Sign Up/Discussion Pokemon: The Rainbow Spirit Line

@ChocoChicken @Arod

The fantastic Pokeworld of Erimia--a vast and arid world that is basically a large prairie, with pockets of forests and mountains. What towns there are naturally grew up in the mountains, along the river, and by greenery.

Since time immemorial, the humans of Erimia have lived, worked, and played alongside the three main beast-peoples that inhabit the world. Their bond is closest to the Taka, a race of winged humanoids (similar to the Rito of Zelda fame) that live in the mountains. They have been the guardians of the anam--tiny ghost-like beings said to be the source of magic--for thousands of years.

On the plains roam the cat-like mithra, whose hunting and gathering lifestyle naturally lent itself to Wandering. The mithra are considered guardians of Wanderers, and to befriend one is good fortune.

In the pockets of forest scattered across the plains are the rabbit-like viera. While they generally keep to themselves, a few have ventured outside of the forest to Wander.

There are just as many reasons a person may choose to Wander as there are Wanderers. Some, like Brock of Graystead, do it to support a family or a friend. Others, like Misty of Willowlake, do it to get artistic or spiritual inspiration. Still others do it in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one. And some, like best friends Ash and Serena of Little Glen, have a desire to see the world, and all it has to offer.

Whatever their reason to Wander, a Wanderer is a welcome sight to see among the beast-peoples and humans alike. They serve as guides, teachers, entertainers, and sometimes medics and traders to the people. But the most recognizable item a Wanderer carries is an Arca--an ornate enchanted bow that fires magical arrows.

Major routes along the world that Wanderers tend to take follow sacred roads the Taka call spirit lines. According to Taka lore, spirit lines are tied to elementals of magic, with the Rainbow Spirit Line being the longest and holiest of the spirit lines.

Just recently, rumors of a celestial medallion said to be the key to a hidden treasure trove began racing across the plains, and many set out along the various spirit lines to attempt to find it along the Rainbow Spirit Line. If this medallion is found, it could create a paradise--or the world's horrible doom.

You play the role of a traveler who joins up with Brock, Misty, Ash, and Serena to find the fabled medallion--what wonders and terrors await you?

Sign up here with the following info:

Character's name:
Character's age (in human years):
Character's race (you can play a human, a Taka, a mithra, or a viera):
Character's class: (you can play a Wanderer, a mystic, a priest/ess, a shaman, a warrior, a mercenary, a swordsman/woman, or a balladeer)
Character's inventory (what is your character carrying? Keep in mind this is a fantastic Wild West-like world without firearms, so firearms are not allowed)

If you have any questions about the world or making a character, let me know and I will be happy to answer them.

Signups are closed now.

 

@Arod

If you need to know how these line up to traditional fantasy classes:

mystic=wizard/other offensive magic user
priest/ess=cleric/other defensive magic user; but they can use their holy magic to hurt as well as help.
shaman=druid with some aspects of a summoner; a nature based magic user
warrior=your basic martial artist/kung fu user
mercenary=rogue
a swordsman/woman=paladin, samurai or other specialized sword user
balladeer=minstrel

Wanderers are a blend of the balladeer, a ranger, a mystic and a cleric

 

@Arod

Looks good, then--you are Accepted!

 

@Fchicken77

It would help if you copied over the personality--other than that, you are Accepted!

 

@Fchicken77

Okay! Now you're ready to go!

I'll have worldbuilding information in here if you are ever confused about something, including information on the unique slang Wanderers and those that interact with them use, and some Taka traditions.

 

@ChocoChicken

Taka share many common instruments the humans play, alongside their flutemaking tradition and harp making tradition. They are based on the Rito from Zelda, so they would wear something like what they wear (in either their Wind Waker or Breath of the Wild incarnations)

You are Accepted!

 

@ChocoChicken @Fchicken77 @Arod

The Wanderer's Cant

Wanderers and their allies have a unique language all their own--this language, comprised of unique slang and turns of phrase, is called the Wanderer's cant by common people.

Initially meant as a means of communication between Wanderers, it caught on among merchants, shopkeepers, and others that interact with Wanderers often

Some examples:

Rise up--time to get up, let's go.

"Storm, Fox, rise up--we have a long way to go if we're going to reach the next town by dusk."

Reed-box--a harmonica

Blow the reed-box/blow the ol' reed-box--to play a harmonica

"Sure, I can blow the ol' reed-box for a while...any requests?"

Windpipe--a trumpet. Usually refers to a military bugle, but can also refer to a valved trumpet.

To make a windpipe squawk--to play a trumpet/bugle.

"Rise up--we need to be gone before the windpipe squawks at the fort."

Fur-lady--a mithra, one of the beast-peoples.

"Many people say fur-ladies are fickle, but Nyami's not one of them."

Long-ear--a viera, one of the beast-peoples.

"Long-ears mainly keep to themselves in forests--but if you can befriend one, you have a friend for life."

Feather-mage--a Taka, one of the beast-peoples.

"If we keep going north, we should reach a Feather-mage village."

Sing--to whistle with the lips, usually for signalling.

"We need to get past those bandits--once the coast is clear, I'll sing."

Sleighter--someone who cheats at a card game.

"I wouldn't play with that guy--he's got to be a sleighter 'cause of all the aces he had."

Swanna--a showgirl

Plume--a showgirl's headdress, usually referring to the long feathery plume at the top.

"I don't regret trading my Swanna's plume for a Wanderer's hat at all."

 

@Arod @Fchicken77 @ChocoChicken

The Taka Clans and the Spirit Walk

When a Taka comes of age (usually around the human ages of 13 or 14), they embark on what the Taka call a "spirit walk". By walking the main spirit line of their clan, and seeing some of the sacred monuments along the spirit line, the young Taka often awakens magical ability, and returns to the tribe as an enlightened adult.

Both male and female Taka make the spirit walk, and each spirit walk is unique to each traveler. Each route can have as many as 480 landmarks to see on the trip, but the average route has about 120 to 180 landmarks to see.

The Taka usually goes alone, but sometimes one that has previously went on the walk can go with them (usually if a chief's children have come of age). The walk itself usually takes the better part of a year, but two and three year walks are not unheard of.

Traveling Taka are allowed to stay in towns and villages, but it is encouraged to camp out in the open.

Sometimes non-Taka take the walk as a part of learning about and appreciating the Taka culture. Rather than following a specific clan's route, a non-Taka will cross over different lines to see some of the more prominent landmarks. The traveler is also accompanied by a Taka guide, who tells the traveler about each landmark and why it is important.

Of our four heroes, only Brock has actually taken a spirit walk; describing it as a "moving and powerful experience". Ash and the girls have shown interest in taking one, however.

The eight main Taka clans match up with one of the eight elements of the world--the Earth Clan, the Flame Clan, the River Clan, the Wind Clan, the Snow Clan, the Storm Clan, the Sol Clan, and the Luna Clan

 

@ChocoChicken

Either name would fit in this world.

Pokémon are welcome, but not required.

A flute makes sense for a Taka--the Taka have a long history of flute making and harp making.