Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Sorry that the update is very late - RL is busy and I had major computer issues in that my hardrive is fried (taking any nearly finished updates with it) and I'm likely going to need a new one. Anyway - I have both a tumblr and deviantart account where I will post journals/what-have-you so when stuff happens you will at least know. (and my tumblr where I've begun posting snippets of new chapters/ideas, one shots or anything M so if that interests you, links are on my profile)

So I thought that I'd post my notes to tide you over until then :D

Anyway, chap should hopefully be up in a week, I just need to re-write 3000 words

7 Deadly Sins (Mages) – Tino (Wrath - katar), Erik (Pride - rapier), Roderich (Envy-stiletto), Gupta (Greed-halberd), Heracles (Sloth-crossbow), Francis (Lust-kusarigama), Yao (Gluttony-giant mace)

4 Horse men (Demons) – Sadiq (Pestilence), Yong Soo (Death), Kiku (Famine), Berwald (War) White horsemen (pestilence - bow), Red horsemen (war/fear - broadsword) Black horsemen (famine - scales) and Yellow (death - scythe).

Judge (Elv- Námo), King (Elv- Aran), Knight (Elv- Rochben)

Gilbert (mage) / ? (mark: lower back) Aries/Dog

Francis (mage) / Arthur (Selkie: take skin mark: ankle) Libra/Snake

Antonio (mage) / Lovino (Nine-tail fox: kiss, mark: hand) Leo/Dragon

? (mage) / ? (mark: foot) Scorpio/Horse

Ludwig (mage) / Feliciano (water elemental: trap, mark: belly) Taurus/Rabbit

Vash (mage) / Lily (Vila: resist 24hrs, mark: btwn shoulder blades) Aquarius/Ram

Erik (mage) / Mathias (Draug: defeat, mark: throat) Virgo/Monkey

Tino (mage) / Berwald (Wolf demon: capture, mark: tongue) Gemini/Ox

Yao (mage) / Yong Soo (Basilisk: survive poison, mark: cheek) Sagittarius/Rat

Gupta (mage) / Sadiq (Naga: take scale, mark: thigh) Capricorn/Rooster

Heracles (mage) / Kiku (Griffin: ride, mark: forehead) Pisces/Boar

Roderich (mage) / Elizabeta (Fury: pass judgement, mark: heart) Cancer/Tiger

Peter/Sealand is Selkie, dream is to be a recognized Royal Knight like Arthur and is constantly harassing the Queen to make him one to "defeat his Jerk Brother" (secretly he loved Arthur's stories so much when he was a kit that he wants to go adventuring with him and experience the same)

100 years have passed since Wild Courts disappeared and nearly 900 since the Guardians began

Nichac nomads (Compass Rose) – headed by Aadya/India (Dharma Chakra), Mei Mei/Taiwan (Formosan Blue Magpies), Georgi/Bulgaria (Mila Rodino), Steven/Australia (Down Under), Thai Se/Thailand (White Elephants)

Nichac soldiers – Colonel Lars, Captain Eduard, First Lieutenant Raivis

Nicolai/Romania – Former Aries, Katyusha/Ukraine – Former Libra – deceased.

Birsuians - ?

Arcayans - ?

Six "nations" on continent :

Nichac (Ne-ch-ak)– industrialized nation, geographically much is desert as in pulling up trees and vegetation to fuel industry created them. Very pro-science and logic, have tamed horses and have some nomadic tribes nearby who's allegiance is questionable. Very militaristic/class based society, though is based also on personal merit. Governed by a High Council and Aran (King). Landlocked, divided from Sarya by mountain chain. Judijina, Runitr – Nichac cities

Sarya (Sar-yah)- forested Nation, not very developed industrial-wise. Nation of magic, bound fate with Court of Wild. When Guardians still there, three pairs would share a house at cardinal points of city so there was always someone close by to respond in danger. City built on multiple levels, with high palisade and walls - made of stone. Presided over by high mage (Rome) and council. Divided from Nichac by mountain chain

Wild Courts - difficult to find. Their royalty (the only ones able to wield a little magic without a bond) have made it so unfriendly eyes can never find entrance and that some entrances are leagues away and only by stepping through the correct area will you find the right path. Moves around frequently but have a few frequently used sites, they also have courts in other nations (except for Nichac where they were driven out off/hunted and killed) but have a special relationship with Sarya because of the Guardians and because of the highly magical people.

Birsui (brr-ce-u-ee)– low lands, very fertile soil + marshes and swamps. On coast, pretty isolationist, only border shared is with Sarya who don't really seem to care much as all they really do is farm – no magic or industries, just farm and fish. Happy to be left alone and not interfere with others (populated by micronations if decide to bring in*)

Compass Rose – Nomadic/Tradespeople. Are not exactly a nation but travel between the others, selling goods, delivering mail, move travellers around, perform shows (entertainers, musicians), bring news to more rural areas. Welcomed pretty much everywhere – Birsuians most frequently buy better equipment (so iron scythes that hold edge longer, cookery, etc) produced in Nichac and Saryen talismans (to bring in a good harvest, protection charms, etc), Saryens and Nichacs buying much of the produce and whatnot from Birsui (though nothing from each other due to long standing hate). (Think of the Roma/Gypsies with them) Made up of six caravans, only four of which will show up (I think, perhaps more later if necessary)

Aryca (Ar-ee-ça) – the north of the continent that none of the other nations claim and is sparsely populated by small groups of people. It is said that long ago, a Lord there greatly upset a winter spirit and since then the land is nearly always encased in snow and ice. Only one or two caravans ever go that way but beyond that, no one ever has contact with them. The people there don't seem to mind though and their winter clothing is in great demand everywhere as is the art they make from animal bones. (slightly based off Inuit and any other tribal societies)

Air Signs

Tino: Gemini – Gemini are kind, persuasive, intellectual, lively adaptable, talkative, trendy, untamable spirits and charming. Need communication – uncomfortable in quiet and unsure how to react around someone who they haven't talked to first, need their freedom and space, hate staying still/not having anything useful to do, like helping others and are always full of ideas. As an air sign, Geminis also tend to be logical, flirty, impatient, spiteful, flighty, confronting, debating and romantic

Francis: Libra – Libras are kind, original, indecisive, optimistic, sentimental, free-spirited and born flirts. Do not enjoy conflict, doing their best to create balance and harmony, wanting to please as many as possible and as such, tend to overthink everything. Are constantly surrounded by change, usually instigating it themselves and are very visual people. As an air sign, they are also intellectual, impatient, spiteful, flighty, confronting, romantic and independent

Vash: Aquarius – Aquariuses are strict, original, humanistic, have strong opinions and stronger beliefs. They focus on change, invention and the unexpected, do better in a crowd, like helping others and giving advice but reluctant to receive it, very independent. As an air sign, Aquariuses also tend to be intellectual, logical, flirty, impatient, spiteful, flighty, confronting and debating.

Fire Signs

Gilbert: Aries – Aries are strong and courageous, they do not like being ordered around and are natural leaders. Also action-oriented and goal driven, they tend to be adventurous, easily bored, a bit oblivious to the more sensitive side of things and are bluntly honest. Argumentative and aggressive at times, can also be fun and playful, needing activity and always love to be in the centre of attention. As a fire sign, is also passionate, charming, popular, curious, energetic, defender, creative, challenging, protective, scholar, loud and egotistical

Antonio: Leo – Leo's are strong, generous, hard-workers, cheerful, confidant, optimistic, leaders, creative, passionate, ambitious, romantic, good-hearted and have the best intentions at heart. They get whatever it is they desire through own effort and hard work – always on their own terms and enjoy having people notice their accomplishments. As a fire sign, Leo's also tend to be fun, charming, adventurous, exciting, argumentative, popular, curious, energetic, defender, have love of challenges, protective, scholar and are loud

Yao: Sagittarius – Sagittariuses are scholars, enjoying learning and debate and are very intelligent/philosophical people, someone who you could go to for answers. Due to this, they also love challenges and are ambitious, always on the lookout for a new experience or piece of knowledge and do not like being tied down. Are also optimistic, giving, cheerful, outdoors-y and enjoy laughing and making others laugh/happy as well. As a fire sign, Sagittariuses are passionate, charming, popular, curious, energetic, defenders – protecting to death what is important to them, creative, loud and proud (borderline egotistical at times)

Earth Signs

Ludwig: Taurus –Tauruses are dependable, hard-working stubborn, generous, creative, methodical, strong, sincere and loyal people. They are very private, preferring to keep their thoughts to themselves and listen rather then mindlessly babble and have all their facts before making a decision. This trait of not being rash, may make them appear slow but they will choose what they believe to be the right road and will stick to it until the very end. As an earth sign, Taurus are well-grounded, slightly-over bearing, responsible, giving, conservative, organized, stubborn and are family-oriented.

Erik (Norway): Virgo – Virgos are practical, logical and analytical thinkers, enjoying reasoning and dissecting problems until all possible solutions are found and pick the one that best suits the problem. Are sincere but because of their analytical personalities, frequently come across as cold. As workaholics, they strive to do their best but hold others to the same standards. As an earth sign, Virgos are well-grounded, slightly-over bearing, responsible, giving, conservative, organized, stubborn and are family-oriented.

Gupta: Capricorn – Capricorns are ambitious but practical, strong, precise, stern, stubborn, disciplined, productive, serious thinkers and are usually very good intentioned .Tend not to do or say anything without thinking it through, keep inner most thoughts/feelings inside and have good judgement, know their limits and operate within them and are very much of the "reap what have sown" attitude. As an earth sign Capricorns tend to be well-grounded, responsible, giving, conservative, organized, perfectionists and family-oriented.

Water Signs

Roderich: Cancer – Cancers are sensitive, protective, vengeful, devoted, loyal, firm, possessive, have fluctuating moods and once trust is ensured, are affectionate. They seek security (bit of homebodies because of it), make decisions on emotions and are hard workers. They are very protective of those they view in being under their care (kids, employees, etc) and do not spend frivolously, saving for the future. As a water sign, Cancers are nurturing, supportive, intuitive, dreamers, emotional, sacrificing, secretive and obsessive

? : Scorpio – Scorpios are passionate, spiritual persistent, intense, determined, jealous, secretive, forceful and at times violent over things are passionate about and that wish to protect. Love mystery, are contact oriented (needing hugs or contact with others frequently), though are usually seen as impassive/unapproachable and emotions run deep with Scorpio and can be very hesitant to show how much something simple affects them. As a water sign are tend to be nurturing, supportive, intuitive, dreamy, possessive, insecure, emotional, sacrificing, loving and obsessive

Heracles: Pisces – Pisces tend to be romantic, compassionate, imaginative, intuitive, mysterious, illusive, deceptive, loyal, calm, sensitive, devoted, very sentimental and dreamers/escapists. The sign also represents reincarnation as both fish devour continuously the other. Often seen as weak or spineless, there is much hidden depth to them they hide. As a water sign, Pisces are also nurturing, supportive, mystical, intuitive, possessive, insecure, sacrificing, needy,secretive, cuddly and obsessive.

Yong Soo: Rat – Rats are witty, curious, energetic, talkative, honest, strong willed, obstinate, charming, imaginative, ambitious, insightful, cunning, sentimental, spontaneous, are extremely perceptive and have good judgement. Rats enjoy living for the moment and seldom hold a grudge; easily adapt to situations and while enjoy giving advice, they seldom share any of their own problems. Enjoy being with friends and family, hate monotony so are always trying new things, talking to others or doing something. Though also hot-tempered, overly critical, pack-rat (never know when will need...) and overly emotional which cause them to have a severe fear of failing and lack of self-confidence.

Berwald: Ox –Oxes are dependable, trustworthy, strong, determined, quick-tempered,sincere, patient, quick-thinking, self confident, inspiring, conservative, steadfast, methodical, eccentric and posses a strong sense of morals. Change makes them uncomfortable, abhor small talk and wont waste their time flirting (prefer strong, life-long alliances to casual acquaintances), feel time is better spent with family or friends and love being at home where will allow themselves to relax. Also enjoy outdoors and spend the majority of free time working in the garden or caring for the yard while when working, enjoy methodical and routine work, believe should do best with no shortcuts - those who don't work hard are lazy individuals not worthy of respect. Are not likely to show emotion, have difficulty interpreting the feelings of others.

Elizabeta: Tiger – Tigers are brave, competitive, adventurous, assertive, expressive, trustworthy, vibrant, optimistic, goal-driven, courageous, sincere, aggressive, polite (when to benefit), emotional, and unpredictable. Easy to provoke, Tigers lack of farsight and frequency to jump to conclusions gets them into trouble. They love to be challenged and a bit eccentric, Tigers will focus with a single mind at the task – though it may not be realistic/possible – they will give it their all which can cause them to overwork. Usually fairly playful/mischievous, they will get serious and very protective over loved ones and their honour.

Feliciano: Rabbit – Rabbits are creative, compassionate, sensitive, friendly, outgoing, expressive, sympathetic, affectionate, optimistic, courteous, resourceful, diplomatic and naive people. They're easily taken advantage as they want to believe in the best in people and hate conflict, prefer to just go with the flow – let others be in charge and are very dependant on family and friends emotionally. However, when pushed to it they are resilient and stubborn, have the strength to endure much.

Lovino: Dragon – Dragon's are dominant, ambitious, independent, driven, passionate, short-tempered, loners, bossy, loud, intelligent, imaginative, eccentric, stubborn, dramatic. They like being in control and love challenges, though this often can get them in a fix, they are too proud to ask for help and can seem arrogant or conceited for this. However, once committed to something, they'll fight to the end and will not be dissuaded for anything, getting absorbed into finite details. Quick and vengeful tempers and flare for the dramatic can cause them to overreact at times.

Arthur: Snake – Snakes are intelligent, graceful, very creative, diligent, excellent problem-solvers, easily stressed, easily bored, romantic, clever, discreet, refined, vain and hot-tempered. Goal oriented, seek what they feel is deserved and will scheme and plot to do it - are ambitious. They can also really hold a grudge, tend to keep true emotions close, are extremely analytical and as a result, they don't jump into situations. Enjoy solid foundation of friends and family whom they love deeply but also insecure: will guard those they care about like prized possessions: easily made jealous and slightly obsessive.

Lily: Ram –Rams are creative, intelligent, dependable, calm, quiet, reserved, indecisive, honest, shy, dependant and are very practical. Fun loving and carefree, they enjoy going with the flow but like to still have firmly set roots at the same time. They tend to enjoy being at sidelines rather than the centre of attention, enjoy being helpful, want the approval of others and power/status mean little, will only assume leadership when asked. Have a small circle of friends, though are extremely close-knit, these people along with family have highest priority for rams.

Mathias: Monkey – Monkeys are curious, mischievous, clever, playful, creative, intelligent, determined, ambitious, adaptive, inventive, opportunistic, versatile, charming and somewhat distrusting of others intentions. Sensitive, they will frequently hide hurt behind practical jokes and comments (though they also just love to poke fun) and are always looking for some adventure/challenge as they are easily bored. May have good intentions though inadvertently cause ill will at times as plans won't always work – though when a Monkey needs to commit, they will do so and follow through as best they can. Unpredictable-geniuses.

Sadiq: Rooster – Roosters are confident,motivated, loyal, trustworthy, blunt in own opinions, honest, very sociable, somewhat arrogant, organized, courageous, alert, perfectionist, aggressive, knowledgeable, benevolent and analytical. With their fairly big egos can be pushy, pompous and overbearing though mean well. Very proud of their homes and their work, take great joy in putting in work at home and at job (overwork a lot though), are detail oriented and have very high standards because of it. Good leaders and aren't afraid of a fight though the smallest failure or setback results in depression. Are always interested in new things, wanting to posses, analyze, touch and whatnot to learn everything and anything about it.

Kiku: Boar. Boars are diligent, compassionate, generous, honest, reliable, sincere, tolerant, caring, industrious, persistent, brave, shy, supportive, trusting of others, trustworthy and stubborn. They are also detail-oriented and creative and can always be counted on when in need. Can have a one-track mind when it comes to things important to them but typically seek peace and will do what they must to maintain it. They enjoy life and helping others, though it will take a lot for them to ask for help on their own and don't harbour grudges, hating to argue.

Okay, so weapons. The weapons mentioned here and later on are not traditional. While the Horsemen will have the weapons traditionally given to them, the Sins do not have any so I've had to make them up. In case you're curious, my reasoning -

Wrath – Katar. An Indian punching dagger, like brass knuckles but with a large blade attached. So not only are you getting beaten up, you're getting stabbed at the same time. Seems to fit Wrath as up close and personal with enemy and is very much a melée weapon.

Pride – Rapier. A foil, a thin blade that is only pointy at the tip. Was traditionally a weapon of nobility and was used in duels (before guns became common) to avenge lost honour. Which fits Pride – snooty nobles, weapon used to defend honour?

Envy – Stiletto. A concealable dagger you may be familiar with because of Assassin's Creed that and is also associated with Italian mafia. Also an excellent weapon to allow anyone close enough in order to stab them unawares.

Greed – Poleax/Halberd. European. Three Weapons in one – a spear, an ax and a war hammer. As if Greed couldn't pick and decided to merge 'em all together.

Sloth – Crossbow. European. A distance weapon that's easy to load (and to keep ready to fire) that requires minimal effort and a little aim, cause Sloth is lazy.

Lust – Kusarigama. Japanese. A weapon you will see used in most things portraying a ninja, is a chain (anywhere between 3-9 feet) with a weight on one end and a blade on the other. Can smack an opponent around with the weight or have it wrap around or use the bladed side to catch and reel them in. It was the last bit that epitomized Lust for me.

Gluttony – Mace. Everywhere had a version of this. It's a stick with many tiny points on one end, frequently this part is a rounded ball but technically a baseball bat with nails in it could be called a mace. Is a bit of overkill as getting smashed with one would likely kill you, never mind the bladed points. Also, in my mind, the one Gluttony has is huge, with the ball being at least 20 cm in diameter.

White Horse/Pestilence – Bow. I'm guessing this was because the horseman could then shoot multiple victims, quickly and at a distance. Was a common weapon and disease was common.

Red Horse/War – Broadsword. I'm guessing this was because broadswords were the weapons of knights and the rich, the ones that would bring the country to war and would also cause the most damage.

Black Horse/Famine – Scales. I'm guessing this was because of the association with the weighing of the grain, no idea how that would be a weapon but hey, I'll think of something before he/she shows up.

Yellow Horse/Death (Yes it's yellow) – Scythe. Do I need to explain this one? If I do – was commonly used in harvesting time to cut the multiple strands of wheat at a time, mowing the field down relatively quickly, making the leap to the weapon Death would use is pretty clear.

Water Elemental (Feliciano) – Water elementals traditionally include/associated with undines, nymphs and rusalkas. No solid form as is entirely composed of water, have green or blue eyes, gills and seem to be perpetually wet. Can control water in all it's forms and also transform into any of those forms (ice, steam, etc), enchanting singing voices. Some sing to draw people in to drown them, others are much more friendly helping those in need. Must always be near a source of water or else will die, some stories say can't be out of water for long. Can divine futures (fortune telling!) and if greatly angered can curse someone, typically done only to oath breakers.

Selkie (Arthur) -Transform into a human like form by shedding their seal skins, transform back by putting it back on. Described as handsome and seductive, seek those unhappy with romantic life. Are able to create storms but only do so to avenge kin. Softhearted and shy, slow to anger and hold grudges long but also remember good deeds done to them. Can only make contact with a human once then cannot see again for seven years, unless the human possess their skin.

Kitsune/Nine Tailed Fox (Lovino) – Have the appearance of foxes with nine tails, nine tails either have silver, white or golden fur. Has voice of young child (high!) and some stories give the fox a taste for human flesh/human lifeforce. Can be seen as omen of good fortune, peace and luck but also that of revolution – depends whether or not is myobu (celstial fox) or nogitsune (wild fox). Older and more powerful kitsune have more tails, typically will grow a new one after 1000 years. Infinite vision, can posses the unwary, very intelligent, shapeshifters (though it's shadow will remain in shape of fox), can generate fire from their tails and breathe fire (ergo foxfire or kitsune-bi), can appear in dream and create perfect illusions. Some stories say can even bend time/space.

Vila (Lily) – young and beautiful wind/storm spirit. Frequently represented as mountain-nymphs, are clad in white with long flying hair and fair voices. It is said that they can call forth whirlwinds, hailstorms and rain, can tell the future (typically impeding death) and appeared either in the form of swan/horse/wolf or in human form as beautiful, long haired, winged women. Typically will only injure those who intrude on their kolos or roundels, they will shoot arrows at any who anger them and will carry off any children rejected by their parents. Love to dance.

Fury (Elizabeta)- Were considered hideous in appearance – clawed women dressed in black and red with hair bristling of serpents and bird/bat wings. The female personifications of vengeance, punishers of oath breakers and the dead's anger, their eyes were often depicted crying tears of blood. Would carry whip and torches when in pursuit of someone, they would harass and injure prey until in desperation they would commit suicide. They are avenging spirits, often used as symbols of a destructive, guilty conscience, especially in matters involving wrongs within a family and exacted vengeance when no human agent was available to do so. Can drive people insane.

Griffin (Kiku) – Is a creature with the head/wings of an eagle, the body of a lion and sometime, the tail of a serpent (depends which culture the myth being read is from). The eagle head is usually drawn with these tufts as a sort of upstanding ears and in some traditions only the female had wings. Had feathers on its head and fur covered the rest of its body and the feather colour can vary though is usually shown as white or gold. Thought to be social animals, living in groups of 5-30 members in a hierarchy that reflects that of lions and their territory can extend for kilometres. Monogmous - they mate for life and even with the death of their partner, they will not seek out another. Griffin claws will change colour in the presence of poison and it is not possible to lie around them.

Draug (Mathais) – Original Nordic word meant ghost though they are more similar to zombies in that they are undead and have a taste for raw flesh and drink blood. Either corpse pale (na-folr) or death black (hel-blar), carry the stench of decay with them and can increase size/weight at will. The have some immunity to usual weapons (swords, axes, etc), posses superhuman strength, can rise from under the ground in a mist, and can shape-change (seal, troll, great flayed bull, a grey horse with a broken back but no ears or tail, and a cat that would sit upon a sleeper's chest and grow steadily heavier until the victim suffocated). The only way to defeat it was to wrestle it bare-handed to the ground, before decapitating, staking and lighting the draug on fire. The barrow-wight from Tolkien's work is frequently compared to draugs.

Naga (Sadiq)- Most simply – half snake, half human. Female Nagas are Nagis or Naginis (Harry Potter anyone?) In old Buddhist writings, Nagas are connected typically with cobras or mysterious nobility. It is a term used for unseen beings associated with water and fluid energy, and also with persons having powerful animal-like qualities or conversely, an impressive animal with human qualities. Are said to take various forms – a giant serpent with many heads or snakes with the upper half of a human – Burmese Nagas ere even said to resemble crocodiles. Associated with water, are very wise, peaceable immortal beings and are dangerous when feel have been rude to or mistreated. Are said to carry the elixir of life and immortality and bestow of wealth to those the feel worthy. Have poisonous breath and posses a deadly venom in fangs they will use on any they feel guilty of horrible deeds, their skin regenerates (shedding) and can bestow rain

Basilisk (Yong Soo) – Alleged to be hatched by a cockerel from a serpent's egg or from an egg laid by a rooster and hatched by a toad. The origin of the word Basilisk means king – and the Basilisk is considered the king of serpents and the most poisonous creature on Earth. Appearance somewhat disputed as there is no way to see it and survive as a look is supposed to bring instant death. This has evolved into only looking into eyes though - could be medium-sized serpent or snake with head and legs of a rooster and wings (though this description is usually associated with cockatrices instead). Forehead could have white spot on head resembling a crown or three spikes or crown of head covered in feathers and scales. Most common appearance is snake, no more then 16 inches (51cm) with white mark on forehead. All other snakes and spiders flee before it, it's tough is acidic, deadly eyes and it's breath poisonous. Weaknesses are having stare reflected back, crowing of a rooster and weasels apparently can also bite to death.

Wolf Demon (Berwald) – Based off of the Loup-Garou/Werewolf: one who can change from man to beast. Depending on which mythology looking at can be a willing change, others claim forceful, others still on needing full moon – though in Berwalds case, wolf form, not human is original form and can change at will. Perfect predator, a hybrid of human intelligence and instinct and is strong, capable of ripping anything apart. Strong, fast, agile, increased strength of senses and with lots of endurance combined with regenerative ability makes loup-garou's dangerous Reasons for becoming one include not going to church for months, eating human flesh, being bitten by another werewolf, being made to by a divinity to pay for transgressions, being cursed, wearing the skin, sleeping atop a wolf-skin while drinking a potion for a month...Can only be killed with a silver bullet.