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View Full Version : Inquisition campaign setting [3.5]



SilverLeaf167
2010-11-27, 01:16 PM
This thread is intended to be both a campaign info database for personal use and a brainstorm thread for ideas.

Background
The Church of Durulas has established its power as the only official religion on the continent of Avisolm, and is clearly here to stay. All other deities have been either dethroned or denied, only followed by small groups of devoted worshippers. Recently, shortly following the coronation of the new Great Father, arcane magic and all its practitioners were announced blasphemous. Any arcanists in the realm were ordered to be either executed or persuaded to serve the church. An inquisition was formed, consisting of anyone willing to serve the greater good. The inquisition is split into smaller units, which are sent on missions to investigate any appearing arcanists, and if necessary, eliminate them.
The Party
Level 10 gestalt
Elan Rogue//Psion
Human Swordsage//Favored Soul
Dwarf or Goliath Barbarian//???

I've talked about this campaign a little with the players, and this is what has been established regarding race and class choices. They will form a small unit of new recruits. Exact backgrounds and motivations are yet to be discussed with the party. Any books are allowed, though Tome of Magic and Magic of Incarnum aren't really used.
Geography
Areas
Avisolm is a large continent, officially a single theocratic nation. It is divided into multiple smaller states with their own rulers, though the Church still holds ultimate authority. The geography of Avisolm is diverse, most of it being temperate grasslands and forests, but with the large desert of Dysimos in the east, separated from the rest of the continent by the huge mountain range of Skypike.
Dysimos is a large desert of sand, covering the eastern quarter of Avisolm. Hot winds from the east keep it dry and hot, though once a year they bring a great rainstorm, keeping Dysimos somewhat inhabitable with comfortable oasises. Most of its regular inhabitants are savage humanoids, and the power of the Church is lesser here than anywhere else.
Skypike Mountains separate Dysimos from the rest of the continent. They are very high and dense, keeping away the eastern winds that have made Dysimos the desert it is. The eastern side of the mountains is still quite warm, but ice and snow can be found on the peaks of the other side.
Glassfrost Glacier is a large island of ice, a few hundred miles north from Avisolm. Most of its inhabitants live in small villages on the coasts, the frozen inland being full of dangerous beasts and natural hazards.
Rockspark Islands are a series of small islands on the southeast coast of Avisolm, formed by huge volcanoes towering up from the sea. The climate is near-tropical and very fertile, though dangerous, as some of the volcanoes may erupt occasionally.

Cities
- none yet -
Races & Classes
If a race or class isn't listed here, it either isn't existant/common or should be compared to the race or class closest to them fluff-wise.

Races
Humans are the most common race on Avisolm. They are very expeditious, often becoming traders and adventurers. The majority of the leaders of the Church are also humans. They also have the largest and most impressive cities.
Elves usually stay peacefully in their forests in Southern and Middle-Avisolm, though many explore the world to gather knowledge, skill or just interesting experiences. Many old elves are hold in great regard among other races, their elder knowledge held to great regard.
Halflings originate from the plains of northern Avisolm, though these days most of them have become nomads, traveling around Avisolm in their carriages (think gypsies). They settle wherever they feel comfortable, stay there for a few weeks or months, before continuing their endless travels.
Dwarves mostly live in their underground cities in the Skypike Mountains. They rarely travel, thinking that the dangers of the Underdark (which often happens to connect with their caves) are just enough for them. The occasional traveler is usually a merchant, selling the valued creations of their race.
Savage humanoids live on the Skypike Mountains (not in them, like dwarves do) or in Dysimos, the Church having banished them away from civilization. They aren't accepted anywhere under the Church's rule, so they just stay in their own small societies.

Classes
Divine casters (Clerics, Favored Souls etc.) are perhaps the most respected in Avisolm, being servants and embassadors of Durulas. They usually work under the church, though their actions aren't nearly as limited as those of licensed arcanists, and they often become corrupted with power or worship the "wrong" gods, almost all of which are still active, even though the Church might deny their existance.
Arcane casters (Wizards, Sorcerers, Warlocks etc.) have become quite rare, as they are either executed upon discovery or forced to work for the church or to hide. The few who agreed to work under the church's rule are held under heavy suspicion, and their use and choice of spells is very limited. The primary reason the Church hires them is to obtain their hidden knowledge and a wider diversity of magic items to be used for their own goals. Those who went to hiding have to be very careful not to be discovered. Especially warlocks are viewed with great suspicion, as they usually obtain their powers from unholy deals.
Druids exist mostly among the more nature-aligned races, such as halflings, elves and savage humanoids, and the society's view on them is quite neutral. They aren't especially respected, as they don't gain their powers from an actual deity, but they aren't disrespected either, as they are peaceful and aren't arcanists.
Psionics are still quite rare, and viewed with some suspicion. So far, the Church hasn't announced them blasphemous, and prefers to view them as blessed individuals and wishes to take full use of their special talents.
Combatants (Fighters, Barbarians etc.) aren't viewed in any particular way due to their occupation, and their reputation mostly depends on the factions they serve.
Initiators (Crusaders, Swordsages, Warblades) are rare, and most of them are trained by the Church or some other similar institution. They are more respected than most combatants, though not as respected as divine casters.
Tricksters and outlaws (Rogues, Bards etc.) are often viewed with suspicion, though they prefer to either keep a low profile or serve the Church to reach their own goals.
Religion
Other deities will be made up as I find it necessary...

The Church of Durulas
Durulas is called the god of justice and glory by his followers, though the worshippers of the other gods he dethroned might disagree. He often orders his priests on different quests of valor to bring himself more glory. His symbol is a longsword with a large golden star in the background, golden also being his symbolic color. His chapels somewhat resemble castles, with high walls of marble and at least a few towers.
Church Hierarchy
The Great Father is somewhat similar to the pope of the irl Catholic church, being the highest-ranking priest and also the ruler of all of Avisolm. Rumors say that each Great Father is actually a reincarnation of Durulas. A new Great Father always appears almost immediately "from the heavens" when his predecessor dies.
Patriarchs are the rulers of the individual states of Avisolm. The inhabitants of the areas report to them, and they report directly to the current Great Father.
Archbishops are advisors and assistants to the patriarchs.
Bishops handle most formal ceremonies and events and give orders to priests.
Priests are the lowest in the church hierarchy, and they usually take care of lesser duties such as baptizing, confirmations, weddings, atonements etc.
Adventure Ideas
- none yet -
So, I'm asking for

More/better fluff
Class advice for the Barbarian PC's gestalt (I don't want him to be overshadowed by the other caster//initiator and manifesters
Adventure/location ideas

SilverLeaf167
2010-11-27, 01:23 PM
I'm still working on it. Don't post yet, thank you.

SilverLeaf167
2010-11-28, 04:12 AM
Okay, feel free to post now!
Also, could someone move this to Homebrew? I was told I accidentally posted it in the wrong section...