You are attached to a trading caravan on the long route between Iskander, greatest city in the Eastern Plains, and French Torte, biggest port on the south coast of the Ilbonian continent. You're a month out, and have to make the journey in the next seven months before the land freezes over again. Currently, you're passing through the dense forest known as the Monsterwald. The road is kept paved, but off the road...
Maybe you're a merchant. Maybe you're a guard, a pickpocket, a pilgrim, or a stowaway. Maybe you're a member of the circus that's tagging along behind for safety's sake. Maybe you started with the train. Maybe you picked up somewhere en route for your own reasons. Maybe you're a law-abiding citizen. Maybe you're a cut-throat businessman. Or both. Maybe you're a genius mechanic. Maybe you're a powerful wizard. Maybe you're an exile, or a spy. Take your pick. The caravan's charge-d'affaires can't keep track of even the legitimate travelers, and he doesn't really care: his guards are good, and if you're traveling with him you already paid him - or bribed a guard, which you probably didn't realize came to the same thing. Guild regulations.
So who are you? Your choice. Fantasy, sci-fi, literary, historical... However, there still are some rules:
- Forum Rules. Obviously.
- Take your time. As a helpful guideline, if your post doesn't add up to five lines, you're probably not contributing anything useful. Don't run characters if you can't keep an eye on them all (personal experience suggests a three is about the max unless you're really good).
- Naturally, don't god-mode, don't be unnecessarily offensive. Do feel free to throw in your own (reasonable) NPCs - a caravan like this would easily have upward of 500 people and I can't write them all.
- This is a character-driven RP. There's a map in my head (which I'll post if I ever get it drawn), and I may throw random encounters at you if things get boring, but for the most part you're just trying to get from point A to point B and deal with the boredom in the meantime.
- Equivalent Exchange. Yes, I stole the term from FMA. Basically, what it boils down to is this: think about your character. If he has wings and can fly, he's probably a light-weight. If she's doing magic, she should either be draining energy or using up something. If your character's a mad inventor, the invention should probably, you know, have a power source and deal with fuel consumption.
Introduce characters like this:
[[NAME: Eli Meunch.
OCCUPATION: Charge-d'affaires for the Grand Caravan
APPEARANCE: Human. Fairly tall and stockily built, black hair worn at his shoulders with a full beard. Red-brown skin, which clashes terribly with his green and red uniform. Obviously has body armor under the uniform. Carries a ceremonial cane, wears a goofy-looking official hat, and has a revolver at his side at all times. A blue stripe on his pants marks him as originally being from Stormvar, a tiny republic nestled in the foothills of the Croci Mountains, which they should reach in about two weeks.]]
And to kick things off:
Eli, sitting back on the spare seat at the front of the Grand Caravan's official guard headquarters wagon, turned to the driver. "Magog, what do you think of those clouds up there?" Magog waited a moment until he passed the bend, took half a look at the sky, and said, "Rain tonight."
"Good," said Eli, "I'm not the only one." He blew his whistle, and his aide poked his head out of the enclosure. "Pass the word, we're stopping in thirty minutes. Batten down for rain tonight. At least we made good time today." Ten seconds later he heard the call being passed rythmically down the line, over the whine of engines, tramp of horses, and general hubbub, fading again as it reached the end of the caravan over a kilometer away.
An hour later, the wagon in all its fifty-foot glory was a scene of chaos as retainers tried to cook dinner, raise the metal rain-roof, check waterproofing on the duty guards' gear, and a hundred other things, all at the same time. Much the same, he surmised, was happening elsewhere...
----------
“When you absolutely don't know what to do anymore, it is time to panic”
- John van der Wiel
5,029 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 07 08
((If I can think of a character that I want to put in, I'll definitely join this. Maybe I'll throw in Emkai or Seta, or make up a new character... hmm...))
----------"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." --The Screwtape Letters
50,159 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 08 26
((Oh my word... Dayen is actually interested. And here he said he didn't want to RP anymore. I might have to consider this, depending on how it moves. I'll just watch for a few days if you don't mind.))
----------NaNo '07 Winner: Divica Prequel: Blood Forsaken. Buy it here.
NaNo '08 Winner: Divica 1: Hunt for the Blood
NaNo'09: Divica 2: Rapscallion's Hammer
5,029 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 09 12
NAME: Gillim
----------OCCUPATION: Professional pain in the butt.
APPEARANCE: He's one of the fae, but at the moment he looks like a human in his 20s. He's got brown hair, gold eyes, and a crooked smile. His skin's a little on the pale side.
"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." --The Screwtape Letters
13,286 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 11 12
((I'll join, but I can't post a character until tonight after soccer practice. That's if coach will let me practice.))
----------2,024 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 15 39
((This intrigues me. What tech level are we talking here in general? I have a few characters that would benefit from a trip along the silk road. Would a Djinn be welcome--ot I can simply make him fey.))
50,159 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 16 05
NAME: Dayen
----------OCCUPATION: Thief, and a damn good one too
APPEARANCE: sometimes (sorry lame attempt at a joke; if you knew him you would get it). About 6ft tall, unkempt dark hair, somewhat naturally tanned skin, dark brown eyes, covered in scarrs (though he keeps them hidden), wears dark clothing all the time and has a dark cloak as well, carries a number of knives that he's very partial to. His personality takes some getting used to but once you do he's really pretty cool.
NaNo '07 Winner: Divica Prequel: Blood Forsaken. Buy it here.
NaNo '08 Winner: Divica 1: Hunt for the Blood
NaNo'09: Divica 2: Rapscallion's Hammer
13,286 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 16 52
((Ok... I think I have somebody. Now to see if she can keep up :) ))
NAME: Carina
----------OCCUPATION: Freelance mercenary
APPEARANCE: Very tall for a woman, around 6'2", with a very in shape body that's on the trimmer side. Caramel colored eyes, and naturally bronzed skin that has become even darker by many hours out in the sun. Her only vain spot is her dark hair that falls in waves around her face that is very rich and thick which she keeps up with a leather tie for the most part. Plain featured face that enables her to blend in, even though it's hard to do because of her height. Wears a simple pair of men's breeches, and a loose shirt for the most part. Owns a short sword, a couple of daggers, and a simple bow with a quiver of arrows she made herself.
2,024 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 17 04
((aw, some of us care for Dayen quite a lot. You forgot to say he resembles Christian Bale :) ))
I guess I'll take the plunge
NAME: Ashan.
OCCUPATION: Dilettante. Minor Persian Nobility.
APPEARANCE: Djinn, but he generally passes as a human sorcerer. No need having the little people bugging you for three wishes all the time. Very tall (approx 6'6") very dark skinned--blue black flawless skin, turquoise eyes. Wears one large turquoise drop earring. Fine gold chain runs from his pierced nose to his pierced ear. Currently wearing elegant but practical travelling clothes that enhance his looks. --can't decide if he has a shaved head or not. Very well muscled but graceful, too. Think panther. Hard to tell his age, there is a gravitas about him so him acts much older than he looks. And of course, since he is Djinn--he is in reality _very_ old.
Currently he is escorting a 'gift' from the Sultan of the Peri Court in Persia to an Emperor or some other high personage at the end of the line for the caravan. Dunno what would fit--it our world the emperor would be in China or Mongolia. He is accompanied by many servants (who are all NPCs and only important when needed to hunt and fetch. This is a state visit after all.
NAME: Vincent.
OCCUPATION: Retainer to Ashan
APPEARANCE: Human. Handsome in an androgynous way. 5'6" Pale skin, white blond hair. Blue eyes. Thin, willowy. Graceful. Seems to dote on Ashan. A poetic youth. Can be cheeky if he thinks he can get away with it. He has a secret--think 12th Night. But don't blow his cover--just because you figured it out--doesn't mean your character has. Dressed sort of like a musketeer, has a dagger and a sword. Knows swordplay, but only from lessons. Well schooled. Intelligent. reads, writes. Calm, cool. Seems to know he's seen as effeminate and tries hard to 'be a man'. Some men who like this look in women may find him attractive and find it disconcerting.
[[NAME: Bahiya.
OCCUPATION: Gift. Slave, professional dancer, singer, musician.
APPEARANCE: Human. Circassian. Purported to be the most beautiful and accomplished women in the world. No harem is complete without at least one. Auburn haired, green eyed, flawless peaches and cream skin. She will tan in the sun, but is kept hidden away. No freckles on this beauty. Petite. 5'4". Small slender hands, tiny perfect feet. She is generally heavily veiled if she is out of her tent. ((I can't think of what that thing is on an elephant or camel that has fabric on it to keep people from seeing the woman within--would riding on camels be appropriate? Because that's what they would be doing, otherwise she is kept inside a wagon. Bahiya was trained since birth in all the arts. She is worth at least a quarter of a million in today's money. She knows some 'women's magic' sympathetic magic, reads tarot and palms, sometimes gets premonitions of the future. Fiery temper. Fiery and passionate in general.
15,733 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 18 58
((Jezebellydancer, I was thinking a steam-punk-esque setting as the base, but if you can make it fit go ahead with anything (gas-powered lightsabers whoo).
Also, this is turning into a character thread, should I make a separate thread for the actual RP? Or will we get the actual story kicked off in a bit?))
----------“When you absolutely don't know what to do anymore, it is time to panic”
- John van der Wiel
50,159 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 19 11
((So... call me an idiot but I don't even know what Steam-punk is. Jez will Dayen even fit in here?))
----------NaNo '07 Winner: Divica Prequel: Blood Forsaken. Buy it here.
NaNo '08 Winner: Divica 1: Hunt for the Blood
NaNo'09: Divica 2: Rapscallion's Hammer
15,733 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 19 44
((Ah, darn. Apparently I live in my own little niche. Dayen will fit in just fine. As far as I'm concerned, "steam-punk" covers anything from What-If-the-Victorians-Took-Over-The-World to Modern-Era-Except-It's-Steam-Powered to Middle-Ages-Only-With-Machinery. So pretty much anything goes.
While I'm at it, here's Eli's map, complete with some of his notes (I was going to draw a proper one, then I realized I don' have my scanner so I just did it quickly in Paint. Heh.))
----------“When you absolutely don't know what to do anymore, it is time to panic”
- John van der Wiel
50,159 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 21 35
((You know I think i forgot ot mention that Dayen is half-elf. Might be relevant. I live in my own niche too. No worries. I'm such a traditional fantasy girl it's not even funny.))
----------((This just in... Dayen has a peregrine falcon named Bird.))
NaNo '07 Winner: Divica Prequel: Blood Forsaken. Buy it here.
NaNo '08 Winner: Divica 1: Hunt for the Blood
NaNo'09: Divica 2: Rapscallion's Hammer
2,024 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 20 37
((Ooh, medieval steampunk. I picture DaVinci's contraptions and strange devices powered by magic or steam or both...))
It might make sense to use this thread for comments and checking the map, etc. So yeah, I'm ready.))
50,159 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 22 14
Laying back on the ground for the night, his hands behind his head and hood pulled snuggly around his face, Dayen stared at the sky. He could just make out the underside of wings high up in the sky. The corner of his mouth curled up and he closed his eyes. It was a peaceful night. Of course, rain was coming. He could smell it on the air. All the same... it wasn't so bad.
The ground beneath him started to rumble and he sat up, leaning on one palm as he looked around. What was that? Dayen pushed off the ground and moved toward the noise, keeping close to the shadows and out of sight. What the fuck are those? he thought as he looked upon the caravan. They certainly made no effort to keep their passing silent. Dayen slipped back into the shadows again, moving alongside the caravan and scoping it out.
Hearing the flutter of wings he looked to his left. A dark peregrine falcon swooped down out of the sky and landed on his shoulder. Dayen offered it a bit of bread, watching the people set up camp. The falcon ate the bread without a sound, watching the camp as well.
----------NaNo '07 Winner: Divica Prequel: Blood Forsaken. Buy it here.
NaNo '08 Winner: Divica 1: Hunt for the Blood
NaNo'09: Divica 2: Rapscallion's Hammer
2,024 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 22 44
((I'll jump in with a post, but if we decide to do this on another thread, no problem.))
"My lord, I've just received word that rain is coming. We have stopped to make camp. I have already started the servants on their preparations. Will my lord like a full dinner once camp has been made?"
"Something simple will do nicely. Have the Circassian woman join me. 'Tis a pity we have run into bad weather, I had thought to let her walk with me and get some exercise. It would not do to have her arrive in Iskandar ((that is the direction we're heading isn't it--or have we left from there?)) fat and lazy after this trip. Perhaps I shall have her dance for us."
Vincent kept his face neutral. "As my lord wishes." He had no desire to see the woman dance with her quivering thighs and lascivious undulations. he had not seen anything like it in his own country. He found Lord Ashan's country decadent to say the least. And yet, and yet it was slowly seducing him. The sensuous flavors of the food and drink, the caress of the lightweight fabrics on the skin. And the baths! How he loved the hot steamy baths and scented oils and unguents, however, Vincent always bathed in private. He was sure Ashan called him in to conduct business while bathing just to see his blush. The dark skinned men seemed fascinated with his skin and hair and eyes. The women were kept secluded.
"I shall convey word to Bahiya that she will be expected at your table for dinner and to be prepared to dance for your entertainment." Vincent would find some excuse to be elsewhere for that.
15,733 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 23 20
((We're going from Iskander to French Torte - west. I should have made that clearer in the opening post, but I don't seem to be able to edit it now.))
----------“When you absolutely don't know what to do anymore, it is time to panic”
- John van der Wiel
2,024 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 23 27
((Okay, so then Ashan is from Iskandar--which makes sense and the gift is for some western kinglet. And will also get Vincent closer to home since his shipwreck...))
5,029 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 23 43
((Grr, the one night I take off this explodes. I fail. Oh well, I'll start posting tomorrow sometime.))
----------"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." --The Screwtape Letters
2,024 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 00 07
((It didn't explode Buggy, Star and I made initial posts, mostly it's been asides.))
5,029 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 10 22
((I know, sorry. I was just being silly. xP ))
----------"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." --The Screwtape Letters
25,109 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 17 40
((I don't know if I'll join this. Steampunk isn't exactly my thing.))
2,024 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 18 00
((wow, where is everyone?))
"Vincent, before the rain begins, invite the Master of the Caravan and any others or appropriate station too join our repast. And we shall have our treasure perform for us and our guests." Ashan smiled and rubbed his hands together. he enjoyed entertaining and so far hadn't had much chance to meet anyone on this trip.
"As my lord wishes," Vincent said with an elegant bow. Vincent went out skirting the servants working to prepare things before the weather hit and made his way to the Master of the Caravan.
13,286 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 18 14
((I'm here, I just do not know what to post, and I am slightly distracted.))
----------2,024 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 18 24
((Is your character with other NPC mercenaries? By herself? Vincent could invite her to come for dinner. I'll be away for abt 30 mins, plenty of time for you to post.))
13,286 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 18 46
((I'll assume that she is *nods* And I'm about to walking so that gives you plenty of time to get back.))
Carina looked around as the message went through the caravan that they were to stop of the night. Rolling her shoulders, she started heading off to the side, and helping the other mercenaries set up camp. The best part of the day...
Rolling her eyes, she ignored the looks she still recieved for her height, and worked to make sure that she had her bedroll made up, and her spot by the campfire. Scooting in, she frowned as the two people next to her discretely scooted over some to give her room. "I'm tall, not fat." she muttered as someone across from her chuckled.
----------2,024 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 20 04
Vincent walked along trying not to get in the way f the chaos of people making camp. While he fit in surprisingly well at the Court in Iskandar, here in the caravan he seemed overly and foppishly dressed. He could see the way some of the rougher types looked at him. Mercenaries. They'd be just as likely to rob the caravan as guard it, he thought. He smiled inwardly, the way one was looking at him would probably alarm his fellows if they knew. And the was one the who started the cat-calling. Some others joined in.
Sweet Jesu. Vincent thought. He put a hand to his sabre. He wished his brother were here, he'd silence them with a look. Vincent just didn't have that sort of power in him. He was better with diplomacy and tact, but he knew those skills would do little for him right now. He would be embarrassed no end if he had to call Ashan to come to his aid.
Vincent held his head high and continued walking.
13,286 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 20 37
Carina looked up at the sounds of cat-calls, rolling her eyes. "Real mature." she muttered as a guy turned around to shush her. Flipping him off, she looked back at the guy who was walking through their camp. Not too smart on his part to travel though here alone and looking like that. she thought as she sat back some, deciding to watch, and make sure nothing happened on her watch.
----------5,029 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 20 39
Gillim strolled along, hands in his pockets. His gold eyes darted from person to person. The fairy was getting bored.
----------"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." --The Screwtape Letters
50,159 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 21 05
Dayen was amused, watching a couple of guys fight over a flask. They weren't throwing punches at each other, but their verbal onslaught was hilarious. He stood there with the falcon on his shoulder, watching and laughing. When he lost interest--one could only watch something like that for so long before getting bored--he turned his attention to other interests. Like women. there were a number of them traveling in this caravan. He could easily slip into the group, snatch up some food, and make a few passes. Maybe he would get lucky. Maybe not. Either was it was something to do and it might get him out of the coming rain. Making up his mind he moved into the caravan, looking like he belonged there. The falcon flew away before he joined them. He knew it was around, and if it flew off for a few days... well it always came back. He walked up to a group of women who were working on the food and smiled. If anything he could thank his mother's half for the elven charm. Not that he was smooth by any means, but most times he didn't need to be. Just his elven charm was enough to do the trick. He broke into the conversation when the opportunity arose and let the elven half come out however it would.
----------NaNo '07 Winner: Divica Prequel: Blood Forsaken. Buy it here.
NaNo '08 Winner: Divica 1: Hunt for the Blood
NaNo'09: Divica 2: Rapscallion's Hammer
2,024 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 23 05
Philistines, Vincent thought. he didn't know how he'd fare if he actually ahd to defend himself. he was a good fencer, won some competitions at court, but he'd never actually had to fight anyone in ernest. he did his best to skirt the mercenaries camp and head for the Master of the caravan.
One of the burly mercenaries wandered over to where Vincent was trying to get around them. He clapped him on the shoulder. "Where ya goin', pretty boy. Lookin' for yer mama?"
"I...no, sir. I am on an errand for my lord Ashan, whose tent is just over there. I am going to the Caravan Master to invite him to dinner." Vincent drew himself up. "You would do best to allow me to complete my task with alacrity."