Village of Delphi
Delphi Village: Twilight D’Sci
When one thinks of Delphi Village they are immediately come to the mental image of a small beautiful village. And one would be right. Only a half a day’s ride from the Capital City Drakenhardt, the village of Delphi is perhaps one of the most warm and inviting places in all of the Empire.
The Delphi river cuts the village directly in half, travelling down south, eventually leading into Lake Impathica. While the village is slightly larger in comparison to other villages, it is still a village none the less. The people of Delphi Village are a kind and warm bunch, welcoming any and most into their borders.
Delphi Village was founded during the original founding of Meztrailov, then known as Twilight D’Sci. The village was founded on the permission of ancient and strong King Jeremiah the Bold, by a man known as Grenth Delphi, a merchant, and ancestor of the Delphi line. Grenth Delphi’s vision of the village has not much changed since its founding. His ideas were to build a place where despite being loyal to the nation, and a willing subject to King Jeremiah’s rule, it was a village where the innocent and gentle could find refuge and comfort. Over the years, the village’s appearance and gentle demeanor had yet to change. Through the years, Delphi Village had been ruled over in terms of nobility by the Delphi bloodline, Grenth eventually passing the torch to his daughter Isabella, who in turned passed the torch to her son, Daniel Delphi, and who finally passed the torch to his own son, Adamiel Delphi. Though, tragedy would eventually strike the Delphi bloodline.
It was around the time of King William Softhaven’s rule that the Delphi line struck tragedy. King William Softhaven was the last King to hold the throne before the Bereou line. It was during King William Softhaven’s rule that Delphi took a turn for the worst. Adamiel Delphi had been bred with the inherent virtues of his family, taught that honest, purity, virtue, kindness, these were the currency of life, that it was honor and integrity that drove the people of the Kingdom. However, King Softhaven had different ideals. King Softhaven was a corrupt and cruel King. Imposing taxes upon his people to the point of near bankruptcy, constant taxes of the various religious organizations, and complete and utter disregard for the common welfare of his citizens were the platforms of his oppression. Slavery was one of the most beneficial financial arrangements made with other nations. Delphi, being a source of good hard labor, and honest living, suffered the most from King William Softhaven.
Delphi Village became a haven for the people of Twighlight D’Sci, where kindness and warmth radiated. Because of the horrors inflicted on the other parts of Meztrailov, and the hope that was born of their plight, the never ending depths of the kindness born in this time, created a natural residual energy of positive feeling. And it was in Delphi in which the rebellion against King William Softhaven would begin.
Moved by the generosity and strength of his charges, Adamiel Delphi drew forth his father’s axe, an ancient blade gifted him by the Elves of Impathica as a token of good trade and faith. He set forth to go and speak with King William Softhaven. The noble Count Delphi made forth in his honor’s name, for the straw that broke the metaphorical camel’s back was that of the demands and orders that came forth from King William Softhaven. The Message, still historically displayed as the origins of the rebellion against the corrupted King, read as follows:
“My Dearest of Friends, Adamiel Delphi,
Since my internment as King, and my rule, we have prospered ever so much more. And it was through you that I was also able to build. But let us not forget that during the times of strife, I was there for the people of Delphi, just as I was there for the other people of this beautiful Kingdom. So it is bearing this in mind that I ask you now, to submit your youngest female relative, as well as the youngest females of the village to the Slave Market Collector’s that will be coming within the next three days.
I know you will comply.
Your friend and Majesty,
King William Softhaven”
It is only a half a day’s ride from Delphi to Drakenhardt. Adamiel walked so that he could steel himself. It dawned on him halfway to the capital city Drakenhardt, that he was going to die. But somehow, he found comfort, that perhaps his death would start a revolution. And it was with that thought in mind that Adamiel Delphi of the Delphi bloodline marched ever forward to the capital. When he arrived in the capital, he was escorted by the Knights, known then as the Blackened Blades of Twighlight D’Sci. Once in the capital, The King plied Adamiel with attempts at seduction through wine and women, even his own daughter, the Princess of the Kingdom. But Adamiel would have none it, politely declining, but always keeping an eye on himself. The King, growing agitated with the constant refusals of his attempts to be kind, demanded that Count Delphi give him his owed tax. Adamiel refused. This only sent the King into a rage. Being denied was not something that he was accustomed too.
The horror and desecration that followed was unheard of until that moment. When the Blackened Blades returned Adamiel to Delphi, it was on public display. His bones had been snapped, his spine jutting from skin, and his face carved and ruined. His frame had been desecrated. It was then announced that a new noble would take command of Delphi.
And this began the Dark Times for Delphi in particular.
While the Kingdom suffered even further, rape and drugs running rampant, and honest farmers starving and suffering while the corrupt nobility plied the Emperor with his taxes, and his demands, Delphi suffered greatly. Despite the fact that the village maintained its air of pure, honest energy, it is also a known fact that some people are only warped further by the horrid ambitions of their own sins. And the new Count of Delphi, Count Samuel Westren, a human, was the one kept in charge of the village. His depravities in human slavery, and constant abuse of his people made him cruel.
That was until he met someone who seemed much crueler than himself. A wandering stranger came through the Kingdom of Twilight D’Sci, who went by the name of Malice. He offered no last name, and no history. But he seemed to be crueler than any that Samuel had ever met or seen, including the King himself! He tried to recruit the man into his personal guard, but Malice refused, instead, taking on the role of a simple assassin. He killed citizens that Samuel paid him to kill, and tortured who needed to be tortured. But what Samuel did not know, was that Malice was not killing these individuals. The people of Delphi had called for a hero and a savior, and they received one in Malice. Through his constant rendezvous with the rebellion that had formed, Malice had coordinated a single effort. The goal would be to unseat the King, and give the people their country back, and restore it to its former glory.
So after a year of planning, and working his way within the ranks, Malice finally made his move. In a solitary display, after killing “traitors” to the crown who had tried to assassinate King William Softhaven, the wanderer had been named First Knight, after he single handedly proved that he was far superior than the former First Knight. And it was on the day after, that with a contingent of Blackened Blades, he returned to Delphi. At his order, Count Samuel Westren was brought out before the people, bound and tied, and before his execution…he was witness to one thing: Malice’s insurrection. In moments, the Blackened Blades were turned upon by the men and women of Delphi as one. A signal, a fire that burned half the village was sent out as a signal through the nation. Delphi Village would liberate itself. It was in those moments, that King William Softhaven was ended. For as the bloody massacre and rebellion of Meztrailov began in Delphi, it would end in Delphi, and the stranger Malice would ride for the capital, stealing only the best Mount from his contingent of corrupt Knights. As Malice raced to Drakenhardt, the village of Delphi turned upon Samuel. His final moments, some say, were that of the people, literally ripping shreds of him as he was subjected to a slow and agonizing death likes the which of those he inflicted on the people of Delphi.
Delphi: The Reformation
The Refomation of Delphi was something that was greatly welcomed. Malice, who finally revealed his last name to be Bereou, was named King of Twilight D’Sci. But the name did not remain. With the reformation of the nation, the Kingdom was changed to Meztrailov, and Delphi adopted the name the Village of Delphi, located in Kingdom of Meztrailov.
With the reign of Malice as a welcomed change, the general overall positive energy of Delphi rekindled itself. It wasn’t but two years after Malice’s ascendance to the throne, that Delphi was appointed a new Noble to safeguard them. It was at this time that Delphi Village was protected by the Oracle. The Oracle was the last of her kind, safeguarded by an ancient council, known only as the Polaris Council. Ever protected, the Oracle was assigned one individual, a child everyone would eventually come to respect, known as Lucas Deialaan, the son of the Royal Family’s first Personal Guard. Under the Oracle’s supervision, a temple was built in Delphi, to not only honor their lost loved ones, but their various faiths as well. As the King himself was a dominant Judeo-Christian, the nation itself was predominantly Christian, but within Delphi, religion was open and welcome to all. The temple was a simple thing, with a main altar room and only a few entrances and exits. It was always under the constant watch of the then nine year old Lucas Deialaan, who became a well known figure in Delphi.
Over the next few years, Delphi would come under constant threat, but always be protected, growing in its exports, which were always of the finest quality of silks. And while Delphi became a prosperous village, there were times when the village was forced to be rebuilt. It was a crucial victory point in the Djinn-Polaris War, and a key point in the Lucent War to reclaim Meztrailov, after the Djinn, in mocking fashion, overtook Meztrailov in much the same way that Malice himself did. However, Delphi was once again freed, and rebuilt.
Delphi Village: The Exodus and Refounding
The Exodus from the old worlds, where Meztrailov and her people were once known far and wide, to the new world of Athuras, has brought interesting change, with some sadness. The Exodus marked not only the rebuilding of Delphi, but also the death of King Malice himself. His heir to the throne, Elric, was quick to take over his father’s mantle, and at the young age of Five Years old.
The new lands in which the Kingdom of Meztrailov was rebuilt, has since changed and been developed for Delphi’s refounding. Still considered a village due to its name sake, Delphi Village has expanded in size, though not all that much in comparison. After some careful engineering, generously donated by the Dwarves of Rosemerrow and the Elves of Impathica, the village of Delphi maintains the Delphi River, which still flows south to Lake Impathica. The Village’s Temple of Delphi has taken on a new Master since the Exodus, none other than the new Master Cleric himself, Lucas Deialaan, priest of Chaos, and a friend to all. While the Village of Delphi has since known two new nobility, the people still react to the kind words and powerful presence that Lucas Deialaan commands. Following the traditions of the Delphi Bloodline, Lucas Deialaan maintains the acts of kindness, ensuring that not a citizen of Delphi is harassed by the Inquisition, or a citizen goes starving. The constant pool of pure positive energy continues to strive and keep the people going, to this day. Their silks are still of the finest made in all of the Empire of Meztrailov.
Delphi Village Statistics:
· Population: Approximately 2,000 citizens
o General Mix of many different races
· Native Flower: Cherry Blossom Rose: A strange rose indigenous to Athuras, this rose is said to promote positive healing energies, and promote strong sexual vigor
· Native Species: Silver Wolves: A silver wolf is a forest dwelling wolf that occasional leaves the forest to prowl the open plains
· Dominant Race: Human
· Minority Race: Dwarven
· Dominant Religion: None
· Native Tree: Ironwood Trees
· Common Language: Common (Human tongue)
· Birth Date: Medium
· Death Rate: Low
Delphi Village: Notable Locations
The Temple of Delphi: The Temple of Delphi is one of the most famous structures in the Empire, being recognized as an Imperial Landmark. The Temple stands only three stories tall. It is structure is made of sand black and white stones, with two large wooden doors with steel sphere rungs for opening it. Its backyard is a graveyard for the residents to be buried and passed on. Little is truly known about their purpose since the council of extinction of the last Oracle, but it is rumored that the Temple Maidens are trained by the Warrior Priests of the varying Religions of Meztrailov, to be able to defend and protect the temple and its ancient tomes and artifacts. Several Temple Maidens are known to reside within the Cleric Academe. The Master Bedroom is where the current Master Cleric resides. There is a small religious library that contains ancient artifacts that are studied, cleansed, and recorded into archives for later clerics to learn and research. The Temple has been sanctified by so many holy rites, that it is said that a creature of pure corrupt whose intent was so horrific and malicious who would dare set foot on the temple grounds would immediately explode back to nothing but the tiniest of fragments of their essences. It has been known to be a haven for those looking for advice when no other would be able to offer it. If one is travelling through Delphi, one should stop to take a look at this beautiful temple.
The Lazy Eye Inne: The Lazy Eye Inne was named after a drunken mishap with one of the former Master of Divination Magicks, in which she was so drunk that she claimed her Magickal Mind’s Eye was acting Lazy! To this day, the name has stuck and is a local favorite among the natives of Delphi Village. It offers a wide variety of food and drinks imported from Impathica. Its most popular dish is eggs, served on top of a sliced sirloin steak, dipped in garlic butter and served with a side of mashed potatoes and boiled vegetables. To ease that food to a comfortable digestion state, drink back a fine Elven wine.
The River of Delphi: The River of Delphi is the staple of Delphi. What makes it such a staple is that somehow, it has always been formed geologically that it literally bisects the Village of Delphi. The village of Delphi’s natural positive aura somehow has kept the water to a point where it tastes as though it was from the stream of the Gods themselves. This beautiful lake is surrounded by beautiful green grass, and is the source of the town’s water supply. Rare is it when a draught occurs, yet somehow, even during a draught there seems to be enough water in this river. It leads south, to the Lake Impathica, and the Lake of Impathica is housed by the Ashwood Forest.
Ashwood Forest: The Ashwood Forest is aptly named due to the high volume of Ashwood Trees that cover the forest. Deep roots sink and anchor to the earth of this forest and its inhabitants. Mostly home to Elves, and the Faerie of the Seelie Court. Natural roses used in healing and sexual rituals, known as the Cherry Blossom Rose are found here as well. Ashood Forest extends as far as Impathica and has only one main road that cuts through to go through to Impathica City. Silver Wolves are also found. It is said that on the night of the full moon, the Silver Wolves will howl in chorus, and it is as though that mother Gaia herself is speaking through them. Ashood Forest is densely populated, and usually provides cool temperatures due to the thick leaves that cover the tree tops. In the winter, when the trees are barren, because of the mass amount of branches from the trees, the winter winds are kept at moderate strength. Ashood Forest, while a beautiful area, and safely traversed, should still not be travelled by the unfamiliar.
Noble’s Manor: The Noble’s manor is the home of the residing Count or Countess when they are chosen by the Emperor. During the days of King Malice, Delphi was led by the Oracle. Since those days however, and his son’s rule, only those with the heart and strength and the welfare of the people of Delphi are fit to act as their Count or Countess, and it is a deep privilege. The Noble’s Manor is an elegant three story manor, with sixteen rooms, four wash rooms, two entrances, and a square acre of open space in the backyard. It has always been maintained by a detachment of Guards of the Watch, usually five to ten patrol the grounds at night to ensure the safety of the manor. The style of the interior is usually left up to the residing noble. Feel free to seek out the noble of Delphi at any time to gain answers to any questions you may have!
Notable Counts/Countesses:
· Count Grenth Delphi: Founder of Delphi, First Count of Delphi.
· Countess Isabella Delphi: Countess of Delphi, Daughter of Grenth Delphi.
· Daniel Delphi: Count of Delphi, Son of Isabella Delphi, Grandson of Grenth Delphi.
· Adamiel Delphi: Count of Delphi, Son of Daniel Delphi, Great Grandson of Grenth Delphi, last of the Delphi Bloodline, Last Delphi to rule Delphi Village.
Delphi Village: Notable Figures in Delphi Village
Lucas Deialaan, Master Cleric of Meztrailov: Lucas Deialaan is the current Master Cleric of Meztrailov, and one of few survivors of the Exodus of Meztrailov, and still be count among the Emperor’s peers at the age of 16 years old. Young, wise, and well versed in the traumas the people of Meztrailov has seen, and the loss of the last Oracle to extinction, Lucas took on the role of Master Cleric as a penance to himself. Serving as Priest of Chaos, a religion that recently sprung up in Meztrailov before King Malice’s sacrifice and the Exodus of Meztrailov, the Master Cleric was able to unite the religions when the Inquisition’s authority began to put the people of Meztrailov at risk. Before the Exodus, Lucas was able to quell the Priest-Inquisition Battle of Drakenhardt before it escalated into full on civil war. Currently, Lucas Deialaan still serving as the current Master Cleric, Lucas is a loved favorite of the village, and treated as though he himself were the current Count. While he himself doesn’t feel that way, he preaches that despite chaos being the representation of disorder and horror, its also the representation of kindness and sincerity, and has pointed out multiple times to those who would listen that its only in Meztrailov’s Darkest times does Chaos truly present its darker virtues, and only then does it rear its head, to begin a rebalancing of things to the natural order. Lucas had spent his days waking up early in the morning, and going door to door from citizen to citizen, and to the Noble’s Manor, when one resides there, to see if they require any chores or aid for the day. Lucas has always made sure that the people come first, and will not be satisfied until the people of Delphi are protected. He has somehow successfully managed to keep the Royal Inquisition from gaining a single foothold in Delphi. Still, to this day, Master Cleric Deialaan offers guidance to any who seek it to the best of his ability.
“Faith is a river that bends two ways. Its gentle, when we first accept it, and that’s the easy part. But its when the river turns rocky and dangerous, unclear and violent, that we are tested, and it’s the truly faithful that maintain their courage and strength.”—Lucas Deialaan, Master Cleric of Meztrailov.
Status: Active
Darus Hendrove, Battle Master of the Warrior Priest sect of Chaos: Although little is known about the High priest, one thing is very certain about him: If the Master Cleric were to command the absolute eradication of those that would break the Void’s commandments in the name of religious dogma, the man would. An honest, virtuous, if not chaotic man himself, he is always seen, with his order, patrolling the streets of Delphi Village, aiding the guard in maintaining a protective watch over the citizens. Following Lucas’s example, he goes door to door throughout the day to ensure people are well taken care. When the Priest-Inquisition Battle of Drakenhardt erupted, it was his hand that struck the blow, his own brother in faith being the first casualty of the day. Since then, Darus has protected Delphi and upheld the dogma. As a Warrior Priest his duty is to hunt the renegade heretics to the faith, and to defend the people of his religion, as well as the people of the nation. He is to be an example of Chaos in faith and in battle, and to show the enemy no mercy and no respite.
“Why should I show you mercy? Would you have any for me? No? I was hoping you’d say that.”—Battle Master Darus Hendren of Warrior Priest Sect of the Order of Chaos
Status: Active
The Oracle: Before the Exodus, before the sacrifice of King Malice and the absolute purge of the Meztrailov Lands in their former world, there was a time when Fate guided the people of Delphi and the Fates used their instrument, the Oracle. A mystery and enigma, the Oracle was close to only a select few. Her name was unknown to many, her passed tied closely to the Djinn enemy, Lucent. Protected by Lucas Deialaan, jealously so, the Oracle ruled Delphi with a fair hand and ethical efficiency. However, before the exodus, Fates took a turn for the worst. The power governing the Oracle consumed her, to the point of driving her mad. Agents representing the Fates arrived, and put an end to final Oracle the world would know.
Status: Deceased
Circe Ramirez Michols, Former Countess of a Foreign Land, current Resident of Delphi: Circe Ramirez, while not a veteran of the Empire of Meztrailov, has more than earned her growing popularity in the Empire. Dedicated to the protection of the people and King Malice during the Arch Demon’s Invasion, Circe Ramirez showed herself a true Meztrailovian, and defended her new home. After exile from another land, with no reason to trust any, she has valiantly demonstrated her abilities to the former King, and to the current Emperor, Elric Bereou. Most recently, Circe is known to have delved deep into the fires of Hell with Elric and a brave party of Heroes who will forever be honored in the Hall of Heroes for their valiant bravery and noble sacrifice.
[[PLEASE NOTE: Characters of significance will be placed here down the road. All it takes is genuine acts of good or ill intent, and your character could gain glory or shame! This game is meant to be interactive so please feel free to interact and do not take what it written here as some kind of insult to you, the player!]]
Delphi Village: Random Trivia!
1. Delphi Village was originally founded by a retired soldier from a Uniforication War. Grenth Delphi was a Goat Farmer when he founded Delphi Village.
2. The River of Delphi has rumored to have been touched by the Gods as a token of Good faith to the Empire.
3. Despite the genuine good nature of the people of Delphi, they have an absolute fear of Psychics.
[More trivia to come!]
When one thinks of Delphi Village they are immediately come to the mental image of a small beautiful village. And one would be right. Only a half a day’s ride from the Capital City Drakenhardt, the village of Delphi is perhaps one of the most warm and inviting places in all of the Empire.
The Delphi river cuts the village directly in half, travelling down south, eventually leading into Lake Impathica. While the village is slightly larger in comparison to other villages, it is still a village none the less. The people of Delphi Village are a kind and warm bunch, welcoming any and most into their borders.
Delphi Village was founded during the original founding of Meztrailov, then known as Twilight D’Sci. The village was founded on the permission of ancient and strong King Jeremiah the Bold, by a man known as Grenth Delphi, a merchant, and ancestor of the Delphi line. Grenth Delphi’s vision of the village has not much changed since its founding. His ideas were to build a place where despite being loyal to the nation, and a willing subject to King Jeremiah’s rule, it was a village where the innocent and gentle could find refuge and comfort. Over the years, the village’s appearance and gentle demeanor had yet to change. Through the years, Delphi Village had been ruled over in terms of nobility by the Delphi bloodline, Grenth eventually passing the torch to his daughter Isabella, who in turned passed the torch to her son, Daniel Delphi, and who finally passed the torch to his own son, Adamiel Delphi. Though, tragedy would eventually strike the Delphi bloodline.
It was around the time of King William Softhaven’s rule that the Delphi line struck tragedy. King William Softhaven was the last King to hold the throne before the Bereou line. It was during King William Softhaven’s rule that Delphi took a turn for the worst. Adamiel Delphi had been bred with the inherent virtues of his family, taught that honest, purity, virtue, kindness, these were the currency of life, that it was honor and integrity that drove the people of the Kingdom. However, King Softhaven had different ideals. King Softhaven was a corrupt and cruel King. Imposing taxes upon his people to the point of near bankruptcy, constant taxes of the various religious organizations, and complete and utter disregard for the common welfare of his citizens were the platforms of his oppression. Slavery was one of the most beneficial financial arrangements made with other nations. Delphi, being a source of good hard labor, and honest living, suffered the most from King William Softhaven.
Delphi Village became a haven for the people of Twighlight D’Sci, where kindness and warmth radiated. Because of the horrors inflicted on the other parts of Meztrailov, and the hope that was born of their plight, the never ending depths of the kindness born in this time, created a natural residual energy of positive feeling. And it was in Delphi in which the rebellion against King William Softhaven would begin.
Moved by the generosity and strength of his charges, Adamiel Delphi drew forth his father’s axe, an ancient blade gifted him by the Elves of Impathica as a token of good trade and faith. He set forth to go and speak with King William Softhaven. The noble Count Delphi made forth in his honor’s name, for the straw that broke the metaphorical camel’s back was that of the demands and orders that came forth from King William Softhaven. The Message, still historically displayed as the origins of the rebellion against the corrupted King, read as follows:
“My Dearest of Friends, Adamiel Delphi,
Since my internment as King, and my rule, we have prospered ever so much more. And it was through you that I was also able to build. But let us not forget that during the times of strife, I was there for the people of Delphi, just as I was there for the other people of this beautiful Kingdom. So it is bearing this in mind that I ask you now, to submit your youngest female relative, as well as the youngest females of the village to the Slave Market Collector’s that will be coming within the next three days.
I know you will comply.
Your friend and Majesty,
King William Softhaven”
It is only a half a day’s ride from Delphi to Drakenhardt. Adamiel walked so that he could steel himself. It dawned on him halfway to the capital city Drakenhardt, that he was going to die. But somehow, he found comfort, that perhaps his death would start a revolution. And it was with that thought in mind that Adamiel Delphi of the Delphi bloodline marched ever forward to the capital. When he arrived in the capital, he was escorted by the Knights, known then as the Blackened Blades of Twighlight D’Sci. Once in the capital, The King plied Adamiel with attempts at seduction through wine and women, even his own daughter, the Princess of the Kingdom. But Adamiel would have none it, politely declining, but always keeping an eye on himself. The King, growing agitated with the constant refusals of his attempts to be kind, demanded that Count Delphi give him his owed tax. Adamiel refused. This only sent the King into a rage. Being denied was not something that he was accustomed too.
The horror and desecration that followed was unheard of until that moment. When the Blackened Blades returned Adamiel to Delphi, it was on public display. His bones had been snapped, his spine jutting from skin, and his face carved and ruined. His frame had been desecrated. It was then announced that a new noble would take command of Delphi.
And this began the Dark Times for Delphi in particular.
While the Kingdom suffered even further, rape and drugs running rampant, and honest farmers starving and suffering while the corrupt nobility plied the Emperor with his taxes, and his demands, Delphi suffered greatly. Despite the fact that the village maintained its air of pure, honest energy, it is also a known fact that some people are only warped further by the horrid ambitions of their own sins. And the new Count of Delphi, Count Samuel Westren, a human, was the one kept in charge of the village. His depravities in human slavery, and constant abuse of his people made him cruel.
That was until he met someone who seemed much crueler than himself. A wandering stranger came through the Kingdom of Twilight D’Sci, who went by the name of Malice. He offered no last name, and no history. But he seemed to be crueler than any that Samuel had ever met or seen, including the King himself! He tried to recruit the man into his personal guard, but Malice refused, instead, taking on the role of a simple assassin. He killed citizens that Samuel paid him to kill, and tortured who needed to be tortured. But what Samuel did not know, was that Malice was not killing these individuals. The people of Delphi had called for a hero and a savior, and they received one in Malice. Through his constant rendezvous with the rebellion that had formed, Malice had coordinated a single effort. The goal would be to unseat the King, and give the people their country back, and restore it to its former glory.
So after a year of planning, and working his way within the ranks, Malice finally made his move. In a solitary display, after killing “traitors” to the crown who had tried to assassinate King William Softhaven, the wanderer had been named First Knight, after he single handedly proved that he was far superior than the former First Knight. And it was on the day after, that with a contingent of Blackened Blades, he returned to Delphi. At his order, Count Samuel Westren was brought out before the people, bound and tied, and before his execution…he was witness to one thing: Malice’s insurrection. In moments, the Blackened Blades were turned upon by the men and women of Delphi as one. A signal, a fire that burned half the village was sent out as a signal through the nation. Delphi Village would liberate itself. It was in those moments, that King William Softhaven was ended. For as the bloody massacre and rebellion of Meztrailov began in Delphi, it would end in Delphi, and the stranger Malice would ride for the capital, stealing only the best Mount from his contingent of corrupt Knights. As Malice raced to Drakenhardt, the village of Delphi turned upon Samuel. His final moments, some say, were that of the people, literally ripping shreds of him as he was subjected to a slow and agonizing death likes the which of those he inflicted on the people of Delphi.
Delphi: The Reformation
The Refomation of Delphi was something that was greatly welcomed. Malice, who finally revealed his last name to be Bereou, was named King of Twilight D’Sci. But the name did not remain. With the reformation of the nation, the Kingdom was changed to Meztrailov, and Delphi adopted the name the Village of Delphi, located in Kingdom of Meztrailov.
With the reign of Malice as a welcomed change, the general overall positive energy of Delphi rekindled itself. It wasn’t but two years after Malice’s ascendance to the throne, that Delphi was appointed a new Noble to safeguard them. It was at this time that Delphi Village was protected by the Oracle. The Oracle was the last of her kind, safeguarded by an ancient council, known only as the Polaris Council. Ever protected, the Oracle was assigned one individual, a child everyone would eventually come to respect, known as Lucas Deialaan, the son of the Royal Family’s first Personal Guard. Under the Oracle’s supervision, a temple was built in Delphi, to not only honor their lost loved ones, but their various faiths as well. As the King himself was a dominant Judeo-Christian, the nation itself was predominantly Christian, but within Delphi, religion was open and welcome to all. The temple was a simple thing, with a main altar room and only a few entrances and exits. It was always under the constant watch of the then nine year old Lucas Deialaan, who became a well known figure in Delphi.
Over the next few years, Delphi would come under constant threat, but always be protected, growing in its exports, which were always of the finest quality of silks. And while Delphi became a prosperous village, there were times when the village was forced to be rebuilt. It was a crucial victory point in the Djinn-Polaris War, and a key point in the Lucent War to reclaim Meztrailov, after the Djinn, in mocking fashion, overtook Meztrailov in much the same way that Malice himself did. However, Delphi was once again freed, and rebuilt.
Delphi Village: The Exodus and Refounding
The Exodus from the old worlds, where Meztrailov and her people were once known far and wide, to the new world of Athuras, has brought interesting change, with some sadness. The Exodus marked not only the rebuilding of Delphi, but also the death of King Malice himself. His heir to the throne, Elric, was quick to take over his father’s mantle, and at the young age of Five Years old.
The new lands in which the Kingdom of Meztrailov was rebuilt, has since changed and been developed for Delphi’s refounding. Still considered a village due to its name sake, Delphi Village has expanded in size, though not all that much in comparison. After some careful engineering, generously donated by the Dwarves of Rosemerrow and the Elves of Impathica, the village of Delphi maintains the Delphi River, which still flows south to Lake Impathica. The Village’s Temple of Delphi has taken on a new Master since the Exodus, none other than the new Master Cleric himself, Lucas Deialaan, priest of Chaos, and a friend to all. While the Village of Delphi has since known two new nobility, the people still react to the kind words and powerful presence that Lucas Deialaan commands. Following the traditions of the Delphi Bloodline, Lucas Deialaan maintains the acts of kindness, ensuring that not a citizen of Delphi is harassed by the Inquisition, or a citizen goes starving. The constant pool of pure positive energy continues to strive and keep the people going, to this day. Their silks are still of the finest made in all of the Empire of Meztrailov.
Delphi Village Statistics:
· Population: Approximately 2,000 citizens
o General Mix of many different races
· Native Flower: Cherry Blossom Rose: A strange rose indigenous to Athuras, this rose is said to promote positive healing energies, and promote strong sexual vigor
· Native Species: Silver Wolves: A silver wolf is a forest dwelling wolf that occasional leaves the forest to prowl the open plains
· Dominant Race: Human
· Minority Race: Dwarven
· Dominant Religion: None
· Native Tree: Ironwood Trees
· Common Language: Common (Human tongue)
· Birth Date: Medium
· Death Rate: Low
Delphi Village: Notable Locations
The Temple of Delphi: The Temple of Delphi is one of the most famous structures in the Empire, being recognized as an Imperial Landmark. The Temple stands only three stories tall. It is structure is made of sand black and white stones, with two large wooden doors with steel sphere rungs for opening it. Its backyard is a graveyard for the residents to be buried and passed on. Little is truly known about their purpose since the council of extinction of the last Oracle, but it is rumored that the Temple Maidens are trained by the Warrior Priests of the varying Religions of Meztrailov, to be able to defend and protect the temple and its ancient tomes and artifacts. Several Temple Maidens are known to reside within the Cleric Academe. The Master Bedroom is where the current Master Cleric resides. There is a small religious library that contains ancient artifacts that are studied, cleansed, and recorded into archives for later clerics to learn and research. The Temple has been sanctified by so many holy rites, that it is said that a creature of pure corrupt whose intent was so horrific and malicious who would dare set foot on the temple grounds would immediately explode back to nothing but the tiniest of fragments of their essences. It has been known to be a haven for those looking for advice when no other would be able to offer it. If one is travelling through Delphi, one should stop to take a look at this beautiful temple.
The Lazy Eye Inne: The Lazy Eye Inne was named after a drunken mishap with one of the former Master of Divination Magicks, in which she was so drunk that she claimed her Magickal Mind’s Eye was acting Lazy! To this day, the name has stuck and is a local favorite among the natives of Delphi Village. It offers a wide variety of food and drinks imported from Impathica. Its most popular dish is eggs, served on top of a sliced sirloin steak, dipped in garlic butter and served with a side of mashed potatoes and boiled vegetables. To ease that food to a comfortable digestion state, drink back a fine Elven wine.
The River of Delphi: The River of Delphi is the staple of Delphi. What makes it such a staple is that somehow, it has always been formed geologically that it literally bisects the Village of Delphi. The village of Delphi’s natural positive aura somehow has kept the water to a point where it tastes as though it was from the stream of the Gods themselves. This beautiful lake is surrounded by beautiful green grass, and is the source of the town’s water supply. Rare is it when a draught occurs, yet somehow, even during a draught there seems to be enough water in this river. It leads south, to the Lake Impathica, and the Lake of Impathica is housed by the Ashwood Forest.
Ashwood Forest: The Ashwood Forest is aptly named due to the high volume of Ashwood Trees that cover the forest. Deep roots sink and anchor to the earth of this forest and its inhabitants. Mostly home to Elves, and the Faerie of the Seelie Court. Natural roses used in healing and sexual rituals, known as the Cherry Blossom Rose are found here as well. Ashood Forest extends as far as Impathica and has only one main road that cuts through to go through to Impathica City. Silver Wolves are also found. It is said that on the night of the full moon, the Silver Wolves will howl in chorus, and it is as though that mother Gaia herself is speaking through them. Ashood Forest is densely populated, and usually provides cool temperatures due to the thick leaves that cover the tree tops. In the winter, when the trees are barren, because of the mass amount of branches from the trees, the winter winds are kept at moderate strength. Ashood Forest, while a beautiful area, and safely traversed, should still not be travelled by the unfamiliar.
Noble’s Manor: The Noble’s manor is the home of the residing Count or Countess when they are chosen by the Emperor. During the days of King Malice, Delphi was led by the Oracle. Since those days however, and his son’s rule, only those with the heart and strength and the welfare of the people of Delphi are fit to act as their Count or Countess, and it is a deep privilege. The Noble’s Manor is an elegant three story manor, with sixteen rooms, four wash rooms, two entrances, and a square acre of open space in the backyard. It has always been maintained by a detachment of Guards of the Watch, usually five to ten patrol the grounds at night to ensure the safety of the manor. The style of the interior is usually left up to the residing noble. Feel free to seek out the noble of Delphi at any time to gain answers to any questions you may have!
Notable Counts/Countesses:
· Count Grenth Delphi: Founder of Delphi, First Count of Delphi.
· Countess Isabella Delphi: Countess of Delphi, Daughter of Grenth Delphi.
· Daniel Delphi: Count of Delphi, Son of Isabella Delphi, Grandson of Grenth Delphi.
· Adamiel Delphi: Count of Delphi, Son of Daniel Delphi, Great Grandson of Grenth Delphi, last of the Delphi Bloodline, Last Delphi to rule Delphi Village.
Delphi Village: Notable Figures in Delphi Village
Lucas Deialaan, Master Cleric of Meztrailov: Lucas Deialaan is the current Master Cleric of Meztrailov, and one of few survivors of the Exodus of Meztrailov, and still be count among the Emperor’s peers at the age of 16 years old. Young, wise, and well versed in the traumas the people of Meztrailov has seen, and the loss of the last Oracle to extinction, Lucas took on the role of Master Cleric as a penance to himself. Serving as Priest of Chaos, a religion that recently sprung up in Meztrailov before King Malice’s sacrifice and the Exodus of Meztrailov, the Master Cleric was able to unite the religions when the Inquisition’s authority began to put the people of Meztrailov at risk. Before the Exodus, Lucas was able to quell the Priest-Inquisition Battle of Drakenhardt before it escalated into full on civil war. Currently, Lucas Deialaan still serving as the current Master Cleric, Lucas is a loved favorite of the village, and treated as though he himself were the current Count. While he himself doesn’t feel that way, he preaches that despite chaos being the representation of disorder and horror, its also the representation of kindness and sincerity, and has pointed out multiple times to those who would listen that its only in Meztrailov’s Darkest times does Chaos truly present its darker virtues, and only then does it rear its head, to begin a rebalancing of things to the natural order. Lucas had spent his days waking up early in the morning, and going door to door from citizen to citizen, and to the Noble’s Manor, when one resides there, to see if they require any chores or aid for the day. Lucas has always made sure that the people come first, and will not be satisfied until the people of Delphi are protected. He has somehow successfully managed to keep the Royal Inquisition from gaining a single foothold in Delphi. Still, to this day, Master Cleric Deialaan offers guidance to any who seek it to the best of his ability.
“Faith is a river that bends two ways. Its gentle, when we first accept it, and that’s the easy part. But its when the river turns rocky and dangerous, unclear and violent, that we are tested, and it’s the truly faithful that maintain their courage and strength.”—Lucas Deialaan, Master Cleric of Meztrailov.
Status: Active
Darus Hendrove, Battle Master of the Warrior Priest sect of Chaos: Although little is known about the High priest, one thing is very certain about him: If the Master Cleric were to command the absolute eradication of those that would break the Void’s commandments in the name of religious dogma, the man would. An honest, virtuous, if not chaotic man himself, he is always seen, with his order, patrolling the streets of Delphi Village, aiding the guard in maintaining a protective watch over the citizens. Following Lucas’s example, he goes door to door throughout the day to ensure people are well taken care. When the Priest-Inquisition Battle of Drakenhardt erupted, it was his hand that struck the blow, his own brother in faith being the first casualty of the day. Since then, Darus has protected Delphi and upheld the dogma. As a Warrior Priest his duty is to hunt the renegade heretics to the faith, and to defend the people of his religion, as well as the people of the nation. He is to be an example of Chaos in faith and in battle, and to show the enemy no mercy and no respite.
“Why should I show you mercy? Would you have any for me? No? I was hoping you’d say that.”—Battle Master Darus Hendren of Warrior Priest Sect of the Order of Chaos
Status: Active
The Oracle: Before the Exodus, before the sacrifice of King Malice and the absolute purge of the Meztrailov Lands in their former world, there was a time when Fate guided the people of Delphi and the Fates used their instrument, the Oracle. A mystery and enigma, the Oracle was close to only a select few. Her name was unknown to many, her passed tied closely to the Djinn enemy, Lucent. Protected by Lucas Deialaan, jealously so, the Oracle ruled Delphi with a fair hand and ethical efficiency. However, before the exodus, Fates took a turn for the worst. The power governing the Oracle consumed her, to the point of driving her mad. Agents representing the Fates arrived, and put an end to final Oracle the world would know.
Status: Deceased
Circe Ramirez Michols, Former Countess of a Foreign Land, current Resident of Delphi: Circe Ramirez, while not a veteran of the Empire of Meztrailov, has more than earned her growing popularity in the Empire. Dedicated to the protection of the people and King Malice during the Arch Demon’s Invasion, Circe Ramirez showed herself a true Meztrailovian, and defended her new home. After exile from another land, with no reason to trust any, she has valiantly demonstrated her abilities to the former King, and to the current Emperor, Elric Bereou. Most recently, Circe is known to have delved deep into the fires of Hell with Elric and a brave party of Heroes who will forever be honored in the Hall of Heroes for their valiant bravery and noble sacrifice.
[[PLEASE NOTE: Characters of significance will be placed here down the road. All it takes is genuine acts of good or ill intent, and your character could gain glory or shame! This game is meant to be interactive so please feel free to interact and do not take what it written here as some kind of insult to you, the player!]]
Delphi Village: Random Trivia!
1. Delphi Village was originally founded by a retired soldier from a Uniforication War. Grenth Delphi was a Goat Farmer when he founded Delphi Village.
2. The River of Delphi has rumored to have been touched by the Gods as a token of Good faith to the Empire.
3. Despite the genuine good nature of the people of Delphi, they have an absolute fear of Psychics.
[More trivia to come!]