Excelsior
INSURGENCE
Once more, the blue-and-green planet of Earth has fallen into strife. Following the third and most heinous world war, humanity had nearly been snuffed out of existence by their own devices. It was called the end of the world. What few survivors there were banded together, founded towns, and fought great evils in order to secure their futures, and create some semblance of peace.
That was an age ago. Today, the world is rather odd. The brutal armageddon plunged humankind into a terrible Dark Age, setting back into the middle ages. A confusing mix of archaic and cutting-edge technologies stand out, a testament to the prosperity that once flourished throughout the planet. Magic was re-discovered; those who wield it reveled in it, those who could not feared it.
And so it was. Towns evolved into cities, and cities into states, and finally, states into kingdoms. These kingdoms traded with one another, made alliances with one another, and declared war upon one another, and such became the norm, for all but the Technomancers.
These mysterious beings were the self-proclaimed ?keepers of the old?, and guarded their technical knowledge fiercely, hiding their people and encasing their strongholds in force-field domes. Occasionally, a few of these armored men and women would sell goods; ranging from firearms, which had become a devastating form of weaponry, to diesel generators, as several towns still operated a few things with electricity.
Despite the Technomancers? great advantages, they never once mounted an attack upon any other kingdoms, and instead chose to keep to themselves, allowing societies to be built and ruined on their own.
However, someone had been watching, and was wholly displeased with the way things had played out. Another society had formed, as if overnight, and almost immediately launched attacks on all fronts, ruthlessly slaughtering all who stood in their way. The name spread through the lands like plague, ?The Iron Dragon Empire? was trying to take over the world. Dark, machine-cities began to dot the landscape, boasting advancements greater than those from before the end of the world. With such potency, their nigh-invincible armies set out and slaughtered entire cities, full of people whom the Iron Dragons referred to as ?barbarians?.
Their campaign is not over, the remaining strongholds have banded together in order to repel this threat, but each leader knows that only a hero could save them now. This, then, begs the all-important question; who are you?
Are you a noble and mighty warrior, opposed to ruthless dictatorship? Or are you a supporter of the Empire? Or are you a Technomancer, an information-dealer with a hidden agenda? Or someone else? It is now up to you to set out and claim your place in destiny. May you shape the world, or break it...
Current Saga
Mason Grey, honorary General in Arms of the holy Murtagh-X, has sent messengers to every Barbarian town within traveling distance.
Many Posters have been posted all over the cities:
COMBATANTS NEEDED!
Anyone with the ability to battle against the Iron Dragons should travel to Treyarch immediately! All applicants spar in organized battles, and are then offered positions in the immense resistance army! Many Prizes have been purchased from the Technomancers for the highest winners of the competition! This is your chance to finally get noticed!
"Think this is enough?" Gangus Grey spoke to Murtagh-X as he looked over the prize display he had just finished setting up.
"More then enough! I wouldn't mind trading some of my items for those!" He said with a wide smile.
Gangus whistled through his fingers and two buff men came in silently, nodded to both decorated war heroes, and then picked up the wooden frame of the freshly built prize display for transportation to the victory room.
In the middle of the room was a massive table; atop of it was a map of the continent. The mighty Paladin, who was comparable to size to even Gangus, rifled through his papers, then looked towards his General.
"Gangus," The huge warrior turned quickly, "There?s only 2 messengers who haven?t returned yet, we should start this in about one week."
"Good idea sir, I'll pass the message along?"
Murtagh-X nodded.
Gangus left the room quickly, ducking as he went through the doorway, an action all too familiar to him.
"Mason?" Murtagh-X glanced around the room
"Mason?"
"Yes sir?" The familiar voice of his most trusted general radiated from directly behind him.
"You'd think after so many years I'd be used to you scaring me like that... Anyways, this event may very well be the only chance we have of defeating the Iron Dragons without having to send our top warriors into their headquarters. We need to recruit as many capable warriors into our outfit. The 3 winners of the competition are already going to be awarded specialized Armour, which is nearly as high quality as ours. The overall winner gets a custom weapon. The king has already paid for the initial prizes and promised to pay for the weapon as well."
"Sir, you cant outfit weaklings in a heroes suit and expect heroic actions!"
"That's my point Mason! I don't think you realize the magnitude of this event! There are formidable warriors, traveling as Vagabonds throughout our lands, some paladins, some humans, others just like you. If we get out top trainers top co-inside with the top 30 competitors, we would have not only our massive army of trained units, but our very our elite outfit, much like a group of Generals. We are expecting at least 300 applications, after denying the underage, we should be left with somewhere over 200. That?s going to add at least 100 to our ground units, and anyone who declines a job with us will surely continue their training against the Iron Dragons, possibly become mercenaries for us."
"Well I see you've kept me in the dark on all this sir."
"No Mason, you've kept yourself in the dark."
Both men shook hands and smiled at each other.
"This just may be a great idea after all. Now all we need are applicants."
Statistics System
The Dark Ages have fallen upon us, and we must live in them. With each person comes different strengths and weaknesses. You may train a certain stat to help mold you into who you so desire.
Life Force ? Your overall power. It is a blending of all your stats into one. This number will gradually rise as your other stats increase.
Max Life Force ? This is your life force after adding in power ups that are not always active.
Strength ? This is your brute force.
Defense ? How well you defend against enemy attacks.
Speed ? Your agility, quickness, and ability to respond to attacks around you. Increased speed results in faster movement.
Stamina ? This stat determines how long you are able to keep something up (eg. Fighting, travelling, etc.)
Recovery - How quickly you heal after attacks.
Attack Power ? Incorporated with strength, this stat determines the might of your attacks.
Intelligence ? Your cunning and cleverness. Very useful in tactical battles but is a very good asset in one on one combat as well.
Luck ? This stat controls how often you will be lucky. In battle, you may have something very fortunate happen.
Determination ? How determined you are to strive on and continue. This is also combined with stamina.
Note: Intelligence, luck, and determination will not be added into your Ki.
Starting Statistics and Money
The currency in this new world are called "caps", lamenting back to a few generations ago, when the survivors of the end of the world became accustomed to using actual bottlecaps as currency. Today, "caps" are forged out of various metals, specifically for the purpose of acting as a universal form of currency.
*All characters start with 500 caps*
Technomancer
Life Force: 990,000
Max Life Force: 990,000
Strength: 220
Defense: 220
Speed: 250
Stamina: 270
Recovery: 250
Attack Power: 230
Intelligence: 180
Luck: 110
Determination: 160
Human
Life Force: 990,000
Max Life Force: 990,000
Strength: 250
Defense: 240
Speed: 240
Stamina: 230
Recovery: 240
Attack Power: 240
Intelligence: 150
Luck: 100
Determination: 200
Paladin
Life Force: 990,000
Max Life Force: 990,000
Strength: 270
Defense: 250
Speed: 225
Stamina: 225
Recovery: 230
Attack Power: 240
Intelligence: 100
Luck: 100
Determination: 250
Iron Dragon
Life Force: 990,000
Max Life Force: 990,000
Strength: 280
Defense: 270
Speed: 250
Stamina: 220
Recovery: 170
Attack Power: 250
Intelligence: 150
Luck: 150
Determination: 150
Iron Mage
Life Force: 990,000
Max Life Force: 990,000
Strength: 220
Defense: 250
Speed: 230
Stamina: 280
Recovery: 270
Attack Power: 190
Intelligence: 200
Luck: 100
Determination: 150
Significant People (NPC's)
Lord Ferrous ? The enigmatic patriarch of the Iron Dragon Empire. The only thing known of him is that he resides in the dreaded [insert name of castle/place here, that can be MK?s job methinks]. Everything relating to his origin is completely unknown, even to his own army. His reign is ever expanding, and only the various scattered resistances are capable of slowing his progress.
Staterian - Lord Ferrous's trusted visier. Unlike the stereotypical frail, right-hand seer to the throne, Staterian was born into a warrior's family, and so he retains a naturally muscular and intimidating build. During the third great war, his parents fell in battle and he was found, orphaned, by Ferrous. He raised him as his own, taught him every maneuver in his arsenal and every trick up his sleeve. He became the ultimate in both strength and wisdom in the Iron Dragon Empire, second to only the great Lord himself.
Supreme Mancer Aureis ? Ruler and founder of the Technomancers. Aureis used the whole of his effort, as well as his inhuman ability to plan and construct, to salvage as much technology as he could during the final days before the start of the Second Dark Age. He hid away as the rubble cleared, continuing to feed his mind with experiments and formulas. Before long, he had gathered a well-sized underground following. Though loyal, their faith in Aureis became diminished after a single failed experiment. In the ultimate display of his desire to renew their faith, Aureis constructed Aegis, malleable golden armor that instantly conforms to the wearer, among other astounding properties that are since unknown. The only facts accounted after the creation of Aegis are that the Technomancers have become a solitary merchant group that have less interest in using the technological weapons they create and more interest in dealing them. They are relatively neutral, but the Iron Dragon Empire seems to be slowly turning into a formidable threat.
Murtagh-X: The mightiest of the Paladins, regarded as one of the more powerful and pure beings alive. His last name has been completely forgotten, as anyone with any relative knowledge knows of this heroic and courageous man. He's the leader of the rebels whenever a large-scale attack is happening, but otherwise, he gets his generals to take care of the smaller conflicts. He is as close to King of Thades as you can get without the actual title, as his word is usually final. One of the first to lead the rebellion against Lord at the now lost city of Fallenwick, a battle which he ultimately lost, but managed to survive. His battle tactics keep even the weakest fighters in great hands against heavily outnumbered odds. His age is still far from affecting his brain in a damaging matter, and his rule is expected to last at least 20 more years... Maybe...
His sword and shield are obviously from Technomancer origin. His sword is apparently capable of extending to thrice its original size, and is coated in a thick liquid that burns any organic or metallic material. The shield is entirely impermeable, even to the mysterious substance coating his sword. Fully attached to his arm in combat, he never looses his guard.
With power far beyond those of even an experienced fighter, its no wonder that Murtagh-X is almost completely unwilling to deal with visitors, and thus, has a very repressive attitude towards most people he encounters. His time is much better used planning with his generals or enhancing his own magical capabilities in order to keep up with the ever-growing Iron Dragon Empire.
Murtagh-X may be a holy man, but he never turns away from disrespecting passers-by or criminals, he will stop a petty thief in his tracks if he saw one during a quick run through the town, and more then likely execute him in the spot for tarnishing the kingdoms image.
Although not often, Murtagh-X finds time to train a selected few in the advanced ways of the Paladin. After many tasks, (actual tasks, not childish tests or peon fights) Murtagh-X may be willing to teach a few of his own special brand of attacks.
Algene the 2nd: His father was the Kings personal information seeker, and before being murdered by an Iron Dragon, left his son all of the contacts he once had. While Algenes' father was a nice patient man, Algene has a formulated plan to avenge his father. He is extremely good at getting a hold of the Technomancers, for other people, and will give advice or even help to anyone against the Iron Dragons. His goal is to become close to Murtagh-X, for the obvious reasons, as well as to possibly help better outfit the rebels with a better arsenal with which to battle with.
Algene always has work that needs to be done, as many people come to him for assistance. If you can prove your loyalty to this intelligent young adult, he will become a great help to you, and possibly provide you with means to make money from other peoples needed jobs.
Mason Grey: Murtagh-Xs' top general, nearly as competent as the great ruler himself, yet his physical strength is immensely dwarfed by his inhuman magical capabilities. He is the most powerful magic user the new world has seen. Rarely is Mason ever seen, as he is usually following his leader around in the shadows, ensuring his safety, and magically relaying information to him. Trained in many forms of detection and stealth, Mason is a very hard person to get a hold of. Even when in his immediate presence it is hard to know exactly where he is. His personalized spells have not been exposed to anyone but himself and Murtagh-X for fear of other magicians attempting to learn his powerful secrets, but it is said he has the ability to transform his body into any form of living being he has seen. Which is no doubt a lot.
His mother was an Iron Mage, which is where he gets his half human half Iron mage heritage.
Gangus Grey: The counterpart of Mason, his older brother, while his magic is formidable, it's his strength that keeps him out of danger. This man is about a person and a half tall, and 2 people wide. Countless times has he been the one to build the roof of a newly designed house, single handedly. His enormous two-handed sword is legendary for its ability to slice through nearly any material within an instant. It was a present from his late father. Both his parents were humans, it was by Gangus' own choice to train his hardest to become the most powerful after seeing his brother being picked on by other village folk for his mixed race.
Lartenius: Not much is know of this man, he lives alone, far down the coastline near Aquados. This man is not on either side of the war, nor is he for or against the war. He communicates with both, rarely, and has still managed to live. He is a shady person and many people who go to see him usually never return as seen by the rebels.
Races
Earth has endured many things and since the Dark Ages, new races seem to arise...
Technomancers- The technomancers are from a more futuristic time. They have great knowledge when it comes to technology and are able to build and create things no other race could think of, but due to their inherent reliance on their own technologies, they have abandoned the teachings of magic, and therefore have more trouble harnessing it than any other group.
Humans- The humans were here first. They are a rebellious group since all of the other races appeared. After learning of the Iron Dragons, some hide in the shadows, but there are many humans who become more than warriors, they become heroes. Humans don't have any magical power, but if taught correctly they could learn it after much time.
Paladins- Paladins enlightened men and women who seem to find all things holy. If there is darkness within something, they seek to purify it or destroy it, if needed. Paladins are known to have magical powers within them to help purify many things, including the water they drink.
Iron Dragons- Nobody knows who these people are, because before anybody can find out, they are slaughtered, even the innocents. The Iron Dragons are brutal, they are more than human, and can destroy cities in days if they group together. These dark beings seek to control the world and rule all with darkness. These horrific people have the ability to weild magic on their side, but often rely on other advantages instead of magics.
Iron Mages- A very secluded race. Only few traces of these magical beings are ever seen, but they choose their own path. Some fight against the Iron Dragons, some help. But the Iron Mages have magics no other races have, and they are very wise, probably more intellegent than the technomancers but they do not build, they learn and only attack others when they know when the right time is.
Significant Places
Kingdom of Aquados ? A land of traditional teachings. They follow the rules set up in the book of Acuaran: the book of the Gods. Within this book are various teachings stating right from wrong. It is more or less a book of morals. Those who follow these teachings and fight for King Akurman are Paladins. The kingdom itself is rather large filled with various shops and inns. This is one of the largest cities existing on the planet, and possibly the most protected as well. This is because hundreds of Paladins are on guard at the gates at any given time. The castle in this kingdom, Avalos, is four stories tall, and is a truly beautiful site to see. Taking many years to construct, this castle houses all of the kings forces.
Extral ? The town of Technomancers, led by Supreme Mancer Aureis. This town is a technological marvel, built into the side of a mountain. The technomancers seem to prefer living in a dark environment, and the shade the mountain provides is perfect. Many of the technological devices created here are pulled directly out of the mountain as they continue to dig their way through. As time goes on, and more inventions come, the town expands deeper into the mountain. It won't be long until the town may have to expand into underground pathways. Surrounding this city are various 'traps' set so that any unwelcome visitors can not enter. The barrier that surrounds their town also acts as a cloaking device, and anyone not informed of the location of the town would only see the side of a mountain.
Treyarch ? The town of humans. This town is void of almost any form of technology not acquired from the technomancers. Homes are built of wood and metal, the ground is purely dirt. It almost resembles something out of the wild west. Most humans spend their days in the bars, thinking of times that have passed, and wishing they would return. Chances are, if you walk into one of these bars, someone will pick a fight with you for no good reason. This is mainly because they're all drunkards. There is plenty of gossip to be heard within these bars, and sometimes a quest of great importance may be mentioned leisurely, so be sure to keep an open ear.
Kwarrel ? land of the Iron Dragons. This is a land that few have thought to enter. Iron Dragons rule this town, and all of the surrounding land. Those not deemed worthy by these creatures are attacked on sight, and few have lived to tell the tale. The land is void of life; that is, other than the Iron Dragons themselves. The soil is dry, and nothing grows for miles around. Those who have made it to the border of the land, can make out the outline of a gigantic castle far into the distance. This castle, Fulmoor, is built so high into the sky that clouds cover the upper levels. Few know just how tall Fulmoor is, or how such a magnificent work of architecture was actually built.
NOTE - Several other cities and lesser kingdoms exist, but most are bound by the rule of one of the aforementioned kingdoms, or are simply too insignificant to list; players are encouraged to make up cities and towns as they wish, but absolutely fantastical ideas will be denied. (For example, if a player creates a massive kingdom and has it usurp the Iron Dragons, the roleplay will be ignored and will not count toward the development of the game)
Item List
Worldwide
Thex Potion - Using this potion gives the drinker a temporary stat boost of 100 to whatever stat the potion was bought for. This should be determined when buying by placing the stat name in front of the potion. Also, these potions are allowed to be stacked but no more than two to the same stat at the same time.
Celsius Deception Potion - Once this potion is throw onto a solid object it will fill a nine foot space around it that anything inside will be hidden from the outside. The fumes from this potion will only hide the user for no more than a minute and shortly after the user will have a slightly reduced reaction time.
Compound Fracture Potion - Objects that are contacted by this potion become impressionable until contacted by sulfuric acid, which is a side product of making this potion and is also sold along with the potion at no extra cost. The uses for this potion are almost limitless.
Drakeskin Armor - This armor is merely a film that was manufactured from the skins many adventurers have returned with. Whether the scales they use are actually from drakes is unknown, but the benefits of this armor are undeniable. After being bought this item can be applied to a person?s normal battle attire while that same attire will become much more resistant against elementals if the film is blue and more resistant to regular magic if it was red. While purchasing this item one must pay extra attention to the type they are buying.
Holy Bandages - Available in any village with churches these special bandages are soaked in holy water and have the capability to heal wounds during battle. The drawback is that these bandages will shrivel upon healing and hinge the person?s mobility by a quite a bit.
Items - Technomancer Cities
Surface Depth Charge - These items have their heritage deeply rooted in the mines of past. They work much in the same way by being planted and stepped on, tossed, or remote control operated. After they are triggered the item released a 2 foot wide shockwave that will disrupt the magical essence of any being hit by it for a few brief moments.
Grenade Launcher - This enhanced old age weapon operates the same as old launchers did, except the grenades in this weapon are infused with plasma energy that can melt nearly all metal known to man.
Items - Human Cities
Gauntlets of Light - The few magically endowed humans banded together to create these great helpers against magic. A warrior who fights with these gloves gains the ability to fend off most lower magic attacks and effects with their hands.
Blinding Sword - Opponents who look at this sword?s edge become briefly blinded by the intense light that this sword reflects. Durability is not a factor on this sword either as it was forged from a crystalline material similar to diamond.
Items - Paladin Cities
Taboo Paper - Strips of paper that are marked with the holy words of restriction upon them. A being tapered by this paper succumbs to the other?s will and influence to varying degrees based on their intelligence levels.
Mirror Armor - Many paladins have adapted to wearing heavy armor which subjects them to a lot more of attacks. Because of this they have recently started coating all their armor with a fine reflective material that greatly reduces effects of all kind upon the wearer.
Items - Iron Dragon Cities
Darkness Shroud - This cloak is made out of a material that virtually makes a person disappear in the darkness, even on a full moonlight night. The person must stay completely covered for the magic infused in this cloak to work and thus must hinder their movement to almost a crawl. It does, however, allow people to sneak through the night completely unnoticed.
Nature?s Projectile Adhesive - Items that are coated with this material are usually thrown against other people. Upon impact the magical coating deals elemental damage to the opponent based on the closest element it can sense between ice, fire, and lightning.
Items - Iron Mages Cities
Ghima?s Flute - Through proper training people with this flute are able to control nearby animals and make them do their bidding. Should the tune be misplayed or interrupted the target animal is likely to attack the person who used the flute on it.
Seals - Seals are big predrawn patterns that are laid the ground that a person stands between. These seals are then activated by chants to deflect attacks, create attacks of magical nature, or create a physical shell on the outer edge of the seal.
Abilities and Techniques
Magical Harness- The ability for the Paladins, Iron Dragon, and Iron Mage races to control magic in a superb manner. This is the mastering of the art of Magic Wielding. All spells and the like will increase in power and all aspects of the spell. To obtain this ability you must train under a Sorcerer, (Staff determines how long based on RPing) one mastering in the area of magic you are interested in. Sorcerer's can be found in a few major NEUTRAL cities. Minimum of 1 million life force, and a Determination of 250.
Elemental Weaponry- This ability allows Technomancers to level the playing field of battle with the Magical races. The Technomancers, though not prone to fighting, are very knowledgable of the sciences. Their knowledge allows them to prepare for battle, in case it ever comes knocking. This technique allows a master of science to combine a earth element into a weapon he has already obtained. IE- A TechnoMancer Science Master can combine his sword with fire, if fire is obtainable and nearby, to create a Fire Sword. This is temporary and it's length depends on user's experience. To obtain this you must study (Staff determines how long based on RPing) with a reknowned Earth Science professor in a major GOOD city. You must have 1 million life force, and a intelligence of 250.
Hero's Beckoning- After becoming "one with Nature" A human is allowed to beckon forth a natural animal to aid it in times of need. This animal may not be any genetically spliced, or technologically created animal. This ability creates a two on one, to level battle fields against Magic wielders and Science buffs. To obtain this, you must study under a Guru deep in one of the Ancient woods. (Staff determines how long based on Rping) You must have 1 million life force and 250 luck.
Healing- This is the ability to heal any ally. The effect of the healing depends on how much time you have spent training it and how much experience you have with it. This is a extremely rare technique and is only given out on special circumstances.
Sixth Sense- The ability to foretell an attack, read people's minds, and communicate with other people with this ability. To obtain it you must spend two out of charachter weeks at a science center in one of the major cities, letting the extremely advanced technology have an impact on you and letting one of it's benefits seep into your mind.
Life Force Boost Techniques
To Gain all Powerups your Base Life force must be at 1.25 Million and all mentals at 275.
Advanced Being- This powerup is for the Technomancers. Their ability to boost their potential through science led them to figuring out how to boost their life force. When performing this their bodies are completely covered with a special metal combined with energy. This futuristic material boosts all fighting stats. All physical stats X20 + Super Defense.
Divine Touch- This technique for the paladins is an act of god reaching their mortal bodies. Once the word of god creeps into their minds, their eyes turn into burning white balls and their body is surrounded with a signature white bonfire. All physical Stats X20 + Super Speed.
Imperial Dragon- This technique is the booster for the Iron Dragons. After mastering this technique, some say their power comes from the Master Dragon himself. Lending the warrior it's power to continue the Dragon's wish of Imperialism. All physical Stats X20 + Super Attack.
Birth Right- This the the human's belief that the planet is their's alone to rule since they where the first on the planet. It is their birth right to rule the planet. This power up creates an astounding determination. The Human can literally take beating after beating and keep getting up, which can backfire, since they don't know when to give up. All physcial Stats X20 + Super Determination.
Seclusion- Held inside, an extra well of Life Force builds inside the Iron Mage. Upon releasing it after mastering the technique, this creature becomes an absolute genius. It can predict attacks and use tactics to win battles. All physical stats X20 + Super Intelligence.
*"Super" Stats is just an extra boost towards the stat mentioned, extra to the boost already given. Usually an extra X5.
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