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Once a land of great technological marvels, the world was close to perfect. No one went hungry, people were free to pursue their passions as androids performed menial labor, and free thought was an inherent right. Unfortunately, with the advent of science came a disregard for what came before as myths and legends faded away into obscurity. This proved to be the worlds downfall.
In a span of minutes, magic returned, shattering the entire planet. No one was safe as their infrastructure was destroyed, making all their technological advancements practically useless. Mankind was forced to parley with the creatures that came with this change, as only they could offer protection against supernatural threats.
Thus the world of Valendross was formed. What remains of the worlds population live on a series of floating islands, called Echelons. Large flying machines known as Skyshifters remain the only reliable method of transportation. Kings and Queens rule each of these Echelons, aided by divine powered agents, blade magic wielding Knights, and the rare collared Mage.
Our story takes place on one of these Echelons, Granson Internment. A prison island, the old King who was also the head warden, was killed during an escape attempt. As he was without a suitable heir, the Echelon selected the peoples greatest leader as the next King, a gang leader named Akele Varish. Upon taking over Granson, he made sweeping changes and started to reform the various criminals into a fighting force.
Every King requires three groups of people as their servants. The King's Hand act as his leadership cabinet, diplomats, generals, and advisers. The King's Shield are his personal bodyguard, almost always consisting of Paladin's and Knights. Finally, the King's Blade are his special forces, accomplishing tasks ranging from hunting down dangerous criminals to obtaining an artifact from some far away crypt.
Akele has selected you as one of his Blades. Whether a prison guard, recent arrival, or maximum security serial killer, it doesn't seem to matter to the new King. He selected you because you can get the job done. As for what that job is, he's summoned the new Hand, Shield, and Blade to unveil Granson's future.
This is just basic information about Valendross that most players would be concerned with. I strongly advise you read it before making characters.
There are seven different major races in Valendross, each one holding one of the High Echelons and supported by a specific deity. As such these are mostly the only available races for play, with a few exceptions.
Elves rule the first Echelon Eskival and are currently the most powerful race in Valendross.
Aasimar rule the second Echelon Maldross and have the highest concentration of paladins.
Hobgoblins rule the third Echelon Kal and train most Knights.
Lashunta rule the fourth Echelon Vasenovis, dedicated both towards studying technology and restoring the planet.
Humans rule the fifth Echelon Novan and are incredibly productive, creating immense factories.
Tieflings rule the sixth Echelon Grollvun and are obsessed with their noble houses, which often turns towards spying and assassination.
Nagaji rule the seventh Echelon Samariss and presents itself as a vacation spot with brothels, gambling, and bloodfights, all the while perfecting the alchemic arts.
Offshoots
Naturally Half-Elves are fairly common, as the more militaristic elven families try to breed strength into their line and the more vain human families try to breed beauty into theirs.
Drow are an occasional genetic mutation that occurs once every 500 elven births. They are taken as children and trained by the matriarchal Spellseekers who hunt and collar Mages.
Some Nagaji are born more brutish and overly violent than their kin. Known as Lizans, they are treated as second class citizens and use the same stats as Lizardfolk.
When a human or elf breeds with a Nagaji they produce a Vishkanya, which is often more beautiful than either of it's parents.
Fallen Races
A few races don't live in the conventional Echelons, either eking out a life on the Primal Floor or dwelling on skyhills.
Dhampirs are the intentional offspring of the vampires on the Floor, often sent to live among humans on the Echelon as spies.
Changelings are a similar case, but more often serve their monstrous mother as an assistant.
Fetchlings are a recent arrival to Valendross and something of a mystery. They claim to have knowledge of a normal human life Pre-Calamity, but no other memories.
Strix and Syrinx both live among the skyhills. Most Syrinx live in incredibly elaborate towers made out of the hills and filled with wonders, something few other races will ever experience as the air outside these towers are filled with their black winged servitor race.
In the world of Valendross every class usually has a predetermined place in society. The following classes are the only ones available, so please do not request to play any others.
Mundane Classes
The vast majority of people in Valendross are incapable of shooting fire, changing the weather with a word, or summoning inner sources of ki. They use mundane classes, such as the Fighter, Rogue (Unchained is allowed), Cavalier, Gunslinger, Brawler, Slayer, and Swashbuckler. If you use a magical template you must also use a mundane class.
Greensingers
A few classes exclusively follow the Green, a kind of faith based magic that worships nature and the balance rather than a specific deity. Druids, Barbarians, Rangers, Bards, Witches, Bloodragers, Hunters, Skalds, and Shaman are all considered Greensingers, though most groups change the name.
How these classes are treated vary from Echelon to Echelon. If they don't reveal too much of their abilities, many can get away with simply being a skilled woodsman. Bards and Skalds are in fact celebrated for their entertainment and support skills. Barbarians, Bloodragers, and Witches most often get the worst end of the stick as people confuse them for Mages.
Divine Agents
As the most plentiful magical class, divine magic users often have great sway in their communities. This can be amazing as they lead righteously or horrifying as they abuse their position. Every church, even if their deity is chaotic, has a strict hierarchy for each divine class.
Paladins are missionaries, public servants, and the personal guard of high ranking clergy. Clerics make up the vast majority and are often jockeying for position. Oracles are something of a special case and are treated differently from church to church, as they're rare in the extreme. Inquisitors are supposed to only police members of their faith, though they're often used for more morally nebulous duties. Warpriests lead the militant part of the church, often with cavalier or fighter lieutenants.
Alchemists
Lacking in magic, but not intelligence, literally anyone can become an Alchemist or Investigator. Well, anyone with smart and wealthy enough. As the ruling class is tied closely with the church, there are strict laws that inhibit alchemy from spreading too far too fast.
Arcane Magic
Simply put, powerful arcane magic is a thing of the past. Mages are either controlled by Collars, put under heavy restrictions, or simply killed on the spot. Spellfury's, which is what is created when a Mage loses control of themselves, are always killed if possible.
Valendross has a very different version of magic than standard. Being able to cast Arcane Magic is a template, rather than a class. Only mundane classes can take these templates as the Arcane Mark prohibits its bearer from learning any other form of magic.
In addition, magical items are practically non-existent. The only ones still in any kind of production are the Mage Collars, the how of which is a closely guarded secret. Any item with distinctly magical benefits is either a pre-calamity relic, either with technological or magical origins. Unable to sustain itself in a world with a flow of arcane magic, most powerful magical items either violently blew up or turned to ash.
A Mage Collar has several properties. It has a strong magical aura equal to the Mark of the person it's on. It is invulnerable and changes shape/form to match the wearer. Removing the collar activates its failsafe, casting an immediate Maximized Energy Drain and Empowered Disintegrate on whomever is wearing it. This failsafe also activates if the wearer becomes a Spellfury.
Initiators
Blade magic is a large part of Valendross. Their fantastic powers can overcome problems ordinary people just cannot deal with. Rather than a specific class, your role is more often determined by your Martial Tradition. As every Initiating character has a martial tradition, they influence how you dress, cause some NPCs to become inherent friends or foes, even force you to against common sense. Every Martial Tradition plays a role in Valendross as stated here.
Black Thorn Knights- Are some of the most feared bounty hunters in Valendross, commanding both fear and high prices for their services.
Bloody Fangs- Most often ally with Greensingers, either protecting the pacifistic druids or forming fearsome warbands with barbarians.
Defenders of the Realm- The most powerful noble families always have at least one Defender in their retinue, with Kings going through great lengths to form a relationship with the order to provide for their Shield.
Empyreal Guardians- Surprisingly they often come to horns with paladins, whom they see as flawed for serving an often corrupt church. In turn, Paladins see them as dangerously unregulated and likely to harm someone through their heroics.
Scarlet Sentinels- A popular tradition for nobility, many young nobles enter into it with their personal guardsmen.
The Wayward Path- The Travelogue is changed to a technological mini computer that can only record buzzing audio and links directly to the main system in their temple.
The Quills- Though they don't often advertise their allegiance, Quills are dangerous enough with a harmless enough purpose that most people simply leave them alone.
Scales of Mourning- Their organization plays a bit of a balancing act between hunting the undead in Valendross and parlaying with the undead on the Primal Floor.
Lords of the Wheel- A bit of an oddball organization, most people see them as something of a Knight's gentlemens club with their various positions and vague sounding purpose.
The Cagebreaker Brotherhood- True champions of the people, they're reviled in the Upper Echelons as dangerous renegades and celebrated in the Lower as heroes.
The Lens Maker Society- Most Kings who know the Lens Makers true purpose often strike a deal with the seemingly harmless tradition. Leave them and their family alone and everyone else is fair game. Indeed, some even invite them, seeing only volunteers to keep their officials from becoming corrupt.
Stained Glass Champions- The Stained Glass Knight is a being from the original world of magic and seeks to go back.
Reverents of the Lance- These elite demonhunters are more found more often on the Primal Floor than not, seeking to permanently rid the world of demons.
Acolytes of the Arrow- Are currently locked in something of a challenge with the other traditions, seeking perfection in studying and defeating them.
Loyal Order of the Branded Waerloch- All four prison Echelons bear an Waerloch outpost whose members often act as parttime guards and thieftakers.
Descendants of the Golden Council- Entire family lines can belong to the Descendants, though the seven High Echelons have managed to keep them from holding any major power in their Echelons.
Crashing Tempest Academy- A popular spot for noble families to send disappointing offspring, they're often surprised and then upset when the graduate returns as a highly skilled Knight, offers insults, and then immediately leave again.
The Sultanate of Beggars- Many new Kings who receive offers from the Sultanate to establish themselves in their Echelon agree immediately, only seeing a group of peacemakers that don't need paid. Usually they're beset by complaints from their watchmen and tax collectors soon after, all about being beaten half to death.
Cirque du la Fumee- The Cirque trains as many Bards as they do Knights, performing all kinds, from running across a topwire, cutting six different apples with the same thrown knife, and stealing state secrets from the governors portrait safe.
Ordre des Repas Exotiques- The life of a Chef Knight has a strange duality. They serve the wealthiest of nobles at the fanciest of dinner parties, all with food they prepared from hunting chimeras on the Primal Floor.
Basic Information
Valendross is separated into the High Echelons, the Low Echelons, and the Outer Echelons. High Echelons are all dedicated to a singular deity and ruled by a specific race. Low Echelons, also known as Sub Echelons, owe fealty to a High Echelon. These Pacts are made between the Kings of each Echelon and usually include support from the High for the materials of the low, with the most common being the the High Echelon providing Knights and Clerics in exchange for the Low Echelons foodstuff and raw materials.
The most important people in Valendross are the Kings, Heralds, Knight Captains, and noble families. The position of King is one decided for life, chosen by the Echelon as whomever the majority of people see as their leader. This forces potential candidates to prove themselves or cost the royal family their position. Heralds are the chosen avatars of each god. There are only ever one for each deity and their word is law within the church. Heralds are chosen at birth and usually marked by their deity's holy symbol. Knight Captains are the respective leaders of each Martial Tradition. Most are detailed in the Martial Tradition description.
You are one of the eight members of King Varish's new Blade. He has five Initiators (also known as Knights), a divine warrior (Paladin, Warpriest, Inquisitor), a Huntmaster (Rogue, Slayer, Ranger, Hunter), a support specialist (Cleric, Druid, Bard, Skald), and a single collared Mage (Fighter, Rogue, Cavalier, Gunslinger, Brawler, Slayer, Swashbuckler). You must fill one of these roles.
Crunch
Starting Level- 9th
Hitpoints- Max at first, half after that.
Ability Scores- You have a set of 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, and 8, or 14, 14, 14, 12, 12, and 12.
Equipment- You have 10000 gold to spend on starting equipment. This can include any magical object worth 2000 gold or less. Any weapon or armor purchased this way does not need the base +1 magical enhancement to qualify for the additional enhancements.
Traits- You start with three traits, which can include refluffed campaign or region traits. You may trade in all traits for a bonus feat.
Magic Items
You have three different options when it comes to magical items beyond the ones purchased by your starting gold. You can ignore this entirely, instead taking the Automatic Bonus Progression as if your level were 2 higher than it actually is.
Instead you may use Scaled Magic Items. Feel free to refluff these if you want. As the items are scaled by Bauble, Prize, and Wonder, you must have a combination of items that equals up to 90% of your treasure or less. The simplest solution is to just pick three Wonders.
Finally, you may use a Template. It must be a +1 or +2 template. If it is +1, than you may also receive either ABP equal to your level -2 or a scaled magic item(s) that equal out to 30% of your treasure, such as six Baubles or 2 Prizes. If it is a +2 they you will get APB, but starting at your next level. I'm willing to hear any template requests with the exception of undead, but my judgement is more based on how it fits with your character and backstory. I will not approve any template that makes playing the game annoying, such as one that grants a constant fear aura or incorporealness. I will also not approve any simple template. Templates I will automatically let in include Half-Celestials, Half-Fiends, Half-Dragons, Augmented, Lycanthrope (I don't count CR 2 or fewer creatures as having CR), and (Un)Seelie.
Allowed Material
All Path of War Expanded playtest as well as the standard Path of War material is allowed, in addition to the usual paizo content, with the sole exception of Zealot and respectively the Sleeping Goddess Discipline. If you select a position as one of the Initiators you may use all the archetypes found in the Expanded playtest, with the exception of classes that grant psychic powers.
Fluff
I'd like a decent sized backstory and you should feel free to do some worldbuilding if it helps set up your character. The only thing you really need is a reason for Akele to choose you as a Blade. This doesn't necessarily mean that you even need to come from Granson. You could be a relation, a burgeoning adventurer with a fast growing reputation, or even a skilled warrior who wishes to be a Blade no matter the Echelon.
Expect a mixture of combat and roleplaying. There will be problems and how you solve them is up to, but the story will move at a brisk pace so be prepared for that. If you like to examine everything from multiple angles and prepare for every eventuality, please do so outside of the actual game and keep your character moving along.
Guidelines
Valendross as I'm presenting it is a mixture of Steampunk Low Fantasy that sometimes moves into Dark Fantasy and Comedic Fantasy territories. Though guns and other old timey machines are commonplace, such as the telegraph and cotton gin, magical items and high tech items are also prevalent. Please expect to post at least once a day. I try to have combat at a brisk pace and will discuss various ways of moving that along with whomever winds up playing.
This section is entirely optional to read and is only for people more interested in Valendross.
Echelon
They're large floating land masses, with a large variety of terrains, societies, and places. High Echelons rule all others and are the largest, though most are only about the size of a state or province. Low Echelons owe fealty to the high and have dozens of different uses and sizes, ranging from some that are only half a dozen farms to those that have been completely industrialized. Finally, there are the Outer Echelons. Home to a huge number of monsters, Outer Echelons are those that haven't been colonized.
The King
Though I am referring to the position as King, there are just as many Queens among the Echelons. Kings are chosen for life by the Echelon and are always the one person most people on that Echelon consider to be a leader, not necessarily the one most fit to lead. Royal families are common, but not absolute or traditional. A third cousin could become Queen if she accomplished some incredible task or was immensely popular. Fights over becoming Royalty are common and skilled assassins become very busy whenever a King is close to death.
Being King is more than just a title. Kings can tell the physical description and general location of any of their Citizens, so long as they remain on the Echelon. Their word is law, though many see fit to place some of that power in the hands of councilors and magistrates. They're also the only ones capable of swearing fealty to another King, removing Citizenship or granting it. Once per month they may even give a single order to one of their Citizens. This acts as Greater Geas.
Citizens
Becoming a Citizen of an Echelon is usually done by getting born on one, though Kings may grant Citizenship to any who pass the established test or perform some great service. Being a Citizen insures you fall under that Echelons laws and protection. Any Citizen that visits another Echelon falls under their protection, though the law is usually biased against them. For example, a Novanis visiting Eskival would face steep trade taxes, be unable to use any non-essential public services, and be considered guilty until proven innocent if accused by a crime from an Eskivalen citizen.
Exiles are those without an Echelon, either by not being born on one or by their King removing Citizenship. Exiles are not protected by any laws and though heavily frowned on in most Echelons, it is not illegal to harm, rape, or even murder them.
Knights
Also known as Initiators, Knights always belong to a Martial Tradition and usually bear the symbol of their order. Every tradition has a different relationship with any Echelon they have an outpost or base on. It greatly varies depending on what kind of services the organization provides. For example, Reverents of the Lance would have the most privileges on an Echelon that has demons inhabiting Outer Echelons near them, but practically none on an Echelon that rarely sees any monster more dangerous than a wyvern.
Primal Floor
Located below all the Echelons, the Primal Floor is the most dangerous and rewarding locale in all of Valendross. The vast majority of relics can be found there, in addition to some truly powerful monsters. Demons, dragons, undead, aberrations, and all sorts of other monsters prowl the Floor. Wild, unclaimed wilderness goes farther than anyone has ever searched. At least, anyone who came back alive to tell about it.
Technology
Roughly around the level of the late 1800s, though there a number of changes, namely in the form of Skyshifters and firearms. Skyshifters are much sleeker than most airships, most being powered by old age technology. There are number of places that have only heard about many of the new devices, as Valendross itself is entering into something of a golden age for technology.
Eskival, Land of the Elves
General Knowledge- The greatest of the Echelons, Eskival has over a dozen Low Echelons that owe it fealty. It is large, with vast forests surrounding impossibly beautiful cities. Ambassadors from every High Echelon and a few of the more powerful Low meet there once a year to discuss world spanning issues, an event known as the Summit.
Society- Eskivalen elves see themselves as even greater than others of their own kind and consider Exile to be worse than death. Many of their more powerful noble families rarely leave their estates. There is a small population of Greensinging Elves that never leave the forest and have a tense relationship with their kin in the cities.
Religion- Eona, TG Goddess of Light. Also known as the goddess of civilization, the sun, and life. Though not the eldest, Eona is the most powerful by virtue of having the most parishioners. Usually taking the form of a stunning beautiful and fair haired elven woman, Eona's main commandments take form of a series of epic poetry that most of her followers try to live their lives through.
Weapon- Staff
Domains- Rune, Weather, Sun, and Fire
Holy Symbol- A white robed woman holding up the sun.
Important People- Though it's practically unprecedented, Eskival is actually ruled by two sisters. Pharonis is the Queen of Eskival. Her ascension to the post came as something of a surprise to everyone but her, as she got almost the entire majority of half-elves on her side. Despite only being 200 years old, Pharonis has proven to be inspiring in public, but hard as steel in private.
Pharonis's younger sister Lavonis is the Herald of Eona and easily the second most powerful person in Eskival. Rather than see any potential problems with that much power held by one family, the entire Echelon loves the two sisters and idolizes them.
Maldross, Land of the Divine
General Knowledge- Maldross takes it's divine heritage very seriously as the birthplace of the gods. It is home to Infinite Mount, a steep spire that is said to lead to the god's domain. Though Tielia is their primary deity, all other faiths are welcome in Maldross. It is also one of the few places where Exiles are welcome, provided they agree to serve the faith in some respects.
Society- Religion is the way of life in Maldross. Everything, from days of the week to the time eggs are delivered, is patterned after one of the gods. They realize that way of life is a paradise for some and a prison for others, so the King is often busy granting and removing Citizenship. Despite strict laws against sinful acts, Maldross is also a bustling port, with many coming to pay respects and receive inexpensive healing magic.
Religion- Tielia, LG Goddess of Honor. Said to bar the gates of the god's domain, Tielia is the inspiration for paladins of all stripes. Her word, and that of her followers, is stronger than the toughest steel. Oathbreaker is the absolute worst curse her worshipers can call anyone and many in her church will attest to a deal being made for a small sum of money.
Weapon- Shield
Domains- Protection, Void, Nobility, and Community
Symbol- A steel shield with scratches that reveal gold underneath.
Important People- Marcus Brochevian is Maldross's current King, while Loxlieve is Tielia's Herald. While Marcus manages the Echelon, more people treat Loxlieve as Queen than him as King. Indeed, there are a number of high ranking clergy that consider him nothing more than a bureaucrat. One that performs a necessary duty for sure, but a bureaucrat nonetheless.
Kal, Land of Battle
General Knowledge- Since it is one of the very few Echelons with pre-calamity ruins still in place, as they rose with the city, it became a very dangerous place to live. Naturally, many Initiators settled there. Though the Hobgoblin tutors don't claim to follow any Tradition, every such organization has an outpost and they all look for new talent. Practically unsettled, Kal still has wandering monsters and the duels with fellow Knights can often be just as deadly.
Society- Kal is a place ruled by strength and not just the physical. When their current King feels as if he will no longer be fit enough for battle, a tournament is held. Leaders must assemble their own teams through any methods they possibly can. Cheating is non-existent, because there are no rules to break besides don't kill someone whose surrendered. They can bribe, threaten, cajole, inspire, anything. That mentality is shared across all of Kal.
Religion- Tramillion, CG God of Heroes. If fortune favors the bold, Tramillion favors the suicidal. His name is on the lips of every man that jumped down a dragon's gullet carrying explosives, charged a gang of trolls armed with nothing but a spoon, or wore copper armor while climbing a mountain in the middle of a thunderstorm.
Weapon- Double Bladed Sword
Domains- Glory, Liberation, Strength, and Luck
Holy Symbol- The top half of armor with several weapons embedded in it.
Important People- The current King is Locian Grave, the only man to ever survive a decade on the Primal Floor by himself. Kal's Herald is a hobgoblin, only known as Fletcher and is said to make the finest weapons in all of Valendross. Close to death from a constantly regeneration poison, Locian is said to announce the tourney any day now.
Vasenovis, Land of Freedom
General Knowledge- Though technically ruled by the Lashunta, they do very little actual ruling. Most of the Echelon is covered in scenic terrain, running the gambit from rolling hills, colorful jungles, and vibrant forests. Though their society is somewhat matriarchal, this is something of an old fashioned prejudice and more of an unspoken rule than anything enforced by law. Everyone is free to follow their own path and no one is denied anything so long as it does not bring harm to another.
Society- Most Lashuntans forge long time bonds, with everything from romantic partners to pets to siblings. These bonds are an important part of their society and anyone without at least one such bond depresses them. There are more universities than cities on Vasenovis and practically no standing military. Surrounded on all sides by powerful Echelons, the idealistic nation rarely sees any confrontation more violent than the occasional dire beast.
Religion- Eddon, NG Goddess of Nature. While the Greensingers might pray to the land itself, Eddon is the one that rules over it. From the lowliest insect to the most fearsome bear, all animals are drawn to her grace. She teaches that the land provides all, supports all, and all must live in harmony. Eddon's blessings come most often in the form of healing.
Weapon- Scythe
Domains- Animal, Earth, Healing, and Plant
Holy Symbol- A totem pole of four animals, always a fish, a harmless land dweller, a dangerous land dweller, and at top a bird.
Important People- Queen Joranis leads her people when necessary, but rarely leaves her garden nowadays as peace has been constant for decades. Most of the actual management falls to the University officials, who usually just control whatever town is nearby their school. Eddon's Herald recently died and the search for the new one is currently ongoing, though the lack of an infrastructure is making it difficult.
Novan, Land of Smoke and Steel
General Knowledge- After the calamity, what remained of humanity was forced to live on Novan, a practically barren expanse of rock. Though it's taken centuries, they've managed to make a comeback by exploiting the age old science. Most of the modern inventions still spreading across Valendross come from Novan, a fact human travelers don't often let people forget. What food they receive comes directly from Sub-Echelons, as almost their entire land is covered in cities and factories.
Society- To sum up Novan in two words, they would knowledge and crime. All it takes is one bright idea to elevate someone out of poverty and the government ran school system is constantly on the lookout for those with above average intelligence. For those without it, life is hard on Novan. They have a choice between serving the wealthy, killing their bodies working in a factory, or crime. For a lot of Novanites it's not a hard decision.
Religion- Adur, LN God of Industry. Adur, once known as the God of Smithing, rebranded himself after the calamity and adopted humanity as his former people, the dwarves, were left behind. Now his followers hunt down every last invention from the last age, replicating them if possible or more commonly developing new ideas from their design.
Weapon- A Hammer
Domain- Knowledge, Artifice, Earth, and Destruction.
Holy Symbol- The outline of an anvil filled with gears.
Important People- Beldreth Quelson is the current King of Novan. Once the president of the labor union, his politics underwent a complete 180 upon becoming King. Taxes are crushingly high and Beldreth uses his full power to support the businesses he once claimed to oppose. Unfortunately, Aldur's Herald Vanessa Curve cannot help as she disappeared on a Primal Floor expedition five years ago.
Grollvun, City of Blood
General Knowledge- In Grollvun it doesn't matter who you know, what you can do, or what you've done. All that matters is who your parents were. Though Tieflings are a majority, there are a number of human and elven noble houses that are constantly vying for position. All too often ordinary people get caught in between.
Society- How rank is determined in Grollvun is by prestige and what position you hold within your family. The family's head and primary scion, which is a position decided by the head, hold the most prestige of a house, followed closely by the head's spouse, their other scions, their own siblings, and then their siblings scions. Prestige itself is rated by how wealthy the house, if members of the house have done something noteworthy, how old the house is, and how lavish their events are. It's all very complicated, but most of them understand it.
Religion- Disaris, TN Goddess of Fate. Disaris doesn't play favorites, which is most likely how her people get away with everything they do. She is inexorable, granting spells to whomever prays to her, even if they oppose one another. Surprisingly, Disaris never appears to her followers or gives them commandments. If Disaris has a Herald, he or she has never revealed themselves.
Weapon- Handaxe
Domain- Death, Repose, Air, and Darkness
Holy Symbol- A blank piece of parchment most people decorate with their own name.
Important People- Tinara Fentrix is the current Queen of Grollvun, being the Head of the most powerful family. In her early forties, Tinara is fast losing control of her house. Fentrix expended too many resources gaining the crown and now doesn't have enough to defend against the other houses, particularly House Brec and House Talleath.
Samariss, Land of the Snakes
General Knowledge- Despite being a High Echelon for over eight centuries, Samariss is still considered the newcomer and must prove itself. Originally an Outer Echelon filled to the brim with dangerous reptilian cultists, one Lizan Shaman rose above the rest and with a truly astounding amount of bloodshed brought Samariss to heel. No one knows exactly when it became the den of depravity it is now, but tourists flock there all the same.
Society- For visitors, even those that live there as no one without scales is allowed to become a citizen, Samariss is a wonderful place. Pleasures are cheap, laws are incredibly lax, and enough gold is bandied around that it's easy for some to stick to your fingers. For the inhabitants, it's a different story. Nagaji are the undisputed rulers, with Lizans as their workers and warriors, and Vishkanya as their public face.
Religion- Oris, CN Goddess of Masks. Though she rules over almost anything with scales, Oris considers herself above such pointless restrictions. She teaches to find a goal and achieve it, no matter the cost. As Oris herself gets distracted with a dozen different plots and ideas a day her followers can only do their best to keep up.
Weapon- A hidden blade.
Domain- Trickery, Travel, Charm, and Scalykind.
Holy Symbol- A potion bottle filled with a rainbow of different colors.
Important People- Umeranith is the current Queen of Samariss and has been for quite some time, which is still somewhat surprising to her. A gorgon, she plotted to simply control the new King by using a series of disguised Nagaji. It came as a shock when the Echelon selected her instead of a patsy. Vill Xelk is Oris's Herald and has long since been driven insane by her demands, reducing the once attractive male Vishkanya to a broken shell.
There are 21 different Arcane Marks, three for each school of magic with the exception of divination. Only 1 in 1000 people are born with an Arcane Mark, while those who are born with more than one Mark or born with the Master Mark only number in the dozens.
Being born with a Mark acts a template, but one that can increase class levels rather than one that just increases CR. Choosing an additional Mark or upgrading your mark from Novice to Adept or Adept to Master costs an additional level/CR.
While every Mark grants spells, casting these as spell like abilities costs stamina or willpower. Every character with a Mark has a number of stamina points equal to their class level (not including the Mark)+strength modifier+constitution modifier. Willpower points are equal to wisdom modifier+intelligence modifier+charisma modifier. Spending more of these than you can afford has drastic consequences.
Running out of stamina points causes you to become fatigued, which applies a -2 penalty to your spellcasting modifier in addition to its regular effects, but also restores your stamina points to full. Running out again also restores your stamina points to full and causes you to become exhausted, but increases the modifier penalty to -5. If you run out of stamina points while exhausted, no matter how you became so, you die.
Running out of Willpower points brings with it more drastic consequences. Every time you run out of Willpower points you must roll on the Tiefling or Aasimar alternative physical features table, gaining the feature you roll. This restores your willpower points, but you gain that feature in a sudden mutation that is both incredibly painful and paralyzes you for the full round while it grows. Running out of Willpower points more than once per day can actually grant a boon. The second time your run out of willpower points not only do you roll on that table, but your relevant spellcasting modifier increases by +2 while your other two ability scores decrease by -2. This is permanent. Running out of Willpower points a second time causes your relevant spellcasting modifier to increase by +10, but reduces the others to 2 and causes you to gain unlimited willpower points in addition to the regular mutation.
Casting a spell-like ability requires you to expend a number of points, either stamina or willpower, equal to the spell's level. Cantrips expend no points. You may use Metamagic feats with these spell-like abilities, but doing so increases the point cost by +1 for every spell level the feat would have cost. Points are restored after 8 hours of sleep.
Every Mark has three different stages, Novice, Adept, and Master. Each stage improves the base power of the Mark and allows the bearer to cast more powerful spells. Base powers do not stack. Each Mark from the respective school uses charisma, wisdom, or intelligence as their spellcasting modifier.
Mark of the Shield (Charisma)
Novice Mark- +1 Permanent bonus to Deflection AC. Can cast Shield, Shock Shield, and Bullet Ward.
Adept Mark- +2 Permanent bonus to Deflection AC. Can cast Greater Stunning Barrier, Stone Skin, and Wreath of Blades.
Master Mark- +3 Permanent bonus to Deflection AC. Can cast Repulsion, Spell Turning, and Prismatic Wall.
Mark of Protection (Wisdom)
Novice Mark- +1 bonus to all saves. Can cast Resistance, Endure Elements, and Protection From Arrows.
Adept Mark- +3 bonus to all saves. Can cast Protection From Energy, Lesser Globe of Invulnerability, and Life Bubble.
Master Mark- +5 bonus to all saves. Can cast Guards and Wards, Circle of Clarity, and Protection From Spells.
Mark of Pacification (Intelligence)
Novice Mark- +1 attack and +2 damage when using non-lethal attacks. Can cast Peacebond, Alarm, and Arcane Lock.
Adept Mark- +2 attack and +4 damage when using non-lethal attacks. Can cast Dispel Magic, Dimensional Anchor, and Dismissal.
Master Mark- +4 attack and +6 damage when using non-lethal attacks. Can cast Banishment, Anti-Magic Field, and Dimensional Lock.
Mark of Weaponry (Intelligence)
Novice Mark- Can summon a single weapon as a standard action. If it leaves your hand it disappears in one round. Cam cast Icicle Dagger, Fiery Shuriken, and Returning Weapon.
Adept Mark- Can summon a single +1 weapon as a swift action. If it leaves your hand it disappears in one round. Can cast Ice Spears, Pellet Blast, and Whip of Centipedes.
Master Mark- Can summon a single +1 weapon as a free action. If slashing it gains Wounding, if bludgeoning it gains Impact (even if light), if piercing it gains Negating, if ranged it gains Endless Ammunition (even if a firearm). If it leaves your hand it disappears in one round. Can cast Chains of Light, Instant Summons, and Rain of Arrows.
Mark of Aid (Charisma)
Novice Mark- Can channel Positive Energy as a 2nd level Cleric. Can cast Unseen Servant, Obscuring Mist, and Summon Monster 1.
Adept Mark- Can channel Positive Energy as a 4th level Cleric. Can cast Summon Monster 3, Black Tentacles, and Mage's Faithful Hound.
Master Mark- Can channel Positive Energy as a 7th level Cleric. Can cast Summon Monster 6, Rampart, and Maze.
Mark of the Land (Wisdom)
Novice Mark- Gain an Animal Companion as a 2nd level Druid. Can cast Drench, Mudball, and Mud Buddy.
Adept Mark- Gain an Animal Companion as a 4th level Druid. Can cast Swarm of Fangs, Ghost Wolf, and Geyser.
Master Mark- Gain an Animal Companion as a 7th level Druid. Can cast Acid Fog, Create Lesser Demiplane, and Wall of Lava.
Mark of Control (Intelligence)
Novice Mark- Gain a +2 bonus on all charisma based skill checks. Can cast Charm Person, Hypnotism, and Oppressive Boredom.
Adept Mark- Gain a +4 bonus on all charisma based skill checks. Can cast Suggestion, Charm Monster, and Dominate Person.
Master Mark- Gain a +8 bonus on all charisma based skill checks. Can cast Unconscious Agenda, Insanity, and Euphoric Tranquility.
Mark of Support (Wisdom)
Novice Mark- Gain a bonus Teamwork feat that all your allies are considered to also have. Can cast Moment Of Greatness, Compassionate Ally, and Tactical Acumen.
Adept Mark- Gain two bonus Teamwork feats that all your allies are considered to also have. Can cast Heroism, Antithetical Constraint, and Hold Monster.
Master Mark- Gain three bonus Teamwork feats that all your allies are considered to also have. Can cast Greater Heroism, Mass Hold Person, and Power Word Stun.
Mark of Weakness (Charisma)
Novice Mark- Singular enemies hit by your spells take a -2 penalty on all their checks until the start of your next turn. Can cast Daze, Bungle, and Unprepared Combatant.
Adept Mark- Singular enemies hit by your spells take a -2 penalty on all their checks until the end of your next turn. Can cast Psychic Leech, Terrible Remorse, and Feeblemind.
Master Mark- Singular enemies hit by your spells take a -2 penalty on all their checks and AC until the end of your next turn. Can cast Vengeful Outrage, Power Word Blind, and Imprison.
Mark of Power (Charisma)
Novice Mark- You may cast any Evocation spell of up to 1st level by paying double the stamina or willpower points. Can cast Light, Magic Missile, and Admonishing Ray.
Adept Mark- You may cast any Evocation spell of up to 3rd level by paying double the stamina or willpower points. Can cast Battering Blast, Resilient Sphere, and Wall of Light.
Master Mark- You may cast any Evocation spell of up to 6th level by paying double the stamina or willpower points. Can cast Forceful Hand, Mage's Sword, and Sunburst.
Mark of the Elements (Wisdom)
Novice Mark- Gain a single Metamagic feat of your choice. Can cast Ray of Frost, Shocking Grasp, and Fire Breath.
Adept Mark- Gain two Metamagic feats of your choice. Can cast Fireball, Ball Lightning, and Cone of Cold.
Master Mark- Gain three Metamagic feats of your choice. Can cast Hellfire Ray, Vortex, and Stormbolts.
Mark of Destruction (Intelligence)
Novice Mark- Increase the damage dealt by your spells by +2. Double this bonus against objects. Can cast Spark, Ear Piercing Scream, and Shatter.
Adept Mark- Increase the damage dealt by your spells by +4. Double this bonus against objects. Can cast Call the Void, Detonate, and Sonic Thrust.
Master Mark- Increase the damage dealt by your spells by +6. Double this bonus against objects. Can cast Elemental Assessor, Hungry Darkness, and Greater Shout.
Mark of Shadow (Charisma)
Novice Mark- Gain the Hide in Plain Sight Rogue talent, choosing a single terrain. Can cast Blend, Shadow Weapon, and Blur.
Adept Mark- Gain the Hide in Plain Sight Rogue talent, choosing two terrains. Can cast Illusory Poison, Shadow Step, and Shadow Evocation.
Master Mark- Gain the Hide in Plain Sight Rogue talent, choosing three terrains. Can cast Shadow Stride, Greater Shadow Conjuration, and Greater Shadow Evocation.
Mark of Creation (Intelligence)
Novice Mark- Increase the Will save to disbelieve your illusions by +1. Can cast Ghost Sound, Silent Image, and Mirror Image.
Adept Mark- Increase the Will save to disbelieve your illusions by +2. Can cast Major Image, Hallucinatory Terrain, and Major Phantom Object.
Master Mark- Increase the Will save to disbelieve your illusions by +4. Can cast Permanent Image, Subjective Reality, and Scintillating Pattern.
Mark of Disguise (Wisdom)
Novice Mark- Choose one of the spells available to you and always treat it as if casted with the Improved Duration metamagic feat. This does not increase the spells cost. Can cast Disguise Self, Illusion of Calm, and Invisibility.
Adept Mark- Choose one of the spells available to you and always treat it as if casted with the Improved Duration and Empowered metamagic feats. This does not increase the spells cost. Can cast Adjustable Disguise, Greater Invisibility, and Seeming.
Master Mark- Choose one of the spells available to you and always treat it as if casted with the Improved Duration, Empowered, and Quicken Spell metamagic feats. This does not increase the spells cost. Can cast Mislead, Project Image, and Screen.
Mark of Raising (Intelligence)
Novice Mark- Can channel Negative Energy as a 2nd level Cleric. Can cast Disrupt Undead, Repair Undead, and Command Undead.
Adept Mark- Can channel Negative Energy as a 4th level Cleric. Can cast Halt Undead, Animate Dead, and Ghoul Army.
Master Mark- Can channel Negative Energy as a 7th level Cleric. Can cast Create Undead, Control Undead, and Animate Greater Undead.
Mark of Pain (Wisdom)
Novice Mark- Your attacks inflict 1d4 bleed damage for 2 rounds. Can cast Touch of Fatigue, Chill Touch, and Stricken Heart.
Adept Mark- Your attacks inflict 1d6 bleed damage for 3 rounds. Can cast Howling Agony, Enervation, and Feast on Fear.
Master Mark- Your attacks inflict 1d8 bleed damage for 4 rounds. Can cast Unwilling Shield, Finger of Death, and Orb of the Void.
Mark of Blood (Charisma)
Novice Mark- Every time you deal damage to a creature with a spell, regain a number of hitpoints equal to the spells level. Can cast Bleed, Ray of Sickening, and Brow Gasher.
Adept Mark- Every time you deal damage to a creature with a spell, regain a number of hitpoints equal to the spells level +2. Can cast Vampiric Touch, Bloody Arrows, and Vampiric Shadow Shield.
Master Mark- Every time you deal damage to a creature with a spell, regain a number of hitpoints equal to the spells level +5. Can cast Eyebite, Temporary Resurrection, and Wilting.
Mark of Change (Wisdom)
Novice Mark- Gain a +1 bonus to a single ability score. Can cast Mending, Monkey Fish, and Alter Self.
Adept Mark- Gain a +1 bonus to two ability scores. Can cast Beast Shape, Adjustable Polymorph, and Polymorph.
Master Mark- Gain a +1 bonus to every ability score. Can cast Disintegrate, Giant Form, and Form of the Dragon 3.
Mark of Metal (Charisma)
Novice Mark- All equipment you wear and wield is considered to be Mithral. Can cast Gravity Bow, Stone Fist, and Blood Armor.
Adept Mark- All equipment you wear and wield is considered to be Mithral and Adamantine. Can cast Keen Edge, Stone Shape, and Hungry Earth.
Master Mark- All equipment you wear and wield is considered to be Mithral, Adamantine, and have a +1 magical enhancement bonus. Can cast Dimensional Blade, Control Construct, and Iron Body.
Mark of Force (Intelligence)
Novice Mark- You may cast Telekinesis at will, but only to use Sustained Force and with a max range of a 100 ft. Can cast Animate Rope, Longshot, and Telekinetic Volley.
Adept Mark- You may cast Telekinesis at will, but only to use Sustained Force and Combat Maneuvers and with a max range of a 100 ft. Can cast Fly, Resilient Reservoirs, and Fickle Winds.
Master Mark- You may cast Telekinesis at will, but only with a max range of a 100 ft. Can cast Sonic Form, Reverse Gravity, and Temporal Stasis.