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FAQ
ICly, Kenos is a panfandom game set in the world of the same name, a vast expanse comprised of ever-shifting floating islands. It serves as the terminus at the end of all worlds, untimely yet decisively destroyed and gone for good. Characters are brought in by Yima - the Zenith Faction leader's - power, and they have the choice to join her among the Zenith to let go of the old to rebuild something better or seek out the Meridian who believe it is possible to bring back all that was lost. The two factions vie for the capture of Oracles (explained further below!) to decide the fate of all worlds ever known. Refer to the Premise page for full details.
OOCly, Kenos is a character-focused game with themes of redemption, corruption, and bonds as its focal points. Heavily influenced by character and player choice, the plot will be shaped by collaboration both in character and out; events are intended to push characters' limitations, to forge and test bonds, and to both build and unravel them as people from the inside out. Both factions are built around the approach that neither should be black or white, but instead offer your character many shades of gray in which their morals (or lack thereof), beliefs, and motivations will be challenged. For fun! (For us, but probably not them.)
OOCly, Kenos is a character-focused game with themes of redemption, corruption, and bonds as its focal points. Heavily influenced by character and player choice, the plot will be shaped by collaboration both in character and out; events are intended to push characters' limitations, to forge and test bonds, and to both build and unravel them as people from the inside out. Both factions are built around the approach that neither should be black or white, but instead offer your character many shades of gray in which their morals (or lack thereof), beliefs, and motivations will be challenged. For fun! (For us, but probably not them.)
Canon characters, original characters, and CRAUs who have been in one game prior are OK. Malleable protagonists will be ruled on a case-by-case basis, and we ask in the case you're apping one, you reach out to the cast ahead of time to ensure you're on the same page! Minions are not accepted. đœđ« (The Minions thing is a joke. ...Sorta. Look, just trust me,)
As mentioned, malleable protagonists are ruled by on a case-by-case basis because of how much they can vary. In general, weâll be looking for characters with strong personal stories and personalities that the player is able to guide but not necessarily fully control. Alternately, we want these characters to lean as far away from âfandom-based OCâ as possible. Examples of malleable protagonists that we would accept would be Hawke (Dragon Age 2), The Dark Urge (Baldurâs Gate), or Persona protagonists. Examples of malleable characters we would not accept would be the Warden/Inquisitor (Dragon Age), Tavs (Baldurâs Gate), or Warriors of Light (Final Fantasy XIV).
Weâd also like to note that there may be some characters in our cast that would fall into the latter category, but these characters are grandfathered in from the era of the game where we were private and invite only.
Weâd also like to note that there may be some characters in our cast that would fall into the latter category, but these characters are grandfathered in from the era of the game where we were private and invite only.
Kenos was projected to run over the course of roughly a year and a half after its start in October 2022. That timeframe has always flexible and changed depending on IC actions, however! We are now projecting the game ending between November 2024 and January 2025.
Weâre a game that utilizes Discord heavily! While it is absolutely not required to participate in our server, we highly recommend that all players join and at least follow the announcements, plotting, and toplevel channels. Everything else you can freely ignore, but game updates and player plotting are largely done through our server. While itâs not required for any player to join, you may find it more difficult to find your footing in the game if you donât follow these more informational channels.
As Kenos deals with serious and potentially dark themes, mature content is to be expected. All events will be warned for potential triggers ahead of time, and players will also be given notice of any potential consequences or complications due to plot involvement. We're here to have fun and help your blorbo grow worse; let's talk and make sure it all happens while respecting every participant's OOC comfort!
Yes, but purely opt-in and at player discretion! As Kenos is a fantasy faction game centered around character choice, sexual content will never be a focal point. There may be prompts and elements during events that can more easily lead to it, but the choice to engage will always remain in the player's hands. Basically, you can play it if you want to, but it will never be mandatory. We do ask that adult content be tagged in logs appropriately.
We ask that all players be 18+. As for characters, they are judged based on suitability over age. There is no hard limit, but if you're thinking of bringing in a very young character you're not sure about, please reach out to the mod team for confirmation!
As of January 2024, Kenos is now semi-public. Applications are open at all times to new and existing players, with new players strongly encouraged to participate on our TDM and required to go through our screening process. As a note, second characters may be applied for by current players at any time and do not count toward the total player cap. Third characters are acceptable on a case-by-case basis, detailed below.
As of September 2023, we have exchanged the cast cap to a an umbrella franchise cap. For example, Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Fire Emblem: Three Hopes will be classified under the franchise "Fire Emblem". The cap for franchises is at five (5).
Basic AC is 2 threads with 2 different characters totaling 10 comments minimum per month. Threads can be in any format (action, communion/network) and from any source (log, inbox, top levels), and every comment must be made during the active month. TDM threads can be used. More details on the AC page.
As for hiatus, we understand that Life Happens! Please let us know if you foresee being unavailable on the Hiatus page. To be exempt from AC, a player must be on hiatus for at least 2 weeks during the month they declare hiatus. Hiatuses can last for a month at most. In case of sudden personal emergencies or extenuating circumstances that may go beyond a month, please get in touch with the mod team.
As for hiatus, we understand that Life Happens! Please let us know if you foresee being unavailable on the Hiatus page. To be exempt from AC, a player must be on hiatus for at least 2 weeks during the month they declare hiatus. Hiatuses can last for a month at most. In case of sudden personal emergencies or extenuating circumstances that may go beyond a month, please get in touch with the mod team.
Should you wish to canon update your character, please fill out the form found here! Please be aware new canon material must be out for a minimum of two weeks for spoiler reasons.
MECHANICS & ARRIVAL
The Zenith stronghold is the island-city of Highstorm, a place of eternal night with a gothic aesthetic. The Meridian stronghold is the island-city of Springstar, a place of perpetual day that seems to mishmash architecture from many cultures at different points in time, but has a largely Mediterranean vibe. The level of technology varies depending on the exact location, somewhere between the 18th and 19th centuries. Kenos leans mainly fantasy, but there may be steampunk/sci-fi elements on yet-undiscovered islands that will be introduced in future events. Both Highstorm and Springstar experience the passing of the four seasons, though inversely much like the contrast between the northern and southern hemispheres on Earth, respectively.
1 IC day = 1 OOC day. Months in Kenos are longer; however, 1 IC month = 2 OOC months. The Kenos year is, therefore, 6 months long. You can read about the IC Calendar here!
Initially conceived as a game that would run on a rotating mod system, Kenos now operates on a three-month cycle, beginning with an Oracle Event, followed by a World State/TDM Event and ends with a Player Plot month.
Generally speaking, Oracle (plot) months will revolve around testing one's loyalty to themselves and their faction, featuring elements of moral conundrum, testing personal limitations, and pushing characters outside their comfort zones. They are about forcing them into unique and challenging situations - some emotional, some physical - to both foster and fracture bonds with others and within themselves. World State/TDM and Player Plot months will feature more low-key, no-obligation engagements, and can be used for reflection, setting or NPC investigation, or personal projects between heavy, character-and-plot focused events.
Generally speaking, Oracle (plot) months will revolve around testing one's loyalty to themselves and their faction, featuring elements of moral conundrum, testing personal limitations, and pushing characters outside their comfort zones. They are about forcing them into unique and challenging situations - some emotional, some physical - to both foster and fracture bonds with others and within themselves. World State/TDM and Player Plot months will feature more low-key, no-obligation engagements, and can be used for reflection, setting or NPC investigation, or personal projects between heavy, character-and-plot focused events.
Yes, a collaborative spirit is what Kenos is built on! Players are highly encouraged to volunteer to help run a plot event or submit ideas, and the mod team will be happy to help you hammer out the details. Helping run an event can earn players tokens which can be used to purchase additional perks for your character.
Characters are salvaged from destroyed worlds by Yima's will, arriving in a seedling attached to the Tree of Life - and afterward, given the freedom to explore the islands of Kenos without barrier. To read the full details, please check the Arrival page! Generally, we will try to incorporate character introductions into TDM's or events to give their entrance a little spice, but they can arrive at any time you choose.
On Kenos, everyone speaks and writes in the common tongue (called Kenosian) thanks to Yima's power. How can she express her love and appreciation for you if you can't understand her, after all? Characters may switch to other languages they know if they consciously want to (i.e. English, French, Japanese, etc); those are subject to normal language barriers among other characters.
Through every Bearer's Shard, they share a psychic bond that allows them to telepathically communicate with each other. That is the "network" system on Kenos, commonly referred to as Communion. Through it, characters may not only send messages in voice or text, but also images, memories, and sensations. The ability to establish Communion is available to everyone regardless of faction or harmonization level; refer to the Harmonization page (T0 Communion) for more details on Communion.
In addition, as of January 2024, characters are optionally given a notebook (a Kenotebook, if you will,). This allows them to communicate through text and drawings without the invasive side effect of emotional bleed. Hooray for the repressed! However, if you as a player would prefer characters have to deal with their pesky emotions, they can conveniently not receive one. Up to you!
In addition, as of January 2024, characters are optionally given a notebook (a Kenotebook, if you will,). This allows them to communicate through text and drawings without the invasive side effect of emotional bleed. Hooray for the repressed! However, if you as a player would prefer characters have to deal with their pesky emotions, they can conveniently not receive one. Up to you!
Allegedly the crystallization of one's soul, characters will find their Shard somewhere on their body after awakening on Kenos. It can be any shape and any color and is the key to enabling characters to harmonize with one of the two factions as well as the means of accessing the Zenith or Meridian's power. Being a Shard Bearer is of significance to Kenos, as it is a symbol of great potential and capability.
Player characters are not the only Bearers, however; many NPCs (both of note and scattered about the cities) may also have a Shard. Some civilians are even descendants of Bearers far before your time! Be careful with your Shard, though. Shard damage would incur memory loss, and was it to shatter, the character's soul would also become irreparably lost forever, resulting in permadeath. For full details, please see the Shards page.
Player characters are not the only Bearers, however; many NPCs (both of note and scattered about the cities) may also have a Shard. Some civilians are even descendants of Bearers far before your time! Be careful with your Shard, though. Shard damage would incur memory loss, and was it to shatter, the character's soul would also become irreparably lost forever, resulting in permadeath. For full details, please see the Shards page.
Harmonization is the process by which characters become more unified with the forces fueling their chosen faction, whether it be through the Zenith or the Meridian. This growth is brought forth by personality and circumstance, and the more a character harmonizes with their chosen faction, the more devoted they become to its goals - the stronger a conduit for its force they become and the deeper they'll be able to tap into its powers. Harmonization comes in different tiers that also unlock new abilities; please refer to the Harmonization page for full details.
As for Discord - this is the excessive buildup of the energies that a character channels through and for their respective faction, a natural consequence of Harmonization. Comparable to an air filter that stops being effective from dust over-clog, accumulating too much residual energy will bring adverse effects to characters who don't seek out ways to purify their Shard. As a mechanic intended to encourage cross-faction CR, it will only be tracked at player discretion; refer to the Shards page for full details.
As for Discord - this is the excessive buildup of the energies that a character channels through and for their respective faction, a natural consequence of Harmonization. Comparable to an air filter that stops being effective from dust over-clog, accumulating too much residual energy will bring adverse effects to characters who don't seek out ways to purify their Shard. As a mechanic intended to encourage cross-faction CR, it will only be tracked at player discretion; refer to the Shards page for full details.
Yes, that's fine! Things like hearing aids or glasses are okay to have immediately upon arrival, too. As a Shard is the character's soul, it could feasibly replace a vital part of them created by technology (i.e. Tony Stark's reactor). As for AIs, their bodies would be projected according to how they perceive themselves, and if there are exceptional cases and/or unique ways you'd like your tech-oriented character to be presented, feel free to check in with the mod team!
As what's truly brought to Kenos is the character's soul, and their self-perception is what determines the physical appearance of the vessel projected by the character's Shard - we leave that to player convenience/discretion! Your character can be fully healed, or they could bear traces of their wounds from canon. As long as they're conscious and have an idea of how they should look, they have the ability to assume that appearance. Basically, they can come in fully healed, but you're welcome to have your character arrive in less-than-ideal condition if that's something fun and interesting for you to play out!
Similar to how dead/dying characters can be functionally played, we also leave that to player preference! You're welcome to have the afflicted character come in healthy, have their condition put on "pause", or suffer side effects they're used to without it being an active danger to their life any longer. Feel free to check in with us if there's something unique you'd like to do regarding your character's situation you're unsure about, but otherwise, you can handle it in whatever way is more convenient/fun for you!
Yes, there is a game-wide power cap across Kenos. It's intended to prevent power creep and to help narrow the gap between a traditionally underpowered/powerless character and those from canons with much greater power scaling. The goal is to give both types an equal chance to shine and keep things fun for everyone, regardless of the power levels of any character players may choose to bring to Kenos. Please refer to the Power Cap page for full details.
Yes, they may! Upon harmonizing with Meridian or Zenith, all characters will get to freely pick a set number of spells from the tier 1 spell book; reaching tier 2 and 3 will similarly unlock spells from the tier 2 and tier 3 spell books, respectively. Furthermore, players may use tokens earned from bonus AC and event creation/participation to submit unique power requests of their own making along with using them to purchase additional powers listed in the spell books. More details on the AC Rewards page.
Aspects are believed to represent fundamental truths of someone's soul and manifest somewhere on the character's body as a tattoo. They are mod assigned for balancing and cannot be changed. Please be aware that more goes into assigning an Aspect than one's personality, as they are tied to game lore that's not yet known IC - so even if your character may not seem like a fit for a given aspect, there's a rhyme or reason behind the scenes! More details on the Aspects page.
Characters whose bodies take fatal damage will dissipate around their Shard, leaving nothing but this vessel for their soul behind. How long this process takes is up to you to allow for narrative flexibility! If your character's Shard remains intact, they will revive if that Shard is taken to the Tree of Life. If their Shard is shattered, this results in permanent death, and the character would be effectively dropped from the game. If you're interested in permanently killing your character, please contact the Loremasters so we can discuss it! For more information, please visit the Character Death page.
A dropped character may be witnessed heading to the Tree of Life, much like characters who go on Hiatus - and what happens to them afterward is uncertain. Shard-Bearers who disappear in this manner are said to have been folded back into the Timestream, but no one knows their fate for sure... Visit the Hiatus & Drop Page for more information.
The Meridians believe there is a way to restore all worlds and return all characters to their plane of origin. Cyrus is their standing leader, an affable and outgoing man that treats everyone as his equal. Elected as Tribune by the populace, he also leads Helios' Legionary, the military force that keeps order among the Meridian, guards the people against monsters, and participates in cross-faction conflict.
As for the Zenith, they believe in respecting the natural cycle of life and by extension, understand that there is no salvaging what has been lost. Thus they seek to rebuild anew, and under Yima's great wisdom, power, and most importantly, love, there is no doubt that she can make her promise to you a reality. Patient, kind, and understanding, Yima cherishes all her children, and the reward she's sworn to you in exchange for your help is no lip service. All you must do is serve and be loyal to her cause, a small price to pay surely to be reunited with what you yearn for most?
More details can be found on the respective pages for Meridian and Zenith!
As for the Zenith, they believe in respecting the natural cycle of life and by extension, understand that there is no salvaging what has been lost. Thus they seek to rebuild anew, and under Yima's great wisdom, power, and most importantly, love, there is no doubt that she can make her promise to you a reality. Patient, kind, and understanding, Yima cherishes all her children, and the reward she's sworn to you in exchange for your help is no lip service. All you must do is serve and be loyal to her cause, a small price to pay surely to be reunited with what you yearn for most?
More details can be found on the respective pages for Meridian and Zenith!
Every harmonized PC (aka character who has chosen a faction) is given initial lodgings in their faction's city - chambers in Yima's manor in Highstorm, or a personal room in the Seat of the Tribune in Heliopolis within Springstar - along with access to the communal kitchens and bathhouses in each. A retainer is provided free of charge should your character wish to engage in one's services. Upgrading your personal living arrangements is absolutely possible as your character gains notoriety and rank among their Faction, as well as through AC rewards!
If your character is not yet harmonized or brand new to Kenos... read on!
If your character is not yet harmonized or brand new to Kenos... read on!
Yima's manor and Heliopolis are willing to cover a PC's basic spending and lodging for a month, the details are handled by Kathova and Cetina, respectively. Once that time is up, they'll be asked to find employment and housing elsewhere if they haven't yet Harmonized. They'll have two weeks after that one-month period to find something, after which point, they're homeless! Look, every bird needs to leave the nest eventually. Please contact the mods if your character has become a bona fide hobo. Stuff Might Happen!
While once perfectly doable, December 2023 has seen some World Updates that present unique difficulties for Harmonized Shard-bearers that wish to visit the opposite faction's city. While Meridian and Zenith have opposing goals, there is trade between them as well as other inter-faction dealings. Tensions have begun to reach new heights, with higher-Harmonized 'Bearers viewed with open hostility and disdain by the opposition. This is war, after all, and one side's victory will rob the other of their dream.
Do be mindful of Discord accruing when using a Cornerstone to teleport somewhere under the opposing faction's control, though. Spending too much time away will cause it to build. If you're careful about the drawbacks Discord brings and/or have the means to disguise yourself, then certainly, go wherever you please!
Do be mindful of Discord accruing when using a Cornerstone to teleport somewhere under the opposing faction's control, though. Spending too much time away will cause it to build. If you're careful about the drawbacks Discord brings and/or have the means to disguise yourself, then certainly, go wherever you please!
As one of the primary themes of Kenos is character choice and development, some characters might inevitably end up doubting their cause: there are secrets - good and ill - to be uncovered hiding in both Factions' closets, and blind loyalty may not be in the cards for everyone! It is absolutely normal - and expected - for some characters to waffle between Zenith and Meridian, or even find themselves lost somewhere in the middle.
As the game progresses, we hope to give unique opportunities to each character based on their individual development. We encourage you to explore the possibilities for yourself and your character without worrying about wholly "fitting" with one Faction or the other.
As the game progresses, we hope to give unique opportunities to each character based on their individual development. We encourage you to explore the possibilities for yourself and your character without worrying about wholly "fitting" with one Faction or the other.
The prominent, mod-controlled NPCs are best reached via Lore Quest rewards, or when a Communion post is posted at mod discretion. One-on-one contact is also at mod discretion, and may be used as an assistive device to support players' narrative goals for their characters, as detailed by players on the Character Survey page.
Understandable; some of them are pretty punchable. PC's are welcome to make attempts on an NPC's life - but please be aware that this may (and most likely will) result in serious consequences for said PC. If you would like to discuss this, please contact the mods!
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Characters may learn spells from NPCs, or fellow PCs who already know the spell that are willing to teach them. The former would be handwaved, the latter may be threaded out at player discretion. As always, we encourage going with what's more fun or convenient for you!
In Springstar, every life is treasured along with customs from other worlds. The Meridian's stronghold is teeming with life, and its population is dense as a result; there's always a celebration of some sort going on somewhere within its community.
Life in Highstorm is about purpose and betterment - both for the individual and their community. They believe that it is their mission to provide for the new world to come by ensuring it is an even greater one than those they've left behind them, keeping alive the best parts and letting the ugly die. To this end, they are ever striving toward perfection and excellence in all that they do and looking to bring out the best in all - including you as part of their family, part of the world to come.
More details on the Springstar and Highstorm pages!
Life in Highstorm is about purpose and betterment - both for the individual and their community. They believe that it is their mission to provide for the new world to come by ensuring it is an even greater one than those they've left behind them, keeping alive the best parts and letting the ugly die. To this end, they are ever striving toward perfection and excellence in all that they do and looking to bring out the best in all - including you as part of their family, part of the world to come.
More details on the Springstar and Highstorm pages!
The NPCs regard this "generation" of Shard-Bearers with curiosity, some reverence, and a healthy dose of caution; they know their arrival means that tensions are about to escalate and the peaceful co-existence of their cities may be inevitably strained. Even so, each city's populous sees PC's as celebrities - so it might be for the best to keep your Shard hidden if you don't want the attention! Or, maybe you can use it to your advantage in the right company... Take a look at the Meridian and Zenith Wiki pages for more information about how Harmonized Shard-bearers are perceived as of December 2023.
Teleportation is the main means of transport for everyone in Kenos. To island hop, one can use a Cornerstone and teleport to another one of their choosing, regardless of faction affiliation on either end. It is not only a matter of convenience but also a necessity: with how the islands remain adrift and apart from each other, traditional means of travel on land are only feasible within the island itself.
The currency accepted in both Highstorm and Springstar is the gold stater, which comes in different sizes and shapes, each coin ornately decorated on both sides. While almost all goods and exchanges of services require the stater in Highstorm, it is far more common to barter for a combination of currency and trade - either in skill or wares - in Springstar.
Both Zenites and Meri's are paid a modest salary to cover their basic living expenses; the monthly stipend is enough to cover food, drink, and clothing costs as well as frivolities such as entertainment within reason - going for drinks at the bar a few times is absolutely in your budget, but buying out the strip club certainly isn't. (Sorry.) Bearers can pick up additional work in either city, however, if they would like to fluff their pockets.
Both Zenites and Meri's are paid a modest salary to cover their basic living expenses; the monthly stipend is enough to cover food, drink, and clothing costs as well as frivolities such as entertainment within reason - going for drinks at the bar a few times is absolutely in your budget, but buying out the strip club certainly isn't. (Sorry.) Bearers can pick up additional work in either city, however, if they would like to fluff their pockets.
ICly, the Oracles are a concept more than a subject that the average Kenosian understands. The oldest among the Shard-Bearers in Springstar may be able to tell you that they are of grave importance, that they represent a power that will assist all of Kenos in reaching a deeper connection with their people - but the idea is an abstract one. It is much like a legend passed down throughout the generations than a concrete factual subject.
Those in Highstorm seem to have a clearer grasp on the Oracles and their definition, but it isn't a topic they prefer to discuss freely. They will be more open with Zenites than Meri's, but if pressed, they will explain that the Oracles are the key to their salvation. Please see the Oracle page for more information!
It sounds ominous, cryptic. If you ask for more, they will grow tight-lipped and change the subject. Perhaps it's something to pursue on your own time.
OOCly, the Oracles are tied to events that will further the game's plot progression in a "month on, month off" schedule. Oracle events are plot events, in other words!
Those in Highstorm seem to have a clearer grasp on the Oracles and their definition, but it isn't a topic they prefer to discuss freely. They will be more open with Zenites than Meri's, but if pressed, they will explain that the Oracles are the key to their salvation. Please see the Oracle page for more information!
It sounds ominous, cryptic. If you ask for more, they will grow tight-lipped and change the subject. Perhaps it's something to pursue on your own time.
OOCly, the Oracles are tied to events that will further the game's plot progression in a "month on, month off" schedule. Oracle events are plot events, in other words!
Springstar has very little in the way of natural plant life on the island; most of its gardens have been artificially fostered and are continuously tended by magic due to the perpetual sunlight. Some of the only organic flora can be found in Heliopolis around the Great Tree - flowers of pure gold and white grow around its base, aglow with faint motes of shimmering light when they catch the sun. There is the occasional familiar roaming the streets, the rare stray feline or canine-like animal, as well as some free-roaming avian life - but very little in the way of naturally occurring fauna.
Highstorm has a much wider variety of native flora and fauna both; a great majority of the island is uninhabited by people and has been left untouched by man. Please check back for more information on this on Highstorm's info page as it is revealed, and intrepid explorers head out into the wilderness!
Highstorm has a much wider variety of native flora and fauna both; a great majority of the island is uninhabited by people and has been left untouched by man. Please check back for more information on this on Highstorm's info page as it is revealed, and intrepid explorers head out into the wilderness!
The short answer: yes.
The long answer: should you spend your time in any of the cities (and leave Alenroux before nightfall), you could go your entire lifetime in Kenos, never coming across one. One of the Helios' Legionary's duties is to cull the population of dangerous creatures whenever they should venture close to occupied territory - including Highstorm. Occasional expeditions to dispatch these rumored beasts will be put together and enacted by Cyrus and those beneath him.
But coming across something untoward is entirely possible under the right circumstances. There is a reason none of the natives will leave Highstorm's safety, why everyone abandons Alenroux come the creep of dusk... (Note: a Bestiary is in the pipeline!)
The long answer: should you spend your time in any of the cities (and leave Alenroux before nightfall), you could go your entire lifetime in Kenos, never coming across one. One of the Helios' Legionary's duties is to cull the population of dangerous creatures whenever they should venture close to occupied territory - including Highstorm. Occasional expeditions to dispatch these rumored beasts will be put together and enacted by Cyrus and those beneath him.
But coming across something untoward is entirely possible under the right circumstances. There is a reason none of the natives will leave Highstorm's safety, why everyone abandons Alenroux come the creep of dusk... (Note: a Bestiary is in the pipeline!)
Regarding Highstorm, Yima has been the figurehead of the Zenith for as long as anyone can remember. She does not hold a formal position - in fact, she prefers no title but 'Matron' - but her people serve her based on loyalty and trust; there is no body of government here, and it seems that she hears any issues or grievances the people have directly (or through Kathova, frequently). She regularly seeks the council of citizens for situations in which their input might be important, and most would say that she is very in touch with their needs and hands-on.
And regarding Springstar, The Tribune is an elected seat; the last election that saw Cyrus in power was a few short years ago. Below the Tribune are the Consults - also elected officials who represent the people, as Springstar's population is much larger than Highstorm's. The Tribune does have ultimate veto power, but it is very rare for a Tribune to do so - so says any natives that are questioned on the matter.
And regarding Springstar, The Tribune is an elected seat; the last election that saw Cyrus in power was a few short years ago. Below the Tribune are the Consults - also elected officials who represent the people, as Springstar's population is much larger than Highstorm's. The Tribune does have ultimate veto power, but it is very rare for a Tribune to do so - so says any natives that are questioned on the matter.
Regarding influence and power distribution, there are definitely some families and "houses" that have considerable power in both cities. Some are tied to a crucial service, some are simply wealthy, so on and so forth. If you ask around, you will definitely get a few family names out of citizens, and you might notice those in Springstar are associated with a particular portion of land or property in the city. In Highstorm, power distribution seems much more "even," and people are less open-minded to speaking on any particular influential party. It seems you have to "know" someone or have a decent reputation or pay mind to your surroundings to learn these details rather than casual observation.
Your average Shardless seems generally content. Most are a bit concerned about what the Oracles returning means, worried that this will result in cycles of tension they had not been alive for and heard about from their ancestors - but overall, they are cared for and there is not a very high population of discontents. That being said, those who are unhappy in Springstar seem very unhappy. Most will not go into detail about why, but the hunted look in their eyes suggests that they don't feel comfortable discussing the matter in public.
In Highstorm, the vibes are very weird and a little cult-like. No one badmouths Yima. No one speaks ill of the Zenith. Any misgivings you hear spoken aloud do not deal with leadership, but the predicament they're in - and the loss of their worlds. Talk of the "rebirth" is common to silence uncomfortable conversations. What does temporary displeasure matter when everything ends, anyway? That's the sort of feeling you'll get.
In Highstorm, the vibes are very weird and a little cult-like. No one badmouths Yima. No one speaks ill of the Zenith. Any misgivings you hear spoken aloud do not deal with leadership, but the predicament they're in - and the loss of their worlds. Talk of the "rebirth" is common to silence uncomfortable conversations. What does temporary displeasure matter when everything ends, anyway? That's the sort of feeling you'll get.
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