At The Edge of the World - OCC

You may still call me Dio. That name change is a long story. I'm deciding to change it back soon anyways.

I'm glad you're back, I still wish to continue with this one.

Yay! I'm glad you're still interested! I love this world and these charries and it'd be really sad to see it go...

I will do a post for you hopefully tomorrow. I started one but didn't get chance to finish it.

The surprise of finding a notification of something longforgotten was a pleasant surprise, and since Sovereign Star and Sandcastle never lived up to what we wanted them to be, I'd love to give this another chance.

That said, I'm totally going to regret taking on an intensive RP.

Either way, profile is coming up. I hope you don't mind I took some (read: tons of) liberties with the bio. Sounds like me, eh? If something need to be changed, corrected or removed, do not hesitate to tell me.

Name: Jean-Baptiste Montague
Age: 35
Socioeconomic Level (child): Nobility.
Socioeconomic Level (adult): Low-class.
Occupation: Freelance tutor and mechanic.
Talents/Skills:
• Significant marksman ability. Good skill with single-handed blades.
• Experienced as airborne military leader.
• Relatively good technical knowledge and ability.
• Bilingual.
• Well-versed in history, literature, etiquette.
• Excellent public spokesman.
Birth order: Fourth child
Parents: Cosette Anastasie Montague (mother), Émeric Gaston Montague (father)
Siblings: From date of birth: Leonore Gwenael Anastasie (older sister), Florian Gospard Émeric (older brother), Marie Arielle (older sister), Irene Flavie (younger sister)
Spouse: None
Children: Chanson (adopted daughter).
Significant Others: Hercule (Roc)
Relationship skills: Strong.
History: The roots of the Montague family lay in Mart, however for the past generations one of the branches has found a new home in Ista. Traders by origins and easy to adapt, the Montague family even found itself in small leading functions until eventually one of the sons was made a man of low nobility for his extensive services to the neighbouring lordling. Ever since the family has been expanding itself rapidly, gaining in wealth and control despite not being true-blooded. They are well-versed in the Ista-language, its history, politics and recently they have started to take an interest in its offer of art also. Regardless, the family stays true to their roots as they teach their childeren the Mart-language and customs and thus far all brides have travelled overseas.

Being the second son and fourth child of Émeric Gaston Montague and Cosette Anastasie Montague, Jean has lived in an environment that offered him sufficient possibilities to acquire wealth and pursuit his childhood dreams. In fact, various paths were open for him that were closed for others. And indeed many of his dreams, Jean was encouraged to pursuit, but he what he had in support, he lacked in determination. A shortage in will-power and the security of a comfortable life at home kept him on the ground. In contrast to the underachiever, Jean's older brother Florian quickly grew successful and succeeded in various political functions, following in his father's footsteps. Leonore married the oldest son of a befriended noble family, whereas Marie struggled with an illness that took her life before she reached adulthood. Irene was heavily influenced by Jean's lacklustre attitude and went down the same path her brother had taken.

When Jean his father passed away, Florian took over as the head of the family. Then Jean's room in the family residence became vacant. Although more patient and merciful with his sister Marie, Florian had no sympathy for his adolescent brother and gave him little space to mourn. He subscribed his sibling into the militant guild, who were forced to take in the passion-less youngster due to the Montaque family's political influence.

And hence, transported to a world unknown to the boy, Jean suffered from a slow start, as many others would. But one says that in a positive environment men become more inspired. That strength was and is something that magically compelled Jean and sparked his passion. Although mastering the first steps of his new trade were time and energy-consuming, not to mention painful, once the ball got rolling, Jean quickly grew in ranks. The aforementioned passion as will as his confidence grew immensely over the years and one would hardly believe what such an energetic and fiery man used to be. Endorsed by his, now proud, brother, Jean managed to pick up a couple of academic courses, namely in his greatest of all dreams and joys; music. After a few forceful years of study and a refreshment of knowledge and ability that is to be expected from a nobleman, so this Montague would not make a fool of his heritage.

However, in spite of his great determination, Jean never finished a degree of his Academic study. Nor did he ever return home. No, Jean-Baptiste had glued himself to a girl. Chanson. Chanson is a self-proclaimed orphan that Jean found on the street at the estimated age of nine. when she begged Jean for food, he took her with him for a meal, she never left. In spite of Jean’s efforts to find her origins, that is. But till this very day the girl refuses to give her real name, origins and swears she suffers from amnesia. Chanson heavily rebelled against every attempt to get her a pair of foster parents. As a result the girl is extremely distrustful of strangers. The girl herself, however, had knowledge of certain Tribal magical ability. Something not native to any of Jean'sworldly experience. Although having searched for the origins, scholars find it hard to determine Chanson's heritage due to the messy way sheperforms the rituals. To this very day, Jean searches for the girl's origins.

As a wing commander he also left, picking up odd jobs such as fixing minor technical difficulties and some freelance tutoring in various fields. Although not a generous income when considering he needs to feed an additional mouth and beak, it allowed him to spend more time on his new daughter as well as the quest for her home and history. Jean had been closely watching the recruitment process under his previous wing, however. And strangely, he wasintrigued . Although he would apply as a mere guard, a position not worthy of his status, that was of a non-issue to him. A spark of insanity, most, amongst which myself, would call it, but Jean-Baptiste had the crazy inspiration Chanson came from another world. However, he brought severe conditions with his application. He would bring a giant bird and an eleven-year old girl. Jean is a man that is hard to say no to.

Physical Characteristics:

Height: 5’6”
Weight: 72kg
Race: Teela
Eye Color: Brown
Hair:
• Colour: Red
• Length: When loose reaches until halfway his upper back.
• Style: Wild like manes.
• Worn: Casually: Tied in a tail. Formally/Military: Tied in knots and hidden under a hat/helm.
Skin color: Tanned
Shape of Face: Square
Distinguishing features:
• Permanent 9'o clock shadow,
• Thin, colourless lips,
• Prominent forehead with deep-lying eyes,
• Unseen, smooth jaw,
• Roughed up shoulders, arms and hands as well as legs and lower body. As any other Sky Fighter.
• Athletic build, fooling many to think Jean is tall when seen from a distance.
• Slight, recently acquired signs of age on his forehead.
• Light, curved markings following his shoulder blades. Coloured yellow.

How does he/she dress?
• Iconic Ciel necklace.
Rest depends on occasion.
Casual:
• Thick, fur long-coat composed of various materials.
• Various leather belts and stitches to keep the coat together.
• Thick leather plates tied to viral areas such as the chest, shoulders, knees and elbows.
• Long-sleeved, high-necked, white-when-he-bought-it undershirt.
• Beige, fingerless gloves.
• Long, brown, worn stitched pants.
• High boots, Topped off by fur.
Formal:
• Captain's hat, decorated by two broken Roc's feathers.
• Refined dark, travelling cape.
• Dark red, satin long-coat.
• White shirt with a high collar, long sleeves.
• Dark blue sleeve- and collarless over-shirt, with fancy buttons.
• Cotton gloves
• Knee-height, leather boots.
• A stainless dark blue pantalon.
Military:
• Captain's helm. Recently stripped of its military markings.
• Loose, long-sleeved, v-necked (laced), white over-shirt (cotton-like)
• Tight, long-sleeved, high-necked, black undershirt (thermal)
• Tight, full-length, russet-coloured britches (thermal, strong)
• Fitted, knee-length, 1-inch-heeled, black boots (lacing on outside leg around metal hooks)
• Grey sleeveless breast-plate, (metal)
• Black, sleeveless neck-plate, high-collared, laced across upper ribs (leather)
• Grey shoulder-plates, attached to neck-plate at trapezoids (metal)
• Black back-brace, buckled by two straps at the waist (leather)
• Additional braces to cover the joints. (leather)

Mannerisms:
• Jovial
• Social
• Passionate
• Dominant
• Determined
• Restrained and patient when called for
• Poor of trust
• Sceptical
• Calculating
• Unable to perceive certain opinions
• Caring
• Proud
• Closed

Habits: Smiling, speaking, listening to music, discussing (goes under speaking)
Health: Good shape during the day, less so during the morning. Physically fit, though quick to catch a cold.
Hobbies: Music, reading, theatre, fiddling with mechanics.
Favorite Sayings: "Magnificent! Truly magnificent!", "But that is where you are wrong!", "I concur!"
Speech patterns: Normally clearly pronounced and articulated. But there are hints of a foreign accent.
Disabilities: Weak stomach, poor eyesight from nearby.
Style: Elegant.

Intellectual/Mental/Personality Attributes and Attitudes

Educational Background: Unfinished academic study of composition, fully educated in etiquette, military leadership, flight and combat
Intelligence Level: High
Any Mental Illnesses? Long term memory may fail occasionally.
Character's short-term goals in life: Raise Chanson and find her home.
Character's long-term goals in life: Finish composition studies and write music.
How does Character see himself/herself? Right, strong, passionate, open.
How does Character believe he/she is perceived by others? Jovial, passionate, anxious.
How self-confident is the character? Average
Does the character seem ruled by emotion or logic or some combination thereof? Logic.
What would most embarrass this character? Being not listened to.

Emotional Characteristics

Strengths/Weaknesses: Jovial, determined/Distrustful, closed.
Introvert or Extrovert? Extrovert
How does the character deal with anger? On the surface calmly and self-controlled. Underneath: cropping it up, holding grudges, releasing it subtly, or in full vocally if pushed too far.
With sadness? See above.
With conflict? Verbal and postural intimidation.
With change? With endless questions and attempts to sway things back.
With loss? Denial, trying again until convinced. After which see sadness/anger.
What does the character want out of life? Fill his heart.
What would the character like to change in his/her life? Pick up studies again.
What motivates this character? Chanson, passion for music.
What frightens this character? Everything that poses a threat.
What makes this character happy? Spending time on hobbies, with friends/relatives, being right in general.
Is the character judgmental of others? Highly
Is the character generous or stingy? Struggling in-between
Is the character generally polite or rude? Rude in moderation, with a flair of etiquette.

Spiritual Characteristics

What are the character's spiritual beliefs? Devout follower of Ciel.
Is religion or spirituality a part of this character's life? Yes.
If so, what role does it play? Prayers in the morning as well as before special occasions. For life, death, health, victory, guidance, etc. Preaches on occasion.

Ciel is related to Gaia (although she has a different name, but for simplicity's sake) but has evolved differently. It is believed that all life is a child of 'Gaia' and 'Ciel'. Gaia being the mother that nurtures you and 'Ciel' being the father that watches over you. Ritually one lays both hands on the heart and follows his veins through the legs towards the earth, when in a thankful prayer to Gaia. And vice versa (from earth to heart) when requesting something. The same applies for Ciel but it will flow from the heart through the arms to the sky. Prayers regarding health, life and death are aimed towards Gaia, whereas prayers for guidance and wisdom are directed towards Ciel. One can make a quick subtle prayer by following a mere inch of his veins in either direction.

Fabulous as always, Kestrel. Though I do have one question: I didn't see his markings anywhere - could you describe them for me please? If he was higher born, he'd probably have brighter/lighter colours and more regular or regular-shaped markings. It's up to you where they are but I'd like everyone to be a Teela if possible (although I'm happy to have Chanson as an exception and have no markings on her, though if you do it will make her a bit of a 'freak' in most people's eyes).

And I'm glad you're still interested - it'll be good roleplaying with you again!

As for jumping into the RP, do whatever you wish. I'm happy to discuss/plan an entrance or you can just slip in where you think's best. I'll be posting later in response to Diodri so it's up to you what you do!

Oh yes, forgot. Updating.

As for starting, prolly during the week. Cause I'm unable to post most of the time during the weekend (had to check my bus today, so wasted on an internet cafe). I'll try to read it, but a quick summary would be great.

And originally Chanson was of African descent in an early West-European world, so she's used to that Crazy thing is that though I never wrote more than a single page for the story, I've used three of the characters I planned for that story in RP'ing already... Hence, if you see a French name. Though I changed Jean's slightly because I quit liking the original.

Oh and something that came up. You mentioned the spaceship is operated by some kind of combustion-like technology. Is this kind of technology else? I.E. fire-arms?

That's cool, whenever you can, dude. I'll work on a summary at some point over the weekend so that you know what's going on (although there hasn't been much of anything, yet). Oh, and you've put 'light' but what colour are his markings?

In terms of Erythoril, it can be used for pretty much anything if you have the skill to manipulate it. Alchemy is a good skill to have with working Erythoril as most of it's destructive power comes from reactions with another compound (e.g. the Erythoril/Acid explosions used for firing the Star-ship). However, both smithying and engineering could feasibly work; the ore can also be used like steel when toughened and can thus make weapons, e.g. swords (or possibly firearms) so either occupation could actually start in this manner and slowly specialise into the more alchemic side of Erythoril manipulation. And of course mages can often work Erythoril to a certain extent with magic.

As for firearms, I don't mind as long as you try and be realistic to the era. If anything, think steampunk crossed with alchemy; if you can create something that fits in with that then please feel free to suggest it as a personal invention for your character.

Summary

The previous evening Sol landed in camp and was immediately met by Lord Micháele Tacita (the dude organising the quest/maintaining the inventory/keeping an eye on the mercenaries hired) who informed her that she would be meeting the rest of her party the next morning (which she wasn't too happy about) and that until then, she could stay at the big blue tent serving as an inn. Both August and Stella arrived at around the same time, directed to the blue tent by a flustered nobleman and a soldier from the military guild respectively. Once entering (August first, Stella shortly after), August enquired as to who would help him in his quest to join the Star-ship and a gambling Sol was volunteered, much to her chargrin. In telling him that he could find help from Micháele, Stella turned up at his elbow, offering her aid in addition. All three spent the night in the inn and in the morning - Sol rather worse for wear, Stella bright-eyed and August surrounded by the scent of insence - they went to meet Micháele. The Lord welcomed Stella as an aquaintance, Sol as a necessary irritation, and finally agreed that August could accompany them - both equally for his skills and the politics of the situation.

And that's it. My latest post is them leaving Micháele's company so you might as well read that. I think Hedya's due to post in our little trio first. You haven't missed anything in the OOC - I've put everything in the introductory post(s) so if you read that then you've got all the context. So if you read the first OOC post and the last IC post, you should be sorted!

Great thing! I'm back as well, and posted already! I'm glad we have another person joining, already, it's so good news! So that's it! We're on again!

Reading the new character's sheet...^^

Oh I was assuming markings would be like a different shade of skin. Ah well. I think I'll just go for the simplest possible approach with my character's introduction. AKA: 'Oh hey I know you!'

As for the fire-arm... I think I'll just have Jean in the process of invention, so when I get a better idea on the exact technology (not to mention have Jean try to exploit Stella's magical prowess to get there) I'll get to the bones of it.

Just so y'all know, my computer is officially dead, so I will be posting from school whenever I get the chance. I'll try to get something up tonight.

No worries Diodri, whenever you can. Besides it'd be "pot calling kettle" if I said otherwise...

You guys wouldn't happen to need one more would ya?

Sure, I'm always up for someone new: post your profile and we shall see...

Just checking, dio, are you working on a post or can I go ahead?

Just wanted to let you guys know, I have iminent plans to throw our little party into a bit of a disarray (seeing as we haven't had much action yet), so bear with me while I outline in my head what's going to happen before I write the next post...

I love secrets...

Blargh! I stopped getting updates from the OOC.

Waiting for the plot to twist itself I suppose...

Ok, the first post for the new story-arc is up! Bear with me on this one chaps, as I want to keep as much of my plans as secret as possible. If it starts going too wayward, I might divulge a little more, but for now all I'll say is that you will initially have to fight a seemingly impossible battle... Allies = approx 50. Enemy = approx. 500. But I have plans, so don't despair! When I want to give some clues/info, I shall pop it in a nice "confidential" category - as below:

[CONFIDENTIAL]
There are only 3 mages in total. However, from this distance, our characters won't know that. These mages are also currently out of sight and impossible to distinguish.

I am thinking of a post, but I am not finished yet. Expect things to go slowly from now until after Christmas.

No worries, Dio - I did expect a lull around Christmas anyway (I have about 4 different households to visit/eat in over the holiday period...) so take as much time as you wish.

Also dudes, if this whole 'keeping things a secret' stuff makes things too complicated, then let me know and I can either divulge more info or give you all my ideas for it (though that will expose the majority of the story...)

I don't mind things being secretive. I think it adds more excitement to the adventure.

RAGH! I made my post and then lost it. I'll finish it tomorrow...

Aw, mate - I know how you feel! don't worry about rushing the second. Whenever you can will be great.

Same story here. I'll probably go on a bit of a laze and wait for dio and hedya so I have some more material too instead of providing it myself. 'cause I'm awfully self-centered like that. Rest assured, I do expect we see this one through till the end.

On hiatus until the Christmas blitz is over. I'm sure everyone would rather be engaged with family anyways.

No worries, dudes and dudettes. I expected a general slow-down over Chistmas anyway and considering I've got a cold AND have spent the first half of my holiday rushing around, I'm not really in a roleplaying mood anyway...

Still, once Crimbo's all done and dusted I'll be ready for fresh posting!

Have a very merry one (no matter what your religion) everyone!!

Well as long as Christmas/newyear won't do what it did to Dragon Riders it will all be a-ok

:? Yeah, I hope it doesn't... I re-read that the other day: was pretty cool. Shame it died, but then out of the 100 or so roleplays I've joined over the last two years, only one has ever finished (to go on to a sequel) and the rest have all died half-way through! Now I'm involved in 3 quite in-depth roleplays so I'm hoping they'll continue for a while before dying off at least...

Merry Christmas to everyone!!! =)

And a belated Merry Christmas to you too, Hedya - and everyone else of course! Hope everybody got some lovely things? I got a couple of books, a vase, some earrings and a chocolate santa, among other things. Twas a lovely first Christmas in the new house - and so quiet!

Aight people, christmas-break is over! Get back to work! ;p