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[Shy]

The Dramatis Personae

The Achards
Olivier Achard / Evangeline Achard (Deceased)

Vincent Achard (Deceased)

Felix Michael Achard

Belmonda Montgomery Achard

Frederic Gael Achard

Collette Achard / Mikhail Banner

Gustave Achard

Nicolas Lockmere / Maria Achard-Lockmere (1st Cousin to Leonhart)

Natalia Lockmere Achard

Sarnia Bell Achard / James Je Haylard

Patrai Sef Achard

Melanie Lyn Achard

Juste Yvon Achard

The Almagests
Leonhart Almagest / Patrice Midorah (Deceased) / Bavaria Deacon

Beatriste Almagest / Erick Wellington (Deceased) / Cole Dreadnaught

Elizabeth Brea Almagest (Deceased) / Charles Cornwall

Bertram Almagest

Pearl Almagest

Alecia Leanna Almagest / Alexander-Edward Madison

Daedalus Thomas Almagest

Victoria Ann Almagest

Fauntleroy Almagest

Macey Ellen Almagest

Marie Evangeline Almagest

Henry Grimalkin (Son of Leonhart Almagest and Anna Grimalkin)

Daedalus Almagest (Deceased) / Harriet Nord (Deceased)

Dawlish Almagest

Jacob Mason Almagest (Deceased) / Diane Markham

Ivan Francis Almagest

Helen "Nellie" Almagest (Deceased)

Harrison Almagest

Catherine Sara Almagest

The Deacons
Agron Deacon / Belmonda Trudor (Deceased) / Odilie Markham

Lady Bavaria Deacon

Jonathan “Jack” Deacon

Morphia Markham-Deacon

Miscellaneous
Sief Davos Frost
Elaine Adelle Waltier
Liana Claribel Prideux
Edith Grimoire

Key Organizations (Anova)

Icarus
Founded by Dawlish Almagest, estranged nephew to Leonhart Almagest, Icarus produces advanced weaponry and other alchemy-based technology for whoever is willing to pay for it.

In order to maintain secrecy Icarus is based in a remote complex, located on the desert which partially borders Anova and Czenovia. Although Icarus is not directly affiliated with any government, Dawlish is well-connected to the Anovan government and maintains an office in Le Monde.

House of Grimoire
Located in the art district of Le Monde, the House of Grimoire has defined fashion in the New Globe for decades. Founded by the reclusive Edith Grimoire, the talented designer has passed on most responsibilities of running her successful business to others. Boutiques and department stores sell House of Grimoire clothing throughout the world, although only the elite can maintain that they own an 'Edith Grimoire Original."

The Island Citadel
Off the coast of Cobalt Bay rests an enormous fortress constructed by the Church of the Phoenix. The Citadel serves as headquarters for the large organization, as well as playing home to the leader of the church, Sief Davos Frost, and her personal army, the Citadel Guards.

Although Anova and Czenovia are largely atheist, the church still wields enormous influence over its followers throughout the world. Given the political power of the church, the small island is considered an independent nation and does not answer to the sovereignty of Anova.

The Citadel Guard
Throughout Anova and Czenovia the Citadel Guard is recognized as the legion of the Church of the Phoenix. They are hand picked by the church’s Cardinals throughout the world for their dedication to their faith and skill in battle.

The Guard is useful in many other fields, including rescue and recovery, and the personal protection of High Priests and the Sief. Service in the Citadel Guard is always until old age, death or sickness prevents otherwise, the honor of service is too great to expect any less.

The Nord Centre
The Nord Centre is an enormous outdoor amphitheater which sits along the shoreline of Cobalt Bay overlooking the Sea of Sorrows. During the summer months it is home to concerts, sporting events, plays, and public speaking engagements. Outside of the amphitheater is an expansive outdoor mall, which is used year round by sailor merchants offering all types of goods and services.

Fort Blanc
Fort Blanc is the home of the Special Security Force (SSF), Anova's national military and policing organization. Since the Czenovian Revolution, Fort Blanc has modernized greatly, due to its purchases from Icarus. The Fort's principle responsibility today is to monitor potential overseas threats and to police the streets of Anova.

Cobalt Silverworks
After the Czenovian Revolution, the East-West Airship Corridor was closed and Anova regained full control of its silver deposits from foreign business interests. These mines were amalgamated into a new corporation called Cobalt Silverworks (a merger between Achard & Co., and the Anovan Silver Mining Company.)

The silverworks now mines and processes silver within Anova, with much of it being sent back to Le Monde to be turned into a variety of products (mostly jewellery, machine parts and so on). These silver-based products are now exported worldwide. Some types of Anovan silver are said to contain magical properties.

Chimaera Junction
Czenovian Chimaera trainer Berthold Black traveled the New Globe looking for a place to establish a new Chimaera racing and training school. He created the Chimaera Junction in the south-west region of Anova. The Junction (as it's known locally), sits among miles of rolling green hills. It has become an elite training school for Chimaera and it also runs successful Chimaera breeding and rider training programs.

Lumiere Academy
Located in the southwestern district of Le Monde, Lumiere Academy (LA) is one of the oldest schools in the New Globe. LA was established initially as a foster home for orphans of the The Purge of 220 by Madame Angelique Laroche.

However, throughout the years as she began teaching the children art and history, it slowly transformed into a prestigious academy. Because of its old roots, LA's curriculum is centralized around the arts and is often credited as "The Light of Anova," as it ushered in a massive art movement across the country.

Key Organizations (Czenovia)

Magitech Corporation
Founded by the House of Almagest, Magitech Corp. owns several massive factories in the Czenovian industrial town of New Czenoble, which were once used to produce weaponry.

Magitech has recently stopped producing weaponry and re focused their business towards the reconstruction of Czenovia following the devastating revolution. The President of the company is Leonhart Almagest, although in recent years he has passed on some responsibilities to his eldest son, Fauntleroy Almagest.

Artemis Air Transports
Although branches are scattered throughout the Globe, Artemis Air Transports are headquartered in New Czenoble. This company is responsible for manufacturing and running airships powered by alchemical science.

Artemis Air Transports is also in charge of the Old Globe’s Aerodromes (airship stations) and have many secret expansion projects in development. Lady Morphia Markham is president of the company, having inherited it from the late Meredyne Artemis following the Battle of High Czenoble.

Czenoble High Academy of Sciences (CHAOS)

Located in High Czenoble, CHAOS is the most prestigious school in all Czenovia. The headmaster is noted historian, Lector Moebius. Students of CHAOS are known to take many exciting field trips throughout their education, visiting locations such as Brigit Town and portions of the Old Globe.

Mirror Palace

Located in High Czenoble and home to Dynast King Primas Generous, the Mirror Palace is now the official meeting place for Czenovia’s newly formed parliament. In addition, the Dynast King has expanded his nation’s diplomacy in recent years by appointing new ambassadors to Al-Ahmar, Anova, Moresang and other neighboring countries.

Eshe Rehema

The most modern medical center in the New Globe, Eshe Rehema is a teaching hospital which experiments in the medical applications of magitechnology. It is located in New Czenoble.

Czenovian Police

Formerly the Royal Police Guard, the Czenovian Police are the militia responsible for keeping the law and order throughout Czenovia. They guard the gates and factories and aerodromes, patrol the streets and maintain the prisons. Alexander Edward Almagest is current head of the police force, and works to ensure that all citizens of Czenovia receive equal protection under the law.

Chimaera Circuit

A racing track in High Czenoble, where monstrous creatures are constructed from different animal species using alchemy that fiercely compete against each other to amuse the masses.

It’s also a popular hobby of reckless young aristocrats to become Chimaera Jockeys. The latest fashion is to combine machines with the beasts, aided by Magitechnology.

The Chimaera Circuit is kept up by the cunning Thames Dreadnaught. In recent years Dreadnaught has struggled to maintain the reputation of his track after many of his jockeys staged an attack against the Royal Police Guard during the Czenovian Revolution.

Villette Mines

Located in Brigit Town, the Villette Mines were once subsidiary of Magitech Industries.

Following the Czenovian Revolution, Leonhart Almagest was forced to sell them off in order to help fund the extensive reconstruction projects of both High Czenoble and New Czenoble. Cole Dreadnaught, Anova's famed explorer and aristocrat, now maintains ownership and oversees daily operations.

The Globe

Click the map to enlarge.

NATIONS

Czenovia
Czenovia is one of the largest and most powerful nations in the New Globe. For centuries it has led the way in terms of industry, science and the arts, creating a kingdom the likes of which the world has never seen before. A major revolution swept the nation in recent times, replacing the Dynast rulers with a new Democratic Monarchy.

Anova
Anova is a nation covered in grassy plains and dense forests, save for a desert on its eastern border with Czenovia. Its economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, textiles and the silver trade. Unlike its neighbor, Anova does not have serious class distinctions and its population has a far better living standard per capita.

Al-Ahmar
Al-Ahmar is primarily a desert region and is geographically the largest nation in the Globe. Ahmari society has existed for thousands of years with few influences from the New Globe. Its economy specializes in exotic spices, fur, precious minerals and magical products. Al-Ahmar is an independent emirate, having been ruled by the Mahid Dynasty for generations.

CITIES

High Czenoble (Czenovia)
High Czenoble is the capital city of Czenovia. High Czenoble was carved into the side of Mount Grail centuries ago and it is home to the nation’s most powerful and influential families. It is a heavily secluded place and during times of war its thick stone walls can be used for defense. While security in Czenovia is relatively sparse, High Czenoble is constantly being monitored by the Czenovian Police (formerly Royal Police Guard).

New Czenoble (Czenovia)
At the base of Mount Grail is New Czenoble, the nation’s largest city. It is home to several of Czenovia’s most important businesses, including the Magitech Corporation, Prometheo Labs and Artemis Air Transports. A far cry from decadent High Czenoble, New Czenoble is populated with poor factory workers and immigrants. Pollution, crime and poverty run rampant, breeding hostility and planting the seeds of rebellion among the lower class.

Le Monde (Anova)
Le Monde is the oldest city in Anova and, prior to Czenovian occupation, it was the largest village in the region. Its name means "The World"; when the city was founded, its residents believed that the globe did not extend beyond what is now known as Mount Grail. Legends and myths spoke of horrible creatures in and around the eastern mountain, which no ancient Anovan dared to pass.

Cobalt Bay (Anova)
Cobalt Bay is Anova's second-largest city and is situated in the country's far north. Cobalt Bay refers both to the large bay as well as the city itself, which is situated on the bay's eastern coastline. The city is a major trading port and is home to the Globe's largest silver mines (including Cobalt Silverworks). Cobalt Bay is also home to the famous Nord Centre.

Brigit Town (Anova)
Brigit Town was forcibly annexed by Czenovia during the Mine War and it became a major hub for magitechnology development as well as expansive Czenovian mining operations. Today the city's mines are controlled by an Anovan, creating much nervousness in Czenovian circles.

Istanakh (Al-Ahmar)
Istanakh is the ancient Ahmari capital city. It lies in the northern desert region of Al-Ahmar. Partly due to its isolation from the rest of the Globe, Istanakh still looks much as it did thousands of years ago. The city can also be difficult to reach due to frequent sandstorms in the surrounding desert. Istanakh is known as a colorful city, populated by ancient structures and enormous magic markets.

[James]

Good to see that you're thinking about this. Here are a few options I can think of:

• The story could take place in Al Ahmar. I'm pretty interested in the idea of creating that country - I imagine it to be a really fantastic spin on Arabian Nights or something. It would be a kind of hyper-real place, full of colour and magic. I guess it'd be more magic-based than Czenovia anyway. I imagine Czenovia to be largely muted in colour...very British-centric. Whereas Al Ahmar would be vividly colourful. Maybe our characters could search for some kind of amazing treasure or something - we could include new characters and some original characters might join in as well. It'd be fun to see some of them in a very different setting.
• We could do a direct sequel taking place only months later, centered in Anova. This would allow us to take what little we know of it and expand upon that. I have a lot of ideas about how the different States in Anova could posess very different themes.
• In either of the above settings, we could feature characters in a time period close to that of the original story or we could advance the story by a couple of decades. It would be interesting for some characters to re-unite years after the events in Czenovia - they would all look different and have had different experiences. I think it'd be kind of interesting to see the progress of some of the relationships in the family.
• Again following on from that... what if they all reunited at a funeral? One of the characters might have heard of this treasure in Al Ahmar... and there may be some discussion after the funeral about characters wanting to leave Czenovia for a while to get away from the daily grind there. Could be a possibility.
• We could do a - gasp - prequel? Set back in the early days of the Almagest family?
• Or we could do an RPG set a couple of generations later, where there is a weird fusion of steam and cyber punk. We could look at how the Almagest family and the political struggle in the original RPG has influenced the nation's history in the longterm.
• No matter what we do, if it's within a few days/months/decades of the original story... I would like for us to be able to use both old and new characters. It'd be good to refer back to the original story quite a bit, to give everything some context.
• Um...I have a really cool font that I'd love to use for the logo of Almagest 2. So I'd like to help out with graphics if I can. :D
• That's all I can think of for now.
• Oh! Nearly forgot - one important point to bear in mind. While it'll be great to refer back to The Almagest Legacy's original plot, we should make sure that any sequel can really stand on its own two feet and have its own great story. If we let it hang too much on the original for support, it has a good chance of being hollow and uninteresting. Those are my thoughts on it, anyhoo.

[Horendithas]

Looks like James already covered some of what I was thinking and more.

When it comes down to it, I'm more interested in shifting to a story in Al Ahmar but around 2-5 years in the future. Mainly cause I'd enjoy doing more with Harrison. It would be kind of hard to include him if we went back before their time and I don't find the idea of jumping decades all that appealing.

I'm definitely interested though since I imagine taking the time to fully plan it out and launch it would mean that would happen after VBO is finished.

[Raiha]

Well, poor Macey needs something to cheer her up, so a visit to a foreign country would be nice. Her twin sister is probably off taming lions and riding elephants and whatnot.

It's true you know, Macey needs a serious happy ending. James does give good ideas, although it'd be nice to see his own home country for a change as well as other lands that aren't plagued by class warfare.

[Gavin]

Can't say I disagree with anything that's been said so far, a change of scenery to the Old Globe would indeed be nice and I'm eager to continue developing Dwalish and see how five years might have changed him. A prequel would also be interesting but we did go into a lot of depth when we wrote the original so it we'd have to watch potential contradictions, so perhaps a sequel would be better.

Regardless I'd love to get involved with this series again, certainly the best RPG I've ever had the fortune of participating in.

[Shy]

James threw out a bunch of really strong ideas, and I definitely encourage everyone else to do the same. Here are some musings:

• I feel like The Almagest Legacy is as much the story of Czenovia as it is the story of the Almagests. For that reason I would be hesitant to do a story set largely in another nation, but I suppose there are a lot of advantages to giving Almagest 2 a totally new setting. For one, this would definitely help out new players.
  
  Ultimately I would like whatever story we create for Almagest 2 to tie back to Czenovia, and build off of the events of the first RPG in some meaningful way. That is not to say we aren't telling a self-contained story; it will be a tricky balance to maintain for sure.
  
  
• Having said that, I don't want to do a political story this time around. I think in a lot of ways characterization was thrown to the wayside in the first RPG for the sake of keeping up with the plot, and that upset a lot of people (including myself.) I am more interested in telling a more straightforward adventure story, like a treasure hunt with air pirates and such.
  
  This would also be a good opportunity for the characters to explore the origins of magitechnology, and perhaps even the 'Giant' cannon further. Fonty's camera certainly didn't build itself...
  
  
• As for a time frame I think five years sounds just about right. That puts Harrison and Victoria Ann in their late teenage years, and I'm extremely interested in seeing what direction Indi and Aaryanna take with their characters. Also this isn't so much later that 'older' characters like Dame Anna, Leonhart or Catherine aren't so old that they themselves can't be part of the action too.
  
  I can't imagine how much more trouble Fonty has gotten himself into in five years, so that should be fun as well.
  
  
• I'm really pleased with how most of the Landmarks and Chronicles worked out, and I hope to use the same system in running this RPG. Although Sandy and I largely ran the first story by ourselves, I want to open things up to all of the players this time around. Honestly most of the good stuff in Almagest was someone else's idea first...
  
  
• And I know Sandy doesn't visit OB anymore, but should be have the interest, he is fully welcome to take part in Almagest 2. He had some very interesting ideas for a sequel, and I would like to at least touch on some of those in this story. His views on what religion would be like in the Old Globe, a stark contrast to the 'advanced' and presumably atheist Czenovia, were really pretty awesome.

-Shy

[Aaryanna]

I don't have much input other than I'd prefer to stick to no more than five years, even three or four would be good. *is leaning towards three* So long as it was after VBO was finished I'd be interested.

That's all I have to say at the moment. Now that this has been brought up, I'll start thinking about possibilities and so forth. =P

[James]

I think it's really cool that most people seem to have a pretty similar idea of how this could work in future.

In terms of this being set in another country... I don't think it means we have to disregard Czenovia. In fact, I agree that our story will have to build off the experiences in Czenovia in several important ways.

Those characters who return for a sequel and who travel overseas will obviously be referring back to the last few years in Czenovia pretty regularly anyway. I wonder how else we can tie it in without it seeming forced.

Also, I think the potential for this world is pretty limitless. I mean... I know I'm getting ahead of myself here, but what if Almagest 2 is set in another country and Almagest 3 returns to Czenovia?

I guess what I'm getting at is that even if we set a sequel elsewhere, all we're really doing is fleshing out the world further. We're giving Czenovia added context. And comparing it to the way other countries exist would be pretty interesting I think (especially related back to Sandy's views on religion and other elements).

In terms of theme/art I had a couple of ideas there too. For instance:

I like the image of this ship - again pointing to olden days, but having that touch of fantasy as well.

What if our characters made arrangements to meet several weeks after the funeral at, say, Cobalt Bay... to board a ship like that bound for the Western Continent?

I imagine that being kind of interesting. And it means the first couple of landmarks would take place on the existing continent, where we see the characters making the relevant preparations.

And then I imagine the characters visiting amazing and mysterious structures like this or this.

Again these are just ideas I'm throwing out there... I figure the more ideas we have to choose from the better. :catgirl:

[Shy]

I'm definitely interested though since I imagine taking the time to fully plan it out and launch it would mean that would happen after VBO is finished.

Oh definitely. Should we go through with this, I doubt we would have sign-ups posted until after Von Braun has wrapped up.

Just doing a quick head count... who is interested in starting up as their characters again, and who would rather take on a new role? This will give me a vague idea of what characters to build the story around. Probably all of the older characters will appear in the story in some capacity, though.

If any of the older players would like, they are more than welcome to take up a second, new character in addition to their original one.

Um... more musings:

• Three years later sounds perfect. For those of you keeping track at home, this means Almagest 2 will be set in 712 YOD (Year of the Dynast.)
  
  
• Victoria Ann's mother, Beatriste, has remarried, presumably to someone in the Old Globe. Maybe this can be the reason for getting the characters to leave Czenovia for a holiday, much like Leonhart's birthday was in the original.
  
  
• Rosengard is still playing home to many whose houses were destroyed during the original RPG. This could be a good way to work Non-Almagests into the story, while still giving them a strong tie to the original family.
  
  
• I think the 'treasure' in question should relate back to the lost civilization established in the first RPG. That cannon was merely the beginning of what they were capable of, and the great battle in High Czenoble alerted the world to this fact. Relics from the lost culture are now being hunted by pirates, politicians and priests alike.
  
  
• Although it is a time of peace, there is clearly an arms race taking place across the Old Globe. Everyone seems to be preparing for... something.
  
  
• I doubt Alecia Ann and Alexander would let Fonty anywhere near their child. He is a terrible babysitter, after all.

-Shy

[Gavin]

As I said in my last post I'm definitely interested in writing Dwalish again for the sequel, although the difference of three years to consider his actions of the battle and the long term implications of his life may lead to his portrayal as a dramatically changed man. I believe when the last one wrapped up and we were discussing the sequel I said Dwalish would have become an industrialist similar to his father using his inheritence, so perhaps that could play into the arms race Josh ?

Either way I'm just going to wait here for the rest of you to finish VBO so I can actually get the chance to RP again... *Sighs* Damn exams during the summer.

[Shy]

As I said in my last post I'm definitely interested in writing Dwalish again for the sequel, although the difference of three years to consider his actions of the battle and the long term implications of his life may lead to his portrayal as a dramatically changed man. I believe when the last one wrapped up and we were discussing the sequel I said Dwalish would have become an industrialist similar to his father using his inheritance, so perhaps that could play into the arms race Josh ?

That would be an interesting take on Dawlish. I imagine that following everything that has happened Magitech would shy away from producing weaponry, but if Dawlish goes into business for himself he would see an opportunity there. Going into competition with his family's business would certainly be interesting...

Speaking of such things, Jack had placed Morphia in charge of Artemis Air Transports following the death of Meredyne. I doubt she and Jack would be so eager to cash in on the global crisis; at least, I can't see them selling their airships to any military.

What about Pirates? Hrm.

-Shy

[James]

I like the idea of some inter-marrying with Old Globe families. As mentioned, this will give the characters an opportunity to travel.

Perhaps the fact that the Czenovian government essentially fell is what is now leading to a surge in arms around the Old Globe?

These countries could not have competed with Czenovia's military dominance while it was still essentially a monarchy. Now that the nature of its government has changed - and it has become an essentially peaceful country - this may kind of mean that the Old Globe can now leave it out of the equation. There's a re-ordering to the global balance I guess.

Perhaps acquiring those relics is part of the key to general global dominance. After all, that canon alone had huge destructive potential.

Our main cast could now be shifting their interest to broader things - like taking the relics back and returning them to Czenovia, so that they don't fall into the hands of other nations.

This would also give us an excuse to travel to multiple locales.

Anyway whatever happens I'm interested in joining in. I'm not sure which character I'll play though. Probably more than one, although I may have a "main" one.

[Malkav]

Ok, so I've read all of your responses and I decided to put in my ideas. For one I would want to bring Jack back simply because I love RPing as him. I thought I'd make my own list of how I see the state of things.

• I think the year of the dynast would be the perfect year for the King's transition government to relinquish most of his power to a parliament. That would make the year an election year as well and the story could pick up on the day of or after the newly appointed Prime Minister's speech from the throne. Of course the new PM will come from the aristocratic class because I would imagine it would have had time to recuperate after the events. PM's are chosen by the head of state, so I'd also imagine not necessarily the people. My idea would be for Agron Deacon to get PM and pardon Jack and those associated with him from their crimes when they were associated with the Underdogs. The public won't mind because I'm sure by now news will have gotten out that he took down the Vigilant which was firing on innocent civilians (and I'm sure Agron will work magic in his statement that sways the public's favor) This will probably start trouble
• Being the freewheeling (and filthy rich) pirate that he is, after his great trench adventure (which is an unfinished story in the anthology) I had an idea that he would be unofficially sponsered as a privateer and navigator by the country/AAT (much like Sir Francis Drake) which would allow Czenovia to plunder its rivals without blame while also keeping its imperial strength during the time of the transition. Once again, this is bound to make alot of people mad.
• One of the things I really liked about my character was that he was more of an Almagest cousin than an actual member of the family. This gave me the freedom to operate outside of all of the dinners and political intrigue. In reality Jack really only came into the main story to shake things up and I was able to develop him without much influence from outside parties.
• I see there being room for more pirates and criminals to enter Czenovia following the events of Almagest I and they may hatch a plot, perhaps to send Czenovia into Anarchy. It could become a pirate utopia if a big enough power vacuum were to appear.
• Artemis Air Transports in the time since will have started selling lowcost transport ships in the Old Globe. Jack was writing about them earlier on in Almagest I, his designs will be a reality now. Anyone without scruples could easily convert them into military devices to transport armies however.
• Since Morphia's pretty much NPC now, I think its important to go over her role. I'm sure she would be a shrewd businesswoman whose belief in global expansion of AAT would bring her both admirers and enemies. Particular enemies would be those who are against the monopoly she's created in the aftermath since her family is one of the few to survive the disaster relatively unscathed.

That's just some of the ideas I have. I know they mostly center around my character but I think if there were a sequel this immediate after the original, his role would be enlarged.

[Gavin]

Perhaps acquiring those relics is part of the key to general global dominance. After all, that canon alone had huge destructive potential.

Agreed, I was thinking Dwalish might even have been able to get his hands on some of the debris from the canon and that may have been the trigger to found his own company outside of the Almagest's main company who have disavowed that arm of the business since Daedalus' death.

[James]

Agreed, I was thinking Dwalish might even have been able to get his hands on some of the debris from the canon and that may have been the trigger to found his own company outside of the Almagest's main company who have disavowed that arm of the business since Daedalus' death.

Good point. I think this could lead to a lot of different scenarios... for instance other countries in the Old Globe might be eagerly competing to win the favor of any business trying to develop these technologies further.

I like the idea of working this tech into a new plot - after all, once that canon was discovered, I doubt the leaders of the Old Globe would just ignore it; they'd be doing what they can to learn more and take advantage of it.

[Malkav]

I put this together in a fit of Sunday boredom. I don't know if it will push the game to being that much closer to completion, but I had some ideas regarding Artemis Air that I wanted to get on paper... or computer screen, whatever. Well read, comment and enjoy.


Just realized I started the second page so... FIRST!

[Shy]

You've added a lot of realy interesting details Malkav in your article. I suspect that once the RPG launches we'll include most, if not all of that information in one fo the Chronicles.

Anyone who hasn't chimed in with their thoughts yet I really urge them to do so. I'm going to begin working on the sign-up, but it won't be posted until Von Braun wraps up. Before then I'll post it up here and try to get some feedback from you guys.

The Almagest Expedition

Welcome to the auditions of The Almagest Expedition, the next chapter in the ongoing Almagest saga originally created by Sandy and Shy.

This is a story of two aristocratic families from two very different worlds: the Almagests of Czenovia, and the Achards of Anova.

Czenovia is a kingdom of steampower and science. Following a bloody revolution, the nation has worked tirelessly to unify its’ divided people, including the establishment of a new constitutional monarchy.

Anova is a nation of culture and rich tradition. With a long-held emphasis on education and the arts, Anova has long been a pacifist democracy. However, the firepower displayed during the Czenovian Revolution has alerted all nations that a new age of weaponry is fast approaching. Although they work in secrecy, the Anovan people seek to maintain independence in the wake of an international arms race.

An important discovery has been made in Brigit Town, the Czenovian mining village which borders both nations. What has been found there will not only rekindle a longstanding rivalry between Czenovia and Anova, but launch a dangerous search for treasure that will draw the attention of pirates, world governments, and fortune hunters the world over.

Sign-Ups

Players who were involved in the original RPG : If wish to continue writing as their character, please fill out a sign-up for them as well. This will help get new players up-to-speed. Also players who were involved in the first RPG are welcome to take on writing as a second, new character as well if they would like.

Your name:
It is likely that you will be either an Almagest or an Achard, so your last name should fit in with that. However, if you married into either family it is possible that you chose to keep your original last name.

Your age:
There are no real limitations to your character’s age. Given that this will be primarily an adventure story, I wouldn’t try to create anyone older than 70 or younger than 10.

Your connection to the Almagest OR Achard family:
The two most prominent families within the story are the Almagests of Czenovia, and the Achards of Anova. The easiest way for you to establish your place in the story is by defining your relationship to either, or both families. Your character can be a distant relative, a spouse or a fiancé of someone in the family, a close family friend, or a business associate/rival.

• Leonhart Almagest is the patriarch of the Almagest clan. He is the current president of Magitech Industries, the largest and most powerful business in Czenovia. A veteran of the Mine War with Anova several decades ago, Leonhart’s family was terrorized in the events leading up to and following Czenovian Revolution. A complete family tree of the Almagests can be viewed here.
  
  The Almagest family estate, Rosengard, is located on the outskirts of High Czenoble, and has recently played home to the poorest refugees affected by the Czenovian Revolution. As a result, the already large Almagest family has added several new faces. Although they may not be related by blood, these familial bonds run deep.
  
  
• Olivier Achard is the patriarch of Anova’s infamous Achards. The Achards’ wealth is the result of several decades of ownership in Brigit Town’s mines, which were ultimately lost to Czenovia in the Mine War. In recent years the Achards have invested much of their fortune back into Anovan society as philanthropists. The family homestead is a spacious mansion, Achard Hall, which rests in downtown Le Monde.
  
  Olivier is recently widowed to his first wife, Evangeline Achard. He has a number of children, nieces and nephews, including his eldest son Vincent, who was killed during the Czenovian revolution. The Achard family tree has yet to be defined within the story, so there is plenty of room for new characters here.

Your portrait:
The picture of your character should be a realistic drawing or painting of a human, nothing too photorealistic or cartoony. Anime or manga characters are fine just as long they don’t have super deformed features. This image will be used to create a posting avatar for your character.

Your occupation/location:
Besides the two families, your character should also be tied to the world of the game. Here is a list of potential places where your character can work and live at. If your character works with alchemy, please specify his or her specialty, as well.

Czenovia and Anova rest on the Northern Continent, commonly referred to as the New Globe. Across the Sea of Sorrows rests the Western Continent (The “Old Globe”) which is home to several smaller, distinct nations.

Czenovia is a mountainous, industrial nation with countless small villages scattered throughout. There are three major cities: High Czenoble, the capital, which rests on the top of Mount Grail, the factory town New Czenoble, which sits at the base of the mountain, and Brigit Town, the mining town which sits on the edge Czenovia’s border with Anova.

• Magitech Corporation: a company founded by the House of Almagest. It owns several massive factories in the Czenovian industrial town of New Czenoble, which were once used to produce weaponry. Magitech has recently stopped producing weaponry, and refocused their business towards the reconstruction of Czenovia following the devastating revolution. The President of the company is Leonhart Almagest, although in recent years he has passed on some responsibilities to his eldest son, Fauntleroy Almagest.
  
  
• Artemis Air Transports: Although branches are scattered throughout the world, Artemis Air Transports are headquartered in New Czenoble. This company is responsible for manufacturing and running airships powered by alchemical science. They are also in charge of the Old Globe’s Aerodromes (airship stations,) and have many secret expansion projects in development. Lady Morphia Markham is president of the company, having inherited it from the late Meredyne Artemis following the Battle of High Czenoble.
  
  
• Czenoble High Academy of Sciences (CHAOS): Located in High Czenoble, CHAOS is the most prestigious school in all Czenovia. The headmaster is noted historian, Lector Moebius. Students of CHAOS are known to take many exciting field trips throughout their education, visiting locations such as Brigit Town and portions of the Old Globe.
  
  
• Mirror Palace: Located in High Czenoble and home to Dynast King Primas Generous, the Mirror Palace is now the official meeting place for Czenovia’s newly formed parliament. In addition, the Dynast King has expanded his nation’s diplomacy in recent years by appointing new ambassadors to Al-Ahmar, Anova, Moresang, and other neighboring countries.
  
  
• Eshe Rehema: The most modern medical center in the New Globe, Eshe Rehema is a teaching hospital which experiments in the medical applications of magitechnology. It is located in New Czenoble.
  
  
• Czenovian Police: Formerly the Royal Police Guard, the Czenovian Police are the militia responsible for keeping the law and order throughout Czenovia. They guard the gates and factories and aerodromes, patrol the streets and maintain the prisons. Alexander Edward Almagest is current head of the police force, and works to ensure that all citizens of Czenovia receive equal protection under the law.
  
  
• High Czenoble Downs: A racing track in High Czenoble, where monstrous creatures are constructed from different animal species using alchemy, and fiercely compete against each other to amuse the madded. It’s also a popular hobby of reckless young aristocrats to become Chimaera Jockeys. The latest fashion is to combine machines to the beasts with the aid of Magitechnology. The Chimaera Circuit is kept up by the cunning Thames Dreadnaught. In recent years Dreadnaught has struggled to maintain the reputation of his track after many of his jockeys staged an attack against the Royal Police Guard during the Czenovian Revolution.
  
  
• Villette Mines: Located in Brigit Town, the Villette Mines were once subsidiary of Magitech Industries. Following the Czenovian Revolution Leonhart Almagest was forced to sell them off in order to help fund the extensive reconstruction projects of both High Czenoble and New Czenoble. Cole Dreadnaught, Anova's famed explorer and aristocrat, now maintains ownership and oversees daily operations.

Anova is a nation covered in grassy plains and dense forests, save for a desert on its eastern border with Czenovia. Its economy is deeply rooted in agriculture and trade with other countries. Unlike its neighbor, Anova does not have serious class distinctions, and its population has a far better living standard per capita. Anova has two major cities: the capital Le Monde in the central plains, and the port town of Cobalt Bay to the north west.

• Icarus: Founded by Dawlish Almagest, estranged nephew to Leonhart Almagest, Icarus produces advanced weaponry and other alchemy-based technology for whoever is willing to pay for it. In order to maintain secrecy Icarus is based in a remote complex, located on the desert which partially borders Anova and Czenovia. Although Icarus is not directly affiliated with any government, Dawlish is well-connected to the Anovan government and maintains an office in Le Monde.
  
  
• House of Grimoire: Located in the art district of Le Monde, the House of Grimoire has defined fashion in the New Globe for decades. Founded by the reclusive Edith Grimoire, the talented designer has passed on most responsibilities of running her successful business to others. Boutiques and department stores sell House of Grimoire clothing throughout the world, although only the elite can maintain that they own an 'Edith Grimoire Original."
  
  
• The Island Citadel: Off the coast of Cobalt Bay rests an enormous fortress constructed by the Church of the Phoenix. The Citadel serves as headquarters for the large organization, as well as playing home to the leader of the church, Sief Davos Frost, and her personal army, the Citadel Guards. Although Anova and Czenovia are largely atheist, the church still wields enormous influence over its’ followers throughout the world. Given the political power of the church, the small island is considered an independent nation, and does not answer to the sovereignty of Anova.
  
  
• The Citadel Guard: Throughout Anova and Czenovia the Citadel Guard is recognized as the legion of the Church of the Phoenix. They are hand picked by the church’s Cardinals throughout the world for their dedication to their faith, and skill in battle. The Guard is useful in many other fields, including rescue and recovery, and the personal protection of High Priests and the Sief. Service in the Citadel Guard is always until old age, death, or sickness prevents otherwise, the honor of service is too great to expect any less.
  
  
• The Nord Centre: The Nord Centre is an enormous outdoor amphitheater which sits along the shoreline of Cobalt Bay overlooking the Sea of Sorrows. During the summer months it is home to concerts, sporting events, plays, and public speaking engagements. Outside of the amphitheater is an expansive outdoor mall, which is used year round by sailor merchants offering all types of goods and services.
  
  
• Fort Blanc: Fort Blanc is the home of the Special Security Force (SSF), Anova's national military and policing organization. Since the Czenovian Revolution, Fort Blanc has modernized greatly, due to its purchases from Icarus. The Fort's principle responsibility today is to monitor potential overseas threats and to police the streets of Anova.
  
  
• Cobalt Silverworks: After the Czenovian Revolution, the East-West Airship Corridor was closed and Anova regained full control of its silver deposits from foreign business interests. These mines were amalgamated into a new corporation called Cobalt Silverworks (a merger between Achard & Co., and the Anovan Silver Mining Company.) The silverworks now mines and processes silver within Anova, with much of it being sent back to Le Monde to be turned into a variety of products (mostly jewellery, machine parts and so on). These silver-based products are now exported worldwide. Some types of Anovan silver are said to contain magical properties.
  
  
• Chimaera Junction: Czenovian Chimaera trainer Berthold Black traveled the New Globe looking for a place to establish a new Chimaera racing and training school. He created the Chimaera Junction in the south-west region of Anova. The Junction (as it's known locally) which sits among miles of rolling green hills. It has become an elite training school for Chimaera and it also runs successful Chimaera breeding and rider training programs. The Junction is now run by local Anovans, but its largest draw is the charismatic chimaera jockey Hugo Black. a descendant of Berthold who was forbidden from Czenovia following the Czenovian Revolution.
  
  
• Lumière Academy: Located in the southwestern district of Le Monde, Lumière Academy (LA) is one of the oldest schools in the New Globe. LA was established initially as a foster home for orphans of the The Purge of 220 by Madame Angelique Laroche. However, throughout the years as she began teaching the children art and history, it slowly transformed into a prestigious academy. Because of its old roots, LA's curriculum is centralized around the arts and is often credited as "The Light of Anova," as it ushered in the massive art movement of Anova.
  
  
• If there isn’t a type of business listed that you think should be, make one!

Your story:
Please write a short history and description of your character. The story should reflect your character’s personality, position in the family and in the case of characters outside the bloodline(s), his or her background.


-Shy

[James]

Looking good so far. I think it strikes a happy balance.

I will have to edit some things related to Anova and the Achard family (there actually were businesses and other things mentioned during the RPG), but we will have time for that.

In any case, it is definitely moving along the right path. I like some of the touches that refer to how Czenovia has changed post-Revolution.

[Rachmaninoff]

I honestly don't know if I'm interested or not. I had an insane schedule last year and in response to that, I've cut some of my schedule out for next year. So hopefully that will give me a life again so I have time for this kind of stuff.

If you're waiting until after VBO is done to even do sign ups... I should know by the end of next month how my new schedule will work. If you're shooting for sooner than that, I just don't know. :/

I'm going to talk to Beth and see what she wants to do since obviously our characters would still be together and all. =P In the meantime though... it's vacation time and I'm too busy enjoying having time to think for a change.

It does look like it would be fun though. So this is just to let you know I am interested.

[Shy]

I honestly don't know if I'm interested or not. I had an insane schedule last year and in response to that, I've cut some of my schedule out for next year. So hopefully that will give me a life again so I have time for this kind of stuff.

If you're waiting until after VBO is done to even do sign ups... I should know by the end of next month how my new schedule will work. If you're shooting for sooner than that, I just don't know. :/

I'm going to talk to Beth and see what she wants to do since obviously our characters would still be together and all. =P In the meantime though... it's vacation time and I'm too busy enjoying having time to think for a change.

It does look like it would be fun though. So this is just to let you know I am interested.

Well that's good to hear. I hope your schedule allows for you to take a larger role in the story, but if not maybe you can pop in periodically as a 'guest star.'

-Shy