Kingdoms [WIP] |

Magical Aussie Misso
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Kingdoms [WIP] Jun 25, 2013 23:32:31 GMT

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Post by Magical Aussie Misso on Jun 25, 2013 23:32:31 GMT

There are four Kingdoms in the land of Terrasse: The Kingdom of Spades, the Kingdom of Diamonds, the Kingdom of Clubs, and the Kingdom of Hearts.

Each country (Spades, Diamonds, Hearts, and Clubs) has two symbols that represent their land. Their main symbols are just as the names of their kingdoms suggest: ♠♦♥♣ while the second symbols are: Swords (Spades), Coins (Diamonds), Cups (Hearts), and Wands/Staves (Clubs).

Swords signifies freedom and quick change, representing the military which implies strength, power, authority, responsibility, violence, and suffering. Their element is air.

Coins represents the physical body and wealth, as well as merchants and traders who are related to worldly matters in general. Their element is earth.

Cups pertain to situations/events of an emotional nature, signifying emotional issue or love situation and is related to spiritual or religious matters, along with the clergy. Their element is water.

Wands represent a farmer class, relating to simplicity and nature, along with poverty, and the action of the will. Their element is fire.

Last Edit: Jun 28, 2013 17:33:46 GMT by Magical Aussie Misso

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Worldie
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Posts: 20

Kingdoms [WIP] Jun 28, 2013 2:52:39 GMT

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Post by Worldie on Jun 28, 2013 2:52:39 GMT

●THE UNDERGROUND●

Whereas the Aboveground exists in harmony and relative peace, the Underground is characterized by mass chaos. An underground prison system, this city reminiscent of the industrial ages is inhabited by criminals from pick-pockets to serial killers, those who have displeased a powerful authority, and the unfortunate who were chosen during population purges. Many of these people are innocents, and a good number convicted of wrongdoing had falsified trials or were never given any at all. However, resources are scarce, and the desirable parts of the Underground city are continuously in conflict, being contended by its eleven factions.

Some have observed, interestingly, that the factionalized structure fosters a more communal mindset than that Aboveground. Though factions may compete against one another, there is rarely any competition within each faction, as there are no ranks to fight for. This is a stark contrast to the Aboveground, where each Kingdom has individuals competing against one another for higher rank.

The entrance to the Underground is guarded, and completely sealed by a gate. The path leading down to the city is a labyrinth, which is plagued by beasts of all sorts. They shy from the light, but are absolutely vicious in the dark. They will consume the unprotected flesh and leave the skeletons of their victims to pile up in the corners of the labyrinth. Though not many have met a Maze-Dweller and lived to tell the tale, there is a rumor that the labyrinth's ultimate denizen, a giant half-man, half-bull dwells in the dark. Upon reaching the city, prisoners will see that it is constructed inside a huge cavern. Other monsters dwell in the various paths that lead deeper into the Earth, but generally stay away from the lighted city. Those who wander too far into these paths may never be seen again.

Though the situation in the Underground is grim, it isn't wholly unbearable. Electric lightbulbs hang from the ceilings, providing the only source of continuous lighting. Lamps are lit by torches, a water canal runs through the center of the city, and once a week, food is delivered from the Aboveground. Many of those who have decided to make the best of their situation manage to have stable jobs, with factional conflict merely reaching their ears through the news. Most have settled into this lifestyle, several have found lovers, and children are born never seeing the Aboveground. Sunlight, to them, is only a legend.

Most who live here have accepted their fate, because those go down are never allowed up again. But there is now a new generation, who does not so easily accept their fate and their submission. Something is in the air, and whatever it is, it is tinged with dark hostility.

Last Edit: Jun 28, 2013 16:32:24 GMT by Worldie

Magical Aussie Misso
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Posts: 75

Kingdoms [WIP] Jun 28, 2013 16:16:22 GMT

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Post by Magical Aussie Misso on Jun 28, 2013 16:16:22 GMT

♠ The Spades ♠

Spades is a Kingdom residing by the sea, with all of its largest and most important cities and villages lying directly on the coast. Though often left broken after storms coming in off the water, Spades has the discipline to get back of their feet almost immediately. Renown for their naval military, Spades is a force to be reckoned with that not many people are willing to challenge.

Spades are normally distinguished from other people by their lack of informality and their adherence to rules. They dislike people who have no respect for authority or rank, and getting on their bad side after a first impression is pretty easy to do if one can't respect their customs.

Last Edit: Jul 9, 2013 15:56:05 GMT by Magical Aussie Misso

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Magical Aussie Misso
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Posts: 75

Kingdoms [WIP] Jun 28, 2013 16:16:56 GMT

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Post by Magical Aussie Misso on Jun 28, 2013 16:16:56 GMT

♦The Diamonds ♦

Diamonds is the most economically powerful nation, being fortunate enough to be sitting on vast reserves of metals and gems, which they export in bulk. they keep the most flawless materials for themselves, and it isn't uncommon to see the nobility dressed in impressive jewels and other fine items. Diamonds has the unfortunate reputation of being cursed. Within the last five years alone the court positions have switched hands over a dozen times, and most people are now reluctant to get involved in such positions because half of those royals were sent underground.

Diamonds have many negative connotations with their name. They tend to put monetary value on many things, most unfortunately intangible things like souls, love, or virginity. The virginity of a good-looking male or female can fetch a high price if verified, so most people actually sell theirs for a profit. People who keep theirs for love are respected for their integrity and lack of selfishness, but selfishness and greed are qualities that tend to run rampant here.

Last Edit: Jul 9, 2013 20:42:58 GMT by Magical Aussie Misso

YOU ARE TEARING ME APART, BAGEL.

Magical Aussie Misso
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Posts: 75

Kingdoms [WIP] Jun 28, 2013 16:17:05 GMT

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Post by Magical Aussie Misso on Jun 28, 2013 16:17:05 GMT

♥The Hearts ♥

The Hearts are the religious kingdom, but perhaps not in the same way as others. As the center of all Luck, Hearts is notorious for being the most sexualized of all the kingdoms - particularly in the royal castle. "Getting lucky," as they say, is a typical past-time of Hearts citizens, who revel in their tourism as the home of the Shrine of Lady Luck, and also as the resident of her most dedicated servants, the Monk and Priestess.

Hearts citizens are natural charmers and typically very charismatic and confident. They aren't afraid of saying what needs to be said or doing what needs to be done, but sometimes they can be easily distracted from the task at hand. They are respected as the most hospitable of all the kingdoms, which given the popularity of their religious establishments probably isn't too surprising.

Last Edit: Jul 9, 2013 16:18:57 GMT by Magical Aussie Misso

YOU ARE TEARING ME APART, BAGEL.

Magical Aussie Misso
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Posts: 75

Kingdoms [WIP] Jun 28, 2013 16:17:15 GMT

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Post by Magical Aussie Misso on Jun 28, 2013 16:17:15 GMT

♣The Clubs ♣

Generally regarded as the poorest kingdom, Clubs makes up for this lack of money with an expansive artistic culture and and a blossoming agricultural sector. Clubs is famous for its volcano, which erupts without fail at least twice a year (with smaller eruptions in the middle that do little damage.) The ash belched out by their mountain covers the landscape and returns nutrients to the soil, which allows Clubs to have some of the best crops in the land.

Clubs tend to be emotional and rather informal with others. They are the complete opposite of Spades, preferring to think with their hearts and desires rather than with their heads. Some might attribute this to the poor economic capabilities of the kingdom, but generally speaking Clubs citizens tend to be the happiest despite their living conditions. With a court who listens to their opinions, Clubs are hardly ever discouraged by the efforts of their royalty-- even if the lot of them can be pretty silly.

Credit to Chickie:
Polyamory is practiced in the Kingdom of Clubs. Marriage is discussed extensively with family – or close friends if none are available. Because it's hard to procure a ring, lovers weave and exchange crowns made of flowers as a way of proposing to one another. The crowns are then hung outside the doorway to dry and be worn on the wedding day. Crowns made of materials that last are highly prized and considered an ultimate declaration of love. A potluck feast is held and the newly weds are given gifts needed to start a family. The addition of another person must be discussed with the current spouse and all families involved. A person with many spouses is not only considered wealthy, but a considerate lover because of the amount of work and communication it takes to secure happy, healthy relationships. Sex outside of marriage is discouraged, but not necessarily a crime. Cheating, however, is looked down upon and severely punished.

From a pragmatic standpoint, it most likely resulted as a way to support the harsh, agricultural lifestyle. Clubs suffers from a high mortality rate due to illness, volcanic activity, and attacks from monsters and the local fauna. If you don't like your significant other's spouse then... there's always the next eruption.

Despite this, its people have an oddly cheery outlook toward death. It's a sombering experience, but it isn't viewed as negatively as it is in other kingdoms. Funerals are, in a way, much like weddings. Friends and family gather and talk openly amongst themselves – or even to the deceased. The body is burned and the ashes are scattered. There is a holiday set aside to remember loved ones that have passed away. Homes are cleaned and decorated with flowers and items that the deceased was fond of in life. An empty chair is reserved at meals to honor their memory. At night, candles are set afloat and lanterns are released into the sky to guide the souls of the dead back.

People from Clubs emigrate to other Kingdoms to find lovers and better work, but face stiff competition due to the sheer number of immigrants. Those born with green eyes are considered blessed by Luck. The Clover is the official plant of the Kingdom, but the Poppy is the unofficial flower because of the sheer number of them that proliferate the country after an eruption.

Last Edit: Jul 14, 2013 6:40:08 GMT by Worldie

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Kingdoms [WIP]

Post by Magical Aussie Misso on Jun 25, 2013 23:32:31 GMT

Post by Worldie on Jun 28, 2013 2:52:39 GMT

Post by Magical Aussie Misso on Jun 28, 2013 16:16:22 GMT

Post by Magical Aussie Misso on Jun 28, 2013 16:16:56 GMT

Post by Magical Aussie Misso on Jun 28, 2013 16:17:05 GMT

Post by Magical Aussie Misso on Jun 28, 2013 16:17:15 GMT

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