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 research of forbidden magicks. The power and innovations yielded by these items is used to lure in wealthy elites 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.
Other Activities
While the acquisition and sale of magical artifacts has historically been the primary focus for Lady Kano, Discarnate is opportunistic and will seek profits and power through other criminal means such as black marketeering, illegal arena fights, smuggling, and money laundering through its legitimate services in La Noscea.Additionally, Discarnate delves far further into the dangerous and the taboo, and the limestone caverns beneath the estate contain many secrets, from ritual chambers to potential test subjects held against their will.
OOC
We believe our ideas for IC power dynamics drive dark, immersive RP. Themes include earning favor and consequences that illustrate the rise and fall of fortunes, which creates 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 consent 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 'have's' and 'have nots,' which can drive narrative tension and IC power dynamics.
Favor: Discarnate's leaders can reward those in service with magical items and other crafted marvels to confer their IC favor for accomplishments. 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 effects—some yet to be researched and tested—can be included in the Talismans, such as the ability to inflict pain on the branded individual, or siphon their aether or life force to the Talisman's bearer.
Action System: Knowing that the FFXIV community prefers less 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 Effiene [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 Effiene, who handles visits and appointments.To the right is the Bar, Upstairs Gallery, and the Great Hall.To the left is the Theater, Lounge, and Mezzanine.
Theater (Left Side)
The Theater is dominated by a large stage, often used for Discarnate's arcane auctions and performances.
Mezzanine (Left Side - Upper)
Cozy seating can be found on the Mezzanine above the Theater.
Bar (Right Side)
The well-stocked bar is positioned in its own corner opposite the throne area, with a menu for drinks and desserts. Food can be brought from the cafe in one of the back rooms.There's also tables for seating.
Gallery (Right Side - Upper)
There are two relaxing seating areas in the upstairs gallery, both overlooking the Great Hall.
Great Hall (Right Side)
A Throne Room allows the Executor or her surrogates to sit in judgement, promote, reward, or punish those within Discarnate, or formally welcome visitors.
Reading Nook (Second Level)
Upstairs is a cozy reading nook with shelves of books dealing primarily in arcana, history, and some fiction.
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.
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 Room - Beachside (Room 4)
VIP visitors can rent opulent guest rooms with a beach cabin theme and hot bath.
Guest Room - Fire and Ice (Room 20)
VIP visitors can rent opulent guest rooms with a beach cabin theme and hot bath.
Guest Room - Bliss (Room 25)
VIP visitors can rent opulent guest rooms with a beach cabin theme and hot bath.
Onsen
A mineral-fed luxury onsen for use by staff and guests.
Beach Pavilion
An attached Beach Pavilion overlooks the ocean.
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 the limits for power. Whether it be the advancement of taboo magic, running weapons, or establishing drug rackets, nothing is off the table. Because such pursuits are often illegal and would attract attention, Discarnate's core is sequestered behind the Veil, a system of indoctrination and measures to ensure its secrecy.There are three Banners to Discarnate, each with broad but distinct purposes.
Conclave
The Conclave represents Discarnate to others, elicits information and leads, and ensures patrons are warmly welcomed at the Sojourn. Can include house staff (greeters, attendants, bartenders, performers), spies, courtesans, and merchants.
Emporium
The Emporium sustains Discarnate with magical and engineering inventions and research, medical support, relic hunting, black marketeering, and smuggling.
Vigil
The Vigil provides protection and violent action, whether safeguarding the Sojourn Estate or Discarnate resources, or providing a strike force to go after its enemies. Can include warriors, battle mages, assassins, snipers, and monster hunters.
Patrons (non-member ranks)
Guest
Guests are those who provide business to the Sojourn, whether as suppliers, buyers, donors, or investors. The most common Guests are those who buy and sell arcane items for Lady Kano's famed black market auctions. Guests exist outside of Discarnate's internal power structure but can take advantage of its overtures to gain their business.
Associate
Associates are Guests who have performed past jobs for Discarnate, showing investment and common values (or lack of scruples). They can be brought into certain jobs but are not considered to be Retainers for Discarnate because they have other allegiances.
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. Many Luminaries have a notion of Discarnate's inner workings, and so Retainers are not prevented by the Oath of Secrecy from speaking with them.
Fallen Ranks
Branded (entry rank option)
The Branded exist at the very bottom of Discarnate's social structure. They have typically done something egregious as a Retainer or are poor souls whom Discarnate holds tremendous leverage over. 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, Branded have lost their ability to leave service.
They are subjected to a 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
Fallen can eventually become Bonded, a model example of a Fallen who lives only to serve Discarnate. They are often assigned to a Keeper as a reward for the Keeper's hard work in training Fallen during their reconditioning, but their Talisman can still be their Talisman can still be reassigned by the Cabal for an important job or task.
Retainer Ranks
Unsworn (entry rank option)
Those who are hired in Discarnate and have not taken the Oath of Secrecy are considered Unsworn, and therefore do not have access to all areas unless accompanied by a Bloodsworn. Retainers must take care not to speak too freely before an Unsworn. Like all Retainers, Unsworn are compensated for services, whether they be bodyguards, enforcers, healers, researchers, groundskeepers, smugglers, courtesans, or information brokers.
Bloodsworn
Bloodsworn are Retainers who have taken the Oath of Secrecy. They are the movers and shakers of Discarnate, able to enter private chambers and be involved in sensitive discussions and jobs.
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 Bloodsworn and can lead and mentor them.
Keeper
Keepers are trusted Retainers, often versed in interrogation and bending the minds of others. Ther are responsible for conditioning and training the Fallen and can sometimes be feared and resented for their roles in bending such minds to their will. Successful Keepers can be given primary stewardship of a Bonded, being the keeper of their Talisman. With such power and trust given to them, Keepers are expected to improve the Bonded , and whatever 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 Arbiters 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 Banners. It's unwise to ignore their commands, as they have the ears of the Arbiters.
Overseer
This is the highest rank a Retainer can obtain, holding considerable power and the ear of the Arbiters. They are not to be crossed.
Leader Ranks
Arbiter
Arbiters are the most trusted members of Discarnate, 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 Retainers, demote Fallen to lower ranks, and bestow Favors, often in the form of magical items.
High Lady
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. 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 Arbiters.
Boons
Keepsake: Such items confer a bonus in a skill. They are offered fairly freely by the Arbiters as rewards.
Relic: Such items hold notable power and can confer multiple advantages or one more powerful effect. 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.
The Fallen: Retainers who peer too deeply into Discarnate's inner workings or who reveal both use and vulnerability may be made Branded [with the player's permission].
Sigils of Servitude: Arcane brands can be placed upon a Fallen to allow various uses through their connection to a Talisman. They are now at the lowly rank of Branded.
Talismans: A Talisman is usually kept by an Arbiter, but it can be passed to others to ensure the success of a venture. It allows the holder to siphon the life force of its associated Branded, granting the bearer boons such as replenishing HP or MP, or more depending on the runes inscribed.
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 simple, recognizing that all players have a right to have equally powerful characters, but that gaining Boons within Discarnate confers power and advantage, while those who fall to indebted servitude are bound to dreaded Talismans.
Discarnate
"The only way to defeat temptation is to surrender to it."
High Lady
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.
Arbiter
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.
Herald
Nyra (Ninzhin Qestir)
Marked by a life she barely remembers, carrying a haunting calm born from years of silent obedience. A new hazy light of freedom, drifting between trust and suspicion, learning what it means to live for herself, and perhaps even learn about her past. Will you help her find her true identity?
Discarnate
"What shall a person gain if they have the whole world and lose their soul?"
While we seek darker RP that can sometimes become antagonistic, we are OOCly welcoming of others regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. The only restriction is that we do insist on our members and allies being age 21+.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 Leiro Fortuna or Amira Silivasi (Mateus)
- Via Discord: Reach out to khatos (Leiro) or skylarke72 (Amira)
Mare Syncshell
ID: MSS-ATS2H5PSS4MJ
PW: Sojourn Friends
Membership
Recruitment to Discarnate is done through application to ensure people fit the premise. If you're interested in joining, consider also seeking one of our members in character to strike up a conversation.There are two distinct ranks that make sense for new members, which offer very different experiences:
Retainers are compensated for services, whether they be bodyguards, enforcers, healers, researchers, groundskeepers, smugglers, courtesans, or information brokers. Given the secrets they'll learn within Discarnate, they are expected to swear allegiance to the Cabal during a mysterious ritual.
The Fallen exist at the very bottom of Discarnate's social structure. They have typically done something egregious as a Retainer or are poor souls whom Discarnate has captured and forced into servitude. 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, Fallen have lost their ability to leave service.
FC Collaboration
Discarnate welcomes allies and guests into our RP and discord server. 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,Discarnate's closest allies are those they refer to as a Luminary. Such personages have the attention of Discarnate's staff and access to its inner workings.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 to potential business partners.
Requirements to Join
To maintain the immersion and safety of our community, below are requirements for becoming a member of Discarnate.
Age 21+
A character name that doesn't break immersion.
Mods that don't extend beyond the anatomically possible such as breasts bigger than watermelons or 15-foot tall characters.
We want low to moderate power levels for characters. We believe in characters who need others to help them solve their problems. Void mages, void-touched (not voidsent), and black mages are about as advanced as we wish to see. Vastly powerful characters defeat the need for inter-dependency that drives collaborative storytelling.
RP Hooks
Arcane Black Market: Your character has heard of Discarnate's arcane auctions and wishes to participate or sell an item to the organization.
Crime: Your character has criminal ties that could be of use to Discarnate.
High Society: Your character is a noble, crime lord, or other elite who seeks to invest or collaborate.
Magical Studies: Lady Kano and many others offer magical lessons in return for gil or services.
The Professional: You offer a service as a freelancer and can be paid to look the other way when illicit activities occur.
Those Who Serve: Discarnate gains severe leverage over your character such as buying out their debt to a monetarist or bribing a guard to buy the character out of prison.
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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?
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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.
Fallen
Leiro Fortuna
Greetings most honored guest of the Sojourn. My name is Leiro and I HopE that you enjoy your stay and aren't tempted to Leave Prematurely. We pride ourselves on always Meeting the nEeds of our patrons. If there is anything that you require, you need only ask and I will come RUNning.
Kai Hatori
Kai acts as Discarnate's spymaster in the East after serving as Amira's yojimbo (bodyguard). Years ago he was Takara Kano's yojimbo and is the longest-tenured of her staff. Kai is perceptive but speaks little of his past despite carrying the diasho of a Doman samurai, frequently paired with his bow.
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.
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.
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 with a reputation of consistent results.
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.
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.
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Discarnate
Events (Mature, Age 21+)*
Discarnate invites guests to the Sojourn Estate, a luxury manor with a bar and lounge, overlooking the Rhotano Sea from the Mist. The protection of all attendees is guaranteed by Lady Takara Kano, the head of the Discarnate Syndicate.
Saturday, 11 January 2025
7:30 PM EST
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
Discarnate
The Arcane Auction
TBD
7:30 PM EST
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
Auction Rules
1. Auctions begin 30 minutes after the start of the event.2. Whisper the character with the green icon to register gil for bidding 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 at an auction can be used for a future auction.3. 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).
Items for Auction
TBD
Previously Registered Gil:
TBD
Discarnate
Previous Auctions
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 Zithe 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.
Discarnate
Music Box of Eternal Reverie
Sold to Avine Rosapione for 10,000,000 gil
The music box is ancient, the wood darkened with age but finely carved. Given the ages-old lacquer, it is difficult to tell the type of wood. The panel on the front would have been a marvel example of machinery for its time, with a brass plate and knobs. A macabre doll, porcelain face yellowed and cracked, stares straight ahead with soulless eyes, though one might get the sensation that the eyes are watching them.The music box is likely Gelmorran, made by a witch at a time when magic users were hunted down as harbingers of the Sixth Umbral Calamity, a time when powerful magics of the Sixth Era could still be passed down and discovered. It was found 12 years ago by a conjurer in Gridania, returning with a team of researchers and excavators who had ventured into the Deep Shroud. While most of the team went to have drinks and see friends, the researcher, Eadric Conner, must have opened the music box, strange otherworldly lights seen from his windows by a passing neighbor. When he was checked upon two days later, he was found near the open music box, laying stone dead with no apparent cause. Careful research by the Conjurer's Guild revealed the music box's fell powers, but a thief stole it before it could be locked away, and Discarnate later bought it on the black market.
The music box can only be heard by those present within a few paces when it is opened. Those further away or who arrive later hear nothing. It pulls those who can hear it under a haunted reverie, unmoving and unseeing, focused only on the music. The music box slowly drains them of their aether and vitality, killing them once they are spent, using the siphoned life force to fuel its music.
Aetherical signature: Incredibly strong alternating astral and umbral that coexist in an impossible balance that feels fragile.
Blindfold of Seeing \ Blindfold of Death
Sold to Tilea Sakata for 10,000,000 gil
This crimson blindfold has an odd texture and weight to it that makes it feel crusty and heavier than it might look. It has the scent of wet blood.Lady Kano first saw the blindfold at the estate of a noble patron, Lady Olfionne Archambeau. She demanded a high price, knowing the dark, storied history of the blindfold would interest the Hingan collector. In years past, Ishgardian inquisitors would force a peasant to wear the blindfold to point out heretics corrupted by possession or dark magics, and would then capture the identified subject, who would never be seen again. Though this item was called the Blindfold of Seeing by the inquisitors, Lady Kano coined it the Blindfold of Death for the ability to see the undead and for the bloody fate of those exposed by its powers.
When the blindfold is worn, the wearer has a form of aethersight that can see undead and supernatural beings such as voidsent and primals. It can also see corruption such as possession and the touch of the void in others. However, when the blindfold is removed, the wearer is left blind for twice the time the blindfold was worn.
Aetherical signature: Moderately strong unaspected and umbral.
Discarnate
Two Vials of Moonwater
Sold to J'roshi Jesal for 10,100,000 gil
The vials appears delicate, with a silver cap and dainty silver chain allowing one to be worn around a person's neck. The vial is shaped like a tear, filled with a glowing blue liquid that gives off a soothing aura.
Moonwater was once made in Ishgard by House Druimain in centuries past, which had specialized in hunting monsters but was overrun by dragons over a century ago. Vials of Moonwater can be occasionally found, if rarely. Discarnate, while researching its history, discovered that House Druimain purportedly required the waters of a sacred fountain on its grounds to make Moonwater, and Discarnate will provide the location of this region to the winning bid for this item as a bonus.
The contents of the vial can be imbibed or shattered against someone, providing the contact it needs to activate its properties. It can nullify any poison, force someone into their natural shape, or force away a possessing presence within the target, though with more powerful possessing entities, the effect might only be temporary.
Aetherical signature: Strong water attunement with an Umbral polarity.
Shadow of Life
Sold to Jaran Dotharl for 10,000,000 gil
An aged vial, topped and capped in bronze of a distinct, archaic design, holds a viscous purple liquid.
*The vial was one of 13 made in Sil’dihn, the recipe and origin of the item once carved in stone but ordered to be destroyed. A rubbing was taken of the runic letters, but only the section about the history of the item and a sketch of the vial seemed to have survived. Copies of the rubbing have long circulated Ul'dah over the years, but this vial itself has been examined for authenticity, specifically its age and marks of wear and tear. The vial was purchased from the estate of deceased monetarist Tuluco Tuco. The item was won by the Order of Nald'thal, but was later stolen and ended up in Discarnate's hands.
Returns a character to life, but it's only a copy of their residual aether, also known as their soul, which fades quickly with time. The person appears real, with most of the personality and memories of the departed soul, but each day, they begin to fade in physical form, mind, and memory, and within two weeks, they are gone.
Aetherical signature: Incredibly strong non-aspected aether with a searing astral polarity.
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 past, and hence the future, are not monumental, or at least they weren't during testing.
Aetherical signature: Moderate unaspected aether, but on seemingly random nights, it has a strong astral polarity.
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 leash 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 leash 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 leash, 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: Moderately strong air and water auras.
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Special Auction Item
A Special Auction can be called if there are multiple delegations of Luminaries present, with each delegation being given 1,000 Talons, a house coin. Any unspent coins can be saved for future Special Auctions, and Luminaries can volunteer their underlings to assist Discarnate in ventures to gain additional Talons.
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.
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Discarnate
"And each shall pay in time, the Devil's due."
Action Resolution and Combat
Dice: To ensure we can roll in the game rather than having to use discord and track modifiers, we use the following system. Characters using an untrained skill roll 1d4 (/random 4 or /dice 4 in game), 1d6 for a proficient skill, 1d8 for an expert skill, and 1d10 for a specialty. 1d12 is the highest roll possible. Certain actions and items can provide an upgrade, raising a roll by one die type such as 1d6 to 1d8. This can be noted in shorthand as +1 die, meaning 1 die upgrade.
When a die rolls its highest number (such as a 6 on 1d6, it explodes, allowing it to be rerolled with the totals added together. Each roll can explode and add to the total, making it always theoretically possible to beat an opposing roll.
When rolling for a skill, one generally needs a 3 or higher unless rolling an opposed skill, in which case they need to roll higher than their opponent if instigating the action. This means an attacker must outroll a defender to be successful.
Health Points (HP): Characters usually have 10 HP, losing HP when taking damage. When they reach 0 HP, they are defeated and can take no actions unless healed. HP cannot be reduced below 0.
Damage: Characters inflict 4 damage by default, or half damage (rounded up) without their weapon or arcane focus.
Mana Points (MP): Characters begin with 2 MP that can be spent to reflect the use of more powerful magic or supernatural abilities.
Rolling Twice: Before rolling an action, 1 MP can be spent to roll twice and take the best result, using one’s emote to reflect the use of the MP, for anything ranging from an attack to the use of stealth.
Healing: 1 MP can be used to perform a Combat Heal during combat, restoring half the character’s Healing skill (rounded up) as HP to a single target (including oneself), or half that amount to a cluster of targets. For example, with a d10 in Healing, the character could restore 5 HP to a single target or 3 HP to a cluster of targets.
Area Attacks: 1 MP can also be used to inflict normal damage in an Area Attack against two or more targets near one another.
Final Effort: A character can spend a final 1 MP at 0, but this effort reduces them to 0 HP as they expend their life energy.
Tech: For Pureblood Garleans and non-magic using characters, the use of magitek and/or specialized gear can grant 2 Tech Points (TP) instead, which operate the same way as MP. (Such characters are still considered to have 2 MP, even if they can’t use them.
Skills: Characters have 10 Skill Points (SP) to buy skills. By default, a skill is Untrained and rolls 1d4 in the game. Spending 1 SP point makes a skill Proficient, which rolls 1d6. Spending 2 SP makes a skill Expert, which rolls 1d8. A character can have one skill as a Specialty for 3 SP, which rolls 1d10.
You can also spend 1 SP to gain a permanent boost of 2 HP or 1 MP/TP. Only a total of 2 SP can be spent on each of these.
Examples of skills include combat skills (Attack, Defend, and Heal) and utility skills (Athletics [running, climbing, riding, etc], Arcana [knowledge of magic, spells, and creating magic], Deceive, Engineering, Intimidate, Investigate [seeking clues, solving puzzles, research], Notice [alertness and perception], Perform [dancing, singing, impersonation], Persuade, Piloting, Stealth, Survival, and Thievery).
Initiative: To start a scene, a DM can call for an appropriate skill with characters acting from highest to lowest rolls.
Actions: Characters can take one action per turn.
Aid: Rolling a 3 or higher on a relevant skill grants an ally a die upgrade (1d6 becomes 1d8, for example), reflecting some form of aid such as distracting an enemy or inspiring an ally.
Attack: Roll against a target's Defense. If you roll higher, your character inflicts damage. A character can roll Defense against all attacks that target them.
Distract: Roll a 3 or higher on a relevant skill such as Intimidate to distract an enemy to force them to roll at a lower die type (lowering a 1d4 means the action will automatically fail). This effect does not stack if multiple characters distract the same target.
Guard: Reduce damage caused to a nearby ally or oneself by half your Defense die (rounded up) one time until your next turn. A character can only benefit from one Guard action.
Surprise: When a character attacks an unaware target, they gain a die upgrade and +4 damage.
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 source (such as surgery). Magical healing requires 1 MP be spent and restores HP equal to half the Healing die of the Healer. Non-magical healing requires a Healing roll that restores HP equal to half the number rolled in the Healing roll (rounded up). After that first day, HP can be regained at the rate of 1 HP for each day of rest, or 3 HP in the Infirmary and/or under the care of someone proficient in Healing.
Younger/Less-Experienced Characters: To represent such characters, you're welcome to have less HP, MP, Damage, and Skills to grow into later through RP. For example, a beginner adventurer might have 6 HP, 1 MP, inflict 3 damage, and have 5 SP to spend on skills, improving through RP!
Heirloom: Discarnate is not the only organization with magic items. If a special item or supernatural ability is important to your character's representation, we can negotiate them starting with an item/ability. These will usually grant +1 to a Skill (or +2 with limited application such as use of Stealth in the wilderness), +1 Damage, +1 MP, or +2 HP.
Talismans: Branded characters are connected to Talismans that allow either their HP or MP to be siphoned by their master or whomever holds their Talismans. There are three tiers of strength for Talismans based on how acclimated the Branded becomes.
Siphoning HP: A Talisman that can siphon HP can siphon 1 at Tier I, 2 at Tier II, and 3 at Tier III as part of an action during combat.
Siphoning MP: A Talisman that is able to siphon MP allows the wielder to use the Branded's MP as their own for an action. They can siphon 1 MP with a Tier I Talisman, 2 at Tier II, and 3 at Tier III per day.
There are other abilities that can be woven into Talismans. When attempting to inflict pain on the Branded, the wielder can inflict anywhere from 1 to 5 HP of pain per turn as desired.
Sample Character
Kai Hatori, Spy and Bodyguard
HP: 10
MP: 2
Damage: 4 (5 melee)
Skills: Attack d8, Defense d6, Athletics d6, Etiquette d6, Perception d8, Persuasion d6, Stealth d8
Heirloom: Family Katana (+1 damage with melee attacks)
Discarnate
"When your desires are strong enough you will appear to possess superhuman powers to achieve."
Gladiator System
Each character gets one action a turn. They can roll defense against every attack that targets them. An Attack needs to be higher than the Defense roll to be successful (ties go to the defender).Attack and Defense skils are rolled with either 1d4, 1d6, 1d8, or 1d10 per the below guidelines. When the maximum number on a die is rolled, it "explodes" and can be rolled again with the results added together. This can happen every time a maximum number is rolled. For example, if an attack roll of 1d4 rolls a 4, explodes for another 4, then rolls a 2, these are added together for a result of 10.
Base Attributes and Skill Points
Hit Points (HP): 10
Damage: 4
Attack Roll: d4
Defense Roll: d45 points are available to spend in the following ways:
- 1 point to raise Attack or Defense to d6
- 2 points to raise Attack or Defense to d8
- 2 points to raise HP by 4.
- 4 points to raise Attack or Defense to d10
