Mescaffier

"Womp, womp," tutted John as he dragged a brush across a canvas. "Charlotte was always a foul-mannered knave ... good job, Pookie!" He beamed, painting a blotchy rose in his best-friend's honor.

"To be a Peasant, groveling in mud!" A man cawed, squinting at the flier with great skepticism. Using an ivory comb, he smoothed back an unruly fringe of novellen-red hair. "We saved a boy from their side of the war; poor child didn't even know what plumbing was ... these folk are at least a hundred years behind the rest of Aevos!" He paused, then, frowning at his wobbly reflection in the polished tusk. "The ways of my family, too, a generation or two ago. I just ... don't understand why they choose such a life." Recalling his interactions with Gaspard, Ethan, and other folk, he uncomfortably shrugged and went to leave the foyer. "I mean, they're nice. Some of them."

"The gays! Those ones!" John gasped, clapping his hands together as he read the missive. "It's been ages since we've spoke. Glad they're doing good."

The Royal Legate signed with a smile, lightly bobbing his head. "Apricots are good. Not the best fruit, but they're good."

I hate dragons😝

"She's being threatened with her life, surely," John muttered, squinting at the rallies of Ferrymen beyond Hanseni gates. "It's not her fault. DEUS VULT!"

In the end I wrote this because I thought it was a much larger issue; but I see that def isn't the case, I'm glad for the quick feedback!! I'd be glad to rescind the post, though, before that, I'm wondering what the consensus is on the main issues I spoke about in the Purpose section: should there be an amendment instead detailing that children shouldn't be able to inherit/learn it at their age? Or are both of those fine?

I based it off how long races live, just trying to make it so they have to be reasonably old - and may or may not have forgotten about the retcon for elves LOL Thank yall for the feedback!! was thinking abt this whilst writing, I'll def cut the bits about Personality out

I did If a handful of people break a redline, that's a them issue: but if that many people keep breaking the redline, it's a lore issue, imo

Sages, soothsayers, shamans, savants, scholars. When each branch of magic had been claimed and corrupted in the vices of the evil and violent, it was the sages – the scholars – that hid away, watching and learning. Watching as bitter men grew into power and watching as their empires crumbled in an instant, as history repeated and repeated. “. . . A King issued a challenge to his citizens; whoever could settle the tempestuous valley beside his kingdom would be named the lord of that land. So, a wiseman and a knave man came to the valley to live. Seeking safety, the wiseman roosted high above the clouds upon a pillar of stone. Seeking luxury, the knave man roosted at the river upon its beach, on pillars of sand. When a storm came and nourished the river, it was the pillars of sand that were swept away.” Within an Elven monastery, a mali’thill awaited his punishment for breaking meditation. He was locked away in a room until he’d freeze to death. The first day he wailed and punched at the wall. The next day, he’d grown too weak to protest. The third day, his will crumbled. With his knees tucked beneath his legs and his head dipped, he closed his eyes and awaited to succumb. On the sixth day, the abbot entered the room expecting to be greeted by his cold corpse. Yet the mali sat straight, cloaked in a dull glow as he spoke beneath his breath some prayer. Somehow, he had lived. The Mali would later go off on his own, earning a following and teaching his method to other former ne’er-do-wells; he and his people became known as the ‘Av-Taeleh’ – literally, ‘Mind Wanderers’ in Elven. Gurus today preach of his story as they teach about consciousness and mind, and only hope to teach his process to the most attentive. Explanation ✦ ☽ Conduits of Enlightenment is a Misc-Magic feat that requires either: a teacher that has had their FA for Two OOC Months OR a post detailing the character’s journey on enlightenment to learn. This post should have effort put into it, not a simple 1-2 paragraph jotting. ☽ All races may learn this feat so long as they have a soul and mana. Undead (ghosts, dragur, darkstalkers, etc) or Infernal beings cannot learn this feat. ☽ Characters beneath the age of at least 35 cannot learn this feat, as it requires ‘knowing yourself’ and deep, long-term meditation, spiritual journeys, etc. Children cannot be born knowing this feat, nor can it be hereditary. If being taught the feat by another character, the minimum ages reduce to 25. ☽ If the character suddenly goes through abrupt change in their life – varying from sudden mental changes from magic or suddenly developing mental illness, experiencing a largely traumatic or upsetting event, etc. – they gain the opportunity to lose connection to their Enlightenment. This is up to the player, though is encouraged. The Savant ✦ Tiers ✦ Tier 1 The Savant is new and inexperienced. They must spend this time breaking down their Mindscape’s gate and practising meditation. Lasts 1 OOC Weeks - Has Access to Introspection [cannot enter others’ minds, cannot bring others into their mind] Tier 2 The Savant has broken down their gate and begun to experiment with Mindshaping. Lasts 3 OOC Weeks - Has Access to Introspection [cannot enter others’ minds, can bring up to 1 person into their mind], Mindshape Tier 3 The Savant has reached their peak, and can now stay within their Mindscape for long periods. Lasts 4 OOC Weeks - Has Access to Introspection [can enter others’ minds, can bring up to 3 people into their mind], Mindshape, The Infinite Stay Features✦ Construction of the Mindscape Once connected, the first thing that a Savant will encounter is their Mindscape and its gates. These can manifest in whatever way – sometimes, literal gates blocking their entry in. Sometimes, mists or difficult terrain. These should somehow relate to their character and trials they face. The RP sessions (either given by a teacher or done alone/in presence of others) should detail how they face this challenge (i.e. a wood elf facing the difficult terrain of a forest, having to rely on muscle memory to manoeuvre, or a bard playing a difficult song to get their audience to leave). Once past the gates of the mindscape, they are, at last, in. The mindscape can look however it may relate to the character, like a location that was important to them (a city they grew up in that looks a bit ‘off’, a cloudy realm filled with bubbles that contain things they often daydream of, etc). As they learn more of themselves and meditate, they become able to use Mindshape and become capable of bringing others in. Redlines The Mindscape A mindscape varies vastly between all savants. It can be as small as a house or as expansive as a whole continent (or three), growing with them in detail and size as a person. Even though the Mindscape is vast, it most noticeably lacks other entities – leaving the savant alone. After acquiring the ability to use Mindshape, however, they may meld their own Mindscape however they please: going as far as to reenact certain memories or forge new ones. Some savants create entities to keep them company or make themselves kingdoms of fake peasants to rule over. Whilst capable of bringing others into their mindscape via Introspection, visitors cannot be granted the ability to use Mindshape there unless they are also a Savant. Exposed Darkspawn (individuals the Savant has personally seen cast/transform with dark magic) will gradually corrupt their Mindscape as they spend more time there. Should it continually worsen, the Savant might experience paranoia, hallucinations, or even something as bad as disconnection from enlightenment. Redlines The Mind’s Body Within the Mindscape, everyone appears how they most imagine themselves, sometimes more exaggerated than others. Someone who thinks poorly of themselves will often appear blotched in shadows, exaggeratedly fat or sickly thin, too tall or too short, etc. where someone that thinks highly of themselves might appear much taller, in perfect health, etc. Some resemble whichever animals they favour or an embodiment of many different things. Some just … appear as they always do in life. Redlines The Corruption [Darkspawn Exclusive] Savants are, normally, good-oriented and either lack magic or only possess ‘good’ or ‘neutral’ oriented magicks. However, when a Savant either becomes a Darkspawn or is one and learns this feat, their Mindscape becomes blatantly warped. The aesthetics of this may be chosen by the player, but should somehow relate to what kind of Darkspawn they are. Necromancers might always appear disgusting and their Mindscapes forever murky & desaturated, or Mystics may be prone to their own swarming with influence from their bound-ghosts. This effect cannot be hidden nor changed, always present within their mindscape. Because Darkspawn are also often unstable, their connections suffer. A light shake or loud talking will disrupt their Introspection. Redlines Abilities✦ Introspection [Noncombat] Via meditation, one may enter their own or another’s mindscape. Their surroundings must be non-obstructive and relatively quiet, and the Savant must be calm. Many achieve this via smoking Cactus Green or other medicinal herbs, drinking tea, or using certain drugs. Others simply enjoy meditation alone. In order to enter another’s mindscape, they must have permission by the individual, and they must follow the same procedure of meditation. A Savant may take up to 3 others with them into a Mindscape. Redlines Mindshape [Noncombat] Whilst inside a Mindscape, the Savant may change anything within it (their own, or another’s, so long as they are granted permission OOCly). This includes their or other’s forms, the landscape, etc. Savants are also capable of this in their own regular dreams. Redlines The Infinite Stay [Noncombat] When a Savant becomes so entrenched in the stories they weave within their Mindcape, they might become so absorbed that they decide to stay. After a week of being inside their Mindscape, their body will enter a state of dormancy not unlike what the First Av-Taeleh endured. Sustaining themselves on their mana alone, the Savant will enter a comatose state, unable to be roused without nigh-fatal damage or the Savant willingly choosing to leave. Welcome to Hotel California. This acts as an alternative to the Theorem of Midpoint shelving method, or as another flavorful shelving method. Redlines Purpose ✦ Had a discussion with someone this morning about how absurdly abused Conduits have been. I’ve witnessed people force others into their mindscape, force prophecy RP on people (without telling them they’re using Conduit lore), generally do a lot whilst purposefully being vague about redlines/mechanics, RP as 10 year old Conduits, and much more which practically goes against everything the present lore stands for. So, I whipped this up in just a day, formatting, lore, dividers, and all (though I’ve been wanting to rewrite it for a while anywho). F*** it we ball. Conduits was in need of a revamp either way, so I figured I’d try my hand at a rewrite rather than many amendments. This write aims to expand much more on Conduit lore, whilst fixing some issues I’ve observed over the years (namely, people not knowing whether or not it was a Feat, abusing sparsely redlined abilities, etc) and hopefully stopping the rampant feat-collection I’ve seen. Credits ✦ TreeSmoothie – Writing Timberbuff – Current Conduit lore, 2021 https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/203574-✓-world-lore-conduits-of-enlightenment/ Booklight12 – Original Conduit lore, 2015 https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/121243-lore-conduits-of-enlightenment/ Changelog ✦

Over hill, over dale, through the valley and vale, a long way journeyed and much more to go. A vast forest stretched beneath Huo Wukong’s feet, behemoth mushrooms and gigantic Sakura trees stretching overhead, gnarled roots as tall as the beast itself. It had grown wary and beaten, pristine fur stained gray and red, but its blade never dulled nor its spirit waned. It was warned of the ways of the Sakurans; and yet it kept on. The 呪われた森, Norowareta Mori stretched onward, inhabited only by the clan Honma. Onward, onward, then to the cherry-blossom forest Sakuragakure was nestled within. The ape was frequently spotted near the Shogunate – in trees, hidden in grass, in plain air – yet, not yet caught. Elusive as the thing was, it had little idea that it was being hunted, and thus a game of cat & mouse … Samurai & Monkey it became.

A decrepit necrolyte lit a candle, pupiless eyes staring into the overcast sky above. "I am doomed to watch the rise and fall of each man and woman; Scrisa was no different, flying too close to the sun," it croaked, disgusting face warped in some semblance of sadness. "May may she stay safe. Perhaps I could offer a new life for her."

Johnathan Augustus 'Pookie' Galbraith smiles the sun's smile at their pact.

1950, the 13th of Tobias’ Bounty 83 Balian Annum In earlier decades, House Ruthern and House Galbraith found themselves amidst a harsh tension, borne of the Count & Baron’s childhood rivalry. However, time has proven a remarkable catalyst for change. Today, Baron John and Count Demetrius, once caught in the throes of competition, have set aside their past differences to affirm the informal friendship they’ve formed. Alongside this, they urge all other Houses to do the same, setting aside differences to support what truly matters; supporting King Adrian in the wake of the Ex-Queen’s slander and Iblees-driven anger. We must stand as a united front – if not for ourselves, for our King. ARTICLE I: Recognition I. The signatories of the Pact of Ancients hereby recognize each other as the legitimate Heads of their respective Houses and protectors of each other's unique cultures. ARTICLE II: Growth & Protection I. The Signatories agree to support the growth of each respective House when possible. II. The Signatories agree to share information when they can of innovations, military advice, et Cetera that might benefit the other. III. In the event of things that threaten either’s land, the Kingdom of Balian, or King Adrian I, the Signatories agree to offer military aid from their levies and/or willing & able-bodied members of their Houses. ARTICLE III: Duration The familial pact shall henceforth be in effect for the duration of each Patriarch’s leadership. Once the leadership of either house changes, the heirs can reconvene to discuss new terms and renegotiate. Signed, The Right Honorable, Ser Demetrius 'The Valiant' Laonicus var Ruthern, Count of Marsana, Patriarch of House Ruthern, Cavalier to the Order of Saint Michael, Ward to the King, Vice Minister of the Interior. His Excellency, John Augustus Galbraith, Baron of Cascanova, Patriarch of Galbraith, Ward to the King, Royal Legate, Secretary of the Foreign Office. v

"On GODANI," called the Royal Legate, his glum mood lifted. In conversation with Alberic, Annette, Gwyneth, and others, he -- unlike the Queen's missive -- folded it carefully into his pocket. "Aside from ... biases," he carefully spoke. "Andromeda was a rude woman. Crushed our Social Season with only snarky remarks to debutees, kept the palace so drab and dull. I was a witness to the many governesses she stormed out."

John regarded the flier with a grimace and an angry sniff - in all his rage, tearing it in two in the diplomatic meeting he attended after Adrian handed it back. Under his breath, he muttered, "Puta. Puta. She is unfaithful ... I heard her years ago when I was a child. She spits in the eyes of god -- I knew I should've reported it!" "How dare she insult him," the man wept, an ugly look bore on his face. "No better than a peasant, now. Where will she run? Where must we burn?" No doubt, he was ... loyal to Adrian to a fault. Later, he'd go home to his three sons, one of which shared that King's name. In teaching history to them - and others - years later, he'd spit the former Queen's name with venom, or not all, omitting her. A volatile man.

goated, with the sauce, i dare say

tee is my mortal enemy.. i shall smite him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (congarts >:) )

A hei-zhu stood resolute at the bow of the weathered vessel, its amber eyes fixed on the distant horizon. It had embarked on a perilous voyage from the Oyashiman isle of Ihon to the continent Aevos, a land uttered only in whisper. It, supposedly, was now the place of Descendantkind – a new start – and so the Hou left the land of a thousand unmourned, if not to look for remnant kin, to escape a century of servitude and hate. As the ship plowed through the churning waters, the sky unleashed its fury with blinding lightning and deafening thunder. The crew, a ragtag group of outcasts & dishonored not unlike the Hou-zi, clung desperately to the rigging, their faces etched with woe and fear. Yokai, the malevolent demons of Oyashima and those wretched souls bound to them, seemed drawn to the tumultuous sea, their eerie forms emerging from the frothy depths with great talons and ugly, sneering faces – but the ship drew on, besting ragged sea and violent wave, running down the seabound darkspawn as they found them. Huo Wukong, the Ape was called, was certain the voyage was a test of its will, a battle against the elements, death, and the very apparitions of the world. As the ship pitched and rolled in the relentless tempest, its spirit remained unbroken, its eyes fixed on the distant promise of a new beginning. Prayers to the kami, Goro-Goro ごろ頃, were had – desperate prayers. Incense smoke filled the chambers of the ship. And, perhaps by that Dragon Kami’s will, did the vagabond crew at last reach shore … Yet, even once having bested the Great Storm and reaching Aevos, a nagging feeling never left it like it had left Oyashima. A treacherous place Ihon was, it was all the Hei-zhu had ever known. And so it ventured to find Sakurakagure, sending a note in its stead; ________________________________________________________ “桜かぐれの人々 People of Sakurakagure I come to you from the motherland, Ihon. I have been indentured to the Tsuru no Gakkō 鶴の学校 for nigh a century, demons slain by my hand ranking in the hundreds. I have crossed bloodied oceans and bested sea-beasts plenty, through the wretched storm of Aevos and over mountains to roost at your doorstep. I come to your Honorable Shogunate in search of refuge amongst people of my same society, however … I am of Hou-zi descent. My name is Huo Wukong. Oyashima and its people are all I have known, nearly since birth. The terms of my servitude under those in Ihon I care not for, however cruel it had been – I simply regard it as my home. With this in mind, I come bearing barrels of consecrated salt of the shores of my land, alongside two freshly-slain Darkspawn of Undead and Demonic make. I pledge allegiance and nothing but it, if the Shogunate is gracious enough to accept it. With humility and respect, 太陽の目の猿.”

"A child wrote this. Mother should've aborted," sneered an undead, 'Serthekhur'. "Youth are the lowliest of mortals!"

A tired man - John - came to a friend's balcony at night, shooting the flier up via paper airplane. "The fortuneteller ... do teu remember the fortuneteller? This must be a Mystik. Someone needs to test them."

John read the paper, fresh out of an argument with Ezren; looking further down, he spotted the line of succession and froze, unthinking and unblinking for a few long moments. His hand clutched the smoking pipe 'twixt his lips, taking an unsteady breath through clenched teeth. "... my house will be ruined." "Ezren, a king. Poor Sibyl." That night, the man wept for his future, his children, his wife.

I ate it. got hungry. sorry -treesmoothie

A towering Primate -- Huo Wukong -- stalks past the new Caelian city, loudly munching on a sub. "Mmm ... Kěkou! Kěkou!" it hummed, before continuing on its way to Balian.

"Aeltarys is no dragon. No Horen-blood, nothing. Pretenders," muttered a man of pale complexion, a cigar burning away between his lips. The mechanical side of his face shuddered and whirred with cogs, stuttering a moment as he coughed and returned to reading. "White-haired, too. Elvenblooded humans surely. A taint, a taint -- Hyspia should know. My poor in-laws are unaware of it!"