About 70 years before the High King's Sword novels, the House of Varanath fell to a Black Wizard who became overly ambitious. He and a hired army stormed the House and city to take the House and it's repository of knowledge and artifacts.
Because Richard and Amber, two of the four Chosen, called this place home, Targon and Catiana used the House as a place to store artifacts they did not want loose upon the populace of Martapa. The Black Wizard wanted to take over the Wizard council, as well as Martapa, and sought to gain these artifacts and books of knowledge for himself, some 3,000 years after the Chosen.
But the descendants of Amber and Richard were savvy in the ways of magic and had safeguards to stop any who were not allowed to take the artifacts from obtaining them. But even these could not stop the Wizard and his troops. In a last ditch effort to save the artifacts from being taken, the wife of the current lord, a gypsy by birth, cursed the library, only allowing "the blood of Varanath to open the way."
Well, the Wizard had just killed all the members of the Varanath family, save the baby in the gypsy's womb. He killed the gypsy and removed the baby, sending her away to be raised until she could learn the magic which would open the library. But the guard he sent the child away with grew to love the child and hid the child from the Wizard. He was killed for his efforts, but the child returned later to defeat the Wizard in the form of Noshi Bluecrystal, last of the line of Varanath.
This is the premise of my novel I wrote about Noshi, Sebastion Blackthorne, and Miyaca Snowbird. These three characters make cameo appearances in my High King's Sword novels, but are pivotal to some of the major character development of my main characters in the High King's Sword.
Tomorrow: Magic Item
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Overveiw of Notitia
Notitia is the capital of the Ariellan Empire. Situated on the northern coast of the southern continent on the eastern tip, this city is a warm, comfortable place all year long. It was placed on the ruins of an old monastery which housed all sorts of knowledge, destroyed by Shaniko and his undead. The people who rallied to the first emperor used the caves as a place to hide as they built their new city when they still feared attacks from Shaniko's troops.
The first part made was the wall around what is now the palace of the emperor, allowing hundreds of people to find shelter in the time of attacks. Only a portion of the city could fit there now, but there are two other walls that surround the middle of the city and the very outer section of the city, though the city is beginning to grow beyond the last wall once more.
The first point one would notice is that all the people of Notitia are black skinned. In my world this is not a point of racism, but just how it is. If you look at how Earth is set up, those closer to the equator are darker skinned, and I just gave my people the same out look. On the plus side, I gave them a whole empire :).
The buildings are very roman in appearance, highly decorated and tiled, with usually only a single floor. The roads are cobbled, the rich ride horses, chariots or ride on carried platforms. Most people just walk.
The guards look like roman legionnaires, people dress like the Romans, down to pallas which denote position in life. Taverns and inns are single floor, but usually come with baths and food when you buy a room for the night. The down side is the inn costs one step higher in your roleplaying system. Businesses run only from sun up to sun down, even the open air market.
At some point in the future I hope to detail more specific areas in Notitia.
Tomorrow: History
The first part made was the wall around what is now the palace of the emperor, allowing hundreds of people to find shelter in the time of attacks. Only a portion of the city could fit there now, but there are two other walls that surround the middle of the city and the very outer section of the city, though the city is beginning to grow beyond the last wall once more.
The first point one would notice is that all the people of Notitia are black skinned. In my world this is not a point of racism, but just how it is. If you look at how Earth is set up, those closer to the equator are darker skinned, and I just gave my people the same out look. On the plus side, I gave them a whole empire :).
The buildings are very roman in appearance, highly decorated and tiled, with usually only a single floor. The roads are cobbled, the rich ride horses, chariots or ride on carried platforms. Most people just walk.
The guards look like roman legionnaires, people dress like the Romans, down to pallas which denote position in life. Taverns and inns are single floor, but usually come with baths and food when you buy a room for the night. The down side is the inn costs one step higher in your roleplaying system. Businesses run only from sun up to sun down, even the open air market.
At some point in the future I hope to detail more specific areas in Notitia.
Tomorrow: History
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Character: Leomaris
Leomaris was addition when I needed to give some dynamic to the Emperor of Ariella. He needed a conscious, and Leomaris became just that. Just because some one is a "bad guy" doesn't mean he is all bad. Just means he doesn't mesh with your hero's goals.
Leomaris was born to a poor family, destined to be a clerk in some warehouse somewhere. But the royal family saw him one day playing in the streets and snatched him up for a playmate for their son, Dardanos. As was custom, the royal heir had playmates of lower classes so they had someone to push around and let their aggressions out on. But not Dardanos. He grew to care greatly for his poor friend and when he went to school, so did Leomaris.
Leomaris grew wise in the presence of the soon to be emperor and their friendship grew. More a scholar then anything, Leomaris loves to study about the time of the Chosen.
Leomaris is human, around 45, and six foot tall. At a 150 pounds he is wire thin and knobby kneed. His complexion is a dark ebony color and his hair is curly and black, cut very short, as is the style of the men of empire. His eyes are hazel and ringed with amber.
Leomaris wears a white toga with a blue palla, along with the imperial seal. The blue palla denotes him as in the Assembly, part of the government that runs the day to day operations, where as the Emperor is in charge of overall operations, expansion, and the military.
Leomaris is a quiet man who listens more then he speaks. When he does speak especially on a topic of his liking, he may talk for hours, rambling from one subject to the next. He is a friendly man who will chat with anyone, from wealthy merchant to lowly slave. He tries to see the best in everyone and cares deeply for his friend the Emperor.
He gives everyone the benefit of the doubt, he is friendly and will chat with anyone if they let him, but he is blinded by his love for the Emperor in some areas.
Leomaris doesn't really come into play until the third book, but I find him a fun character to have. He can always be used as just a guest appearance while the party is in Notitia, the capital of Ariella, or as a long distance contact or employer.
Tomorrow: Over all view of Notitia
Leomaris was born to a poor family, destined to be a clerk in some warehouse somewhere. But the royal family saw him one day playing in the streets and snatched him up for a playmate for their son, Dardanos. As was custom, the royal heir had playmates of lower classes so they had someone to push around and let their aggressions out on. But not Dardanos. He grew to care greatly for his poor friend and when he went to school, so did Leomaris.
Leomaris grew wise in the presence of the soon to be emperor and their friendship grew. More a scholar then anything, Leomaris loves to study about the time of the Chosen.
Leomaris is human, around 45, and six foot tall. At a 150 pounds he is wire thin and knobby kneed. His complexion is a dark ebony color and his hair is curly and black, cut very short, as is the style of the men of empire. His eyes are hazel and ringed with amber.
Leomaris wears a white toga with a blue palla, along with the imperial seal. The blue palla denotes him as in the Assembly, part of the government that runs the day to day operations, where as the Emperor is in charge of overall operations, expansion, and the military.
Leomaris is a quiet man who listens more then he speaks. When he does speak especially on a topic of his liking, he may talk for hours, rambling from one subject to the next. He is a friendly man who will chat with anyone, from wealthy merchant to lowly slave. He tries to see the best in everyone and cares deeply for his friend the Emperor.
He gives everyone the benefit of the doubt, he is friendly and will chat with anyone if they let him, but he is blinded by his love for the Emperor in some areas.
Leomaris doesn't really come into play until the third book, but I find him a fun character to have. He can always be used as just a guest appearance while the party is in Notitia, the capital of Ariella, or as a long distance contact or employer.
Tomorrow: Over all view of Notitia
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Item: Sword of Undead
This sword, once the property of Eric of Calabay, was one of the weapons the Chosen used to fight the minions of Shaniko. Because Shaniko used undead to make his army large the Gods knew they would need something to fight undead.
The Sword of Undead is a saber with the hilt a dragon where the neck and head is the grip, the wings the crossguard. It sparkles with a faint blue light, but if undead are near it will glow brighter and brighter the closer the wielder gets to the undead.
The key to this sword is that it damages undead so they stay dead. If an undead is hit by mundane weapons they will simply reform. But with this sword the damage is permanent and will eventually destroy the undead in question.
In game terms this relic is the highest plus your system has and gives an additional bonus to undead (the highest available). The wielder is also immune to any freezing abilities an undead my use and any fear affects.
Monday: Leomaris
The Sword of Undead is a saber with the hilt a dragon where the neck and head is the grip, the wings the crossguard. It sparkles with a faint blue light, but if undead are near it will glow brighter and brighter the closer the wielder gets to the undead.
The key to this sword is that it damages undead so they stay dead. If an undead is hit by mundane weapons they will simply reform. But with this sword the damage is permanent and will eventually destroy the undead in question.
In game terms this relic is the highest plus your system has and gives an additional bonus to undead (the highest available). The wielder is also immune to any freezing abilities an undead my use and any fear affects.
Monday: Leomaris
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
History: Bard College of Calabay
Originally Calabay was a small fishing village. But the leaders of this village, a long string of interrupted men of the Calabay line, wanted more for their village. They helped some refuges who were filled with scholars and asked only for tutors to teach their children so they would be better prepared and learned. The scholars agreed, especially since it meant safety for their people, and over the years the people of Calabay became more and more educated. A running joke among the southern Houses is Calabay is the "Educated Barbarians of the North".
After awhile, and once they became the House Calabay, one of the sons of the House became quite talented as a bard and begged his father to start a college for all levels of bards so there would be music available for all. Since the people of Calabay were happy to help their people on every level of wealth (this changes a bit before Noshi Bluecrystal's Northern Alliance, but only for about fifty years) the college was built.
Originally all people were admitted, no matter if they could pay to be trained or not. But as the years passed more and more of the poorer people were not let in unless they had a sponsor, which didn't happen often. In game terms the further your player characters are from the Time of the Chosen the more likely they will have to pay or find a sponsor.
Here everything is taught from musical instruments to story telling. Also tutors are trained here to teach the wealthy or any who can afford such things. If a person is trained here part of their training is to stay for two years to teach their subject at the school, usually under the supervision of some long standing teacher. If a person is very talented the school will ask them to stay or return at a later date as a permanent teacher.
Students stay anywhere from just a few years to a decade of training, depending on what they are studying. Room and board is part of the tuition and a lot of students do small teaching jobs (like teaching someone to read or write) to help supplement their income.
Tomorrow: A Magic Item
After awhile, and once they became the House Calabay, one of the sons of the House became quite talented as a bard and begged his father to start a college for all levels of bards so there would be music available for all. Since the people of Calabay were happy to help their people on every level of wealth (this changes a bit before Noshi Bluecrystal's Northern Alliance, but only for about fifty years) the college was built.
Originally all people were admitted, no matter if they could pay to be trained or not. But as the years passed more and more of the poorer people were not let in unless they had a sponsor, which didn't happen often. In game terms the further your player characters are from the Time of the Chosen the more likely they will have to pay or find a sponsor.
Here everything is taught from musical instruments to story telling. Also tutors are trained here to teach the wealthy or any who can afford such things. If a person is trained here part of their training is to stay for two years to teach their subject at the school, usually under the supervision of some long standing teacher. If a person is very talented the school will ask them to stay or return at a later date as a permanent teacher.
Students stay anywhere from just a few years to a decade of training, depending on what they are studying. Room and board is part of the tuition and a lot of students do small teaching jobs (like teaching someone to read or write) to help supplement their income.
Tomorrow: A Magic Item
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Place: Ukiah's Cabin
Really not any place in my High King's Sword novels, this place is vital to my original novels (which may or may not be edited someday far in the future). This is where the Chosen meet each other and learn that the Gods are out to use them. Always a momentous place when the Gods ask you to die in there stead.
Ukiah, a mage of immense power, made this cabin of fine fir timbers with his bare hands for his love, Dyani Blackwolf. For all intensive purposes the cabin is one room, though a small side room was added when Amber was born. As one walks in there is a fireplace to the right of the door, the small room off to the right. The table Ukiah made (with magic, though he didn't tell Dyani that) sits near the fire. There are also five chairs, none of which truly match each other. Straight across from the door is a small niche big enough for a bed fit for two people. The bed has four posts which look like trees stretching upward, the canopy magical so as to appear as the foliage of trees.
The small room is separated from the rest of the cabin by a embroidered silk drape, though it is thick enough not to be able to see through. A single person bed and a chest lay inside, a single window looking out.
Underneath the heavy, woven rug in the middle of the cabin is a surprise. Without the aid of magic or knowing it is there, one can not see the hatch to a basement. In this basement are murals of elves in everyday life and a room four times larger then the cabin itself. Inside lays treasures of elven life gone by. Everything from magic items to the mundane. Ukiah tried to save us much as he could of Dyani's people as they were being killed by Shaniko and his minions. This room is extra dimensional, and can not be detected by normal means of finding a hollow places underground.
Some good roleplaying uses of this might be the party is looking for elven artifacts, they are lost in the woods near Willowdale and find Ukiah who can help them find their way, or they just find the building abandoned and use it for shelter one night. If you bring Ukiah into your campaign, be careful. He is, for all intensive purposes, an immortal, granted long life by the Gods and more powerful then some of the minor Gods. To anger him is truly to bring down the wrath of the Gods. Despite all his power, he is a kindly old man and will help if he can. He is dead after the time of the Chosen, but his cabin is still there, a place for Targon, God of Magic, to escape to on occasion.
Tomorrow: Some History
Ukiah, a mage of immense power, made this cabin of fine fir timbers with his bare hands for his love, Dyani Blackwolf. For all intensive purposes the cabin is one room, though a small side room was added when Amber was born. As one walks in there is a fireplace to the right of the door, the small room off to the right. The table Ukiah made (with magic, though he didn't tell Dyani that) sits near the fire. There are also five chairs, none of which truly match each other. Straight across from the door is a small niche big enough for a bed fit for two people. The bed has four posts which look like trees stretching upward, the canopy magical so as to appear as the foliage of trees.
The small room is separated from the rest of the cabin by a embroidered silk drape, though it is thick enough not to be able to see through. A single person bed and a chest lay inside, a single window looking out.
Underneath the heavy, woven rug in the middle of the cabin is a surprise. Without the aid of magic or knowing it is there, one can not see the hatch to a basement. In this basement are murals of elves in everyday life and a room four times larger then the cabin itself. Inside lays treasures of elven life gone by. Everything from magic items to the mundane. Ukiah tried to save us much as he could of Dyani's people as they were being killed by Shaniko and his minions. This room is extra dimensional, and can not be detected by normal means of finding a hollow places underground.
Some good roleplaying uses of this might be the party is looking for elven artifacts, they are lost in the woods near Willowdale and find Ukiah who can help them find their way, or they just find the building abandoned and use it for shelter one night. If you bring Ukiah into your campaign, be careful. He is, for all intensive purposes, an immortal, granted long life by the Gods and more powerful then some of the minor Gods. To anger him is truly to bring down the wrath of the Gods. Despite all his power, he is a kindly old man and will help if he can. He is dead after the time of the Chosen, but his cabin is still there, a place for Targon, God of Magic, to escape to on occasion.
Tomorrow: Some History
Monday, December 20, 2010
Character: Amber Blackwolf
To say I have a personal attachment to this particular character is an understatement. Of all the characters on this world, this is my first character I created and a character with a lot of me in her. She is very insecure and sensitive about what the world thinks about her. When I was in college, that was me to the letter. Though she doesn't show up as anything more then reference in my High King Sword novels, she is still there for me to cherish.
Born to the Warrior Leader Dyani Blackwolf and the Master Mage Ukiah she was a elven half breed that was trained to be a Wolf Warrior, but was despised by both worlds. She was strong willed and honor bound, sticking to the Aniwaya (code of honor of the Wolf Warriors) even when the Clan itself had given up on it. Living through the loss of her friend, Jared Swiftarrow, and her father the War of the Gods changed her. She married Richard Goldenstein, becoming the mother of six children and helped Richard rule over his House. When Richard died centuries before herself she took to traveling to different Clans, hoping to bring them back to their great status and left the the ruling of the House to one of her many grandchildren.
Amber was a half-elf, five hundred and twenty winters at the time of her death. She was five foot tall, 90 pounds wet with a lithe, athletic figure. Her face was angled and well defined, her skin a creamy pale, with a hint of tan to it. Her forest green eyes were big and oval. Her hair, almost bright red, was curly and hung to her waist. Her bangs hung over a gold circlet, with feathers hanging off the back of the circlet.
Amber wore a one armed shirt, that left her right arm bare as well as her stomach. Hunting leathers for pants which laced up at the side, with boots which laced up in the front and come to mid-calf. Quiver and short sword at her hip. She carried a hunting knife in her boot and a short cloak and bow on her back.
Amber spoke her mind when she is asked to socialize, otherwise she kept to herself. She didn't normally lie, but did so to protect someone who was harmed or weaker then herself. She was quiet, but quick to anger. She was nervous in crowds but hung on deeply to her few friends.
Amber had issues with Knights before she met Eric and Richard and she always hated the Black Wizards. She helped those in need, kept her word and upheld her honor.
Amber is used as an example of a great hero through my High King's Sword novels, though she would laugh at the title. Nothing more then background, it might be interesting if your players are in the time near the Chosen to come into contact with her.
Tomorrow: Ukiah's log cabin
Born to the Warrior Leader Dyani Blackwolf and the Master Mage Ukiah she was a elven half breed that was trained to be a Wolf Warrior, but was despised by both worlds. She was strong willed and honor bound, sticking to the Aniwaya (code of honor of the Wolf Warriors) even when the Clan itself had given up on it. Living through the loss of her friend, Jared Swiftarrow, and her father the War of the Gods changed her. She married Richard Goldenstein, becoming the mother of six children and helped Richard rule over his House. When Richard died centuries before herself she took to traveling to different Clans, hoping to bring them back to their great status and left the the ruling of the House to one of her many grandchildren.
Amber was a half-elf, five hundred and twenty winters at the time of her death. She was five foot tall, 90 pounds wet with a lithe, athletic figure. Her face was angled and well defined, her skin a creamy pale, with a hint of tan to it. Her forest green eyes were big and oval. Her hair, almost bright red, was curly and hung to her waist. Her bangs hung over a gold circlet, with feathers hanging off the back of the circlet.
Amber wore a one armed shirt, that left her right arm bare as well as her stomach. Hunting leathers for pants which laced up at the side, with boots which laced up in the front and come to mid-calf. Quiver and short sword at her hip. She carried a hunting knife in her boot and a short cloak and bow on her back.
Amber spoke her mind when she is asked to socialize, otherwise she kept to herself. She didn't normally lie, but did so to protect someone who was harmed or weaker then herself. She was quiet, but quick to anger. She was nervous in crowds but hung on deeply to her few friends.
Amber had issues with Knights before she met Eric and Richard and she always hated the Black Wizards. She helped those in need, kept her word and upheld her honor.
Amber is used as an example of a great hero through my High King's Sword novels, though she would laugh at the title. Nothing more then background, it might be interesting if your players are in the time near the Chosen to come into contact with her.
Tomorrow: Ukiah's log cabin
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Item: Magic Bags of Holding
In my first novel involving Tarkil, there is a scene where he hands a bag to Kenna and tells her everything should fit in there. He's referring to the contents of a large chest and the bag is only about pouch size. Kenna seems skeptical, but everything does fit.
This bag, and ones like it, are magical bags with extradimensional space. The outside of the bag can range from the size of a pouch to the size of a backpack. The inside can range as well, but the size of the outside will effect the inside of the bag's size. Most roleplaying games have a magical bag so just use those if you want to keep balance in your game.
In Martapa the bags are rare, but well cared for. Most bags of holding are the size of pouches and can hold up to 10 cubic feet of items. The holding size ranges all the way up to 30 cubic feet of space, but the outsides of this are usually backpack size. This should be a special magic item, placed by the GM in a treasure. I wouldn't give these out willy-nilly.
The appearances of the bags are usually plane, but small runes of magic are usually sewed around the edge of the opening. These glyphs are what allow the objects to be placed in the bags that would otherwise be to big to fit in the bag.
Monday: Amber Blackwolf
This bag, and ones like it, are magical bags with extradimensional space. The outside of the bag can range from the size of a pouch to the size of a backpack. The inside can range as well, but the size of the outside will effect the inside of the bag's size. Most roleplaying games have a magical bag so just use those if you want to keep balance in your game.
In Martapa the bags are rare, but well cared for. Most bags of holding are the size of pouches and can hold up to 10 cubic feet of items. The holding size ranges all the way up to 30 cubic feet of space, but the outsides of this are usually backpack size. This should be a special magic item, placed by the GM in a treasure. I wouldn't give these out willy-nilly.
The appearances of the bags are usually plane, but small runes of magic are usually sewed around the edge of the opening. These glyphs are what allow the objects to be placed in the bags that would otherwise be to big to fit in the bag.
Monday: Amber Blackwolf
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Some Thoughts
There is always a reason for a writer to put down with pen and paper (or in this day and age computer) a fantasy world that comes to them, battering down the door at night when you are trying to sleep. I'm no different.
The world of Martapa has been with me since a bunch of boys going on men took me into their group in college and decided I needed to be sheltered. (Which included teaching me how to use short swords and staves...don't ask.) My original foray into Martapa was about the Chosen, four young people thrust into danger to fulfill their destinies. All of them were based off my friends and myself (along with several other characters I added later as I added more close friends at college). My friends were supportive of the endeavor, but when I got out of college and work ensued, my world went to the way side.
I picked it up now and again over the years, but when my husband and sister said they needed a roleplaying fix (it had been years since we had played in a roleplaying group) I suggested my neglected world. Two years of Internet roleplaying (imagine doing 2000 words of description every other day or more) and I had quite the flushed out world along with a good story arch. (Though I base a lot of my novels on our roleplaying, quite a bit had to be fixed to actually fit into a story arch.) I joked about writing the exploits of our characters into a story, but only dabbled at it. I had two kids under three and parents to help out.
In 2004, after fiddling around for who knew how long, I realized I needed to write my story. It became a selfish reason for I knew I would never finish my endeavor if I didn't start it. My dad's recurrence of cancer made that all too clear. My father loved fantasy books. If there was ever a man who memorized the Lord of the Rings, it was probably him. And when he thought I was really going to sit down and write a book, he was so supportive. He would tell me often that he'd love to see my name in print right next to Tolkien on his shelf. So I wrote for him, knowing full well that my dying father would never see the end product.
I lost my father in 2005 to cancer, 2 weeks short of his 60th birthday. Obviously I never finished before he died, but everyday, as I work on this labor of love I have him mind, knowing he is looking over my shoulder waiting for me to get my butt in gear and get my book published. Published so it can sit next to his Tolkien books on his shelf.
So in the time of remembering, this time we share with our loved ones, remember why you started writing your book and keep that firmly in mind as we start the new year. You may never get your book published, but don't let it remained unfinished.
Happy Holidays and a Happy New year to all of you.
Tomorrow: Magical Bags
The world of Martapa has been with me since a bunch of boys going on men took me into their group in college and decided I needed to be sheltered. (Which included teaching me how to use short swords and staves...don't ask.) My original foray into Martapa was about the Chosen, four young people thrust into danger to fulfill their destinies. All of them were based off my friends and myself (along with several other characters I added later as I added more close friends at college). My friends were supportive of the endeavor, but when I got out of college and work ensued, my world went to the way side.
I picked it up now and again over the years, but when my husband and sister said they needed a roleplaying fix (it had been years since we had played in a roleplaying group) I suggested my neglected world. Two years of Internet roleplaying (imagine doing 2000 words of description every other day or more) and I had quite the flushed out world along with a good story arch. (Though I base a lot of my novels on our roleplaying, quite a bit had to be fixed to actually fit into a story arch.) I joked about writing the exploits of our characters into a story, but only dabbled at it. I had two kids under three and parents to help out.
In 2004, after fiddling around for who knew how long, I realized I needed to write my story. It became a selfish reason for I knew I would never finish my endeavor if I didn't start it. My dad's recurrence of cancer made that all too clear. My father loved fantasy books. If there was ever a man who memorized the Lord of the Rings, it was probably him. And when he thought I was really going to sit down and write a book, he was so supportive. He would tell me often that he'd love to see my name in print right next to Tolkien on his shelf. So I wrote for him, knowing full well that my dying father would never see the end product.
I lost my father in 2005 to cancer, 2 weeks short of his 60th birthday. Obviously I never finished before he died, but everyday, as I work on this labor of love I have him mind, knowing he is looking over my shoulder waiting for me to get my butt in gear and get my book published. Published so it can sit next to his Tolkien books on his shelf.
So in the time of remembering, this time we share with our loved ones, remember why you started writing your book and keep that firmly in mind as we start the new year. You may never get your book published, but don't let it remained unfinished.
Happy Holidays and a Happy New year to all of you.
Tomorrow: Magical Bags
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Place: City of Tsi-wa
The city of Tsi-wa was the capital of the elven nation for a long time, though it moved to Qalataqa around the time of the Chosen to save the elven nation from Shaniko and his minions.
This city was huge in it's hay-day, covering acres and acres of land both on the ground and in the trees themselves. Buildings are always made of shaped wood, (meaning they are still living, but shaped to serve a purpose). Shapes are more rounded then straight up and down. Houses are in the treetops, business and inns upon the ground. There are tenders who make sure the trees and other plants used for buildings and supports are well cared for and living with out sickness.
This is the training city of the Wolf Clan, Dragon Clan, Pegasus Clan and Unicorn Clan. The Leaders and High Guards for each are stationed here. Since most Warriors remain unbonded, and those who do need to be trained, the city is quite large and nearly self-sufficient. All Warriors from the north are trained here, both in weapons and magic. Whole families live here, though those children who are not chosen to train (which is rare) usually leave for another elven city or even for one of the human communities.
Other races, save Akicitia, are not allowed here near the time of the Chosen (though at the beginning all races were welcome). The Great Library of Tsi-wa, containing a mass amount of elven history and lore, is open to all elves and the rare person from other races. Anything elven can be bought here, though the prices would be high for any outsiders.
The imports here are low, mostly speciality foodstuffs, and they export little else save Clan Warriors and books. They worship primarily Targon, though Catiana, Wesa, and Iktomi are also revered.
Near the time of the Chosen the city was abandoned because of the Wizard Shaniko. The Akicitia of Mahatalo's Clan remained, protecting the city and were there when Amber Blackwolf and Richard Goldenstern came seeking the Staff of Veo.
Tomorrow: History
This city was huge in it's hay-day, covering acres and acres of land both on the ground and in the trees themselves. Buildings are always made of shaped wood, (meaning they are still living, but shaped to serve a purpose). Shapes are more rounded then straight up and down. Houses are in the treetops, business and inns upon the ground. There are tenders who make sure the trees and other plants used for buildings and supports are well cared for and living with out sickness.
This is the training city of the Wolf Clan, Dragon Clan, Pegasus Clan and Unicorn Clan. The Leaders and High Guards for each are stationed here. Since most Warriors remain unbonded, and those who do need to be trained, the city is quite large and nearly self-sufficient. All Warriors from the north are trained here, both in weapons and magic. Whole families live here, though those children who are not chosen to train (which is rare) usually leave for another elven city or even for one of the human communities.
Other races, save Akicitia, are not allowed here near the time of the Chosen (though at the beginning all races were welcome). The Great Library of Tsi-wa, containing a mass amount of elven history and lore, is open to all elves and the rare person from other races. Anything elven can be bought here, though the prices would be high for any outsiders.
The imports here are low, mostly speciality foodstuffs, and they export little else save Clan Warriors and books. They worship primarily Targon, though Catiana, Wesa, and Iktomi are also revered.
Near the time of the Chosen the city was abandoned because of the Wizard Shaniko. The Akicitia of Mahatalo's Clan remained, protecting the city and were there when Amber Blackwolf and Richard Goldenstern came seeking the Staff of Veo.
Tomorrow: History
Monday, December 13, 2010
Character: Akiola Riverbridge
Akiola isn't much more then a background character in my novels, someone who writes about history and I use for small quotes at the beginning of several chapters, to give the mood of the chapter and the story world. Sort of like Anne McCaffery used her small harper songs at the beginning of each of her Pern Harper books. But if you are adventuring in my world, he is someone your player characters could run into.
Akiola was born into a family of privilege in the elven city of Tsi-wa (Gee-Wah), he grew up studying poetry and history. When he was of age he went to the Bard College and quickly rose through the ranks to become High Bard of Tsi-wa. He studied the ancient civilizations, human, elven, and dwarven, as well as the interactions of the Gods. He died of old age around the age of 1,500 years.
Akiola was/is (depending on when you adventure) a Wood Elf. Standing at five foot two inches and a hundred pounds he was lithe and willow thin. His cheek bones are high, his dark green eyes very oval and slanted. His skin is a pale tan color and his long silver gray hair is kept in a nice pony tail.
Akiola wears long silver robes marked by the sign of Vates, a gold and silver cord around his waist to mark his rank as High Bard. Soft, silk slippers to allow his movements to be quiet in the library. When he speaks his voice is soft and melodious. When speaking of his favored subject of history his voice is filled with passion. He is a kind hearted individual filled with passion and a great desire to know the truth.
Akiola doesn't care for people who do not respect the past, but he is studious, patient and a student of all knowledge, even if he can be singled minded at times. As author of Discussions of the World, he is sought out quite often to clarrify bits of history.
Tomorrow: The city of Tsi-Wa
Akiola was born into a family of privilege in the elven city of Tsi-wa (Gee-Wah), he grew up studying poetry and history. When he was of age he went to the Bard College and quickly rose through the ranks to become High Bard of Tsi-wa. He studied the ancient civilizations, human, elven, and dwarven, as well as the interactions of the Gods. He died of old age around the age of 1,500 years.
Akiola was/is (depending on when you adventure) a Wood Elf. Standing at five foot two inches and a hundred pounds he was lithe and willow thin. His cheek bones are high, his dark green eyes very oval and slanted. His skin is a pale tan color and his long silver gray hair is kept in a nice pony tail.
Akiola wears long silver robes marked by the sign of Vates, a gold and silver cord around his waist to mark his rank as High Bard. Soft, silk slippers to allow his movements to be quiet in the library. When he speaks his voice is soft and melodious. When speaking of his favored subject of history his voice is filled with passion. He is a kind hearted individual filled with passion and a great desire to know the truth.
Akiola doesn't care for people who do not respect the past, but he is studious, patient and a student of all knowledge, even if he can be singled minded at times. As author of Discussions of the World, he is sought out quite often to clarrify bits of history.
Tomorrow: The city of Tsi-Wa
Friday, December 10, 2010
Money System of Martapa
Since a lot of what I'm writing about here is for you to use in a roleplaying campaign I thought I might take a look at the money system of Martapa
In Tiana the money comes in six types of coins: Gold ducats, Silver Eagles, copper Pennies, Platinum Dragons, Steel Knights, and Half Pennies.
2 Half pennies = 1 copper penny. 5 copper pennies = 1 Silver Eagle. 5 Silver Eagles = 1 Gold Ducat. 5 Gold Ducats = 1 Steel Knights. 10 Steel Knights = 1 Platinum Dragon.
Common currency is half pennies, copper pennies, and silver eagles. Gold ducats are not common, but are usually reserved for big purchases, such as a horse, wagon, wedding dresses. Platinum dragons and steel knights are usually used by nobility and the business they frequent.
Trade bar, used to transport raw metals to the mint, are usually worth 500 of what ever type of coin the metal is.
Other countries use the same price system, save in the Empire they are called: Half pennies, penny, silver griffions, gold lions, steel swords, and platinum legions. In the areas controlled by the Black Wizards the coins are called: half pennies, copper pennies, silver ghosts, gold harpies, steel talons, and platinum staves. The coins, for the most part are similar in size and shape (to keep with the same weight and thus the same worth), but Tridon and Ariella stamp what ever the name is on picture. The platinum legions bare the visage of the current emperor (or past ones). The Black Wizards have runes upon them, simply stating the value of the coin.
Most places use barter a lot more then coins. Two bags of flour for a shovel, a chicken for some onions, a bag of potatoes for a pie. Coins are usually only used in cities and any inns along the roads.
Monday: Akiola Riverbridge
In Tiana the money comes in six types of coins: Gold ducats, Silver Eagles, copper Pennies, Platinum Dragons, Steel Knights, and Half Pennies.
2 Half pennies = 1 copper penny. 5 copper pennies = 1 Silver Eagle. 5 Silver Eagles = 1 Gold Ducat. 5 Gold Ducats = 1 Steel Knights. 10 Steel Knights = 1 Platinum Dragon.
Common currency is half pennies, copper pennies, and silver eagles. Gold ducats are not common, but are usually reserved for big purchases, such as a horse, wagon, wedding dresses. Platinum dragons and steel knights are usually used by nobility and the business they frequent.
Trade bar, used to transport raw metals to the mint, are usually worth 500 of what ever type of coin the metal is.
Other countries use the same price system, save in the Empire they are called: Half pennies, penny, silver griffions, gold lions, steel swords, and platinum legions. In the areas controlled by the Black Wizards the coins are called: half pennies, copper pennies, silver ghosts, gold harpies, steel talons, and platinum staves. The coins, for the most part are similar in size and shape (to keep with the same weight and thus the same worth), but Tridon and Ariella stamp what ever the name is on picture. The platinum legions bare the visage of the current emperor (or past ones). The Black Wizards have runes upon them, simply stating the value of the coin.
Most places use barter a lot more then coins. Two bags of flour for a shovel, a chicken for some onions, a bag of potatoes for a pie. Coins are usually only used in cities and any inns along the roads.
Monday: Akiola Riverbridge
Thursday, December 9, 2010
History of the Temple of the Gods
This temple is the most elegant of all the temples on all Martapa. Built on the original location of the village of Stormvale, the temple is meant to honor all the Gods, both Light and Dark. High King Peter understood the Balance and how all the Gods influenced the lives of mortals, whether they worshiped said Gods or not. He wanted to pay homage to them all and thus built the temple.
The temple is circular, to represent the flow of power of all the Gods. Nice large pillars line the outside of this small, round building to represent the nine major Gods, standing on a marble porch that circles the building. There are nine steps to the front door and every Gods' symbol is etched upon not only the doors, but the steps as well so none are forgotten. Even Kahalla's symbol is here, despite the fact he was banished later on. People tried to take off the glyph, but once chipped away, it simple returns the next day.
The pillars are decorated in fanciful depictions of the Gods, some as animals, others as winged elves, others as other mortal shapes, representing the fact the Gods take a great interest in the lives of the mortals. Upon the door is are two small fist size circular impressions where a lock may be. There are no handles upon the door. When Peter was High King, the doors were never closed, only later was there need to close them.
Inside the building is a circular room larger then what the building appears on the outside. The floor is tiled with the symbols of the Gods. The walls are covered in depictions of winged elves and the words written in ancient elven saying "I bring together the gate to the heavens and call forth Catiana's children, the bringers of the way" under the picture of a winged elf holding an object of power.
Originally this building was tended by representatives of all the Gods, but as time progressed the priests slowly left the building, especially during the time of the Chosen, when Shaniko hunted down many of the priests of the other Gods. The out buildings which are there can house over a hundred people and there is a forge that could be used once more if cleaned out in these later times.
Eventually the relics of the Gods were housed here by the Gods themselves when the building was abandoned. The keys were lost before the time of the Chosen, found by them, and lost for some time before the priests of the Cataina found them again. They and other faiths manned the temple until about twenty years before the time of the High King's Sword. At that time it is abandoned and overgrown.
Tomorrow: Money System for Martapa
The temple is circular, to represent the flow of power of all the Gods. Nice large pillars line the outside of this small, round building to represent the nine major Gods, standing on a marble porch that circles the building. There are nine steps to the front door and every Gods' symbol is etched upon not only the doors, but the steps as well so none are forgotten. Even Kahalla's symbol is here, despite the fact he was banished later on. People tried to take off the glyph, but once chipped away, it simple returns the next day.
The pillars are decorated in fanciful depictions of the Gods, some as animals, others as winged elves, others as other mortal shapes, representing the fact the Gods take a great interest in the lives of the mortals. Upon the door is are two small fist size circular impressions where a lock may be. There are no handles upon the door. When Peter was High King, the doors were never closed, only later was there need to close them.
Inside the building is a circular room larger then what the building appears on the outside. The floor is tiled with the symbols of the Gods. The walls are covered in depictions of winged elves and the words written in ancient elven saying "I bring together the gate to the heavens and call forth Catiana's children, the bringers of the way" under the picture of a winged elf holding an object of power.
Originally this building was tended by representatives of all the Gods, but as time progressed the priests slowly left the building, especially during the time of the Chosen, when Shaniko hunted down many of the priests of the other Gods. The out buildings which are there can house over a hundred people and there is a forge that could be used once more if cleaned out in these later times.
Eventually the relics of the Gods were housed here by the Gods themselves when the building was abandoned. The keys were lost before the time of the Chosen, found by them, and lost for some time before the priests of the Cataina found them again. They and other faiths manned the temple until about twenty years before the time of the High King's Sword. At that time it is abandoned and overgrown.
Tomorrow: Money System for Martapa
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Place: The Rolling Rooster
This inn is one of the two inns which Tarkil owns, unknown to his family. It's his "retirement fund" as he likes to think of it, just in case he needs to escape with money somewhere away from his family.
The inn isn't adjacent to the open air market, but close by on the northwest corner. The tavern is the smallest part of the inn, holding only a dozen tables in a close area. Most of the space is devoted to the 24 small rooms upstairs, the kitchen, an office, and living quarters for the help down below.
Though well lit, the tavern can be darkened to allow for unseen business deals. The interior is well maintained, though this is still an older building. The interior is mostly wood, the outer first floor river rock. There are two fireplaces, one at either end of the tavern (one near the door, and one near the entrance to the kitchen).
The rooms up above are all for double occupancy (though more people could fit in them). There are no suits or bunk room. The cost per room is 5 silver eagles per night and a silver for a day's worth of meals. (Ale or wine is extra). The accommodations are average but clean, the food unimaginative, but edible.
At the moment the "owner" of the inn is One Eye Jack. He claims to have lost his left eye in a knife fight, but the truth is he fell when he was younger and poked out his own eye when he landed on a sharp stick. The healers were able to save his life, but not his eye for he could not afford to pay for a highly skilled healer. He reports to Tarkil by several intermediaries once a month and gives what little profits there are to him. Jack knows he has it good and tries not to skim too much that Tarkil will notice.
Rumors are easily found here, because the regulars like to talk, even if you don't buy them a drink or food. This is a good place for beginning characters to rest and recover between adventurers, since the prices are reasonable and the place is serviceable.
Tomorrow: History of the Temple to the Gods
The inn isn't adjacent to the open air market, but close by on the northwest corner. The tavern is the smallest part of the inn, holding only a dozen tables in a close area. Most of the space is devoted to the 24 small rooms upstairs, the kitchen, an office, and living quarters for the help down below.
Though well lit, the tavern can be darkened to allow for unseen business deals. The interior is well maintained, though this is still an older building. The interior is mostly wood, the outer first floor river rock. There are two fireplaces, one at either end of the tavern (one near the door, and one near the entrance to the kitchen).
The rooms up above are all for double occupancy (though more people could fit in them). There are no suits or bunk room. The cost per room is 5 silver eagles per night and a silver for a day's worth of meals. (Ale or wine is extra). The accommodations are average but clean, the food unimaginative, but edible.
At the moment the "owner" of the inn is One Eye Jack. He claims to have lost his left eye in a knife fight, but the truth is he fell when he was younger and poked out his own eye when he landed on a sharp stick. The healers were able to save his life, but not his eye for he could not afford to pay for a highly skilled healer. He reports to Tarkil by several intermediaries once a month and gives what little profits there are to him. Jack knows he has it good and tries not to skim too much that Tarkil will notice.
Rumors are easily found here, because the regulars like to talk, even if you don't buy them a drink or food. This is a good place for beginning characters to rest and recover between adventurers, since the prices are reasonable and the place is serviceable.
Tomorrow: History of the Temple to the Gods
Monday, December 6, 2010
Character: Kredoc Bloodhelm
Kredoc was a character on paper and never really flushed out until I started to write my novels. Afterward, I began to really feel a love/hate relationship with him. He is so awful to Tarkil, yet in his own way he is trying to do what is best for Bloodhelm.
Kredoc is the second son of the previous Lord Bloodhelm and is the father of Tarkil Bloodhelm. He is the spymaster for the House and deals with any information that comes to the House before the Lord does and sends what information must be sent out. He has never been ambitious enough to want to be Lord of Bloodhelm but has always liked the intrigue of spying. Thus he has conditioned his son to do such as well.
Kredoc is human, 56 winters old, six foot in height and about two hundred and twenty pounds. He has put a bit of weight on in his older age, but is still fairly lithe and wiry. His face in narrow, though oval in shape, his skin a pale tan. He has blue eyes and low set cheekbones. His hair is silver gray, though some of the original blond shows through.
Kredoc always dresses like a proper gentlemen in a billowy black shirt, with a red button up surecoat with brass buttons. He wears close fitting black pants and calf high boots. He usually carries a dagger on his person, but can use a a saber handily enough. He is usually blunt and to the point, but when he needs information or needs to hide it, he has a wicked tongue. He can make the statement, "The sun is up" sound like more then it actually is.
He is generally very calm, even in stressful situations. He is hard to get along with in most social situations, because he is so coarse and to the point. He does better doing the behind the scenes intrigue then face to face.
Kredoc is well informed and studies the facts before jumping to conclusions. He trusts no one, not even Tarkil and especially not his brother or his brother's children.
In my novel Kredoc is a thorn in Tarkil's side and adds twists to Tarkil's path. I purposefully make it hard to read him and leave the reader wondering is Kredoc helping or hindering Tarkil.
Tomorrow: The Rolling Rooster
Kredoc is the second son of the previous Lord Bloodhelm and is the father of Tarkil Bloodhelm. He is the spymaster for the House and deals with any information that comes to the House before the Lord does and sends what information must be sent out. He has never been ambitious enough to want to be Lord of Bloodhelm but has always liked the intrigue of spying. Thus he has conditioned his son to do such as well.
Kredoc is human, 56 winters old, six foot in height and about two hundred and twenty pounds. He has put a bit of weight on in his older age, but is still fairly lithe and wiry. His face in narrow, though oval in shape, his skin a pale tan. He has blue eyes and low set cheekbones. His hair is silver gray, though some of the original blond shows through.
Kredoc always dresses like a proper gentlemen in a billowy black shirt, with a red button up surecoat with brass buttons. He wears close fitting black pants and calf high boots. He usually carries a dagger on his person, but can use a a saber handily enough. He is usually blunt and to the point, but when he needs information or needs to hide it, he has a wicked tongue. He can make the statement, "The sun is up" sound like more then it actually is.
He is generally very calm, even in stressful situations. He is hard to get along with in most social situations, because he is so coarse and to the point. He does better doing the behind the scenes intrigue then face to face.
Kredoc is well informed and studies the facts before jumping to conclusions. He trusts no one, not even Tarkil and especially not his brother or his brother's children.
In my novel Kredoc is a thorn in Tarkil's side and adds twists to Tarkil's path. I purposefully make it hard to read him and leave the reader wondering is Kredoc helping or hindering Tarkil.
Tomorrow: The Rolling Rooster
Friday, December 3, 2010
Prologue part III
“So, today it begins.”
Lee’s whispered words were punctuated by an explosion so sudden it rocked the sleepy dawn.
The northern guard tower was engulfed with a blast of flame. The light was intense, sun like in the near darkness. Screams of fear and pain echoed in the streets below. Stones and debris, along with dying men, rained down upon the cobbles and houses even as a second ball of flame engulfed the southern tower. Pain and fear echoed across the city as people began to flood into the streets.
“Run. Save yourselves.” Lee whispered to those who were too far to hear her, knowing it wouldn’t matter in the end. They would be the first civilians to fall to the blades and axes of the murders who were coming, to the magic and mayhem which would ensue well into the evening. She knew for she had seen. She knew she couldn’t have saved them all, but she hoped some would live to see tomorrow’s sunrise.
A third explosion sent splinters of wood and metal screaming down the road and into the massing crowds. Destruction and death seemed to spur the citizens to life, their flight of terror becoming more frantic, many running by Lee without even seeing her.
Lee smiled despite the death which awaited her. Some would live. Some would see Devonshire set free once more by the defenders of freedom.
Through the scorched and broken gates marched death itself, the body minotaurs and mercenaries, weapons in hand. The head a Black Wizard wrapped in the shrouded black robes of her order. From the distance Lee watched the man who was at the Wizard’s side. His hood was up, his features indiscernible, but it meant little to her. She knew who he was.
Her neighbors fled for the western gates as fire and death began to spread. Lee remained where she was. Stoic upon her stoop, the wind playing with her grey hair and worn clothes, the sun began to crest over the very mountains which had just been breeched. She watched a contingent of mercenaries rushing into buildings and slaughtering any who stood in there way. Others of death’s hand were so focused on their prey they rushed past her as if they did not see her.
The Wizard and the cloaked man quickly made their way toward Lee. They would have sensed her aura of magical powers and would find her a great threat, despite the fact she would offer little resistance. She reminded herself to be brave, that Targon was with her, and all this was about to end. She had only to endure so little to protect so much.
The minotaurs’ shod hooves rang on the stones as they raced toward her at the command of the Wizard. Weapons in hand, they surrounded her, as if one old woman would prove a problem for twelve full grown bull-men. But they knew what she was, knew Lee might have magic to aid her. It was unfortunate her power lay in seeing the future not throwing around spells of destruction. She might not have had to stand so idly by and await her death if she was capable of such feats.
Lee paid them no mind, keeping her face steady, staring past the swords and the Black Wizard to the cloaked man who stood just feet away from her.
He glanced first at the building behind her, at the symbol of some one who predicted the future. Her husband proudly put the sign there forty years early, though she doubted it would be there for much longer. His gaze turned from Lee’s business to her, though it was hard to read his face swallowed by the depths of the hood. It mattered little. He belonged to a Black Wizard, Tridon’s enemy. She didn’t really care what he felt.
“So, Seer, are you the only magic user this pitiful city holds?”
The female Black Wizard’s voice was soothing, gentle in a noble sort of way, with an air of authority. An authority which should not be ignored. But Lee planned on ignoring the Wizard.
Lee drew herself up straight, taking strength in the knowledge she needed to give Margaret enough time to reach the inn, to hide herself and the scroll away.
“Do you not speak? Perhaps you write your prophecies down for all to see, hmm?” The cloaked man began to inspect his fingernails for specks of dirt, seemingly bored with their conversation, the chaos continuing around them.
Lee noted the Black Wizard did not look pleased by the man speaking, but neither did the Wizard stop him. She was not surprised the Black Wizard appeared to fear the cloaked man. After all, even Black Wizards feared the man’s master.
Lee kept herself steady as her neighbor, a woman of middle years, was pulled out into the street screaming in fear. Lee wished she could give the woman strength, but there was little which could be said to stop what was about to occur. Lee turned her attention back to the cloaked man, abruptly speaking.
“The sword of the High King will reach out from obscurity and find you and Marius, Vandalar. They will find you and send you to your dead God. I only regret I will not be there when they do so.”
The cloaked man took a step back, visibly shaken by Lee’s words. The Black Wizard’s face turned white, her fear clearly written on her face. Lee knew they weren’t seeing an old woman giving empty threats, but a sorceress giving them prophecy. It wasn’t something any, even a Black Wizard, would take lightly.
The Black Wizard glanced at the cloaked man in askance, but he said nothing.
Vandalar took a step back toward Lee as more explosions ripped through Devonshire’s western section, the smell of burnt wood and flesh reaching her nose. Her stomach turned, but she knew her suffering would soon be over.
“Who? Who are they?”
“Do you think I would tell you? Do you think I would smash the hopes of all Tridon just so I could breathe a few more lonely breaths?”
Lee tried to meet his gaze, but she could not catch his eye. From what she had seen of the man, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to, but she had to buy time. Margaret had to get to Joseph’s.
“I will kill you in the most painful of ways if you don’t tell me. I’m quite capable of such efforts.”
Lee was sure he could, a man of his depravity would most likely be very creative. An explosion close to them rained down small stones and dust, many of the minotaurs ducking reflexively, though none ran in fear.
“I am old and it is time for me to return to Targon, Lord of Magic. I will not break my vows to him simply to give into your false promises of life or an easy death.”
And I will not trade my life for Margaret’s. She tightly clutched her shawl, steadying herself with that one small action and thoughts of her granddaughter.
“Perhaps Targon’s mages aren’t all cowards, after all. But it matters little. I will see to the destruction of your kingdom, of your world, and bring my master back from the dead. All you have done, woman, is point out a danger Marius didn’t know existed. I thank you. Marius thanks you.”
“I didn’t tell you to warn you. I told you so you will cower in fear.”
Vandalar chuckled darkly, his hand straying to the saber at his side. “I fear nothing, not even death. What will you give me so I kill you quickly?”
Lee glared at the man, wondering how long the Black Wizard would allow Vandalar to continue to take charge.
“You will die in a way most foul. By both magic and sword.” Lee’s words were steady, strong, taking heart from the fact she was giving Margaret time.
Vandalar reached forward, his breath sour as he placed one gloved hand about her neck. “Why do you taunt me like this? The more you infuriate me the more I will take great pleasure in personally killing you.”
Lee gasped for air, focusing on Margaret’s face in her mind’s eye to feel no pain. The girl would be to Joseph’s by now, especially if she heard the explosions. The child would not have turned back. Gods, she hoped she hadn’t. Margaret would have run all the way to Joseph’s. It was alright to give in to the pain and return to Targon.
“Stop! Van, we need to know if there are any other mages here! You can’t kill her just yet.”
The pressure on Lee’s throat eased, Vandalar releasing her at the Black Wizard’s fearful words, and he stepped back. He rubbed his face in irritation, glaring at the woman Wizard. She took small satisfaction the Wizard cowered slightly at his attention.
Lee moistened her mouth, spitting at Vandalar’s feet, her eyes narrowed upon him. “I would give fear to those who think they are masters of such things.”
The clash of weapons further into the city rang in Lee’s ears, the Black Wizard’s puppet watching her intently for a few moments. She felt relief Margaret didn’t have the spark of magic in her yet. The Black Wizards would pass her over when they searched for those who could use magic. She feared the black hearted man before her would have fun revenging himself upon Margaret if she had the spark.
“I ask again, are there any other mages?”
Vandalar’s voice was quiet, but filled with anger, the emotion not lost despite the noise of death and destruction swirling around them.
“If I won’t tell you about those in my prophecy why do you think I would give away my colleagues? Just kill me, you will get no more of use out of me and I tire of this conversation.”
Vandalar stood watching her for a moment. His inaction made Lee unsure of what he might do next and that scared her more then her death. The man seemed unpredictable even in her visions. Abruptly Vandalar turned from her to continue further into the city, his hand flashing in the air over his shoulder.
As the Black Wizard and the mass of minotaurs moved to follow, one of the minotaurs stepped forward, closer to Lee, a heated look upon his face, though not for her. He nodded respectfully to her, but raised his axe. She did not flinch, she knew it was time. She pictured Margaret and the life she was giving her granddaughter, knowing the sacrifice was worth the gift.
As the sun finally crested the mountains an axe swung unerringly through the morning air to fulfill its purpose.
* *
Monday: Kredoc Bloodhelm
Lee’s whispered words were punctuated by an explosion so sudden it rocked the sleepy dawn.
The northern guard tower was engulfed with a blast of flame. The light was intense, sun like in the near darkness. Screams of fear and pain echoed in the streets below. Stones and debris, along with dying men, rained down upon the cobbles and houses even as a second ball of flame engulfed the southern tower. Pain and fear echoed across the city as people began to flood into the streets.
“Run. Save yourselves.” Lee whispered to those who were too far to hear her, knowing it wouldn’t matter in the end. They would be the first civilians to fall to the blades and axes of the murders who were coming, to the magic and mayhem which would ensue well into the evening. She knew for she had seen. She knew she couldn’t have saved them all, but she hoped some would live to see tomorrow’s sunrise.
A third explosion sent splinters of wood and metal screaming down the road and into the massing crowds. Destruction and death seemed to spur the citizens to life, their flight of terror becoming more frantic, many running by Lee without even seeing her.
Lee smiled despite the death which awaited her. Some would live. Some would see Devonshire set free once more by the defenders of freedom.
Through the scorched and broken gates marched death itself, the body minotaurs and mercenaries, weapons in hand. The head a Black Wizard wrapped in the shrouded black robes of her order. From the distance Lee watched the man who was at the Wizard’s side. His hood was up, his features indiscernible, but it meant little to her. She knew who he was.
Her neighbors fled for the western gates as fire and death began to spread. Lee remained where she was. Stoic upon her stoop, the wind playing with her grey hair and worn clothes, the sun began to crest over the very mountains which had just been breeched. She watched a contingent of mercenaries rushing into buildings and slaughtering any who stood in there way. Others of death’s hand were so focused on their prey they rushed past her as if they did not see her.
The Wizard and the cloaked man quickly made their way toward Lee. They would have sensed her aura of magical powers and would find her a great threat, despite the fact she would offer little resistance. She reminded herself to be brave, that Targon was with her, and all this was about to end. She had only to endure so little to protect so much.
The minotaurs’ shod hooves rang on the stones as they raced toward her at the command of the Wizard. Weapons in hand, they surrounded her, as if one old woman would prove a problem for twelve full grown bull-men. But they knew what she was, knew Lee might have magic to aid her. It was unfortunate her power lay in seeing the future not throwing around spells of destruction. She might not have had to stand so idly by and await her death if she was capable of such feats.
Lee paid them no mind, keeping her face steady, staring past the swords and the Black Wizard to the cloaked man who stood just feet away from her.
He glanced first at the building behind her, at the symbol of some one who predicted the future. Her husband proudly put the sign there forty years early, though she doubted it would be there for much longer. His gaze turned from Lee’s business to her, though it was hard to read his face swallowed by the depths of the hood. It mattered little. He belonged to a Black Wizard, Tridon’s enemy. She didn’t really care what he felt.
“So, Seer, are you the only magic user this pitiful city holds?”
The female Black Wizard’s voice was soothing, gentle in a noble sort of way, with an air of authority. An authority which should not be ignored. But Lee planned on ignoring the Wizard.
Lee drew herself up straight, taking strength in the knowledge she needed to give Margaret enough time to reach the inn, to hide herself and the scroll away.
“Do you not speak? Perhaps you write your prophecies down for all to see, hmm?” The cloaked man began to inspect his fingernails for specks of dirt, seemingly bored with their conversation, the chaos continuing around them.
Lee noted the Black Wizard did not look pleased by the man speaking, but neither did the Wizard stop him. She was not surprised the Black Wizard appeared to fear the cloaked man. After all, even Black Wizards feared the man’s master.
Lee kept herself steady as her neighbor, a woman of middle years, was pulled out into the street screaming in fear. Lee wished she could give the woman strength, but there was little which could be said to stop what was about to occur. Lee turned her attention back to the cloaked man, abruptly speaking.
“The sword of the High King will reach out from obscurity and find you and Marius, Vandalar. They will find you and send you to your dead God. I only regret I will not be there when they do so.”
The cloaked man took a step back, visibly shaken by Lee’s words. The Black Wizard’s face turned white, her fear clearly written on her face. Lee knew they weren’t seeing an old woman giving empty threats, but a sorceress giving them prophecy. It wasn’t something any, even a Black Wizard, would take lightly.
The Black Wizard glanced at the cloaked man in askance, but he said nothing.
Vandalar took a step back toward Lee as more explosions ripped through Devonshire’s western section, the smell of burnt wood and flesh reaching her nose. Her stomach turned, but she knew her suffering would soon be over.
“Who? Who are they?”
“Do you think I would tell you? Do you think I would smash the hopes of all Tridon just so I could breathe a few more lonely breaths?”
Lee tried to meet his gaze, but she could not catch his eye. From what she had seen of the man, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to, but she had to buy time. Margaret had to get to Joseph’s.
“I will kill you in the most painful of ways if you don’t tell me. I’m quite capable of such efforts.”
Lee was sure he could, a man of his depravity would most likely be very creative. An explosion close to them rained down small stones and dust, many of the minotaurs ducking reflexively, though none ran in fear.
“I am old and it is time for me to return to Targon, Lord of Magic. I will not break my vows to him simply to give into your false promises of life or an easy death.”
And I will not trade my life for Margaret’s. She tightly clutched her shawl, steadying herself with that one small action and thoughts of her granddaughter.
“Perhaps Targon’s mages aren’t all cowards, after all. But it matters little. I will see to the destruction of your kingdom, of your world, and bring my master back from the dead. All you have done, woman, is point out a danger Marius didn’t know existed. I thank you. Marius thanks you.”
“I didn’t tell you to warn you. I told you so you will cower in fear.”
Vandalar chuckled darkly, his hand straying to the saber at his side. “I fear nothing, not even death. What will you give me so I kill you quickly?”
Lee glared at the man, wondering how long the Black Wizard would allow Vandalar to continue to take charge.
“You will die in a way most foul. By both magic and sword.” Lee’s words were steady, strong, taking heart from the fact she was giving Margaret time.
Vandalar reached forward, his breath sour as he placed one gloved hand about her neck. “Why do you taunt me like this? The more you infuriate me the more I will take great pleasure in personally killing you.”
Lee gasped for air, focusing on Margaret’s face in her mind’s eye to feel no pain. The girl would be to Joseph’s by now, especially if she heard the explosions. The child would not have turned back. Gods, she hoped she hadn’t. Margaret would have run all the way to Joseph’s. It was alright to give in to the pain and return to Targon.
“Stop! Van, we need to know if there are any other mages here! You can’t kill her just yet.”
The pressure on Lee’s throat eased, Vandalar releasing her at the Black Wizard’s fearful words, and he stepped back. He rubbed his face in irritation, glaring at the woman Wizard. She took small satisfaction the Wizard cowered slightly at his attention.
Lee moistened her mouth, spitting at Vandalar’s feet, her eyes narrowed upon him. “I would give fear to those who think they are masters of such things.”
The clash of weapons further into the city rang in Lee’s ears, the Black Wizard’s puppet watching her intently for a few moments. She felt relief Margaret didn’t have the spark of magic in her yet. The Black Wizards would pass her over when they searched for those who could use magic. She feared the black hearted man before her would have fun revenging himself upon Margaret if she had the spark.
“I ask again, are there any other mages?”
Vandalar’s voice was quiet, but filled with anger, the emotion not lost despite the noise of death and destruction swirling around them.
“If I won’t tell you about those in my prophecy why do you think I would give away my colleagues? Just kill me, you will get no more of use out of me and I tire of this conversation.”
Vandalar stood watching her for a moment. His inaction made Lee unsure of what he might do next and that scared her more then her death. The man seemed unpredictable even in her visions. Abruptly Vandalar turned from her to continue further into the city, his hand flashing in the air over his shoulder.
As the Black Wizard and the mass of minotaurs moved to follow, one of the minotaurs stepped forward, closer to Lee, a heated look upon his face, though not for her. He nodded respectfully to her, but raised his axe. She did not flinch, she knew it was time. She pictured Margaret and the life she was giving her granddaughter, knowing the sacrifice was worth the gift.
As the sun finally crested the mountains an axe swung unerringly through the morning air to fulfill its purpose.
* *
Monday: Kredoc Bloodhelm
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Item: Dragonbow of the Gods
The Dragonbow of the Gods was created by Targon, Catiana, and Taniger for Amber Blackwolf, one of the four Chosen. They figured one of the Chosen would be an elf and bows were their specialty.
This bow made of magical imbued oak makes the weapon as tough as steel and can be used as a staff without fear of breaking. Shaped like an elongated dragon, the tip of the tail and back of the head serve as anchoring points for the string. The wings serve as anchoring points for the string. The wings serve as the notch for the arrow, either side able to serve as the notch since even the Gods had no idea what eye the person would sight with. It has a gold tint with the dragon having emeralds as eyes.
The bow is unique in the fact it doesn't require any physical arrows, though they can be used. When the string is pulled back if a physical arrow isn't in the notch a magical arrow comes to light, the color depending on the person, their mood, and if they require more damage against undead or demons.
The most unique characteristic is the bow is meant specifically to take out undead and demons. Demons and undead feel compelled to turn away from the wielder.
In game terms, the bow is the highest plus available, and is a demon/undead slayer. This is also a relic and should not just be handed out in a random treasure. Introduce this with caution and only if your characters are in great need.
This weapon has a history of disappearing so after the party defeats that "Demon King" as a a GM you could spirit the bow away and still retain lore so as not to overbalance your campaign.
Tomorrow: A little more of my prologue
This bow made of magical imbued oak makes the weapon as tough as steel and can be used as a staff without fear of breaking. Shaped like an elongated dragon, the tip of the tail and back of the head serve as anchoring points for the string. The wings serve as anchoring points for the string. The wings serve as the notch for the arrow, either side able to serve as the notch since even the Gods had no idea what eye the person would sight with. It has a gold tint with the dragon having emeralds as eyes.
The bow is unique in the fact it doesn't require any physical arrows, though they can be used. When the string is pulled back if a physical arrow isn't in the notch a magical arrow comes to light, the color depending on the person, their mood, and if they require more damage against undead or demons.
The most unique characteristic is the bow is meant specifically to take out undead and demons. Demons and undead feel compelled to turn away from the wielder.
In game terms, the bow is the highest plus available, and is a demon/undead slayer. This is also a relic and should not just be handed out in a random treasure. Introduce this with caution and only if your characters are in great need.
This weapon has a history of disappearing so after the party defeats that "Demon King" as a a GM you could spirit the bow away and still retain lore so as not to overbalance your campaign.
Tomorrow: A little more of my prologue
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
History: Unicorn Mounts
As I alluded to earlier, each clan has a mount that resembles their name. The Gryphonclan had Gryphons, the Pegasus clan had pegasi and so on. And this held true for the Wolf Clan as well for quite some time until the time of Moonshade, the first female Leader of the Wolf Clan. She was a fine leader, a beauty in her own right, and a woman with a temper. No one wanted to get close to her save Targon, God of Magic.
Targon was never one to get close to mortals. He had, on occasion, had a tryst with a mortal, but Moonshade intrigued him. First he knew the Wolf Clan would spawn the mortal able to use the gift, so he had been careful to protect the Clan as best he could without intruding. But in watching over the Clan he found himself falling in love with Moonshade. He tried to keep himself distanced from her, but could not help himself. Not that Moonshade was amendable to such advances at first. It took Targon, a God of all things, time to turn Moonshade's head and the love between them grew greatly. He disguised himself as Skaska Blademaster, so as to be among the elves without revealing who he was and eventually a child was born of the union.
Targon took great pains to disguise the fact the child was his, for the baby was the only half-god in all of history. Eventually Moonshade died of wounds in protection of her charge, which grieved Targon greatly, but he continued to watch over their child and extending grand children. To help in this, he created a magical herd of unicorns to serve as intelligent mounts for the Clan Leader and his guard, knowing his child's line would continue to lead. The oldest of these unicorns was Swiftwater who eventually became the mount of Amber Blackwolf, descendant of Moonshade and Targon and the first mortal to use the Gift of the Gods.
No one knows Targon's secret, except Aiyana. Since she is the Goddess of Love, there was no way her father could keep such things from her. She teases him about it from time to time, but she has told no one, not even Jared Switarrow, her true love and companion of Amber Blackwolf.
Tomorrow: Dragon Bow of the Gods
Targon was never one to get close to mortals. He had, on occasion, had a tryst with a mortal, but Moonshade intrigued him. First he knew the Wolf Clan would spawn the mortal able to use the gift, so he had been careful to protect the Clan as best he could without intruding. But in watching over the Clan he found himself falling in love with Moonshade. He tried to keep himself distanced from her, but could not help himself. Not that Moonshade was amendable to such advances at first. It took Targon, a God of all things, time to turn Moonshade's head and the love between them grew greatly. He disguised himself as Skaska Blademaster, so as to be among the elves without revealing who he was and eventually a child was born of the union.
Targon took great pains to disguise the fact the child was his, for the baby was the only half-god in all of history. Eventually Moonshade died of wounds in protection of her charge, which grieved Targon greatly, but he continued to watch over their child and extending grand children. To help in this, he created a magical herd of unicorns to serve as intelligent mounts for the Clan Leader and his guard, knowing his child's line would continue to lead. The oldest of these unicorns was Swiftwater who eventually became the mount of Amber Blackwolf, descendant of Moonshade and Targon and the first mortal to use the Gift of the Gods.
No one knows Targon's secret, except Aiyana. Since she is the Goddess of Love, there was no way her father could keep such things from her. She teases him about it from time to time, but she has told no one, not even Jared Switarrow, her true love and companion of Amber Blackwolf.
Tomorrow: Dragon Bow of the Gods
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Place: Temple of Pezuta
Temples of Pezuta are more or less the same in every place, but each has its own little flare. As the Goddess of Luck, her temples are very fanciful and whimsical. Most are made out of marble (most temples are unless they are a back woods place with no access to marble) and carved with festival people in dance, play, and wine imbibing. Dice and other games of chance are always popular as well. Fanciful creatures such as sprites and satyrs are also common in picture as well as person.
The interiors are always very open, with only a small section of the building built into bedrooms for the attending priests. The lightning is bright and cheerful, to help supplicants feel comfortable. Sometimes a small garden will be in the middle of the temple. Temples to Pezuta usually have a small gaming gallery as well, proceeds going to the temple. Many people come to play, but some think such ideas of trying to gamble in the temple of luck is a stupid idea.
The priests are usually dressed in silk clothes that are revealing, though leave something to the imagination. They always appear young and happy (Pezuta gives her priests youthful appearances even in old age, though not long life). Some priests of Pezuta have the ability to tell the future and the diviners will tell a persons fortune, or luck, for a small fee.
Most people, at one time or another, will pay homage to Pezuta, because everybody needs a little luck now and again.
Tomorrow: History of Unicorn Mounts for Clan Warriors
The interiors are always very open, with only a small section of the building built into bedrooms for the attending priests. The lightning is bright and cheerful, to help supplicants feel comfortable. Sometimes a small garden will be in the middle of the temple. Temples to Pezuta usually have a small gaming gallery as well, proceeds going to the temple. Many people come to play, but some think such ideas of trying to gamble in the temple of luck is a stupid idea.
The priests are usually dressed in silk clothes that are revealing, though leave something to the imagination. They always appear young and happy (Pezuta gives her priests youthful appearances even in old age, though not long life). Some priests of Pezuta have the ability to tell the future and the diviners will tell a persons fortune, or luck, for a small fee.
Most people, at one time or another, will pay homage to Pezuta, because everybody needs a little luck now and again.
Tomorrow: History of Unicorn Mounts for Clan Warriors
Monday, November 29, 2010
Character: Marius Vandez
Marius' original name, while in my RPG campaign was Gustave, but that was too close to Guthlaf. I'm not sure where the name Marius came from, but I thought it fit this conniving arch enemy who was thrown at Tarkil and his friends.
Marius is the fourth son of Lord Vandez and Lady Isabella. His mother has always groomed him to become a Black Wizard of Shaniko. She, herself, is a Wizard in the organization and wanted her son to rise higher into the organization. He studied hard, went to the Mage College in Weatherworn, then was apprenticed to a high ranking Wizard in Last Stand, (though his father thought the man was a mage). When Marius finished his apprenticeship, he killed his master and took over his manor and ascended to the rank of Grand Wizard. From there he gained contacts and took over the Wizards running of the Kin. He eventually became the ambassador to the Emperor of Ariella and has been working with them ever since.
Marius is human, 37 years old, five foot eight and 140 pounds. He is rail thin, dandy like in shape. He is not well muscled, but could hold his own in a physical battle for a bit. His face is chiseled, narrowing at the chin. He is incredibly handsome and has the face of a prince. His complexion is pale porcelain in color, as if he is delicate and doesn't get much sun. His black eyes are dark and beguiling. His hair is so black it has a blue sheen and he keeps it pulled back in a short pony tail.
Marius dresses in heavy black robes covered in arcane symbols and fallen God Kahalla, (though when he returns home he always wears proper attire for a son of a House). He speaks with elegance that only people in court are known to carry. Even in the middle of battle he speaks in a calm, collected manner. He is a gentlemen in any situation, even to his enemies. He is used to court life and knows how to get what he wants with words, but can use force if necessary.
Marius hates those of lower classes, those who seek to aid the world and those who do not hold power. He is well spoken, well groomed and very powerful in his chosen craft, not quick to anger. He loves fine wine, fine women and magical power of any kind.
Marius is a background character in the first book, Van being my main "bad guy" there. But his presence is alluded to. He becomes more of a force in the second book, bringing pain and troubles to our would be heroes. I love throwing him up against my heroes and in a book it is so much easier to write the direction things should go with a bad guy. If you have ever GM'd you know how hard it is for your main bad guy to not die on the first encounter, since players are a lot more unpredictable then what you are writing them in a situation.
Tomorrow: Temple to Pezuta
Marius is the fourth son of Lord Vandez and Lady Isabella. His mother has always groomed him to become a Black Wizard of Shaniko. She, herself, is a Wizard in the organization and wanted her son to rise higher into the organization. He studied hard, went to the Mage College in Weatherworn, then was apprenticed to a high ranking Wizard in Last Stand, (though his father thought the man was a mage). When Marius finished his apprenticeship, he killed his master and took over his manor and ascended to the rank of Grand Wizard. From there he gained contacts and took over the Wizards running of the Kin. He eventually became the ambassador to the Emperor of Ariella and has been working with them ever since.
Marius is human, 37 years old, five foot eight and 140 pounds. He is rail thin, dandy like in shape. He is not well muscled, but could hold his own in a physical battle for a bit. His face is chiseled, narrowing at the chin. He is incredibly handsome and has the face of a prince. His complexion is pale porcelain in color, as if he is delicate and doesn't get much sun. His black eyes are dark and beguiling. His hair is so black it has a blue sheen and he keeps it pulled back in a short pony tail.
Marius dresses in heavy black robes covered in arcane symbols and fallen God Kahalla, (though when he returns home he always wears proper attire for a son of a House). He speaks with elegance that only people in court are known to carry. Even in the middle of battle he speaks in a calm, collected manner. He is a gentlemen in any situation, even to his enemies. He is used to court life and knows how to get what he wants with words, but can use force if necessary.
Marius hates those of lower classes, those who seek to aid the world and those who do not hold power. He is well spoken, well groomed and very powerful in his chosen craft, not quick to anger. He loves fine wine, fine women and magical power of any kind.
Marius is a background character in the first book, Van being my main "bad guy" there. But his presence is alluded to. He becomes more of a force in the second book, bringing pain and troubles to our would be heroes. I love throwing him up against my heroes and in a book it is so much easier to write the direction things should go with a bad guy. If you have ever GM'd you know how hard it is for your main bad guy to not die on the first encounter, since players are a lot more unpredictable then what you are writing them in a situation.
Tomorrow: Temple to Pezuta
Saturday, November 13, 2010
A Long, Unexpected Vacation
To all those who do read this, (which I'm entirely grateful), I will be gone for about 2 weeks and not posting for that time. My husband's grandmother died so we must trek from Oregon to Utah by vehicle with the kids in tow so Internet access may or may not be available. When I return I promise to bombard you with more things about my world. Until then, keep well and Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Item: Gems of Translocation
Though travel isn't incredibly hard, with good roads and the like, the kingdom of Tridon is a large place. It takes time to get from here to there, even if the hardships of going from one inn to another isn't exactly the hardest thing to do. Some mages are able to translocate (move themselves from one spot to another instantaneously with the use of magic), but it is hard on the mage and the more people they are trying to move the harder it is on them. The strain can become so bad that the mage can actually die from the strain of magic. But in the cases of emergencies, like the High King is being besieged or something, it is worth the effort.
Magical transportation circles were created, which took the strain from the mages who used them, but they were rare when they were made, and in the time of the High King's Sword they are not in use at all. But some Mages and Wizards came up with a small item which could be used to transport a person from any spot to any other spot.
These gems are covered in runes, about the size of one's thumb, usually a fairly common gem such as agate or quartz. The mage or wizard cast spells of translocation upon it, stopping short of the one word which finishes the spell. This word becomes the trigger word. But the mage or wizard has to put a little of himself into the gem so rarely do mages do this and if they do, they do not do one after another. Wizards, on the other hand, who have perfected this, use the life essence of slaves or captured people to fuel the gems. Usually a dozen or more gems can be made in such a manner before the person is killed.
These are hard to make items which are coveted by everyone and guarded well by those who make them. This should be a rare item found only if it moves the GM's plot along, but is a good escape device for your villain if he is need of such an escape.
Monday: Marius Vandez
Magical transportation circles were created, which took the strain from the mages who used them, but they were rare when they were made, and in the time of the High King's Sword they are not in use at all. But some Mages and Wizards came up with a small item which could be used to transport a person from any spot to any other spot.
These gems are covered in runes, about the size of one's thumb, usually a fairly common gem such as agate or quartz. The mage or wizard cast spells of translocation upon it, stopping short of the one word which finishes the spell. This word becomes the trigger word. But the mage or wizard has to put a little of himself into the gem so rarely do mages do this and if they do, they do not do one after another. Wizards, on the other hand, who have perfected this, use the life essence of slaves or captured people to fuel the gems. Usually a dozen or more gems can be made in such a manner before the person is killed.
These are hard to make items which are coveted by everyone and guarded well by those who make them. This should be a rare item found only if it moves the GM's plot along, but is a good escape device for your villain if he is need of such an escape.
Monday: Marius Vandez
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Place: Vandez
Vandez is a busy port, though not as busy as Bloodhelm. The 1st House and capital city of the House of Vandez, this is the most populace city of the area. The port is in the northwest part of the city, the western wall portion rises from port level to a height of three hundred feet above the ocean. The wall surrounds the whole city and the gate is manned twenty four hours a day. In the time of the High King's Sword, a shanty town has sprung up around the outside of the wall. The bazaar is smaller then Bloodhelm's and located in the north eastern part of the city.
Between the port and the bazaar are the guilds, shops, and a small warrior college. The Vandez compound in the southwestern corner, while the majority of houses and temples are in the southeastern part of the city. Most shops have second stories which serves as homes for the owners or the workers. Near the warrior college is a large armory/blacksmith which is always in production making fine weapons and armor, along with mundane everyday items, for use in Vandez as well as export.
Religions strong here, at first, are Catiana, Iktoma, Sarjon, and Pezuta. At the time of the High King's Sword, those temples remain, but there is an underground religion which leans more toward the darker Gods.
This is a good starting area for warriors, since mercenaries are one of the major exports of Vandez. There is good training here and access to good weapons and armor. Also it would be a good place to be hired for a protection job. If your party has druids (or some sort of nature player character) this is a good place to start in the early years, for the city pays homage to Iktomi, the God of Nature.
Tomorrow: Gems of Translocation
Between the port and the bazaar are the guilds, shops, and a small warrior college. The Vandez compound in the southwestern corner, while the majority of houses and temples are in the southeastern part of the city. Most shops have second stories which serves as homes for the owners or the workers. Near the warrior college is a large armory/blacksmith which is always in production making fine weapons and armor, along with mundane everyday items, for use in Vandez as well as export.
Religions strong here, at first, are Catiana, Iktoma, Sarjon, and Pezuta. At the time of the High King's Sword, those temples remain, but there is an underground religion which leans more toward the darker Gods.
This is a good starting area for warriors, since mercenaries are one of the major exports of Vandez. There is good training here and access to good weapons and armor. Also it would be a good place to be hired for a protection job. If your party has druids (or some sort of nature player character) this is a good place to start in the early years, for the city pays homage to Iktomi, the God of Nature.
Tomorrow: Gems of Translocation
Monday, November 8, 2010
Character: Vandalar Vandez
My first arch enemy for my players, he was little more then a blip on my roleplaying radar. But books require a far reaching villain, and thus, in the first book, Van becomes my villain of note.
Van is the youngest of the six Vandez children of the current House Leader of Vandez, Lord Brent. Being the youngest, he is always looking for attention and praise, and thus why he is so taken with his brother Marius. The Black Wizard (who is estranged from his father) praises and uses Van. Van knows this, but revels in the praise Marius gives him.
Van is human, 27 years of age, five foot 9 inches and about 170 pounds. He is lithe, but more athletic lithe then wiry. His jaw is square, his face handsome but rugged. He is well tanned, his eyes are cold, winter blue and very enchanting. His hair is dark chestnut brown, with two dark gray streaks running just above the ear toward the nape of his neck.
When Van is running errands for his brother he wears blacks and browns, though always of the highest quality. When in public he wears the finest of clothes, billowy shirts and pants, highly decorated and lavishly colored. Knee high boots in either style, a fine saber at his left side, daggers hidden about his person. The sheath he always has, which is covered in twisting snakes, has a poison reservoir at the tip. In public he has a large hat with a dark blue feather which dangles over the back.
Van is a smooth talker, fine with the ladies, polite to gentlemen. When he is with the darker elements of the world he tends to talk in a coarser tone and curse far more. But he is a wolf in sheep's clothing. He talks people up until they do what he wishes or he can catch them unawares. He enjoys tormenting people and taunts his victims mercilessly. He is also very sadistic. He likes to have his way with woman, often beating them and torturing them at the same time he does so.
Van hates the underclass, they are merely dirt to him, and those who will not do as he wishes. He is the epitome of a gentlemen in social situations. He is an excellent swordsman and cares greatly for his brother Marius. He is sadistic, he likes to pray on the weak and rape women. He likes to get his way.
Van is the first major villain in my series, who eventually leads to Marius, the ultimate villain of my series. He's not a nice guy and there are certain things he eventually does to party members that my husband will not forgive me for. But he is a dark hearted bastard and I like to write him that way because he plays off Tarkil so well, making the morally lost Tarkil look so much more likable.
Tomorrow: Vandez
Van is the youngest of the six Vandez children of the current House Leader of Vandez, Lord Brent. Being the youngest, he is always looking for attention and praise, and thus why he is so taken with his brother Marius. The Black Wizard (who is estranged from his father) praises and uses Van. Van knows this, but revels in the praise Marius gives him.
Van is human, 27 years of age, five foot 9 inches and about 170 pounds. He is lithe, but more athletic lithe then wiry. His jaw is square, his face handsome but rugged. He is well tanned, his eyes are cold, winter blue and very enchanting. His hair is dark chestnut brown, with two dark gray streaks running just above the ear toward the nape of his neck.
When Van is running errands for his brother he wears blacks and browns, though always of the highest quality. When in public he wears the finest of clothes, billowy shirts and pants, highly decorated and lavishly colored. Knee high boots in either style, a fine saber at his left side, daggers hidden about his person. The sheath he always has, which is covered in twisting snakes, has a poison reservoir at the tip. In public he has a large hat with a dark blue feather which dangles over the back.
Van is a smooth talker, fine with the ladies, polite to gentlemen. When he is with the darker elements of the world he tends to talk in a coarser tone and curse far more. But he is a wolf in sheep's clothing. He talks people up until they do what he wishes or he can catch them unawares. He enjoys tormenting people and taunts his victims mercilessly. He is also very sadistic. He likes to have his way with woman, often beating them and torturing them at the same time he does so.
Van hates the underclass, they are merely dirt to him, and those who will not do as he wishes. He is the epitome of a gentlemen in social situations. He is an excellent swordsman and cares greatly for his brother Marius. He is sadistic, he likes to pray on the weak and rape women. He likes to get his way.
Van is the first major villain in my series, who eventually leads to Marius, the ultimate villain of my series. He's not a nice guy and there are certain things he eventually does to party members that my husband will not forgive me for. But he is a dark hearted bastard and I like to write him that way because he plays off Tarkil so well, making the morally lost Tarkil look so much more likable.
Tomorrow: Vandez
Friday, November 5, 2010
Item: Compass of Finding
The compass of finding was created by the explorers of the humans near Calabay. Thar Darkstone loved exploring but after getting lost in a snowstorm, he set to working on a compass.
He consulted the dwarves, the masters of stone, who showed him the powers of the lodestone. He was impressed by the stone, but wanted more.
Thar consulted the mages as how to find a specific item, not just north. The mages he consulted took over six years to solve his problem but came up with a novel idea. There were spells to locate objects or places but it required a piece of the object, something similar to the object, or something from the place. But it was a s short distance spell.
The mages modified the spell to find locations in addition to north, but it has to be a place the compass has been. Becaues of this, most compasses are shipped in mass to all the nearby major cities to get a person started. The words "Lead me to (place), good lodestone, so I may be safe," must be spoken over it. This must be done every hour or otherwise it resets to finding north. If the compass doesn't know the location it will spin three times before stopping on north. This works on land or sea and most travelers in the present time carries one of them.
The compasses are made by the Finder's Guild's apprentices in cooperation with the Mage Guild. They are fairly inexpensive, less then a ducat in most cases.
For your campaign you could throw one in which leads to a famous ruin. Perhaps they find it in a treasure horde and are chased by some person or group which wants to find the ruin.
Monday: Vandalar Vandez
He consulted the dwarves, the masters of stone, who showed him the powers of the lodestone. He was impressed by the stone, but wanted more.
Thar consulted the mages as how to find a specific item, not just north. The mages he consulted took over six years to solve his problem but came up with a novel idea. There were spells to locate objects or places but it required a piece of the object, something similar to the object, or something from the place. But it was a s short distance spell.
The mages modified the spell to find locations in addition to north, but it has to be a place the compass has been. Becaues of this, most compasses are shipped in mass to all the nearby major cities to get a person started. The words "Lead me to (place), good lodestone, so I may be safe," must be spoken over it. This must be done every hour or otherwise it resets to finding north. If the compass doesn't know the location it will spin three times before stopping on north. This works on land or sea and most travelers in the present time carries one of them.
The compasses are made by the Finder's Guild's apprentices in cooperation with the Mage Guild. They are fairly inexpensive, less then a ducat in most cases.
For your campaign you could throw one in which leads to a famous ruin. Perhaps they find it in a treasure horde and are chased by some person or group which wants to find the ruin.
Monday: Vandalar Vandez
Thursday, November 4, 2010
History: Migration of the Dwarves
The dwarves, long ago, lived deep below the Elvenhome Mountains, beneath the aviaries of the ancient elves. They worked cooperatively, one supplying what the other could not. But eventually their area to expand and explore disappeared and they grew restless.
Tangier, God of Dwarves, heard their pleas and appeared before their king. "I shall give you your own homeland, but you must have faith." Taniger bade his rock bound dwarves to craft boats and gather supplies. Dwarves, though now great boat builders, had never built boats, thus they hired humans to guild them a fleet.
The process took five long years. During this time the King sent scouting parties to pick landing locations and create temporary shelters, to plant crops and fruit trees, and do exploration digs.
The armada of dwarven ships took a month to sail to the new dwarven homeland and as the king stepped from his ship he praised Taniger for the rocky home they had been given.
If you do an early campaign the PC's could be a scouting party, taking out monsters before the fleet arrives. Perhaps they are a ship crew or maybe their are ambassadors (or part of their party) who are to negotiate with the humans for the ships.
Tomorrow: Compass of Finding
Tangier, God of Dwarves, heard their pleas and appeared before their king. "I shall give you your own homeland, but you must have faith." Taniger bade his rock bound dwarves to craft boats and gather supplies. Dwarves, though now great boat builders, had never built boats, thus they hired humans to guild them a fleet.
The process took five long years. During this time the King sent scouting parties to pick landing locations and create temporary shelters, to plant crops and fruit trees, and do exploration digs.
The armada of dwarven ships took a month to sail to the new dwarven homeland and as the king stepped from his ship he praised Taniger for the rocky home they had been given.
If you do an early campaign the PC's could be a scouting party, taking out monsters before the fleet arrives. Perhaps they are a ship crew or maybe their are ambassadors (or part of their party) who are to negotiate with the humans for the ships.
Tomorrow: Compass of Finding
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Place: Isles of Taniger
The Isles of Taniger or Dwarven Isles are six islands are the home of the dwarves. Though they have enclaves in different parts of Martapa, this is the homeland which is defended staunchly. The largest of these Islands, Standing Stone, houses not only the capital city of Delve, but the majority of the population as well. The ground is very fertile from a long dormant volcano and the farming is very good. There are few native trees, so wood has to be imported. Originally there was a forest of some size on the northwest part of the island, but that was cut down long ago.
To the west and southwest of Standing Stone is Pillar and Gem. These two out posts house gem and mineral mines which have yet to peter out. There is a good sized standing army here to protect the dwarves investments. Pillar has a port city of Miner and Gem has a port city of Granite.
To the south of Standing Stone is the island of Stone Hold. This island has fruit trees and cocoa beans growing on them and houses enough dwarves to tend these crops. The port city here is Stone Hold.
To the northeast of Standing Stone are two islands, Tinder and Axe Handle. These islands produce wool, cloth, and meat since they are very rocky and only sheep and sure footed grazers are able to get to outcroppings of grass. The port city of Tinder is always busy and Axe Handle's port city of Cloth always has trade traffic.
Most dwarven homes and cities are underground, so above ground can be completely devoted to growing crops and animals. The port city of Dwarven Home on Standing Stone is always busy and home to the dwarven ship building berths. The majority of the standing army is on Standing Stone.
Tomorrow: The Migration of Dwarves
To the west and southwest of Standing Stone is Pillar and Gem. These two out posts house gem and mineral mines which have yet to peter out. There is a good sized standing army here to protect the dwarves investments. Pillar has a port city of Miner and Gem has a port city of Granite.
To the south of Standing Stone is the island of Stone Hold. This island has fruit trees and cocoa beans growing on them and houses enough dwarves to tend these crops. The port city here is Stone Hold.
To the northeast of Standing Stone are two islands, Tinder and Axe Handle. These islands produce wool, cloth, and meat since they are very rocky and only sheep and sure footed grazers are able to get to outcroppings of grass. The port city of Tinder is always busy and Axe Handle's port city of Cloth always has trade traffic.
Most dwarven homes and cities are underground, so above ground can be completely devoted to growing crops and animals. The port city of Dwarven Home on Standing Stone is always busy and home to the dwarven ship building berths. The majority of the standing army is on Standing Stone.
Tomorrow: The Migration of Dwarves
Monday, November 1, 2010
Character: Guthlaf, Son of Ferid
Guthlaf was our friend's second character. To be honest, we just needed a thief and our friend was kind enough to make a second character. But as we began to play, our friend really put some effort to fleshing out Guthlaf and he bonded well with Krom.
Guthlaf was a typical dwarf for most of his childhood, but as he began to age he noted that he preferred to be out on his own, discovering new things. Every trip to the mines became an adventure, every new stone pried from its bed was a new discovery. Soon he was wandering the isles to find hidden caves, dungeons, and forgotten tombs just for the shear joy of it. After some time he decided the mainland would offer him more discovers and made his way there. Taking a ride with his cousin to the mainland he met Krom, the Akicitia, and began a grand adventure which he would never have imagined.
Guthlaf is about 4 and 1/2 feet tall, 160 pounds (all muscle, except for an ale belly), with a short broad body. He is more lithe then most dwarves, but like them his arms are slightly longer in proportion to his body and his legs are slightly shorter. His face is round with square cut features. His beard is big and red tinged, with beads, braids and other small objects woven in. His eyes appear small compared to his face, his brow slightly overhanging and his nose is slightly bulbous.
Guthlaf's skin is tan and weathered, his knuckles scraped and bruised from working with stone and searching for traps. His eyes are dark brown and small. His hair is dark brown with a reddish tinge. It is braided in the back and goes to about mid shoulder blade.
Guthlaf wears dun colored pants, black and blue striped shirts (the stripes run vertically) to denote clan colors, a leather belt covered in pouches, gadgets, and daggers, along with a battle axe. He has a good, solid pair of boots and a travel stained cloak. He speaks with an Irish type accent (most dwarves do) and he loves to joke. He is straight and to the point, though he loves to joke around with people. He's hard to make friends with, but once you are his friend, he is a good friend to have indeed.
Guthlaf is not fond of human nobility or authorities in general. He also prefers dwarven made items if he can get them. He's a good friend to have in a pinch, whether it's trying to make an escape or fighting to break free form some tavern brawl.
Guthlaf is the solid rock of the group. He loves joking with the party, finds Elly and Krom adventuring soul mates, and finds Kenna odd but exciting all in the same breath. He finds Tarkil hard to trust, even though he doesn't know Tarkil is a noble, and Duncan he respects but takes time to really get to trust him. Guthlaf is more of a background character, keeping Krom from loosing his temper and helping the Akicitia grow into his responsibilities, but it doesn't make him any less important to the threads of my book.
Tomorrow: Dwarven Isles
Guthlaf was a typical dwarf for most of his childhood, but as he began to age he noted that he preferred to be out on his own, discovering new things. Every trip to the mines became an adventure, every new stone pried from its bed was a new discovery. Soon he was wandering the isles to find hidden caves, dungeons, and forgotten tombs just for the shear joy of it. After some time he decided the mainland would offer him more discovers and made his way there. Taking a ride with his cousin to the mainland he met Krom, the Akicitia, and began a grand adventure which he would never have imagined.
Guthlaf is about 4 and 1/2 feet tall, 160 pounds (all muscle, except for an ale belly), with a short broad body. He is more lithe then most dwarves, but like them his arms are slightly longer in proportion to his body and his legs are slightly shorter. His face is round with square cut features. His beard is big and red tinged, with beads, braids and other small objects woven in. His eyes appear small compared to his face, his brow slightly overhanging and his nose is slightly bulbous.
Guthlaf's skin is tan and weathered, his knuckles scraped and bruised from working with stone and searching for traps. His eyes are dark brown and small. His hair is dark brown with a reddish tinge. It is braided in the back and goes to about mid shoulder blade.
Guthlaf wears dun colored pants, black and blue striped shirts (the stripes run vertically) to denote clan colors, a leather belt covered in pouches, gadgets, and daggers, along with a battle axe. He has a good, solid pair of boots and a travel stained cloak. He speaks with an Irish type accent (most dwarves do) and he loves to joke. He is straight and to the point, though he loves to joke around with people. He's hard to make friends with, but once you are his friend, he is a good friend to have indeed.
Guthlaf is not fond of human nobility or authorities in general. He also prefers dwarven made items if he can get them. He's a good friend to have in a pinch, whether it's trying to make an escape or fighting to break free form some tavern brawl.
Guthlaf is the solid rock of the group. He loves joking with the party, finds Elly and Krom adventuring soul mates, and finds Kenna odd but exciting all in the same breath. He finds Tarkil hard to trust, even though he doesn't know Tarkil is a noble, and Duncan he respects but takes time to really get to trust him. Guthlaf is more of a background character, keeping Krom from loosing his temper and helping the Akicitia grow into his responsibilities, but it doesn't make him any less important to the threads of my book.
Tomorrow: Dwarven Isles
Friday, October 29, 2010
Healing Magic
Healing magic in my world is a little different then most mainstream roleplaying worlds. Priests, mages, druids, and magic users of all kinds can heal, though priest and druids can do so better then arcane magic users.
Priests draw their healing power from the Gods' powers, then ultimately from the magical weave which Targon controls, (which is why Dasa's priests' power wanes or waxes depending on how Targon is feeling toward her at the moment). The ability to heal for priests is tiring, but they can continue to do so for an extended period of time. Druids find their power from nature, from Iktomi, and though not as proficient as priests can use nature to heal very well.
Mages and casters of the arcane work differently. Instead of working through the Gods or nature, the arcane users draw directly from Targon's weave. This is not only more tiring but consumes a bit of the magic user in the process. Arcane users can heal most wounds, but the more severe the wound the more likely the arcane user will succumb from fatigue. They will recover after some rest, but they aren't meant for long times healing.
As a generalization Arcane users are field medics while priests and druids would be neurosurgeons in comparison of ability of healing.
Not all arcane users (or priests for that matter) can heal. Black Wizards can not heal nor can priests of Lokar, the God of Death. Some people are more natural at healing then others. these people Tinaka's priests try to bring into the fold, though some are simple arcane users. Amber Blackwolf, a Wolf Warrior, and Duncan the farmer turned mage were/are some of the strongest healers and are arcane users.
For Game mechanics give classes that can't normally heal one less level of healing at one level later. Also if your system allows Resurrection, arcane users can't do this except with Tinaka's Healing Bag, an artifact coveted by the priests of Tinaka and usually only in mortal hands for a small time.
Monday: Guthlaf, son of Fried
Priests draw their healing power from the Gods' powers, then ultimately from the magical weave which Targon controls, (which is why Dasa's priests' power wanes or waxes depending on how Targon is feeling toward her at the moment). The ability to heal for priests is tiring, but they can continue to do so for an extended period of time. Druids find their power from nature, from Iktomi, and though not as proficient as priests can use nature to heal very well.
Mages and casters of the arcane work differently. Instead of working through the Gods or nature, the arcane users draw directly from Targon's weave. This is not only more tiring but consumes a bit of the magic user in the process. Arcane users can heal most wounds, but the more severe the wound the more likely the arcane user will succumb from fatigue. They will recover after some rest, but they aren't meant for long times healing.
As a generalization Arcane users are field medics while priests and druids would be neurosurgeons in comparison of ability of healing.
Not all arcane users (or priests for that matter) can heal. Black Wizards can not heal nor can priests of Lokar, the God of Death. Some people are more natural at healing then others. these people Tinaka's priests try to bring into the fold, though some are simple arcane users. Amber Blackwolf, a Wolf Warrior, and Duncan the farmer turned mage were/are some of the strongest healers and are arcane users.
For Game mechanics give classes that can't normally heal one less level of healing at one level later. Also if your system allows Resurrection, arcane users can't do this except with Tinaka's Healing Bag, an artifact coveted by the priests of Tinaka and usually only in mortal hands for a small time.
Monday: Guthlaf, son of Fried
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Item: Magic Mirrors
Over the centuries mages have been perfecting the ability to speak magically across great distance. Discovered by accident, (an apprentice believed his master was shouting at him despite being clear across the city) the ability to communicate over long distances was seen as a boon. The ability to send troops to places quickly was always an advantage, but the ability was very unpredictable without a focus. Mages could speak telepathically to a colleague a distance off, but the messages weren't always clear or complete.
Mary Sandturn was a powerful mage who loved fine mirrors. She collected them and always picked up new ones when she traveled. She also liked to talk to her friends and couldn't do so when she was away. She worked on many enchantments until she came up with a good combination of dust from crushed up dragon scales (later on gargoyle horns were used instead), gems, and gold gilded hand mirror. The process takes a month, finishing on the night of a full moon. Only master mages can make these, so they are quite expensive. They range from 100 platinum dragons to 1,000 platinum dragons depending on size and decorations. Only those with magical aptitude can use them, since it does take a bit of magic to operate.
Each mirror has a command phrase to awaken or turn off and contact any other mirror. A person just has to know who they wish to speak to. Anyone can see the other person using the other mirror, but only magic users can make the mirrors work.
Possible uses for a campaign might be the mage of the group wishes to make one and has to gather the pieces.
Tomrrow: Healing on Martapa
Mary Sandturn was a powerful mage who loved fine mirrors. She collected them and always picked up new ones when she traveled. She also liked to talk to her friends and couldn't do so when she was away. She worked on many enchantments until she came up with a good combination of dust from crushed up dragon scales (later on gargoyle horns were used instead), gems, and gold gilded hand mirror. The process takes a month, finishing on the night of a full moon. Only master mages can make these, so they are quite expensive. They range from 100 platinum dragons to 1,000 platinum dragons depending on size and decorations. Only those with magical aptitude can use them, since it does take a bit of magic to operate.
Each mirror has a command phrase to awaken or turn off and contact any other mirror. A person just has to know who they wish to speak to. Anyone can see the other person using the other mirror, but only magic users can make the mirrors work.
Possible uses for a campaign might be the mage of the group wishes to make one and has to gather the pieces.
Tomrrow: Healing on Martapa
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
History: Runner Stations
With such a large area for the High King of Tridon to keep in contact with, and the mages who could communicate over great distances rare at the time, the High King had to have a way of somewhat quick communication. Thus came the runner stations and the runners who went with them.
Each station is set along the High King's Roads a day's run apart. Originally only horsemen were used, but eventually businesses and private citizens who couldn't afford a horsemen employed human runners . Each station has a small shack furnished with a bed, cooking stove, food supplies, wood, and even changes of clothes. They are set off the roads and sheltered from the weather as best possible. The troops who patrol the roads make sure all the stocks are well supplied so the messengers are never in need of anything. Lost travelers or people of need of shelter can use these buildings, for they are never locked or barred, but it is general knowledge that a person should replenish wood or food stocks if they are capable before moving on.
The High King pays for the supplies out of his coffers, but people who pay for a runner also pay for the supplies from a tax the High King puts on any profits the Runner Guilds make. There is a Runner Guild at every major city/House and even some of the little cities spread through out Tiana. The size depends on the size of the of the city, but at least a dozen runners are available, though maybe not all at once. Large cities will have not only human runners, but horsemen as well. Bloodhelm has a "stable" of over 100 runners which most are always in use.
At the Runner Guilds the runners/horsemen are taught to read and write, speak many different languages, learn about culture, and taught self defense. These people are often on their own for long periods of time so they are taught survival as well. They are payed a small stipend to spend on what they want, but are provided room and board, and healers, by the guild. Fees are fairly expensive, but that doesn't stop people form using them.
In the time of the High King's Sword there are more and more mages who can speak with each other magical over great distances, but a mage must have a magic mirror to speak through. (Most traveling mages have a hand mirror which has been enchanted for such a function.) The Runner's Guilds are becoming increasingly alarmed as more and more of their business is heading toward the mages, especially since more and more of the Houses are using them.
A Runner/Horseman can cost anywhere from one gold ducat to several platinum dragons, depending on the location the runner/horseman is going. If the location is in turmoil, then guards have to be hired for the runner and the cost goes up significantly.
To use this information in your game, perhaps your PC's need to send a message or have been hired to protect a runner. Maybe they are all runners and they are all starting their first run together. You can even just throw a runner station in as flavor text or a place of refuge for your PCs. Or your PCs can be part of a road patrol and must repair/stock all the stations on their route. Don't let your PC's abuse the system and expect their messages to get to their destination overnight. Feudal areas of ancient times didn't have cell phones or the Internet and thus news moves slow!
Tomorrow: Magic Item: Speaking Mirrors
Each station is set along the High King's Roads a day's run apart. Originally only horsemen were used, but eventually businesses and private citizens who couldn't afford a horsemen employed human runners . Each station has a small shack furnished with a bed, cooking stove, food supplies, wood, and even changes of clothes. They are set off the roads and sheltered from the weather as best possible. The troops who patrol the roads make sure all the stocks are well supplied so the messengers are never in need of anything. Lost travelers or people of need of shelter can use these buildings, for they are never locked or barred, but it is general knowledge that a person should replenish wood or food stocks if they are capable before moving on.
The High King pays for the supplies out of his coffers, but people who pay for a runner also pay for the supplies from a tax the High King puts on any profits the Runner Guilds make. There is a Runner Guild at every major city/House and even some of the little cities spread through out Tiana. The size depends on the size of the of the city, but at least a dozen runners are available, though maybe not all at once. Large cities will have not only human runners, but horsemen as well. Bloodhelm has a "stable" of over 100 runners which most are always in use.
At the Runner Guilds the runners/horsemen are taught to read and write, speak many different languages, learn about culture, and taught self defense. These people are often on their own for long periods of time so they are taught survival as well. They are payed a small stipend to spend on what they want, but are provided room and board, and healers, by the guild. Fees are fairly expensive, but that doesn't stop people form using them.
In the time of the High King's Sword there are more and more mages who can speak with each other magical over great distances, but a mage must have a magic mirror to speak through. (Most traveling mages have a hand mirror which has been enchanted for such a function.) The Runner's Guilds are becoming increasingly alarmed as more and more of their business is heading toward the mages, especially since more and more of the Houses are using them.
A Runner/Horseman can cost anywhere from one gold ducat to several platinum dragons, depending on the location the runner/horseman is going. If the location is in turmoil, then guards have to be hired for the runner and the cost goes up significantly.
To use this information in your game, perhaps your PC's need to send a message or have been hired to protect a runner. Maybe they are all runners and they are all starting their first run together. You can even just throw a runner station in as flavor text or a place of refuge for your PCs. Or your PCs can be part of a road patrol and must repair/stock all the stations on their route. Don't let your PC's abuse the system and expect their messages to get to their destination overnight. Feudal areas of ancient times didn't have cell phones or the Internet and thus news moves slow!
Tomorrow: Magic Item: Speaking Mirrors
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Place: Weatherworn Country Manor
This manor, three days travel southeast of Bloodhelm, is one of many country manors which used to be used by all the Houses as a winter retreat for the northern ones and a summer retreat for the southern Houses. It is also where my six heroes have their world turned upside down, where what they think they know turns out to not be.
The surrounding area is forest land, a nearby stream and the manor is a day ride on an old cobbled road from the High King's road which leads to Bloodhelm and Midway.
The manor is two visible stories, all of native woods and a clay tile roof. The doors and window shutters were made of stout wood, decorated with lightning and cloud motifs (to go along with the House coat of arms), dragons and fairies. Now, though, most hang off rusted, metal hinges, though the main door is still mostly in place. There is a six foot wood wall around the building and stables which are mostly intact, but there are holes in the defense here and there. Both the wall and the buildings are partially covered in ivy and shrubbery, plants growing in unlikely spots in the yard of the manor. Moss grows liberally upon the roof and the porch and some of the support beams look none to sturdy. The cobbled road is over grown, save for the ruts from centuries of wagons.
The downstairs of the manor holds a greeting hall, with chairs, a fireplace, couches, furs, and tapestries. All the furnishings are rotten and probably not in their original locations. The glass in the windows are mostly broken, though there are many of them around the room. The library is directly across from the main hall, full of rotten books, paintings, tapestries, and small animals. There are several broken chairs, tables and suits of armor. Animal nests abound, since the main window which faces to the east is broken. A dinning room and kitchen are off to the right. The kitchen has cooking utensils and pots scattered around it and rodents have made them their homes. A ballroom is off to the left, but would hold two dozen people at most.
Upstairs on the left side has three bedrooms and a small sitting room as does the right side. The middle of the upstairs is open to the library. The bedrooms harbor rotten furniture, tapestries, bedding, and clothing. All the windows are blown out and the birds have taken over.
The small, secret room under the library holds a small library in it, mostly of family history, spellbooks, and history in general. The books are in good condition because of the magic upon the room. And there is a large circle of interspersed thumb sized gems upon the floor, a map of all of Martapa made of stone and small divets at each major city upon it hangs on the wall nearby.
Good use for this place in your campaign is simply as an abandoned manor which could hold monsters or forgotten treasure. Perhaps Weatherworn wants the party to retrieve something of value from it. And if not Weatherworn, perhaps a rival House. There are manors from all the major Houses here in the area, so feel free to substitute "Weatherworn" with what ever House you wish to use.
Tomorrow: History of Runner Stations
The surrounding area is forest land, a nearby stream and the manor is a day ride on an old cobbled road from the High King's road which leads to Bloodhelm and Midway.
The manor is two visible stories, all of native woods and a clay tile roof. The doors and window shutters were made of stout wood, decorated with lightning and cloud motifs (to go along with the House coat of arms), dragons and fairies. Now, though, most hang off rusted, metal hinges, though the main door is still mostly in place. There is a six foot wood wall around the building and stables which are mostly intact, but there are holes in the defense here and there. Both the wall and the buildings are partially covered in ivy and shrubbery, plants growing in unlikely spots in the yard of the manor. Moss grows liberally upon the roof and the porch and some of the support beams look none to sturdy. The cobbled road is over grown, save for the ruts from centuries of wagons.
The downstairs of the manor holds a greeting hall, with chairs, a fireplace, couches, furs, and tapestries. All the furnishings are rotten and probably not in their original locations. The glass in the windows are mostly broken, though there are many of them around the room. The library is directly across from the main hall, full of rotten books, paintings, tapestries, and small animals. There are several broken chairs, tables and suits of armor. Animal nests abound, since the main window which faces to the east is broken. A dinning room and kitchen are off to the right. The kitchen has cooking utensils and pots scattered around it and rodents have made them their homes. A ballroom is off to the left, but would hold two dozen people at most.
Upstairs on the left side has three bedrooms and a small sitting room as does the right side. The middle of the upstairs is open to the library. The bedrooms harbor rotten furniture, tapestries, bedding, and clothing. All the windows are blown out and the birds have taken over.
The small, secret room under the library holds a small library in it, mostly of family history, spellbooks, and history in general. The books are in good condition because of the magic upon the room. And there is a large circle of interspersed thumb sized gems upon the floor, a map of all of Martapa made of stone and small divets at each major city upon it hangs on the wall nearby.
Good use for this place in your campaign is simply as an abandoned manor which could hold monsters or forgotten treasure. Perhaps Weatherworn wants the party to retrieve something of value from it. And if not Weatherworn, perhaps a rival House. There are manors from all the major Houses here in the area, so feel free to substitute "Weatherworn" with what ever House you wish to use.
Tomorrow: History of Runner Stations
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