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| It's High Time; Says the Commander | |
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| Topic Started: Jul 29 2008, 08:31 PM (1,730 Views) | |
| Chaz Natlo | Aug 30 2008, 12:11 PM Post #106 |
Something witty...
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I think I see the problem. Zeth is treating the world as a post Tolkienese standard fantasy affair. Cataphrak is treating it as a pre-real world affair, what with the magic dying and all. ((Ironically, Lord of the rings fits this)) Ie. Zeth's is a romp, Cata's is an Epic. ((Both are good, but it comes of a little difficult with both of them dictating the world.)) |
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| Inuit | Aug 30 2008, 01:17 PM Post #107 |
You will be one with Mother Russia, da?
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Cata, did you not read my post? Life Force and Pure Life Force are different. Life Force in general is what's running out. Pure Life Force regenerates. |
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| Cataphrak | Aug 30 2008, 02:47 PM Post #108 |
The day needs my saving expertise.
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I can live with that, however, they are in a symbyotic relationship, if one dies out, the other will eventually drain. Think of LF as a bowl, and the PLF as water. Also, I designed this RP to be a relatively low-magic epic. Remember, this IS an analogue of Baseline, although Baseline also has magic, it is very, very low key, and almost completely overshadowed by tech. Since Baseline is also developing very quickly technologically, this world has to do the same, and it doesn't make sense if magic is widespread and powerful, because then there's no point to tech advancement. Edited by Cataphrak, Aug 30 2008, 02:49 PM.
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| Zeth | Aug 31 2008, 10:41 PM Post #109 |
 
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I disagree. Technology combined with magic is just as good a catalyst for supertech development. Better even. Humans want to top elves, who are far more compotent magic users, so they bulk up their tech advancement. Elves want to stay a step ahead, and we end up with the classic arms race. Is it radically different from Baseline? Yes, but just as entertaining. |
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| Inuit | Sep 1 2008, 06:36 PM Post #110 |
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You will be one with Mother Russia, da?
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True. This is a different world, with magic to boot. How the world progresses isn't going to be anywhere near the same. |
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| Zeth | Sep 2 2008, 09:38 AM Post #111 |
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It should be noted that not all this info (especially that regarding “Flipside” and Nymphs) is not known to the current participants in Infinity’s Blades. --- On the Matter of Species An outline of information gathered on short reconnaissance mission from Baseline to Baseline Varient Cappa Two. Humans Life Expectancy: 70-80 years I’m hoping we all know enough about humans for me not to have to write up an explanation about them. They’re humans, plain and simple. Perhaps a few statistics however: -Lighter hair colors and eye colors are more common in humans than elves. -Humans are more adept at gaining muscle mass than elves, and a stockier build that is more present in humans equips them better for larger, bulging muscular physiques, while elven strength comes from slight, but well toned musculatures and species specific physiology. -Humans have a higher tolerance for alcohol, though they seem to have a weakness towards some stronger elven recipes. Tolerances for such dishes and beverages (like ambrosia bread and nectar) vary widely amongst humans, but is decidedly unacceptable for humans in their strongest forms. The reason for this is yet unknown, but one theory states that because elves have more sensory input and mental ability for sensory input (keener senses), these foods and drinks are simply too much for the human brain’s sensory center to handle at one time. This theory is highly contested. Elves Life Expectancy: 200-300 years The most obvious difference between humans and elves is, of course, the pointed ears. Other generalized differences include elven features being sharper and more angular than humans, though it is not uncommon for elves to also have rounded features and humans sharp. Elves also tend to have fairer skin tones than humans, and in interesting contrast, darker hair colors are more common in elves than humans. Elves on average, as compared to humans, are slightly taller, though the difference is slight. The average elf is approximately a single centimeter taller than the average human. Whether or not this statistic will change in the near future is unknown, as census trends show that both species seem to be getting gradually taller with each successive generation. It’s interesting to note that while slightly overweight elves do exist, there has never been a reported case of obvious fatness or obesity in all of elven history, and so on average, elves also tend to be leaner. Strong musculature is generally hidden and compact, lending again to the leaner figure, not pronounced and bulging as in humans. The biggest reason besides longer lifespan that elven population has been consistently lower than human, is the fact that elven couples can only conceive child every ten years. After conception, the male elf’s reproductive system effectively shuts down for approximately that amount of time. This does not mean that they cannot, um, “do it,” but simply means they cannot father another child until that period of time has elapsed. The time varies per individual, but remains very close to the ten-year average, within weeks. Elven females, unlike their human counterparts, have a gestation period of approximately 360 days, and afterwards, their reproductive system also slows, though nowhere close to the time that males do, averaging about three or four months. Allergies are exceedingly rare amongst all of the species in Cappa Two, but it does seem that approximately 25% of all elves and elf hybrids suffer from an acute coffee allergy. Elf-Human Hybrids Life Expectancy: ~120-150 years (highly variable) Hybrids of elves and humans, while traditionally rare, have been on the rise as years go by. Overall, human traits and genetics are usually dominant, though there are slight differences according to parentage. If an individual has an elven father and human mother (less common), then they will have a decided leaning to their human ancestry, while a human father and elven mother (more common) allows more elven traits to show in the offspring. In either case, a hybrid is usually easily discerned if examined with any sort of interest, by the fact that their ears, while still pointed, have a decidedly more curved edge before getting to a tapered point than do pure elves. It’s worth note that while hybrids are not sterile, and can have offspring, the original hybrid does not have the same loss of reproductive ability after conception as do pure elves, though reported cases of barren females have a higher percentage among elf-human hybrids than do either elves or humans. Nymphs Life Expectancy: ??? Nymphs are a highly unknown species. While it is gathered that they are indeed humanoid, it is undetermined if this is their base form, or just a secondary form that they have the ability to take. It is known that nymphs are unique in their ability to easily and fluidly exchange physical forms. Floating petals and leaves in the shape of an individual, sand/earth, water, and tree are all forms that have been identified as available to nymphs. It’s been observed by Baseline scouts that nymphs appear to have the ability to seamlessly “meld” and separate from these elements and others in nature with ease and on a whim, nymphs sometimes jumping from being one with a tree into their humanoid form and then melding into a nearby pond and assuming a watery form. The humanoid form itself seems comparable to neither elf nor human in it’s entirety, though it does seem to hold some things in common. Nymphs have rounded ears, with no evidence of any elven-like point, just as humans do. They also to seem to have a very wide variety of skin tones and hair and eye colors, surpassing both elves and humans in variety. Like Elves though, nymphs seem to be of slight, sinewy build with little visible evidence of whatever muscle mass they have. Whether they share the elven trait of seemingly unnatural strength despite this lack of bulging musculature is unknown, but highly doubted, as nymphs seem to atone for their extreme magical abilities with a frail, petite, and weak build overall. As is noted in almost, if indeed every story, tale, legend, myth, lore, etc. about them, nymphs are of striking and almost mind-blowing physical beauty, that almost seems to have a hypnotic effect on many individuals of the other species, regardless of sexual attraction. There has apparently never been a male nymph. All nymphs are of the female gender, and this in combination of there never being a study of any nymph specimen, makes it unknown how nymphs reproduce. No children or adolescents have ever been reported or observed. This outline represents all that is known about the nymph species, and most of this information is not known to the population of the Cappa Two Universe. Netherworld (Flipside) Species It has only recently been discovered that the tales of demons and mountain-men/dwarves, as well as even ghosts/phantoms/spirits/ghouls do have a foothold in truth in the Cappa Two Universe. The Cappa Two Universe is unique not only in the fact that it is a single plane, spaceless universe with no planets or curvature to its surface, but also in the fact that it is divided into 2 distinct planes or realms. Apart from the “normal” realm that the elven, human, and nymph species inhabit, there is another realm that is recognized as “Flipside” by Baseline, and as “The Netherworld,” or “Underworld” to the inhabitants of Cappa Two. The inhabitants of this “other realm” are species that appear to be the counterparts of the “Normal Realm” species. Flipside itself is still mostly unknown, but is definitely not a hellish, constantly burning place that is sometimes described in Cappa Two lore. It does seem to receive less sunlight from the shared sun, and the atmosphere is quite likely thicker than the Normal Realm’s, with it being theorized that fog and mist phenomena are far more common, giving rise to the common “underworld/land of the dead” myths that are just as common as the hell lore. Also of interest is the fact that, while the difference is very, very slight, Flipside does seem to have somewhat of a technological edge on the Normal Realm, while the Normal Realm seems to have more competent, powerful magic users (there are strong magical abilities present apparent in all three species of Normal Realm, even if humans cannot use instinctual magic). What little is known about the three species follows. Vampires Life Expectancy: ??? (Presumed less than 150) Though Baseline authorities on the subject disagree on an exact classification of the Human Counterpart in Cappa Two Flipside, the common term nickname, and generally recognized term for them is “Vampires.” This is due to the fact that they resemble the mythical vampire figures in Baseline fiction, though they are very different in several aspects. Vampires do have a definite white and sickly pallor to them, which makes them appear bloodless and as if they have never been exposed to sunlight. It is a fact that the species does indeed prefer dark lighting over brightness, but contrary to the stereotypical Baseline vampire, they do not combust on contact with sunlight. These vampires have an extremely high tolerance to UVB rays, which accounts for the white skin tone, as they literally do not tan at all. This may be aided by the fact that Flipside does seem to receive less visible sunlight than the Normal Realm of Cappa Two, but higher doses of infrared/heat, as well as UV rays, which a higher tolerance for UVB would be ideal for. Why this higher tolerance leaves a white skin tone rather than a black skin tone, is unknown, as one would suspect that a higher melanin content in tissues would be desired to make better use of the lessoned light available. In any case, this bleached skin color is very likely the reason behind the stories of ghosts and ghouls associated with the Flipside. Vampires do appear to have larger than average fangs, which is analogous to the Baseline vampires of fiction. However, these fangs are most certainly not used for draining bodily fluids, and appear to just be…well, teeth. The build of this Human Counterpart actually seems closer to elven physiology than human. While the ears are in fact rounded like a human, the build is slight, and strong musculature is generally hidden and compact, not pronounced like in humans, but rather similar to elves. Also similar to elves, darker hair and eye colors are more common than lighter varities. The average vampire is approximately the same height as the average human. While young and adolescent vampires have been reported and observed, facts as to reproduction among vampires are scarce. It is safe to assume that since some vampire families have children less than a couple years apart, they do not suffer from the reproductive “down time” that elves do. Dwarves Life Expectancy: ??? (Presumed less than 250) Dwarves are the Elven Counterpart in Flipside. Unlike elves, who have very fine and deceptively delicate looking features, with very little body hair, dwarves are rough, burly, and hairy. Contrary to popular belief, dwarves do not suffer from…dwarfism. On average, dwarves are about 3 centimeters shorter than the average vampire, but are not ridiculous midgets. Dwarves, like humans and not elves, are very stocky and heavily built, with pronounced and visible musculature. Though not strong magic users, out of all the species in Cappa Two (Normal Realm and Flipside), the dwarves seem the most technologically advanced. Similar to elves, but not to the same degree, is the dwarven reproductive system. Dwarf couples can apparently only have a child approximately every 3-6 years. However, where as elven males bare the responsibility of this delay in their species, it is the dwarven females’ reproductive capacity that is reduced after conception. Males appear to have down time at all, and if not for social taboos, could father children continuously, one after the other, well into old age. Demons Life Expectancy: ??? (No really, we have no idea) Demons are the Nymph Counterpart in Flipside. Like nymphs, demons are the magical superpowers of the realm. They almost seem to have god-like abilities, which is not just because of their magical abilites, but also due to the fact that unlike nymphs, demons have both magical prowess and incredible strength. Towering over the other species, the average demon is about 10 centimeters taller than the average vampire. With huge, distinctly bulging musculature that develops very soon after birth (approximately 1 year), demons are immensely strong. While children and adolescents of the species have been reported and observed, it is truly a mystery as to how demons reproduce. Appearing to have neither distinctly male nor female differences among different individuals, there is either a very subtle difference between the two sexes, or demons are a unisex species. In any case, there are very, very few demons. This isn’t always immediately apparent however, because unlike their nymph counterparts, demons are not so intent on hiding themselves or avoiding contact with the other species. Demons suit their stereotyped image very well. They have red, rough skin and yellowed eyes. All demons have curving, ram-like horns, that vary widely in size and jut forwards from the base of the skull after curving around the head. There is no body hair at all. Some demons, but interestingly not all, have small in place of fangs, whose points can only just be seen when the mouth is closed. It should be noted that demons are not always barbaric animals that yell, scream, and rip-apart the limbs of their cornered victims whom they chased down regardless of danger to themselves. As with other species, this is only one of the various personalities evident in the culture, and you’re just as likely to encounter a demon who will do this as you are to meet a vampire, elf, dwarf, or human who will do. Interestingly, Flipsides inhabitants seem to note demons more for their calm, level headed, business-like attitude and demeanor rather than the stereotypical crazed beast mentality, which seems to be mostly a complete myth originating in human culture in the Normal Realm. |
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| Zeth | Oct 26 2008, 06:25 PM Post #112 |
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Liek, half of Terra! 
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| Inuit | Oct 26 2008, 06:31 PM Post #113 |
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You will be one with Mother Russia, da?
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No rly? |
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~Invading your vital regions | |
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| Zeth | Oct 26 2008, 06:36 PM Post #114 |
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YAI RLY! |
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| Inuit | Oct 26 2008, 06:38 PM Post #115 |
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You will be one with Mother Russia, da?
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LIK OMG! |
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| Zeth | Dec 9 2008, 09:56 PM Post #116 |
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So I was reading a bit in Mage's new RP thread, and when I saw the reference to steampunk, it made me think realize something. Considering the technological revolution Caius of Xen wouldn't mind ushering in (Revolver anyone?), and Cassius von Holt's post-Legion ventures, we have the opportunity to develop an extremely steampunk setting in the not-so-distant Cappa 2 future. I can't go into too much detail about Cassius' end of this, as it would ruin parts of the confirmed story, as well as bits that I would like to have confirmed in the near future, but just imagine: That classical arms race that was mentioned earlier in this thread, combined with the Cultural Analogue of Tudor England for the Terran subcontinent (so it's no Victorian, CLOSE ENOUGH), AND a race bent on the furtherance of magical aristocracy (for now at least...what? a hint? madness I say.). How can anything short of steampunk develop? I realize Cata probably has some fo' srs things to say about it, and again, I'm held by spoilers (though I can just make an entire tagged post if need be), so I'd like to leave this open fordiscussion before getting into details. |
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| Cataphrak | Jul 7 2009, 11:16 PM Post #117 |
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The day needs my saving expertise.
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Been a long time since I posted one of these... Canon Post: The Tierran New Model Army [NOTE: I've switched up some of the names for countries (ex, Tierra (obvious) and Kian'Zi (Vykkia) to be more distinguishable from Baseline. These changes come into effect retroactively at the end of Infinity's Blades] OVERVIEW: The New Model Army is currently (145th Edurian Dynastic Year) the largest of the major divisions of the Tierran Royal Army. It was founded, and commanded by Leftenant-General Sir Caius Leonis, 5th Duke of Wulfram. The New Model Army is the best equipped and trained formation in the Northern Kingdoms divided into Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery. The NMA is completely self-sufficient, with it's own supply corps and attached fleet, making it perfect for action as a first response or expeditionary force. HISTORY: Formed at the end of the Tierran Civil War, the New Model Army was an experiment in a new type of fighting force. Previously, the Royal Army had only consisted of two regiments; the Edurian House Guards and the Seaforth Pikes, the remainder of the Unified Kingdom's armed forces consisted of private armies loyal to the great houses of Tierra. When the civil war broke out, the impracticality of this arrangement proved evident as a large part of the Tierran armed forces turned against the throne on orders from their respective noble officers. The Royal Army itself proved ineffective in quashing the rebellion, with the House Guards forced to guard House Eduria's ancestral holdings and the Seaforth Pikes relegated to a support role to Sir Caius Leonis' Mobius Legion who, along with the Royal Navy, and the loyalist forces of Duke Cunaris and Duke Warburton decided the course of the conflict. The New Model Army was formed with standardized training and equipment, commanded by officers who held personal loyalties to a commanding officer with proven and unquestionable loyalty to the throne. This system of professional armies paid for by the throne and placed under a centralized command has also been supplemented by a large round of organizational and material reforms. ORDER OF BATTLE In order of seniority: Commanding Officer (Nominal) Her Majesty Isabella Matilda Eduria, Queen of the Unified Kingdom (Isobel I of Tierra) Commanding Officer (Actual) Leftenant General Sir Caius Leonis, Duke of Wulfram (Caius of Xen) CAVALRY Commander of Horse Brigadier General Sir Charles Nathaniel Locke 1st Regiment of Dragoons "The Wild Cards" Colonel Davis Elson, Baron of Hawthorne 1st Cuirassier Regiment 1st Hussar Regiment "The Lightning Regiment" INFANTRY Commander of Infantry Brigadier General Dame Adelina Garret 1st Grenadier Guard Regiment 2nd House Guard Regiment "The Centauri Highlanders" 4th Regiment of Foot 5th Regiment of Foot 1st Regiment of Chasseurs "The Jaegermeisters" 8th Regiment of Foot Royal Engineer Regiment Colonel Edmund Garing ARTLLERY Commander of Ordinance Colonel Alaric von Wulfram 24 Batteries of 6 guns each attached to various regiments. NORTHERN FLEET Fleet Admiral and Quartermaster Rear Admiral Allister Winslow Flying Squadron (1st Battlesquadron) HMS Insidious (Flagship) (68) HMS Invictus (52) HMS Thunderous (54) HMS Diligent (68) 2nd Battlesquadron HMS Implacable (84) HMS Calamitous (84) HMS Intolerant (74) HMS Imperious (74) Screen HMS Terrible (42) HMS Furious (32) HMS Errant (32) HMS Elusive (32) HMS Illustrious (28) HMS Glorious (28) HMS Tempestuous (28) HMS Contemptous (28) 14 Sloops and light ships of 24 guns or less 54 transports and supply vessels. |
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| Kennori | Jul 7 2009, 11:21 PM Post #118 |
 
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*scoots out of the way*
Edited by Kennori, Jul 8 2009, 02:29 AM.
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| Cataphrak | Jul 8 2009, 12:49 AM Post #119 |
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The day needs my saving expertise.
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Wrong thread, sorry. This is the thread for Tales of the Infinite Sea, a Freikorps supported RP set in an alternate, low fantasy universe. Freikorps Baseline is an ultratech firm/hard military sci-fi universe. Look around on the other threads, you'll see what you mean. And you don't have to go overboard with the detail. |
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