**** Ponies with BLACK names are all at 4% starter stats. **** Ponies with DARK RED names have stats from previous RP calculations ◈ AjaxCert ◈ AlarnCert AmarinneCert Strength: 57% Courage: 59% Speed: 62% Intelligence: 55% Luck: 56% Stamina: 58%
Character Stat Sheets ◈ ccccccccc Table of Contents ◈ ccccccccc Setting, Rules & Main Characters ◈ ccccccccc Villains ◈ ccccccccc Elderwillow Lore ◈ ccccccccc Timeline & History ◈ ccccccccc Soquili Bloodline Families & Pedigrees ◈ ccccccccc Breeding Agreements & Saved Forms ◈ ccccccccc RP Plotlines & Progress Trackers ◈ ccccccccc Wanted Ads ◈ ccccccccc Familiars ◈ ccccccccc Human Characters & Settlements ◈ ccccccccc Setting Maps ◈ ccccccccc Credits ◈ ccccccccc Friends & Affiliates ◈ ccccccccc
Celeanor Crew
Dangerous Hunter
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Celeanor Crew
Dangerous Hunter
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Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 6:55 pm
Setting
The Elderwillow Herdlands have not known true peace for quite some time. The landscape, while outwardly idyllic, masks an underlying sense of urgency, a call to live wild in the moment and never apologize for being what you are. There is an energy here that is palpable, a feeling that the land itself is in motion. Even the trees feel vibrant and alive, unlike their sleepy neighbors farther down the peninsula. Everywhere you look, there is motion. A flock of birds. A herd of deer. A babbling brook and a laughing stream. The trees dance in the breeze as great predators of the wilds pass quietly beneath their boughs.
As for the soquili that call this place home, they too are active beyond the norm. Kawani Warriors and their fleet-footed Soquili companions race breakneck through the glens in hot pursuit of wild game - their whoops and animal calls echoing through the trees. Even the more sedate members of the herd carry themselves well beyond their years or infirmities. The water, they say, is particularly good. Or perhaps it is the great care and respect shown them by the younger herd members. It could be any number of things that keep the old looking young, but outsiders agree it is something about the land itself.
Years ago, this place was once a Kawani settlement. The fate of the original inhabitants of the forests and glades is unknown, but the shamans of the new Kawani village down near the coast assure the Elderwillow leadership that the spirits of these woods welcome their new caretakers. With that in mind, the Alpha and Protector have taken a particular interest in land stewardship that is unlike their peers. What started as an appreciation for the land has developed into a bond; a symbiotic relationship where the soquili protect the soul of this place and the land itself provides whatever they descendants of Wind Horse require. The heart of the land rests not at it's center, but near one of the major rivers that flow down from the sharp fangs of Silver Keep. There, at the base of the mountains, stands a grove of ancient willow trees. It was discovered after the group of soquili calling themselves by their new name 'Cerezo' had settled in the area ... and it's presence changed everything.
They had been the 'Elderwillow' soquili once, when a similar bond with the land had afforded them a peaceful life closer to the original Kawani village. But their home had burned in the fires of a skinwalker attack, and they had fled in search of another place to call home. 'Cerezo' meant cherry tree, and in keeping with their tradition of selecting a home around a central tree, they had picked a venerable old cherry to settle around. Given time and an unending silence, the leaders of the herd - spearheaded by their elder, Flame - looked elsewhere. They were missing something, and it was in this time that the actions of their young Protector, Seresai, earned the regard of the forest itself and the grove was revealed to them.
What they did not expect was the emotional healing that would permeate the herd with the discovery of the grove. Ancestral ties are deep, as it turns out, and the severed ties left behind in their old territory had left gaping wounds in the hearts of the herd. Nowadays, it is not uncommon for a troubled heart to find his or herself in the grove, asking advice of the spirits or simply resting beneath the willows. Visitors, while welcome in the main herdlands, are not permitted here except by express permission of the Alpha or Protector - and they take their duty to protect this spiritual center very seriously. Petitions to simply visit are denied, the Protector in particular does not suffer idle curiosity and she outright scorns gawkers. Spiritual quests are usually granted, but only under discreet supervision by a scout or warrior. Kawani may come and go as they please, as it is their ancestors that imbued the location with such power, but even they are watched. The sole exceptions are the shamans, though they usually insist on visiting the Alpha and Protector anyway, and it was these shamans of the Kawani people who gave the Elderwillow herd their name once more.
The Peacekeepers Grove is a secluded mountain glade overlooking the entrance to the fearsome A-ta-lv-yi Pass. Not much is known about the Grove at this time, as it is currently jealously guarded by the purewalker Seethe. What is known, however, is that the spirits in the Willow Grove wish this place to be reclaimed as another spiritual center, and the signs they send are getting louder.
General Rules
ccccccccc » If you didn't draw it, don't touch it. ccccccccc » If you didn't write it, don't touch it. ccccccccc » If you didn't code it, don't touch it. ccccccccc » If you want to Plot, PM me. ccccccccc » If you want to say Hi, my Discord is Celeanor#6359 ccccccccc » If you want to reference anything or anyone in this thread, ask first. ccccccccc » If you have a soquili that is blood related to mine, you don't have to ask for throwback permission. ccccccccc » Be kind.
Leadership
While there isn't a designated 'council' among the Elderwillow Soquili, there has been a natural gathering of power among a consistent few. These seven are typically the ones sought out when things go wrong - or right! - and generally have ready solutions in mind.
When it comes to personal and territorial protection, the Protector holds the most power within the Elderwillow. This is in keeping with the herd's longtime tradition of the Protector being the primary point of contact for foreign dignitaries and enemies alike. Long ago, when the Elderwillow was a branch of a much larger her, they looked to a different Alpha and respected her guidance. Today, the role of the Alpha in the Elderwillow herd is always held by the most venerated member of the herd until he/she/they wish to step down.
The current protector, Seresai, was groomed for her position by the former Protector - Blais. Blais served as the Protector of the Elderwillow Herd from the beginning, accepting his sire as the Alpha after the sundering of the Islagiatt herd decades ago.
Following the betrayal of the herd by his great grandson, Burn, Flame has resigned his post as Alpha and dedicated his remaining years towards the cleansing of his great grandson's spirit. He has passed the torch of Alpha along to Blais - much to the latter's consternation given he'd been enjoying his retirement - but the painted stallion has always responded when duty calls.
Seresai herself is grooming her adopted son Gen to serve in her role as Protector in a few years, though his recent adventures with his lifemate have given her cause for concern.
Support The seven listed below share many similar traits with the leaders, but they shun the spotlight and prefer to help their fellows from the sidelines. Some are apprentices to one of the older leaders and look to inherit their responsibilities when the time comes. Others - such as the venerable Wind stallion Crousader - serve as advisors to the younger leaders.
The most promising of the young ones are Arcturus and Soulfire, grandson of Flame and son of Blais. He is presently studying under Shishio Gen and Crousader, learning the art of defense -- and War. As for Turi, no one is entirely sure about who is is or where he came from, but like Shishio Gen before him, Seresai took him under her wing as a young stallion and now mentors him alongside Flame. Turi has several interesting abilities - one of which has earned him the moniker 'Dreamwalker.'
Residents & Nomads The bulk of the Elderwillow herd consists of year-round residents and those who pass through seasonally. Among the nomads is the son of Crousader and Amarinne, Tiarnan. Tia's rejection of his father's teachings and subsequent defection led to a fracturing among the Sky Horse clan that hasn't yet been mended.
Hope is carried, however, on the wings of Tiarnan's promising young son Lysander. Though he carries the blood of kalona, Lysander brings the best of his bloodline to bear and has consistently proven himself against the wilds of the Kawani lands. His return to the Elderwillow with his father in tow was a sharp reminder to his grandsire that the times are changing - and Crousader needs to change with them.
Of the rest of the residents, the usdia mare Dream is one of those 'unofficial officials' who knows just about everything about everyone. She's an incurable matchmaker, and is presently very pleased with her bringing together of the sweet tempered stallion Alarn and the recently arrived mare Cassandra.
In Memorium
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 6:56 pm
Location: The Silver Keep. A dangerous place for even the most valiant soquili or native, it was never a place you went for a vacation. Mountaineers feared it long before the 'shifters claimed it, now even the safe passages are riddled with traps and pitfalls set to make a meal out of even the best prepared adventurer. Caves and valley overlooks provide some of the most spectacular scenery in the region, but few dare the path for a simple vista.
These days it is inhabited by not one, not two, but three demonspawn 'shifters - a testament to the great expanse of territory to be had along the spiny ridge. One exclusively preys upon travelers seeking to navigate the A-ta-lv-yi Pass - styling herself the Queen of the region; though she is also known to encroach on the territory of the largest of the pureshifter out of spite. He is a giant black eagleshifter, and is the sole predator taking to the skies in the region. No place is safe when he's on the hunt, and it is common for him to seek prey further down the slopes towards the coast itself. Humans, as it happens, are his second favorite prey after Angeni. The remaining territory, in particular the Peacekeeper's Grove and the paths leading down the mountain to the Elderwillow Herdlands, are the domain of the oldest pureshifter - a truly evil demon named Seethe.
General Information: Generally speaking, the 'villains' of my writings will be one of these four 'shifter soquili. Each one has different reasons for why they are the way they are - and I do not write them to be redeemable.
Burn may someday be charmed and realize the horror he's inflicted, but until then he's just as evil as the three pure 'shifters and written as such. None of these 'shifters are capable of true love. They are driven by instinct and a primordial need to wreck absolute havoc on the world. They HATE all species, including their own, and each is a tried and true hunter.
If you want to plot with one of these ponies, please keep the above in mind and hit me up if you need a violent [insert expletive here] for your stories.
As always, Gaia's TOS and PG13 rating will be followed, so keep that in mind!
Celeanor Crew
Dangerous Hunter
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Celeanor Crew
Dangerous Hunter
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Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 6:57 pm
Introduction
Elderwillow. The name has a familiar taste to it, but the reason behind it is not readily discerned from the surrounding environment. In fact, there isn't a willow to be seen anywhere, though there is a rather large chestnut Elder soquili resting beneath the middle aged branches of a healthy looking oak. Blinking, you watch the sleeping stallion carefully, aware that there is something otherworldly about him - a trait you attribute to the very obvious fact that the stallion is an Elder.
History has a funny way of repeating itself, as you well know, and the roundabout way the Cerezo Soquili once again became the Elderwillow is a story you'll hear later. For the time being, however, you can't help but notice how active the place is! Even with the sleeping stallion, the very air around you feels like it has a pulse - an energy that you can almost reach out and touch -
"Traveler." The voice distracts you, it is deep and bell-like, yet strangely rusty as if the speaker doesn't do so often. Turning, you are forced to look up at the giant black unikalona - aware that even one of his sharply cloven hooves would be the end of you. "Purpose?" It's a question, though it is posed almost as a demand. Again, you get the impression this stallion is not used to receiving guests, or anyone really. Closer inspection reveals a coat littered with scars and half healed injuries, and you begin to wonder...
"Traveler. Purpose?" He repeats, and you hurriedly state your business as the fiery pelt of the Elder beneath the tree shifts. Satisfied with your reply, the stallion nods once, and gestures with his wickedly sharp horn towards the mountains. "Be wary. Demons abroad. Safe here, for now. Safer down in Heartstone." A pause, and he lowers his head to look you squarely in the eye, his own emerald eyes unblinking. "If trouble, call. I will come. Elderwillow protects all guests - all aid requested against 'walkers is granted." And with that, he nods once more, and moves off. 'Wait! Your name!" You start to say, but trail off when you realize he's already out of earshot.
A little shell shocked by the sudden turn in that encounter, you stare after him - only turning back around when yet another voice clears his throat. Spinning back, you nearly collide with the chest of the Elder, though a quick step aside takes him out of range. Chuckling to himself, the Elder smiles at you, and motions with his nose towards the retreating back of the black stallion. "Gen. His name is Gen. I hope he was polite?" The Elder asks, his expression kind, though his eyes were oddly unfocused and milky.
Still affected by the buzz in the air, you nod nervously - then realize that the 'unfocused' quality of his eyes wasn't just a lack of attention. The Elder was completely blind! Hurriedly you speak up instead of simply nodding.
"I mean, yes. Yes, he was polite. Is it normal for your herd to immediately offer aid and protection?" Which was weird, truly. You'd only just met them!
Blind eyes leveled on you, the Elder nods. "It is. When it comes to demons known as walkers, you cannot have too many friends. It is our custom to welcome and accept any who seek us out." He replies calmly, his tail flicking away a bothersome insect. Blinking at him, you glance back at the now distant black unikalona (a new appreciation budding for what his own history must be - given the trials faced by others of his genetic make up) then back to the Elder. "What about those with bad intentions?" You ask quietly, curiosity alive and a little scared.
The Elder remained silent, as if choosing his words carefully. "You met Gen. He serves as the right hand of the Protector." And that, apparently, was that. The Elder appeared quite sure that the skills of the black stallion would be enough ... yet...
"Walkers? You mean the cursed ones turned by Corpse Powder?" Why were you asking all of these questions? Hadn't you come here for ---
"Yes, the very same - along with those drawn directly from the Underworld itself. We've successfully repelled 'walker attacks three times, and we will do so again for however long it is necessary." The Elder answered, his tone proud - if also a little sad. "Our history is a long one, Traveler, and I must apologize for my own lack of manners. I am Flame, and if you wish to learn more, I would be happy to tell you at dinner. Will you stay the night?"
Suddenly curious about this odd herd with it's odd sentry and even odder greeting party, you nod - then remember to speak. "Uh, yes. Yes, I would like to spend the night and learn more." Flame looks pleased, and you smile hesitantly.
"Ah, there is a smile! Please make yourself at home." He offers the casual comment after a bow and while turning to leave. Shell shocked yet again, you stare after him.
Wasn't he blind?
Herd Governance
Elderwillow is a true democracy with respect to civil responsibilities. The herd gathers biannually to discuss major changes and each member is given the time to make their case in front of the group. As a result, most herd members are strong public speakers and debaters. The more introverted members can request the Alpha to speak on their behalf, and he often does. Flame can also be counted on to present ideas and arguments on behalf of those who cannot or do not wish to present themselves.
In matters of defense, the herd decides how to address concerns that be solved with diplomacy, but when it comes to emergencies - the Protector enjoys unilateral authority.
Roles Protector: Responsible for all matters of defense, including managing the scouts, and maintaining diplomatic ties with other species. Alpha: Responsible for the smooth operation of the herd's domestic concerns. Mediates internal disputes and organizes the biannual meetings. Tactician: Usually several individuals, they serve as advisors to the Protector and serve as Ambassadors. Orator: Serves as the primary 'voice' during the general assemblies. This is a role given during each assembly and is based on the premise that the Orator will not participate in that particular meeting except to present cases on behalf of others. Always an assistant to the Alpha unless this role is taken by the Alpha himself. Craftsmen/Engineers: The makers and shakers - this is an innovative group that (alongside the artisans/entertainers) often works closely with the nearby human settlements. Given the limits of hooves, this group is best known for their ability to sense the needs of the land and read weather patterns. Those who are more mechanically minded have adapted to share their ideas with humans without words - so that the nimble hands of the humans can bring their visions to life.
A notable invention by one of the Elderwillow Soquili for the kawani was a modified water-wheel; a design later recognized by the European settlers and improved upon.
Artisans/Entertainers: Exactly as they appear, this is an artistic bunch! Together with human and familiar partners, they craft amazing works of art in a variety of media. They also produce necessary items - both for soquili, familiars and humans alike. Gatherers/Scouts/Rangers: Some of the less social members of the herd take on one of these far-flung roles, where they keep an eye out on the territory and bring back items the herd needs. Sometimes they pair up with a like-minded familiar or human, but it's almost always a quiet relationship.
Daily Life Daily life starts differently for each herdmember. Some get going long before the first light of day - such as Blais - while others sleep during the day and are the most active at night; Gen. Whatever their schedule, however, each herdmember knows that they have something to do that day. Whether it's an active task or a personal day to meditate, everyone knows what they are about.
This is in no small part thanks to the deep energetic healing of the land itself. It's hard to feel adrift and anchorless when the world around you seems to constantly have you wrapped in a warm hug. Of course, some don't particularly like the smothering motherliness of the central herdlands, but they often take themselves off to range farther and bring back needed resources or news.
Allies & Enemies The Protector goes to great lengths to ensure the list of Elderwillow's friends is far longer than that of their enemies.
As it stands, they have a long-standing alliance with the nearby Hakan herd, as well as the Atisvgi lvyi and the Etikaielle Tsidanulu herds. All three alliances have been sealed with lifematings of several key members - and their loyalty to each other is ironclad.
For enemies, it is enough to say that there are three purewalkers lurking the edges of the Elderwillow territory, as well as borrowed trouble from the Hakan herd and their terrifying demon Diabolus. n
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 6:58 pm
A Not-So-Brief History of Time
It is ironic that the wandering of one lone stallion, the adoption of another young colt by a human girl, and the trauma suffered by another stallion would lead to the events that brought the Elderwillow Soquili together so many years ago. Perhaps it was providence, a sign that the Great Spirits wanted this group together, or just a series of coincidences that led to something greater.
Whatever the case may be, the history of the Elderwillow is a complicated one, and is passed down verbally and through a type of hieroglyphics painted on the walls of a cave in their new territory. Knowing History, the Alpha and Protector agree, keeps the mistakes of the past from repeating in the future. A great deal of time is spent on the education of each foal born into the fold to ensure they are fully aware of their origins, and later, of the follies of their elders. Only one soquili has appeared to escape the blunt portrayal in the histories... and is appropriate that this history also begins with him.
In days long past, when the numbers of the rare horses known as Soquili were few, and the bonds between them and the Kawani People who revered them were even fewer, a small golden basket was found by a young Kawani maiden. The girl, a halfblood daughter of a huntsman and a shipwrecked European woman, took in the basket first out of duty, but after the young foal emerged and the girl's father died, she raised him out of love and loneliness. Over the years, colt and girl grew inseparable. The girl, Celei, eventually found her calling in life as an apprentice to the Kawani's eldest medicine woman ... with her golden colt Otaikimmio'tokaan ever at her side.
One day, however, Tai (as the colt was often called for short) was out exploring the great Clearings on his own when he came across others his age. Excited, he tried to join them in their play, but was quickly shifted aside in favor of other young colts when his quirky 'human' ways became tiresome. Not one to be counted out, Tai returned home and attempted to communicate to Celei that he wanted to learn to act like those other colts... but body language and well timed whinnies can only go so far, and the colt was left disappointed.
After about a week went by, wherein Tai refused to go back to the Clearings, until Celei grew tired of the colts moping, and she decided to take him with her up into the mountains where he could help her carry back some herbs the elder medicine woman needed. Initially, Tai balked, he was enjoying the immersion into self pity, but eventually his better nature won out and he followed the young native out.
Some time passed, but Tai wasn't bored. The mountains were a wondrous place, and he took his time exploring every available nook and cranny until his nose hit something warm and wet. Rearing back, he whickered the 'come here' code to Celei, and stood staring curiously at the pile of fiery reds and golds half hidden in a bramble bush. As Celei approached, she did something unexpected the second she took a look at his face. Rags came out, as well as the oilskin canteen bottle she carried water in, and suddenly both were being used to clean his muzzle. Bewildered, it was only when the rags came away when he tossed his head that he realized the 'wet' from earlier was blood. Nostrils flaring, he forcibly drew Celei's attention to the red and gold pile, which he now realized was a still-living animal of some kind, and let the human get to work the instant she realized what he was trying to tell her.
In the end, both human and colt ended up bringing home a fair bit more then a satchel of fresh herbs. The pile had turned out to be a young Soquili stallion by the name of Flame, and he was in desperate need of help. Never being one to let another suffer, Celei and Tai struggled to get the larger soquili home, eventually fashioning a sort of travois that both Celei and her colt could pull.
After getting him home, both human and soquili set about the arduous task of nursing the young stallion back to health, both becoming acquainted with the fallen soquili's familiar Gully in the process. It was Celei who was on watch when Flame finally opened his eyes, and if he was startled to be inside a human's teepee, he didn't try to make a fuss of it. When Tai arrived, however, the stallion did attempt to get some answers from the colt... which only ended up confusing them both as Tai's naivety about being a soquili became glaringly obvious.
As Flame healed and he got to know both Celei and Tai better, the stallion decided that besides owing a life-debt to them both, he also owed it to Tai as an adult to help the colt truly understand his heritage and his 'people,' such that they were. Many years of teaching would be in order.
- Wei Ying; Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation Cosplay, Mutant Stallion
Black and red with a flute
- Lan Zhan; Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation Cosplay, Mutant Stallion
White/cream with black hair and white ornate robes
- Daryun; Angeni of Swords, Stallion
Black with black armor and golden wolf eyes
- Arslan; Angeni of Liberation, Colt
White with blue eyes, golden armor, white cloak, holding broken chains in mouth
- Hak; Angeni of Spears, Stallion
Black with cloth sash and bright blue eyes
- Yona; Angeni of Courage, Filly
Red mane and tail, violet eyes, bow and arrow quiver
- Ben; Wind Stallion; Danish Warmblood Edition
Real horse cosplay
- Acerra; Unicorn Mare; Lipizzaner Edition with Diamond heartstone
Classy pearls and gold girl
- Archea; Unicorn Mare; TJ's Lifemate
[size=11][b]Edit Category:[/b] - Unedited [b]Soquili Species:[/b] - Uni [b]Body Build:[/b] Regular [b]Gender:[/b] Female [b]Starting Stage:[/b] Adult [b]Concept Origin:[/b] Choose one - • New Concept - A brand new design of your own
[b]~*~ Accessories & Edits ~*~[/b] [b]Trading Post Items:[/b]
• [b]Sharktooth bracelet[/b]; placed on right front leg midway between knee and ankle. Black string, ivory tooth (Though if you could change the tooth for a feather that matches the peacepipe, that'd be even better!)
• [b]Armband w/ Peacepipe and feather charms[/b]; standard position left front leg. Brown and black leather, gold accents, hawk feathers
[b]~*~ Tag Specifics ~*~[/b] [b]Name of horse:[/b] Archea [b]Owner:[/b] Celeanor [b]Breed:[/b] Ancient [b]Temper:[/b] Allegiant [b]Mate:[/b] Toujours [b]Tag Background:[/b] [url=http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/soquilipets/graphics/tags/005.jpg]Balance of Nature Tag[/url] [b]Tag frame color:[/b] Dark brown or black [b]Tag feather color(s):[/b] Long Feathers, one crystal, one hawk [b] ~*~ Existing Pets ~*~[/b] [b]If you didn't design this yourself (and it's not a commercial cosplay), did you get written permission to use the design?:[/b] N/A[/size]
- Atalanta; Unicorn Mare; Tanzanite Edition with Tanzanite heartstone
Here
- Sunchaser; Unicorn Stallion; Bronze Edition with Ruby heartstone
Wildfire's custom lifemate
Custom Remake Quests
Crousader
- New armor, inspired by Ancient China/Tibet - Tons of scars - Custom windswept hair - Custom wings - Ameh fetlocks
Blais
- Custom mane and tail - Ameh fetlocks - Lots of scars
Celeanor Crew
Dangerous Hunter
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Celeanor Crew
Dangerous Hunter
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Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 7:02 pm
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 7:03 pm
Celeanor Crew
Dangerous Hunter
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Celeanor Crew
Dangerous Hunter
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Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 7:04 pm
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 7:06 pm
Human Characters & Settlements
Heartstone Heartstone, a Kawani village hugging the coast of the spiritual lands of the Elderwillow is fairly new, though still somewhat small. Populated largely by shamans, it is also home to their apprentices, some crafters, their apprentices, and a few warriors to protect them all. In Heartstone, customs and rituals revolve around the spiritual calendar, and it can be said that the place has a definite mystical feel to it. Soquili and their familiars roam freely between the mud and thatch houses, often visiting their human friends and assisting with arduous tasks such as hauling and carrying.
Village life is fairly uncomplicated despite the impressive list of spiritual customs the shamans insist must be performed. The nearby pale-face settlers, rightly called 'Europeans' by the Heartstone natives at the behest of several adopted members, are excellent trading partners and skilled farmers - both pursuits that require a set routine that the Kawani have adopted readily. The shamans appear pleased with the adherence to the seasons and the appreciation shown the land when it comes to agriculture; going as far as blessing the fields of the Europeans as well when planting time rolls around again by way of showing thanks. Food is, as a result, plentiful, and the nearby Soquili can always be counted on to lend a helping hoof at harvest time.
Geographically, the village is set alongside a gentle river. Yearly floods irrigate the fields, a phenomenon introduced as 'good' by one of the extremely pale Europeans who hailed from a place called 'Germany,' and the village itselt is located on a suitably high rise out of reach of the flood waters. Higher up and closer to the treeline are a series of huts used to house visitors and spiritual pilgrims. These are maintained by the apprentice shamans, and it has become something of a tradition for the Heartstone natives to provide accomodations and be gracious hosts - an echo of the graciousness granted them by the Elderwillow herd and the land itself. Like their soquili counterparts, they take environmental stewardship very seriously, and it is expected that everyone does their part to keep the village clean and respectful. Visitors and pilgrims are also expected to help out - no exceptions.
Merrybrooke Merrybrooke Farm Settlement is aptly named, though it might be more appropriate to call it a village now. Divided by a rather cheerful river and it's tributaries, the village has harnessed the power of the water to operate a series of mills and irrigation canals. The surrounding farmlands possess good soils and are well irrigated by rainfall and seasonal floods of the Merrybrooke itself.
Populated by a diverse group of settlers, Merrybrooke was founded literally by outcasts - Europeans who didn't fit in at home, and still didn't fit in with their countrymen in the larger pale-face settlements along the first landing coast. Eccentric free-thinkers, there are several incredibly bright minds among the men and women of Merrybrooke, and the evidence of their active imaginations can be found everywhere. The mills don't look quite like the ones found in Europe, their design streamlined and improved to reflect the countryside and to improve efficiency. Several windmills are also in residence closer to the mountains, where a persistent wind howls down to the coastal port town of Endurance. The soquili and Kawani that have found themselves curious about these strange people and their stranger customs have come away better for the experience, and it is not uncommon to find a soquili or two assisting with a new project or simply helping with the harvest.
Trade is conducted in the main meeting hall in the center of the village, a building which also serves as a small inn when visitors come calling. Trappers and traders come in fairly regularly, though it is the unspoken rule that the unscrupulous are unceremoniously driven out. Merrybrooke values it's peaceful relationship with the nearby Kawani and Soquili, and they have grown to understand the appreciation for the land both native populations have. It was decided not long after the founding that it is in the settlements best interests to adhere to the tenents of the natives and keep out people who don't respect the New World. Not surprisingly, intermarriage between native and settler is not uncommon, with the Kawani shamans overseeing most unions given the Europeans general distaste for the religions they left behind in the Old World. It is also not uncommon for the settlers to join their native friends during harvest celebrations and spirit festivals.
Endurance Endurance Trade Port is a compact harbor town of about 300 souls. Named for the great sailing ship that had brought the founders across the sea, it now serves as safe harbor for traders and explorers looking to make their own mark in the New World. Home to a wide variety of inhabitants, there is not one particular country or creed that the townspeople claim as their own. The truth behind this isn't as simple as difference of opinion between the people and their homelands - no.
No, the truth lies in the origins of the great ship Endurance itself. Crafted in England, it was commissioned as a flag ship for the Royal Navy --- at least until it was stolen. As it turns out, the Founders were pirates, and their foolish attempt to secure the fastest ship on the seven seas ended up with them wildly off course and sailing along the coast of Africa. Somewhere along the way, they decided that going back to England (especially as pirates in possession of a Crown Vessel) was out of the question, and they made plans to sail for the New World. With a crew of Europeans, Africans, and even a silent fellow from the Silk Road, they set off across the sea. Storms blew them off course towards the north, landing with their beloved Endurance in a wreck not far from fellow countrymen and baffled Kawani natives. If the founders cursed their gods for their ill lluck of landing not far from fellow Englishmen, no one heard anything of it. Survival came first, and as it turned out the settlers of Merrybrooke were just as happy to forget old Europe as they were to embrace neighbors who appreciated freedom as much as they did.
Over time, Endurance grew and attracted respectable settlers and traders - though it never lost it's live free or die edge. It possesses two inns and enough docking for twelve tall ships and several dozen fishing vessels, though at present it is at half capacity.
One welcome surprise has been the relationship forged between the townspeople and the aquatic soquili that call the harbor home. The fishermen in particular are defensive of their finned friends when talk of expansion and construction come up - after all the mer and seathi timely warnings about storms and large schools of fish have proven invaluable.
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Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 7:07 pm
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 7:08 pm
Sirenz : Shop concept! Shop Colorists: For coloring these fantastic beasties! Shop Staff: For keeping the riff raff in line! (jkjk <3 !!! ) Adobe Stock: Adobe Stock; all images for this teepee have been purchased and licensed
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Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2016 7:09 pm
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