Discord ♢ Clarion: The Last Light ♢ City of Innovation

[Thundawave]

It is said in the world of Aubade that the formation of the six crystals - Pyralis, Maris, Aella, Terra, Solis, and Tenebris representing fire, water, air, earth, light, and darkness respectively - brought about the conditions necessary for life. These crystals maintained the balance of the elements, and interference would cause disastrous irregularities to occur. In times of extreme need, a crystal would use up extraordinary amounts of power and shrink from its exertion to keep the balance intact.

Long ago, the Terra had shrunk to about half of its normal size due to extreme deforestation, mining, and other forms of habitat destruction to support the growing human population. The Aella also suffered to a more minor extent from the release of toxic emissions. As a result, the scientists and engineers of the time sought to find alternative methods for energy. Though solar, water, and wind power were used sometimes, these methods were still not enough to prevent reliance on materials that destroyed the earth. The earth was dying, and a drastic solution needed to be found.

That solution came to light when scientists discovered that the Solis's energy could be used to power electric devices. Since direct physical damage did not weaken the effects of a crystal, the population came to realize that using pieces of the Solis was affordable, effective, and efficient. Almost overnight, cities clamored to use shards of the crystal to power grids since a seven-foot piece could provide more than enough electricity for citizens within a one-hundred-mile radius. Only some rural towns still had to use primitive methods such as fossil fuels for electricity because they were too far away from the proposed locations of shards.

The solution worked. Pollution and habitat destruction dropped dramatically within ten years, and the Terra and Aella slowly began to recover from the centuries of damage. The cities that benefited from the Solis boomed and grew into sprawling mini-empires, becoming known as the Solis cities for their use of the crystal.

People quickly found out that the crystal's use resulted in the formation of liquid neon purple energized waste. Though it was not hazardous for human exposure, it was useless for providing direct energy to citizens. Upon realizing this, the Grand Council ordered that the waste be collected in impermeable tanks and stored deep underground in case they could find a use for it in the future. With that question answered, people were free to live in great prosperity.

One thousand years later, the shards of the Solis began to mysteriously dim worldwide. As a result, nights gradually grew longer. A summer day never lasted over twelve hours anymore. Scientists and engineers poured their efforts into this problem and eventually came upon a method of suspending the Solis shards in pools of its recycled waste. This gave some energy back to the crystal and halted the growth of nighttime.

Another century passed. By this time the shards had turned a purple hue as a benign side effect of feeding on its waste. They also began to dim again, and the duration of nighttime accelerated once more. An energy crisis was fast approaching - if the recycled waste was not enough, then what? To make matters even worse, large, translucent monsters of all shapes and sizes suddenly appeared in waves, attacking the pieces of the Solis and attempting to drain the waste vats. To combat the new threat, the military was set up inside and around the cities at all times.

Our heroes are members of the Ninth Brigade, one of the more newly-formed groups in the military in the city of Lumen. It has been a month since the first strange monsters have appeared. As an inexperienced branch, the Ninth Brigade has been stationed to regularly patrol an unlikely point of attack - a small chapel surrounded by greenery on the city's outskirts. They among other brigades will soon be called to further investigate and destroy the source of the monsters and find a way to restore vitality to the Solis shards. If the military fails to do so, it could easily mean the beginning of eternal night and chaos.

After their first encounter with Solis Eaters, the Ninth Brigade was called to visit Rialto, where a priestess named Maia described their new mission. They were required to visit all of the crystals to take on the challenging trials to grow in power and investigate the source of the Solis Eaters. So far, the Brigade has made it through four trials: Cenzo with the Maris, Ianthe and Clara with the Aella, Raigor with the Terra, and Eliora and Eli with the Pyralis. After Raigor's trial, the military called him and Clara to work on a different assignment.

We pick up the story in Mikani, the City of Innovation. Here, the Brigade must clear out a recent outbreak of Solis Eaters, which have overrun the city to a level far more unmanageable than the police and local militia could take. Little did they know what else was in store for them...

 

[Thundawave]

♢ The World of Aubade ♢

Map made by Karolina​

The world of Aubade is a vast, diverse land scattered with semi-autonomous cities around the entire continent. The structure of each city's government slightly varies, but every mayor is required to attend monthly meetings of the Grand Council in Lumen, the capital. Though the military used to be split by city before the Terra Crisis, every city except Escura has basically united into one main force. These days, the military is mostly used to fend off monsters that sometimes threaten to attack citizens near city limits.

Almost everyone in Aubade has a deist perspective of the world. They mainly believe that some sort of higher being or beings created the crystals to bring life to the world and then left it to run on its own. A small portion of citizens is atheist, believing that the crystals formed by themselves in a natural sequence of events. No matter what people think of creation, ministers and citizens alike offer sacrifices on a voluntary basis to the crystals as thanks for their protection.

Most citizens enjoy more efficient versions of the same luxuries in technology that we do today because they are powered by Solis shards rather than fossil fuels. Non-Solis cities use the technology that we know because without the Solis's power they cannot advance as quickly. They are seen as primitive societies compared to the Solis cities. Mag-lev trains are the main means of long-distance transportation (above ground for long transportation, subways inside the city). For shorter distances, people walk or use bicycles. Guns are only for the police and military. Magic can be learned in schools as an elective, and it is taught to military trainees who desire to become mages. Weapons of mass destruction have become obsolete and virtually nonexistent since the times of the Terra Crisis, and the dark arts have been banned ever since Escura closed its borders.

♢ Alyar ♢​

Built into the rock halfway up the lofty Mount Anemos, Alyar takes pride in raising strong, self-sufficient men and women. The cold winds blow freely almost every day, and this city is said to have the cleanest air because of that. Every year, the citizens of Alyar celebrate the hunting season by throwing a huge festival where people can relax and celebrate the bounty of the land.

Spoiler: Visual of Alyar

♢ Edana ♢​

Deep within the harsh Erimos Desert lies the city of Edana. Ever since its Solis shard was brought to the city, its residents have been able to power complex irrigation systems connecting to a nearby oasis, greatly reducing the negative effects of droughts. People on this land have learned to thrive in the heat that the desert brings every day.

Spoiler: Visual of Edana

♢ Escura ♢​

Escura is a gigantic bastion surrounded by a great wall on all sides. A thick, magical veil that prevents people from seeing what is inside the city gives off the illusion of dark purple fog to those outside the wall. It was the only major city to refuse to use the Solis, claiming that that would be the worst mistake of human history. Since then, Escura had closed its borders to all but a few neighboring towns. As of now, it is the only city to allow the use of dark magic. It is said that one can truly feel the flow of magic when walking through Escura.

Spoiler: Visual of Escura

♢ Lumen ♢​

Lumen is the capital city of Aubade. It is a giant metropolis filled with life and diversity, and the sun shines brightly on the golden tan buildings. At the center of the city are the Hall of the Grand Council and the Solis Temple. Wealthy families usually make their home here. The climate is relatively temperate all year round.

Spoiler: Visual of Lumen

♢ Mikani ♢​

Mikani is a Solis city known most for its large factories that provide materials for many areas of Aubade. It also has a reputation for housing famous scientists and engineers. Most people in this city are of the middle and working class, but a few tycoons who own factories live in mansions at the edge of the area.

Spoiler: Visual of Mikani

♢ Rialto ♢​

Rialto resides at the southernmost peninsula in Aubade. Half of the city functions as a port, transporting goods and the city's famous seafood to and from the other parts of the world. The other half houses the cleanest, most charming resorts by the beaches.

Spoiler: Visual of Rialto

♢ Sanat ♢​

Sanat is a small town built on an island in the northwest far from the reaches of any Solis shard. Though most non-Solis cities and towns do not have much contact with the rest of the world, Sanat is widely known for raising the greatest artists in Aubade. It makes up for its lack of modern technology with its rich artistic culture.

Spoiler: Visual of Sanat

♢ Virida ♢​

In the northern reaches of the lush Suma Forest, a small Solis city named Virida offers rest for many a weary traveler. The citizens of Virida have an utmost respect of the nature surrounding them, following a philosophy of living off and giving back to the bountiful land. Virida provides most of the fruits and vegetables for the people of Aubade.

Spoiler: Visual of Virida

♢ The Crystals ♢​

♢ Aella ♢​

The Aella controls the wind and weather. A gentle breeze always blows in its chamber. It is located in a temple at the summit of Mount Anemos. Destruction of this crystal would cause the winds to cease except in stormy weather. Natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes would occur more often with greater intensity.

Spoiler: Visual of Aella

♢ Maris ♢​

The Maris controls the behavior and purity of water in the world. It magically moves water from a pool below in mesmerizing patterns. It is located in a temple on the coast near the city of Rialto. Destruction of this crystal would cause water to rapidly fluctuate in level and become poisonous.

Spoiler: Visual of Maris

♢ Pyralis ♢​

The Pyralis controls the fire and temperature of the world. Heat radiates from its surface in its sacred chamber. It is located in a temple ten miles outside the city of Edana. Without this crystal, fires would be uncontrollable, and the temperatures would be unlivable - too warm in the day, too cold at night.

Spoiler: Visual of Pyralis

♢ Solis ♢​

The Solis controls the light and order in the world. Looking directly at it in its pure form without protection will blind you. This crystal has been used as a source of energy for around the last thousand years. It has been split into several pieces, and its shards reside in chapels in the Solis cities. The Solis's largest shard, standing about twenty-five feet tall, is located in a grand temple at the center of Lumen. All known forms of this crystal have become energized with its recycled waste, taking on a neon purple color instead of bright yellow. Destruction of this crystal would cause the night to last forever and for physics to warp out of control.

Spoiler: Visual of Solis

Pure ---------------------------- Energized

♢ Tenebris ♢​

The Tenebris controls the darkness of the world: sleep, sickness, death, and dark magic are among its duties. Staying in the crystal's sacred chamber for too long will lull visitors to nausea and extreme drowsiness, though rumors say that those who survive this effect could be healed of any ailment. It is located in a temple at the heart of Escura. Without this crystal, plagues would run rampant, no one would die, and nightmares and curses would terrorize the world.

Spoiler: Visual of Tenebris

♢ Terra ♢​

The Terra controls nature and the ground. A beautiful garden full of colorful flowers grows year-round under it. It is located in a temple in the forest just outside the border of Virida. Destruction of this crystal would cause plants to cease growth and geologic processes to go haywire. This crystal had undergone extreme hardship a thousand years ago, causing it to shrink to half its volume during what is now known as the Terra Crisis. Over the years it has recovered to about seventy-five percent of its healthy size thanks to the switch to Solis power.

Spoiler: Visual of Terra

 

[Thundawave]

♢ Rules ♢​

♢ All Marriland rules and RP rules apply.
♢ Karolina is a fellow moderator for this roleplay. Jiaozi will also be around to help with story elements.
♢ As of now, I am currently not accepting new members for this roleplay. Only members on the list of roleplayers are allowed to post.
♢ Almost all interactions will take place on Discord. If you wish to observe, please send Karolina and me a PM so that we can add you to the server.
♢ Ask for permission for creating major plot events.

♢ Classes ♢​

You must keep in mind the following limitations of each class in your roleplaying. Learning a new spell or skill must be cleared by me or done in battle. All characters will begin the roleplay at the starting level of their respective class.

♢ Black Mage ♢​

A long-range mage who casts elemental offensive spells. They begin with Fire, Water, Blizzard, and Thunder and will learn spells such as Aero and Quake later on. Over time, black mages will learn more powerful versions of their spells such as Fira and Watera. Wields some sort of small, enchanted object.

Spoiler: Stats

Attack: Low
Defense: Low
Magic Attack: High
Magic Defense: High
Speed: Medium

♢ Knight ♢​

A short-ranged tank that can deal high damage infrequently. Can carry heavy weapons. One weapon is almost always a shield while the other is usually something like a mace, axe, or large sword.

Spoiler: Stats

Attack: High
Defense: High
Magic Attack: Low
Magic Defense: Medium
Speed: Low

♢ Marksman ♢​

A long-ranged, high-damage, agile soldier experienced in tools like the bow, gun, boomerang, and other projectile weapons. The most fragile class. As their power grows, they can infuse their projectiles with magic and status-inflicting materials.

Spoiler: Stats

Attack: High
Defense: Low
Magic Attack: Medium
Magic Defense: Low
Speed: High

♢ Rogue ♢​

Though the rogue is not particularly strong in direct combat, they excel at deceit to score an underhanded victory. Using their speed and wit, rogues use an arsenal of shadowy tactics to dart around a fight and trick opponents. As a result, they prefer lighter weapons like knives, claws, and daggers to accommodate their speed.

Spoiler: Stats

Attack: Medium
Defense: Low
Magic Attack: Medium
Magic Defense: Low
Speed: High

♢ Warrior ♢​

The most balanced class. Usually carries melee weapons like swords and lances. Over time, they will learn flashy techniques to damage multiple enemies or strike weak spots with ease.

Spoiler: Stats

Attack: High
Defense: Medium
Magic Attack: Low
Magic Defense: Medium
Speed: Medium

♢ White Mage ♢​

A mage who focuses on healing and providing buffs and debuffs. The white mage's starting spells are Cure and Esuna. They will learn stronger versions of their current spells as well as Haste, Slow, and Holy as their power grows. Resurrection is banned from study to prevent causing stress to the Tenebris. Wields staves.

Spoiler: Stats

Attack: Low
Defense: Medium
Magic Attack: High
Magic Defense: High
Speed: Medium

 

[Thundawave]

♢ Form ♢​

As of now, I will not accept new roleplayers. However, NPC profiles will follow this format.

Name: Your character's full first and last name. Include any nicknames or middle names if they have them.
Gender: Male or female. Ask me for permission if you want to use a trans character or a different gender identity.
Age: This will vary depending on the character you want to create.
Appearance: Provide a picture or give a description of how your character looks like and normally dresses.
Personality: Talk about how your character normally acts. What do they like or dislike?

Hometown: Where are they from?
Brief Bio: This should include early childhood, important events, and growth into the person they are today.

Class: If they are a battler, what class are they?
Weapon(s): One weapon (or set of weapons) must make sense with your class. Your character may also hold a secondary weapon that they are less proficient with. Keep in mind that your character will have to carry these weapons everywhere, so something like two giant hammers won't be allowed due to human limitations.

Other (optional): Text color? MBTI? Theme song?

 

[Thundawave]

♢ The Ninth Brigade ♢

A list of the members of the Ninth Brigade who have been assigned to guard the abandoned Leseli Chapel.

Eliora Serafine Grant
Roleplayed by Thundawave
Warrior

Ianthe Cerelia Etain
Roleplayed by Karolina
Marksman

Lexard 'Lex' Rollul
Roleplayed by Flo
White Mage

Callum Merric
Roleplayed by Zerade
Black Mage

Elijah Capulet
Roleplayed by Resolute
Warrior

Cenzo Mason
Roleplayed by Jiaozi
Rogue

♢ Inactive Members ♢

These members have been moved to a different assignment in the military to combat Solis Eaters in other locations. Perhaps we may meet them again?

Raigor Karrok
Roleplayed by WinterKaiser
Knight

Clara Kendrick
Roleplayed by Dracma127
Marksman

♢ Important NPCs ♢

Below are the links to the profiles of important NPCs that the Ninth Brigade will encounter on their journey.

Maia Selene Aragon
Head Priestess of Rialto
White Mage

???
Some psycho who tried to kill Callum on Mount Anemos
Assassin​

 

[Thundawave]

Mikani, the City of Innovation. The city is a sprawling metropolis housing the largest of factories and the smartest of engineers. Signs of the advanced technology are everywhere — from the gadgets in people's hands to the efficiency of the complex subway network underground. Yet with the marvels come rumors of darker secrets. Now the citizens are also seeing Solis Eaters. What mess could the Brigade possibly entangle themselves in this time?

---

Eliora looked around the train station, marveling at the main room. Never in her life had she seen such a busy yet open area. In every direction, people were milling about, rushing to their destinations. To her left, a family attempted to figure out the ticketing machine. To her right, two friends ran up to each other to give crushing hugs. Still more people were leaning against the clock at the center of the room, passing the time on their phones.

"So what do you guys want to do?" asked Eliora. "The hotel's nearby on 40th Street. We don't know where the Solis Eaters are, but I'm assuming not here."

Spoiler: Visual of Mikani Central

 

[Mystical]

Cenzo rubbed his hands in anxiousness. It had been some time since he'd last been here, and he'd left with the promise of improving his skills before returning to the tutelage of Will and his organization. After his trial, the engineer had doubts about what he really wanted to do.

Do I still want to return? Or do I want to stay as part of the brigade?

The thought crossed his mind several times, up to the point of not paying enough attention to his missions. And of course, Eliora scolded him for this lack of attention.

What would Will have said? he asked himself, conflicted.

The answer had come almost immediately after he thought about it. Don't worry about that, work on improving his skills. Don't worry about the future, but about the present. So Cenzo focused more on the missions, and strategy planning, though he still goofed around while in their free time. Eliora had praised him a couple of times for making good suggestions, and he'd felt good about it. Captain Grant did not offer her praise easily.

And, as a plus side, he felt he was more integrated into the group now.

But now he was back home.

Cenzo looked around, seeing the grups of people coming and going, wondering if he'd see a familiar face. At Eliora's question, he turned his attention back to the group.

"Well, Mikani isn't really known for its attractiveness, so there's nothing in particular to do, but if you guys need a tour guide, I'll offer my services for free!" he joked.