Love it!
I went down with a cold, and then the cold left but left behind an upper respiratory infection. So I may not be able to make a full character in time...
How much time do we have for recruitment.
I didn't see that in the original post, but it seems like a couple of people have mentioned Thursday? I'm a healthcare worker, and I work on the weekend more than 40 hours, so if I don't do it by tomorrow it's not getting done until Monday at the earliest.
By the way, do you have all of this information written up somewhere? I've looked through some of the material from your other campaigns, but I wonder if there's a comprehensive setting bible or something. I'd just love to drink in some more of the lore.
I'm a big world builder too, and I just really love what you've done here -- this has got to be one of the most creative settings I've ever come across. I get vibes like a cross between a Bakshi animated classic and Ferngully, and some other stuff I can't totally place, but it's an amazing creation, no doubt.
How much time do we have for recruitment.
I didn't see that in the original post, but it seems like a couple of people have mentioned Thursday?
It is in Miner Cotren's first post after the short story and greetings to new potential players (not in a spoiler). It mentions a week or possibly less. Also to turn in character concepts sooner rather than later, which you've all been working on. :)
I've personally been finding most of my information in the campaign section, but it seems like you've already looked through those spoiler sections from the sounds of things. Just in case you or someone else hadn't seen it, there is the link.
--Yep, a week was the estimate I gave
--I'm definitely NOT closing things by tomorrow, but please try to get at least a basic concept by Friday. In essence, the concept gets you in the door, then I will make my final decisions after I stop taking new applications. SO - if you haven't filled out a concept yet, try to do so soon, and if you DO have an approved concept submitted, there's really no rush.
--As for comprehensive info, everything I have "open" to players can be found in the Campaign Info tab up on top. Granted, there is more behind the scenes stuff (like all the machinations of the gods and the Grand Temple and all that), but I've tended toward secrecy there so I still have room for narrative surprises.
--Basically if you are looking for even more than what is in Campaign Info, just ask! I'm happy to fill in info as we go (essentially, once I had a strong enough feel for the world in general, I started using players actions and player curiosity to guide what I develop next)
--And I am indeed planning on having more info for all of you tomorrow to answer those questions that have been popping up, but for now it is time for bed!
How much more do you need from me to meet the standard of an 'approved concept'? I'm definitely going with the yakuza unchained rogue concept, I just don't know exactly how I'm going to do that mechanically.
I'm not much of a rules maven (I think I understand them, but I'm definitely not good at optimizing or making builds beyond looking at guides), and I was hoping to get the weekend to get ideas from the advice forum for an Undine unchained rogue.
No worries, you have a solid "class" concept and more importantly you are already giving me ideas about our village and asking great questions. You are already approved, you definitely don't have to worry about getting shut out when I stop taking new submissions.
Everyone I mentioned on the previous list has enough of a concept to be fine for now:
""
Origami Dog --- ifrit paladin (Warrior) --- coming from Hearth
Tiessa ---- undine sacred fist (Warrior) --- coming from Hearth
SmooshieBanana --- undine watersinger ---- coming from ?
Eillioti ---- undine brawler --- lives in local swamp
Sebecloki ---- undine Unrogue --- member of Cá của Biển Lớn
""
I'm very flexible about when you turn in a "complete" character in terms of feats, scores, etc. That could even be after Monday.
I'm a big world builder too, and I just really love what you've done here -- this has got to be one of the most creative settings I've ever come across. I get vibes like a cross between a Bakshi animated classic and Ferngully, and some other stuff I can't totally place, but it's an amazing creation, no doubt.
I'm surprised between the intense work schedule you mentioned plus your own campaigns that you have time to read other campaigns! Thanks again for the kind words. I'm sure there's some Airbender and Jim Butcher's Codex Alera mixed up in here too.
Unexpected job interviews yesterday night and now tonight as well - more info on our village and everything else coming soon, likely tomorrow :)
@Timeskeeper - I hope you are feeling better!
Alright, since it applicable to the whole group, I'm starting with the village of Vị Thanh. I am going to be doing multiple posts of different topics, then putting it all under the Campaign Info (later)
Copied from the "Other Religions" document in Campaign Info:
Elementalism: Given the relatively common appearance of water elementals, many rural undine take to worshiping their local water elementals over River. There are small shrines all through River and its banks.
Within Vị Thanh: Many pods have personal/family shrines to local water elementals, as the wetlands allow for ponds, streams, swamps, brooks, and even a few lakes. Offerings are placed once a week (on Giantsday) within the small shrines.
Ancestral Guidance: The three orean monastic orders (Branch, Leaf, Root) all eschew worship of Forest and emphasize ancestors and orean wisdom as the path to enlightenment. Certain undine pods also keep extensive songs and legends of their forbears.
Within Vị Thanh: This certainly would be the practice of the Biển Lớn I've been discussing with Sebecloki. Venerating an elder, while also aggrandizing themselves.
There is friction between the Ancestral believers and the more traditional River/elemental believers, so Ancestrals are often excluded from social events, positions of authority, etc.
These are very rough numbers, and not every family is doing 100% the same job, but it gives you an idea of what the town is like.
--Population ~2500, consisting of about 200 families/pods
80 farming pods
30 farming pods
20 artisans, weavers, netmakers, boatmakers,
10 hunters
10 Swem
~5 watersinging pods
~5 whirling pods
And yes, there are certain families that tend to produce more watersingers and maelstroms than other families. (these also tend to be the more affluent families of the town)
edit! 80 FISHING pods
SmooshieBanana has been asking many interesting questions, and since Nempura Babblebrook is amphibious, that means there are amphibious undines in the world, which in turn means there are underwater undine villages.
Since the default undine is not amphibious, I'm going to say only ~10% of undines are born amphibious. So the basic layout four quarters:
--The outlying farms
--The stilt houses (family and communal) nearer the shores
--The floating village
--The underwater village
The underwater village will be comprised of all woven materials (huts, nets, and hammocks to sleep in, tie to anchors, etc)
More to come tomorrow!
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Okay, good news is that I convinced the CTO to fund the project that will make us $30 million a year. Bad news is my brain is fried and I will need to finish the story tomorrow and submit it then.
Thank you for your patience.
Okay, good news is that I convinced the CTO to fund the project that will make us $30 million a year. Bad news is my brain is fried and I will need to finish the story tomorrow and submit it then.
Thank you for your patience.
I know what that's like, unfortunately. It's very hard to prove such usage of funds--especially in the millions. I've seen all the backup/proof/science be there and then they just have a gut feeling not to go with it and they don't make that money, along with all your hard work down the drain. I'm glad you got it. Good job! Can't wait to see what you come up with with your character.
Large Council, Rule by Elders
Each pod sends its eldest member to vote on village matters. The council meets only when there is enough business to justify a meeting. The communal house is then closed to all but the council, for however long the meeting takes, pausing only for food and minimal sleep.
Since the default undine is not amphibious, I'm going to say only ~10% of undines are born amphibious. So the basic layout four quarters:
--The outlying farms (drytown)
15% of the population.
Extensive farms (rice, hemp, coconuts)
--The neighborhoods very close to or directly on the shores (damptown)
25% of the population
Stilt houses (family and communal)
Working rice paddies, cleaning laundry, tending to gardens, weavers, boatmakers, etc
Dockmarket
--The floating village (bobtown)
50% of the population
Small houses that are strung together and tied to rafters directly in River.
Fishing, lots of fishing, stretched along miles of River
Silk worms
Childrearing, communal school, restaurants
Healers
--The underwater village (wettown)
10% of the population
Home of the Swem and their servants
Elaborate woven huts, rope systems, hammocks ; tied to anchors etc
Anything like a "town" police force does not exist - the closest analog would be the hunters tasked with patrolling the areas surrounding the town.
Instead, individual pods have their own strong els and eles that are trained for the purposes of family protection. If a pod lacks such familial guards, they may go to other, wealthier pods for protection instead.
Violent crime is almost unheard of (murders, etc exceedingly rare), but thievery/pickpocketing is not uncommon in the markets. There is also an invisible network of organized crime about the town, for those who know where to look (rogues).
I'm having a tough time deciding if Freya follows the school of Rendere or Vivace, both seem interesting. I also noticed there isn't a page for Undine Philosophy. Is it missing?
Should I be worried about a lack of swimming ability?
Childhood friends sounds great Tiessa.
--Many small, colorful shrines (usually centered around one bold color, like red or purple) to minor water elementals (religion is much more fragmented among the undine than other races)
--There is also as a sizable temple to the Whirl Mother, where most of the farmers and shores go for weekly worship.
--One long communal house for dances, weaving, council meetings, and a hundred other events.
--Family stilt-houses typically shared by multiple generations of one pod.
--Unlike individualistic ifrits and clan-oriented oreads, the emphasis in undine society if the family (or pod), and this can be seen in the extensive decorations, charms, and calligraphy found in and about family houses that celebrate the ancestry and accomplishments of that family.
---Dragons and geese are considered very unlucky. Instead, here are examples of lucky animals/themes that you may see about town: ducks, waves, foam, coral, sharks, crocodiles, crabs.
Haha, Origami Dog, you cut me to the quick! One of the reasons I wanted to do an undine-centered campaign was because it was the race I had least developed! :)
So there is a google document in cyberspace with Undan Philosophy within, but our fair village must be built first so you can all dwell within it!
Also re: swimming
You can visit almost the entire town with no swimming ability. Might be a little nerve-wracking in heavy armor in bobtown, but nothing too bad.
You would all know this -- there are some watersingers that can confer water breathing as part of their song, and you are relatively certain that such an elen lives in Vị Thanh. So in a pinch, you hire a 'guide' of sorts to take you to wettown.
Is it alright if Freya is related to this watersinger? I imagine she? disapproves of my side of the family though, especially since she's so closely tied to River.
Yes! This is an elderly relative, so let's say it is your maternal grandmother (since your mother was undine). Develop your relationship/details with her as you'd like.
(and yes, she disapproves)
This is Tiessa, I finished Novalie's background story. It's not my best work, but I wanted to get it out here to show you where I was going with her. Its in this alias' profile.
Her crunch is also done and in the profile.
Awesome! I will be taking a closer look at everyone's character sheets early next week, but first glance it looks great!
To reiterate, here are the concepts that are perfectly fine for now for when I close to new submissions:
Origami Dog --- Freya Argento-Mau --- ifrit paladin (Warrior) --- coming from Hearth
Tiessa ---- Novalie --- undine sacred fist (Warrior) --- coming from Hearth
SmooshieBanana --- Nempura Babblebrook---- undine watersinger ---- coming from Rushing Waters
Sebecloki ---- undine Unrogue --- member of Cá của Biển Lớn
And here are submissions that need more work, preferably before end of day Monday:
Eillioti ---- undine brawler --- lives in local swamp
Timeskeeper?
Oh, I don't think I wrote this down anywhere. I will update the undine page...
Hydrated Vitality is very bad compared to being able to convert fire damage like ifrits, etc. If you wish, you can take this variant:
Ice in the Blood:
Undine with this racial trait mimic the healing abilities of the nereids, gaining fast healing 2 for 1 round anytime they take cold damage (whether or not this cold damage gets through their cold resistance). The undines can heal up to 2 hit points per level per day with this ability, after which it ceases to function.
Undine clothing often silk, especially for nobles. Poorer workers have coarser clothing (hemp, maybe linen). They wear these relatively simple clothes all year round, as undines do not mind the cold. Robes would be easily tied to allow for streamlined swimming.
This is already in Campaign Info, but it's good to have all the relevant stuff in this thread:
Watersingers are revered by nearly all undines. Healers of all kinds, both mundane and magical are highly respected. Music, both the composition and playing of, is considered to be an art verging on the sacred.
In most ways, the Chord (head watersinger) of a village or a pod acts as the priest for that group, and the Mother (head maelstrom, a dancing bardic warrior) acts as the priestess. Since their classes are bard, they also act as the main healers for undine society.
Ifrit/fire magic in general is frowned upon, seen as destructive by nature and disruptive to harmony and balance in the land.
I've got a couple more areas that I still want to cover for Vị Thanh (including giving you a rough map of the place, it will just be a google Drawing)
--Anything I am missing right now that any of you would like more info on? I know that Sebecloki would like more on Cá của Biển Lớn, I've already got that on my list :)
Damptown (the shore quarter) has a network of thin canals throughout, so that the Swem might visit family houses, communal houses, and the shrine to the Whirl Mother without ever leaving River.
I was thinking of a couple things actually. Freya and Novalie studied together at an academy of some kind, correct? Is there a name for this place, or was it just the Temple? if it isn't named, is there some kind of heroic figure it would be named after? Freya is a Valiant(lowest rank) of an order of paladins, is there a name for this order? More information on the heroes of our time would just be neat too.
Tiessa, good backstory! I think Freya might call her Novi, though Freya's name might not be shortened as easily.
I'm glad you liked it!
Weekend got very busy, planning on updating more on Monday.
any chance I can get somthing like the Humans' Eye for Talent or the Halflings' Caretaker racial trait on my Undine?
Since you made crocodile a lucky animal, I might take one for my companion. It would be very helpful though, if it were an especially bright one :)
I'll say no to Eye for Talent, since that seems to normally be in exchange for the Human bonus feat, but the Caretaker trait is fine.
@Origami Dog
1) Paladins and war priests would both be trained and quartered primarily in the Military District. Specifically, Contrition Hall is where holy warriors are quartered (closer to the Temple) and slightly removed from the rank and file of the army.
Both of you would have had duties in the Temple as well (differing to account for your different paths).
2) The name for paladins who follow the Warrior is the Order of Swords. The founding member (also somewhat of a legendary figure) is Sire Allesandro SharpBlade, an ifrit knight known to single-handedly turn the tide of brutal battles against the Dark centuries long past.
Ranks, least to greatest (unless you got valiant from something specific?):
Valiant
Gallant
Paragon
Champion
Blessed
******
more to come on additional heroes of the time.
AD&D every class has a different name for each level. Level 1 Paladin is a "Valiant"... or so I thought. I double checked and it's "Gallant". I must have read a different list somewhere.
Gotcha. I was very inspired by it!
Exciting! Looks like the avatar selection is working again.
Hurray!
Could everyone who has an alias up and running post an avatar when they get a chance? That way we'll know what's been taken, etc.
Alright, I couldn't really find the perfect one... there isn't much in the way of ifrit avatars, but this'll do.
Sure, Miner Cotren.
I was going to use this one unless someone has a preference for it.
Check out the campaign header - I've got a link to Vị Thanh that organizes all the entries I've made so far.
I've started to work out a backstory with Novalie. If anyone else wishes to send me a PM to work on stuff, that would be great. I also have a discord for anyone who wants it and am online most of the time.