OK! I'm back. Here's some background information on Mistborn
beetnemesis Send a noteboard - 19/12/2011 04:52:03 PM
One: This is a world is ruled by an Evil Overlord. A thousand years ago, essentially, the Bad Guy won. No one's positive of the details, and there's a lot of propaganda about how the Lord Ruler saved humanity, but the reality is that he is the world's God and Ruler, has powers that no one fully understands, and rules with an iron fist.
Two: The world is half-dead. No green plants or flowers ever grow, and the sky is perpetually gray. Volcanic ash often falls from the sky in a twisted parody of snowfall. It gets everywhere. There is agriculture, but it generally focuses on grains and mushrooms.
Three: The world is in a strange pseudo-medieval stasis. Technology hovers around... the Elizabethan era, I'd say. Gunpowder exists, but it isn't widely used at all. There are, however, 19th century-style canals. (Also, I believe formalwear is fairly modern, but I may be wrong on that).
There are Nobles, and there are Skaa (essentially a serf caste). The noble houses bicker and maneuver, and the Lord Ruler tolerates that. The nobles also have the magic, which is at least partially hereditary, in their blood. The skaa's lives are worth little to nothing, breed like rabbits, and are technically owned by the Lord Ruler, who parcels them out to the nobles as a workforce.
Both castes are human, I should point out, and enough (illegal) interbreeding has gone on that it's not uncommon to see a skaa with a minor magical talent.
Fourth: The magic. This is expanded upon in the books, but since this is a prequel, I'll stick to the basics.
The magic is called Allomancy. It works by ingesting small pieces of metal, and then using the different metals to fuel different abilities. The commonly known abilities are:
Pulling- by eating Iron, you can Pull anything metallic towards themselves. Physics still apply, so if you pull something heavier than yourself, you will move toward it instead.
Pushing- by eating Steel, you can Push anything metallic away from themselves. Physics still apply, so if you push on something with more resistance than your weight, you will move away from it.
Tin- by burning Tin, all of your senses become greatly magnified.
Pewter- by burning Pewter, you become stronger, tougher, and faster.
Zinc- by burning Zinc, you can enflame the emotions of those you target.
Brass- by burning Brass, you can calm the emotions of those you target.
Note: Canonically, there is little effective difference between the two emotional metals. That is, if you want to make someone angry, you can either enflame their anger, or calm all of their emotions BUT anger.
Bronze- by burning Bronze, you can determine if others are using Allomancy and, with practice, which metals they are burning.
Copper- by burning Copper, you render yourself immune to Zinc and Brass, while also generating an invisible field that hides you (and those around you) from Bronze burners. Those around you do not gain protection from emotional elements.
Gold- by burning Gold, you can see what you might have been if you had made different choices in the past. It is rarely used due to possible severe emotional trauma.
Electrum- (minor spoiler, but relevant so I'm including it). A person burning electrum makes their actions impossible to predict, thus negating atium's ability.
And, the big one...
Atium- by burning Atium, you can see a few seconds into the future, thereby allowing them to anticipate the moves of an opponent. A Mistborn burning Atium is effectively invincible.
However, atium is very rare, and is burned very quickly, making it the most valuable metal in the world. It is mined in small "beads."
As for that word I keep using, "Mistborn..." Mistborn are the (very rare) individuals who have access to every power I just mentioned. The (still rare, but more common- I want to say 8% of the population? Book 3 gives a percentage, I believe) Mistings are those who are able to only burn one metal.
Fifth, and final: The religion. The only known religion is that of the Lord Ruler, who runs it more like a government than a religion. His priests are known as Obligators, and they are his eyes and ears. Additionally, (and brilliantly, if you think about it), they are effectively super-notaries- it is both a culturally and legally accepted truth that no deal is final and official unless witnessed by an obligator.
There is another branch of the obligators- the Ministry of Steel. They are staffed by Inquisitors, giant warriors with iron spikes pounded through their eyes, merciless, and equipped with many powers, both Allomantic and unknown. Their primary function is to root out and Noble/Skaa pairings and their offspring, but they are so deadly that they are used for other tasks, as well.
Phew. I think I hit most points. Any questions or additions?
Two: The world is half-dead. No green plants or flowers ever grow, and the sky is perpetually gray. Volcanic ash often falls from the sky in a twisted parody of snowfall. It gets everywhere. There is agriculture, but it generally focuses on grains and mushrooms.
Three: The world is in a strange pseudo-medieval stasis. Technology hovers around... the Elizabethan era, I'd say. Gunpowder exists, but it isn't widely used at all. There are, however, 19th century-style canals. (Also, I believe formalwear is fairly modern, but I may be wrong on that).
There are Nobles, and there are Skaa (essentially a serf caste). The noble houses bicker and maneuver, and the Lord Ruler tolerates that. The nobles also have the magic, which is at least partially hereditary, in their blood. The skaa's lives are worth little to nothing, breed like rabbits, and are technically owned by the Lord Ruler, who parcels them out to the nobles as a workforce.
Both castes are human, I should point out, and enough (illegal) interbreeding has gone on that it's not uncommon to see a skaa with a minor magical talent.
Fourth: The magic. This is expanded upon in the books, but since this is a prequel, I'll stick to the basics.
The magic is called Allomancy. It works by ingesting small pieces of metal, and then using the different metals to fuel different abilities. The commonly known abilities are:
Pulling- by eating Iron, you can Pull anything metallic towards themselves. Physics still apply, so if you pull something heavier than yourself, you will move toward it instead.
Pushing- by eating Steel, you can Push anything metallic away from themselves. Physics still apply, so if you push on something with more resistance than your weight, you will move away from it.
Tin- by burning Tin, all of your senses become greatly magnified.
Pewter- by burning Pewter, you become stronger, tougher, and faster.
Zinc- by burning Zinc, you can enflame the emotions of those you target.
Brass- by burning Brass, you can calm the emotions of those you target.
Note: Canonically, there is little effective difference between the two emotional metals. That is, if you want to make someone angry, you can either enflame their anger, or calm all of their emotions BUT anger.
Bronze- by burning Bronze, you can determine if others are using Allomancy and, with practice, which metals they are burning.
Copper- by burning Copper, you render yourself immune to Zinc and Brass, while also generating an invisible field that hides you (and those around you) from Bronze burners. Those around you do not gain protection from emotional elements.
Gold- by burning Gold, you can see what you might have been if you had made different choices in the past. It is rarely used due to possible severe emotional trauma.
Electrum- (minor spoiler, but relevant so I'm including it). A person burning electrum makes their actions impossible to predict, thus negating atium's ability.
And, the big one...
Atium- by burning Atium, you can see a few seconds into the future, thereby allowing them to anticipate the moves of an opponent. A Mistborn burning Atium is effectively invincible.
However, atium is very rare, and is burned very quickly, making it the most valuable metal in the world. It is mined in small "beads."
As for that word I keep using, "Mistborn..." Mistborn are the (very rare) individuals who have access to every power I just mentioned. The (still rare, but more common- I want to say 8% of the population? Book 3 gives a percentage, I believe) Mistings are those who are able to only burn one metal.
Fifth, and final: The religion. The only known religion is that of the Lord Ruler, who runs it more like a government than a religion. His priests are known as Obligators, and they are his eyes and ears. Additionally, (and brilliantly, if you think about it), they are effectively super-notaries- it is both a culturally and legally accepted truth that no deal is final and official unless witnessed by an obligator.
There is another branch of the obligators- the Ministry of Steel. They are staffed by Inquisitors, giant warriors with iron spikes pounded through their eyes, merciless, and equipped with many powers, both Allomantic and unknown. Their primary function is to root out and Noble/Skaa pairings and their offspring, but they are so deadly that they are used for other tasks, as well.
Phew. I think I hit most points. Any questions or additions?
I amuse myself.
This message last edited by beetnemesis on 19/12/2011 at 04:52:55 PM
Mafia XXV: Day 1
15/12/2011 02:29:57 PM
- 2620 Views
Very well then. Anyone want to just admit to guilt so we can be done with Day 1? *NM*
15/12/2011 03:50:37 PM
- 835 Views
Any legitimate response to this is the biggest WIFOM post possible.
15/12/2011 03:56:08 PM
- 1203 Views
It's also a trick question .
15/12/2011 07:10:27 PM
- 1297 Views
Re: It's also a trick question
16/12/2011 01:16:15 AM
- 1397 Views
Unfortunately, I'm not sure the Constitution of the United States grants us any protections here . *NM*
16/12/2011 01:39:58 AM
- 768 Views
or grants us any protections at all..... *NM*
16/12/2011 02:09:36 AM
- 746 Views
Well, it never granted me any protections anyway, not being a USAmerican . *NM*
16/12/2011 02:27:35 AM
- 713 Views
It's not clear anymore that it grants Americans anything, either *NM*
16/12/2011 09:22:59 PM
- 828 Views
It's a little tricky to know where to start...
15/12/2011 08:41:58 PM
- 1131 Views
I would have no issue in just directly revealing the house name
15/12/2011 09:25:32 PM
- 1361 Views
Me too...
16/12/2011 01:42:35 AM
- 1347 Views
Incidentally...
16/12/2011 01:45:38 AM
- 1270 Views
Yeah, it pretty much looks like we all have our own names independent of the books *NM*
16/12/2011 03:44:46 AM
- 913 Views
The assumption then
16/12/2011 01:21:15 AM
- 1363 Views
I'm sorta fishing for confirmation on something with out exposing anyone if I'm wrong
16/12/2011 02:13:50 AM
- 1313 Views
Houses (Table)
16/12/2011 04:35:32 AM
- 1383 Views
Re: Houses (Table)
16/12/2011 05:07:39 AM
- 1170 Views
Re: Houses (Table)
16/12/2011 01:31:12 PM
- 952 Views
Re: Houses (Table)
16/12/2011 07:28:12 PM
- 1162 Views
Re: Houses (Table)
16/12/2011 08:34:19 PM
- 1291 Views
Re: Houses (Table)
17/12/2011 06:40:08 PM
- 1394 Views
lol, those were an accident .
17/12/2011 07:08:29 PM
- 1321 Views
Yea, this site should really have a way to not present smiles. BEN *NM*
18/12/2011 06:16:25 AM
- 865 Views
Oh, will you look at that.
16/12/2011 06:41:50 AM
- 1359 Views
Reminds me of my Pirate/Ninja game, actually.
16/12/2011 06:44:28 AM
- 1089 Views
ROLECLAIM!
16/12/2011 07:37:45 PM
- 1156 Views
So... what's your victory condition? *NM*
16/12/2011 09:30:54 PM
- 817 Views
By the way
17/12/2011 05:25:22 AM
- 1344 Views
hast thou read the books?
17/12/2011 10:45:54 AM
- 1319 Views
nope
18/12/2011 02:42:36 AM
- 1264 Views
READ IT
18/12/2011 06:14:19 AM
- 1297 Views
I AGREE WITH HIM! RAFO! *NM*
18/12/2011 11:33:18 AM
- 809 Views
Also, wiki-ing will give spoilers. I can do an "info-dump" post if needed *NM*
19/12/2011 04:13:49 PM
- 812 Views
Naming
17/12/2011 08:25:36 PM
- 1305 Views
OK! I'm back. Here's some background information on Mistborn
19/12/2011 04:52:03 PM
- 1157 Views
It depends if ranagrande did anything involving Feruchemistry or Compounding.
19/12/2011 05:27:38 PM
- 1280 Views
ok, so what are we gonna do today?
19/12/2011 05:19:11 PM
- 1244 Views
I'd say we continue minor discussion for the next week, keeping in mind everyone might not be here
19/12/2011 05:55:32 PM
- 1282 Views
Not busy at all
26/12/2011 11:23:34 PM
- 1309 Views
Re: Not busy at all
27/12/2011 01:21:20 AM
- 1116 Views
You're lucky!
28/12/2011 02:24:23 AM
- 1162 Views
Re: You're lucky!
28/12/2011 01:42:19 PM
- 1255 Views
Re: You're lucky!
28/12/2011 02:12:04 PM
- 1150 Views
im about, lets get to... something *NM*
28/12/2011 10:51:17 PM
- 884 Views
Just a note - I'll be RBIRL through Jan 3rd then for a few days starting Jan 7th. *NM*
28/12/2011 11:38:25 PM
- 4429 Views
The Market and Auction House are now open! *NM*
03/01/2012 01:19:49 AM
- 4319 Views
The Auction House
03/01/2012 01:21:26 AM
- 4963 Views
.4 for a Slave, and .1 for an Inquisitor. *NM*
03/01/2012 06:06:34 PM
- 804 Views
.2 for the inquisitor! *NM*
03/01/2012 08:39:49 PM
- 660 Views
Wait is this a one time use? *NM*
03/01/2012 09:49:45 PM
- 798 Views
Copper Mine 0.35 *NM*
03/01/2012 10:14:41 PM
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Oh yeah?? .4 for the farm! Beat that. *NM*
04/01/2012 03:51:19 PM
- 824 Views
Fine then! .401! *NM*
05/01/2012 03:19:06 PM
- 676 Views
I figure this is a good time to establish - is there a minimum bid? *NM*
05/01/2012 03:19:33 PM
- 799 Views
Before the minimum gets established - 4.011 *NM*
05/01/2012 04:47:14 PM
- 798 Views
Re: Before the minimum gets established - 4.011<-- I'm gonna guess that decimal point slipped *NM*
05/01/2012 08:27:25 PM
- 664 Views
Just to clarify, I'm pointing out what appears to be a typo, and not bidding there. *NM*
05/01/2012 08:28:42 PM
- 792 Views
You would be correct. Why am I not on the ball ever anymore? *NM*
05/01/2012 11:32:15 PM
- 808 Views
Nope, a new bid just needs to be higher than the previous one. *NM*
05/01/2012 06:24:57 PM
- 652 Views
Okay peeps...
05/01/2012 02:26:53 AM
- 1258 Views
Or....
05/01/2012 03:23:21 PM
- 1191 Views
Does anyone have any ideas?
06/01/2012 04:51:19 PM
- 1188 Views
Re: Does anyone have any ideas?
06/01/2012 05:35:41 PM
- 1185 Views
Okay, defend yourself! *NM*
06/01/2012 08:27:11 PM
- 677 Views
Re: Okay, defend yourself!
06/01/2012 09:35:43 PM
- 1181 Views
Auction Thoughts
07/01/2012 09:11:27 PM
- 1266 Views
Slave: 0.61 *NM*
07/01/2012 09:12:16 PM
- 643 Views
Slave: 0.65 *NM*
08/01/2012 05:39:58 AM
- 821 Views
Slave: 0.70 *NM*
09/01/2012 01:20:35 AM
- 778 Views
Slave: 0.78 *NM*
09/01/2012 01:29:28 AM
- 820 Views
Slave: 0.85 *NM*
09/01/2012 01:45:09 AM
- 1112 Views
Re: Slave: 0.87 *NM*
09/01/2012 02:44:43 AM
- 858 Views
Slave: 0.911 *NM*
09/01/2012 03:57:31 AM
- 659 Views
Re: Slave: 0.987 *NM*
09/01/2012 04:55:39 AM
- 803 Views
Slave: 1.0 *NM*
12/01/2012 01:48:57 PM
- 830 Views
Slave: 1.1 *NM*
13/01/2012 01:48:47 PM
- 683 Views
Re: Slave: 1.11 *NM*
13/01/2012 04:57:43 PM
- 785 Views
Farm: 0.81 *NM*
07/01/2012 09:12:58 PM
- 678 Views
Farm: 0.85 *NM*
08/01/2012 01:35:09 AM
- 797 Views
Farm: 0.9 *NM*
09/01/2012 01:21:08 AM
- 817 Views
Farm: 0.92 *NM*
09/01/2012 04:00:58 PM
- 848 Views
Farm: 0.921 *NM*
09/01/2012 11:54:45 PM
- 865 Views
Copper Mine: 0.58 *NM*
07/01/2012 09:13:33 PM
- 814 Views
Copper Mine: 0.67 *NM*
08/01/2012 12:24:38 AM
- 846 Views
Copper Mine: 0.7 *NM*
08/01/2012 06:24:59 PM
- 784 Views
Copper Mine: 0.78 *NM*
09/01/2012 01:29:29 AM
- 853 Views
Re: Copper Mine: 0.794 *NM*
09/01/2012 05:40:01 PM
- 830 Views
Copper Mine: 0.795
09/01/2012 06:14:57 PM
- 1237 Views
You're a jerk. Copper Mine - .7951 *NM*
09/01/2012 08:36:54 PM
- 813 Views
Copper Mine 0.89 *NM*
10/01/2012 12:31:31 AM
- 798 Views
Copper Mine 0.95 *NM*
13/01/2012 01:47:19 PM
- 800 Views
Steel Inquisitor: 0.31 *NM*
07/01/2012 09:14:32 PM
- 845 Views
Steel Inquisitor: 0.35 *NM*
08/01/2012 02:33:19 PM
- 792 Views
Re: Steel Inquisitor: 0.4 *NM*
08/01/2012 06:25:14 PM
- 811 Views
Steel Inquisitor: 0.43 *NM*
09/01/2012 02:44:26 AM
- 717 Views
Steel Inquisitor: 0.45 *NM*
09/01/2012 03:29:39 PM
- 762 Views
Inquisitor - .61 *NM*
10/01/2012 02:40:23 PM
- 813 Views
Inquisitor - .63 *NM*
12/01/2012 02:31:14 PM
- 1095 Views
Inquisitor - .70 *NM*
13/01/2012 01:47:47 PM
- 680 Views
About the auction...
10/01/2012 02:15:04 PM
- 1289 Views
same here, i though day ones weren't going to be months long anymore
10/01/2012 10:22:34 PM
- 1205 Views
Well, we may as well proceed with a lynch
12/01/2012 01:45:58 PM
- 1091 Views
Vote: White Flame of Tar Valon (another note, though-) (minor spoiler)
13/01/2012 01:46:45 PM
- 1388 Views
Re: Well, we may as well proceed with a lynch
13/01/2012 05:04:55 PM
- 1069 Views
Vote: White Flame of Tar Valon *NM*
14/01/2012 12:15:12 AM
- 828 Views
Well, I did say earlier that I was most suspicious of White Flame.
14/01/2012 07:31:12 AM
- 1322 Views
I guess I'll hammer then, Vote: White Flame of Tar Valon
14/01/2012 07:49:48 AM
- 1229 Views
Damnit, you were 51 seconds too early.
14/01/2012 07:54:49 AM
- 1284 Views
I took precautions, previewed before I hammered
14/01/2012 08:03:09 AM
- 1355 Views
^^^ Which is to say, I readied the message, checked the board and hit submit *NM*
14/01/2012 08:04:14 AM
- 661 Views
Yeah, I was actually really worried because I didn't expect the hammer tonight.
14/01/2012 08:19:47 AM
- 1261 Views
Re: Yeah, I was actually really worried because I didn't expect the hammer tonight.
14/01/2012 08:36:50 AM
- 1315 Views
*dies*
25/01/2012 08:14:12 PM
- 1194 Views
is ranagrande really GRRM? *NM*
25/01/2012 10:51:32 PM
- 906 Views
GRRM=? *NM*
26/01/2012 04:59:31 PM
- 816 Views
George R R Martin- Song of Fire and Ice books
26/01/2012 06:26:32 PM
- 1536 Views