The Legion of Light OOC / Discussion

[Flames of Hyperion]

This thread is an out-of-character resource/discussion/recruitment thread for the Legion of Light series of RPs. I hope to integrate these with the Raiaeran Featured Quest as Ingwe's first major story arc, and am looking for fellow writers to join in (of course, feel free not to see it through to the end - use the Legion as you will). Think of the plotline as Liu Bei's volunteer army (complete with Peach Garden Oath!) from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, fused with elements of Arthurian and Greek mythology, LoTR, Eaters of the Dead, and other not-so-subtle influences ^^.

History, Structure, and Aims:

The Legion of Light was formed in direct response to the rise of the necromancer Xem'Zund and his dominion over much of the southern reaches of Raiaera, by a small group of Exiles - High Elves who have chosen a way of life other than that of mainstream Raiaeran society but still maintain close ties with their mother country. Consisting mainly of volunteer adventurers and soldiers of fortune gathered from musters in Scara Brae and Radasanth, the Legion of Light currently numbers approximately 200, of which the majority are human or elven, although other races are represented as well. The Legion has a higher proportion of magic-users than a regular army of equivalent size, and is also noted for the fact that, since almost all of its members are volunteer and irregular, there is little in the way of uniformity throughout.

It is not a tightly-knit unit, for it has yet to see proper battle, and ancient grudges and rivalries simmer beneath the surface in a murky political inferno. Three major factions vie for control:
- The Rangers of the Eclipse, a band of twelve Elven Exiles who led the call to arms. Expert trackers and marksmen, led by Arminas Ereinon.
- A small but significant (and extremely vocal) group of Dwarves, under the banner of Derthark Gunnson.
- The humans - second sons, mercenaries, fortune-seeking peasants, etc. - who make up the majority of the force but are largely leaderless.
A couple of persons (Ingwe Helyanwe being perhaps the most notable) are actively striving to ease these tensions and enable the Legion to function as a whole.

For now, the Legion's primary aim is to lift the siege of Anebrilith and secure safe passage for those innocents fleeing the tides of war who are trapped there. To this purpose, Arminas intends to charter a galleon in Scara Brae and sail in by sea, rendezvousing with the local militia and any regular army elements defending the city, and working together to defeat the undead horde currently laying waste to the surrounding lands. After the siege is broken, the tentative plan is to march to relieve Eluriand and Velice Arta... or perhaps even to strike at the Obsidian Tower itself.

Already, however, dissent is making itself heard... particularly in the form of the dwarves, who will grumble about anything and are prone to debilitating bouts of sea-sickness...

Legion of Light I: The Muster (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=14057)

(To be updated as RPs progress)

[Flames of Hyperion]

Notable Characters:

Rangers of the Eclipse

Arminas Ereinon - 354 years of age, with long dirty brown hair and eyes of a similar shade. Of average size and build for an elf; taller than the usual human and lithely strong. Commander of the group of Exiles known as the Rangers of the Eclipse, Arminas is a consummate woodsman and marksman as well as a practitioner of an Elvish form of druidic nature magic. In battle, however, he is most feared for his skill with the lhang, a unique two-handed curved-bladed sword notable for its long handle, similar to the Eastern nagamaki. An intelligent and renowned leader, as supple and as farsighted as the glades of trees he roams, he nonetheless has a slightly bitter and world-weary aspect to his personality.

Aegnor Saeros - 303 years of age, similar in appearance to his commander. A pragmatic and passionate (for his race) Elf, Aegnor is not afraid to fervently take up a cause where Arminas would be more inclined to diplomacy. Extremely loyal and courageous, often found fighting with sword and spear by his lord's side.

Eru Alqarinque - 298 years of age, and along with Aegnor and Arminas a founding member of the Rangers of the Eclipse. Entrusted with the band's standard - a dark moon on a forest green background - she is a stern and uncompromising figure who takes it upon herself to keep the younger members of the group in line. Also a user of Elvish nature magic, she has a strong familial bond with the great eagle Nariel, who often acts as the band's eyes and ears when on the move.

Nerdanel Celebrindal - 119 years of age, her hair golden and her eyes blue and hawkish. One of the younger members of the Rangers of the Eclipse, she volunteered to join them only recently, for reasons that remain yet hidden. Her skill with the bow is nigh unmatched, and she is said to be able to put an arrow through an apple from five hundred paces.

Selinde Celebrindal - 117 years of age, Nerdanel's younger sister. Unlike her enigmatic and level-headed sibling, Selinde joined the Rangers more for the adventure and the fun, and is a rare bright spark amongst the generally serious members of the Eclipse. Her preferred weapon is a light fencing sabre; in addition, she is ambidextrous.

Tauron Voronwe - 254 years of age, with brown hair even darker and scragglier than Arminas'. The most accomplished woodsman in the Rangers (some say in all of Raiaera), Tauron is the band's tracker and pathfinder, able to trace a scent three days old through a murky swamp. Not quite as proficient with the blade as his comrades, he is nonetheless a skilled shot with the bow.

Gunnbad Dwarves

Derthark Gunnson - 132 years of age (for a Dwarf, just entering maturity). Son of High King Azaghan of Gunnbad and nephew of the Runelord Gherlan. His brown beard barely reaches his stocky legs, while his grey eyes lack the wise steel of his father or the stormy power of his uncle. The impetuous fire of youth and a reckless cavalier streak have led him into trouble time and again, but at heart he is a true dwarf - stubborn, relentless, and honourable. Derthark is a staunch believer in the sturdiness of an iron shield and the justice of a sharp axe, and is never unwilling to take this combination to the foe, no matter what shape it should take.

Telchar Quakefist - 431 years of age, wise and masterful user of Rune Magic. Was once feted as the greatest Runelord that Gunnbad had ever known, but for reasons shrouded in mystery he stepped down from his post and took the surname "Quakefist" in honour of his mighty rune-encrusted battlehammer, in effect distancing himself from his clan. Now he wanders the world in search of knowledge, often accompanying Dwarves on expeditions from Gunnbad and imparting of his wisdom to the younger generation. Perhaps the only person who can keep brash young Derthark in check.

Gartnas Inrig, Endrin Kean - Two Dwarven greybeards, both 297 years of age and similar in their staunchly conservative personalities and their love of fireale. Assigned as bodyguards to the young prince, a role they undertake with their customary diligence and fervour. Stereotypical dwarves, perhaps, except that their skill with the axe is just a notch above the rest.

Other Persons

Glorfindel Tinehtele - 126 years of age, blonde hair done up in intricate braids and baby blue eyes. A young Raiaeran bladesinger from Anebrilith who was away from his country at the outbreak of war and has not yet found passage home. Epitome of all that is good and righteous about Elven youth, his skill with sword and shield and a certain affinity for fiery song magic make this young man a valuable member of the Legion, but his greatest asset, perhaps, is his knowledge of and connections within the Anebrilith ruling council.

(To be updated further as RPs progress)

[Flames of Hyperion]

So aye, that pretty much covers it for now ^^. The Legion of Light is presently mustering in Scara Brae, feel free to enter here (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=14057) if interested!

* Note: Fluff aside, the Legion is 40% plot device to introduce a number of NPC characters and 60% a way to get Ingwe involved in the FQ and do something goody-goody in the process ^^.

[Into Dust]

Can I get in on this? My character is a ranger who has seen the world and is all about balance. Helping to repel Xem'Zund would be the epitome of restoring balance.

I can see you put a lot of work into the background for your quest and don't worry, I will see it through for as long as possible.

[Flames of Hyperion]

Of course! Glad to have you on board ^^.

[Flames of Hyperion]

Apologies for the double post; this still remains open should anybody wish to enter.