<![CDATA[Children of Merlin - Harry Potter 1980s RPG

<![CDATA[Children of Merlin - Harry Potter 1980s RPG - All Forums]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/ Sat, 24 Oct 2026 10:06:39 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Tell Me About Yourselves-Holiday Edition]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=136 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 21:23:06 +0000 candlewhisperer]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=136
1. Do you celebrate Christmas? If not, do you celebrate something else this time of the year?
2. What are your holiday traditions?
3. Do you have a favourite holiday food?
4. What do you most look forward to about the holidays?

I do celebrate Christmas. I don't have any traditions perse besides having a large Christmas dinner with family and friends. We normally have turkey, mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, cranberry sauce, all the typical North American holiday fixings. This year unfortunately I will be working a night shift so I'll be spending Christmas with my pets but that's ok, I'll probably have a belated Christmas supper with my family.

My favourite holiday food is my moms pumpkin pie and my boyfriends moms christmas cookies, they're kind of like shortbread but softer and a little different, she puts almond extract in them and its so good!

I mainly look forward to spending qood quality time with my family and sitting by the fire drinking hot chocolate. Presents are always nice too though lol!]]>
1. Do you celebrate Christmas? If not, do you celebrate something else this time of the year?
2. What are your holiday traditions?
3. Do you have a favourite holiday food?
4. What do you most look forward to about the holidays?

I do celebrate Christmas. I don't have any traditions perse besides having a large Christmas dinner with family and friends. We normally have turkey, mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, cranberry sauce, all the typical North American holiday fixings. This year unfortunately I will be working a night shift so I'll be spending Christmas with my pets but that's ok, I'll probably have a belated Christmas supper with my family.

My favourite holiday food is my moms pumpkin pie and my boyfriends moms christmas cookies, they're kind of like shortbread but softer and a little different, she puts almond extract in them and its so good!

I mainly look forward to spending qood quality time with my family and sitting by the fire drinking hot chocolate. Presents are always nice too though lol!]]> <![CDATA[Tell Me About Yourselves]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=135 Mon, 11 Dec 2023 21:34:52 +0000 candlewhisperer]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=135
What are your hobbies?
Do you have a favourite food?
Who is your favourite Harry Potter character and why? Who is your least favourite?
What's your personal favourite Hogwarts House?

My hobbies include reading, playing video games, baking, hiking and yoga (although I am very new to yoga).
I like a lot of food, if I had to pick one meal though I think I would pick spaghetti.
My favourite character from Harry Potter is Snape, I think he is so tragic and I loved Alan Rickman as an actor. I also had a crush o Draco Malfoy/Tom Felton even though he was an awful boy, I think he's misunderstood, plus I've always had a thing for the tragic bad boys lol. Of course I also love Hermione, the boys never would have gotten anywhere without her. Bellatrix is really cool too. It's so hard to just pick one! As for my least favourite, I think I would have to go with Umbridge, she almost ruined the colour pink for me, and I love pink!
My personal favourite House is Slytherin, I have been sorted by Pottermore in both Slytherin and Ravenclaw and love both those houses. The other two Houses are cool too. Frankly, I'll take being in any House if it means being in Hogwarts lol. Share your answers and feel free to ask more questions Big Grin

]]>
What are your hobbies?
Do you have a favourite food?
Who is your favourite Harry Potter character and why? Who is your least favourite?
What's your personal favourite Hogwarts House?

My hobbies include reading, playing video games, baking, hiking and yoga (although I am very new to yoga).
I like a lot of food, if I had to pick one meal though I think I would pick spaghetti.
My favourite character from Harry Potter is Snape, I think he is so tragic and I loved Alan Rickman as an actor. I also had a crush o Draco Malfoy/Tom Felton even though he was an awful boy, I think he's misunderstood, plus I've always had a thing for the tragic bad boys lol. Of course I also love Hermione, the boys never would have gotten anywhere without her. Bellatrix is really cool too. It's so hard to just pick one! As for my least favourite, I think I would have to go with Umbridge, she almost ruined the colour pink for me, and I love pink!
My personal favourite House is Slytherin, I have been sorted by Pottermore in both Slytherin and Ravenclaw and love both those houses. The other two Houses are cool too. Frankly, I'll take being in any House if it means being in Hogwarts lol. Share your answers and feel free to ask more questions Big Grin

]]> <![CDATA[Hi!]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=134 Mon, 11 Dec 2023 03:06:58 +0000 candlewhisperer]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=134 ]]> ]]> <![CDATA[Ready for the Weekend (Three Broomsticks)]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=133 Mon, 11 Dec 2023 02:30:26 +0000 Effie Thornheart]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=133 Three Broomsticks Inn, December 13, 1991 8:30PM
Outfit: https://lijing-shop.com/cdn/shop/product...1626795319

Effie entered the Three Broomsticks late Friday evening, a gust of wind blowing in from behind her, "shut the door" a chorus of drunk shouts rang out. Quickly doing as they said, Effie let out a little sigh and unbuttoned her black cape coat. Her nose and cheeks were pink from the crisp winters air and she was thankful for the sudden warmth of the Three Broomsticks. Giving Rosmerta a wave, the witch continued to an empty booth tucked away in a corner in the back. It had been a stressful week, on top of having to care for all the students that came down ill, were injured, were faking ill or had tried to magically induce illness, she had also been tasked by Madame Pomfrey to assist her with her research on finding better ways to regrow bone. All week her days had been busy and full of children and then she would be researching late into the night. This meant she had been having very little sleep and she was getting cranky having nearly lost her patience at a few students today. She decided a change in environment was needed, so here she was. Letting out yet another sigh, the blonde plopped down onto the bench facing the bar and entrance, threw her book bag to the wall and shrugged off her coat, leaving it lying behind her. She was wearing a white turtle neck top and black trousers with black boots that stopped just before her knees. Breathing in deeply she began pulling out heavy books, parchment paper, a quill and some ink from her book bag and placed them neatly in front of her. School hours were done and it was Friday evening but here she was still working, 'oh well, at least its interesting...sometimes', she thought to herself about the research.

Rosmerta had made her way to Effie, giving her a big smile.
"How's it going Effie?"
"Oh you know Rosmerta, another day, another Galleon. How are you?
"I'm doing just fine, what can I get you?"
"Just my usual."
"You sure you don't want something stronger? Might help you with your research" Rosmerta said with a laugh.
"Tempting but I'll just take the hot coco for now. Maybe I'll take you up on your offer later." Effie replied with a smile.
Rosmerta nodded and left the booth to get Effies order.

Opening up a book Effie began to neatly take notes about ingredients that promote bone growth. Taking a break when Rosmerta returned with her mug of hot cocoa, the tired witch set aside her books and note taking equipment. Rosmerta clunked down her hot coco and rushed back to the bar as a little grapple began to take place between two wizards. Effie surveyed the situation and thought 'there's certainly a different type of crowd here later in the evening compared to the day.' After ensuring Rosmerta was handling the situation alright Effie returned her attention to her hot coco, bringing it up close to her face and inhaling deeply, savoring the sweet scent. Then she took a small sip and let out a satisfied sigh. She loved hot coco, anything chocolate actually, and Rosmerta always made an especially good batch of hot coco. She took one last sip and then returned her attention to her books and notes.]]> Three Broomsticks Inn, December 13, 1991 8:30PM
Outfit: https://lijing-shop.com/cdn/shop/product...1626795319

Effie entered the Three Broomsticks late Friday evening, a gust of wind blowing in from behind her, "shut the door" a chorus of drunk shouts rang out. Quickly doing as they said, Effie let out a little sigh and unbuttoned her black cape coat. Her nose and cheeks were pink from the crisp winters air and she was thankful for the sudden warmth of the Three Broomsticks. Giving Rosmerta a wave, the witch continued to an empty booth tucked away in a corner in the back. It had been a stressful week, on top of having to care for all the students that came down ill, were injured, were faking ill or had tried to magically induce illness, she had also been tasked by Madame Pomfrey to assist her with her research on finding better ways to regrow bone. All week her days had been busy and full of children and then she would be researching late into the night. This meant she had been having very little sleep and she was getting cranky having nearly lost her patience at a few students today. She decided a change in environment was needed, so here she was. Letting out yet another sigh, the blonde plopped down onto the bench facing the bar and entrance, threw her book bag to the wall and shrugged off her coat, leaving it lying behind her. She was wearing a white turtle neck top and black trousers with black boots that stopped just before her knees. Breathing in deeply she began pulling out heavy books, parchment paper, a quill and some ink from her book bag and placed them neatly in front of her. School hours were done and it was Friday evening but here she was still working, 'oh well, at least its interesting...sometimes', she thought to herself about the research.

Rosmerta had made her way to Effie, giving her a big smile.
"How's it going Effie?"
"Oh you know Rosmerta, another day, another Galleon. How are you?
"I'm doing just fine, what can I get you?"
"Just my usual."
"You sure you don't want something stronger? Might help you with your research" Rosmerta said with a laugh.
"Tempting but I'll just take the hot coco for now. Maybe I'll take you up on your offer later." Effie replied with a smile.
Rosmerta nodded and left the booth to get Effies order.

Opening up a book Effie began to neatly take notes about ingredients that promote bone growth. Taking a break when Rosmerta returned with her mug of hot cocoa, the tired witch set aside her books and note taking equipment. Rosmerta clunked down her hot coco and rushed back to the bar as a little grapple began to take place between two wizards. Effie surveyed the situation and thought 'there's certainly a different type of crowd here later in the evening compared to the day.' After ensuring Rosmerta was handling the situation alright Effie returned her attention to her hot coco, bringing it up close to her face and inhaling deeply, savoring the sweet scent. Then she took a small sip and let out a satisfied sigh. She loved hot coco, anything chocolate actually, and Rosmerta always made an especially good batch of hot coco. She took one last sip and then returned her attention to her books and notes.]]> <![CDATA[THORNHEART, Effie]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=132 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 17:56:53 +0000 Effie Thornheart]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=132 ~ ABOUT ME ~
Username: candlewhisperer/ Effie Thornheart
Age: 29

~ CHARACTER ~

Play-by: Imogen Poots
STATUS: Main character

NAME: Euphemia (Effie) Raine Thornheart (she only goes by Effie or Ms. Thornheart)
BIRTH DATE & AGE: June 20, 1967, 18-25 years old (1985-1992)
BLOOD STATUS: Half-blood

OCCUPATION: Nurse at Hogwarts
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Hogwarts during the school year/ Oxford, England when its not the school year
FAMILY: Mom- Ophelia Thornheart (December, 1, 1942), Dad- Albert Thornheart (June 1, 1941), Effie is an only child.
Wand: Aspen, Unicorn hair, 10 inches, Rigid. Aspen wood has an outstanding charmwork reputation and is known for attracting magical folk who are revolutionaries. Unicorn hair is the most faithful of wand cores and offers the most consistency. This wand is unwilling to be possessed by any one other than Effie.
PATRONUS: Deerhound. Represents the comfort Effie finds in providing protection to those in need and the love she has for helping people and ensuring their safety.
BOGGART: Herself being buried alive. Possibly representing her suppressed emotions.

APPEARANCE: Effie had been a beautiful child with blonde (almost white) hair and wide striking blue eyes. Growing up her hair darkened but remained a dirty blonde, her eyes remain blue pools and she has a peaches-and-cream complexion which is normally clear but will breakout with pimples on the chin during times of stress. Her blonde hair is wavy and goes past her shoulders, but she often has it up high in a messy bun. She’s on the shorter side measuring 5 ft 4 inches and weighs 52kg. Her eyes are soft, and she has a kind smile. Normally she holds her head up high and is elegantly poised, the only exception being when she has had too little of sleep or has had an extra difficult work day.

[Image: 96de792a1978ab41c97e22ed748ab223.jpg]

[Image: 96de792a1978ab41c97e22ed748ab223.jpg]

PERSONALITY: Generous and kind-hearted, Effie is always offering to help those in need. But she is not one to be walked all over, she can be firm and determined when needed. She is often sought out by Hogwarts students seeking counsel and compassion which Effie is always happy to offer. People are drawn to the genuine kindness she emits. She loves to travel, see new things, and find adventures to go on. She enjoys flying but is not very good at it and has had many near falls off her broom, so she mainly travels by apparition and Floo Powder. Effie strongly dislikes Quidditch as she finds it too rough and has treated far too many injuries from the sport. She is extremely modest to a fault and tends to be overcritical about herself to the point where she has talked herself out of training to become a Head Healer because she feels she is not talented enough for such a role. She needs at least 8 hours of sleep during the night to function well throughout the day, anything less and she can be quite cranky. When she is cranky, she becomes sarcastic and quippy.
Besides travelling and healing, in her spare time she likes to socialize with friends although she doesn’t have many due to her busy schedule and to find quiet spots to writer in her journal. When off work she can be found either in the Library at Hogwarts or at the Three Broomsticks having a Butterbeer (she has a weakness for sweets). She likes to attend parties but does not let loose often.

HISTORY: Effie grew up in a happy traditional English household. A half-blood, her mom is a renowned Healer at St. Mungos while her father is a muggle Professor at Oxford University. She is an only child. Growing up she lived in a three bedroom brick house in Oxford. As academics, her parents raised her to be inquisitive and studious like themselves, nurturing her love for learning. Absolutely hating her ridiculous name (a family name that her mother insisted on using as it was ‘tradition’), she only goes by Effie. During her Hogwarts days she was almost sorted into Ravenclaw but at the last minute the Sorting Hat switched to Hufflepuff. Hufflepuff suited her as she had always been very kind-hearted. She shined in her classes but especially so in Potions, Herbology and Charms. Being a half-blood she did suffer occasionally from bullying by pureblood supremacists but it had been nothing too terrible and she was generally very well liked and popular in school.

1970-1981 The Wizarding War: Effie had only been three when the war officially began. Her parents tried to shield her from most of it which was difficult given the panicked fear amongst both magical and nonmagical communities. Albert and Ophelia were staunchly against the Dark Lord and his cronies the Deatheaters given that Albert is a muggle but with Effie first in their mind they kept quiet, hoping to lay low while the situation passed. But the situation did not pass, it lingered for over a decade. Soon it was impossible to lie low. Ophelia had made such a name for herself in the Healing community by 1975 that she garnered the attention of the Death Eaters. Angered that such a talented witch from a pureblood family would choose to marry a muggle and procreate with one, word got out to the Thornhearts that an attack from the Deatheaters would be imminent. Quickly, Ophelia organized for Albert and Effie to be sent away to a secret safe house while she stayed behind to work. Work at St. Mungos had never been busier for her since the war started, the causalities seemingly never ending. She began moving around like a nomad, never staying in one place for long although always turning up at work, she could never leave her patients behind. Sick and tired of the war and constantly fearing for her husband and daughters' lives she became involved with the Order of the Phoenix. Effie was brought out of hiding to attend Hogwarts in 1978 against her mothers wishes who had wanted to keep her hidden. An education was too important to Albert however and he insisted Effie needed to go, "I'll not let some bigoted bullies prevent my daughter from getting an education", he had adamantly stated. Thus Effie was kept safe at Hogwarts for the rest of the war while Professor Dumbledore led the school. When new hit on October 31, 1981 that the Dark Lord had been defeated by the infant Harry Potter, Ophelia nearly wept with the news, immediately retrieved her husband and began to rebuild their lives, moving back into their home.

1981-1985: Effie kept herself busy as a teenager. Excelling in school, having a healthy social life while also working a couple jobs to save money for her future schooling and adult life. She began with babysitting for friends of her parents at first, gaining quite a large clientele. At 15 she began working during the holidays at the Magical Menagerie ran by Saphira Scamander. This suited her well as she always loved animals and has a caring spirit. She worked there until she graduated from Hogwarts and began her nursing training.

1985-88: Effie graduated from Hogwarts as Head Prefect and one of the top students in her year. She immediately began training to become a nurse. Her life during this time was full of learning, studying and making strong friendships with her peers.

1988-Early 1990: After years of nursing training, Effie is hired as a nurse for a non-profit magical Healing organization that runs globally providing Healing assistance to those in need. The young witch loved this work. It was difficult and draining work but it put her Healing skills to the test and she was able to use her compassion and kindness to help others through their most difficult times. Effie thrived during this time abroad, experiencing new adventures and new people. While in the Middle East for work, Effie met the American wizard Charles Ibeus (38 years old), a Head Healer who was her Team Lead. The two became fast friends and soon the sparks were flying. Young and a little naive, Effie fell head over heels in love with Charles and a fast and heavy romance developed between the two despite it being frowned upon for Charles to be in a relationship with his subordinate and with their considerable age gap also being problematic for some, but none the less the two promised to move to New York City when their contracts were both done in 1990. Sure enough, in 1990 the two arrived together in New York City, a week of romance went by when Effie was confronted in a bookstore by a woman claiming to be Charles' wife. There was no denial from Charles when Effie told him what had happened and so heartbroken, defeated and ashamed Effie returned to her childhood home in Oxford, England to lick her wounds.

Late 1990-1992: The devastated witch returned home to recover from her heartache and embarrassment, unable to forgive her naivety and stupidity for not being able to see through Charles. She had been played with and then thrown away like a broken doll. The pain of being manipulated and lied to by the one she loved and the burn of knowing the part she played in causing pain to a whole family caused her to take a new cynical approach to relationships, swearing off them completely. With a renewed focus on her career she applied for the nursing position at Hogwarts after she saw an ad for the position in the Daily Prophet, it had been a last minute need that arose for the school. Much to her happiness she was offered the nursing position to start September 1, 1991.

She works in this position to present day. The job suits her well as it gives her a lot of time during the holidays to travel and she admires Madame Pomfrey who is a very skilled Healer. She has living quarters at Hogwarts for the school year and on holidays she either travels far or will stay at her childhood home in Oxford with her parents. Lately, she has been feeling exasperated with the world, she feels that the fight for equality has been convoluted and therefore has not taken a side in the current politics of the magical world.]]> ~ ABOUT ME ~
Username: candlewhisperer/ Effie Thornheart
Age: 29

~ CHARACTER ~

PERSONALITY: Generous and kind-hearted, Effie is always offering to help those in need. But she is not one to be walked all over, she can be firm and determined when needed. She is often sought out by Hogwarts students seeking counsel and compassion which Effie is always happy to offer. People are drawn to the genuine kindness she emits. She loves to travel, see new things, and find adventures to go on. She enjoys flying but is not very good at it and has had many near falls off her broom, so she mainly travels by apparition and Floo Powder. Effie strongly dislikes Quidditch as she finds it too rough and has treated far too many injuries from the sport. She is extremely modest to a fault and tends to be overcritical about herself to the point where she has talked herself out of training to become a Head Healer because she feels she is not talented enough for such a role. She needs at least 8 hours of sleep during the night to function well throughout the day, anything less and she can be quite cranky. When she is cranky, she becomes sarcastic and quippy.
Besides travelling and healing, in her spare time she likes to socialize with friends although she doesn’t have many due to her busy schedule and to find quiet spots to writer in her journal. When off work she can be found either in the Library at Hogwarts or at the Three Broomsticks having a Butterbeer (she has a weakness for sweets). She likes to attend parties but does not let loose often.

HISTORY: Effie grew up in a happy traditional English household. A half-blood, her mom is a renowned Healer at St. Mungos while her father is a muggle Professor at Oxford University. She is an only child. Growing up she lived in a three bedroom brick house in Oxford. As academics, her parents raised her to be inquisitive and studious like themselves, nurturing her love for learning. Absolutely hating her ridiculous name (a family name that her mother insisted on using as it was ‘tradition’), she only goes by Effie. During her Hogwarts days she was almost sorted into Ravenclaw but at the last minute the Sorting Hat switched to Hufflepuff. Hufflepuff suited her as she had always been very kind-hearted. She shined in her classes but especially so in Potions, Herbology and Charms. Being a half-blood she did suffer occasionally from bullying by pureblood supremacists but it had been nothing too terrible and she was generally very well liked and popular in school.

1970-1981 The Wizarding War: Effie had only been three when the war officially began. Her parents tried to shield her from most of it which was difficult given the panicked fear amongst both magical and nonmagical communities. Albert and Ophelia were staunchly against the Dark Lord and his cronies the Deatheaters given that Albert is a muggle but with Effie first in their mind they kept quiet, hoping to lay low while the situation passed. But the situation did not pass, it lingered for over a decade. Soon it was impossible to lie low. Ophelia had made such a name for herself in the Healing community by 1975 that she garnered the attention of the Death Eaters. Angered that such a talented witch from a pureblood family would choose to marry a muggle and procreate with one, word got out to the Thornhearts that an attack from the Deatheaters would be imminent. Quickly, Ophelia organized for Albert and Effie to be sent away to a secret safe house while she stayed behind to work. Work at St. Mungos had never been busier for her since the war started, the causalities seemingly never ending. She began moving around like a nomad, never staying in one place for long although always turning up at work, she could never leave her patients behind. Sick and tired of the war and constantly fearing for her husband and daughters' lives she became involved with the Order of the Phoenix. Effie was brought out of hiding to attend Hogwarts in 1978 against her mothers wishes who had wanted to keep her hidden. An education was too important to Albert however and he insisted Effie needed to go, "I'll not let some bigoted bullies prevent my daughter from getting an education", he had adamantly stated. Thus Effie was kept safe at Hogwarts for the rest of the war while Professor Dumbledore led the school. When new hit on October 31, 1981 that the Dark Lord had been defeated by the infant Harry Potter, Ophelia nearly wept with the news, immediately retrieved her husband and began to rebuild their lives, moving back into their home.

1981-1985: Effie kept herself busy as a teenager. Excelling in school, having a healthy social life while also working a couple jobs to save money for her future schooling and adult life. She began with babysitting for friends of her parents at first, gaining quite a large clientele. At 15 she began working during the holidays at the Magical Menagerie ran by Saphira Scamander. This suited her well as she always loved animals and has a caring spirit. She worked there until she graduated from Hogwarts and began her nursing training.

1985-88: Effie graduated from Hogwarts as Head Prefect and one of the top students in her year. She immediately began training to become a nurse. Her life during this time was full of learning, studying and making strong friendships with her peers.

1988-Early 1990: After years of nursing training, Effie is hired as a nurse for a non-profit magical Healing organization that runs globally providing Healing assistance to those in need. The young witch loved this work. It was difficult and draining work but it put her Healing skills to the test and she was able to use her compassion and kindness to help others through their most difficult times. Effie thrived during this time abroad, experiencing new adventures and new people. While in the Middle East for work, Effie met the American wizard Charles Ibeus (38 years old), a Head Healer who was her Team Lead. The two became fast friends and soon the sparks were flying. Young and a little naive, Effie fell head over heels in love with Charles and a fast and heavy romance developed between the two despite it being frowned upon for Charles to be in a relationship with his subordinate and with their considerable age gap also being problematic for some, but none the less the two promised to move to New York City when their contracts were both done in 1990. Sure enough, in 1990 the two arrived together in New York City, a week of romance went by when Effie was confronted in a bookstore by a woman claiming to be Charles' wife. There was no denial from Charles when Effie told him what had happened and so heartbroken, defeated and ashamed Effie returned to her childhood home in Oxford, England to lick her wounds.

Late 1990-1992: The devastated witch returned home to recover from her heartache and embarrassment, unable to forgive her naivety and stupidity for not being able to see through Charles. She had been played with and then thrown away like a broken doll. The pain of being manipulated and lied to by the one she loved and the burn of knowing the part she played in causing pain to a whole family caused her to take a new cynical approach to relationships, swearing off them completely. With a renewed focus on her career she applied for the nursing position at Hogwarts after she saw an ad for the position in the Daily Prophet, it had been a last minute need that arose for the school. Much to her happiness she was offered the nursing position to start September 1, 1991.

She works in this position to present day. The job suits her well as it gives her a lot of time during the holidays to travel and she admires Madame Pomfrey who is a very skilled Healer. She has living quarters at Hogwarts for the school year and on holidays she either travels far or will stay at her childhood home in Oxford with her parents. Lately, she has been feeling exasperated with the world, she feels that the fight for equality has been convoluted and therefore has not taken a side in the current politics of the magical world.]]> <![CDATA[A change to how Children of Merlin fucntions]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=130 Wed, 08 Feb 2023 17:00:47 +0000 Kieran]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=130
- They don't have monthly meetings. Instead, the leader calls for group meetings only whenever he feels it necessary. He writes to individual members personally via owl post and expects a confirmation reply from each of them. He never gathers all members together, so no one knows exactly how many members there are.

- No one is allowed to use the headquarters outside these group meetings, other than the leader himself. Unless the member or ally has received special permission from the leader for some reason.

- One-on-one communication between members or the leader and members happen through coded mesages via owl post. Other than that, messages everyone needs to read, still happen through coded messages on the Daily Propher's Readers' Column.

^These should help keep things simple whilst still offering players' freedom.
Also:

- The only people who know for sure what the leader genuinely looks like (as in have seen him without Polyjuice Potion) are those who have been approved as official members. The leaders' real name is known only by members and allies who are his personal and old friends. Most members also don't know very much about the leader's private life or past, they learn things about him on need-to-know basis.]]>
- They don't have monthly meetings. Instead, the leader calls for group meetings only whenever he feels it necessary. He writes to individual members personally via owl post and expects a confirmation reply from each of them. He never gathers all members together, so no one knows exactly how many members there are.

- No one is allowed to use the headquarters outside these group meetings, other than the leader himself. Unless the member or ally has received special permission from the leader for some reason.

- One-on-one communication between members or the leader and members happen through coded mesages via owl post. Other than that, messages everyone needs to read, still happen through coded messages on the Daily Propher's Readers' Column.

^These should help keep things simple whilst still offering players' freedom.
Also:

- The only people who know for sure what the leader genuinely looks like (as in have seen him without Polyjuice Potion) are those who have been approved as official members. The leaders' real name is known only by members and allies who are his personal and old friends. Most members also don't know very much about the leader's private life or past, they learn things about him on need-to-know basis.]]> <![CDATA[Secret society members & wizarding families]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=129 Thu, 02 Feb 2023 18:56:58 +0000 Kieran]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=129 ORIGINAL MEMBER(S) OF "CHILDREN OF MERLIN"

Close friends of the founder/leader Old friends from long before he founded the society.

* A retired Auror from United States
(The leader used to be an FBI Special Agent in the 1950s and 1960s, retired years ago. And he's an Animagus.) This old friend always disagreed with the backwards attitudes MACUSA had about wizard-muggle relationships and other closeminded government policies. So he was glad to and fiercely loyally joined his friend's cause in Britain that has its own such problems. He could be a werewolf (but doesn't have to be), and be a spy in the Ministry for the secret society. They would share interests and views outside of these matters too, of course. This friend could be either man or a woman.

* A former Hogwarts professor
She was a Potions professor at Hogwarts in the 1970s and befriended my OC. (The leader was a Transfiguration professor there between 1972-1975.) This friend is also a muggle-born who's struggled in the wizarding society because of it. They bonded over common interests and values. She too is an Animagus. She has a son who back then was a firt year at Hogwarts. The kid's father (possibly a blood-purist) had abandoned them when the boy was born. My OC becamse sort of a father-figure to the boy and developed a close bond with him, which she appreciated. All this past made them close, good friends and her want to join his cause in the 1980s.

I'm looking for players who are interested in writing threads also in a slice of life style as in also write threads that have nothing or very little to do with the secret society part but that are just about their friendship and lives in general. Yes, we may focus on the site-wide plot stuff but that's not all I want to do. I want well-rounded character and relationship development. (I play the founder/leader.)

WIZARDING FAMILIES

All wizardkind regardless of blood status, wealth, or social standing are more or less affected by the threat the secret society poses. Be it positively or negatively. To have the best chance to survive the threat, they should either fight the secret society as in find a way to aid the Ministry, or support the secret society's cause in some way. But some may still want to or need to choose the middle ground of just trying to live their life as normally as possible. Anyway, the world situation is likely to cause clashes between different kind of families and personalities way more than usually but then also the threat concerns everyone whilst nothing's black-and-white, so unlikely friendships can form. As can just regular friendships as people bond over shared situations.

Also, at one point something happens at Hogwarts that causes a lot of parents to pull their children out and opt to homeschool them instead. Which offers further plotting possibilities.

Right now there's my two wizarding families whose fathers are in law enforcement, (an Auror and a muggle police force officer), mothers are muggle-borns, and they have young children of which one is a squib and one a werewolf. They don't let the world situation consume their lives. So they can associate with many kinds of families and people. I'm looking to write in a slice of life way, so that not every single game event involves the site-wide plot. I want well-rounded character and relationship development.

* Newt Scamander

My OC family is his kin and I vision they're close with him. I created his nephew (who's an Auror) and nephew's wife (who owns Magical Menagery) and son (who's very young and equally enthusiastic about fantastic beasts and where to find them)...So, Newt's nephew is likely to be one of those Aurors trying to bring Children of Merlin down whilst his wife may feel conflicted about the whole thing, and their son may feel torn. I think it would be interesting to see what the older Newt would do in this world situation.

* A muggle and a squib with a young werewolf son

Both parents could be squibs if you absolutely don't want to write about a muggle. To befriend my OC family who has a young werewolf son and a young squib daughter and a muggle-born mother. Your family's father is a police officer collegue of my family's father who is a wizard working in the muggle police force. The collegue just so happens to have a squib wife and also have a young werewolf son. Their son is tormented by being a werewolf whilst my OC family's son is enthusiastic about it. They're hoping the boys' polar opposite attitudes could balance each other out a little bit to make it healthier for them. The friend family's squib mother could support my OC family's daughter what with them feeling like they fall in between belonging to neither society truly. My OC family's mother is also out of the picture at that point so the friend family's squib mother would kinda be a mother-figure to her. As they spend time together outside of work and as families they discover they have more positive things in common as well, (interests and values.)

THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE YEAR 1991-1992

We cover also this canon event year, and we already have a few student characters (aged 11-13) who offer a lot of possibilities. They have parents who can also be brought in if needed. So, other students as well as Hogwarts staff would be awesome so we could enjoy this part o fthe timeline as well. Hogwarts has a lot of teachers for each subject so OCs can be created too. A Hogwarts teacher can be a squib too, as most of the subjects don't requite spell casting abilities + in this RPGs universe Hogwarts subjects include also english, science and math. Of course Hogwarts staff has plenty of possibilities during that site-wide main plot too, especially during school breaks.

* Ravenclaw boy

To befriend my OC who's Newt Scamander's relative and equally enthusiastic about fantastic beasts and where to find them and caring for them. They could have adventures in the Forbidden Forest and study Fluffy. Outside of Hogwarts they could enjoy Newt's menagery and my OCs pet niffler or work in his mother's pet shop. And just generally develop their friendship as pre-teens in the wizarding society. They befriended before Hogwarts and could be in some way involved in the Children of Merlin plot as well as they were 8 to 10 year olds when that took place and my OCs father is an Auror.]]> ORIGINAL MEMBER(S) OF "CHILDREN OF MERLIN"

Close friends of the founder/leader Old friends from long before he founded the society.

WIZARDING FAMILIES

THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE YEAR 1991-1992

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

305 sq m / 3283 sq ft. + an attic
The Rear Garden is 17 x 17 yards.

Camera is on eye level of a person 5' 4'' (or 175 cm) tall.
I recommend zooming in, to get the smoothest and most accurate viewing.

If you don't see white circles and room names, press F5 and they should appear.

720° VIRTUAL TOUR

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

MORE DETAILS

What you may want to see better.
You can zoom in much more in these images.

Photographs
Office Decor
London Painting
Hallway Decor
TV table
Phoenix's posters
Kitchen cabinet 1 & 2 (opened)
Foyer Wardrobe Handles
Foyer Wall Clock
Foyer Birds Side Table
BOSCH Security Alarm Keypad

Den Decor 1 & 2
Dining Room Decor 1 & 2
Dining Room Fireplace

]]> Floorplan, Interior Design & Character © Kieran

SCAMANDERS' HOUSE

7 Walmer Gardens, Ealing, London

front view

STREET VIEW

]]> <![CDATA[KING, Jacob]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=127 Wed, 06 Jul 2022 06:27:37 +0000 Jacob King]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=127 Floorplan, Interior Design & Character © Kieran

JACOB KING'S HOUSE

9 Kingsley Avenue, Sutton, London

front view

STREET VIEW

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

283 sq m / 3046 sq ft.

(If the finished basement is included: 387 sq m / 4166 sq ft.
The Rear Garden is 22 yards wide and 20 yards deep.)

Camera is on eye level of a person 5' 4'' (or 175 cm) tall.
I recommend zooming in, to get the smoothest and most accurate viewing.

If you don't see white circles and room names, press F5 and they should appear.

720° VIRTUAL TOUR

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

MORE DETAILS

What you may want to see better.
You can zoom in much more in these images.

Video Game Cabinet
Den Art Figurines
Dining Room Fireplace
London paintings
Patio Lamp
Basement Wall Clock

Garden Play Area
from the back and side

Hunter's Room
bedsheets, books 1 & 2
Legos, coloring stuff
posters 1 - 2 - 3
toy box & night light

Freya's Room
books 1 & 2, coloring books 1 & 2,
posters 1 & 2, bedsheets

]]> Floorplan, Interior Design & Character © Kieran

JACOB KING'S HOUSE

9 Kingsley Avenue, Sutton, London

front view

STREET VIEW

]]> <![CDATA[JAMES, Zachary]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=126 Wed, 06 Jul 2022 02:14:33 +0000 Zachary James]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=126 Interior Design & Character © Kieran

ZACHARY JAMES' HOME

(Founder & leader of Children of Merlin)

ADDRESS

1-12 East Vale, Third Ave, Acton, London
2nd Floor
Flat 4

building front
(there's a door phone)

STREET VIEW
(You can go on to the side street on the left
and see what it looks like in the back.)

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

105 sq m / 1130 sq ft.

Camera is on eye level of a person 5' 4'' (or 175 cm) tall.
I recommend zooming in, to get the smoothest and most accurate viewing.

If you don't see white circles and room names, press F5 and they should appear.

720° VIRTUAL TOUR
]]> Interior Design & Character © Kieran

ZACHARY JAMES' HOME

(Founder & leader of Children of Merlin)

ADDRESS

1-12 East Vale, Third Ave, Acton, London
2nd Floor
Flat 4

building front
(there's a door phone)

STREET VIEW
(You can go on to the side street on the left
and see what it looks like in the back.)

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

105 sq m / 1130 sq ft.

Camera is on eye level of a person 5' 4'' (or 175 cm) tall.
I recommend zooming in, to get the smoothest and most accurate viewing.

If you don't see white circles and room names, press F5 and they should appear.

720° VIRTUAL TOUR
]]> <![CDATA[New site-wide plot]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=125 Wed, 10 Nov 2021 02:23:03 +0000 Kieran]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=125 <![CDATA[BASICS & PLOT]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=124 Wed, 10 Nov 2021 00:22:17 +0000 Kieran]]> https://hiddenkiss.net/nevermore/showthread.php?tid=124 BASICS

Children of Merlin was foundd on July 18th 2015 under the name Nevermore, and is run by Kieran. In November 2021 I made up a whole new plot. Our player base has been mostly between 25-40 years old, and our minimum age for joining is 18. Content rating here is 3-3-3 or free-for-all. Our primary method of contact is Discord, but feel free to use the cbox or to send me a private message.

PLAYABLE CHARACTERS

Canons and original characters are accepted, as are a lot of canon species.
We have board-canon lore on many species so check this out before applying for a magical creature. We don't accept mixed creatures like veela-vampires or such.

BASE

We base on the seven Harry Potter books and the two companion books Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages, adapted with our own site-lore. We do not accept lore from Pottermore or the Fantastic Beasts movies, nor from the Harry Potter films or video games. And the Cursed Child never happens. Exceptions may be made upon a request but such must be first approved by the admin. Please use the information found on site first and foremost. If you have any questions or suggestions, contact Kieran.

TIMELINE

1985-1992

You don't have to make use of the full timeline. Time is fluid here, so you can make use of any month and year at any time without any hurry. You can also set game events outside the timeline, according to your character development needs - but the focus of this RPG is supposed to be on the timeline years. There's a calendar link in the floating main menu above and on the Plotting & Planning forum.

[Image: 108c8daa611d6425865366bedcd2b606.jpg]

THE PLOT

After Voldemort disappeared and Harry Potter was taken somewhere to live in peace away from his fame, after the Longbottoms' cruel fate and the Crouch family scandal, the wizarding society had difficulties recovering. Many struggled to find peace of mind and happiness after so much terror and loss during the war and living with the uncertainty of what really happened to Voldemort. The Ministry of Magic on its behalf struggles to regain people's trust.

People lost a lot of trust and faith in the wizarding government because the Ministry let known Death Eaters walk free, even judge Crouch's son was a Death Eater and tortured the Longbottoms to insanity and Crouch sent his own son to Azkaban for life after publicly disowning him. He sent a lot of people there without a proper trial if gave them any at all, whilst used controversial methods in fighting Voldemort. Most notably allowing Aurors to use the Unforgivable Curses even on suspects. And then it was a toddler who seemingly defeated Voldemort and not the Ministry's people.

For a few years Daily Prophet's Readers' Column section reflected all this, people kept sharing and discussing their fears and views keeping the Ministry under pressure to prove it cares about morals and family values and that it can be trusted to do better next time if Voldemort should ever resurface or another one like him rise. Many also criticised the decision to hide Harry Potter away, the one person who obviously had the power to defeat dark wizards as powerful as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. In an effort to prove themselves the Ministry couldn't forbid Daily Prophet to publish them but some letters sent in were heavily censored which frustrated and outraged people even more.

Until in January 1985 letters start appearing with a very concerning or very hopeful message, depending on your point of view and personal beliefs. They are so anti-establishment, in parts so truthful, and thus potentially dangerous that the Ministry controlled Daily Prophet won't publish them or any talk about them on the Readers' Column. Those letters were published every month in some other newspapers - one on the first day of each month - and people started cutting them out and sharing them on Diagon Alley and other all-wizarding areas so the word spread fast.

The Letters

The letters lay out a vision of future where the Ministry no longer exists and most wizardkind have lost their magical powers, leaving only a select few to rule and carry on the magical bloodlines. A world where muggle-borns and squibs are all treated the same as half-bloods and purebloods, and where werewolves and vampires are understood and not shunned. A world where magic is kept secret from muggles but is not thought of as something that makes one superior, and where people like Grindelwald and Voldemort can never rise again.

The authors call themselves the Children of Merlin; wizards, witches and squibs who favour squibs, muggle-borns and their relatives over half-bloods and purebloods. That is, those who understand what it is to be looked down on, shunned and bullied just because of one's heritage or lack of magical power.

They claim that their founder and leader actually is a descendent of Merlin and that he has access to an ancient potion recipe that once brewn can strip anyone of their magical powers if drinking it or anything if submerged in it. The recipe however is incomplete and some of the ingredients that are known are extremely difficult to get so the potion isn't fully effective yet. They are recruiting members who share in their view and want to help them research and complete the potion for use.

They point out that the Ministry's Trace that tracks underage magic use has been made to function so vaguely and inefficiently that it really only targets muggle-borns and anyone who lives in a muggle family, bullying and punishing them for not having all magical families whilst giving all-wizarding families total advantage in magical education and self-defence. And how Hogwarts won't admit and teach squibs despite of most of its subjects not requiring the ability to cast spells.

They also point out that the most powerful of wizardkind tend to either go dark and seek world domination through war and murder, or choose not to use their influential power to better the wizarding government. They say it's especially inexcusable because the wizarding society is integrated into the muggle society and thus everyone should be perfectly aware of how muggle-borns and squibs are just as valuable, as are muggles, and how some muggle inventions are far more useful than magic. That magic and magical power isn't automatically superior.

As months pass it becomes increasingly clear that the letters are truly from a secret society that seeks to change the world and not just some lone radical with no significant powers. Below is more details about what happens during our timeline because of them. And for those who may want their character to be or become a member or an ally here is more info about them.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Reception & the First Scare

Because the Children of Merlin don't seek to reveal magic's existence to muggles nor to start a war, some people are drawn to them regardless of their own blood status. Some genuinely agreeing with them and wanting the same thing, and some just hoping to get in to keep their magic in case they succeed in bringing their vision forth. Whereas others feel they're too radical to support.

The Ministry doesn't take the letters seriously until after the September 1985 letter makes a threat against Hogwarts and then in October there is no letter but a significant number of students and professors at Hogwarts begin to show unusually consistent and severe decrease in their spell casting skills and powers, as are many residents of Hogsmeade. It is suspected that the Children of Merlin has members inside Hogwarts and that they've put something in the water or are tricking people into drinking the unfinished potion. These cases are nothing more than the placebo effect, but no one can know for sure. A booming business of antidotes, amulets and other protective charms spreads all over Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley whilst anyone trying to start up a new potioneer business in general struggles to do so due to lack of trust.

Now seemingly qualifying as a terrorist group in addition to anti-government group, the Ministry of Magic finally directs some of its resources into serious efforts to discover and disband the Children of Merlin and to destroy the weapon they claim to have access to. Anyone suspected of being a member can be brought in for questioning and put under surveillance, and spreading the letters is made illegal. Punishment for doing so is a very large fine. Meanwhile many parents pull their children out of Hogwarts to be home schooled instead, some by themselves and some hiring tutors from the Ministry. No more mass cases like the Hogwarts one happen, but occasionally an individual case here and another there. All placebo, the threatened potion is not yet in use.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Fantastic beasts help both sides

In January 1986 Children of Merlin start using fired house-elves to help in achieving their goals of research and ingredient hunting. They do this in secret and for the most part treat them well. Those who own house-elves may suspect something's going on and some order their house-elves to investigate. At the same time, the Ministry attempts to break it up by secretly hiring werewolves and vampires, to utilise their heightened senses and animal forms in spying and their social status to perhaps even infiltrate into the Children of Merlin for the Ministry. With little success, because most do not trust the Ministry or other wizardkind enough to step forward and reveal themselves as such. But some do, with the understanding that if the magical population was to drop, their chances of ever getting a cure would drop to virtually none.

Nothing major happens this year and there has been no letters since December '85, and the Ministry keeps reporting small successes in their attempts, making the public think maybe the Ministry is winning but in fact the Ministry is not much closer to finding the headquarters of the secret society nor to knowing who its leader is.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Rising Crime

April 1st 1987 Ollivander's wand shop is broken into and burned down. Ollivander continues working and selling his wands from his home until the shop is rebuilt. After this and other similar cases of somehow vandalised certain type of businesses*, being proven a Child of Merlin or their ally may lead to a prison sentence of some length, depending on what and how much is proven or if the Ministry decides to make an example of someone. These crimes may or may not have been committed by the secret society as it has outsider supporters and some people may be just trying to get away with vandalism.

Meanwhile Children of Merlin are no longer recruiting only on the streets and pubs, but people who openly advicate for muggle-born, muggle and/or squib rights or downright have any of those in their families may get letters encouraging them to join despite of it been made illegal but at least to continue their good work outside of the group. They understand that the more right-minded wizardkind there is once the potion is ready the better it is for the magical gene pool of the future.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

The Ministry's Victory

May 1st 1988 the potion has successfully rendered a working magic wand useless so it's believed ready for testing on something living. One of their house-elf allies volunteers to test it. The potion puts her in deep magical coma. Though it doesn't work quite as intended, it is considered good progress. They arrange professional care for the brave, comatose house-elf and start working on an antidote whilst also continuing to improve the weapon.

The Ministry has managed to get in a couple of Aurors as spies, at least a year or two earlier. By this time those two have gained enough knowledge about the members, and the way the society functions, and gained the leader's trust. On May 7th 1988 they are able to trick the leader into drinking the potion himself. He is moved to the St. Mungos' to be looked after until the antidote is ready and he can be brought back to stand trial. Further arrests of members and ellies are made in the following weeks. The Daily Prophet reports all this that.

May 8th 1988. The Ministry assures the public that everyone is safe now, the whole secret society has been disbanded and the potion and its recipe will be destroyed as soon as the antidote has been brewn to wake the leader. Until then they'll be kept In a secure location. (But really it won't be destroyed. It'll secretly remain in the Ministry's hands and they try to perfect it so they could use it against Voldemort should he return. And likely would use its threat in order to get confessions and things like that. But they will not succeed to perfect it for such use.)

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

The Aftermath

For the next few months newspapers report about the trials and sentences of the members and known allies. Some are sent to Azkaban for a time, some are not but sentenced to community service instead. Depending on what their part in the operation was. In November the antidote is figured out and the leader stands trial. He is charged with terrorism and treason. The trial lasts a full year because the man is wealthy and can afford some of the best lawyers the British wizarding society has, but in November 1989 he is convicted and sentenced to Azkaban for 15 to 20 years.

Chidren of Merlin were not a complete failure. Their cause was never completely overshadowed by their methods, especially with some supporters driving it in legal ways. So the Ministry agrees to look into and make some reforms to laws and policies regarding muggle-borns, squibs and other minority groups. But, just as in the muggle government and politics, non-emergency changes are slow. Changes to the Trace or Hogwarts admittance policy for example, do not happen any time soon but the Ministry starts enforcing the Trace a little less harshly for a time.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

1989 and beyond

Newspapers report about the leader's trial, but the wizarding society's life is blessedly peaceful in that no major threats occur and trust in the government has increased more or less. Harry's first school year 1991-1992 goes as it does in canon. In the summer of 1992 the wizarding society is buzzing again, with the rumours of You-Know-Who having resurfaced.]]> BASICS

Children of Merlin was foundd on July 18th 2015 under the name Nevermore, and is run by Kieran. In November 2021 I made up a whole new plot. Our player base has been mostly between 25-40 years old, and our minimum age for joining is 18. Content rating here is 3-3-3 or free-for-all. Our primary method of contact is Discord, but feel free to use the cbox or to send me a private message.

PLAYABLE CHARACTERS

Canons and original characters are accepted, as are a lot of canon species.
We have board-canon lore on many species so check this out before applying for a magical creature. We don't accept mixed creatures like veela-vampires or such.

BASE

We base on the seven Harry Potter books and the two companion books Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages, adapted with our own site-lore. We do not accept lore from Pottermore or the Fantastic Beasts movies, nor from the Harry Potter films or video games. And the Cursed Child never happens. Exceptions may be made upon a request but such must be first approved by the admin. Please use the information found on site first and foremost. If you have any questions or suggestions, contact Kieran.

THE PLOT

The Letters

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Reception & the First Scare

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Fantastic beasts help both sides

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Rising Crime

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

The Ministry's Victory

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

The Aftermath

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

1989 and beyond

[Image: 078c5c3ae018e9648844bfa1c1d3dfbd.jpg]

[photo]

NAME

Zachary Adrian James
(”Zach”)

AGE
62-69 years

(* 25/10/1922)

BLOOD

Muggle-born / english-american

OCCUPATION
An editor of Daily Prophet
* Former professor of Transfiguration at Hogwarts (1971-1975)
* Former FBI Special Agent

RESIDENCE

1-12 East Vale, Acton, London, England
Flat 4
---> Nearly photo-realistic 720° Virtual Tour

FAMILY

Mother: Elizabeth Hazel James (née. Austin) - * 1900 - d. 1960 | British

Father: William Carl James- * 1900 - d. 12/1941 | American

APPEARANCE

Height/Weight: 185 cm | 6'1'' / 80 kg | 177 lbs.

Eyes: green

Hair: light brown, though a bit greying already.

Animagus form: raven

He looks older than the average wizard of his age; right around a muggle of his age. Because stressful life has aged him fast, but due to the magical blood has not aged beyond his years in muggles' eyes. Despite of the middle-aged appearance he has an athletic body and the physical endurance of a 35-year old, as he has kept himself in shape for his job. His basic being is determined, calm and intelligent, as well as deep and serious. Even so he usually gives a friendly first impression, and his being may become very warm and inviting as he feels deeply and extremely. He's simply able to control his emotions very well in certain types of situations.

[Image: c120f355b649662aa9e2196aa19b15d3.jpg]

~ LIFE ~

Zach was born on a small farm in Minnesota, USA, and had a happy childhood apart from being bullied at school where he was seen as a freak due to the accidental magic he manifested. Yet he had a handful of good friends, just all of them were labelled as losers for whatever reason. In the summer of 1934 the answer to everything arrived with a letter and a couple of days later further with the principal of Ilvermorny the school of witchcraft and wizardry. Zach attended it, wanting to know this new and exciting side of himself but dropped out after two years. His father was extremely patriotic and people-loving person, and had inspired the same in his son. Zach did not, back then, see how education at Ilvermorny would enable him to serve his country and other people - due to the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy. He'd also for several years already, dreamt of a career in law enforcement, particularly in the secret service.

In December of 1941 he wished he'd stayed in the wizarding school for a few more years or at least continued studying magic at home – maybe then he would have had skills to protect his family and friends from weapons of mass destruction. In spring of 1942, at age nineteen, he was drafted; United States had joined the World War II in the previous December after the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. His own father had served in the US Navy and died there that day. From April 1942 to the summer of 1945 Zach defended his country against the Japanese and at times against the Nazi soldiers, though the first year he spent in the army training. Loss of his father, the horrors of war, and the constant worry about his family and friends' safety only strengthened his desire to aim at a career in the FBI. He wanted to make the world a little bit safer and better, to try and lessen all the death and suffering.

Homecoming was happy in that his mother and friends had survived and he himself hadn't suffered any major physical injuries - but very difficult with PTSD, (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) troubling him for a long time and almost preventing him from choosing his dream career. Zach took small steps, patiently descended back into normal life. He spent a lot of time with his mother, and he made it forward with the help of his mother, therapy, medication as well as those friends who'd also survived the war. During these post-war years he stepped more into the wizarding society, made friends there, studied charms and generally magic further, and even became an animagus - which he figured could be useful if he ever became an FBI agent. Fortunately his animal form turned out to be very suitable for that purpose.

He had a couple of serious romantic relationships during these years but they both ended because of wanting different things from life. In 1953 Zach graduated as an FBI Special Agent for their criminal investigation department. The job took most of his time, but almost all his spare time that he did not sleep he spent with his loved ones. During longer vacations he usually took some "me-time" to be by himself. Sometimes he was certain he'd never want to bring a child into this cruel and cold world, but other times he felt like a child was the one thing still missing from his life. But 50+ hour work weeks in a mobile and dangerous job prevented any serious and long-term relationships from forming.

In the '70s Zach retired, and moved to Britain. Though he didn't find its wizarding government agreeable, at least the British didn't try to dectate who he could have relationships with. The longer he lived there the more clear it became to him that the issue of inequality are far worse than it initially seemed and that a lot of the wizardkind have a superiority complex and their governments show it especially well. He felt it was time to seek true equality and find out how many wizards and witches have the guts to truly try and change the establishment or at least the heart to start making changes on individual level.

~ PERSONALITY

His determined, persuasive and strong personality and his desire to search until the truth is revealed combined with resourcefulness, great discretion and adaptability made a path in FBI's service a natural one. Zach bases his decisions on facts and strong conclusions and he's excellent in bringing order into chaos, making him a strong leader. But he never aimed at the higher ranks in his job for especially when he was younger he desired adventure and field work. Generally in life he instinctively seeks a leadership position and rather starts his own projects than joins someone else's.

Zachin basic nature is calm and cool, and patient – on the other hand he can quickly become aggressive if the situation is painful or threatening enough which may surprise an observer – which all in part helped him return home from the war. He won't reveal even the smallest of secrets, not even under torture, his own or anyone else's. He hates that kind of betrayal as much as dishonesty in general. But he does understand the difference between a white and black lie as well as how some situations require it – after all his job demands undercover operations, and thus he does not judge all dishonesty harshly if at all. Still, his trust is extremely hard to win back if it's once been built and then lost. Especially as he is initially/basically distrustful towards new people.

Distrustful and secretive nature makes it difficult for him to form significantly close friendships. He does like to hold conversations and discuss even deep stuff, and is relatively social, but he doesn't give a very easily approachable first impression nor reveal deeply personal stuff from his past easily. Usually when he steps into a crowded room he tends to blend in and observe everything and everyone before freely socialising. Zach is brave, friendly and likes to help which has formed him a wide social circle albeit mostly acquaintances and good mates rather than friends.

He's often unyielding even when he recognises that it would be better to give in. Although he feels deeply he won't let it show outside of his nearest and dearest. Zach is very devoted to any big project he starts and has a clear value rank for them. He lives with deep feeling, is very protective and does show a lot of affection, but only family and closest friends get to experience all the colours and depths of his soul. If you wrong him he may hold a grudge for the rest of his life and may even avenge – on the other hand he also remembers kindness and good deeds as well, and takes a chance to repay.

He hates living in another person's home, literally he'd rather live in a box outside than in someone else's home for a longer period of time. Even if he paid rent. Zach always does everything in his power to find a place of his own in any given life situation. It's not so much about pride as it is about being fiercely independent and survivalist so he simply doesn't feel at home anywhere that he hasn't built or earned himself.

Results of his own work, achievements and control of his own life are extremely important to him. As serious/solemn as he is he does also have a lighter and playful side which shows especially around Halloween and young children.

[Image: a42588cf23b76a3ad4d5f3ebc44d9195.jpg]

[age 19] – [age 40+]

~ MISC

* speaking voice

- Founder and leader of the secret society, Children of Merlin.

- Skilled at Occlumency, to the degree of being able to make his mind blank. Can't do Legilimency at all despite the same very good old friend who helped him learn Occlumency, offering the chance to practise that too. He simply respects people's privacy too much to do that and trusts his non-magical skill of being able to tell if someone is lying to him.

- He's very powerful in magic. Akin to the likes of Barty Crouch Jr.

- In London he grows his own vegetables and keeps a few chickens for fresh eggs.

- Still occasionally suffers from war flashbacks / suffers from mild-ish PTSD.

- Enjoys drinking on weekends, especially in bars/pubs. But only one or two drinks, as in has never been drunk.

- Loves calm evenings at home.

- Hobbies: biking on nature paths, photographing, and researching. Especially human psychology, myths, and past centuries.

- Wealthy: pension $182 280 / £137,570 per year (in today's value.)

- Plays guitar and sings.]]> Character © Kieran

Play-by: Anthony Head

[photo]

NAME

Zachary Adrian James
(”Zach”)

AGE
62-69 years

(* 25/10/1922)

BLOOD

Muggle-born / english-american

OCCUPATION
An editor of Daily Prophet
* Former professor of Transfiguration at Hogwarts (1971-1975)
* Former FBI Special Agent

RESIDENCE

1-12 East Vale, Acton, London, England
Flat 4
---> Nearly photo-realistic 720° Virtual Tour

~ LIFE ~

~ PERSONALITY

[age 19] – [age 40+]

The founder and leader is my OC and I'm writing him.

They are not evil. They do not wish to kill anyone or start a war. They desire to create a new, better world and opt to use radical, questionable and sometimes criminal means to achieve their goal. They understand that the more worthy people there are when the final stage of their plan is ready to be executed, the better it will be for the future. So whilst they work towards that they're genuinely--and anonymously--trying to get people to stand by their cause whether members or not.

Each member is to choose a code name for themselves and by default everyone knows each other only by that name. But they are not allowed to hide their faces from other members, as the leader's policy of sincerety and having everyone on the same line when it comes to the risk factor. However, they are allowed to change their appearance slightly for a group meeting so that they don't necessarely appear exactly the same they do in everyday life. It is up to each individual member how much personal info they want to reveal about themselves to other members. Of course, the leader himself knows more than most about each member but even his knowledge varies. Only the leader knows all members and allies, so that no one can betray every single one.

The founder and leader is a charismatic and powerful muggle-born wizard in his 60s who grew up in United States during the Grindelwald Era as in had to live his formative years in a world torn by the Global Wizarding War and the Second World War. After Grindelwald and Hitler fell, he moved to England to escape the backwards laws the USA had about wizard-muggle relations. Only to discover that the British Ministry of Magic is horribly selfish and corrupted even if not thoroughly rotten. Then he witnessed the rise and fall of Voldemort, and finally had enough of the wizardkind's general lack of responsible use of their power and their unwarranted superiority complex.

Between 1982 and 1984 he secretly gathered like-minded people to join him in his cause. As a muggle-born he of course isn't really a descendent of Merlin and he has told that to the most trusted members but not to all. Some of them believe he is at least half-blood and truly related to Merlin. Mainly he intents that claim to gain their cause more credibility and a positive sounding name.

He owns a part of an ancient parchment dating back to the 15th century and the earliest Witch Trials in Britain, that documents one of those trials. The woman accused of witchcraft confessed to being a witch in order to avoid execution. She offered to brew a potion that can kill magic in anyone and anything, in hopes to not be imprisoned for life and to save lives because then the authorities wouldn't have to kill people but could just take away their magic before they do something bad. The parchment includes a recipe but part of it is missing, making it incomplete. The ingredients which can be read are genuinely those used by the wizardkind in potions, making it likely the accused woman really was a witch or a relative of a muggle-born. Whether she lied or just wasn't allowed to brew it remains unknown, and therefore what the potion actually does remains a mystery. But he wants to believe it's what it says it is.

All members know about it, but not everyone has seen the recipe part of the document. Not everyone has access to it. Only the most trusted members are allowed to know its contents and even them only in need-to-know basis as in if their role in the group requires that knowledge. There's only two copies of the recipe, both always in the leader's possession by default. Also, only the most trusted inner-circle members know that the leader is an Animagus.

The founder & leader: Zachary James

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Their Focus and Morals

The Children of Merlin mostly work towards figuring out the missing ingredients, gathering all of it, and brewing the potion successfully. Both individually and together at the headquarters where they also meet once a month to discuss matters and plans, and the leader assigns further missions and tasks. Non-potion related missions and tasks can be spying on the Ministry to gather intel on what the government is up to when it comes to opposing them, or recruiting new members and allies, and doing something in preparation for a statement. Members are tasked differently based on their strengths and/or position in the wizarding society, and based on how well they've proven their trustworthiness. Their blood status doesn't matter at all.

Occasionally they make statements such as burning down the most popular wand maker's shop (after ensuring that no one was inside it or any of the neighbouring shops.) Players are free to suggest things like that for me to add to the timeline. They never intentionally harm children even if their families oppose their cause, but on the contrary they attempt to take advantage of young and developing minds and world views to get them on their side and against the established government. Though they wish to influence children's minds, no one under the age of 18 is allowed to join them.

This is all Stage 1 of their operaation. The second Stage would have been systematically targetting government officials and other important people with the perfected potion, and then eventually any wizardkind person not yet proven themselves sincerely supportive of their cause. This has been shared with some of the inner circle but only to that extent. The leader never got around to sharing those plans In more detail or even have time to finish them.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

The Headquarters

An old and large abandoned farm house in the rural area of North England. Its outter doors are always locked and magically protected against lockpicking. They can be opened by simply using the Alohamora spell. No passwords are needed, because it has been hidden with the Fidelius Charm and the leader made himself the Secret Keeper. Because of that only official members can see and find it after they've been told about it and its location, but even they can't bring with them anyone but another official member. No one other than the founder/leader is allowed to use the headquarters outside of a group meeting.

There's no common way to get there. Everyone arrives in whichever way they can and like to. However, apparation and disapparation is not possible inside the house or anywhere on the farmland. Portkeys don't work either. And the house is not connected to the Floo Network or to any private fireplace either. Of course, one can always use those magical travel methods to a location near the farm.

Group meetings are not regularly held. They are called for only by the leader and he does so whenever he feels such is needed and sends a message about it to each member personallyy via owl post. Not all members are requested to every single meeting, so that no one can ever learn exactly how many members there are. If one's absence isn't because of something they've been assigned by the leader they should let him know in advance or through another member why they won't be there. The leader doesn't ask for details unless the member behaves suspiciously or is absent often.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Communication

The leader and members communicate through innocent seeming, coded messages published in the Daily Prophet's Readers' Column whenever there needs to be a message everyone must know. To ensure that the messages get published and remain unedited, the leader himself is one of the editors of the Daily Prophet tasked with, among other sections, with that Column. He worked in that position long before any of this started and never argued against the Ministry's demands of not publishing anything related to the initial letters. So he has never been a suspect in the Ministry's eyes. One-on-one communication happens in coded letters through owl post.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Secrecy

The leader made himself the Secret Keeper so that no one he lets in can totally betray him; no one can reveal his identity, or that he's an Animagus, or where the secret society gathers together, nor any specific details about their secret weapon. Those less loyal may leak some information and betray other members but nothing that could immediately destroy the operation. There are certain trusted members tasked with recruitment, but due to the charm they can't make a membership official nor lead anyone to the headquarters. Only the leader can do that. He will meet with potential new members in person, but always in disguises using Polyjuice Potion and changing his appearance every now and then to throw off any Aurors who may be trying to catch him in the process. The only people who know for sure what he genuinely looks like are those who have been approved as official members. The leaders' real name is known only by members and allies who are his personal and old friends. Most members also don't know very much about the leader's private life or past, they learn things about him on need-to-know basis.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Joining & Leaving

If you didn't make your character a member or an ally already in their application for this site, you may still have them become such later. It depends on what kind of character you created, so you'll need to contact me first to discuss it and what your plans are for them. Not all characters can be made a member or a trusted ally, but I will always try to work out something and am open to suggestions. Characters joining the cause as a member or an ally always must meet with my leader OC before it can be official. We don't necessarily have to write them out as threads.

In-universe, to become a member one must show genuine enthusiasm to actively work for the cause. One can also offer to be simply an ally rather than a full time, inner-circle member. No one is forced to commit crimes in the process of helping, but anyone wanting to associate must be okay with other allies or members choosing to do so.

The most trusted inner-circle members are the ones acting as spies or preparing and participating in criminal statements or getting access to the recipe. They are some of the oldest members and/or ones that have somehow proven themselves as fiercely loyal and genuinely brave. No random newbie would ever be tasked with those. Less trusted inner circle and outter circle members do have important tasks and missions but nothing that risky.

A member or an ally is free to leave at any point but if they don't provide a valid reason for it and proof of that reason they won't be allowed to come back, and in some cases may be subjected to have memories of the secret society obliviated. The same if they just disappear for months and suddenly reappear without giving a good reason and proof of what happened.

Because even though he has cast the ultimate protection to secure the secrecy, he does not want to take unnecessary risks of someone somehow finding a way around it. If a member betrays another member to the Ministry they will be marked down as one of the first to go once the potion is ready for use whilst the one betrayed and possibly their family gets to live at the headquarters if they have reason to fear Azkaban or torture. Everyone knows that as long as they're inside the headquarters only the leader has the ability to lead the Ministry to them and naturally he would never do that.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

How to Play A Member or An Ally

I hope to give you relatively free hands to write about such characters. You don't have to ask me in advance or write a thread with me and my leader OC every time you want your character to have a mission or do something--as long as what you vision is within the framework I've provided in this thread and in the plot details and takes into account the leader's personality. But you can ask/discuss it with me in advance if you'd like or are unsure about something. In any case, I do need you to let me know about the mission or task you vision, so I can log it.

But some things need to be discussed in advance:
- Any face-to-face meetings with my leader character.
- In general if you want your character to do something that greatly impacts the whole group or another player's character.

Our Discord server has a dedicated channel for these kind of discussions. Should go without saying but I'll say it anyway; if you want to play a character who is a member or an ally of Children of Merlin in a deeply involved position, you must be interested enough and able to stay reasonably active on Discord for related discussion and possible announcements. Even at times when you can't do any RPing. You don't have to be extremely active in the actual discussion just as long as you keep an eye on it and take part when you're needed.

Or, at least be considerate enough to give a notice if you need to totally go away for a while. Depending on how long that while is we may need to work out what to do with your character in relation to the group. There are many ways to write a character out without completely removing them, so you can do what you need to do IRL and then pick up where you left off if that's what you want to do when you return.]]> CHILDREN OF MERLIN

The founder and leader is my OC and I'm writing him.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Their Focus and Morals

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

The Headquarters

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Communication

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Secrecy

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Joining & Leaving

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

How to Play A Member or An Ally

Monday, 4:00 PM

The King family had just returned from a weekend trip to Hogsmeade. Jacob picked up three issues of Daily Prophet from their patio doors where a Tawny owl dropped one fresh off the print every morning. It had arrived this way for years, Twany owls being a safe option here in the relatively wooded neighbourhood in Sutton where they were a more or less common sight anyway. He'd opted to pay the subscription annually in advance so he wouldn't need to interract with the delivery owl and draw unnecessary attention and could go away for a few days without needing to freeze the service. At Hogsmeade Jacob had mostly glanced through these issues, busy spending time with his children, intending to look them through more htoroughly at home. This seemed like a good time, now that the little ones hurried off to their rooms to unpack. Though Jacob suspected he'd have to do most of it later, that the kids would only unpack everything that had been bought or that they'd found.

9-year old Hunter burst into his bedroom, threw his very heavy backbag on his made bed, jumped on it himself and dug in. He'd got something from nearly every store. Nearly. Dad hadn't been too cheap as Hogsneade was too far away to visit often. To their muggle friends they'd claimed they'd gone for a mini-holiday at a holiday resort in Kent, which was close but still far enough away for a weekend trip to make sense. As he emptied the contents on his bed he wished he had wizardkind friends living close by, but the closest lived in other parts of London and couldn't come over whenever. But perhaps he could show off and share at least some of this awesomeness with even a muggle friend, he reckoned. Perhaps his oldest friend in this neighbourhood. He'd been allowed to get him a box of Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans for him anyway, to be given with the story that a private candy maker was selling them at a kids' event at the holiday resort so that Sammy or his family wouldn't wonder why they couldn't find them anywhere.

"Dad, may I invite Sammy over?" the boy asked whilst hurrying down the stairs.
"Only for a couple of hours. I want you to wind down after supper," Jacob agreed, sitting at the dining room table with Saturday's Daily Prophet. "And don't show him anything too magical. Actually..." the man added, deciding to not trust his 9-year old's judgment--or caring--quite so much, "Before you call him, let's see what we brought home."
He got up and ushered his son back upstairs. He felt sure he couldn't remember everything and needed to take a look.

A few minutes later they'd managed to agree upon the selection of safe items and Jacob put the rest back in Hunter's backbag and took it downstairs with him. Hunter rushed to the study between his dad and little sister's rooms to call Samuel Rees who lived only a few minutes away.]]> May 29th 1989

Monday, 4:00 PM