Creative Corner

3256

January 09, 2021 03:15:21

About the Undying Empire

Write from the perspective of an outsider of your lair, what is their first impression?How have they discovered this group? How are they greeted?

From the outside, the Undying Empire mainly appears as one large, dark shadow of bramble and thorny walls, only broken by massive, golden gates. On the Gates is the sign of the Royal Family, an eye whose pupil is replaced by a blooming rose.

Once the gate is passed, one finds themselves on a large round plaza, on which streets are leading into different parts of the city, while the largest road, parved out of black marble, leads straight towards the Palace, this road is also called the High Road. The High Roads lead in arches over the city and can be seen from every part of it since the palace is located in the middle of it.

Is there a class difference in your lair? If so, how do the ‘lower’ ranks of their society live? If not, how do they maintain equity?

There are different classes, starting with the Royal family on top. The council acts as the mouthpiece of the Emperor and Empress, therefore they have a lot of influence in the Empire. Many noble houses within the Empire make out the upper class and are constantly fighting each other for a seat in the council.

After that come the dragons working directly underneath the councillors (Knights, Watchers, Mages, Spies, Assassins, Diplomats) who are the acting figures, fulfilling the Council’s orders. The middle class is made out of servants and workers, they live on that fine line between rich and poor.

Lower class are those that can not work or were unfortunate enough to slip into poverty, they live in slums at the edges of the city, near the walls. Those areas are marked by high criminal activity and also where the black market is located.

How is discipline dealt out? Is there a legal system? Fair trial? Vigilantism?

This is where Bared Fangs comes into action. There are Watchers, who are basically guards and acting force like modern police. They patrol the city and hunt down criminals, there is a dungeon but those that are unfortunate enough to get caught usually end up on the chopping block or being forced into the army.

Trials are upheld with a Judge and while the Emperor and Empress have the last word in that matter, they rarely do so. Vigilantism is especially present in the lower classes in action. Mainly in the slums, where the Watchers rarely go and people tend to make and uphold their own laws.

What are some unspoken rules? What happens if they are broken? Why are they in place?

One does not dare to destroy the many roses, as they represent the Emperor’s eyes and are seen as his blessing. If you are caught destroying a rose, you are usually apprehended by the Royal Consort himself and those that he drags into the dungeons never appear again.
Those rules are in place because the Emperor uses his magic to actually see through those roses, they aren’t called the Eyes of the Emperor for nothing.

What do your lair members do for entertainment, at both a personal & societal level?

There are many nobles that distract themselves with making music, a large library is open to everyone, even those coming from the lower classes, though those people often can’t read. Other than that, there are occasional plays, sometimes the knights of the Empire prepare a tournament. The Empire also offers a lot of bathhouses for those that prefer to be pampered and spoiled while relaxing instead of busying themselves.

Another way of busying yourself in the Empire is by strolling through the many bazaar like markets, the legal ones in the working class area, the exotic ones in the noble quarters and the black market hidden away in the slums. The slums also have an underground fighting pit, where one can bet on fighters or try their luck by getting into the ring themselves.

What is your lair’s attitude to nature? How does it work in reference to their architecture? Is pollution a issue?

The Empire has a lot of nature, from parks to the royal rose garden to wild lakes and forests, it is clearly important for the Royalty to have as much nature in their Empire as possible both for an aesthetic purpose and to plant as many roses as possible. More roses mean a tighter grit of which they can ‘see’.

Architecture itself is strongly oriental in style, with many ornaments and open spaces. Since most of the Royal family are Imperials, there for large, is the palace a masterpiece of enormous size. Though the lower one goes within the class system, the less graceful and more makeshift the architecture becomes.

Pollution is not an issue.

What is the political climate? What are some issues currently in the public’s eye?

In one word: Tense. The Emperor and Empress are passive most of the time, content to simply watch the chaos unfold, while the council clings to the little power it has. The Noble Houses are at a war in the shadows with each other and assassination attempts are daily basis. Adding the pondering tension in the slums and the dissatisfaction of many of the poor, the climate is anything but good.

The most current issue is the ongoing hostility with the Taihaku Empire - a rivaling Empire that became just recently an enemy of the Empire. People that are living in the Empire know only the propaganda spread by the High Speaker, painting the war with Taihaku as a thing necessary.

Are there any customs around hatching? Who is present? Is their any members who specialize in the care of eggs or hatchlings? Are eggs ever hatched too early?

The common customs around hatching are different from couple to couple, depending entirely on the parents. The royal family for example celebrates a grand feast for every hatched heir to the Undying throne, even those that are of illegitimate claim.

Does your lair have any slang, insults or jargon? If so, what is it, what is it’s origin, use and is it exclusively used by certain groups?

There is the slang those in the slums often use, which came from a lack of education and the necessity to cover up specific criminal activities.

What level of technology do they have available to them? Is it similar to ours, or specially adapted to solve issues relative to their world? If so, who has made this technology available to them?

Late medieval technology laced with a very strong element of fantasy and magic.

How do religious beliefs play a role in everyday life? Is there an organised clergy?

The citizens in the Empire are free to practice any religion they see fit, however most believe in either the Shadowbinder or the rumor of divinity surrounding their Emperor. Within the faction of the Obsidian Towers, there is an area called Temple of Respise that upholds religious duties, yet their main focus is healing.

Who holds authority or is looked up to in their society? Do they hold any real power, or is it more of a concept?

All in all it is the Emperor that holds most authority and it is him and the Empress that are looked up to by the society as the powerful beings they are. They have the last word in every decision the council makes and sometimes even overgo the council entirely. They are always accompanied by their royal Consort who, unlike the Emperor and Empress does not hold any real political power. However, he has a strong influence over the Nobility and has been able to bend the members of the Council to listen to him.

What values or traits are sought after? Does it vary from species to species? What will some do to achieve these aspects of themselves?

The values and traits desired vary from occupation to occupation and no specific species are sought after nor are they forbidden within the Empire.

However, a seat in the council is the most desirable thing one can achieve in the Empire as that secures one’s and their family’s survival as well as the nice bonus of wealth. Most would - and some do - kill for a seat in the council.

Does your society have folk tales, mythology, traditional rituals? Where do they originate? Do they have any truth to them?

There are many folk tales about the Eyes of the Emperor, the dark bloom that only grows in the Empire and is given to dragons and clans that are deemed honorable by the Emperor himself. Those rumors hold a spark of truth in them, as the roses are to an extent part of the Emperor.

Another tale is about demons, horrifying creatures from another world that crawled through the sealed pit hidden within the palace, into this world, the tales often speak about the hunger those creatures have and the destruction that follows their wake. How much truth is in them however, is open to interpretation.

What is considered a ‘nuclear’ family (basic social unit)? What is considered ‘extended’ family?

The definition of a family unit is up to the family in question. Two mothers and their children, two fathers and their offspring or a mother and a father, the Empire is open for all kinds of family combinations. The best example for this is the royal family itself, for the Emperor and the Empress share one consort, who in return fathered many of their offspring.

Are there any customs around death or the afterlife? Who performs these? Is their life mourned, celebrated or something different?

The royal family and nobility buries their dead after having a large feast to celebrate the life of the deceased. On the grave they plant a rose and in the grave they put the favorite belongings of the dead one in order to make the departure from life itself easier.

In the slums however, the dead are often burnt or buried in mass graves due to the extreme poverty ruling in that area. There are many unmarked mass graves that no one knows about, the entire ground below the slums is tainted from the many dead.

What, if any, foods are considered a delicacy? How is food prepared? Is there any forbidden or taboo foods?

Food in general is prepared over an open flame, either by roasting or boiling it in large, copper pots. Fresh food is more valuable than dried goods and rare treats like sweets and honeyed candy are the rarest, therefor the most expensive to get.
While edible and quite nutritious, it is strictly forbidden to eat the dark bloom that grows in the Empire.

What is considered courteous? How do you treat a guest to your home?

A guest is considered someone to honor and treat with the utmost respect, if they are invited willingly. Should they however invite themselves or are in any way forcing their way in, they are considered an intruder and therefor don’t have to be treated like an honorable guest.
Exceptions are the Emperor, the Empress and their Royal Consort.
It is considered courteous to offer one’s guest a meal and wine, as well as a bed for the night.

What is your society's ideas regarding unity, do they have ‘marriage’ or something similar? Do they stay partners for life? Are friendships exclusively platonic?

There is a ritual of uniting the hearts, in simpler words, marriage, it is considered a holy union and is to be honored as well as monogamous in most marriages. It is however possible to add new partners at a later point of time to the relationship. The Uniting of the Hearts is til death part them.

Friendships are as platonic as the people sharing it wish it to be, while many stay that way, some few see friendships with sexual unions as an act of strengthening said friendship and bond shared between them.

Is there a system of education similar to ours? How do characters learn trade, skills, etc?

Most children get their education through home schooling or by watching their parents follow their trades. However, the poorer the family, the meeker the education shared gets. The slums are the most illiterate place in the Empire, while the royal family have the best teachers and education for their heirs.

Is everyone literate? Are there different languages or dialect? Are books freely available in libraries, or restricted?

Knowledge in the Empire is mainly restricted to the amount of money owned by the dragon in question. The richer one is, the better is the Education that can be purchased. Common Sornieth language is the language of choice in the Empire, though occasionally there can be found dragons that are fluid in other languages.

There is one large library which is home in the Obsidian Towers, which is in theory open to everyone, even the poorest of the poor, but in a practical sense of the word, it’s more complicated than that, since many guards shoo beggars away before they can reach the library.
Combined with the library, there are also the city’s archives housed in those walls and just like the library, open to all.

What do they use for currency? Is it a trade system? Why has this been specifically chosen?

Golden, silver and copper coins are used as the currency of choice, while gemstones and other rare naturals can be used as currency as well, the way of paying by offering other goods in exchange is looked down upon by the merchants in the Empire. It is considered low class and savage.

The currency used in the Empire are Dreams (golden coins); Wishes (silver ones) and Hopes (Copper)

Are there any games played by the younger members of society? Nursery Rhymes?

The most commonly sung lullaby or nursery rhyme is an old tale that seemed inspired by the Emperor himself, but any questions regarding its origins are always met with steely silence. Regardless of its roots, it always seemed to work on even the fussiest and most unwilling children, coaxing them to sleep. Some of the more open minded scholars suspect some minor spell working, but no one cares too deeply about uncovering what gives parents a well deserved break.

Are there any specific genres of music originating in your lair? What does this involve?

While there are no set archetypes of music, most people prefer a simple, easy genre of music, something to hum or sing while drinking or working, for learning an instrument means you have to invest time and money into something that might not further your work.

To thrive for a career as a musician is a two edged sword, often times the occupation brings too few a coins to survive or worse, can attract the wrong kind of attention, as music often stands as a privilege of the rich and the wealthy, those that can afford to play away the day.

Are there any restrictions on magic or spells? What and why? If not, does this cause any issues?

The Leader of Obsidian Towers, Archmage Althina, is on the more ruthless, amoral side herself, she thrives to study and learn each and every secret of the arcane arts. Within the Empire, she managed to push through the thought that magic and spells in itself are to be seen as neutral, the eventual positive or negative consequences of their usage are an entirely different topic. And out of her domaine, for all she cares.

While not directly forbidden by law, some spells are less fondly looked upon as others, such as spells that need the life force of another creature to fuel their effect. Obsidian Towers, despite the name, resembles more an Academy than anything else, they take in their students at a very tender age and put them through lessons and trials, tests and studies to bring out the best in them all. This kind of pressure can go two ways. Either the student breaks underneath it or adapts and becomes a diamond.

How is defense handled? How is this enforced? Is there voluntary service or are they drafted?

Within the Undying Empire, there are two forces under the lead of the General that uphold defense and security. The Knights are the Army of the Empire, they are, to a great chunk made out of criminals and unwanted, second children of Noble families, all but through vicious and brutal training to make them fit for war. While some willingly join the ranks of the Knights, most are drafted by force, given the choice between servitude underneath the General and Emperor or death by execution.

While the Knights upkeep the defense outside the city and act as the main force in wartimes, Watchers uphold the laws within the city, they act as mobile police forces, patrouling inside the city’s borders, while the Knights do the same on the wall and outside of it. Unlike Knights, which are forced into servitude, Watchers are mainly made out of volunteering forces. It is however common that Knights who suffered a crippling injury during servitude get transferred into the Rank of a Watcher.

How is apparel treated? Does certain apparel indicate a rank, class or job?

There are no set codes for dressing within the Empire that must be upkept at any cost, however there is a certain taste of fashion that influences the population as a whole. People within the Empire love to show their skins and their bodies, scars are seen as trophies to be admired not as things to be hidden away. Oftentimes people with more scars are seen as far more attractive than pampered, unmarred flesh.
The overall preference of clothing is dark colors, such as the royal colors black, purple and gold to be drowned in brighter jewelry. Since eternal night rules within the Empire, it is also a common trend for the more light sensitive among the population to wear lace blindfolds that filter the lights when dusk does happen for a few hours.

Many Knights can be seen wearing those blindfolds while fighting outside the Empire’s darkness and underneath the fully risen sun.

Is there any opposition or conflict from outside sources? How does this affect your group? Do they take a pacifist or militarism approach?

Ever since the union between the Emperor and his Empress, their shared realm has grown far too much to easily get affected by an outside source. They have so far overrun every source that threatened to harm their cities and homes and while there is constant tension and even a war going on between the Undying and the Taihaku Empire, it never reached a point where it damaged the internal market or population in a noticeable way.

Overall, the Undying Empire’s first approach are diplomats, they are however not afraid to pick up their weapons and declare war, confident in their strength.

Does your lair participate in trade or shipping? With who? How do they do this?

There is frequent trade between the Empire’s two halves, the one underneath the rule of the Emperor and the one underneath the Empress. However, despite its smaller size and being located at the other end of the realm, White City is hailed as the Empire’s capital and main trading hub. Its location near the coastal line makes it far easier for ships and caravans to arrive, while Undying City is harder to get to, since it bleeds into the Tangled Forest, bramble making it near impossible for large Caravans to get through. Despite all this, both cities and the Empire as a whole, has a strong trade.

Undying City draws most their resources from the farmers and allies they have, as well as the more exotic and unusual goods they offer.

Are there any common domesticated animals used as livestock, labor or transport? How did this happen? Are they common place?

There are two kinds of domesticated animals within the Empire. Those that act as livestock as well as beasts of burden and live on farms and outside the city’s walls or those that have been carefully tamed, bred or broken to become expensive pets for rich nobles or those that can afford their upkeep.

Pets and animals as a whole are a rare sight however, since their upkeep is expensive, even the farming animals live short lives, the city hungers for food and oftentimes it overtakes their usage as burdening beasts.

Caught Beastclan warriors are often put to use as cheap working forces, they suffer a short and miserable life and are treated like animals to further rub salt into the wounds.

How much social mobility is there? Is it easy to move between the classes? How would one go about it?

The city lives and thrives of mobility between the classes, so moving between different districts is easy and can happen quickly - as quick as possible given the large scale of the city’s size - however there are always exceptions. The Palace, the heart of the city, is at certain hours open for public eyes as well, however, trying to push past the throne room into the private wings of the royal family is not advised.

The Library and the Archives of the Empire are open at all hours of the eternal night, people can always, in theory, enter it and read up on a topic of their choice. However, since the Dust Crawlers (people from the slums) have a certain reputation clinging to them, it can be hard for them to move freely in the city, getting quickly harassed by Watchers and forcefully ushered back into their District of Dust.

The Arena for example is a place that is off limits to civilians, as it is there where Knights train and prepare themselves for war. The dungeons underneath the Empire are off limits as well, but why would you even want to visit such a grizzly place?

Is there any flora or fauna specific to your lair? How does the ecosystem work?

The only thing that is specifically home to the Empire are the Vellichor roses, also known as Eyes of the Emperor. They are not a natural phenomenon and stem specifically from the Emperor’s power. Since there is rarely day/sunlight in the Undying Empire, the ecosystem as a whole is fed and kept healthy and growing by a constant, subtle flow of power, the largest part of which stems from the Emperor himself. He keeps his lands alive while each civilian in the Empire provides the rest.

Last edited on Nov 24, 2021 11:01:51 by Schattenfeuer

[center][b][u]Random Infodump[/u][/b][/center] [columns][item=brown daredevil cover] [nextcol]Within the Empire, night rules near on eternally. Only occasionally is the star speckled darkness broken by short hours of dusk and dawn, causing many of the inhabitants - among them the Emperor himself - to grow[b] sensitive to the sun's light[/b]. Many wear lacen veils to soften the harsh golden rays. [/columns] [columns][item=veteran's leg scars] [nextcol]Beauty rests within the eye of the beholder, yet within the Empire, scars are what makes one attractive. Each scar tells a story and speak of leading an eventful life, of having made experiences a plenty. Many within the Empire prefer [b]scars[/b] over unmarred skin.[/columns] [columns][item=mangled zeeba carcass] [nextcol]Underneath the Empire lays the Burnt Court, filled with infernal creatures. Their access to the upper world, the world of mortals, is severely limited, much to their dismay. Once every three months however, the gates of hell are thrown open and for a few short hours demons stream out to feast on those unsuspecting and unprotected. This is known as [b]The Feast[/b][/columns] [columns][item=winter wind] [nextcol]During the months of winter, when ice and snow reign,those that can affort it enter a sleep of hibernation. They dream away the cold and reawaken from their slumber at the thaw of spring. This however, comes at a heavy cost on their bodies.[/columns] [columns][item=dusky rose thorn wing tangle] [nextcol]Eyes of the Emperor, Vellichor, this bloom is mysterious and part of the Empire. It grows only in its borders and while housing great potential, it is forbidden to havest them. Their petal crowned heads always sway in an uncanny way, following whoever passes. Their honey can be won and made into wine, this thick, sweet substance enhances one's desire and lust. [/columns] [columns][item=tertiary gene: opal] [nextcol]Within the Empire's walls, a strange disease goes around, causing those afflicted with it to rot and cry their blood in crimson tears. Called [b]Opal[/b] because of its sparkling, shining crystalization of rotting flesh, its course can be halted, stopped but treatment is expensive and the scars of Opal remain for the rest of their lives. Some think this is a prize worth paying if faced with Opal's eerie beauty.[/columns] [columns][item=bloodshard chains] [nextcol]Large chunks of the Undying Army are criminals forced into servitude for one reason or the other. To prevent mutiny and desertion, every knight has to take up an [b]oath [/b]and seal it with a few [b]drops of their blood[/b]. Unbeknownst to the knights, they activate a hidden spell and bind themselves eternally to the Empire's goals.[/columns] [columns][item=stuffed alstroemeria fox] [nextcol]Inside the Empire one can finy many [i]Dolls[/i]. They look like dragons, they move and breathe like one, yet their eyes are empty, dull, like marbles of colored glass. Only living to obey their puppeter's word, one can identify a doll at the gleamless look of their eyes or the sigil burnt on their tongues.[/columns] [columns][item=luminous halo] [nextcol]Unbeknown to most of the population, there is a fraction opposite to the Burnt Court. Those of heavenly origins, however, do not fare well within the Empire. Their holiness attracts taint and before long, the Empire itself will consume them, twist them into a macabre shadow of themselves.[/columns]

Schattenfeuer

3256

January 13, 2021 09:11:06

Random Infodump

Within the Empire, night rules near on eternally. Only occasionally is the star speckled darkness broken by short hours of dusk and dawn, causing many of the inhabitants - among them the Emperor himself - to grow sensitive to the sun's light. Many wear lacen veils to soften the harsh golden rays.

Beauty rests within the eye of the beholder, yet within the Empire, scars are what makes one attractive. Each scar tells a story and speak of leading an eventful life, of having made experiences a plenty. Many within the Empire prefer scars over unmarred skin.

Underneath the Empire lays the Burnt Court, filled with infernal creatures. Their access to the upper world, the world of mortals, is severely limited, much to their dismay. Once every three months however, the gates of hell are thrown open and for a few short hours demons stream out to feast on those unsuspecting and unprotected. This is known as The Feast

During the months of winter, when ice and snow reign,those that can affort it enter a sleep of hibernation. They dream away the cold and reawaken from their slumber at the thaw of spring. This however, comes at a heavy cost on their bodies.

Eyes of the Emperor, Vellichor, this bloom is mysterious and part of the Empire. It grows only in its borders and while housing great potential, it is forbidden to havest them. Their petal crowned heads always sway in an uncanny way, following whoever passes. Their honey can be won and made into wine, this thick, sweet substance enhances one's desire and lust.

Within the Empire's walls, a strange disease goes around, causing those afflicted with it to rot and cry their blood in crimson tears. Called Opal because of its sparkling, shining crystalization of rotting flesh, its course can be halted, stopped but treatment is expensive and the scars of Opal remain for the rest of their lives. Some think this is a prize worth paying if faced with Opal's eerie beauty.

Large chunks of the Undying Army are criminals forced into servitude for one reason or the other. To prevent mutiny and desertion, every knight has to take up an oath and seal it with a few drops of their blood. Unbeknownst to the knights, they activate a hidden spell and bind themselves eternally to the Empire's goals.

Inside the Empire one can finy many Dolls. They look like dragons, they move and breathe like one, yet their eyes are empty, dull, like marbles of colored glass. Only living to obey their puppeter's word, one can identify a doll at the gleamless look of their eyes or the sigil burnt on their tongues.

Unbeknown to most of the population, there is a fraction opposite to the Burnt Court. Those of heavenly origins, however, do not fare well within the Empire. Their holiness attracts taint and before long, the Empire itself will consume them, twist them into a macabre shadow of themselves.

Last edited on Apr 11, 2021 22:57:44 by Schattenfeuer

[center][emoji=phoenix feather size=1][b][u]The Burnt Court[/u][/b][emoji=phoenix feather size=1][/center] [center][i]Also known as the seven families, the circles of hell, creatures of infernal energy and with the ability to make even the darkest, most depraved wishes come true. If you are willing and have what it takes, they will answer your call and obey your word. For a price, that is. Family is to be taken in the loosest sense of the word among those creatures and blood relation does not guarantee joining the same family. They are not born, they are made. Of those tainted, of those willing. Throwing open the gates to hell itself, they are fickle in nature and violent in their hunger.[/i][/center] [columns][item=chimera relic] [nextcol][b]Superbia [/b] The family of Superbia is literally a proud one, at the moment they are the ruling family, the most powerful one to make a pact with. The downside is that they demand high sacrifices, higher than the other families. When not in a pact with one or several masters, Superbia leeches off the lifeforce as well as of the Mana of nearby creatures and dragons alike.[/columns] [columns][item=encapsulated mist] [nextcol][b]Luxuria[/b] Second most powerful family is Luxuria, they are all in all hedonistic, open creatures with no shame for what they desire. It is far too commonly mistaken that Lust stands for physical pleasure alone. People forget that Lust includes it all, can be aimed at anything, a person, a feeling, a place or position. Unlike the other families, Luxuria can feed of Mana and Lifeforce, depending entirely on the demon's preference.[/columns] [columns][item=multimist mask] [nextcol][b]Ira[/b] Third in the hierarchy of the seven families comes Ira. In raw power they even manage to top Superbia, only beaten by Superbia's cunning and trickery. Members of Ira are violent, brutal, almost obsessive in their desire for conquest and bloodshed. Warfare comes naturally to them, as they are the brutes of the families and leech of the Lifeforce of those around them.[/columns] [columns][item=ruby ring] [nextcol][b]Avaritia [/b] By far the most eager to obey Family, Avaritia steadfast defends the fourth place within the hierarchy. They are cunning creatures, smart to use their weaknesses as yet another weapon tot be used. However, they can not get enough, they always demand more and if not given willingly, they will lash out horridly at anyone nearby. Avaritia leeches off the Mana of anyone that spents time around them.[/columns] [columns][item=ferberus skull] [nextcol][b]Acedia[/b] By far the most docile Family of all, Acedia only ranks fifth in hierarchy because of their subdued nature. They come in several shades of depression and apathy, lack of empathy and exhaustion, summoning a member of Acedia is almost as hard as one of Superbia but at a far lesser price. Of all the families, they are the most loyal, however since they feed upon other's Lifeforce, they kill without lifting a finger.[/columns] [columns][item=vision orb] [nextcol][b]Invidia[/b] Prone to Obsessiveness and Hysteria, members of the sixth ranked family Invidia are loud and near on impossible to ignore. Of all the families, they are the ones that are the least loyal, the most prone to tricking their masters and killing them in fits of unbridled envy. They devour Mana and are, in their demand only second to Gula.[/columns] [columns][item=spectre loop] [nextcol][b]Gula[/b] Least ranked within the hierarchy of the Burnt Court is the Family of Gula, they have the fewest members and the highest rate of interfamily deaths. Gula holds no loyalty towards each other and the most torn of the families. They are bottomless abysses in their hunger, not granting the other the dirt underneath their nails. While leeching off of Lifeforce, they show no sign of selfcontrol in the least.[/columns] [center][emoji=phoenix feather size=1][b][u]Head of the Families[/u][/b][emoji=phoenix feather size=1][/center] [columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/48193860][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/481939/48193860.png[/img][/url] [nextcol][b]Patriarch (Ria) Superbia[/b] tba[/columns] [columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/58058032][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/580581/58058032.png[/img][/url] [nextcol][b]Calathea Luxuria[/b] tba[/columns] [columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/50162227][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/501623/50162227.png[/img][/url] [nextcol][b]Bamaal Ira[/b] tba[/columns] [columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/57849728][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/578498/57849728.png[/img][/url] [nextcol][b]Yaazaniah Avaritia[/b] tba[/columns] [columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/56438311][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/564384/56438311.png[/img][/url] [nextcol][b]Xerxes Acedia[/b] tba[/columns] [columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/57857916][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/578580/57857916.png[/img][/url] [nextcol][b]Luminos Invidia[/b] tba[/columns] [columns][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/57296237][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/572963/57296237.png[/img][/url] [nextcol][b]Faramir Gula[/b] tba[/columns]

Schattenfeuer

3256

January 13, 2021 22:15:27

The Burnt Court

Also known as the seven families, the circles of hell, creatures of infernal energy and with the ability to make even the darkest, most depraved wishes come true. If you are willing and have what it takes, they will answer your call and obey your word. For a price, that is.

Family is to be taken in the loosest sense of the word among those creatures and blood relation does not guarantee joining the same family. They are not born, they are made. Of those tainted, of those willing. Throwing open the gates to hell itself, they are fickle in nature and violent in their hunger.

Superbia
The family of Superbia is literally a proud one, at the moment they are the ruling family, the most powerful one to make a pact with. The downside is that they demand high sacrifices, higher than the other families. When not in a pact with one or several masters, Superbia leeches off the lifeforce as well as of the Mana of nearby creatures and dragons alike.

Luxuria
Second most powerful family is Luxuria, they are all in all hedonistic, open creatures with no shame for what they desire. It is far too commonly mistaken that Lust stands for physical pleasure alone. People forget that Lust includes it all, can be aimed at anything, a person, a feeling, a place or position. Unlike the other families, Luxuria can feed of Mana and Lifeforce, depending entirely on the demon's preference.

Ira
Third in the hierarchy of the seven families comes Ira. In raw power they even manage to top Superbia, only beaten by Superbia's cunning and trickery. Members of Ira are violent, brutal, almost obsessive in their desire for conquest and bloodshed. Warfare comes naturally to them, as they are the brutes of the families and leech of the Lifeforce of those around them.

Avaritia
By far the most eager to obey Family, Avaritia steadfast defends the fourth place within the hierarchy. They are cunning creatures, smart to use their weaknesses as yet another weapon tot be used. However, they can not get enough, they always demand more and if not given willingly, they will lash out horridly at anyone nearby. Avaritia leeches off the Mana of anyone that spents time around them.

Acedia
By far the most docile Family of all, Acedia only ranks fifth in hierarchy because of their subdued nature. They come in several shades of depression and apathy, lack of empathy and exhaustion, summoning a member of Acedia is almost as hard as one of Superbia but at a far lesser price. Of all the families, they are the most loyal, however since they feed upon other's Lifeforce, they kill without lifting a finger.

Invidia
Prone to Obsessiveness and Hysteria, members of the sixth ranked family Invidia are loud and near on impossible to ignore. Of all the families, they are the ones that are the least loyal, the most prone to tricking their masters and killing them in fits of unbridled envy. They devour Mana and are, in their demand only second to Gula.

Gula
Least ranked within the hierarchy of the Burnt Court is the Family of Gula, they have the fewest members and the highest rate of interfamily deaths. Gula holds no loyalty towards each other and the most torn of the families. They are bottomless abysses in their hunger, not granting the other the dirt underneath their nails. While leeching off of Lifeforce, they show no sign of selfcontrol in the least.

Head of the Families

Patriarch (Ria) Superbia
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Calathea Luxuria
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Bamaal Ira
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Yaazaniah Avaritia
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Xerxes Acedia
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Luminos Invidia
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Faramir Gula
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Last edited on Feb 20, 2021 04:44:53 by Schattenfeuer

[center][b][u]Allies[/u][/b][/center] [columns][item=light runestone] [nextcol][url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?p=view&tab=userpage&id=247461]Ouroboros, the Kingdom of Snakes[/url][/columns] [columns][item=light runestone] [nextcol][url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?p=view&id=205070&tab=userpage]White City, the pale twin of Undying Empire[/url][/columns] [columns][item=lightning runestone] [nextcol][url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&tab=userpage&id=264533]The Iron Citadel[/url][/columns] [columns][item=shadow runestone] [nextcol][url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?p=view&tab=userpage&id=551034]Palace of Heaven[/url][/columns] [center][b][u]Enemies:[/u][/b][/center] [columns][item=arcane runestone] [nextcol][url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?p=view&tab=userpage&id=247461]Taihaku, the Empire of Flowers[/url][/columns]

Schattenfeuer

Ouroboros, the Kingdom of Snakes

3256

January 14, 2021 21:53:45

Allies

White City, the pale twin of Undying Empire

The Iron Citadel

Palace of Heaven

Enemies:

Taihaku, the Empire of Flowers

Last edited on Feb 20, 2021 04:45:28 by Schattenfeuer

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3256

January 23, 2021 04:57:09

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Last edited on Aug 20, 2021 11:55:25 by Schattenfeuer

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Schattenfeuer

3256

January 24, 2021 02:02:08

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Last edited on Aug 20, 2021 11:55:34 by Schattenfeuer

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Schattenfeuer

3256

January 25, 2021 22:38:19

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Last edited on Aug 20, 2021 11:55:41 by Schattenfeuer

[center][emoji=silver coin size=1][u][b]Sides of Coin[/b][/u][emoji=silver coin size=1][/center] [columns][item=champion's purse][nextcol] [i]tba[/i][nextcol][item=champion's purse][/columns] [columns][item=feline triskull][nextcol] [i]tba[/i][nextcol][item=feline triskull][/columns]

Schattenfeuer

3256

January 30, 2021 03:15:08

Sides of Coin

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Last edited on Aug 20, 2021 12:01:01 by Schattenfeuer

[center][emoji=sword and shield size=1][u][b]Bared Fangs[/b][/u][emoji=sword and shield size=1][/center] [columns][item=eliminate][nextcol] [i]In this age of wolves, the only defense is a strong offense, is an iron fist upkeeping the law. Within the Bloodsand Arena, the Knights reside, train and torment to grow stronger, to grow better and maybe see the next day. [/i][nextcol][item=eliminate][/columns] [columns][item=anticipate] [nextcol]Head of Guard[/columns] [columns][item=field manual] [nextcol]Admiral/Stragetist[/columns] [columns][item=Ancient broadsword] [nextcol]Bruiser[/columns] [columns][item=deadeye's quiver] [nextcol]Archer[/columns] [columns][item=malign gloves] [nextcol]Rogue[/columns] [columns][item=longneck winter gear] [nextcol]Quartermaster[/columns] [columns][item=ambush][nextcol] [i]On the other side, the Ivory pillars uphold their judgement, Watchers come and go, they see it all and they bring their own kind of justice. Executions are held there aswell, though one may as well celebrate instead.[/i] [nextcol][item=ambush][/columns] [columns][item=discipline] [nextcol]Judge[/columns] [columns][item=illuminated runescroll] [nextcol]Overseer[/columns] [columns][item=seeker orb] [nextcol]Watcher[/columns] [columns][item=frigid fugitive shackles] [nextcol]Dungeon Keeper[/columns] [columns][item=ceremonial scythe] [nextcol]Executioner[/columns]

Schattenfeuer

3256

February 20, 2021 01:48:45

Bared Fangs

In this age of wolves, the only defense is a strong offense, is an iron fist upkeeping the law. Within the Bloodsand Arena, the Knights reside, train and torment to grow stronger, to grow better and maybe see the next day.

Head of Guard

Admiral/Stragetist

Bruiser

Archer

Rogue

Quartermaster

On the other side, the Ivory pillars uphold their judgement, Watchers come and go, they see it all and they bring their own kind of justice. Executions are held there aswell, though one may as well celebrate instead.

Judge

Overseer

Watcher

Dungeon Keeper

Executioner

Last edited on Apr 15, 2021 06:41:09 by Schattenfeuer

[center][emoji=crescent moon 1 size=1][u][b]Open Secrets[/b][/u][emoji=crescent moon 1 size=1][/center] [columns][item=raptorik talonblades][nextcol]Open Secrets is deceivingly quaint, blooming cherry trees next to look alike huts in exotic architecture. The streets of Huang look alike, everything is the same and only the most cunning of Blades know their way around.[nextcol][item=raptorik talonblades][/columns] [columns][item=haunted stone orb] [nextcol]First Blade[/columns] [columns][item=enchanted remains] [nextcol]Assassin[/columns] [columns][item=void loop] [nextcol]Spies[/columns] [columns][item=long form poetry][nextcol]Red Gates arch over the streets of Shori-An, paper charms and little bells dance in the breeze. Idyllic, peaceful, the only conflict found here are the ones solved with one's tongue.[nextcol][item=long form poetry][/columns] [columns][item=golden key] [nextcol]Keymaster[/columns] [columns][item=Peace dove] [nextcol]Diplomats[/columns] [columns][item=map kit] [nextcol]Scribes/Scholars[/columns]

Schattenfeuer