SEASON 1: A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose

by any other name would smell as sweet."

       - Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare

"The rest is silence."                    

- Hamlet, William Shakespeare​

INTRODUCTION

     You were comfortable in life. Perhaps rich, perhaps poor. With or without family or romance. At the very least, you understood the laws of reality and existence and never questioned their solidity. Until you were plucked from your universe and spawned into this one without warning and without grace; You simply awoke, naked and afraid, with no recollection of the previous moments. Nearby you found clothes and basic tools, prepared yourself as best you could, and stepped out into…

STILTE

     A medieval world where names hold absolute power and silence is sacred. Sharing your true name allows others to command your fate–they perform the ritual, speak your name and a fate to befall you, and the magics of the world will see it done. Most people use layers of false identities and aliases to protect themselves. The Spoken, the ruling monarchy of Stilte, claim to possess the First Name–the word that can command the fate of the world itself–and wield the threat of such use to keep its subjects enslaved. Should anyone begin to question the hierarchy, or their place within it, the King and Queen give their orders for punishment to The Listeners. The Listeners, keepers of The First Name, then perform the True Name Ritual, and the appointed fates then befall the victims.

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THE SPOKEN

     The royal family of Stilte. In this world, their titles become their alias to protect their true names.

     King is a middle-aged elf. His black hair and green eyes make him appear stern yet patient, and he is. When problems are brought to him, he takes time to consider the facts. To formulate his opinion. Only after he is confident in his decision will his ruling be read out.

     Queen, wife of King, is a few years younger than he. A pixie, her blond hair and soft brown eyes show off her natural beauty. Having been born into royal life, she is rather opposite to her husband; Fear and panic come quickly to her, causing a wicked jealousy of all that is her. Especially her children. Over-protective would be an understatement. Anything and everyone who poses a threat to her family will be slotted for the worst fates she can imagine.

     Prince is the firstborn of his parents. He has his mother's eyes, his father's hair, and a wonderful blend of both races. Though a mixedblood, he is not given the usual disrespect or exclusion others receive due to his heritage. Knowing this, he has become a spoiled rotten brat. Now a young adult, he is impetuous, brash, and boastful. All will know of his accomplishments, and all will fear his temper.

     Princess is a spritely young woman. Her blonde hair has natural curls, and her green eyes express the bright kindness she possesses. Though she, too, was born into royalty and is mostly immune to the mixedblood dislike, she experienced plenty of bullying by her older brother. As such, she learned to hate such elitist attitudes, and often does peace-making missions among the population. Some say she is, perhaps, a bit too empathetic.

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THE LISTENERS

     A small and loyal group that work as both counsel to The Spoken and keepers of the First Name. It is this group, lead by one individual, who perform the True Name ritual at The Spokens' decree.

     High Listener is an elf who feels as old as Stilte itself. His hair is steel gray, faded from the high blonde of his youth. His eyes aer pale blue, old and wise. His advanced age sees him walk slowly, stiffly, but it does not hamper the kindness and generosity he shows. Any in need may seek him for words of encouragement. He can often be seen handing out small gifts to people he meets, too. In all, High Listener is regarded for his personality, pushing the innate fear of the power he holds to the back of the mind.

     Listener Links is the newest addition to the group. She is a lizardkin with gleaming gold scales and a pair of wings that are twice as wide as she is tall. A headstrong individual, Links will do what needs to be done without hesitation. Should High Listener call on her to act, she will do so. Should The Spoken require anything, even just someone to take a walk with, she will go. There is no greater devotee to The Listeners, to The Spoken, to Stilte, than she.

     Listener Reg is not as he appears. A dwarf, he is stout, rugged, with blue eyes peering out from thick black hair. He is often mistaken for older than he is, though he is not a young adult anymore. When first laying eyes on Reg, one immediately thinks he is someone around which you would be sure to cross your T's and dot your I's. Instead, he is a soft spoken man with a steadiness that is unwavering. Reg is like a loving father to all the people of Stilte--kind but firm.

     Listener Oog is the smallest of the group, and very easy to overlook. He has dark green skin, with orange eyes that sometimes seem to glow in the dark. As a goblin, it is quite unexpected that Oog is, in fact, mute. The cause of his loss of speech is unknown--he is old enough that his parents are dead and he never really had friends. Not too much is known about him. Some wonder if he is mentally deficient, as often he stares at writing as though it is some unknowable thing, or shrugs at questions as though he does not understand them. Yet, like a true goblin, he hoards things--specifically, scrolls and books of all kinds--and spends hours upon hours admiring his cache.

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THE TRAVELERS

     The name given to all those who have appeared on Stilte, seemingly from other worlds entirely.

     The stories travelers bring with them are many and varied. From technology beyond comprehension of those in this medieval world, to talk of primordial existence in a soup of burgeoning life. The inhabitants of Stilte view travelers with suspicion, but not outright hostility. As of yet, none have brought ill intentions. Only stories.

     Stories that talk of a different, perhaps better, way of life.

     Despite being numerous, carrying knowledge from every corner of every mind, no traveler has yet been able to explain how they came to Stilte. Nor have any ever figured out how to leave.

NOW

     The Travelers have brought with them the sparks of doubt, kindling for the flames of rebellion as inhabitants begin to take sides. Those who believe the words of The Spoken, and are comforted by their ruling presence and rigid castes. Those who believe The Listeners are only bluffing, and see only slavery and oppression being foisted upon them. Unrest is spreading.

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The future will be what you make it.