Scions of Avonlea - Lore

Welcome

Welcome to Scions of Avonlea: a Modernish Fantasy Mage RP! As we are just starting out, our world is a little bare. That’s where you come in! SoA is a sandbox, meaning that our members will be creating and shaping the world as we go. We’ve laid the groundwork and the general focus but now it’s up to you! Our species list is entirely open, if you don’t see what you want to play, your are free to submit a new species for consideration! The year is 3021, more than 3,000 years since The Fall, when the wars of the New World decimated much of the civilizations of Avonlea. It pitted brother against brother, family against family, and tore old wounds open across the lands. At that point in our history, only the Elite could become a Mage. With these powerful beings leading the various nations, magic became a weapon for destruction. They paid a terrible price for their hubris, and the few Mages that opposed this open use of power were left scrambling. A particularly powerful Mage created a construct that he thought would give him the power he needed to end the war…but with himself as the victor. It backfired of course, and what he unleashed instead was a terrifying manifestation of Mana that changed and corrupted anything it touched. Those Mages that opposed him did what they could to shield everyone fleeing, once they were able to get far enough away, the Elementalists joined together to reshape the very landscape, raising a massive mountain range and using magic to shield them. They were able to halt the expansion but at great loss. Since The Fall, the surviving nations have come together to rebuild. The Mages founded a new home for the Orders and began to take in anyone that wished to train with them, acting as a shield against the corrupted monsters from the North. Everything above the Velvet mountains became known as the Wastes, and it’s creatures: The Wasted. The expanse of land the remaining populations escaped to was called “The Old World”, a wild and dangerous landscape that time had forgotten. With so few left to repopulate, many gathered in small numbers for safety, creating villages and towns. Some races returned to their ancestral homes and took up their old ways. The land had reclaimed so much that ruins and vegetation ran rampant in equal measure and there is just as much to be recovered in Avonlea as there is in the Wastes. Whispers have risen, of great heroes of old known as Scions, reborn to lead the nations into the Wastes and reclaim what they lost. Scions have not been seen in nearly 10,000 years, their talismans lost to time and the knowledge of them little more then myth and legend. Are the whispers true? Have the Scions returned? Are they sent to help, or have they been sent to finish what was started?

Guidelines

All characters must be at least 18 years old. Characters under 18 may be NPCed with staff permission. We have an age cap of 1,000 years though certain species may have other, lesser age caps.
All characters must be a member of the Orders of Magi and we would prefer leader positions begin to get filled. Currently you will gain 100 bonus points if you make a character that fills a leader role.
While there is no character cap at present, you are limited to your level in the Discord. For each new level you will gain another character slot to be used for SoA.
Time travel is restricted to what’s already been established in canon; however, regardless of canon, time travel will not generally be a permitted ability or power in-game; However, the one exception would be if the Staff decide that time travel is necessary for a particular plot.
Aside from time travel, we do not have any power bans or limits. Instead, members are not allowed to godmod or powerplay. If you intend to write the use of special powers or abilities on a played character, you must either gain permission from your writing partner beforehand, or write the use as an attempt, allowing your writing partner to have the option to avoid it.
Due to the nature of SoA and the way we integrate ideas and lore from our players, if you submit lore for us that is then used by another player, we will not remove it if you choose to leave. It belongs to the group. If you leave and your lore is not being used by anyone else, we will most likely archive it to make room for things people will be playing in the future. It is just the nature of the beast.
Activity here is fairly lax, however the more important your character is to the RP, the more activity we will expect from you. If you do not believe you will have the time to devote to a Leading Position please do not apply for one. At the same time if you feel you need to step back that’s entirely alright, just communicate with us your needs!
SoA is a mature roleplay intended for audiences 18 and over. This is the only warning you may receive that darker themes and potentially triggering content can be found in our threads and lore. That being said, you are free to tag your threads as you see fit to warn others.

Magic

Magic is powerful, but it is no more evil than the intents of the User. An axe can be used for cutting down trees, to build houses, or splitting wood for fires…or it can be used to kill another. It is just a tool, and all magic draws from the same source of power – a fundamental energy present in all matter known as Mana. However, the use of Mana can be very taxing on the body and how much Mana a being can use is different in everyone. Some barely have the power to perform simple cantrips, while others can perform fantastic feats. The first manifestations of magic are often triggered by intense emotions and need, which can make them violent and unpredictable. Many children have been inadvertently killed when their magic manifests, though more often it is a family member or an enemy, if they happen to find themselves in such a situation. In the case of a Species with very specific racial magic, the magic will manifest at childhood and grow with them. For races with magic less specific, there are cases where the magic may not manifest until later in life. Many races of the world have some sort of magical ability, and the way it is taught and used is as varied as the races themselves: some require mental concentration, others need sigils, runes, foci, or magical items known as spell components. Magic has been an integral part of the world since its creation, and many cultures have been built around its use. While it is possible to train yourself in the use of magic, it can be very dangerous, and so many of the races, especially those with more specialized magic, will find others of their kind to train with and grow in their power and their use of Mana. Power level can vary among magic users. Some may be more predisposed to manipulating magic than others, resulting in higher power levels with less experience. More experience does not always mean higher power levels, but it does typically mean that higher-skilled magic will be produced with less effort. Magic usage is a muscle. With exercise, that muscle becomes stronger and more durable. With a lack of exercise, that muscle may atrophy. Such is the way with magic – the more it is used, the stronger and more sustainable it will become, while the opposite occurs when it is not used regularly. Magic is difficult to use and to master, and there are many who will never be able to wield more than what is required to light a candle. Training in magic takes time and dedication, but for those that master it, there is nothing greater. Magic also has the added effect of lengthening the lifespan, the more magic one uses, the slower they age. No Mage has ever died of “old age.” While the abilities of a magic user manifest in one specific form of magic, as a user grows and learns to master their magic, they may begin to learn similar forms of magic of the same type. For example: someone strong in Telepathy can eventually learn Telekinesis as they are both Psionic magics. These other forms will be more difficult to use but can be mastered with training and discipline.

Forms of Magic

Elemental

Aeromancy – The ability to create, move, manipulate, etc the element of Air.
Geomancy – The ability to create, move, manipulate, etc the element of Earth.
Hydromancy – The ability to create, move, manipulate, etc the element of water.
Pyromancy – The ability to create, move, manipulate, etc the element of Fire.
Electromancy – The ability to create, move, manipulate, etc the element of Electricity or Lightning.
Cryomancy – The ability to create, move, manipulate, etc the element of Ice.
Ferromancy – The ability to create, move, manipulate, etc the element of Metal.

Anima

Vitamancy – The Ability to manipulate Life.
Necromancy – The ability to manipulate Death.
Sanguimancy – The ability to manipulate Blood.
Caromancy – The ability to manipulate Flesh.
Osteomancy – The ability to manipulate Bone.

Nature

Floramancy – The ability to create, move, manipulate, or grow plant matter.
Faunakinesis – The ability to speak to and understand Beasts and their natures.
Shapeshift – The ability to change your form into another creature and a back again.
Warg – The ability to place your conscious mind into the body of a beast.
Animalism – The ability to take on the power and skills of beasts.

Celestial

Photomancy – The ability to create, move, or manipulate Light or the power of the Sun.
Umbramancy – The ability to create, move, or manipulate Darkness or Shadow.
Lunarmancy – The ability to create, move, or manipulate the power of the Moon.
Stellamancy – The ability to create, move, or manipulate the power of the Stars.

Psionic

Telepathy – The ability to communicate with or manipulate the mind.
Telekinesis – The ability to move objects with the mind.
Clairvoyance – The ability to see or divine the future, past, or present.
Illusion – The ability to project settings into the mind.
Dreamwalking – The ability to move through and manipulate the world of Dreams.
Inspiration – The ability to inspire the minds of others, usually through music.
Psychometry – The ability to divine knowledge from touching inanimate objects or living beings.
Omnilingualism – The ability to speak, write, or understand any language.
Astral Projection – The ability to project your conscious mind into the Astral plane.

Types of Spells

Cantrip – These are simple acts that barely take any magic to do, either with just a thought or with a simple one word command. Instant – These spells are cast in the blink of an eye, all Mana used to power them is taken all at once. Channeled – These spells require concentration for the duration of the casting and a continuous source of Mana to power them until their completion. Delayed – These spells are set to trigger at a specific time or when a certain set of provisions has been reached. Enchant – These spells imbue an object with a certain power, allowing the object to draw Mana on it’s own at the behest of the user. Summoning – Spells of this nature often take more than one being to cast, and can pull a creature or object from wherever it may be to the casters. Invocation/Conjuration – These spells are designed to pull power from other places, such as the moon, the sun, or even from the Creator or the Destroyer. Potion – A Spell in the form of a liquid or stew, combining magical ingredients to provide the desired effect once ingested or once it’s container is broken. Should someone without magical ability try to combine the same ingredients, no magic of any kind will happen. The finished product may be used by anyone, magical or not. Alchemy/Transfiguration – The magical act of changing matter from one form into another. These spells can turn a mouse into a teacup, or turn water into wine, or turn straw into Gold. Permanent/Timed – These spells are designed to last a certain amount of time, though the longer they last, the more power it will require. Sometimes they will need recharged or a new source of power found. Counterspell – These spells are cast as a way to counter another spell, most often during a magical duel, though the two spells colliding could have unforetold consequences. Negation – This is the act of negating the effects of another spell or type of magic and rendering them inert. Amplification – The act of amplifying the effects of a spell, usually through an outside power source. Siphon – The act of Siphoning the Mana from a spell, usually to power another, or to disarm a delayed spell. One must be cautious they do not Siphon more Mana then they can handle or accidentally trigger the spell they’re trying to Siphon. Binding/Linking – The Act of joining objects or people together with a thread of Mana. This can be beneficial, such as allowing two Magi to share power or detrimental, such as enforcing your will on another. Binding may also refer to using Mana to keep another person from using their magic. Divination – The Act of learning the past, present, or future through physical rituals such as a Tarot Deck, tea leaves, or bones. Ritual – Ritual magic is far more complex then most and often combines two or more types of spells and contains physical spell components. It allows a Caster to draw more power than normal and channel it into a single purpose. Some Rituals can take fifteen minutes, while others can take days. Runic – The art of using Runes as a spell component, to direct Mana in certain ways to power spells. Runes are a special language all their own that some believe to be handed down from the Creator and the Destroyer at the beginning of Time.

Familiars

Familiars, or Will-o-the-Wisps, are small orbs of light. They come in a variety of colors that can change based on their emotions or their surroundings. They can also change their shape, often taking the shape of their Magi’s favorite creature, though it will always be a smaller version, usually no bigger than a house cat or a small dog. They are incorporeal, no matter what form they take, able to use the Mana the gives them life in short bursts to knock things over or move objects short distances, or even give an offender a sharp zap. Familiars can be found anywhere there is a concentration of Mana, either natural ley lines or a gathering of magic users. It is believed that they feed on the Mana, acting as a sort of recycler. They are essentially harmless, though it has been documented that a Familiar can use the Mana they’ve fed on to attack someone or something but it would feel like being pinched or shocked with very little lasting damage and rarely leaving behind marks. No one is really sure exactly how they procreate, the best guess has been more a process of replication. Studies on the Familiars have shown that they can sometimes split into two and this is assumed how more are created. Familiars have no magic of their own, the small bursts of Mana they use are fleeting and only residual based on their surroundings, but as they are incorporeal they can move just about everywhere. They do not need to breathe so even the ocean depths cannot stop them. Physical damage has very little effect on a Familiar, but magic directed at them in concentrated amounts can overload them and they seem to just “pop” out of existence. Despite being more Mana than anything else, these bright creatures are excellent at mimicking behavior. The sounds they make do not form words, at least none we can understand, fairly similar to most animals. But the Mages that are bound to them quickly reach an understanding that borders on subconscious. As long as there as been magic, there have been familiars. Originally referred to as Wisps, they were drawn to Mana. The stronger the concentration, the more Wisps would manifest around it. The Orders of Magi learned quickly that these little creatures could actually act as a buffer, absorbing excess Mana and harmlessly recycling it back into the world. They found a way to bind a Wisp to an Acolyte, in this way the Wisp can draw off the Mana an Acolyte channels if they try to channel too much, protecting the Acolyte from burning themselves out or harming others. Though tails of these creatures binding themselves to a magic user predate the Orders. Wisps became Familiars, and bonds formed between the Mages and their wispy companions to the point that losing a Familiar felt like losing a part of themselves. When a Mage dies, their Familiar will become so depressed that they lose their color and without help, they can simply cease to exist.

Orders of Magi

The Orders of Magi are one of the oldest institutions in Avonlea. They accept and train any being with the calling for Magic, often from a very young age. Becoming a Magus was once a luxury reserved for the Elite, but since the fall of the Orders more than 3000 years ago, they now take anyone with the will to train and learn. As such they are often the glue that holds the various nations together. The Orders do not answer to any rule but they’re own, though their individual members are often citizens of one nation or another, there was also a great deal of fear of the Mages after the Fall they have done a great deal to mend. Attendance is completely optional, and they rarely turn anyone away regardless of age or magical ability. It is possible to be expelled from the Orders, usually due to some sort of repeat offense or misconduct and this is often accompanied by the binding of the individual’s magic. Only those that have attended the Academy of Magic and concluded an Apprenticeship with the Orders may call themselves a Magus, the formal title, or a Mage, the informal title. Anyone else with magical abilities may call themselves whatever they wish, but never a Mage. But gaining the title, while an achievement in itself, does not mean you never stop learning. The Magi are scholars, explorers, adventurers, and servants of the people. Dedicating their lives to unraveling the mysteries of the past, or making sure there is a future for the younger generations to inherit.

Rings

The Rings of the Orders are one of the most prized possessions a Magus can have. When they are proclaimed an Acolyte of the Orders they are gifted with their Orders Ring. This ring will follow them and grow with them throughout their career at the Orders. Rings are tuned to the wearer’s specific Magical fingerprint, allowing them to be worn by and work only for them, not even another Member of the Orders can take a Ring that doesn’t belong to them. Rings are tuned to the Order’s security wards and shields, preventing a member from accessing areas that could be too dangerous for them, which can include areas above their current rank and even their quarters are tuned to their ring. These rings are also connected to the Tower’s magical communication system, allowing them to send messages, speak to each other, and project images over long distances. Though the magic of the Wastes can disrupt this connection. Should a member of the Orders die, this information is recorded by the Ring, as well as their last known location, it then uses the last of it’s reserve power to teleport itself back to the Orders. On these occasions, where feasible, a team from the Order of the Black Flame is dispatched to try and retrieve the body. Should the Wearer wish to show another the information recorded on their Ring, they can use their magic to access it. It will be projected over their hand for others to see, most notably their Rank with the Orders and any certifications they may have acquired. Acolytes who choose to stay, or later return, become Apprentices. An Apprentice is paired with a Magus of similar ability and/or career that the Apprentice is interested in. Apprenticeships can be as short as a few years, decades, or even centuries, depending on the ability and degree of learning involved to master the necessary skills, magical or not. Once both the Apprentice and their Magus are confident they can handle it on their own, the Apprentice undergoes a set of practical trials. Should they pass, they are then given the Magus Title.

Ranks and Titles

Acolyte – Once inducted into the Orders, everyone starts as an Acolyte until they Master their magic. Graduate - If one chooses not to take on an Apprenticeship, they are simply known as a Graduate. They may return at any time to continue their educatio nand they have access to the vast resources of the Orders, if somewhat limited. Apprentice – After graduating from the Academy of Magic, One is partnered with a Mage as their Apprentice, learning their magic or their career with the Orders. The various Orders will often have other names for their apprentices. Magus/Mage – Upon finishing their Apprenticeship, they gain the title of Mage and are assigned a position into one of the Orders officially. What they do with that position from there is entirely up to them. High Magus/Mage – Once a Mage has mastered their craft and proven themselves worthy, they will be promoted to High Magus, granting them high standing among their fellow Mages and more responsibility. High Mages are usually the first chosen to teach at the Academy of Magic. Arch Magus/Mage – When a High Mage has gone far above and beyond and earned the esteem of their colleagues, they may be nominated to receive the title of Arch Magus. These Magi are often chosen to lead the Orders or to head certain projects. Magister – The Magisterium is a council of Four Arch Magus, chosen by the Grand Magus and approved by the other sitting Magisters. The council helps the Grand Magus in decision making and the general running of the Orders, they also act as a Judiciary forum when the need arises. Magisters serve on the Council for life, or until they choose to step down, or until they are unanimously voted out by the other Magisters. Grand Magus – The Grand Magus is generally chosen by the last Grand Magus to be their successor, though the appointment must still be approved by the Magisters. A Grand Magus serves for life, until they choose to step down, or are unanimously voted out. The Grand Magus is the face of the Orders and in charge of nearly every aspect of the operations of the Orders.

The Orders

It is possible, especially for the older Magi, to be a member of multiple Orders. Magisterium

Grand Magus Isobel Alora
Magister Agate Melchior IV
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN

The Order of Artificers – The Engineers, Enchanters, and Architects of the magical world. They can create all manor of magical Constructs: machines using Mana Batteries to perform tasks. From our handy Mana Phones, to the magical elevators, to our sky ships: an Artificer dreamed it and created it.

Head Architect – Arch Magus Trey Hawks

OPEN

Head Engineer – OPEN

OPEN

Head Enchanter – Arch Magus Dorian Vahn

OPEN

Apprentices

OPEN

The Order of Delvers – Delvers are the adventurers and explorers. They spend a great deal of time traveling the world of Avonlea. Cartographers record more then just maps of the land, but maps of the people and it's cultures as well. They search for information and stories to be added to the Grand Library. Seekers search for ancient artifacts or ruins, learning of magic the Orders don’t yet have or finding rare spell ingredients. Often times these roles can be combined or partnered together based on a Delver's strengths. They also pair well with the Knights of the Order of Chivalry depending upon their mission.

Head Cartographer – OPEN

OPEN

Head Seeker – OPEN

Highmagus Cordelia Del Mar
Highmagus Jakk Ebbcane Alora
OPEN

Apprentices

OPEN

The Order of Druids – Druids are in tune with all aspects of nature. Treesingers save and replant forests and tend to the fields and crops, Beast Tamers care for all the creatures of Avonlea, but this includes hunting them down on occasion. Both quite often collect the necessary spell components for the rest of the Orders. Waterdancers are among the best ocean sailors and caretakers, often hired by sea faring merchants and the like. And the Groundskeepers make sure everything within the borders of the Tower can thrive and is well taken care of.

Master Treesinger – High Magus Poppy Luvyre

OPEN

Master Beast Tamer – Arch Magus Athaleyah Kaser

OPEN

Master Waterdancer – OPEN

OPEN

Master Groundskeeper – OPEN

Archmagus Stridax Silentbook
OPEN

Apprentices

OPEN

The Order of the Gold Leaf – This collection of Healers, Nurses, and Apothecaries can heal just about anything. Rumor has it they can even bring someone back from the dead! Healing magic is not a one size fixes all, and it can take time for someone to recover from their injuries even with the aide of magic. The Hospital at the Orders is renown for it's capabilities.

Head of Medicine – OPEN

High Magus Rosalina Verdant

Head of Nursing – OPEN

OPEN

Head Apothecary – OPEN

High Magus Rosalina Verdant

Apprentices

OPEN

The Order of Chivalry – These Knights are often referred to as Battlemages. They use their magical abilities in conjunction with their fighting abilities to become a living weapon. They are tasked with protecting the Orders and Avonlea and are often paired with the Delvers while out in the world or sent to protect groups of Mages on missions. They are the experts when it comes to fighting the Wasted. The Pathfinders, while still Knights, act as scouts and guides, no mission into the Forests or the Wastes is complete without one.

Lord Commander – OPEN
Executioner – Arch Magus Ser Samina Direhart
Knights

OPEN

Head Pathfinder – High Magus Ser Lyra Nerdras

OPEN

Apprentices

OPEN

The Order of the Black Flame – There are a number of tasks that fall under the purview of the Black Flame. The Ritualists care for the various temples, as well as the dead. Deeply spiritual in nature, these Mages take their responsibilities very seriously. The Prophets are a small group of Mages with a talent for Clairvoyance and Divination, using their magic to help guide the Orders based on their visions of the past, present, and future. They also help the Orders find powerful magic users and artifacts. And Finally, the Inquisitors, powerful and often fearsome Mages that act as an internal policing force as well as being tasked with fetching new recruits based on information from the Prophets.

High Ritualist – OPEN

Magus Fridheil Kuniguinde
OPEN

Head Prophet – Magister Agate Melchior IV

High Magus Rosalina Verdant

High Inquisitor – OPEN

Grandmagus Isobel Alora
OPEN

Apprentices

OPEN

The Order of Curators – These Mages are the backbone of the Orders, no task is too small or too far beneath them. The Librarians are tasked with caring for the wide range of books, scrolls, and artifacts the Orders have collected and house in the Grand Library. The Stewards care for the Tower and it's various rooms, keeping things neat and orderly and making sure everything is in working order. The Administrators handle the massive amount of paperwork that arises for an operation as large as the Orders.

Head Steward – Archmagus Stridax Silentbook

OPEN

Head Librarian – OPEN

Highmagus Cordelia Del Mar
OPEN

Head Administrator – OPEN

OPEN

Apprentices

OPEN

The Order of Acolytes - There is one goal of the Academy and only one way to graduate: proving they can control their own abilities well enough to no longer be a danger to themselves or others. A good portion of these Mages-in-Training will leave after Graduation and return to their former homes and lives. Depending on when they came to the Academy it can take years or even decades to graduate and it is not easy.

Acolyte Argyros Mina Shatterjaw
Acolyte Visenya Silverwing
Acolyte Cirrus Toussaint

Technology

Technology in Avonlea, while comparable in function to that of other universes (IE if we can do it with Tech, they can do it with Magic). Avonlea has Plumbing, advanced computer systems, phones, tablets, materials and motorized vehicles all driven and designed with magic. The corrupted magic from the Wastes however, tends to wreak havoc on these magical systems and special shielding was invented to help anyone crazy enough to venture into the Wastes. The Orders of Magi are the leaders in this “Magitech” as it’s Artificers are responsible for much of Avonlea’s advancements and rebuilding since the Fall. Bel’inor boasts the highest concentration of Magitech due to it’s treaties with the Orders.

Airships

Airships come in many sizes, but all of them share a resemblance to seagoing vessels – they have an exterior hull made of wood or metal, and enormous sails. The difference in the latter being that an airship’s sails often extend out to either side on metal spars, not unlike wings, rather than straight up as with an oceanic ship. Some supplement their lift ability with large air bladders above the main hull, though these are typically slow ships, used for their ability to loiter in the sky for long periods with limited airspeed. The interior of an airship varies depending on its function, but the engineering spaces in every airship contain the same main components. The first and largest component is the Drive core, a huge magitech creation that powers all the rest of the ship’s systems. While the core is a magitech device, it is almost unique among such machines in that it does not require constant recharging or purchase of fresh crystals from the Order, rather the core is somehow able to recharge its own energy so long as it is properly maintained. The method for this is a closely guarded secret, and even a majority of the Order of Artificers do not know it. The second main system is the Lift core, always situated at the airship’s exact center of gravity. As its name would suggest, the lift core is designed to counteract the force of gravity on the ship, providing its buoyancy. Increasing the power to the lift core causes the ship to rise, while decreasing the power causes it to fall. The third system is known as the Impeller, and is a collection of smaller nodes along the centerline of the ship. The impeller supplements the ship’s motion – when the wind is insufficient to move the ship as the captain wishes, power is diverted from the core to the impeller, which is able to produce powerful wind currents against the ship’s sails on demand. Aside from those critical systems, an airship may carry nearly any sort of technology. Many are armed to one degree or another, and nearly all are protected by magitech shields, though normally only military ships are either heavily armed or armored, except those privateer ships running dangerous routes, such as those known to be dense with pirates. Full-scale airships are extremely expensive to purchase and maintain, as such they are generally operated only by professional crews, just like seagoing vessels. It is not uncommon however for small businesses or middle-class individuals to own very small vessels operating on similar principles to an airship, which are known as ‘Skiffs’. A Skiff possesses only a lift core and impeller, which run on standard mana crystals, and lack the complex main drive core of a true airship.

Prosthetics

Though some healer mages are capable of regrowing limbs entirely rather than using prosthetics, this is difficult and highly draining even for experienced healers, and so golem-limbs were created. They are literally small golems, programmed only to perform simple actions in response to stimuli from the nervous system of the user. While a few models still exist, they fell out of favor after the Fall when a few units malfunctioned and began acting on their own, injuring their users. Magitech versions were invented because of their wide use as enhancements as well as to restore function to the injured, far more of these were produced than any other type, and they are perhaps the most varied type. Whether to improve interfacing with the mind of the user, or to replicate racial abilities that a ‘normal’ prosthetic would otherwise deprive them of. For most species, the best type of prosthetic to use involves hardpoints, surgically connected to their bones, giving the limb the same strength and stability their original limb would have. For races whose glamour or natural shapeshifting involves additional challenges. For those unable to afford the surgery for a mounted unit, there are prosthetics that can be connected and held to the body with a series of straps across the body. A good quality model of this type can give the same dexterity and feedback as one that is ‘built in’, however it will be limited by how well it can be held on to the body in terms of strength. It will also usually have to be removed when one change forms, if that involves a change in size or shape.

Portals, Waystones, and Teleportation

The Magi Portals that are used in the larger cities to teleport people and objects over vast distances are a very closely guarded Magi secret. A Portal takes a lot of Mana and can take multiple Mages to create depending on size and distance. Many Mages are employed by the various cities and even by the Order itself to make sure the Portal Terminals are operating consistently. Portals can also be dangerous, as they can literally cut through whatever is in their path upon creation, or upon closing once the spell is over. The Order of Artificers created more permanent machinery that can open portals between them for the larger population zones, but they still require mages to operate, acting as large amplifiers and stabilizers to protect the Mages from the massive Mana draws required of portals. Teleportation is a magical spell that can be learned by any Mage, this spell allows a magic user to port short distances but they cannot take anyone with them and anything not properly secured to their person may be left behind. It is a complicated spell that requires great focus and training, and the further the distance you wish to travel the greater the Mana required. Those that learn this spell generally only use it to move between the rooms in their own house or as an emergency, as it can be disorienting to port into a place you don’t know or go too far. You also run the risk of losing limbs or your life if you do not have the proper training. Magi may combine their magic to teleport more people with them for greater distances. Waystones are enchanted objects most frequently sold in pairs, a “home” stone and an “away” stone. The “home” stone is left in a safe place and will act as an anchor for the “away” stone. This is the cheapest and most versatile option, but it has it’s drawbacks. Wherever you go, so long as you have your Away stone, you can use it to port back to your home stone without using magic yourself. This opens up teleportation to non-magic users but if someone were to take or move your home stone you may find yourself in a very sticky situation. More expensive Waystones require hiring an Artificer to come to where ever your Home location is to anchor your Waystone, but then you don’t have the “Home” stone to deal with. Certain magic spells can block Waystones and Teleportation, rendering them useless and Waystones generally will need to be recharged after each use as they only store enough Mana for one use. Recharging can be as simple as plugging them into a Mana Battery, or keeping them in a Mana rich environment. Waystones can only transport 2 beings at one time, but someone with Mana can potentially use their Mana to overload the Waystone to take more people with them, but this can prove very risky the more people involved.

Map and Cities

Velvet Mountains

Orders of Magi Population: 800 Giant Population: <1000 The Velvet Mountains span the entire northern boarder of Avonlea and create a “natural” boundary between Avonlea and the Wastes. The Mountains themselves are not a natural occurrence, they were raised by the Magi at the end of The Fall 3,000 years ago and are now the tallest mountain range on the continent. What few remaining members of the Orders were left claimed these mountains as the new home of the Orders. The main stronghold of the Magi, The Tower of Magi, rests almost directly in the center of the vast range, with smaller outposts set as needed along the way to form a sort of magical wall. The Magi man these outposts and have taken it upon themselves to protect Avonlea from the nasties in the Wastes though a few creatures do manage to get through on occasion. These are usually hunted down before they can do too much damage. The Magi Tower can be seen for miles across the surrounding countryside, though it is only the tip of the magical iceberg beneath as the Orders have carved out vast interior sections of the Mountain. There are two ways to reach the Tower, one is an underground tram that starts at the base of the mountain and carries passengers and cargo up, or by airship to the Tower directly. There are small valleys dotting the mountain range that the Orders use to farm and keep livestock, as they needed to be as self sufficient as possible after the Fall. The only way to reach these valleys is by airship, or by use of the Portals that the Magi keep a very close eye on.

Bel’inor and the Courts

Population: 10,000 The majority of the land and people are governed by the Courts, but unlike some where one kingdom rules a certain stretch of land, the Courts Rule together. Each court has it’s own King and Queen and they all rule from the Capital City of Bel’inor. The Palace was designed with the Creator and the Destroyer in mind, golden arches and Obsidian statues dot the various walkways and paths. Bel’inor boasts one of the grandest gardens, though really it’s more a of zoo to display all the gifts the royals have gotten over the generations. Citizens of the city and surrounding lands are urged to pledge themselves to a Court upon their 18th birthday. Which Court they choose is entirely up to them though there is no shortage of family pressure upon the decision. Bel’inor itself is the largest city in Avonlea, with a mix of all races contained within it’s boarders. This has put quite the responsibility on the Courts to keep the peace between so many different factions but they have managed it rather well. (edited) The Court of Summer Also known as The Light Court, it is easy to mistake the Summer Court as being the “better” of the two. It is merely that they prefer to hide their arguments and infighting behind closed doors and are fairly skilled in maintaining what they refer to as “the Mask” or the emotionless face they show the world. They do not give their word lightly and are sticklers for the old traditions of hearth and hospitality. The King and Queen of Summer are heredity positions, passed down through noble families. The Crown goes to the oldest child and whomever they marry. These marriages are usually business contracts to secure power and resources for the various families involved. It is possible for a House to be unseated though it takes the other houses meeting and voting them out in a Quorum. The Court of Winter Also known as The Dark Court, it is easy to mistake the Winter Court for being the more “dangerous” of the two. It is merely that they do not hide their emotions and are often prone to feats of strength and superiority at the drop of a hat. They don’t see the point in hiding their fun. The King and Queen of Winter are titles bestowed upon the House that wins the Winter Games. Each House submits their best and brightest, and strongest. While technically there isn’t supposed to be any killing, there has never been a Winter Game without at least one death. The competitors must finish the Games on their own merit, and while Cheating is highly discouraged and punishable, everyone does it. While there is a bit of a tradition that the winners of the Games that become King and Queen marry, it is not required and on occasion siblings of ruled side by side.

The Wastes

Everything north of the Velvet Mountains is known as the Wastes. The Magi often send expeditions to try and reclaim some of what was lost, and other nations also do the same, usually by hiring Magi to accompany them and protect them. The Wastes are not to be taken lightly. Many of the creatures and beings left behind during the Fall have been mutated by the magic that surges through the Wastes. Many who spend too much time in the Wastes can become one of the Wasted themselves and even those protected by magic such as the Magi can become ill with Mana Poisoning which is fatal if not treated.

Orinael

Orinael is a small, steadily growing town with a little over two hundred permanent residenta. It has a rich history thanks to its location at the midway point between Bel’inor and the Tower. The town was founded by country elves that has turned into a midway stop for those traveling from Bel’inor to the Academy, or vice versa. A town equally surrounded by scattered forests, and spots of open fields similar to the prairies that could be found elsewhere. With it’s perfect location, of course it wasn’t just elves who lived here for long. Gradually all sorts of people filed in. Everything is connected by dirt roads and all except the farms are within walking district to the markets and important locations of downtown.

Elswyth Grove

To the west lies one of the most ancient forests on the continent, home to the Elder Grove of Dryads and any manner of forest dwelling creature. These forests are wild, and they do not take kindly to strangers that stray from the dirt roads.

Tower of Magi

Constructed after The Fall by the remaining Mages, the Tower stands tall among the mountains that protect Avonlea from The Wastes. The Grand Library: The Orders maintain the largest Library, doubling as a museum, in the Post Fall world. If it’s not here, it either doesn’t exist or hasn’t been Delved up. The Vaults: The Vaults of the Library are specially coded so only those with the correct level of clearance may access them. Dangerous objects or books are kept here, as well as the rarest of rare artifacts. Dueling Arena: Sometimes words just cannot solve a problem, and so the Magi resort to challenging each other to Duels. These must be sanctioned and you must have a second to attend you. The Arena also acts as a stage for ceremonies and performances. Training Grounds: There are several different areas where Mages may train, each designed to withstand the various spells that might get thrown around. Squire Barracks: The Squires of the Order of Chivalry, also known as Apprentices, share a barracks. Guard Stations: Spread out at various intervals across the Velvet Mountains are Guard Stations, some are small, only manned by one or two, while others are quite large. All focus on keeping the Wasted at bay. Merchants Row: One of the few places outsiders can visit. Many Magi have opened Cafès, Shops, and Boutiques to showcase their particular skills and market them to the public and Magi alike. The Temple of the Divine: The Temple at the Order of Magi is almost as grand as the Temple in Bel’inor, the only difference being it’s completely underground. Faith is a very personal thing for Magi, and it is never forced upon an individual. The Temple may also be visited by outsiders. The Hall of Remembrance: This magically enhanced cavern displays placards for the Magi that have given their life for the Orders. Their Order ring is placed on the placard which then displays an image of the Mage for the public to view. These placards shift and rotate based on who enters the hall. The Golden Ward: The Order of of the Gold Leaf boasts one of the most well stocked Hospitals in Avonlea, and it is one of the few places citizens not a part of the Orders may visit. They handle everything from the smallest of cuts, to the most dire of wounds and everything in between. Gardens of Hope: The Gardens of Hope also double as a Zoo, allowing the Magi to collect and preserve the Flora and Fauna of Avonlea. A few species have been saved from extinction by their efforts. Underground Lake: Deep beneath the Tower, in the heart of the mountain, lies an underground lake that is fed by various streams. This lake has become a home to the Orders’ more aquatic members. Bath House & Spa: The private bath house and spa were created to give the Magi a way to relax, re-energize, and a somewhat social setting on occasion. Some of the Physicians operate out of the spa. The Catacombs: Running for miles through the mountains beneath the Tower, the Catacombs hold many secrets. The Inquisitors spend much of their time in the Catacombs, as this is where they keep their prisoners. As far from the light of day as possible. Apprentice Hall: Apprentices of the Orders have separate dorms for each of the Orders but they have one main hall in which they eat, study, and socialize when not performing their duties. Academy of Magi: The Academy is where the Acolyte’s come to learn to control their abilities, though the younger ones also learn everything else they need to know such as how to read and write, etc. Many Magi give back to the future generations by teaching classes at the Academy. Acolyte Dorms: The Acolytes of the Academy do not get rooms to themselves, but are housed in special dorms with at least one room mate. Room assignments may be petitioned, should the need arise.

Currency

Religion