METEOR

The ram-horned lion stalked through the trees. Despite the autumn leaf fall, his paws fell silently. It was an amusing challenge, walking silently, amongst these trees. The Big Island’s tropical ecosystem didn’t have this seasonal challenge. But, of course, the cannibal’s island didn’t have wild boar bothering hapless villagers.

Meteor’s tail swished. There are, he considers, strange ways to succeed as an intelligent carnivore.

Would a not-sentient lion understand how to win a negotiation such that he receives payment for taking what he needs? The smell of boar was heavy. He continued along the trail of beaten-down undergrowth and upturned soil.

Am I as greedy as a wild boar? He didn’t particularly care whether that statement is true or not. The not-sentient boar are too stupid; they consume thoughtlessly, which makes them too bothersome to the nearby civilization. Selected to be culled. Perhaps these boar could talk. Perhaps they couldn’t. Regardless, Meteor didn’t care; he’s getting paid by the head, and each head comes with a roastable meat.

Piggy noises from the left.

Meteor stopped. His tail flicked. He glanced to Kole. And grinned. Finally, the hiking was over, and the hunting could begin.

.

METEOR

The horned lion squinted at the Serpent’s Maw statue in Serpentvale. The choice of two different gemstones—sapphire and tiger's eye—interested him.

When Meteor and Kole had arrived in Serpentvale, the lion had expected to wait. He hated being patient. However, one of the locals had directed the two cannibals to the Serpent’s Maw. No doubt to keep the cannibals occupied and out of trouble. Perhaps even to try showing off the minerals and ores which Emerald Isles would likely want to offer in trade, but Meteor wasn’t interested in metal. The cannibals did just fine with bone and obsidian.

He was intent on studying the statue as a work of art. The indents in the metal to suggest scales. The exaggerated fangs of the serpent. Meteor had to wonder if the artist would have devoted such hours of detail work into the sculpture if the artist had met one of the snake supremacy assholes on Viper Island.

To Kole, he inclined his head with a half-smirk. “Do you think the artist meant to convey one of the serpent’s eyes is blind? Sapphire looks… almost… milky.” Meteor glanced back at the serpent. Dead Eye’s dead eye was actual milky white, but something about the sapphire….

But the lion shrugged. Glanced back at Kole. And the half-smirk grew to flash his left fangs. Meteor thought he’d hate this waiting around diplomacy bullshit. And he probably would—even with the statue—if this didn’t feel so much like a goddamn night out with his boyfriend.

.

Nord speaking -- crystal wyvern -- Extra Character Speaking

Emerald Isles

Mining Weirdos™ Crystalline growths on people?? More likely than you think!

CURRENLY UNAVAILABLE

Emerald Isles is home to a mountain range that curls around Amespring as if the range is a curled up, sleeping "dragon". Many mining entrances and exits litter the mountain system. The "head" of the "dragon" is Eido's Hope Lake, and the "wing" of the "dragon" is Sahkō's Remorse Lake. There is no way to enter Amespring unless you travel through Crystwell or Aethold.

─ Clayhorn.
Clayhorn is a low income area due to rural-ness, is where the majority of farms are for the group. Has harvest celebrations across the entire group during harvest season. Usually involves drinking, games, and friendly sparring. Lush green fields and meadows stretch far here. Agriculture reigns here compared to the usual mining of this group.
─ Deadspire.
Deadspire a mining poor area near the peak of the mountain. It is a gathering place for high ranks. There is always someone lost over the years by dares of who can reach the peak and return, so it's said to be cursed by the gods. Many cave systems spider through here, all leading to dead ends. A labyrinth to keep those unwelcome out when meetings are had.
-> Taika's Sorrow is home to a molten pool of lava in the exact middle of the cave system. It burns hot and never ends. The inflow is unknown, but it is said that Taika wept continuously for days and weeks after news of Sahkō's death reached her. It's said her body melted with each tear; in so, creating the pool of molten liquid.
─ Sapphfall.
Sapphfall, where Sahkō was slain in battle by Eidos. Became a grave for all crystalline people. Hallowed ground where Eidos begged to be buried next to his sworn brother. Sapphire Solstice takes place here during the night, where it's a day of remembrance, of warning, and brotherhood.
-> Mogok's Hearth is an ornate, yet small, cathedral that rests here as well. Mogok built this cathedral during the faction war as a place of refuge when Sahkō cast him from his ranks.
─ Diacrest.
Diacrest has a few diamond forged structures as it is said to be where Vajra was last seen on earth. Considered a very wealthy and population thick city. Very few actual miners, mostly raiders who have built up a massive treasury of their own. Usually very dismissive of issues and hates anything that is out of the norm. Has been warned several times for being so volatile during council meetings.
-> Vajra's Judgement is an area of cliffs that the Isles members use to jump from for dares and for fun. It's considered dangerous, and the only place where the ocean is accessible. You must travel through Faylight to get here, the cliffs are visible from Diacrest's edge.
─ Crystwell.
Crystwell is where all the quartz (amethysts, topazs, jaspers, etc) are mined. Occasional pyrite and rubies are found as well. Rare is actual metals found here beyond copper. Carved crystals in the shape of wings mark where mining posts are inside the mine. The wings are made of what main material is found there.
-> This is one way to get to Amespring from Serpentvale.
─ Serpentvale.
Serpentvale is said to have been where Sahkō and Taika struck down a giant serpent, causing it to split into thousands of smaller snakes. A beast that took several days and nights to slay. Sahkō swore and stomped the ground, swearing he'd fix it. He made his home here until the faction war tore the whole group apart. This is a cozy village where most training takes place. Huge fields that have been cut and primed for combat are here. Any law invoked duels take place here as well.
-> Serpent's Maw is a shrine to Sahkō and Taika where the fangs and skin of the snakes are offered, as snakes run rampant even still in modern days in Serpentvale. This shrine is named "Serpent's Maw" as the shrine is in the shape of a snake's open mouth with sapphire and tiger's eye inlaid in the eyes.
─ Amespring.
Amespring is where Eidos made this the main city in the heart of the area. With bustling trainees, miners hard at work, and raiders preparing for raids and sparring. There's much to be had here. This is where the Sovran lives, and all diplomacy happens. Nestled next to a diamond shaped lake this place rarely has seen the ravages of war despite being the heart of the land.
-> Samar Plaza is where a huge spinel is carved into a rose which makes up the entire plaza. This is where meetings happen and where other sorts of types of meetings take place unless specified otherwise.
─ Faylight.
Faylight is an unusual place where bioluminescent minerals and mushrooms live. This is between Sapphfall and the "tail" of the mountain range. Many couples have entered to obtain an offering for their beloved. It is said that Feray imbued her powers into the cave when Mogok was lost in the inky dark cave system. Mogok was trying to find a fabled weapon, but found only darkness and the blessing of the goddess. This is the only way to travel to Vajra's Judgement.
─ Aethold.
Aethold is where all the main metals are mined, and the more expensive minerals. It is mineral heavy and said to be blessed by Aether as a gift when Eidos slayed Sahkō. Eidos refused it as a gift, and begged for it to be a reward for all of the Isles for wishing to be united once again after such a long, bloody war. Complying, Aether took Eidos plea into consideration when she blessed the land. The cave system spans the entire territory and links into Crystwell at some point in the system.
-> This is one way to get to Amepring from Clayhorn.
─ Eido's Hope Lake
This is a diamond shaped lake in which is used by Amespring and Clayhorn. The lake was filled by Eido's tears from slaying Sahkō and is considered a water source for the Isles. Small streams and rivers are fueled by this lake.
-> Eido's Tears is a river/stream that circles Amespring. It's said that the river started in Sapphfall where Eido's cried.
─ Sahkō's Remorse Lake
A wing shaped lake that borders Serpentvale. This is a lake that Sahkō dug out with the help to make Serpentvale more sustainable for the residents. It's said that the lake changed shape upon Sahkō's death to reflect his remorse as a wing of change.
─ Rivers & Mountains
The rivers/streams contain freshwater crabs/shellfish, eels, pike, shad, salmon (rarely), gars (rarely), and bass. Eels are most commonly barbecued and eaten for victory or for something good happening (like katsudon). Gar and salmon are prepared for celebrations when in season and able to be caught.

The mountains themselves offer many animals for hunting and be-friending; including, deer, rams/goats, moose, squirrels, bears, birds, and boar among many others.

─ Masks
Masks are for the deceased of the Isles. Considered the "remains" of the deceased, every house has at least one Mask that hangs on a wall. One for each person who's died that's close to you. It's said that putting them on will cause you to be possessed by that spirit and become them. Isles mythos says that Feray and Dismas seal those unworthy of the afterlife into them. It's said wandering spirits can also possess a mask to make it theirs, which could give you a blessing or cause you to change shape.
─ Jewelry
Each member has some sort of jewelery on their person that identifies them as a Crystalline. The jewelry for titles and achievements always has a stone that matches them in terms of gems/minerals.
─ Singing
Singing is very important to their culture. They love acapella, basic percussion instruments, and those who can articulate their paws/claws usually are trained in how to play the ocarina. Mining songs, raiding songs, mourning hymns, hymns about the gods, percussion for mud-wrestling, etc.
─ Cliff Diving
Cliff diving is a common dare that many Crystalline do, usually from smaller cliffs, but some dare to go for the high cliffs. Many like the thrill of gambling with their life, and many like just practicing diving. This is the only ocean activity they do beyond occasional ocean fishing (rare). The cliffs otherwise block all ways of leaving the shore without risk of injury (and destruction of any kind of vessels).
─ Call of the hunt
RAIDING SEASON. This is an instated practice that Eidos made after the end of the war. Dredgers and the Reaver will be allowed to go out and raid anywhere but current allies. The practice is to keep their spirit of fighting alive and remember their roots. Rarely do they kill during these raids, but some do take it too far. People who are captured are brought to Amespring to be appraised by the Alchemist and Lieutenant before being offered Bondslave or prisoner status, or used as bargaining chips for more potential loot. This takes place all through out Spring and Summer (April to August).
─ Sapphire's Solstice
A mournful yet soft celebration. A day to mourn Sahkō's turn against his sworn brother and being slain with a howl of remorse. This is a day of cautionary tales, and stories of when Eidos and Sahkō were uniting the tribes. Shops sell sapphire candy and sapphire jewelry.
─ Emerald's Equinox
A festival on the longest day of the year where they celebrate Eido's rise to power. It's a very joyful occasion with lots of games and storytelling. Lots of stalls selling emerald candy and emerald style jewelry.
─ Blood Bond Ceremony
A celebration/ceremony that brings together those with no blood ties together. Sworn brothers, sworn sisters, and such are sworn during. Blood mixed and oaths kept till their dying breaths.
─ Writ of Azure
A combat duel to the death when those proclaim they can rule better than the Sovran, the high positions, and title holders. This is too the death usually, and rarely is it known. For it led to many tyrannies, that it has been scratched from history. Only is it mentioned when tyrant history is told.
─ Dismas' Duel
A combat duel to surrender where people settle their grievances if they wish through trial by combat. Once invoked, there must be one high rank as a witness. Loser must comply with the complaints or demands of the winner.
─ Mud-wrestling
A standard practice for when one completes training, gains a promotion, or just simply for the fun of it! A time and tried old tradition where everyone makes a giant mud arena, and they take turns battling it out! Wrestling this way is good to bring up morale, bond with others, and remember their roots as fighters.
─ Sahkō's Hunt
The Sovran hides several objects in the territory. You must find as many objects as they can. This is a fun little thing like mud wrestling! It is used as both a game and strategy practice. This is done through quests, there will be a long list of items to find. The person with the most items from the list wins!
─ Crystalline Pursuit Discord VC One-Shot Campaign
A yearly November activity that is done by digging 3 main bases out of the deep snow when Serpentvale is snowed in. These main bases cannot see each other, as they are under the snow. There are a total of 3 crystals that are to be captured, and they can be ambushed for or stolen from someone as they're taking it back to base. The first to have 3 crystals on top their main base wins. During this, it's encouraged to use snowballs and the environment to attack as this is a training exercise as much as a fun activity.
─ Aether's Lament
End of the year and beginning of the year (December and January) festival. Gift giving and festivities are all around. Celebration of the All Mother and the asking of blessings from different Gods/Goddesses.
─ Mascot & Sacred Animals
The Isles mascot is an alligator lizard! They love lizards, praying manti, dragonflies, and fireflies. They consider gars sacred as well.

The story of the Isles creation is cut into two parts: Eidos and Sahko, the Gods of Brotherhood.

Eidos ── Eidos was a beloved oathkeeper who hoarded treasures and preferred to stay out of combat to count his loot. His thoughts angled more towards tactics then just the standard "run and hit things". This brought Eidos favor from the elders and the people, for his plans never failed. His trusted sworn brother, Sahkō, executed those battle plans to perfection. He glowed with pride and together they preformed many raids to foreign places, and found themselves uniting factions that were impressed with their skills.

Until...Eidos was chosen to be Sovran over Sahkō. The people voted, and the elders voted, yet it was so split that one person's vote for Eidos won him the prestigious title. This caused Sahkō to spit in anger, swearing vengeance against someone he once considered in all but blood a brother. For, Eidos agreed, Sahkō deserved the title more due to his prowess in battle and ability for adapting quickly when things were thrown in disarray.

He slain his own sworn brother.

He could never repent for his sins.

He wailed into the night and bargained with the gods to let him see his old friend again as his tears made a sweeping river across the land.

He ruled and ruled until he died in the night.

His joy to be reunited with Sahkō was seen across the lands in the how bountiful their mining hauls are, in how the river of tears sparkled in a new light, and how if you listen close enough...you can hear the two brothers laughing over old times on the wind during the Call of the Hunt.

Sahkō ── A zealous chieftain of the olden times. A god among men for he could win every war, every battle, every time. His outrage was immense when Eidos was chosen over him to rule their new lands. He was chosen brothers with Eidos, yet his jealousy festered until it spilled over into the Isles splitting into two factions: Sapphires & Emeralds.

Sahkō had no qualms cutting down past allies, their old friends and sworn siblings. Eidos on the other hand was hesitate. They mourned every fallen comrade on both sides, for Sahkō turned their beautiful land into a war torn land fueled by hatred and jealousy.

When Sahkō was cutdown, his soul was sent to the Twins to judge. Taking pity on how his jealousy turned him dark, they cleansed him by sealing his anger into a mask; which, they gave to Eidos. Sahkō was mournful as he watched Eidos wail into the night, his blood staining his brother's sword, his brother's hands. He watched as a sparkling river was made as Eidos wept, filling a diamond shaped basin. His heart ached for what his deeds wrought.

All he could do now was patiently await for when they finally could reunite.

Aether ── All Mother of the Crystalline; she is the main deity. Aether always favored Eidos over Sahkō, which led to a small split of the Gods.

Feray ── The Goddess of the night, and of souls. She exacts judgement alongside her twin, Dismas, when determining whether a soul is freed or trapped in a mask.

Dismas ── The God of the day, and of repentance. He exact judgement alongside his twin, Feray, when determining whether a soul is freed or trapped in a mask.

Samar ── Goddess of luck and fortitude. She is usually depicted with a harp. She is known to be mischievous as well, and is often prayed to for luck.

Taika ── Goddess of war and strategy. She was Sahkō's love back on the earth. She is known to be brutal and ruthless in battle, and is called upon when in war. Or by little kids who are playing stories of the past.

Parana ── Goddess of nature and fertility. There are many small shrines to Parana through out the Isles. Farmers, mothers, and many others who rely on nature, often pray to her. It's said that she sings to dying plants to help them bloom and animals to aid their souls to the Twins.

Mogok ── God of empathy and hearth. Mogok originally took Sahkō's side out of empathy during the faction war until he was ruthlessly cast aside after revealing from his assignment that a fabled weapon didn't exist.

Vajra ── God of justice and law. Harsh he is when him and the Twins pass judgement on those who have died. Known to butt heads with Aether for he thinks he should be the All Father, and because he favored Sahkō.

1. All Beasts of Beyond rules apply.
2. While it is not required, there's a slight preference for cystal growths that are part of a character, or eventually will grow on a character in the Isles. Crystal growths aren't necessary though!
3. Joining is done through various different ways, but usually by combat. Those with skills other than combat will be tested in those skills instead (ie: blacksmithing, weaving, leatherworking, healing, etc) that can contribute to the Isles.
4. Failure to listen to the Sovran is grounds for punishment, mild or severe, depending on the crime.
5. During Call of the Hunt, kills are heavily taboo and can come with severe punishment.
6. Trial by combat, Dismas' Duel, is the way of dealing with accusations, law, and disagreements. Killing during this duel is considered grounds for exile.
7. Slavery is not allowed as indentured servitude allows for freedom.
8. Execution is reserved for the worst of crimes.

Emerald Isles is only a Warbound group during Call of the Hunt, where they raid anyone but allies. Otherwise, the Isles are considered a relatively neutral group otherwise. They heavily rely on trade and merchants that go out of the group.

Allies
TBA
Neutral
TBA
Enemies
TBA

Sovran ── leader
-- The Sovran can basically do anything within the realms of the law. Wears some kind of Strawberry Quartz jewelry alongside any other jewelry.
Nord, played by wifewoof

Lieutenant ── deputy
-- The Lieutenant is the right hand of the Sovran, and takes over when the Sovran dies. They can also temporarily be Sovran if they are missing. They enforce the laws, may hold raids, and events as well as accept any alliance-based invitations or ideas from members of the clan. They assist and advise the Sovran. Referred to as "Lieutenant Name."Wears some kind of Sapphire jewelry alongside any other jewelry.
character, played by roleplayer

Alchemist ── healer
-- The Alchemist is the groups main healer. They take on many apprentices to share among the guild. Rare is there more than two apprentices though. They are only allowed to hold medical events as well hold smaller event ideas from Crystalline. They may also hold funerals as well as weddings. Referred to as "Alchemist Name." Wears some kind of Emerald jewelry alongside any other jewelry.
character, played by roleplayer

Alchemist Assistant ── healer app.
The apprentice of the Alchemist. They are the healers in training that work alongside the Alchemist. They are allowed to hold medical events as well as hold smaller event ideas from the Crystalline. They may offer help with funerals and weddings. Referred to as 'Assistant Name." Wears some kind of Peridot jewelry alongside any other jewelry.
character, played by roleplayer
character, played by roleplayer

Blacksmith ── title
Blacksmith is responsible for maintaining the mines and smithing of the group. They cannot do any of the high position responsibilities, but they handle all major smithing and mining issues. They are allowed to create mining and smithing training events and upkeep mines/smithing. They are generally the best blacksmith of the group. Referred to as ''Blacksmith Name." Those who work under the Blacksmith are called a "smithy." Wears some kind of Snowflake Obsidian jewelry alongside any other jewelry.
character, played by roleplayer

Reaver ── title
Reaver is responsible for all raids and combat exercises. They take care of warfare, tactics, planning, and other types of things. They are allowed to create training/tourney events for the group, accept/deny raids, and send out raiding parties. Referred to as "Reaver Name." Those who work under the Reaver are called a "Dredger." Wears some kind of Ruby jewelry alongside any other  jewelry.
character, played by roleplayer

Hawker ── title
Hawker is responsible for hunting, farming, and crafting. They cannot do any of the high position responsibilities, but they can handle all hunting related issues, all farming related issues, and all crafting related issues. They are also the main crafting head for any projects the Isles undertakes; ie, boats, housing, etc. They are allowed to create hunting parties, botany workshops, and crafting workshops. Referred to as "Hawker Name." Those who work under the Hawker are called a "Trawler." Wears some kind of Gold Calcite jewelry alongside any other jewelry.
character, played by roleplayer

Paragons ── tag
Paragons are not truly a title, but are a stepping stone for titles. Paragons are diligent Crystalline that wish to eventually become a title or high rank. The duties of a Paragon fall under small responsibilities like running mini-events, monthly/weekly tasks, and smaller activities (including organizing raids once approved by the Reaver). Referred to as "Paragon Name." Wears some kind of Bismuth jewelry alongside any other jewelry.
character, played by roleplayer

Crystalline ── common folk
Crystalline are the common people of this group, as in those without titles and ranks. Can wear any mineral, gem, etc, so long as it isn't connected to a rank.
[unlimited]

Bondslave ── indentured servants
Bondslaves, despite the name, are not slaves. Bonds still get paid, and work towards being a citizen of the Isles. Captured prisoners undergo this rank, and can either choose to be a citizen or leave to their original home. Wears some kind of Smoky Quartz jewelry (can be kept or discarded once no longer a Bondslave).
character, played by roleplayer

─ Nord's Reign
Nord's reign started with a Writ of Azure against the previous Sovran, Jade. Nord is popular due to fixing all the corruption from Jade that targeted and hurt the people. Nord is beloved, even if some question his choice to be more aggressive towards groups outside of raiding season.