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Forword by Thod:
Some of you will already know Theodum. If not – try this Theodum decides to form a lodge near the Emerald Spire.
This post didn’t result in any answers – but I caused me to write a few more postings of Theodum. This resulted in Notmyrealname trying to recruit me into his settlement. More about the story is here Theodum gets invited to become chronicler of a barbarian settlement
And here Visit to Aragon and here Escape to Talonguard.
I hope Notmyrealname doesn’t feel I make fun of him. Maybe I tease him a little – but in truth I have added this as a thank-you to him as his original and later posts were the inspiration to take on his challenge – to write the History of PFO.
The original idea was to start with Landrush 1. But I felt this story needed to be told from the start. As such Landrush 1 isn’t written yet. Instead I generated a total of 4 posts that are ready to be pre-viewed on hopefully posted soon after.
Post 1 by Theodum deals with the timeline
Post 2 by Thod will be the timeline with links in real
Post 3 are an explanation in Golarion lore how PFO fits into the existing world
Post 4 are some new magical items. Most readers here will already own them – even if they haven’t been aware they are magic
Writing about some OOC events as if they happened in Golarion itself was a lot of fun for me. The main story got conceived yesterday on a long walk and while clearing the field of horse poop. Post 2 was mainly written yesterday – everything else in a fit of activity after work and school run today.
Will there be more posts? I certainly plan to write about the landrush. I hope everyone takes it with humour how I depict their alliance. I try to be fair – but being a player and guild leader myself means I will never be completely unbiased.
If you want more – vote by adding favourites to the posts. You can also help by giving me comments, suggestions, links to events that I missed. This is work in progress.
I apologize ahead of time for any spelling errors or misformed sentences. I lead a guild – this was done in the spare time between other postings – and the language surely isn’t publication standard. I rather tried to keep up and get it out for comment.
Some might see this whole thread as a subtle way to recruit new members. Off course I don’t mind if you join my guild Join Thod's Friends but the main motivation was the fun I had writing it and hopefully the reactions back.
A last word to Goblinworks and Paizo. I hope Ryan Dancey doesn’t mind his depiction and naming in the story. It was impossible to write this and not having some hero being responsible for it. When I describe him as a Prophet and Madman then because I think you have to be a little bit of both – seeing what others can’t see – as well as being crazy enough to have started Goblinworks and PFO. Send me a PM if you like this changed in future ‘editions’.
Paizo was simpler – I could just depict them as ‘Absalom’, ‘The Pathfinder Society’ and ‘The Grand Lodge’. For all the great people working at Goblinworks – I haven’t named yet any of the individual goblins. Send me a PM with a golarion version of your goblin name and I do my best to include you in the future.
But enough as Thod – time for my other postings as Theodum
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Timeline (incomplete) of The Rift and the New River Kingdoms
22nd Neth 4711 – The first documented appearance of Ryhn the Prophet also named Rhyn the Seer on Golarion. He declares to a large audience in Absalom that he found a rift in the fabric of Golarion. He prophesizes that ‘The Rift’ as he calls it will soon open. According to his words the rift is leading to a parallel dimension similar to the Worldwound. The prophecy splits opinions in Golarion. Some people declare themselves as immediate followers of Rhyn, other laugh about him and name him Rhyn the Mad. The Pathfinder Society Decemvirate apparently sponsors Rhyn’s research into the rift.
9th Desnus 4712 – The first call of Ryhn the prophet to ask his followers to donate for his research of the rift. Information reaches the Grand Lodge about a previously unexplored dungeon close to Thornkeep below the Accursed Halls.
9th Sarenith 4712 – The first call of Ryhn the prophet for funding of his research yields over 300,000 gp and is declared a great success.
during 4713 Pathfinder explorers map a total of 5 levels in the dungeon of Thornkeep which are seemingly of Azlant origin. The maps and exploits of the field agents are added to the Pathfinder Chronicles. The goblin infestation throughout several of the levels leads credence to the existence of the rift.
17th Arodus 4712 – The Pathfinder Society allows a group of goblins to become field agents. It is unknown if this surprising move has anything to do with the rift and is a sign that the Decemvirate has some secret knowledge about the rift or if this decision is unrelated to the rift.
27th Neth 4712 – Followers of Rhyn the Prophet travel the lands and start selling goblin runestones
6th Kuthona 4712 – information reaches the Grand Lodge about a previously unexplored dungeon close to Thornkeep. It is named the Emerald Spire by the Pathfinder Society.
Fireday, 2nd of Desnus 4714 – the second landrush is announced
Second half Desnus 4714 – the streets of Thornkeep get unruly and fights are a common sight. The first feuds are declared between different guilds
Sunday 1st of Sarenith, 4714 – the first draw for the second landrush ends at midnight
Moonday 2nd Sarenith, 4714 – the results for the first draw of the second landrush are announced
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Actual timeline in the real world
June 01, 2014 Results are announced for week 1 of the landrush
May 30, 2014 First information about the Emerald Spire
May 2, 2014GW blog for landrush 2
Dec 6, 2012 Emerald Spire announced
Nov 27, 2012 Goblinworkds Kickstarter announced
August 17th 2012 GenCon Goblin Boons for PFS to be won
May 9, 2012 Goblinwork Technology Demo Kickstarter announced, Thornkeep announced
Nov 22, 2011 Paizo announces rights to MMO licensed to Goblinworks
(some urls need addition - happy for postings of any other urls to be added)
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On the origin of the Rift
The following is information that I Theodum – chronicler of the Pathfinder Society have been able to gather about the origin and the workings of The Rift.
The Rift is still an unconfirmed anomaly in the fabric of Golarion. There are still some scholars who deny the rift actually exists – but it is now the common understanding of the scholars researching the rift that it actually exists/will exist.
The Rift was first announced by Ryhn the Prophet – also known as Rhyn the Seer. But Rhyn himself was only the messenger. The origin of the rift clearly is related to some nefarious Goblin Work. This part seems undisputed among scholars.
What caused the rift to form is less clear. One theory is that it was formed by a still unknown and unnamed goblin god who tried to create a new world for his followers. Another theory claims it was a powerful goblin sorcerer who caused the rift in a demonic ritual – similar to the opening of the world wound.
My personal opinion is that the rift indeed is caused by goblin work. But if you know goblins then only a single reason can exist for the rift – it was an accident.
But no matter how the rift came into existence – the scholars still wonder what it actually is and how it will influence Golarion proper. The current opinion is that the rift represents a mirror plane of the current River Kingdoms – the reason I also called this region ‘The New River Kingdoms’.
The location near Thornkeep, the Accursed Halls and the Emerald Spire – all places crawling with goblins - lead me to believe that indeed the goblins are behind all of this and that they possibly unearthed some old artifact.
Divination magic shows that the rift is currently populated only by goblins. But Rhyn the Prophet – or Rhyn the Mad as he is also known – has been working on ways how to allow humans, elfs and dwarfs to cross from the existing River Kingdoms into The Rift and the New River Kingdoms.
He has amassed a large number of followers who are currently assembling at Thornkeep. Having purchased Goblin Runestones they hope to cross over and settle in an new and untamed land to become heroes and forge new kingdoms of their own.
It is prophesied that the rift will open soon and the first wave of selected travelers or just rich nobles who could afford it will go on the journey to explore the region. A much larger group of hardy settlers are ready to follow them as soon as they can.
Alliances are formed already between these settlers, new friendships are formed. But all the waiting also forms animosity between the most eager ones and signs of wars to come might already be seen.
But who knows what the future holds – enemies of today might become allies once they cross over, friends of today might fall out and become enemies.
I have decided to travel over to the New River Kingdom as well. After all – there needs to be a presence of Pathfinders and a Chronicler who will report back what is happening.
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New Magic Items
Greater Goblin Runestone
Aura: Strong Conjuration; CL 17th
Slot none; Price 1,000 gp; Weight 1 lb
Description
These Runestones have the appearance of plain field stones with platinum runes etched into them which are in an unknown runic script. Rumours tell that these stones are goblin work. These runestones allow a plane shift into the goblin realms of the River Kingdoms.
The greater goblin runestones were sold by followers of Ryhn the Mad. It is said that around 250 of these stones got crafted for Ryhn and that his disciples sold around 50 of these.
Construction
Requirements Craft wonderous item, plane shift, creator must be a goblin worker; Cost ??
Goblin Runestone
Aura: Strong Conjuration; CL 15th
Slot none; Price 100 gp; Weight 1 lb
Description
These Runestones have the appearance of plain field stones with golden runes etched into them which are in an unknown runic script. Rumours tell that these stones are goblin work. These runestones allow a plane shift into the goblin realms of the River Kingdoms. They are a less powerful version of the Greater Goblin Runestones and therefore don’t work until the rift has opened partially.
The goblin runestones were sold by followers of Ryhn the Mad. An unknown amount of these stones got crafted for Ryhn and his disciples sold around 50 of these.
Construction
Requirements Craft wonderous item, plane shift, creator must be a goblin worker; Cost ??
Flawed Goblin Runestone
Aura: Strong Conjuration; CL 15th
Slot none; Price 35 gp; Weight 1 lb
Description
These Runestones have the appearance of plain field stones with golden runes etched into them which are in an unknown runic script. Rumours tell that these stones are goblin work. These runestones allow a plane shift into the goblin realms of the River Kingdoms. The flawed goblin runestones only work when the rift is nearly open.
The goblin runestones were sold by followers of Ryhn the Mad. An unknown amount of these stones got crafted for Ryhn and his disciples sold around several thousand of these.
Construction
Requirements Craft wonderous item, plane shift, creator must be a goblin worker; Cost ??
Theodum’s research on the Goblin Runestones
I’ve been able to acquire a goblin runestone myself and have researched it in detail while at Skyreach. There are rumours that these goblin stones are just forgeries and don’t exist in Golarion proper. The proclaimed origin of the stones as goblin work lends weight to this opinion. After all – it is well known that goblins fear writing and no known goblin alphabet exists in Golarion proper.
Despite reservations, all my spell research has only been able to confirm them as true magic items. I’m currently gathered in the River Kingdoms where we are told that Rhyn the Prophet will appear and inform us about the current status of the opening rift and when we can expect that they will finally work.
Many other owners of these stones have gathered with me in Thornkeep to await the prophesied moment when the rift opens up far enough to let the first travellers through.
The runestones are also required to take part in the landrush. A story I will write about another time.
The streets of Thornkeep are packed with hopefuls – tempers are high and street fights are common. I try to stay out of trouble and watch it from the side lines. I don’t like to be drawn into a fight between a Hellknight and a paladin or getting into a rowing band of drunken barbarians.
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I am a HUGE fan of this line of RP, integrating the game mechanics with roleplay is where it's at for a sandbox MMO Imo. My suggestion is to weave in the mark of Pharasma into the lore.
I'm not sure I understand what you ask from Theodum. Notmyrealname's request was simple - I already have ideas in my head - just haven't yet committed to write them down.
I think I'm well aware what Pharasma stands for but miss the connection to PFO.|
Goblin Squad Member
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Pharasma's the one responsible for returning us to our lives in the River Kingdoms when (not if) we die. This appears to be related to us being "marked" by her; some players (those who bought the option in the Kickstarter) are "twice-marked", but we don't yet know much more than that.
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Goblin Squad Member
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I am a HUGE fan of this line of RP, integrating the game mechanics with roleplay is where it's at for a sandbox MMO Imo. My suggestion is to weave in the mark of Pharasma into the lore.I'm not sure I understand what you ask from Theodum. Notmyrealname's request was simple - I already have ideas in my head - just haven't yet committed to write them down.
I think I'm well aware what Pharasma stands for but miss the connection to PFO.
During the kickstarter the fact that PFO would not have perma-death was explained 'in setting' as Pharasma having placed a mark on various people in this region of the River Kingdoms and those individuals returning from death for unspecified reasons. There was also an optional 'twice marked of Pharasma' add on that could be purchased, which would have unspecified in game effects.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Thanks - yes that is a great topic. I'm a great fan of James Sutter and Death Heretic and the Redemption Engine. But we can't let him send Salim into the Rift.
Needs some explaining why Pharasma would not send him or her psychopomps to shut this down.
A great example where PFO is completely contradictory to existing lore - because it won't work in a MMO otherwise.
All I can say - blame the goblins for the rift and anything else that won't work.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Pharasma's the one responsible for returning us to our lives in the River Kingdoms when (not if) we die. This appears to be related to us being "marked" by her; some players (those who bought the option in the Kickstarter) are "twice-marked", but we don't yet know much more than that.
[heard in the boneyard queue]: Identification and boarding card, please! -oh, you have a VIP mark? Please proceed through the door marked 'no exit under any circumstances'. See you again soon!
I secretly speculate that the Mark of Pharasma isn't necessarily a mark by Pharasma but rather a mark for her. There may been some kind of negotiation among the different deities where they chose different (likely and unlikely) champions, and Pharasma agreed to keep her hands off their little games.
On the other hand, maybe it's Pharamsa trying to teach the others a lesson by showing how the world would spiral out of their control if she stopped doing her job. (Or conducting a resarch project on what humanoids could achieve if not bound by mortality).
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Goblin Squad Member
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Pharasma's the one responsible for returning us to our lives in the River Kingdoms when (not if) we die. This appears to be related to us being "marked" by her; some players (those who bought the option in the Kickstarter) are "twice-marked", but we don't yet know much more than that.[heard in the boneyard queue]: Identification and boarding card, please! -oh, you have a VIP mark? Please proceed through the door marked 'no exit under any circumstances'. See you again soon!
I secretly speculate that the Mark of Pharasma isn't necessarily a mark by Pharasma but rather a mark for her. There may been some kind of negotiation among the different deities where they chose different (likely and unlikely) champions, and Pharasma agreed to keep her hands off their little games.
On the other hand, maybe it's Pharamsa trying to teach the others a lesson by showing how the world would spiral out of their control if she stopped doing her job. (Or conducting a resarch project on what humanoids could achieve if not bound by mortality).
Oooooh. This is fantastic! What i would like the "meta RP plot" to state is that those marked by/for Pharasma have gathered to the River Kingdoms and they will do battle there. The reasons are unclear. Could it be the uncovered magic in the Emerald Spire? Tune in to find out!
On another note, this is something I would like to get behind on a guild level, please Thod let me know how we can make this happen.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Great ideas here about the Mark of Pharasma. The next parts I have planned to write (not necessarily in this order)
1) The landrush explained
2) Speculation about the landrush last week
3) The Mark of Pharasma
I'm still undecided if Pharasma allows the special treatment inside PFO and therefore had a hand in the design of it (yes - I like the idea of an experiment showing the other gods) or if the nature of the rift caused Pharasma to loose control and that is one of the major pulls for Ryhn to get followers. Who wouldn't spend some gold if offered immortality?
The story will be very different whichever way I decide. I will need to do some background reading how the Mark of Pharasma was described by Ryan - or I might follow a poster here who gives me a good reason to decide the way he prefers.
I would love to have a sneak preview into The Crusader Road - just to avoid some egg in the face if it comes out and contradicts a lot what Theodum is writing.
But that won't keep me from writing it and making a fool out of Theodum. A fool maybe - as long as he is likeable.
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Goblin Squad Member
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How about allowing for varying interpretations? Perhaps each person marked finds it means something different to him or her.
Allowing each person to have his own reason clouds the waters nicely; Twice-Marked just makes it all the more complicated. Any or all of those self-explanations (self-delusions?) may contain a kernel of deeper truth.
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Goblin Squad Member
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I think Pharasma is definitely up to something, but as always divinity is under no obligation to keep the mortals well informed. Most people (NPCs) in River Kingdoms continue to stay dead when they die, so Pharasma hasn't lost control. The few that are special (PCs) and always return to life all share a marking on their body that are similar enough to each other to be seen as related and connected, and indicative of someone who will return to life upon death. Everything about the Marks after that is pure speculation at this point.
I think it is in the 2000ish range? (a blog post gave the final tally of add-on sales) that will be Twice-Marked by Pharasma. Nothing is known at all about the properties of the second mark or why only some of the Marked have an additional one; other than they paid an extra $20 for it :O). What is plain to see is only the earliest followers of Rhyn might have been chosen by Pharasma to recieve the Second Mark, because no new cases of it have appeared since June 2013 when the KS2 rewards were finalized.