Discuss New World Underground [PG-V]

[Blayze]

[center][U][B][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][SIZE=3]New World Underground[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/U]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]After some thinking and a lot of ideas floating around, I have decided to [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]create a new RP, named "New World." There is a lot of information which is [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]going to be posted here, so prepare yourself. I thought it best to post this [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Underground thread with all the information you will need now, and I will [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]begin the Recruitment thread in a few days' time.

[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]I have had ideas for the various countries in the world, and their people, but [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]this is where you come in. I really think some of the ideas need fleshing out [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]a lot more, and I would welcome any suggestions, ideas and help you may [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]have to offer. I have big plans for this story, and I hope it will be a new OB [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]epic.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]So without further ado...[/FONT]


[U][B][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][SIZE=3]NEW WORLD[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][/U]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]New World is the story of a 17-year-old boy named Adam Jacobs, who [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]becomes trapped in a world not his own, a strange land with different people, [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]different customs and different lives to those he is used to. All he wants is [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]to go home, but the tyrannical power of The Theocracy will not let him find [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]his way back in peace.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]He begins an epic journey, across ice-covered mountains, industrial cities [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]and mighty oceans, from peaceful tribes to soldiers on the brink of all-out [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]war. He will gain new friends, and create great enemies on the way, but will [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]he ever get home?[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]---[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]THE WORLD[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]The world is divided into a number of significant countries, but they are all [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]ruled over by the same superpower, The Theocracy (more on this later). The [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]world is similar to our own, but at the same time, very very different - their [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]fuel sources would be considered outdated and inferior to our own: the use [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]of steam is relied on heavily, and only the most important vehicles are [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]powered by use of oil. Many cities would look much like [U][URL="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b16/Blayze54/london_800.jpg"][B]this[/B][/URL][/U], the skies filled [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]with [U][URL="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b16/Blayze54/study_800.jpg"][B]airships[/B][/URL][/U], the primary mode of long-distance transport.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]The central country to The Theocracy is [B]Britannia[/B], the capital city of which is [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Londinium[/B], which in turn contains the global headquarters of [B]The Theocracy[/B], [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]in a building named [B]The Citadel[/B], a building which no-one is ever seen [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]entering or leaving. At the top of the central spire resides the [B]Supreme [/B][/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Magistrate of the Divine Theocracy[/B] (to give him his full title), a mysterious [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]man who has very rarely been seen by the public. Britannia is a large centre [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]for industry - there are hundreds of factories and mines across the country, [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]and the skies are constantly filled with an influx of airships.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Over the [B]Channel[/B] from Britannia is the continent of [B]Europa[/B], which contains [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]countries from the beautiful [B]Francia[/B] all the way through to the bitter cold of [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Rushka[/B], and everything in between, including [B]Norwei[/B], [B]Italia[/B], [B]Pola[/B] and [B]Espan[/B] [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode](Norway, Italy, Poland and Spain respectively). The north of Europa is very [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]mountainous, and the [B]Alpen Range[/B] is situated in the North of Francia, home [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]to many "[B]Wanderers[/B]," a gypsy-like people who travel across the world.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Across the mighty [B]Atlantica[/B] lie the [B]Columbian Territories[/B], what we would [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]know as America. Discovered in 1492 by Chris Columbus, the entire vast [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]country was named after this great explorer. The Territories are home to the [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]largest airship production lines in the world, and also to the majority of [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]airship pilots. The capital is [B]Columbus[/B], on the [B]East Coast[/B], and all of the [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]world's trading is done here, in the biggest market in the world. The [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Northern Territories[/B] are much colder, and like the North of Europa, very [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]mountainous, although these mountains are (as far as anyone knows) [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]uninhabited, aside from the occasional traveller. [B]The Southern Territories[/B], [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]while much warmer, are rife with violent organised crime, and thus they are [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]very rarely visited by anyone who lives in the North. The Theocracy has a [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]very strong presence here, especially in the Mid-parts of the country.

[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]South of Europa is [B]Africa[/B], a largely unknown continent which is seldom [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]ventured to. Not many people, other than a handful of scientists, even know [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]anything about it. It is said to be a mystical land full of dark sorcerers.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Australasia[/B] has yet to be discovered, and as yet there is no sign of it being [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]found any time soon.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]The [B]Asiatic Territories[/B] lie to the East, and are home to the [B]Saracens[/B], a race of [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]legendarily fierce warriors, and a huge enemy of The Theocracy. There is [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]currently a [B]Holy War[/B] raging in the East, between the monotheistic Theocracy [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]and the Saracens, who believe it is the human being's right to worship as [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]they see fit, not to be forced into a regime of worshipping a God they don't [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]even believe in. The Saracens worship many Gods, and this is seen as being [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]sinful by The Theocracy.[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]PEOPLE OF THE WORLD[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]The best word to describe the Wanderers would have to be gypsies. They [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]have a form of tribal system to their civilisation, travelling in large convoys [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]of up to five entire families. They never stay in the same place too long, and [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]they leave no trace of being somewhere when they leave. They are outcasts [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]from society, hunted by The Theocracy for believing in other Gods, and thus [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]have been forced to move from central Europa into the frozen mountain [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]ranges of the north. Legend tells of a great Wanderer city in a deep, hidden [/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]valley in the Alpen Range, but no proof has ever been given for this.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]The [B]Airship Pilots[/B] of the Columbian Territories are among the wealthiest men in [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]the world, but the majority of their money ends up back in the pockets of [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]The Theocracy, through means of taxes. However, most are friendly to The [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Theocracy, knowing that if they turn against them, their privileges will be [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]revoked. But there are a few who smuggle Wanderers and other forbidden [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]travellers across borders on their airships, to try and help those who are [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]against The Theocracy. These Pilots are known as "[B]rogues[/B]," and are being [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]clamped down on by The Theocracy. Most Pilots are known as "[B]sky [/B][/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]cowboys[/B]," often dressing like the cowboys of old, ten-gallon hats, leather [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]duster jackets and the like.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]The [B]Traders[/B] are widely known as merchants and thieves. They will often [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]steal a person's possessions and then sell them back to them at an inflated [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]price. They even have [B]pirates[/B] who work for them, comandeering vessels [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]across the Atlantica and selling them on for scrap or whatever else they can [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]be used for. These are people with no scruples whatsoever, and are not to be [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]trusted under any circumstances.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Living in the north of the Columbian territories are a race whose very [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]existence is denied by The Theocracy, the [B]Witches[/B]. Nobody quite knows [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]their history, not even the Witches themselves, but they can live for hundreds [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]of years without their age showing. Most Witches are over 300 years old, but [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]have the appearance of 19-20 year old humans. They can be male or female, [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]but the males are known as [B]Shamans[/B] rather than Witches. They are usually [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]incredibly attractive by human standards, and have access to incredible [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]magic. This magic allows them to fly without the use of such ridiculous[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]objects as broomsticks, and do countless other things, the full extent of [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]which is known by no-one. They are led by a [B]Council of Elders[/B], who have a [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]strict policy on not interfering in the lives of mortals. If any Witch or Shaman [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]meddles in human affairs then they are banished. Their home city is nestled [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]between two of the mightiest mountains in the Northern Territories, and is [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]known as [B]Euryptia[/B]. When in battle, they rely on their magic, as well as [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]enchanted weapons, such as bows and long knives.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]As well as the humans, there are other creatures who live in this world, [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]sentient creatures who are definitely not human. The [B]Bears[/B] and the [B]Wolves[/B] [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]are almost all sentient, capable of human speech and able to wrap their [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]brains around human concepts like war and theft. Currently the Bears, led by [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]the mighty [B]Konig[/B], and the Wolves, led by the devious [B]Jaeger[/B], are locked in a [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]seemingly endless Cold War, a war where no outright violence ever occurs, [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]but a war in which both sides sustain casualties.[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]EUROPA[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]The people of Europa are incredibly varied. The [B]Italians[/B] are, for the most [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]part, peaceful and not prone to violence. They do not have an army, but The [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Theocracy's [B]Secret Police Service[/B] is based in Italia's capital, [B]Roma[/B]. They are[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]more interested in art and architecture to worry about battle, and thus Italia [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]is home to some of the most beautiful buildings and works of art in the [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]whole world.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Francians[/B] are a cunning and sneaky race. They are also interested in art and [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]architecture, but not to the extent that the Italians are. Where the Francians [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]really come into their own is food. They make the most exquisite food in the [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]world, and many members of The Theocracy have their food imported from [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Francia by the Traders, just to sample their divine delicacies. They have a [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]fair-sized army, but are more interested in Covert Operations than in full-[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]scale military incursions.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]The [B]Rushkans[/B], however, are born for war. They have a huge army, which, [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]while vicious, is poorly equipped. Most soldiers only have a crossbow and a [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]sword, and very little armour. Only the more important soldiers have access [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]to vehicles and rifles and the like.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Norwei is a country run mostly by Wanderers. It is one of the few places [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]where Wanderers and other people live in harmony, and is, by many, jokingly [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]known as "[B]The Promised Land[/B]."[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Espan is a country which is a well-travelled trade route. Many spices and [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]cloths come to Espan from Italia and Francia, even going so far as the Asiatic [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Territories, and from Espan they are transported to the Columbian Territories.[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]THE THEOCRACY[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]A theocracy is a government ruled either by divine guidance, or by subject to [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]religious institutions and leaders. The Theocracy that rules over the world is [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]an example of the second, a government ruled by the Supreme Magistrate, [/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]and one which has a web of influence stretching right across the world.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]The Divine Theocracy Of The Lord[/B], to give the government its full title, is [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]based in what we would know as Christianity, a monotheistic, or One God [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]religion, who believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and humanity's [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]saviour, who sacrificed himself for the good of the people. They believe this [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]and anyone with other beliefs will be prosecuted. This includes the [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Wanderers, outcast to the Alpen Range of Northern Europa, and the Saracens, [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]who are currently locked in a vicious and bloody struggle in the East.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]There are a number of different [B]Divisions[/B] of The Theocracy, each with a [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Division Head[/B], or [B]Minister[/B], and a [B]Division Headquarters[/B] located somewhere [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]in Britannia. The Divisions are as follows:[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Propaganda Division:[/B] deals with the media side of The Theocracy, putting out [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]smear campaigns against those who believe in other religions, as well as [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]positive campaigns supporting the work of the Supreme Magistrate. [B]The [/B][/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Minister for Propaganda[/B] is one [B]Joseph Langeres[/B], a small, weasly man, whose [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]watery blue eyes are hidden behind a pair of thick, round glasses. He is, [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]however, a devious mind and an excellent spin-doctor.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Military Division:[/B] deals with any and all military threats against The [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Theocracy. Divided into three sections: the [B]Divine Army of the Theocracy[/B], [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]the [B]Glorious Aeronautical Squadron[/B] and the [B]Theocratic Navy[/B], covering land, [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]air and sea. The military is extremely well-equipped, each and every soldier [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]being armed with a rifle and a sword, along with full body armour. The Army [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]also has access to oil-powered tanks and jeeps, the Navy with large, [/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]powerful zeppelins and the Navy with vast steam-powered battleships. The [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Minister for the Military[/B] is [B]General Vladimir Poulensky[/B], a Rushkan by birth, [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]and incredibly warlike. A huge, broad-chested, muscular man with a large [/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]moustache and snow-tanned skin.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Papal Division:[/B] designed to serve the Supreme Magistrate's every whim and [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]desire, and co-ordinates all religious activity in the world. This includes the[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Papal Army[/B], the Supreme Magistrate's very own elite fighting force. The [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Minister of the Papal Division[/B] is [B]Archbishop Roland Travers[/B], a sinister-[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]looking man who is never seen without a heavy black cloak over his [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Theocracy-issue pinstripe suit.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Law Enforcement Division:[/B] polices the streets of the world with a strict [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]regime. Also includes the Italian Secret Police service. The [B]Minister for Law [/B][/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Enforcement[/B] is [B]Giovanni Robisia[/B], an Ox-like Italian with a penchant for [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]sadism and torture. He commands the Secret Police with full jurisdiction.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Trading Division:[/B] organises trade routes with the rest of the world. A [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Division of traders, this is likely to be a very devious, treacherous place to [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]work, where a lot of back-stabbing takes place. The [B]Minister of Trading[/B] is [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Alexander Robards[/B], a Columbian by birth, who used to be a trader himelf. He [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]is wiry and lean, with dark hair and skin, and an incredibly devious edge, [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]which combines with great skill to make a very dangerous individual.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Covert Division:[/B] a very secretive Division, they carry out covert missions by [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]direct order of the Supreme Magistrate. Very little is known about this [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Division, or its Minister, known only as "[B]Mr Smith[/B]," which is almost definitely [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]a pseudonym.[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]TRADE[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Trade is an incredibly important part of the economy. The most important [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]items for trade include [B]metal[/B] (mostly steel and aluminium, these are most [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]useful for building things), [B]cloth[/B] (mostly silk), and [B]spices[/B]. These are taken [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]across the oceans in large, steam-powered vessels which resemble [URL="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b16/Blayze54/Chinese_Junk_Hong_Kong_Harbor.jpg"][B][U]Chinese [/U][/B][/URL][/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][URL="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b16/Blayze54/Chinese_Junk_Hong_Kong_Harbor.jpg"][B][U]junks[/U][/B][/URL].[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]There is also a large[B] black-market trade[/B] in [B]tobacco[/B] and [B]liquor[/B], both of which [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]are outlawed by The Theocracy. Most traders are more than happy to take [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]part in a little black-market trading, as long as it gets them more money.[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]FAMILIARS[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]This is the most important and immediately obvious difference between our [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]world and this new world - the existence of "[B]Familiars[/B]." A Familiar is an [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]animal form which will attach itself to a human at birth, but only become [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]truly noticable at the age of four. This animal will belong to the human [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]forever, and will only disappear when the human dies.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]A Familiar shares a special psychic and emotional link with its human [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]counterpart, one so strong that even being further than a few feet away from [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]each other for a few minutes will cause immense physical and emotional [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]pain, often to the point where the human will break down and weep. No-one[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]truly knows the meaning behind this bond, although many scientists are [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]struggling to discover some truth behind it, but tampering with this link is [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]seen as a sinful taboo by The Theocracy.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]A Familiar's animal form will represent the human it attaches itself to. For [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]instance, a particularly cunning person might have a fox as their Familiar [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode](this is the reason there are so many fox-shaped Familiars in Francia), or a [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]playful person may have a cat as their Familiar.

[/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Due to their psychic link, Familiars can talk to their human counterpart, as [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]well as other Familiars, but not with humans other than their counterparts.[/FONT]

[B][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]SCIENCE[/FONT][/B]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]Science[/B] is a subject which is totally outlawed by The Theocracy. Anyone who [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]chooses to study this taboo topic is often immediately arrested by the Law [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Enforcement Division, and these people are never seen again. This is the [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]reason why there are many scientists hidden within the ranks of the [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Wanderers, trying to escape their fate and put some meaning behind the [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]spectacular things the world can create.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]The most common area of science is [B]Metaphysical Science[/B], a combination of [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]science and a branch of philosophy which is concerned with explaining the [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]ultimate nature of [B]reality[/B], [B]being[/B] and [B]the world[/B]. These scientists are [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]attempting to explain many of the natural wonders of the world, most[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]significantly the presence of animal Familiars, through any scientific means [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]at their disposal. This is why they are so hated by The Theocracy. If even a [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]single scientist came up with proof of why the human race exists, then [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]everything The Theocracy is based on will crumble, leaving the government [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]in ruins.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]This is the reason The Theocracy are hunting [B]Adam Jacobs[/B] with such ferocity. [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]He is living proof that there are other worlds than the one The Theocracy [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]exist in, and if a scientist got hold of him and used him as proof, The [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Theocracy is done for.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]---[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]I know this is a lot of information to take in in one go, but try and slog your [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]way through it, and leave me your thoughts, comments, suggestions, ideas, [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]criticisms, and anything else you may feel is relevant. What I would be [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]looking for in terms of characters is a group (a "party," if you are thinking in [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Final Fantasy terms) who will travel with Adam on his journey. Obviously, he [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]will not meet all of them at once, so the characters can each have their own [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]story going until Adam meets them. This will allow everyone involved to [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]post at all times, not just after Adam meets them, which could take a long [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]time.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]The minimum I need is 6 characters including myself (I should point out that [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]I will be playing Adam - probably should have mentioned that before now), [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]characters which fit into the following categories:[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]1 other child (preferably female)[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]1 Airship Pilot (obviously they would have to be a rogue to get involved)[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]1 Wanderer[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]1 Witch/Shaman[/FONT]
[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]1 other creature - a talking bear or wolf[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]This is the minimum I will need, but others would be encouraged. Some [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]members of The Theocracy would also be welcome, but not necessary.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Some help in terms of graphics would be nice as well. By this I mean some [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]kind of title graphic, maybe some banners and avatars that players could use [/FONT][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]as well. But again, this would be welcome but not necessary.[/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Thank you for your time, I hope you enjoyed reading all this information, and [/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]I look forward to your comments![/FONT]
[/center]

[Arcadia]

I take it you've been reading Philip Pullman, hm? ;p I guess my most obvious question from this point would be how much of the story line will be similar to the books, as far as overall themes and weapons go (especially when it comes to the existence of different worlds and the possible ways of going through them)?

I do like that you've expanded on the countries and created a very scary government for them to deal with. It should make the politics of the game very interesting. A Saracen in particular might make a handy character to have, if only because he or she would be so plainly opposed to The Theocracy and would represent differences in thought that a scientist might not necessarily deal with.

Funny side note, when I was typing [i]theocracy[/i] I accidently spelled it [i]theocrazy[/i]. That was a good laugh.

[Blayze]

[FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Ah, you caught me. Yes, I did take a sizable chunk of my inspiration from the fine work of Mr Pullman, but, in theory, the storyline should be totally different from the books. I mean, Adam's situation does mirror Will's in a number of ways, but I am not trying to recreate His Dark Materials in any way, I am trying to create an original story inspired by this series. As for the storyline, that is mostly up to the players involved. They can take this in directions I never would have planned on, and make it so that surprises lie around every corner.

As for themes, obviously the theme of religion is fairly major in both stories, but mine won't be dealing with any kind of "Authority" type figure, we are focusing on those who worship this particular religion. They could be right about what they believe, they could be wrong - I think the ambiguity is a good point. The other major theme we are looking at here is isolation, how Adam is just a kid who wants to go home, but he is caught in circumstances beyond his wildest imaginings, which leave him trapped and alone in this world which he doesn't understand. While he may be on this epic quest, it is also a very personal thing, lots of character-building stuff, for all the characters, not just Adam.

In terms of weapons, I was thinking similar sorts of equipment to Pullman's books - that is to say automatic weapons are out (other than gatling guns, I suppose, but even they would only be accessible by the Military), and most focus is on rifles, revolvers, and close-combat weaponry such as swords, spears, knives and the like. Bows and crossbows are also common, especially among the Rushkans and the Witches.

Regarding your wanderings about traveling between worlds, it is unlikely at the moment (although I have it planned to be a fairly major plot point later on). The scientists don't even know if it is possible (Adam obviously does, but until he can provide proof then it's a moot point), so creating any way of traveling between worlds looks to be a long way off. But you never know, maybe later in the RP?

I also think a Saracen character would be interesting - would definitely cause some problems with travel (what with The Theocracy being at war with them and all), but it would make a very interesting group dynamic, especially if there was someone else in the group who believed in the monotheistic religion.

Thanks very much for your interest, and I hope I've managed to answer your questions satisfactorily.

Heh, theocrazy...
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