Avari
Four Thousand Club
AETHER: THE DARK AGE
(This is a reboot of an exisiting RP. Due to some personal issues, sickness and scheduling problems we never really got started, despite a lot of interest and a very active group of talented writers. I took the opportunity to revamp the lore a little, so we can start fresh! Newcomers are very welcome!)
Welcome to Aether. A world recovering from a terrible war that pushed the races of the land to near extinction. A land steeped in political intrigue, lost magic and ancient secrets. Inspired in part by worlds from Dark Souls, Fire Emblem, Dragon Age and a DnD campaign I ran - Aether: The Age of Light will be a RP for those interested in political turmoil, ancient unseen horrors and a realistic twist on fantasy.
The War of Cinders
The War of Cinders was a long series of conflicts that took place across the Aether continent between the combined forces of Aether and the three Dragon Gods that descended upon the world due to the actions of the Cult of Myrkul. It is generally referred to by the populace as “the Dark Ages”. The War of Cinders was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands and it’s conclusion left Aether scarred and in ruin, with civilization divided, scattered and scrabbling to survive.
The RP takes place 300 years later.
The Church of Light
The Church of Light is a quasi-religious militaristic organization operating across Aether, with its roots stemming from a great army that survived the War of Cinder. An isolated and rather aloof group, the Church has spent the last two centuries within the fortress-city of Alcamoth and took little interest in the politics of the outside world - preferring instead to focus on the search and collection of pre-cinder artifacts and weapons.
Magic
Before the War of Cinders, Aether was a magical and ethereal place. The Elves boosted immortality, and had complete control over the soil and what grew from it - they could speak to trees and listen to their secrets, and the Great Forests of Aether were their domain. The Dwarves were lords of Stone - able to manipulate solid rock in ways that would be impossible today. And Humans were incredibly strong, with even the weakest warrior amongst them able to defeat an Inquisitor today. It is unknown what caused the great magical cataclysm that resulted in the significantly weaker world today, some academics believe the opening of the Portal to Myrkul's Realm had some sort of impact upon it.
Today, Magic is a rare and infinitely precious resource. An individual cannot learn magic, they are simply born with it. A incredibly rare gift, and one highly sought after. Those born with magic must seek out a trainer, in order to learn how to harness their power - lest they be torn apart or driven mad by the mana within them.
There are five schools of magic:
Humans - A uneasy truce
Making up almost 80% of Aether's population, Humans have risen to become the dominant race, now controlling a growing Empire and having significant impact on the history of the country. For the last 200 years, the two most powerful Human families have been locked in a bitter war over territory. The Cainhursts and the Hinokah.
The Cainhursts originally came from a great human city known as Greenvale, which they were forced to flee during the war of Cinders due to the terrible undead curse that Kolaghan the Black unleashed upon it. With their city lost (and now known as Hollowvale) the Cainhursts moved West to Blackrock, where they endured the remainder of the war from within their fortress.
The Cainhurst family have long had a reputation as being cruel and harsh - perhaps a result of their bitter struggles since the fall of Greenvale - but are also widely acknowledged as masters of the Arcane. Many members of the family have been blessed with magic, and there are few who can stand against a fully prepared Cainhurst Mage. However, a rather unseemly reputation for “Cainhurst madness” surrounds the family - believed to be caused in part by their proximity to both Hollowvale and the Deludge Wetlands. Many members of the family have suffered from psychosis, schizophrenia and general instability.
The Hinokah family trace their origins to the southern sword-masters who were legendary warriors and philosophers before the War of Cinders nearly eradicated the entire bloodline. The Hinokah are widely regarded as disciplined disciples of the blade, with each member of the family being concerned with honor over all other things. The Hinokah also boast one of the most technologically advanced communities in the country, thanks to a historically close relationship with the Dwarves.
The Hinokah have a reputation for being exceptional masters of combat, as well as being effective and much loved rulers - Cloudtop is one of the richest and safest places in Aether, with an incredibly low crime rate and a merchant guild that is rivaled only by the trade hub of Vakaris.
The Hinokah also control the feared "Kage Senshi" - a group of elite ninja who are experts in espionage, sabotage and assassination. There are even rumors that the Senshi go on to defend the Hinokah family, even after death.
The Newly born Aetherian Empire is a new alliance between the Hinokah, Cainhurst and the Church of Light. The Empire is tasked with stabilizing Aether after centuries of war and unrest, and is growing in territory with every passing day.
Built on a political treaty created by the Church of Light, the two families have joint their houses to create a new dynasty. The new King and Queen rule in partnership with the Church in a attempt to carve a final peace between the two rivals and prepare for what the Church believes to be the inevitable terrible battles ahead.
The Hinokah and Cainhursts still hold much hatred for each-other however, and the truce between them is tenuous.
Elves- A race divided
The Elves are divided into two unique groups - those who have integrated into human society and the mysterious Lumen elves, who after finding themselves caught between the Cainhurst and Hinokah civil war, decided to retreat into Merluminal Forest. To this day they remain isolated and even out right hostile to those who are foolish enough to attempt to force their way into the Forest. Diplomatic attempts over the centuries have failed. The Lumen remain separate from the world.
At least for now.
Dwarves- A race struggling to survive
Once a proud race of Warriors and Artisans responsible for many of the mighty structures that still dot Aether's surface, Hailing from the Ashen Mountains of Aether, the strong and stocky Dwarves built an Empire out of stone that once dominated much of the country.The Dwarves today are on the verge of extinction after the loss of their homeland to Orcs. Many traveled across Aether to spend their days as Mercenaries or Architects, full of bitterness and mourning for what they once had. Today, Dwarves make up barely 3% of the population of Aether. Some Dwarves in recent times however, have begun to gather at Gulorum, a small Dwarven outpost West of the Ashen Mountains in a final attempt to save their race while others have chosen to remain in Southern Aether with their Hinokah allies.
The RP
"For the last five years, the citizens of Aether have been plagued by nightmares of a black dragon surrounded by flame - a potential omen of things to come. The Hinokah and Cainhurst families have formed a uneasy truce with the Church of Light to prepare for the eventual threat. The RP begins in the capital city of Alcamoth, with the marriage of Severa Cainhurst and Akio Hinokah - who will become the first King and Queen of the Aetherian Empire)
As you can see, there is a large amount of lore available already, but players are encouraged to develop Aether themselves. Ideas about lore are welcomed, and player interaction is actively encouraged. A certain quality is expected - especially in terms of grammar and decent post length. While the RP begins in the Capital City of Alcamoth, players will have the option to travel out in time. Players will also not be required to stay in one group - Players focusing on the more political side of Aether might prefer to stay in the city for example. There will be a overarching story, but Players will have sufficient notice of big events. Be warned - actions always have consequences, either good or bad.
I have spaces for ten people, and you may have a maximum of two characters (Though I would recommend one, unless you're feeling confident!) The only group out of bounds are the Lumen Elves, who won't be available until later on in the RP. There will be a limit on Mages and players who wish to be part of the Cainhurst/Hinokah families.
Additional Lore is available here which has extra info on all of the above (i tried to give the general gist of every group) There will be a location guide available once I've finished updating it.
Anyway register interest below - a Fresh OOC and CS will be available over the weekend.
Previous players who might be interested in rejoining?
Joker987 Pai Chan Lefic Keidivh MagicPenguin Dalamus Ulom Prrrgadilly caYabo
(This is a reboot of an exisiting RP. Due to some personal issues, sickness and scheduling problems we never really got started, despite a lot of interest and a very active group of talented writers. I took the opportunity to revamp the lore a little, so we can start fresh! Newcomers are very welcome!)
Welcome to Aether. A world recovering from a terrible war that pushed the races of the land to near extinction. A land steeped in political intrigue, lost magic and ancient secrets. Inspired in part by worlds from Dark Souls, Fire Emblem, Dragon Age and a DnD campaign I ran - Aether: The Age of Light will be a RP for those interested in political turmoil, ancient unseen horrors and a realistic twist on fantasy.
The War of Cinders
The War of Cinders was a long series of conflicts that took place across the Aether continent between the combined forces of Aether and the three Dragon Gods that descended upon the world due to the actions of the Cult of Myrkul. It is generally referred to by the populace as “the Dark Ages”. The War of Cinders was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands and it’s conclusion left Aether scarred and in ruin, with civilization divided, scattered and scrabbling to survive.
The RP takes place 300 years later.
The Church of Light
The Church of Light is a quasi-religious militaristic organization operating across Aether, with its roots stemming from a great army that survived the War of Cinder. An isolated and rather aloof group, the Church has spent the last two centuries within the fortress-city of Alcamoth and took little interest in the politics of the outside world - preferring instead to focus on the search and collection of pre-cinder artifacts and weapons.
Magic
Before the War of Cinders, Aether was a magical and ethereal place. The Elves boosted immortality, and had complete control over the soil and what grew from it - they could speak to trees and listen to their secrets, and the Great Forests of Aether were their domain. The Dwarves were lords of Stone - able to manipulate solid rock in ways that would be impossible today. And Humans were incredibly strong, with even the weakest warrior amongst them able to defeat an Inquisitor today. It is unknown what caused the great magical cataclysm that resulted in the significantly weaker world today, some academics believe the opening of the Portal to Myrkul's Realm had some sort of impact upon it.
Today, Magic is a rare and infinitely precious resource. An individual cannot learn magic, they are simply born with it. A incredibly rare gift, and one highly sought after. Those born with magic must seek out a trainer, in order to learn how to harness their power - lest they be torn apart or driven mad by the mana within them.
There are five schools of magic:
- Abjuration - Defensive magic. Abjurationists are able to create physical or magical barriers as well as negate magical or physical abilities. Many high-ranking Paladins are Abjurationist mages, and are formidable adversaries.
- Restoration - Healing magic. A rare and much demanded skill, Mages who study the school of restoration are able to heal wounds, cure disease and neutralise poisons.
- Evocation - Destruction magic. Evocation spells manipulate energy or tap an unseen source of power to produce a desired end. The use of elements such as fire, ice and lightning are used to destroy opponents and is a study unique to Cainhurst, who often deploy these mages as artillery.
- Enchantment - Mind affecting magic. Enchantment spells affect the minds of others, influencing or controlling their behaviour.
- Illusion - Deception magic. Can cause people to see things that are not there, nor see things that are there, hear phantom noises or even remember things that never happened.
Humans - A uneasy truce
Making up almost 80% of Aether's population, Humans have risen to become the dominant race, now controlling a growing Empire and having significant impact on the history of the country. For the last 200 years, the two most powerful Human families have been locked in a bitter war over territory. The Cainhursts and the Hinokah.
The Cainhursts originally came from a great human city known as Greenvale, which they were forced to flee during the war of Cinders due to the terrible undead curse that Kolaghan the Black unleashed upon it. With their city lost (and now known as Hollowvale) the Cainhursts moved West to Blackrock, where they endured the remainder of the war from within their fortress.
The Cainhurst family have long had a reputation as being cruel and harsh - perhaps a result of their bitter struggles since the fall of Greenvale - but are also widely acknowledged as masters of the Arcane. Many members of the family have been blessed with magic, and there are few who can stand against a fully prepared Cainhurst Mage. However, a rather unseemly reputation for “Cainhurst madness” surrounds the family - believed to be caused in part by their proximity to both Hollowvale and the Deludge Wetlands. Many members of the family have suffered from psychosis, schizophrenia and general instability.
The Hinokah family trace their origins to the southern sword-masters who were legendary warriors and philosophers before the War of Cinders nearly eradicated the entire bloodline. The Hinokah are widely regarded as disciplined disciples of the blade, with each member of the family being concerned with honor over all other things. The Hinokah also boast one of the most technologically advanced communities in the country, thanks to a historically close relationship with the Dwarves.
The Hinokah have a reputation for being exceptional masters of combat, as well as being effective and much loved rulers - Cloudtop is one of the richest and safest places in Aether, with an incredibly low crime rate and a merchant guild that is rivaled only by the trade hub of Vakaris.
The Hinokah also control the feared "Kage Senshi" - a group of elite ninja who are experts in espionage, sabotage and assassination. There are even rumors that the Senshi go on to defend the Hinokah family, even after death.
The Newly born Aetherian Empire is a new alliance between the Hinokah, Cainhurst and the Church of Light. The Empire is tasked with stabilizing Aether after centuries of war and unrest, and is growing in territory with every passing day.
Built on a political treaty created by the Church of Light, the two families have joint their houses to create a new dynasty. The new King and Queen rule in partnership with the Church in a attempt to carve a final peace between the two rivals and prepare for what the Church believes to be the inevitable terrible battles ahead.
The Hinokah and Cainhursts still hold much hatred for each-other however, and the truce between them is tenuous.
Elves- A race divided
The Elves are divided into two unique groups - those who have integrated into human society and the mysterious Lumen elves, who after finding themselves caught between the Cainhurst and Hinokah civil war, decided to retreat into Merluminal Forest. To this day they remain isolated and even out right hostile to those who are foolish enough to attempt to force their way into the Forest. Diplomatic attempts over the centuries have failed. The Lumen remain separate from the world.
At least for now.
Dwarves- A race struggling to survive
Once a proud race of Warriors and Artisans responsible for many of the mighty structures that still dot Aether's surface, Hailing from the Ashen Mountains of Aether, the strong and stocky Dwarves built an Empire out of stone that once dominated much of the country.The Dwarves today are on the verge of extinction after the loss of their homeland to Orcs. Many traveled across Aether to spend their days as Mercenaries or Architects, full of bitterness and mourning for what they once had. Today, Dwarves make up barely 3% of the population of Aether. Some Dwarves in recent times however, have begun to gather at Gulorum, a small Dwarven outpost West of the Ashen Mountains in a final attempt to save their race while others have chosen to remain in Southern Aether with their Hinokah allies.
The RP
"For the last five years, the citizens of Aether have been plagued by nightmares of a black dragon surrounded by flame - a potential omen of things to come. The Hinokah and Cainhurst families have formed a uneasy truce with the Church of Light to prepare for the eventual threat. The RP begins in the capital city of Alcamoth, with the marriage of Severa Cainhurst and Akio Hinokah - who will become the first King and Queen of the Aetherian Empire)
As you can see, there is a large amount of lore available already, but players are encouraged to develop Aether themselves. Ideas about lore are welcomed, and player interaction is actively encouraged. A certain quality is expected - especially in terms of grammar and decent post length. While the RP begins in the Capital City of Alcamoth, players will have the option to travel out in time. Players will also not be required to stay in one group - Players focusing on the more political side of Aether might prefer to stay in the city for example. There will be a overarching story, but Players will have sufficient notice of big events. Be warned - actions always have consequences, either good or bad.
I have spaces for ten people, and you may have a maximum of two characters (Though I would recommend one, unless you're feeling confident!) The only group out of bounds are the Lumen Elves, who won't be available until later on in the RP. There will be a limit on Mages and players who wish to be part of the Cainhurst/Hinokah families.
Additional Lore is available here which has extra info on all of the above (i tried to give the general gist of every group) There will be a location guide available once I've finished updating it.
Anyway register interest below - a Fresh OOC and CS will be available over the weekend.
Previous players who might be interested in rejoining?
Joker987 Pai Chan Lefic Keidivh MagicPenguin Dalamus Ulom Prrrgadilly caYabo
Last edited: