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Hey, everyone! I'm Marc Tassin, game writer and coordinator of the Gen Con Writer's Symposium, and I need your help with my ongoing Kickstarter project, World of Aetaltis: The Temple of Modren.
This project offers a complete, 20,000-word Pathfinder-compatible module, the Temple of Modren, to any backer who pledges $1 or more (seriously, the text is available on the Kickstarter site NOW!). More importantly, though, Temple of Modren serves to launch Aetaltis, the fully realized campaign setting that has been my personal project for the past 15 years.
We're aiming high with this public launch of Aetaltis -- meeting the Kickstarter's stretch goals will secure short stories from industry giants such as Ed Greenwood, James Sutter, Dave Gross, Michael A. Stackpole, and many more amazing folks, plus art from THE Larry Elmore. And we want YOU to become involved in this project, too!
Although we have 99 percent of the work done on The Temple of Modren, we need to add one more pregen PC into the mix. Through May 23, I'm accepting submissions of concepts for a 1st-level PC who hails from Aetaltis. This PC would be a playable character in the Temple of Modren. PM your submissions or send them to me at contact@aetaltis.com.
On May 23, I will choose the winning submission, and on May 26 I will announce the winner!
In addition to working with our project staff to develop your character, the winner will receive these GRAND PRIZES:
- Your character appears as one of the ready-to-play Aetaltan heroes in The Temple of Modren.
- You get the original art used to create the character's portrait.
- You are named as a character designer in the book's credits.
- You receive tickets to the Aetaltis Kaffeklatche and the Aetaltis Breakfast at Gen Con 2014 in Indianapolis.
- You receive a personalized copy of the Aetaltis Writer's Guide -- a nearly 200-page reference document that brings the world of Aetaltis to stunning life!
- PLUS a 4-Day Pass to Gen Con 2014
All you need to do is submit your character concept to me by midnight EST on May 23.
To help get your concept started, here are a few details about the fantastic world of Aetaltis.
The primary playable races in are a mix of traditional fantasy and unique Aetaltan races.
- Atlan (human): Strangers from another world, their ancestors were trapped on Aetaltis when the arcane gates to their homeland were destroyed in a mystic cataclysm.
- Cheebat: Small and wiry, the cheebat are clever negotiators, devious planners, and vicious adversaries. They arrived as stowaways with the first atlan colonists.
- Drothmal: The savage drothmals are a physically powerful race of noble barbarians. They hail from the Icebound Plain, and they live and die by the sword.
- Dwarf: The dwarves were driven from their homes in the Deeplands when the gods locked Endroren and his Dark Hordes beneath the surface of the world. To this day the dwarves blame the gods for their heartache and dream of retaking their Deepland homes.
- Elf: The elves are the eldest of the fey races. They ruled Aetaltis during the Age of Magic, but today they maintain an isolated existence far from civilized lands.
- Fairy: These tiny fey are less than two feet tall and possess delicate, insect-like wings. They are intensely curious, filled with energy, and insufferably cheerful.
- Halfling: Halflings value the simple pleasures of home and they dislike change, but every so often a halfling is born with a bit of the "old blood" in him and gets the urge to go adventuring.
- Newardin: The enigmatic intellectuals known as the newardin are the strange beings who operated the arcane gates that brought the Atlan Enclave to Aetaltis.
- Orog: The monstrous brutes known as orogs were brought to Aetaltis by the Atlan Enclave to serve as the fist of the Enclave military machine.
- Scythaa: Quick and cunning, the reptilian race known as the scythaa live as nomads, scraping a meager existence from the unforgiving desert of the Scythaan Wastes.
- Sprite: The three foot tall race of fey known as sprites have a deep, arcane bond with the natural world. They are adept at handling animals of all types.
The primary regions characters might hail from are:
- Callios: In the bustling city states of Callios, wealthy merchants compete for notoriety in an ongoing parade of pomp, pageantry, and excess.
- Halfling Dalelands: Thanks to the presence of an ancient dragon, the Halfling Dalelands is the only region that was not overrun by Endroren’s hordes during the Age of Darkness.
- Free Provinces: Founded on the dream of a peaceful land of free kingdoms, today the Provinces are a quagmire of land disputes, hereditary conflicts, and greed fueled ambition.
- Malador: Malador is situated on the rocky, windswept coast of the Sea of Storms, and the dwarves who make their home there are as cold and hard as the land they live in.
- New Erinor: New Erinor is the shining star of the Sea of Tears basin. Blessed with wise rulers and good fortune, it embodies the hopes and dreams of everyone in the region.
- Port Vale: The city-state of Port Vale is ruled by Mayor Blythorn Blackwick. His thinly veiled underworld loyalties support the city’s slave markets and gladiator arenas.
- Selenthea: Selenthea is a bustling metropolis on the edge of civilization. It is ruled by wizards, protected by an order of valiant mercenary knights, and troubled by a secretive guild of thieves and assassins.
Finally, a little backstory to help set the stage for you!
Have more questions about Aetaltis? Need some vital piece of information to get your character concept just right? We want to know! Post any and all questions about your character concept or the world into this thread, and we’ll reply! Thanks for your consideration!
Click here to check out the World of Aetaltis: Temple of Modren Kickstarter!
Click here to visit the Aetaltis site.
This look fun. :) I'll see if I have the time to submit something.
One question, though regarding this
What class/race combinations are the other pregens? You probably don't want too much overlap.
Great question! I'd rather not limit anyone. If we get a really fantastic character concept that is the same race/class as another pregen, we can always save the character we made for another project.
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Selenthea sounds really cool. I have a special place in my heart for magocracies. :)
Are the wizard-rulers of Selenthea practitioners of a specific magical school or tradition? Moreover, are they wizards of all races, or are they mostly homogeneous? If so, what's the dominant race among Selenthea's wizards?
What do Drothmals, Cheebats and Newardins actually look like? What are their societies like? Patriarchal/matriarchal? Gods? Political structures? Which regions that you list are traditionally home to these races? I could imagine the Newardin might be rare and enclavists, or the Cheebats a universal pest species, but I don't want to assume anything...
I've checked the Aeltatis site, but the details are incredibly sparse.
Selenthea sounds really cool. I have a special place in my heart for magocracies. :)
Are the wizard-rulers of Selenthea practitioners of a specific magical school or tradition? Moreover, are they wizards of all races, or are they mostly homogeneous? If so, what's the dominant race among Selenthea's wizards?
The city of Selenthea was founded by a group of wizards who broke away from the venerable college of magic at Winterskeep. These wizards dreamed of an arcane college free of Winterskeep’s tired traditions and entrenched hierarchy. The wizards hired a unit of honorable mercenary knights to accompany them, and traveled to the edge of the Elliyen Wilds where they could pursue their goals free from outside interference.
Over the years Selenthea has become a city of endless possibilities. People see it as a place where they can live free of the constraints of tradition and pedestrian expectations. Anyone might become a lord in Selenthea, and no goal seems too lofty. Of course only a lucky few find the success they seek, but the hope of rising above one’s station keeps people coming to this city in the wilds.
The wizards of Selenthea are not limited to any particular school or schools. All schools of magic are represented among their ranks, and all races are welcome. Even so, humans (or Atlans as they call themselves), are the most common race among the wizards.
What do Drothmals, Cheebats and Newardins actually look like? What are their societies like? Patriarchal/matriarchal? Gods? Political structures? Which regions that you list are traditionally home to these races? I could imagine the Newardin might be rare and enclavists, or the Cheebats a universal pest species, but I don't want to assume anything...
I've checked the Aeltatis site, but the details are incredibly sparse.
Over the next few weeks, more material will be released, but this is a chance to get a head start. It also lets us share the information that you're the most interested in! As the contest progresses, not only will we have the opportunity to reveal more about the world here, we'll start to post art as well, further developing the world and providing fodder for your entry!
Drothmal
Drothmals stand 7 feet tall and weigh close to 325 pounds. Their faces have a faintly cat-like appearance that gives them an animalistic air. Skin color ranges from deep tan to white. Drothmalen head hair is thick, but most shave their hair to a topknot in order to expose the intricate patterns of spots that mark their skin from their foreheads down to the smalls of their backs. Their clothing is crude but rugged, designed for hard living and combat. Furs, hardened leather, and coarse hides are the most commonly used materials in drothmalen clothing.
Cheebat
Cheebats are 3 1/2' tall and weigh about 50 pounds. Their skin has a greenish cast to it, as does their hair. Cheebats have exaggerated facial features, at times appearing almost comical, and long pointed ears. They have a preference for gaudy jewelry, showy clothing and anything else that highlights their personal wealth.
Newardin
Newardin are tall and thin, and compared to an atlan their limbs are overly long in proportion to their torso. They have three fingers and an opposable thumb on each hand, and four toes on each foot. Their faces look vaguely atlan, but their features are subdued almost to the point of non-existence. The exceptions are their eyes. These are overly large, solid black, and slightly almond shaped. Newardin of the noble rank sometimes have gold or silver flecks in their eyes. Newardin have smooth pale skin and no hair.
Hi Marc,
You'll get my submission soon, but question...is there a word count limit? Did you want full write up of character stat block or just the outline of info, like this-
Character name:
Race:
Class/Level:
Physical Description:
Backstory:
Hi Marc,
You'll get my submission soon, but question...is there a word count limit? Did you want full write up of character stat block or just the outline of info, like this-
Character name:
Race:
Class/Level:
Physical Description:
Backstory:
Hi Jeffrey!
No limits! I'm looking for a great story. I want to think "YES! I would love playing that character!" If you can do this with stats, then send me stats! If you can do this with a story, send a story!
That said, here are a few ideas of things you might consider. Not requirements, but just to provide a little guidance:
- Why is this person an adventurer?
- What is best in life?
- What would this character die for?
- What is this character's ultimate personal goal?
Another good roadmap for deciding what to include is the Character Background section of Ultimate Campaign.
http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/ultimateCampaign/characterBackground.htm l
I got the first submissions last night! You guys are amazing. I can already tell that picking a winner for this contest is going to be TOUGH job! Nice work, everyone!
I'm extremely interested in this. I have just one question. Do the Atlans have tales of derring-do, swashbucklers, dashing heroes, and the like?
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I'm extremely interested in this. I have just one question. Do the Atlans have tales of derring-do, swashbucklers, dashing heroes, and the like?
I'm really glad you're interested. And in a word, yes!
When the ancient seals that held the forces of darkness at bay began to fail, Lord Drakewyn of New Erinor called upon the brave men and women of his land to take up arms against their common foe. In response, a small army of independent heroes known as adventurers joined the fight. These stalwart men and women fight the battles ordinary soldiers cannot fight, go where the holy orders dare not go, and serve as beacons of hope in a world growing darker with each passing day.
Heroes of all types have answered this call-to-arms, including characters of the exact type your described!
Hello Marc! Along with the background, should we actually generate the character with stats, feats, skills and gear?
You don't need to, but if that's something you enjoy doing and you feel like it helps to tell your story, go for it!
Can you tell me some more about Callios? What races are the most common there?
Sure thing! Around 38% of the population of Callios are atlan and 35% are cheebat (with other races making up the rest). This is the largest concentration of cheebat anywhere in the sea of tears basin.
Callios:
In the bustling city states of Callios, wealthy merchants compete for public adulation in an ongoing parade of pomp, pageantry, and excess. Social climbing is an art there, and those who hold the wealth hold the power. Home to the Sea of Tears basin’s most powerful merchant companies, Callios is a land where gold holds sway over all else.
Life in Callios
To the people of Callios life is a pageant, and the people of the world are the players. They live for the drama, the passion, and the excitement life brings, and they drink up its pleasures in whatever form they come. They live to excess, and often beyond their means, but few cultures compare in richness and vivacity to that of the calliosans.
Good questions!
Arcane Casting and the Races of Aetaltis
The fey races (elf, fairy, sprite) are the races most tightly bound to the Essence (the energy that makes Aetaltan magic possible). Spellcasters are common among their people with Sorcerer's more common than Wizards.
After that, humans and newardin are the most likely races for spellcasters. In both cases the wizards are more common than sorcerers. The modern spellcasting techniques used by wizards on Aetaltis are the product of techniques developed by the Atlan Enclave. It is a methodical, calculated art bordering on a science.
The Gods of Aetaltis (aka The Enaros)
Aetaltis has 12 gods known collectively as the Enaros. Their level of involvement with the mortal world is similar to what one sees in the gods of greek myth here on Earth. The following are short descriptions of each of the Enaros and the domains of control.
Aelos, Keeper of Mysteries
Aelos is the Enaros of the night, mystery, and the dead. All the spirits of the world are her wards and she cares for them until they reach their final rest in Lensae's halls. She is the Keeper of Mysteries, but this role also gives her the right to reveal truth, shining light into darkness just as Numos does. Aelos is the chosen Enaros of the fey and she is the patron of archers, spiritguides, and necromancers.
Alantra, the Great Mother
The eldest of the Enaros, Alantra is the embodiment of healing, fertility, and protection. She is the Enaros of the hearth and home and the chosen Enaros of the halflings. Healing clerics draw their power from her, and she is the patron of all who provide safety and protection.
Droth, Lord of Trial
War, hardship, and challenge are all the domains of Droth, Lord of Trial. Despite the sorrow often associated with his work he is not considered evil. It is generally understood that only through trial can one grow to their strongest potential, and thus, trial is not evil but simply a necessity of life. Droth is the chosen Enaros of the Drothmal and the patron of warriors.
Elendra, the Muse
Elendra is the patron of bards and the protector of true love. She is beautiful and wise, but like true love, she can be vengeful if crossed. Artists believe that she provides the inspiration for all art, from song to sculpture. She is also the embodiment of commitment so her name is often called upon at weddings and in contractual agreements.
Endroren, Lord of Darkness
Endroren is the embodiment of pure evil, not just a mortal evil, but the most perfect manifestation of Darkness to have ever existed. Originally the Lord of Magic, Endroren became the master of cruelty, deception, and slavery when he embraced Darkness. He is the chosen Enaros of all endrori (orcs, trolls, goblins, and other evil creatures) and the patron of all who walk in Darkness.
Grethken, Father of the Forest
Grethken is the embodiment of plants, earth, harvest, and the wilderness. His strength gives life to the forests and bountiful growth to the farmer's fields. He is the Lord of the harvest and is celebrated every autumn for his gifts. In addition, he works hand and hand with his lover, Vale, as the keeper of the wilds. Grethken is the chosen Enaros of the Scythaa and he is the patron of rangers and scouts.
Larayil, Sky Keeper
Larayil is the mistress of winds, impulse, and action. She is the Queen of the Sky and the patroness of sailors. Like the wind she is fickle and changeable, but she can be incredibly powerful if brought to a fury. She is also the embodiment of beauty, but it is a beauty without depth or substance. Larayil is the chosen Enaros of the fey.
Modren, Forge Master
Modren is the Great Builder and embodies construction, fire, and order. He is the keeper of the solar forge and is the smith of Lensae. He makes ideas real and turns chaos into order. Modren's power is cleansing, but it achieves this either by burning away the impure or the permanent transformation of the subject into something new. Modren is the patron of craftsman and was the chosen Enaros of the dwarves before the Age of Darkness and the great betrayal.
Phensral, the Sea Father
Father of the Sea, Phensral is the master of waves and water. From the smallest river to the raging torrent, he is their lord and keeper. His power ranges from the crush of waves upon the shore to the trickle that eventually carves a valley. He is also the embodiment of thoughtful change and thus the patron of all who seek to alter the course of their lives.
Toletren, Lord of Knowledge
Toletren is the eternal Lord of knowledge. He is also the keeper of history, the master of logic, and the watcher of time. Toletren embodies truth and his guidance is sought whenever answers must be found. He is also the judge, not because he seeks justice, but rather because he requires that the truth always be revealed. What others do with the truth is of little concern to him. Although he did not create them, Toletren has become the chosen Enaros of the newardin. Toletren is also the surrogate patron of wizards since Endroren’s fall.
Vale, the Huntress
All the beasts of Aetaltis are the children of Vale. She is their keeper and protector, and she often takes their form to move among them. Her heart is feral and she is the embodiment of instinct. Violence is in her nature but only in so far as it is a part of survival and in the natural order of things. Vale is the chosen Enaros of sprites.
Zevas, the Lord of Webs
Zevas is the embodiment of planning, commerce, and illusion. He is the master of the Web of Fate and can navigate its strings better than any other Enaros. He is the patron of merchants and diplomats, but also of thieves. This has caused the people of Aetaltis to be wary of him even if they still respect him as an Enaros.
Dot.
Sounds like you have enjoyed your world-building Marc. :) I think that is the first sign that readers/gamers will enjoy it as well.
I wish you luck with this and will be sending you something soon!
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Thanks, Curaigh! And you're right. Building this world was a fantastic experience, although sharing it has been the best part.
I'll watch for your entry! Good luck!
Seems like a really cool setting, I'll definitely be keeping my eye on everything as it moves forward.
Would it be too much trouble to get a bit of information on Port Vale?
Seems like a really cool setting, I'll definitely be keeping my eye on everything as it moves forward.
Would it be too much trouble to get a bit of information on Port Vale?
No trouble at all, Helio! I think the best way to tell you about Port Vale is to provide a bit of history.
Port Vale was once a shining star of the Atlan Enclave. Its nearly perfect sub-tropical climate, rich farmland, and strategic position as the primary port for goods coming out of Stonegate Pass helped the city to grow and thrive. As wealthy merchants and noblemen flocked to the city, Port Vale became known for its magnificent architecture and easy going life-style.
It all came to a deadly end when the Cataclysm struc. The explosion of Port Vale’s city gate, which stood on an island in the Pinnacle Gulf, was the first blow. Its destruction sent waves of chaotic Essence flowing over the city, triggering strange, arcane maladies in the inhabitants.
Then the wave came. According to reports it was as tall as the coliseum walls and it hit with such force that it nearly wiped the city from the map. It is now believed that the destruction of Atlanor, the Enclave island capital at the center of the Sea of Tears, was the source of the wave. Whatever the source, the wave’s devastating effects crushed the city of Port Vale.
Behind the wave came refugees. Many came from the devastated countryside, and a precious few survivors tricked in from Atlanor. With crops ruined by the wave and the rainy season on its way, food became scarce. Civility broke down and soon only the strong held power. This vicious lifestyle was never completely shed by the people of Port Vale, leading to the crime-ridden society that exists in Port Vale to this day.
Finally, just for fun, here's a link to a photo of my personal wall map of Port Vale. Don't get too excited - I'm no Mike Schley - it's just your standard homemade gamer-map! I thought you might enjoy it all the same! :)
Many thanks, loving the map!
I hate to be that guy, but a couple of the other races got left out of your expanded description... and of course those are the races I'm most interested in. Namely the Orog and Scythaa?
Pretty please?
Many thanks, loving the map!
I hate to be that guy, but a couple of the other races got left out of your expanded description... and of course those are the races I'm most interested in. Namely the Orog and Scythaa?
Pretty please?
Ask and ye shall receive! In fact I'll give a littl extra!
Orog
Orogs were brought to Aetaltis by the Atlan Enclave to serve as the fist of the Enclave military machine. These huge creatures are strong enough to go head to head with a troll and tough enough to withstand all but the most devastating injuries. They are hideous and dull-witted, but their physical strength more than makes up for these limitations.
Orogs look like huge, hideously misshapen atlans. They have wide, down-turned mouths, small sunken eyes, and heavy brows. Compared to an atlan, their hands and feet are over-large and their arms are disproportionately long. They stand over nine feet tall and weigh in excess of 500 pounds.
Scythaa
Quick and cunning, the reptilian race known as the scythaa are yet another product of the destruction wrought by the Great War against Endroren. Inheritors of a devastated homeland, most scythaa now live as nomads, scraping a meager existence from the unforgiving desert.
Their reptilian faces, unblinking eyes, and long tails set the scythaas apart physically from all other enari (ie: the good races of Aetlatis). Scythaan skin has a rough, pebble-like pattern. Their hands have two large clawed fingers plus an opposable clawed thumb. Their feet have three clawed toes. Scythaas have powerful legs and can leap great distances.
On a side note, we expanded more of our stretch goals! I posted details over here!
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Hey guys -- looks like we will get to unleash our questions on Marc over at the worldbuilding subreddit on Thursday!
Per a Kickstarter update, Marc is doing an AMA at 7-8 p.m. EST.
I just posted a first look at the Dwarves of Aetaltis in the latest Kickstarter update. It includes concept art as well as information about Aetaltis dwarves and their culture.
If you chose a dwarf for your character concept, you definitely want to take a look at this!
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LAST DAY! LAST DAY TO ENTER!
It's not too late to get your entries in! The contest is still going strong, and there is even more information about Scythaa, Dwarves, and Humans in the Kickstarter updates!
Free Gen Con Ticket! Your Character in a Book! Don't wait! I'll be here to answer questions all day!
- Marc
I so wish I had 50,000 to pledge, even if it were just to see Larry Elmore's cool cover!
I so wish I had 50,000 to pledge, even if it were just to see Larry Elmore's cool cover!
I wish you had $50,000 to pledge as well! :) Thanks!
We're not done yet! 7 days left. Plenty of time. We're $90 away from the Town of Thornwall expansion. After that, we are into the fiction. When that happens I have an appeal I plan to make to the gaming community as a whole to help make this project happen. I'll be sure to post here!
In the meantime, please help us to spread the word!
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Just a quick update. We've closed the contest and we're in the process of reviewing the awesome entries you all sent! I'll make an announcement tomorrow about our winner!
In the meantime, the project continues to unlock stretch goals. We just added the Town of Thornwall expansion and now we're working to unlock short stories from Ed Greenwood, James L. Sutter, and Elizabeth Vaughan! Plus we'll take characters from their stories, stat them out, and add them to the Green Briar Tavern expansion!
Finally - HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! This project is about much more than this first book. To learn more, check out this post and please share it!
Hi! We have selected the winner and will announce tonight! I wanted to inform the winner first and with the holiday we had a little hold up! The announcement is coming!
Can't wait to read the winner's entry!
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