conversations.from: system
conversations.value: >###“Hey! Yer the new recruits, huh? Well, don’t screw this up. The Queen’s havin’ a speech at the palace tomorrow, and ye’ve got an important mission. Folk from everywhere will be there to celebrate and kiss ass. No you dimwit, not a donkey. Ye loiter-sacks will stay here and decorate the streets outside the bailey with yer helmets on. Just let everyone see that polished armor and act like yer furniture. See anything suspicious, just tell Sir Frost and don’t plowin’ leave yer post! Yer not the Queen’s guard. That badge just shows ye owe yer lives to this kingdom, nothin’ else.”
  
  
  *The Queen of Calypsa is with child, such is the beginning of this tale. The fate for the kingdom is at stake when everything collapses from the top. You're a new recruit to the Queen's guard, not the royal guard mind you.*
  --------------------
  
  
  -----------
  
  
  Hello! As the narrator, I welcome you to this game. The game is open for anyone who shares a passion for writing and roleplaying. The only tip I have is that Storium-games blossom through active participation, regardless of experience to writing or roleplay.
  
  I want to start off by saying this game is based on Gaudialis 's previous work on Etherea, and I will take the reins on this sub-story. It will not be as freeform and loose as previous games, but instead encourage everyone to interact and solve problems together. The narrating will rely on a similar mindset as Burning Wheel [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Burning_Wheel]. The events of this session take place after (https://storium.com/game/etherea-lisle/chapter-1/scene-1) but don't feel compelled to read it, it will not be required of you! I wish you all great time playing, or spectating this roleplaying game!
  
  #The Setting
  Welcome to the world of Etherea. The plot takes place in parts of L’Isle (pronounced “Leel”), one of several island-continents scattered about Etherea’s great ocean.
  
  Map of L'Isle: [https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4aJOQTIZ5QZRUJGWjhYWVY2a1k]
  
  #The Plot
  Devastating political upheaval is about to occur in Calypsa, and this will have consequences for all of L’Isle. There is varying degrees of dissent between the kingdoms of L'Isle; Calypsa, Dakarta, L'Montaigne and Medina. Most strongly, there are clashing interests between Dakarta and Calypsa, two neighbouring lands with very different religion and culture.
  
  #The World
  There are only humans on this world. No elves or dwarves, etc. Mythical creatures exist but are so rarely seen as to be considered legendary by the average person.
  
  ##Technology
  Tech level is medieval—no gunpowder used in weapons. The setting is high fantasy, so magic exists and is well known. It, like anything, is a skill that most people can learn if they are willing to devote many years of study to learn it.
  
  ##Religion
  Deities of Etherea ascend to Godhood, starting life as *a human*. The deaths of deities and the *ascension* of new deities are rare occurrences. Currently, there has not been a new ascension for at least a thousand years. Here is a compilation of the Gods of L'Isle.
  [https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4aJOQTIZ5QZU0lHU1FRSmFJUE0]
  
  Deities actively involve themselves in the lives of particular people, aside from their clergy, to serve them. This is rare, and the relationship between deity and such a follower varies from deity to deity. Some such pairs have a companionable relationship; others are very much master and servant.
  
  #The kingdoms of L’Isle
  
  ##Calypsa
  Capital: Geneva
  
  Calypsa is located in the northwestern plains of L’Isle. Its climate is temperate and its soil arable. It has forests and pasture-lands. Its primary exports are wool, cereal grains, lumber, textiles, cotton, silk, beer, wine, and hard cider.
  
  Calypsa is ruled by Queen Elenis of Calypsa who, at age 29, is expected to give birth to the heir soon.
  
  Its people mostly follow the Three Lords of Justice (commonly known as The Three) and the goddess Mista, a protector of nature, who is served by druids.
  
  ##Dakarta
  Capital: Castelle
  
  Dakarta is located in the southwestern swamps of L’Isle. Its climate is hot and humid, almost jungle-like but too temperate for that. Its primary exports are rice, rice wine, alligator-hide products, various esoteric poisons, peppers, hot sauce, sugar cane, gourds, mushrooms, eel ink, and seafood.
  
  Dakarta also claims a small island, called Yllaris, off the southern coast. This is the home of Dakarta’s current rulers, Queen Folashadae, and her husband, King Abassi.
  
  Folashadae is a formidable sorceress and is High Priestess of the state religion, as her husband is its High Priest. Imoset Palace, the royal residence, is considered to be impregnable, protected as it is not only by sturdy construction but also by powerful protective spells.
  
  Dakartans worship the Seven Spirits of the Abyss, usually just called The Seven. The clergy of The Seven practice the dark arts, and their rituals are feared not only by Trinists, but also by their own followers. *Worshipers of The Three, Trinists, (Calypsan and L'Montaigne mostly) are vehemently opposed to them and their followers.* 
  
  A form of devotion to The Seven exists whose clergy are called the Wise Ones of the Swamps. They take a more philosophical, neutral view of The Seven than the state-established clergy do. Tutelage in Swamp Wisdom is from master to apprentice. Who the Modres and Fadres-Eld are is passed along by word of mouth.
  
  ##L’Montaigne
  Capital: Highgate
  
  The Jakar Mountains run vertically down through L’Isle, bisecting the continent so that Calypsa and Dakarta extend three-fourths of the way across L’Isle, while Medina takes up the easternmost fourth of land from north to south.
  
  Nestled in a large, fertile valley is the Kingdom of L’Montaigne, home to a mix of peoples from all over the rest of L’Isle. Here can be found people of the Dakartan ancestral stock, druids, and reclusive mountain dwellers distantly related to the desert nomads. Ancient languages are spoken here, from Old High Dakartan, to an ancient version of the desert nomads’ language, to Calypsan as the trade tongue.
  
  The climate is mostly cool in summer and bitterly cold and snow-locked in the winter.
  
  In L’Montaigne’s borders lies the Withren Forest, a mysterious, dense forest that people are warned not to enter save at their peril, for fear of its ghosts.
  
  L’Montaigne’s exports include lumber, mined metals, gems, and quarried stone, medicinal herbs, furs, molasses, cheese, herb teas, and river fish.
  
  It is currently ruled by Myradin, Duke of Greenwall, who holds it in trust for the true rulers, who have disappeared.
  
  ##Medina
  Major Cities: Agrabah, Ah-Gharad, Jaq-ti
  
  Medina occupies the eastern part of L’Isle. Save for the coastal regions and the western part of it that abuts the Jakar Mountains, Medina is desert and is home not to a kingdom as such but to several city-states that are each ruled over by a sultan. Political alliances between and among these city-states constantly shift. At any time one or more of them are likely to be at war with each other.
  
  In the deeper desert nomadic tribes roam whose people rarely, if ever, venture near the cities, save to buy and sell the hardy desert horses that they breed. These are considered to be some of the finest horses in the world, and the nomadic people are experts at breeding, training, and riding them.
  
  Medina’s primary exports include glass, salt, sandstone, ceramics, figs, dates, olives and olive oil, and race-horses.
  
  Medinans don’t really have a state religion because there is no over-arching state. They worship various local and ancestral gods. The nomads have their own deities, but they are very private about their religious practices.
  
  Deities are very limited in how they may affect the mortal world. Mortos may not kill everyone. Mista may not cause forests to take root in cities overnight, and so on. It causes a deity suffering if they extend their power beyond the scope of their influence.
  
  ##Game References
  If you want to know some more details about the world, here's your chance! There is a site where some references have been posted from the previous L'Isle game. Here, on LiveJournal: http://etherea-lisle.livejournal.com/
  
  #Credits
  The original email version of this game was created back in 1998 by Janet DelaCroix, and it was called Imperial Secrets, aka IMS. 
  
  This Storium version of the game uses elements from the original Imperial Secrets but also incorporates different cultural elements created by the Storium writers.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are of humble birth, with deep roots in the peasant society. While some may look down on you for it, it is also something which defines you.
conversations.prefix: Peasant-born:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have lived in a village all your life, and put strong value in family. While you are not as strong as a peasant, you have a strong mentality.
conversations.prefix: Villager:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are born to a family who has never known famine or needed to rely on anyone. While you are perhaps independent, you probably are not born with the love and care that many low-borne are.
conversations.prefix: Noble:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have lived a life of servitude or captivity. While you may not have been fostered on love, you have a strong mind, and can get through situations in which most would falter.
conversations.prefix: Captive-Born:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You were born in the cities, and know every street. Perhaps you were a courier, a clerk, or composer. Maybe you were a petty criminal. What really defines you is that you are versatile.
conversations.prefix: City Born:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Although you're perhaps not good at everything, you are virtuous and empathic. People always find a piece of themselves in you.
conversations.prefix: Golden Heart:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: People might not look to you to find comfort, but when there's a problem, you know just how to fix it.  Some even burn with jealousy at your wit. 
conversations.prefix: Crafty:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Perhaps you've had it rough, had to deal with things on your own. That's what some think, at least. In dire situations you are strong, and people tend to follow you.
conversations.prefix: Leader of the Pack:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You don't usually stand out in a crowd. However, you notice just about everything around you. Some may find you uncomfortable, but it is in your nature to be aware of your surroundings.
conversations.prefix: Perceptive:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Others may have strong opinions. However, there are few as experienced as you. When people need an expert or perhaps just stability, they come to you.
conversations.prefix: Experienced:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Few dare disturb you. Nobody dares to openly steal or even speak impolitely in your presence. While this is often useful, you are easily ostracized
conversations.prefix: Intimidating aura:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You might have a right comely face. Or wear fine clothes. However, nobody can deny that stench which surrounds you.
conversations.prefix: Smelly:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Well, you might get by in many situations but you won't be able to enjoy it. You are plagued by a pain which lingers, and does not fade.
conversations.prefix: Aches and Pains:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're presumtuous to the brim, and esteem yourself to the point that nobody else matters. 
conversations.prefix: Arrogant:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: While you're a healthy person, you sometimes pass out in strange situations, and look very pale. You really shouldn't stand up too quickly!
conversations.prefix: Anemic:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're an illegitimate son or daughter of a noble. By law you threathen the hierarchy of nobles and therefore is denied the right to marry another nobleborn. Many look unkindly at you for it.
conversations.prefix: Bastard:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You cannot see very well, and often need to rely on other senses to get by. Some look down on you for being handicapped, but you make up for it in other ways.
conversations.prefix: Blind:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have a lot on your mind. So much, in fact, that you have started not to care anymore. It's not like it will get better.
conversations.prefix: Bitter:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: People ask so many questions. Somehow, I can't bring myself to answer them truthfully. As long as they ask me about my person, I will lie.
conversations.prefix: Compulsive liar:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You really can't tell the difference between green or blue. There's not much difference between any color, really. One's just a bit darker than the other.
conversations.prefix: Color blind:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're not well. There's an ailment which makes your person tremor, but you're not too keen to show it to others.
conversations.prefix: Diseased:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're lonely, and don't have many who care for you. Whether it be platonic or romantic, you really need someone.
conversations.prefix: A Pursuit of Love:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You want to show the world that you exist, whether it be for fame or for glory. You probably look down on anyone who doesn't aspire to be something great.
conversations.prefix: Hear me Roar:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are lost, and few things makes sense to you right now. The path ahead is dark, and there's only one which leads to your destiny.
conversations.prefix: Find yourself:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You might not be the most endearing person. However, while you have many a caveat, you will save a person, whether it be a foe or a friend. People might think you horrid, but you will do that, at least.
conversations.prefix: Save others:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have made a vow.  And whether it be to return your family donkey, or to make enough coins to free someone dear to you lost to slavery, you must not fail in your task.
conversations.prefix: Truss'd in Chains:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It's your first day of guard-duty. Don't be late!
conversations.prefix: Get up, Gaer!:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's your first day of guard-duty. Don't be late!
conversations.prefix: Get up, Farah!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It's your first day of guard-duty. Don't be late!
conversations.prefix: Get up, Eddias!:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's your first day of guard-duty. Don't be late!
conversations.prefix: Get up, Shaa!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It's your first day of guard-duty. Don't be late!
conversations.prefix: Get up, Lytia!:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's your first day of guard-duty. Don't be late!
conversations.prefix: Get up, Lyra!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It's your first day of guard-duty. Don't be late!
conversations.prefix: Get up, Quinn!:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Well, those horses are up for a big day! They've got to eat and drink, too.
  
  Place: Market district, Fogwalk
  
  Destination: Serpent Gate, Square.
conversations.prefix: Horse-Keeping (Quinn, Gaer, Lytia):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The Joust just wouldn't be the same without decoration. It's your duty to carry those flower pots!
  
  Place: Serpent Gate, Florist Shop
  Destination: Serpent Gate, Square
conversations.prefix: A Flowery Welcome (Lyra, Shaa):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Well, of course there has to be tents! What if it rains! GO!
  
  
conversations.prefix: Tent Duty (Eddias, Farah):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: There's something off about this person, apart from the distinct smell of sea-salt.
conversations.prefix: Stranger:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Pray tell, what is the matter?
conversations.prefix: Sir Frost:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: People! People everywhere. How will you ever get things done, or even move, when there is no order, and chaos reigns?
conversations.prefix: Chaos Reigns:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The metal is strangely cold to the touch and the two eyes inscribed on it are disturbing to watch.
  It emanates an eerie presence at the touch and its eyes draw you in, as if it had a centripetal force, as if it compelled you to look into the eyes.
conversations.prefix: Glimmering orb:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: As a member of the noble caste, this man will not take orders from a guard who is not at least high-born.
conversations.prefix: Noble:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The father of the Steward of L'Montaigne. He is a chevalier who almost won the tournament, clad in a blue cloak. He comes running into the square with terror on his face. Everyone l
conversations.prefix: Oren Glennis:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The group has begun to notice Shaa's absence. Perhaps it is time to look for him?
conversations.prefix: Where is Shaa?:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Darkness covers. What will you do, now that the skies fall apart?
conversations.prefix: Shadows over Geneva:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Guard-Captain of Geneva. He is carrying a young girl, supposedly of import to Calypsa.
conversations.prefix: Dresden Godfrey:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It covers the Square, and is consuming the citizens, guards and knights alike!
conversations.prefix: Darkness:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You think most of the world takes life too seriously. A little more fun and laughter is what is needed...even if it's only yours.  
conversations.prefix: Passion for mischief:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: In a large family it can be hard to be noticed especially when you're so  far down the pecking order. Surely at some point you'll get the opportunity to be the one father boosts about. 
conversations.prefix: Gain your father's pride:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Having so little in the current circumstance, this character enjoys the luxury of having things if it means trouble. This includes scraps of cloth, worthless paraphenalia and yes even secrets.
conversations.prefix: Hoarder:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You don't weight the risks versus benefits before throwing a plan into action. 
  
  You leap before you look, play with fire, and are an example to others.
  
  It's a wonder you're still alive!
conversations.prefix: Reckless!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Maybe you hope for a new start, maybe you want to do your part for your country, maybe you're just running. Whatever it is, you can't and won't go back where you came, no matter where your path leads you.
conversations.prefix: The Blacksmith's daughter.:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're unwilling or unable to trust anyone. You are suspicious of people and situations you do not control
conversations.prefix: Distrustful:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Whatever has been thrown at you, you have learned  survive. You can get the best out of most of situations. 
conversations.prefix: Survivor:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Dynamic and animated, challenges tend to bring out the best in you. You really come alive when there's something to be done, people to convince, and especially problems to be overcome!
conversations.prefix: Spirited:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're always active and doing something, and tend to get frazzled as you try to juggle projects. You don't allow enough time to recharge, either, and the lack of downtime means you can get overstressed.
conversations.prefix: Too Much!:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You don't have the time or patience to worry about the little things. Right now, you need to focus on your task and get the job done.
conversations.prefix: Keep your head down!:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Although you wish it was over, ghosts from your past still haunt you. These ghosts were caused by wrong decisions and dangerous mistakes. And the guilt manifests in the nightmares and visions that you experience from time to time.
conversations.prefix: Haunted by the past:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're not a businessman, but you can still be professional; you've been doing your job for years now. You know the importance of doing things right, and you know your way around the city.
conversations.prefix: Experienced:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're quite adept at reading between the lines in social contexts and situations. You appropriately gleam information where others may miss.
conversations.prefix: Perceptive:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: When something is on your mind you tend to loose sight of the broader picture. 
conversations.prefix: Consumed:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You can turn on your charms, and influence people to view you favorably. 
conversations.prefix: Charismatic:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The flames dance and flicker across the hellscape, oh yes they do, ha ha...
  
  Sing to us
conversations.prefix: Blinded by Fire.:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Basically it says on the tin :)
conversations.prefix: Quick-thinking:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have been trained by a relentless and harsh master.
  
  Though it has been awhile you still got the reflexes and they might save your sorry skin.
conversations.prefix: Hard Training:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have lived with darkness for a long time and learned not to be afraid .
  
  Mother Shadow guides your steps.
conversations.prefix: Shadows are my friends:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Perhaps you weren't always a reliable killer, paid to turn certain souls over to the Presence of the Unknown God, but now... what other title could you give yourself?
conversations.prefix: Assassin :
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: If love was ever your domain, it is a memory you've left far behind you. You've been trained to kill, and valuing lives is dangerous in your line of work. You don't want to care.
conversations.prefix: Cold Hearted:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're probably not too keen on staying here, are you?
conversations.prefix: A place of terror: