This game was originally constructed as a sequel to another RPG, Rythanis. It's set in the Colonial age, with muskets, rifles and (ofcourse) swords! Hope you enjoy it! Feel free to PM me with any questions you may have..

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9712/ageofsteelsi2.png

History and Factions

I am a tree.

An oak to be precise. I was planted in the soil hundreds of years ago, and I have grown both in size and knowledge since then.

I remember seeing the world change, yes, before my very eyes. As my green leaves fell to the earth, I saw it turn to metal. Knights turned into Hussars, bows into rifles and good into evil. It happened quickly, first, they killed my kind with axes, now they simply blow us down. Tears stream down my eyes as I think of those days. Happy, serene and without this wretched metal. Gone are the heroes of old. Xan, Alsdair, Aten, Kravis and Ishtar were all killed soon after the revolution.

War-like hands stormed the city, burnt the White Castle and executed the legends. Magic too, lost itself in the sands of time. Now the only remaining vestiges of Wizardry are long lost artifacts of power sought after by Kings.

The race of man divided itself into several warring factions.

Shandon, the ancient city of White, still stands tall. Once the center of the world, Shandon is now only a regional power. It maintains a large army and follows a tradition of hero worship. It is ruled by a Parliament.

Meridea, the island across the Rempolt sea. For a century, the Merideans remained at the pinnacle of science and technology. Although the other nations are picking up, Meridea is still a decade ahead of any other faction. It is an industrial giant, churning out weapons and men at the expense of the local population. It is ruled by an iron-fisted dictator named Wazin Manglion.

The Western Trading Company dominates in the South. They are also known as the 'Trade Alliance'. Often concluding alliances with nobles, bandits and native warchiefs, they are a wealthy clan of Merchants and Politicians. Although they have no official standing army, they could create one at a moments notice.

The natives and the innuits also maintain their own fighting forces. Although weak individually, if united, they form a formidable power. Most of them use traditional weapons (bows, daggers etc.) but certain tribes are beginning to utillize 'Trade Alliance' weapons to lethal effect.

Even now, in this broken world, there are men whose lives are worthy of the name of honour, but they are few and far between. I know not where Rythanis is turning but it sufficeth to know that it is turning. Men, arts and faiths will come and go, but the reasons men fight will forever remain the same.

This is what I remember.

And I remember everything.


Character Creation

In your first post, just include this:

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Name:

Weapon:

Class:

Description:

Skill Points: 100
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Each of these fields will be discussed in order.

Name: This is the name of your character. Please ensure that this name is suitable for roleplaying. No underscores etc.

Weapon: As you enter the world of Rythanis, you will be unarmed. You may use the initial Skill Points alloted to you to buy new weapons from the local Armory. You may only buy weapons avaliable to your class.

Class: Your class completely defines your character. This is basically what your character is. 'Rythanis: Age of Steel' is set in, what we would call, the Colonial Age, when the Nations of the world were trying their best to build mighty empires. The following classes are avaliable to you:

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The Conquistador
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cf/Husarz.jpg

Valiant soldiers with an undying devotion to the Fatherland. They usually work alone, enforcing law and order all over Rythanis. They are armed with Broadswords and wear heavy armour, capable of stopping bullets. Their premier firearm is the Blunderbuss, a predecessor to the shotgun. They are skilled in close range comat, and in armies, they form the central elite core of the cavalry. As they often wear a pair of feathered wings, they are called 'Winged Hussars'.

The Bandit

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/pirate-9.jpg

Highwaymen, pirates and thugs come under this class. They are untempered ruffians, taking anything that the Devil might throw at them. They usually arm themselves with pistols and light armour. They rely on speed, accuracy and guile to defeat their (often heavily armed) opponents.

The Woodsman

http://www.berdansharpshooters.com/troianiss2b.jpg

Battle-hardened fighters, Woodsmen dwell in the darkest forests, the coldest mountains and the harshest deserts. They can tame animals and also hunt. They use long ranged firearms like A-rifles to pick off men from impossible distances. Adept at using bows, arrows, knives and hatchets, Woodsmen can be aptly described as 'survivors'.

The General

http://www.americanrevwar.homestead.com/files/HOWE.GIF

The General occupies a prominent position in local politics. He commands over several soldiers, armed with Muskets and bayonets. He himself often uses a musket to fight. However, his strength does not lie in combat, but in quick and decisive strategic manouvers. He may also purchase seige weapons (Mortars, Falconets) that can be used to deadly effect by his men.

This game is still in its early stages. As time passes, more classes will come.


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Description: A small description of your character. This could include:
- His age
- His place of birth (make up a name)
- His physical description
- His past

Skill points: 100. This is the initial amount of money you have. You may use it to buy weapons and armour. You will be awared skill points by the DM for good roleplaying.

Local Armory:

Common Weaponry:

These weapons can be bought by any class:

Grenade: Iron spheres, filled with gunpowder, that has a fuse attatched to it. Produces a deadly explosion when thrown into a large crowd.
Cost: 60

Rapier: The classic weapon of the musketeer. Is light and quick.
Cost: 50

Bandit weaponry

Scimitar: Quick, sharp and deadly. Is useful in duels.
Cost: 60

Leather Armor: A vest made of toughened leather. Provides a decent amount of protection in hand to hand combat. Allows for free and speedy movement.
Cost: 30

Throwing Knives: A pack of atleast a dozen throwing knives. If used skillfully, they may be even more dangerous than guns.
Cost: 50

Flintlock Pistols: The premier weapon of the bandit. They can hold upto two pistols, firing them in rapid succession. Each pistol can fire three shots. (requires a post to reload) Although they are not particularly fatal (they can be blocked by armour to an extent), they can cause great confusion in a battle.
Cost: 80

Thugs: Men armed with clubs, employed at a cheap rate. They are far less skilled than the average soldier. However, they can be used to 'persuade' people.
Cost per thug: 50

Falconry: Train a falcon to fight and hunt alongside you.
Cost: 90

Commander Weaponry:

Musket: A highly inaccurate firearm. Useful only when used in masses. Can fire one bullet per post.
Cost: 50

Soldier: A highly versatile infantry unit armed with a Musket. He can also be used to perform menial tasks and operate seige weaponry. Is extremely weak individually and can be crushed by a powerful enough opponent.
Cost per soldier: 50

Falconet: A cannon of fairly light construction which fires 1-pound solid round shot projectiles. Useful against infantry. One shot can be fired with every 2 realoding posts from the player. Requires 2 men to be operated.
Cost: 120

Mortar Cannon: Used for firing projectiles at high trajectories in order to avoid obstacles. Used to tear down structures. 1 shot for three reloading posts. Requires 4 men to be operated.
Cost: 150

Bayonet: Small steel weapon that may be attatched to the gun of the commander. Can be used in close range combat. Soldiers cannot use them.
Cost: 40

Dragoon: Skilled infantry unit trained to fight on foot but transport himself on horseback. More powerful than the average soldier.
Cost: 80

Woodsman Weaponry:

Blade: A large ceremonial knife that is used for sliting throats. It can be thrown at an opponent as a last resort.
Cost: 30

Jaw Trap: A deadly Jaw trap with metallic teeth that clamp down on the skin when somebody steps on it. 1 per mission.
Cost: 80

Hatchet: A sharp edged axe. It may be thrown at an opponent as a last resort.
Cost: 70

A-rifle: Powerful rifle used to snipe off units at great lengths. It fires only one shot at a time. An entire post is required to reload. It is highly accurate.
Cost: 100

Sniper scope: Allows great accuracy while firing. Makes it almost impossible to miss.
Cost: 70

Wolf: Train a pet wolf. Increases in strength as it grows. Can aid you in battle.
Cost: 100

Bow and Arrow: Although obsolete, the bow can be just as deadly as a gun if used by skillfull hands. It is far lighter and easier to handle than the average rifle. Useful for hunting.
Cost: 60

Conquistador Weapons:

Steel Broadsword: Effective in close range combat.
Cost: 40 gold

Mithril Broadsword: Superior to the Steel broadsword.
Cost: 60 gold

Blunderbuss: Basic firearm of the Conquistador. It literally means, 'Thunder Gun' due to the large sound produced when it is fired. It is extremely effective in close range. It can fire twice without reloading. Reloading takes up an entire post.
Cost: 100

Trench Gun: One of the strongest weapons in the game. A highly improved version of the Blunderbuss, this releases several small spherical balls when fired. At a close range, not even the best armour can withstand it. Fires twice without reloading. Reloading takes up an entire post.
Cost: 150

War Horse: A noble steed, of higher breed than most other horses. They are avaliable in a variety of colours. They can easily trample, kick and headbutt enemy troops. It is moderately well armoured, enough to handle a few shots.
Cost: 60

Thunder Steed: Although marginally less well-armoured, thunder steeds are blindingly fast animals with an incredible physical build. They can reach speeds of over 60 miles per hour with full armour on.
Cost: 90

Chain Mail: Offers good protection against swords and spears, but innefective against bullets. Allows the user to be highly mobile.
Cost: 40

Plate Armour; Strong armour. Can save a conquistador from even gunpowder, but it also slows one down.
Cost: 120
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Current Location/situation:-

You trudge along the dusty village roads, watching hundreds of lowly peasants toil away in the fields. The town of Foirin is within sight, and it's stone-built battlements tower before you. A pair of unwieldy cannons adorn each of the two structures, and several grave-looking sentinels seem to be keeping vigil here.

You have been requested to aid the town of Foirin in defending itself from the sporadic assaults of rather mysterious (but powerful) rogue forces. You are to be briefed at the town center, after you have been fed and provided with adequate accommodation at a local inn. You aren't sure how many more mercenaries the council has hired.

Your reward: A bounty of one thousand gold coins and a full pardon from the Government of Shandon for all previous criminal offences.

As you approach the wooden gates (situated between the two towers), a guard questions you:

"Who are you, and what is your business here?"

Awesome man. Purely awesome.

Name: Captain Chistopher Sorrow (this is his real birth name)

Weapon: Scimitar

Class: Bandit (pirate more like)

Description: Pale. Almost grey.
Born on the sea he has vowed to die on the sea. Which is why he carries a small jug of seawater on his belt when he travels on land.
He is the most ruthless pirate on the sea. It is said he died once, killed Davy Jones himself and returned to life.

Skill Points: 20

((Thanks for the compliment! Your profile looks good, but shouldn't you have 40 skillpoints left? The scimitar costs 60 skillpoints. Feel free to start RPing.. just read the last section of the original post and also this post.))

As the guard questions Christopher, muffled conversation can be heard in the background...

"That's Captain Sorrow!" whispers one of the gatekeepers. He had spent a good deal of time with the Shandon coast guard before he arrived at Foirin.
"He's a bloody pirate!" adds another sentry, eyeing the rusty scimitar that dangled from the traveller's waistline.

"He dun't seem too well-armed." snorts a third guard. "He hasn't got a gun or anything."
"But I do." mumbles the trigger-happy gate gunner, slyly. "I'll take him out if he causes any trouble."
"That won't be necessary, he's probably come here to sign up with the Foirin elite squad.", says the first guard. "We should let him pass."
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((If anybody wants to join in, just start off in front of the town gates.. near where Captain Sorrow is currently standing.))

"I am here on a mission, something about the Foirin elite or something? As for you", he said looking at the guard with the gun," I need no gun."
Wih that he pulled his scimitar from his belt and hurled at a nearby birch tree. Its blade burrowed itself nearly half a foot into the tree's trunk. Captain Sorrow strode over to it, plucked it out like a blade of grass, and strode through the gate.

The guard points his gun at you in a rather peurile gesture as you pass by.
"Watch your mouth, boy." he bellows, harmlessly. He swears under his breath a few times when you're well out of the way.

As you enter the bustling, industrial town, a warm, inviting fragrance washes over your body. Pedestrians amble alongside the dusty roads, going about their tedious lives. Carriages zip recklessly up and down the thoroughfare, frequently trampling upon a wide range of sidewalk fauna (eg, dogs, cats.)

The town centre lies a few blocks away, beyond a maze of closely-spaced buildings... Perhaps you should visit one of them before heading off towards the town-hall?


Lucky's Pub
The Bazaar
The Xanatos Temple
Ye Olde Barber Shop
Just go to the Town Hall

He noticed he was being stared at, espacially the guards. Quickly he entered the nearest building. It was a temple. " Xanatos", he muttered as he read a sign.

You climb up a long and broad flight of stairs, reaching the mouth of the giant temple. The building is made almost entirely out of marble, and is supported by lines of great pillars. Religious inscriptions adorn the walls of the shrine, accompanied by the naked effigies of various bygone heroes.

Cloak-clad monks scurry about, their puckered lips engaged in constant prayer.
Devotees too can be seen here, bowing dutifully before various brass-casted idols.

However, the most grandiose idol of all is a towering likeness made of pure gold. It is a representation of Xanatos, the mighty god to which this temple was dedicated. He wields a blazing sword and is armoured in shining steel plates.
Bullet-marks can be seen on some of the bleach-white walls, indicating that this place has been subject to killings in the past.

"You'll have to take that sword off." says a nearby guard, authoritatively. "Weapons are forbidden here."

Ironically, the temple guard seems to be carrying a wide arsenal of blades, and even a musket can be seen slung accross his back.

"Are you sure about that? That musket doesn't look to religonious."

(( Verbal warning one to C~Dub, can you put some effort into your posts? x_king has made good posts, while yours stay relatively short, now your latest one is TOO short, 40 words minmum, on your second warning you will also recieve a real one. I know that xking does some of your post for you, but what, no descriptions, no adjectives, nothing? :\ ))

((Hey Pipster, I live in the UAE too.. Sharjah to be specific.))

The guard smiles wryly and narrows his eyes on you.

"A smart guy, eh?" he says, threateningly. "Take the sword off or get the hell out of here."
You notice that this guard isn't the only one stationed within these walls. Sensing trouble, more of them seem to be converging on you. Even the worshippers don't look too happy with your refusal to comply.

Stealthily, the musket-bearer eases his hand to the handle of his rapier.. just in-case.

You glance through the temple entrance shortly to see the very same gunner you encountered at the gate, walking into a pub across the street.

((Sorry Pipster I don't want any trouble))
"Do you know who I am? Captain Sorrow the fiercest pirate on the sea. Now I need no trouble. I will have my weapon back when I make my exit."he snarled. Thrusting the rusty, and somewhat bloody, scimitar into his hand, he strode confidently up the stairs.

"Atta boy" says the musketeer, with a derisive sneer. He carelessly drops your weapon into an old sack containing woollen rags. He dosen't bother listening to the rest of what you say, a characteristic that seems to be common among people of his profession.

You walk into the heart of the temple, standing directly below the very nose of Xanatos' golden statue (the one I described earlier). Figurines of Angels and Seraphims embellish the corners of this giant and spotlessly clean hallway. This central chamber seems to branch out into four passageways:


Left leads to the Monk Domitory.
Climbing up a spiralling flight of stairs leads to the Temple Spire or observatory.
Going onwards leads to the temple gardens.


You see a number of devotees, guards and monks walking around you.

Walking towards the gardens Sorrow smelled the faint scent of flowers. Green spralwed across the ground like a rotten blanket. Monks walked amongst the shrubs, trees, and plants like bees collecting nectar. "Filth!" Captain Sorrow snarled ,"Mangy, disgusting filth!"

"I happen to think it's rather pleasant." mutters a soft-spoken Monk, as he taps a nearby beehive with a long stick.
"Ah, looks like the buggers are nice and healthy. They're the reason flowers flourish here!"

The monk isn't lying. Flowers of every conceivable shape and colour surround you. Roses, Daffodils, Tulips, Sunflowers, Hibiscus and Daisies sway in the light breeze, throwing up a sweet and all-pervasive smell. The very same fragrance you smelt at the gate!
Groups of monks diligently forage through the greenery in search of food. A low and moss-ridden wall can be seen in the distance, forming the outer boundary of the temple.

"Need any help?" asks the monk, politely. "In the name of Xanatos, I am oblidged to provide you with any possible service!"

"Yes. Tell me, can you monks tell future?" he said suprisingly pleasently. He had always been somewhat religonious which is why he would never talk down to a monk. A man of religon respects another.

((Just to make things clear- Xanatos is the God of Heroism))

"Ah, the future is a murky domain, even for those with deep training in the mystic arts." says the monk, in an ominously somber voice. "Well, I don't usually perform feats of divination for just any devotee! But I sense that you're different from the rest.."

He lays a hand lightly on your back, and points at the central chamber, where the Xanatos statue is situated. A long line of worshippers can seen, steadily creeping past the idol.

"Just look at them, chanting and whispering, like fools. They don't understand who Xanatos is, or more importantly, what he symbolizes. You get closer to Xanatos by rescuing a drowning man, than by praying here in this temple, with doors all closed."

He sighs with resignation. You can't help but think, why did he become a priest? In a second, he answers your question.

"I made a wrong choice in joining here with the clergy. They're about as misguided as those worshippers. They invent silly rituals and formalities, to draw money from the massess. However, it is my professed aim to guide atleast one disciple of Xanatos to the path of Heroism."

The monk talks to you as if he's known you for years. Men like him are known for their psychic capabilities. He's obviously shifting through your mind and your memories, trying to get a grasp on who you are.

"I see that you've done several heroic acts in your short life-time, but you have also committed many acts of piracy and evil. I sense that you've come here to be redeemed. Which is good! After all.. Xanatos is the God of Second Chances."

"I will help you look into the future." he concludes. "But first, I need something of you. I will require that you give me your most prized possession in the whole world. Not neccessarily one that is the most expensive or pretty-looking, but one that truly means a lot to you. I will need it to cast my spell. Choose carefully, because if you fail to deliver the correct item to me, the spell will not function, and it can never be cast again."

Eyes widened, Sorrow slowly looked at his belt. There hung a silver watch. The man who owned it had given it to him as a gift. Sorrow, before he became a pirate, saved a man from drowning.

"You get closer to Xanatos by rescuing a drowning man, than by praying here in this temple, with doors all closed."

Had he retrevied that from his past?

Slowly, he pulled it from his belt. He handed it to the priest. Eyes closed, a slow tear crawled across his face. To him, it was more than a mere pocketwatch.

"Are you sure this is your most prized item?"

He looks into your watery eyes, and gets his answer.

With a tranquil smile, the monk takes the silver watch from you and tucks it firmly into his buldging silk pack (already brim-full with freshly picked cherries). He is careful not to allow the chain to hang out of his bag, knowing that if caught, he might be accused of 'material desire'.

"One way or the other, this little watch will return to you", says the Monk, wisely. "Now, we must go to the Dormitories. And- well, there we run into another problem. Non-clergymen are not permitted within the temple housing rooms. A silly rule, I know, but one we are forced to obey nonetheless. The guards will rip you to shreds if you try to enter the dorms. Any ideas? I never was any good at stealth."

You look back at the entrance to the dormitories. A pair of open and heavily carved doors stand there. Two guards with spears are planted to the ground before the magnificent entrance, utterly motionless.

((Sorry for the short post. I dont want to give away my idea away))
"Do you happen to have a garden cart? I think I have an idea", he said snakely grinning tooth to ear.

((No problem))

The monk is somewhat befuddled by your bizzare request, but he decides to help out anyway. He points a withered finger at a shack where all their gardening implements are stored.

"There, beyond the flowerbed."

You step gingerly across a thick row of flowers and arrive at the rickety old shanty. A thick layer of grime and moss coat the walls of the crumbling, teak-wood structure. A reprehensible stench hangs in the air inside, probably produced by the pile of manure-filled sacks that lies here. Inside you see:

1 - A rusty old garden-cart.
2 - A shovel.
3 - Shelves that hold an assortment of tools essential for horticulture
4 - A stray cat sleeps soundly in a corner of the room, curled up and unaware of your presence.
5 - About a dozen bags filled with manure

"There's your garden cart" says the monk, who walks in behind you, waiting in anticipation to see what you will do next.