[D&D-5e] Chronicles of Nevermore

[briar]

Elevator Pitch A classic, light-hearted D&D experience in a high-fantasy world where four adventurers work together to fight dangerous monsters, discover hidden secrets, and pursue their ambitions, whether they be fame, fortune, or thrills!

Flavour Action, Adventure, Medieval Fantasy, Light-Hearted, Party-Centric, PCs as MCs, Quests, Big Monsters, Devious Villains, Glittering Treasures

In the vast world of Nevermore, nestled within the rolling heartlands of the continent of Lenore, there lies the Divine Kingdom of Ashrim, which, for the past millennia, has stood as a symbol of peace and unity among the world powers. Led by the sylvan High Queen, Thyriss IV, and her monastic legion of Temple Knights, the people of Ashrim enjoy peaceful times. But though the ebbs and flows of the political theatre are still, life is not always easy, and in a world where monsters roam the lands and lost legends slumber in the shadows of history, heroes and adventurers must still rise to the occasion.

Enter a world of medieval fantasy as a budding adventurer, eager to test your newly honed skills on challenges great and small, as well as make your mark on a fantasy world rich in magic, mystery, myths, and monsters!

The Divine Kingdom of Ashrim A little over a millennia ago, a charismatic young sylvan woman lit the flame of a small, but potent insurrection against a cruel lord in the Ashrimari Basin. The inevitable conflict that followed would signal the turn of a new page in Nevermore's history, and the rise of one of the most powerful nations in the Known World. More than a thousand years later, the kingdom of Ashrim continues to flourish and remains a radiant beacon of leadership among the Lenoran nations--and beyond. Perched within the very core of the region known as the Heartlands on the continent of Lenore, Ashrim is home to great green rolling hills and vibrant pasture. A land well known for it's gusty, temperate climates, Ashrim is the ideal realm of the lowland farmer, and its centralized location on the continent--as well as it's famed Thyrian High Roads--serve to make it a hub for overland trade. A highly integrated society of people from all different walks of life, it is considered a bastion of safety and community. The typical Ashrimari citizen is perceived as benevolent, tolerant, and loyal, and are thought to be among the most extroverted people in the realms. None, however, are thought to paragon these values than that of the High Queen, Ashrim's sovereign ruler.

Other Key Points   High Queen Thyriss Everwind IV The eighth High Queen of Ashrim, she is the current ruler and has sat on the Winged Throne for almost sixty years following the death of her mother, Queen Alexandria Everwind, who fell at the Battle of Cyan Fields. A serene and gentle individual, stories say that her voice is as smooth as silk, and her very presence can put those around her at ease. Unlike her mother, who was a valiant warrior and swift to action, Thyriss IV is decidedly more tactful and patient, preferring cunning and thoughtful decision-making, making her an incredibly adept diplomat. The most famous example of her skill in diplomacy was more than sixty years ago when, as a Princess, she was successfully able to broker a ceasefire with the desperate and warlike people of Gholheim, with whom Ashrim had been at war for several years prior. A kind soul by nature, Thyriss IV is beloved by her people and does everything in her power to assure the well-being of her kingdom, using the gift of foresight granted to her by her great ancestor to maintain Ashrim's place as the center of culture and freedom within Lenore, and perhaps all of Nevermore.   The Citadel of Alexandria The capitol city of Ashrim and perhaps one of the single greatest feats of engineering of the current age, the Citadel of Alexandria was built into the Broken Throne--a lone mountain that, for reasons unknown, partially collapsed in on itself in ages past, leaving a curious, stepped formation with two wave-like pillars of earth looming overhead. Built into three great tiers, each stacked atop of the last, the lowest tier is the largest and aptly named 'the Lower City' where most of the commonfolk who call it home reside, as well as the primary markets and business venues. The second tier, which is notably smaller, is known as 'the Temple District' though it is home not only to various religious establishments, but also many noble estates and many middle and upper-middle class residents. Lastly, the third and final tier at the summit of the mountain is known as 'the Gardens', and is largely dominated by the Castle of the Dawn--an immense structure that serves at the center of Ashrim's political sphere and royal court, as well as the primary residence of the royal family itself. But perhaps the single-most impressive feature of Ashrim are the two great stone wings--once fragments of the mountains standing slopes that were worked over the course of two centuries into a beautifully artistic sculpture that can be seen for miles around, stretching two-hundred feet higher than the apex of the Castle and descending all the way down to the base of the mountain before ending at the main Dragon's Gate. In this way, the Wings of Alexandria serve not only as an artistic marvel of the known world but also as a very real defensive structure into which are built several watch towers.   It is said that once upon a time, many many generations before the current era, there was a grand and fabulous empire known today only as the Old Kingdom. This great empire is thought to have once stretched all over the world, encompassing both of the two great supercontinents--and beyond. Long was its reign, and its people made great strides in the name of magic, science, and technology. Eventually, however, the empire began to groan under the weight of its own prestige, and little by little, corruption sept deep into foundations until one day, it all came crashing down and the world was plunged into what would come to seem like an endless age of darkness known as the Lightfall. During the Lightfall, once strong bonds of the people slowly splintered, creating small havens fearful, insular communities, ruled over by the strong and the cruel. It was a Dark Age in which history stood still, the past was washed away, and everything that had once been built or gained by the Old Kingdom was inevitably forgotten...or destroyed. And so it was that the world was left to rot in its own decay as many generations passed until one faithful day, a young girl befriended and freed an enslaved gladiator who would one day rise up and lead the people of Ashrimari Basin in revolt against the cruel lords that plagued them. In time, that woman, with the aid of a blade granted to her by the goddess Hrist and her faithful Temple Knights, would unite the people of the Basin, founding the Divine Kingdom of Ashrim, purging the land of the hidden hand that pulled the strings behind the shadows and bringing light back to a world that knew only darkness. That woman was Thyriss Everwind, the first High Queen of Ashrim, whose descendants still rule the kingdom to this day. Today, Ashrim stands as a testament to the strength of hope and justice, and remains as one of the single-most powerful nations in the whole of Nevermore, from the dragon-ruled jungles of Kalystria, to the deep, misty vales of Svietsylvania, and across the sea to the sand-laden realms of Aventina.   Elves, Half-Elves, Sylvan, True Elves, and Fae These five terms are associated, but different. This short blurb will hopefully explain them. To put it plainly, 'sylvan' is a blanket term for both a half-elf and D&D/fantasy's idea of an 'elf'. If you choose Half-Elf or Elf as your race, you are a 'sylvan', and an 'elf' and a 'half-elf' are the same, one just has *more* elven blood than the other. True elves, on the other hand, are the ancestors of sylvans and are, in fact, fae creatures who are more mystical and alien, not to mention immortal. True elves are incredibly rare and their culture is incredibly insular--they tend to think of other races as 'lesser beings' and culturally-speaking, tend to think of sylvans doubly so despite sharing blood. True elves do not live in normal society like sylvans do, however, tending to live in small familial clusters deep in heavily secluded forests. Dwarves and Great Dwarves Again, to avoid confusion, these two terms are different. In this case, however, 'dwarves' are similar to the traditional dwarf generally presented in fantasy, except they are rarer and, like elves, are reclusive. Despite sharing the name, they are not genetically related to Great Dwarves, which are, in fact, a sub-species of giant. Great dwarves are massive entities that stand a little over nine feet tall with huge, bulky frames and disproportionately small heads. They are, however, similar culturally in the sense that both races are traditionally subterranean, both tend to favor professions and skills related to crafting, and they're both incredibly adept at working stone. Unlike dwarves, however, who tend to be more familial in nature and organized into strict social customs, Great Dwarves are solitary by nature, tending towards being hermits or small, tight-knit societies. They are linked inexorably to Nevermore's magical leylines, which they feverishly guard, and not much is known about they as they tend to not care for outsiders. Gnomes and Fae Lastly, gnomes are a race of fae in Nevermore which does not really affect their stats or anything of that nature, but it does affect them culturally speaking, both in terms of being rarer, less inclined to living in civilized society, and a bit more mystical in nature. Unlike true elves, who are also fae, however, gnomes are not immortal. The Mu A new, but for the moment unplayable race that exists within Nevermore, a Mu is more of a blanket term for a category of minuscule creature that tend to come in various shapes and sides, from that of a bipedal mouse, to that of a tiny anthropomorphic cat or even creatures that look somewhat like pixies or fairies. Mu are the most populous race in all of Nevermore, as well as incredibly socially outgoing and well-mannered individuals. They flock to civilized society, though because the world is made for creatures so much bigger than them, it is common for them to become 'live-in' housekeepers and assistants to others.   The Court of Ashes (Pantheon) A group of deities within the pantheon of gods and goddesses that originate from the mythology of the Neibelestrian Highlands, the Court of Ashes actually refers to a covenant between several deities who banded together after the destruction of the mythical tree, Loom. It is said that through this concordant, these deities maintain the balance of power within the realms and stand vigil against the corruptive influence of the Dark Ones and other forces of evil. Pandora (Justice), Blind Goddess of Diligence, Judgement, and Purity Luca Lorei (Liberty), Wandering Goddess of Love, Wanderlust, and the Wind Cosmos (Wisdom), Serpentine God of Foresight, Knowledge, and the Ocean Verse (Patience), Pale Goddess of Balance, Fate, and the Seasons Lupercalia (Loyalty), Wolven God of Beasts, Bonds, and the Night Kismuth (Tolerance), Vulpine Goddess of the Day, Temperance and the Weather Nyxia (Benevolence), Shadowy Goddess of Dreams, Secrets, and Shadows Immariel (Serenity), Sultry God of Beauty, Feydom, and Sounds Hrist (Valor), Armored Goddess of Bravery, Pride, and Vengeance Arathine (Zeal), Phoenix Goddess of Change, Destruction, and Fire. Tal'Theragos (Integrity), Hooded God of the Afterlife, Boundaries, and Law   The Temple Knights A monastic order of templar that long ago swore fealty to the first High Queen of Ashrim, the Temple Knights (once called the Alexandrian Knights), while not an official part of the Ashrimari military, serve as the kingdom's elite guard, often participating in both local events and sometimes international affairs. Temple Knights adhere to a very strict dogma that coincides with Ashrimari law but primarily revolving around fairness, respect, and humility. Widely regarded as peacekeepers, Temple Knights typically operate independently of one another or in small, tight-knit brigades, all of whom adhere to two Holy Commander, one of Discipline and another of Justice. The current Commanders of the order are the dwarven veteran, Mogrim Ironbrow, and well as his protege, Alycia Blackheart. A Temple Knight is easily distinguishable from other iron-clad warriors by their crests, which is that of a winged blade, usually prominently featured in various places on their armor, shields, and even their weapons. Though there is no official garb or uniform for Temple Knights, most are often drenched in armor that wholly covers them, which gives them a measure of anonymity and is believed to represent a strict dedication to the order, leaving one's individuality behind. The bulk of the Knights are primarily just that: knights of order, honor, and peace, while Paladin, Duskblades, and Clerics make up various smaller sects. Perhaps their most well-respected sect are their Immortals, particularly strong individuals who wield exceptional skill at working only with a blade and no shield as well as a distinct connection to magical energies, arcane or divine (or in rare cases, both).

DM's Introduction Hello everyone! My name is Briar. I recently have returned from a 2020-induced hiatus and have been wanting to dip my toes back into the DMing pool. Unlike before, however, where I tended to take on large-scale projects with many players and many different storylines, I would instead like to run something smaller-scale with a more light-hearted feel and less demanding atmosphere. A traditional, classic sort of D&D where four adventurers come together to take on quests, battle monsters, collect treasures, and pursue their greatest ambitions. This is also meant to be an introduction to the world of Nevermore, which is sort of my 'baby', as well as a prelude to a much more serious and dramatic story-deep campaign that I plan to run at some point in the near future. This is not a one-shot, however, but more of an episodic series kinda like an anime. In fact, if you like anime, especially more light-hearted stuff like That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime, Bofuri, Overlord, and Fairy Tail, you'll probably like this game. There may or may not be some slice-of-life moments as well. As of right now, I'm prepared to post 2-3 times a week at minimum and I expect players to at least do the same (though I know that within a month or two will be Finals season, so I expect some lag and will give more lenience to those attending classes and such). I will probably post more as time and circumstances permit, though. I will be leaving this advertisement open for submission until Tuesday, April the 6th, at which point I plan to choose my party and give a little time for discussion before starting the game itself sometime on Saturday, April the 10th. **Please Note** I already have one player who I've accepted, though they have not yet chosen a class to play. That being said, I'm not terribly strict about having a 'balanced' party so if we end up with an entire party full of rogues or three clerics and a barbarian, whatever, it's fine, I'll adjust as necessary. So with that in mind, build what you want to build and play what you want to play!

Character Creation and Game Information Character Level: 3 Feats: Available Sources: WotC Published, non-Playtest Material HP: Maximum at every level. Statistic Generation: 5d6, drop the lowest 2. Reroll any scores under 7. If you have more than 2 scores under 10, you may reroll the whole set. Equipment: Per class/background. Background Customization: Yes. Character Concepts to Avoid: One-Trick Ponies, Obvious Character Rip-Offs, Munchkining, Lawful/Chaotic Stupid/Obnoxious Other Stipulations: Please keep in mind that you are level 3, and as such, your characters are skillful, but not experts in their crafts. It is unlikely that they've roamed far and wide and traveled the land, nor killed any significantly powerful monsters, or anything other than some relatively low-grade quest of some sort. Part of the idea behind starting this campaign was to expound upon a part of the world that I haven't been focusing on for a while, so I want things like the land, its people, and its environment to seem new, interesting, and mysterious not just to players, but also characters. In addition, if I haven't played with you before, I encourage you to write little blurb about your expectations for this kind of game, as well as what things about RPGs you tend to enjoy. Please feel free to be as specific (or not) as you like. Number of Players Requested: 3 Preferred Posting Rate: 2-3+ Times / Week Date of Ad Closure: Tuesday, April 6th 2021 Projected Date of Game Start: Saturday, April 10th, 2021 Urthwyn Vandalspire delphinator Sylvan (High Elf) Wizard (Spellslinger) Working Quentin West hafrogman Human Fighter (Eldritch Knight) Complete! Delaclya Moonwhisper WildJessi Sylvan (Wood Elf) Druid (?) Complete! Chirper Ursinorum Kenku Ranger (Swarm Keeper) Withdrawn Corax Zylminar Jasontheswift Sylvan (Half Elf) Paladin (Crown) Working Wrex Kormonos Jrod Triton Cleric (Tempest) Complete! Chise Hawkwoodsdaughter Shula Human Rogue (Scout) Complete! Volien Maestrosity Centaur Ranger (Fey Wanderer) Complete! Merrick Merrilin triedtherest Human Bard (Elloquence) Complete! Horace Bashiri Noquarter19 Vedalken Artificer/Wizard (Chronurgy) Working Orryn Whistlespell emanb29 Gnome Sorcerer (Clockwork) Working

[hafrogman]

Are the races covered in the 'Races of Nevermore' section the only races that exist/are playable? Or simply the ones that require particular clarification for your setting? (Plus human)

[Ursinorum]

Following on Hafrogman's post ('sup mate!), is it because we start from Humantown? I mean, if Mu's are so widespread, are they banned from Ashrim?

[briar]

That's just for clarification, yes. There aren't any races that are banned or modified, nor have I added stats for any races newly introduced.

[delpinator]

Name: urthwyn vandalspire knight of valor
Race: high elf
Class: (wizard) spellsinger
Background: knight of order
Backstory: urthwyn was native to the kingdom of ashrim. He listened to the stories of the temple knights and hoped to be one himself. Being of highelf ancestry he was naturally attuned to the arcane and mastered the green blade with ease.
Adhrims mastery of blade allowed him entrance to being a squire of arryn hawn. He was adaptable trustworthy and judged people on skill than name. This helped shape ashrims own ideals.

Ashrim trained in study and skill learning to master the blade and arcane arts. He learned to defend himself with adjuration and attack with his blade balanced with evocation. The history of the temple and the power of friendship.

Recently he has been working for arthur serpantwind a highly competitive merchant trader. I'd guard the caravans and keep trouble away. This was decent work but my knighthood is coming up and I may be able to join the temple soon.

[briar]

@delpinator

Hey there, thanks for your submission. Seeing as how you're interested in joining the Temple Knights, I went ahead and posted a little about them in the new Factions spoiler in the main thread above. Let me know if you have any more questions about them.

[Ursinorum]

Was thinking I haven't done a cleric in a while, and I've never done a ranged cleric...

I noticed that many of the gods have an aspect of elemental nature, but strictly Nature (trees animals) gods, is Lupercalia is the main go-to?

Also, Kenkus are no-nos, right?

[delpinator]

Would I be able to flavor arcane armor as the armor of the faction? Do I need the silver+ cost weapon for booming blade?

[hafrogman]

Protagonist-kun Name: Quentin West Race: Human (Variant) Class: Fighter (Eldritch Knight) Background: Sage Alignment: Lawful Neutral Appearance: Quentin is an earnest looking young man in his late teens. His short, slightly stocky build (and ears that stubbornly refused to ever give up their rounded tips) reveals his solidly human heritage. But there is a certain cast to his eyes and brows that hint at a possible Sylvan ancestor somewhere in his family line. Perhaps their is just a hint of truth to some of the stories he grew up on. He has a mop of shaggy black hair perched atop a face of a rather pale complexion that has recently begun to redden from more outdoor activities. His equipment is all rather worn and rather obviously second-hand, patched and mended wherever possible. But despite all that, he does not carry himself like an impoverished neophyte. He clearly thinks of himself as a legend just awaiting his opportunity. Trait: Nothing can shake my optimistic attitude. Ideal: Fairness. No one should get preferential treatment before the law, and no one is above the law. (Lawful) Bond: I idolize heroes of old family tales and measure my deeds against theirs. Flaw: I'm convinced of the significance of my destiny, and blind to my shortcomings and the risk of failure. Backstory - I Flunked My Magic Exams, So Now I'm a Swordsman - Magic is in my blood! My great-great (or great-great-great? I lose track.) grandfather on my mother's side was a powerful sylvan archmage who fought alongside Queen Everwind in her rebellion. He's dead now, but my grannie said she met him once when she was young. Anyways, even if it's just a drop or two, this kind of thing always has a way of bubbling up to the surface every other generation or so. I always knew I was destined to become a legendary wizard and go on grand adventures! Mum and dad were pretty supportive. Well... mum was supportive and dad humored me. He said that even if I never learned to cast a single spell, good penmanship and a head for books would serve me well as a backup plan. I think he expected me to become an accountant. Now, there's two ways to go about becoming a mage. If you happen to have an in with a wizard, you can become an apprentice. If my great-great-great-grandfather were still alive, I would've become his apprentice in a heartbeat. But as it happens, I don't know any wizards. You'd think with a distinguished magical legacy like mine, there would be scores of arcanists just lining up to take me on, but for some reason it just never seemed to work out that way. The other way to become a mage is to become enrolled in one of Ashrim's distinguished Magical Academies. The trick there is that so many people want to learn magic that they only take the best of the best. They also kind of expect you to already know some magic in order to pass the annual entrance exams, which I find terribly unfair. You gotta know magic in order to learn magic? How's that supposed to work? I trained under the finest tutor my parents could afford. She was often drunk and always smelled strangely of persimmons. It turned out my father's restaurant wasn't doing that well (I think that's why he wanted me to become an accountant) and we couldn't afford a very good tutor. I don't even think she was a real wizard, but I did learn some magic from her. Just a handful of spells, but surely enough to impress the admissions panel, right? On my sixteenth birthday I packed my bags and headed for the capital, ready to take my first steps down the mystical path of the arcane. Unfortunately the panel was a little harder to impress than I had anticipated. Sort of. It is possible to get in by already knowing a lot of magic, but the judges just didn't seem impressed with any of my spells. It turns out that most successful applicants get in by knowing just one spell: 'My Parents Made a Large Donation'. I never learned that one. So there I was, alone in the big city with barely two copper to rub together and no prospects for my ongoing magical education. I could have hopped on the first onion cart headed back to the sticks and settled into a life of quiet mediocrity, but that was never for me. Adventure is in my blood! My great (or great-great? I lose track.) grandfather on my father's side was a notorious mercenary before he retired to our sleepy town. He's dead now, but my gramps said he met him once when he was young. Anyways, even if it's just a drop or two, this kind of thing always has a way of bubbling up to the surface every other generation or so. I always knew I was destined to become a legendary warrior and go on grand adventures! It turns out the entrance exams to become a monster hunter are a lot easier. Do you know which end of the sword to hold? (The not-sharp one) Do you know which end of the sword to stick into your target? (Process of elimination) So now I'm a swordsman! So far it's mostly been giant rats and the occasional goblin. But great things are just around the corner for me, I can tell! Note: I pretty much wholesale invented a magical college in the capital for the purposes of my background. If this conflicts with anything or otherwise causes problems, let me know and I'll rewrite things. Expectations: A couple of things caught my attention from your ad. I have only watched Slime out of the source materials you mentioned, but I do enjoy the unabashedly 'Tropey' fantasy worlds that these types of shows are often set in. I'd hope that the game could capture some of the vibrancy and brightness of those worlds. Also, as someone who has designed a world or two of my own, but always struggles with taking the next step, I'd like to see how you handle introducing adventurers into your creation.

[briar]

@Ursinorum: The default deity of 'nature' as a whole is actually Kismuth, but strictly speaking, yes, Lupercalia is the god of animals and beasts. I'm not really opposed to a Kenku unless they have some sort of game-breaking feature that I'm not aware of, though.

@delpinator: Mm, I don't see why you couldn't 'shape' your armor to look like whatever you wanted, though given that it's far too early to call yourself part of an elite vanguard of holy knights, it might not do to go around flashing their sigil. Just something to keep in mind.

As for the spell, yes, you still need all material components of a spell in order to cast them, so since Booming Blade requires a weapon that costs at least 1 sp, you would require one.

[Ursinorum]

 

Chirper Name: Chirper Race: Kenku Class: Ranger (Swarmkeeper) Background: City Watch   Trait: I like the night patrols best, very peaceful or very not. Ideal: I love my city, and I will do anything to protect it. Flaw: My hatred for raiders is blinding and furious. (Due to his eggnapping) Bond: Someone (Gunther, the city watch Sergeant) saved my life on patrol, and I still owe them to this day. Appearance: Often seen wearing brown clothing, Chirper tries to blend in the background, which is difficult for a short bird-person. His plumage is black with blueish reflexes, but he doesn't really tend to it, so it usually looks a bit scruffy. He almost constantly jerks his head left and right as if trying to take in every detail of his surroundings with his paranoid bird brain. Having spent many years in company of the other members of the City Watch, Chirper speaks with a variety of male voices mainly from his former Sergeant or from the other guards. Backstory: The Half-elf merchant said that the mangy humanoid baby was stolen as an egg and sold over and over crossing the continent from the south. But in Ashrim, a butcher bought him in order to set up a living advertisement for the years to come. When he understood that the bird-creature was sentient, the butcher gave him up for adoption to the City Guard in exchange for a catering contract. For the first years Chirper was just working as an auxiliary and messenger, due to his agility and diminutive size he was a perfect extra set of eyes, whether in a pub with drunkards, in the market looking for thieves, or at sentry duty, if there was something wrong he just needed to blow the horn and point at the issue for the guards to intervene. When he was around ten they started training Chirper with basic fighting techniques, only to discover over time that his real talent was with the bow and arrow, which is why Chirper was permanently assigned to wall watchmen duty. On the high walls of Ashrim, he familiarized himself with a murder of crows that never fled in his presence, and it ended up with a reciprocal adoption, now they never let Chirper leave their eyesight. As his employment with the city watch has lawfully ended, the Kenku is looking for a new family to belong to and a new duty to fulfill.

Notes and stuff.. Expectations: I've been doing a lot of grimdark games lately, a nice high-fantasy/anime style would actually be a refreshing change of tone.

[Jasontheswift]

App - Ready for Feedback Name: Corax Zylminar Race: Half-Elf Class: Paladin - Oath of the Crown Background: Noble - Knight Personality Trait 1: I take great pains to always look my best and follow the latest fashions. 2: The common folk love me for my kindness and generosity. Ideal Noble Obligation. It is my duty to protect and care for the people beneath me. (Good) Responsibility. It is my duty to respect the authority of those above me, just as those below me must respect mine. (Lawful) Bond My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering. The common folk must see me as a hero of the people. Flaw I made a terrible mistake in battle cost many lives and I would do anything to keep that mistake secret. Personality:   The product of privileged upbringing and very much haves within his life Corax carries many mannerisms of nobility. He is never seen outside of battle being unkempt or using any gruff language. Toward his subjects Corax is patient and kind unless someone has betrayed him. From his father's influence toward those who are lesser, Corax is further patient and attempts to withhold his wrath unless that person is continuing lethal intent toward him. Within the realms of political intrigue Corax may be considered unpredictable due to his preference to face opposition in battle. Toward comrades Corax is ever loyal to those who show loyalty, honesty and integrity themselves; he may work with people who lack those qualities however the process of trust will slow to a crawl. Furthermore Corax is very protective of his comrades, he will always attempt to garner the attention of enemies and lead them into an advantageous position. Like all paladins Corax upholds the tenants of his oath with particular emphasis on his allegiance to High Queen Thyriss Everwind IV. He has yet to meet her but such an occasion makes Corax nervous as he is the representative of the Zylminar House. Moreover Corax's mind weighs heavy with responsibility, every decision is measured to ensure further prosperity. He will never make decisions that will bring active harm but the game must be played much to his misfortune. The constant need to say measured responses and expectation of marriage for peace and allegiances has always waned on Corax's mind. Despite this Corax upholds family and High Queen first and has embraced his station to serve where others cannot. However even Corax at times will let loose at balls and dances, always taking care to surround himself with loyal people. Appearance:   Corax has been noted to look like a hero of old, his golden locks, piercing blue eyes and neat presentation has always been an area of note. As said by his mother Corax wears his armour well, always cleaned and polished but for the best functionality, Corax would be hard pressed to wear a heavy ornament over well tempered plates. He stands at 6'2", very toned and muscular, despite his battles Corax only has one wound that didn't fade into his Sylvan skin. A large gash in the centre of his chest, the skin is pink and has healed over but the scar looks to be from a horrific experience which Corax has yet to confirm for the curious. Back Story:   Corax's birth was a testament to his progression through life. He was born three weeks early at the local Hrist Temple when his mother and father were visiting on courtly manners. Under watchful eyes Corax was born with some saying that his predestined point to serve the realm came into being. Corax was the eldest of five children, all Sylvan (half-elves), much like their parents. His sisters were as follows: Orlanna the blonde beauty with hair down to her waist, Aexina the quick known for her quick mind and agility, Moliz the youngest girl and the twinkle in father's eye. The youngest of the siblings and the Corax's only brother is or rather was Unamon. The Zylminar family had the finest teachers, martial masters and healers money could buy. However Corax's life was one of expectation, nurturing and responsibility; always needing to rise early for martial training, lessons of history and literacy after breakfast, returning to the field for riding practice and a half and hour break before sitting with father observing the lord's decrees of the day. Thanks to his mother's prodding Corax was able to have one day a week that wasn't full of education or visits to Temple. This became Corax's life for 17 years before his real lessons began, as part of the Zylminar family, and the first born no less; it was required he swear and oath of fealty to the High Queen and receive the blessings of the Gods should they see fit. This was when Corax's father took over the majority of his training as a paladin himself he knew better than most what it took to receive these blessings and responsibilities. Corax's life being filled with martial training and education made him yearn for pleasures others his age could engage in. Thus under the nose of his retainers Corax often left to dance with the merchant house children and other aristocrats in their often quaint ballrooms. It was during these exploits that he met Nedolin, a daughter of a dwarven merchant house. The two met several times and became very close until Corax turned 19, it was the night before he left for the capital and to begin his training with the Temple Knights. He gave Nedolin a jade necklace as he wasn't sure if and when he'd return home. The two spent their last night together before Corax had to leave, no harsh words, ill will or rage shared between them; only a single tear from both Corax and Nedolin. The long road was all that comforted Corax as his mind lingered on Nedolin, she gave him a dwarven ring that to this day he keeps around his thumb, copper with gold inlay Corax can be noted playing with it often. His retainers all noticed but none ever spoke up, all three of them focused on Corax's success and progress. Corax was a welcomed and expected candidate, this came with it difficulties of their own as all his assessors expected the highest of him and he could feel the pressure. It took a year to acclimatize to the capital before Corax was granted the opportunity to swear his oath of fealty and to see if he would recieve a blessing from the Gods. Surely enough it was a success as he swore upon his life to uphold law, to give over his eternal loyalty, to face all challenges with courage and to deal with all obligations and mistakes. One such mistake has haunted Corax until present day was his first task, he was the second in command of a company tasked with repelling a horde of dark creatures from coming to the surface. The commander was the first wounded, shot threw the neck and carried back to camp, Corax took his lead and ordered a charge into the cavern. The gnashing of teeth, growling and screams from the deep enveloped the company, Corax was struck in the chest through his breastplate and into his flesh, the wound was deep Corax was carried to the back of the company as the rest attempted to hold the line. Time seemed to wane as Corax saw the company being ripped apart, despite the darkness Corax saw his comrades scream in pain, fear overwhelmed him and with the last of his strength he rode away. This act of what in his mind he considered cowardice continued to haunt Corax to the present day, this can be noted as to his overwhelming practice toward the tutoring of his brother. Corax had fought for a while but had lost his squire, no love lost between his family and the squire's it was decided that Unamon would travel to the capital and squire for Corax to recieve first hand experience and make a name for himself as another potential Temple Knight. The two fought together for a year Corax thought he would enjoy having Unamon around but he had difficulty teaching Unamon without feeling like a disciplinary older brother. Constant friction would arise when Corax testing Unamon's capability and wisdom. It was months before Corax discovered it was Unamon's ambition, a desire to grow power and expand the house of Zylminar, before long there was talk of the impotency and poor rule of the High Queen. Corax became frustrated with Unamon and challenged him to prove his capability, that if the High Queen lacked power and righteous authority then surely the powers given to Corax were false, much to his surprise Unamon accepted and put it to Corax that he is a false Knight. Corax allowed Unamon to suit in armour while he stood wearing clothing and carrying a blade and the two engaged one another. Unamon was unbalanced, he would hack rather than follow the cut through; Corax being tutored, practiced and bloodied read his brother's movements without strain. Deflecting time and time again Unamon attempted to bisect his brother. Corax jumped back before he realised that Unamon needed to be broken of body and spirit before he could learn. Thus Corax pushed the attack, he tripped his brother and kicked him down. Unamon fell near the spears he carried for Corax, Unamon jumped up and attempted to jam the point into Corax's throat. He noticed Unamon's shoddy footwork and caught the shaft between the strong of the blade and the guard before reaching around and stripping the spear out of Unamon's hands. Unamon was spun around and as if by reflex or the compounding of frustration and hurt had taken it's toll Corax cut Unamon from just below the ear down his jaw and neck. That was the final strike of the duel as Unamon backed away. The look of horror and rage at Corax made him realise the mistake he had made, as Corax attempted to apologise and repair Unamon got up on his steed holding his neck and rode off into the forest. Corax thought that it be best if he gave Unamon some time and waited, an hour passed and Unamon had not returned. Corax collapsed camp and attempted to look for Unamon. For three hours Corax search without success, he rode back to the Capital and wrote to his family along with an apology to Unamon. Upon returning letter from his family Corax was informed that Unamon did not return, Corax wrote once a month with much the same desire to learn of Unamon's fate however he has yet to recieve an answer or hear a rumour. Thus Corax continued to carry out his duties with his retainers by his side and a new squire, a young man named Elliot Yaroth the first son of a minor lord on the other side of the world to Corax, his mistakes that led to the death of his first squire and the loss of his brother on his mind Corax has taken every precaution to assist Elliot onto the righteous path of being a knight and one day a Temple Knight.

[briar]

Seeing as we have a shortlist of applications now, I made a little progress list in the new post. I've also added a few new bits of lore, including a blurb on the current ruler of Ashrim, Thyriss IV, as well as on the nation's capital city, the Citadel of Alexandria. Do let me know if you're curious about anything else! I do want to touch on a few quick notes, however, just to sort of give a bit more backstory:

Magic in Nevermore: Magic has a long history in the world, and not all of it has been good. In ages past, many great, but terrible mages have risen up to do ill upon the people of the realm and as a result, there are still many--particularly people in rural areas or those in the neighboring nations of Svietsylvania and Evorette--who are suspicious of magic casters and the like. In Ashrim, however, magic is more widely accepted, though practitioners are still under a great deal of scrutiny, bound to follow rules in order to keep their growth in check. In particular, an order based in the south known as the Svietsylvanian Inquisition makes it a point to roam the lands, keeping a weather eye for any magic practitioners who have ideas to use magic to gain power undeservedly, or those who may become a threat to society at large.

Collegiate mages, as a result, are much more common, and though there several colleges in Ashrim, most on the Lenoran continent are concentrated in the small satellite state of Cerulea, which lies just to the northwest of Alexandria Citadel within the vale known as the Cerulean Corridor. This place, which was once a secreted haven for mages during an age past when magic was hated and even outlawed, has long since become the center of learning for arcanists and is home to many of the world's most prestigious magical institutes, particularly one known as the Arcanum. Unfortunately, even the least prestigious magic colleges aren't cheap, and the only ways most commonfolk are able to attend is with either a sizable donation, friends in high places, or to have one or more collegiate alumni in good standing to measure and vouch for an applicant's potential.

Of course, there is always the far more dangerous way of learning magic, which is to simply get one's hands on a spellbook and 'experimenting', though that is a very quick way to attract the wrong kind of attention.

[Maestrosity]

I'm contemplating applying with a centaur. How prevalent are they in Nevermore and in Ashrim specifically? If they are hardly present in Ashrim, I'd be interested in learning a little about Ashrim's direct surroundings. Thanks in advance!

[briar]

@Maestrosity: There's a centaur race? News to me. I imagine they would exist, though I've never really had that crop up before. Well, considering most of the Ashrimari Basin is low, open land with patches of hills that eventually lead into foothills, and the Hinterlands are predominantly deep, forested areas, Ashrim would certainly be the right kind of environment for what centaurs in most fantasy worlds would be attracted to. As for how prevalent, I would probably put them as 'less prevalent' on the scale, but perhaps a little less rare than most other monster races.