Fantasy ••• ℬяιтαηηιcα ℒσsт ••• | [O/A]

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"Heralding in the age of reason, progress, mechanization and industry, the Victorian era signaled the dawning of a new age. Top hats and top shelf manners. High society, and high risk colonial ventures. Carriages, bustles, pubs and pocket watches. The human race was flourishing. But, humans were never the only creatures walking the cobblestone streets now were they? Creatures with inhuman speed, strength and raw, bestial power have long lived among the ordinary beings, quietly, for dozens of centuries. Gods, walking among men, tethered by the moon's call - men who turned into massive beasts at whim.

But science knew no limitation. Human physicians, tinkerers, engineers of the body, one day, created something...inhuman. Something unnatural. The world's first vampire. With a clockwork heart - out of man monsters were made. The first vampire's creation broke the natural world order. Time stopped. Forever frozen in twilight, the sun and moon no longer rose and fell. The moon-called beasts became unstable, no longer able to control their inner animal. It wasn't long, before the monsters of the world made themselves known. For blood. In wrath & rage. Bloodlust maddened both immortal species.
From this single act, Werebeast and Vampire became mortal enemies. A queen rose up from the ranks of the moon-called - the oldest, most terrifying Beast alive - The Midnight Jackal - to lead the war against the abominations, whose creation disrupted the natural balance and stole the sun. And in turn, The Leech King stood for his silver-fanged brethren to fight the Beasts, whose blood was so sweet, so succulent and tempting.

Nearly a millennium passed, just so. Fang against fang. Claw against sword. Blood and slaughter and war. Immortals reigned supreme, and humans became fodder and background. Still, society continued. Humans reproduced much faster than the immortal races. Scientists continued to tinker. Steam became a modern wonder, able to become mechanicalized and weaponized.

Amidst war and industry, in the perpetual twilight of New Londontown, religious zealots, armed with science and technology rose to power. A common threat to both immortal races was born. They called themselves...Templars. Holy knights of God, set to cleanse the world of all immortal, ungodly abominations. Their mission is simple: to destroy all supernatural beings. In their hubris and blood-hunger, the Templar scientists created a new, awful race of creatures who might stand a chance against the vampires and beasts. The Mephisto. An unholy creature, born of death and rot. Their leader was mysterious, said to have been a Templar himself before madness encouraged his betrayal, taking all the knowledge of their creations with him.

The Beast Queen and Vampire Lord met with the Mephisto leader, and together, all three immortal species made a pact. Self-preservation. For the first time in history, humans powered by industry and unnatural science stood a chance at annihilating the god-like creatures who lived among them. The three monarchs made an alliance. It was called The Red Oath. The Beast Queen, Vampire Lord, and Mephisto King all vowed to disband their warriors - to forsake old grudges and wars - for the sake of survival against the Templars, with their steam-powered airships and weapons. The immortals went underground. Guerrilla wars were fought. Leaderless, they killed when they could. Cloak and dagger. Shadow and smoke. Until the day, ten years from the time The Red Oath was made...when the Beasts, the Vampires and the Mephisto would come together once more, and assess the state of affairs… But it never came to pass." - Pax Britannica (2009-2019)

The Jackal was missing, not a single soul knew of her whereabouts; and the Mephisto King was murdered by his right hand accomplice, Rosemary Unsworth at the precipice of the scheduled meeting. The Templars took these tragedies in stride, and raged a monumental battle upon all supernatural kind; led by Holly Whilshire, the most highly regarded soldier of the Templar faction. She personally led the attack, bombing the Cheapside neighbourhood where many of the supernatural factions made base. On the ground, she defeated The Leech King, severing his head in victory, and crushing the ticking heart in his chest. It would be that moment that all the world would change.

The Beast Queen and Vampire Lord were leaders at odds, but not in spirit. The two were a mated pair, souls entwined beyond the physical world and belief. As one perished, so did the other. The supernatural factions crumbled in their wake, and succumbed to the Templar victory.
Rosemary Unsworth of the Mephisto surrendered to the Templars, returning to them the knowledge of Mephisto creation, as well as providing her services as the creator of their lifeblood, The Serum. Her race, traitors by proxy, were murdered, those that would survive either finding temporary asylum with the Templars as part of the army, or by hiding away until their death without the Serum to keep them alive.
Maeve Donovan, General of the Werebeasts, assisted any and all who wished to flee the city as it burned. Vampire and Beast kin headed to Port Thames. Boats carried them to distant shores under the cover of darkness.

But, most miraculous of all that would come to pass from the Templar’s victory… A dawn. Sun, brilliant and golden, began to rise once again, and the moon in all her cool glow began to disappear. As such, the world, and time itself, started to breath life again with each continuous cycle.

A world parched of the sun for so long would surely have it’s difficulties adjusting to this new ball of fire, but they were nothing compared to the many advancements the humans would make. Solar rays were collected and harvested, and soon electricity was born! Bulbs replaced flames, and steam engines began to fire up behind at the smallest spark. The Templars with their vast technology were praised for their efforts, and while no one could determine a true cause for the sun’s return, many believed Holly to be their savior.
She would lead the Holy Order in a new direction, spearheading the division of troops. Under her leadership, The Blood Sisters; a band of females not so unlike herself whom carry the will of God and bare the names of his archangels. And, in turn, a division of male-dominant crusaders, The 84th Legion, under the command of The Patriarch. The Blood Sisters would become feared for their brutality, while the 84th Legion excelled in pushing the mechanical advancement limitations of mortal kind, fond of body modifications and artillery. Together, the two teams became the faces of holy conquest, warriors of justice and peace.


With New Londontown liberated, all of England was not far behind. Vampire and Beast that survived fled across the world, finding new ways of life and trying to remain unseen. The Templar’s influence spread quickly at news of their successes, making that reality few and far between.
Those that survived Holly’s battle landed on the shores of America, a fresh and new world, young and wealthy… and so very different from it’s English motherland. They have settled in the warm and eclectic city of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Whispers are beginning to spread in this foreign land that Maeve is the new Queen of Beasts, while Cecile Bellerose, the Leech King’s right hand, has taken power over the vampires, and been making her claim on the vampires of America. But, the threat of the Templars is ever looming, and Holly’s wrath is far from over. They must come together to save their races, or risk becoming extinct.

 

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Vampires
Legend holds that it was the creation of the first Vampire that broke time. The making of a monster and immortal through both magical and scientific means. There are not many Vampires, mainly because it costs a great deal to make one, and few of even vampire kind know the secret. However, it is well-known that every Vampire has a ticking, clockwork heart. Where these mythical metal hearts come from, no one is certain. The birth of a Vampire is extremely risky for the maker. It involves draining a human to the point of death, and then the removal of their once mortal heart and replacing it with the clockwork organ giving power & immortality.
Vampires are unaging, not unkillable. The only known methods of killing a Vampire include beheading and removal of the heart. Some say it is best to burn the bodies, but this is unverified. Vampiric speed is incredible. Supernaturally strong, these monsters can lift, at record, several tons if necessary. It is said that a whisper on a busy night in a crowded square can reach the ears of a blood drinker. They do not naturally have fangs, like Beasts, but often adopt silver or gold caps for their canines to help with feeding.
Vampires are highly susceptible to the sun. The ways in which damage is taken is dependent on the age of the Vampire. Younger, freshly made Vampires (0-200) will instantly disintegrate under even a stray ray, or reflection of light. Vampires in their middle ages (201-500) will burn and crisp quickly under direct and indirect light, and need to seek shelter immediately. Aged, Elder Vampires that are over 500 years old will be able to slip under indirect light, but still find stings of pain on their skin. Many wear sun-blocking glasses as their eyes are sensitive, and don thick, tight-weaved clothing to protect themselves at all costs. Best to travel and converse in the cover of night.


Werebeasts
This mysterious race is the oldest immortal race in the known world, having been alive as far back as Ancient Egyptian times. Once, these immortals were gods among humankind, and lived in sync with the natural order. Thus, the long-burning hatred and war with the blood-drinkers, who froze the world in eternal twilight. For centuries Beasts were also known as 'Moon-Called' for lunar rays were said to enhance their desire to shift into their animal forms. They can become moon-crazed, and self-destruct. Madness was kept at bay with the use of 'collars', an accessory to help keep them bound to their human forms. With the return of the sun, these devices are no longer required, and beasts may transform at will.
They form very unique, strong matebonds with their destined lovers. Like the vampires, Beasts are immortal, and possess supernatural strength, speed, hearing and their scent-based tracking abilities are incredible.
In a one-to-one fight, because of age and experience, Beasts are more likely to win a battle, but the Beasts are one of the rarer species. They fight with natural fangs, and their beast forms. Most cannot half transform, despite popular lore.
Under this new world sun, Beasts find their skin to prickle as it tans easily. Their eyes, like Vampires, are sensitive to the brightness, and you will often find them wearing sun-blocking glasses. They do not fear the sunlight and many embrace it, as their ancestors of old once did.


Templars
The Templars, with science, have finally created something that can fight with the immortal gods. But are they strictly human? Fueled with righteous, holy glory, some of the Templars have elected for a...procedure, replacing approximately half of their human bodies with steam-powered machinery. Offensive weapons, & a steam-core, allow these clockwork Knights to survive in battles with Beasts and Vampires. Their mechanical enhancements give them superhuman strength, & endurance. They can take a blow from an immortal and keep firing.
They have neither the immortal hearing, nor smell, but most have eye enhancements that allow them inhuman sight. Flamethrowers & blunderbuss attachments are common. These half-man, half-machine Knights are not immortal...or are they? In a fair fight, these Knights can't hope to win against an immortal. But fights are rarely fair.
Mortals love their new glorious sun, and find any excuse they can to bathe in it. They will tan and burn easily, as their skin is naturally pale from centuries of darkness, but they have embraced it with vigour. ​

 

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New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
The Crescent City is a unique, boisterous, and mystical landscape along the Mississippi River. Though it does hold traditional and conservative values, it is considered one of the most liberal cities in the US when it comes to policies concerning Werebeasts and Vampires. Laws that once denied blood consumption have been overturned, and they allow for the consensual sharing of blood for strictly vampire consumption (and for mortal capital gain). Beasts are also welcomed to the Big Easy. Their undeniable strength and vigor make them ideal manual laborers all throughout the Mississippi Delta.

Currently : MIDNIGHT | Season : AUTUMN
Early autumn in Southeast Louisiana is similar to its summer. It’s in a sub-tropical climate and is prone to sudden rain storms, and constant humidity. The evenings can be cool, provided there is a breeze, but humidity never ceases. Every now and then, cool days come, but only follow heavy rainstorms. This time of year is also when sugarcane is being harvested in the country and being shipped to refineries all over the state, a number of which line the Mississippi River south of the city.

Spoiler: Common Locales

The Brass Canine
A popular jazz club for Vampires, Beasts, and mortals alike; located on Frenchman Street (iconic place for Jazz bars/lounges, and also in The Marginy). If a good time is what you desire, look no further. But be aware of the nightly brawls that tend to breakout after a few rounds of its famous “Bon Rêve” has been served. In the back, a private speakeasy for Beast kin only; a base of operations for Maeve Donovan.


Le Repaire de Velours (The Velvet Lair)
An establishment in Storyville owned and operated by one Madame Josephine “Fifi” de Lyons. Its fine selection of Werebeast courtesans are well versed in many languages, delectable pastimes, and etiquette suitable for their preferred clientele. It houses a number of both common (wolf, raven, owl, to name a few) and rare (swan, bear, lion, etc.) Beasts for the delight of their vast patronage. The first floor serves as a common area complete with spirits bar and stage for tasty burlesque performances that attract as many people as the main form of entertainment. The second and third house’s its occupants, the owner, and it’s guests (for the evening).


French Market
A market where food, goods, and conversation is traded and sold.


La Lune
Nestled in Marigny, the Vampires have settled themselves into the lifestyle of jazz and art. For the vampires who followed Cecile's lead, the social nightlife gives them some resemblance of their previous aristocratic style; while new members join, hoping to expand their own prosperity. La Lune became a cozy home while retaining a luxurious atmosphere in hopes of the vampires regaining their former glory.


Vieux Carré/French Quarter
The French Quarter is the historic heart of New Orleans, serving both as a neighborhood for the upperclass and as the central entertainment district. Several shops, restaurants, lounges, and music venues are amassed in this small district, but this close knit collection of buildings and people is what has helped the city to develop its distinctive and unique flavor. Places such as the Place d’Armes/Jackson Square, The French Market, St Louis Cathedral, and several popular nightlife locations can be found here.


Paradise
The Templar airship, Paradise; modeled for speed and smooth handling. She is a miniature warship and created in the likeness of her Leviathan mother, Eden. Sent to New Orleans from the armada in England, she is home to the traveling Blood Sisters and 84th Legion. On board her passengers can enjoy their own private suites, science lab, repair stations, common lounge and observation deck.

 

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Interested in joining? Click the Banner above for our Character Thread, where you'll find Available Roles and the Application.​

Spoiler: Cast of Characters

CECILE BELLEROSE

alias: Ember
race: Vampire
faction: Vampires
gender: Female
player: CosmicDusk

Esther Asturias

alias: Sherwood
race: Vampire
faction: Hers
gender: Female
player: nighteyes

Cassandra Caldecott

alias: Little Sparrow
race: Vampire
faction: Vampire
gender: Female
player: Leola_Asarai

Elijah Kaylock

alias: Tinkerer
race: Vampire
faction: Vampire
gender: Male
player: Kittenbells407

Virgil Bedeau

alias: Fantôme
race: Vampire
faction: His
gender: Male
player: Crazy Trey-n

Maeve Donovan

alias: Phoenix
race: Werebeast - Raven
faction: Werebeasts
gender: Female
player: AntarcticRomantic

Seiko Shimazaki

alias: Kirin
race: Werebeast - Kirin
faction: Werebeasts
gender: Male
player: Legalrehab

Kenna Mac Amery

alias: Incendiu
race: Werebeast -
faction: Werebeasts
gender: Female
player: Leola_Asarai

Harrison Van Doren

alias: Dutch
race: Werebeast - Coyote
faction: Werebeasts
gender: Male
player: Group PC

Jonah Lancaster

alias: Overseer
race: Human
faction: Templars - 84th Legion
gender: Male
player: CosmicDusk

René Troxler

alias: Ephemera
race: Human
faction: Templars - Engineer
gender: Male
player: AntarcticRomantic

Beau Desmarais

alias: Mathis
race: Human
faction: Templars - Persephone Project
gender: Male
player: Leola_Asarai

Olivia Baynes

alias: Raphael
race: Human
faction: Templars - Blood Sister
gender: Female
player: CosmicDusk

Dominick Durham

alias: Goliath
race: Human
faction: Templars - 84th Legion
gender: Male
player: Crazy Trey-n

SÉGOLÈNE GENDRON

alias: Jeanne D'Arc
race: Human
faction: Templars - Blood Sisters
gender: Female
player: nighteyes

 

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Paradise approached the Crescent City, ever onward. Legionnaires and Sisters prepped for their mission, The Key closer with every mile trekked over the skies; unbeknownst to residents of New Orleans.

Meanwhile, Maeve spilled a recounting of one Jack Fletcher-- of how he came to be the anomaly of an undead beast with a vampire’s heart. Those that would hear of this story would be unceremoniously entrusted to keep this knowledge close to their chests and were welcomed into the Pheonix’s inner circle. Little did Maeve realize that these select few would become her finest assailants under her new reign.

Two suns have passed, risen from the horizon to kiss the heavens then danced with the moon in its descent to darkness.

Paradise has landed in Kenner, the Templar Base situated in this district is small but ripe with secrecy. At least several hours from the city core, she arrived out of sight and out of mind in the early twilight. A storm follows her closely, tempest and warm.

On route to the French Quarter, the Overseer and Gabriel make their way to a standing reservation, while the rest of the Templars make their way to the Chapter Headquarters, not far behind. ​