< atton revisited > The information page for Atton has been fully revised and updated with the new map!
< updated calendar > The Fortuna calendar has been updated in the "Other" lore section! This includes a document which displays the calendar for you to see, making it much easier to understand.
< moving map > The first functional map has been released in the News section! This map is also interactive, allowing you to drag and drop between points in order to determine distances. This is the first iteration, and there's more and better to come!
< first annual awards > The results for the First Annual Fortuna Year-End Awards have been posted! Go and take a look at who the finalists were, and who took home the big prizes!
< new default skin > Our new skin has passed the beta test, and is now the new Default for the forums! If you have any issues with this skin, send a PM or Discord to Mellie.
< human lore update > Humans have been updated with TWENTY-FIVE subraces/subcultures which add numerous options, and a little extra lore and flavour.
< magic lore update > Magical Lore has been enhanced with the addition of a post on Magical Education. From Beginner to Expert, this is how you learn the spells.
< a change to member groups > Member groups are now based on storyline! You can change your displayed storyline by editing the settings in your profile.
Welcome to the world of Fortuna, a land of fantastic proportions. This is an original fantasy roleplay that takes place in a world developed over nearly a decade of work and collaboration. We aim to encourage all participants to have a hand in the stories of the characters here, and the world around them. Your choices are key - so make them with pride. You decide who wins the wars, you decide who becomes King, the world is ours, and together we will bring it to life!
The cold wind rushed across the water and onto shore where it pushed its way into the spaces between the threads of his clothing. The biting air sent a chill through him, from head to toe, and set a grimace on his face. He hated the cold, snow, winter...all of it. What was the point of it, to maintain the insect population of the world? Rubbish. He should have just stayed in Fiamont. He sure did fit in there a whole lot more than here. His lightly olive skin was much darker than those who lived in the north, but every place he had ever been had been inhabited by a variety of folks. In his youth, it had been so important to blend in, as a 14-year-old kid out and about without parents (when he was obviously "not from around here") was grounds for being taken into the system. It wasn't something he wanted then, and the need to blend was inherently important. Now that he was grown and would no longer be placed with some family to work for and live with so that "he could have a successful future," the need to blend in didn't matter but old habits and all that. So as he stood along the docks being tan and cold while those around him seemed unfazed behind light eyes and pale faces rattled him.
Nyle Conary Shanahan was a lively 25-year-old, lean muscles rippled under his tanned skin from years of work, trades that were more varied than similar. and rarely repeated. He had learned to be a quick study of the tasks required of him. It did him no good to be let go for incompetence. His face was chiseled, and if he had kept it clean shaven he would look like the noble-classic and clean cut. But that had not been his life, He worked hard for what little he had, and his face mirrored that ideology, with rugged, but kept facial hair. Everything about his outward appearance was to get work-- It had always been easy for him, people just trusted him, his word. He didn't think much of it-- but it didn't always make hi the most likable with the others for-hires around. The Festival of Peace had been no different. The Festival, yes, it was why he was bearing with the cold. putting up with the discomfort. he could make enough money this month to not have to work nearly as hard the rest of the year. So far he had made a decent profit and the festival was well underway, with a week left to really bring it home.
The Son of Sriae stood on the docks, having just finished his most recent hired job. Some rich woman had bought enough at the shops to fill a small house wall to wall floor to ceiling. He had been part of her packing crew, he helped move everything from the shops to her large ship that was anchored at this pier. It had been a short gig, but the money was decent and didn't interfere with anything else. But now that it was over, he had to go find more work. Perhaps the shop keepers in town needed help with extra inventory. So, he turned from the cold breeze that came from the seas and headed back inland, it was a bit of a walk, so he kept his eyes alert for opportunities, or danger-- you never knew what was around the corner.
OOC: tryingto figure out how to do CSS to BBcode so sorry if it's a mit of a mess for a minute.
Post by Markus Woodrow on Dec 20, 2016 12:51:26 GMT -7
Early Evening on the 12th The Winter Storm, 5152
The Docks of Tarifa, Aissic
As much as he knew it was necessary for him to play the foreign diplomat, Woodrow needed a break. The last few weeks had been so busy, and traveling from Submiere to the frozen chill of Aissic had been... Interesting. Perhaps not until the last few hours. The hours just before now.
He had left others in charge of monitoring the unload of their equipment, had sent an assistant to bring his luggage to Asmin ahead of him, sent his personal guards away, and had abandoned the chance to pull Tehodis into a carriage to discuss what had happened. He didn't want to. He wanted her to simple forget it, and leave it at that. But that couldn't happen - so instead, he would permit himself a moment alone. Something he rarely enjoyed. But here in Aissic, during the festival, the streets were crawling with peacekeepers, guards, and military professionals. If there was a place he could be safe, it was here.
Woodrow mused about the last time he had done his own, lonely patrol. It was actually the day he met Tehodis. There had been reports of pirates stowing away on a vessel coming from Eleusia. His men were not permitted on board initially, but he had sweet-talked his own way on for a cursory check. He found no pirates - but he had found Tehodis. He thought at first she might be one of them, planned on arresting her, but when she offered her name... Well, he knew exactly who it was Tristan Cowell was looking for. He had been asked to help find her. In return, he had wanted offices in Malscure. The offer had been refused. And... There was Tehodis, right in front of him. A perfect pawn.
Oh how things could change.
He walked along without the clothes that could note his nobility, without the badge to note his allegiance, he was a just a man for these few hours. A man who--
Woodrow collided with another man, knocking the other to the ground, and ruining Woodrow's musings. His first reaction was to scowl at the man, to advise him to know his place, to tell him to watch his steps... But no. He wanted to be someone else, just for a while. He offered his hand to the man to help him up - free of its usual noble rings - and then an apology, "I'm sorry, I was lost in thought and ran you right over. Are you alright?" Yes, that seemed like another person.
OOC: Hope it's okay that I picked a date for this thread!
Last Edit: Dec 20, 2016 12:52:09 GMT -7 by Markus Woodrow
So much for being aware and staying under the radar. Nyle was on his ass before he knew it. His plain coat was covered with snow and mud from the traffic that had picked up then deposited the debris from elsewhere. A heavy sigh escaped his lips which were parted just enough for the air to escape; their hue slightly more red than usual as they were cold and wind chapped. A gloved hand brushed the snow off and attempted to rub out any marks of dirt so that he didn't have to return to his room at the inn to wash the heavy coat instead of finding work for tomorrow. look clean and approachable. The self-imposed rule ticked off in his mind, he had a ton of them, each one kept him safe, and employed, or at least Nyle believed so. As he brushed the rest of the snow off of him and looked over his coat, he decided it would be alright and would be alright for another day. The vagabond's honey colored eyes looked for the reason for his sudden decline in altitude, to find a hand extended. From his vantage point, the hand was attached to a tall man with long black hair and cool eyes. He was dressed plain enough, though his clothes were obviously made by a more skilled tailor than some could afford, at least in Nyle's opinion. The man's smile was sincere, though it didn't quite reach his eyes, Nyle nodded his acceptance of the help and reached forward and just beyond the stranger's hand to grasp his wrist. Trained muscles lifted his weight with ease, though not that anyone could tell due to the bulk of his coat. The man offered an apology, and Nyle smiled at the man before replying in kind, ”No, no. I was distracted looking for a particular shop I wish to patron.”
The nameless man was in close proximity, and a floral feminine scent came to Nyle’s nostrils, the man had said he had been in thought, nothing causes thought like that but a woman. A wry smile transformed his lips, ”You in the dog house with your lady?” He let the surprise or confusion or whatever initial thought go through him, but he held the man’s gaze, he found he got the truth when he did so. No one had ever told him he was an Aaismar, or that he was graced with the blood of Sriae, that he had the ability to make people trust him, in whatever aspect their interaction might be regarding. Maybe his parents were going to tell him at some point but died before they could. Maybe they didn’t know, he never had a marking of the gods, and the trust that many implicitly just had in him could have been chalked up to his outgoing nature and upbringing to that point. As an independent, he had gotten jobs and entry into restricted areas more easily than many others and found himself able to barter better wages and fares for his services. Since Nyle had always had the abilities he never thought of it as anything odd. Nyle added to clarify, ”Unless you make a habit of smelling of poppies and other such delicate aromas.” Sure it was a little bold, but if he was wrong and it was a passerby then no damage was done, and if he was right, well who hasn’t been in trouble with a lady at some point, it was a universal bonding topic for most males. It would be another bit of information he could use to gain employment (every encounter is an opportunity)
Boot covered feet turned to walk towards the town center, as he tilted his head in an invitation to the unknown man to join him. The tall wanderer listened to the answer that the unknown gave before remembering he hadn’t offered his name, and here he was having a friendly stroll with the man. ”Oh, where are my manners. I’m Nyle, I’m here for the festival, yourself? OK OK, it wasn’t the whole truth but, know more about your company than they know of you. It was yet another rule, and he was dutiful in keeping them. Nyle made sure his amber-brown eyes were attentive for each answer, it was only the respectful and good mannered thing to do. As they walked they passed shops and restaurants, Nyle remembered that he really ought to get to the job hunt. However, his stomach grumbled forcing the realization he hadn't ate since he leftthe inn that morning... and something told him that maybe this man had an opportunity with waiting for. "Fancy a meal?"
OOC: Oh that’s fine, I didn’t know that was a thing. This world is a little more involved/detailed than what I am used too. So I’ll take all the pointers/hints/info. Thanks for posting with the newb, who doesn't quite have it all together yet
Last Edit: Dec 20, 2016 21:59:50 GMT -7 by Deleted
Post by Markus Woodrow on Dec 21, 2016 17:15:10 GMT -7
Huh. The man who looked at Woodrow seemed almost like a friend. Certainly Woodrow had never met the man before. He was wonderful with faces. And yet... He felt an innate want to trust the man. And the fact that he was so easily able to read what was ailing Woodrow... Well, that was just another piece of the curious puzzle. "Yes, actually," He answered, almost compelled to. He followed along with the man, pleased to have found some pleasant company.
"We've come to the festival together, actually. I'm Lord Woodrow, of the Sumish Sea Peacekeepers Brigade, and the Feifdom of Eersaeb in Submiere--" Wait, hadn't he wanted to pretend to be someone else? Well, by the same token he had also wanted to trust this man. He'd wanted to enjoy his company. He accepted the offer for a meal, and the two went inside, where Woodrow would continue regaling Nyle with his problems. "I don't understand what's happening with her, honestly. She was so... Angry about something that was hardly even my fault, and she's been holding it against me ever since. It's awful, since all I can really think about is the fact that I want to take her as my bride and have her bear my children. And yet... At the same time... Well, she recently lost an arm - only slightly my fault - and now I'm questioning even that desire. A diviner told me that she would certainly be the one to bear my child, so I know that I'm right in my feelings of love... But her lack of an arm is honestly disgusting. Just brushing my hand over it gives me chills and I--" He stopped himself suddenly, wondering why he had trusted this man so much, "My apologies, good sir. Here I am baring my soul and I've yet to learn your name. I'm not certain where my mind is gone to. I suppose she's had a much more intense effect on me than I could have even guessed."
Cold was my soul, untold was the pain. I faced when you left me a rose in the rain
Ever so subtly, like that of the changing seasons, the man opened up. Slow at first, just the eyes- no longer cold and unsmiling. They warmed, brightened, opened up as his soul seemed to come forward. The man spilled forth, his true self was there on the surface a royal in disguise. Nyle was surprised by this and surely it showed on his features momentarily. But the composure he had spent a life refining came back quickly, as his mind raced with ideas as to how to spin this encounter for his own benefit. Surely a Lord such as he had the need for an assistant, trusted advisor, manual laborer, Nyle did not mind starting at the bottom. The two walked, and Woodrow talked, and talked. He shared his purpose for the visit to the festival, and some troubles he was having. As they went his royal companion accepted the invitation to a meal and soon found themselves in a pub. Once seated Nyle gestured for 2 ales to be delivered by a young lady who was working there. Woodrow continued his story and Nyle did little to disrupt him, instead only nodding in interest, keeping the Lord open to continue, but even then his story ended with a “coming clear” he seemed to leave tunnel of the story and come back to the present. Nyle simply smiled, shaking a hand to disagree with any idea that Woodrow had been rude. ”No, no, your lordship, I assure you it is perfectly fine, woman make us do crazy things.”
The pub was busy for the odd hour, but given the festival it shouldn’t have been as surprising. The lady came back with the ale in due time, and Nyle was quick to give her a charming smile and a wink when he ordered some food as well, she was attractive enough and it had been awhile… well, lets just say he was setting up his later endeavors.It was just a moment, and just like that he was back to Woodrow, working his charm, and people skills, or so he thought. ”So my lord, I wish I could offer some true advice for your lady problems. My travels keep me from getting too involved, but I find honesty keed the fair maidens from being cross when I leave after a time. They get attached , but I always have to leave. At least I can say I told them the day would come… but I’ve never stayed long enough to encounter such complications that you speak of. I may not be great with the women related advice, I have other skills. People just tend to trust me, I think you might agree there? I feel bad I am so litle help to you here, maybe I could assist you some other way?
A shameless plug, and not an outright probe for a job but a foot in the door. Nyle was unafraid to make a wager to seal the deal… but first, to hook the bait.
tag: @pride words: ## template by eliza @ tb & adoxography
Post by Markus Woodrow on Jan 3, 2017 12:12:07 GMT -7
Woodrow had confused himself. This man was friendly, certainly, but Woodrow was not the type to pour his soul into anyone who he happened to crash into. He attempted to school his features to normal, offering a small wave and smile to those who recognized him and felt excitement at it. The pub was crowded enough that he supposed he would be free from such frustrations for a time... Even if it meant he'd be sipping on such poor drink.
And then there was the man sitting with him. He had yet to introduce himself, and so Woodrow had no name for him... Just a strange feeling that he ought to trust the man. But why? The more Woodrow thought of it, he worried he was under the effects of enchantment but -- he adjusted his sleeves, the cufflinks still in place. Cufflinks made to permit the wearer to resist enchantment spells. So this was no spell. It was something else... And as the man asked him for some way to assist him, Woodrow's mind screamed 'yes', and he had to restrain himself.
"Well I suppose that depends," He managed instead, not saying no - not finding it in himself to say no - but allowing his suspicions to control him more than his instincts... But then he thought of it. Perhaps this man had this effect on others. That could be worthwhile. More than worthwhile. He took a sip of the disgusting ale and continued, "What kind of work experience have you, Mister...?"
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