Welcome to @Alex.B and @Ze Clara07, both! Legacy Access can be granted once I get another post or two from you. (I can only award 1 per post)

Character Name: Aeodan Damar Biography Link: LINK Group: Nobility, Ebon Vanguard Special Requests: Updated for Merrilor. This includes an Age Change, and I moved his WS from 9 to 12 to adjust for the additional 5 years. Vanguard referencing is vague and intentional. Edits are in Purple.

I will end this MIA, but it's likely a slow roll-back. I've been on, best described as, 'the struggle bus' thanks to circumstances genuinely out of my control. Surgery aside, the emotional backlash from the Org side and work put me back into a headspace I was in 17 years ago like it was yesterday and the depression was ... bad. (adhd and time did not work in my favor this time). Thank you for being so patient with me. I want to find the parts I'm excited about and continue helping build something with you guys to make the RP fun and relatable while new and exciting. It's a delicate balance so I appreciate the help and continued poking. (Thanks Cass. <3)

So, heads up. I have surgery next week, and that's going to put me afk for most of the week. This week has been a culminating thing of multiple stuff that let's just say I have to change my anti-depressants,.. again. Hopefully, with recovery, I should be in better form... later in the week.

And the poll closed after a set time, so that's what we're going with. 🙂

Fair enough. I’ve hit a small wall on the inspiration front myself. I do have a few thoughts that I felt are worth bringing up either for discussion or to see if its a direction we would want to go before i put in the work to paragraph it up. We are breaking the White Tower, and I’m going to pull the “Seanchan” card as they are the only force in our timeline that would have enough knowledge of how and the means to do so. A General. With the Tower breaking: The Oath Rod is gone. Forcing Aes Sedai to resort to a different type of raising to refill the ranks without the oaths. The Arches remain, as they are built into the location. They are still used as a raising test for Aes Sedai. Given the merging with the BT, I’d like a small storyline of a Male Channeler, an Asha’man taking the Arches as well. With the success of the male arches passing through, it can be a point of “raising” at the unity arches for all channelers to walk through the Arches. Much like how the Aiel treat Ruidean and the test there. Not all of the older Asha’men will walk through, having survived the haunting of the Taint, but those new do. It is seen as a way to help connect the two in more than just a diplomatic way. The White Tower can not be rebuilt without the Ogier, and with the amount of One Power items buried, I see the White Tower as a “dungeon crawl” event/activity instead of a rebuild and return it to what it was. The Black Tower moves more to Merrilor because of a contract with the Andorian Queen who will not give them the land of the Farm without some kind of terif. Though it’s possible that some do remain (like some AS stay in Tar Valon to help with the recovery of the Tower) as solidarity to their original purpose and as possible future contention. It can become its own little city, but without the numbers to support something as sprawling and large. The Academy is something that I played with in the past. I’m second guessing bringing an old character back. (She was cool, but I was also a little arrogant in her connections at the time.. because adhd and depressions and stuff…) So, if other people have other development suggestions I’m open unless the consensus for this lane is supported overall?

Aeodan gave a bit of a shrug before taking another sip of his drink. The fact the other used the word ‘tenacious’ was not a good sign. Though if she found anything of value then perhaps this all may be worth it. Probably not, he thought ruefully. “Let’s just say I’m her on behalf of her family. Josie’s a bit reckless and though she does not have the same expectations on her as her Sisters, she’s still important to them.” Every word a truth, even if his pay may be higher were he here as a hired escort instead of a Vanguard. It was a tricky subject, though he looked forward to their return home. Thinking about it, whatever adventure he would have outside of this, there was little that she had not experienced with her. Never had he thought in his youth that he would be standing in some low born barn they call a tavern drinking with a sword for hire while listening to a cackling laugh of an Aes Sedai from the other side of the curtain. “Babysitting isn’t my favorite task in the world, but she’s worth it.” He gave a slow sigh, perhaps too tired to realize what he let slip. He was here, though no one else seem to catch when she slips past the gates. ”I suspect another hour or two? If yours has more clients mine may bow out politely. If not, she might invite him to celebrate a win or loss just to avoid leaving.” He mused. Morning was going to be hell if she stayed but he wasn’t about to cause a scene if she wanted to stay. Not unless he had to.

@Matalina Was there a particular group that you were leaning towards writing up?

Updated the Merrilor Culture!

CITY OF MERRILOR - CULTURE Built on the primary structure of multiple militaries after the Final Battle, it is a wonder that the city did not continue with a primary leader of a king, nobility, or royal like its neighbors. Here are some basic breakdowns to help describe Merrilor’s general culture. Historical Roots: The Fields of Merrilor was a primary location before the Final Battle where most groups convened to plan and strategize for the Last Battle. Where Borderland Nations made peace talks and discussed the problems of both the north and the south, it once held a city in Ages past, and with so many denizens no longer able to return to where they came from, there was a strong precedence to build something new. In addition to the refugees from Kandor, along with the strong military representation of the Band of the Red Hand, the Black Tower, and those that followed the Dragon Reborn, there was an incredibly wide diversity among those that remained with the beginning of the new Age. A Settlement was created, with the agreement of the bordering Nations of Arafel and Shienar, under the advisement that they remain a city and do not branch out to the lands that belonged to either Nation. Despite the extensively large Military presence of those that remained, many were from the adjourning Borderlands and returned to their homes, depleting the initial military numbers. While there was more than enough to defend and build, there was not enough willingness to fight their Nation for land that they did not need. Under the agreement of the Dragon’s Peace, an additional agreement was written for those that remained and the southern lands where the River Mora and Erinin meet. Cultural Diversity: The growth of Merrilor as a culture only started to take off when the Military walls and city structure started to take shape. The rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and backgrounds that coexist within Merrilor, drew influence from the artists and those who set aside their weapons for a tool. Using their talents, or even the One Power, to create instead of destroy. The safety of being misplaced in the world allowed a new cultural freedom to develop, truly highlighting the city's celebration of diversity as a source of strength, innovation, and resilience. This included new cuisine dishes fused from different nations. Attire also changed, as the Military still held a significant influence but skirts, and dresses, became shorter in length with high boots to account for the incomplete streets. Leather pieces that were often seen as armor became part of everyday wear as accessory pieces. Additional changes are the diversity in appearance, with families starting to blend. Though it would be another few generations before Merrilor had a unique appearance, it was not unusual for all colors to walk the streets. A cultural dialect has started to emerge, a little more direct than the formal nobilities of the South. However, the Great Game will always be deeply instilled in the higher class, it became apparent that most who held higher ranks in the military did so out of skill over their ability to speak pretty words. Merrilor has a growing reputation among the common for being more colorful than their neighbors. Role of Aes Sedai and Asha'man: The integration of the Aes Sedai and Asha’man posed significant challenges due to centuries of deep-seated distrust and animosity. However, as Merrilor emerged as a beacon of cooperation and renewal, it became the stage for a remarkable transformation in relations. As the city flourished in its first year of development and the formidable walls of the Ebon Vanguard stood sentinel, the Council of the Black Tower made a pivotal decision to invest more deeply in Merrilor. They sought to distance themselves from the haphazard structures of the pre-battle era, prioritizing stability, security, and a sense of community—values intrinsic to the Asha'man tradition. The military hierarchy that once governed the Black Tower had been a necessity in the struggle against the Taint, but now, freed from the constant threat, they aimed to establish a sustainable way of life. With guidance from delegates of the White Tower, the Aes Sedai played a crucial role in facilitating negotiations for a City Council and implementing educational initiatives. After the destruction of the White Tower, the Aes Sedai found refuge and a new home within Merrilor, reminiscent of their ancient sanctuary in the Age of Legends. Working side by side with the Asha'man through a mutual council and representatives from other groups, they formed a collective dedicated to the city's prosperity and well-being. Together, the Aes Sedai, Asha'man, and the diverse inhabitants of Merrilor forged a path towards cooperation, understanding, and mutual growth, embodying the spirit of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. Merrilor and Trade: Merrilor itself is not rich in natural resources, but sitting upon the Erinin and Mora rivers does present certain advantages. It doesn't dominate the river ways the same way that Tar Valon did before Tarmon Gaidon, but most of the northern routes that are river-bound run through it. Both Shol Arbela and Fal Moran have connected themselves to the city by new roads and the rivers also facilitate the transport of larger shipments. Trade from the Niamh Passes also often flows through here, though trade from the east is not what it once was. In turn, goods from the south often come to Merrilor to in turn filter to the capitals of Shienar and Arafel as well as continue to the reborn Malkier. Where Merrilor shines can be found in their workshops. Many artisans were actively lured to the new city after Tarmon Gaidon, whether it was due to the safety offered by the city's military and channelers, or the chance to make money in such a place where people of power would need and want the finer things. The result was the rapid development of industrial and commercial districts with many guilds while differing from anywhere else in the known world for two reasons. The academy and its technological advances have opened up new opportunities for goods and production, and while this has at times led to conflict due to these advances drastically changing the nature of the artisan has led to conflicts between the guild and academy. The second is a small portion of the channelers of the city who have turned their eye to using their skills to create goods and services of their own. This has required regulation to try and reach a balance, but it has meant that the production of goods wrought by the power. While weapons are strictly banned from trade, works of art to something as simple as a cup that can never be broken do attract hefty commissions, money that in turn flows through the rest of the city. The responsibilities of overseeing the management of trade in the city and participating in the city council fall to the Magister and Chancellor respectively The Magister oversees the guilds of the city while the Chancellor is responsible for regulations of commerce and coinage for the city. While they are united on most matters, they have been known to be opposed on the matter of guild rights versus free trade. ROLES: Magister: A nominated representative of the guilds, they are their voice on the council and are responsible for ensuring all guilds are compliant with Merrilor's laws and regulations. Chancellor: Foremost public servant of the city on economic matters. Their duties include oversight of regulations governing commerce and taxation. They also have oversight of both Merrilor's mint and Bank (to be named). The Application of Technology: Amidst the cooperation of the Aes Sedai, Asha'man, and the Academy of Scientists from Cairhien, Merrilor experienced a profound leap in technological advancement that reshaped the city's way of life. Harnessing the power of the One Power in collaboration with scientific expertise, the city witnessed remarkable innovations in various fields. Through the combined efforts of channelers and scholars, infrastructure projects were revolutionized with the construction of advanced transportation networks, fortified structures, and sustainable energy sources. Communication systems underwent a dramatic transformation, with the development of intricate networks powered by the flows of Saidin and Saidar, enabling swift and secure exchanges of information across the city. This newfound connectivity facilitated efficient coordination among city officials, improved emergency response capabilities and strengthened community bonds. The integration of magical and scientific knowledge also revolutionized healthcare practices, with healers and researchers working hand in hand to develop groundbreaking treatments and medical technologies. From advanced diagnostic tools to innovative healing techniques, these advancements improved the quality of healthcare and enhanced the well-being of Merrilor's inhabitants. Additionally, agricultural practices were modernized through the introduction of magical irrigation systems and crop enhancement techniques, bolstering food security and promoting sustainable farming practices in the region. As a result of these collaborative efforts, Merrilor emerged as a hub of innovation and progress, embracing technology as a catalyst for growth, prosperity, and cultural exchange. The city's way of life was profoundly transformed, with advancements in infrastructure, communication, healthcare, and agriculture enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents. The cooperative spirit between channelers, scholars, and scientists exemplified Merrilor's commitment to embracing change and leveraging collective expertise to build a brighter future for all. Challenges and Contention: As Merrilor continues to undergo rapid development and transformation, it encounters a myriad of challenges and points of contention that shape its internal dynamics and external relations. Despite concerted efforts to foster cooperation and understanding among its diverse cultural groups, inherent tensions may arise due to the rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and beliefs that define Merrilor's social fabric. These differences, while contributing to the city's cultural vibrancy, can also serve as sources of friction, requiring continuous dialogue, empathy, and compromise to navigate. Internally, Merrilor grapples with power struggles as various factions vie for control and influence within the city. While united in their overarching goal of prosperity and stability, competing interests and agendas can lead to political infighting and discord, potentially undermining the city's cohesion and governance structures. Balancing the diverse needs and aspirations of Merrilor's inhabitants becomes a delicate balancing act, requiring astute leadership and inclusive decision-making processes. Moreover, Merrilor's embrace of technological innovation, while instrumental in advancing its growth and development, is not without its challenges. While some eagerly embrace the opportunities afforded by technological progress, others may harbor concerns about the erosion of traditional values and practices in the face of rapid change. Striking a harmonious balance between technological advancement and cultural preservation is a complex endeavor that requires thoughtful consideration and community engagement. Externally, Merrilor's rising prominence attracts attention and interest from neighboring nations, leading to diplomatic complexities and geopolitical rivalries. As Merrilor seeks to assert itself on the world stage, it must navigate a delicate diplomatic dance, balancing its interests with the needs and concerns of external powers. Tensions may flare over competing geopolitical interests, territorial disputes, or historical grievances, testing Merrilor's diplomatic acumen and strategic alliances. Furthermore, Merrilor faces security threats and economic disparities that pose significant challenges to its stability and prosperity. Despite its fortified defenses, the city remains vulnerable to external threats and shadowy influences seeking to undermine its security and stability. Economic disparities, while inevitable in any growing city, require proactive measures to address social inequities and promote inclusive growth and opportunity for all residents. In navigating these multifaceted challenges, Merrilor is presented with an opportunity to define its identity and legacy as a beacon of unity, progress, and prosperity in the world. By embracing diversity, fostering cooperation, and confronting challenges with resilience and determination, Merrilor can chart a course toward a future that embodies its founding principles of unity, growth, and acceptance.

We could go that route, yes. 🙂

Approved WS Discipline: Power Augmented This weapon discipline uses more than just training with weapons but uses the One Power as an additional asset in each battle. Honing the ability to fight with a weapon and the One Power requires great concentration and practice with weaves of specific kinds. Beginners typically form their weaves before a fight choosing to use shields or weaponized weaves to enhance their combat abilities. Intermediate and advanced users of the discipline can create weaves in the middle of a move to augment their fighting style. Masters of the discipline can create complex weaves and fight multiple opponents at one time while maintaining multiple flows. [Descriptive note: Think Avatar: The Last Air Bender style fighting at intermediate and above skill level]

Weapon Score structure is updated with the new 0-15 system!! Check it out HERE.

Yuuuup....

I’ll post it into Kai’s bio for when I’m not on my phone. 🙂 And I’m glad you like making up your own! It’s nice you can pick up some from others os be creative and go with something that fits with your character. Now… i just need descriptions for those numbers….