Discarnate
Crime ▲ Dark Magic ▲ Power Dynamics ▲ RP Consequences ▲ 21+ D/M RP
FFXIV | Mateus | Mist | Ward 16 | Plot 2
Discarnate
"Beware those who seek to know the shadow, for it shall engulf them for its own design."
Discarnate is a criminal house operating in the semi-permissive environment of La Noscea. Its founder, Lady Takara Kano, is formerly a crime lord leading a syndicate in Kugane. For decades, she has orchestrated the buying, selling, and auctioning of arcane items, some illegal or taboo. Discarnate acquires these arcane items for profit and also researches forbidden magic, though there's very few criminal activities the house would shy away from, such as drug manufacturing, smuggling, and selling information to its network of wealthy elite and underworld royalty who attend its auctions.What's different about us? Discarnate is for players who want to explore power exchange, narrative tension, and RP fortunes that can rise and fall based on IC developments. It's not intended to be a fair and equitable place ICly. Rather, it's a place to explore unfair power dynamics ICly while maintaining OOC consent and respect. To really push this kind of RP, we have built in a structure and mechanics to drive the aesthetics we want.
Public Knowledge
Atop the La Noscean heights overlooking the Rhotano Sea is the Sojourn Estate, a storied mansion belonging to an enigmatic Hingan sorceress who supports the region with calculated donations to prop up her reputation.The Sojourn hires retainers for a myriad of tasks, from researchers and field scholars to security and informants, all under the pretensions of a rich house seeking to further its arcane holdings backed by sharp blades and whispered words. It lures wealthy patrons seeking to buy relics brought from the field or to fund its ambitious magical research.
Behind the Veil
Behind the gilded facade is a criminal network that operates out of the Sojourn Estate. It is called Discarnate.Behind the Veil, Discarnate is most known for its pursuit of arcane items through theft, expeditions, or buying from patrons, which it then sells from the security of its opulent estate to those with underworld connections and deep pockets.However, the organization is opportunistic and will seek profits and power through other criminal means such as black marketeering, unsafe arena fights with illegal betting, smuggling, and money laundering through its legitimate services in La Noscea. Having honed its ability to entice underworld elites, Discarnate's penchant for showmanship is easily duplicated in many of these potential growth areas.Discarnate also delves far further into the dangerous and the taboo, and the limestone caverns beneath the estate house many secrets, from ritual chambers to potential test subjects held against their will.
OOC
We believe our ideas for IC power dynamics drive the dark, immersive RP we've long sought with themes including favor and consequences illustrating the rise and fall of fortunes, a story exploring the price of pursuing power, and narrative tension that can drive character development.We want big stories with far-reaching implications and potential consequences. We also want to continue to collaborate with our FC partners to create a larger underworld ecosystem for our collective memberships to explore.We require OOC concurrence for all RP, especially dark and mature themes.The following are a summary of our FC 'mechanics,' which are detailed further in the Discarnate section:
Ranks: We have an IC ladder structure to create the 'have's' and 'have nots,' which can drive narrative tension and IC power dynamics.
Favor: The Lady Spider and other IC leaders can reward those in service with magical items and other crafted marvels to confer their IC favor for accomplishments and rewards. Favor, however, can be fickle, based on IC twists and turns.
Consequences: Failure can have a price, with a hired retainer falling further from grace to ranks that remove much of their autonomy and compel them into service through pain and deprivation.
Talismans: Hidden behind the Veil is a terrifying practice of using arcane brands on those who fall from power or refuse to do the bidding of their superiors. These fallen characters are connected through an arcane brand (visible only to aether sight) to a Talisman, which can be any small object such as a ring, rod, or bracelet. A variety of powers—some yet to be researched and tested—can be included in the Talisman such as the ability to inflict pain on the branded individual, or siphon their aether or life force to the Talisman's wearer.
Action System: Knowing that the FFXIV community does not prefer cumbersome combat systems, we use a simple d20 system that takes less than a page to learn. Characters are equals in combat potential, but through Favor, those who find success can gain advantages.
Discarnate
"Had I as many souls as there be stars, I'd give them all to wear this crown."
The Sojourn
The Sojourn is the estate used by Discarnate to house its members, protect its resources, lure and entertain social elites, and safeguard its secrets. The beautiful property overlooks the Rhotano Sea, but its luxurious veneer hides the macabre secrets that lay deeper within.
Often Effienne [NPC], the graceful but curtly efficient elezen receptionist, stands vigil at her service desk to direct the House's daily chaos and alert the proper people of visitors. This main area includes a bar, stage, piano lounge, and an upstairs reading area open to all, whether for reasons of business or simple curiosity. A seaside café [Room 1] also remains open for dining and relaxation, and a private theater [Room 10] is used for secluded discussions and entertainments.Private spaces within the estate include rooms for guests and those employed by the House, an onsen, private lounges, and an arcane gallery.
Deeper underground is where Discarnate hides its darker secrets, including laboratories and dungeons. This labyrinth is far enough beneath the House to keep it soundproofed and far from the detection of concerning aetheric signatures.
Foyer (Main Level)
The entrance opens to a service desk often staffed by a stately elezen woman named Effienne, who handles visits and appointments.
Stage (Main Level)
The corner stage is used for performances and arcane auctions.
Bar (Main Level)
The well-stocked bar is positioned in its own secluded corner with a menu for drinks and desserts. Food can be brought from the cafe in one of the back rooms.
Balcony Seating (Main Level)
Intimate seating offers a splendid view from the balcony.
Reading Nook (Second Level)
Upstairs is a cozy reading nook with shelves of books dealing primarily in arcana, history, and some fiction.
Piano Lounge (Main Level)
This room offers VIP treatment with intimate lighting and aquariums.
Seaside Cafe (Room 1)
For those seeking casual cuisine, a cafe opened to the ocean breeze offers light fare and snacks, as well as a spectacular view.
Private Theater (Room 10)
This dark-lit lounge offers privacy, top-shelf drinks, and a stage for private performances.
Guest Rooms (Room 4)
VIP visitors can rent opulent guest rooms with a beach cabin theme and hot bath.
Arena (Basement)
For those in the know, a hidden tunnel in the wine cellar leads to an arena with a viewing balcony and full-service bar.
Discarnate
"Those who play with the Devil's toys come closer by degrees to taking up his sword."
About the Veil
At its heart, Discarnate’s journey is about pursuing and pushing its limits for power, whether this be the advancement of taboo magic or establishing a drug racket that funds further Discarnate expansion. Because such pursuits are often illegal and would attract authorities and void hunters, Discarnate's core is sequestered behind the Veil, a system of indoctrination and measures to ensure its secrecy.There are three Chapters to Discarnate, each with broad but distinct purposes.
Conclave (Envoys)
Consists of Envoys who represent Discarnate to others, elicit information and leads, and ensure patrons are warmly welcomed at the Sojourn. Can include house staff (greeters, attendants, bartenders, performers), spies, courtesans, and merchants.
Emporium (Adepts)
Consists of Adepts who sustain Discarnate with magical and engineering inventions and research, medical support, black marketeering, and smuggling.
Vigil (Slayers)
Consists of Slayers who provide protection and violent action, whether safeguarding Discarnate's Sojourn Estate and Cabal or providing a strike force to go after Discarnate's enemies. Can include warriors, battle mages, assassins, snipers, and monster hunters.
Patrons
Guest (non-member rank)
Patrons are those who provide business to the Sojourn, whether as suppliers, buyers, donors, or investors. The most common Patrons are those who buy and sell arcane items for the Lady Spider's infamous black market auctions. Patrons exist outside of Discarnate's internal power structure but can take advantage of its overtures to gain their business.
Luminary
At the apex of the Patron ranks are Luminaries, those who are proven underworld leaders and are courted by Discarnate. They can be expected to have the Sojourn's doors laid open to them, free to indulge in the Estate's attentions and delights. While it's possible for a Luminary to join Discarnate and not fall under the stewardship of its leaders, this is rare.
Fallen Ranks
Branded
The Branded exist at the very bottom of Discarnate's social structure. They have typically either failed in their duties or have rebelled against the desires of their superiors despite significant leverage being held over them. They are magically branded, this ritual linking them to a Talisman such as a ring, bracelet, or rod. The bearer of this Talisman can use the Branded's aether or vitality for their own purposes when in proximity. For this reason, the Branded are useful in field work as an auxiliary battery for their superiors.
Bonded
Branded can also become Bonded, their Talisman given to a Keeper (see below), an especially trusted Retainer. This assignment is permanent (ICly), unless that Keeper does something to merit removing this privilege. This arrangement is ideal for providing training to the Bonded, especially in one of Discarnate's three Roles, but it can be given as a reward for their devotion to the Cabal.
Bloodsworn (entry rank option)
These are members over whom Discarnate holds tremendous leverage. Perhaps they were prisoners of one of the great realms whom Discarnate purchased through a corrupt guard. Perhaps Discarnate assumed their debt to a Monetarist or punished a Retainer who built debt at the Sojourn. Regardless, Bloodsworn have lost their ability to leave service, compelled to undertake a blood ritual that magically prevents them from spilling secrets to the outside and allowing Discarnate to track them no matter where they may go.
Hireling Ranks
Freelancer (entry rank option)
Freelancers are paid for part-time help, either because they are remain busy with other interests or serve another master outside of Discarnate. As such, they cannot be commanded with the same totality as the other ranks, but they are also not always privy to the dirtiest secrets of the organization either.
Retainer (entry rank option)
Retainers are well-paid for services needed by Discarnate and its Sojourn Estate, whether they be bodyguards, enforcers, healers, researchers, groundskeepers, smugglers, courtesans, or information brokers. They are evaluated for their discretion to look the other way when they see things they shouldn't, this desired quality rewarded with generous gil.
Guide
Guides are trusted and seasoned hirelings who have been around Discarnate long enough to understand what's going on. They are considered higher in stature than Retainers and can lead and mentor them.
Keeper
Keepers are trusted hirelings who have been given primary ownership of a Talisman, and hence the Bonded linked to the Talisman. With such power and trust given to them, Keepers are expected to improve the Bonded, offering training and ensuring compliance. What else they do with the Bonded is their business, so long as it causes no problems within Discarnate. This assignment is left to the whims of the Cabal and can be rescinded if circumstances dictate it, for IC or OOC reasons.
Handler
Handlers are veterans who are trusted to lead many initiatives, even sometimes serving as a temporary leader of one of the Chapters. It's unwise to ignore their commands, as they have the ears of the Cabal.
Cabal Ranks
Arbiter
The Lady Spider can designate those she trusts to be Arbiters, who carry a status above all formal members. They are valued for their loyalty and ability to further Lady Kano's ambitions. They are the brokers of true power within the organization, able to promote Hirelings, consign Fallen to worse fates, and bestow Favors, often in the form of magical items.
Executor
Lady Kano is the founder of Discarnate and rules at the top. With her many webs she spins, she's dependent upon the Arbiters to see to her enterprise.
About Favors and Consequences
At the heart of Discarnate is the representation of the rise and fall of fortunes, the fickle nature of favor. To add some bite to this tantalizing concept, we use the following:
Favor
Favor is most overtly represented by rewards, usually Boons—arcane objects obtained or crafted by Discarnate, but they can also be engineering and magitek creations. Such items can be offered and taken away depending on the character's rise and fall through RP.Such items remain the property of Discarnate and can be transferred as seen fit by the Lady Spider and Arbiters.
Boons
Keepsake: Such items confer a bonus in a skill. They are offered fairly freely by the Cabal as a reward.
Relic: Such items hold notable power and can confer multiple advantages or one more powerful. They are given to those who have sacrificed for Discarnate to bring success.
Artifact: Such items are rare and powerful. They may be offered temporarily to ensure the success of a vital mission, or they may be gifted to a dedicated loyalist.
Consequences
Failure to accomplish a task or acts of insubordination seldom go unpunished. In the beginning, tragic falls from grace may be uncommon, but as one falls further, it is all too easy to begin to see them less as independent members and more as chattel or test subjects. All have a use in the organization, willing or not.
Bloodsworn: Retainers who peer too deeply into Discarnate's inner workings or who reveal both use and vulnerability may be taken as Bloodsworn [with the player's permission.] They undergo the magical rite that prevents them from revealing Discarnate's secrets and prevents them from running away.
Sigils of Servitude: Arcane brands can be placed upon the Bloodsworn to allow various uses through their connection to a Talisman. They are now at the lowly rank of Branded.
Talismans: A Talisman is usually owned by the Lady Spider or an Arbiter, but it can be passed to others to ensure the success of a venture. It allows the holder to siphon aether or health from the Branded who is linked to the Talisman, relegated to a mobile battery.
Action Resolution (Combat System)
We respect the prevailing community distaste of combat systems, but we need some semblance of action resolution to add bite to our concept of Favor and Consequences. The system is as simple as possible, recognizing that all players have a right to have equally powerful characters, but that gaining Boons within Discarnate confers power and advantage.We use a simple d20 roll system. Many rolls can come down to straight d20 rolls if people prefer, but in Discarnate events, those with Boons may hold some advantages.
Discarnate
"The only way to defeat temptation is to surrender to it."
Takara Kano, the Lady Spider
Takara hails from Hingashi where she was known as the Spider of Kugane. A decades-long crime lord in Kugane, her reasons for moving to Eorzea are rarely spoken, but she brings to Discarnate her knowledge of Eastern magics and darker arts. A renowned and ruthless collector of arcane curiosities, she has for years hosted auctions to impart such items to wealthy patrons she invites for their gil.
Amira Silivasi
Amira is a hedonist and sensation seeker, always on the search for something new to experience. Daughter of a notoriously cruel and sadistic pirate and now apprentice and ward to the Spider of Kugane. Mischievious, playful, and outgoing. Loyal and dedicated to those closest to her.
Eolise Runeblade
A scholar in good standing with the Studium, Eolise is a worldly traveler dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. A gifted alchemist and skilled chirurgeon, one might wonder how someone of such beneficent intent could come to traffic with servants of the Void. Whatever his tale one thing is for certain, this doctor is anything but good.
Kai Hatori
Leiro Fortuna
Tragic backstory, check. Killer good looks, double-fucking check. And speaking of double-fucking, there's a price break at triple. Anyway, don't let the fact that I'm not a master swordsman or savage magician fool you, I'm definitely the protagonist here. So a toast, to my impending good fortune! Your treat of course.
Qara Remh
An upbeat and independent Miqo'te mechanic and mercenary, known for her exceptional skills in repairing and maintaining machinery. With a passion for problem-solving and a hands-on approach to engineering, she tackles every challenge with enthusiasm. Despite her circumstances, she is fiercely self-reliant and determined to be recognized for her craft rather than any limitations.
(Accepting new staff)
Discarnate
"And each shall pay in time, the Devil's due."
Our venue network is small, and while we seek darker RP that can sometimes become antagonistic, we are OOCly welcoming of others regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, though we do insist on our members and allies being age 21+. We proudly include LBGTQ+ members and allies.For the themes explored in this FC, it is critical that members be able to separate IC and OOC. RPing the rise and fall of a character's fortunes is immersive and empowering, and it doesn't reflect on the player's standing in the FC in any way.Discord
https://discord.gg/XEsScUdnraPOCs for Collaboration or Joining
- In game: Reach out to Takara Kano or Amira Silivasi (Mateus)
- Via Discord: Reach out to talorn2 (Takara) or skylarke72 (Amira)
Mare Syncshell
ID: MSS-ATS2H5PSS4MJ
PW: Sojourn Friends
Membership
Recruitment to Discarnate is done through application or organically through RP to ensure people fit the premise. If you're interested in joining, consider seeking to catch one of our members in character and strike up a conversation. Intrigue us, and we’ll see where things lead together.There are three distinct ranks that make sense for new members but offer very different experiences:
Freelancers are paid for part-time help, either because they are remain busy with other interests or serve another master outside of Discarnate. As such, they cannot be commanded with the same totality as the other ranks, but they are also not always privy to the dirtiest secrets of the organization either.
Retainers are well-paid for services needed by Discarnate and its Sojourn Estate, whether they be bodyguards, enforcers, healers, researchers, groundskeepers, smugglers, courtesans, or information brokers. They are evaluated for their discretion to look the other way when they see things they shouldn't, this desired quality rewarded with generous gil.
Bloodsworn are members over whom Discarnate holds tremendous leverage. They have lost their ability to leave service, compelled to undertake a blood ritual that magically prevents them from spilling secrets to the outside and allowing Discarnate to track them no matter where they may go.
FC Collaboration
Discarnate welcomes allies and guests into our RP, and we have a discord server and a cross-world linkshell to facilitate this. We welcome FC alliances!When we run events, we like them to be as immersive as possible. This includes recognizing other underworld leaders and giving them the VIP treatment. At our arcane auctions and other events, let someone on the staff know if your character is a major underworld figure, and they can be recognized to receive VIP seating and service as a Luminary.Our FC house is also available for neutral-site meetings and hosting your own events, even with your own staff. We even have an arena in the basement! Lady Kano strives to make her network available with potential business partners.
Requirements to Join
For becoming a member, we have a few asks that we think are relatively reasonable, primarily for the sake of promoting immersion.
Age 21+
A character name that doesn't break immersion.
We want low to moderate power levels for characters, letting people's RP and writing tell their story.. We believe in characters who need others to help them solve their problems, rather than being able to clear out entire gangs with magic. Void mages, void-touched (not voidsent), and black mages are about as advanced as we wish to see. We embrace a reason for people to need one another in a network, and vastly powerful characters defeat this co-dependency.
No Warriors of Light, Sin Eaters, or the like. We don't want 10,000-year-old voidsent, 3,000-year-old Allagan summoners, and other nearly-impossible-to-portray concepts leave everyone else in the dust.
Maximizing Dynamic RP
Dynamic RP is all about give and take and exploring concepts that extend beyond polite RP. We embrace narrative tension, rivalries, and IC manipulation. Through setbacks, characters grow and develop. What are some tips to drive this?
Flaws: Consider that a character's flaws are just as interesting as their strengths. What exploitable weaknesses do they possess? Who might they seek to help protect their vulnerabilities? What risks might they take to hide them?
Leverage: What pressures are affecting your character's freedoms and ambitions? Do they owe a debt to someone? Are they being hunted and need protection? Are they a reclusive mage who must venture away from their sanctuary to seek allies?
Discarnate
"What shall a person gain if they have the whole world and lose their soul?"
RP Hooks
Arcane Black Market: Discarnate hosts arcane auctions at the Sojourn, selling curious and macabre arcane items that might be frowned upon by authorities, but are usually not wholly illegal. These are open to any who would hear of them in underworld circles. There are rumors that those in the know are sometimes invited to special auctions that are not open to the public—nights where wholly illegal and even dangerous items make their way to the stage.
High Society: Discarnate seeks investors, buyers, patrons, and allies to expand its reach, wealth, and prominence. To this end, it often evolves to provide services and desires in return. With the Sojourn residing in La Noscea, Discarnate also strives to legitimize itself with the Admiralty and remain out of the crosshairs of investigators such as the Yellowjackets. Generous donations (ahem, bribes) to charities near and dear to La Noscean elites have eased this process along.
Criminal Expansion: Perhaps your character seeks to expand Discarnate's activities, whether in manufacturing new recreational drugs for distribution or establishing a black market for stolen Garlean technology. The syndicate rewards those of ambition who further its reach.
Those Who Serve: For Discarnate to achieve its lofty ambitions, it needs those willing to serve its aims. The Sojourn is always in need of attendants and servers, and enforcers and bodyguards to protect its interests and strike out at enemies. Healers are useful to employ for obvious reasons, as are engineers and alchemists willing to weaponize their research for Discarnate’s gain.
Magical Studies: Lady Kano and others within Discarnate can offer magical instruction, not just for gil but also as a matter of trade. While rumors abound that Discarnate is willing to teach the darker arts, such instruction would come at great cost, in offset to the risks of discovery.
Pirates and Smugglers: Being in La Noscea, Discarnate finds itself in the backyard of pirates and pays tribute to the Kraken’s Arms, one of Vylbrand’s great pirate factions, which specializes in smuggling to and from the East. With Lady Kano’s Eastern heritage, she has found this boon to be of great use. While she treats those of the Kraken’s Arms fairly, she and others within Discarnate would look favorably upon freelance smugglers as well, especially if they are cheaper or brought wholly into the Syndicate.
Down the Rabbit Hole: The darkest, dirtiest secrets within Discarnate are kept behind closed doors, but a perceptive person might draw certain conclusions. How can one advance the darkest magics without sources of aether and test subjects? How can an organization as ambitious as Discarnate operate without cheap or even free labor? What dark nature does the House leader hide behind such vaunted security and cloaked secrecy?
Familiar
A Cabal member can have a Hireling linked to them as a Familiar through a process not unlike the Bonded. This places the Familiar on high footing, even when given no concrete position of power, simply because they represent their master's will.
Veloce Cadoret
Aloof and guarded, this mercenary wanderer has traveled from distant Dravania ever in search of opportunity. Though she prefers for her extensive resume to speak for itself, she’s more than capable of letting her swordwork do the talking. Within the organization, she is a problem solver and always gets results.
Kai Eryut
Hailing from Eyrut village, Kai long ago left his home and traveled to Thanalan, where he earned a reputation as a "legitimate trader" among the less reputable members of Ul'Dah's merchant class. Recently he has set his sights beyond his desert home, which has brought him in contact with Discarnate.
Sibyrihl Varenus
Once an Imperial officer, she has a penchant for order and structure. She is a skilled martial combatant as well as a brilliant engineer and scientist. With no home to return to, Sibyrihl has thrown her lot in with Discarnate, finally free from the constraints of her dead empire.
Chieko Takamura
Chieko has a gift for flight as well as a passion for all things to do with airships, particularly her vessel, the Phoenix. She has a penchant for getting into machinery, magitek or otherwise, and is a practicing engineer. Deals in smuggling art and other goods through underworld contacts to keep busy and well-funded.
T'ahvo Shiku
Rarely far from the side of her mistress, T’ahvo is a rare source of warmth within the cold halls of the Sojourn. Eminently polite and quick to offer a helping hand, she keeps her true feelings hidden behind a charming smile. What someone so seemingly innocent is doing among the rogues of Discarnate is anyone’s guess.
Bernon Rillemont
Bernon seems as mysterious as he is relaxed. One can ask him three times about himself and get four different versions. A trickster at heart, he is typically seen with a smile on his face. He came to Discarnate for his own reasons, and quickly became trusted by the right people.
Vampires have only made a brief presence in FFXIV with a Vampiress trash mob in the 6.5 dungeon, Lunar Subterrane. We have filled in some blanks using the Red Mage and Reaper stories, as well as the 6.x story. We know from lore that mortals can form blood pacts with voidsent to gain additional powers.We observe vampires as both ashkin, being dead, and void-touched, possessing astrally charged blood. We subscribe to the idea that a void-touched draining someone of blood is a powerful form of aether replenishment, drawing upon both corporeal and incorporeal aether.In our lore, vampires can create other vampires by draining a mortal of blood to the point of near death, then offering them their vampiric blood to save them. Offering such blood without draining a mortal to death's door introduces fleeting boons but also an increasing dependency upon that vampire's blood along with compulsion.We also see vampires as being weakened by sunlight but not dying from it. The taking of thralls as living, renewable sources of blood is a wise practice that avoids drawing attention to hunting grounds where the vampire lives.
Our Lore and Story:
We play normal and supernatural-adjacent characters who need each other to survive. Among our ranks are mortals of various skills, led by those who have been touched by the void, quite similar to nightkin in the Red Mage story. Discarnate's cast have as many vulnerabilities as strengths, and they need one another to thrive and sometimes even survive.
Regarding Voidsent:
The Void is a source of inspiration for a wide variety of character concepts, chief among them being characters who are actually voidsent. Because one of the core themes for Discarnate is exploring the consequences of power’s pursuit and how denizens of the Source interact with the Void, we place a very high bar of entry on actual voidsent. There are undoubtedly excellent stories to be told involving voidsent characters, but because of the way they invert our core premise, we are very selective on their admittance.
Discarnate
Invitation – Candy (Drug) Sampler (Mature, Age 21+)
Discarnate invites special guests to the Estate of Lady Takara Kano, a luxury manor with a bar and lounge, overlooking the Rhotano Sea from the Mist. The protection of all attendees is guaranteed by Lady Kano, the public face of the Discarnate Syndicate.Discarnate is hosting a candy mixer, during which visitors can choose a color or be randomly seated at one of several different colored seating areas, each with a candy maker to showcase and offer samples of their recreational drugs. Let's mix it up and make some connections!
We need one more candy maker (recreational drug maker)
Sunday, 17 November
4:00 PM PST
7:00 PM EST
12:00 A
M GMT
Mateus | Mists | Ward 16 | Plot 2
No weapon check-ins.
Staff have yellow icons.
Private rooms are available such as guest rooms, cafe, and private theater.
OOC: No in-game gil charges.
Mare Syncshell
ID: MSS-ATS2H5PSS4MJ
PW: Sojourn Friends
Underworld Info
Those with criminal and other underworld connections may know that Discarnate is a syndicate, rebuilding in La Noscea from the remains of the Kano Syndicate in Kugane. Lady Takara Kano was known as the Spider of Kugane in Hingashi, but here she has bought her way into high society and owns the Sojourn, an estate that furthers to research of arcane items and funds expeditions.It may become apparent that the Lady Spider is trying to form the supply and distribution network for high end drugs to expand her syndicate's activities.
Discarnate
The Arcane Auction
Mare Syncshell
ID: MSS-ATS2H5PSS4MJ
PW: Sojourn Friends
Auction Rules
Auctions begin 30 minutes after the start of the event. Characters must register their gil with the Concierge [green icon] to use it in the auction, with a cap of 10 million gil, represented by a character's disposable income and Discarnate's money laundering capabilities. Any registered gil that is unspent on an auction can be used for a future auction.Once bids are opened, characters can continue to bid until the auctioneer proclaims a winner. If there is a tie, the winner is determined randomly (usually by coin toss by the Auctioneer).There are usually two items for auction. Any unspent gil is left on Discarnate's records and can be used for future auctions.
Items for Auction
Comb of Color
Sold to V'Leth for 20,000 gil
The item is an ivory comb, a new remake of a more ancient comb that had been aged yellow over long years. This comb's handle is ornately decorated with birds, petals, and vines with a whimsical artistry.This item was recently crafted by an ambitious exiled Sharlayan arcanist after reverse engineering an ancient comb with the same properties. The original comb had spent years in Lady Kano's collection after being purchased at an estate auction in Ishgard. Its late owner had been gifted the original comb by a moogle from Anyx Trine, presumably for a service rendered.
When the comb is brushed through one's hair, it will change all of their body hair to a different, random color until sunrise.
Aetherical signature: Modest aura of water and air aether.
Bracer of Dampening
Sold to Zithinia for 10,000,000 gil
This bracer looks ancient in design, being plated in burnished gold over aged bronze. A large gem, probably a tourmaline, seems to pulse as if alive. Citrines are set to either side of the larger gemstone. The sizable gems, gold plating, and historical value alone would command a small fortune even without its magical qualities. The engravings are of an ancient design from Gelmorra.Discarnate obtained the item through unlikely means, having purchased it many years ago from Yoshimoto Goro, a pirate lord from the Ruby Sea. Perhaps it had been taken as part of the Ruby Tithe from an Eorzean. With Goro having been assassinated two years ago, the story of how he had come into ownership of the item likely died with him.
The bracer can absorb aether directed at its wearer. The more aether it holds, the brighter the tourmaline will come alive, with randomized arcs of energy flashing within its heart. The item is ancient and has a chance of shorting out, releaisn gits stored aether in an explosion. The more aether it has stored, the more violent the explosion to the wearer and those near. Still, it can be a life saver against deadly spells.
Aetherical signature: Strong aura with Umbral polarity.
Special Auction Item
A Special Auction can be called if there are multiple delegations of VIPs present, with each delegation being given 1,000 worth of currency in the coins, called Talons. Any unspent coins can be saved for future Special Auctions, and VIPs can volunteer their underlings to assist Discarnate in ventures to gain additional Talons.
Discarnate
Discarnate
Comb of Color
Sold to V'Leth for 20,000 gil
The item is an ivory comb, a new remake of a more ancient comb that had been aged yellow over long years. This comb's handle is ornately decorated with birds, petals, and vines with a whimsical artistry.This item was recently crafted by an ambitious exiled Sharlayan arcanist after reverse engineering an ancient comb with the same properties. The original comb had spent years in Lady Kano's collection after being purchased at an estate auction in Ishgard. Its late owner had been gifted the original comb by a moogle from Anyx Trine, presumably for a service rendered.
When the comb is brushed through one's hair, it will change all of their body hair to a different, random color until sunrise.
Aetherical signature: Modest aura of water and air aether.
Bracer of Dampening
Sold to Zithinia for 10,000,000 gil
This bracer looks ancient in design, being plated in burnished gold over aged bronze. A large gem, probably a tourmaline, seems to pulse as if alive. Citrines are set to either side of the larger gemstone. The sizable gems, gold plating, and historical value alone would command a small fortune even without its magical qualities. The engravings are of an ancient design from Gelmorra.Discarnate obtained the item through unlikely means, having purchased it many years ago from Yoshimoto Goro, a pirate lord from the Ruby Sea. Perhaps it had been taken as part of the Ruby Tithe from an Eorzean. With Goro having been assassinated two years ago, the story of how he had come into ownership of the item likely died with him.
The bracer can absorb aether directed at its wearer. The more aether it holds, the brighter the tourmaline will come alive, with randomized arcs of energy flashing within its heart. The item is ancient and has a chance of shorting out, releaisn gits stored aether in an explosion. The more aether it has stored, the more violent the explosion to the wearer and those near. Still, it can be a life saver against deadly spells.
Aetherical signature: Strong aura with Umbral polarity.
Auction Process
Auctions begin 30 minutes after the start of the event. Characters must register their gil with the Concierge to use it in the auction, with a cap of 10 million gil, represented by a character's disposable income and Discarnate's money laundering capabilities. Any registered gil that is unspent on an auction can be used for a future auction.
VIP Exclusive
VIPs identified by Discarnate, such as leaders or officers of allied organizations, will be given Tokens, stylized coins with a spider on one side and an arcane rune on the other. These can be used to bid on the final item of the night. Unused Tokens can be saved for future auctions.Additional Tokens are offered to allied leaders whose personnel assist Discarnate, whether by staffing its events or through other ventures.
Sin of Corvos
Irina Zonara is a spellblade from Corvos. Her powerbase consists of smugglers who spirit aether crystals away from the Garleans to sell within Eorzean and Eastern markets, but otherwise little is known of Irina or her people.Though her wares were most sought by the Sins outside Garlean lands, she curiously formed a rather public alliance with the Sin of Dalmasca, and has been assisting in his shadow war against the other Sins. The combination of her magi with Lukas's magitek and seasoned guerilla fighters is a potent combination, and her naval additions to his own ships leaves them with the strongest navy in terms of raw numbers.
__Sin of the Ruby Sea__ (deceased)
Yoshimoto Goro was a longtime smuggler along the Ruby Sea, leading the Ruby Shadows and having been allied with the former Sin of Kugane before Takara Kano, but siding with her out of pragmatism and eventually showing her the ropes to the criminal world. He had Shinobi under his command but lost most when lord Hien returned from exile.He was a skilled maritime captain and swordsman, also knowing geomancy from his youth in Doma. Goro was a pragmatist but crafty before recently being killed on the island of Kimbaya in the Ruby Sea, a casualty of the recent shadow war.
Sin of Dalmasca
Lukas Raithwall began as a weapons trafficker for the Dalmascan Resistance, eventually recruiting former Garlean soldiers and engineers, and capturing magitek. He is an opportunist who possesses a brute mentality paired with a savage cunning.With the Empire gone, Lukas has been playing kingmaker in Lea Monde. With a small army of seasoned resistance fighters equipped with cutting edge magitek weaponry under his command, he runs a bustling fiefdom that stretches from the Skatay range into Yanxia.
Sin of Thavnair
Siamak, also known as the "Old Man of the Sands," is a mysterious figure whom few have ever seen, as he issues his orders through a girl he chooses from among his oracles, naming her his Voice.His ways are those of the shadows, and he always secretly worked to keep the Sins balanced into two factions arrayed against each other to further his own power as the tie breaker.Siamak's powerbase is called the Zakarium, recruiting orphans from Radz-at-Han into secret bases in the mountains to train in spying, assassination, and the manufacturing of some of the most potent, smooth recreational drugs on the star.Siamak has not been seen since the blasphemies, leading many to wonder if he was finally killed.
Glamorous Leash
This leash is made with links composed of a strange highly reflective metal that remain connected as if magnetic. The handle is made of darksteel with glowing amethyst runes and set with a purple tourmaline. When activated, a purple energy field made of astral aether pushes the links apart to extend the leash. The energy field appears harmless.The whip was brought from the New World by an Ala Mhigan explorer and fell into Garlean hands during the occupation. When the Garleans withdrew to their homeland during the Blasphemies, the item was sold to a patron of Discarnate who sold it to Lady Kano. It came with scientific notes explaining how it was acquired and its observed properties.
The end of the whip will curl around the o-ring of a collar, or any other surface held against the tip for a few seconds. If aether is channeled into the tourmaline crystal focus that forms the heel of the whip, the wielder can impose a glamour set in their mind upon the attached object, including a pet. This can change colors, clothing, and even appearances.
Aetherical signature: Strong levin and astral auras.
Tome of Many Fates
This book appears new, but this is because of its protective magics. It's a purple amethyst in color with an alien-like creature on its cover. Attempts to remember what the cover looks like are almost always unsuccessful, and past owners believe the creature changes shape over time but have been unable to verify it, even with a comparison of drawings, strangely enough.The book was purchased at an estate auction of an Ishgardian astrologian, Eloux Clatelle, who had long believed that the tome was linked to the stars and could somehow be unlocked for larger shifts of fate. His notes come with the book, but after initial observations, they seem to become the ravings of a madman.
The tome can be used as a diary, but each day, the writing distorts from the original prose, eventually leading to a different future for the author, as if their past really has been rewritten. However, the shifts in the future are very slight.
Aetherical signature: Moderate unaspected aether, but on seemingly random nights, it has a strong astral polarity.
Discarnate
Action Resolution and Combat
Health Points (HP): Characters begin with 10 HP. When they reach 0 HP, they are defeated and can take no actions unless healed. HP cannot be reduces below 0.Mana/Magitek Points (MP): Characters begin with 3 MP. They can spend 1 MP to reroll any roll that makes sense for using magic, such as moving stealthily or noticing a threat. At 0 MP, a character can use an ability that requires 1 MP, but it spends their life energy and reduced them to 0 HP.Skills: Characters have one Specialty that gains +5 to rolls. They have four other skills (Expertise) with +3. If they wish, they can convert an Expertise to instead offer +2 HP, +1 MP, or +1 Damage. Examples of skills include Attack, Defend, Heal, Athletics, Arcana (knowledge of magic and spells), Craft, Deceive, Engineering, Etiquette, Intimidate, Investigate, Notice, Persuade, Piloting, Stealth, Streetwise, Thievery, and Survival.Roles: There are roles for Defender (tank), Healer, and Striker (DPS). These can change for each event, based on the character's gear loadout, spell preparation, and training.
Tank gain +2 to Defense rolls and can spend 1 MP to reduce an attack they take by 4.
Healers gain the ability to heal during the fast-paced chaos of combat, spending 1 MP to offer 6 HP to a single target or 3 HP to all nearby allies.
DPS gain +2 to attack rolls and can spend 1 MP to inflict +2 damage to a single target or cast an AoE attack that inflicts 4 damage to all targets in a cluster.
Actions: Characters can make one Attack a turn but make a Defense roll against all Attacks that target them.
Distract: Intimidate or distract an enemy to give them -2 to relevant rolls. Affect multiple enemies with a higher roll.
Guard: Reduce damage caused to nearby allies by 2 until your next turn.
Support: Grant an ally +2 to a roll such as distracting an enemy to bolster an ally's attack.
Surprise: When a character attacks an unaware target, they gain +4 to attack and +4 to damage.
Talismans: Fallen connected to Talismans can be subjected to arcane rituals that allow either their MP or HP to be siphoned by their master or whomever holds their talismans. When this is done in combat, the master can spent the Fallen's or Familiar's MP in place of the master's. For HP, the master can drain 2 HP from the Fallen or Familiar as part of their turn.Garlean Purebloods: Pureblooded Galreans cannot use MP, but they can reroll any one roll once per event to reflect their true mastery of magitek when this narratively makes sense.Healing After Combat: Some people like medical RP and having the scars of battle. After a combat scene, a character can only benefit from one magical source of healing and one non-magical (such as surgery), each of which grants 4 HP with a healing roll of 12 or higher. The rest is regained at 1 HP for each day of rest, or 3 HP in the Infirmary.Younger/Less-Experienced Characters: To represent such characters, you're welcome to have less HP, MP, and skills to grow into later through RP.Heirloom: Discarnate is not the only organization with magic items. If a special item is important to your character's representation, we can negotiate them starting with an item that grants a bonus to a skill, either from your character's past RP successes or as a specially crafted item.
