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 Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 1:51 am
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A Brief History
Before the Humans
Before the humans discovered Otherworld and the doors between, Otherworld was teeming with mythical creatures (and many more kinds) who believed humans did not exist. The more animal-like creatures lived on the outskirts; other more refined (and more powerful) creatures lived toward the capitol of Azure City. To the west of the city are The Badlands. To the east are the Crystal Mines and small cities. The north is widely unexplored and the south is filled with beautiful white beaches and resorts. The south is mainly full of travelers and nobles/aristocrats and villages of farmlands owned or protected by said nobles/aristocrats. The most stunning feature of all is the mysterious floating city above Azure City, slightly to the south and west (over part of The Badlands and culture rich south).
The Arrival of Humans
Humans discovered doors around their world that led to The Badlands of Otherworld. Since then, humans have been steadily streaming to the city, though the human world remains largely ignorant of it's existence; humans are now a regular sight and make up almost 20% of Otherworld's population. While most have accepted them (who now hold jobs and homes, and even political and military positions), there are those that see the humans as a corruption to their once rich and refined world. These individuals are campaigning to have the humans removed in mass exodus to their own world and to have the doors sealed. As part of a compromise, representatives of each class and race gathered at a summit and ultimately decided to let the humans remain and seal off all but one well hidden door. This final door is located in the heart of The Badlands and only transports up to 6 people maximum at one time. The door is shrouded by mystery, only transporting people to Otherworld sporadically, and never transporting anyone to the human world. Since the door rarely works, officials saw no need to guard the door.
Additional Note
Natives to Otherworld have a life span of around 180 years (normally) and their appearance ages much slower than that of a human. It is possible for a native to be 80 and still appear 30-40 years. |
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Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 2:56 am
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The Territories of Otherworld
Azure City
Azure city is located at the very center of Otherworld. It is the "melting pot" and is the epicenter of all trade. In the heart of Azure City stands a tremendously large ziggurat; the lower levels are dedicated to trade discussions, the middle levels are dedicated to race and class relations as well as building planning. The higher levels are reserved for more important issues, the top most level for the most pressing and urgent issues (such as war, famine, plague, the sealing of the doors, exploration, etc). Below the ziggurat are rooms dedicated for trials of major crimes. Further below are government departments (similar to that of Harry Potter's "Ministry of Magic"). YOU MUST POST A REQUEST IN THE APPROPRIATE "Trade/Political/Trial Approval" THREAD EXPLAINING WHY YOU SHOULD BE ADMITTED INTO THE ZIGGURAT BEFORE POSTING THERE. IN FACT, YOU MAY NOT POST ANYWHERE IN THE "Role Playing with Captain, Vice Captain: Councils, Trials, Politics, and Trade" FORUM WITHOUT PERMISSION.
Southern Isles
Located on the other side of high mountains (that is only navigable by horses), this valley is certainly one of a kind - a lush valley with an old-world feel that gives way to white sandy beaches and beautiful blue ocean. Home to nobles and aristocrats, farms and small villages, this territory seems to be a scene straight out of a Jane Austen novel. And, indeed the apparel seems to suggest this, as does their means of transportation - horses and carriages.
Crystal Mines
These mines are just what they seem to be - full of precious stones and minerals. The east is known for producing gems, glass, furs, various clothing, furniture, metals, and mineral rich foods. The eastern villages and cities are constantly in disagreement with the west over trade. In fact, the eastern and western traders occupy most of the trade levels of the ziggurat.
Northern Territory
Wildly unexplored, the Northern territory is currently being pioneered. This territory, like the south, suggests and old-world society, rich in culture. This territory gives way to beautiful picturesque forests that break way into mysterious mountains and a pebbled beach on the coastline.
The Badlands
The Badlands are a barren desert wasteland filled with foul beasts and skeletons. There is no water to be found and some are even said to be driven mad by the spirits of The Badlands. To the south, The Badlands give way to cliffs and the roaring ocean. To the east lies the Southern Isles, to the north is Azure city, and to the west (and north-west) is the Westland Woods (also known as the White Woods for the bleached trees and deep emerald leaves). The Western Woods is famous for its animal pelts (such as fox and deer), it's fine meats, strong stones (from quarries), silk, flowers, pottery, wine and other drinks, wood, jewelry, and and chocolate. The Western Woods are also famous for their masquerades and elaborate carnivals, as well as their monarchy and tales of mischievous fey (fairies, etc).
The Final Door
The final door is located in the center of The Badlands. Unsuspecting humans enter Otherworld from here and wander into different territories (where they make lives for themselves) or perish in this harsh environment. |
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Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 3:56 am
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The Floating City and the Vampires
The Floating City of Ravenheart
This city is the oldest and most protected in all of Otherworld. Ravenheart is also the subject of much discord. It is home to vampire clans and their humans. The Humans live in homes on the surface while the lower and common vampires live in homes under the surface. The Nobles and Aristocratic vampires (the older families), as well as the vampiric council live on a higher level above Ravenheart. The entire city is surrounded by an impenetrable wall and gate of a clear, hollow material (that resembles blue glass). The gate makes a melodic ringing when the sun strikes it at a certain angle, alerting the vampires that it is now safe for them to come out.
The Humans of Ravenheart
Before humans "infested" Otherworld, they were captured and brought through the doors by vampire clans and brought to Ravenheart. Here they were raised as 1 of 3 things:
1. Food: this is self explanatory. The humans in this category are raised in separate homes on one small section of the surface (the rest of the surface has political buildings, market, etc). They lead their own lives and have small farm plots on which to grow their food. They are not allowed to consume meat. They are allowed to marry and have families of their own, but are eventually consumed. Some clans are kind and return the bodies for burial; others return the possessions on their victim and dispose of the bodies in The Badlands where they are consumed within minutes by the animals and various creatures that live there.
2. Servants: Some remain human, some are turned vampire. All are bound to the home of the one who owns them and are compelled to do their bidding or the "curse" of the clan takes effect. Some clans' curses make their blood boil and their bodies feel as if they are on fire. Other clans have different curses of pain.
3. Joining the Ranks of the Vampires: These humans (and sometimes the servants) are sent below to schools and sometimes universities with the money of the vampire family (or individual) to get a classical education. They then return to Ravenheart and are turned to a vampire and begin their study of the vampire ways.
Human Food as Weapons
Why must a vampire kill when they drink? Vampires secrete a poison when they bite and the poison seeps into the blood of the human. If they are not completely drained (by drinking all at once, or drinking some and storing some for later) the poison will taint the living blood. This poison can kill vampires. If a vampire bites a human and drinks only some, the poison will spread through the pumping of the heart and when the vampire returns to finish drinking, they will die a very painful death. The poisoned human will die within the week, unless they consume 1-2 pints of vampire blood. This will change them (over the course of a painful week) into a vampire.
Humans have been used in recent times as weapons. Some vampires will inject their venom with a needle (or bite and carefully conceal it) into a human and send it off as a gift to a vampire of an opposing clan as a peace gift (or to a politician whose power they covet). The unsuspecting vampire will drink from the human, become poisoned from the tainted blood, and die. One vampire biting another will not kill the vampire as they have no beating heart to pump the venom through their veins. It must be consumed.
Controversy
This city (since the appearance and acceptance of humans) has been the topic of dispute all throughout Otherworld. The only ones that are allowed in or out are vampires and humans. Many believe that they should have access to Ravenheart for trade, living, etc. They also object to how humans are being treated. It is a hotly debated topic, and a delicate one at that.
Additional Notes
Vampire Clans often feud and kill each other due to their bloodthirsty nature. Once in a position of power (on the council or otherwise), a vampire remains in that position until they resign, take their own life, or are assassinated. The one who killed said vampire then takes their position, by vampire law. Kill disputes are often discussed in front of the council. |
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 12:05 pm
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The Islands of the Southern Isles Territory
Tyrn
Rocky and for the most part uninhabited. There are a few small miner towns and a dozen or so stone quarries. People with debts are usually sent to work here, as well as those who work for noblemen on the main land. This island is not open to everyone; you need a voucher and a recommendation. To work there, you also need to fill out several forms and be examined before your departure.
Asmodia
Volcanic. There is one large city that thrives off of mining the metals on the island. Many pro-human vampires live and work here while looking for a way to exist in the sunlight. This island is not open to everyone; you need a voucher and a recommendation. To work there, you also need to fill out several forms and be examined before your departure.
Belvanue
Like the mainland Southern Isles, it is pretty much Victorian England, but very small and full of pirates. A bit like Tortuga - an island of gambling, shady dealings, and ill-repute. This island is open to everyone, though it is very dangerous; simply being there of your own free will for anything other than repairs or supplies is almost all of the time a crime.
Cosgrove
Named for (and eventually owned by) Colonel Henry Cosgrove, this island is mainly farmland that grows vegetables and tropical fruits for export. As on Tyrn, mainly those with debts to repay work here as well as those who work for noblemen. This island is not open to everyone; you need a voucher and a recommendation. After this, you are free to farm your own land as long as the soil lets you. |
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Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2012 9:55 pm
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Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2012 10:00 pm
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Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2012 10:02 pm
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Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2012 10:03 pm
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Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2012 10:05 pm
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Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2012 10:08 pm
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