Suggestion Box

[Una Tanta]

Species: Cat

Breed: Morur (In the rest of Miz it is known as a Morur Cat, in Avanthal where they are bred they are colloquially called Mirror cats)

Common Locations: Avanthal

Frequency: Rare

Characteristics: These cats are especially treasured by people of Lhavit. They can use mirrors as a way to travel. However, there are limitations. The size of the cat determines how far they can travel but often they are quite sickly as the other kitten takes up the majority of the nutrients in the womb. Thus, though it is not accepted in Avanthal, some who breed Morur cats will have a veterinarian kill the stronger kitten half-way through the pregnancy and hope the smaller of the two is indeed the Morur, to increase its size. Furthermore, a Morur can only travel through mirrors designed for them. Their coats are white with a paired metallic shade which is the only metal framed mirrors they can pass through. If steel grey, they may only enter and exit through mirrors framed with steel. If gold, they may only enter and exit through mirrors framed with gold. Furthermore, a human may not pass through with them. When used, they are typically used by leaders of cities to converse with other leaders. However, as useful as they cats are they are incredibly difficult to breed as their mating dance is extremely elaborate and the females can only become impregnated in cold weather as this encourages them to increase their fat to insulate their growing young, otherwise they are prone to anorexia. Furthermore, these beasts typically only live 2-4 years in cold places like Wind Reach and the mountains of Lhavit, living only 1-2 in warmer areas like Syliras. They cannot survive in places like Ekytol where they will starve themselves to death.

Social Structure: While both males and females can be Murors, only Female Murors can produce Muror young. A male Muror cannot create Murors with other breeds of cat. Male and Female Muror typically do not get along except during mating season. Male Murors are extremely territorial and do not do well with other cats, however they are rumoured to be extremely friendly to other species. Female Murors are extremely friendly and are happiest when surrounded by other cats. Their mating dance is elaborate and besides the breeders in Avanthal has never been witnessed.
Price: Moderated

Miscellaneous: When Reproducing they only produce 2 kittens with each breeding and only one kitten will be considered a Morur. While the other kitten has the genetics to produce further Morurs when bred the likelihood that 1 of the kittens will be a Morur drops to 75%, a third generation non-expressive Morur drops to 50%, a fourth generation non-expressive Morur will not be able to produce any Morur cats. A Morur cat is defined by their abilities, while those that do not possess the abilities are called non-expressive Morurs.

[Una Tanta]

Species: Cat

Name: Gremslik

Common Locations: Avanthal

Frequency: Average

Characteristics: The shortest haired cat in the cold northern city they are strictly indoor cats and kept only as mousers. They are born black and shed the black by the end of their first year becoming perfectly white. As they age they become whiter until their coat and skin is almost translucent.They are tolerant of humans, often sleeping in their beds or deigning to be petted from time to time but they are typically more aloof. They have long limbs and tails with a proportionately small head and large ears, built for hunting. They are teased and chased by children but the adults typically ignore them and simply let them do their job. They are monogamous and are always found in pairs, one is NEVER found alone. They will lie by their partners dying sides and will only leave if another cat that has been separated from their partner is presented to them. Oddly while they usually pair as opposing genders once their mate dies they are as likely to accept a female as a male.

Social Structure: Always found in pairs; they hunt, eat, drink and play in pairs. They are born in even numbers always; 2,4, or 6. They are monogamous and will only mate with their pair. The young are taken from the parents by the Frostfawn when they are sexually mature and placed in a cage with another to bond before being released. This is the only time they are handled in large amounts to keep the breeding as pure and strong as possible. However, they can be crossbred with other breeds as easily as with their own and will have the same attachment to that cat as to another of their kind.

Price: 25 GM

[Una Tanta]

Species: Cat
Breed: Kalinean Shindoll
Common Location: Avanthal
Frequency: Common
Characteristics: The Shindoll is the most common breed of cat in Avanthal. They are beloved for their thick white coat and multi-coloured eyes. Most all are born with multi-coloured eyes reflecting the Vantha’s belief that this cat was created just for them by Morwen and is thus not sold outside of Avanthal. They are the favoured breed for children as they are reputed for their cuddly and loving temperament. While the FrostFawns breed them because of their primarily aesthetic and cultural significance they are bought and loved most frequently by the other holds in Avanthal. Often seen on the mantle or lap of a late working shopkeeper, or prancing around while a snowsong tries a new dance they are frequent companions to those looking for companionship and to be closer to Morwen.
Cost: 15GM

[Una Tanta]

Some Ideas not fully created yet (I have pictures but just wanted to get the ideas out there first:

Before the Djed storm regular snakes could survive in Avanthal. Since the storm there have been reports from hunters of snakes popping out of the snow at them. No one has been bit yet however, and so all spotting of this creature are purely rumours. These creatures are similar to their Spire counterparts (origins) but are characterized by two designs. One type is much smaller, about the length of a vantha arm and a pale blue with dark blue line. The other is characteristically bigger, about 7 feet. It is blue with patches of beige. Both have eyes, red from the Djed storm. While they do not seem as agitated by the storm as the badgers and other Djed affected creatures they are much more territorial than other snakes often acquiring as much as 1 square mile of land as their own (in the larger counterparts). They create tunnels in the ice like gophers with small holes they can exit and enter from. They are entirely dormant in the Summer and Fall (Coldest days of Avanthal) and are most active in the Winter and Spring. When active they will hunt from their tunnels or the smaller ones may roam short distances to hunt. They cannot be kept as pets ever, as the power of the Djed makes them too unsettled. When they die, unlike other snakes their skins cannot be used afterward as it becomes too brittle. However, the teeth and skin in their counterparts is highly sought after in the Spires as being able to retain magical abilities for longer than many other organic items. (skins disappear because too brittle but teeth have a glow to them, this helps them see in their dark caves. They open their mouths to alight the tunnels. These are not as dangerous as Wraiths but are more numerous.

Location:
Of unknown origin and age this monument can be found on an oddly shallow ledge approximately a day’s swim/boat trip south of Avanthal. Because it is unusually close to the surface of the water there is more growth and therefore more fish present here than in most areas of the ocean. The carvings are carved with exacting mastery but the tide and wear has worn away the detail on many of the northern counterparts, while the ever south moving current wears away at them. The southern pieces show the most detail. They are heavy creations made from stone with worn bronze pieces still complete in some areas.
-Only with moderation-


Animal:
Fog Gizzins
Fog Gizzins (a.k.a Fogs or Gizzins) are the largest ocean and land bird near Avanthal. They are always found in sets of two (or three if one is a young, which stays with them until they are a year old) They are beloved by the (musical) hold for their song. Their feathers are frequently used for the wealthier and rich and are a source of trade in Avanthal as each bird is so large many feathers can be harvested from its body. (Left) in summer. (right) in winter. They have red either around their eyes or the top of their head. They only leave their parents when they have found another mate which is why they are never seen alone. When a mate of one is killed the other will pluck out all its feathers in distress and hover near the body wandering around it keening at the top of it’s lungs. It can be heard for miles. Their song is unique as they are much like the Northern Parrots. They attract their mates through unique sounds. By copying sounds in their surroundings (frequently; the cracking of ice or sound of crunching snow, Less Frequently; the sound of a talderan sabretooth or frosthawk call) they can use distinct noises, those that gather more sounds are more valuable mates. They use these calls during mating but before and after finding a mate when it is not mating season they will almost never use their unique calls. Instead, their own call at birth is a unique long song. Each bird has a unique song as each copies parts of its parents song in creating it’s own. Once it’s song has been established it does not change as it acquires external sounds. They are brave creatures and are not instinctively timid unless they smell dogs. As dogs are usually used to hunt them anything smelling of dog makes them wary. They do not leap into flight quickly but they can fly for extended periods of time, as can they swim for extended periods of time.

Plant:
Shylaris
Dark green leaves and a tough stalk this white tulip is only present for a few days in Winter (The warmest season in Avanthal) from the 1rst to the 7th they will poke their heads out of shallow snow and bloom. They are used to mourn Morwens departure from Avanthal and are often worn around heads, neck, and woven into pets collars and mares manes. Beyond its use as a celebratory flower it has no scent and has no medicinal uses.

[Ainyi]

Hey all! I don't have a PC here, but I do have a Vantha bard in Alvadas, Nanuk. I ended up writing a Vanthan folk song for a thread, and thought I'd contribute it to these lovely people. I am open to edits and changes, as I am not from Avanthal, and thus may not have fully captured the Vanthan Spirit. I wanted to do a song about two men stealing a bride price back and forth, only for Morwen to punish them for not even considering the woman's wishes in the arrangement. I hope it fits well here!

The wind did rise, on Yoro's back,
The snow did kiss his face.
He climbed the mountain far and gone,
With no friend, with no trace.
Though the ice did tinge his hair blue,
His eyes were burning red.
For he searched all day for his price
For his fair love to wed.

He sought a carved staff this day,
Ornate with vibrant beads.
Rhus, his rival suitor,
Who stole it, he will bleed.
Up, he went, on the mountain,
dagger in his hand.
To bring down his bride price,
For his fair Irrilan.

He found Rhus atop the peak,
The staff, how it gleamed.
'Let her go,' Yoro cried,
'My heart, oh how it screams!
My love for her, it knows no bounds,
She holds me in her heart!
Give me her price that I may pay,
In peace then we will part.'

Rhus, he scoffed and mocked Yoro,
waved the staff to his face.
'You're not fit to hold her, man,
A fool in her grace!
Her hand was promised to me, lad,
Her father made that clear.
Leave her now, leave her alone,
So we may be close and dear.'

The two did clash their blades then,
The mountain how it moaned.
Each took a slash to the side,
Oh! How they both groaned.
The storm it stopped, the lights came,
Morwen's lights, alight.
From them, she descended then,
With beauty and with might.

'Stop this now,' she cried to them.
'Neither deserve her hand!
This woman to you, a stranger,
You think not on her demands.'
And there had the men froze,
Angry, still in fight.
None would find them ever again,
Upon Morwen's might.

Irrilan hoped, oh she prayed,
How neither would return.
For she loved a poorer man,
Now their love could burn.

[Meville Brightshade]

All righty! So, here are two potentially new additions to the city. I present to thee: The Brightshade Sisters. Cue: narcissism.

Milicent (left) and Isadora (right)

Milicent Brightshade
Age: 58 | Female
Skills: (tentative)
Auristics (60 - 70) - Expert
Teaching (55 - 60) - Expert
Socialization (35 - 40) - Competent
Subterfuge (26 - 36) - Novice to Competent
Knitting (35) - Competent
Weapon: Knitting Needles (25) - Novice

"The self-proclaimed 'sweeter sister', Milicent is an experienced Aurist, her intuition is usually an outcome of her having read you. While she may appear to be the more friendly of the two, Milicent has a knack for pointing out someone's flaws with ruthless acuity. Lessons from her are usually sprinkled with a heavy dose of doting sarcasm, sweetly snide remarks, and a plethora of 'innocent' nit-picking."

Isadora Brightshade
Age: 58 | Also Female, surprise!
Projection (65 - 75) - Expert
Intimidation (50) - Expert
Teaching (40 - 45) - Competent
Meditation (26 - 36) - Novice to Competent
Weapon: Purse (25) - Novice

"By far the more stoic of the two, Isadora is a force not to be reckoned with. While she isn't cold, her admiration is never given, and her respect is only just won by one matching her in both strength and resolve. Condescending, terse, and a tongue more barbed than a puffer-fish, Isadora is not, and never is, a 'friendly' person, though she sometimes will venture a slight upper twitch of the lips, an occasional chuckle, when it suits her. Seeking lessons from this sister often requires training first in meditation, followed by the finer art of projection. The basics are, according to Isadora, the blood of all things."

History:
The Brightshade sisters arrived in Avanthal on the fifty-sixth day of Fall, 513 A.V. Sent by the ghost of their brother to come teach his son, their nephew, the two ladies brought along their adoptive son, Bartum. Procuring a cabin in the Savintar Warrens, 12B, the two ladies found the snowy city of Avanthal, despite its stance on magical practice, to be a lovely place to rest their weary bones. They say the cold doesn't bother them, but the constant blazing fire that keeps their cabin on par with a furnace would say otherwise.
While they had come to aid their nephew, the sisters decided they'd set up shop in the meantime while awaiting his response to their offer of assistance. Milicent, a fine hand for needlework, began stitching and selling sweaters, the gaudy designs becoming rather popular with the older populace. Isadora, on the other hand, found she much preferred spending her evenings with the Snowsongs, enjoying their cultured performances and heartfelt songs. Neither women speak much Vani, aside from the few phrases here and there, though Milicent usually is able to "discern" Vantha's intentions.
Whispers about the two women range from two lovely human ladies, well traveled and cultured to dark witches from the southern lands. While both descriptions may be accurate, the two are very careful with whom they choose as students, both well aware the Icewatch would quickly turn hostile should their secret get out.

[Beren]

 

Tzufit

Name: Tzufit
Race: Kelvic (Dire Polar Bear)
Date of Birth: Spring 60, 492
Place of Birth: Avanthal
Title/Occupation: Retired Icewatch Guard/Mount, Medic
Gnosis: Morwen (1), Oriana (1)

Personality/History:
Much like any polar bear Kelvic in the Icewatch, Tzu started training at an early age, becoming an apprentice in the Icewatch. She met Travina, her bondmate, when on rotation with the Whitevine branch. Instantly, the two grew close. Knowing how dangerous it was to become bound to someone so young, Tzu asked to complete her other rotations and return to the Whitevine branch when she was of age to complete the binding connection with Travina. This was granted. Time passed, and eventually she returned to the Whitevine branch where she served as Travina's mount. They were a perfect pair as Tzu was strong enough to carry many of Travina's supplies as well as fast enough to keep up with the units when the moved.

The pair ended up doing a rotation in the Coolwater branch when another Whitevine fell victim to an injury. Taking the medic's place for a short time was worthwhile, as Tzufit had the chance to meet Hal. The bears hit it off nicely. Although Kelvics could never bind to one another in the way that the bound to their Vantha counterparts, Tzu and Hal made a pact to be mates until the end. Although abnormal for the male to be monogamous to one female, Tzu deeply appreciate the sentiment of being unconditionally loved.

Tzufit is a very quiet and kind woman, a cool balance to her mate. Weighing in at 300kg (660 lb) and measuring at 8'5" in length, she was larger then a regular polar bear female. Tzu was still small and lithe in comparison to Hal, which made her perfect for weaving in and out of battles to recover injured guards for Travina to work with. Of course, there are a few things that will send her into a blind rage: messing with Travina, Hal, or her son, Berengar. These should be avoided at all costs.

Skills:

Unarmed Combat	40	Competent
Tracking	50	Competent
Wilderness Survival...	30...	Competent...
Running	50	Competent
Medicine	20	Novice

...

 

Hallbjorn

Name: Hallbjörn
Called: Hal
Race: Kelvic; Dire Polar Bear
Date of Birth: Spring 18, 491
Place of Birth: Avanthal
Title/Occupation: Retired Icewatch Guard/Mount, Fisher
Gnosis: Morwen (2)

Personality/History:
Hal has a very similar history to many dire polar bears born and raised in the Avanthal Icewatch. He entered training early in his life and vigorously excelled in many of his classes. Hal grew quickly, reaching a large size even before he was finished growing. Many guards were scared of his chilling attitude and indifference to his Vantha comrades. If there was one thing that no one would dare question was his loyalty to Avanthal and Morwen. Even though he did not have many friends in the Icewatch, that did not mean he did not respect many of them. They would learn and fight together, and they became as close to a family as he would ever know since his parents died when he was very young.

His bondmate, Quinn Coolwater, was quite the opposite in temperament. While Hal was cool, collected, and logical, Quinn was rambunctious, spontaneous, and rather irrational at times. They ended up becoming bondmates when Quinn and Hal were stuck outside Avanthal together. Although it was strange for both of them to need help, they knew their only way of survival was depending on one another. While out in the frozen tundra, it is said the two got to know each other more than any other bonded partner in a short period of time. Although not true, Quinn and Hal have a very private and understanding relationship as guard and mount.

Hal is only soft to his mate, Tzufit. His "snowy hummingbird", as he likes to call her, brightened his world when she joined their branch as a replacement medic. Naturally an angry beast, Hal is almost ten fold worse when Tzufit is in danger. He throws in 550 kg (1,210 lb) around with ease, and measures 10'8" from nose to button tail. He passed his heirloom, which he inherited from his father when he died, to his son when he was born. Hal is often hard on apprentices, but simply in the capacity that he wants to see them grow so they can protect his treasured city long after he is gone. Although in the Icewatch, he is cool and calculated, when around Tzu, he takes on many aspects of his bondmate, Quinn. He becomes loud, obnoxious, and all around acts like he is drunk on the love that comes from her smile. Thankfully, they have duties in separate holds, so this changes only occurs in their private Avinta around their bondmates and family.

Skills:

Unarmed Combat	65	Competent
Body Building	50	Competent
Wilderness Survival...	30...	Competent...
Running	30	Competent

...

[Rosalyn Snowsong]

 

Wasinda

Name: Wasinda Snowsong
Race: Vantha
Date of Birth: 1st of Fall, 470
Place of Birth: Avanthal
Title/Occupation: Priestess of Priskil
Skills: Animal Husbandry(50), Singing(26), Reimancy(60), Organization(39), Intelligence(65)
Gnosis: Ice Reaving 1, Luminance 4
Personality/History: Most people were surprised when Wasinda got married, leaving the Frostfawn hold for the Snowsong. She was an Ice maiden that seemed to give up on marriage a long time ago. As a young woman, she kept herself busy by breeding various amounts of domestic animals and constantly praising Priskil. When she got married, she managed to continue her old routines -rarely breeding animals- and added in new ones. She learned to sing just so she could call herself a Snowsong member. Wasinda was one of the first in years to birth triplets. After the triplets, a son and then, thanks to the gods, a girl. She lost one of her children and can't understand why.

Wasinda is peaceful and very quiet. She rarely speaks and because her common is horrible, she mainly speaks vani. She isn't known to start trouble, or even get involved. Some people say she is the most kindest person you'll know, and she tends to be very motherly. Wasinda is a very busy woman, constantly at Priskil's shrine or in the Snowsong hold, trying to learn new things.

 

Bynard

Name: Bynard Snowsong
Race: Vantha
Date of Birth: 23rd of Winter, 461
Place of Birth: Avanthal
Title/Occupation: Husband of Wasinda, Teacher
Skills: Teaching(70), Singing(37), Instrument:Trumpet(51), Instrument: Harp(40), Instrument:Gamba(45)
Gnosis: Ice Reaving 1
Personality/History: Bynard didn't get married until he was twenty, to the love of his life. They had more then enough kids (7), all boys. At first, his life seemed to make sense. It wasn't until he started heading into his thirties when it fell apart. His wife died from a really bad illness, and four of his children, who were unhappy with their lives, ran away from the home provided for them by Morwen. The man lived in sorrow until he was middle-aged, which is when he fell in love again with Wasinda. He made the Ice maiden his beautiful bride, right away. They had four boys and a girl (Well, he's raising the girl, but she's not hid) together. Bynard's life was back on track. It wasn't until one of his sons from his current marriage, reminded him of his past. It makes him a little harder on his kids, and overprotective of his only daughter.

People's first impression of him, is scary. He's not only very tall, but he is also strict on his students and kids. Very few people try to avoid him because of this, while others - Vanthas that have known him for years- welcome him with wide arms. Bynard has a love for music and his hold. He's a perfectionist, and wants everything to be perfect.

 

Dalia

Name: Dalia Swift-Hanger
Race: Mixed blood
Date of Birth: 20th of Summer, 495
Place of Birth: Sunberth
Title/Occupation She's part of the icewatch
Skills: Unarmed Combat(67), Blind Fighting(51), Stealth(45), Weapon: longbow(45)
Gnosis: Ice Reaving 1, Wysar 1
Personality/History:Dalia is mixed with four different races. Rumors say, she's mostly vantha and eypharian. She was born into gangs and drugs, and for awhile thought that stuff was right. It wasn't until she fell in love with a Vantha man, she realized what she was doing in Sunberth was wrong. He took her back to Avanthal and request that she'd meet the Queen-goddess, Morwen. She instantly felt a connection with the goddess and decided she would worship her. The skills she developed in Sunberth, came in handy when she decided to join the icewatch.

Dalia is someone you do not mess with. She'll use her abilities to take down anyone who insults Morwen or disrespects Avanthal and it's culture. The Vanthas have no problem with Dalia or her attitude, it's mostly visitors. Dalia has a huge problem with visitors who are unaware of Avanthal and the goddess that rules it. She only reveals her childish and playful ways around the vantha and icewatch.

[Ablation]

Hey Guys,

-Beren: I like your family members, I am not sure if they would be considered over powered but I will send them on to Traverse for the final okay.

-Rosalyn: Unfortunately Rosa, we can't approve PC families that are like this. They give the PC an unfair advantage. Furthermore, while other gods ARE worshipped in Avanthal Morwen is the primary goddess so having 4 marks from another goddess isn't likely to happen in Avanthal, except through extraordinary measures. Bynard looks good, I will pass him on to Traverse

Is Dalia just a city PC are is she related to you? I really like her back story and everything there seems good. Technically anime isn't against the rules and I can't stop a PC from using it as their profile picture but I would like all my city NPCs not to be anime pictures So if you can find a RL person to play her I will pass her on to Traverse as well!

[Rosalyn Snowsong]

Okay that's fine. I made a small change to Bynard stating that my character isn't his biological daughter. No, Dalia has no connections to Rosa, I just thought she would be a very cool NPC to add. I also changed her picture .