<![CDATA[Beasts of Beyond - Group Guides]]>

<![CDATA[Beasts of Beyond - Group Guides]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/ Thu, 08 Oct 2026 06:02:03 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[THE COVENANT // Guide 6/16/24]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18187 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 02:31:19 +0000 THE COVENANT]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18187

THE COVENANT
The Home of The Strong

Hidden deep in the earth, where the only light available is that of torch and candle and lamp, The Covenant thrives. A truly warbound and vicious group, they take what they want and kill whoever they please. By day their territory is silent, by night it comes alive with the sounds and sights of patrols and hunting. They fear no one and bow to no one.

Under Josiah and Keter Fauls, a new era rises within this group - one where the morals of the whole group are not forced by the Leader or Council. Here, only the strong and competent survive.

RELATIONS
The Covenant is a warbound-neutral group, raiding nearby groups and settlements and having loose trade agreements and allies. All current groups are subject to raids.

TERRITORY

The lands that The Covenant calls home is a wide land of grasses. Sparse trees dot the landscape. Abandoned farmlands and barns lay scattered beyond the walls of an old settlement atop a grassy hill. An ancient stone city sits atop the grasses, seemingly empty. It's abandoned houses surround a wide circular dip in the earth, paved with red-stained stone, with seating surrounding it and a circular stairway up.

Underneath this city is where the group truly resides. It consists of a sprawling cave system stretching several hundred miles in every direction. Some caves are unused, some have collapsed, but the majority of them are used by the Covenant for housing, travel, and sparse hunting. An underground river runs through part of the territory, feeding into Hotsprings. Warmed by the earth, these half-flooded caves serve as a popular respite place, and Templars often suggest that their patients dip their injuries in the water. Directly under the city is the main cavern, known as The Hold.

Presumed to be carved by ancient humans thousands of years ago, The Hold is lit by torches and lamps. Columns of stone support the 100-foot-high cavern, with intricate carvings scrawled into them. Inlets in the stone act as storefronts or temporary housing. A stairway leads up to a separate housing for the Sentinel. It is 50 feet above the floor. The housing for the Templar is housed 10 feet from the floor, with a wider balcony in order to assist patients and prevent falls.

Even further below The Hold is the third and final layer of The Covenant's home - simply called "The Lower Level", it acts as a holding place for Slaves, Captives of War, and those awaiting punishment. Lit only by candle and lamp, it is cold and damp.

HISTORY

The Fauls family had long since rooted their paws in the ranks of Sentinel. But before Josiah and Keter, their Uncle Abijah had ruled for almost years. Grown mad with power and age, he forced his ideals upon the Covenant's following, driving some away, and forcing his two remaining kin, his niece Keter and nephew Josiah, to plot a revolt.

This revolt was bloody, and many died before Abijah fell to his kin. With Josiah gravely wounded, Keter stepped up to lead until her brother had healed.

RANKS AND RULES

Sentinel - The Leader and Law of The Covenant. Their power is supreme, and they are capable of calling meetings and raids on other groups. They are renowned for their violence and viciousness, as well as their strategy and battle planning.
Josiah Fauls, played by Dio. Rank is currently held by Keter Fauls, played by Dio, temporarily.

Centurion - The Deputy and Right Hand Man of the Sentinel. Acting as an Enforcer, they are the one who executes Punishments. They can also lead raids on other groups.
Character, played by Player.

Council - Made up of 5 trusted individuals, the Council aids in the decision-making of The Sentinel. Their propositions can be Vetoed.
Character, played by Player.
Character, played by Player.
Character, played by Player.
Character, played by Player.
Character, played by Player.

Templar - The Healer of The Covenant. They have a say in the Council. They are allowed to have up to two apprentices to help ease the work load.
Character, played by Player.

Commoners - The general populace of The Covenant. They can set up jobs and stores within The Hold. Commoners can confide with the Council to help come up with decisions at times.
Infinite!

Bone Meal - The Slaves and Captives of War. They have no rights as long as they are considered Bone Meal, but can prove their worth and become Commoners. From there, it's up or down.
Currently there are no Bone Meal.

RULES
Despite their warbound nature, this group has a set of laws in place to ensure The Covenant runs smoothly and does not drive itself into the ground. Even under Keter's temporary rule, it's advised to follow these rules.

- Sentinel's word is LAW, failure to respect it and follow it will result in punishment. Severity depends on how severe the crime against the word is.
- Cannibalism and other such crimes are not permitted on group members and allies. Breaking this law will result in severe punishment.
- When raiding, whatever you find is now yours.
- Deliberately disobeying the Sentinel, Centurion, Council, or Templar will result in punishment.
- Aiding enemy groups will result in exile or death.

]]>

THE COVENANT
The Home of The Strong

TERRITORY

HISTORY

RANKS AND RULES

]]> <![CDATA[THE CINNAMON KHALASAR — aka unhinged herbivores]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18184 Sun, 16 Jun 2024 15:11:59 +0000 axiom]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18184

THE CINNAMON KHALASAR

Khal Karstark of the Cinnamon Khalasar hates carnivores. A dragon ate his mother. A cannibal ate his daughter. A vampire turned his son into a parasite. Now? This stallion bites back.

INTRODUCTION

The Cinnamon Khalasar, Dothraki-inspired herd of herbivores, roams vast prairie lands bordering the Grand Canyon. Named for the Cinnamon Forest to the north of their lands, this nomadic herd runs for themselves.

The Cinnamon Khalasar rejects the sedentary lifestyle of agriculture, seeing it as an affront to their primary deity, Gaia, the personification of the Earth. Instead, they embrace a strictly vegan existence, sustaining themselves on the bounty provided by the prairie, the forests, and the rivers surrounding the Grand Canyon. The Lachrymose River, winding its way through the Grand Canyon and with its network of tributaries, serves as their lifeline: water. While the Cinnamon Khalasar is nomadic, their camps are carefully situated along these waterways, ensuring access to vital resources.

Spirituality plays a pivotal role in the lives of the Cinnamon Khalasar. They adhere to a belief system rooted in the ancient Greek pantheon, with Gaia as their supreme deity. Reincarnation is a central tenet of their faith, shaping their worldview and sense of morality. This belief in the cycle of life and death influences their relationships with other creatures, especially their reverence for herbivores and wariness of carnivores.

While they are known for their hospitality toward herbivores, the Cinnamon Khalasar approaches relationships with omnivores with caution. Trust must be earned, and only then will they forge alliances or accept outsiders into their fold. Carnivores, however, are viewed with hostility and fear, as the Cinnamon Khalasar is majority prey species. Anyone who is sentient and choses to kill to eat is automatically untrustworthy. Any predator incapable of talking and reason is untrustworthy.

Therefore, the Cinnamon Khalasar has a reputation for fierceness and bravery.

TERRITORY

The Cinnamon Khalasar lives to the west of a grand canyon. The canyon itself is gorgeous and occasionally treacherous during the day, and forbidden at night due strange lights, odd noises, and shifting tunnels. The grasslands and prairies are full of lush vegetation and a surprisingly abundant amount of wildlife (prairie dogs, coyotes, birds of prey), as well as several tributary rivers which feed into the Lachrymose River within the canyon.

CINNAMON FOREST — The north of the territory is a lush forest with an abundance of cinnamon trees. Many medicinal herbs are found here, and the forest is an excellent place to rest in shade. The tributary for the Lachrymose River which runs through here is called the Melancholy River.

LACHRYMOSE RIVER SYSTEM — The forests and prairies have a river system where all the rivers feed into Lachrymose River, which is the river within the Grand Canyon. These tributary rivers are all named after synonyms of Lachrymose.

LAKE LACHRYMOSE — The southernmost landmark is Lake Lachrymose, where the Grand Canyon feeds a massive lake system. This lake is enormous (the size of Lake Superior) and has almost ocean-like waves and currents. The beaches tend to be either sand, pebbles, or rock. The Lake is surrounded by mixed conifer-hardwood forest with no cinnamon trees.

THE VAST PRAIRIE — Most of the territory is a vast prairieland. Excellent for grazing and finding interesting plants, but not excellent for protection against dragons or setting up camp. However, there are strange things in the prairie, such as:

GIANT, MOVING CINNAMON TREES — Massive individual cinnamon trees as large as a mature redwood tree are isolated upon the prairie landscape. You never see two giant cinnamon trees next to each other in the prairie. They can be seen for kilometers, but they are not trustworthy landmarks. Nobody knows how, but they tend to… wander.

STATUES TO THE GODS — When a blacksmith is particularly proud of their work, they may decide to place a statue of their creation as a landmark upon the prairie. The Thinker marks a section of the prairie where an trustworthy opening to enter the Grand Canyon that leads to Mooney Falls. David Slaughters Goliath marks a section of the prairie where a concentration of various medicinal plants grow. Hercules Fights a Snake marks where the first Khal Karstark (or was his name Khal Stark?) is supposedly buried.

THE GRAND CANYON — The Lachrymose River has worn away a massive canyon system. Many smaller rivers slide down the higher elevation points to join the Lachrymose River. Feel free to use any landmark of the existing Grand Canyon for thread starters or casual mention in roleplay posts.

OOH AHH POINT— This beautiful view of the Grand Canyon is often a meeting place or a hangout spot for the Dothraki. It’s considered quite romantic!

GAIA’S HEART — The Lachrymose River’s most extreme bend within the Grand Canyon is referred to as Gaia’s Heart. It looks beautiful from above, but it’s a nightmare to swim in!

MOONEY FALLS — Within the canyon, numerous beautiful waterfalls cascade down. But this one is especially beautiful. Mooney Falls is considered one of the most romantic places in the Cinnamon Khalasar’s territory.

CANYON RACETRACK — During times of less rainfall, several parts of the Canyon make excellent racetracks. However, these areas are prone to flash floods and can be treacherous even when the sky looks completely blue.

EXECUTION CLIFF — While the view from Execution Cliff is beautiful, the sheer drop to the river below has killed many distracted Dothraki. Thus, Execution Cliff became considered unlucky, and then began to be used by Khal Karstark of the Crimson Khalasar (the current Khal Edd’s father) for executions. Normally, when a Dothraki dies, they are buried where they died. However, when a Dothraki is executed by the Khal’s hooves, their corpse is tossed over Execution Cliff.

CAMP SETUP — While the Cinnamon Khalasar is known to move camp sporadically, they always have the same setup wherever they are. In winter, they are upon the shores of Lake Lachrymose. At any other time of the year, they are anywhere in the grasslands. Most Dothraki prefer to sleep under the open stars… unless they’re willing to pay for and carry their own tent.

BORDERING RIVER — The Cinnamon Khalasar always puts their camp next to a river for easy access to water. If you’re starting a thread, you can assume this is the Lachrymose River or one of its tributaries. Named tributaries for the Lachrymose River include any synonym for “lachrymose” you can think of, such as Weepy River.

CENTRAL BONFIRE — During cold nights, the Cinnamon Khalasar will make a central bonfire to keep warm and cook hot vegan meals for everyone. Even during the warmer months, the herd often keeps the central area between tents clear for socializing.

DOCTORS’ TENT — Because medical professionals are critical to group survival, Doctors have a large tent dyed in bright blue for visibility. This tent is managed by the herd, not the doctors themselves, and doctors will often have their own personal tents like the rest of the individual Dothraki. However, this tent is where all doctors’ supplies are kept and where doctors practice. Inside, the tent is a large space which smells of burning lavender and with plenty of beanbags and blankets for waiting patients. Because this is one tent, there isn’t a lot of privacy, so doctors usually will only see one patient at a time unless there is a medical emergency.

SMITHING FORGE — Most recurring campsites have the infrastructure setup to support smithing. The stone kilns and iron anvils are somewhat weather resistant—but, really, they’re too heavy to drag along during moves. When camp is being established, blacksmiths will work together to test the safety and efficiency of the infrastructure. This means that, while this is a lot of extra work, all the blacksmiths have knowledge of how forges work and can trust in the safety of the communal forge.

THE KHAL’S TENT — The largest tent, dyed cinnamon and purple, is the Khal’s tent. Khal Edd Karstark usually uses his tent for private meetings discussing necessary but uncomfortable details on managing the Cinnamon Khalasar. Inside, there is usually sandalwood burning for incense and a collection of soft blankets. A small trunk contains heirlooms and belongings from deceased Karstarks.

SHRINE TO GAIA — Every recurring campsite has a shrine to Gaia. These shrines are of various sizes and skill level of construction—some are even made of marble, not metal! Creating a shrine to Gaia is considered the last project of any apprentice before they strike up independence from the tutelage of their blacksmithing mentor, so there are an abundance of these alongside the Lachrymose River and all of its tributaries.

SHRINE TO A LESSER GOD — Most recurring campsites also have at least one more statue of a lesser god (even Poseidon is a lesser god to the Cinnamon Khalasar), and blacksmiths are encouraged to add their own statues to the campsites… but those statues better not be eyesores!

TRADITIONS

The Cinnamon Khalasar worship the Greek Pantheon, but with one major difference. Zeus is replaced with Gaia, Mother Earth. Anyone can worship whichever Greek god or goddess as their primary deity, but everyone is expected to pay Gaia her due. While the group are herbivores, they do not allow agriculture, because agriculture is blasphemy to Gaia.

GAIA, MOTHER EARTH — The skies and lip of the volcano are the domain of Requiem. When Requiem is appeased, the climate is stable and everyone prospers.

DEATH RITUAL — When a Dothraki dies, they are buried where they took their last breath. The Khalasar holds a mourning period of setting up camp (if feasible) near the burial site. After seven days, the mourning period ends and they move camp. Burial sites are marked upon maps maintained by the Khal, though each family also maintains their own map upon their loved ones. Visiting graves is common, and many of these graves become sites for setting up camp.

RITUALS — To honor Gaia, Dothraki will frequently create art of her flora and fauna. Since everything is natural is in Gaia’s domain, Gaia is everywhere and easy to honor.

REINCARNATION — Dothraki believe that, upon death, the individual’s soul rejoins the reincarnation cycle.

INITIATION RITE OF FASTING — When a stranger wishes to join the Cinnamon Khalasar, they must prove their loyalty through the initiation rite of fasting. This rite is to begin immediately upon their joining (so joining on a full stomach is, perhaps, smart) with the next sunrise starting as the official count on the clock. While they are fasting, at no point can they consume anything which is not water. During the initiation rite, your character is encouraged to contribute despite their fast, as this demonstrates loyalty and willpower; this means your character, while enduring their fast, can participate in threads. The length of days is also not required oocly; the rite is completed when the roleplayer writes out the rite completion.

HERBIVORES — The length of time for herbivorous species is 3 days and 3 nights. On the fourth morning, they are offered a delicious vegan meal.

OMNIVORES — The length of time for omnivorous species is 7 days and 7 nights. On the eighth morning, they are offered scavenged meat. If they do not refuse the scavenged meat three times in a row and, instead, take the meat… then they are chased out or killed. If they reject the meat three times in a row, then they are given a delicious vegan meal.

RITE COMPLETION — You have two options to complete the initiation rite. 1) Type out a one-shot with the ending on your character accepting their salad (which the Khal will reply to with verification). Or! 2) Ask the Khal’s roleplayer for a private thread for the morning of salad offering.

FULL MOON CELEBRATIONS — During Spring, Summer, and Autumn, the Khalasar hold celebrations during the full moons. Most of these celebrations are simple parties, which may include: alliance celebrations, weddings, birthdays, and/or baby showers. Occasionally, about once or twice a year, these full moon celebrations will get rowdy to celebrate some particular thing within the Khalasar.

BLACKSMITHING — Dothraki utilize blacksmithing to protect themselves against predators, such as:

ARMOR — During times of war, the forge rings with metal taking shape. While most animals in the Dothraki do not utilize weapons—their hooves are enough to split skulls—they utilize body armor to protect themselves against the claws and fangs of predators.

STATUES — Dothraki, either as individual artists or teams of artists, often create statues in the gods’ image to leave in the territory as shrines and landmarks.

WINTER SOLSTICE — During the coldest months of the year when edible vegetation is at its lowest, the Cinnamon Khalasar migrates to the southernmost part of their territory, which is an encampment on shores of Lake Lachrymose and its tributary river. During the first full moon after the move, the Dothraki send paper boats carrying their wishes down the Lachrymose River.

BIRD COMPANIONS — Because of birds’ glorious birdsong and their helpful tendencies to eat parasitic insects, the Khalasar enjoys bird friends of both the talking and non-talking variety. Many birds (and flocks of birds) follow the Cinnamon Khalasar. Despite the fact many birds are scavengers by nature and will eat meat, the fact birds do not kill means they are liked by the Cinnamon Khalasar, though birds of prey are despised. It is not unusual for a Dothraki to keep a bird as a pet.

HIERARCHY

KHAL — The leader of the Cinnamon Khalasar. His word is law.
Edd Karstark — roleplayed by Axiom

BLOODRIDERS — Bloodriders are the Khal’s trusted, which can include his descendants, his friends, or his lovers. They are in charge of hosting consistent raids, managing battles, and overseeing tasks for members. If there are more than one when the Khal dies, then they usually split the Khalasar and make their own luck.
? — roleplayed by ?
(3/3 open)

DOCTORS — Doctors are the medics and therapists. Mainly, they heal the wounded and are expected to to be mediators of conflict within the Cinnamon Khalasar.
? — roleplayed by ?
(unlimited number)

ARAKHS — Arakhs are the senior combatants and/or blacksmiths of the Cinnamon Khalasar. Most Arakhs are both blacksmith and combatant, but not all. These animals are trusted to make quality armor and defend the Khalasar.
Zedd Karstark — roleplayed by Axiom
(unlimited number)

SCOUTS — Scouts are, well, scouts. They are in charge of watching the borders, the ecosystems, and scouts may alert the Khal if they need to move camp to avoid threats or overgrazing. Many scouts are also excellent cooks and messengers.
Icarus — roleplayed by Axiom
? — roleplayed by ?
(unlimited number)

DOTHRAKI — The Dothraki people; anyone who can run with the herd. Either born into the Khalasar or are joiners who have passed their initiation rite.
unlisted, unlimited number

INITIATES — These outsiders are enduring the initiation rite of fasting. They cannot eat anything for three days and three nights (seven if an omnivore), and can only drink water during their fast. Violence against initiates is not accepted, but initiates should try to make themselves useful to the group and prove themselves while they are fasting.
unlisted, unlimited number

ALLIANCES

The Cinnamon Khalasar is chaotic good.

They currently have no allies or enemies. Everyone is presumed neutral, but they will MURDER ON SIGHT when spotting obligate carnivores or obvious vampires.

LAWS OF THE LAND

— The Khal’s word is absolute. Disobeying their word is under punishment of death.
— Carnivores are to be killed on sight. Regardless of whether they can talk or not. This also includes anyone discovered to be a vampire.
— Omnivore species are considered untrustworthy. Outsiders seeking to join will have to prove themselves harder than an herbivore, and an omnivore outsider seaking to trade with the Dothraki might find the prices higher than expected.
— Discrimination amongst herbivorous species is outlawed. However, the Dothraki are traditionally majority equine.
— Sexual violence is forbidden.
— All BoB rules apply OOCly and ICly.

]]>

THE CINNAMON KHALASAR

Khal Karstark of the Cinnamon Khalasar hates carnivores. A dragon ate his mother. A cannibal ate his daughter. A vampire turned his son into a parasite. Now? This stallion bites back.

INTRODUCTION

TERRITORY

TRADITIONS

HIERARCHY

ALLIANCES

The Cinnamon Khalasar is chaotic good.

They currently have no allies or enemies. Everyone is presumed neutral, but they will MURDER ON SIGHT when spotting obligate carnivores or obvious vampires.

LAWS OF THE LAND

]]> <![CDATA[Group Prefix Request]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18139 Sun, 26 May 2024 02:27:39 +0000 Orion]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18139 Uncharted Territories, then please request a prefix. It keeps the board neat and allows staff to monitor group activity easily.

Basic rules:
- Your group needs a guide and needs to be open to accepting members, along with starting roleplay immediately.
- Prefixes will be removed/disabled after one month of in-character inactivity. It can be re-requested upon activity restarting.
- Colors/names can be changed at any time. Just ask! If a color is incompatible with a theme, it will be changed.

To apply, please fill out this form:

Code:
[b]Group name:[/b]

[b]Desired prefix name:[/b]

[b]Desired color:[/b]

]]> Uncharted Territories, then please request a prefix. It keeps the board neat and allows staff to monitor group activity easily.

Basic rules:
- Your group needs a guide and needs to be open to accepting members, along with starting roleplay immediately.
- Prefixes will be removed/disabled after one month of in-character inactivity. It can be re-requested upon activity restarting.
- Colors/names can be changed at any time. Just ask! If a color is incompatible with a theme, it will be changed.

To apply, please fill out this form:

Code:
[b]Group name:[/b]

[b]Desired prefix name:[/b]

[b]Desired color:[/b]

]]> <![CDATA[THE HORDE - a group of mercenaries and knights]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18134 Sat, 18 May 2024 12:24:43 +0000 Orion]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18134 who is currently away. They will return shortly, but be led temporarily with a plot.

THE HORDE

The history of The Horde is somewhat shrouded in mystery, tangled in the roots of the founding family. The lineage of the Rosencrantz Family has long ruled over The Horde, starting generations ago when the Family had been Royals of a now forgotten kingdom. The progenitors had been driven from their rule when the civilians had learned that their beloved rulers were not quite … the same as they were. The civilians revolted against the progenitors and younger generations of the then-Royal Family, driving them from their home and throne. The Rosencrantz managed to take the near majority of the Knights that they had trained themselves and loyalists, in their escape from the rage of their former subjects. It was a brutal time for the family as they learned to change from their comfortable ways to one of rough living, taking jobs as mercenaries and many more shady business dealings.

As time went on, their force began to grow and swell in rank, becoming a formidable fighting force capable of subjugating settlements and taking control. With the new power, the group began to raid and pillage, losing most of the morals they had once had generations ago. Now everything was fair game until the group gained a new leader, a feline vampire of rich midnight fur and shockingly pale red eyes, and his wife, a feline vampire of glossy silver-red fur and mesmerizing lilac eyes. The couple brought the group under some civilized control, and gave the group the name they have since been known by; The Horde. The couple wanted to correct the twisted ways of the fallen Knights and Royals, and slowly but gradually reshaped the Horde into what it is today. Under their leadership, the group of Knights banded together and took over several different lands before finally reaching Fort Crom. After several years-long battles and skirmishes, The Horde overtook the civilians of Fort Crom and took them into their hold, integrating civilians, nobles and slaves into their member base over the generations to come. The Horde settled in Fort Crom after the extensive battle, their own resources having been drained over the years. During exploration, the Rosencrantz Family and its members came across a church in what can only be expressed as a Gated Garden, where they began to use the location as a ceremonial location. The vampires found it very … familiar, and decided that this was to be a location special only to the family’s ceremonies, and perhaps sacrifices. The jail of the group was then situated in the cellars below the church, where many a vampire of the family would sate their hunger, or offer to turn the prisoners in exchange for information. The practice has since fallen out of practical use, in a long period where The Horde focused on simply on pursuing peace until mote recent generations, where one or more sub groups of the family have split off.

TRADITIONS

KNIGHTING — The ceremony when a Knight is given their peerage, or accepted into The Horde's ranks, is called a “Knighting”. The prospective member is usually knighted by the Lord or Lady of the group, and the ceremony is held whenever it is deemed necessary. The knight is usually presented with a sword by the Lord or Lady, or may use/find one of their own.

TOURNAMENTS — The Horde holds tournaments every six months to a year, or sooner if needed. These tournaments are a time of celebration and excitement for the common folk as well as prospective Knights. The purpose of the tournaments are to seek out potential new Knights and to accept them into the Horde’s order. Here the challengers will come bearing a crest to know them by, be it something that bolsters their family’s roots, or something they created themselves.

MASQUERADE BALL — The Horde holds a Masquerade Ball usually once a year. The event is famous through the territories that The Horde has passed through and hold under their control. The event itself is a large social networking site, and The Lord or Lady at the time may extend invitations to the leaders of other allied groups, or potential allies. Nobles are expected to attend, and the lesser fortunate folks of the lands may attend if they can reach the location, with special individuals being specifically invited.

All attendees of the event are expected to wear masks and capes to help hide their identities.

The Horde hosts the Ball in one of the Grand Halls held within the Estate’s lands.

CHALLENGING DUELS — Also known as ‘tossing the gauntlet down’, The Horde accepts and encourages its Knights and multitude of ranks to Challenge or Duel with each other. The only requirements of the Challenge is that the Challenger and Challenged belong to the same or similar group of hierarchy (i.e.: Head Knight Challenging the Starwatcher), secondly that there must be no death committed in the act of Dueling and thirdly the Duel must be fought on equal footing (i.e.: using swords with swords or brute force with brute force). The Challenges can be initiated by anyone in The Horde, but Duels must be overseen by an individual with a higher rank. When done between high ranks, or those who are wanting a higher rank, the Duels are called Promotional Duels. The winner takes the rank of the defeated and the defeated takes the former rank of the winner.

TITHES — The Horde functions as both an order of Knights as well as a band of mercenaries. If The Horde has raided and successfully overtaken an opposing group, they demand tithes in the form of food and folk in repayment for protecting the land from other groups that might wish to sweep in and cause greater chaos. Fort Crom itself used to be land that belonged to a group, one that The Horde swallowed into it’s ranks upon their arrival at the mountain range’s foothills. The denizens of Fort Crom pay tithes in the form of labor and crops grown over the year.

BANNERS — The Knights of The Horde are separated visibly by the colors they wear on their bodies. Any individual from The Horde or working with The Horde is given a banner or color to ‘ride’ under, usually a symbol of which force they belong to within The Horde. Purple belongs to those directly under the Lord or Lady of the time, usually their closest advisors or family members. Purple is also given to those with a skill in negotiating, and acts in the place of a title, or alongside one. Blue belongs to the healers and those charged with retrieving the injured and dead from the battlefield. Those bearing blue are to be protected by The Horde, and are deeply cherished and celebrated for their ability to heal and for their skill in looking after all they come across. Red is the majority population of The Knights, and is worn by both the offensive and defensive forces. Individual titles may be given to any who wear the Banners (which may be dies, fabric, bones, etc all in the color of their force), and will be recorded in the history books of The Horde.

TERRITORY

FORT CROM — A city situated at the foot of an ancient mountain range. The city sits below a gated estate, where the Knights of The Horde reside. The main populace of the city is held by non-knight or non-mercenary folks that rely on The Horde for local protection, given that they provide food for them. The housing situation of those who live here is done in a state of hierarchy, with the noble families closest to the Estate where The Horde live, spreading down to the merchant quarters and further out to the slums where the poorest live.

THE DESERTED CITY — When winter comes knocking, the denizens of Fort Crom move below ground to an old cavern system under the city that is warmed by volcanic vents and hosts mineral springs. The cavern city is usually built from tents and canvas, items that have been sourced over the years from other civilizations and from raids. The air is warm enough that true housing is not needed, nor would it survive the high humidity, where the tents are generally enough to protect the denizens' privacy and items. The heat from the vents does not penetrate through the top layers of the cavern nor through the aboveground city’s streets, leaving the aboveground city looking very abandoned when snow falls, hence the given name of ‘The Deserted City’. The Black Market is also found in this cavern and is accessible year-round to the locals, and to those who come to trade in risky deals.

THE ESTATE — A large swath of grounds, located on a large hill overlooking Form Crom. A sturdy stone wall of medieval make and design surrounds The Estate, accessible by three defensible gates to the South, East and West of the main buildings on the grounds. The Western and Eastern entryways are often closed off by portcullises and are patrolled by Knights during times of conflict, while the Southern entryway is used as the main thoroughfare into The Estate. The Southern entryway boasts 3 doorways, 1 large enough to move carriages or a riding force through, with two other smaller doors to the left and right for foot traffic after the gate has been closed at night. The Estate itself boasts living quarters for the Knights, those in training to become Knights, and the leading family of The Horde. The leading family lives in a large mansion, where the Knights of The Horde may also reside. The Apothecary is expected to reside within the mansion as well, given their own wing for the sick bay and for the injured. The Knights may live elsewhere on The Estate, or they may live within Fort Crom if they so choose.

THE MARKETPLACE — A place of trade found in the center of Fort Crom, where merchants and many who wish to sell or trade their wares and services gather together. Street ways lined with shops on either side lead up to a large square where stalls can be found in open air; where butchers and merchants hawk their wares, where you're likely to find pickpockets and skirmishes between all sorts of folk. The Marketplace is the center-most portion of the Fort, and holds inns and guild halls around its perimeter. This is where the Adventurer’s Guild holds its own hall and does its business. Jobs may be submitted to the Adventurer’s Guild, and those who accept these jobs will also receive a reward from The Horde or Guild.

THE GATED GARDENS — To the West of Fort Crom lies a garden surrounded by brick and iron. The grounds are kept relatively organized and clean, free from overgrowth. Within the Gardens there lies a dilapidated and crumbling church. Behind the church’s main building lies a pool of spring water contaminated by iron minerals, causing the water to appear red. The water is safe enough to drink in small amounts, if one is careless and drinks too much they are likely to experience iron poisoning. The church itself is site to the ascension of the Lord or Lady, where the celebration regarding their rise to rule is held. There the Lord or Lady is ‘crowned’ in a fur cloak with antlers around the neck of the cloak, and a small silver pin closing the cloak at the front of the neck. The church itself is decorated with antlers and the skulls of big cats, some of the decorations depicting epic battle scenes between elk and several big cats. The fallen church is seen as a sacred ceremonial place to the vampires of The Rosencrantz Family, the founding family and longstanding leading family of The Horde.

HIERARCHY

These will be finished later, but are relatively self-explanatory.

Lord/Lady — Leader
Starwatcher —
Apothecary — Medical
Apothecary's Apprentice — Medical apprentice
Head Knight (noble) —
Master Adventurer (noble) —

Knight Corps — (fighting force, subjugation)
Adventurer's Guild — (hunters + gatherers. Once there's other groups, traders)
Students — (applies to Knight and Adventurer)
Common Folk —
Prisoners/Slaves —

RELATIONS

The horde currently aligns with a chaotic neutral mindset.
ALLIES — N/A
NEUTRALS — Currently everyone
ENEMIES — N/A

]]> who is currently away. They will return shortly, but be led temporarily with a plot.

THE HORDE

TRADITIONS

TERRITORY

HIERARCHY

RELATIONS

The horde currently aligns with a chaotic neutral mindset.
ALLIES — N/A
NEUTRALS — Currently everyone
ENEMIES — N/A

]]> <![CDATA[THE COVEN ON THE AKALDAMA]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18129 Wed, 15 May 2024 00:23:40 +0000 minivan]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18129

THE COVEN ON THE AKALDAMA

‎a coven of vampires living within a forest underground.

MASS ADOPTS — DISCORD — PLOTTING

╰┈➤ AKALDAMA: (ak-el-dam-ah') n. A mistranscription from the Greek Ἀκελδαμά, from Aramaic ḥăqēl dĕmā, literally, FIELD OF BLOOD. x

Bear in mind that the text boxes are self-contained and may scroll.

‎CURRENT EVENTS

04/13 — N/A for the moment (awaiting definitive groups)

‎— TERRITORY

[ † • ° ` THE FOREST ] ─ the territory at large
── THE COVEN resides within a forest that has grown in an underground cave system. While not particularly hard to reach the wood lines, it can be hard to find the cave entrance (often called PURGATORY'S VEIL) above ground, and visitors or joiners are encouraged to seek out an escort within the cave. The territory in its entirety can be chilly, especially in colder months.

[ † • ° ` THE AKALDAMA ] ─ the literal meaning
── THE GRAVES are unmistakable, though may garner second and third glances.
Once to the woodline, it becomes very apparent that the "field of blood" translation is very literal and not necessarily more tongue-in-cheek - it is something of a graveyard, cemetery. Graves litter here and there, of all different cuts and sizes, and it seems that no particular area is sanctified from them. It is not "creepy" in the abandoned sense - quite the opposite, as the ground is well-maintained and regularly checked for weeks - rather, in the sense that one feels properly watched. The wind carries unintelligible whispers along its inexplicable path, and condensation drips with a certain understanding. The land is extremely SPIRITUALLY/SUPERNATURALLY DENSE, and characters with clairvoyance, enhanced senses, or low mental/spiritual barriers may become easily overwhelmed and overstimulated.

[ † • ° ` THE HALF-MOON POOL ] ─ the town square
── A SMALL CREEK bubbles placidly through the territory, winding this way and that, to finally settle in a clearing at the center. It converges into a vaguely HALF-MOON SHAPED POOL of still water. Temporary resting places (as in, relaxing) may be seen in all sorts of manners around the pool, as it is a place of reflection, gathering, and practice. Much like a town square. North of this pool sits what appear to be some sort of dilapidated (and long out of use) yet sizable GALLOWS, from which meetings are conducted, speeches held, and performances made.

[ † • ° ` THE COVENSTEAD ] ─ an affectionate name for the living quarters
── DARK, OLD, AND DUSTY WOODEN BUILDINGS litter the territory. These have likely been transported and rebuilt underground over the years, though it is hard to say definitively. There are enough here for each member to have their own, if they choose. The decor inside and upkeep outside is completely dependent on whomever resides there.

[ † • ° ` THE MOONLIT GARDEN ] ─ a main medicine and food source
── THE GARDEN is a large, well-tended piece of land that harbors a multitude of plants - for purposes medicinal, culinarian, and aesthetically alike. A majority of the plants found here can survive off of little to no sunlight, and the Garden seems to thrive exceedingly well. Handmade stepping stones line the paths, made with care by Dedicants here and gone. THE APOTHECARY can be found in the heart of the garden, making it an easy to access a healer should need be. Butterflies are common here.

‎— TRADITIONS & CUSTOMS

[ † • ° ` VAMPIRIC BLOOD ] ─ requirements to join
── POSSESSING VAMPIRISM is the main requirement to join, and is largely strictly upheld. While those who are non-vampiric are welcome to visit (provide they cause no issues), they cannot be considered to have formally joined the group and cannot advance in ranks - though they can fall in them (to prisoner/exile status). Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis, and are generally made for the hemovoric that are lacking vampirism.

[ † • ° ` CALLING DOWN THE MOON ] ─ monthly meeting
── CALLING DOWN THE MOON is the official name for the large meeting/celebration held on the full moon of each month. While smaller meetings may be held more frequently, to "call down the moon" is a time for the Coven to formally celebrate all of the births, deaths, new faces, battle victories, or anything else of note. It is seen as a time of spiritual veneration, as well, and time may be particularly spent mediating over the craft or the nature of living upon a cemetery. This may be overridden by any particular Solstice/Equinox, or other notable holiday.

[ † • ° ` SOLSTICE & EQUINOX CELEBRATIONS ] ─ biannual replacements for moon-phase meetings
─ 1. EQU., THE CHASTE MOON: ~ mid March.
─ 2. SOL., THE ROSE MOON : ~ mid June.
─ 3. EQU., THE HARVEST MOON: ~ mid Sept.
─ 4. SOL., THE COLD MOON: ~ mid Dec.
── SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS are held in place of the typical Calling Down of the Moon each month. These are much more grand, with outgoing invitations to outside allied and friendly parties. These are, clearly, intended to celebrate the oncoming season and all that it may bring, so it is suggested that attendees dress appropriately. These are also times when the Veil is thin, and work with the spirits is highly encouraged.

‎— ALLEGIANCES AND ALLIANCES

[ † • ° ` MEMBERSHIP ] ─ DEDICANTS.
─ All members of the coven are referred to by the name of DEDICANTS. They are seen as having committed some large part of their life and time to the Coven, and the name given seeks to honor that; it is like a title in this regard.
─ All Dedicants may be referred to as "lord", "lady", "laird", "liege" (or anything similar) within and outside of the Coven, if they wish.
── Allegiances are not credited for Dedicants, as it is assumed that all vampiric members will be under this umbrella.

[ † • ° ` NON-VAMPIRIC MEMBERSHIP ] ─ SANGUINARIAN
─ While members of the Coven are expected to be vampiric (or otherwise hemovoric), they are still welcomed as guests, called SANGUINARIANS. This is again technically a "title", as opposed to a proper rank, but it can be stripped from the guest in the chance of needing exilment or imprisonment. Should a Sanguinarian become vampiric, whether by choice or by happenstance, they will be immediately shifted over to proper "Dedicant" membership and allowed to climb the ranks.
─ This rank may be held by unlimited characters.
── NAME, played by NAME

[ † • ° ` s/HP OF WAR ] ─ NEOPHYTE
─ A stepping stone rank. Neophytes are members who wish to study battle techniques and the general art of guarding the Coven. They study under Weardians, and undergo rigorous training to hone their skills in combat and vigilance. Neophytes learn not only practical skills, but also cultivate loyalty and reverence for the Coven's traditions and customs.
─ Neophytes may bear PINK accessories to signify their ranking. This can include sashes, bandannas, wristlets, etc.
─ This rank may be held by unlimited characters.
── NAME, played by NAME

[ † • ° ` s/HP OF MEDICINE ] ─ NOVITIATE
─ A stepping stone rank. Novitiates are members who do wish to study in the healing arts. They study under the Apocrisiarius' in the Apothecary, and undergo rigorous training to hone their skills in not only medicine, but also an overview at combat. Novitiates learn not only practical skills, but also cultivate loyalty and reverence for the Coven's traditions and customs.
─ Novitiates may bear WHITE accessories to signify their ranking. This can include sashes, bandannas, wristlets, etc.
─ This rank may be held by unlimited characters.
── NAME, played by NAME

[ † • ° ` HIGH GUARD ] ─ WEARDIAN
─ A high rank. Weardians possess and are revered for their mastery of battle and respect for their craft; they stand as guardians of the Coven's reputation and sacred ground. They may be stationed along Purgatory's Veil to help guide prospective joiners (and all others seeking the Coven) through the winding cave system. Though not an exhaustive list of abilities, a Weardian may accept and extend invitations, act as an emissary, offer training sessions, and delegate tasks of Novitiates.
─ Weardians may bear RED accessories to signify their ranking. This can include sashes, bandannas, wristlets, etc.
─ Two characters may hold this rank - though it may be expanded upon at a later date.
── NAME, played by NAME
── NAME, played by NAME

[ † • ° ` HIGH MEDIC ] ─ APOCRISIARIUS
─ A high rank. Apocrisarius' are renowned for their profound knowledge and skill in the realm of medicine and restoration, and often reside in the Apothecary. Apocrisarius' possess a deep understanding of both traditional remedies and esoteric healing practices, and work as sort of spiritual guides, in a sense. Though not an exhaustive list of abilities, an Apocrisarius may accept and extend invitations, act as an emissary, offer training sessions, and delegate tasks of Novitiates.
─ Apocrisiarius' may bear GREY accessories to signify their ranking. This can include sashes, bandannas, wristlets, etc.
─ Two characters may hold this rank - though it may be expanded upon at a later date.
── NAME, played by NAME
── NAME, played by NAME

[ † • ° ` VICE-LEADER ] ─ SENESCHAL
─ The Seneschal sits under the High Priest and plays a pivotal role in the operation of the Coven. A Seneshal assist the High Priest in decision-making, coordinating the Coven, and is trusted to be able to step into lead when necessary. Though not an exhaustive list of abilities, the Seneschal may accept and extend invitations, act as an emissary, offer training sessions, delegate tasks, and host events.
─ The Seneschal may bear MAROON accessories to signify their ranking. This can include sashes, bandannas, wristlets, etc.
─ One character may hold this rank - though this may be expanded upon at a later date.
── NAME, played by NAME

[ † • ° ` LEADER ] ─ HIGH PRIEST, PRIESTESS
─ The leader of the Coven. The High Priest is expected to look after the group to their utmost, though their duties extend beyond management; they are a sort of spiritual and moral compass by which to provide guidance, foster unity, and make difficult decisions with grace and insight.
─ The High Priest may bear BLACK accessories to signify their ranking. This can include sashes, bandannas, wristlets, etc.
─ One character may hold this rank - though this may be expanded upon at a later date.
── TESTIMONY LOVELAS, played by

[ † • ° ` ALLIANCES ] ─ THE COVEN typically rests at a vague status of NEUTRALITY, and takes very few true allies and enemies. Rather, their formation of allies and enemies are usually formed upon the following:
- sway of vampiric (dual-)members
- the state of owed favors/invite attends
- the opinion of friendly/currently allied groups
- the opinion of Coven members
- etc. etc... it could even be a whim of the leader on any particular day.
─ Neutral stances can be assumed on any unlisted group.
── ALLIES
─ N/A

── ENEMIES
─ N/A

‎— NOTABLE HISTORY

[ † • ° ` EARLY TIMES ] ─ an undecidedly long amount of time preceding current roleplay, THE ROSENCRANTZ were driven from their ancestral home due to their vampiric nature. In this split, a small group who went by LOVELAS thought it a better move to seek safety by head underground. The remaining Rosencrantz' stayed above ground, and rebuilt all of their regality. The Lovelas' Coven and Rosencrantz' Horde are now more of cousins as time has worn the ties, but the loyalty is ever present.

[ † • ° ` PRESENT DAY ] ─ The group is led and guided by TESTIMONY LOVELAS.

]]>

THE COVEN ON THE AKALDAMA

‎a coven of vampires living within a forest underground.

MASS ADOPTS — DISCORD — PLOTTING

╰┈➤ AKALDAMA: (ak-el-dam-ah') n. A mistranscription from the Greek Ἀκελδαμά, from Aramaic ḥăqēl dĕmā, literally, FIELD OF BLOOD. x

Bear in mind that the text boxes are self-contained and may scroll.

‎CURRENT EVENTS

04/13 — N/A for the moment (awaiting definitive groups)

‎— TERRITORY

‎— TRADITIONS & CUSTOMS

‎— ALLEGIANCES AND ALLIANCES

‎— NOTABLE HISTORY

]]> <![CDATA[THE SAKURA ORDER]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18127 Mon, 13 May 2024 02:44:52 +0000 SirDio]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18127

— THE SAKURA — ORDER

Set deep in a secluded mountain range, nestled into a peaceful valley, The Sakura Order is seemingly hidden by mist and fog. But during the spring, as the cherry blossom and peach trees bloom, their village is a beacon of shelter.

Within the roots of their group is a belief that Balance is key to the world. Set deep within their past, by the falling of a star into their Soundless Lake, their spiritual guiders speak the words of a Balance God, Without Evil, there is no Good. Without Life, there is no Death.

TERRITORY

The Sakura Order resides in a sparsely-forested mountain range, with their town situated in a deep-rooted valley range between two large mountains. The town consists of Japanese-style buildings, with a large pond in the middle, fed by several waterways winding throughout the town.

SOUNDLESS LAKE
- A decently sized lake north of the village, with bioluminescent algae. The Koi Fish here are far larger than others in the territory, and this is believed to be where the Balance God fell from the stars to bring balance to the world.
HANGING GARDENS

- : a cluster of ruined buildings that were once gardens, now overgrown with Cherry Blossom, Apricot, and Peach trees and the occasional oak. Southwest of the town; hosts several statues of the Koi God. Often, The Regent, Counselor, or Spiritual Guide are seen here.

TRADITIONS

The Sakura Order believes in Balance over all, including emotion. Their religion is based around The Balance God - a Koi-like dragon who is said to reside in the Soundless Lake.
The Balance God does not require sacrifice, and is honored through oral tradition and following the beliefs set by the Spiritual Guide.

THE RULES

- Regent's word is law
--> In circumstances of prophecy or visions sent to the Spiritual Guide, this can be overruled
- Upon proof that the Regent does not act in coordination with spiritual teachings or does not act with the group in mind, the Counselor or Spiritual Guide can overthrow.
- Forsaken are not to be persecuted, but gently guided.
- Outside groups are outside of Sakura Order's jurisdiction. If an allied group's member breaks a rule, they are to be punished only by their respective group
- Injured outsiders are to be welcomed unless they are Hostile.
--> this also counts for young animals, the elderly, or refugees.
- internal conflicts are allowed, but anything ending in extreme violence will be punished. Punishment will be dealt by the Regent, with the severity being detailed by Counselor and Spiritual Guide.

RANKS

Regent - Leader of The Sakura Order, their word is law, only secondary to The Balance God.
- Iwakura Shubi
Counselor - Regent's deputy/second in command, takes over when Regent resigns or removed from the mortal realm.
- TBA
Spiritual Guide - The Healer and Spiritual Medium of The Sakura Order, interprets visions sent by The Balance God.
- TBA
Commoners - The main bulk of the group.
- Unlimited/TBA
Forsaken - "Prisoners" who are allowed limited reign of the territory, most often are heretics and heathens.
- TBA
Exiled - Those who have wronged the group in a drastic way, could be group-born or not.
- TBA

]]>

— THE SAKURA — ORDER

TERRITORY

TRADITIONS

THE RULES

RANKS

]]> <![CDATA[THE UMBRAL DOMAIN]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18103 Tue, 07 May 2024 17:09:39 +0000 rhosmari]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18103 <![CDATA[THE COVENANT -- Underground Raiders/Bandits]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18079 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 01:19:03 +0000 SirDio]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18079

THE TERRITORY

The lands that The Covenant calls home is a wide land of grasses. Sparse trees dot the landscape. An ancient stone city sits atop the grasses, seemingly empty. It's abandoned houses surround a wide circular dip in the earth, paved with red-stained stone, with seating surrounding it and a circular stairway up.

Underneath this city is where the group truly resides. It consists of a sprawling cave system stretching several hundred miles in every direction. Some caves are unused, some have collapsed, but the majority of them are used by the Covenant for housing, travel, and sparse hunting. Directly under the city is the main cavern, known as The Hold.

Presumed to be carved by ancient humans thousands of years ago, The Hold is lit by torches and lamps. Columns of stone support the 100-foot-high cavern, with intricate carvings scrawled into them. Inlets in the stone act as storefronts or temporary housing. A stairway leads up to a separate housing for the Sentinel. It is 50 feet above the floor. The housing for the Templar is housed 10 feet from the floor, with a wider balcony in order to assist patients and prevent falls.

Even further below The Hold is the third and final layer of The Covenant's home - simply called "The Lower Level", it acts as a holding place for Slaves, Captives of War, and those awaiting punishment. Lit only by candle and lamp, it is cold and damp.

THE RITUALS

The group has two rituals: Blood Rock Trial and Initiation.

Mentorship- Mentors and Apprentices are decided when the Apprentice turns 5 months, they will train for some time (varies between Mentors and Apprentices) and the end goal is for the Mentor and Apprentice to have a parent/child or sibling-like bond by the time the apprentice begins the Blood Rock Trials.

Blood Rock Trials- Blood Rock Trials take place in the center of the city above the main camp. The whole of the group is to watch the apprentices as they spar against their mentor and then the sentinel. After this, a feast is held in the main cave for the Apprentice(s).

Initiation Ritual- Initiation Ritual - Held every now and then, this ritual is insinuated by a Slave or Captive becoming a Commoner through voluntary want or being proven worthy. The Sentinel gifts the former slave a necklace that holds a single ember stone. It signifies the start of their new lives. Former slaves are given respect and are treated as Commoners. Should they break any rules, they are given three warnings before being demoted to Slave yet again.

Raids are commonplace here, often led by The Council, Centurion, or Sentinel.

THE RULES

Despite their warbound nature, this group has a set of laws in place to ensure The Covenant runs smoothly and does not drive itself into the ground.

- Sentinel's word is LAW, failure to respect it and follow it will result in punishment. Severity depends on how severe the crime against the word is.
- Cannibalism and other such crimes are not permitted on group members and allies. Breaking this law will result in severe punishment.
- When raiding, whatever you find is now yours.
- Deliberately disobeying the Sentinel, Centurion, Council, or Templar will result in punishment.
- Aiding enemy groups will result in exile or death.

THE RELATIONS

The Covenant is strictly Warbound. They may have one or two alliances, but these are with like-minded groups. However, with their tenacity and willingness to kill any and all who trespass on their home, those who do know of this group will steer clear until they are sure an agreement can be made.

Allies: Tribe of The Fallen
Neutrals: No one
Enemies: All currently listed groups.

THE RANKS

THE HISTORY

Josiah Fauls

Spoiler:

]]>

THE TERRITORY

THE RITUALS

THE RULES

THE RELATIONS

THE RANKS

THE HISTORY

Josiah Fauls

Spoiler:

]]> <![CDATA[DESCENDANTS OF THE DEPARTED — outdated]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18076 Wed, 03 Jan 2024 23:56:03 +0000 Orion]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18076

DESCENDANTS OF THE DEPARTED

HISTORY

Long ago, Requiem and Vayu led the island together peacefully for years. The land was a paradise. No divine intervention, not a soul to pass. Death, in short, was non-existent. The immortals thrived for the longest time, but, eventually, tensions started to rise.

As a result, the group boiled down into two categories with Requiem and Vayu leading each. When the the leaders reached their final breaking point, they began to fight. Their battle went on for quite awhile, both tired and desperate for their troubles to end. With teeth bared, they both d dove into the center. They clashed. With heads crooked, they clamped down on each other's throats. In a last ditch effort, they both pulled away and blood began to pour from their necklines. Requiem spit out the flesh, while Vayu scarfed down their enemy's tissue. Both triumphant in their measures, they fall. In no time, they grew still. Death, for the first time, arrived upon the land.

While Requiem slowly rose to the heavens, they created something called 'the above' for their colleagues. Meanwhile, Vayu focused their attention on creating a place called 'the below' for their subjects. Upon finishing the creation of their realms, the fight continued on the island. The volcano, on the command of Vayu flooded the island with lava flow. In response, Requiem used their sway to cause a thunderstorm and cool the land below. Very few survived the fury of their newfound deities, leaving former members behind to create the Descendants of the Departed.

Over time, due to the distance between the deities, the chaos started to fade. To keep both parts happy, the member preformed sacrifices and rituals in honor of their deities. As a result, the group began to thrive. By continuing these performances, the deities remain stagnant and content.

TERRITORY

The territory of the Descendants of the Departed is often barren and without any buildings. In fact, most of the territory is lackluster to an overlooking eye. The land consists of charcoal-colored lava rock covering the entirety of the island. There is almost vegetation to be seen across the black land. Most notably, the distant volcano stands out among the abyss of darkness. Upon looking closer, onlookers may find openings across the land leading into caves. Truly, what lies below is an enigma.

CAVE SYSTEM — The cave system is located underneath the island's surface, ranging from the shore to the volcano's side. These caves are also widely known as inactive lava tubes.

COMMUNAL AREA — While higher ranks often have their own caves for themselves and their family, regular members have the communal area. The area is in the direct middle of all the caves. Many members use the communal area to spend time with others, while others come here to rest during the night.

SHAMAN'S CAVE — Closest to the fighting pit lies the medicinal cave. Shamans live here, but also provide assistance to the wounded and those who seek guidance from their deities.

CHAPERONE POINT — On both the surface's edge, the volcano's bottom, and the cave's beginnings lies multiple chaperone points. There are large golden bells at each entrance which can be rung to gain the attention of a chaperone. This is usually done to receive guidance, whether spiritually or physically leading.

UNDERGROUND TRADING — In a chain of openings within the lava tubes, members can set up trading posts and shops. There is no limit on what can be sold. Talk about an underground black market, huh?

FIGHTING PIT — To keep themselves strong and train apprentices, the Descendants of the Departed uses one of it's largest caves as a fighting pit. The fighting ring is surrounded by a thin river of magma that lights up the surrounding area and exhausts opponents due to it's heat. Along with this, there is an assortment of weaponry kept outside of the pit for training and the tournaments.

SACRAFICIAL LAVA POOL — In the deepest part of the cave system lies a lava pit, rumored to be the source of many of the created lava tubes or caves as all points eventually connect to it. This lava pit is used for sacrificial rituals to the below's deity. Enemies are mainly deposited here to avoid mingling them with those worthy of going to the heaven's above.

VOLCANO — The volcano is located in the north western point of the island. Some caves come out of it's bottom and side, along with active lava tube.

THE RIM — The rim is the highest part of the volcano. When a member passes away, members drag their corpse to the rim to rot. When completely decomposed or the has flesh turned into ashes due to the heat, the family members go up to the rim and take their bones to cherish.

TRADITIONS

The Descendants of the Departed focuses on dark traditions that honor their deities. The group focuses on two deities in specific. One deity focuses on the skies above, while the other represents the hell below. To honor them, they preform rituals.

REQUIEM, DEITY OF THE ABOVE — To avoid hazardous weather changes from The Above's deity, sacrifices and rituals are preformed to satisfy Requiem. — Reference

DEATH RITUAL — When a member passes away, members drag their corpse to the rim to rot. When completely decomposed or the has flesh turned into ashes due to the heat, the family members go up to the rim and take their bones to cherish.

VAYU, DEITY OF THE BELOW — The volcano's contents and underground features of the island are controlled by Vayu, the deity of The Below. In an attempt to please them, members make sacrafices in their honor. — Reference

SACRAFICES TO THE BELOW — Enemies unworthy of being harvested are taken to the sacrificial lava pool to satisfying the deity of the below. With no goodbyes in order, the bodies are then dumped into the lava pool. The enemies are then sent to 'the below,' what many call the underworld or hell.

RIGHT OF PASSAGE — In order to go from a child to an adult, the children are required to participate in the fighting pit. Regardless of age, if they defeat an opponent in the ring, they are immediately considered a mature warrior. They are then ready to participate in raids, wars, captures, and more. While this fight is not required to be to the death, children are encouraged to aim for the kill instead of letting their opponent yield.

This tradition also goes for joiners. New members to the Descendants of the Departed do not have full member status until they complete a right of passage fight. Unlike the members born in the Descendants of the Departed, this is battle IS required to be to the death to prove their worth.

SEASONAL TOURNAMENTS — Seasonal tournaments begin sign-ups on the first day of the season and are later performed within the fighting pit. The tournament works in bracket style, pairing up members and ascending through the ranks as they win. These fights are not to the death, but are encouraged to be. If your character manages to win the tournament, they are assigned a special rank for the season and are given privileges for the duration.

BODY DISPOSAL — Deceased enemies and members are used in multiple ways. Such as:

CANNIBALISM — Cannibalism is normal within the Descendants of the Departed. Due to their lack of vegetation and animals, the group often feeds on other sentient animals.

BONES AND SKULL MASKS — Nothing goes to waste. After eating the remains of another, the bones of the dead are repurposed. Many members of the group use the bones as repurposed weaponry or armor. Meanwhile, the skulls are used as masks for wartime.

FALL HARVEST — On October 1st, the Fall Harvest begins for the Descendants of the Departed. On this day, they begin preparing for a feast that occurs on the last day of October. The feast includes indulging on rarities found on the mainland, corpses of the legendary sentient animals, and more. Depending on when autumn starts, this may also overlap with the seasonal tournament.

ECLIPSES — While it's often a once in a lifetime occurrence for many, the eclipse symbolizes perfect alignment. This is when the above and the below come to together all at once, enough for the dead to appear before their eyes. With the encouragement of the dead, the Descendants of the Departed preforms their most important rituals. Each eclipse has a different theme depending on it's name (such as a blood moon), but all eclipses include mass sacrifices.

RANKING

VIZIER — The leader of the Descendants of the Departed. Their word is law and is not to be ignored. They are in charge of declaring all out war, assigning raid targets, promoting/demoting members, leading traditions.
Valerius — roleplayed by Orion

INQUISITOR — Inquisitors are directly below the leader and are the heirs to leadership. They are in charge of hosting consistent raids, managing battles, and overseeing tasks for members. If there is no decision made before death, the inquisitors will fight for leadership.
Apocalypse — roleplayed by Dio
Meteor — roleplayed by Axiom

SHAMAN — Shamans are the religious and medical heads of the group. Mainly, they practice divination and healing. These animals oversee all rituals preformed, using their knowledge to make sure they are conducted correctly. Along with this, they heal all wounded and inform others on how to dispose of bodies properly.
CHARACTER — roleplayed by

CHAPERONE — Split into two separate ranks, one assigned to the above and the below, chaperones are the group's guide to the island and the other side. Trained directly by the leader, the chaperones get to know the caves or the island's surface front to back depending on their assignment. They are in charge of leading many members to their destinations. Chaperones are also in charge of leading others to the heavens above or underworld below by preforming their assigned rituals. They are said to have a close connection to the deities and can guide one's morality to their desired place.
Anduril of The Above— roleplayed by Teef
??? of The Below — roleplayed by ???

SEASONAL TOURNAMENT WINNER —
CHARACTER — roleplayed by

WARRIORS — Mature adults who have completed their right of passage fight are known as 'warriors.' They can conduct raids, capture enemies, and participate in traditions freely.

NEOPHYTE — These outsiders have not completed their right of passage fight. They have reduced rights within the group, such as being open to violence or abuse at any time. Raids cannot be led by these members, nor can they participate in the seasonal tournament. Often times, they'll be used as servants and are under the leader directly for everyday tasks.

ALLIANCES

The Descendants of the Departed is a group with no allies. All groups are open to be attacked. While all groups are enemies, transactional alliances or neutralities may occur temporarily to gain advantages. There are currently no temporary alliances.

LAWS OF THE LAND

— The Vizier's word is absolute. Disobeying their word is under punishment of death.
— Raids can be led by all members, minus children and neophytes.
— All acts of violence are on the table. Cannibalism, slavery, maiming, killing, and more.
— With prior grievance and mutual disrespect, members are up for slaughter. Senseless violence is unpermitted.
— All BoB rules apply OOCly and ICly.

]]>

DESCENDANTS OF THE DEPARTED

HISTORY

TERRITORY

VOLCANO — The volcano is located in the north western point of the island. Some caves come out of it's bottom and side, along with active lava tube.

TRADITIONS

RANKING

ALLIANCES

LAWS OF THE LAND

]]> <![CDATA[Official Group Proposal Sign-Up]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18071 Mon, 01 Jan 2024 04:52:07 +0000 Orion]]> https://beastsofbeyond.com/showthread.php?tid=18071
We will also be welcoming former groups, including official groups, to be included in this. Current leaders of these groups have priority, but if they do not wish to proceed or have fallen inactive, then their revamp is up to the community.

Currently, there is no deadline.

To apply, fill out this form:

Code:
[url=LINK TO GROUP GUIDE][b]GROUP NAME[/b][/url]

Short description of the group:

Provide an animal that will represent your group:

Leader:

Leader's roleplayer:

Groups So Far:
- The Covenant
- Descendants of the Departed
- The Sakura Order
- Emerald Isles
- The Coven of the Akaldama
- Congregants of Genesis
- The Horde
- The Pitt]]>
We will also be welcoming former groups, including official groups, to be included in this. Current leaders of these groups have priority, but if they do not wish to proceed or have fallen inactive, then their revamp is up to the community.

Currently, there is no deadline.

To apply, fill out this form:

Code:
[url=LINK TO GROUP GUIDE][b]GROUP NAME[/b][/url]

Short description of the group:

Provide an animal that will represent your group:

Leader:

Leader's roleplayer:

Groups So Far:
- The Covenant
- Descendants of the Departed
- The Sakura Order
- Emerald Isles
- The Coven of the Akaldama
- Congregants of Genesis
- The Horde
- The Pitt]]>