Post by JMDavis ((Silver)) on Jul 7, 2009 1:10:48 GMT -5
(( New race, sorta, as well as description of their home ))
Reaches of Night:
History -
Sometime during the point when the mutants were outcast over in Baytra, darkness descended upon the people of Yrshyn. The color was pulled from life itself, though left the eyes of the people and the silk of the native silkworms untouched.
Land -
This land, which lies far to the east of the world and across two oceans, is a place of mystery, it is known by those who inhabit the land of Baytra as the Reaches of Night, for no known reason. While those who live on the land call it Yrshyn, meaning Misty Lands, in their tongue. Those who inhabit the land do not know what curse, or gift as some see it, had fallen upon their land. But what it had done managed to steal the color of almost everything. Leaving only the irises of the people, and the silk spun by the native silkworms, which would appear in the most vibrant and amazing hues anywhere.
Though their world is almost all in black, white and gray, the colors are not dull. The bark and wood of the Shadowvine trees is sought after by many. The bark is as smooth as glass, and as hard as steel, and is a mirror-polish black. While the wood beneath is a beautiful gray that would make the heart ache. Both of these are used for lining the clothing of the warriors of the people. While the leaves of these trees, also a dark black but with a brilliant white veining, can grow to the size of a man, and be dried out in the sun to harden to the same strength as the bark. The leaves have been used to make the finest of blades for Blademasters, as well as shields for footsoldiers.
Whatever effects them does not also effect their magic.
People -
The people here have been afflicted with the same malady that has effected their land. Their skin does not differ, almost all are pale white. Only the elder men amongst their people are allowed to grow facial hair, and only if the men are married, for this is a sign of both age and unavailability. Some may take the custom of the westerners to exchange rings, but most do not. As they age, their former hair color will only rarely change, and most will not look too old.
Men stand at around 5'4, while women can reach a height of 7'10.
Culture/Society -
Courtship for marriage does not begin until the eightieth year of life for both genders in their society. After this time, both the man and woman wanting to be married are required to participate in at least eight battles together, or twenty skirmishes, to be considered for marriage. The time this takes may vary.
If both reach their final battle or skirmish together, and still care for one another deeply and can trust one another with the fullest extent of their soul, then they may begin the consideration for marriage. At this time, a ranking member of the Council for whatever Province the couple lives in will accompany them, acting as a chaperon, making sure the couple does not stray from one another, this shall last for eighty years.
If the couple manages to pass this final test, they are ready to be married. They will have the traditional wedding, where the wife-to-be does a blade dance, while her husband-to-be puts on a show, using whichever school of magic they have decided to follow or using any of the gadgets he has invented. At the end of the ceremony, the two are to go to a small home, built beforehand by the groom's family, and consummate their marriage.
Military/Magic/Science -
The basic armies are made up predominantly of women, with men filling in for spots requiring the use of anything other than hand-to-hand weaponry, rarely will the two distinct gender roles cross. Women will be seen on the battle field carrying large, elegant, swords. Depending on what the blade is made of distinguishes the rank, with the common troops wielding blades of iron, the middle rank carrying blades of steel, and the highest ranking warriors wielding blades of Shadowvine leaves.
Men will train in one of the numerous academies of magic that are located within any of the provinces. Chromancy, Necromancy, Evocation, Abjuration, Illusion, Enchantment, Transmutation, Conjuration, and Divination are for those who delve into the more dangerous side of magic. While Temples to the Gods are open to allow for those men wishing to become a priest and bring forth the Divine power of their deity.
For those who cannot find a knack for magic, they will turn to science. Developing new weapons of war, or new items to help with everyday life. Currently, due to an ongoing conflict, most production has turned toward the development of firearms.
Rulers -
The White and Black Queens who are both married to the Gray King. Beings who are considered living gods.
Reaches of Night:
History -
Sometime during the point when the mutants were outcast over in Baytra, darkness descended upon the people of Yrshyn. The color was pulled from life itself, though left the eyes of the people and the silk of the native silkworms untouched.
Land -
This land, which lies far to the east of the world and across two oceans, is a place of mystery, it is known by those who inhabit the land of Baytra as the Reaches of Night, for no known reason. While those who live on the land call it Yrshyn, meaning Misty Lands, in their tongue. Those who inhabit the land do not know what curse, or gift as some see it, had fallen upon their land. But what it had done managed to steal the color of almost everything. Leaving only the irises of the people, and the silk spun by the native silkworms, which would appear in the most vibrant and amazing hues anywhere.
Though their world is almost all in black, white and gray, the colors are not dull. The bark and wood of the Shadowvine trees is sought after by many. The bark is as smooth as glass, and as hard as steel, and is a mirror-polish black. While the wood beneath is a beautiful gray that would make the heart ache. Both of these are used for lining the clothing of the warriors of the people. While the leaves of these trees, also a dark black but with a brilliant white veining, can grow to the size of a man, and be dried out in the sun to harden to the same strength as the bark. The leaves have been used to make the finest of blades for Blademasters, as well as shields for footsoldiers.
Whatever effects them does not also effect their magic.
People -
The people here have been afflicted with the same malady that has effected their land. Their skin does not differ, almost all are pale white. Only the elder men amongst their people are allowed to grow facial hair, and only if the men are married, for this is a sign of both age and unavailability. Some may take the custom of the westerners to exchange rings, but most do not. As they age, their former hair color will only rarely change, and most will not look too old.
Men stand at around 5'4, while women can reach a height of 7'10.
Culture/Society -
Courtship for marriage does not begin until the eightieth year of life for both genders in their society. After this time, both the man and woman wanting to be married are required to participate in at least eight battles together, or twenty skirmishes, to be considered for marriage. The time this takes may vary.
If both reach their final battle or skirmish together, and still care for one another deeply and can trust one another with the fullest extent of their soul, then they may begin the consideration for marriage. At this time, a ranking member of the Council for whatever Province the couple lives in will accompany them, acting as a chaperon, making sure the couple does not stray from one another, this shall last for eighty years.
If the couple manages to pass this final test, they are ready to be married. They will have the traditional wedding, where the wife-to-be does a blade dance, while her husband-to-be puts on a show, using whichever school of magic they have decided to follow or using any of the gadgets he has invented. At the end of the ceremony, the two are to go to a small home, built beforehand by the groom's family, and consummate their marriage.
Military/Magic/Science -
The basic armies are made up predominantly of women, with men filling in for spots requiring the use of anything other than hand-to-hand weaponry, rarely will the two distinct gender roles cross. Women will be seen on the battle field carrying large, elegant, swords. Depending on what the blade is made of distinguishes the rank, with the common troops wielding blades of iron, the middle rank carrying blades of steel, and the highest ranking warriors wielding blades of Shadowvine leaves.
Men will train in one of the numerous academies of magic that are located within any of the provinces. Chromancy, Necromancy, Evocation, Abjuration, Illusion, Enchantment, Transmutation, Conjuration, and Divination are for those who delve into the more dangerous side of magic. While Temples to the Gods are open to allow for those men wishing to become a priest and bring forth the Divine power of their deity.
For those who cannot find a knack for magic, they will turn to science. Developing new weapons of war, or new items to help with everyday life. Currently, due to an ongoing conflict, most production has turned toward the development of firearms.
Rulers -
The White and Black Queens who are both married to the Gray King. Beings who are considered living gods.
Couple of really good races. A few that could do with a little more "fleshing out" but that's probably just a work in progress 
