The Mura Lore Submissions Thread

[Traverse]

This thread is for submission of completed projects such as locations, NPCs, creatures, and plants. Once submitted I will give any critiques and comments necessary to get your project ready for posting in the main forum. If you are planning on creating some rare, mystical, or otherworldly creation or location, I would advise PMing me and discussing an idea before you commit to a full write up to make sure it's plausible. Other players are welcome to post their critiques and comments of player submitted work as long as they maintain respect and are constructive with their opinions. Below are listed some templates you can use when compiling information for development. Please try to format locations and NPCs to the style that is already being used in Mura. All entries should have an image and this image MUST be hosted in Mizahar's galleries. Contact an ST with questions.   Location Template Name Image Description Products/Services (If applicable) NPC Info (if applicable) Employment and Training Info (if applicable)   NPC Template Please use the nifty file card format here for your NPC, pictures are optional, but welcome! Character Name_____ Race: Age: Position: Skills: Other: Code: Select all [box=350,white,#400080,#400080][size=115][img2=left]200x200 Char Image Here[/img2][u]Character Name_____[/u][/size] [b]Race[/b]: [b]Age[/b]: [b]Position[/b]: [b]Skills[/b]: [b]Other[/b]:[/box]   Animal Template Image Name Common Locations Frequency Characteristics Social Structure Miscellaneous   Plant Template Image Name Common Locations Frequency Description Uses Miscellaneous (Plant Value)

[L'orlei]

Name: Priskilweed (Lover's Weed, Glow Weed) Common Locations: Off the coast of Mura, medium depths, occassionally deeper Frequency: Uncommon Description: Found growing in the ocean off the shores of Mura, Priskilweed was only recently discovered, having never been seen before the Djed Storm of 512. Priskilweed is named so for its luminous stalks that coat the ocean floor in large patches. Believed to have once been regular seaweed, after the Djed Storm the aquatic plant began to glow, emitting a soft pinkish light from its stalks. Patches of Priskilweed are easily detected at night, appearing as strange glowing pink spots on the water. When dried out the leaves lose their glowing attribute permanently, but so long as they are kept in water they will continue to glow, even after uprooted. Priskilweed is also sometimes called Lovers Weed because of the pink glow, a color often associated with matters of the heart, or glow weed. Uses: Can be used for underwater lighting, can be placed in jars of water and used for lighting out of the water. Gives off about as much light as a candle. It might be possible through some use of herbalism and philtering to extract whatever it is that makes it glow and use it on other things. Miscellaneous: Priskilweed is rare outside of Mura due to its difficulty to transport and recent discovery. It must be kept in water at all times. If the plant dries out, it loses its glowing attribute permanently. Also.. while this isn't a must, but it would be awesome if L'orlei could possibly be the one to discover the plant, and present it at the Festival of Plants. I think it would be a cool thread to do.

[Aunalee]

Name: Calista
Size: six inches
Color: Light Blue
Location: Silver Wood
Lifespan: 5-6 years
Breeding: 3-4 eggs
Mate: 2 years old
General Information: The Calistas have inhabited the Silver Wood for as long as any Konti can remember. Though they aren't in endanger of extinction, it is rare to see one. Many Konti would agree that seeing a Calista is a sign of good luck.
Lore: It is rumored that these are the birds are the silent messengers of Avalis as they will only show up to show up within a few hours of something miraculous or happy happening to the person.
Image:
Value: 10 GM

Name: Aurora
Size: 4 inches
Color: Rainbow
Location: Through out Mura
Lifespan: 8 years
Breeding: 4 eggs
Mate: 2 years
General Information: The aurora birds get their name from their colorful feathers. They are gentle birds and enjoy the company of anyone from a Konti to a Calista. Many shops on Mura sell these birds as pets and are easily taken care of.
Lore: These birds migrated to Mura about one hundred years ago and took over as one of the top bird species in the habitat. They are kind and gentle to all and enjoy approaching the person first instead of the person trying to catch them.
Image:
Value: 1 GM

Name: Rose éros
Size: 7 inches
Color: Pink
Location: Silverwood
Lifespan: 5 years
Breeding: 3 eggs
Mate: 1 years old
General Information: The Rose éros or éros for short can be found normally by the Silver lake. Some would say that if you see these birds you will soon find your soul mate. Altough that's only if the bird is with it's partner. If it's not, many would say it's a bad omen thinking you might lose someone important to you.
Lore: These birds are rumored to be dead doomed lovers who could have never been together in their previous life but because Avalis is kind she has brought them back as these birds to be together for a short period of time. Hence the reason why when someone sees a pair of them it is such a good omen. They only appear to those who will find their true soul mate. If that person can't be together with their soul mate there is another rumor going around that the two will be reincarnated into this bird.
Image:
Value: 2 GM

[Tyler Avery]

Sea Vine Common Locations: Found all over the salt water seas of Mizahar. Frequency: Common Description: Sea Vine is a common underwater plant that starts off as a small green knot at the floor of the ocean. This knot branches out into numerous arms of fingered vines that curl and uncurl with the tides. This plant is found both within coral reefs and without, though they are mostly found strung apart from each other on the empty sand floor. This plant can grown up to 5 feet tall. Uses: Most commonly used as a normal cooking ingredient in salads, this plant does not give off any special attributes. Instead it is a tasty piece of seaweed, extraordinarily popular with solid food eating infants. This vine can be seen often in underwater gardens and sold in markets for a fresh food source.

Buckthorn Bush Common Locations: Found all over the coral reefs of Mizahar's salt water oceans. Frequency: Uncommon Description:This thin plant, with wood-like branches if has long, but small green, waxy leaves. Predominantly in the Spring, Summer and Fall months the plant will produce hundreds of tiny berries ranging from and orange to red color. Each branch has dozens of tiny thorns that the harvester must be aware of. This plant grows to about 2 feet tall at maturity. Uses: There is only one use of this prickly plant. The small berries they produce year round (expect Winter) can be harvest and its juice drained for a small drink. This drink is used, most commonly for birthing mothers, to relax the muscles. In labor this drink is given to mothers to relieve the pressure and pain of contractions.

Octiweed Common Locations: Found throughout Mizahar's fresh water locations. Frequency: Common Description: This weed, much like seaweed with its waxy, clear apperance, survives only within fresh water. More like a bush, this weed has numerous amount of roots dug into the mud or sand. It clumps and tangles itself within each others branches and stays close to the sea floor, spreading over feet of ground rather than raising up to the surface. This plant only grows to about an inch or two tall. Uses: The Octiweed has a few uses. The first use is that when ground to a paste and applied to the skin, can clear blemishes and pores when uses regularly. The second use is as a sedative. When eaten it can make said person fall into a light sleep. Never used in surgery or where heavy sedatives are needed, this plant is used mostly as a sleep helper for insomniacs or feverish children.

Lumishroom Common Locations: In both salt and fresh water found across Mizahar. Frequency: Uncommon Description: This small mushroom grows in small groups of five or six and has a luminescent blue color. Found wildly in underwater caves or other predominately dark spots. Uses: Used often in underwater homes as a living light source and often cultivated and bred inside those homes. Often kept in abundance inside homes. Caution: Keep out of reach of children. If consumed this plant is poisonous. In mild cases may cause nausea and diarrhea and in severe cases can paralyze.

Passion Herb Common Locations: Salt water oceans all over Mizahar Frequency: Common Description: With a think green stalk and dozens of green and purple heart shaped leaves, this plant gets its name from the shape and spicy taste of it's leaves. This underwater organism grows to about a half a foot tall and found normally in the grasslands of the ocean. Uses: Used normally for tea, this plant gives a spicy-sweet taste. Also commonly chewed naturally to relieve stress.

[Traverse]

Hey Guys!

Sorry for the delay, just wanted to say everything is looking great and thanks for the submissions! Just a few minor edits and they'll be good to go!

L'orlei

Everything looks fine, I would just change its Frequency form Semi-Rare to Uncommon

Does the plant lose its ability to glow permanently once out of water and dried? I would assume so since you mentioned they need to be shipped in water. Perhaps somewhere in Misc. you could mention that the plant hasn't left Mura due to its difficulty to transport, or perhaps it even loses its glowing quality a certain distance from the island, though that's just an idea. We can figure out a set price once it's thrown into the wiki.

Aunalee

Please just edit the birds so their information matches the info within the template:

Image
Name
Common Locations
Frequency
Characteristics
Social Structure
Miscellaneous

Thanks!

Tyler:

Some lovely sea plants you've made. I was curious if you wanted to make any of them located only upon Mura as you have said that all of these plants can be found anywhere upon the sea. If not that is fine, but perhaps they should also be re-submitted to the Suvan Sea as well if they have a Flora and Fauna list.

[L'orlei]

Changes made!

[Tazi]

Upir Common Locations: Most commonly seen around Mura in the spring and summer seasons if they are seen at all. They supposedly migrate southeast, through the Strait of Sagallius beginning in the middle of the fall season. The Strait of Sagallius is between the Syliran coast and the island of Sahova. Frequency: Very Rare Description: The defining characteristic of the Upir are their "tusks." These "tusks" are overgrown teeth that have spiraled out of the skin. Males tend to have their horns on the right side of the mouth while females have their horns on the left side. Calves are born with nubs on both sides, although as they age, one gets covered with skin depending on the sex of the calf. The Legionaire had a mutation that allowed both horns to grow. Their skin is smooth from nose to tail and sharp from tail to nose, even though they are mammals. The scales take on a blue-gray color and sometimes speckled with white marks ranging in size (minute spots to large blotches). Males are larger than females, averaging at 15ft long when fully grown. The largest Upir is rumored to be the Legionaire, who is roughly 22ft long. Females average at 12ft long. Their weight varies on size, but many Upir weigh between 1,000 to 4,000 pounds (1 to 4 tons.) Social Structure: Prior to the Valterrian, Upir roamed the Sebaken ocean off the coast of Mura as large groups. These groups of 10-15 Upir were called 'legions' and consisted of males or females and their calves. Although Upir generally mate for life, the males do not generally remain with their family. The males traveled to deeper waters while the females and their calves traveled to shallow waters to prevent premature death of the young by predators. After the Valterrian, things changed. Upir died by the hundreds. They were commonly poached as the need for strong weapons became a necessity. Their horns made excellent spears and small daggers, and they were often eaten by their slayers. Pieces of the horn were also prized jewelery among women. Slowly, the social dynamic changed. Fewer Upir meant smaller legions of 2-3. at the most. Many groups consisted of mothers and calves, while many males became loners outside of breeding season. Sightings of these creatures around Mura became rare as mothers and calves sought safety in deeper waters, choosing predators over poachers. Miscellaneous: Although it has never been confirmed, rumors of a two-horned Upir have circled occasionally among the seafaring people and water-breathing Konti. His sighting is super rare, almost on a godly level. Those who speak of seeing him hold him to be the King of Upirs, the original Legionnaire. Deity Affiliation: Circulating among the rumors, it is also believed that the Legionnaire may be affiliated with Laviku, God of the Sea. He is favored by Laviku, and the struggling species is protected by the god. Those that speak on behalf of Laviku believe that the Legionnaire is a special companion and the god is the only one to know the Legionnaire's true name. Legend also has it few Svefra can take Upir as their Tavon, but only if their are Champions of Laviku. ThoughtsSo I know I am taking a huge leap, especially by tying Laviku into this, but I was super bored in my class. That's why I tried to separate it so it can easily be scratched if it is implausible. Also, the Strait of Sagallius is also up for debate and maybe to provide a new location. I just saw a little strip of ocean, and apparently it wasn't named, so I came up with something. Thoughts while I work this up?

[Kavala]

NPC submission

Name: Seth/Kakkyn
Race: Akalak
DoB: 430 AV
PoB: Riverfall
Title: Unarmed Combat Instructor
Skills: 75 Unarmed Combat, 61, Acrobatics. 45 Dagger, 35 Teaching
Gnosis: 1 Mark Wysar
Additional Info: Seth and Kakkyn are full time residents of Mura. They have a large family within the city and grew to adulthood with joint residency between Riverfall and Mura. Seth's father originally traveled to Mura when his wife was Called home to replace a chief architect in the city of Mura when the architect was killed. Having tons of building experience, his entire family consist of stone masons, engineers, contractors and the like. Only Seth, growing up one of four boys, took the traditional route and went into combat training. He eventually met and married a weaver on Mura and has two daughters. To support his family he trains Konti women in supportive arts (rather than in Suvai) to augment their weapons training. His methods are forthright and often not following the traditional paths, but he relates well to his students and is universally well liked.

Seth also accepts barter for his training. He can be contacted through multiple professionals in the city and is well known on the streets. While he owns his own training facility, he also goes to where people want him to teach them instead.

There will be a location forthcoming.

[Ianthe]

The Artist's Collective Description: Art is vital to konti culture. It tells the stories of the konti people, sharing their traditions and linking them as sisters. For the individual artist, it also offers two additional benefits: the freedom of personal expression, and creative or emotional release. Art can, however, be lonely and expensive. The Artist's Collective is the result of one konti's efforts to solve these problems by providing her fellow artists with both a creative community and a common workspace. The Collective is a group of artists who each pay a standard fee to use the artist's studio. It is considered a tight-knit community rather than a service, and it offers a number of valuable benefits to its members, including gallery space, art supplies, networking opportunities, and mentorship. The outside of the Artist's Collective is a splash of pastel green, blue, and violet paints, glittering sea glass, and carefully placed shells. In contrast, the interior of the building is almost entirely white - representative of a sacred blank space for each artist to begin their creative process. Wide windows along every wall allow for optimal light (from both the sun and moon) to reach the inner sanctum. A stone plaque hangs on the front door and displays the Collective's guiding philosophy in Kontinese: Creativity Curiousity Collaboration The entrance of the building leads into a moderate-sized gallery, where each member of the Collective is given a space to display his or her work. White wood floors and marble walls create a pure and open environment that encourages the viewer to focus entirely on the artwork. On any given day, each artist will have claimed a small section of the gallery for his or her personal creations, which leads to an eclectic collection of pieces. The gallery also holds special events, spanning several days in length, to present a particular member's newest collection or to display art related to a unique theme that each artist has contributed to. At the back of the room sits a small wooden counter and chair, with a guest book and quill atop the counter's surface. The art displayed within the gallery is almost always for sale, but prices vary and need to be negotiated with each individual artist. The guest book is available for interested buyers to leave a note indicating their interest and contact information if the artist is not in. The left wall of the gallery connects to a narrow hallway, which leads into the two main offices. One belongs to the Artist Collective's founder. She frequently uses this space for tracking expenses and memberships, as well as for interviewing potential new members. The second is a common office space which can be used by any member of the Collective at any given time. A fresh sheet of papyrus is hung outside this room daily for members to sign up for time slots. Each slot spans one bell in length. Off the right wall of the gallery is a second, shorter hallway leading to a pastel blue wooden door - the only piece of interior architecture that is coloured. Behind this door lies the large artist's studio. The artist's studio is a wide expanse of space that, upon initial inspection, matches the white wood floors and marble walls of the gallery. After increased investigation, however, one may come to notice small paint spatters on many of the room's bare surfaces. The studio itself is split into three parts. Nearest to the door is a space for painting and drawing. An assortment of easels and foldable drawing desks lay scattered about in organized chaos. A raised block surface sits in the centre of the easels and desks, and is frequently used for object or people portraits. Beyond the painting and drawing area lies a workspace for sculpting. Due to space constraints, only small to medium-sized sculptures can be created within the studio. On any one day, there are often several sculptures in-progress. The back of the studio hosts the common collection of supplies for each of the primary modes of art: painting, drawing, and sculpting. A wide selection of paints and drawing tools are available for use. Sculptors will be able to make use of clay, wood, or blocks of stone for their creations, as well as the tools needed for their endeavours. Artists of all races and genders are welcomed within the Collective. The group is nurturing, and most members are happy to offer their guidance and advice to other members if asked. NPCS, Goods and Services, Membership, & Employment:   Rhian Name: Rhi'an Llewellyn Title: Founder Race: Konti Year of Birth: 394 AV Place of Birth: Mura Gnosis: Divination - 1 Mark Skills: Sculpting - 74 Carving - 65 Teaching - 46 Organization - 38 Drawing - 35 Rhi'an is the founding member of the Artist's Collective. After years of suffering from loneliness as a result of her very individualized profession, she was Called by Avalis to a higher purpose - that of rallying together a strong community of talented artists. The Collective is the result of much collaboration, networking, monetary investment, and hard work on Rhi'an's part. She gave her heart and soul to the Collective and, in return, it is thriving. Like most konti, Rhi'an is small in stature - standing at a slender 5 feet, 3 inches. Long, pale blonde hair and Avalis' lily on her right shoulder complete the picture. She has a melodic lilt to her voice and comes across as a warm, if not a bit reserved, woman, though her bright green eyes often convey a deep and analytical thoughtfulness. She has no daughters (though has a wide assortment of sisters), and spends the majority of her free time in the studio. Rhi'an specializes in sculpting and carving, and can often be found teaching a class in the studio, working on a new sculpture, or running the Collective from the solitude of her office. She has a particular fondness for creating works of art that honour Avalis and Laviku.   Livia Name: Livi'a Ellise Title: Art Instructor Race: Konti Year of Birth: 401 AV Place of Birth: Mura Gnosis: Divination - 1 Mark Skills: Painting - 71 Drawing - 63 Teaching - 44 Negotiation - 41 When the Collective was coming into being, Livi'a was the first konti to jump onboard. She has been best friends with Rhi'an since a very young age and, when she was a child, used to idolize the older konti's every move. Since then, however, she has grown to know herself and has developed into a vibrant woman. Livi'a is taller than Rhi, and stands at a graceful 5 feet, 7 inches. Her long, layered white hair is streaked with pink highlights that never seem to fade. She can often be found decked out in layers of jewellery, bright clothing, and colourfully-shaded lips and eyes to match. Her eyes themselves are a vivid purple and tend to flash expressively when she gets excited. This happens quite frequently, as Livi'a's customary emotion is excited. She is passionate about art, beauty, and the Collective, and is always available for collaboration with a fellow member. Livi'a is the number one talent for all things painting- and drawing-related. She likes to push the boundaries with her art, but tends to maintain a Muran sensibility at her core by shying away from surrealist pieces. She specializes in watercolour paintings, but can offer advice on numerous specialties of painting and drawing. When not in the studio teaching a class or painting a new piece, she can frequently be found socializing with gallery visitors and other artists.   Goods and Services Goods & Services Goods: The art displayed within the gallery almost always for sale, but prices vary and need to be negotiated with each individual artist. A guest book sits on the back counter of the gallery for interested buyers to leave a note indicating their interest and contact information if the artist is not immediately available. Cost: Prices vary. Services: Art workshops are offered to the public once every three days. Subjects range from painting to drawing to sculpture, depending on the teacher's specialty. Each lesson is held in the studio and can last anywhere from 1-3 bells. Classes can hold up to 10 students, and involve a mixture of instruction, free time, and constructive critiques. Cost: 3 GM/class.   Membership Membership Joining the Collective: In order to join the Collective, you must write an interview thread with the founder (can be self-modded). Standard questions might involve your profession, your area of specialization, your current skill level, and your inspiration/motivation - among others. There are no set skill requirements. Membership Price: 25 GM/season. Member Benefits: A key to the building. Equal display space in the building's gallery. Freedom to work in the artist's studio. Free use of the common collection of art supplies.   Employment Employment Employment (Members Only): Art workshops are offered in the studio every third day throughout the season. Members of the Collective have the option to sign up to teach these classes and will, in turn, earn a living wage. They will also be eligible to have 20% taken off of their seasonal membership fee. OOC Note: A PC must have a minimum of two teaching threads/season in order to qualify for the membership fee deduction.