Heb~Bastet (2022)

[Sahret]

 

Welcome to the Heb~Bastet!

the Sphinx Team

Mr. Pooka - manager, colourist, co-owner
PookaWitch - creator, main artist, colourist, templater, co-owner
Jeanstarwind - colourist
Operetta - Invaluable Organizer, colourist





Heb-Bastet means 'Bastet Festival'

On the 4th day of Renwet (April 15th) we celebrate a month long festival dedicated to Bastet.
With happy hearts we announce that this year the priestesses divined it was a good time for an added event to the Heb.
What you ask? Why, a Royal Marriage of course!
The first month of the Heb has been celebrating  Pharaoh Adjo taking his Great Royal Wife... the High Mage TaRepy.
Our wonderful Pharaoh has been sponsoring many neighborhood parties during the early part of the Heb in celebration. These have been so enjoyable that some of the typical aspects of the Heb~Bastet were delayed.... but will begin now.

All are invited to attend the Heb-Bastet, noble or peasant, sphinx, netjer or whatever you are. It shall be a time of merriment, selling of wares, jokes, eating, drinking, and of course the reverence towards the nefer netjer (good goddess) Bastet!

Sahret: Hey hekenmess! (Hello Friends!)
Ii-wy, welcome to the Fifteenth Annual Heb~Bastet Sphinx Celebration!

Those of you who attended the previous festivals may remember me, and for the newcomers I shall introduce myself: I am Sahret and a hostess of the festival. This year, with the approval of Bastet, the festival began with the announcement of the Pharaoh choosing a Great Royal Wife! If you are curious why that is different then a royal wife, well, go ask a Priestess of Isis since that's more their specialty. *winks*


*Sahret motions towards her clowder of cats*


As always I have brought along my little darlings to participate, but I do have a new love to add to my collection of cats.

Say 'hello' Har.


Har: Meow.

The cats this year have been brought here from the distant land of Albion. I heard that many a sphinx have been attending school in that country and in an act of friendship the teachers have brought us cats from their land.





Selene IV:    This Royal wedding seemed to be just the right magic to keep things on track this year with it's lovely ceremony and delightful celebration! No space jellyfish looking for mates, no animated furniture uprisings, no maniacal cackling of any kind, late night drunken priestess don't count, and no hijinks of any kind to interfere with this years festival! How perfectly wonderful! *the air shimmered as a serious looking professor teleported in. Selene IV's eyes narrowed* What on this earth possessed me to open my mouth on this topic. Goddess @#%!. &@#!. ...Maybe it isn't the worst news, oh, who am I kidding.


*apparates in*



Professor Shadowstone:  I'm terribly sorry but I need to add an important announcement. For those from Widdershins who were away from school for attending the Heb~Bastet I have a sad announcement... Widdershins is cancelled for the rest of the year and the unforeseeable future. The dragon attacks in Albion have been reaching a fevered pace and it's much, much too dangerous for students to be near the isles right now. It's has become so perilous that the sphinxes of Ablion have been seeking out heroes to aid them in protecting the villages against the dragons from Mal'tolgalen.





Things to look forward to during the Heb-Bastet are....

~ Contests!
~ Giveaways
~ Stray Cats
~ The Temple of Bastet accepting new recruits
~ job upgrade/change opportunities
~ New classes/costumes
~ New traits
~ Lots of opportunities to casually roleplay your sphinxes
~ Knights in Shining Armor
~ Granting of Noble Titles
~ Flights of Dragons
~ Burning Villages
~ Dragon Slayers
~ Druid Circles
~ and much, MUCH more!!!

[Sahret]

Index

1 - Festival Introduction
2 - Index, Links and Rules
3 - Traditional Long Running Contests
4 - Games and Stray Cats
5 - the Royal Celebration
6 - Albion and Lander
7 - Knights and Nobles
8 - the Horned Henge
9 - Tessa's Training Grounds
10 - Mal'tolgalen
11 - Pooka's Playground
12 - Mr. Pooka
13 - Selene
14 - Mr. Pooka
15 - Pharaoh Adjo
Page 2
16 - Nenseddjedet
17 - Operetta
18 - CURRENT GAMES
19 - Finished Games
20 - First to post... Moophles!





Rules

~ Site Wide Rules


Contests, Games and Auctions

~ No editing contest/auction posts for any reason. (If you think you made a mistake try and repost!)

~ The end time of auctions and timed contests are the very last possible second on the minute posted. For example if a contest/auction ends at 2:30 PI time then the very last post that can be accepted is 2:30:59. (a few more detailed auction rules are always posted with auctions to make everything easy to understand and very clear!)

~ Sometimes a game rule will break the regular rules for fun but should be very clear (such as a contest for the first post with a specific time or a note about being able to edit until the contest ends).

~ ALL of our contests and games are meant to provide fun and enjoyment! Don't worry or stress about a certain type of game, there will be lots of variety and something for everyone, (-8

~ ALL times listed for contests and auctions are in EST! If you have your time settings on a different timezone here is a handy clock! EST Clock




A Request and Reminder

We would ask that you please think of the Heb threads as a fun party and try not to bring down the mood. It's meant to be a safe/fun place where we can leave the stress of real life behind. (Think of it like going into a birthday party, everybody is singing 'happy birthday', they're about to cut the cake... and you bring up something sad/upsetting and ruin the mood.) A lot people people come to these threads to escape real life and have fun, and tend to leave when they see the mood being dragged down.

It's not that we don't care! We do care and know that this is a good community to confide in for help/support, but if you do need this please post in a different thread in the Sphinxes General Forums, that's what it's there for. ^_^



Payments

USD payment is completed with paypal, and due within 24 hours after getting the final, agreed upon custom price or winning auction bid. Send the full amount for Pookawitch customs. For all other artists please send payments split 50/50 to Pookawitch and the other artist.

[Sahret]

3. Traditional Long Running Contests

When it comes to judging: Please realize that we are not art critics and that we shall try our best. It's difficult to choose between so many wonderful entries, and we already feel like villains for not being able to choose everybody that will enter.
So please do realize that if we choose one piece over another we're doing our best and probably will strain, stress and worry as we're even figuring out the top finalists, and usually we just go by what caught our attention the most. (also we never pick fast and put off judging because is soooo hard to pick!)

There can only be one entry, per contest, per person (not account).
PM your entries to Mr. Pooka with the message titled with the name of the contest (ie. if you are entering the art contest send a pm with the title 'Art Contest') (...also I don't always look at contest entries until we set up for judging so if you have a question feel free to either post it in this thread or PM it.)

Some years we don't have enough entries for all of the prizes, so don't be shy, go ahead and enter!

Entries must be in by June 21rst  (12 am EST)

Note: Everybody who enters one of these contests (win or lose) will be put into a draw for an exceptional job upgrade voucher. If you enter both contests you will receive two entries for the draw.



Art Contest

Art of any medium, with the theme of the Sphinxes adoptable and Albion and/or Dragon Sphinxes.

Sometimes judging comes down to 'does it look like it could be from the Sphinxes adoptable or does it look like an anthro cat"? Its a trixy fine line! Pencil drawings, digital work, sculpture, whatever your ready to try! You MUST have made it yourself and it must have been made for this contest.

Make sure to sign your picture.

1rst Place Prize - Moophles

2nd Place Prize - Siopilos

3rd Place Prize - Aholland

Cooking/Baking Contest

Bake/cook some wonderful treat! Something themed with Albion and/or Dragon Sphinxes. To enter show a picture of your final entry with a card/paper in the image with your username, 2022, and a tiny doodle of a cat. :3 (As detailed or as quickly done as you wish. ) If you think it's needed, feel free to describe your choices and reasons for what you made and why you made it.  You might wish to check out previous Heb contests to see what Mr. Pooka and I tend to lean towards for choices... nothing set in stone but I think we are usually more impressed with flashy/pretty things,   (ie. would prob. pick a cake shaped like a Sphinx over a traditional Egyptian bowl of hummus... although we are often surprised with the types of entries so you never know!)


Only enter your own work created for this contest. Pictures of the steps is awesome and helpful, but not required.

1rst Place Prize - Silpilos

2nd Place Prize - Rayvin-Kittey

3rd Place Prize  - MelodysAngel

[Sahret]

4. Games

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~




Finished Games

SPOILER: Click to show

The first to post on page 50 wins...

Winner AoM


The first to post on page 100 wins...


Winner: Moophles



The first to post on page 200 wins...


Winner: Moophles


The first to post on pg 250 wins...


Winner: Moophles





Dragons to the Left, Dragons to the Right!

On page 223 link





There are two dragons up for grabs, one is the dragon viewed above, and another is to be determined by your entry.


This is a random draw colouring contest, but you will want to put some work into it.

Colour the dragon found in the link below...

Link to the Dragon

And post it in the thread with the above title 'Dragons to the Left, Dragons to the Right' (in bold and a larger size. The scale doesn't matter, just so that it's larger), a gender and a name. The size you save the picture in doesn't matter, but make it large enough that I can at least make out details. (if it's very large just spoiler it if you think it needs it. To spoiler type in [spoiler*] put text/image/whatever here [/spoiler*] and remove the * .

Do not shade in the dragon (so I can eyedropper the colours better) and don't draw on anything extra... just colouring within the lines what is there.

All of the entrants will be put into a draw for one person to have a dragon (with traits chosen by me) to be coloured as they coloured their picture. (To the best that I can re-create it.) The name and gender of the dragon will be the one you posted.

There is a second place prize in the draw for the dragon shown above (#D03).

You have until four days after this post to enter. (By June 19th at 18:25 forum time)
(A note that although the contest may end on Sunday, it could take me some time to get to the actual dragon colouring. I may be unable to colour right away next week. ^^; )


The first to post on pg 300 wins...



Winner: Angel_of_Music

Stray Cats

Sahret: Hey hekenmess, hello friends. Bastet has deemed to bless us with sacred cats who are roaming around Ahket.

They look much like my new darling here.

Har: mew

Perhaps Bastet will take notice of you and bless you with one of her cats.

~*~

About the Stray Cats


During the Heb~Bastet, at the Temple of Bastet, stray cats are seen to wander around. These cats already have a name, and if they hear their name said they will come forth to be with the person who 'called' them.
If there are stray cats in an event there will be a warning at the top of the thread letting you know.
Ie: *Stray cats have been seen around this event/thread*

If there are stray cats in a thread, and you happen to say their name (sometimes they're in another language and their meaning will pull them out) during your posting, the cat will respond and come to you. It can be made a pet for your sphinx, or kept to wait for when you have a sphinx to care for it.

Basically it is a 'secret word' game. (A word search to check the threads that have stray cats in them.)



Stray Cat Rules
~ It will be announced in a thread when a certain artist's stray cats are around, and another note posted when that artist has finished their game (ie. not watching the thread any longer).

~ Only 1 stray cat from each artist can be won per person for the 'secret word' games. (this does not include cats won from other events, just the 'secret word' stray cat game.)

~ Spelling matters! Since a program is being used to find the word posted, if the word is miss-spelled it will be overlooked. So, to be fair - spelling counts.

~ Please note that this is supposed to be in the event of a 'normal post'. So no posts of just name lists in an attempt to call over a cat.

~ Editing posts is fine, but no going back to edit a post after cats have been won in an attempt to make it seem as if you had posted that word first. After the page has the word search completed and winners announced, any edits just to make it seem as if you said the winning name/word before the page was searched will disqualify you.

~ There are other artists with stray cats, and another list of names - with each of us not pre-knowing the names the other was using. So there could be repeats of words/names

~Although some names have many meanings, there is a pre-chosen, exact word that is being used for the cats in this game.
(Ie. A cat could be named 'Sebyet', which is Khemetic for 'teacher', and the word 'teacher' would bring out that cat.)
[/spoiler]

[Sahret]

5 - the Royal Celebration

Just as the year's Heb~Bastet was about to begin, heralds from the palace announced to the general public that the festivities would be placed on hold. The Pharaoh was taking a new Queen, and she was to be presented to the gods at the Temple of Isis within the week - at an undisclosed time divined to be the most auspicious by those deeply respected priestesses. While the timing came as a shock to many, the courting of the Pharaoh and his High Mage had probably been the worst kept secret in Ahket. That they were finally coming together in marriage gladdened the hearts of many, though there was a little worry that they were choosing to coronate the new Great Royal Wife during what should have been the Heb~Bastet. Respected as the priestess were, were they absolutely sure that the ceremony wouldn't run afoul of some crazy, evil shenanigans?

The Temple of Isis was temporarily surrounded by royal guards to keep away prying eyes and other ill-reputed busybodies and the sacred ceremony conducted in secret. The populace held its collective breath until sometime later when a burst of bright light shone out from the top of the High Temple. The sistrums of the Priestesses could be heard along with their joyous voices raised in praise as Isis blessed the union.

The ceremony at the Temple of Isis was followed by several days and nights of formal receptions and banquets at the palace. Local and regional nobles crowded together with foreign diplomats, high ranking military, wealthy landowners, and celebrated artisans to greet the new Queen (as well as to get look at the Pharaoh's first born children from one of his Royal Wives). Advisors mixed with ambassadors, sorcerers mixed with soldiers, and even some Golden Paw mixed with unsuspecting priests - and politics and negotiations flew, even amidst the convivial atmosphere. There were so many visitors that the galas had to be spaced out so that some visitors could enjoy a brief sojourn before rotating out as others traveled in.

In the midst of those more 'closed door' celebrations, however, the Royal Newlyweds did not neglect the native Sphinxes who had given them so much support and help over the years. On evenings when the banquets were at rest, the Pharaoh kept his chefs busy preparing sumptuous meat platters with beef roasts, mutton, and pork. These were then delivered (along with a generous amount of beer) to the various separate neighborhoods of Ahket, so that each community could have their own night of celebrations sponsored by the Pharaoh and his new Queen.

The days of celebrations concluded with a coronation parade, which took a long, winding route through the city so that as many citizens as possible could catch a glimpse of their beautiful new Queen. Breezes off of the Nile helped to cool the air as boisterous crowds thronged the streets, competing for space with delicious smelling food carts and street vendors selling specially made, overpriced commemorative trinkets to the masses. Children ducked in and out between the crowd, giggling as they chased each other and waved paper streamers in the air. Pickpockets darted in and out, too, but mostly kept to the fringes of the ever thickening throng.

As the procession approached the noisy rumble of the crowd began to grow, and those father down the route could hear the turbulence of cheering voices roar like the winds in the midst of a sandstorm. Sphinxes jostled each other for places as a platoon of Royal Guards in the vanguard parted the crowd and made space down the center of the street. A small group of magicians came next, using their talents to lift the lotus petals thrown by the crowd swirling up into the air, turning the atmosphere into a beautiful whirl of dancing white flurry.

And finally, a pair of large, well-muscled steeds trotted forward, their brown and bay coats glistening and sleek. Their regalia rattled as they moved forward in unison, the pieces bright with the royal colors. The chariot itself was leafed in gold and had been polished to a shine that caught the afternoon sun.

But its luster was nothing compared to the coat of the Queen, who rode in the massive chariot next to the driving Pharaoh. Her golden pelt glowed and sunbeams hitting the shimmering hieroglyphics on her pelt caused rays of reflected light to dance along the heads of the crowd and against the opposing stone walls. Somehow still brighter was her smile, which radiated absolute joy and happiness. And the citizens grinned crookedly as well, to see that their typically rather stoic Pharaoh was also smiling from ear to ear and hardly had eyes for the road in front of him.

More magicians and soldiers came in behind them, but even after the full procession had passed very few Sphinxes headed home. Instead the crowd quickly filled in the gap left behind by the rear guard and the party began again. Although the official end of the coronation ceremonies had arrived, the festival spirit prevailed and showed no signs of abating - especially as the citizenry anticipated the imminent restart of the annual Heb~Bastet activities.

(Very beautifully written by Jean)

[Sahret]

6 - Albion and Lander

Welcome to Albion, an ancient land steeped in history, magic, intrigue and timeless stories. Ours is a land of nobility, chivalry and deep mystical ritual and our people are hard working, devout souls determined to endure these dangerous times. The last few years have been rough since the High King was... well he's gone now and has been since the most grand travelling Faire graced ours and many other great lands with it's spectacle. That's not to say our land is without kings... there are many of them, each carving out their own lands from the map by tradition, magic or might and each land has it's own laws and history, though some seem in constant flux and eternal competition. Ever since the day of the High King's passing and the ancient Sword of Kings somehow returned to it's eternal stony sheathe the people have cried out for a new High King... and those cries grow louder with every passing season.

Such has always been the way of Albion since the mythical days of the most famous High King Arthur and his Knights of the Round table. I hear some of you ask about the great Arthur and wish for details, well I'm sorry to say I can't help you there. While everyone knows the ancient tales of Albion not many can agree on the ancient details. Was he a native born islander, an ancient wildling, a Greek invader, a fae-touched prophet or even a scion of the gods? No one knows... not that that stops some scholars from sharing their long winded opinion or keeps some bar crawlers from taking slight over the wrong assertation! The single thing that everyone agrees upon is that he was the greatest of Kings and that he ruled over a golden age, one that inspires still today!

The lands of Albion are themselves many storied characters. For every thriving castle there are three more crumbling ones lost to the forests, bogs or time itself. Depending on the Kingdom one may encounter gleaming knights patrolling the roads, lively tournaments, great schools and imposing wizard towers. In others you may be plagued by bandits, trapped by draconian laws or simply refused entrance... or exit. Snaking between these many kingdoms are many untamed lands... dense forests, rocky moors, endless bogs and countless misty islands. Each of these places also have their own dangers as well as delights. Fairies, druids, elves and more make homes of, or protect these wild places hidden in ancient groves, fae mounds or great stone henges. The borderlands between these wild lands and civilized lands all bear tales or superstitions on the topic!


Lander

Lander is the crown jewel of Albion, gleaming in shades of chivalry, magic and culture. While the High Kings throne may currently be empty the great castle is not. A council of kings, knights, wizards and clerics currently work at keeping order. It should be noted that this is not an ideal situation and getting the council to agree on even basic tasks can be a challenge. Lander itself is but a tiny kingdom, symbolic more in its history and power as the central seat of rulership. This is physically manifested in the great square of kings where the High King's sword remains, buried to the hilt in an ancient stone or unknown type... Sphinxes come from all over Albion to stand in line for a chance to extricate the Sword of Kings.

A great castle towers over the winding cobblestone streets of Lander and both it's wealth and culture are on display for all. Visitors from near and far wander the streets in wonder, marveling at the great stone buildings, bountiful markets and skilled artisan shops. Bardic music wafts from taverns melding with the sounds of smiths hammers and the clomping horses hooves to create the song of Lander. On any given day one might encounter a circle of Knights, a group of Northern sailors, an elvish diplomat or an enchantress gleaming with magic all seemingly on their own important tasks... at least if these were normal times.

[Sahret]

7 - Knights and Nobles

Knightly Orders of Albion


The Order of Harmony

SPOILER: Click to show

The Order of Harmony was created in the Kingdom of Ileathia a hundred and fifty years ago by a failed magician who discovered that his magic and musical talents were intricately entwined. He soon discovered that his children shared his talents. Since then the order has expanded to seeking out those that have similar talents. The only way to join is to be invited, and there are only ever two dozen members of this elite order of spell singers.

While they certainly specialize is the arcane arts, these knights are also very gifted in the bow and other long distance weapons. Though close combat is not their strength, they are also trained to wield swords or lances. For the most part, they are a defensive order and do their best to avoid conflict, weaving spells of illusion and defense to protect their small kingdom. However, if there is no other way, they can and will go on the offensive, and then they can weave whole choruses of destruction with their songs.

Their symbol is a field of argent and azure with a music note and arcane star in white upon it. It symbolizes their desire for peace, truth, and sincerity.
(Order created by Operetta)

~*~


The Order of Tranquility

SPOILER: Click to show

In ponds, springs and creeks, rivers, glades and streams, everything is connected. Down below on the bed of these bodies of water, in tunnels of spiraling water, live a somewhat friendly (though some are reclusive) order of mainly fae, gnomes, halflings, elementals, sprites and other such mystical creatures, though the odd human dwarf or elf do exist among their ranks.

This order is well known throughout the land, as they are keepers and protectors of a pure and sacred healing water. The layers within each body of water separates into layers, you see, and while all is water, only the layers connected to the deep and vast tunnels have these healing properties. Well, can one not swim to this layer? It is not soo simple, for an invisible forcefield surrounds the tunnel--if it s not hidden--and no force of dispel or other such magic or might will gain one entry if one was not invited. Instead, the user is cast inside a breathable bubble which floats to the surface and then pops. The sprites doing, their playfulness clearly on display.

The order specializes in healing of all kinds, and their ranks consist of some of the brightest and caring clerics. Others include magic users such as wizards and sorcerers/mages, spirit users and priestesses, knowledge bearers and historians. Physical defense and offense is often a very last resort and magical enhanced liquid forms of weapons, shields and armour are used--enchanted to stay strong, no matter its base material. Damage is normally set to a non lethal range, except for the very very extremely rare instances where a great evil is upon them and the land that they care soo much about.

Do not let these peacekeepers fool you, and think twice about trying to push them over. Water heals, but it can just as easily be tainted. What is life can bring death. And over the centuries these folk have learnt to never be pushed around. Talk back or try to dominate and you may wish that it was your angry mother ear dragging you instead of a diplomatic but pissed off 'waterie'. Worse of all, these folk rarely need to raise their voices let alone speak. The way they glare when upset is enough to stop the most barbaric of creatures in their tracks.

The order normally increases its rank through family (and they do for the most part live in these tunnels of spiraling water!) but will on occasion watch and see if a noble soul crosses paths. A crystalized droplet, given to diplomats for those of recommendation, are the key to trials and initiation.

Which, of course, is secret. The soul seeking admission, if they are truly just and the correct intended one, receives telepathic instructions through the crystal. A thief or otherwise one not intended of whom picks the crystal up will hear nothing. Sell the gem and it melts to ordinary water.

Speaking of secrets..there are plenty. But im not allowed to talk about them, lest express permission is granted.

As mentioned, this order is well known throughout the land. Diplomats, mages and clerics often make rounds through the enclaves and settlements (yes they are like any other and can thrive up on the surface!), teaching and providing their services where needed. These diplomats are often those in race most closely matching the race of those they are visiting.

They do not carry the sacred water. They summon it. This is to prevent thieves or others from taking what does not belong to them.

Their services are in most cases free or traded for resources the order may need, but are prioritized to those most severely in need. Ones rank does not barter a faster visit as does not one threat. Throwing a temper tantrum will get one nowhere. And if one tries to start a war...well you may be sorry to try.

One can identify those of the order by the colours sky blue/crystal clear water blue and silver. A crest in blue (sometimes gradient through, like the ripples of water itself, and sometimes solid) with a simple leaf with a teardrop dewdrop on the edge in silver is the official recognition.
(Order Created by MelodysAngel)

~*~*~*~

Kingdoms of Albion


Chreasa

SPOILER: Click to show

Kingdom Name: Chreasa (Cree-Sa)
Ruler's Name: Selinis Venatio
Capital: Búcla (Bu-gla)
Kingdom's Heraldry:

Pall Split shield with moon crescent with 3 stars, 2 stags rampant, bow and arrow drawn

Kingdom's Motto: May moonlight guide your bow and hide your presence
Kingdom's Alignment: True Neutral
Any other Details about the Kingdom:
The Kingdom itself is three smallish islands just off the main coast. At one point they were all connected by a land bridge but that has long since gone. The islands are called Mintaka, Alnilam and Alnitak.

Mintaka is the largest island but has the least amount of habitable land and is mostly used for growing trees and cultivating wildlife that has been captured before transport to other areas. The main route can be crossed in the space of a day, the island would take 2 weeks to circle on foot.
It is also the closest island to the mainland. At low tide, you can walk across from the mainland to the island.

The middle island Alnilam is the largest island of habitable land and houses The Capitol city, Búcla and is the main trade hub.
The chief exports are tamed animals, leathers, pelts and smoked/treated meats. They are also branching into clothing, haberdashery and furniture.

Alnitak is mostly flat but shrinks every 10 years as more falls away into the sea. The land is very fertile and crops are grown here to sustain all three islands. Fruit is abundant and is often exported. The island has recently acquired Sheep and goats to help with weed control and as a possible extra resource going forward.

History of the Heraldry
The kingdom of Chreasa worships a pantheon of Moon gods and goddesses. As more cultures joined with theirs, any deity associated with the moon was simply integrated into their pantheon.
So the moon crescent is featured on the shield along with 3 stars for the three islands.
Two Stags bear the meaning of wisdom and long life as well as being a representation of the sacred animal of Artemis, goddess of the hunt.
The bow and arrow drawn is a symbol of readiness and represents the expertise of the kingdom's famed hunters.

Royals History
Selinis was third in line for the throne She had 2 older brothers. Each sibling was raised on a different island as was the tradition of the kingdom.
Her eldest brother chose first, wishing to rule he chose to stay on Alnilam and learn the ways of business and trading.
He sadly was unable to handle the pressure and has since taken a lower profession working with his hands.
The second eldest has no interest in the crown but had a great affinity for herbology and spent many a year on Alnitak learning the ways of crop management and harvest.
Currently, he has left the kingdom in search of new ways to save and revitalise the crumbling lands.
Selinis was left training on Mintaka to be a hunter, which was the least wanted role of the three.
But she prevailed with her training becoming one of the most renowned animal trappers on the islands.
With her brothers proving themselves less than capable to rule Selinis was chosen to rule when her parents contracted an illness and could no longer govern.

Dalaion

SPOILER: Click to show

Kingdom Name: Dalaion
Ruler's Name: Princess Druumma Antolise
Capital: Rundal
Kingdom's Heraldry: Gold brown crest, blue and purple shining gems
Kingdom's Motto: For the wealth of the people
Kingdom's Alignment: Neutral Good

Any other Details about the Kingdom: Nestled in the underground caves of Albion is a dense mining region full of dwarven folk, though others such as ogres, humans, and really any that like good honest work can be found here. The jewel of Dalaion, Rundal is a magnificent underground city with 'sky ports' to bring in the natural sun, and magical gems to light the city up at night. A river with waterfalls provide clean drinking water and, while the city is underground, the locals are able to do some planting of select edible fruits and vegetables due to the sky ports. These plants are different from ones grown above ground though, and while they provide sustainability, the kingdom does try to obtain 'topside' grain and produce where it can.

This kingdom values diplomacy, trading minerals and magical products made from their mined minerals of all kinds for resources folk here find difficult to obtain. Minerals include spell components to precious gems, to metals and beyond.

Master weapon smiths, armor smiths...smithies in general flock to the port to practice their trade, and the best of their wares are stored inside the castle in the center of their crown jewel for use in the event it is needed.

The main difference is that while the royal line is blood born, it is the people that live in this kingdom that work together to provide universal wealth for all. If one puts in their work, it pays out equally for all. Because of this, the royal bloodline serves more for political government and diplomacy. Keeping the peace, working snares out, enlisting resources from other kingdoms.

It is quite a peaceful place. And as so, if threat of war or other nastiness pops up, all that live here that are able to would gladly take arms to defend each other, and their home. All are trained as children in the schooling system for basic combat though it is discouraged to enact violence unless it is warranted.

Citizenship can be a lengthy process if not native and is of the responsibility of the royal blood line. It is also the responsibility of the royal bloodline to make sure there is enough space to home potential new citizens. For this reason, those that wish to apply or those that do their practice here typically are within the edges of the city, close to the entrance of the caverns.

[Sahret]

8 - the Horned Henge

The robed and mysterious druids of Albion ward those away from their sacred henge. It's best to keep your distance for now.

[Sahret]

9 - Tessa's Training Grounds

Tessa Roseheart: The average sphinx still needs protection against the marauding dragons. I'm here to train those interested in methods of defense against these invaders. But until we discover the reasons for these assaults it's best to stay on the defense rather then offense.

[Sahret]

10 - Mal'tolgalen

(The 'Home Island' of the Dragons)

Mal'tolgalen ('Home Island' in draconic) is a large island inhabited by dragons of all sorts. It's only in very rare circumstances that a non-draconic sphinx is allowed on this island and it is said to be ruled by immense, ancient, true dragons.

Many of the dragon sphinxes of the island are descendants of true dragons although there are dragon sphinxes of all sorts who are accepted as dragons. True dragons who have been sphinxified or even sphinxes who have shown dragon traits over the generations can be accepted on the island if they identify themselves as dragon sphinxes. But it is a conclave of the oldest of true dragons who take vote on issues that the dragon sphinxes cannot resolve on their own and their word is final for what happens on the the dragons's home island.

Typically the dragons of Mal'tolgalen are reclusive. If left alone they keep to themselves and rarely bother anyone outside of their home. Recently this has changed. Dragon sphinxes of all sorts have been invading Albion, often in flights with true, non-sphinx, dragons! No sphinx knows why this is happening. Ambassadors of draconic sphinxes who either were away from or never lived upon the island have been sent on diplomatic missions only to be harshly, often violently, turned away. Those who return have no answer to the reasons behind these assaults.


Dragon Sphinxes
The true dragons, and dragon sphinxes of Mal'tolgalen are fairly reclusive and not all dragon sphinxes are from Mal'togalen in the first place. Typically, those who they would consider 'dragons' could visit the island of dragons, but recently any who haven't been on the island in some time are violently turned away before they can reach it. There are dragon sphinxes from all over the Sphinx World, as can be seen by the plethora of draconic traits out there.

The types of dragon sphinxes:

Dragon Descent: the dragon sphinxes directly descended from the true dragons of Mal'tolgalen.
Sphinxified Dragons: true dragons (from anywhere) who have been sphinxified, but due to this they can't be in the true dragon conclave.
Dragon Blooded: any other sphinx who has a draconic bloodline. Often they have at least one dragon trait.

So what constitutes as a dragon sphinx? Well, basically any sphinx that OOC you, as the player, consider to be a dragon or dragon blooded in one way or another. Typically those with dragon traits, but that's not truly nessicary. For example there are some sphinxes who are sphinxified dragons who don't actually have any dragon traits, but do have dragon colourations or RP backgrounds. Some early sphinxes, pre-dragon traits, were coloured after dragons but never had any of the actual traits who would be considered dragon sphinxes. There are situations with specific sphinxes who do have dragon traits and are definitely not dragons, such as the serpent folk who have dragon tails... they are not actual dragon sphinxes since they are identified as serpent folk.

This doesn't mean that any sphinx with bat wings, or cat eyes, or whatever could be considered a dragon trait is accepted by the dragons of the island, they typically have means to detect the 'dragon' sphinxes. So, when it comes down to it, OOC, if you consider your sphinx a dragon sphinx, they count as one! If the sphinx isn't considered one by you OOC and IC is just trying to bluff their way through by having some similar trait such as bat wings, they will most likely be figured out and turned away.

[PookaWitch]

11 - Pooka's Playground

[Mr. Pooka]

dressed and ready...

SPOILER: Click to show

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Fantasy Vibes!

As you can see in the above image of me, which is totally real and accurate, we're quite well set up for Albion, including round the clock cosplay. 100% true story. Unfortunately, tomorrow Pooka's gotta break character a bit and to help her get through the day and give her something fun for when she gets home I've got a contest that will run the whole of Thursday! Once per hour you can post an image of something funny with an Albion/D&D vibe. Loldragons, Memes, or anything designed to make a smile or laugh, but topical (or topical-ish... OOC DnD memes totally count for example). Please post the title of this contest with your image! Every entry will get you on a random list for prizes! I have at least two Sphinxes, a couple of job upgrades and some items to give away as prizes depending on how many entries there are, (-8 I will limit prizes to 2 per person, but if you win a second you must gift it to anyone you want, (-8

This contest starts tonight at Midnight and ends just before the next midnight, running the whole of May 25!

a couple of examples...

SPOILER: Click to show

[SeleneIV]

Currently having no scribe, Selene IV wrote the title of her own contest...

Selene IV, aka Selene the Generous and Giving!

Being a Priestess of Bastet had it's perks and Selene IV decided to share some of those perks with the most worthy this year, one tryout contest and one bonus contest at the Temple. Her last couple of adventures had impressed upon her a sense of... mortality... or at least provided more reasons to revel in all the delights of the earth. It was this vitality and joy of life that she felt must be shared with her fellow priestess.


Priestess of Bastet Trial by Fate!


This contest is open to any female Egyptian Sphinx from peasant to princess! In order to enter this contest you must make a dramatic entry post for the Sphinx who would like to try out for this upgrades in this thread along with their image! This entry post is a prerequisite in order to participate in this contest and you must make a new post, even if you'd made an RP post already in this thread for other contests!

The Game of Fate!

Make a post in this thread containing as many male Sphinxes (that you own) that you are willing to risk to enter this contest along with the code word FATE! All of these posts must be made between now and the end of Monday July 25. After this time limit everyone will be entered into a draw with each male counting as one ticket. I will use a random list and the winner will be the person on the top of the list. Everyone who enters will FORFEIT their risked males to Selene IV permanently!


The winner of this contest will get a Priestess of Bastet upgrade for their entry Sphinx!

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...and now for the generous part!

Priestess Perks!

Anyone who owns a Priestess of Bastet may post her image in this thread with a roleplaying description along with the title of this contest 'Priestess Perks'. All of these posts must be made between now and the end of Monday July 25. Once the Game of Fate trial has been completed and we've welcomed another lucky Priestess into our ranks Selene IV will choose one of these entered Priestesses at random and award her half of the males she claimed from that contest as a Priestess Perk!!

SPOILER: Click to show

purrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[Mr. Pooka]

Day of Dragons


Tension was high in Lander as tales of angry dragons continued to stream in. Smaller kingdoms were reporting a chaotic stream of destruction; leveled castles, burning shipyards and poisoned fields. There was also a flow of new Sphinxes to the great city, some with hopes that the great place may shield them from attack though many came simply because they had no where else to go. Arguments flared in halls, taverns and fine residences alike as Nobles, Knights, Wizards, Clerics and Diplomats called for unified action from a decidedly ununified group.

In one particular tower a collection of diverse power makers debated. The heads of two different knight orders, three local nobles, one obscenely rich merchant, the head librarian of Lander, a serene enchantress and her roguish wizard partner all listened to northern Queen about to retell the tale of how her armies of knights and barbarians were routed by a flight of dragons. Even her renowned elite pegasus riding guard were defeated in mere minutes, their aerial skills were no match for the sheer and savage ferocity of the attacking wyrms. Before she could truly begin her story there was a terrible crack and boom that sounded as if they stood on a thundercloud instead of inside the fortified tower. Many jumped and a few looked at the wizard who had a penchant for blowing things up. The wizard shrugged in confusion with the rest but before he could say anything the dark chamber turned bright on account of half of the roof flying away in a cloud of dust and splinters. A massive clawed paw reached into the hole grasping at the crowd. Quick to action one of the knights in her gleaming silver armour shoved the rich merchant aside and blocked the claw while slashing with her sword. Not everyone was going to make it through this day, but her determination alone would increase the number who would she thought defiantly... before being pulled through the hole by the dragon...

Bells of warning rang across the city though really they were not needed. Several dragons, some the size of horses and others big as a ship had descended on Lander in a shocking display of power and fire and destruction!

The time for preparation was over and now only action could win favor this day.


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Dragons Attack!

This is a peasant rush that begins under some very specific circumstances, though it follows all other usual rush rules! This rush does not begin until 15 posts after the first post made with the timestamp of 14:30. (in case anyone has diff settings, this will be a bit over an hour from this post in the thread.) The first post that triggers this countdown is post 1 of 15.


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Robin


Much


Marion


Gwen


Boudica


Nessa


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Healing the Wounded!

The city was becoming a maze of fire, ice, lightning, falling buildings and stampeding Sphinxes and animals... nowhere was safe!



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For a chance to win this peasant, post an image of a cleric or priest you own with the code phrase of "Divine Healing" any time on page 132. If you do not own either a cleric or priest you may instead post a Sphinx you own who would like to become a Cleric on the same page with the code phrase "Pray for Help" and roll a d20. Everyone who rolls a natural 20 will get a cleric upgrade for that Sphinx! (you may only enter this contest once!)


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Enchanted!

The dragon swooped towards the row of shop buildings, spitting fire and tearing off pieces in a destructive rampage! You only have time for one spell to distract or stop this terror before it's rampage would be complete. You might yet be able to save the villagers hiding inside!






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For a chance to win our Enchantress post an image of something magical or enchanting (an image that evokes something magical in nature!) on page 135 with the codeword of "Enchanted"!. You may only attempt to enter this contest once (be careful of double posts!) and you may not post more than 2 times on the contest page or you will be disqualified from this contest. All successful entries made on ODD number posts will be entered into a draw for our Enchantress!


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Heroes Arise!

What transforms a regular Sphinx into a Hero?





These peasants are destined to great things! During the chaos their true colours shine, illustrating their particular brand of heroism!

For a chance to win one of these peasants post the title of this contest "Heroes Arise!" , the image of the peasant you are trying to win along with a character description. Character descriptions MUST be from a character generator, (-8 I'd totally recommend almost any of the ones on this list...

springhole.net/writing_roleplaying_randomators/charactergens.htm


Our peasants above will be adjusted and tinkered with depending on the winning generated story, (-8 (based on what we have access to of course and perhaps with some artistic license!)

All entries for this contest must be posted on page 137 and only one entry may be made per person! Winners will be determined at random.


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Flee the Forest!


The ancient forest north of Lander is ablaze, no doubt by Draconic fire. Creatures both natural and magical stampede from the woods fleeing the dangers! Perhaps you can help rescue one!


Post an image of any of the listed creatures on page 139 for a chance to win a Sphinxes pet version of that creature! Everyone who gets a successful image post on that page will be entered into a draw to win the pet. The person who makes the 8th post on that page will also win a corresponding pet!

You may NOT use the Sphinxes pet image to enter this contest, (-8

Stampeding pet list;

Unicorn foal, owlbear, griffon, wolf, fairy, slime, snake, Heb2022 cat, bat, deer, goat, raven, Rottweiler, partridge, mouse, goose, fox, hen, swan, blackbird, owl, rat, toad, hippogriff, dove and we'll say, panda for some reason.



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Capsized!

The acrid scent of acid stung your nose as the massive dragon's breath sprayed the ship attempting to feel Landers Harbour. The ships captain hadn't even had time to pull on their coat in the rush to set sail and now things were not looking good...

This is a Sphinx rush that starts on page 149. Other than the starting time, this rush follows standard rules! The last peasant won from this list is actually the ships Captain (and the last to leave the ship!) and will be upgraded when certed!



Caoimhe

Niamh

Clodagh

Tadhg

Eoin

Lorcan



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Dragonslayer


The dragonslayer collapsed in front of you clutching at her deep wounds. Her dragonskull helmet clattered to the ground as she tried but failed to stand. Without healing her fighting was over for this day she realized in frustration. ...but she was so close and as she looked around her eyes met yours and with her bloody paw she held up an oversized arrow with wicked barbs. "Use thissss" she managed to gasp through bloody lips before passing out... though still with the force of will to keep her arm up with the clearly important arrow.

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Post an image or gif of someone firing an arrow on the top of page 151, along with any lvl 2 or 3 Sphinx you own. The first person to do this successfully will have their Sphinx upgraded to Ranger or Dragon Slayer! If the first post on the start page is not a contest entry or doesn't work for some reason, this contest moves to the next page, and so on until this contest is won!


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Knights Mobilize!


While the initial chaos of todays events were unfolding, the clarion call of Landers Knights summoned all available noble warriors regardless of faith or faction to mobilize and bring some order to the field!




Everyone who posts a Knight they own (it must say Knight or Paladin on their cert) with the code phrase "Reporting!" on page 155 will have a chance win this peasant as a new squire. If you do not own a knight you may post any other Sphinx you own who would like to become a knight with the code phrase of "I volunteer!" for a chance to have them upgraded to knight. Both possible prizes will be determined at random!

If you own more than one knight, you may post them all in the SAME post to gain more entries into the draw.

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Tessa moved forward to block off an assault from a dragon as she ushered the non-combatants to rush away during a momentary opening in the battle.
"Hurry, before the next attack. Rush to safety."

She then momentarily moved her gaze from the skies where she watched for dragons to spy the few brave sphinxes who chose to fight rather then flee.
"I admire your bravery, but you'll need something for protection." she reached into her rucksack to draw forth weapons too large to fit in the small bag.

"Here, take one of these!" the dragon slayer stated as she tossed the weapons out to the stalwart warriors.


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On page 138 post a picture of one of your sphinxes (who wishes for a weapon), with some brave RP words (even a couple of word sentence will do) along with a picture of a weapon.

The first, 8th and last to post on that page will each win a weapon (that is templated/exists) of their choice for that sphinx. (The posted weapon doesn't need to be the same chosen, but the weapon won must be given to the sphinx posted.)


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Wand Street


It took a little extra time for the wizards and witches on Wand Street to realize what was happening in Lander... odd explosions, weird noises and the fallout of misplaced magic was commonplace for it's residents and shoppers alike. When a curious peasant came barreling down the street yelling about dragons, the first few Sphinxes figured he was just deep in his butterbeer... until the ebon drake began to fly into view peering down the crooked alley... Wands at the Ready!




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Everyone who posts an image of any Sphinx they own from Widdershins (student or teacher!) along with an image (or gif) of someone wielding/using a magic wand on page 147 along with the code phrase "Still safer than school!" will be entered into a draw to win the above peasant!

[Pharaoh Adjo]

Just need the one!