So I've found that information regarding Fastheld can be a little bit hard to follow and perhaps that's why we've had difficulty with people new to the theme getting interested in making an alt. I figured that if there were a simple guide to help, perhaps we'd see other people interested.
Please note that this is just the viewpoint of one player. On Chia, I've played multiple alts but my word is by no means the only way to do things. If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me on the game via page or @mail. -Katrin
Contents
Why should I make a Fastheld Alt?
Obviously because all of the cool kids are doing it.
Before the JTS games were merged into one, Chiaroscuro had existed on its own since 2003. In that time, we had seen ups and downs in the population and storylines that intrigued and entertained everyone.
We are a Fantasy based theme set primarily (see exclusively for the moment) in a city-state called Fastheld that is surrounded by a huge wall called the Aegis. One of the things that I found intriguing about Chia was the different types of RP available. There is more action related RP, social RP, political RP and then of course a more magical based RP. In short, something for everyone.
There's so much history. How do I even start?
It's true. We have a very long history and for someone that hasn't been a part of the theme before, it could be a little daunting. I do recommend looking over the Fastheld page to get an idea. We'll be continuing to update that page and its subsequent pages as time permits and events occur.
I'll admit, there is a lot of information to take in when starting a Fastheld character but like Otherspace, you can pick up a lot of it as you start to RP and interact with other characters.
The first thing I recommend is picking what type of RP you are interested in. The second thing is decide what character you would like to start with.
There are three main social classes: Peasant, Freelander and Noble.
Peasants are lower than dirt. You get to be everyone else's doormat, essentially. No rights whatsoever and you will usually reside in the Shadow District. Sometimes you are lucky and are born with peasant status. Other people have been stripped of their rights or excommunicated from the Church. If you want to be kicked around by everyone, go for peasant!
Freelanders are the citizens of Fastheld. They are made up of different subclasses but the main thing to know is they are your commonfolk. They can be business people or Merchants (meaning they belong to a guild) or in service to a noble House.
Now I'll be honest. Right now, the majority of our players are Nobles and they range in how they treat the lower classes. If you're new to Fastheld, you may find it easiest to start with a noble and then work down if a simpler lifestyle appeals to you. The nobles are the ruling class of this little area and made of six Houses. But I'll get into that later.
Okay, I want to go the Noble Route. What now?
You've decided to start with a noble character. Excellent! I know that it was a difficult choice, but unfortunately, I have more choices for you to make.
What type of noble would you like to be? As I said before, there are six major Houses: Kahar, Lomasa, Mikin, Nilllu, Seamel and Zahir. See the Wiki pages for each House to learn more.
- Kahar
House Kahar is the most revered of the houses. The Emperor of Fastheld is a Kahar. Over all, they are steadfast and both strategic and warriors and tend to be superstitious of anything supernatural. All Kahar males suffer from some physical defect or ailment due to the Shadow Curse of a Wildling that had gouged Emperor Talus Kahar I. Kahar mothers will never bear children that are Shadow-Touched. The House color of Kahar is royal blue while their symbol is the wildcat. First names of House Kahar Nobles are four or five letters long, usually one syllable - but sometimes two or more - and often with an 'ess', 'ith', 'iss, or 'us' sound within the name.
- Lomasa
House Lomasa is considered the most jovial of the Houses. They are incredibly devoted to House Kahar. Typically cooks and craftsmen by trade, Lomasa has become known for their grand celebrations and parties. They will, on occasion, have children that are Shadow-Touched. Their House color is brown while their symbol is the Bull. First names in House Lomasa tend to be six or seven letters long, usually two syllables, commonly featuring the sounds 'or', 'an' and 'ar' within the name.
- Nillu
House Nillu tends to avoid the political strategizing of the other Houses and spend their time in the mines beneath Fastheld. The majority of the technology developed for refining these precious metals was created by the Nillus. They are focused on the industry of Fastheld and tend to be a stubborn House. They will, on occasion, have children that are Shadow-Touched. Their colors are blue and grey and their symbol is the bear. First names of those of former House Nillu tend to be three or four letters long, usually two syllables, commonly featuring the sounds 'ah', 'ab', 'or' and 'on' within the name.
- Seamel
House Seamel is the youngest of the great Houses, rising to prominence when the Emperor Talus Kahar XIV wed Freia Seamel. This has created a bit of strife between them and the other Houses, including Kahar, who did not enjoy the rise in power the Seamels gained. They are known for producing the best horses in the realm. Their house color is green with their symbol as a man on horseback. First names of those of former House Seamel tend to be five or six letters long, usually two syllables, commonly featuring the sounds 'muh', 'juh', and 'eh' within the name.
- Zahir
House Zahir is known as the House of Vipers due to their reputation for excelling at politics and intrigue. Perhaps of all of the Houses, Zahir is seen as the shadiest and least trustworthy. They are often considered cunning by nature. Those who go against the very nature of the Zahir are considered outcasts within their own House and will never advance very high. The house symbol for Zahir is the raven and the color is violet. First names in House Zahir tend to be four or five letters long, usually two syllables, commonly featuring the sounds 'ay' or 'ol' or 'or' within the name.
- Mikin
Perhaps the most devoted House to the Church, House Mikin known for their more stoic behavior and being the most feared of all of the houses. They have stood by the Emperor's side for centuries in keeping the Shadow Touched at bay. they are known for their hatred of the Shadow and while mothers will occasionally give birth to Shadow Touched children, they will often kill them in an effort to remove it from their bloodline. The symbol of House Mikin is the mongoose and the color is black. First names in House Mikin Nobles tend to be four or five letters long, usually one or two syllables, commonly featuring the sounds 'al', 'ell', and 'ee' within the name.
You've gone noble. Now what?
The first thing you need to know about being a noble is your place in the world. You are faaaaaar above peasants and freelanders and waaaaaaay below Royals. Most nobles will start out as Barons/Baronesses, meaning that you have no land or titles to your name. For now, people start out as a Baron or Baroness with the possibility of inheriting in the future if that is your wish. Some people want to be heavy into the political intrigue and cannot hope of aspiring upward without that land and property to back up their claim. But for when you're ready to have a title, see the below list to help you out.
Fastheldian Noble Titles
Emperor / Empress
The highest title in Fastheld is, of course, Emperor or Empress, and are Sovereign(s) or Supreme Monarch(s) of the Empire, with a title of dignity superior to that of King. The Emperor/Empress is known formally as "Your Majesty," and "His/Her Imperial Majesty", "His/Her Royal Majesty", and "Your Grace".
Duke / Duchess
The next rank is that of Duke/Duchess. The wife of a Duke is a Duchess. In cases where a Duchess holds the title in her own right, her husband would not automatically share the title.
A Duke or Duchess is called "Your Grace" by Freelanders and those of lower socio-political ranking. Friends and social acquaintances might call them "Duke" or "Duchess," or by whatever name the individual involved favors. The titles of Duke and Duchess are held only by a select few in Fastheld. The title is reserved for the Matriarch/Patriarch of one of the six Noble Houses.
Marquis / Marchionette
Below the Dukes and Duchesses are the Marquis and Marchioness. Freelanders would call this couple "Your Lordship" or "Your Ladyship." Children of a Marquis are known by the honorifics "Lord Firstname" and "Lady Firstname."
The title of Marquis and/or Marchioness is granted to those who are within the Duke's inner circle of advisors, and serve a special role. The head of the House Knights would be a Marquis or Marchionette, as would the lead of a House fleet. Former Dukes and Duchesses may also lay claim to the title as an honorific.
Earl / Contessa
Roughly equivalent to a Marquis or Marchionette is the Earl and Contessa. It is reserved for only two members of any noble House, and would be referred to as "Your Lordship" or "Your Ladyship."
The title of Earl or Contessa is granted to the members of the nobility who serve as, essentially, the vice-duchy. Landholdings are not a prerequisite, but most Earls and Contessas will hold it. They answer directly to the Duke/Duchess.
Count / Countess
Just below the Earl and Contessa are the Count and Countess. More numerous, these would be referred to by a Freelander as "Milord" or "Milady".
The title of Count/Countess is bestowed by the Duchy upon trusted individuals, as well as any landholdings. The county is expected to govern a township, or raise militia for the House from within a castle.
Viscount / Viscountess
The title of Viscount/Viscountess is the first step in the socio-political ladder. Freelanders would refer to the couple as "My Lord/Lady" or "Your Lordship/Ladyship." The Viscount's friends will likely use his surname for formal greetings, for example Viscount Seamel, and his first name for informal greetings, such as Viscount Bob.
In addition to the formal use of their title, this couple might be referred to as Lord or Lady Seamel. Children of Viscounts are "Honorables," an address used only in writing.
The Viscount and/or Viscountess title is granted by the Duchy to those who have performed a service to the House, either by aiding in military or financial ventures, or by running a manor, small keep or small village that turns out a profit in service to the House. The key is service.
Baron / Baroness
The term "Baron" is widely used in Fastheld. They are the ubiquitous Lord Surnames, granted to all Nobles by fact of being Nobility, regardless of their social standing.
A Baron's wife is a Baroness, and is referred to as Lady. Freelanders would refer to the couple as "My Lord/Lady" or "Your Lordship/Ladyship." Nobles of higher socio-political standing would merely use their full name and title - Baron Duhnen Seamel, or just Baron - by way of greeting, without insult.
All Nobles are essentially a Baron or Baroness, as awarded by the sheer nature of being a Noble of Fastheld. Barons and Baronesses need not to have any land holdings to assume this title, and one can hold a manor while still being a Baron (though not a keep or castle, which must be granted by the Duchy).
Royal Knights and Noble Ranks
High-ranks in nobility and status as a Royal Knight are mutually exclusive from one another. The reason for this is that high noble ranks are afforded to those who act in service of their House, while the Royal Knight must act always in service to the Crown. One cannot do both.
The highest rank one can be and still be a Royal Knight is Count.