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Protip: Having a way for people to join said wiki and thus being able to contribute would help.

I'd also prefer 3.5 over Pathfinder; as much as Pathfinder has some great changes, I'm not a fan of the whole "Cantips at will" thing and it simply isn't as well supported at this stage; I have a character concept in mind and it would be much more difficult to do in Pathfinder. (May even be impossible.)

And on that note:

Demons

In a world where Gods may be good, evil or even neutral, embodying both or neither attributes, the concept of a demon is a different one. Afterall; the servants of gods, often referred to as angels, match the will of their God, an evil Angel for an evil god. To call evil angels demons would be to give a great injustice to the demonic community indeed.

For demon are not necessarily evil, quite the contrary as some are quite nice. They simply earn a bad name due to their nature; that of a traitor or a renegade. For when an angel loses its way and begins to question the will of its master, they fall from the grace of their patron, whatever that may mean. Often forced to flee for their lives, these demons escape to the outer planes, where they can hide amongst the many strange creatures and places that have yet to be fully formed by the gods.

It is there that the demons band together into a loose, disorganised society, not agents of evil as they are often reputed to be, but simply outlaws, aiming to survive. While their somewhat anarchic nature means they tend to lean towards the destructive side, this is certainly not always the case, for one does not often become a renegade of an evil god for being too violent and destructive; although it does in all cases depend on the god.

Demon society is not very well organised, for the many renegades often have trouble trusting one another and rarely agree with each others beliefs. But they do agree on one thing; that if they don't at least try to work together, they surely don't have a chance of survival. So for mutual protection more than anything else, they clump together.

Demons do not often seek service in the fold of another God, for it is rare to find a God that matches their new beliefs, and rarer still to find a God who is willing to take on a servant who has already proven unreliable. They are considered an unnatural thing, going against the laws and nature of the very universe itself by defying the gods, but this feat in itself earns them respect from some circles.

In particular, a certain group of mages have long since formed contracts with Demons in order to gain a greater understanding of magic, and in turn giving the Demons some mortal allies they can call upon for aid.

TL;DR: Demons are not always evil, just a fallen angel no longer serving their god, for good or evil. (Or anti-neutral? o.0 )

Re: So I'm really beginning to miss rping, guys... by PironiousPironious, 1258691352|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover

I'll sit this one out. ;)

Re: So I'm really beginning to miss rping, guys... by Shadow of LightShadow of Light, 1258672392|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover

So I'm getting a bit sick of this whole not-roleplaying-anymore thing and I'm thinking of combining a few of my old ideas into one horrible conglomeration that will consume all and I'm very tired in case it's not obvious.

So in a general pique of 'hey guys here's something fun to do' and 'this surely means less work for me!', you guys get to help me create the world setting!

If anyone's interested in playing, you get to make a few gods and nations. That, and general game information, can be found at acorai.wikidot.com for general observance.

So who's up for it? Roll call!

So I'm really beginning to miss rping, guys... by TaranthTaranth, 1258641916|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Flying away... or trying to.
Shadow of LightShadow of Light 1258487681|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Flying away... or trying to.

Wooo! Moonlight Brilliance is still alive ^_^ <3

Oh, and I'm happy about Kukulkan too, of course. ;)

2 HP? Dang :p That's gotta hurt for both sides.

Re: Flying away... or trying to. by Shadow of LightShadow of Light, 1258487681|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Flying away... or trying to.
Reth ShannarReth Shannar 1258478783|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Flying away... or trying to.

Well, here's the good news: Kukulkan is still alive.

The not-bad news: While the dragon's pretty banged up, it's still working okay… *Decides to not mention the falling out of the sky twice… or the -9 and unstable… or the insanity… or the jury-rigging required to get it started again…*

The Bad news: THAT @#$&*#@#$!!! DEMON HAD TWO HITPOINTS LEFT! TWO!!! AND HE GOT TO BINK OUT!!!!

The Spiteful and Amusing news: The 'little' demon that Venn summoned in to help him out got slam-dunked into the ground by a frenzied dragon. It left a stain.

The REALLY BAD news (For Sally Venn): He's got to go back and report to his bosses while on 2 HP, 4 dex, another two saves to make and the news is that he didn't succeed against an opponent who deliberately provoked him into a homocidal rage…

Flying away... or trying to. by Reth ShannarReth Shannar, 1258478783|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Lolwut?
Shadow of LightShadow of Light 1257710159|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Lolwut?

And don't you forget it :p

Re: Lolwut? by Shadow of LightShadow of Light, 1257710159|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Lolwut?
PironiousPironious 1257582605|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Lolwut?

This one's for Laura

1164629384278.jpg
Re: Lolwut? by PironiousPironious, 1257582605|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Lolwut?
Shadow of LightShadow of Light 1257559195|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Lolwut?

A lawn of gnomes has to be my fave :p

Re: Lolwut? by Shadow of LightShadow of Light, 1257559195|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Personal symbols
CrovexiusCrovexius 1257556775|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Personal symbols
maikomonbigbw.jpg

Now without colour!

:)

Better?

Re: Personal symbols by CrovexiusCrovexius, 1257556775|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Lolwut?
PironiousPironious 1257554726|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Lolwut?
2009-10-30-566nouns.gif
Re: Lolwut? by PironiousPironious, 1257554726|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Keeping Others Safe
Shadow of LightShadow of Light 1257163274|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion IC writings / Character Diaries » Sang's Crossroads

Sang woke to the sounds of conflict.

She was up instantly and out the chamber door with guan dao in hand within seconds. The disturbance had not roused her alone; doors were slamming open along the outer passage. Typhenon, who’d been keeping watch in the corridor itself, yanked open Maiko’s door and hurried inside. Kukulkan (in human form) came out of a nearby door while Shayu (wielding a large sword) and Isadora (wearing a sheet) emerged from the same room further down the hall. Isadora noticed Sang, gave a guilty squeak and fled back the way she’d come. Shayu merely gave the bushi a glance, looked at Maiko’s open door, then rushed in the other direction to the stairs leading down.

There was another crashing sound. Sang forced her mind away from Isadora and Shayu for the moment, and followed Kukulkan into Maiko’s room. The wooden framework and ricepaper window was broken and torn; she went over and looked through to the darkened grounds a couple of storeys below. Maiko was tearing off towards a distant building with Typhenon following some ways behind.

She’s all right.

A cold knot in her stomach loosened, but her muscles remained tense. She absently rubbed at her featherfall ring with a thumb, tempted to follow Maiko and Typhenon out the window to chase and destroy whoever or whatever the assailant had been, but restrained herself. Shayu had already gone out after them, and Sang could just make out lights as far-off doors opened and people looked out to see what the commotion was. She could hear Maiko’s voice raised in anger: “Gaijin assassin!

Guards would be coming, and probably an official regarding security.

Sang glanced wordlessly at Kukulkan, then left the room to find herself an outer robe to throw on over her sleeping shift. She did not see the shapeshifter stoop to examine the floor once she’d left, then collect the drops of blood which he had found beaded atop the polished floorboards.

**

They had been lodged in an estate called the Palace of Eternal Sunset, a name with unpleasant connotations to everyone who realised how dangerous their current position was. Twenty guards arrived in short order, crammed into a ground floor room. Some of them came up to the apartments to usher Sang, Kukulkan and Isadora (who had dressed) downstairs, and here they rejoined Maiko, Typhenon and Shayu at a table. Servants brought them tea while they waited, but not everyone drank or even sat, either busy in their roles as bodyguard or maintaining an icy, affronted mask at having almost been murdered in the not-so-impenetrable Imperial City.

Sang sat, turned her chawan without really thinking about it, sipped and carefully set the bowl down. The peppermint-infused ocha rippled for a moment then settled to a flawless flat surface.

If only I could find calm so swiftly.

Maiko appeared unharmed, but Sang’s relief was countered by her anger that someone had tried to slink into the Jin’s room and murder her. They had known, they had all known that they would not be safe, that attempts would be made on their lives, but a strike against a companion would always shake her more deeply than one against herself.

She’s fine.

Sang sipped again, her eyes on the tea to avoid looking at anyone. She wanted to hear that Maiko was fine from her own lips, but didn’t want to ask with the guards and everyone else around in case the Jin felt obliged to keep up appearances by going on an angry tirade. On the other hand, she wasn’t even sure if she’d be able to ask in private. With her recent luck, Maiko would be insulted just as Shayu had been earlier in the evening.

She lifted her eyes ten minutes later, when the Prime Minister of the Interior and the Emperor’s Champion entered. The former gave the party a deep, sweeping bow, while the Champion barely nodded.

Once he’d looked over the party with a stern gaze, the Champion said, “I’m going to need to know everything that happened.” Sang had never heard the man speak before. His voice was quite deep and gravelly.

Maiko spoke her piece. The sound of a whiplash had brought her awake, and her trained warriors instincts had allowed her to react quickly enough to grab a nearby weapon and deflect the attack. Her attacker had been dressed in foreign clothing. She had chased him out the window, striking him a few times before he used some kind of trickery to render himself invisible. She’d tracked him as best she could, but once he reached hard ground it had become too difficult to follow him further.

Something in the Jin’s account didn’t ring completely true, but beyond the usual embellishments Sang couldn’t guess what.

The others followed up in turn saying what they did and saw, but nothing else had happened that Sang had not seen.

“The Empress Dowager is aghast at these proceedings,” the Champion intoned. “Until morning, these guards will remain here for your protection. When morning comes, more secure accomodations will be arranged for you.” He turned to leave.

“That won’t be necessary,” Maiko said coolly. “Come morning, we will seek other arrangements in the outer city.”

“That will be discussed,” the Champion threw over his shoulder, and left with the Minister on his heels.

Sang drained her tea, stood and went back upstairs without a word, Lord Yu’s Blade against her shoulder. Earlier in the day she’d come up with the idea of using the weapon for everyone to communicate without speaking aloud, which had worked. Of course, the catch was that everyone had to be touching it, and there was little hope of this being discreet with twenty guards observing. She saw no reason to stay awake if they couldn’t discuss what had happened, and besides… she felt tired, drained, and had a responsibility to at least try to recover her strength by morning.

In part… it had been an eventful day. Only this morning there had been proclamations in Tokai, Kaji leaving for a southern kingdom, Sang’s father operated on, her mother’s fear and anger and Typhenon’s open display of divine magic. In the afternoon, the long flight to Nakashibetsu. Their arrival, and the walk to the Imperial Palace that had seemed almost longer than Moonlight Brilliance’s passage through the skies. A great feast had followed, only to be abruptly terminated when, at the back of the grand hall, the Chugi delegation had stood and drawn steel. The guards had reacted at once; teleporting to the table the Chugi at either side of it had been cut down. The remaining six had plunged their blades into their own stomachs and cut from left to right in a ritual motion almost as old as the Empire. The Emperess Dowager had screamed her anger, declared the feast over and ordered the Chugi (alive and dead alike) to be dragged out, torn apart and thrown into the river for the carp to eat. The brutal, shocking command had not ended at that. About an hour later, back at the Palace of Eternal Sunset, the party (specifically Sang) had been presented with a covered platter with a message that the Dowager hoped this would ‘satisfy the Queen of the Yu that justice had been done’, or something like that. Given the savage way in which the bodies of the Chugi had been dealt with, Sang had not been at all surprised to find that the platter held six human hearts. The organs had burst into flames when uncovered; Maiko had launched from her chair and drawn her hookswords with a curse, but for some reason Sang had not flinched. She could remember staring into the conflagration, feeling the heat on her face, but aware of a cold fury building inside her. The blazing hearts were a warning, a threat. The Empress Dowager knew who they were. Two of the hearts had been missing—there had been eight Chugi in the hall, and Kukulkan had taken care of the six that had been delivered in the hopes he could spare their souls being imprisoned by the daemon who had done this to them.

And then there was Isadora. Sang had approached her while Kukulkan was busy with the hearts and the others were exploring the grounds. Isadora needed blood. Sang had asked the girl to promise that she would go to Sang whenever she needed to feed. The reason she’d given was that, even with Isadora’s skills in discretion, their position was too risky. The Dowager Empress only needed one good excuse to dispose of any of them. Sang had another reason for requesting Isadora’s word, but didn’t voice it. The fact was that she didn’t want Isadora feeding off anyone else if she could be the willing alternative. It would protect anyone else she might choose to prey on (and as much as she didn’t like to use the term ‘prey’ with her friend, it was getting harder to deny), and Sang believed she was strong enough to handle the after-effects of Isadora’s bite. So it had happened, with Kukulkan in watchful attendance in case the proceedings harmed Sang’s children, and while Sang had been prepared for the weakness that followed the feeding, she’d not expected the sweeping ecstasy of the bite itself. It had literally buckled her knees, and as Isadora’s arms had kept her from falling Sang had concentrated her will in an almost panic-driven reflex against the euphoria threatening to overcome all sense of her self control. It was the most fantastic feeling she had experienced, and it would have been easy, so very easy to let go, enjoy it, love it, be lost in it. That was the danger, and so she fought against it and strove to convince herself that what she felt was loathesome, an effect brought on by something that had turned her friend part daemon.

“I eat when you eat,” Isadora had demanded afterwards. “For every day you enjoy meals, I get to feed once.” Kukulkan had protested, but Sang had seen no choice but to agree in order for Isadora to keep her word. Seeing her emerge from Shayu’s room that evening had given her pause, but she shook it off. So long as no biting was involved it was none of her business, and she trusted Isadora still. She didn’t want to suspect her. Maiko probably wouldn’t be impressed if she discovered Shayu’s new bedmate, and that was even more reason to keep quiet. Shayu knew Maiko’s opinions of Isadora, he even knew what Isadora was.

Sang pondered this as she reached the passage leading to her chamber, Kukulkan following her and a small army of guards in their wake. Perhaps, since Shayu himself had once been infected by daemonic power, he was not so quick to judge Isadora. Having been cured, maybe he was even working up to convincing her to take the same chance.

Speculation… speculation… perhaps, maybe. They could just be enjoying each other.

She entered her room and shed the outer robe she wore as Kukulkan and the guards took up various points in the large chamber. She was glad of the shapeshifter’s presence, even as she doubted she’d get much more sleep tonight. She was also sorry for having to ignore his advice, that carrying on her deal with Isadora might be dangerous for the twins. He was, however, good at keeping secrets, and she knew he would not break a trust unless there was a good reason to do so. Not that it was a secret, mind, but if Typhenon knew he’d probably order her to stand aside and offer his own neck and Maiko…gods only knew. If anything, berrate Sang for knowingly weakening herself at a time she needed all her strength.

By the time she finds out, it might be something I need to hear. How long will I be able to keep this up? How long before Isadora realises how far she’s gone…

It was hard. Lord Yu had praised her, saying that what she did for Isadora was good, even assuring her that her children were strong enough to handle this, but it was hard. She didn’t want to enjoy what Isadora had to offer. She didn’t want to encourage her and make her think her abilities were something good. Even though the girl’s affliction had none of the outward mutations of Taint that Sang was familiar with, wasn’t it still similar at the core? How could she accept Isadora and be the friend she needed when she feared the daemon inside her?

I don’t know what to say to her.

I am a warrior too,” Lord Yu had replied with understanding. “Perhaps this is something that Jin could aid you with.

Maybe,” Sang conceded but the Angel of Courage sensed her hesitation.

You have an issue with my sister?

Not… as such. Maybe I am just not used to her.

A half truth? A full lie? Lord Yu had either let it pass, or not seen it. Sang did not want to seek Jin’s aid, because she thought she knew what the angel’s advice would be—or part of it, at least. Being an Elonan angel, Sang feared that Jin would openly advocate having the time of her life with Isadora. If it wasn’t hurting anyone, if it helped Isadora, then why not?

But now we’ll be under guard. How will I find a way to let her feed tomorrow?

She set Lord Yu’s Blade down, frowning to herself, then set it aside to worry about tomorrow. There was plenty to dwell on, like the Emperor, and getting everyone out of here alive. She’d seen the Emperor for the first time at the feast today, and Sang had felt her hopes lift at last, for she’d fretted at his absence during their arrival. She’d waited for three hours as a succession of artistically presented meals were brought forth, expecting at any minute for him to speak to her mind like he had in Tokai, but the gold-shrouded figure never even moved. She’d begun to wonder if it was even him under the material. Kukulkan had later said that whoever had been beneath the golden shroud seemed to have been asleep the entire time.

Too many questions. I have to be patient and calm. I have to play their damn game. I’m starting to hate games. I can barely look at a go board anymore.

She stared at the great bed for several seconds then climbed in, unable to help feeling how very large, empty and cold it was.

I hope you are doing better than we are, love. Please be safe…

Keeping Others Safe by Shadow of LightShadow of Light, 1257163274|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Personal symbols
WebseerWebseer 1256620517|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Personal symbols

As long as you use some simple rules, like the colours on metals rule in European Heraldry, then it should work out, a lot of late European ones can be very complex. On the other hand, personal choice goes a long way.

Re: Personal symbols by WebseerWebseer, 1256620517|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Personal symbols
PironiousPironious 1256267691|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Personal symbols

I still prefer it in two-tone; it just feels more credible.

The idea of having a mon with that many different colours is damaging to its purpose; it becomes harder to recognise at a glance with every bit of added complexity. Which means either every single soldier bearing the mon has to have the multicoloured version, which becomes expensive and pointless; or you have a variance in the mons, which can cause confusion.

Ergo, Maiko herself would favour a simpler colour design for practical reasons.

Re: Personal symbols by PironiousPironious, 1256267691|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Personal symbols
WebseerWebseer 1256219739|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Personal symbols

"Mon are essentially monotone; the colour does not constitute part of the design and they may be drawn in any colour."

What I interpret that to mean is that the colour of the mon is not important, only the design. Two mons identical in design but different in colour would be considered the same mon. By extension, they could be any garish rainbow mix, because only the design would matter.

It may also be relevant, before we get too wrapped up, to point out that historical accuracy isn't very important, and indeed may be detrimental.

Re: Personal symbols by WebseerWebseer, 1256219739|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Personal symbols
Shadow of LightShadow of Light 1256190430|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Personal symbols

Mon could be any colour, but were traditionally only two-tone - one colour design on another colour background.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mon_(crest)

Re: Personal symbols by Shadow of LightShadow of Light, 1256190430|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Personal symbols
WebseerWebseer 1256170160|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Personal symbols

Well, unlike European heraldry, there are no set rules for the design of Mon, so I suppose it's wide open.

Re: Personal symbols by WebseerWebseer, 1256170160|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Personal symbols
PironiousPironious 1256166451|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Personal symbols

Colour? But, that's not traditional… :P

Still, this means I can now properly make a space marine army with them as badges. :3

And you say that like mine wasn't made in paint :P

Cheers though.

Re: Personal symbols by PironiousPironious, 1256166451|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Personal symbols
CrovexiusCrovexius 1256127104|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Personal symbols
maikomonbig.jpg

Erin made a colourful one in Paint… (I kinda just inverted your one then added colour and shiney blossoms.)

^__^

Pretty flowers are pretty.

Re: Personal symbols by CrovexiusCrovexius, 1256127104|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Personal symbols
Shadow of LightShadow of Light 1256123665|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Personal symbols

Nothing wrong with triangles. Pizza slices are triangles.

Mmm. Pizza of the Three.

Re: Personal symbols by Shadow of LightShadow of Light, 1256123665|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
Re: Personal symbols
CrovexiusCrovexius 1256094835|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
in discussion Misc / OOC » Personal symbols

What's wrong with my triangle!?

*pouts*

Re: Personal symbols by CrovexiusCrovexius, 1256094835|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover
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