Novus lore and the gods all revolve around the sun and its many faces. It passes through each every single day - and just as each phase is important to an entire day, each Court and their respective values, gods, and knowledge is just as useful to all of Novus. All Courts share the same official rank system, although each Sovereign is free to create their own (unofficial) subranks to meet their needs!
Land: Delumine Deity: God Oriens Emphasizes: Scholars Court Values: Wisdom, curiosity, honesty, neutrality, calmness How to join: Either request a rank change or post a new character application, choosing "Dawn" as the Court
Dawn Court citizens are the most educated upon Novus. Others often seek them out for their wisdom and sage opinions. Their honesty can be quite blunt, and they are often the mediator in troubling times. Their thirst for knowledge and curiosity for life holds no boundaries; it is very common to see them as guests in other Courts, only settling in their home Realm when old age starts to affect them physically.
Day Court
Land: Solterra Deity: God Solis Emphasizes: Soldiers Court Values: Pride, strength, humor, honor, playfulness, violence How to join: Either request a rank change or post a new character application, choosing "Day" as the Court
Day Court citizens are often seen as the most lively. They are the warriors of Novus, known for their battle tactics and brute strength. They are extremely proud of their Court and their God, and inflated egos often go hand-in-hand with pride. Despite their sometimes conceited frame of mind, they can also be quite humorous, leading others to like them and appreciate their company despite their often infuriating view of life.
Dusk Court
Land: Terrastella Deity: Goddess Vespera Emphasizes: Medics Court Values: Secrecy, shyness, modesty, caring, loving, fearful How to join: Either request a rank change or post a new character application, choosing "Dusk" as the Court
Dusk Court citizens are the empaths of Novus. Their capacity for love is massive, often overwhelming them. Because of this, many of them prefer the confines of their Realm and the company of fellow citizens. History has taught them that caring for others can often be used against them. They lead simple yet fulfilling lives, taking enjoyment from the world that surrounds them and avoiding conflict as much as possible.
Night Court
Land: Denocte Deity: Demi-Goddess Caligo Emphasizes: Entertainers, Merchants Court Values: Passionate, protective, defensive, disbelieving, watchful How to join: Either request a rank change or post a new character application, choosing "Night" as the Court
Night Court citizens are the black sheep of Novus. They perhaps feel the plight of their Goddess the most, and are extremely protective of their Court and fellow citizens because of it. Their passion for life is vibrant and oftentimes chaotic. They are very distrustful of other Courts. This can lead the other Courts to view them as sinister, a belief that directly contradicts their devotion to each other.
Vagabonds
Land: Restricted to no particular land or area Deity: None, few, all - there's no wrong answer Emphasizes: Any and all Populace ranks Court Values: Uniqueness and versatility overall How to join: Purchase the Vagabond Item from the Agora with the applicable character account, and then either request a rank change or post a new character application, choosing "Vagabond" as the Court
Semi-restricted: Costs 200 signos (item to unlock is found in the Agora) Special Notes: Can occupy any Populace rank/tree, however they do not have any Regime or Counsel ranks. Special notes about Magic: Since they do not have a Court, Vagabonds do not have to align their magic to one.
While the Solar Courts represent the sun and its many faces, it has been speculated that the Vagabonds represent the stars themselves. No less brillaint or amazing than any of their Court-bound brethren, they can be found everywhere: sometimes hidden in plain sight, othertimes seen as clear as day. They encompass all walks of life and all faiths (or lack thereof). They can be as bright as the mid-day sun, as mysterious as the night, as wise as the cresting morning sun, and as passionate as the waning evening sun. To them, there are few wrong answers and walks in life.
The Regime makes up the top three positions within the Court. And while all ranks play their own important role, it's these three that are often see as the acting head and forefront of the Court. Their decisions drive the direction of those they lead, and can set the political climate for the entire continent.
SOVEREIGN — The leader of each Court, male or female. They are to be respected and obeyed at all times unless their values clash with the values of their Court and patron deity. There is minimum (1) Sovereign per Court, however this first Sovereign can choose to elect a Second Sovereign as well (see below).
OOC DUTIES INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:
Set up at least 1 IC event every season.
Distribute their Court Signos stipend as they see fit.
Meet activity requirements of (5) IC Posts per (1) RL month.
IC DUTIES INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:
Make all executive decisions concerning their Court.
Reward and punish citizens accordingly.
Overthrow and replace lower ranks if they no longer match with Court values or become inactive.
Attempt to align all decisions with Court values.
Hold meetings with Regime and Counsel positions to stay updated on Court life.
Ensure lower ranks are active by permitting others to challenge them or overthrow them yourself.
Receive all challenges for your position.
— You must respond to challenges within one week or you will be overthrown!
Remain connected with your Court deity through whatever means you deem necessary.
Maintain relations with other Courts, including inciting peace treaties and declaring wars.
Keep your Court's borders secure.
Attempt to steal enemy Court members for political gain.
— You may only do this three times per real life month!
Protect any and all herd members from being stolen by another Court.
— You only get three guesses per stealth attempt!
First Sovereign can elect a Second Sovereign to lead alongside them.
— Second Sovereign will share all the same duties as the First Sovereign.
PERKS that are applicable only when maintaining this position:
+5EXP when you initially gain the rank.
If you step down OOCly (AKA, without an IC thread), you lose 1EXP when you leave the position.
If you step down ICly (AKA, with an IC thread), you do not lose any EXP.
The ability to give up to 5,000 in Signos rewards (per Season/2 Real Life months) or similarly worth items to your herdmates.
The ability to coordinate with admins and staff to host large-scale events.
HOW TO OBTAIN:
Challenge the current Sovereign (if there is none, an IC Audition will be posted by staff). Challengers must contact staff with your intent to challenge.
If someone is challenging a court with two Sovereigns, they may choose which Sovereign they wish to challenge, however if the chosen Sovereign does not reply in the given timeframe - the second Sovereign will then be allowed to answer the challenge.
OOC Requirements:
Member for at least 2+ real life months
Member cannot have another character in any Regime position (Sovereign, Regent, Emissary) of any Court.
No warnings, excluding verbal.
Player is friendly & active.
IC Requirements:
At least 2 years old.
This rank is not available to Vagabonds.
ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:
All standing Sovereigns must make 5 IC Posts per 1 real life month in order to maintain their position.
If a Sovereign does not meet the post requirement, staff will approach and let them know they'll have 1 additional real life month to regain their activity.
If activity requirements are not met by the 2nd real life month, then staff will demote the Sovereign and post an IC audition for a new one.
If there are extenuating circumstances that will affect your activity as Soveriegn, please reach out to a member of the staff team to discuss! ♥
SECOND SOVEREIGNS: The first Sovereign of a Court may choose to slate (suggest) someone of their choosing to rule alongside them as a Second Sovereign. The Second Sovereign has all the same duties as the first.
The first Sovereign would approach their Court and let them know they would like to nominate "X" for second Sovereign.
A thread would be posted in the Court's lands with a poll, asking for the members of that court to vote if they agree to allow "X" to be second Sovereign.
If the Court members vote yes, then nominee would be appointed the second Sovereign. If the Court members vote no, the first Sovereign will be required to post an IC Audition thread (where any character can state their interest in the position) if they wish to fill that role moving forward.
If one Sovereign is dethroned, then Court members will vote on if they'd like the second Sovereign to remain or also be dethroned.
Those who challenge the Sovereigns of a Court may choose which Sovereign they wish to challenge, however if the chosen Sovereign does not reply in the given timeframe - the second Sovereign will then be allowed to answer the challenge.
OOC & IC Duties and Requirements:
All the same OOC and IC Requirements and Duties as the First Sovereign apply.
REGENT — The Court's second-in-command. Sworn to lead during the Sovereign's absence and base their decisions on what they believe the Sovereign would do, regardless of whether they agree with it or not.
PERKS that are applicable only when maintaining this position:
+5EXP when you initially gain the rank.
If you step down OOCly (AKA, without an IC thread), you lose 1EXP when you leave the position.
If you step down ICly (AKA, with an IC thread), you do not lose any EXP.
The ability to coordinate with admins and staff to host large-scale events.
DUTIES INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:
Assume all of the Sovereign's duties (above) if the Sovereign is absent, busy, or requests them to.
Provide secondary opinions for decisions that affect the Court.
Receive all challenges for your position.
— You must respond to challenges within on week or you will be overthrown!
Attempt to steal enemy Court members for political gain.
— You may only do this three times per real life month!
Protect any and all herd members from being stolen by another Court.
— You only get two guesses per stealth attempt!
HOW TO OBTAIN:
If the position is currently vacant, request the Sovereign post an Regime IC Audition. Anyone may apply in this thread.
If the position is currently filled, you must contact the Sovereign before challenging the current Regent.
If you do not hear from the Sovereign within a week, you may proceed without their approval.
OOC Requirements:
Member for at least 1+ real life month.
Member cannot have another character in any Regime position (Sovereign, Regent, Emissary) of any Court.
IC Requirements:
At least 2 years old.
This rank is not available to Vagabonds.
ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:
All standing Regents must make 5 IC Posts per 1 real life month in order to maintain their position.
If a Regent does not meet the post requirement, staff will approach and let them know they'll have 1 additional real life month to regain their activity.
If activity requirements are not met by the 2nd real life month, then staff will demote the Regent and post an IC audition for a new one.
If there are extenuating circumstances that will affect your activity as Regent, please reach out to a member of the staff team to discuss! ♥
EMISSARY — The Court's advisor, diplomat, and consultant who is typically knowledgeable of all Court values. They often assist with political interference, as well as mending or maintaining bonds between their and other Courts.
PERKS that are applicable only when maintaining this position:
+5EXP when you initially gain the rank.
If you step down OOCly (AKA, without an IC thread), you lose 1EXP when you leave the position.
If you step down ICly (AKA, with an IC thread), you do not lose any EXP.
The ability to coordinate with admins and staff to host large-scale events.
DUTIES INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:
Assume the Regent duties if the Regent is absent, busy, or requests them to.
Assume the duties of both the Sovereign and Regent are absent, busy, or requests them to.
Receive all challenges for your position.
— You must respond to challenges within on week or you will be overthrown!
Act as envoy to maintain relations and diplomacy with other Courts.
Observe the goings-on of all Courts and attempt to remain impartial and objective in all decision-making processes.
Counsel the Sovereign whenever necessary.
HOW TO OBTAIN:
If the position is currently vacant, request the Sovereign post an Regime IC Audition thread. Anyone may apply in this thread.
If the position is currently filled, you must contact the Sovereign before challenging the current Emissary.
If you do not hear from the Sovereign within a week, you may proceed without their approval.
OOC Requirements:
Member for at least 1+ real life month.
Member cannot have another character in any Regime position (Sovereign, Regent, Emissary) of any Court.
IC Requirements:
At least 2 years old.
This rank is not available to Vagabonds.
ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:
All standing Emissaries must make 5 IC Posts per 1 real life month in order to maintain their position.
If a Emissaries does not meet the post requirement, staff will approach and let them know they'll have 1 additional real life month to regain their activity.
If activity requirements are not met by the 2nd real life month, then staff will demote the Emissaries and post an IC audition for a new one.
If there are extenuating circumstances that will affect your activity as Emissary, please reach out to a member of the staff team to discuss! ♥
These ranks consist of highly respected Position of Power ranks directly below the Regime. They each hold their own responsibilities and are to be respected, as they report directly to the Regime.
WARDEN — The Court's enforcer of the Sovereign's decrees and demands. Often seen as the "muscle" or "executioner."
PERKS that are applicable only when maintaining this position:
+3EXP when you initially gain the rank.
If you step down OOCly (AKA, without an IC thread), you lose 1EXP when you leave the position.
If you step down ICly (AKA, with an IC thread), you do not lose any EXP.
DUTIES INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:
Receive all challenges for your position.
— You must respond to challenges within on week or you will be overthrown!
Attempt to steal enemy Court members for political gain.
— You may only do this three times per real life month!
Protect any and all herd members from being stolen by another Court.
— You only get two guesses per stealth attempt!
Obey the Regime ranks regardless of personal opinion and enforce anything the Sovereign demands.
Offer opinions and suggestions in times of crisis or need.
HOW TO OBTAIN:
If the position is currently vacant, petition the Sovereign for approval in an IC thread.
If the position is currently filled, you must petition the Sovereign ICly for approval before challenging the current Warden.
— If you do not hear from the Sovereign within a week, you may proceed without their approval.
— If the Sovereign is deemed vulnerable, you do not need to petition for their approval.
OOC Requirements: None.
IC Requirements: Must be old enough to hold a rank (at least 2 years old).
This rank is not available to Vagabonds.
CHAMPIONS — The four nobles in charge of leading the Populace. Each Court gives deference to one Champion over the others depending on their values, but each Court has all six Champions - Champion of Wisdom, Champion of Battle, Champion of Healing, Champion of Community, Champion of Revelry, and Champion of Wares. They all share similar responsibilities.
PERKS that are applicable only when maintaining this position:
+3EXP when you initially gain the rank.
If you step down OOCly (AKA, without an IC thread), you lose 1EXP when you leave the position.
If you step down ICly (AKA, with an IC thread), you do not lose any EXP.
DUTIES INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:
Champion of Wisdom leads the Scholars, Monks, Scribes, and Researchers.
Champion of Battle leads the Soldiers, Spies, Tacticians, and Battlemages.
Champion of Healing leads the Medics, Apothecaries, Doctors, and Gatherers.
Champion of Revelry leads the Entertainers, Bards, Musicians, and Thespians.
Champion of Wares leads the Merchants, Peddlers, Artisans, and Blacksmiths.
Champion of Community balances the other Champions in the best interest of the Populace.
Report directly to the Regime ranks with any knowledge, intel, or ideas gained.
Offer opinions and suggestions in times of crisis or need.
HOW TO OBTAIN:
If the position is currently vacant, petition the Sovereign for approval in an IC thread.
If the position is currently filled, you must petition the Sovereign ICly for approval before challenging the current Counsel member.
— If you do not hear from the Sovereign within a week, you may proceed without their approval.
— If the Sovereign is deemed vulnerable, you do not need to petition for their approval.
OOC Requirements: None.
IC Requirements: Must be old enough to hold a rank (at least 2 years old).
The populace is made up of the various herdmembers that make up the heart of each Court. They all hold varying responsibilities and/or specialities, and they are no less important than the Regime and Counsel! Without them, there is no Court. To have a character in any of these ranks (except Youth and Captive), request it when submitting a new character's application or request a rank change.
SCHOLAR — The path of a sage. This rank tree specializes in all things knowledge-based. They educate fellow citizens in any topic they deem worthy of attention and focus.
→ MONK - The devout who are dedicated to their patron god and/or religious studies.
→ SCRIBE - Individuals often charged with taking down Court history or events on paper. They can also be commissioned to be personal scribes.
→ RESEARCHER - This is a very teacher-like role. They can focus on one topic or many, and their knowledge and reach is vast.
SOLDIER — The path of a warrior. This rank tree specializes in all things fighting-based. They protect the Court in times of battle, using both offensive and defensive tactics.
→ SPY - These individuals can be used as a mole to infiltrate neighboring Courts, or in recon missions.
→ TACTICIAN - An individual that specializes in strategy, whether by planning attacks or as a weapons tactition.
→ BATTLEMAGE - An individual who has honed their magic to specialize its use in battle.
MEDIC — The path of a healer. This rank tree specializes in all things medically-based. They attempt to keep fellow citizens healthy, both mentally and physically.
→ APOTHECARY - An individual who specializes in the production of medicines, drugs, and healing supplements.
→ DOCTOR - An advanced medic who can be considered one of the highest in their field with their expansive knowledge.
→ GATHERER - An individual who is devoted to gathering medical supplies for the Court.
ENTERTAINER — The path of an entertainer. This rank tree specializes in all things visually appealing and entertaining. They keep fellow citizens happy, entertained, and amazed.
→ BARD - A musician or storyteller... or a combination of both!
→ MAGICIAN - An individual that is a psychic, illusionist, or practitioner of ceremonial magic
→ THESPIAN - Someone devoted to the act of storytelling through physical and verbal performance.
MERCHANT — The path of a selling merchant. This rank tree specializes in crafting and selling. They are tasked with providing their Court with various wares.
→ PEDDLER - Someone who sells second-hand goods not made by themselves... whether stolen or gained through more legal means.
→ ARTISAN - A merchant who makes their own wares, whether jewelry, food, or otherwise.
→ BLACKSMITH - An individual who is skilled in the art of metalworking, weaponsmaking, armormaking, or something similar.
CITIZEN — Those who aren't restricted to a particular path. They fill in for other duties whenever necessary and needed, and act as the "jacks of all trades."
→ NO SUBRANKS.
YOUTH — Court citizens one or younger are always ranked as Youths. Highly valued and well protected. Their only real duty is to learn the values of the Court they are born into.
→ NO SUBRANKS.
CAPTIVE — Prisoners of war or successful stealth attempts. Characters in this rank are deemed worthless, untrustworthy, and will remain as Captives until they are banished or have proven their loyalty, to the Regime's satisfaction, in order to become a full citizen of the Court. To be a Captive, you must come up with an IC Plot agreed upon by all involved, or have your character successfully stolen via stealth attempt.
→ NO SUBRANKS.
OUTCAST — Those who are no longer functioning members of a Court's society, but have not been fully kicked out. Note: If your character has committed an act of treason or treachory against the Court, the Sovereign can forcefully demote your character to Outcast by requesting a rank change on your behalf. They must provide IC proof and link to the thread where the act was committed
