Hunt, Slay & Bleed (A Grim Fantasy Roleplay) (Sign-Up/Recruitment)

https://i.imgur.com/Z0XJwoY.png

It can be said that war never truly ends. Even though battles may be over, peace is only quiet time before the next battle begins. In some cases, the battle never ceases to stop, even generations later. One thing that separates humans from other beings in the world, is the vicious cycle of war, often caused by humans for their own idealistic goals. It is generally agreed upon that war is a terrible thing, and yet, it’s constantly there. Such is the current state of events in the known world. There is a constant cycle of hatred between four groups of living beings, with no supposed end in sight.

Our story takes place in the town of Ivesburg. A rather large city, abundant with people. It has everything from markets, to peasants and noble families. There is even a lake nearby the city for fishing, and the rather decent climate is fantastic for farming for most of the year. Beyond the farmlands of Ivesburg, lies a large forest to the south known as the Malen Forest.

The Malen Forest is a monstrous forest, filled with creatures available for hunting. People often venture inside to for leisure, and for extra food to hunt, however, the actual size of the forest is not known. It is said the deeper you go, the more dangerous the forest becomes, with stories of people getting lost and never finding their way out. It should also be noted, that many dangerous creatures known as Demons reside in this forest, and one should be careful about venturing too deep into the forest.

Corset is a town located on the eastern side of the Malen Forest. It’s possible to get to this town by following a specific trail within the forest, however, good navigation is required to ensure one does not get lost in the forest. It should also be noted that Corset is a town where Vampires reside. Corset does have a smaller economy than Ivesburg, but similar. Unlike Ivesburg, there are no real social classes among the Vampires, and there isn’t much need for farming.

Kavenhold is a town located on the western side of the Malen Forest, and similar to Corset, it is a town that can be reached by following another specific trail through the forest, if the navigation is there. Likewise, this town is where many Werewolves reside. Similar to Ivesburg, there is a small farmland that exists, although many people in this town will hunt for their food in the wilds and the forest nearby.


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Regular humans are most abundant in this world. Generally speaking, if one refers to someone as ‘Human’, they are generally referring to the human as having no Werewolf or Vampire blood within them. Humans are smart at making tools, and are highly organized. Not only are they high in numbers, they are capable of destruction and chaos utilizing their brains and tools, despite not having any sort of Werewolf or Vampire powers. The humans in Ivesburg resent Vampires and Werewolves and Demons alike, and are often told to kill them on sight. Specific Hunters exist, solely for the elimination of said beings. Unlike Vampires and Werewolves, Humans in Ivesburg also have a social class system. Peasants, middle class, and nobles, etc.

Something that regular Humans possess, that Werewolves and Vampires cannot do, is the ability to perform magic. Magic is exceedingly rare in Ivesburg, with the only person in town being able to do so, being a Priest. His followers are taught magic as a part of their teachings, mainly specializing in Healing and Holy Magic. Supposedly Priest Donom’s Healing Magic is so strong, he is able to regrow limbs - for a cost, that is. However, it should be noted that magic cannot be taught to everyone that follows Priest Donom. According to him, if the person’s aptitude is not capable of learning magic, they will never be able to do so, no matter how hard they try.

Humans are also able to breed with Vampires and Werewolves. The chances offspring having the Vampiric/Werewolf Gene is 50/50. No physical proof of half-breeds exist as of yet.

Pros:

• Able to perform Magic
• Access to a variety of weapons, and even traps to capture Vampires, Werewolves and Demons
• Access to doctors and medicine
• No need to hunt for food/able to purchase items at the market

Cons:

• No increase in strength or speed from a transformation
• No real healing factor, other than medicine and possibly magic
• Magic is not well known, and is not readily available; exhausts the user

https://i.imgur.com/FqxYF8A.jpg

Contrary to belief, Vampires are indeed humans. Although their exact origin is unknown, Vampires are humans that have specific Vampiric Gene within them. Many of the Vampires in Corset, were born the way they are. Although Vampires can eat like regular humans, they have very little need to do so. They can survive by simply devouring and drinking blood of humans and/or animals. Often, Vampires will catch wandering humans within the Malen Forest, or hunt for animals. They can devour meat raw, and can also survive several days without any water or food, although their bodies will generally get weaker until they replenish. They don’t have extraordinary strength compared to regular humans, unless they transmute to their true vampiric form.

In their regular human forms, Vampires are generally more pale skinned (although this isn’t always the case). There often isn’t anything out of the ordinary in terms of their appearance compared to regular humans, so often they may be able to hide in crowds, unless people really study their appearance. Because of this, many Vampires will still refrain from wandering into regular humans, unless they plan to kill them.

In their True Form, Vampires alter not only their appearance, but also their abilities. Generally, some traits all vampires share in their transformation, are their signature fangs, large protruding wings, as well as a more noticeable feral appearance. Often blood flow will increase throughout the body giving a more vascular appearance to the Vampire, and their nails will also grow. Vampires are also able to glide and fly decent distances in this form, and are granted a decent strength boost as well. Some Vampires even gain muscular size after transformation, appearance alterations, and possibly even hair alterations such as colour and/or style. Vampires will transmute to this form in dangerous situations, and to fight.

Transforming costs the Vampire a lot of energy, and they will often be exhausted after being transformed. Because of this, many Vampires will still hunt with a typical weapons such as arrows, crossbows, swords, spears etc for their food and blood. Any injuries will also be healed upon transforming, if the Vampire still has the energy to transform. However, any damage done to the Vampire during the transformed state, will still be present even after their revert. Getting blood or meat in time, will often speed up the Vampiric healing process. Heavy damage such as limbs are also able to grow back, in a few days time if the Vampire is given enough blood and nutrients. It should also be noted that Vampires cannot drink Demon blood, as it is poisonous.

Vampires are also able to breed with Regular Humans and Werewolves. The chances offspring having the Vampiric/Werewolf Gene is 50/50. No physical proof of half-breeds exist as of yet.

Pros:

• Increased Strength during transformation
• Capable of flight during Transformation
• Able to go for longer period of time without food/only blood needed
• Can heal upon transformation, and by drinking blood to speed up recovery

Cons:

• Can be harder blend in with crowds
• Silver weapons/items can deal great damage to them
• Transforming can exhaust them, and sometimes leave them incapacitated
• Susceptible to Holy magic. Performing Healing magic on them can also damage them, instead of healing them.

https://i.imgur.com/Rgp8fb8.jpg

Like Vampires, Werewolves are also humans. Again, likewise, Werewolves are humans born with the Werewolf gene. Their exact origin is unknown as well, but the humans that live in Kavenhold were all born with the gene. Like humans and unlike Vampires, Werewolves need to eat like regular humans. They function the exact same as regular humans in terms of needs for nutrition, however, they are able to eat raw meat in their transformed state. They also do not have any extraordinary strength in their human state, compared to regular humans.

When transformed, their Werewolf state resembles a typical wolf, however, much larger in size, comparable to a horse in terms of sheer size. It can be said if you come across a wolf of this size, you can rest assured it is a human with the Werewolf gene. In this Werewolf state, they are much stronger and able to navigate the wilderness much more agile than in their human state, and cover great distances by running, and getting away from predicaments. They also will typically transform to this state if they need kill larger animals, demons, other humans, and even Vampires. Similar to Vampires, transforming costs energy, and can exhaust if used in excess. Most humans will become naked after transforming, due to the tearing of the clothes during transformation. Should also be noted, they cannot eat Demon flesh, as it will kill them due to the poisonous nature of their blood. Many Werewolves will still hunt in their human state with regular weapons, instead of transforming, as to avoid the hassle unless necessary.

Werewolves are also able to breed with Regular Humans and Vampires. The chances offspring having the Vampiric/Werewolf Gene is 50/50. No physical proof of half-breeds exist as of yet.

Pros:

• Increased Strength and Speed whilst transformed
• Able to hide in crowds much easier than Vampires to avoid detection
• Can also heal upon transforming, however, not to the extent of Vampires. However, they are able to benefit from Healing Magic

Cons

• Cannot speed up healing process by eating (comparable to that of regular humans)
• Transformation can exhaust them, and prove fatal if used in excess
• Cannot regrow limbs

https://i.imgur.com/zKbAIbW.jpg

Demons are the absolute abomination of this world. They come in many different sizes and shapes, and most seemingly exist only for the purpose of eating other living things, mainly humans whether they be Vampires or Werewolves. Nobody knows their true origins and how they came to exist, however, they are a common enemy no matter which side you belong to. It is not known if they breed, however, it is generally agreed upon that Demons do spawn somehow. Most of the demons reside in the Malen Forest, and although the lesser demons tend to roam near the tree line, they do get much more sinister and monstrous the deeper into the forest you go. Because of this, many humans (Werewolves and Vampires included), will not go incredibly deep inside.

Rumours as of late, have revealed that something malicious lies in the centre of the forest. Something that could bring the end of all humans living in the surrounding towns. Demons for the most part not sentient, and don’t seem to be organized like Humans. However, occasionally, some Demons capable of speech are seen, although extremely rare. It is unknown why these Demons are capable of speech and thinking comparable to that of a human, however, they are still exterminated by humans. In fact, these demons are so rare, that they are considered rumours.

Pros:

• Their abilities are incredibly varied; some can regenerate, some can spit poison, some have claws, etc.
• Their appearances and size are also varied
• Stronger than humans, and can also put up a fight against Werewolves and Vampires even in their transformed states, depending on the demon.

Cons:

• Susceptible to Magic of all kinds
• Steel and Silver weapons is a major weakness
• Majority of them are not intelligent and cannot think to a higher level

The Roleplay

Now that the character/lore parts are finished, I can explain the role-play more! This role-play is set in a typical medieval fantasy setting, and is mostly going to be a sandbox style role-play. This means that although there is an overarching plot line for the most part, I am allowing the players to interact with each other as much as possible. Players will be able to create ONE character that belongs to one of the 4 ‘Factions’ so to speak, and we will work from there. For example. The first chapter will revolve around a particular plot point, and the players are free to interact with each other, as long as the plot point for that chapter has been resolved. We rinse and repeat for the next chapter and so on.

The first chapter will be simply revolving around everyone’s characters getting set up in the world, and depending on everyone’s factions, you will have a particular task for your character to accomplish. This will become much more clear in the discussion, and the start of the role-play. Fighting among players is also allowed.

This role-play will be mostly set within Ivesburg, The Malen Forest, Corset, and Kavenhold for now. Depending on your faction, that will be your hometown/place. If you play as a Demon, your character will be Sentient.


The Rules

1. All Forum Rules Apply
2. This is a rather darker roleplay, so I guess I rate it “m” for all the usual stuff (swearing, some gore, adult themes). Please don't abuse this, and use it as an excuse to swear excessively or be crude or vulgar. I rated it this, to give a bit more freedom with writing.
3. No godmodding. As said before, this is not an RP about fighting, but make the fighting realistic. If your character got hit, make sure you describe they actually got hit and not just shook it off like it was nothing ( a punch to the face does hurt).
4. No having multiple characters
5. No bunnying other characters without permission. However, something I do allow, is for you to bunny my character if you need to (you don’t have to ask me, unless you think it is something out of the ordinary for my character to do).
6. Not really a rule, but please give me critique if you don’t like something. For example, if you guys absolutely hate the whole chapter thing, then please let me know and I will most likely scrap it. With that said, if you have an idea for a chapter or want to have one revolving around your own character or whatever, please let me know.
7. Once again, not really a rule, however, I should note that this roleplay is not based around any existing franchise of the sort. It is simply my own creation.



Your Character Sheet

Name
(Straightforward. A First name and middle or last name (if they have one)).

Age
(Age doesn’t generally doesn't matter in this roleplay. Could play as an old man, middle aged woman, etc. Just have it make sense please. Vampires and Werewolves age the same as regular humans. Demons don't die of old age, only disease and by being killed.)

Gender
(If they are Demon, you can write N/A.)

Class/Race
(Vampire, Werewolf, Regular Human, Demon)

Appearance
(Good description of your character. Picture does not substitute for writing. Describe their Tranformed State as well.)

Personality
(Explain their personality. Their traits, habits, how they behave etc.)

Background
(Probably the most important section. Detail anything here, from their origins, social class/status, occupation, family, or anything else that would fit in here.)

Weapon
(This is OPTIONAL. Not every character uses a weapon, although it is recommended to have one. Pick a basic one for now).

Magic
(Does your character know any magic? Make up something basic for now. Only for Humans)

Other
(Anything else you want to add?)

----------------------------

Accepted Characters:
1) Hainer Moradi/Werewolf (J2000)
2) Jora Reade/Werewolf [upscalerat]

This looks fun, I'm very interested in joining!

Before doing so, I wanted to ask a bit more about the world- for instance, does Kavenhold, like Corset, eschew social classes? And if so, how does this work exactly, especially in regards to economy? I assume each town is self sufficient and that everyone speaks the same language?

I love the dark atmosphere and sense of claustrophobia of only having three main towns. I’m interested, though I’m not yet sure what I’d like to play as. Maybe a demon with a poisonous stinger at the end of a tail.

Hm, I thought I replied but my post isn’t showing up:

Anyways, yes Kavehold does have social classes but probably not as apparent as regular humans or even vampires for that matter. There may be certain werewolves that are shunned for their views, etc. but for the most part, the citizens of Kavenhold understand they need to look out for each other and share food, so people are taken care of, etc. in a sense, they look out for each other more.

And let me know if anyone needs help with any character creation :)

Name: Jora Reade
Age: 26 years old
Gender: Female
Race: Werewolf
Appearance: As a human, Jora stands at a respectable 5 and a half feet. She's somewhat scrawny, and has little in the way of muscle- but it is present. Her skin is olivey from sun exposure. She has brown hair that naturally has some almost orange highlights, which she keeps relatively long, and typically tied up in a ponytail. Hey eyes, in both human and wolf forms, are a light, almost amber shade of brown. As a wolf, Jora has a white belly and paws, with the rest of her coat being gray, with orange and black hairs being present- think gray wolf. Most notably different is that she is much larger than a normal wolf, her size being on par with a small horse.
Personality: Jora is typically the type to keep to herself, and not offer unsolicited help or advice to others. However, she is polite enough if asked, and it takes little enough to gain her support on most matters. She can be rather sneaky at times- sometimes unintentionally so; she might answer a direct question asked of her, and not disclose relevant information that she has, simply because she did not think to do so. For her friends, Jora is incredibly loyal, and would truly do anything for them. She can also become incredibly focused on a goal- even to the point of obsession.
Background: Jora was born and raised in Kavenhold and, aside from dipping into Malen here and there, has yet to leave her hometown. She remembers her parents as loving, even if she thought they were demanding as she grew up. In retrospect, though, Jora can easily admit that her parents raised her well, and while her childhood was largely uneventful, it shaped her into a good enough person. For several years, Jora has been one of many hunters for her whole town, braving Malen regularly for her neighbors. About three years prior, Jora's mother suffered severe wounds after being attacked by a demon, and ultimately died; her father fell ill and also passed only a few months after. As a result of that and their only child, Jora now lives alone in the small house they shared.
Weapon: Keeps a spear on hand if hunting in the forest in her human state. In an emergency, will use whatever she can get her hands on as a blunt/melee weapon if necessary. Does not stay armed in her general day-to-day life.
Magic: N/A
Other: N/A





Of course, if there's anything that doesn't seem to mesh with the world, please let me know and I'll change it! Also, please let me know if there's anything I forgot to cover that I should have, or any questions that I can answer but updating the character sheet!

Your character looks good to me! Because they are both Werewolves and reside in Kavenhold, it's quite possible my character and yours know of each other! Here is my character :)

~

Spoiler: Hainer 

https://i.imgur.com/6Np5cNZ.jpg

Name
Hainer Moradi

Age
30

Gender
Male

Class/Race
Werewolf

Appearance
Hainer stands tall, being around 191cm. Working in a local mill and the docks by the lake from a young age and generally working out, has given Hainer a rather strong and muscular build at around 14.5-15 Stone (92-93kg/199-205lbs). His hair is black and somewhat short. He is generally clean shaven on the face, rarely growing out his beard. In terms of imperfections, there are no real or overbearing blemishes or acne on his face, and his skin is a bit swarthy.

Hainer can generally be seen wearing a button up, cream-coloured tunic, with the sleeves ending right before his elbows, similar in style to his work uniform. The sleeves are cuffed, and the tunic stops at the waist similar to his uniform. On top of this cream tunic, he wears a white Vest, with a red-violet colour for the inside of the vest, and gold trim on the outside. As for the bottom portion of his body, he generally sticks to his usual light brown pants, with dark brown boots.

When transformed, his Wolf is light brown in colour in terms of fur, and there’s a slight mane around his neck, in his Wolf state. His wolf’s size is rather large, similar to that of a horse such as a Clydesdale. He generally utilizes this form when he is faced with certain adversities.

Personality
It can be said that Hainer is kind-hearted man. Polite and well-mannered, he generally is open to most people. He does indeed strive to make sure the townsfolk of Kavenhold feel safe, especially in a bleak world where death can be lurking everyday. It can also be said he tends to give people the benefit of the doubt, as naive as that may seem. Although he knows to generally stay away from regular humans and vampires who wish to harm him, he would generally not stray from those in need. He enjoys sparking up conversation with random people, and more often than not, gives people the benefit of the doubt as mentioned before, when it comes to certain things. Because of this, there have been many times when he has been ripped off, or has the wool pulled over his eyes and taken advantage of. Despite this, it can be said that he is a rather just person by nature when it comes down to it. Hainer is generally a logical person, however, he can be rattled easily if one were to push the right buttons.

Background
Growing up in Kavenhold, Hainer’s family moved to the town when they were very young, around 2 years old. According to his Aunt, they originally came from an unnamed city in the east, where they had to flee to due their ‘condition’. His parents were both killed, on a fateful evening one night when the town of Kavenhold was raided by surrounding towns, Corset and Ivesburg, by both Vampires and Humans. As of right now, his only family known is his Aunt Mara, whom he resides with in a house on the edge of town. Hainer currently spends his days helping around the town, going on hunts, and otherwise living his day-to-day life as he sees fit.

Weapon
He often carries around a longsword, strapped around his waist on a sash that slings around his body. He will generally carry this sword around if he intends to go into the forest.

Magic
N/A

Other
N/A

Very cool. Count me in!

Awesome! Thank you for your interest! Let me know if you need any help with your character :)

Also, I should note: When humans are transformed into their wolf state, they lose the ability to talk. Otherwise, their mental capacity is more or less the same, as they do not revert to any sort of 'animalistic' mind. Same with Vampires, nothing changes in their mental capacity when transformed. I will update this in the main post!

Spoiler: Annwyn 

Name: Annwyn

Age: Irrelevant, though resembles a woman in her twenties

Gender: Female

Race: Demon

Appearance: Annwyn could almost be mistaken for a human woman. She stands at just over six feet tall, thin and reedy. Her limbs are long and stick-like, though still possessed of the famed demon strength. Her hands and feet are long and slender, each finger and toe tipped with a hooked claw. Her toes are webbed, like frogs’ feet, but her fingers are clear and dexterous. Her skin is pale and slightly green, her hair the shade of waterlilies. Her red-rimmed eyes are brownish-green, like pond muck. Her multitudes of teeth are small and needle-like, arranged in backwards-pointing rows to ensure prey does not escape. Gills flutter on either side of her neck. Her fin-like ears trail sensitive tendrils packed with electroreceptors and tastebuds. Looking closely at her skin, one would notice the faintest sheen of silvery scales. She has no need for clothes, but could fit in them if given incentive to.

Personality: Annwyn is a creature of the lake, more at home in water than on land. On land she is ungainly and awkward, but swimming amongst the reeds and lake plants she is supernaturally graceful. She is a predator first and foremost, an ambush hunter that lurks at the water’s edge to snatch unwary prey. She prefers it warm and thrashing, but cold and wriggling is just as well. She is curious about the world of humans and has been convinced to let potential meals go in exchange for news or stories from the surface, or baubles and trinkets. She maintains multiples caches around the lake of human objects, ranging from mother-of-pearl necklaces to bronze keys and bits of colored glass. A good portion of her knowledge of human society is flat-out wrong, either by incorrect assumptions or lies told by wily prey. She enjoys to sing, and has been told several times that her voice is beautiful.

Background: Annwyn came into being some time ago, the exact date not important. Her semi-aquatic nature lended her to hunting in various ponds and streams in the Malen Forest, eking out a meager existence on deer and waterfowl. Like other demons, she was primarily animalistic during this time.

During a particularly harsh winter, her ponds and creeks frozen over, Annwyn sought a better, more permanent territory to hunt. She followed a small, icy stream to the lake near Ivesburg, and slipped into the dark, cold depths. Come springtime, the ice thawed and the humans began fishing again. She watched, enraptured by their clothes, weapons, tools, and language. They seemed so similar to her, yet so different. In the nights, when her only company were the owls and the peeping frogs, she’d try to replicate the sounds the humans made.

It was tough, but as she learned, her mind grew sharper. She learned the human words, and how to use them. Things had names and qualities now, beyond taste and feel. She could identify each type of plant in the lake, and the things the humans had no names for, she invented ones for. Humans were fascinating, and she longed for conversation.

One early spring morning, when dawn had yet to break, and fog still clutched at the lake like a vain man clutches the edge of a mirror, Annwyn swam to the surface. The air was cold and sharp on her gills, but she didn’t mind. Opening her mouth, she began to sing in a clear, high voice. She combined the human tongue with the words her heart gave her, and in the language of the fishwife, the day begun. Soon, boats were flocking the lake to find the source of the singing. Every time a boat would come too close, she’d dip to the bottom of the lake. When the shadows moved off, she’d find a hidden patch of cattails and begin her song again, laughing at the humans’ attempts to find her. A new rumor began to circulate across the lake and through the towns, one of a beautiful woman of the lake whose voice shone like the sun and who could grant wishes. To this day, many have claimed to have seen the lady of the lake, but few have, and those that have lived to tell the tale know that she’s no wish-granting faerie.

Weapon: Annwyn relies mainly on her teeth and claws to kill, though she is also known to throw rocks or unfortunate frogs at people that annoy her

Abilities (Replacing Magic):
Aquatic Physiognomy: Annwyn is built for the water, possessing gills and webbed toes, in addition to resisting cold and changes in pressure far more than the average human. She is capable of keeping up with even the fastest of the small clipper boats that skim the lake. She is also capable of leaping upwards of 12 feet out of the water with a run-up, or 5 without.

Demon Strength: Annwyn may look frail, however she is anything but. Her thin limbs are supernaturally strong, and most prey has little chance of escape once in her grasp.

Whiskers: Annwyn’s ears have 8 “whiskers”, each ranging between 4 and 16 inches long, that trail behind her and float freely underwater. They function as a sort of sixth sense in murky or dark water, allowing her to “see” within 60 feet of herself even without the benefit of sight. Combined with a sensitive sense of taste and smell, she is a consummate hunter in the gloom of dawn and dusk, when she is most active.

Lakesong: Annwyn’s singing voice has an almost magical quality that draws intelligent creatures near. Humans are most susceptible, but vampires and werewolves can also be lured. Transforming can clear the mind of her influence. People with sufficiently strong wills can ignore her, and plugging one’s ears will render her song ineffectual.

Other: Annwyn has killed only one person since she moved to the lake, a thief who tricked her into revealing where one of her caches were. Realizing it was just a bunch of junk, he attempted to kill Annwyn in hopes of bringing back her head as proof of a lake demon, and she ate him.

Still a work in progress!!

Spoiler: Belruu 

Name
Belruu

Age
Unknown

Gender
Female

Race
Demon

Appearance

Spoiler: Belruu 

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/a0/a8/f4/a...58c78a977a.jpg

Belruu stood unwavering at five feet and ten inches. Her physique rather thin and humanoid, like that of a woman. Her skin was a unique swirl of gold and dark greens, almost black. Her unique mane was jet black and flowed down her back in soft waves. Large and sharp, unusually designed horns stuck out of her head unevenly with the same gold swirls her body enveloped. Belruu's keen claws were that of a gold color. Her face was quite lovely and she had two nostril piercings of pure gold. You'll find her without clothing of any sort. Just like her body, Belruu's eyes are that of a dark green.

Personality
Despite her rather aloof and shy behavior, Belruu is still very much interested in the culture of humans, werewolves, and vampires.

Background
Belruu came into existence one night devoid of fate - extraordinarily close to the center of the Malen Forest.

Weapon
N/A

Magic
N/A

Other