Fantasy E T E R N I T Y . C A L L S (Wilder)

[Lekiel]

Wilder28

~Echoes of Eternity~
Act 1: The Tribunal Vaults​

~Heaven's Touch Echoes the Call of Eternity~

"Hey..."

"Yeah?"​

"Do you think there're angels?"

"Hmmm... I dunno... maybe?"​

"Would you like to hear a story?"

"Uhh... Well... sure!"​

, ; . ' ` ~ " * " ~ ' ` . ; , ; . ' ` ~ " * " ~ ' ` . ; , ; . ' ` ~ " * " ~ ' ` . ; ,
​

From time immemorial, the Great Author and his celestial hosts had always looked over the earth. Their presence was everywhere, influencing and correcting the world and its people for good. The angels carried out the Author's commands, appearing as ordinary people to dwell amongst them. Sometimes, a chosen individual would receive a Stigmata or Signum Aeternus as it was called. These gifted people were called Vatiri (Children of the Earth in Old Language) for their souls were thought to be as old as the heavens.

The Vatiri were gifted with a very special bond with an appointed celestial. These guardian angels or Iluman (Exalted one in Old Language), was believed to be destined to be with their Vatiri before they were born and even after death. Together, they formed the Iluvatir Bond ('Heaven on Earth' in Old Language). Such bonds were so intimate that it was not uncommon for an Iluman-Vatiri pair to fall in love. Some become the closest of friends or sometimes siblings; for it was foretold that their destinies were to be always entwined and bound to each other in every reincarnation.

Alone, the Vatiri was like any normal human. Similarly, Iluman, when revealed, were the weakest of all the angelic hosts. But together, their powers can far surpass even the most powerful angels. Whatever the nature of their bond, one thing was for certain... the Iluvatir that attained the Iugum Aeternus, or Eternal Bond, had untold power. Such bonds were so complete that both Iluman and Vatiri could know what the other was thinking as though it were their own mind. They were inseparable, two beings that were extensions of each other. It was the epitome of what they could become... and to them, were given the charge of protecting earth. They were the only celestials allowed to influence earth directly, protecting it from the forces of darkness.

The Iluvatir were given special abilities, corresponding to the element of power the associated Iluman wielded. Water, Air, Fire, Earth, Life, Death and Materia. In very rare cases, the Iluvatir pair consisted of opposite/differing elements; usually resulting in some interestingly warped effects (both good and bad) of their powers.

Humans... such.. pitiful beings. Left alone they will surely degenerate into the depths of darkness that dwells ever within. The hubris that taints their heart is an indelible stain that no amount of atonement can pay for. But yet... yet, for all their imperfection... there are some who possess the will and the spirit! A fathomless capacity to hope for all that is good. A fiery soul with the capacity to blaze greater than even the seven Brightshiners... Yes.. it surely is something worth protecting. I say, let them ascend! Atharius Soneras

• ~THE REBELLION~
• ~PRESENT DAY~
• ~Elements and Weapons~
• Elements and Spells
• Extra Notes
• FAQs: Optional Reading

• 
  
  
  
  
  As time drew on, the Concilium de Arc`atharius (Council of Archangels) began to notice a worrying trend. Iluvatir associated with the element of Materia were particularly susceptible to corruption of the world and seemed to develop a hunger for more power. They used their gifts rashly and with little regard; often achieving more harm than good. Concerned, the Concilium issued a decree to all Materia Iluman to give up their powers or be banished from heaven. Though some heeded the Concilium, including their most powerful Iluvatir pair (they became known as the Astarias), the vast majority of Materia Iluman rebelled. They called the Concilium cowards, fearing the Materia as a threat to their power.
  
  
  

  
  ​
  After a bitter war, the Concilium and other Iluman overpowered the rebellion (who became known as the Wretched) and cast them out of heaven. Cut off from Heaven, the Banished grew even more susceptible to corruption and the hubris of men. There was no one to judge their actions and thus they could roam free on Earth. Despite that, they could not act openly without the interference of the other Iluman... and so, they plotted.
  
  
  
• 
  This will be the events which lead up to our RP ^^~!
  
  It has been many eons since the bitter war between the celestial beings. Humanity now an advanced race with their own perceptions of morality. The millennia of relative peace and humanity's growing disregard for the heavens have all but convinced the angels that humanity no longer wanted their protection. Recent reports on the remaining Materia Iluman have shown that they barely retained a fraction of their powers. Cut out from heaven and the Light, they could no longer sustain themselves. Thus, The Concilium shut the gates of heaven and turned a blind eye away from the affairs of earth. Iluvatir pairs who used to watch over the world now rare and few, most having retreated behind the gates of Heaven. The handful of Iluman that still heeded their call were new to the role, and without proper guidance from experienced mentors.
  
  It was the perfect time for the Wretched to strike.
  
  
  
  Only a few angels volunteered to stay back in the intermediate realms. But they were mellowed by time, blinded to the warning signs of danger. Atharius Mikhael, a former member of the Concilium de Arc`atharius, was their leader and he had a daughter named Aerlia [Ay-Lia]. Together, they lived with the other Iluman and Angels at a place simply known as The House. They took turns keeping watch. Only a small number of Iluman remained awake at any one time. The others were left to rest in Tribunal Vaults until their appointed time came. It was in times of relative peace, where the Humans warred amongst themselves and not with the Demons or renegade Wretched; so there was no need to find seek out their bondmates.
  
  One fateful day, Aerlia was sent on a small task, away from The House. Little did she know, the course of her life was about to be changed forever. She came home to a House in ruins and aflame. The Wretched had launched a surprise attack, desecrating the Iluman's oldest stronghold on Earth. The Angels were unprepared, and they paid the price. It was a massacre, outnumbered and caught by surprise, they were slaughtered. Appalled by the carnage, and with tears of anguish rolling down her cheeks, Aerlia desperately searched for survivors but found none.
  
  
  
  Finally, right in the center of the House, she found the Atharius. Scattered around where he lay kneeling, a bloodied sword in his hand, were his foes; both Wretched and demon. The attack did not come without a price. Sacrificing the last of his ancient power, Mikhael had avenged his fallen kin by annihilating their murderers to the last man. As Aerlia ran sobbing to her father, he mustered his strength to open his eyes a sad smile crossing his lips as he looked upon his only child.
  
  "My A-Aelia... The Wretched have returned... I..- I wish I had time... t-to explain everything, but my... 's too... weak... we, we were all too weak." He chuckled wryly even as he coughed out blood. Despite his injuries, Mikhael's voice was firm.
  
  "No... N-NO! FATHER! Y-You're going to be f-fine! L-Let me h-help you!"
  
  Aerlia sobbed, weeping uncontrollably even as her hands began to give off a warm glow. Try as she might, she could not heal her father fast enough, and there was something preventing her from doing so.
  
  
  
  "Hush child... there's nothing you can d-do, not now, not to me. Soon, I will go to meet our Maker, but you..." Mikhael reached into his bloodied robes, pulled out a small leather bound book, closed Aerlia's hands over it and placed his trembling hands over hers. "Aerlia sil'Astarelle Marain del'Mikhael, na dulac.." the spell was foreign to her, but something about it stabbed at her soul and filled it with deepest dread. Clear streams of despair rolled down her cheeks as she shook her head at her father, as if she could deny him his leave. No... please...
  
  "It is now bound to you, a portion of my memories... Lia..." Mikhael spoke his daughter's name fondly, knowing that there was so much she needed to know, with no one to guide her. "Lia... We must fight back, or the Humans will have no way to defend themselves.. But lie low for now, learn what you can from the Book... I p-pray that it is enough.. When the time is right you will k-know..." Mikhael's voice became ragged as he struggled to breathe. Then as if he were made of stone, a sudden crack crossed his pallid features followed by more and more twisted fissures. His skin began to flake off as he seemed to turn into ash right before his daughter's stricken eyes. "T-Tribunal Vaults... find... Vatiri... protect..."
  
  And thus, the mighty Archangel passed on into Oblivion. His body fading into the wind, leaving behind the choked sobs of a girl in despair...
  
  
  . , ; ' ` ~ * ~ ` ' ; , .​
  
  Confident that there wouldn't be any resistance, the Wretched had taken their time. They were also careful about revealing the full extent of their returned might, lest there was a Watcher at the gates of heaven. There were a few things left to be done - track down all known Vatiri and the Iluman resting in Tribunal Vaults and eliminate them. The very same hubris and arrogance that cast them out of Heaven, bought Aerlia enough time to await the coming of her soulbond. Her search brought her to a city, and there she watched over her Vatiri. From the minute he was born till the time when the inherent power in their blood called out for the joining of the two souls..
  
• 
  
  Depending on what you choose to RP as, Iluman (Angel) or Vatiri (Human), you will have a limited set of abilities. Vatiri can choose to either wield weapons associated with their element and use minor magic or to have increased spellpower but be unable to use weapons skillfully (Magicka Adepts). Iluman can use both weapons and magic.
  
  Take note that Vatiri cannot use magic/weapons when they are separated from their Guardian Iluman. In the case of weapons, they lose the skill to wield it and even become total flops (absolute disgraceful failuresloosers even with practice). Iluman can always use magic, but can only summon weapons when close to their Vatiri charges.
  
  Having been separated from Heaven for ages, the Iluman on Earth (including the intermediate realms) have been slowly losing power. The bond between an Iluman and a Vatiri is where the primary source of strength for the two is stored. The closer the two are (both physical distance and in relationship), the stronger the bond strength and the more power can be drawn from the bond. Only by fighting alongside their Vatiri will the Iluman be able to stop the Wretched on Earth.
  
  
• 
  
  
  
  Air
  Iluman wielding the element of air are known for their wit and swiftness. Air is associated with throwing weapons, small arms (e.g. daggers), bow, and any form of wind magic.
  
  
  Water
  Iluman of the water element are known for their elegance and grace. Water is associated with the katana, bow and any form of water magic, including iceshaping.
  
  
  Fire
  Fire Iluman are known for their passion and spontaneity. Fire is associated with dual scimitars, the whip and pyromagic.
  
  
  Earth
  These Iluman are known for their stoic presence. Their stalwart forms are a firm comfort to those around them. Associated weapons are the warhammer, blunt weapons, naginata (glaive) or the battle axe. Earth magic manipulates the ground (on a relatively small scale) and nature (like plants.)
  
  
  Life
  Life Iluman are known for their selfless kindness. Their presence can encourage even the most depressed of souls. Life Iluman are associated with the shield or two-handed sword and any form of healing, shielding, light and illusion magic.
  
  
  Death
  Solemn and blunt in nature, death Iluman are among the wisest of the rest; with their insights into the realities of living. Death is associated with the scythe, polearms and whip. Their magic allows them to curse and hex the enemy, sapping away strength and other similar spells.
  
  
  *Note that element descriptions here are for most Iluman of that certain element. Being a Death Iluman does not mean that you must play a blunt, morbid and straight forward personality.*
  
  
  
  
  . , ; ' ` Bond * Strength * Spells * ` ' ; , .​
  
  Iugum Intemptatus - Untried
  
  The first bond level between an Iluman and their Vatiri, is the iugum intemptatus or the "untried" bond. The weakest stage of all, at this level Iluvatir are only able to use the most basic of spells. Iluman at this level are unable to ascend into their full forms, and must remain as only a slightly more adept version of their human self.
  
  Spoiler

  Intemptatus spells are nothing more than the basic concepts of magicka. Their effects are mostly negligible, but mastery of these spells are important to further development of a magicka's skills.
  
  [Iluman] Transform - If the Iluman casting this spell is in their human form, a magical divine armor (strength of armor depends on the power of the lluvatir bond, not the appearance of the armor. A cloakor bikini luls. Fantasy logic #yay conjured with Iugum Fidelis will always be stronger than platemail conjured with Iugum Intemptatus). will immediately encase their form. At this stage, Iluman will only experience a slight increase in agility and thought processing, they will not be given their weapons yet, as the bond is not strong enough to support conjuring such items.
  
  [Air] Breeze - Manipulates the air around the caster to move quickly in a direction. Strong enough to move light objects, but not enough to move anything more than 5 lbs.
  
  [Earth] Ripple - Moves the Earth beneath the caster a small amount, enough to throw off balance but not cause any significant damage; arguably the most powerful Intemptatus spell.
  
  [Water] Splash - Creates a small amount of water that can then be manipulated by the caster. Deals no damage but is able to put out smaller fires.
  
  [Fire] Spark - Deals minor damage to living beings; can be used to create fires from highly flammable objects or materials, such as dry fabric or dry leaves.
  
  [Life] Lumina - The magicka is able to summon a small sphere of light, bright enough to act as a small torch.
  
  [Death] Defect - Drains a small amount of power from the target of the spell. Effects are only visible on minor beings, such as smaller plants or animals. Humans experience no significant effect.
  
  Iugum Fidelis - Loyalty
  
  The Iluvatir pair has shared minor experiences together and are learning to work together. No longer are they two people who had just met, but they are now friends and spend time together. Iluman, while still unable to fully ascend, are now much more agile and have access to summoning their weapons and more powerful spells.
  
  
  Spoiler

  Fidelis spells are essentially stronger versions of the Intemptatus spells, save for those representing Life. Instead of an upgraded spell, Life Iluman and Vatiri will gain access to an entirely new ability.
  
  [All] Transform - Transform now grants the caster the weapon of their choice. However, the summoning is still incomplete, rendering the weapon easily breakable.
  
  [Air] Gust - Generates a large amount of wind around the caster, enough to push back people standing or walking and enough to slow those running.
  
  [Earth] Quake - Shakes the ground below the caster enough to throw others off of their balance, causing most who are not prepared for the spell to fall.
  
  [Water] Chill - Freezes water particles in and around a desired area. Turns standing water to ice and significantly cools and thickens the air around the area, slowing anything trying to move in the area.
  
  [Fire] Ignite - Creates a flame at a desired area that burns for several seconds without needing fuel. More powerful than Spark, but serves the same functions.
  
  [Life] Minor Heal - Cures light wounds and afflictions, such as medium cuts, scrapes, or bruises.
  
  [Life] Lumina Chroma - The magicka can now summon a ball of light emanating a colour of choice.
  
  [Death] Minor Strength Drain - Steals strength and energy from a target living being. The target will feel less powerful while the caster will become empowered.
  Iugum Validus - Strength
  
  By now the Iluvatir are spending time practicing and training together. Iluman are able to conjure more powerful weapons and armor. Their weapons are also more durable and do not shatter easily. On top of this, they gain access to their first real spells.
  
  
  Spoiler

  Validus level spells are a large overhaul compared to the previous bond levels. It is at this level that Iluvatir pairs will be truly capable of fighting as a pair, as this is when Iluman gain access to proper weapons and when Vatiri learn the first offensive spells.
  
  [Iluman] Transform - Transform now grants the caster the armor of their ascended form and more powerful version of their weapons. However, Iluman are still unable to grant their Vatiri the power to ascend.
  
  [Air] Windwall - Channels strong winds into a concentrated area in front of the caster that stops any incoming projectiles or objects, including living beings.
  
  [Air] Hasten - The Magicka can hasten the winds around their feet and limbs, making allowing them to perform impressive acrobatic moves.
  
  [Earth] Stalagmite - Creates a small rift in the ground below a desired area that quickly sprouts a cone of Earth. Used to force back, threaten, or even injure, those standing above it.
  
  [Earth] Grounded - The Magicka gains an increase in their strength and armor (For Iluman) at the expense of mobility. Able to withstand and absorb more attacks.
  
  [Water] Icebolt - A combination of the first two spells; sends a frozen bolt of water hurling towards a target. Often blunt rather than sharp.
  
  [Water] Mirror Wall - Freezes the moisture in the air temporarily forming sheets of ice that can block attacks. The ice sheets cannot be held up indefinitely and will fall to the ground with a couple of seconds.
  
  [Fire] Fireball - Throws a small ball of fire in a target direction. The fireball will burn for several seconds in the air until it either makes contact with something solid or burns out.
  
  [Life] Shield - Offers a small bubble-like area of protection around the caster. Large enough to hold two or three others in the radius of the shield.
  
  [Life] Illusion - Can create reasonably sized unmoving illusions of any object.
  
  [Death] Consume - Momentarily drains a large amount of a living being's energy and infuses that energy into the caster. Lasts only for several seconds, but is devastating for the duration. Can only be cast through skin contact.
  
  [Death] Debilitating Bolts - Can hurl bolts of dark magic, temporarily weakening the functions of the area of body it hits.
  
  Iugum Purus - Pureness
  
  Iluvatir pairs who have reached this stage have completed the first level of true ascension. Iluman are now granted the ability of flight, gaining a pair of large, feathered wings upon transformation. Iluvatir gain access to exclusive spells that help support each other.
  
  
  Spoiler

  Purus level spells reflects the start of the true bond, where the Iluman can finally begin to awaken the true latent power of the Vatiri. The Iluman gains access to their full-form, wings and all. Additionally, a major agility boost is given upon transformation. Iluman are also able to ascend their Vatiri giving them access to their full armor and even wings.
  
  [Iluman] Transform - Transform now grants the caster wings and the ability to fly. The strength and agility of the Iluman is greatly increased when ascended.
  
  [Air] Wind Dash - Generates strong drafts under the vatiri who casts it, sending it towards a designated direction with great speed. Covers apx. 30 feet.
  
  [Earth] Fortify -
  
  [Water]
  
  [Fire]
  
  [Life] Blinding Rays - Creates an incredibly bright light source that momentarily blinds all who look at it.
  
  [Death]
  Iugum Perceptum - Understanding
  
  Iugum Cognitio - Acceptance
  
  Iugum Aeternus - The Eternal Bond
  
  
• 
  
  
  
  1. As explained before, Vatiri cannot use magic/weapons when not in close proximity to their guardian Iluman. Depending on the closeness of the bond, this can vary from within a stone's throw to a couple of blocks away. For starters, we'll keep the maximum to a stone's throw =]
  
  2. Iluman cannot be distinguished between normal people when in human form, at least by normal means. Conversely, all Iluman can sense if there are other angels or Wretched nearby, although they cannot pinpoint the direction. They also know all the significant events in their appointed human's life, depending on how close you are. Think of them as guardian angels... well, they are guardian angels.
  
  3. Banished/Wretched (materia element Iluman) have their own Vatiri. However, it is not uncommon for exceptionally powerful and high ranking Wretched to perform a forbidden ritual to consume the soul of their bondmate, killing them and while corrupting their own souls in return for unrestricted power. They are much like us in that they can't tell who the Iluman are but can sense their power, this goes both ways. Wretched can use any form of weapon and their power is not bound to any element. e.g. They can shoot bolts of dark magic or form blades of darkness. Most use their magic to animate nightmarish creatures out of dark matter (these are called Silhouettes or Sils) ^^!
  
  4. Weapon strength depends on the strength of the Iluvatir bond. e.g. If the pair had only just met, even if they strained themselves and manage summon a weapon into existence, it would most likely break upon contact.
  
  5. All vatiri have a birthmark/stigmata (like a tattoo) on one of their wrists known as the summoning rune (if you've watched Fate/Stay night you'll know what I'm talking about). For only three times throughout their current lifetime, they can use it to immediately summon their Iluman from wherever they are on earth. This stigmata starts out very faint, and only appears in full at the point both parties become 'awakened' to their bond. It may 'tingle' when the Iluvatir are near each other, even if the human is unaware of their bond. The rune design is entirely up to you.
  
  6. The RP will take place in the near future, perhaps thirty to forty years from now, in a time where the evening skies bled, and eerie winds scoured the surface of the earth in the wake of hostile and unpredictable weather. Many call it the result of global warming. But there is something in the air, a near tangible trepidation that almost seems to permeate all over the earth like invisible static. A low hum that only the most sensitive of all could feel. This is exacerbated by reports on news portals around the globe of strange animal sightings. Umbral black even in broad daylight. Wispy forms almost always unable to be fully captured by video. Could they be tied to the rise of unexplained deaths?
  
  That's all for now, if you have any questions, DON'T hesitate to ASK =D!
  
  
  **If you have read everything up till here, answer this question any way u want in at least 4 words "Kirby who art thou =O?" and add it to your character application +].**
  
  
• 
  
  
  Q: Would an Iluman know what's happening to their Vatiri as its happening?
  A: Yes! =D. Depending on the bond strength of course. In an ideal bond, Iugum Aeternus, the Iluman can almost feel what their vatiri is experiencing. Some even to the extent that if you punch the vatiri in the face and his/her's nose starts bleeding (*ouch ^^;*) the iluman's nose too will start bleeding. That's the ideal bond. But to be honest, all these minor shared feelings is difficult to define and can happen anytime regardless of the bond strength. But in any case, being guardian angels, iluman will always feel it, if their vatiri is in any trouble. ^-^
  
  Q: Is anyone allowed to be a Wretched at all in this, and if so, what exactly would their powers extent to? If I join as one, I don't want to be just taking down buildings with a flick of the hand or anything?
  A: Highly unreccommended.
  
  However, I do expect people to create their own NPCs and use them. In fights, you'd create your own NPC Wretched/demon, and fight kill them all you want.
  
  As to their powers, Materia is basically not bound to nature or anything natural. It is basically a form of magic that relies on the user's mind or imagination. It creates rather than make something happen (like imagining a building explode). So if the Wretched imagine that they can summon dark tendrils to bind people, it will materialize. Of course, the more elaborate or powerful the imagination, the more energy it will require. So no, Wretched can't flick their hand and make a building fall.
  
  
  Q: Do Iluman have wings in their True Form?
  A: Yeap, but only when their soulbond strength reaches the Iugum Purus level. Which is decided by me.
  
  
  Q: Who are the Astarias and what or where is Haven?
  A: The Astarias are fallen Materia Iluvatir, though they are either good or neutral in nature. According to Iluman records, these demi-Celestials live apart from the society of men, and largely keep to themselves. Most of the time, they remain aloof to the human world and to some extent that of their celestial kin. Despite that, the Astarias have been called upon to aid the Iluvatir several times in the past; especially during times of great distress. Haven is a large mansion built by the same makers as the ones who built The House - the original main home of the Iluman on earth. It was originally intended to be a sister outpost to the House but had since been abandoned by the iluman sometime in the last few millenia, leaving a select few (very dedicated) Astarias to watch over it. It's existence all but forgotten except to a handful of people, one of which was Aerlia's father, Mikhael. Haven sits on no ordinary ground and as such, can relocate itself almost to any part of the world. To an outsider, they would just see an empty housing lot. To those who know about it, Haven is a large mansion with massive grounds. The number of rooms contained within are endless.
  
  Q: What in the world is the Book O____O??
  A: The Book is a leather-bound diary given to Aerlia by her father, the Atharius. It contains as much as of his memories and thoughts as he could put into the book with his power before he died. Only Aerlia (and to some extent, her Vatiri) can read it. As it contains no words, the reader is instead provided with a vision of the Atharius speaking to them. Although Aerlia is the only one who can 'read' it, she can project the 'vision' to the minds of people around her so that they can hear the Atharius advice as well.
  
  Q: Also, I wasn't too sure about the weapons situation. You made the Materia guys seem to kind of make weapons come out of stuff, sort of, right? Like materializing a sword out of thin air..?
  A: Sort of, right? Yes to that. They can materialize any medieval weapon (basically no bombs/guns although the powerful ones can cast exploding magic bolts) out of 'thin air' as you put it. Conversely, the other Iluvatir can only materialize the specific weapons associated with their element. To put it more graphically, Materia summoning spell looks like a twisted dark mass whereas the other elements use rune circles to summon most of their powerful spells and weapons.