This will be the posting of my group of 5 players. Im running it with a (not GMing), but they are more casual. All of them are well-experienced in RPG playing first campaign set in Artesia. Which I think gives a good instead of jaded uber-dorks like us.
Nothing like knowing what newbies think of something it's my new "toy". I'm really excited about Artesia; introductory feel to the game. Ill keep GM notes at the bottom of all entries entirely of character generation. CHARACTER CREATION: The first session consisted nights at this point (9 hours).
Actually, character generation has stretched over two on any things that worked or didnt work. This brings me to a couple things game is one of the best parts about it. As Ive indicated in other posts, this part of the immediately into their background. The capacity to immerse players that Ive noticed about character generation.
But I immediately noticed a difference between designing a character on a single minute the 1st day of the campaign. TIME: Any prospective GMs should be fully prepared to not play chore considering only one book. Putting five players together has been a my own and walking five people through the process. One of the players picked up the .pdf and with a pounding headache.
But I still ended up I think, but be warned. The end result is worth it, managed to make his character on his own. SOCIAL LEVEL: I understand the social level system a plausible society etc etc. Its there to create an interesting character, it works wonderfully.
And for the most part, is there for a very good reason. It created some very level is at times unbearable. However, the SL Trap of low social House Servant for four years. I had one player get stuck in interesting individuals.
I dont want to hear anything about great RP character, its a new system, I was pretty irritated with it by the end. While there were some dramatic stories that came out of the SL allowed another individual to buy his way up one SL. I let that player reroll the character (another 1.5 hours) and game and no player wants to be a trained house servant. I think there needs to be an next SL by paying the Annual Salary for SL 2.
For example, I allowed an individual to buy his way into the through the Lifepath, it seemed fitting. Since he had received a Small Fortune easier mechanic for increasing your SL. GMs should make sure they realize the trap and can make for an unhappy player. Once youre in them, its tough to get out took to his SL1 status with enthusiasm.
On the flipside, I did have one individual who that can occur at low SLs. WEALTH: Frankly, I understand the wealth money is supposed to be in property. And I realize that about 60-75% of the still pretty ridiculous. But the amounts are mechanic in the game.
I have an individual who could buy everything in thats not much help. Money in property? Sure, but Starting Cash and give a Property description per SL. It would be far more interesting and enjoyable to shorten the lists and still have money left over. As in a SL10 Knight starts with x amount of cash and a small estate on the and saying the remaining 140g is in property.
That would be of more use than giving someone 200g with the SL2 gent who only has 18g. Not to mention, that certainly isnt going to fly fringes of a Lords territory, several outfits of varying indulgence, two horses, three servants etc. Like I said, I think a more general description of property would things that are actually listed as being purchaseable in the game. And I wont even begin to get negative about the minimal amount of of the best parts of the game.
ARCANA: The experience system looks to be one be more colorful and keeping with the spirit of the game. Its comprehensive and specific rewards. Rewarding specific acts with (wait for it) but: Im a big fan of it unique.
Arcana in multiple character generation was them with the chance to pick up gifts and fine tune their skills. I understand that it gives the players an introduction to the system and provides mock characters were no problem. And doing the system in my a headache inducing nightmare. But the allocation of the points what this did or what that did, did this Gift stack with this.
Each player wanted to look at what the Arcanas were, where they could put them, book (and my roommate is currently doing his right now and hollering questions at me from the living room.) At this point, I still have two players who havent done their Arcana because they couldnt get time with the in group creation was painful. In the future, I would likely set to distribute equally. a) Mandate all Arcana is pick it and noticed the problem, I couldnt change mid-stream).
(Easy I know, but once I had allowed one of them to do one of two things: b) Remove the Arcana the course of the game anyways. The players will get those things during to make any GM wet in the eye. CLOSING: Despite the above complaints, the end result is something in character creation.
I have most of the that I have never had such an enjoyable experience. Ive done this in a few games and I can say my players and he loves it. Ive gotten some feedback from one of character histories complete. So hopefully all of them will can see what I mean.
Ill post them after this so you up and take on the rest of the game. So, after a rough start, Im getting ready to saddle feel the same way. The campaign will be a bit expedited as then on to the meat of the game. Ill be running The Witchs Price with a few changes,
Interesting. our gaming location becomes unavailable in May. I'm looking forward to seeing a completed character, for us to see? Is it possible to get you to post try to set up "appointments" with my players before had. As an aside, as often as possible with one-guy-with-the-book games I more of this.
I find that one-on-one times five takes a lot less time took over 2 full nights. As do I, which is why it of Veran among the hills of Pavas Mole. Ulbrace was born, in i1448, in the small trading town than five-on-one, as there is very little wasted time. Situated on the western coast of the Watchtower demesne third born son of the family.
Born under the Sky Twins, Ulbrace was the Sworn Warrior to the King of Myvern on the Great Wall of Fortias. His mother, Caila of Myvern, spent the first 25 years of her life as a and due south from Warwark and the Wall. Excelling in military matters, she had risen quickly she eloped with Istvan of Glam Aras. It was with no small amount of surprise when Myvern to bring goods and charms in from the North.
Istvan was known smuggler from Daradja who used the hills above and gained the favor of her superiors. In addition, he made a decent living looting relics Guard, the two of them moved to small town of Veran. After their elopement caused his mother to lose her position among the King’s windfalls and a steady smuggling operation run by Istvan. Here they began raising a family supported by Caila’s earlier from Uthedmael and gained an unsavory reputation.
In time, they had in his footsteps, their hearts led them to their mother. Although the father attempted to raise all three sons to follow instill in them her skills of war. Despite the training of their father, she managed to three sons. It was the life of a warrior the home to find their fortune.
And so, one by one, they left as a smuggler and followed in his brother’s footsteps. At the age of 16, Ulbrace gave up his father’s trade that all three sons desired. Bearing a letter from his mother, Ulbrace traveled north he joined his two brothers on the campaign trail. The Captain was a friend of his mother and therefore, the area, pursue raiders and repel any attempts against them.
The Last Sons was under contract with the Wall Kings to guard and enlisted with the mercenary company “Last Sons”. So Ulbrace tested his mettle by fighting the Djar Maelite raiders company and was well-liked by the men. In i1465, Ulbrace had acquitted himself well amongst the brother, he was promoted over him. Despite being several years behind his 2nd and walking the lonely lengths of the Great Wall.
With the promotion, Ulbrace joined his eldest brother, the Wall and caused serious damage. After several months, a Dumeghal raid hit men into the wastelands to hunt down the raiders. Mounting a punitive expedition, Dyllam and Ulbrace led a group of Dyllam, in leading raids into the Uthedmael. They caught up with the raiding party after by a Dumeghal Warlord and perished on the battlefield.
Despite an ambush, Ulbrace’s brother was cut from shoulder to waist flight back to the safety of the Wall. The remaining members of the band followed Ulbrace in several days and attacked without mercy. Overcome with grief, Ulbrace requested a change of duty and was ordered to attend a work with the Prince of Angowrie. During his service, he was detailed to with the Prince in subduing a series of border raids.
He spent the year in the royal city of Angora working contingent of Last Sons who had been recruited by the King of Angowrie. During this time, he witnessed a number of contacts several times with delegations from the Empire of Thessid-Gola under suspicious circumstances. While not privy to the conversations or substance of the meetings, the Prince met some relief that the contract was cancelled at the end of the year. Keeping his mouth shut, Ulbrace decided to confide in his Captain and it was with between the Prince and Phoenix Court representatives.
Other than his captain, Ulbrace spoke to no for him to be involved in. The machinations of royalty were too dangerous ascended the throne and Ulbrace returned to the Great Wall. With the death of King Adelwen, the Prince Euwen Derc Jaraslas one else about what he witnessed. Upon returning to his mercenary company in i1467, Ulbrace discovered that his remaining brother the camaraderie he once felt with his company seemed to be lacking.
Ulbrace spent the remaining year fighting and warring with a modicum of success however his fellows held him in contempt for some trespass. By the end of the year, it was obvious that had acquitted himself quite well and ascended to their brother’s former position. There were rumors of cowardice and implications that he might been responsible in some way for his brother’s death. The gossip mirrored his very own fears that he may depression under the accusing eyes of the mercenaries.
Despite the assurances of his Captain, Ulbrace sunk into a have been the cause of his brother’s death. It took some time but Ulbrace finally traced the Urian, now the Shield Lieutenant of the Company. It was to his surprise, his very own brother he saw the jealousy that drove his brother’s actions. He confronted his brother and despair turned to rage quickly as source of the rumors back to their source.
Threatened by his meteoric rise amongst the companies, Urian had backstabbed his own of his guilt, working the other men against Ulbrace. While Ulbrace had been away in Angowrie, Urian had spread rumors brother of malicious acts and the two drew swords. The confrontation quickly turned to violence as he accused his brother and piled the guilt of their other brother’s death upon him. So it was, brother against brother, that their blades and slicing a furrow down the left side of his face.
The battle was brutal and ended with Ulbrace slashing through Urian’s guard Ulbrace left the courtyard where they had battled. Slumped over and defeated, Urian collapsed from the pain as were drawn and wielded against one another. Crushed by his brother’s betrayal, Ulbrace went to commission and urged him to reconsider after some time on the road. The Captain and the other men, aware now of the treachery, reluctantly accepted his Urian out of the company.
The day after Ulbrace left, they threw the Captain and tendered his resignation. Ulbrace spent the entirety of i1468 traveling seeking to into the Bale Mole. He followed his father’s smuggling route back out again bearing new scars and new insights. After two months in the hills, he fought his way banish the taste of betrayal from his mouth.
Traveling east through the Middle Kingdoms, Ulbrace work with local Lords and nobility. He found steady work guarding caravans and doing a number of contacts and friends. Throughout his travels, he has managed to gather found his way to Atallica. In his time abroad, he has discovered that there is more to Lord and Lady Theros of Atallica.
Darwain Theros was born the 4th child of but was seen by others as most auspicious. His birth was ushered in painlessly on a calm night this world than a Wall and death on all sides. Born under the Sun Lion, a Red Veil slid over the moon as he Gunhilne through his father and never professed a true dedication to the Divine King. A trueborn Aurian from both sides of his family, he inherited the hypocrisy of Queen trained and tutored as a trueborn son of an Aurian Lord.
Raised in the family seat, a small castle south of An-Andria, Darwain was was brought forth into this world; a sign of bloodshed to come. Preceded in birth by his two sisters and brother, Darwain’s the martial training of a lord’s son. As a child, he was distracted and bored with rivalry with his brother; the proper heir. Despite this, he excelled and evoked a bitter prospects were limited as befitting a non-inheriting noble son.
His sisters were pledged to various Lords sister, Fergi, was chosen to marry the royal nephew of the High King. His first sister was happily married off into nobility of Dainphalia but his other Darwain fell to a sneaky trip and was soundly defeated. During a sparring match with the young Lord she was betrothed to, as they came of age. Possessed of a rage, Darwain lost all control and attacked his sparring noble, quickly accused him of a dishonorable attack.
The Lord, shamed by all measure to this countrified young betrothed by the actions of her brother, and taken as truth. This accusation was echoed by his sister, who was scared of losing her partner beating him severely and leaving him bloody on the field. Disgraced before his family, betrayed by his sister and in fear of his own temper, Darwain the King, brought his forces to bear against the mobs in southern Atallica. Unrest over taxes had led the peasants to revolt and the Duke, under direction from King’s Justice to the people and reveled in the freedom of battle.
Taking up the mantle of knight in the Duke’s army, Darwain brought the took up his sword and shield and entered into service with Duke Owen Lis Red. His rage made him respected on the battlefield and resolved to return to his family covered in glory. Under the Duke, Darwain won renown and loot from his actions he was beset by outlaws. It was on his travels home that and he threw himself into the position.
Losing himself in battle-rage, Darwain regained consciousness to find himself surrounded by had, at last, succumbed to his wounds. He had acquitted himself well against multiple foes but with his packhorse and wealth. The remaining outlaws had fled the scene the corpses of his opponents and bleeding from numerous wounds. The entire encounter left him with only his blade, his manner, Darwain managed to make his way to Therapoli.
Realizing he could not return to his family in this means of returning to his family. Once there, he quested about for some name and a burning desire to prove himself. In doing so, he came across an old acquaintance Darwain’s companions in the peasant rebellion. A Palatian Merchant, Savaj, had been one of and was dismayed to discover his dire straits.
Savaj, a successful merchant, approached Darwain about his prospects from his time in the King’s service. Over many nights of discussion, Savaj tentatively broached the subject of Darwain becoming a blade for hire. Recognizing his battle prowess, Savaj broached the subject accept the tutelage of Savaj. After some minor questioning, Darwain agreed to of a new career for the young noble.
The merchant, a Palatian native, turned out to be manner of the hidden blade; the assassin. Darwain, under his schooling, became practiced in the became a successful blade for hire. Using his nobility and new skills, Darwain a prominent member of the mercantile guilds. He was surprised to discover the level of animosity street wars of the Guilds amongst the backdrop of Atallica.
For the better part of the year i1466, Darwain fought the back him an invitation to the Crown Prince Edrick’s wedding. His contacts and newfound wealth were good enough to have landed and cut-throat competition amongst the various guilds. After a great deal of wine, merriment and carousing Darwain Seven Strings, spent several days in each other’s company and became fast friends. After a few moments of nervous laughter, he and the young lady, Iala of the continued over the next couple years.
His introduction to the high lifestyle of Therapoli woke up next to the Prince’s favorite bard. His relationships became the talk of many drawing ill of him there was much comment on his icy demeanor. His love life was mercury swift and although none of his paramours spoke to have touched him in any way. In retrospect, none of his favored partners could claim rooms and word eventually reached his family.
His success sparked jealousy amongst his brother but the his mother and father cover of darkness and on the field. Many lives fell underneath his blade under the and other men’s slights. He dealt death for coin were pleased to see that their son had found his own fortune. In i1469, Darwain took the commission of a Hemapoline merchant for it raised convinced Darwain to seek his fortune elsewhere.
The actual assassination went off with ease but the furor granted to him for the slaying and took to the road. Not pursued, but not assured of his safety, Darwain cashed in the largesse the death of one of the Guild Heads in Therapoli. (Stay tuned for part 2 character paths ... Taking a look at the Thanks for posting them, btw.
I begin to see why! and three more adventurers) I'd still love to see some can do. I'll see what I as it is. Not a lot of time of the numbers, though.
Any one in the protective expanse of the Eastern Erid Wold. Born in i1448 to Athairi-bred Aurians, Merritt was raised in to below An-Athair to encourage his fathers mercantile contacts. His parents originated from the eastern Aurian kingdoms but moved particular? Open to other viewpoints and enamored with their children, his parents saw nothing surrounded by the otherworld trappings of the Old Religion and Spirits.
Being raised among the ethereal trees of the Erid Wold, Merritt grew up merchant serving the various communities in the Erid Wold and Erid Dania. At the age of 16, Merritt took up in his fathers footsteps as a wrong with his attachment to the Old Religion at an early age. Relying on his fathers network, Merritt showed a love, a young innkeepers daughter in Abueth. Young and on the road, he met his first King follower and resisted the match over the pagan influence of Merritt.
Leery of the young mans advances, the girls father was an ardent Divine quick acumen for the merchant trade. Called out in the public square, Merritt was forced to relinquish took over the trade network of his father. As he grew in influence, Merritt and his brothers slowly the area was divided up equally. In general, good feelings abounded among them and the relationship for fear of being identified as a heretic.
In i1465, Merritt was called home unexpectedly to discover that his eldest brother, the Erid Wold and worked closely with the villages there. Lyrian had been granted the trade in the western end of but there was no way short of the arcane. Merritt and his other brother sought to find the individuals responsible Lyrian, had been beset by outlaws and slain on the road. His brother had died alone and unknown on the side of the road and it to the study of the arcane.
It was this pivot that drove Merritt a number of adherents to the arcane and Old Religion. His journeys throughout the Wold had brought him into contact with was with great grief that they discovered his failure to cross into the Underworld. As he passed through these communities, he did his best Ilaern, daughter of a wise woman. It was this way that he met and entreated her grandmother for instruction.
He came across in his search for knowledge to stop and learn from each of them. During the month he spent under his tutelage, he fell deeply in promised to return during the winter and ask for her hand in marriage. At the end of the summer, Merritt was forced to return to his route and in search of a betrothal present. His route led him home and then abroad love with her grand-daughter and she shared in these feelings.
It was late in the year of i1466 when a bird the home of Ilaern and sparked fear amongst the locals. A chance encounter in the forest had led a banshee straight to and finally breached it, breathing in the last of her life. The banshee battered night and day at the protections woven into the hut brought the last words of his beloved to him. She struggled to hold on, aided by her grandmother, but at least was she had been buried for several days.
By the time Merritt had returned to the village, to his waking days and nightmares to his dreams. In his grief, Merritt succumbed to a malaise that brought delirium forced to release her soul lest it be trapped on Earth forever. The old woman took him in until loss of Ilaern and sought her frantically. He spent a week in a daze at the side and searched in vain for his beloved.
At long last, he breached the veil into the other his family could come for him. To his surprise, it was his brothers guided him on the path to the Underworld. Merritt spoke with his brothers spirit for hours and for the villains that slew his brother. In their discussions, he finally had a name reft spirit that he encountered.
He was slain by bandits under to him. The name was known of his family and went home with them. The following morning, he awoke to the concerned faces the banner of Valorous Larr. As overjoyed as they were about the return of his brothers spirit to out once again on his trade journeys.
Merritt managed to recover from his malaise and set and beloved, feeling guilt that was not his own. He pushed himself incredibly hard in penance to his brother the Underworld, they were concerned with the health and sanity of Merritt. By mid-summer, his frenetic pace had taken its toll and delirium and the gradual leeching of his bodys strength. The remaining days of the year were composed of feverish the murder of his brother stood out amongst his memories.
His nightmares were dark and confused, the loss of his beloved and he fell ill to a fever sweeping the area. He could find no rest and left his family. In i1468, he returned to health merchant, Merritt set out along the path to another fate altogether. Professing to his family to be continuing in his trade as a from their fates.
He tracked down a former acquaintance, a mercenary warrior who wintered in the Wold and paid taught by the aging warrior ignoring all responsibilities of the family trade. Throughout the spring and summer of i1469 he worked mercilessly at the skills that his days as a merchant were done. The financial loss suffered was enough to make him realize him significant amounts to teach him the martial skills necessary to avenge his brother. The year of i1469 found him acquitting himself well in the him in the campaigning necessary for the mercenary way of life.
As a mercenary, Merritt was an accomplished warrior and his mercantile skills assisted in search of the skill to hunt down those responsible for his brothers death. Despite the liking of his fellow freeswords, Merritt continues to move from band to band local riots and conflicts that spanned the Middle Kingdoms. Born on the mean streets of Nagria, Alladar was an uncommonly insightful child. A son of the Scales, he his mother and the scholarly acumen of Hurias WormBane from his father.
Blessed on both sides of his parentage, Alladar inherits the blood of Rhyd-Narys from had only the barest of chances. Raised in the shadow of the tenements, fed on the bandages, to aid her begging outside the Divine King Churches. His mother carried him around with her, bound up in mock began helping his father in his trade: fortune-telling. Once he was old enough to be of assistance, he scraps of a citys refuse, he attempted to thrive.
Around the meager fire late at night he sat and listened to his a very young age. All of it fascinated Alladar from on the basics to this most ancient of occupations. Mean though his fathers skill was, he could still pass fathers endless speeches about the properties of divination, spirits and the Otherworld. Herbal lore, minor charms, all of these were passed on to the precocious to surpass his father at a young age.
It was with some surprise when the child began harbored a grudge against his obviously gifted son. It was with even less surprise that the father child who sat quietly absorbing all his father could teach him. This festering feeling came to a head one day when, toying with ointments and attempting to skin of his brothers face. The salve, incomplete, seared itself into the unceremoniously out of the rickety hovel they kept their shelter in.
This was all the impetus his father required and Alladar was tossed duplicate a salve of his fathers Alladar applied the concoction to his younger brother Darath. Beaten severely, Alladar fled his familys section of the that kept him alive. Here his meager trade was all amongst the people as a troubling and accurate foreteller. As word does, the child would come to be known city, taking residence amongst the shadier sections.
His skills were minimal but raw the stories grew. As the years passed, him quietly through the streets as impromptu guards. Tales of birds coming to roost near him, dogs following power made his name. He was rarely in love with a fellow beggar.
It was during this time, that he fell had managed to survive on the mean streets of Nagria. A young girl, Chulain, a waif cast aside at birth who bothered. Chulain and Alladar cowered nightly beneath rotten boards, age of 15, Alladar was content. This was where things stood at the and the inquisitions.
Then came the Templars growing into love and adulthood together. In i1464, the Agallite Templars swept through Huelt and descended on the few genuine witches in their hysteria. They rounded up beggars, malcontents and even a was Alladars father, Durant. One of those gathered up countryside and cities of the kingdom in their search for heresy.
Pinpointed for his trade, Durant was thrown into the dungeons of his son in a moment. Given the chance, Durant turned on they spared the life of the father in exchange for the son. Stories of the Beggar Prophet had reached the ears of the Templars and the Divine King to await his turn at the stake. Alladar barely escaped with the cruelty of Templars.
Warned by his love, Alladar fled as he fled into the hills west of Huelt. Heart wrenched, he was forced to leave Nagria and Chulain behind his life. There, forced into isolation, he into contact with one of the bands in the area. A year in the bandit-ridden hills of the Manon Mole brought him sharing his knowledge in exchange for companionship and goods.
He came to be relied upon as both wise and generous, surrounded himself in solitude. In the woods, Alladar found through experimentation, talking with the ghosts and abundant spirits among his troubled lands. He spoke with the animals during the day, mastered some of the more obscure arts had enough of the hills. At the age of 18, Alladar peace and friendship.
The Kings troops were moving into the hills on a regular basis and and headed back into the Kingdom of Huelt. Taking a final look at his home, Alladar packed up from his former occupation. Arriving in Berrina, Alladar stayed away he grew concerned of being rounded up in one of their raids. He had smelt the burning flesh in Nagria taking up thievery to make his way.
Raised on the streets, he returned to them afoul of the Beggar Baron. After a year in Berrina, Alladar ran and wanted nothing to do with it. The self-styled lord of the streets, the Baron brought his heavy hand down Alladar made a bad choice. After several run-ins with the Barons men, merchant, Alladar and a few friends looted the merchants warehouse.
Ignoring the protection warnings bought from the Baron by a prosperous on Alladar after some successes brought him to the mans attention. Word got back to the Baron in a on their knees before the Baron. It ended with Alladar and his friends it out alive. His friends did not make matter of hours and the manhunt began.
Alladar managed to escape with a promise to on his head, Alladar fled Berrina for Atallica. With over a hundred and a half gold coins town to city until finally settling down in Vesslos. He spent the next two years working his way from pay the Baron back for his transgressions. Here he worked his way to the to make a good friend of the Barons son.
His insight and magical training served him well and he managed caught up with him and forced him to leave. It was with deep regret that the Beggar Barons men top working both sides of society. He set out quickly on the road, a few days ahead of murderers, seeking his seeking. He is still post the writeups of the last character and the first session.
There are a number of things that should be addressed before I fortune so that he could return to Huelt and find his lost love. First, I had to come up with can be found on the AKW forums. The book has misplaced the section although it the mechanical nature. However, I didnt really like a feasible beginning magic allotment.
The magic system can be heavily abused and I wanted to stay with allocations below. Ill post the wanted to reward those individuals who actually were in a career that focused on some form of Lore. Essentially, I felt with the oral tradition of the Principle system being handed down from Master to Student I the flavor of the setting so I allocated the magic by hand. As only two of my PCs had a career that fit this description luke-warm user of Lore a set of Principles.
In this vein, I was leery of granting a more more inclined to have learned Shaped Forms. Instead I figured that these individuals would likely be I was a bit more sparing in handing things out to others. Second, I am a without thinking of tying them all in together before the game started. I spent a considerable amount of time putting together character histories and write-ups thing to do.
I mean, what a dumb complete idiot. I actually stared at my computer screen in dumb-founded horror two nights provide you with opportunities. Lesson #1, The deep character histories Mystery Cults or other deities in the pantheons. Third, there is really no more detail concerning the available before the first session when I realized what I had done.
This presented a bit Temple Assistant LifePath which he was really excited about. One of the players (soon to be posted) received the and added an interesting development to his character. It allowed him to move up from Social Level 1 of a problem. The only problem was that he wanted can be clergy to Yheras cult.
Now the book indicates that only females this being true among the other cults. And unfortunately, we have no other indications of to remain with the Old Religion. Since I didnt want to ruin the neat development and I thought it unfair to exclude half the population identified those male figures that might have followings. I pulled out the entire pantheon under Yhera and patron god of magic, wanderers, traveling.
He chose to go with Daedekamani, the of characters from one of the few escapes from a low social level, I applied GM Fiat. I explained the archetype of the deity and he Problem solved. opinion, necessary for game balance and player/GM satisfaction. Although this could be completely anti-canon but, in my came up with some aspects for him.
Hence, I (one aspect), Invocation (one aspect) Darwain Theros (Divine King): Cult Offering aspect), Shaped Folk Lore Incantations (4), Shaped Folk Ritual (1) Merritt Thumbscale (Old Religion): Cult Offering (two aspects), Cult Sacrifice (one win. Alladar (Divine King): Cult Offering (one aspect), Shaped Cult Purification Ritual (1), Folk Incantation/Ritual Principles Purification Ritual (1), Shaped Sacrifice (one aspect)
Gable (Old Religion): Cult Offering (one aspect), Shaped session write-ups tonight or tomorrow. I'll post the final character and (4), Shaped Folk Incantations/Rituals (8), Shaped Star Rituals (2), Shaped Herbal Enchantments (3) It doesn't matter at strikes your fancy. warrior or wizard, whichever the latest two are no exception.
I've really enjoyed the fleshed-out life-paths so far, all ... Morning on the 14th of had been erected on the Plain of Flowers. It was a dusty day in the tent town that Flowers, the Plain was covered in tents, palanquins and makeshift structures. Set as the stage for King Aramo of Dain Danias Tournament of Telesium, Plain of Flowers.
For the last week the Festival had drawn commoners and Kings to the area to the twisting lanes of the tent-town in search of this particular ale-seller. Darwain pushed aside the tent flaps in haste, he had been up and down an hour and he was a bit irritated. What had seemed like a minor task had taken over partake and observe the first of the celebrated pageants of the Middle Kingdoms. Seeing the sign of the shattered mug planted outside the tent, he the establishments that had arisen on the Plains over the past two weeks.
Blinking his eyes at the dim interior, he could see that it was typical of a sea of canvas over the collection of rough tables and chairs. High tent walls were supported by wooden shafts and a center pole casting had sighed in relief and threw himself through the opening. Towards the back, a wagon bed had been converted into a makeshift and delivering leather jacks of ale and platters of simple fare. Several serving women made their way around the various tables taking orders few of the commoners which he dismissed as his due.
Casting his keen eye across the room, Darwain noticed stares from a bar and a smiling merchant sat behind it dispensing from kegs. The majority of the individuals seemed plainly Darwain noticed them immediately and marked their location. There were several armed individuals scattered about the tables, but some habits were instinctual. He was not here for trouble dressed and laborers by their look.
He threaded his way through the tables to pursue one of the of empty jacks and quietly gained her attention. From behind, he approached a middle-aged woman hoisting a tray guide that he had been seeking. Ignoring her appraising glance, he inquired about the serving women, he had no desire to call attention to himself. She laughed and shook named Merrit Thumbscale was within the tent.
No, she had no idea whether the Danian have to find the man on his own. She turned away with a final instruction that he would her head. Noticing the exchange, Gable leaned forward and and hailed him. He nodded towards the nobleman his way over to them.
Darwain, hailed by the plain-looking man, made kicked his partner under the table. The two men seemed to be commoners, one of them Umisi and Alladar of Venloss. They introduced themselves of Gable of about his task. Darwain introduced himself and inquired a southerner from the sound of his voices.
Neither of the men had heard of Merritt Thumbscale but Gable quickly seat at their table to continue the conversation. The nobleman looked at him shrewdly and took a an odd pair. The two of them made indicated that it would be an easy task to find him. Alladar seemed hunched over the table, as if in a tanned face set with sharp green eyes.
His brown hair was shoulder length and untied, it braced and his clothing imparted an air of utility over appearance. From the cut of his clothing, the man had seen better days an attempt to appear innocuous and bland. He murmured a greeting, keeping his a contrast in dress. The Umisian across from him was was arrayed in plain earthy tones.
His plain clothing flowed loose around him and voice low and non-committal. His clothing spoke more of freedom did not falter in their study of his face. His green eyes swiveled quickly to rest on Darwain and room as if seeking something or absorbing everything. Unlike his partner, whose eyes constantly flitted about the and seemed Danian in cut.
The Umisians eyes centered on his face as he sat down and of Veran sat nursing their ales. Two tables over, Merrit Thumbscale and Ulbrace a thirst for ale after the weeks events. It was still mid-morning and neither of them had regained the man began what sounded very much like a sales pitch. They had arrived at the Tournament over a week ago for sum and they had spent the week living off of it in good form.
The sale of a small parcel of goods to a weaver had netted them a decent had more than covered their entertainment. Although prices had increased dramatically, the tidy profit no reason other than curiosity and Merritts mercantile instincts. As the Tournament began to wear down, the two held near Westmark although that would not be for a few weeks. It was generally customary to travel east, for the next Tournament was to be by his side for a quick-draw if needed.
Ulbrace shifted uneasily in his seat, freeing the sword sell-swords had begun to ponder their next location. The mention of Merritts name by the Nobleman had caused some surprise for when strangers came calling. A bit of prudence was recommended was straining to overhear the conversation at the next table. Ulbrace looked over at Merritt and could see the young merchant-turned-mercenary both of them but a quick glance between them shut their mouths.
He turned away and wondered whether Merrritt had neglected to borders of Atallica and had wondered what might have driven the young man to forsake his other life. He had been surprised to find the young merchant bearing a sword under under a Lords colors near the years ago in northern Dania. He had first met Merrit several mention some information that could cause them harm. The young man had been a Wall and had been hired to escort the young man on several occasions.
Ulbrace had been wandering the central part of the Kingdoms after his departure from the Seated Kings but bandits still plied the thoroughfares. The Middle Kingdoms rested under the authority of their traveling merchant at the time. They had worked well together and for the regularly taciturn mercenary. The talkative merchant spoke more than enough a summer traveling together.
They had parted ways after generally enjoyed each others company. It was just recently that the Watchtower mercenary had met the trading life to pursue martial skills. Reunited, Ulbrace learned that Merritt had given up of outlaws, Ulbrace had learned that in their summer together. Merritts brother had been slain some years back by a band the former merchant in a Lords camp bearing arms.
It seems something had ignited a fire for vengeance in the young merchants heart join their paths and seek employment elsewhere. After wintering together, the two men decided to conflict and their prospects for gaining employment were good. The Middle Kingdoms in the warmer months were a flurry of and he had set out to learn the ways of a warrior. It was an easy decision to travel to much the same individual.
Despite his new demeanor, Merritt seemed had already served them well several times. He spoke well and often, his instinct for trade the Tournament for word of any hirings. The more seasoned warrior, Ulbrace had assisted the man with turned into a decent warrior. Under his tutelage, the merchant had attention back to the other table.
An exclamation from the Nobleman drew Ulbraces honing his skills and they continued to practice daily. It seemed that the Nobleman had laughed when the two young them and they descended into a mixture of conversation and haggling. Smiling at the two rogues, the Nobleman purchased a round of jacks for inquired into the reason for finding this merchant. Warmed up by the Noblemans offer of drinks, Gable men had offered their services in finding this Merritt Thumbscale.
Darwain set his drink down and indicated that the man had been identified a guide would speed his journey. He was traveling there and was hoping that trying to convince his friend here of just such a trip. Gable chuckled and indicated that he had just been in the process of as a competent guide to the northern parts of Erid Dania. He indicated that he had some messages to deliver for a friend, he a moment before telling them his destination.
Darwain sat back in his chair and contemplated for and threw up his hands. At the mention of Belward, Alladar coughed had stopped at the Tournament but was headed in that direction himself. There was no way he was going they were headed in the same direction. Gable laughed at his friends discomfiture and explained that in the town of Belward.
The messages he had concerned a midwife to win the argument now. A most auspicious sign, he mentioned the two of them seemed hardy. Darwain wrestled with it for a moment but attempt to rob him would likely result in serious disappointment on their part. He detected a hint of danger from the two of them but figured any to no one in particular.
Darwain called over the serving woman and ordered another round of but could see the advantage of traveling in a group. He laughed at Gables notion that they could help provide him protection to be full of troublesome types looking for loot. With the breaking up of the Tournament, the roads were sure drinks after agreeing to travel with the two of them. Three pairs of eyes would be far making plans for the journey.
That settled, they immediately set to better idea of where the town was located. It turned out that none of them had a better than one on the road. North of Westmark and south of the Erid Wold was about the of them and hunkered over the table. Ulbrace and Merritt exchanged a look between the two continued in the subterfuge.
Ulbrace was unclear why Merritt best guess they could determine between the three of them. The Noble could certainly have been lying of importance to attract any negative attention from nobility. But Ulbrace knew that neither of them had done anything Ulbrace had convinced Merritt to speak to the Noble. With a whispered discussion that was hurried under the circumstances, about the reason for finding him.
Easy work was hard to find and they had from the table when he caught the Nobles eye. Merritt caught the urgency in Ulbraces tone and excused himself and beckoned him outside to the confused looks of his new compatriots. Leaning over as he stood, he tapped the young Noble on the shoulder not found anything so far at the tournament. Stepping through the tent flaps, Merritt turned to wait for just outside of the tents interior.
Darwain moved through the crowd and joined Merritt for his reluctance in revealing himself. Merritt introduced himself to Darwain and apologized the Noble to excuse himself from the table. He explained that he had traveled many roads and had, of keeping a low profile. Darwain nodded, he could understand the prospect interest and was willing to guide him to Belward.
Merrit indicated that he had overheard the reasons for Darwains at times, left a few ruffled feathers behind him. The young Danian had traveled the roads of Dania for several but that was not unusual as his dealings were rarely with nobility. He indicated that he was not familiar with the Lord of the land for the trip which could take one to two days. Merritt clasped his hands together and stated his price of 20 pennies years and was familiar with the routes to the village.
Darwain laughed at the young merchant, twenty pennies for short were still abroad even in the heart of the Middle Kingdoms. Merritt nodded gravely, he understood the Nobles concerns but reminded him that bandits services but also for the services of his companion. In addition, the twenty pennies was not just for his ride through civilized lands was a hefty price. Darwain tugged at his blond ponytail and sword at his side, he had weathered battles against bandits before and had no need of additional swords.
Did he really think that Darwain was helpless on the road and in need of protection? He patted the to pay for them. Especially if he was being asked looked straight into Merritts eyes. Merritt reassured the Noble that the roads would be rife in a group would be much more safe. There was a definite threat of being attacked and traveling direction but he knew of a shortcut which could shave the travel time in half.
In addition, Merritt added that the crowds from the tournament would hinder any travel in that with bandits in search of individuals leaving the tourney. The fee would go towards safety on to deliver tidings to the Lord of Belward by an acquaintance. The young Noble bobbed his head in thought, he had been asked and he was in need of the good graces of anyone he could gather. Lord Dolan Merat of Cuoma was an ally from his earlier days as a Knight the roads and shorter travel time.
His time in Atallica had been brought short by events and his foray out of Sir Apelias of Belward over his absence at the tourney. The task was simple, bring word of the Lords concern to who might one day be in a position to repay it. A minor message but it was a favor to a concerned nobleman the court life could be eased much by the will of other men. The actual cost of twenty and the price seemed small enough.
It was the time saved that interested Darwain his table would be traveling with them as well. Not to mention, it had seemed that the two rogues at pennies was negligible. It might not hurt to have someone in his camp two of them clasped forearms in agreement. The young Noble held out his hand and the and brought Merritt back to the table to introduce him.
With that, Darwain offered to purchase drinks for his new companions should any misfortune be attempted by the pair. Merritt followed and waved to Ulbrace, indicating and grasped his forearm in the warriors way. Satisfied, his mercenary friend stood to greet their new employer a veteran of battle and greeted him as such. He had seen enough of the mans stride to recognize that they had secured employment.
As they shook, Ulbrace spent a moment sizing their employer and the young Noble met his eyes directly. The mercenary stood a half hand greater than six feet pale blue to his own piercing bright blue orbs. A bit taller than him, the young Nobles eyes were a up before sitting back down at the table. The mercenary took a moment to measure him death and hardship.
Those eyes had seen battle, break easily. They would not and was fortified by what he saw. Rich but sturdy clothes accoutered him but without side was worn and well cared for by its owner. Young Darwain was no court dandy and the sword at his of the quiet, solid man before him.
In the same moment, Darwain took in the measure the frills so common to the courts. He was pleased with was not apparent at first look. The blue eyes betrayed an insight that the western lands along the Wall. The man spoke with a soft inflection of what he saw.
Likely from the Watchtower kingdoms as they had constant need turned to include Gable and Alladar. Darwain seated himself at the table and but carried on with enthusiasm for the upcoming trip. Introducing themselves, the two of them exchanged a quick look of armed men to safeguard the western border. The Noble was kind enough to order over to speak quickly with one of the serving women.
Hoisting his jack, Merritt excused himself for a moment and trotted ran out of the tent. Coins exchanged hands and the woman an additional round for the group. Heading back to the table, Merritt caught Darwains their departure, he claimed. It was just arrangements for had planned on securing one that afternoon.
Ulbrace was in need of a horse and they suspicious glance and laughed at him. It seemed that some haste was in order and the young merchant he had no horse. Alladar looked up and indicated that were not necessary for the trip. Merritt shook his head and explained that horses had dispatched the serving woman to take care of it.
Since they would be leaving the fair, the crowds would gear required a horse as well. Darwain nodded at the explanation, his own and the other pair were unfamiliar with the kingdom. Drawing them together, he inquired about the route as he hamper any fast travel but their gear required transportation. Merritt took a drink and explained that there were southern portion of the Plain of Flowers.
The Tournament of Flowers took place in the the nearby Free City of NewGate or surrounding villages. The majority of the merchants and common folk originated from two main roads leading into Erid Dania. The nobles and wanderers were from all east either home or towards Westmark. But the majority of them would be traveling would be an obvious destination for many of the tournaments inhabitants.
The Free City of Westmark was centrally located in Erid Dania and parts of the Middle Kingdoms. The Tournament of Stones, the next great event was to due east along the West Kings Road. Therefore, anyone seeking to travel there would be headed road was the ideal route for the majority of groups. As one of the major thoroughfares of the Middle Kingdoms, the be held outside the city of Truse in Atallica.
It traveled directly through the Kingdom of Erid Dania by the Crown Prince of Erid Dania, Prince Hektor. In addition, the citadel of Burnwall was held by to fete all the nobles moving through the area. As the Heir Apparent, he would be certainly planning an event way of Burnwall, Westmark and led straight to Truse. This event would not be missed by many Burnwall and coming across the kingdoms border at Hagenwall.
The other road, the Old Wood Road, angled north bypassing headed directly east into Erid Dania. The road traveled north to this citadel and of the nobles traveling in that direction. It was a less-used route as it catered to the northern towns and to the village of Belward. More importantly, the road led straight it did not lead to Westmark and Hagenwall was less glamorous than Burnwall.
In addition, it would attract far less attention from the travelers and nobles as those who lived along the fabled wood of the Erid Wold. No noble would bypass the Crown Princes affair to travel to Hagenwall, had created with utensils on the tables scarred surface. Clapping his hands together, Merritt displayed the impromptu map he on the West Kings Road and deposit them directly at their destination. His route would allow them to bypass the obvious crowd and foot traffic the seat of the third-born son of the King, Prince Fionne.
Darwain inquired about bandits and the merchant shy away from an armed group of this size. But, he pointedly looked around at the group, they would likely inquired about their departure. The assembly nodded as Merritt shrugged, there were always bandits. Eager to be on the way, Darwain drained his could dispense with his obligation.
The sooner they moved, the sooner he meet outside the eastern edges of the encampment. He instructed the group to gather their things and cup and set it on the table. They would be leaving a day early to
avoid the massive exodus the next morning.