...as told by Lady Deburah (the dragon) in the session on 2/28/10. (For the benefit of those not present or who later want to refer to it).
"Before this world existed, there were the gods. Ishkatar, Tolmit, Lyra, and Kay. But there were also 2 others. Melgara, and one whose name is now lost, referred to as the Ancient One. These six created the First World, and it was perfect. It was so perfect that the Ancient One became consumed with greed and wanted it for himself, instead of being shared among them. Melgara, being the only equal in power to the Ancient One, was the one he chose to attack first. Taken completely by surprise, he killed her quickly. The remaining gods were not so unprepared.
And so the gods warred among themselves. The Ancient One was powerful, and was nearly a match for the others together, but not quite. After ages of ceaseless war, he finally cried "enough!" and saw that he could not possess the world. But he would let no others possess it either, and used his power to annihilate it. In so doing, however, he made himself vulnerable, and the other gods struck - but they could not destroy him completely. Instead they obliterated his name, and imprisoned him within the one perfect gemstone that remained of the First World.
And the gods wept for their sister, and for their creation that was destroyed. The conferred and concluded that imprisonment was not enough - the Ancient One must be punished for his crimes. But how, they did not know, so they waited.
The Four attempted to create another world, but failed. The Ancient One begged for them to let him help, for he was sorrowful for what he had done, but they refused to reverse their judgment. Again they tried, and again he begged to assist, again they refused, and again they failed. Finally they relented to let him assist, but in word and advice only, and he would stay imprisoned. He agreed, and at last the Second World was created. A world with good and evil, a world with a cycle of life and death, a world with earth, water, and air - the world we are in now.
The gods were pleased with their creation, but it was not perfect, and their sister was still gone. The Ancient One was not forgiven. In helping them create the world, he had helped them create his punishment. They placed him in the physical world, suspended forever on the border of life and death, dangling at the bottom of the Spire, forever dying a physical death. It drove him mad, completely beyond reason, babbling incoherently forever, and the gods thought the world safe from his influence.
As time passed, the gods saw that not all souls were being reborn into the cycle they had created - some stayed in the underworld and became demons. By themselves, they were simply an enigma, but over time, they gleaned some random tidbits of dark power from overhearing the ramblings of the Ancient One. They tested the world with their lesser evils, but the world stood fast, and so the gods still waited.
In time, however, three demon princes emerged as much more powerful, and they cooperated, to some extent. They divided the domains they would have control over between themselves. Demogorgon became trickery and chaos, Asmodeus became war and destruction, and Abraxas became undeath and evil magic.
And the gods feared the influence of the Ancient One, and that these demon princes would learn how to free him. They knew there would be war once again, and it would again take all of their strength to fight the Ancient One, and the demons would thus be able to destroy the world unchecked. They tried to end the thread of the demons right there, but they could not bring themselves to destroy even a part of their creation, no matter what it had become.
And so they pondered, and decided to use a similar principle to the one that created the demons, and thus were born the Dragons. Asleep atop the great Spire, they would sleep undisturbed, gathering great power in case the Ancient One re-awoke and the demons broke forth into the world. And thus it has been, for countless generations.
This is what I know, instinctively, as part of my being. But something has gone wrong. I am awake, but none of my brothers or sisters are, nor can I wake them. Perhaps my second sight woke me early, or perhaps a demonic power prevents them from awakening. In any case, their machinations must be thwarted. Will you please help?"
Monday, March 1, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The amagamation of the 2nd and 3rd session.
Well its been a few weeks, but the things that happened must be chronicled sayeth the GM.
The party ended with not much more excitement. The Advisor to the king, Raston, did however interrogate most of the party members before releasing them into the world again.
The party rested at the Dewdrop in, where the quest giving, aura seeing, strangely old, and somehow beautiful Deburah was also staying. After the nights rest the party who was now joined by Quartzbeard the war story telling dwarf, Telpar Sedar the amnesia wielfing elf and Applymoon the sassy halfling. The inestigation started at the docks on the second day of Calibration. Using their deft social skills the party found little except for the failure of a boat constructed by the rowdy orc once seen at the party.
There were a few leads, most of them including that the party should try some of the seedy underbelly of information networks of the town. During this second night, Aubriana and company paid vast sums of gold to find a few morsels of information.
The third day the party wanted to tell Deburah, but she was missing for some strange reason. The third day saw some more intense research into poisons. By intense research, scaring the crap out of a alchemist and making him shut down shop is meant. Sugarplum was also asked into Raston's office and was told of the devilish designs of Deburah, though he doesn't care much and enjoys the scandal. This day also included Sugarplum dressing up Aubriana like a whore for no apparent reason and enjoying the lulz.
The party is now back in action and ready to investigate more leads.
Please comment to help add to anything that was left out
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
1/24/10 Session Recapitulation
In the kingdom of Hilaga the adventurers were picked randomly from among the citizenry to partake in the celebration in the royal palace. The event was festive, with much food, drink, and even a live band. However during a toast the King Ronaldo II, suddenly collapsed.
Party goers were forced to stay inside, as the city guard went about questioning people and conducting an investigation. In an attempt to calm the party, Faerino Fantastico put on a small magic show, much to the delight and satisfaction of the worried guests. As time wore on however moods grew tense.
An elven diplomat, named Lady Deburah, approached three guests in the party, the aforementioned Faerino, Niko, and Aubreyana. She told them she had a feeling that the three of them would be able to figure out the mystery of what happened with the king. These three people set about right away to getting to the bottom of what was happening in the party.
Faerino used his social engineering to inject himself in a noble person's conversation. However the three noblemen he spoke too had little knowlege about what was currently happening, though did offer a little advice about possible people who may do such a thing. One certainly stood out, Edowin who is the exiled brother of Ronaldo II, and convicted murderer of Ronaldo I. He also learned that the queen Lynia, who was recently coronated, is deeply in love with the king and would have little motive to kill anyone.
Aubreyana, and Niko tried to tie together things they observed during the meal to help in the investigation. Aubreyana had a few ideas about poisons, but her knowlege didn't allow her to figure out much. The two tried speaking to a notably upset, and drunk orc named Ormush. He seemed to think the crime would get pinned to him because of racial biases. When Faerino tried to talk to Aurbeyana and Niko, he was attack, and whisked away from the orc who seemed to hate gnomes a little more than the average orc.
Afterwards Niko and Aubreyana spoke with the servers for the dinner. They did find out that all the food has already been taste and poison tested. However because of the way that the food was brought out, little could be eliminated as possibilities for poisons and motives.
Faerino decided next to try his luck in speaking with the captain of the guard, offering his magical abilities in a guise to understand more about the investigation. The guard was of little help and directed him to check out the same orc that previously attacked him. After a small protest, the guard offered that he may wish to look into Lady Deborah's purpose in being here, while Niko and Aubreyana asked the orc a few more questions.
Lady Deborah seemed otherworldly, though the adventurers could not differentiate between otherworldly and elven, as often the fair race is both. She did notably seem aloof about current affairs, like a recent peace treaty, and other obvious features of Hilaga.
Session end >>
(feel free to take down picture if you want Tim)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Racial Stats
Humans [0]: No special bonuses or hindrances.
Dwarves [50]:
+2 ST [20], +2 HT [20], Darkvision (with color) [30], DR 1 [5], Extended Lifespan 2 [4], Alcohol Tolerance [1], Miserliness [-10], Greed [-15], Stubbornness [-5]
Elves [50]:
+1 DX [20], +1 IQ [20], Unaging [15], Night Vision 5 [5], Intolerance [-10]
Rarer races:
Gnomes [30]:
+1 IQ [20], +1 HT[10], Night vision 5 [5], Social Stigma: Annoying [-5]
All races besides Human get a 1 point discount on the Common spoken language, and a 1 point discount on the Common written language if they have their own written language at "native" level. (Everyone gets their native spoken language at full "native" level for free, but written they have to pay for).
Other races will be made as necessary, remember anything besides human/dwarf/elf is unusual and needs at least a good story, and the Unusual Background advantage in some cases. Talk with me about what you want!
Edit: Adding Halfling[0]:
+1 HT [10], +2 Will[10]
Social Stigma (look like gnomes) [-5]
Chummy [-5]
Wealth: Struggling [-10]
Halflings are quite rare in these parts, most people will assume they're gnomes, and might not even have heard of them if correct. However, given the commonality between the Halfling language and Common, they get a -2 discount, instead of the -1 listed above (akin to the difference between american and cockney - you can communicate, but there's a lot of "wait, what?")
Dwarves [50]:
+2 ST [20], +2 HT [20], Darkvision (with color) [30], DR 1 [5], Extended Lifespan 2 [4], Alcohol Tolerance [1], Miserliness [-10], Greed [-15], Stubbornness [-5]
Elves [50]:
+1 DX [20], +1 IQ [20], Unaging [15], Night Vision 5 [5], Intolerance [-10]
Rarer races:
Gnomes [30]:
+1 IQ [20], +1 HT[10], Night vision 5 [5], Social Stigma: Annoying [-5]
All races besides Human get a 1 point discount on the Common spoken language, and a 1 point discount on the Common written language if they have their own written language at "native" level. (Everyone gets their native spoken language at full "native" level for free, but written they have to pay for).
Other races will be made as necessary, remember anything besides human/dwarf/elf is unusual and needs at least a good story, and the Unusual Background advantage in some cases. Talk with me about what you want!
Edit: Adding Halfling[0]:
+1 HT [10], +2 Will[10]
Social Stigma (look like gnomes) [-5]
Chummy [-5]
Wealth: Struggling [-10]
Halflings are quite rare in these parts, most people will assume they're gnomes, and might not even have heard of them if correct. However, given the commonality between the Halfling language and Common, they get a -2 discount, instead of the -1 listed above (akin to the difference between american and cockney - you can communicate, but there's a lot of "wait, what?")
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Politics
The four major human kingdoms, on the central continent:
Hilaga, to the NW, ruled by King Rolando II. He is considered by most to be a fair and generous monarch, loved by his people. Farming and mining of coal and some gems are the major trades.
Kanluran, to the SW, ruled by King Antoine. Considered by some to be a phony, but has successfully defended his claim without arms so far. Likes parties and the social life. Farming and mining of (precious and non-precious) metals.
Timog, to the SE, ruled by Queen Katherina. Succeeded the throne from her husband dying of old age, she is herself fairly old, but still sharp. She runs a tight ship and doesn't take unnecessary risks. Has the largest navy and most noted craftsmen of the human kingdoms.
Silagan, to the NE, ruled by King Mord the Ironfist. Not quite a tyrant, but has the strictest punishments and taxes. Has the strongest military, and offers some of it as mercenaries depending on the situation. Also has the best blacksmiths, and is rumored to employ privateers.
Dwarves:
Good relations with humans, ok with elves. Live on the rim continent Ung. Structured clan government with an overseeing council comprised of one senior member of each of the 15 clans. Dwarves are strong and sturdy, shorter than humans, and due to their ability to see in the dark, mostly live in caves under the mountains, though they do have farmers and foresters.
Elves:
See themselves as superior to the other races, but maintains diplomatic relations. Live on the rim continent Rys, and generally in the trees. They are slightly smarter and nimbler and taller than humans, and are known to have the greatest mages in the world. They have a tiered government, with a single dictator at the top.
Hilaga, to the NW, ruled by King Rolando II. He is considered by most to be a fair and generous monarch, loved by his people. Farming and mining of coal and some gems are the major trades.
Kanluran, to the SW, ruled by King Antoine. Considered by some to be a phony, but has successfully defended his claim without arms so far. Likes parties and the social life. Farming and mining of (precious and non-precious) metals.
Timog, to the SE, ruled by Queen Katherina. Succeeded the throne from her husband dying of old age, she is herself fairly old, but still sharp. She runs a tight ship and doesn't take unnecessary risks. Has the largest navy and most noted craftsmen of the human kingdoms.
Silagan, to the NE, ruled by King Mord the Ironfist. Not quite a tyrant, but has the strictest punishments and taxes. Has the strongest military, and offers some of it as mercenaries depending on the situation. Also has the best blacksmiths, and is rumored to employ privateers.
Dwarves:
Good relations with humans, ok with elves. Live on the rim continent Ung. Structured clan government with an overseeing council comprised of one senior member of each of the 15 clans. Dwarves are strong and sturdy, shorter than humans, and due to their ability to see in the dark, mostly live in caves under the mountains, though they do have farmers and foresters.
Elves:
See themselves as superior to the other races, but maintains diplomatic relations. Live on the rim continent Rys, and generally in the trees. They are slightly smarter and nimbler and taller than humans, and are known to have the greatest mages in the world. They have a tiered government, with a single dictator at the top.
Friday, January 8, 2010
First things first
The following is pretty much all general knowledge. If you feel I've left something out, feel free to ask in the comments. Some more detail you may only know if you have the appropriate skills, so I won't necessarily post the answers here.
The world of Antaraan is flat, contained within a sphere that holds the rest of the cosmos (the heavens and the netherworld). Several continents go around the rim, with impassible mountains on the very edge. Further in towards the center is a great ocean that circles the central continent. This central continent is divided into four by great rivers that run from the ocean in towards the Spiral Sea, so named because at the exact center is a great vortex, sucking the water down into the Abyss. Suspended above this abyss is a giant mountain known as The Spire, dead rock that reaches so high into the heavens that it is used for navigation across the lands. It is unreachable by any save the birds, and the Spiral Sea is great enough that none make the attempt. Magic also appears to be disrupted around the Spire to make those means of reaching it impossible as well.
Weather is warmest near the Spire (though not "tropical" per se), and coldest towards the rim (with the mountains on the rim being truly arctic). The moon cycles every 28 days exactly, so every month is divided into 4 weeks of 7 days, (and the days of the week and months will be named as we are used to for convenience), but there are 3 extra days between February and March known as the Calibration, and the moon goes through a speedy 3-day cycle (half, full, half), and it marks the new year, the beginning of spring, and a festival of monumental proportions.
Many fantasy races are represented in Antaraan, notable exception being dragons - they are just a myth. There are wyverns (slightly larger than 2 cows) that are strong and powerful, but dumb as posts, and can't breathe fire. Intelligent races include humans, dwarves, elves, halflings, gnomes, orcs, goblins, lizardmen, gargoyles, trolls, faeries, and more, but the most common are certainly humans, followed by dwarves and elves. The central continent (and its four kingdoms) are mostly human, but there is enough trade and sea travel to make dwarves and elves not raise an eyebrow. Any of the other races would be seen as exotic, except in their homelands on the rim continents.
Magic exists and is known to exist, but can only be practiced by those with the gift for it. Clerical magic is not a separate thing, but some claim that their gift comes from a divine source. In any case, they find that they have to study just as hard as anyone else to master a spell. Magic itself is useful, but not universal or overwhelmingly powerful, and enchantment is a relatively difficult and lengthy process, so while it may not be uncommon to see a traveller casting a small spell, powerful magic items are rare, and minor magic items are expensive.
The cosmos: all the rivers of the world lead (eventually) to the Spiral Sea, and down into the abyss and the underworld, where they then flow back to the rim and are reborn beyond the mountains into the clouds. Souls are believed to have a similar cycle, and thusly burial at sea is a big deal, with big shots getting a big ceremony near the (big) vortex. Typically, they are buried in full battle gear so that they can fight off the demons on their way to reincarnation. (Truth or superstition? Only I know! Muahahahaha!) Ceremonies are held in the Spiral Sea as much to shorten the spiritual journey as to protect the casks from pirates.
Gods exist, but are not huge players in day to day activities. Religion has similar importance to what it has today.
Ishkatar is the most powerful, the overseer. God of water and the great cycle, he is the giver of life and of death, god of balance, magic, healing, and sometimes destruction. He is usually depicted as a giant with snowy white hair and beard, sitting on a throne, with the world in a crystal ball in front of him.
Tolmit is the god of the sun, and is also associated with travel, fire, law, and strength. He is depicted as an armored knight atop a horse, banner flying high, flaming sword held aloft.
Lyra is the goddess of the moon, also associated with patience, goodness, knowledge, and protection. She is depicted as a gentle mother, sometimes cradling a baby.
Kay the Wanderer is the one most often known to walk the earth, as often in the guise of an old man as in the guise of a young woman, with simple green or brown robes. He/she is associated with air, earth, nature, and luck.
There are no "bad" gods, but those roles are taken by the demons who live in the underworld. When any are specifically named, they are Demogorgon (trickery and chaos), Asmodeus (war and destruction), and Abraxas (undeath and evil magic), though there are many whose names are unknown.
Technology is early age of sail, no gunpowder or printing press. Political landscape will be addressed later.
The world of Antaraan is flat, contained within a sphere that holds the rest of the cosmos (the heavens and the netherworld). Several continents go around the rim, with impassible mountains on the very edge. Further in towards the center is a great ocean that circles the central continent. This central continent is divided into four by great rivers that run from the ocean in towards the Spiral Sea, so named because at the exact center is a great vortex, sucking the water down into the Abyss. Suspended above this abyss is a giant mountain known as The Spire, dead rock that reaches so high into the heavens that it is used for navigation across the lands. It is unreachable by any save the birds, and the Spiral Sea is great enough that none make the attempt. Magic also appears to be disrupted around the Spire to make those means of reaching it impossible as well.
Weather is warmest near the Spire (though not "tropical" per se), and coldest towards the rim (with the mountains on the rim being truly arctic). The moon cycles every 28 days exactly, so every month is divided into 4 weeks of 7 days, (and the days of the week and months will be named as we are used to for convenience), but there are 3 extra days between February and March known as the Calibration, and the moon goes through a speedy 3-day cycle (half, full, half), and it marks the new year, the beginning of spring, and a festival of monumental proportions.
Many fantasy races are represented in Antaraan, notable exception being dragons - they are just a myth. There are wyverns (slightly larger than 2 cows) that are strong and powerful, but dumb as posts, and can't breathe fire. Intelligent races include humans, dwarves, elves, halflings, gnomes, orcs, goblins, lizardmen, gargoyles, trolls, faeries, and more, but the most common are certainly humans, followed by dwarves and elves. The central continent (and its four kingdoms) are mostly human, but there is enough trade and sea travel to make dwarves and elves not raise an eyebrow. Any of the other races would be seen as exotic, except in their homelands on the rim continents.
Magic exists and is known to exist, but can only be practiced by those with the gift for it. Clerical magic is not a separate thing, but some claim that their gift comes from a divine source. In any case, they find that they have to study just as hard as anyone else to master a spell. Magic itself is useful, but not universal or overwhelmingly powerful, and enchantment is a relatively difficult and lengthy process, so while it may not be uncommon to see a traveller casting a small spell, powerful magic items are rare, and minor magic items are expensive.
The cosmos: all the rivers of the world lead (eventually) to the Spiral Sea, and down into the abyss and the underworld, where they then flow back to the rim and are reborn beyond the mountains into the clouds. Souls are believed to have a similar cycle, and thusly burial at sea is a big deal, with big shots getting a big ceremony near the (big) vortex. Typically, they are buried in full battle gear so that they can fight off the demons on their way to reincarnation. (Truth or superstition? Only I know! Muahahahaha!) Ceremonies are held in the Spiral Sea as much to shorten the spiritual journey as to protect the casks from pirates.
Gods exist, but are not huge players in day to day activities. Religion has similar importance to what it has today.
Ishkatar is the most powerful, the overseer. God of water and the great cycle, he is the giver of life and of death, god of balance, magic, healing, and sometimes destruction. He is usually depicted as a giant with snowy white hair and beard, sitting on a throne, with the world in a crystal ball in front of him.
Tolmit is the god of the sun, and is also associated with travel, fire, law, and strength. He is depicted as an armored knight atop a horse, banner flying high, flaming sword held aloft.
Lyra is the goddess of the moon, also associated with patience, goodness, knowledge, and protection. She is depicted as a gentle mother, sometimes cradling a baby.
Kay the Wanderer is the one most often known to walk the earth, as often in the guise of an old man as in the guise of a young woman, with simple green or brown robes. He/she is associated with air, earth, nature, and luck.
There are no "bad" gods, but those roles are taken by the demons who live in the underworld. When any are specifically named, they are Demogorgon (trickery and chaos), Asmodeus (war and destruction), and Abraxas (undeath and evil magic), though there are many whose names are unknown.
Technology is early age of sail, no gunpowder or printing press. Political landscape will be addressed later.
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