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streetsbound · 7 years ago

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Let’s See How to Build a Campaign 5- Some Mainland Nations

Last time I threw out some history- little prompts with which I might be able to build stories and a general idea of what’s informed the world! I took that and sat down to come up with some nations on the Mainland. I also thought more about the religion I’d mentioned. Something I really want to expound on. I’ll probably do a series of posts of that next. But the basic idea is that it’s a faith centered around offering its adherents a path to become divine. United with the divine, rather. The high aspect of the faith is debating the nuances of how to best follow that, while the low aspect of the faith is around the veneration of sainted figures, called “the Willed”, who discovered the path to heaven by being paragons of their role in life. There’s a whole system of hagiography associated with them. I like the name Ekken, so that’ll be the name of the faith’s founder. A quiet monk who found the path first. So, it’ll be the Church of Ekken. Or the Ekkenites.

Last time I talked a little about humanity’s ancient role, and how they emerged during the later magical age. I already mentioned wanting to work with b/x or labyrinth lord just because of how simple it is to bolt stuff onto it and a side effect of that is race-as-class. Except for humans. I kind of like how it doesn’t exactly make humans just a plain version of other races, just the more commonly seen version- playing with that, here’s an idea of the human ethnicities and nations- most integrated into the Reâdic state to some degree. It was supposed to be five main regions, but I wound up really liking the idea of a savannah to the south and wanted to have more than the draconic inheritors present. I also spoke some with a friend, and he’d had a nation he wanted to see included as well. I dug it and wanted to spin off it as well.

Reâd- The chief most nation of humanity. It is here that the Crimson Throne rules over a vast state, a churning bureaucracy. An archipelago comprised of many islands, but a few primary islands it is a fecund breadbasket capable of feeding much of their expansive state. The cultures of the archipelago are perhaps as diverse as the other nations of the world but maintain a sort of chauvinism about their imperial heritage. Besides the complexes of empire- there is also a significant population of ogres here, whose culture has had great influence on the human peoples. Ogres here would exert the same sort of cultural influences the Spanish Muslims or the Basques may have on the Castilian state. Reâdic people are olive skinned and often with dark, wavy hair, they see themselves as the forebears of culture and civilization. They always seem to find a way to discover coin- Seemingly able to milk stone, such is their lust for fortune and their strength of character to pursue it. A deeply pious folk, they are also unquestionably proud of their faith, claiming to be the bearers of the true path to enlightened being.

Reâdic Names: (Male) Ruon, Ekken, Coron, Tael, Au-El, Phelean, Valan, Atenes, Erias, Amel, Anthone, Ruluos, Saendo, Elvan, Naian, Cesvin, Cosea, Liemdo, Argin, Riano, Xaino, Xidrid, Iesel, Keian, Gero, Dume, Baceo, Baldo, Lixar, Gisui, Baete, Sabaio, Caela, Samo, Diago

(Female) Belo, Sinda, Iufe, Auriane, Sola, Sancia, Eavade, Aundira, Mara, Maena, Salea, Pliana, Eidiancia, Tainza, Eisaca, Xuaddougi, Sesa, Vera, Aciana, Enganxea, Veli, Valaiba, Ciossae, Itassia

Shadiran – The heritors of an ancient empire once ruled by Dark Cabals of Witch-Kings. Theirs was a northern power fueled by horrific abuses of magical might and blood sorcery. Their horrid towers were built deep into the great arctic and glacial expanses of the Rimewind Peaks- a country marked by vast impressiveness to be sure. Mountains reaching into the heavens, stark fjords, walls of glacial ice and thick forests of conifers. The Cyclopean towers, elevated by multitudes of adepts using magical powers to place the stones (where their own weight holds them in place) long stood as bastions of tyranny for Shadic Witch-Kings. Cruel memories burned into the culture of the people. Shadiran is no longer the great magocratic empire they once were, long incorporated into the Reâdic state. Still, even in the wake of the ice-age and their integration power is still held by the few. Iron-fisted bureaucrats rule over small villages in the pines like absolutist fiefs. Sergeants in Shadic soldiery bark orders with an iron fist. Masters in schools insist on their supremacy, and so on. The culture is one that valorized hierarchy and claiming your own place by might. Another curious feature of the Shadic people is a custom of facial tattooing of arcane words and passages in their tongue. The superstitious of the world claim it is because they bear the sins of their ancestors on their face. Pages of dark tomes, markings from forgotten scrolls, songs of their ancestors, things whatever they are of deep and personal import which they do not speak of to outsiders. The national tongue is a flowing musical sort of language favored by thaumaturges for its connection to Vestiges- established in the magical age.

Shadic Names: (Male) Kjel, Toresh, Korem, Rolle, Askel, Skolfi, Tjarte, Sindri, Osvir, Afthir.

(female) Njele, Asag, Thjaga, Helle, Kesta, Siagra, Thyra, Saebja, Rega, Bjode.

The Dragon Coast–To the southeast of the mainland is a bizarre land said to be named for the many dragons which long-ago roosted here. Unlike the rest of the south, this is a place where forests of mushroom-shaped trees bleed when cut- Or where alkali rivers cut sharp paths between spires of Dragon-bones from a best large enough to house a building. A narrow country, it is perhaps only a hundred or so miles across, this alien land running from the coast to high peaks which mark out natural borders. The inhabitants call themselves the Yokale, a clay-skinned wizard-folk, arranged into allegiance to great dynasties associated with Dragons. Ages ago, the first people settled here, fleeing from a foreign land for unknown purpose. It is said they learnt the secrets of Magic from the bones and blood of the Drake- and now each of them bears that remarkable heritage within them. The Yokale are rightfully proud of their dynastic affiliation, but this and their harsh land tends to create a feeling of insular loyalty among them. Much of Yokale culture prizes the values of the aesthetic- Their cities are raised from living stone and patterned in geometric designs, the dragon-motif ever present. Yokale are fond of jewels, make-ups, bright colors to accentuate themselves and proclaim their beauty to the world (for they call themselves the most beautiful people in the world). Marriages are often determined by selecting husbands based on aesthetic looks with families pouring money into tangible dowries (gold cloths to drape on bachelors, jeweled earrings that can be sold, so on). The furthest Hills of the Dragon Coast see the most awesome parts of their culture as the skeletal bones of titanic dragons are carved into towers for the most impressive wizard-dynasts. For the empire? The Dragon coast was never subjugated nor integrated. The dynasts, unwilling to treat with such barbarous peoples and the empire unwilling to throw lives away on such a harsh country struck an accord. The dragon coast would become a tributary or client-state of the empire in exchange for their total autonomy.

Yokale Names: (male) Asarkanth, Bhadrajha, Kimrita, Hadha, Jalasham, Ayulityan, Kanti, Kamadha, Bhujyota, Cirava. (Female) Devire, Kaja, Nindha, Jinhi, Anath, Kanksa, Purna, Gavi, Hisra, Chara.

Alabar– A collection of disparate fiefs strewn across a tremendous southern savannah dotted with elven ruins, Alabar is the aftershock of a tremendous cultural eruption. Millennia ago the Elf confederations ensured that humanity would be tertiary in the region. Following the collapse of the ice-age Human inheritance saw the savannahs filled with new life and a rich martial culture that boomed with the development of iron-work that would rival even the great elf-smiths. The next great cultural achievement of the Alaborn occurred when Ekkenite faith came to the savannah- Persecuted and seeking a place of haven, some of the Early Disciples fled southwards carrying their message like a thunderbolt cleaving the sky. Their words and faith gave laws and literature to the people and allowed them to challenge the ancient rule of Chiefdoms. Under the Ekkenite banner, they organized themselves into a vast knightly order and waged a campaign of conquest that forever altered the landscape. They erected great castles built of banco architecture guarding over key points. Because of this peoples’ uprising there are no kings in this land, rather society has peasants and the warrior caste above them. It is a country of chivalric orders and knightly romance. The orders of Knighthood are the Lion, the Sun, The Ibex, The Falcon. There are said to be dissident orders of the Termite and the Baobab whose messages run against the accepted ways. Each order has its Grand Master- A council of whom oversee the nation, none of which hold authority over the other but all share in the common nation. The empire waged a brutal war to incorporate the Alaborn- but their culture wound up taking root in the Reâdic isles with affectation for knightly orders flourishing in the wake of integration. The Ekkenite faith is also supreme among the Alaborn. Though freedom of belief is allowed by tenet of the Ekkenite faith the establishment of other shrines is forbidden by decree of the Orders- a line that Reâdic viceroys have had to toe carefully.

Alaborn Names: (Male) Ouaden, Chasra, Adoun, Amin, Djebe, Cheagwu, Usieh, Tari, Jiagge, Ouajuru. (female) Jebe, Kete, Obeh, Nkeja, Djalla, Jakouna, Bisia, Nwole, Keru, Afah

Talas– Just west of the Reâdic isles this expanse of land shares in the heat and humidity of the heartland. The first settled land of the Reâdic and considered once to have been an integral part of the empire. A migration of people from an unknown land would come and conquer when the Reâdic empire was too weak to resist- integrating local peoples cast aside by Reâd’s chauvinism. Adopting readic customs of kingship and legalism they would establish their own empire for sixty years of sovereignty- before cultural affectations saw them rejoined to the Reâdic empire. This is a land of clockwork miracles and alchemical genius. The Talassin venerate their great minds in rigid icons where their stern bearded visages judge their lessers and cast them into shame for failing to meet greatness. In lieu of holy texts on the walls of their temples are Theses and Formulae, and within the nation great strides in alchemy and invention have been made- from everburning torches to the fabled creation of life. Talassin cities are built out of the way of steaming jungles, glazed ceramic roofs and complex brickwork keep watch high in the hills while lowland peasants toil alongside hedge-alchemists. Though an inventive society, it is far from a progressive one, old traditions of imperialism dominate, court life is complicated by ancient laws that could fill a shelf of codices.

Talassin Names: (Male) Boha, Vojta, Domir, Premil, Vasek. Zdimil, Steko, Jasna, Zita, Lasla. (Female) Kvela, Mira, Mlabka, Boska, Vetla, Rina, Svita, Brada, Dosla, Prana

Gwaen– A large expanse on the central mainland, Gwaen is no singular country but a motley of kingdoms filled of fair-skinned folk and primaeval wood. This land has rarely found any sort of unity as the valleys, clannish chiefdoms and forests often isolate Gwennish folk enough that they turn to feudal warlords wherever they can. The thriving and beating heart of Gawen are its druids, tending to sacred groves and menhirs, where the traditions of the ancestors have provided stability. After long and protracted war (think Caesar’s gallic wars or the invasions of Britannia) the empire eventually brought with it law and order, but could not bring lasting change. Though imperial law meant many feuds were stopped and a resistance to foreign aggressors saw a Gwennish identity formed, no nation had been built. The empire contented itself with vice-roys and allied chiefs. Each valley seems to have its own king and traditions, though a high-king called a Tanist was once chosen in a sacred ash-wood grove. Imperial influence has often tried to mission to the Gwennish druids and an uneasy accord has been struck which requires imperial governers to give legal authority to druids.

Gwennish Names: (Male) Ysberyr, Blathaon, Emrid, Neifon, Carnedyr, Gwitart, Comhri, Edern, Pyrs, Rheu (Female) Daere, Morvudd, Eneuawg, Penarddun, Cadi, Asgre, Rhianwyn, Ceri, Braidha, Dalla

The Usskayan–The nation suggested by my friend- they are nomadic people who hail from the western steppes. Though their people have expanded far beyond their homelands, they are united under the teachings of Danika, Willed of the Endless Road. Respected in many cultures, she was a warrior poet who many still believe is unrivaled in horsemanship and mounted combat. Usskayans have been found in every corner of the mainland because they are impelled to travel. The Journey is the most respected tradition among Usskayans, stemming from the mythic wanderings of Danika. Every child is expected to travel from their place of birth- often as a way of declaring their adulthood and entrance into the People. Even the most isolated villages will often see Usskayans come among them, and they have been championed as messengers and traders. Some will travel a number of years and find a new place to settle, some wander before returning to their place of birth, some take the pilgrimage with the ultimate goal to return their homelands in the Steppes, while some never settle down and journey their entire lives. This tradition has also led to Usskayan families settling where humans aren’t usually found, such as in the treetops of elf kind, underground in cave systems or among cursed ruins.

Usskayan Names: (Male) Shovrukh, Nazruqul, Komil, Rostak, Khudayberdi, Parpi, Ilyas, Tesha(Female) Bassar, Nezi, Kayrukha, Roziya, Shayli, Toti, Faroghat, Oqila

#dnd #osr #Labyrinth Lord #Dungeons and Dragons #fantasy #worldbuilding #game design

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archivesque · 5 years ago

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46. Is your character tall? Short? What about size? Weight? Posture? How do they feel about their physical body? For all of your characters

character solidifying - accepting

iliana

she’s probably 5′11 and most of that is Legs . she’s pretty gangly . you know how people say you have to grow out before you can grow up , she’s the opposite . she just keeps getting taller without the rest of her filling out . pretty good posture , probably from school . she’s fine with her body . she thinks her mom and sisters are beautiful and since they’re all identical she guesses that applies to her too .

hadiya

maybe 5′5 ? she’s small for an elf but average for a woman ? her body is quite soft and mom shaped . she has decent posture . her body can be offputting … mostly because it doesn’t feel like it fits , which it doesn’t . she was forced into it by whatever force decides what happens to gods when they fall . she grows accustomed to it , but it does feel like she’s walking around in jeans that are a size too small .

feyre

she’s 5′9 and very trim , but not gangly . excellent posture and by the way she holds herself , you can immediately tell she’s someone important . she’s very comfortable with herself and that goes for her body too . i don’t think she ever experienced body shame growing up so it just … never occurred to her to wish to look any other way .

sancia

maybe about 5′10 . well-muscled and toned . probably not great posture ? but she was raised by a dragon so cut her some slack . to her , her body is like a tool . it works well and that’s ? all it needs to do ?

elzira

5′9 and all limbs . watching her move is like watching a fawn try to walk on ice . an absolute mess of a girl . probably weighs 100lbs soaking wet , if that . her posture is fairly decent for someone that grew up in the woods , her dad made sure of that . she would like to have the body of a gold dragon , but she’s fine with the one she has for now .

lilith

5′7 and full of ( herself ) . she stays pretty trim , because that’s how you attract a man . her posture is impeccable and better than yours . she does really nitpick herself , but she constantly heard her mother nitpicking her and herself so that messed with her a bit .

arneri

5′4 ? a small girl with a big heart . everything about her is small , i think keeping herself small was her way of going unnoticed . she has decent posture but has never really thought about it . she’s fine with her body for the most part . she used to have issues with it because she looked like people she hated , but her goddess has shown her how to love and accept herself .

arienne

5′10 with a somewhat soft body . her posture is perfect because well , she’s a queen . it has to be . she’s fine with her body but it wasn’t until after she married that she accepted it really ? i think she always saw herself as a thing for someone to possess and less of a person .

#cass: ask #character: arienne ferdwyn #character: arneri fentsire #character: lilith anvindr #character: sancia of orn #character: elzira symbaern #character: feyre veradis #character: hadiya #character: iliana blairwood

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