Mortuoso
"Our melodies are the threads that connect the living and the dead."
Introduction
Combining 'Mort' (meaning death) and 'Virtuoso' (person skilled in music), Mortuoso are necromantic bards who use the power of song to preserve history, command the dead, and shape the course of battle.
Heartwood Online
Mortuoso is a mage-only roleplay guild in Heartwood Online. We strive to positively impact the roleplay community through lore-driven storylines, community events, and being an active presence. We value immersion and look forward to welcoming others into our ranks through a series of roleplay-driven quests.
Melodic Historians
Mortuoso are talented storytellers with a melodic flare. Moments of past glory and failure are immortalized through their music. In their hands, tales of the past come alive through the power of song.
Music of the Dead
The music of a Mortuoso affects the physical and spiritual. They possess the ability to summon and command the spirits of the dead. With this gift, a Mortuoso can also act as a guide for spirits in need of their final rest.
Magical Minstrels
Through song, a Mortuoso can weave magical effects that extend beyond mere entertainment. They can bolster allies while sowing discord among their foes. With each note they control the battlefield's symphony.
Rules
Rules to be added.
Joining Mortuoso
Thank you for your interest in Mortuoso!
As a roleplay guild, we operate membership through a series of custom roleplay quests.
The process may take some time to complete, as much of it is done within Heartwood to encourage roleplaying. If you are okay with this please fill out the following form. Once it's completed, I will contact you via Discord. Alts are welcome!
You do NOT need to have your main character in Mortuoso. We understand that a lot of people prefer mains in guilds that are more PVE/PVP focused. Just make sure the alt is a mage, named well, and try to reach level 10 (to hold the first harp). Make sure character names are not things like QTPie, PickleFACE, DemonNezuko, LOLHealer, etc.
We want to make sure character names have the right tone for the guild. Avoid things like chatspeech and directly ripping noticeable names from pop culture. Also make sure to join our Discord!
Lore
Informative
| Title | Synopsis |
|---|---|
| Siren's Swan Song | Origin of the first Mortuoso and Nocturned. |
| Magic of Sound | Wield sound magic, using harmony and discord. |
| Requielm and Hexenbark | Graveyard trees used for rituals and instruments. |
| Understanding Undead | Basic information on undead used by Mortuoso. |
| Sacred Psychopomps | Powerful allies with ties between each realm. |
| Funeral Shroud | Sacred attire worn and augmented by Mortuoso. |
| Harp Properties | A listing of harp materials and their properties. |
| Allies and Enemies | Current allies, enemies, and all in-between. |
Nocturned
Locations
Psychopomps
Deities
Siren's Swan Song
Back when the city of Nocturne was a lively jewel of the arts, one name soared above all others as the star of the stage. Emelina Mortimer, prized harpist and operatic singer, was set to become the next Maestra of the prestigious Cantus Audiatorum. Her voice had magical properties, enrapturing the souls of men and stirring the very depths of their beings. She stood above all others as a sorceress of melodies, a weaver of enchantments through the music that flowed from her lips.Yet, amidst the harmonious notes of her life, a discordant chord was struck. Emelina’s heart had fallen prey to a conman, looking to use her abilities to further his own goals. He loudly proclaimed his claim over Emelina, causing other nobles to become consumed by jealousy fueled by their own unrequited desires. She became beset at all sides by possessive once-fans and started to realize her love’s true nature.During one of her performances, as her voice soared through the grand theater, one such man emerged from the stage shadows. Using a skeletal dagger, he stabbed Emelina in front of a horrified crowd and then vanished. However, even as the songstress slipped away from the mortal coil, she continued to perform. Emelina’s swan song spiraled through the air, her dying melody laced with her grief, love, and indomitable will.The song reverberated throughout the theater, intertwining with the souls of all who bore witness. With her final breath, cursed magic infused the melody, and as the final echoes faded, hushed darkness descended on the crowd. Each left that night forever changed, yet the truth of such wouldn’t be revealed until they met their end. One by one, they would learn they were cursed and arise as Nocturned. But their plight is another story.Emelina’s funeral was held shortly after with a closed casket. The service was heavily attended, save for her conman lover. He was nowhere to be seen even as one of her obsessed fans threw open the casket to reveal the corpse was not inside. Only a ripped music page was inside, though which song wasn’t revealed to the public.The Siren, as she came to be known, was both the first Mortuoso and Nocturned. Over the decades, her haunting voice has been heard in graveyards and seen accompanied by two undead… her killer and the conman. Those curious and brave enough to approach her became her students. Through her connection with death and a lifetime of musical knowledge, she forged the Mortuoso. Her students, almost all Nocturned themselves, now spread her teachings by creating their own dark ensembles. While each differs in some regard, all carry the Siren’s blessing with them.
Magic of Sound
All magic has a sound to it, whether or not you can hear it. From words to melodies, each utilizes sound to manifest magic. This is why one must be incredibly precise, down to inflection, when reading an incantation. Each sound has power behind it when woven correctly. Those who use this power wisely become capable of inspiring and potent performances.Mortuoso harness the power of sound in their performance, on and off the stage. Magical music is entwined with the elements, existing in the form of pitch and tempo in music. Higher-pitched sounds are aligned with air, while lower-pitched sounds are aligned with earth. Melodies with a slower tempo are water aligned, and a faster tempo is fire aligned. All magically imbued melodies use a mixture of elements to manifest effects.Sound magic can become amplified by the use of harmony. A duet is more powerful than a solo singer. This is because harmonizing achieves new sounds not capable of a single person or instrument. Furthermore, an orchestra performing a magical song is a force to be reckoned with. The number of people and instruments participating in harmony makes it that much more powerful.However, using harmony for increased sound magic effects can be disastrous if someone is out of key. Discordant sounds cause the magic to act wild and often turns on those who were participating. Some have managed to harness this chaotic form of magic and turn it into a type of destructive melody. Yet the results are unpredictable at best, and many Mortuoso stick with traditional sound magic.Finally the use of sound magic is something that affects the physical and spiritual. Mortuoso are skilled at summoning and controlling the dead through the use of song. They are also able to manipulate and enhance emotional states using this form of magic. A Mortuoso can inspire allies, summon spirits, and demoralize enemies all with practiced performances.
Requielm and Hexenbark
The Requielm is a haunting and somber sight found only in graveyards. Its twisted and gnarled branches cast elongated shadows along the ground below. The tree’s bark is a deep, rich ebony with faint veins of silver running through it. These veins glow eerily on nights of the new moon.Its pale, grey-green leaves further its strange appearance. Each leaf is slightly elongated and tapers out to a point, resembling ghostly fingers. When the wind stirs, the leaves rustle with a sound akin to distant whispers. Some say these whispers belong to the buried dead nearby.At the base of the Requielm, the earth appears unnaturally dark, as if the dirt of a freshly buried grave. Bones and fragments of long-forgotten remains sometimes merge with the tree’s roots, adding to its macabre elements. It feeds upon the corpses within the graveyard and stands as a living embodiment of the connection between life and death. Because of this, it is revered by the Mortuoso.Mortuoso are known to take branches off or even chop down entire Requielms to carve into instruments. The process to do so is steeped in ritual and uses several magical reagents. Even chopped Requielm will fully renew within a moon cycle if the ritual is done properly. However, there are stories of those who abuse the tree, becoming cursed by it.Those cursed by the Requielm have until the next new moon to appease the tree. Mortuoso are capable of performing this service and should be sought out immediately. Failure to do so will have the victim drawn to return to the tree’s origin. Then, in agony, they become rooted to the ground and transform into a Hexenbark.Hexenbark are red-barked trees with a blood-like sap that drips when the tree is injured. They often have a burl resembling the cursed soul's face who became it. Hexenbark are often kept near the Requielm as living warnings. These leafless trees often invoke a sense of unease and Mortuoso are sometimes called to help the trapped souls move on. A cleansed Hexenbark can then be safely used as a magical material.
Understanding undead
Mortuoso are well known for their necromantic prowess. However, each must be trained in a basic understanding of the different types of undead. More thorough information must be researched for complex undead usage. May this piece serve as a starting point for those interested in undead.Corporeal undead are those that have a physical form. There are two types of corporeal undead: those with flesh and those without flesh. Examples of Fleshbound undead include zombies and ghouls. Bonebound undead are typically skeletal in nature, as the name suggests, and can include more advanced creatures such as liches.Incorporeal undead are those without a physical form. These undead represent the mental and spiritual aspects of nature. Soulbound undead have a greater variety from spirits, shades, banshees, poltergeists, and more. This type of undead cannot be harmed by blade, and their attacks may not be visible.In addition to these base types, the undead are either sentient or mindless. Mindless undead are often used as servants and a labor force. While some may feel remorse at seeing remains used in such a way, the benefits are vast. Meanwhile, sentient undead can mostly perform as they did in life. One example of sentient undead is the Nocturned.
Sacred Psychopomps
Messengers between the land of the living and the land of the dead often take feathered forms as psychopomps. These sacred birds hold the honored role of spiritual emissaries. While their appearance varies, they are believed to carry messages from the beyond. With their aid, one may gain insight, guidance, and even glimpses of the mysteries that shroud the afterlife.Psychopomps are tied to the soul and are attracted to qualities that align with their own. A peaceful person may draw a dove psychopomp, while someone more mischievous person may interest a raven psychopomp. In rare cases, someone may find multiple psychopomps offering their guidance, but only one can be tethered to the soul.Those who are interested in revealing the psychopomp that favors them should approach a trained Mortuoso. A psychopomp can unveil itself to those it’s drawn to through a series of rituals and sacrifices. Once accomplished, the feathered guide can offer insight previously unobtainable. The benefits of revealing a psychopomp vary from person to person, but most find the experience eerie.Mortuoso have a much more advanced connection to psychopomps. Those pursuing the path of the Mortuoso must not only find their psychopomp’s form. They must also convince it to gift one of its feathers as a show of the bond between them. Psychopomp feathers are powerful components and can be fashioned into quills for writing music. Once a Mortuoso obtains this quill, they often feel a burst of inspiration and a deeper tie to the beyond.
Funeral Shroud
When one joins a Mortuoso ensemble, they are presented with a funeral shroud. This cloth varies from white, grey, to black, the coloration decided by the new Mortuoso’s psychopomp. The act of receiving the shroud is steeped in ritual. It is meant to symbolize the end of the life one knew and the beginning of their new journey among the ensemble. After receiving their shroud, one can truly claim the title of Mortuoso.Prone to the arts, Mortuoso can wear their shroud in multiple ways. Some prefer to craft it into a full robe, while others use it as a cloak. Occasionally you’ll find a funeral shroud used as a veil or hat. No matter the manner it’s worn, fellow Mortuoso can innately sense the cloth’s presence. In darker times, this was used to show membership in an ensemble.It’s not uncommon for a Mortuoso to add patches of other fabric to their shroud. These hodgepodges of textiles serve an important purpose beyond mending. When working with the dead, having a piece of fabric from something they wore is a highly potent way to form a connection.Mortuoso often accept pieces of fabric for this purpose and hold onto them to utilize at a later date. Some even go as far as shopping second-hand to find more attire worn by the now-deceased. The more patches a Mortuoso has, the more spirits they’ve formed a bond with. Losing a patch is a cause of great distress, as it greatly lowers the chance of being able to contact that exact spirit again.
The Divine Orchestra
Wrianim the Inspired Composer
Wrianim (rye-ah-nim) is the god of Composition and Life. He is the source of musical inspiration and composes every song in the Soul Symphony. The Composer tends to care little about what happens once he releases a song into the world. Wrianim is depicted as a swarm of musical notes roughly in the shape of a man. If angered, the notes are said to buzz like bees. Some pray to him to inspire their next creation.
Demeit the Quiet Embrace
Demiet (dehm-eye-ette) is the goddess of Silence and Death. She is said to be the first deity and will be the last. The Mute judges all equally, welcoming them to the Soul Symphony with open arms. Demeit is depicted as a woman with closed eyes and the wings of a vulture. Her statue is most often seen in graveyards to stop the dead from rising. Those who pray to her often do so to ensure their loved ones enjoy the peace of the grave.
Biescor the Discordant Slacker
Biescor (bye-score) is the god of Dissonance and Undeath. Despite being a major god, he is disorganized and chaotic. Much of the Discordant's work is placed upon his henchmen: an army of skeletons. Biescor is depicted as pile of bones which reforms into a large skeleton if he's forced to do his job. Procrastinators are known to pray to him to overcome things they left to the last minute.
Metern the Temporal Dancer
Metern (meh-turn) is the god of Time and Rhythm. He controls the sands of time and is the father of Odelo. Also known as the dancing god, Metern is in constant motion. The Temporal Dancer is depicted as a young man with grey hair dancing with an unseen partner. Without his orderly ways, timelines can get crossed, tangled, and otherwise ruined. He is prayed to by a range of people from dancers to law enforcing guards.
Sirano the Idyllic Sky
Sirano (sigh-ran-oh) is the goddess of High Pitch and Wind. She is depicted as a woman made of clouds, casually floating wherever the wind takes her. Sirano has a kindly disposition and is unable to be caught by any means. Able to move unseen, it's not always clear when Sireno acts, though she seems drawn to frivolous things like wind chimes, pinwheels, and kites. A symbol toward her is written on windmills for her blessing.
Golenor the Jeweled Mountain
Golenor (goh-leh-nor) is the god of Low Pitch and Earth. He rarely appears above ground and is said to fear the endlessness of the sky. Instead, the Jeweled Mountain sits upon an underground throne of priceless gems and enjoys the deep song of the earth. Golenor is depicted as a man made of carved marble covered in jewels. Many miners pray to him to survive their delves and find rare veins.
Trefrit the Guiding Candle
Trefrit (tree-freat) is the god of Fast Tempo and Fire. He believes that life is fleeting and should be enjoyed to the fullest. The Guiding Candle likes to light the way to one's desires, especially for those who are lost and seek a way home. Trefrit is depicted as a shifting form wax figure with a fiery head. He is known to grant wishes made on stars occasionally and is prayed to by those longing for more. Though
Adamer the Frozen Wave
Adamer (add-ah-mer) is the god of Slow Tempo and Water. She is slow to act and even slower to show her favor. Yet those who manage to earn her blessing may find even the seas easier to traverse. Adamer is depicted as a woman with an ice body and flowing water hair. She dislikes sharing and will rarely offer any of the water's bounty without a fight. Fishermen and sailors do what they can to appease her.
Odelo the Cosmic Librarian
Odelo (oh-del-oh) is the god of Lyrics and History. He wanders the cosmic library containing every word that has ever been written. While incredibly knowledgable, the Cosmic Librarian has no future sight. Instead, he does his best to inform and prepare mortals for what might happen. Odelo is depicted as a paper mache being wearing a cape of scrolls. He is prayed to by those seeking knowledge and historian bards.
Violute the Carved Queen
Violute (vie-oh-loo-tay) is the goddess of Instruments and Nature. Her body is carved from a long extinct tree and the center of her chest is hollow with silver strings. Violute encourages the use of nature's gifts without greed. To cut down a tree to carve an instrument is allowable but to take the forest is not. She is known to send her animal and insect minions against those who take too much. Farmers, lumberjacks, and instrument makers are her most common worshipers.
Felrow the Ambivalent Duo
Felrow (fell-row) is the twin god of Emotion and Influence. He stands with a singular body but his face mask switches from the two twins: Felyr the joyful and Rowyr the sorrowful. The two rarely agree on things and are said to be doomed to bicker for eternity. They represent the emotions music inspires and the influence music has on others. Felrow is prayed to those who want to write impactful pieces and those who seek to better their stations.
Consym the Checkered Fairy
Consym (con-sim) is the goddess of Harmony and Balance. She is the sister of Biescor and is thought to be his other half. Consym is depicted as a woman wearing checkered robes with one black and one white fairy wing. She walks the path between light and dark, holding the sun and moon in her hands. The Checkered Fairy is the least known of the Divine Orchestra, and those who worship her are drawn to her mystery.
Harp Properties
Just as a woodcutter uses an axe, Mortuoso use a particular tool in their trade. While instruments of all kinds are welcomed in their Ensembles, the Harp is the traditional choice. Every Mortuoso is expected to own and fluently play a harp. Many choose to use their harps in combat as well utilizing sound magic.Each type of harp is affected by the material it is made of. They are known to enhance spells and songs that align with their attributes. For example, a song meant to increase the speed of marching soldiers would be best performed on a Nimble Harp. The following is a listing of the currently known harps and their properties.Oak - Strength, Grounding, Truth - Earth
Nimble - Swiftness, Prosperity, Adaptation - Fire
Vagabond - Freedom, Travel, Discovery - Air
Pine - Balance, Luck, Longevity - Air
Bone - Undeath, Necromancy, Spirits - Fire
Memoriam - Memory, History, Death - Omni
Birch - Protection, Cleansing, Wishes - Water
Maple - Intellect, Creativity, Mystery - Earth
Mandrove - Resurrection, Growth, Healing - WaterThe property of a harp can be further customized by using different types of strings. As string composition can vary greatly, it is impossible to list them all. Instead, Mortuoso are encouraged to try different string sources when possible. For example, a harp with unicorn hair strings was found to neutralize poisons. In another case using strings made from boar gut enhanced the tenacity of the musician.
Allies and Enemies
While individual ensembles may vary in their alliances, the following is true for the Mortuoso ensemble led by Dirgeist Koi. Those among the ranks are expected to honor established allies and enemies. Organizations and individuals listed as neutral are able to be handled however the Mortuoso member sees fit.-----Allies-----
Kor
The Kor are among the oldest allies of the Mortuoso. It is said that The Siren herself forged the first alliance known with the Kor. Yet much of what they are and do is shrouded in secret. Their ability to work with the undead harmonizes with the musical version practiced by the necromantic bards. Additionally, it’s rumored that the Memoriam was crafted to symbolize the still-standing alliance. The exact details of the alliance are known to very few, but it is fiercely abided.Psychopomps
Due to Mortuoso's connection between the living and the dead, Psychopomps have been allies for ages. While some may wonder what the messengers of the afterlife get from an alliance, the answer is rather simple. Most Psychopomps cannot interact with the world of the living. Someone who forms a pact with a Psychopomp becomes an anchor, allowing them access. Mortuoso further this pact to new heights, making them a favorite of Psychopomps.-----Enemies-----
Skeletal Faction
The Skeletal Faction includes many of the undead roaming in the Bone Mines. These are a prime example of corrupted undead, and how necromancy can be used for wicked purposes. Mortuoso regularly travel to the Bone Mines to play music to help the restless undead find peace. Some say you can even hear their songs bouncing along the walls…-----Neutral-----
Greenflock
The Greenflock tend to stick to their area just outside the Bone Mines. While some members are non-aggressive, many will fire at will on any that come near. This may be due to them protecting their sheep, but all should proceed cautiously. Even helping them get resources is not enough to end the aggression.Shadowfang
The Shadowfang are currently kept away from most but appear violent in nature. They are at odds with the Greenflock as a rival clan. Little else is known about them, and caution is advised.Oakwood Residents
The people of Oakwood have been a welcoming group toward various members of Mortuoso. While they are not formal allies, many support them through various quests or business. Each resident has different goals and should be treated as an individual instead of an organization.Royal Family
The influence of the Royal Family does not appear to have reached Oakwood fully, and details about them are limited. For now, they are treated as neutral, though a passing pumpkin seller seemed convinced they partake in beheadings.Mori
Mori is the Shadow of Heartwood and should be treated with respect. Also known as the Void, he appears seemingly randomly and speaks in strange riddles. He recently resurfaced, and a prophecy was given, which states: “In the yor of 4 all shall want more fore the shadow shall reign in light once again look for the tenebris to seek salvation”. He appears to be less of an antagonist and more of a force of the world.
Deity Worship
Nocturned are individuals who were afflicted by Siren's Swan Song. The curse's effect was activated upon experiencing their true death. Thus began their Life’s Encore as a sentient undead unbound to any master.
The Divine Symphony
Mortuoso believe in the Divine Symphony, a pantheon of gods united by a musical theme.
Deities and Domains
Wrianim (rye-ah-nim) - The Composer - God of Composition and Life
Demiet (dehm-eye-ette) - The Mute - Goddess of Silence and Death
Biescor (bye-score) - The Discordant - God of Dissonance and Undeath
Metern (meh-turn) - The Temporal - God of Time and Rhythm
Sirano (sigh-ran-oh) - The Zephyr - Goddess of High Pitch and Wind
Golenor (goh-leh-nor) - The Grounded - God of Low Pitch and Earth
Trefrit (tree-freat) - The Inferno - God of Fast Tempo and Fire
Adamer (add-ah-mer) - The Deluge - Goddess of Slow Tempo and Water
Odelo (oh-del-oh) - God of Lyrics and History
Violute (vee-oh-loo-tay) - The Carved - Goddess of Instruments and Nature
Felrow (fell-row) - The Ambivalent - Twin God of Emotion and Inspiration
Consym (con-sim) - The Harmonious - Goddess of Harmony and Balance
Nocturned
Mortuoso members do not need to be Nocturned.
Nocturned are the originators of the Mortuoso and often highest in command in ensembles.
Life's Encore
Nocturned are individuals who were afflicted by Siren's Swan Song. The curse's effect was activated upon experiencing their true death. Thus began their Life’s Encore as a sentient undead unbound to any master.
Appearance
Nocturned are deathly pale, and their hair color ranges from black, grey, and even blue. Most Nocturned do not display signs of decay though the condition varies from person to person. Many Nocturned use magic or dye to conceal their undead nature.
Name Structure
When a person becomes a Nocturned, they maintain bits and pieces of their former selves. However, they view themselves as new people. Because of this, they often give themselves new names based on how or where they experienced true death. For example, Guild Leader Koi met her end in a koi pond.
Disposition
Nocturned are often plagued by a common issue: boredom. Because of this, they are naturally inclined to seek out new experiences and entertainment. Due to the nature of their curse most pursue some type of art.
Homeland
Nocturned get their name from their origin:
The City of Nocturne
City of Nocturne
Undead city of the arts
Nocturne features some of the most stunning collections of art from paintings to performances. Though much of its luster was lost once most of the remaining population was undead. Yet they say Nocturne's night life is to die for.
Appearance
Nocturne was once a magnificent city filled with opulent architecture, pristine canals, and statues designed by its citizens throughout the ages. Yet once the population slowly became solely Nocturned, much was lost of its former glory. Now sections are reclaimed by water, and a deep supernatural fog seems permanently present.
Government
The City of Nocturne, and the region it belongs to, is ruled by the Immortal Council. Comprised of five Nocturned, the Councilmembers decide much of what happens in the city. However most seem more invested in their own interests than the betterment of the city.
Citizens
It's unclear how many citizens are within Nocturne but most are undead. The most common undead are the Nocturned, who are also highest in status, followed by numerous mindless undead servants. Almost all labor has been replaced by these servants.
Psychopomps
Supernatural allies
Psychopomps are bird-like ethereal messengers. Bridging the realm between life and death, they offer guidance to those who seek it. Mortuoso form a sacred bond with these beings.
Appearance
Psychopomps appear as various kinds of birds. However there is always a supernatural quality to them. This manifest in different ways from lacking a shadow to eerily glowing eyes.
Attributes
Barn Owl - Wisdom and Observation
Blue Jay - Determination and Confidence
Cardinal - Love and Devotion
Dove - Peace and Divinity
Eagle - Independence and Power
Goldfinch - Motivation and Positivity
Gull - Liberation and Opportunity
Hummingbird - Playfulness and Creativity
Nightjar - Adaptability and Vision
Raven - Mischief and Magic
Swan - Balance and Transformation
Vulture - Resilience and Death