New OOTS products from CafePress
New OOTS t-shirts, ornaments, mugs, bags, and more
Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. - Top - End - #1
    Bugbear in the Playground
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    United States

    Default A Crumbling Kingdom[WIP][D&D 3.5 E6][PEACH]

    "Humanity is approaching a new era. Other nations, both new and re-surging, are entering our politics. We must utilize the tools presented to us and also establish dominance over the other races. Utter prudence will be necessary to reach our goals and preserve our order."
    -Prince Jaden II Velikan of the Kingdom of Culnatis

    Back in the Golden Age, all races lived in prosperity. Humans lived to the north, elves, dwarves and the like shared the mainland. Even orcs were welcome and civilized But then the Great Storm came. Hail battered the towns of humanity. As a preemptive move towards survival, the humans moved southward. Many of the races had mixed feelings, but one stood staunchly opposed to the idea: the dwarves.

    Again, the humans did not wait for permission to take what they needed. Their surprise strikes gave them a solid presence after such a fierce evacuation from their homeland. The other races picked their sides while others fled. In most cases, the people were split on their opinions. In the end, humanity would prevail, exiling the dwarf population to the underground as slaves. Those allied with the humans retained power while those who opposed them would receive just as harsh punishment.

    Peace was established after the unconditional surrender of the dwarves. This was only due to weariness; ironically, it was the humans who were at each other's throats. After a period of recovery, mankind would separate itself under different banners, each leader wanting to be the sole holder of power. Eventually, it would be the current king Lenarth who would finish the job in his youth.

    Now, decades after unification, new countries are opening their doors to the humans. Some view these foreigners as sources of opportunity, while others are skeptical about their diplomacy. A few believe they are threats to the established order. What no one wants to admit is that this order cannot stand for much longer...

    Overview:
    Spoiler
    Show
    This is a Homebrew setting crafted by my own mind, though it certainly has influences, which I'll cover later. The primary focus is on the political motivations of individuals and the tactics they are willing to employ. Morality is shaded in gray, as good and evil is typically subjective. All-in-all, I'm a fan of intrigue.

    Because of the low-Fantasy nature, I believe this setting would be best for an E6 campaign. I would think that much of the action-oriented events would be warfare or assassination, rather than (purely) magical explosions. I suppose the other attraction to E6 is that death seems to be much more permanent. Mortality should be prevalent at all times.

    Races:
    Spoiler
    Show

    Humans:
    Spoiler
    Show
    Humans are the primary races of this part of the realm of Culnatis, though that certainly does not mean there are no other races. Rather, their kingdoms dominated these lands over the ages. Gradually, wars among themselves brought them into unification under one banner.

    The current king is an old, discrepant man. His days of glory are far gone. People stay loyal to him however, out of tradition and also due to the glory of the current heir.

    Half-breeds are treated differently based on their heritage. A half-elf may be mocked for his ears and viewed with suspicion, especially if the parent is a drow. Half-dwarves, if suitably short, are heavily discriminated against. Half-orcs may arose wariness due to their physical features. If the subject is able to claim that their parent comes from the right place, they'll be left alone. Otherwise, they can expect even more hostility than a half-dwarf.

    Dwarves:
    Spoiler
    Show
    The once mighty dwarves were curbed under humanity's boot during their rise. Nowadays, these proud people are forced to stay underground and work for the humans, primarily as miners. It is dangerous work, however; given little arms as a form of suppression, they must fight against the orcs which still lie in the caves. Some of the "lucky" ones live in human cities as servants or perhaps even attendants to warrior orders.

    Some stragglers were able to make it to the hills, but their lives are not much better. There they must still fend off orcs and also the Stonebound Jotun. They may never ask for help; if any dwarf is found above ground without documentation, they will be beheaded and have their head placed on a stake as a warning.

    Because of these hardships, dwarves rarely hold high opinions of humanity.

    Elves:
    Spoiler
    Show
    Similar to the dwarves, elves hold little power in these lands. However, they are guaranteed rights along the lines of humans. More importantly, one of their kingdom still stands across the seas on another continent. This treatment is a result of the High Elves approaching the humans with civility. The dwarves resisted harshly and received punishment for such.

    Drow, on the other hand, are not subject to the same privileges. Their kingdom originated here along with the High Elves, though their tactics and lack of diplomacy ensured their demise. Now only small covens have survived.

    Gnomes:
    Spoiler
    Show
    Gnomes are a subject of curiosity to all races. Their recent appearance to the human kingdom's eyes is amazing; they are the only race that has experience with steam power. They came to this land with boats more powerful than ones ever seen before and apparently from a far off land, unexplored by all.

    Still, the dwarves claim that they have found this race before in the caves. Their claims are discarded as petty. A few elves claim the same, particularly ones who are familiar with the forests. Those too are claimed to be crazy.

    Halflings:
    Spoiler
    Show
    While similar to gnomes, a halfling is faced with less favorable circumstances. Long ago, these people were integrated into dwarven communities. However, when the humans came, they turned on their allies and joined with the invaders. Other races did not suffer this backlash because they were not as connected as these people. This has landed them a better position than others in government but a rather harsh social standing. Nobody trusts a halfling nowadays.

    Orcs:
    Spoiler
    Show
    Of all the races, orcs spur the most controversy over how they are to be treated. Swamp orcs are the scum of the world and are likely to be gutted on sight. Orogs dwell in the caves, mostly warring with the dwarves and other denizens. Mountain orcs tend to stay in their territory, but as mentioned before, they fight with straggler dwarves and jotun. All of these would at least be distrusted by the average human.

    Desert orcs are an entirely different subject. Hailing from the east, these nomads recently established a trade relationship with the humans. Their more noble intentions and lack of savagery makes them viewed as potential allies. Still, what drives politicians to accept them is mainly their armies.

    Cambions:
    Spoiler
    Show
    The descendants of fiends have been a rare sight for a few centuries. Cambions used to hold a strong kingdom to the South and was part of the human politics. However, a cataclysmic event severed their lands away, almost in a perfect circle. Settlements survived on the outskirts, but only a few stayed. Despite the lava entrenchment, people could still see walls built around the perimeter.

    However, recently a bridge has been built over the immense heat, connecting it to the Northern kingdom. There the remnants of the Cambions separated from the center have migrated, either hoping to be admitted to their ancestral homeland or to meet others similar to them.

    Changelings:
    Spoiler
    Show
    Changelings are known by very little, or at least their race is. Most of them have either integrated into civilizations or escaped to live in the woods with the Fey.

    Jotun:
    Spoiler
    Show
    The Jotun are the last remains of evidence that the giants ever existed on this plane. Despite that, they are still quite prominent and are revered for their combat prowess. This causes most settlers to avoid their areas, for they are often territorial.

    Each of the bloodlines heirs from vastly different areas. Stonebound stay in the mountains, assaulting orcs and dwarves alike. Flameheart Jotun come from a distant volcano island, though over the years they settled near the world crack surrounding the Cambion kingdom. Stormsouls are similar, hailing from remote islands in the winds.

    Frostbloods are the most prominent in human politics. Their central homeland is to the North, right on the borders of human territory. Though they have proven peaceful, they are still viewed as a prominent risk.

    Nephilim:
    Spoiler
    Show
    As opposed to the Cambions, Nephilim have never been great in the world.

    Magic:
    Spoiler
    Show
    Magic is regarded as a dangerous source of power. Anyone is capable of learning it, meaning that it can easily end up in the wrong hands. And yet, mages are highly valued by any nation for their spells. Ancient battles often had the tides turned by the mighty fireball or healing to keep soldiers moving. In fact, some scholars claim that the dwarves lack of a heavy mage force led to their downfall.

    While magical training is available to anyone, it is still difficult to access and nearly impossible for the average lay-person to use untrained. Some races are more inclined towards using it; it all lies in the bloodline. Elves, particularly gray elves, tend to reach higher levels of magic quicker than a mere human. And yet, the limits of magical power are all dependent on devotion and personal intelligence; a dwarf could reach the same level as an elf if they had the patience. Still, it must be emphasized again that it is a devoted field of study and it is quite expensive.

    Magic has become less prevalent over the course of the last century. Teaching has been more restrictive, as such power should not be spread without caution. Mentors, therefore, have little patience for failed pupils and are selective with whom they choose. Still, often times people suppress their abilities in order to unleash a deadly surprise when necessary.

    Black Mage:
    Spoiler
    Show
    Those who would have the audacity to delve into the dark arts are shunned from almost all societies. They tamper with the unnatural and make pacts with forces they foolishly believe they can control. Even the Cambions are wary of black mages, despite their ancestry. Still, their blood gives them a natural affinity towards it, which is a reason for distrust.

    Blue Mage:
    Spoiler
    Show
    Author's Note:Out of all the types, blue magic is one I'm least familiar with. I'll have to look into it.

    Green Mage:
    Spoiler
    Show
    Natural magic is often the choice of recluses and hermits. Their work is distrusted but not actively hunted, as the woods would certainly favor them over a city guard. Still, there are mages who make their home in civilization and use their magic to help travelers.

    Red Mage:
    Spoiler
    Show
    Red mages garner much respect while also being feared. Armies try their hardest to find masters who can decimate enemy regiments.

    White Mage:
    Spoiler
    Show
    Of all the schools, white magic is the only one to be generally received with open arms. It is regarded as the safest school, labeled as harmless by some peasants. Also, as opposed to Cambions, Nephilim have an easier time accessing these magics.

    Persons of Note:
    Spoiler
    Show
    • King Urien Velikan- Current king of the humans. His elderly state has ravaged his body and mind. None may state it, but a few are impatiently waiting for him to pass away so a more competent man can rule the country.
    • Jaden I Velikan- Son of Urien, Jaden I showed much potential as he grew up, so much so that Urien did not think of having more children. Unfortunately, he would pass away, but not before impregnating his wife with a son.
    • Prince Jaden II Velikan- Heir to the throne, JadenII is both blessed and cursed by his grandfather's longstanding life. He is eager to take command and dominate the "lesser races".
    • Lord Pythian Roka - Pythian is the head of the greatest household in the Western regions of Culnatis. His father, an adviser to the current king, has recently passed away due to natural causes. Now, some say, his ambitions have been unchained.
    • Sir Damon Nathair - Though they only met in recent years, Damon is already Pythian's major adviser. He also serves as a recruiter for the household, picking out specialists rather than soldiers for their plans.

    Inspirations:
    Spoiler
    Show
    • Tolkien Fantasy: This is a low-magic setting, where it is limited both by the level limit and by the difficulty of learning such powers.
    • Game of Thrones: I would say that the politics and the grab for power is similar to this series.
    • Gnorman's E6 Races: Because I want to use these races as blueprints in campaigns, I had to implement them all in some fashion for my Homebrew Setting.
    • Gnorman's E6 Classes
    Last edited by ptdapen; 2012-06-26 at 11:06 PM.

  2. - Top - End - #2
    Titan in the Playground
     
    Yora's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Germany

    Default Re: A Crumbling Kingdom[WIP][D&D 3.5 E6]

    Do you have an idea for the major themes of the setting yet?
    What you would tell people if asked to give a short overview in under one minute.

  3. - Top - End - #3
    Bugbear in the Playground
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    United States

    Default Re: A Crumbling Kingdom[WIP][D&D 3.5 E6]

    Quote Originally Posted by Yora View Post
    Do you have an idea for the major themes of the setting yet?
    What you would tell people if asked to give a short overview in under one minute.
    Hm, well, first important detail is that I suppose it is similar to Eberron with all the shades of gray. But for general themes, I guess it is primarily political with some sort of mystique. Every leader has their own motivation and most of them have noble intents. Corrupt maybe, but not pure evil. Manipulation and plots are at the forefront rather than magical events, though those certainly would occur too.

    I must admit, I've been watching a lot of Game of Thrones, so that's where some inspiration might come from. I'll try my best not to copy much, but there's definitely similar aspects (Bad things to the North is a pretty common one, but still).

    Edit: May I also add that this setting is focused primarily on the individual. Nations do play a large role due to their nature, but an individual is able to guide it on its course. There is also a heavy theme of the will over the body, where anyone can reach the top potential (kind of).
    Last edited by ptdapen; 2012-06-15 at 01:30 AM.

  4. - Top - End - #4
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Wyntonian's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Oregon

    Default Re: A Crumbling Kingdom[WIP][D&D 3.5 E6]

    A thought on halflings: Let people use the stats for a halfling, but play a gnome. So, their parents were gnomes, they're gnomes, people see them and go "oh, look, a gnome", but they use the stats of a halfling. Could that work for you?
    Guess who's good at avatars? Thormag. That's who.

    A Campaign Setting more than a year in the making, Patria!

  5. - Top - End - #5
    Bugbear in the Playground
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    United States

    Default Re: A Crumbling Kingdom[WIP][D&D 3.5 E6]

    Quote Originally Posted by Wyntonian View Post
    A thought on halflings: Let people use the stats for a halfling, but play a gnome. So, their parents were gnomes, they're gnomes, people see them and go "oh, look, a gnome", but they use the stats of a halfling. Could that work for you?
    A good proposition, but I'm afraid I don't want to go down that path. Halflings rule-wise don't seem to be mystical enough to fit the same niche as the gnomes do. I'm sure I'll think of something, maybe give them their own lands or something.

  6. - Top - End - #6
    Titan in the Playground
     
    Yora's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Germany

    Default Re: A Crumbling Kingdom[WIP][D&D 3.5 E6]

    I faced the same situation with gnomes and halflings. The solution was: There are no halflings.

    While I was at it, dwarves went out the window as well.

  7. - Top - End - #7
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Wyntonian's Avatar

    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Oregon

    Default Re: A Crumbling Kingdom[WIP][D&D 3.5 E6]

    I did it with orcs, elves and halflings. Nobody says you have to include everything. In fact, it's pretty liberating to look at an unspoken requirement ("Every setting has elves") and ignore it completely.
    Guess who's good at avatars? Thormag. That's who.

    A Campaign Setting more than a year in the making, Patria!

  8. - Top - End - #8
    Bugbear in the Playground
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    United States

    Default Re: A Crumbling Kingdom[WIP][D&D 3.5 E6]

    I suppose I could shaft them, but I'd rather try to integrate them before giving up. Something will either come to me or it won't. Hopefully anyone who wants to play in this setting doesn't choose a halfling before I come up with ideas haha.

  9. - Top - End - #9
    Bugbear in the Playground
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    United States

    Default Re: A Crumbling Kingdom[WIP][D&D 3.5 E6]

    Okay, I've added in a rather shameful history for the halflings while also updating the history of the entire setting! Unfortunately, I am still rather uninspired when it comes to naming. I hope to expand upon the races at some point, and would also like to point out that some of that info may be outdated/contradictory.

    One question though: anyone know a good map-making tool? I don't mean one for boards and such, but rather one that would be good for showing the geography of this world.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •