Kingdom of Eridanus - Printable Version

Joining

There are very few requirements that need to be met before entering the Kingdom of Eridanus. The most important one that is, at the moment, quite strict, is the existence of disease-spreading magic. Rift has no tolerance for most spells in the prokaryotic branch and if he catches any such spells being cast or discovers that someone knows one of them, he won't be lenient and will most likely eject them from Eridanus immediately. This does not include spells like Fauna Cleanse and Immunity.

The other requirement is mentality and history. Anyone that has a tendency for violence will be, at best, be watched carefully and, at worst, barred from coming near the Kingdom. Any that have been violent in the past but have put aside such ways will be welcome, as long as their violence is far behind them. Depending on how recently they have become peaceful, Rift may allow them to join but not participate in most activities, just to make sure that it is safe to have them in the Kingdom. However, any that come to the Kingdom searching for a sanctuary or a place to heal will be welcomed with open arms.

Positions

Positions are mostly a formality in the Kingdom. Despite being called a "Kingdom", they're more like a society of gardeners then a system of government. Rift leads and speaks for the group, but everyone else can do what they wish.

The Guardian: While the group's name might suggest a proper kingdom with a king at its head, Rift does not consider himself a monarch. He is the protector of the forest, its most devoted guardian. He is the one responsible for the actions of his kingdom, he is the one who makes the final decision, organizes events, and makes sure that every one of his citizens is safe, whether they are within the trees or elsewhere.

The Guard: For some reason, there seem to be creatures in the caves that wish nothing but evil and will do deeds of mistreatment both to nature and to others. It doesn't matter what these Guards are protecting, only that life is preserved and kept safe from harm. Whether it's Rift or their friend or the tiniest plant, the Guard is here to protect the Kingdom and all life from unnecessary harm.

The Cultivators: One of the kingdom's primary goals is spreading the growth of nature throughout the caves. The Cultivators are those primarily responsible for these tasks. Those talented in plant magic or with related abilities will excel in this position. While they will always have a place with the Kingdom, they are allowed to live primarily in other parts of the cave so to keep an eye on their gardens or projects.

The Artisans: Being a kingdom, there must of course be those that are skilled in other trades besides those of plant magic. While the Artisans do not play a direct role in the Kingdom's goal of spreading life, they are the backbone of the Kingdom, helping to provide food, living space, and other necessities. While many artisans may, of course, help satisfy physical needs, there are also welcome those that act as doctors, nurses, or therapists for those that need their healing skills.

The Citizens: Being a part of the Kingdom does not require you to have a specific role. They aim to be a sanctuary and a safe place for any that wish their protection. It is expected, however, that even the Citizens help out somewhat, even if it is small things like helping collect food, taking care of the plants, and doing what they can. It is not, however, required, especially for those that are sick or injured.

Beside the Guardian, almost all roles are fluid and a character, if declared a certain position, does not have to firmly stay within their primary duties. In times of crisis and emergency, however, it is asked that everyone stick to their particular role but for the most part, the jobs and goals of the Kingdom are shared by all its citizens.

Rituals

Welcoming to the Kingdom: After the original formation, all new citizens will be welcomed to the Kingdom in a small, informal ceremony. They will be introduced to all the others of the Kingdom and given a flower of choice from the Garden, as a symbol of now being a part of the Kingdom.

Ceremony of Trust: Should a citizen wish to take a more active roll in the Kingdom, they may do so at any time. Any that wish to attend their Ceremony are welcome. They will be led to a place where plants no longer grow, the Hollow where they had been burned away in the Great Battle, and set to rest there to contemplate the ugliness of death and violence until they understand what the Kingdom is for and what it has gone through. After they fully understand, a second flower will be grown for them from the destroyed Earth, where it will sit until they leave the Kingdom, symbolizing that they are now a bringer and caretaker of life and truly one of the Kingdom.

Leaving the Kingdom: Should a gembound decide to leave the Kingdom in peace, they will be led off by Rift and anyone else who wishes to attend. The flower they were given upon being welcomed they are free to take with them, unless they wish to plant it back in the garden. If they were a more active member, however, the flower that was planted in the Hollow for them must be taken out out the ground and either taken with them or planted elsewhere.

Exile: Should a gembound leave the Kingdom, either in bad relation or forcibly removed, any flower they were given is burned and the ashes sprinkled over the Hollow so that the other flowers may become stronger.

Death: Any citizen or worker of the Kingdom is given a proper ceremony upon death. If their body was recovered, it is buried on the outskirts of the hollow and a bed of flowers, matching the color of their gemstone, is grown, by hand, over the place. Their gemstone is given to whoever was closest or kept in the safest place of the Kingdom's home. During the burial, anyone is welcome to come forth and present their gifts to the earth where they are buried, whether important trinkets or their own creations to be buried along with the body.

Members

Rift: Rift is the leader of the Kingdom, calling himself the Protector or the King of Eridanus, although he is uncomfortable with the idea that he so far above his fellow members. However, it was he who started the Kingdom and it is on his home tree that the Kingdom settled. He is a master of plant magic, as well as other healing magics and will use his skills wherever and whenever possible. Represented by rosemary. The Guardian/King of Eridanus.

Oliver: This wolf-crow hybrid was severely mentally scarred by the horrors of the Great Battle and still struggles to be as cheery and gentle as he was before. However, he is extremely skilled with healing magic and lends his skills to help the injured, both in mind and in body, as well as bringing the beauty of Eridanus to the desolate cave of Canis. Represented by moonflower. Primarily a Cultivator but also acts as an Artisan (healer).

Mercurius: He is the embodiment of his nickname, Mercy, and lives as both cultivator of the Kingdom's many gardens as well as a storyteller and a pillar of support. He is gentle and loving, caring and merciful. He lives in a small grove nearby, tended to for more cycles then many can remember. Represented by queen anne's lace. Primarily an Artisan (therapist and storyteller) but also a Cultivator.

Huckleberry: Child of Blackberry, brother of Jayberry, finally broken free of the Bloodberries' terror. At first accepted into the Kingdom with his sister as prisoners, but now a free citizen, he uses his skills to protect the gembound that gave him a home. Currently the Kingdom's primary guardian.

Previous Members

Nameless (Unofficial/Temporarily): The fearsome goose that once led the Bloodberry family. She was captured and set to be on trial for her crimes, but the Collector offered a new deal, taking her away to face punishment in Hydra and out of the Kingdom's hands.

Aetius: A small white owl with a love for nature and a great enthusiasm. She insisted on joining the kingdom and is around to be a pat of the group and be better at tending to life. Represented by white rose. Killed by Astraea.

Orlaith: A young tiger with a strong sense of justice, aspiring to one day be one of the Guard. Left the Kingdom to join the Sea Kingdom.

Sebastian: Sebastian is Rift's brother, perhaps not by blood, but definitely by soul. There is nobody else in the world that Rift trusts more and he sits at his side as he leads the Kingdom. While their relationship was once strained, as Sebastian was the one who caused the latest Eridanus fire, he is working to make up for his mistakes and wrestles with his guilt every day. Represented by baker's globe mallow. He is currently hibernating in Eridanus, left behind in the move.

Enka: Enka dubs herself as the daughter of Rift and follows in his footsteps to learn more about the forest and to tend to it as best she can. Also quite scarred from the Great Battle, she is completely against any violent actions and works to make the Kingdom a safer and more beautiful place. She was left behind in Eridanus during the move.

Yew: The daughter of Jayberry, once a Bloodberry, now turned against her family. She lives with Mercurius as she heals from the massive trauma and emotional damage that her prior family inflicted on her. She was left behind in Eridanus during the move.

Atinneas: A white lion that wandered into Eridanus at the right time. She is curious and gentle, although she does not have a job and instead settles herself to be a simple citizen of the Kingdom, due to her blindness. Represented by white dahlia. Chose to stay behind in Eridanus.

Zavenlora: A well-mannered maned wolf that helps around the Kingdom however she can. Likes to talk to the members to discover their stories and settles herself fine as a citizen, although dreams of becoming more. Chose to stay behind in Eridanus.

Eridanus Home

The Home Tree: A massive tree towering above most of the other trees in the forest. It's roots rise above the ground, creating hollows and caves beneath for the members of the Kingdom to make their home. A particularly lower root serves as a place where Rift makes his announcements from so that he is far enough above for his voice to be heard but not so high that he feels too high above the others.

The Garden: The Home Tree is surrounded by a great, magnificent garden tended by Rift for nearly his entire life. It is kept in a perfect state, neither overgrown nor too clean and pristine. Small paths through the plants lead through so that walking across the front lawn does not hurt the carefully cared plants.

The Hollow: A medium sized hollow at the edge of the Garden. It's mostly bare, with only a few green shoots picking through the earth. It was here that many of the worst wounds of the Great Battle were inflicted and the evil still lurks in the earth. Only members of the Kingdom may plant a flower within the Hollow and it is forbidden to trample through it, unless given permission or tending to the small garden growing within. The Hollow currently contains a patch of rosemary, a single stem of baker's globe mallow, a small bush of moonflower, a single, tall sunflower, and a few sprigs of wild carrot.

Monoceros Home (Currently Abandoned)

The Riverbend: A hidden nook by the edge of the river where a small garden has begun to pop up. This is the primary center of the Kingdom's new home and most live either in this garden or in dens nearby. Currently, it's quite small, playing host to a modest array of grasses, herbs, flowers, and small trees.

Guard's Ledge: A collection of ledges located above the Riverbend against the wall. It's difficult to get there without flying, but standing on them offers a view of most of Monoceros. Without some kind of camouflage, however, it would be fairly easy to see a larger Gembound standing on these ledges, considering the vantage point.

Group Spell

One With Nature
Medium Intensity Detection. The user may cast their senses into that of living plant matter around them to experience the target's sensorial input. It can reach as far as the user can focus and is easier on things the user has already touched or seen before.