Welcome to Surrender Dawn. Before starting your journey, make sure that you read everything that's on the Beginner's Guide Board:
First, make sure that you get to know the rules by which we manage our site and community.
For this, visit the Guide to Rules.
After that, it's fundamental to read all that there is to know about the world your character will be inserted into.
In order to do so, go to the Guide to Lore.
Lastly, please take a close look at all the mechanics that dictate our roleplay and its characters.
You can do this by checking out the Guide to Mechanics.
When you've done all of the above, you'll most likely be ready to start creating your character:
Create your Application Thread on the Character Creation Board.
To do so, follow the instructions on the Character Application Template Thread.
Once you're done, just copy the link of the thread and head over to the Grading Center.
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We hope you enjoy your time with us! Happy Roleplaying!
Updates
11/11/19: Open for Beta Testing! Feel free to explore the site and start creating your characters! If you have any doubt feel free to contact a member of the Staff Team.
The Outlands were often considered to be dangerous for those who lacked proper training. However, in the case of the young Primula, she felt much more at ease in the outlands compared to the sanctuaries the cities were meant to represent. In the outlands danger was predictable, if you knew how a wild animal would react, then you could anticipate if it was dangerous or not. The same couldn't be said about humans living within the cities. They were masters of deception, difficult to predict and perhaps more intelligent and dangerous than most creatures in the Outlands. Indeed, the recent experience she had been forced to endure made sure she was quite affected by the murder of her family.
"Prim~"
The memory lingered fresh on her mind, the sight of those scarlet flames burning down the encampment her family had called their home, the wicked raiders that had butchered those dear to her... those monsters who had killed her sister...
"Prim~"
A sudden flick against her forehead made the girl's thoughts snap back to reality, a soft yelp escaping her lips as she looked up at the source of the disturbance. There she stood, her beloved sister, a tender smile upon her lips as she gazed down upon her younger sibling. The little Primula shook her head lightly, attempting to banish the thoughts from her mind while the girl climbed back onto her feet. "Having those nightmares again?" The sudden question made Primula's body freeze up a little, her head lowered to hide the shame that crossed her visage. She should have been happy that she was reunited with her elder sister, but the memory still lingered fresh in her mind, like a phantom that continued to haunt her ever since that night passed. "I..." But before she could finish, she found her sister pulling her in a gentle embrace, the unmistakable warmth and comfort it brought had led the child to tears. "They are all gone Ti... Mama, Papa... Grandpa, everyone was murdered..." The child sobbed softly as her sister soothingly caressed her hair, that kind gesture of affection that her mother often used to do for them when she was a child also. "They are not gone Prim." The words earned a confused sob from the girl who looked up at her sister, who slowly released her from her embrace, and while she crouched down, she gently pressed a finger onto the girl's torso, right near where her heart was located. "They still live on within your memories and feelings, and I am certain that should the need arrive, they will appear to protect you."
She raised a hand toward the child's own, their fingers gently intertwining while she pressed her forehead against that of her younger sister. "And I will always remain at your side, now and forevermore. So dry those tears, a smile better suits you~"
Primula nodded her head sheepishly in return, her sobbing having subdued while her sister rose back onto her feet. "So for today we were planning to hunt down the pack of wolves that were threatening a nearby outpost, right?" Titania's question earned a little nod from the girl who opened a small leather-bound book she carried with her. "Those creatures tend to hunt in packs, but the recent reports say that a wandering mercenary decimated most of them. However, a small group was able to flee and continues to terrorize the outpost..."
The elder sister raised a hand to the back of her neck and hummed in amusement. "Such sloppy work, if you do something, at least do it good~" Primula nodded her head lightly in agreement. "We could likely skin their pelts and sell them to the outpost, both as proof we dealt with the wolves and to gain a bit of money. Wolf pelts might not be the best but they are warm, so people like to use them during the winter."
Titania couldn't help but giggle at Primula's explanation. "I bet Grandpa taught you that. Anyways, let's go find some wolves, shall we?" Primula's cheeks flushed up in embarrassment as she chased after her sister who had started to walk away from their resting spot.
Several hours had passed since then, and to any onlookers, they would likely be in for quite a surprise! Indeed, for wolves were still dangerous predators, but the spectacle that was unfolding on the plains was almost otherworldly. One of the wolves had lunged toward the young woman, who nimbly lowered her body, a slight shift of her upper-body and a solid upwards jab with her fist making the canine howl out in pain. The two other predators were lunging at her in a pincer formation but clearly did not expect what would follow. A sudden grapple of the airborne wolf's throat followed as she brutally smashed it downwards with an overhead swing at the predator that was encroaching upon her from the front, the sickening sound of bones cracking making Primula shiver lightly. Meanwhile, the third canine hesitated, a fatal mistake for the young woman had already moved, a dash and a light jump accompanied with a downwards ax-kick that came with the same strength of a Warhammer, one that had enough force behind it to crush the poor animal's skull.
"Guess that's the last of them ~" Titania mused softly, stretching her body as if she had just done some warming up exercises while Primula pulled out a small dagger. "Mhmm, I'll go ahead and start skinning them." Primula's words earned a playful "Aye~ Aye~" from the young lady who looked around the area. For some reason she couldn't help but feel as if they were being watched... "What's the matter Prim?" Noticing her little sister staring at her, the girl pointed meekly at her sister's torso. "Let's buy some coats with the money we'll earn. It's getting colder, and umm... the Vanta Core is kind of noticeable when you get excited." Blinking in bewilderment the elder sister lowered her gaze, and indeed, she could see the feint glow of the Vanta Ore that had replaced her heart. Perhaps a coat was indeed a good idea...
The small room was quiet and cozy. The people around him were merry with song and laughter. To be honest, this was why Kris was a wanderer because the city tended to be loud on occasion. While he enjoyed banter and shouting, sometimes it grew quite tedious to deal with so a quiet little outpost like this was just what the doctor ordered.
He sat on a bench near the corner with his back pressed up against a post, foot kicked up and fully relaxed with a mug of ale in one hand and a flank of ham in the other. It had been a couple days since he had arrived and noticed the sign that rewarded any for dealing with a pack of wolves in the area. Easy work for someone with his skill and easy money as well. With a vanta weapon at his side and his vel, Kris wiped the floor with the mongrels.
Though as he was minding his own business, a group of three men came into the small inn and they were in quite the huff! They approached and surrounded Kris with anger in their eyes.
"You son of a bitch! You said you handled those wolves!"
Kris raised a speculative brow to the leading man and nodded. "I did."
"Bullshit! My son is losing a finger because YOU didn't do your job! Give us our money you pathetic Merc! Or we'll-Gah!"
With a turn of his body and the flick of his wrist, Kris was already standing up. Ham dropped on the table, mug in one hand, and sword unsheathed to poke into the man's throat. The Merc narrowed his eyes in calm fury as the tip pressed uncomfortably deeper, much to the man's shock.
"Come again? I couldn't quite hear you...it sounds like you are questioning my integrity. I got rid of the vast majority and you blame me for missing a few? Fine then, I'll find the rest and expect to be compensated...or else I'll burn this place to the ground. UNDERSTOOD!?"
The man nodded, which pressed the tip in to cause a trickle of blood to leak down his throat. Kris freed him, shoving him to the ground. Without a further word, he left the outpost behind and stole away into the outlands beyond the encampment. These were always his least favorite jobs, since the outdoors held dangers far worse than people. People could be tricked or manipulated or intimidated. Animals cannot and that made them terrifying, which was why Kris would never make a great Hunter.
He stalked through the forest with blade in hand, luckily it was sunny out with few clouds in the sky. If needed, he could protect himself with his Vel but he also needed to keep an eye out for an ambush. He pushed through the forest in annoyance until he came to the edge of the trees toward an open plain. The wolves were there, but something more interesting was unfolding. It was a girl! The hell was she doing out there?
Kris kept himself hidden, watching in awe at how deftly the girl handled the wolves. With naught but her bare hands, she dispatched them and began to skin them. Seemed like extra work for little coin profit, but he wouldn't judge. Wait, what was that little spark floating around her?
"Well, ain't that the darnndest thing?"
The Merc made his way out of the forest's edge and lightly jogged his way toward the deadly girl, sheathing his sword as he trotted. Once he got near to her, Kris would wave in a friendly manner.
"Hello there! Mighty fine fighting there, girlie. I was looking for these particular wolves, but it seems you beat me to the punch. Kind of puts me in a difficult spot though, since I promised the outpost that I'd do the job and I like money."
His hand went to the hilt of his sword and he prepared to channel his Vel just in case as he continued his speech.
"So how about we come to a compromise. I help you carry those pelts to the outpost and we share the earnings..."
Despite the gruesome work Primula was seemingly in quite a pleasant mood, humming a little melody while she used her knife to skin the wolves. It was not exactly the best of works considering her lack of strength and experience with skinning, but it did get the job done. Her sister meanwhile was watching her, keeping an eye on their surroundings just in case something came up. After all, you never knew when something unexpected could happen within the Outlands. Perhaps, that was even part of the charm of dwelling out there. Every day was an adventure, every adventure different from the previous one. Light footsteps disturbed the grass, and in the distance, she could observe a stranger approach them. Judging from his attire and armed state she guessed he might have been more than just a wandering Scavenger, or a bandit. The man waved in a friendly gesture at them, just as Primula had finished skinning the first wolf and rose onto her feet to look at him. "Ti did the heavy lifting, I merely am skinning them." The girl spoke, her tone as soft and gentle as usual while the taller Titania mused energetically. "I'm afraid in the outlands the rule 'First come, first served' applies~ Can't really stamp a claim on things like this." However, when the stranger paused for a moment and his hand started to move, he would no doubt notice the spark floating around the child to pulse more strongly and an unusual sound, difficult to describe but it was somewhat similar to the soft sound of leaves rustling in the wind.
In that same instant, as the mercenary's hand lowered to the hilt of his sword, she had dashed forward toward him, a jab of her arm following, and the moment his hand rested on the hilt of his blade, her fist was inches away from his throat. It was clear the entire demeanor of the young lady had changed, the sharpness of her stare, the tension of her muscles, it was clear that if he had drawn his blade she would have tried to break his throat. Indeed, in a way it was similar to having a blade drawn toward your neck.
"You better pull that hand somewhere else sir, Ti doesn't do well with perceived threats." After her warning was delivered, the mercenary's suggestion for a compromise earned a soft hum from Primula who moved over to the second wolf while Titania pulled her arm back. "Honest work deserves payment... If you help carry a pelt we will give you half of the remaining bounty on the wolves." A suitable compromise in her opinion as she continued to skin the second wolf, her knife digging into the wolf while Titania eyed the man warily, although he could likely notice the faint pulse of light that came from her torso from the spot he was at.
"My name is Primula, and she is my big sister Titania, it is only proper that we introduce ourselves if we are going to work together, even if for only a short bit." The girl spoke, seemingly not having forgotten the etiquette her father had taught them. A name had a lot of meaning and weight in this world, even for the two girls their name carried a meaning, the lack of a family name being already a mysterious sign to say the least. After all, Nomads like her family were quite rare nowadays. Once the second wolf was finished she rose back onto her feet and moved onward to the third, her knife sinking into it while she started the process of skinning the creature.
"Once this one is handled we can return to the outpost, it's best that we leave before the carcasses draw the attention of other predators. The wind is still currently, so their scent won't have drifted far yet... but wolves are only one of the dangers of the Outlands." Indeed, there were many more nasty creatures that dwelled in the area...
Fortunately, her work didn't take too long, and with the third wolf skinned she approached the stranger, clearly struggling to haul the pelt over to him. "This one is yours to carry~"
Kris gave a shrug of his shoulders and breathed out an exasperated sigh at the girl's comment. It was true that 'first come first served' was a fair argument and he honestly didn't feel much like fighting her or her sister in this instance. In fact, he appeared very laid back in his stance.
Which is why it came as a surprise to him when the bigger girl had dashed toward him. Kris's ruby eyes widened at the sudden assault, mouth wide as he gasped at the hand near his throat. Though his hand still rested on Carmilla's hilt for his own safety. Aside from this, he remained perfectly still as he gazed into her eyes.
"So I see...I meant no harm. Just can't be too careful, you know?"
Being this close to Titania, Kris could see a glow coming from her breast. Was this the light that he had seen when he observed them earlier? What in the hell was it and why was she so quick? It set him on edge slightly, but the two girls were reasonable enough to hear him out.
"It's rare to find someone with etiquette, let alone one this far out into the Outlands."
Kris released his grip on the weapon and casually scratched the back of his head, chuckling at the two.
"I'm Kristoffer, though usually Kris is fine. Is your um...sister okay? She's glowing. Is she an Eme? Doesn't seem like an Afflicted feature, but it's definitely interesting."
Maybe that was what gave her such speed and...presence. Honestly Kris was a bit terrified of Titania, but Primula herself seemed to be the calm and collected one. So talking directly to her was the likely option of keeping his head attached to his body.
Kris nodded to Primula regarding her statement about predators. He was still staring at Titania with his guard up, but he figured that she wouldn't attack if he kept his movement relatively calm. There were strange things out in the beyond and he was not keen on facing any of them today.
Though seeing the smaller girl try to haul the large skin over to him caused a pang to hit his heart. He felt bad that she was doing all of the work while he merely stood there listening to her talk.
"Tell you what...I got a better idea. Just gimme a second, Primula."
Kris reached his hand out to the sky and concentrated on the sun blazing above them. The structure was clear in his mind as Kris shaped the solar energy, materializing a sled of golden light upon the ground. It plopped lightly onto the grass and Kris, after breathing in slight exhaustion from the manipulation, trotted over to Primula to lift up the skin.
"I got a few tricks of my own, you know." He said with a snicker.
He set it carefully on the sled and moved between the others, going about setting all three on the makeshift sled. There was a large light rope that extended from the front and Kris grabbed hold of it, offering a bit of the slack to Titania.
"Hey Prim, how about you hop on the sled? Both your sister and I can take you for a ride back to the outpost! Sound like fun?"
The Merc was smiling genuinely at both girls, rope in hand and a gleam in his eye. It would be a fast method of transportation and he honestly wondered what the two thought of his Vel power as he held the rope out openly.
Primula nodded her head lightly in agreement to mercenary his words. It was true, you never could be careful enough, especially in the Outlands. It was a lesson her family had learned the hard way. However, it seemed that the man was pleased, or perhaps surprised to find someone with etiquette in the outlands, earning a brief smile from the girl who mused softly. "Indeed, common courtesy is abandoned quite eagerly in favor of drawn steel in the Outlands. In a way, I prefer it to city life. When someone comes with you with their blade drawn, it's quite easy to note them down as a threat compared to someone approaching you with an inviting smile and a dagger hidden behind their back." The girl's smile might have been present, but the way she spoke made it clear she was talking with experience, quite a grim experience at that also judging from the shadow that crosses her mismatched eyes. "It is a pleasure to meet you Kris~" The girl's tone growing more energetic and pleasant, it was clear she was enjoying the friendly direction their conversation was going, at least till he inquired about the glow in her sister's torso. It earned a light shake from the girl's head, a mutter following before she spoke at a normal volume again. "She is not an Eme, it's not the power of Vel."
However, despite the guarded state that both Kris and Titania were in, it appeared the latter was no longer showing any direct signs of hostility or bloodlust, but when he had a better idea the two of them tilted their head lightly to the side in confusion as Kris reached with a hand for the sky, and both watched in awe at the manifestation of a sled emerging on the grass. "Eme..." Titania whispered under her breath, while Primula clearly was fascinated by the construct, going as far as to poke it a few times with the side of her boot to make sure it was solid upon which she would blink in bewilderment at Kris' suggestion. "I'm not a child!" The girl pouted, her cheeks flushing up at the thought of having fun while having the others worked, but before she could protest any further, Titania already had stepped up toward her and playfully scooped her up, arms pulling her upwards and gently lowering her on the sled. "You already worked aplenty lately Prim, enjoy Kris' offer and relax a little."
The girl made a childish pout, yet as Titania grasped the side of the rope that Kris had offered and they started to pull together, the wide smile on the girl's lips was as clear as the sun up above. She clearly was doing her utmost to not start going "Wee~~~~" and after a short while she had already dozed off on top of the warm pelts. Meanwhile Titania had been thinking about something, upon which she would finally call out to the mercenary. "Say Kris..." She paused for a moment, her gaze shifting to the slumbering Primula as she continued to speak. "It's only fair that since you revealed your identity as a Eme, that I answer your earlier inquiry."
She gazed up ahead and softened her tone. "The glow you saw earlier was not the power of Vel, it was Pure Vanta ore. Our family were nomads, guess some might call us good-natured Scavengers. We wandered in the wilds, at until Prim and I were born, then we settled in the Outlands till we would grow to be old enough to brave the danger. However, during a trip, we uncovered this unusual chunk of Vanta, which we tried to sell in Vantalux. Unfortunately, we drew the interest of a crime cartel, who raided our encampment."
Her gaze shifted back to Kris as she smiled weakly at him. "Prim was the only survivor of that raid."
quite a way to reveal he was talking to a corpse, right?
Kris tilted his head at the sudden shift in Prim's tone. Only a moment ago she had been so happy and full of energy, as if she were a bundle of sugar ready to explode. But at the mention of her sister, she spoke softer and with some hint of melancholy to her overall demeanor. It garnered a raised brow from the Mercenary, but he didn't push the matter any further. No, it wasn't right to interrogate someone you just met unless they had it coming to them...and Prim was clearly the type to wear her heart upon her sleeve.
He snickered at the two girls bickering and it reminded him of his own sisters. Though the thought of Lexi and Yaz made his smile bittersweet as he pinched the bridge of his nose to block the memories out. He shook his red hair a bit violently as the wind began to pick up...Prim was right. The scent of these dead animals would be attracting predators soon and they needed to move.
The girl was complaining about her childish nature, but fortunately Titania knew how to handle her sister and it once again made Kris smile to see the two work together so well. The elder sister was very protective it seemed, much like how Yaz was protective over Kris when he was a whiny little child...oh so long ago.
"Alright then, all aboard! We're gonna be going fast, Prim, so hold on tight now! Woooosh!"
Kris gave Titania a side long smirk after she had accepted the rope and off they went! He made silly, goofy noises as he mushed his way down the path and even laughed a bit at the idea of having fun. It wasn't exactly in his agenda to behave like this, but there was an innocence and good nature about these two that made him smile.
After a while he looked back to hear a slight sound...it was Primula lightly breathing as she had dozed off on the furs. He smiled wider at her and continued to tug the sled along toward the outpost. Maybe this day would turn out fine after all as he peacefully trudged forward.
Though after some time, his walking companion spoke up. It wasn't a big deal that he used his power in front of them, since he rarely kept it a secret. But she was inclined to answer his previous question...and he was actually pretty curious.
"Pure...Vanta? But how is that even possible? You have a hunk of metal lodged in your chest? I mean, how can you even be aliv-"
Kris stopped his statement as Titania spoke. She told him about her family and a tragedy that had befallen them. With a soft smile, the girl explained everything that Kris needed to know...his eyes widened at the proclamation.
"Prim...was the only survivor?"
He looked back at the girl sleeping away without a care and then back at Titania, studying the glow in her chest. So then...Titania was a walking corpse and the Vanta inside of her was keeping her going. It was an odd thing but Kris didn't back away or show any sign of discomfort. In fact, his eyes softened and his voice grew heavy.
"I see...to lose your family at such a young age. I can't even imagine what you must be going through either. I..."
Kris bit his lip, narrowing his eyes as the two pushed the sled along. His body shook and his hair fell over his face.
"I lost my family as well. Raiders attacked us too...killed my parents and enslaved me and my sisters. I escaped but they weren't so lucky...so even though you have that hunk of metal inside you, I'm glad that you're sticking around to watch over Prim here. Kid seems tough, but having an older sister is a miracle."
He smiled brightly at Titania. A genuine and heartfelt smile with a tinge of a tear at the corner of his eye. "Thanks for telling me. Who knows, maybe after this whole affair is over we can all grab a bite to eat and you can tell me more, eh? Till then, mush!"
