Chapter 2: Stone & Fire

Previously

“We are the knights of Ashania, from the unit of the golden lion.” The leader revealed.

But that did not answer any questions that Evraset and Ima had in their mind. Before the two could post anymore questions, there popped out an elvish girl from nowhere. With amazing speed and agility, she sprinted towards Evraset and Ima, with her sword raised against them.

Chapter 2: Stone & Fire

Both Evraset and Ima were shocked, not by the threat, but by the elvish girl resembling some features of the innkeeper. If she was indeed the innkeeper’s daughter, why was she protecting the bunch of bandits or knights that just kidnapped her?

Ima ignored the threat and walked forward. “Greetings, young one! A little too young to wander off into the woods by yourself?” He offered the young, beautiful elf a bow. Evraset pushed Ima away and turned to the elf.

“Are you a Windra?” Evraset questioned. Her piecing, white orb stared at young elf.

“Are you illidan’s daughter?” Evraset deflected the sword off the elf’s hand. The young elf fell to the ground after hearing her father’s name, worried about what the duet had done to him.

Ima ran to Evraset’s side and whispered. “What!? Are you crazy? You can’t threaten our goods? If she is hurt, we may not get our money. And our lodging!”

Under the sun, the young elf caught a glimpse of Evraset under her hood. Her beautiful features tained by the dark skin. The young elf grasped. “e’ Felent (The Fallen)”

Ima turned toward the young elf. “Good, not as ignorant as you looked. Putting that aside, your father send us here, to ‘rescue’ you from the ‘bandits’!”

“What have you done to him! He will not hire your type!” She stated flatly, the intensity of her stare matches Evraset’s.

“We have done absolutely nothing to him, I promise. He and Mardi are in a state of extreme desperation when we met them. They misses you dearly, darling! And we offered good rates for our services!” Ima boasted, relieving the tension that was building up.

“Forgive us! How can we forget our etiquette! I am Ima and this distances cousin of yours is Evraset.”

She looked at the eccentric and ghastly Ima, and found it hard to believe him. Caught the cue, Ima tried to convince her again.

“Now darling, your father would reward us if we bring you back in one piece. Don’t be rude and tell us your name. And we will get you to Ashania safe and sound.”

“She… We can’t go back to Ashania anymore. Not without our protection and not while we are don in this armor.” The defeated leader muttered.

“Then remove it! We have questions for you ‘bandits’ and the she-elf while we are on the road.” Evraset hissed.

“It’s Nei!” The elf barked back.

(Player’s questions and responses)

[OOC] If you have not read the last reply in chapter 1, it is better if you do! Alrite now, you can ask any questions! The characters would answer with the best of their knowledge. Ask the right questions and you might get some unexpected information! However, each of you have only 2 questions to ask, so used it wisely. And try not to move on with the plot, there are some events that is going to happen in Ashania. Sorry, but I try to make all this restriction as little as possible.

 

 

 

Lore: Architecture

Lore:

Architecture

The Architecture in Ashania is grand and functional, but mainly built for the purpose of impressing, to show off their wealth. There are three major key factors that Ashanian architect considered before designing and building their houses.

First and foremost, the quality of air. In the vast, populated kingdom of Ashania, it is not uncommon to see gigantic walls and titanic castle at every corner. However, the wall and castle blocked off winds and causes the air around to be hot and stuffy. With regular precipitation and the air being warmer, it is the breeding ground for many disease to plague local Ashanians. To resolve this issue, some building have in-built air ventilation system, by building pipes that reached the top of the building, using the wind’s kinetic energy to ventilate the houses. While some uses magic to do so, the most traditional and ingenious way to achieve ventilations is using fire. Built on the theory that hot air rises, a simple fireplace heats the stuffy air in the building, causing them to rise and forces the cool air around the environment to ventilate the building. Because of the effectiveness of this method, many Ashanian’s architectures comes with a in-built fireplace.

Secondly, the weather. Ashania’s weather is known for it changeable characteristic, bringing about an old Ashanians saying, “Snowing today, raining tomorrow”. The unpredictable nature forces the architect to use some unorthodox method to solve their problem. Of course, magic is often used to keep the building warm during winter period and cool during summer. Ashanians architect realised that grey mudstone is extremely effective in insulating heat and releasing the build up during winter. However, this wonderful discoveries was not well received by local Ashanian’s lords and ladies, due to the dull appearances of the grey mudstone. As Ashanian’s architecture is built to impress, a layer of dressing stone or wood is added on top of the grey mudstone, allowing craftsmen and artist to decorate the building. The grey mudstone was found in the southern part of Miriandynus, and its value was greatly appreciated when traders exported it to Ashania. Many commoners and farmers were unable to afford such prices, and will just have to make do with their fireplace.

Lastly, the religious function. Ashanian is no doubt a religious kingdom. Priest and priestess were often found on the street, spreading the teachings of Gadreel. Therefore the architect often have to consider the lighting and atmosphere of the architecture. In every household of Ashania, the best lighting were often reserved for religious function.

The Ashania’s Architecture is no doubt beautiful and grand. There are many architecture issue that was solved using ingenious and clever method, proving the prowess of the architect’s design.

 

Lore : Authority

Lore :

Authority

Ashania is divided into two parts, the west and the east. The west part deals with sea trading while the east handles mining and land trading. While it is possible, it is extremely difficult for a single lord to handle all the ongoing affairs in the kingdom. Lord Bornia Sangrey therefore assigned two of his cousins to run the kingdom together with him. Lady Lace Moonfall run the east side of the kingdom and Lord Alex Sangrey take over all the administrative work in the kingdom.

Under these lord, there are multiply adviser for them to consult their decision with. The first line of adviser, mainly a group of four, are called the Redcap. The second line of adviser, normally serving the Redcap and consist of a group of 17, are called the Savant. With all the Redcaps and Savants together, they are consisted the council. Each lord had a council of his own.

On the eastern Ashania, there are multiply brothel and illegal drug store around the street. It is said that Lady Lace profit from these outlet and allowed their existences to continue, even thrive in Ashania. While on the west, Lord Bornia seems uninterested in governing his kingdom. Slave trading and public execution is a norm in western Ashania. Rumours had that Lord Bornia is just a puppet, being controlled by his cousins and his council, living a life in bliss and ignorances.

 

Chapter 1: The Meeting

Chapter 1 : The Meeting

 

A dark elf was on her horse, riding sluggishly through the green plains. Her ebony skin shimmered under the moon, her piercing gaze scanning through the landscape. She could spot what seems to be a castle standing tall in the distances, and a campfire not so far away from her. With the castle on sight, she rode off toward the direction of the campfire. She got off her horse and just when she was about to offered her greetings to the lone figure at the campfire, her instinct screamed at her. The figure emits an eerie, unnatural aura around him. He sat quietly, without any movements with his back facing her. Under the cloak, her hand instinctively went to her side, touching the handle of her scythe.

“I want no trouble, traveler.” The lone figures began. With her hand still at the handle, she moved around into the sight of the ghastly figure.

“Well met. Oh… I see. Dark skin, white hair. It is quite rare to see your kind around this region.” He greeted.

“If you know my kind, you know what deeds they have done. Aren’t you afraid of me?”

“Not if I can profit from our meeting!”

“You want me to protect your goods on your way to Ashania.” She understood the notions of his words.

“I am glad! Sellswords are unusually expensive these days. And I am sure bandits will not be stupid enough to attack your kind.”

“And what profit is waiting for me after escorting you?”

“How about these delicious dried Mutaki meat? Or the hare stew? Or I can show you wonderful deals for weapons and armors at the vast kingdom!”

“All of them. We will set off at dawn.” The dark elf snatched the dried meat from his hands, help herself with some stew at the fire and proceeded to lay down on the floor.

“Before we rest, perhaps we could exchange names. I am Ima. Ima Richards. Yours?”

“Evraset.”

The South Gate of Ashania

At dawn, they were riding towards the kingdom, but somehow both of them felt weird. It felt like something was staring at them, or at Ashania. They dismissed that notions and before they knew it, they were at the south gate of Ashania. The gate stood tall and grand, and at the top they could see a guard waving at them, shouting. The duet could not make up what he was trying to do. The guard threw his hand up in frustration, and shouted as loud as he could.

“Wait there!”

A few moments later, a voice asked, “Business o’ pleasure?”

The two could not find where the voice was coming from.

(player’s response)

Lore: Transportation

Lore:

Land Transportation

The Kingdom of Ashania is set in a world called, Miriandynus. Transportation in Miriandynus is troublesome, very troublesome. Traders and merchants travels with their goods, using mainly animal-drawn wheeled vehicle. Utilising horse, donkey, camel, sometimes even elephant and mutaki. 

Mutaki is a type of mammal, a hybrid between a cow and snail, with a hard shell covering its neck, hind legs and body. Mutaki is about 15 feet tall and weighs around 18,000lbs, their shells come in different sizes, shapes and patterns. The most prized Mutaki usually come from the far east side to Ashania, the one with a matte black, dome-like shell on its back, only reveals its beautiful colours and patterns under moonlight . It is said that Mutaki can carry goods up to thrice its body weight, saving traders and merchants an extra trip, with the only disadvantage being its slow speed.

In the world of Miriandynus, bandits and beast often loitered around the forests near the trading roads, ambushed any traders and travellers alike. To combat such problems, sellswords were hired to guard the caravan from such attacks during its trip. However, mercenary is hard to come by and usually comes with a high price.

Therefore, merchants and trader utilizes a technique called Inna da Inna to distract its enemy.

Inna da Inna is an elvish word for basket to basket, utilizing a minimum of three wheeled vehicles to successfully pull off the technique. The caravan will travel in a straight roll, with most of its valuable items in the middle wagon. The first and the last vehicles usually contains fake gems, jewelries and sometimes food. When an attack is launched, traders will abandon its first and last wagon to the enemy, fleeing with only the middle one.

Lore: Ashania and The Black Mountain

Lore:

Ashania

The story revolves around Ashania, a flourishing, opulent and peaceful kingdom. A place where Elves, Dwarfs and Humans lived together under Lord Bornia’s rule.

Castle_WIP12_FS2

The kingdom was comprised of Lord Bornia’s castle located on the top of the hill with several towns surrounding it. The mines near Ashania were rich with rare minerals, precious gems and strong metals, allowing craftsmen to craft armors, weapons etc. unrivaled by neighbouring countries.

Its strategic location allows trading by both land and sea. All trade roads and sea routes that leads to Ashania were well protected and traders were attracted to Ashania due to its quality goods and exotic markets. Surrounding towns provides food and tax monthly. In return, they were protected from monsters and bandits.

Ashania’s military power were a force to be reckoned with. All Ashanian soldiers were well-trained and accustomed to battle on land and sea. Ashania were able to lay siege on neighbouring countries, mobilizing only half of its troops to do so. With busy markets and military prowess, Ashania were able to keep good relationship with neighbouring nations, benefiting each other with the long, undisturbed peace.

Castle_WIP12_FS

 

The Black Mountain

The Black Mountain was located hundreds of miles to the south of Ashania. It was shunned by local Ashanians. Beasts, bandits and traders kept away from the mountain pass. Its ominous presences towered over Ashania, the black peak could be seen by all people from the vast kingdom.

The Black Mountain

The mountain was sheer and craggy, with parts resembles a tower or man-made architecture. Its presences had affected Ashania greatly, appearing in Ashanian’s folktales from time to time, symbolising great evil. What secrets was hidden in the Black Mountain? No one would ever know.

Prologue

You have arrived at Ashania. Flying colours and cheery shouts filled the streets of Ashania. A festival was happening. As you were roaming around, experiencing the jolly, wonderful atmosphere of the crowds, a wave of darkness and unease hit your mind. You broke into a cold sweat, when you saw a vision.

A vision, of great fire engulfing the town around you, horrid creatures ripping townsfolk apart bits by bits. The Black Mountain to the south grew larger and larger, towering over Ashania, casting its black shadow upon the despaired faces of Ashanians.

You shook your head violently, the vision dissipated. You looked around and noticed. Amidst of all the celebration, the black peak of the mountain stood ominously behind the kingdom’s landscape. What was the vision about? What secret does the mountain hide? You stared at the black peak, panting heavily.

She stared back.

 

Character Creation

Stats

Instead of 8, you will have 12 point to add into the 3 trait below (Strength, Agility and Intelligent). Each trait will affect how non-playable character react to you.

Strength
  • Statues – Intimidating
  • Combat Adv. – Attack Dmg
  • Conversation type – Comradeship and bargain
Agility
  • Statues – Stealthy
  • Combat Adv. – Critical Dmg
  • Conversation type – Secrets, rumours and bargain
Intelligent
  • Statues – Friendly
  • Combat Adv. – Magic Dmg
  • Conversation type – Knowledge of lore and weaknesses

 

  • Statues – First impression
  • Combat Adv. – How you fight.
  • Conversation type – How people might talk to you.

Races and Classes

You are allowed to create any race or class you want, however please try to create one that fits the lore and settings of this world. Race and class will affect some of the NPC’s reaction too! I will provide default Races and Classes for your consideration. You are allowed to mix and match anyone of them, or even come up with new ones!!!(but just tell me in the comments below first, thanks;) )

Race
  • Elf
  • Dark Elf
  • Dwarf
  • Gnomes
  • Human
Class
  • Berserker
  • Warrior
  • Assassin
  • Wizard
  • Hunter

Background and Specials

Provide a backstory for your Character! Where is he/she from? Did he/she have some accident? What is his/her Motive? Did he/she have any secrets(PM me the secrets)? And describe what weapon she/he will be holding and what clothing?

And tell me what is your character’s special ability. Like summoning creatures or mind control? This do play a part in the game. You will be given 3 Charges for your special ability throughout the whole story campaign. 

Example

Ok. I will give you an example now.

  • Merdini Cutter/F                                           Name/Sex(M/F)
  • 01/07/04/Dark Elf/Assassin                       Str/Agi/Int/Race/Class
  • Mind Control                                                  Special Power
  • A spy from a neighbouring country, she wishes to sabotage the operations and politics of Ashania. Her parent died during her young age in the battle with the Ashanians. Ever since, she took up her dagger and short sword. Consume by vengeance, she swore to bring down the kingdom of Ashania, even at the cost of her own life. (Pm me any secrets he/she might have!)                                     Backstory

 

That’s it!!!! I hope this is not too much of a hassle for you, I will try to keep it as simple and entertaining as I can, hope that you will come to love this world that I have created.

 

 

Project 2

Project 2 – Impossibilities of Being

Password – 599

Project 2 tackle the subject of ‘Impossibilities of Being’. It requires 3 transformation. I have decided to settle on the topic of ‘Dreams’. I will be explaining the choice I made for each transformation and what it means in a bigger picture.

You have me waking up, looking frustrated. Suddenly, a little mischievous creature appeared out of thin air, looking for a partner to play with. We enjoyed our time together, but the creature was bored quickly and was looking for another activity to kill time. An idea came to him and he summoned a portal. Out of curiosity, I entered through the portal. In each portal, I was rendered differently. The first portal that I came across make me look like a comic book character. The second, looks like a painting from picasso. Finally the last portal, I was devoid of all detail, just left with a silhouette.

Through the project, I wish to express the idea that we have different levels and depth of dreams. In my 90 pictures,each portal rendered me less and less realistic. As we slumber deeper into our dreams, it make less sense and lack realism. Ultimately, we will face our deepest fear, those fear that we refuse to face in reality.

 

Project 1: Lines

Project 1

Final Product

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Top 3 Favourite

 page 7Anxious

Ink on linel board, uses the Grattage method. I believed that the jagged and edgy lines has successfully express the emotion. The feeling of grinding teeth and sweaty palm is what I want the viewer to feel.

page 5Aggressive

Ink on linel board, uses the Grattage method. I put myself in the mood when I was creating this piece. The sharp, pointy line of the pattern is similar to the choppy sea during storm.

page 6Indecisive

Ink on linel board, uses the Grattage method. I have absolutely no idea what I was doing in this piece, but I guess that is the whole idea. I am constantly change my mind when I was scraping the ink away and the end result reflect the indecisiveness.

Research and Exploration

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