http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=137350.msg6140722#msg6140722 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=137350.msg6140722#msg6140722)  Interest Thread<br/>http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=137567.0 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=137567.0)  IC Thread<br/>http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=139074.0 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=139074.0)  Eden, Reality Thread<br/>http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=147957.msg6694459#msg6694459 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=147957.msg6694459#msg6694459)  Romance/Sex Thread.<br/>http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=137559.0 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=137559.0)  Character Thread<br/><br/>Every game has a loading screen, so why not this as well?  As annoying as they are though, this one at least has a constant stream of information, lore, maps of areas explored, quest takers before, during, and after they've at least attempted such feats, and more.  Translation; the usual BS is allowed here lol.  Post comments, concerns, questions, or just generally chat to your heart's content.  I will however be reserving a few of the first posts here for the stuff I've written so that it doesn't get lost, but otherwise this area is yours to do as you wish with.  Just don't burn it down lol.<br/><br/>'Cue epic intro music of your choice.'<br/><br/><em>For every new technological upgrade, there is always inherent dangers that go hand in hand with them.  Most are brought on by those that mean the users of said tech ill will in the form of malfunctions, sabotage, hacking, and viral uploads, just to name a few.  Some threats however, are more insidious and could potentially form themselves if given the right set of circumstances and the right stimuli.  Whatever the case, the end result was normally the same; pure and utter chaos unless it was stopped before it could get out of hand.  In the year 2135, VR technology had been perfected, allowing users from across the world to nearly and completely immerse themselves in the digital arenas that spanned across many open world games that were akin to WoW, Guild Wars, and many more MMORPG of the same ilk, allowing for far more interactivity than ever before.  One such game that went online not even six months ago after a few incidents and delays in its production that swept the world by storm was appropriately called Eden, since to many that got their hands on it, it was a paradise given shape and form.  Such a term however was a matter of opinion, but whatever ones interpretation, no one could argue that it was the best game to ever be created to date.  Fantasy lovers of all kinds came to the digital shores of Eden to explore its rich environments that looked, felt, and even smelt real to those plugged into the VR simulated world.  That was the whole point but that aside, players were only limited by their imagination to what they could do.  All it took was the proper training in the skills of their choice and the time dedicated to leveling up in their skillset that they wished to employ throughout their stay in Eden.<br/><br/>For the more mature audience however, the monthly membership fee was increased by a few credits, (money having been done away with ages ago and everything was done through electronic transfer now,) but those that paid were allowed to experience more than the younger players, mainly the joys of online sex.  When done in a VR world, no fear of disease, pregnancy, and the like needed to be felt by either partner, and with strict controls on what was allowed and what was not set up by each person, no lines were rarely ever crossed or could be crossed if it was attempted.  The system had worked so far, and the admins were not worried anything could go wrong with their creation.  Even the monsters were limited to what they were allowed by the player if said person ever lost, and it'd been found early on that some had deep seated fantasies for being molested or outright raped by a gang of goblins if not something bigger and nastier, and the admins had obliged.  It had taken a few more months of beta testing, but after everything was said and done, their finished product was unleashed upon the world, and the masses were overjoyed beyond all reason.  Whether a new player or a returning adventurer, there was something for everyone to enjoy.<br/><br/>Most adventurers start in the massive trade city of Everesta, where the general rule of the city is that if you can't find it here, you can't find it anywhere.  Most new and old adventurers alike can find quests given by the game's countless NPCs that wander the streets as well as a number of different establishments ranging from age restricted brothels to luxurious inns and taverns, as well as bathhouses of both repute and ill repute, depending on what part of the city you favored.  Reputation effected how NPCs reacted to each person, welcoming some warmly while in some areas they'd be chased off if not hung, drawn, and quartered if caught and beaten down for your trouble.  Regardless of one's playstyle and reputation, good or not, there were few things that wasn't kept track of as the game learned from each player how better to challenge them and thus make it more enjoyable for them all.  Currently the sun was at high noon and the streets and even the sky was packed with travelers coming and going by steam powered airships if they weren't simply walking on foot as most tended to do.  It was just another day in the city as merchants cried out about their wonderful wares, people prepared for their quests, and the general havoc one could expect in a city such as this.  Welcome to Eden, where fantasy became reality.</em><br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://www.socwall.com/images/wallpapers/27068-1920x1200.jpg)</div></div><br/>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Schools of Magic</strong></span></div><br/><em>Just as there are six elements that govern the world and keep it in balance, so too are there six brands of magic, each representing the six elements.  Within each elemental branch, there are many sub magics in each one that one can specialize in to become a master of that type of magic to an all range expert across your element of choice.  Few are those that have studied long enough and hard enough to master all six because of how difficult it is to master just one alone.  Any more than three at best are extreme cases, but all six are legendary and to be feared due to their immense skill in all things arcane, especially should such a person ever become a threat to Eden and all of her inhabitants.  And despite what the religious orders will tell you, light and dark elemental mages are not to be feared any more or less than the rest.  It is simply the choices of how one uses their skill that dictates whether or not one is truly evil, just as can be said of all things in this world.<br/><br/>Excerpt from the Rules of Magic written by Grand Mage of the Arcane, Angelus Maximus, formerly of the Far Seeing Tribe</em><br/><br/><strong>Important notice</strong><br/>These are just quick examples and summaries and will most likely be edited to include or exclude things as people comment and what have you.  Things such as enchanting armor and weapons that can be used by all the elements won't be repeated so if it's not in the others, assume that it is.<br/><br/><strong>Fire</strong>For those with a passion and exuberance for the destructive arts, look no further than fire.  Fire is a force that consumes anything in its path, yet it can also be used to light the way in dark tunnels, heal wounds if used properly to cauterize them shut, and to give warmth where otherwise there would be none.  Fire on its own as an element is a force to be reckoned with because it is also the hardest to the control given its all consuming nature if left unchecked, but for those with the patience and the skill to master it, the element can be used to great effect on and off the battlefield.  Sub magics include buffing and debuffing strength and endurance stats/boosts, manipulation of fire based light sources into portable fireballs, enchanting weapons and armor, and the summoning of fire elemental beasts and other fiends that use fire as their main source of strength.<br/><br/><strong>Ice</strong>This elemental power is reserved for the intellectually cool and collected individuals more times than not, but for anyone that has a steady head on their shoulders this power isn't out of reach.  Water is the basic form that all Ice magic takes, whether it be in the form of a blizzard or a drowning rain, all Ice based magic must begin in its most basic form when controlling the element itself.  Just as water can kill, so too can it heal by cooling fevers, hydrating plants and people alike, and it even serves as a natural environment for aquatic life across Eden.  Understanding this can serve Ice Mages well since even a land that appears to have none must to sustain any amount of life within the region.  But there is more to water than meets the eye since it can also hide valuable treasure as well as foes in mist and fog.  Sub magics include illusion and diversion spells, control over aquatic environments, creations of ice walls/blizzards and other hazards, and if applied properly, can even make inert steam powered devices work once more.<br/><br/><strong>Wind</strong>From a gentle breeze to fill the sails of a schooner to a full on tsunami full of lightning and tornado force gusts, to command the power over wind is to command Mother Nature herself.  To aiding those that wish to fly to giving control over one's own speed and grace, wind is a practice in manipulation over the environmental forces as well as oneself.  Understanding air flow, pressure waves, to enabling or disabling flying machines with the right gesture of one's hand in the right direction and with enough force makes for a very dangerous practitioner if one studies enough, same as any other branch of magic.  Sub magics include mastery over the sky itself, flight ability, speed enhancements, and even control over the force of time itself.  (Haste, Slow, and Stop mostly.)<br/><br/><strong>Earth</strong>Removing barriers of rock to creating walls of earth to protect your fellow adventurers, to damming rivers with temporary barriers of shale, Earth magic can do much.  Increasing one's defensive capabilities, to controlling the natural occurring ores found in the ground itself, Earth power is limited only by one's imagination to create or demolish whatever might be in your way.  Forge masters often employ Earth mages to help extract rare and precious gems and metals which can then be used to create very powerful weapons and armor, although it is not just the materials that make such an item, but also the skill of the forger as well.  Sub magics include manipulation over the ground itself which can then be used to whatever your need happens to be and if you have the skill to do so.<br/><br/><strong>Black</strong>Curses, hexes, siphoning life, raising the dead, controlling the mind and ensnaring the senses; all this and more can be achieved by a Black Mage.  Despite its dark reputation as being a favorite for evil mages and sorcerers, black magic does not require an evil heart to wield anymore than the rest.  Unfortunately that is often what path such mages tend to take in their quests for power and spells better left forgotten.  Even so, evil or not, black mages have control over not just life and death, but also the very laws of physics with powerful gravity based spells.  The mightiest of black mages can even call forth giant meteors and other cosmic disturbances to completely crush their enemies.<br/><br/><strong>White</strong>Healing even the most grievous of wounds, giving hope to allies, dispelling curses and hexes, and summoning divine creatures from the heavens to obliterate all evil entities before them, white mages are true and tested supporters in any party.  They are invaluable sources of strength and light, able to use their light based abilities to cure diseases, hexes, and other ill effects with just a wave of their hand and the proper incantation.  For those that take a more religious path with their magic, even more options open up, but when mixing magic and religion, things might not turn out as you always wish them to depending on the whim of your god or goddess of choice and your personal standing with them.<br/><br/>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/><br/><div align="center"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;">On Prayers and Divinity</span></strong></div><br/><em>Religion is a tricky business at best, a double bladed sword at worst.  In the right hands, it has the power to heal, to mend, and to nurture those that need it most, providing shelter and succor that seek it, and to give rest as well as peace to those that have passed on to the next plane.  In the wrong hands, it can be used to control, to coerce, and to turn even the most level headed of people into homicidal maniacs.  No matter the religion in question, one thing can be known for certain; as long as they have people to worship them, the gods and goddesses of Eden will continue to rain down their blessings and their curses in equal measure.<br/><br/>Excerpt from Lessons on the Divine book V in the Divine Orders series written by Adriana Talvoshok, former high priestess to the church of Li, goddess of passion.</em><br/><br/><strong>Important notice</strong><br/>Clerics, paladins, and other religious oriented classes benefit the most from this.  It is not required by any to choose any god or goddess, but if you do I do ask that you include a good description of what they represent and what kind of boons and what have you they give to you for your service.  If it's from a well known source such as DnD or Pathfinder, do your best to summarize what is said into your profile.<br/><br/>To put it bluntly, there is a religion for everything imaginable in Eden.  There are gods of murder that assassins often pay homage to before they go on their secretive missions, goddesses for passion that young lovers give tribute to, gods for young families that offer protection.  For every person, there is a choice to follow one of many gods and goddesses that one could imagine under the sun, yet such a choice doesn't come without its costs.  Disobeying a god's edicts will deliver swift and divine punishment upon the wicked and the unrighteous while faithful obedience and servitude rewards those that follow their chosen god's law.  Some offer freedom to work within the rules and code of certain gods, while others demand a strict and orderly life in service to them.  Whatever your choice, it is not required to choose any god or goddess to follow for your duration on Eden, but for those that do specific missions from the church of your choice can be gained as well as rewards in the form of weapons and armor and even spells in the element of your choice.  (Should that factor in of course.)<br/><br/>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Technology and You!</strong></span></div><br/><em>Eden is a world rife with monsters, demons, fae folk, strange oozes and slimes, restless spirits, and more, yet it is also full of all kinds of inventions and weapons of war to combat the dangers out there.  Grenades that are made to release fire, poison gases, bright lights, and more, to steam empowered airships, repeater crossbows, experimental black powder cannons, flintlock pistols.  I could go on and on.  The point being that just as mages must study their crafts for years before they are able to use it properly lest they burn down a city, so too do those that muck with today's latest mechanical feats of engineering since they are just as dangerous if not more so than any spell.  A machine doesn't get tired after all.<br/><br/>Excerpt from Technology and the People's Guide to Today's Greatest Engineering Feats, written by Douglas Brawnhammer, formerly of the Dwarven Smith Guild.</em><br/><br/>Technology is on par with early Renaissance Earth, meaning anything from early cannons to indoor plumbing for the moderately structurally sound parts of Eden's cities are common place.  Gun powder is still in its infancy for the most part and is thus hard to acquire let alone make, but it is there.  Steam rules the day however in the form of massive fleets of airships for the upper class of society as well as sky pirates, mercenary bands, and the armies of every major power across the world that is Eden.<br/><br/>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Love, Lust, Sex, and Everything In-Between</strong></span></div><br/><em>All life is sacred, no matter what form it might take.  Even so, for sentient beings, the circle that governs life is not to be treated lightly by some.  Procreation is a sacred act among most people, but even if one uses sex as a means for pleasure alone, the chance of life to be created from such an act is still there.  Regardless of one's intent or mindset at the time, such acts of love or lust shouldn't be taken lightly.  For those like me however that use sex to heal the mind, body, and soul, it can be so much more than two bodies joining together as one.<br/><br/>Excerpt from the Ways of the Sacred Prostitute, book III, written by Neria Zathrieal, former high priestess of Sune and Corellon Larathain.</em><br/><br/>As it's been mentioned before, the 'game world' has settings built into the system to allow different things to happen to your character.  For example, some monsters are a bit....rape happy, to put it nicely.  Setting your preferences however can prevent such a thing, but most that play in Eden let their settings be quite free as a means to experience everything the game world has to offer.  Beyond that, because this is set in Extreme, pretty much anything will be allowed but I do ask that people respect O/Os as much as possible.  Still, beyond that I just ask ya have fun lol.<br/><br/>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/><br/><div align="center"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;">Locations in Eden; A Traveler's Guide from a Sky Pirate's Eyes.</span></strong></div><br/><em>From the trade city of Everesta far to the southwest to the demonic Shadowed Lands to the far northeast, to the mighty Imperial City of Ghon Xi that protects the only pass in or out of the cursed demon held lands.  From the northwestern floating isles that hold the impressive ore mines and free trade city of Greede to the impressive capital of the main continent itself of Balandor where crime is not tolerated by any that live there, the empty fields, old ruins, and more that dot this fair land we call home are just a few of the sights one can come upon their travels across the face of Eden.  If one travels from one end of the world to the other without incident, one can expect to walk a solid six months before reaching the other side, but with monsters and natural hazards and the chance of becoming lost along the way, make such a trip much longer but all the more rewarding.  For a sky pirate like myself however, there's no better way to spend one's days than seeing the wonders and the riches this world has to offer.<br/><br/>Excerpt from the honorable sky pirate and 'leading man' Balthier Bunansa.  Last seen in the skies over the mountain region of Oysender.</em><br/><br/><em>Everesta;</em><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://www.socwall.com/images/wallpapers/27068-1920x1200.jpg)</div></div><br/>Where new players begin their days as a new arrival to the world of Eden.  Whether by land, sea, or air, one has a choice depending on what your chosen class and profession is as to how you arrive upon the land.  At least that's how it is said to be done, but in 'reality' you can choose your method of arrival but most decide upon a sea approach.  Regardless, Everesta is at the southwestern corner of the world, and while as a general rule the monsters and quests are easier because of this, make no mistake in thinking all areas around or in the city are created equally.  Roving bands of creatures are constantly on the move, and crime lords rise and fall all the time, sometimes replaced by weaker opponents with amazing intellect and a perchance for traps or subtle manipulations while some quests can be misleading to those that are not aware of what might be waiting ahead for them.  Always keep a weather eye out for those that do not pay attention too often meet a swift end at an enemy's hands.  The same can be said for any part of Eden however, but around Everesta, the trading hub for the rest of the land, it is especially true since it sees the most commerce out of any other part of the world, save perhaps for Greede.  There is no official ruler to the city given is free trade status, but for those in the know, the city guard likes to think they are in control, but their wages come from the often corrupt Merchant Guilds that make Everesta their home.  While there are a lot of honest guards in the city, make no mistake in assuming they are all with their honor intact.  In general however Everesta is safe enough for anyone and many families that call it home, both NPC and PC alike, love the place a great deal despite the undertone of danger in the darker parts of the immense city.<br/><br/><em>The Mountain Ranges of Oysnder.</em><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://cghub.com/files/Image/023001-024000/23450/565_max.jpg)</div></div><br/>Located on the eastern edge of the capital of Eden's heart in the center of the main continent itself, the majestic yet dangerous mountain ranges of Osynder are often the birth place of the monks, priests, and clerics that populate the world.  Travelers come from far and wide to see the place for themselves simply because of the beautiful scenery it offers, although some favor the rare monsters and resources the truly strong and competent warrior can obtain from them.  Beyond the otherwise dangerous nature of the local beasts, the mountain fortresses that reside in this area are peaceful and tranquil places where some of the finest warriors across many different classes are made before being set loose upon the world to do whatever it is they choose to do with the skills they've learned here.  For the adventurous mountain climbers, climbing to the top of one of the many spire like mountains in the area is rewarding enough since it is akin to being at the top of the world.  Some of the world's highest mountains can be found here, as well as some of the oldest ruins that have yet to be plundered due to them being quite hard to get to for just anyone.<br/><br/><em>Ghon Xi, the Imperial City.</em><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://topchineseculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/forbidden-city3.jpg)</div></div><br/>Due to its proximity to the Shadowed Lands, Ghon Xi is the heart and soul of a massive military force strong enough to send dozen man squads into the darkened and blighted land to their eastern borders on a regular basis to help the demon hunters there to keep back the otherwise growing darkness.  The demons however always try to break through Ghon Xi's massive defensive structures on a regular basis as well, normally in between attacks upon their own homes, such as they are.  Power is dictated by who has the better trained force and who can kill the most of the demonic hordes rather than money as is often the case anywhere else.  Because of the constant threat they face everyday from the Shadowed Lands, the people in Ghon Xi while friendly enough, do not tolerate peace loving fools that would try to negotiate with the beasts that are always looking to consume the rest of the world.  They know that if given the chance, that is exactly what the demons would do, and gods help them all if they ever succeeded in breaking through Ghon Xi and her surrounding fortresses.  Thankfully, as long as their three way mountains hold, land locking the Shadowed Lands save for the single pass into Ghon Xi's waiting armies, they can indefinitely hold out against their dark enemies.<br/><br/><em>Main Capital of Eden's mainland, Balandor.</em><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://www.celestialdamnation.com/wkc/13.jpg)</div></div>Out of all the cities in the world, Balandor is the most peaceful.  Besides Ghon Xi, it has the second strongest military force of the whole of Eden and because it's controlled by an unified council of both mages and the lords of Balandor, crime here is virtually nonexistent.  Few criminals here would dare to show their faces in the shining gem that lies at the heart of Eden, acting as both trade center and thanks to the massive lake that sits on its western edge, a central naval base as well since the lake has dozens of rivers and streams that flow in and out of the crystal clear waters.  The major sights to see while in Balandor include the Mage Circle, the Colosseum that houses both PvP and monster vs player fights both in single and squad combat, and the countless shops, holy religious sites, and more that run up and down most of the cobblestone streets that snake through Balandor.<br/><br/><em>The Floating Free Trade City of Greede.</em><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://i13.tinypic.com/6g0ohs3.jpg)</div></div>Situated to the northwestern edge of Eden, high above the ocean and land itself floats a massive chunk of land that can be called it's own continent in some people's opinion.  It is here where the moving Free Trade City of Greede can be found, built on the back of a giant monster called a Demithor.  This clockwork, steampunk like city is where the first airships were built, and the technology to build them filtered throughout the rest of the land over the span of many years.  However, many innovations are still made here, in Greede, making it subject to no country's rule, and because the only way up or down is located on a dozen chains that tie it in place to the ground below and the ocean floor as well, there is no way to sneak a group of armed men intent on taking the city for themselves without first passing through several checkpoints that have ever watchful guards ready to die for their home far above.  Besides that, the outer perimeter of the floating island is laced with potent mortar like guns all across the perimeter that can be fired with lethal precision, making it one of the most heavily defended lands in Eden to date.  They can never go to war however since the chains can not be undone, legend stating that the very gods themselves forged them to be unbreakable, and should they ever be broken, the land mass Greede rests upon would plummet to the ground, taking everything below and on the rock with it most likely.  Countless scholars, tinkerers, steam engineers, and other intellectual types of classes make their fame and home here, always creating the latest in technological advances.  Sky pirates also make a living here, always coming back home to Greede after a successful run down to the more land bound areas of Eden with their sky ships' hulls bursting with stolen goods and treasure to trade to improve their own lots in life.<br/><br/><em>The Shadowed Lands.</em><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/540780_350060558364142_13803372_n.jpg)</div></div><br/>The religious orders of Eden all agree that it is a cursed land with very little chance of ever recovering.  The general populace all agree that they'd rather die at the hands of another person than be sent in exile to the Shadowed Lands where death is usually the last thing on most demons' minds for their slaves that they manage to capture during any of their attacks against Ghon Xi or the lands around it whenever they manage to slip troops past, rarely as that happens thankfully.  Legend tells us that when the gods created the world, they had to fight back Moloch the Corruptor and his minions which would later become the first demons eons ago.  Because of his nature and those that he spawned, all demons that are born in the dark lands taint and corrupt anything they touch, turning plants into monstrous abominations, people become willing slaves and worse if enough time passes, and even the very ground becomes sick and dead wherever a demon crosses over it enough times.  Whether or not there is any hope of recovery for this once beautiful place is unknown, but regardless, only the demon hunters and truly epic class characters have any true hope of fighting back the encroaching forces of darkness here.