One line synopsis: 'Deadwood' in old Russia.
Working notes for new campaign set in approx 12th Century Novgorod (historic Russian city). I'm not an expert historian, and plan in fact to condense and bastardise history to bring in more interesting events into one lifetime (hey they did it in Xena!).
Players will be new recruits to the Nightwatch, the evening patrol of the City Guard. A thankless job with many hazards, low pay and little prospect of fortune and glory.
However it should offer:
1. Many policing adventure, investigation and encounter opportunities
2. Relationships with City NPC's whose own stories can develop over time
3. Dealing with diverse communities within and without the City
4. Some war situations
5. Hopefully a gritty feel and escalating plots.
6. A pretty amazing finale
Will throw down some more later.
Rough outline first session:
Players are youths (ethnicity; Slavic, Finnic, Varangian) being escorted to Novgorod (ruler Yaroslav the Wise), by CASAMIR a patron who would be the equivalent of a Knight. Casamir is the, long absent parent of one of the PCs and he has another reason for this journey as he is on the trail of a dishonourable rival, VOLOS, who has gone into hiding.
En route the party discover Volos encampment, and Casamir challenges him to settle the matter in a duel. Volos’ men at arms intervene when the fight starts going badly and the observing PCs may choose to muck in and help their mentor against the unfair odds.
They pass a community of Turkic Nomads (and are advised to give this community a wide berth, although they will be important later).
They arrive at Novgorod – first impressions
PC’s introduced to ‘The Thousandman’ who is responsible for the City Militia and are offered lodgings and a small wage to become part of the Novgorod Nightwatch. He doesn’t think much of the PC’s but he owes Casamir a favour (and no one else will take the job, but the new arrivals are perhaps too naïve to say no).
They meet two existing Nightwatchmen, who have different views on the task. ARVID who is procedural (L/G) type and MAGNUS who is a Viking-blooded, hot-tempered, break heads first (C/G) personality. (This conflict should satirise the different approaches to the ‘Crime’ fiction genre).
These characters have widely conflicting advice for the young heroes, and each will take the new watchmen out for a night, showing them the City through their (very different) eyes.
In between these evenings the PC's struggle with their poor quarters and discover they have to buy their own equipment (beyond whatever they have looted from Volo's men).
Random Notable NPC’s
Sadko – Merchant popular for his tall tales of mythical beings.
Mulasha – 100-year-old prophetess to the Prince
The Ars Magica game has a supplement that deals with a fantasy version of Russia during the time frame you are looking at. It would probably be a great asset to your campaign.
Sounds very useful indeed - thank ye kindly : )
Thanks very much : ) This idea is on the backburner of my mind atm - but I will return to it and check out your resources.
Any further developments along these lines? I am starting a campaign in a fantasy version of Russia c. 975 that centers on Novgorod.