In a fantasy setting(dragons, griffons, etc), a royal family has the tradition where the King abdicates the throne once the crown heir reaches a certain age, usually the "out with the old, in with the new". Unfortunately, the heir hasn't quite found their future partner, and whilst it's not unheard of for the heir to take the throne without a spouse, it's considered bad luck.
So, to remedy this, the king decides to host a grand festival, both in honor of the heir's upcoming birthday, and to invite various noble houses to see if any of the potential partners might catch the prince's fancy. A series of banquets over the weeks leading up to the heir’s coronation, all with hopes to find the future spouse and ruler, along with whatever activities the heir and the potential partners might do during the day should they strike the fancy.
Sadly, the heir discovers as the days pass just how vapid many of the noblemen/women are. Sure, most are quite beautiful and any one of them would make for an excellent “trophy spouse”, but things like luxurious hair, innocent eyes, and whatever other physical traits would eventually wane in time, so they want to find someone interesting. They doesn’t know what that really entails, but someone with some personality. Someone who doesn’t wish to be a just a cute little doll beside them, someone who might be able to hold a meaningful conversation or challenge them from time to time… Someone different!
Well, one evening wishes are seemingly answered when the court herald announces the arrival of an unknown woman. A warrior from the North. She is from neither a kingdom nor house the heir is familiar with. Needless to say, what meets them certainly grabs their attention… [enough so to ignore the rumors about how the northern folk are, allegedly, savage monsters].
The idea is that my character (A shapeshifter: Werewolf in this case) comes to the kingdom, not for the festivities, but as a diplomat from her tribe/kingdom/ etc. Trying to help form a diplomatic relationship and the timing just so happens to be during this festival. Very different cultures. She would not be what the kingdom normally considers "beautiful". Still striking. Scars on face/body and wearing armor kind of thing. She's trying to make alliances [the southerners have more resources, namely farmlands, mines, proper smithies, etc].
Sushibuttt
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 6:49 pm
Character Skeleton
Name: Age: Race: (ex. Human, Werewolf, etc) Culture: (This would describe the over-arching lifestyle, beliefs, etc. Ex. if a culture reveres a certain creature like a griffon or something) Physical Appearance: (Things like height and eye-color) Family: History/Bio: Other: (This would be a place for things like favored weapons or other details you want to give.)
The Fox Tamer Captain
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The Fox Tamer Captain
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Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 6:50 pm
The Fox Tamer's Character(s)
Name:Raylan Nighthallow Age:25 Race:Werewolf (Appears Human) Kingdom/Tribe/Clan:Fenric Clan (Symbol = Wolf head) Physical Appearance:5’7”, Muscular build, Emerald Green Eyes, Auburn hair, Body covered in many Marks (imagine tribal style) and scars, most notable is one being a scar that runs from her right side of her forehead down to her lip. When she is in battle, her hair is tied up in a tight braid, otherwise it falls to her upper back in thick curls. When she shifts, Raylan becomes a large wolf with golden eyes and fur that matches her hair.
Family: Father = Dane Mother = Anara Siblings = Marric (16-brother), Dasha (9-sister), Niall (5-brother)
Culture: The Fenric clan is descended from Erebas Fenrir, a warrior from the Old North Kingdom. His duties to the kingdom often forced him commit atrocities that he didn't care for and he eventually found himself in near-defiance of the Barbaric King. Tensions were strong, so he packed up all he had, along with a small group of like-minded friends, and fled toward the South. As they traveled, his group became smaller and smaller, as others left to choose their own paths, (eventually becoming the heads of their own clans.) Legend says that while searching for a place to call home, Erebas encountered a very large wolf caught in a trap. Sympathy for the wolf led him to try and free the beast, but Erebas didn't come out uninjured. Erebas gained the strength he needed to live and grow and be as he chose, taking care of any opposition that hunted him from the North, his new companion constantly by his side. A man became a family, who grew into a community, who grew into one of the largest clans in the Forgotten Lands.
The Forgotten Lands are a large stretch of what many Southern people consider un-tamable wilds. Still, the different clans are able to make things work. The geography is full of rocky mountains, grassy hills, rivers, and very large forests. Filled with many mythological creatures, life is not easy for the people who choose to make their home there. Those that do must take heart to find a balance, respecting what is there while working hard to survive. They mostly live on hunting and gathering, agriculture being nearly impossible. Trade does happen, especially weapons. Magic does exist in the Forgotten Lands. Some use it for fighting, but the majority of people, if they have the ability to use it, use magic to aid in survival.
The Fenric clan settled their home not far from the base of a large mountain. They are surrounded by forest on two sides and must cross an area of many hills to reach most main roads. The defenses are strong, if anyone tries to attack.
The Fenric are not strangers to fighting, whether it be with a creature or other peoples. The mountains provide abundant high-quality ore for crafting very strong weapons, some that can even channel magic. This ore is coveted by many in the North, so it is inevitable that skirmishes will happen, but the Fenric defend well and fight fiercely. They have also figured out how to use things like dragon scales or griffin leather in their armor.
Above all else, the Fenric value strength, in its many forms. Some are strong warriors while others are strong in other talents like hunting, weapon forging, and even the ability to read and write. The main point was to be strong in everything that someone is good at, for the good of the Clan. All things are necessary to maintain their way of life. One must be strong to survive the way that they do. There is pride in strength and these strengths are displayed on the body in the form of Marks, or tattoos that are added on throughout a life. Birth order and clan roles are only a couple of the many Marks that can be found in the Fenric Clan. The more ink there is, often the more desirable a person is. Strong people lead to strong descendants and survival.
All children are beloved in the Clan and all are taught to fight and protect what they love. Training begins as soon as possible, though the age can vary for each child, and training can vary based on inclinations of the parents/child. As they grow each child is given Marks depending on their accomplishments. There are many different Marks, so every member of the clan shows a unique story on their body.
The Wolf is a powerful symbol to the Fenric and it appears in many facets of life (shields, clothing, carvings, etc.). Since it was a wolf that helped make the clan what it is, it is the most revered creature to them. The Change is not something looked on with fear, as it would be in other parts of the world, but not all can handle it. Some members of the Clan are born with the Wolf Blood that Erebas passed on to his children. Others can choose to take the Bite if it is something they truly desire. Those born with the Blood and those bitten are the same in most ways, except those born have better control of their wolf form. It is unknown if other parts of the world have people with the same abilities, but the Clan doesn't normally speak of the Change to outsiders.
History/Bio: Raylan is the firstborn child to Chieftain Dane Nighthallow, a direct descendant of Erebas Fenrir, therefore the blood of the Wolf runs strong in her veins. She came into this world screaming and plans to go out much the same, if she has any say in it. It didn't take long to see that she would become a Warrior for the clan, but many were surprised how well she took to some of the finer lessons, such as reading and diplomacy. Her parents encouraged her to learn everything that she was able, hoping these skills would help her when it was her turn to become Chieftain. As the eldest, there are expectations.
At age 18, Raylan was an accomplished warrior and traveled the Forgotten Lands extensively. During a skirmish, she saved the life of a young man from one of the other clans and they quickly fell in love. Her family had been thrilled. Not long before they were to be Bound, the couple was attacked by a Griffin in the forest. Her love was killed, and her face was forever scarred from the attack. Since then, she's been distracting herself with diplomatic missions, strengthening the Clan through trade relationships. That and killing any griffons that cross her path. She is very good at both.
To help Raylan through her grief, Dane saw an opportunity to open relationships with the peoples of the South and has been working to expand the Clan's reach and reputation. Raylan is asked to make the initial contact, since there is no one that her father trusts more. She is on her way to Oncith to see if their king is willing to have a discussion.
Other: Raylan has many notable accomplishments(shown by her Marks), but outside of her culture, very few even know what the marks mean.
It takes Raylan a long time to become angry, great for diplomacy, but it's bad when she is pushed to the point of loosing her temper. A few times, she has even been angry enough that she shifted, like when her love was killed. The later used the griffin's leather for pieces of her armor.
Despite being able to shift into a wolf, Raylan prefers to travel long distances by horseback, to save time.
Her favorite weapon(s) are her sword/shield. She can use a bow just fine, but prefers a sword for battle. Her armor is made from dragon scales. She has full range of motion with protection in all the right places.
ʙɪʀᴛʜᴅᴀʏ ∴ April 15th ʙɪʀᴛʜᴘʟᴀᴄᴇ ∴ The Oncith Kingdom of the South ᴏᴄᴄᴜᴘᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ∴ Crowned Prince, undercover Witch Doctor
ʜᴀɪʀ ᴄᴏʟᴏʀ ∴ Silver ᴇʏᴇ ᴄᴏʟᴏʀ ∴ Amber ʜᴇɪɢʜᴛ ∴ 6'2 ᴘʜʏsɪǫᴜᴇ ∴ Lean sᴄᴀʀs ∴ Back is covered in burns from a childhood accident, other then that his skin is spotless. ʙᴏᴅʏ ᴍᴏᴅs ∴ Ears, both nostrils pierced, and snake eyes tongue piercing.
The Oncith Kingdom of the South was buzzing with newcomers and travelers ever since the King put together the idea of a festival and banquets. Torren, the crown Prince wanted nothing to do with such parties. Sure, in his culture a wife and family was good luck for prosperity for the Kingdom. If the new King was to have a boy, good fortune would come, if a girl was first born to the new King, good trade would come. If the New King wasn’t to have a family, then back luck would cover their land, leaving dust in the coal mines and salty water to drink.
Torren was a lean Man, tall, silver hair, braided up and half of it tied up. Torren wasn’t the traditional type, hint as to why he wasn’t married yet. Normally in the Kingdom people marry at young ages. Torren had other interests during his younger years, he figured having a family could wait, since his Father wasn’t near dying, finding a spouse wasn’t on his mind. The land on Oncith was rich in ore, gemstones and coal. Their farmlands planted across rich soil, corn, beans, other vegetables, seasonal fruits such as apples and peaches. Torren moved through the halls, servants running around all over the place, getting things ready for the banquet tonight. His cold Amber eyes searching for his Father between doors. Finally, he found him in the garden, sipping his 4th cup of elderberry tea.
“I thought you said this banquet was going to be smaller than last weeks? Seems like we are preparing for a feast for 7 Kingdoms.”
The King looked up at his son from his teacup. “Well maybe this time around you can find someone who fits your standards.” The King smiled at Torren.
“Maybe.” Torren replied.
“Maybe.”
Torren wasn’t looking for a pretty face, or fancy royalties, or even trade. He wanted to find someone he could actually connect with. Torren had his fair share of mistresses. Substance was the key idea here. Maybe someone interesting will show up at this banquet. Normally the King had made connections with other Kingdoms, Torren was unaware of what Nobles and Princesses would arrive.
As the sun started to go down, the Kingdom lit up in festivities. Everyone was hoping that tonight would be the night Prince Torren would find a wife, and bless the Kingdom with richness and prosperity. Maybe...
OOC:
The Fox Tamer
I hope this is good for an opening post! I wanted you to be able to have creative freedom introducing your character!
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2020 4:03 am
Raylan slowed her horse as they crested a hill and watched the hustle and bustle of the main road. It seems that the rumors of celebration in the Oncith Kingdom were true. The main road was full of people, horses, and carts. "Hopefully this means the King will be in a good mood."
Using her heel, she urged her horse forward and merged onto the main road. She hoped to arrive before it got too dark. Raylan wanted to put in her request for an audience with the King before seeking out shelter for the night. Sometimes audiences were granted quickly, but sometimes it could take some time before it would happen. She hoped it wouldn't take too long.
Raylan enjoyed seeing all the merriment along the road as she approached the city and wondered what was actually being celebrated. She knew what some people were saying, that it was all about the future of the kingdom, but was curious as to the actual details. She enjoyed learning about other places and seeing why how things were different from home.
When she entered the city, Raylan found the celebration to be in full swing. Everything was decorated and people were milling around everywhere, seeing out all that the festivities had to offer. She dismounted and muttered to her horse, "Hang in there, Quinlan. I'll find you a stable close to the palace where you can rest." She ran her hand up his neck to try and keep him calm as they moved in the crowd. Fortunately, people were giving them decent room as they walked, but it also meant that some people were turning and staring as they passed.
She noticed the stares very quickly, but wasn't put off by them. Raylan knew that in some cultures, a woman like her would always stand out. She was taller than many women, had a very muscular stature, was clad in armor and weapons, and since her arms were currently visible, showing many of her Marks.
Raylan spotted a stable not too far away from the Palace entrance and quickly bartered a stall for Quinlan. With as many people that were in the city, she had been surprised that there had been any open, but figured that not everyone would be seeking to enter the palace during the celebration, so many people may have put up horses closer to the city walls. Once she was sure Quinlan was settled, she grabbed her things and walked toward the palace entrance, approaching the guards. "Halt! State your name and why you are here."
Raylan stopped a respectful distance away and spoke. "I am Raylan Nighthallow, an envoy from the Fenric Clan of the Forgotten Lands. I seek an audience with the King of Oncith."
The guard eyed her carefully, gaze landing on the wrapped package that she carried under one arm, "What do you carry?"
Raylan slowly unwrapped the cloth, "I bear a gift from our Chieftan, an offer of peace and good fortune to Oncith." She revealed the sword for a moment, letting the guard see that she wasn't a threat, should he allow her inside. Over the years, Raylan had learned that her appearance could sometimes be viewed as a threat, so she had to be as open and honest as possible. She was aware that she could be seen as a little intimidating.
The guard hmm'd for a moment, "I don't know much about a Fenric Clan. The steward might know more." He motioned for her to follow. "Come with me and make no sudden moves. If I think you might be a threat for even a moment, I'll cut you down where you stand." Raylan looked over the guard as they walked and wondered if the man would actually be able to defeat her or if it was simply bravado. Often, it was the latter.
They entered the foyer and Raylan looked around while the guard relayed her message to the steward. After a few moments, the steward nodded, "I shall relay your message to the King and see what he wants to do." She nodded, "Thank you. I also seek his permission to stay in the city, at the very least for the evening, until he makes his decision." The steward left the foyer and Raylan returned to observing the people and space. There weren't as many people currently in the space compared to the roads, so she was glad for the reprieve. The guard stood near the door at attention, watching to ensure she wouldn't be a threat.
Sushibuttt
Hey, I finally managed to finish the post. Hope I gave you enough to work with. Tried to leave you some openings to make decisions for your character(s), since you haven't posted Torren's history or much about personality, etc. yet.
