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Welcome one and all. This will be the space for us to discuss mechanics, characters, and out-of-game shenanigans as we embark on this journey.
A Call to the Bold: Opening Pandora's Box The year is 1935. A shadow stretches across Europe, cast by the iron fist of a rising power. Beneath the surface of political turmoil, another, more ancient darkness stirs. Whispers of stolen relics, clandestine cults, and mad science echo far and wide from the fog-choked alleys of London to the sun-drenched ruins of the Mediterranean. Whether drawn by fate, curiosity, or perhaps a desperate plea – these are the first threads in a tapestry of intrigue that threatens the very fabric of humanity. A sinister force seeks to unlock a power beyond mortal comprehension, and they are not alone in their pursuit. The agents of different forces, each with their own dark ambitions, lurk in the shadows, eager to seize any advantage. This is a call to adventure, a journey into the heart of pulp thrills, forgotten magic, and occult horror. Perhaps you are a hardened veteran wary of creeping fascism, a seasoned archaeologist with a thirst for forgotten lore, an occult investigator wrestling with the unseen, or someone touched by the strange currents of the era. You will decipher ancient clues, battle agents of the vile and greedy, explore forgotten civilizations, encounter terrifying creatures born of science and superstition, and stand against the encroaching darkness that threatens to engulf the world. Are you brave enough to peer into the abyss? Are you willing to risk everything to prevent what could be unleashed? Apply now, and let the adventure begin… Game System, & 3rd Party Content
Character Concept, Backstory, & Motivations:
Character Concept This is a chance to make a character that blends modern ideas with the fun of the medieval setting we all know and love. Be creative and have fun. I encourage you to start with a concept and find the mechanics to match, not the other way around. For those who have only played in a traditional fantasy setting but are interested in this game, I have included here a list of Character Concepts. Hopefully these help fuel the creative process. Backstory
Personality & Motivations
Alignment, and Morals
Connections
Character Creation:
Ability Scores Each player has 86 points to distribute between their six ability scores (not points buy, but actual total). You are required to have two odd ability scores at character creation. An example set would be: 18, 16, 15, 14, 13, 10. Race
You also have the option of using the standard human “+2 to any one ability score”, or you can select “+2 to one physical ability score, +2 to one mental ability score, and a -2 to one ability score”. Class
Archetypes
If you would like a 2nd archetype, it will take away abilities as per normal. Level
Traits
You may then select 2 traits as per normal, or 3 if you take a drawback. Skills
All classes that normally have 2+Int skills are increased to 4+int. All other classes are increased by +1. “Skill Unlocks” will be used. All characters will be able to select one skill at 5th level (and one more every 5 levels) with which they can use skill Unlocks [as per the Rogue’s Edge ability]. Classes with 6+int skill points will get to select two skill unlocks at each progressive milestone (2 @ 5th, 10th, etc]. Rogues get access to all Skill Unlocks for any skill they have the appropriate number of ranks in. A few additional skills necessary for a modern setting:
Feats
All characters start with one additional feat at 1st level, and gain one feat at every level (instead of every other). The only Item Creation feats available to players currently are Scribe Scroll and Brew Potion (though others may become available later through gameplay). Equipment & Firearms
A Little About the GM:
Greetings all, I am a 40-something man residing in Massachusetts (USA) with my wife of 12 years, 2 boys (both under 5), mother (in her role as ‘nonna’ to our boys), dog, and 4 cats. I am a restaurant manager, and have been working in hospitality for over 25 years. As for gaming experience, my early days started with storytelling games with my brother involving lego knights. This progressed in 1991 into HeroQuest and the ‘Black Box’ edition of Dungeons & Dragons. Soon after we dove into years of AD&D 2nd edition, and then 3rd Edition. When the 4th Edition / Pathfinder schism occurred, my gaming group resoundingly went with Pathfinder, and have remained loyal ever since. Though initially the ‘younger brother’ in my gaming group, after a few years I was given a seat at the head of the table, and GMing became my role of choice. Along the way, I also delved into the various White Wolf games, Call of Cthulhu, RuneQuest, GURPs, and many others. I spent several years involved with a LARP in Pennsylvania, where I was part of the “perma-cast”, did some writing, and event GMed a few events.
A word of caution…
Gameplay Expectations
Recruitment Timeline
he boards. Just as I was getting ready to launch, I received an unexpected transfer at work which led to me moving very suddenly, spending two months traveling back home every 'weekend' to see my wife and kids, eventually moving the family 700 miles, and running a new facility with a management team down 33% in personnel during our busiest stretch of the year. So, now that is all settled, I would still like to run a game. Back over the summer I had one idea I wanted to pursue, but now I have several, and thought I would get some feedback before moving forward with over the other. Option 1: Opening Pandora's Box - 1930's Pulp Sci-Fi/Fantasy Adventure (Alternate Reality):
Synopsis a Pulp Adventure set in the 1930s with a substantial sci-fi/fantasy influence. Think historical sci-fi fiction, somewhere between the feel of Indiana Jones (the earlier ones), The Mummy (with Brendan Fraser), and Hellboy (with Ron Pearlman). Players would be humans in "our world", but with knowledge of at least one of these several truths: magic does exist, there are things that go bump in the night, myths and legends can be real, and there are horrors far beyond the cruelty of Man. The characters will be "heroic" in nature from the start, with the possibility of supernatural powers (a master gunslinger who can shoot bullets of the air, a priest who can heal the dying, a warlock who has learned from forgotten texts). Though the game will have some cosmic/gothic horror elements, it will lean more heavily into the pulp adventure feel. Game System Pathfinder 1e (human only, with flexible options) Special Rules EitR, Background Skills, Feat/lvl, Skill Unlocks, Automatic Bonus Progression Option 2: Shadows in the Dark - Modern Urban Fantasy/Horror (Alternate Reality):
Synopsis Dig deep enough in the dark corners on the modern era and you will find traces of that which came before. Most are unaware, indeed, most could not mentally handle the reality of the things that live in the shadows. Yet some have no choice but to be confronted by these horrors - how they react, and how the cope - could determine whether they become the raving and insane, or rise up to join those who stand on the edge, who wander in darkness, so that other may stand in the light. Think a mix of X-Files, the Underworld movies, Constantine, and similar options. Game System Pathfinder 1e (human only, limited classes; no full casters) Special Rules EitR, Background Skills, Feat/lvl, Skill Unlocks, Automatic Bonus Progression Option 3: Inquisitorial Files |:|REDACTED|:| - Grimdark Sci-Fi (Warhammer 40k):
Synopsis You are band of talented misfits, brought together under the wise direction of one the the God-Emperor's finest - an Inquisitor of the Holy Ordos. Tasked with seeking on the mutant, the xenos, and the heretic, your band of acolytes serves as the final arm of judgment, the righteous flame cleansing the filth that would lead humanity into damnation and destruction. In the grim dark future, there is only war... Game System Dark Heresy 2e OR Imperium Maledictum Special Rules tbd (depending on system) Option 4: Battle for the Dalelands - Medieval Fantasy (Forgotten Realms):
Synopsis The Dalelands are the picture of pastoral and woodland tranquility, if only every evil force in the Realms weren't trying to constantly conquer them! Another threat stands ready to bring peril to the Dales, and somehow none of the heroes that call it home are available to defend it - so new heroes must be found! The next batch of the Dales' greats emerge to test their mettle. Game System Pathfinder 1e Special Rules EitR, Background Skills, Feat/lvl, Skill Unlocks I would love to hear what people are interested in playing. And before the question is asked, I am only looking to run one game at this time (though who knows what the future may hold). Thank you all.
I've been toying around with a game concept for a while now, and feel it deserves a chance to go from being an idea to an actual story. It's little out of the norm for these boards, so I'm posting this as an interest check. I'm looking to run a Pulp Adventure set in the 1930s with a substantial sci-fi/fantasy influence. Think historical sci-fi fiction, somewhere between the feel of The Mummy (with Brendan Fraser) and Hellboy (with Ron Pearlman). Players would be humans in "our world", but with knowledge of at least one of these several truths: magic does exist, there are things that go bump in the night, myths and legends can be real, and there are horrors far beyond the cruelty of Man. Though the game will have some cosmic/gothic horror elements, it will lean more heavily into the pulp adventure feel. As for game system, that is up for debate. I have been really enjoying exploring Pathfinder 2e (love the action economy), and originally planned to use it with a few of the alternate rules. But it does seem like these boards favor Pathfinder 1e, which I have considerably more experience with, so I would be happy to run that too. I will allow players to include casting (though magic will have a more subtle feel RP wise), but each will need a backstory that explains their magic. So, to the point:
PF 2e Optional Rules:
- Free Archetype - Gradual Ability Boosts - Ancestry Paragon - Automatic Bonus Progression PF 1e Optional Rules: - Elephant in the Room feat tax rules - Feat every level - Background skills - Skill Unlocks - Automatic Bonus Progression *** No 3rd Party material
Greetings one and all, to this most auspicious of gatherings! I am most excited to venture forth on this cooperative storytelling endeavor with each of you. Over the next few days we will handle any and all final adjustments to characters. To start, please roll your hit points here in thread. You get max for first level, roll the rest. If below half (3 on d6, 4 on d8, 5 on d10), you take half instead. In addition, you get to reroll 1 level's hit die. I have a few other boons in store, but I will wait for everyone to dot in and introduce themselves before I address those.
It is with sincere interest and most humble respect that I write you this letter. I have been following your exploits for some time, and am particularly impressed with the recent affair in which you distinguished yourself so nobly. We live in a time of danger and uncertainty, a time when people who are willing to stand up against the darkness are most needed. Men and women who want to uphold justice in the realms - brave individuals seeking to ease the burden of the weak and oppressed. I am an intermediary of sorts, who brings together such talented people. I believe you to be one. To that end, I request that you join me to discuss an opportunity. I understand that your time is valuable, and though material wealth may not be your driving motivation, travels and exploits have their costs, and so, I am willing to compensate you for your time. Trust me when I say that your skills will be challenged, but in facing such trials, you may help many souls in need. If you deem willing to take up this charge, meet me in Proskur on the 15th day of Mirtul, at the Wretched Wench, just after the sun slips behind the mountains. When you arrive, tell the barkeep, Gedard, that you are the “Old Fool’s” guest. I hope to see you on that day. With Regards, Aden Grimdawn If you have read this far, thank you for your interest into this foray into the Forgotten Realms. This campaign will begin in 1373, the Year of Rogue Dragons (firmly amidst the material published during the 3rd / 3.5 edition of D&D). I am seeking a company of six brave souls to venture forth and face the darkest threats that Faerun has to offer. This game will have many faces throughout, from dungeon crawl to urban intrigue, and I encourage applying with heroic characters that are adaptable (and not singularly focused). Some level of stealth, deception, or subterfuge will benefit most characters. Character Creation (Fluff):
Many people have their own ways they like to organize this section, and if you want to use a “10 Minute Background” or something similar, you are welcome to. If nothing else, I request you at least go with the traditional “Appearance, Personality, Background” 3-part approach. Please include in your Background the heroic deed of note that would have inspired Aden Grimdawn to recruit you. Character Creation (Crunch):
While the setting will be the Forgotten Realms, a classic D&D campaign, we will be using the 1st edition of the Pathfinder rules by Paizo, with some notable house rules (see below). Ability Scores 4d6, drop the lowest (you may reroll 2 d6 from the entire set; please specify which before using these rerolls). If you do not like your set, you have 18 points to spend on ability scores on a 1-to-1 basis . All stats base 10, you may reduce 1 score to a minimum of 7 for additional points. Level 4th Race Core races, plus planetouched (aasimar, tiefling, ifrit, oread, sylph, undine - the latter 4 represent the Genasi races of Faerun) are approved. If there is another race you are sincerely interested in, you are welcome to propose it with your character, so long as your concept and history are well developed. Class Core, base, and hybrid classes published by Paizo. Barbarian, monk, and rogue can be classic or unchained; summoner must be unchained. Gunslinger is tentatively allowed (according to the limits of availability within Faerun - Lantan, Gnomes, worshippers of Gond). No Occult classes. Alignment No evil. I will be very cautious in accepting a CN character. Traits 2 traits, a third if you also select a drawback. Traits may be reskinned as appropriate. Skills Background skills are in effect. Climb and Swim are replaced by Athletics . Feats “Elephant in the Room” feat tax rules are in effect. Favored Class Bonus In addition to either +1 hit point or +1 skill point, you may elect any option regardless of race. Starting Gear 7,200 gold, no more than 3,000 may be spent on a single item. We will not be using the Automatic Bonus Progression alternate rules. I will tentatively say that recruitment will last until 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, January 31st, though may extend it to gather more prospective characters if the current problems with the Paizo site slow the application process. Now that I have "covered everything", I am sure I will get a question regarding something I missed. So, onward adventurers, go carve your heroes from the stone and bring them forth!
Following a hiatus away from both these boards and gaming in general for quite some time (work and parenthood took on an all-encompassing nature), the evolving world created by Covid has given me time for a great deal of spring cleaning. Spring cleaning which lead me to rediscovering three old, dusty crates filled with gaming books buried in a guest room closet. In flipping through my old books and campaign notes, I found a lot of my 2nd and 3rd edition Forgotten Realms material (I was mostly a player during 2nd, and a DM during 3rd), and it has me feeling nostalgic. So I pose the question, are there board members who would be interested in a Forgotten Realms game, set in decade of 1367-1376 DR, after the Time of Troubles and before the Spellplague? It has been quite a few years since I ventured into the Realms, having focused in the past decade mostly in Golarion and a couple homebrew settings. During that time I played almost exclusively with the Pathfinder (1e) system, and so would use that, but the Forgotten Realms would obviously be the setting. If you are interested, also feel free to include if there are any regions or aspects of the Realms that you are especially peak your interest. 
the beginning of something... different. 
And so, it begins.
After a most enjoyable Carrion Crown game ended far too prematurely, I have decided to take up the GMing mantle and give this AP a spin. Having played a great deal of Ravenloft back in the 2nd and 3rd edition days, and having read more than a bit of Gothic literature, this game will not run strictly from the printed AP and will take influences from many sources. If you are interested in a darker and more puzzling take on Carrion Crown, I encourage you to apply. CHARACTER CREATION
I have two applicants already accepted, who were in the previous game with me (a magus and an oracle). I am looking for 4 more characters to round out the party. Recruitment will end Sunday, November 13th, unless a suitable party has been assembled prior to that date.
For us to discuss details for our campaign.
for dotting purposes. dot.
and so it begins.... all invited players please dot in, then we will discuss getting things underway! Congratulations to all selected!
An Untamed Land
The Coming Tide
Once initial control was solidified, a second wave came through – bureaucrats. Or more precisely, arcanocrats. Welding their unique magic, which they called the Art, they moved quickly to solidify control over all of Neralus. The pastoral Halflings and artisan Gnomes both fell quickly and the races were drawn into roles of servitude, though rumors persist of hidden realms of the Small Folk. The elves and dwarves, with their isolated kingdoms, held out far better and eventually were each offered a truce, allowed to exist as semi-autonomous yet ultimately owing fealty to the Kesadrian Empire. That was 23 years ago. Today
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Concept
If you are still interested, read on… The game is set in a realm of my own creation. For a setting overview, imagine if 7th century Europe were invaded by the Roman Empire at its height, equipped with the technology of the Renaissance and a mastery of arcane magic. The game will begin in the small lake town of Whispering Falls, a loose community of fishermen and loggers that supports the city of Durmstadt. Character Creation:
Ability Scores: 2d6+6, or 20 point buy (you can select the point buy after rolling if you so desire) Race: Core races preferred; alternate traits from ARG for Core races are allowed. I will consider other races given exceptional applications. Class: all Core, Base, and Hybrid classes; Unchained versions of Rogue and Summoner are in effect (barbarian & monk – player’s choice)… No Alternate, Occult, or Intrigue classes. Level: 1st Hit Points: Max at 1st, rolled after (1/2D as minimum) Favored Class Bonus you may select any favored class bonus assigned to any Core race, not just your own race. Alignment: I will likely not accept evil applicants. If you want to run an evil character, you will need a strong proposal. Traits: 3 (one campaign trait, listed in the campaign notes) Skills: background skills are in effect Feats: to encourage players to take feats with more flavor and reduce feat taxes, the following feats are automatically gained by all characters - Combat Expertise, Deadly Aim, Power Attack, Weapon Finesse. (Unchained Rogues gained the 3rd level Finesse Training ability at 1st, with a second selection gained at 3rd.) Starting Wealth: rolled by class (average if rolled below) Fluff: please include a completed backstory, along with a physical description and an outline of your character's personality. In addition, I encourage you to include a few tasty tidbits that can be used as storyline hooks. MAGIC & RELIGION
Religions & Pacts: I have extensive notes on the gods, but they are not digital yet. If proposing a divine character, simply include a concept for a deity your character would worship and I will send you the appropriate deity. Age: demihumans reach maturity far earlier in Neralus than in Golarion. No character should be over 35 (regardless of race). Half-elves hit physical maturity only a year or two behind humans, halflings in their early twenties, both dwarves and gnomes in their mid twenties, and elves in their late twenties to thirty. 
the best laid plans...
...stare into the abyss long enough, it just might stare back at you...
A Call to Arms: The Grim Dark Reality ***********
This is a call to arms, fellow soldiers, time to go to war! The filth of the Abyss seeks the dark corners of the world; forgotten ruins, drug-riddled ghettos, weak souls, the greedy, the scared. In the grim darkness of the future, humanity stands on the edge of oblivion, you are called to protect it! The PCs will be the Acolytes of Inquisitor Taalik Amun of the Ordos Hereticus. The Ordo Hereticus has the most difficult task of the three holy ordos, for they must seek corruption in the midst of humanity. Thus many agents from many paths are needed. That is where you come in. **************** I got into Warhammer 40K (and now have a host of different armies) not too long after getting into D&D (almost 20 years) ago. Since then, I have run more than a few future based RPGs looking to capture the grimdark feel of Warhammer 40k. With the excellent systems now developed, I am excited to offer an intriguing game of Dark Heresy. I am hoping to launch this game between Friday, July 18 and Monday, July 21, so submit your applications! -----------------------------------
Sourcebooks: Dark Heresy Core Rulebook, Inquisitor's Handbook, Radical's Handbook, the Lathe Worlds, the Lost Dataslate, Blood of Martyrs, Book of Judgement, Daemon Hunter (no Grey Knights), and the Errata.
Homeworld: You may choose or roll (use chart on pg 8, Inquisitor's Handbook). Statistics: Inquisitors are schrewd judges of character and will only take a cut above average. Roll 9 stats per normal (20+2d10). Then reroll 4d10 of out the entire set (could be 2 full scores, 4 individual die from different scores, or a full score and a single die from two others), keeping the higher roll (new or old). Assign stats to the 9 characteristics as you see fit. Details: Gain starting gear, wealth, and experience (400 xp) per the Core Rulebook. Background: Roleplaying will play a major part in this game, and you will need to have been recruited by the Inquisitor for a reason, so put something definitive that will stand out. You can either create your own homeworld, or select one from the existing material. There are several great wiki sites that can be used for reference. Character creation rewards will be given for exceptional backgrounds. Direction: Give a few notes about how you see the character growing as they advance. This does not need to be hard and fast or set in stone, I just want to get an idea of your perspective of the character. Recruitment: I am looking for 6-8 characters, that will make up a diverse party capable of a balanced game consisting of roleplaying, investigation and combat. If your character can only do one thing, it will probably not be selected. Rules Updates: I recently got Black Crusade, which has many updates to the FFG 40k ruleset. I am interested in integrating a good deal of these, but will discuss them more specifically with the players selected. Please note that those updates being considered are listed below. New Skills:
- Untrained basic skill use now characteristic -20, not 1/2 characteristic. New skill = Old skills that are replaced - Acrobatics = Acrobatics and Contortionist - Athletics = Climb and Swim - Awareness = Awareness, Lip Reading and Search - Charm = Charm, Blather and Performer - Commerce = Barter, Commerce and Evaluate - Deceive = Deceive and Disguise - Logic = Logic, Gambling and Tactics - Linguistics (Certain Language) = Ciphers, Literacy, Secret Tongue and Speak Language - Medicae = Chem-Use and Medicae - Operate (Type of Vehicle) = Drive and Pilot - Parry = New Skill, if you have a WS of 50 or your class has ‘cheap’ WS increases you get it - Stealth = Concealment, Silent Move and Shadowing - Survival = Survival, Tracking, and Wrangling - Tech-Use = Demolitions and Tech-Use - Toughness is now used for Carouse Talents:
- Crushing Blow – Add half your Weapon Skill Bonus to melee damage instead of +2 - Lightning Strike – Weapon Skill check -10%, one hit per Degree of Success up to a max of the attacker’s Weapon Skill Bonus - Mighty Shot – Add half your Ballistic Skill Bonus to ranged damage instead of +2 - Swift Attack – Weapon skill check, one hit for the first Degree of Success, then another for every two additional Degrees of Success up to a max of the attacker’s Weapon Skill bonus
Traits:
- Unnatural Characteristic is now additive, not multiplicative. When you succeed with am Unnatural Rating in the Characteristic you add a number of additional Degrees of Success equal to half your rating. A rating of 3-5 is equivalent to the old x2. Unnatural Speed is gone, as Unnatural Agility now does increase movement ratings
Combat:
- Standard attacks now have a +10% to them as default - Aiming helps non-single shots / melee attacks - Semi Auto has no modifier anymore but is a half action - Full Auto has a -10% but is a half action - Fatigue only affects Weapon and Ballistic Skill tests, not all rolls (-10% as per usual) - Lightning and Swift Attacks have changed to mirror the Full and Semi Auto Attacks, see Talent section below - and more.... Equipment:
- Good quality Armor does not give 1 AP to the first hit of the round anymore. Now it gives a +5 to Charm or Intimidate checks, depending on appearance. - Las weapons gain the variable charge setting. Equipment Qualities: - Accurate - Add damage dice with degrees of success on Aimed attack - Concussive (X) – Rating times 10 is the penalty to the Toughness check, old weapons are a (1) Rating - Felling (X) – Reduces the Unnatural Toughness of the target by X, old weapons with Felling (1) should be a rating of 3-5 to match the changed Unnatural Characteristic talent - Flame, Spray – Old Flame quality is now these two qualities. Something that has a chance to set someone alight is Flame, where something that you don’t test Ballistics has Spray, old Flame weapons have both - Overheat - A good quality weapon with this condition only overheats on a natural roll of 96-00 - Primitive – No longer a weapon type, now has a number rating with is the max damage on a rolled d10 - Reliable – Now jams on a natural 00 roll - Scatter – At point blank range adds +10% to hit and +3 damage, at short range adds +10% to hit, and at long range or above takes away 3 damage to a min of 0 - Shocking – Character is stunned for number of rounds equal to Degrees of Failure on the Toughness test, not half the damage taken - Snare (X) – Now has a number rating, Agility test is at a penalty of X time 10% to not be entangled, old weapons are Snare (1) - Toxic (X) – Same as the Toxic Trait above, old weapons are Toxic (1) - Twin-Linked – Double the weapon’s RoF, wielder can choose to either get a +10% to hit, or score an additional hit if they get at least one successful hit - Unbalanced, Unwieldy – These weapons can no longer be used for Lightning Attacks
yup, for all our discussions.
For those who hail from the Town of George, this is where we will do battle!~
a private summons to those who once wore the blue and white of the royal lancer guard, traveled the Brook known as Penn, and perhaps dared to swim in the swamp referred to as... Pentucket! I call thee to arms!
The stories of the Inheritors' War have pervaded your youth, yet it has been twenty-three years since the war ground to a halt. Slowly over time each fragment of the shattered empire has formed into a formal nation, yet towns like your own, like Morgan's Ford, were abandoned to the chaos of the abandoned lands. Despite that, Morgan's Ford has continued to eek out an existence. Yet with each passing year, fewer caravans pass through the once busy trade center. Though the winter ended more than a month ago, not a single traveling merchant, shipment, adventuring band, or supply caravan had entered Morgan's Ford, neither via the gates nor upon the ferry. Life in town is slow, eerily slow, and most young souls find their way to Grumpkin's Two Brews, the charming tavern at the heart of this quiet town. Like many spring mornings today opened with a heavy fog settled upon the the shoulders of Morgan's Ford. Though the air is cool, the bite of winter is long gone, and a hunger grows in your belly.
A chance for you all to ask questions, and me to post campaign notes.
The Rise
The continent of Lokk saw untold prosperity during Kurdran's long reign. War drew to an end - wooden towns grew to stone cities, the monsters of the wild were destroyed or driven into the furthest corners of the land, roads were built allowing trade across the realm, and commerce flourished. Each race and clan played their part - the dwarves shared their skill in stone and metalworking, the elves lended the powers of magic, the horsemen of the western plains brought animals of untold beauty to the eastern realms, the sages of the four towers spread their knowledge of engineering and science, even the halflings offered their green thumb. All was idyllic. The Fall
The remaining five, either not wanting a part of rulership or perhaps seeing ahead to the events that would come to pass, stayed far from the core of their father's empire. Within two weeks of gathering, eight of the heirs were dead. The remaining nine abandoned all hope for a peaceful transition and returned to the region of the Empire most loyal to them and prepared for war. The Inheritors War lasted for the next fifteen years, during which the nine launched assault after assault at one another. With each successive battle, the Empire was torn further asunder. Once great cities were reduced to ruins, the continental trade routes utterly collapsed, dwarves and elves retreated into their ancestral lands, chaos cast its cloak over Lokk. Three of the five Inheritors that fled in advance were hunted down and murdered, while four of those that fought for supremacy fell to either battle or assassination. In the end, the Inheritors grew tired of war and with no clear victor they agreed to an uneasy truce, fracturing the once mighty Empire into five nations. The Aftermath
Left to fend for themselves, most of the forgotten towns and cities in the "no man's land" between the realms withdrew their allegiances to any nation and became independent city-states or banded together with other nearby settlements to form small defensive pacts. Those few that still claimed loyalty to a crown often did so out of honor, but gained little in return. The past twenty-three years have not been kind. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are still interested, read on - The game is set in a realm of my own creation. The game will begin in the small backwater town of Morgan's Ford, a forgotten remnant of the shattered Empire, on the great continent of Lokk. Morgan's Ford:
During the height of the Empire, Kurdran commanded that trade routes be cut across the wilds, connecting the many cities of his great realm. Morgan's Ford is a classic example of a once important trade settlement that has now lost its purpose. Founded at the edge of the Stone River by the great explorer Lukas Morgan in 87 EK, it provided the only safe route across the dangerous rapids for over two hundred miles. At the start of the Inheritors War, Fredrick Morgan swore allegiance to Gedarme, 6th son of Kurdran and duke of Lasson. Though the banner of Lasson still flies over the gates of Morgan's Ford, the town has not been visited by a Lassonite agent in four years. At its height, Morgan's Ford had perhaps 1500 residents, with a few hundred more constantly passing through. Now, it is a shadow of itself, housing only half its former residents (800). The trade routes have been abandoned, leaving the town with little purpose. While the walled section of the town is still well maintained, many of the secondary buildings (both residential and mercantile) erected outside the wall are uninhabited and have fallen into disrepair. The last few years have seen increased incursions by humanoid tribes, and coming off a harsh winter, the spring is expected to be rife with trouble...
Character Building:
Ability Scores: 22 point buy - yes, that is correct. 22 points.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
I hope to start game play by 3/24, earlier perhaps if a solid party is assembled sooner. Good luck! |