hand on is hilt, he stops on his path on a high mountain, looking down at the lands. He draws in a long sniff of the air, his large chest puffing out at the inhale, followed by a slow, long exhale. He was ready to die that day, to see the All Father in all his glory, to be rewarded for his many victories in battle, in the name of Bjorn, the great warrior paragon of the Red Faith. While politics of the Orenian Empire are far above his understanding of the world, he knows the strength of Oren, as much as he knows of their hatred for his people. Just getting word of the ban from Haense, against the people of Norland, he was ready to pay their fine with blood.

Brandr gives a grunt as he continues on his way, drawing his arming sword and patting his helmet as he makes his way down the mountain and on the path towards Haense. His large body lumbers along the dirt paths slowly, his heavy arms swinging back and forth, his eyes set forward, determined, on his path. The day was clear and warm, birds chirping up in the trees, butterflies hovering over the grass, though as if a devil in a church, Brandr charged forward with blood lust, ready to turn the skies red. After all, these lands were too warm for his taste.

While on Brandr’s stride towards Haense lands, he halts, spotting a young blonde haired girl on the same path. She can be no more than 15, his head tilting, his one good eye scanning the girl over like potential prey. He walks forward slowly but with heavy steps, his feet pounding into the dirt, his wooden shield patting against his furs. With his arming sword still in hand, he holds up his free hand toward the girl who is examining the wooden travel signs.

“Þú nei meiri move!”

He exclaims, raising his voice into a grumbling shout. The girl turned around, clearly scared, explaining how she was only trying to get home. Though Brandr questioned her in regards to her relation to Oren, as this would matter on how he acts further. Upon the girl confirming she is of Oren, he gives a toothy grin, stepping forward and twirling his sword before he hears the ear piercing language of an orc behind him. 

”Iz latz okeh?”

The orc drew his sword, ready to defend the Orenian girl. Brandr made a slow turn towards the green giant, growling at his oncoming presence, then side stepping along the path so both the girl and the orc were in view. The orc steps closer to the situation, his eyes locked on Brandr as the Nordling raises his sword, aiming the tip towards the orc, speaking in a raspy demand for him to leave. Though the deep Norlandish tongue of Brandr makes it so the orc has no slight idea of what Brandr is demanding, though the orc understood the raise of the sword. The angered orc now demands a – “KLOMP!”

Brandr huffs, lowering his sword as he marches in front of the Orc, glaring forward and questioning his actions of defending an Orenian girl. 

”Þú fit með mrær ór oren?”

His words nearly spitting a venom at the Orc’s face. The orc affirms his defense of the girl and Brandr removes his wooden shield from his back, bashing at it with his sword, teeth gritting, ready for a fight. He was not going to let some green skin get in his way, especially in defense of an Orenian. If the Orc wanted the girl’s safety, he will have to take it. 

“Þú munu haftilr takoreninnr mær!”

At that, Brandr charges forward at the orc, shouting as he pushes his shield forward before swinging his sword down at the orc. The orc seems caught off guard by the aggression and strength of Brandr, struggling to deflect his blows and keep him away. The Nordling fights with such an anger and fierceness, that it is almost animal like. His large arms and frame, while slow, bash hard at the Orc’s defenses. During the fight, the Orc manages a heavy punch to Brandr’s gut which pushes him back, knocking some air from his body. The Orc then takes his chance, charging forward at Brandr, swinging to cut through his midsection. Though Brandr quickly shoves his shield forward messily for the Orc’s blade, knocking it from it’s path as it crashes into the wood, splintering part of the shield. The nordling then growls as he slashes his sword for the Orc’s torso, connecting the slash and dropping the Orc. Brandr shouts, immediately jumping on the orc and sending a flurry of punches and elbows to the Orc’s face. When the Orc is hardly conscious any longer, Brandr stands up in his victory, roaring as he bangs his sword on his shield multiple times.

He then bends down to the defeated Orc, searching over his body for any mina. While he finds some other items, he leaves them.

“Þú gereigir fit með oren”

He says, his words once again spitting some venom. Brandr turns his head slowly, tilting it as he sees the Orenian girl still standing there, most likely frozen in fear. He then turns back to the down orc, sending a hard kick to his head, the Orc rolling over into the grass, unconscious. Brandr then marches over to the girl, placing his shield on his back once more, arming sword still held in hand, dripping with some blood. The Nordling was quick on breaths but proud to have won his fight. Despite the girl being of Oren, Brandr seemed to have respected the girl for staying around or perhaps figured her not so set in the head. Either way, he kept his sword down as he simply extended his hand with a singular demand-

“Mina”

He says with a grunt. The girl nods and reaches for a pouch of mina, stating it’s all she has. As Brandr takes the pouch, he looks it over, nodding to himself and then sheathing his blade. He raises his arm and points down the path, his hand then waving her off. The girl then quickly goes on her way, Brandr watching her with a narrowed eye. As the girl fades into the distance, Brandr turns back to the Orc, glancing over his still breathing body before speaking a raspy line-
 

===
“Fyrir bjorn”

===

With that, he makes his way down the path towards Haense once more.

Brandr gives a deep belly laugh as he’s read aloud the contents of the document. He leans back his large body into the wooden tavern chair as it creaks, bringing the tankard of mead up to his mouth and chugging it quickly before slamming it down, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

“Ek takfimmr hundreð minfranr oren menn, þá gefþatr aptr til oren menn.  Ek segðþessir inn nafninn ór bjorn”

He then stands from his chair, grabbing his helmet and setting it on his head, placing a hand on the hilt of his Nordling arming sword, making his way from the tavern.

2 hours ago, Merqurie said:

Alpha wonders how the man is going to give people tavern jobs.

Upon possible re-reading of the document, while the company started in Helena, it’s interests are throughout the whole of the Empire. This allows for much land use of potential future taverns.

========

The Erling Company

========

[A Josephite organization]

Brief history:

The Erling Company was founded by Hakon Erling, the previous Head of the Golden Skulls Company and ex-Sheriff of Oren. When Erling was Head of the Golden Skulls, a contracting company, a lot of his work was based around protection, bounties, and other alike services. He was much more used to jobs needing muscle, however, after Imperial law put a quick stop to the Skulls and he stepped down as Sheriff, Erling realized he needed to think outside of what he was used to, to support his growing and already large family. Living now in Helena, surrounded by an ocean of businesses such as the Carrington & Co., it was clear where he needed to bring his efforts, into business. With his already existing Erling Foundation, where he strives to give to the poor and children of Oren, it only made sense to create as many businesses and jobs for those poor as he could.

This is when he got the idea to create a holding company, known as The Erling Company. This would allow him to create various businesses and venues securely, all the while giving work to those in need of it and supporting his family. 

What is The Erling Company:

The Erling Company is a holding company, meaning by itself, it does not produce any good or services, rather, it holds ownership or shared ownership in various good or service producing businesses. The Erling Company will be looking to acquire all types of businesses from taverns, theaters, storefronts, any anything in between. 

Jobs:

The company will offer a variety of jobs, putting people to work who need it. Many of the jobs will consist of good, reasonable work, rather than hard physical labor. Jobs can include

- Tavern work

- Security

- Theater work

- Art

- Tailoring

- Shop keeping

- And much more

Pledge to Charity:

A pledge of The Erling Company is to send a good amount of it’s profits to The Erling Foundation, where those profits will then go towards charity work and grants, for the poor and children of the lands. The Erling Company will also support other charities with it’s future businesses. Erling finds this to be one of the vital parts of the company, to source income for a greater cause, giving back to his people. All businesses, all profit, will go towards charity work, no exception.

Current assets:

Relations/Employment:

17 minutes ago, argonian said:

it’s poking fun at the techlock with the fact that we apparently have some 21^st century terraforming tech lying around that no one wants to talk about

 

never seen anyone emoting any form of magic to pull these stunts that’s for sure 

I just think there are better arguments for the tech lock. Even for things like this, I don’t mind some terraforming to shape the world/add cool places. Tor has an awesome look to it. Given, this is quite extreme terraforming, so I understand your point.

 

I understand this is a pro gun argument at the bottom line and I’m very neutral on that topic. However, I can’t stand this argument. LoTC is a medieval /fantasy/ rp server. Magic, orcs, elves, obviously that’s not medieval because that’s fantasy. We have our medieval themes in things such as tech, building style, so on. Medieval themes are constantly explored, as are fantasy ones. Fantasy doesn’t exclude medieval and medieval doesn’t exclude fantasy.

To Caedric Ruric, 

  Firstly, Despite being on different sides of conflict, I will mourn for your loss. No child should ever be taken from us, despite politics, race, place of birth, anything they have no control over and anything they do. I consider the children of Oren the foundation of the Empire and I do realize, children throughout all the land are the foundation of the world. I am ashamed of any fellow Orenian who applauds, approves, or delivers the death of a child. 

However, I must inform you of the truths. I was present at the events leading up to Alyssa’s death and your letter leads me to believe you are either unaware of such events or you leave them out, I do not hope for the latter. I was confronted by Alyssa’s apparent brother, David, who if true, would be the surviving son of Elene Swint. The boy was clearly troubled and angry with not only myself for what has happened to his mother and the lies he has been told, but the world as well. He took his weapon and swung it for my legs, when a small girl of Oren did her part to defend me. After a scuffle between the kids, Alysssa stepped forward from the crowd and had thrown the fellow Orenian girl to the ground, who was already bloody. It was then I stepped in to secure the bloody Orenian girl, where from that point, the kids not only continued to attack myself but other citizens and members of the ISA. 

I must admit, in such situations, things tend to be a blur. After these actions from Alyssa and David, I did at one point hold Alyssa in my arms, restraining her arms and holding her in the air, with intent to bring her to a secure location and calm her down. She kicked, she headbutted, though she was a child and I was to see her out safely, managing to hold her for some time. Though she continued even more, yelling and trashing violently as we walked, where she eventually slipped from my hold, charging once more at the crowd to defend her brother David, who remained. As she did, hitting and kicking at citizens and ISA, she was struck with a rock in the head from a child, not an adult, not ISA, not my Ministry. She fell as she was struck, suffering significant head trauma. Our men made an immediate attempt to save her, all while struggling with her brother, who eventually settled himself to care for his sister. Alyssa was taken either to the clinic or the Bastille of Oren, where I assure you, she received care.

These are the truths of her death, Caedric. I would not speak lies on the death of a little girl. Perhaps you know of my history with Elene Swint but I can tell you, my relationship with Elene played no part today, in the events of this child. I would have risked my own life, should I have had the need, despite my history with the Swints. It is because of the delicate matters of this child’s death, that I will not go into our history and if you wish to know the truths on that, then they will be given. 

The bodies of dead children should not by any means be used as leverage in politics, I find such actions disgusting and of no respect for a dead child. It is because of this, I will use the power available to me to see the body of Alyssa Swint is delivered to you.

~ My condolences for your loss, Sheriff Hakon Erling 
 

“The only good choice” Hakon states as he casts his vote for the Josephites

==========

The Erling Foundation (EF)

==========

What is the EF?

The Erling Foundation  is a charitable, private foundation founded by Hakon and Josephine Erling. Then passed to Nokah Erling.

Mission:

The mission of the EF is to give to the less fortunate and the children of the wide lands. Nokah Erling holds a strong belief that greatness can come from the dirt and the mud, therefor we must support those born from it. He also believes that children are our foundation and the future of all of us. It is because of this, we must keep the children of the lands both safe and cared for. To Nokah Erling, these things are not optional, they are a necessity. Often, the less fortunate who’s blood is not blue, are walked on and looked over or used for petty, hard labor. The children of those less fortunate starve and struggle, only to meet the same fate as their unfortunate parents, often times sooner. The EF will make sure the poor and the children of the lands are not only cared for but supported to thrive within it.

Funding:

The EF is funded both privately from Nokah Erling, as well as from public events or donations. Events can include the following:

- Tournaments 

- Festivals

- Events for children including story telling and teaching

- Combat Training

- And more

Grants:

The EF offers money to businesses, charitable organizations, or individuals who are seen to help further the mission of the EF. These grants of money are given without debt or a need for payback. It is money to go towards the less fortunate and struggling children, as well as to support others who aid this cause. Those who receive grants are either accepted upon request or gifted one through their individual efforts.

===========

Make a donation:

[ RP information ]

Full name (Leave blank if anonymous):

Nation:

Province [Haense, Helena, etc,] (If Applicable):

Donation amount: 

Optional message:

Apply for a Grant

[ RP information ]

Full name:

Nation:

Province [Haense, Helena, etc,] (If applicable):

Address of Residence:

Name of business or organization:

Reason for applying:

Requested amount:

(( Both donations or applications for a Grant can be posted here on this thread or sent to Deadpaww#4381 ))

3 minutes ago, SoulReapingWolf said:

Don’t understand what is the fixation with guns. Admins have told us time and time again, the time in the calendar has no relationship with IRL calendar. The date we are on doesn’t mean we should have the same tech in game than the ones being developed in the IRL calendar. I can already see multiple cases of people going #w loads gun #w aims gun #s headshots his enemy with his concealed gun. If people that want them in say it’ll be just like having crossbows and arbalests then have them use those. But adding guns would really affect the fantasy feel of the server.

Cannons I can agree with, they were in LoTC in the past and are easier to control. Since you won’t have people just carrying them around on their backs. (Hopefully)

I think it mainly comes down to “flintlocks are cool and not that advanced tech wise” as to why people want them.

26 minutes ago, Esterlen said:

 

snip

 

 

 

 

 

Ok so my response is largely in part to the OP and the whole topic, though Esterlen makes a point here I’d like to address. First, I think one of the biggest concerns on this topic is flintlocks being added and being used unfairly and being used in “cringe” ways. We already have instances where people emote bows in such ways. I don’t think anybody wants to be rping their character walking down a road when “Billy ‘F*ck you’ Johnson” the bandit comes along to emote shooting your character for being an Imperial, or worse, an elf.

As to address Esterlen’s point more specifically, at least the one part, in which he says “there is no one solid theme of LOTC”, I see that point but I disagree in this argument. The levels of fantasy and realism are mixed in a very unique way but I think it’s very reasonable to say we have unspoken lines at the least. Will LOTC ever have cars and trains? Gatling guns? Well I hope not, that’s clearly not the era we have established and I don’t believe it’s the kind of RP that’s expected here. While technically, we could lead LOTC in that direction, I don’t believe many want to. I could be wrong but that’s from my experience. With that, I think another big fear is just that, where flintlocks and/or muskets would then lead to. Would we see votes eventually for even more advanced tech? Better guns and so on? With the argument of “Well, we have flintlocks already, so”. Flintlocks are a step into a new tech level, where as right now, we are fantasy and medieval, magic and swords. 

So where I stand is, sure, add flintlocks and/or muskets  if the community wants them but I’d only want to see them under certain terms:

1: They must be used in a strict manner and not let up to freedom of the user. There is a response in this thread with how rolling could work with them, which seems well thought out and fair

2: We have a line of tech we don’t cross in LOTC. I don’t really wish to see LOTC turn more modern than flintlocks tech wise. There could be some exceptions for things perhaps but weaponry is pretty significant. Would it hurt LOTC though if someone invents some magical toaster? I mean, not really. Cars, planes, trains, fully automatic weapons, these are things that would dramatically change the RP of LoTC, obviously and these are the things I wouldn’t want to see ever. Flintlocks are a step into 

Hakon huffs, reading over the public invitation ”Will probably kill her when she doesn’t make his favorite stew. Though I suppose there’s no better match for a **** like him. Hopefully she keeps him out of the Ministry’s way”

To Hadvar Av Mitteland,

  You flaunt your call of genocide as if it’s mighty and as if you even have enough power to do so. You say us Curonians have no legs to stand on when you pose with false titles. Our legs are our people and the Empire, our legs are strong. You try to stand on legs you no longer have, Hadvar. You dare demand an apology when you have made attempts at genocide, when you have made attempts to kill our people, our families, and myself. I have yet to meet a man as foolish as you and I have met the the Northmen. Take your demand of an apology to the grave, you will never get one. You are a fraud, you are a fool, and you are a dead man. You do not order genocide of a people and walk away. Travel the roads as long as you like, you and any who associate with you will be found. 

This is not a war, Hadvar. You are far too small and insignificant for it be called a war. You are a genocidal menace who will be dealt with. If I wasn’t Sheriff, I’d gladly take this bounty myself. Though don’t misunderstand, should I find you myself, I will kill you. For your ignorance and your insulting demand of an apology, whoever completes this contract may find 4,000 mina on the road as they walk. Call it an act of God.

~ Signed, Hakon Erling