Baten Kaitos

[Jak]

In this world, humanity lives on a series of island nations in the sky. These islands are the last livable remnants of a poisoned Earth that was devastated a thousand years ago in the War of The Gods. The residents of the sky however are prosperous, having been aided by various advantages, including Wings of the Heart- the manifestation of the human spirit in the form of usable wings-, Magic, and Machina- mechanical technology. Their way of life however is in danger as the ancient Gods power begin to return and threaten the world.
Malpercio. The Ancient God of Destruction who sought to conquer the world and bring it into an endless time of pain and suffering. Though he destroyed the other gods and caused massive chaos and destruction, he was defeated and sealed within five End Magnus by powerful mages called the Children of the Earth, but his spirit continues to haunt the lives of the people of the sky.
Our story begins with a rumbling from the forest on the continent of Sadal Suud
Continents and other locations

• Sadal Suud, The Ancient Land - One of the Five Great Nations known for its delicious apples and its quiet serenity. Compared to the other nations, it’s quite underdeveloped and this has led to it’s people often being looked down on by other nations, especially Alfard. Locations: Pherkad, the Ancient Capital- The capital city of Sadal Suud. Cebalrai, the Farming Hamlet- A small farming village. Nunki Valley, A serene forest with a river nestled within and the only route between Cebalrai and Pherkad. Moonguile Forest- Ancient and cursed forest.
  
  
• Anuenue, The Rainbow Nation - One of the Five Great Nations known for its School of magic, closeness to nature, the celestial Tree, its magical barrier which prevents attacks from the outside and its deadly Holoholo jungle. Its most striking characteristic is the rainbows which circle its peak. Locations: Anuenue Port, where ships dock when arriving at Anuenue. Komo Mai, City of Flowers- The capital city of Anuenue and home to the School of Magic.  Opu, the Waterfall Village- Home to the world famous waterwheel. Ancient Library of Magic, an old forgotten library said to house great power and vast history. The Celestial Tree, ancient tree older than anyone can remember, the biggest tree in the world and also a conscious being. Its flowers bloom once every 20 years. Every part of the tree has medicinal and magical abilities. Holoholo Jungle, dangerous yet beautiful jungle.
  
  
• Diadem, The Land of Clouds - One of the Five Great Nations known for its courageous knights and proud leader as well as its pink clouds. One of the notable things about Diadem is it's citizen's superstitious nature and dislike towards foreigners, particularly those from Alfard. These most likely tie in together, as a few of Diadem's strange superstitions involve people from the other lands, such as allowing someone from outside Diadem on a fisherman’s boat heralding a bad catch. What is interesting about these superstitions though, most having their origins in the village of Nashira, is that they seem to be for good reason, as both times someone has gone against them it has been immediately followed by the country's near invasion. Locations: Sheliak, the Castle Town and Capital of Diadem. Nashira, the Fishing Village and source of lively hood for the nation, full of fishermen and woman. Shrine of the Winds/The Cloudvents. Cloud Passage, Path linking Nashira to Sheliak. Lesser Celestial River, which provides most of the fish for life in Diadem.
  
  
• Alfard, The Empire of the Flame - One of the Five Great Nations known for its advanced technology known as Machina, it’s golden buildings, proud citizenry and democratic rule by emperorship. Locations: Azha Village- The source of the Flame Ice (cooling material) used to run the empire, a poor village that survives by communal living. Nihal Desert, this vast and treacherous desert stretches from the edge of the empire right to Azha village and all the surrounding area. Filled with sands storms and blistering heat, only a fool would venture there unaided. Mintaka, the Imperial Capital. Greater Mintaka/Imperial Fortress, the former Alfard capital city has been converted to a massive fortress. The people of Alfard are discouraged to dream, which has lead these people to lose their Wings of the Heart and made the use of Winglets a necessity.
  
  
• Mira - One of the Five Great Nations. Mira is known for its constant fluctuation between this dimension and the next. This gives Mira its mysterious glow and the feeling of impermanence where things appear and disappear at will. The island can only be accessed from our dimension through the Trail of Souls. Parnasse, the Confectionary Village literally made of candies and desserts. Reverence, the Picture Book Village filled with strange machines and an eerie 2D book like constructs. Balancoire, Borough of Illusion and the main town. Nekton, Shrine of Spirits. A forest said to be close to the world of Guardian Spirits. Detourne, the Mystical Garden is a labyrinth like maze filled with tricks that dazzle the eyes and numb the mind.
  
  
• Trail of Souls - The Trail of Souls is the "bridge" between Mira and the rest of the world. When traveling through the Trail of Souls one must be very careful, for if they gets out of it, he or she could be stuck in another dimension forever
  
• The Taintclouds - Dark, corrupting clouds that cover the barren earth below the floating continents
  

Terms, Creatures, and Technologies

• Wings of the Heart - Those who live on the floating islands have learned to project wings from their backs. Because the wings are projections of the soul, their appearance varies from person to person. Wings seem to be both physical and spiritual entities, since they are strong enough in some cases to allow flight and can be gripped, yet do not tear clothing when they are brought in or out and are generally treated as part of the soul as opposed to the physical anatomy. It is shown that the wings can be forcefully torn out of the body, an excruciatingly painful and inhumane process that leaves the victim bedridden and too weak to walk. It is implied that death will follow, if the rare plant Heartenbrace is not consumed.
  
• Winglets - An artificial wing created by the Alfard empire. It is composed of Machina as a replacement for Wings of the Heart, which have been discarded by the empire. There are different kinds of winglets, some worn on the back and others on the feet, and an added advantage is its self propulsion system which gives them greater speed and endurance than Wings of the Heart.
  
• End Magnus - The End Magnus are five powerful cards that are thought to be legend. The legend states there is one End Magnus sealed within each of the five great nations. The five End Magnus are Ar, Le, Bo, He and Che. Each is also protected by one of the Guardians, creatures that test the worthiness of those that dare attempt to remove the End Magnus from their resting places. These five End Magnus all represent a component of the God of Destruction's body.
  
• War of the Gods - Before becoming the god of destruction, Malpercio was the result of The Children of the Earth combining five gods together to fight of a god that has long since been forgotten. Malpercio killed the nameless god, but was unstable and corrupted. The war between The Children of the Earth and Malpercio tainted most of the land, so in order to preserve mankind The Children of the Earth sent the last of the untainted earth into the sky. After sealing Malpercio in five cards called The End Magnus The Children of the Earth stayed on the tainted land to attempt to cleanse it.
  
• Magic - Magic is a force learned by mankind from before the time of the gods. Sometime after the downfall of Malpercio. Magic became less potent and less used by the hands of mankind as technology and farming become the ways of life. The elements are: Fire, Water/Ice, Holy/Light, Dark(not concidered bad or evil, just an element), Lightning, and Wind.
  
• Machina - Akin to real world Machines but in a much more advanced state. It also appears to have a techno organic nature as in its use in Pro-Machination. It can convert organics into highly advanced Machines. Example of a machina ship: The Goldoba of the Alfard Armada
  
  
• Pro-Machination - was a technology that was capable of transforming anything, including entire continents, into wholly Machina based components in a relatively short time-span. This highly advanced process was result of the troubled scientist named Baelhiet's tireless efforts when he gained help from his Guardian Spirit Daimon on the advanced secrets of machina. He wanted to turn everything into Machina, but was stopped by the legendary hero, Sagi
  
• Spiriters - Fortunate beings who have the power to hear, talk to and play host to by forming a soul link to a spirit from another world called a Guardian Spirit. Some say the spirits speak great words of destiny to their hosts. Spiriters are unheard of outside of Mira. This is because, to form a link to a spirit one must venture to Nekton in Mira
  
• Guardian Spirits - beings that watch over and aid those destined to be Spiriters. They can aid a Spiriter in battle by taking form of a weapon. The weapon they form can be just as symbolic of the Spiriter's soul as their Wings
  
• Mindeer - Large sky fish that are usually attached to a carriage and used as transportation between islands. Example:
  
  
• Aquar - Another large sky fish used as transportation. It is lead with bait(a large shrimp-like creature called Rius) on the end of a beam. Example: The Diadem Express Liner
  
  

Notes

• The people of Alfard are very snobbish and prudent. Anyone not from Alfard are viewed as undereducated and utterly disgusting. It is rare to find a kind person from Alfard
  
• The people of Diadem are suspicious of foreigners, but they are by no means rude or unkind. Just don't ask for a ride in one of their boats
  
• Sadal Suud is a quiet island, and as such it's people are quiet. Though, it isn't uncommon for people from Sadal Suud to move to different islands in search of excitement
  
• Anuenue's people are very happy. They take joy in learning, teaching, working, and playing. In Anuenue, there is no job more sacred than caring for the Celestial Tree. This job is held by two families - Ralbi and Vogir. The Ralbi family, eternal caretakers of The Tree, was wiped out years ago when Alfard and Anuenue were at war. Alfard soldiers managed to infiltrate the island's barrier and tried to take resources from The Tree. The Ralbi family tried to stop the over harvesting and was killed in the resulting fight. The Vogir family, Protectors of The Tree, have denied any who are not native to Anuenue to venture to The Tree, for fear of another attack.
  
• Because of the island's unique nature Mira has been labeled as 'The Isle of No Return'. The people of Mira never leave, and no one ever visits Mira - without first embracing death. The people of Mira are kind and happy, they welcome travelers and are more than happy to accommodate them. It should be noted that people from Mira that successfully leave and make it to the other nations are either treated with intrigue or called blatant liars
  
• Most islands don't have guns, the only island with them being Alfard. Diadem sailors usually use their trusty paddles, Anuenue's few fighters usually use broad swords and rapiers, Sadal Suud's people usually have a bow or slingshot, and Mira's people use whatever they can get their hands on
  
• Wings of the Heart are not strong enough to carry people from island to island, they instead rely on ships and sky fish
  

Rules

• The Usual
  
• If you're unsure of something pm me
  
• Please keep in mind the lore, technological level, and lifestyle of the island you choose whilst making a character
  

Character Page

[Jak]

Lier knelt down to look at the tracks on the forest floor. The scent was different, for some reason it made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. Something strange was happening, and spreading fast.

He had been wandering the forest for seven days now and had yet to find what he was looking for. His feet were caked with mud and dirt, his face bore a few scratches, and his clothes had definitely seen better days. But, Lier was determined to find the scent that disturbed the forest animals.

[Rifter]

Zaerath groaned as he looked up at the tall, foreboding trees that stood on the edge of the Moonguile Forest, Why did I agree to search for...what was his name? Lier? He thought to himself.

Because you know that it is right? A voice sounded from a little ways behind him, making him jump slightly; his Guardian Therasa.

"Yeah, alright." He said softly as he crossed his arms.

Sighing, he let his arms drop to his sides, "Let's go." He started to walk into the forest.

[Jak]

Lier stopped by a river to wash his face and clean off any blood that would attract carnivores. A while later he caught a new scent.

Could this be the scent he was after?

[Rifter]

Zaerath moved carefully over the protruding roots of the trees as he tried to follow the extremely faint path he thought he saw. At this point he was kind of envious of Therasa being a spirit and being able to 'fly' whenever he wanted. His own wings tended to make him tired very easily as he was really out of shape with them.

His eyes darted back and forth, carefully scanning his surroundings for any sign of a person. He decided to give calling a try, "Lier Kalas?" He called, confident that he could take on anything that was attracted to his voice. His hand moved reflexively, ready to call his Guardian to weapon form.

[Jak]

Lier fell from a tree mere inches away from the newcomer. As he got up from his crouched position he approached and sniffed their head. Not the disturbing scent. He sighed in defeat and asked "who calls?"

[Rifter]

Zaerath stumbled backwards after getting sniffed and tripped over a root. Groaning, he picked himself up and dusted himself off, the thought of He sniffed me! roaring through his mind, "The old man back in the village sent me to find you, Lier. He was getting concerned for you."

[Jak]

Lier stared at the newcomer. Then promptly turned around and walked away, saying "no"

[Rifter]

Zaerath just watched Lier's back recede slack jawed, "Why not?"

[Jak]

"Bad smell" Lier replied as if he knew it wouldn't make sense, but didn't care. He was aware of his... unique sense of smell, but he was tired of explaining this and exhausted from his non-stop search for the godawful smell that chilled his very bones.

[Rifter]

Zaerath's mouth remained open as he slowly shook his head, trying to make sense of what Lier had just said. Finally, Therasa shook him out of it and he jogged to catch up with Lier. He remembered the old man's words, He's stubborn. If he won't come back, try to help him.

"Well, if you're looking for something, maybe I can help?"

[Jak]

Lier finally stopped. He looked over his shoulder and asked "how?"

[Rifter]

Zaerath himself stopped and thought about it, "Not sure, but I won't get in your way."

[Jak]

Lier started walking again and asked "fighting skill?"

[Rifter]

"Used to fighting daily." More or less...

[Jak]

Lier swiftly picked up a rock and tossed it at some bushes, scaring away some Rock Cats. "That so?"

[Rifter]

Zaerath sighed, "Miran street urchin. Damn bots..." He muttered the last part.

[Jak]

"Mira..."Lier echoed as he stood at the edge of a spring

[Rifter]

Zaerath gazed out along the spring, "Wasn't expecting a place like this to be out here."

[Jak]

Lier fell to his hands and knees, breathing heavily. He started gagging like he was about to vomit. Th-this smell...! There are no words to describe it!

[Rifter]

Zaerath fell to Lier's side, "Lier?! Are you okay?" He held Lier's shoulder. He could feel Therasa shudder and hiss, Something is...here....

[Jak]

Lier threw up on the ground right in front of him. A voice from the water groaned "that's... nasty... Oh, right!"

"I am The Guardian in the Water... You who would dare face me... come forth!"

[Rifter]

"The hell? He looked up across the water, "Today really isn't my day..."

[Jak]

Lier got to his feet, readied his katana, and attacked. Though the water was only ankle deep The Guardian appeared as though half his body were submerged. Lier's wings appeared in a cloud of soot as he leapt into the air and used his wings to gain height. Lier dodged teeth and blue fire, ducked under it's jaw and pierced it's mouth shut.

[Rifter]

"Good gods." Zaerath muttered as he summoned Therasa to hand as his weapon, making a movement like drawing a bowstring, an ethereal arrow appeared in it's proper place, he aimed directly for the Guardian's right eye. Letting the wind arrow loose, the Guardian let out a muffled roar through it's closed mouth. Unfortunately, the arrow only pierced deep enough to give it pain, not enough to deal a finishing blow.

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