Stormrider

Stormrider

Of all of Arthur's subjects, the Stormriders are his most committed. Pledging themselves to Arthur and his vision above everything else. That level of dedication gives them an unstoppable amount of resolve once they put their minds to a task. They serve the Realm as its most loyal defenders, willing to sacrifice everything for their cause.

History

The true history of the Stormriders is kept in a song that is only known to them. Stormriders are a people not born, but made. Every youth learns the Rider's Oath to prepare them for the ritual that would hopefully make them a Stormrider.

Age of Becoming

Main Article: Stormrider Becoming

Where the Stormriders learned their traditions and came to settle near the Lake of Storms is a manner that they keep to themselves. Perserved in the stanzas of their Rider's Oath. Though the what makes Stormriders who they are is not an event, it is a deadly trial that requires single minded devotion to an ideal to overcome.

Each youth of their society spend their early years studying under the elders and masters of their caste. Each junior learning from all the castes. They not discrimation this study based on gender, and it is considered a severe crime to manipulate a child towards a particular caste. The freedom to chose their path is an essential part of their ideology.

When a youth is ready, they choose a caste and ask for admittance. They then drink from the Lake of Storms. The waters of the lake infused with Veilstorm energies that start the transition of the body into adulthood.

During this process, the adolescents are tested about their chosen path. This is not persuade them from their choice but to affirm that it is the right one. Changing castes is not discouraged.

They also study and learn the Rider's Oath. Once they fully understand and embrace the Oath, and know their true calling they can petition their final trial.

The Trial

"Without faith, our purpose will not shine brightly"

"Without conviction, our faith is but an illusion"

"Without honor, conviction can be turned to evil."

-From the Rider's Oath

The trial may seem harsh to outside eyes, but it is the way of the Stormriders. The adolescent is stripped naked and bound by the arm and legs between two rocks. They are given a sacramental knife with engraved with their true name.

There the adolescents face judgement from the fury of the Veilstorms. Ribbons light course throughout their bodies, permanent lines forming patterns from the paths of the rain as their devotion is tested.

When the storm is done, the candidates are then inspectated for their success. One whom followed the Rider's Oath fully, and the teachings of their caste are rewarded with increased prowess befitting of their chosen caste. The are introduced to the society as new adults. Their transformation celebrated in a truly joyous manner that members of the other races may find hard to believe for such humorless and serious people.

Though not all trials end well. Those not pure of thought and heart are changed by the storms in horrible ways. Those still right of mind are allowed to beg for a dignified death; given proper burials and honors. Using the knife to cut themselves from their bonds are seen as weak, and those youths are banished provided they've not abominations as well.

Those whom fail the trial completely come true monsters. They are purged absolutely, both in form and memory; never to be mentioned again.

In a more rare instance, the storms selects a different caste then the youth swore to. These individuals face the choice of death, exile or riding the storm another time. Most choose to second test even though failure almost always results in them becoming monsters and purged from their society. Those that succeed though, are known as Stormchosen. Chosen by destiny for their new role.

Appearance

Stormriders appear little different than that of a human with a few distinct features firm identifies them. The first is that of their skin. The survivors of the Trial are marked with elaborate patterns of symmetrical raised skin all throughout their body of various curves and skins. Though their most prominent are the gemstones that they have inserted into their foreheads. The gemstones and the patterns around them are used to identify their chosen caste in their society.

Features

A Stormrider's power changes with their chosen caste. A member of the Warrior Caste would be stronger or have more energy, while a member of the Scholar Caste would be sharper of mind. One thing that all Stormriders have in common is their conviction, which tempers their minds from magics or effect that would seek to lead them astray.

Stats

TBA

Banes and Boons

TBA

Notable Members

• Lancelot
• Medraut (exiled)

Castes of Stormriders

Stormrider society is broken into five distinct castes. These castes are not based on born, but rather choice. A young member of their community has the freedom to pick whatever path they wish without outside or gender influence. This freedom of choice is one of the foundations of their society, and helps hone their determination. Once they pass their trials and become Stormriders and choose their caste they receive a jeweled marking on their forehead to proudly show their caste. They gain power from these gemstones, and the color of the stone is based on the individual.

The Warriors Caste - These Stormriders are the fighting force of their people. This caste covers all combatants regardless if they fight with sword and shield, or they command magic. The marking of the Warriors is a teardrop pointing down with a raised semi circle at the top with a line going towards the hairline.

The Scholars Caste - The Scholars prefer a path of study and discovery. They endeavor to keep records, decipher secrets, and unearth knowledge not only for the good of their people, but for the whole of the Realm. Their forehead symbol is that of a teardrop pointing up, with a semi circle at the bottom.

The Merchants Caste - The Merchants focus on utilizing personal wealth, knowledge, and bargaining skills to resolve conflicts. Their marking is a round gemstone with raised semi-circles of skin to the top and bottom of the gemstone.

The Makers Caste - This caste specializes in making and building. Their marking is similar to that of the Merchants, save that the raised semi-circle lines around the round gemstone are to the sides instead of the top and bottom.

The Hearth-keepers Caste - The Hearth-keepers are those who represent the wisdom and intuition needed by the Stormriders to face the challenges of the world. Their forehead symbol is a teardrop shape pointing up, with two raised lines coming to a V towards the bottom.

Trivia

• The Stormrider model was used for all three Realms as a model for testing directional attacks, and equipping gear.

Revision History

• August 5th, 2013 - Becoming for the Stormriders.
• August 9th, 2013 - First concept art released.
• August 13th, 2013- More concept art released.

Gallery

• 
• 
• 
• 

Sources

1. Stormrider Becoming
2. Stormrider Race Page
3. KS Update 8-5-2013
4. KS Update 8-9-2013
5. KS Update 8-13-2013