The Charr
09-11-2005, 13:16
The ancient map of Tyria, which was the only symbol the United Clans of The Charr really had, flashed up on the broadcast and remained for a few moments, before fading away. It was the first map of their lands ever drawn up after the Charr clans successfully obliterated the three aggressive human nations that resided there and moved their capital to its greatest city, many hundreds of years ago. It obviously wasn't as accurate as a satellite map, but it caught most of the features and it was certainly a testament to the skill of Charr cartographers of the time. More importantly, it was the first map of Tyria ever drawn up that had no dividing borders, symbolic of the Charr clans' unity at the time. It was a symbol as valued to the Charr as the Bill of Rights was to Americans.
As the symbol faded, it revealed a camera shot of what appeared to be a fairly modern, fairly large building, by Charr standards at least. Their retro styling was still present, making it look as though it had been designed by somebody in the 15th century with plenty of wood and quaint, irregular windows. But there were telling features, such as an air conditioning tower nearby, and various high-tech security features by the main entrance. An extravagant garden surrounded the building for quite some way. The entire facility was encased in a large concrete wall, disguised with wood. Beyond the walls there was nothing but the dense Maguuma jungle, and a single road leading towards the nearby capital city.
The sheer size of the building complex was highlighted by the various Charr scientists and guards wandering about the facility. These creatures weren't exactly small by any stretch of the imagination, and they were like ants in comparison to the complex. The sprawling building had many different modules, was several storeys high, and probably had some underground facilities too.
In the distance, plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the ground, and occasionally blinding flashes and the sounds of explosions emerged. There was some kind of fierce battle going on, though it seemed to be localised.
A large, muscular Charr stepped into the shot, making sure he didn't block out the view of the facility completely. His fur was ruffled in the light breeze, which indicated they were filming from a high platform of some sort. His fur was a light-brown colour on his chest, which got darker and thicker towards his shoulders and head. He was a spiky creature, with horns on his head, large, sharp teeth protruding from his powerful snout, and spikes on his shoulders and teeth. It gave him a particularly fearsome look, harking back to the days when Charr were amongst the most vicious of the native animals of Tyria, millions of years ago.
He fiddled with one of his horns uncomfortably and then opened his toothy mouth to speak to the camera. His voice was very deep, gruff, and almost seemed to have two slightly different tones acting at once. The language he spoke was incomprehensible; nothing more than a series of growls, snarls and the occasional bellowing roar, along with a host of other sounds that humans would have significant trouble mimicking. This Charr would have similar trouble mimicking human sounds, which meant that technology would be needed to bridge the gap.
Subtitles appeared at the bottom of the shot, in the language of whoever happened to be viewing the transmission. Though written in a hard-to-read font, probably derived from the fact that Charr have little experience with languages outside of Tyria, it was legible enough.
"I am Clan Leader Bonfaaz Burntfur, leader of the most powerful of Charr clans and representative of all the Charr Clans of Tyria," the Charr said. "Few know of us, as this is the way we like to keep it. But I come to you today with a peaceful scientific offer of international cooperation which I hope will be of some interest."
"Behind me is the Lion's Arch International Zoological & Botanical Research Centre," the Charr gestured with one of his clawed hands toward the building behind him. "It is a newly-constructed, state of the art research facility staffed by the finest professors of the Lion's Arch Institute of Science, defended by the most formidable warriors of the Charr armies, has access to the most knowledgeable and experienced Charr rangers in the land, and is fitted with some of the world's most sophisticated analytical and computational technologies.
"Our land of Tyria has been a rather independent ecosystem for millions of years, and as such has a vast number of species of plants and animals found nowhere else on the planet. This place sports several distinct environments, from jungle to desert, and allows for various forms of life to live here. Aside from a few varieties of plant-life, and a few birds and small mammals, nearly every living creature on this vast island is unique to Tyria. From the vicious Devourers, to the docile yakre tree, there are things here that few on the outside will ever have seen before.
"And as such, there is much knowledge to be gained. Perhaps more importantly, there is a significant possibility that one may discover new forms of medication, organic resources, or foodstuffs from the unique flora and fauna here. The dense, dangerous Maguuma Jungle in particular has been a dangerous place to explore since time began, and as such it still yields secrets that even we are yet to unearth.
"It is with this mind that we have commissioned the LAIZBRC. To uncover these secrets, to discover these medicines, and best of all in my opinion, to find tastier food. And we are giving those of you on the outside the first opportunity in history to study the unique lifeforms of Tyria for yourselves, and perhaps discover medication and food which will benefit your own species. And should you discover such things, we will be pleased to negotiate harvesting and export contracts.
"Your scholars will have full access to the LAIZBRC's facilities and information centres. Knowledgeable, skilled, experienced Charr Rangers will be on hand to obtain samples or escort them on expeditions to any uninhabited location in Tyria aside from a few regions claimed by independent clans. The facility is self-sustaining, but military escort to the Capital City will be made available on special request. There will be no restrictions on the information your scholars retrieve during their studies, unless they begin to collect information on anything other than plants and animals of course. The only condition is that all information is shared between all participating parties, including your gracious hosts.
"Should any nation wish to appoint their scholars to the LAIZBRC, I will personally review your applications. The United Clans of the Charr have no enemies as of yet, so there should be no problems provided you include as much relevant information as you feel is necessary pertaining to your scholars and your nation. Members of the illustrious 'Gholgoth' alliance, of course, need not apply.
"Upon acceptance, your scholars will be cleared for entry to Tyria. Send no weapons. Any equipment they need to take with them will be thoroughly investigated before they can pass beyond the borders of Tyria, as per immigration and importation law. There is no set limit to how many scholars you send, but a reasonable number is preferred. Despite its size, the LAIZBRC does have a finite capacity. If you feel a need to send diplomatic personnel in addition, then you may do so on this occasion. Voluntary donations to the continued operation and expansion of the LAIZBRC are not required, but would be looked upon favourably.
"So, if you are interested, send me your details and we can begin to review them and accept your scholars into the LAIZBRC. Any questions can be forwarded to the same address as your applications, and I will attempt to answer them or find someone who can. In the meantime, good day, good luck, and may the Gods of Fire honour you. Thank you for your attention."
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/MattLever/Charr/charrhead1.jpg
The Charr bowed his head solemnly, and stepped out of the shot. The camera panned over the facility some more, before the Charr's favourite map obscured the view once more, and the transmission ended.
As the symbol faded, it revealed a camera shot of what appeared to be a fairly modern, fairly large building, by Charr standards at least. Their retro styling was still present, making it look as though it had been designed by somebody in the 15th century with plenty of wood and quaint, irregular windows. But there were telling features, such as an air conditioning tower nearby, and various high-tech security features by the main entrance. An extravagant garden surrounded the building for quite some way. The entire facility was encased in a large concrete wall, disguised with wood. Beyond the walls there was nothing but the dense Maguuma jungle, and a single road leading towards the nearby capital city.
The sheer size of the building complex was highlighted by the various Charr scientists and guards wandering about the facility. These creatures weren't exactly small by any stretch of the imagination, and they were like ants in comparison to the complex. The sprawling building had many different modules, was several storeys high, and probably had some underground facilities too.
In the distance, plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the ground, and occasionally blinding flashes and the sounds of explosions emerged. There was some kind of fierce battle going on, though it seemed to be localised.
A large, muscular Charr stepped into the shot, making sure he didn't block out the view of the facility completely. His fur was ruffled in the light breeze, which indicated they were filming from a high platform of some sort. His fur was a light-brown colour on his chest, which got darker and thicker towards his shoulders and head. He was a spiky creature, with horns on his head, large, sharp teeth protruding from his powerful snout, and spikes on his shoulders and teeth. It gave him a particularly fearsome look, harking back to the days when Charr were amongst the most vicious of the native animals of Tyria, millions of years ago.
He fiddled with one of his horns uncomfortably and then opened his toothy mouth to speak to the camera. His voice was very deep, gruff, and almost seemed to have two slightly different tones acting at once. The language he spoke was incomprehensible; nothing more than a series of growls, snarls and the occasional bellowing roar, along with a host of other sounds that humans would have significant trouble mimicking. This Charr would have similar trouble mimicking human sounds, which meant that technology would be needed to bridge the gap.
Subtitles appeared at the bottom of the shot, in the language of whoever happened to be viewing the transmission. Though written in a hard-to-read font, probably derived from the fact that Charr have little experience with languages outside of Tyria, it was legible enough.
"I am Clan Leader Bonfaaz Burntfur, leader of the most powerful of Charr clans and representative of all the Charr Clans of Tyria," the Charr said. "Few know of us, as this is the way we like to keep it. But I come to you today with a peaceful scientific offer of international cooperation which I hope will be of some interest."
"Behind me is the Lion's Arch International Zoological & Botanical Research Centre," the Charr gestured with one of his clawed hands toward the building behind him. "It is a newly-constructed, state of the art research facility staffed by the finest professors of the Lion's Arch Institute of Science, defended by the most formidable warriors of the Charr armies, has access to the most knowledgeable and experienced Charr rangers in the land, and is fitted with some of the world's most sophisticated analytical and computational technologies.
"Our land of Tyria has been a rather independent ecosystem for millions of years, and as such has a vast number of species of plants and animals found nowhere else on the planet. This place sports several distinct environments, from jungle to desert, and allows for various forms of life to live here. Aside from a few varieties of plant-life, and a few birds and small mammals, nearly every living creature on this vast island is unique to Tyria. From the vicious Devourers, to the docile yakre tree, there are things here that few on the outside will ever have seen before.
"And as such, there is much knowledge to be gained. Perhaps more importantly, there is a significant possibility that one may discover new forms of medication, organic resources, or foodstuffs from the unique flora and fauna here. The dense, dangerous Maguuma Jungle in particular has been a dangerous place to explore since time began, and as such it still yields secrets that even we are yet to unearth.
"It is with this mind that we have commissioned the LAIZBRC. To uncover these secrets, to discover these medicines, and best of all in my opinion, to find tastier food. And we are giving those of you on the outside the first opportunity in history to study the unique lifeforms of Tyria for yourselves, and perhaps discover medication and food which will benefit your own species. And should you discover such things, we will be pleased to negotiate harvesting and export contracts.
"Your scholars will have full access to the LAIZBRC's facilities and information centres. Knowledgeable, skilled, experienced Charr Rangers will be on hand to obtain samples or escort them on expeditions to any uninhabited location in Tyria aside from a few regions claimed by independent clans. The facility is self-sustaining, but military escort to the Capital City will be made available on special request. There will be no restrictions on the information your scholars retrieve during their studies, unless they begin to collect information on anything other than plants and animals of course. The only condition is that all information is shared between all participating parties, including your gracious hosts.
"Should any nation wish to appoint their scholars to the LAIZBRC, I will personally review your applications. The United Clans of the Charr have no enemies as of yet, so there should be no problems provided you include as much relevant information as you feel is necessary pertaining to your scholars and your nation. Members of the illustrious 'Gholgoth' alliance, of course, need not apply.
"Upon acceptance, your scholars will be cleared for entry to Tyria. Send no weapons. Any equipment they need to take with them will be thoroughly investigated before they can pass beyond the borders of Tyria, as per immigration and importation law. There is no set limit to how many scholars you send, but a reasonable number is preferred. Despite its size, the LAIZBRC does have a finite capacity. If you feel a need to send diplomatic personnel in addition, then you may do so on this occasion. Voluntary donations to the continued operation and expansion of the LAIZBRC are not required, but would be looked upon favourably.
"So, if you are interested, send me your details and we can begin to review them and accept your scholars into the LAIZBRC. Any questions can be forwarded to the same address as your applications, and I will attempt to answer them or find someone who can. In the meantime, good day, good luck, and may the Gods of Fire honour you. Thank you for your attention."
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/MattLever/Charr/charrhead1.jpg
The Charr bowed his head solemnly, and stepped out of the shot. The camera panned over the facility some more, before the Charr's favourite map obscured the view once more, and the transmission ended.