Welcome to Gaia! ::

There lived a young woman. It is said that this young woman journeyed through countless countries, cities, homes, and even time in search of something. It is also spoken she did not find what she sought. The young woman instead found something she had not been looking for, something she had never expected to find. So it is whispered, the quest is not the destination, but the journey.

I've never quite understood those words my grandfather told me, but I do know what the young woman had been looking for, and what she ultimately found. I will now tell you the tale of that young woman and her journey... the journey of:



Alright boys and girls, I've noticed a lack of an easy-to-access RP which requires nothing more than semi-literate skill level. I've also noticed that many of us in our youth might have pretended to have "elemental" based powers and crap like that. So basically we're going back to basics with a much larger vocabulary and no need to use self-made sound effects. I'll need some quick ideas if I miss any elements, otherwise, sign-up while you still can. I'd also recommend for anyone thinking their too skilled for this basic RP, to do a character which they normally don't do. As such I'm banning keitaro from darkness. Taver is recommended to take darkness.

Elements:
Fire - Omika (Kira)
Water - Omika (Darik)
Ice - Blue-Knight-09 (Vincent)
Lightning - Eclipse of Shadow (Mathias)
Plant - [R]oxette (Charis)
Ground -
Air - Keitaro
Darkness - Eclipse of Shadow (Lyndis)
Light - Sir Scott le Charles (Talia)
Unknown - Eclipse of Shadow (Artemis)



Back-Story:

All characters are unaware of all powers that might "dwell" within them unless stated otherwise. Magic is near non-existent to common people, and the rich alike. Very few have spent the decades of study needed to unlock their own potential. Our group will be a slight exception; more will be explained as we continue on. Based on the Greyhawk Campaign Setting, (Original Dungeons and Dragons Setting, minus different races, and classes). For those who don't know, think medieval times, minus the chivalry. And a few odd pieces of technology thrown in. Humans only people....

Profiles

Name: Darik
Height: 5"7
Weight: 138
Age: 18
Element: Water
Physical Description: Darik has short, messy, raven black hair and deep, crystal blue eyes. He has a strong jaw, nice features, and slightly tanned skin covering a lean and well muscular body. For clothing, Darik wears a tight, black leather vest that is outlined in a dark blue. On the back there is an elaborate, stylized blue rain drop that starts between his shoulder blades and falls down from there. He also wears loose pants, gloves and well-worn boots, all of them black. Some spots of leather are crudely sew together, and there are a few faint blood stains hidden in the black material, marks of the many fights he's been in. Darik also has two brown straps hanging from his sides, and crossing behind him. From these, his Elbow Blades hang in a sheath, one on each side of him.
Personality Description: Even tempered and quiet, Darik is more of the thoughtful observer. He's calm and collected, and generally easy-going. He almost never gets angry, but when he does, it's a storm. Normally, Darik is honest, soft-spoken, supportive and an overall a nice guy.
Weapon of Choice: Elbow Blades*. One called Serenity, the other Purity. The twin blades are well kept and cared for. The leather of the hilts are dyed a deep blue, though use and sweat has caused them to fade to a slightly lighter shade. The pommel and quiver of both blades are white gold with a blue-ish tint, and the steel of the blade itself is sharp and clean, reflecting the world off of it. Engraved on both sides of the steel blade, up by the quiver, is the same simple symbol of a raindrop as is on Darik's vest.
Significant Events from their past: Darik and Kira are twins, Darik being the older of the two. They were born to one of the more wealthy families, and as such were never in a situation where they had to struggle to survive. As children, they were always getting into trouble and causing problems for the adults. They were bored with the comfortable life, and they wanted nothing to do with their family as they got older. Instead, both of them preferred a rougher kind of lifestyle, and so they ran away from home and became mercenaries for hire, specializing in body guarding. They were both excellent fighters and had other skills that allowed them to do their job successfully, but they also had a strong connection between the two of them. With that connection and their skills, they made the ideal body guards. Now, they live off what they make from their hard work, and they enjoy every minute of it. They both love adventure, and seeing and experiencing everything the world has to offer. They aren't afraid of danger, and love a good fight.

Name: Kira
Height: 5"6
Weight: 125
Age: 18
Element: Fire
Physical Description: Kira looks much like her brother, yet at the same time is his complete opposite. Unlike Darik's raven hair, Kira has short, messy blonde hair that's spiked at the back, with longer bangs in the front. Her features a more feminine than Darik's, her eyes a spirited ember and her skin a bit more tanned. While still lean, Kira is the smaller of the two, but not necessarily weaker. Like her twin, she also sports a tight, black leather vest, but her's is outlined with a deep yellow and instead of a rain drop, she as a stylized ball of flame reaching up her back. Besides this, her outfit is much the same, only made to fit her form. Though they seem to be the other's opposite, it is apparent they are twins.
Personality Description: Just as their elements are opposites, so are most aspects of their personalities. Kira is more energetic and outspoken, preferring to act then watch and think. While Darik is politely honest, Kira has much more of a blunt honesty, though she doesn't always try to sound mean. Like her element, she's pleasant enough when you're careful, but if you're not, you're going to get burned.
Weapon of Choice: Elbow Blades*. One is called Integrity, the other named Ferocity. While the leather on Darik's blades are blue, Kira's are a deep crimson, also faded slightly from use. The pommel and quiver of her blades are a rich gold, with a touch of orange to it. Instead of a raindrop engraved on the blade, her's has the identical to the ball of flames as is on her back.

*If you do not know what elbow blades are, here is an example: Elbow Blades Example

Name: Vincent
Height: 5"9
Weight: 180
Age: 18
Element: Ice
Physical Description: Vladik has light blue eyes with long dark brown hair. He has a muscular torso and well built legs. He wears short sleeve chain mail over his chest and black leather gloves. He wears a dark green sleeveless jacket over the chainmail. He has belted black boots and beige pants.
Personality Description: Due to the lack of ability that can be demonstrated by this young RPer. He will otherwise have a varying personality, that reflects his own. - Eclipse of Shadow
Weapon of Choice: Greatsword (Wide edition)
Significant Events from their past: Will be displayed over-time through the RPers own pace, and decisions. They will otherwise be allowed to conflict, so long as they suit the needs of the RP for the situation. - Eclipse of Shadow

Name: Mathias
Height: 5'10''
Weight: 180 lbs
Age: 18
Element: Lightning
Physical Description: Mathias has a leaner build to him than what is typical to most of his family. Though being a farm-hand for most of his life has definately benefitted him in being no-weakling. He has short dirty blonde hair, that has a mind of its own, and decides how it wants to look, whenever it desires. He has tanned and slightly blisstered skin. He normally wears a beige t-shirt that has the option of being tied at the top. He wears extremely worn black leather pants that are one size to big for him. His shoes are a faded black, and are so worn, walking in them is like walking on his bare-feet.
Personality Description: Mathias is always smiling, or working. It's what he's been doing for all of his life, and plans on doing for the rest of it. He's part of a large family of 7 boys, and is the second oldest of them. This has made him adept at wrestling, and slightly over-seeking of attention.
Weapon of Choice: Mathias is not-adept at all with using weaponary. He feels most comfortable with a pitch-fork, but has never used it for anything other than moving hay. Though Mathias has been tempted over the years to play with his families sword that they kept above their fireplace. It was a magnificient blade, with a gold colored hilt, and a well polished blade.
Significant Events from their past: Other than his years of experience as being a farm-hand, Mathias has had a very normal life in his neighbourhood. A few times he's had a desire to leave everything behind, but he has been content with his life.

Name: Talia
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 109 lbs
Age: 17
Element: Light
Physical Description: Talia has blonde hair kept tied back in a ponytail falling down just below her shoulders, with short bangs falling down on the right side of her face. Her eyes are a golden colour. Her skin is light, no trace of either a tan or absence of light on it, and her body is that of an athlete. She wears a light yellow shirt, with a light brown vest over top of it, and pants to match her shirt. Over her left shoulder she keeps her short spears in a quiver matching her vest.
Personality Description: Talia has a bright and optimistic outlook on life, enjoying herself as she moves through life. She isn't without limits however, and does follow her own moral code. Growing up with sports everyday she is a team player, and is ready to take charge when needed, or follow orders if needed.
Weapon of Choice: Short Spears
Significant Events from their past: Talia grew up the only child of a farming family out in a completely rural area. The farm work encouraged her to keep fit, and she grew up with the children of the families her parents hired to work for them. Much of her free time spent playing sports with the other children Talia never fell out of shape, and with the money her parents had left after taxation and paying their workers she got a relatively good education. Around the age of fourteen her parents started letting her accompany them on trips into the city to sell their harvests. The third year she did this, at the age of seventeen she decided to leave. Though sad, her parents agreed and Talia left for her own adventures.

Name: Charis
Height: 6''2'
Weight: 190
Age: 24
Element: Plant
Physical Description: Charis has pale skin and large, baggy, green eyes. She is tall and lean. Her long, brown hair reaches just above the small of her back and is filled with knots, twigs and leaves. Her hair is wavy and hasn't been cut in years. She doesn't take care of herself, she smells of body odor and something not distinguishable. Charis has one outfit, being just as worn out, and not taken care of as her. She wears a white blouse and a brown ankle length skirt made of heavy cotton. Her clothes are as simple and as dirty as she is. Under each fingernail and toenail is a mountainfull of dirt. She doesn't wear shoes, she doesn't own any.
Personality Description: She is shy, she doesn't speak. Charis doesn't like the company of "real people" as she thinks. She lives alone in the wilderness, she doesn't trust anyone. When she sees a "real person" she runs and hides. Charis isn't confrontational and avoids fighting. She is a really sweet girl who cares for the Earth and all it's creatures.
Weapon of Choice: She carries around a wooden spear made by herself. She has only had to use it to provide food for herself.
Significant Events from their past: As a teenager she ran away from home chosing to live a life alone in the forest than stay with her abusive parents. She didn't get adopted by wolves or monkeys, she just learned to provide for herself. She never stole from anyone, just found and hunted food. She sometimes gets curious about the outside world but is reminded about how horrible people are and goes deeper into the forest to continue hidding.

Quote:

Sana sighed tiredly flicking her bag a couple of feet away from her person, as she slumped down to sit on the ground unceremoniously to lean against a slightly decaying tree trunk. "Another day of sleeping in the dirt and another day wandering these lands," said Sana to no one in particular. Sana touched the rich virgin soil with a delicate hand, scooping up a handful of dirt letting it roll around her hand and fall back to the earth, Sotthing her already tense nerves some how. She had done this since she was a girl and it was strange to her just holding on to a piece of earth would calm her nerves.

Due to lack of acitvity in the guild, this player is suspended until further notice.

The moon hung low in the sky above, nearly forming a full orb behind the whispy clouds that hid it's face. A warm breeze ran across the hills, rustling the leaves of the trees that scattered the area. The grass and plantlife that stretched over the waves of land were short and more or less tame compared to that of the forest that bordered it. Though it was nighttime, the moon and stars provided plenty of light, so that no creature was left stumbling along in the darkness, even though most of such creatures were fast alseep. The lack of activity left a traquil silence hovering in the air, only occasionally broken by a croak or chirp of some small animal or insect.

However, even those small signs of life fell quiet as two figures made their way across the hilly plain. Even without the light provided by the moon, it was clear these two were travellers, not just a pair out for a midnight stroll. They had small packs hung over their backs, travel worn clothing, and weapons at their sides. If someone would have spotted them from far off, they might have believed they were seeing double, as they each looked like a copy of the other. With a closer glance, however, it would be noticable that one was a male, and the other female. One had dark hair and was slighty taller and stronger built, while the second had light hair and was slightly smaller. Had there been more light, it would also be obvious that, though their outfits were the same style, they had some difference in colour. Although, even with more light, it was quite apparent that these two were twins.

Darik and Kira, a pair of mercenaries, had been travelling for the better half of the night, and all of the day before that, trying to get to the next city as quickly as possibly so they could find their next job, and next good meal. While they had been walking for so long, their posture and pace didn't show it. They moved at a brisk walk, stepping through the grass, as they had left the road a while back in an attempt to cut through to make better time. Neither talked much, but of course, they didn't have to. Simply the other's presence was comfort enough, and both Kira and Darik found it pleasently relaxing just to absorbe the quiet around them.

It never lasted though, as they both knew, and this time was no exception. For out of the forest to the east of them, a dozen men came rushing out of the woods, breaking the silence with their battle cries. Some rode on horses, while others charged on foot, obviously coming for them. The twins made no move to show they had even seen the men, not even a startled glance. The handful on horses reached them first, circling around them, but not yet attacking. It took a moment for those on foot to reach them, and Darik and Kira still hadn't moved.

"Well 'ello dere." Said one man from atop his horse, pausing in his cirlcing, the others following his example. "Strange to see two kids wanderin' 'round these parts at this hour. I'm 'fraid we're goin' to have to releave you of yer valuables, or else kill ya where you stand."

The other men gave a sadistic cheer of agreement, pacing on the spot and brandishing their weapons, waiting for a response. None of them actually thought that two kids would even think of resisting a dozen armed and fully grown men, and all of them seemed to fail to notice the weapons at both of their sides.

Kira and Darik kept their heads low, their eyes shadowed by their hair. The only warning any of the assailants had was a devilish grin that spread across Kira's face before two of their number were down, and more on the way. Only a couple of the men were actually able to see as they both pulled their blades from the sheaths at their sides and attacked, Darik taking the right side, and Kira the left. The two men barely had time to register what was going on before they were cut down.

The others, however, seeing their comrades fall, had time to get their guard up and get over their shock. Three of them, quicker to recover then the rest, attacked, one charging their horse at Darik, sword raised to attack, while the other two went for Kira. Darik moved fluidly out of the horse's path and ducked under the rider's falling sword. Once they had passed, he turned and slashed the man's back with his blade, sending him falling from his horse, which continued, unaware of the absence of it's rider. With the rider down, Darik moved towards the rest of them as they stepped forward to take him on next.

Kira faced her two assailants, one of which had a large axe raised above his head, ready to send it crushing down on her. Side-stepping at the last moment, Kira closed the distance between them with a shift in her weight and rammed the end of her blade into the man's stomach, twisting it as she pulled it back out. With a painful grunt, the man dropped his axe and fell to his knees as Kira moved on. The second man brought up his short sword, and attempted to stab and slash at Kira, but she dodged both attacks with fluid movements before countering with a blow to the man's knee cap and the back of the head.

By now, with five of their comrades down, three of the weaker men turned and fled, seeing no hope for their survival here, leaving just four men on horseback. Knowing none of them stood a chance against the pair, they mutually decided to attack all together, raising their odds. With weapons drawn, and horse charging, they came at Darik and Kira from different directions, boxing them in. The twins closed together, going back to back as the horse drew near. Just when the men were within striking distance, both Darik and Kira ducked and rolled off to the side, slicing at the horse's legs. The result was a tangled mess of horse and rider as they all came tumbling down on each other. One of the riders died by being struck by a horse, and another died by his own partner's blade, leaving just two, pinned under the horses.

After the horses finished sorting themselves out and fled, their leg wounds dripping blood, but only laming them, the two men still alive remained, unable to move from their injuries. Kira and Darik stepped up to them, weapons still in hand, but didn't attack.

"Please!" cried the leader, who had earlier threatened to rob and kill them. "Take anythin' you want, just don't kill me! I-I didn' mean to... I was just... please, spare my life!" The other man echoed his pleas.

Darik gazed at the two men with a detatched and pitying look. Kira, on the other hand, crouched down, smirked, and asked, "What do you have to offer?"

"A-anythin'... Everything! Anythin' y-you want.... Just please..." The man stammered pathetically, trying to put up one of his slightly functioning arms as a defense. Little remained of the confident bandit leader that had first challenged them. The man beside him had even begun to cry, perhaps as a instinct, hoping the act would stir some sort of merciful response from the younger pair.

They both appeared to fail to notice it, otherwise, they really didn't care. "I think I leg and an arm as payment would suffice." Kira said coldly, a wicked grin spread across her face. Both of the men whimpered at her suggestion, which was followed by the slow approach of her blade. Darik gave a small smirk at this, his twin's absurd suggestion and they reaction to it was amusing, but they had wasted enough time with them.

"Kira, don't be cruel," Darik spoke to her, his voice laiden with a slight tone of amusement. "What would we do with an arm and leg anyways? It's not worth anything. We might as well get something of value." A visible wave of relief washed over the two surviving men, though their anxiousness did not leave them. They were not out of this yet.

Standing up up, Kira nodded her head in agreement with Darik. "True enough. And luckily for us, we managed to keep the head bandit. I bet anything of value would be left in his 'care'." The grin disappearing from her face, Kira pointed the tip of her elbow blade at the man. "Hand it all over. Now." The earlier playfulness in her tone had vanished, leaving only the threat of death.

Fumbling into his cloak with his almost useless arms, the leader pulled out a large pouch and threw it in Darik's direction. The other man also struggled to remove a pouch from his belt, letting it drop at the twins' feet. "That's all we've got, I swear! Now please... please, s-spare us."

Darik caught the pouch thrown to him, and weighed it in his hand before nodding. In response, Kira dropped her arm and motioned for the men to leave. With mumbles and groans of pain and relief, they fled, stumbling and falling as they scrambled to get away. Shaking her head in disgust, Kira turned to face Darik, picking up the other pouch as she did so. "What did they give us?" She asked curiously, as she peeked into the smaller pouch she had grabbed.

The pouch she held contained various coins and gems, but nothing overly special. Darik's large pouch, however, held two very expensive looking items, as well as other more ordinary ones. He let one fall out into his hand to get a better look at it. It was a set of well made leather wrist bands, with delicated patterns sewn into it, and a large gem encrusted into the top of each one. The stones gave off a faint glow in the darkness, as colours of red, orange, and yellow danced inside them. "There's another set just like this in there." Darik said absently, as he examined the ones he had taken out.

"Really? Let's see." Kira spoke, as Darik passed her the pouch. She took out the wrist bands, revealing a set almost identical to the first, except these had gems were blue, with different shades swimming in the solid stones. "Nice..." Kira exclaimed, Darik nodding in agreement. In unison, they both started to put the on. As soon as the first ones slipped onto each of their wrists, red and blue lightning sprang respectively from the bands, exploding and sending the twins flying in opposite directions.

"Sonnova-" Kira yelled angrily, whipping the blue-gemed wrist band off of her. Darik gave similar curses as he took off the one on his arm. Sitting on the ground where they had fallen, the wristbands laid between them, the twins didn't know what to think about what had just happened.

Standing up, Darik sighed. "No wonder he gave them up." Picking up the band, Darik stuffed the pair back into the pouch. "At least that wasn't the only stuff we got. Though who would make exploding gauntlets, I have no idea."

Kira also stood, and packed the ones she had into the pouch as well. "Some sick person who thought it would be worth a good laugh." She said soberly, rubbing her wrist. "Whatever, we can still sell them or soemthing. Let's keep moving. It's still a while yet to the next city." Nodding once more, Darik put the pouchs in their packs, and together the pair continued their journey down the road, as if nothing had ever happened.

Talia hugged her parents, and stood her ground, watching them leave with the caravan. As they faded into the difference, only one tear ran down her cheek, one tear for the past. And as she wiped the tear from her face a grin replaced it. Waving farewell to the distant figures she turned, facing the city before her. Her past was over, her life as a farmer's daughter. It was on to her future. And though she knew the world could be tough, she knew also that she could handle it, and whatever it threw at her.

Jingling the coins she had saved up from the selling of her crops these past years, she walked into the city, a region somewhat new to her. With purpose she walked, towards the market, where she knew people, and knew establishments. She'd stay at an inn, and then stock up on supplies, before heading out of the city, and out of all she knew.

A swish of what looked like a cloak, caught Mathias' eye, someone was on the property. Without even thinking he leapt off his chair, and took the sword from it's resting place... the only downside to a mounted sword is it usually wasn't left loose on its holder. With a tug, not only did the gleaming knife fall onto him, but so did the entire mount, crashing upon him. Then all hell broke loose, children came smashing out of their beds screaming, then in close second the parents. Only his older brother was not present at the impromptu family gathering. Looks of concern was a general facial expression, with a few tired eyes betraying their holders. After a quick explanation the 4 oldest members of the family were sweeping the yard. After a an even quicker inspection, it was apparent there was no one. Mathias felt the fool. That night, he took one last look at the gleaming blade before heading to bed. That darn thing had got him into way too much trouble, tricking his eyes like that.

Charis stretched and yawned taking in the warmth of the sun shining through a hole in the leaves above. She smiled and opened her eyes. Then she remembered what had happend the night before and sat up with a jolt. She grunted. She was so stupid, what if he saw her? What if he smelt her! She came to the realisation that she hadn't really been taking care of herself lately, she had more split ends than hair.

What was she thinking! She didn't care about that stuff! But she did think maybe it was time for a little bit of a bath of some sort, maybe wash all the mud off her face, wash the sweat off her clothing.
She knew of a pond very near where she was. Charis knew the forest like the back of her dirty hand. She'd lived there for... how long was it now? It had to have been at least 5 or 6 years. She didn't remember and she didn't care. Charis stood up and started walking towards where she thought the pond might be.

After walking for quite some time she decided to get some breakfast. She found some roots she knew to be edible fairly quickly and started chewing them while walking towards the pond. Several times she considered stopping, she didn't need to wash up! She hadn't in God knows how long. Why did she want to all of a sudden, after seeing some stupid man. He probably had a girlfriend anyways and she was much to old for him... WHY WAS SHE THINKING ABOUT THIS! She hates people, she's ugly and horrid!

By this time she was at the pond, light was reflecting on it's surface in a delightfull way. She sighed and started unbuttoning her blouse when she realised she wasn't alone.

Charis looked to her left and yelped. There was a girl lying in the moss! She quickly backed away and hid in some bushes. She stared at the girl. OK... now turn around and go back. You don't need to get all prettied up, this is just a sign, she thought to herself but she didn't go back. She just looked at the girl with her mouth a little open. The girl seemed so happy. Tears came to Charis's eyes as she got up and walked away. Maybe there was another pool somewhere she hadn't been in the forest, somewhere far away.