Who Are We?
The followers of Giruvegan, called Dalmascans, are dedicated towards one goal: Enjoyment. We believe that power arises from happiness.

Objectives:
Create and aid roleplay elements.
Create and aid social elements.
Ensuring the government is not dominated by a faction of few.
Meditate disagreements between the traditional and change elements of the game.

Structure:
The Church is divided into 3 orders each with their own purpose.

Seraphs
The Seraphs are the meditative, peace-keeping, and diplomatic order of the church.

Order of Progression
Zealot
Judge (100/60)
Judge Advocate (150/90)
Celebrant (225/150)
Seraph (400/250)
*High Seraph (N/A)

The Corrupted
The Corrupted are the "go to" order of the church. They carry out many important tasks.

Order of Progression
Zealot
Cleanser (100/60)
Crimson Guard (150/90)
Celebrant (225/150)
Abyssal Celebrant (400/250)
*Emet-Selch (N/A)

The Keeper's
The militaristic and strong-arm of the church.

Order of Progression
Zealot
Guard (100/60)
Soldier (150/90)
Precepts Protector (225/150)
Seeker (400/250)
*Keeper of Precepts (N/A)

* May hand out prestige in the Gambit System

---------------------

The numbers in parenthesis represents the amount of Prestige/Currency required to earn/buy a higher position. Members can belong to multiple orders. All ranks require that the rank below is already obtained.

What Do We Believe?
Our beliefs are sacred and known only to those of the highest orders.

Membership:
Membership to the lowest order is open to all democracy game citizens. To request membership just create a post in this thread.

Status:
The Church Of Giruvegan considers itself to be a guild and does not wish to form a government. That said we are not above stepping into that realm if needed.

Non-Roleplay Note: The Church is meant, at this point, to be a rather mysterious organization that meddles in the affairs of the government/population for little or no reason. This is, however, only a part of a rather in-depth and rich story I have planned out. At this point of the game the guild will be dedicated to ensuring the game remains true to the faction-based system and creating enjoyable RP events.

Currents Members:
Strider - Zodiark
Oni of Choas - Guardian of the Holy Realm
Croxis - Guardian of the Holy Realm
LogicSequence - Seraph
Shattered - Emet-Selch
Lord Civius - Zealot
civplayah - Zealot
Ballazic - Zealot
AluminumKnight - Zealot
Provolution - Zealot
pat123 - Zealot

Allied Groups:
Philosophers of the Legion
The Protectors
Warlords Faction
Brothers Material

Games:
Gambit Event System

Church members will now be able to choose "gambits." These are merits that define the primary character of a church member. Please choose the gambit that most signifies what type of RP character you are going to play.

Loyal
Adventurous
Intellectual
Leader

These gambits will be used to earn Prestige, Currency, or Spheres. How will they be used? Randomly I will create a random event (like above). Each event will correspond to a particular gambit. If your gambit aligns with that event then you earn a random number of Prestige, Currency, or Spheres. These three "points" will be the primary form of advancement within the church. Earn enough prestige and you may get promoted. Don't feel like waiting? The church isn't above accepting cold hard cash for a position. Spheres will, at this moment, be completely useless.

The Gambit system will be the basis for the majority of games.

I ask that all church members send me a PM with the gambit they wish to align themselves to. The first event (above) corresponds to all of the gambits; so each player we receive 2 prestige and 5 Currency to begin.

Azelas
Azelas is the first church game using the gambit system. The game is meant to be enjoyable, but not time consuming.

Each player places an entrance fee of 5 currency. This earns them the following 5 tokens:

Gurt-Kul (Earth)
Emhet (Wind)
Jutik (Water)
Virsk (Ice)
Firjest (Fire)

Each token is capable of "dominating" the next token in the list (Virsk dominates Jutik; Firjest dominates Gurt-Kul). Additionally each token beats the token two bwlow it (Jutik beats Firjest; Gurt-Kul beats Jutik).

So how is the game played?
Each player chooses which order they wish to play their tokens. The first set played are compared against each other. "Dominating" another players token earns the player 2 points. Beating another players token earns the player 1 point. The player with the highest score at the end of the game wins 90% of the jackpot from registration. The second place finisher earns the remaining 10%.

Haha that's awesome! Reminds me of the Catholic Church in the power intrigue and meddling in government affairs sense. Sign me up :D

I take it that this organization promotes "Happiness" in cities.

Haha that's awesome! Reminds me of the Catholic Church in the power intrigue and meddling in government affairs sense. Sign me up :D

Welcome to the church zealot.

I take it that this organization promotes "Happiness" in cities.

Perhaps. :goodjob:

I take it that this organization promotes "Happiness" in cities.

This is a roleplay centered guild not a gameplay centered one.

This is a roleplay centered guild not a gameplay centered one.

Ssshhh don't let anyone know ;)

You have the support of the Followers of the Swedish Fish.

We are in.

Those whose power knows no bounds (i.e. me) are in too! I join.

LogicSequence has been promoted to a Seraph.

Oni Of Choas has been promoted to a Guardian of the Holy Realm

Croxis has been promoted to a Guardian of the Holy Realm

I live to serve.

LogicSequence has been promoted to a Seraph.

Oni Of Choas has been promoted to a Guardian of the Holy Realm

Croxis has been promoted to a Guardian of the Holy Realm

We're guards! Guards, guards, we're guards. :lol:

The rain outside pours down as if the sky itself was falling. Windows throughout the building rattle as the wind rages outside. The storm that hits on this night holds the wrath of the diety itself. *BOOM BOOM BOOM*The noise from the door echoes throughout the church. The only thing to stir is the dust, the zealots motionless in their adoration for the diety. The old wooden door opens with a creak. Beyond its threshold stands a cloaked figure. Stepping out of the rain and into the church, the figure lowers his hood. An old wizen man, battered by time, stares forth into the church.

I... am the Philosopher Shattered, founder of The Philosophers of the Legion. I have travelled many leagues of the wilderness to visit this... place. The stories I heard about this church were, well, intriguing to say the least. I wish to learn from you, to better know... your ways. I shall also impart on any knowledge I know, to better further your.... guild. Oh great Zodiark, you know have my allegiance. May our futures hold many answers, and may the answers lead to Truth.

I would like to welcome Shattered as the first Tainted of the church.

OOC: I'm going to be extremely busy up until Saturday. So you guys are going to have to give me some extra time until then ;).

So you guys are going to have to give me some extra time until then ;).

Granted oh wise Zodiark! :lol:

What is so important that you can't RP all day? :p

Granted oh wise Zodiark! :lol:

What is so important that you can't RP all day? :p

The girlfriend is insisting on doing stuff pretty much every single day. I am currently on spring break. Leaving for Corpus Christi in about an hour.

The girlfriend is insisting on doing stuff pretty much every single day. I am currently on spring break. Leaving for Corpus Christi in about an hour.

Damn, screw RPing then :lol:

I wish to join your ranks.

I would also like to join this Guild, as I am a member of the Mysticracy, one of your allied factions.

I am a member of the philosopher shattered's group of philosophers. I see that we have allied ourselves with the church. I too seek join you in the quest for truth and enlightenment.

The story thus far

Welcome to the warm comforts of faith zealot. It is said that long ago their existed the Ancient City of Giruvegan. Within this city lived the Scions. The Scions were tasked with nurturing and protecting creation. Doi, the High Scion, was charged with overseeing all of humanity; including the god-like scions.

This, however, largely failed. There was no internal strife, no war, no plague or disease. It was perfect and thus the world became stagnant. There was no progress, no creation, no movement. Finally Narbradias the Majesti saw that the people felt no joy. They felt no pain either but was nothingness truly existence? Through pain we gain joy; through conflict we create progress. With this in mind she rallied the other scions to action.

Dio, however, did not enjoy his authority being questioned. Rallying the Scions who were unsure he met Narbradis and her allies. Thus the Seraph War began.

Giruvegan was devastated. The ancient city was mutilated until even the mighty Scions were forced to abandon it. It was then, during battle, that Dio struck down Narbradis. Dio, realizing what he had done, gouged his own eyes out. He disappeared shortly after.

He was never seen again.

---------------

The surviving scions met to decide the worlds fate. We know little, except these two lines, of what took place there.

One feels pleasure only by knowing pain.
One feels happiness only by knowing depression.

OOC: Many members have already received most of this story VIA PM. I'm making it public for the new members and to start working on the next batch. These will be less clear and mostly contain instructions. The purpose of this was mostly to explain our "beliefs."

Lord Civius, civplayah, and Ballazic welcome to the guild!

After much (though not that much) debate, it was decided that the Warlord Faction would seek an alliance with the Church of Giruvegan. They called for help, asking for someone brave enough to approach the Church and it's leader, Strider, with a proposal for an alliance. One day, Oni of Chaos was contemplating how he could best Kwarriorpoet in a game of Galf. He was interrupted by his fellow faction member, Provolution. Provo knew that Oni was a Guardian of the Holy Realm (well he knew that he was a member anyway), and proceeded to ask him to propose an alliance to the Church of Giruvegan. Oni accepted, knowing that his life would be in great danger (as he would have to do some creative writing). He found out what he would say, and set off.

As he entered the Church, he saw that the great Zodiark Strider had returned from the far away land of Corpus Christi. He approached the throne, and bowed in full prostration. As he did this, he offered his Zodiark a paper. The Zodiark picked the paper up from the ground and began to read it

"Dear Strider of the Church of Giruvegan,
Would you like to enter an alliance with the Warlord Faction. We'll be your best friend!
Yes _ No _ (Please put an x in your choice and give it back to Oni)"

Oni trembled, knowing that this great document would either forge an empire, or result in the destruction of all his ambitious plans, for now.

I'd like to join. Currently I am a member of the Philosophers of the Legion, an ally of the church. I would, before I join like you to clarify something. What does the Church want to control gamewise. The religion and Prophets and Priests, or more extreme powers?

After much (though not that much) debate, it was decided that the Warlord Faction would seek an alliance with the Church of Giruvegan. They called for help, asking for someone brave enough to approach the Church and it's leader, Strider, with a proposal for an alliance. One day, Oni of Chaos was contemplating how he could best Kwarriorpoet in a game of Galf. He was interrupted by his fellow faction member, Provolution. Provo knew that Oni was a Guardian of the Holy Realm (well he knew that he was a member anyway), and proceeded to ask him to propose an alliance to the Church of Giruvegan. Oni accepted, knowing that his life would be in great danger (as he would have to do some creative writing). He found out what he would say, and set off.

As he entered the Church, he saw that the great Zodiark Strider had returned from the far away land of Corpus Christi. He approached the throne, and bowed in full prostration. As he did this, he offered his Zodiark a paper. The Zodiark picked the paper up from the ground and began to read it

"Dear Strider of the Church of Giruvegan,
Would you like to enter an alliance with the Warlord Faction. We'll be your best friend!
Yes _ No _ (Please put an x in your choice and give it back to Oni)"

Oni trembled, knowing that this great document would either forge an empire, or result in the destruction of all his ambitious plans, for now.

Giruvegan would be delighted to accept new zealots into the fold.

I'd like to join. Currently I am a member of the Philosophers of the Legion, an ally of the church. I would, before I join like you to clarify something. What does the Church want to control gamewise. The religion and Prophets and Priests, or more extreme powers?

The Church wishes nothing but control of your hearts.

Thank you Zodiark for accepting our alliance.

After careful consideration, I have decided that I would like to join, hopefully cementing the Mysticracy's affiliation with the Church. I look forward to the years of prosperity that this shall surely bring!

Honorable Zodiark and followers, please allow me to join this most revered Church.

After careful consideration, I have decided that I would like to join, hopefully cementing the Mysticracy's affiliation with the Church. I look forward to the years of prosperity that this shall surely bring!

Honorable Zodiark and followers, please allow me to join this most revered Church.

Welcome zealots to the church.

I plan on starting our first church function as soon as the actual game starts. This will, most likely, be just a RP game of my own creation.

oh masters of the faith,seers of the truth... (falls to knees) ...can I please join? Please, please please??

Sorry, double post :(

oh masters of the faith,seers of the truth... (falls to knees) ...can I please join? Please, please please??

Welcome to the Church zealot! We should have many activities coming in the next few days.

I would also like to promote Shattered into the position of a Corrupted.

OCC: Sorry for the belated welcome. I was sick the pass few days and didn't really feel up to moving a mouse around. I have things planned, but I'd like to wait for the game to actually start. The first few members were basically given positions, but the rest of you will have to earn them through these activities.

Gracias, Senor. :)

Jesus Pat, how many factions have you Joined? And the Brothers Material would like to make an allinance with thou church. You are a brotherhood of pleasure, and we are a band of brothers of material. We have an alliance with the brothers magma already. Soon we will have a mighty collilition of brothers that shall rule the game.

Sir Duke, there is not a guild on this earth without merit. Let us all join together, and bring hapiness to the world! (pending Church approval of course :D )

The Followers of the Fish approve

C of G, who are yal voting for for prime fraction?

Isn't that a personal question =p

There is a 1/3 chance someone will vote for the Triad Coalition.

Jesus Pat, how many factions have you Joined? And the Brothers Material would like to make an allinance with thou church. You are a brotherhood of pleasure, and we are a band of brothers of material. We have an alliance with the brothers magma already. Soon we will have a mighty collilition of brothers that shall rule the game.

The Church is glad to welcome a new ally.

C of G, who are yal voting for for prime fraction?

The Triad Coalition follows the teachings and laws of the church.

----------------

Now... I am looking for someone to perform a special duty for the church. Said person will receive a personal title (one of the ones not currently listed). PM me if your are interested.

Excellent, we're leaning the same way

I have set up an honor system hosted by the Guild. Read more about it here. (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=269657)

This evening I received the following report from one of our loyal members:

[QUOTE]I know little of the land I am in. It is desolate, lacking in color, and harsh. I'm sure you share my optimism with that statement. What better place to find a dead city than a dead land?

Although I do find the desolace of this land disturbing. Surely they would have attempted to return their homeland to it's former glory? It is what many of us would have done.

Regardless, I have found something that will strongly interest you. My apprentice is instructed to give it to you with this letter

Introducing the Gambit Event System
Church members will now be able to choose "gambits." These are merits that define the primary character of a church member. Please choose the gambit that most signifies what type of RP character you are going to play.

Loyal
Adventurous
Intellectual
Leader


These gambits will be used to earn Prestige, Currency, or Spheres. How will they be used? Randomly I will create a random event (like above). Each event will correspond to a particular gambit. If your gambit aligns with that event then you earn a random number of Prestige, Currency, or Spheres. These three "points" will be the primary form of advancement within the church. Earn enough prestige and you may get promoted. Don't feel like waiting? The church isn't above accepting cold hard cash for a position. Spheres will, at this moment, be completely useless.

I ask that all church members send me a PM with the gambit they wish to align themselves to. The first event (above) corresponds to all of the gambits; so each player we receive 2 prestige and 5 Currency to begin.

oh I had an idea. What if, as the game progresses, we "find and explore" the lost city of Giruvegan through random events?

oh I had an idea. What if, as the game progresses, we "find and explore" the lost city of Giruvegan through random events?

Don't get ahead of me here ;).

Intellectual

Announcement from the Zodiark
We have received an artifact that I believe was once contained within the walls of Giruvegan. All of the church's philosophers and thinkers are ordered to aid in the research of the artifact.

(Intellectual Gambits +10 Prestige +2 Currency)

Changes to the Church's Positions
The Church is being restructured into 3 orders. The Seraphs, The Corrupted, and The Keepers.

Seraphs
The Seraphs are the meditative, peace-keeping, and diplomatic order of the church.

Order of Progression
Zealot
Judge (100/60)
Judge Advocate (150/90)
Celebrant (225/150)
Seraph (400/250)
High Seraph (N/A)

The Corrupted
The Corrupted are the "go to" order of the church. They carry out many important tasks.

Order of Progression
Zealot
Cleanser (100/60)
Crimson Guard (150/90)
Celebrant (225/150)
Abyssal Celebrant (400/250)
Emet-Selch (N/A)

The Keeper's
The militaristic and strong-arm of the church.

Order of Progression
Zealot
Guard (100/60)
Soldier (150/90)
Precepts Protector (225/150)
Seeker (400/250)
Keeper of Precepts (N/A)

---------------------

The numbers in parenthesis represents the amount of Prestige/Currency required to earn/buy a higher position. Members can belong to multiple orders. All ranks require that the rank below is already obtained.

Shattered's position has been changed from Corrupted to Emet-Selch. Other than myself he is the highest ranking member. He has the ability to hand out prestige at his discretion (although subject to my vetos).

Gambit System Notes
Factions may now earn Currency, Prestige, and Spheres. Faction leaders need to PM me a gambit to use.

Spheres Described
Spheres are considered to be "artifacts" of the church. They will give the holder a random benefit if the correct actions are taken. The only current sphere holder (other than the church itself) is civplayah.

Spheres will be available for sale (at a large price) or can be earned. However I don't plan on using them at the moment.

Azelas
Azelas is the first church game using the gambit system. The game is meant to be enjoyable, but not time consuming.

Each player places an entrance fee of 5 currency. This earns them the following 5 tokens:

Gurt-Kul (Earth)
Emhet (Wind)
Jutik (Water)
Virsk (Ice)
Firjest (Fire)

Each token is capable of "dominating" the next token in the list (Virsk dominates Jutik; Firjest dominates Gurt-Kul). Additionally each token beats the token two bwlow it (Jutik beats Firjest; Gurt-Kul beats Jutik).

So how is the game played?
Each player chooses which order they wish to play their tokens. The first set played are compared against each other. "Dominating" another players token earns the player 2 points. Beating another players token earns the player 1 point. The player with the highest score at the end of the game wins 90% of the jackpot from registration. The second place finisher earns the remaining 10%.

-----------------

Additional Announcements
The first game of Azelas will be free of charge. PM me your token order. You have until this Friday.

I am looking to name our currency. Using just "currency" is tiring, but I lack a decent name for it. PM me all suggestions.

I choose leader gambit

I have a question about the game. You said that each token dominates the next token, but your examples include Virsk >> Jutik, which is going "upwards," and Firjest >> Gurt-Kul, which is "downwards." Which way is it supposed to be? Or is it both?

Downwards, I believe, AlKnight. By the way, Strider, I have sent you a PM for my joining of the church but recieved no answer yet. I have chosen Leadership as my trait. I will take part in the first game of Azela but needs an opponent.

I'm playing Azela. Maybe I can be your oponent.:)

I have a question about the game. You said that each token dominates the next token, but your examples include Virsk >> Jutik, which is going "upwards," and Firjest >> Gurt-Kul, which is "downwards." Which way is it supposed to be? Or is it both?

Downwards. Sorry that was a mistake on my part.

Downwards, I believe, AlKnight. By the way, Strider, I have sent you a PM for my joining of the church but recieved no answer yet. I have chosen Leadership as my trait. I will take part in the first game of Azela but needs an opponent.

Azelas can be played with as many players as accepted. The first round is, of course, free. I will also do a few additionally "private" rounds for free if requested. Otherwise the "official" game costs 5 currency. You many also request a private game that contains a larger pot.

Also you are in the database as a member.

I have a question. How are there still Guardians of the Holy Realm when those don't exist anymore?

I have a question. How are there still Guardians of the Holy Realm when those don't exist anymore?

Because I haven't updated the first post yet.

I've been keeping everything inside of a database on my computer. That is fully updated.

Azelas Results:
Civplayah: 4
AluminumKnight: 2
Diamondeye: 6

For partcipating in the "trial" round all of the players receive 5 additional currency (which I'm still looking for a name for). Diamondeye also receives an additional 5 prestige for winning.

---------

I have received information that brave members of the church are attempting to found a New Giruvegan. These adventurous zealots has the full support and respect of the church.

(Adventurous +10 prestige)

After many long hours our philosophers have deciphered the meaning behind the artifact. It appears to be an account of the journey after the destruction of Giruvegan. While many parts appear to be incomplete we have decoded the following:


They are vipers these [indecipherable]. Scorpions they prey on the innocent and refuse to engage our warriors. All except Bergan have abandoned us to this wasteland. It would appear our gods [What gods? Perhaps the scions? Bergan was the Scion of Fortitude while the ancient city existed] have become even more destroyed than ourselves.

Regardless if these damnable [remaining paragraph indecipherable].

Judith lost both of her sons [remaining sentence indecipherable]. We found their bodies butchered. It amazes me that such savages still exist. I had heard stories, but had always imagined them as such. If we do not find some way to force them back we will be destroyed within the week.

[Next few paragraphs are indecipherable]

Surely we will all die in this desolate wasteland. Our choice seems limited to dehydration of Babylonian.

We know that the scions disappeared after Giruvegan was destroyed, but it would seem that at least one stayed behind. Is he still among us? Or did he follow the others? The church's thoughts on this would be much appreciated. (Hint: I've been purposely keeping you guys in the dark. Some questions may allow you do garner some additional information).

Maybe this language uses "pictures" to describe it's foes? I cannot imagine a civilization ruined by vipers and scorpions... It must be some sort of "pictural" speech of their enemies.

Also, I am puzzled by the mention of "Babylonian", which bears much to resemblence to the empire of Lincoln, called Babylonia.

This line intrigues me: "Our choice is limited to dehydration of Babylonian." What does this mean? What choice was there in the first place?

It would appear that Giruvegan was located in the desert near Babylon, and was destroyed by some sort of savage beasts or people.

Dehydration sounds crucial as well. Dehydrating a city seems to be a very harsh measure...!