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Internet Message Format | 1995-06-27 | 20KB

Path: usenet.ee.pdx.edu!cs.uoregon.edu!news.uoregon.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!news.ecn.bgu.edu!feenix.metronet.com!uunet!not-for-mail From: Fraser MacKenzie <fraserm@dragon.achilles.net> Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.archives Subject: STORY: Fate's Fellowship - Ch 0:Introduction to the Known World Followup-To: rec.games.frp.misc Date: 26 Jun 1995 14:20:06 -0400 Organization: UUNET Technologies Inc, Fairfax VA USA Lines: 367 Sender: smm@uunet.uu.net Approved: smm@uunet.uu.net Distribution: world Message-ID: <3smtom$s0j@rodan.UU.NET> NNTP-Posting-Host: rodan.uu.net Steve Could you post this mail message to rec.games.frp.achives along with the next three. Thanks. Fraser MacKenzie http://www.achilles.net:80/~fraserm \|/ _____________________________ (o o) __________________| Fraser MacKenzie |_____oo0_(_)_0oo____ \ Optimization | fraserm@dragon.achilles.net |If only I could be / \ hinders | Voice: 830-5807 |respected without / | evolution. | Fax : none |being respectable.| / |_____________________________| \ /___________________) (______________________\ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The characters contained in these writings and the writings themselves are copyright 1995 by Fraser MacKenzie. Any resemblance to any persons or characters either real or fictional is utterly coincidental. Copying and/or distribution of these tales is permissible only under the sole condition that no part of them will be used or sold for profit. I wish to thank Eric Lindsey, Seng Ann Mah, Ron Trimmer, Max Bullock, Charlotte Ashley, Tom DeSanctus, Bob Grob, Michael Clair Haflidi Jonsson, and Drew Lahaise for their immense input without which, there would be no story at all. ;) Enjoy! Fraser MacKenzie fraserm@dragon.achilles.net Note: You can FTP the chapters of Fate's Fellowship as they come out from ftp.achilles.net in the directory pub/users/fraserm or access them from my home page at http://www.achilles.net:80/~fraserm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fate's Fellowship Chapter 0 Rathillien The Known World / +++++++++++++++++++++ MMMMMMMMMMMM ++++++++++ / ++++++++++++++++++++++ MMMMMMMMM ++++========= / ++++++++++ MMMMM +++====+++++++++ \ @ Nagandib hhhhh =MM Kortharn@===++++++++++@++ \ hhhhhhh=========== = ==========+++++++++Tintagel | ======== * ========= +++++++++++++++ \ =hhhhhhhMMM Chaomonous ++++MMMMM++ \ =====hhhhhhhMMMMM++++++++.+++ ++MMMMMMMMM Westmouth|*= hhhhMMMMMM++++++++++++.++++++ MMMMMM::: |= hhhhhMMMM+++++++++++.++++++++++ MMMMMM:::: / hhhMMMMM++++Aglorond.Forest+++++++++ MMM:::::::: / =MMMM++++++++++.++++++++++++ MMMM::::::::: / =MMMMMMMMMM+++.+++++++++++ MM::::::::::: __/ hhh Holt @ ====== . ++++++++ =:::::::::::: /@ + hhhh = . ++++++++ =::::::::::: /Tyr +++ hhh = . +++++ =:::::::::: \ ++++hh _=__ . MM ++ =::::::::/ | ++ ____/ \ __ . MMM Burkden@ =::::::/ \__Agarn / \__/ \ .Lamyth MMMMMM -------=----/ /\ \___*/ \_*_______ MMMMMMMMMM / \/ _/\ \ MMMMMMMM / /__/ \_______/ _ |_\ _ |_| Modrake's Isle N W<|>E S ----- = 100 miles M - Mountains h - Hills + - Forest : - Marsh - Plains & Grasslands r - River .. - Lamythian Highway @ - Town * - City Nagandib: small port town that makes income by trading farm goods and lumber from great northern forest. Relatively peaceful town, though it suffers from assaults by pirates along the coast. Citizens mainly humans, but with good size population of elves, from great northern forest, and gnomes, from Perimal hills to the east. Kortharn: is a small lumbering community on the edge of the Rutharnar forest. The town is plagued by orc attacks from the Arthan Valley to the north. Citizen are primarily humans, with a few dwarves from the Crystalspear mountains to the west. Tintagel: is an elven city located in the heart of Rutharnar forest. Chamonous: is a militant city-state located on the bank of the silver river, just north of Aglorond forest. The Chamonouian army serves somewhat as police of the realm, able to move swiftly to put down any major humanoid or human uprising via the silver river and Lamythian highway. These same travel ways ensure the city's prosperity. It is the largest city in the realm and contains a diverse mix of races. Chamonous is a monarchy ruled by King Tirandys Grindark. Westmouth: is another large city located where the silver river empties into the sea. It is a republic, rule by 3 officials elected every 6 years. It has a large naval force which patrols the western sea coast and the silver river. Holt: is a large town located in the foothills of the Nekrien mountains, on the west bank of the Wyndeep river. It prospers from the gold and silver mines in the Nekrien mountains, but also suffers from kobold attacks and a band of human raiders called the Darktide. It has a large population of dwarves. Tyr: is a coastal town known as a center of learning and culture. It has a large university which caters to children of the wealthy from across the realm. New inventions and breakthroughs in science are constantly coming from Tyr. The town is a Pedocracy, ruled by a council of learned savants and scholars. Agarn: the fourth largest city of the realm, is a Theocracy ruled by Iolanthe Greyharn, high priestess of Leota, goddess of Fate. Its wealth comes from diamond mines on the Tri-canute islands off the west coast. It is constantly beset by pirate raids. Lamyth: is perhaps the merchant capital of the realm. It is the wealthiest city, prospering from sea trade and trade along the Lamythian highway. A common expression in the realm is "You can buy it in Lamyth." The city is ruled by a council formed from the leaders of the major merchant families. In addition to its profusion of markets and shops, Lamyth is also known for its beauty. Like any place where there is lots of money to be had, the city suffers from its share of corruption and theft. Burken: is a small frontier town on the southeast coast. It is known as a lawless place, where the forces of good are hard pressed to beat back a tide of evil. It prospers from sea trade and mineral wealth flowing down from the Xerpal mountains, on the Yulash river. A poorly kept overland road stretches west from Burkden, through a pass in the Ebonbane mountains, to connect with the Lamythian highway. Travel to Burkden is made dangerous by orc tribes from the great marsh, to the east, and pirates along the coast. Bands of goblins and hobgoblins are also known to descend on the city periodically, from the Haunted plains to the north. Burkden is ruled by Duke Haermond II. Modrake's Isle: is a small island several leagues off the southern coast, where is located Modrake's academy of magic. The school is run by one Lycira Modrake, who recruits the best students from across the realm to come to her school to learn magic. Some of the greatest wizards in history have graduated from Modrake's academy. All graduate of the academy are treated with respect throughout the realm. Eissendale, home of the Halflings, is located in the white hills, in the center of the triangle formed by the towns of Holt, Tyr with the city Agarn. Most wood elves come from a town in the depths of the Aglorond Forest, while high elves and gray elves tend to come from Tintagel. HISTORY ~~~~~~~ The Omiroth were a race of men who lived well over 3,000 years ago. Though the truth as to their origins have been lost to the mists of time, legends say they came from another world, a race of slaves escaped from their wicked oppressors. Scholars, however, speculate that they came from an island nation in the Bashti Sea that sank beneath the waves in a great cataclysm. Whatever their origins, the Omiroth civilization rose quickly to become the dominant power of the known world. Over a period of less than 100 years, they built an empire which stretched across the continent. Though similar in appearance to ordinary men, the Omiroth were gifted in the mystic arts. Magic was in their blood, so much so that even the lowliest member of their race could shape powers from birth. Their society was built upon the use of magic and it played a part in their everyday lives. Legends speak of flying ships and light without flames, great cities floating above the earth, towers and buildings of impossible dimensions, roadways that took travelers from one end of the continent to another in a matter of minutes. In fact, the Omiroth are credited with bringing magic to the world and thus are often referred to as the Fathers of Magic. Most of the major magical artifacts of present originate from the Omiroth. The Omiroth were divided into 8 houses, based upon the form of magic with which the members a particular house were the most skilled. Each house then ruled a different area of the empire. The largest house, Valantir, whose members showed proclivity for invocation/evocation magic, ruled the central portion of the empire. The house of Fandir, those skilled in alteration magic, ruled the northwest corner for the empire, while the Emyris, skilled in Abjuration magic, ruled the northeast. The smaller, west central domain of the empire was overseen by the house of Gothregor, those skilled at necromancy. The east central area was controlled by the Irandan, or house of Illusionists. The southern region of the empire was divide between the 3 remaining houses; the Caineron who were skilled in divination took the southwest, the Rendane who excelled in conjuration/summoning took the south central region, and the Lordeth, or enchanters, took the southeast. House School of Magic Standard Caineron Divination Serpent coiled around emerald Fandir Alteration Full moon surrounded by 4 stars Irandan Illusion Gauntleted fist grasping sun Lordeth Enchantment/Charm Leaping flames Rendane Conjuration/Summon Crossed double-edge swords Emyris Abjuration Rearing unicorn Valantir Invoc/Evocation Snarling wolf's mask Gothregor Necromancy Stricken tree Each house ruled its domain from a large central city. Other races of men and humanoids were given a place in the empire or allowed to live peacefully in an area assigned to them. Early in the formation of the empire, there were a few races who resisted the Omiroth expansion. Most notably, the Kuo-Toa, a race of human sacrificing fish-men who inhabited the shores of the continent, put up fierce opposition to the Omiroth. However, they could not hold long against the power of the empire and eventually the Kuo-toans were exterminated, all but those who managed to escape into the hidden depths of the earth. This event was known as the Omiroth/Kuo-toan wars. For many years afterward the empire ruled in peace. However, as the power of the different houses grew, there came a division among the race. Some say it came about when leaders of the house of Fandir and the house of Emyris came together to make the Rod of Hathir (now known as the rod of seven parts), and the other houses opposed them. Others say that it occurred when Gothgregor made a pact with the evil drow to help their house gain control of the empire. Still others say the division was caused by the gods whose wrath had been kindled by the growing arrogance of the Omiroth. Whatever the reason, a rift grew between the houses and shortly thereafter war ensued. The battle between the Omiroth raged for over 10 years. Each house used it's particular brand of magic in an effort to gain control of the empire. Records of the horrors unleashed upon the cities and people during this conflict fill volumes. Legends speak of clouds of fire rolling across the land, earthquakes swallowing cities whole, armies of magical monstrosities and undead waging war. The very fabric of the land was altered in many of the domains. The fertile lands of the Valantir were blasted to sand in a great fiery cataclysm, an area known today as the wastes of Valantir. The temperate domain of the Fandir was turned into a stark wintery landscape, with heavy snows falling year round. A large portion of the Rendane lands were turned into what is now known as The Great Marsh. The only house to escape devastation was that of the Caineron, in the southwest corner of the continent. They foresaw the coming of the battle with their divination magic and were able to prepare themselves by sealing off their boarders. They refused to take part in the genocidal war, withdrawing from the other houses. When the war ended 10 years later, it was the house of Caineron that picked up the pieces. Forging a truce with what remained of the other 7 houses, the Caineron's reforged the Omiroth people. Ashamed at what they had done to the land, these survivors migrated to the northeast section of the continent, leaving the only undamaged domain to the other races. Years later, rumors began to spread that the surviving Omiroth had vanished from the world. Some say, however, that they remain still and have recreated a smaller version of their empire in the distant reaches of the continent. Eventually, the war of the Omiroth and the 50 years following it became known as the Age of Chaos. Legends of the Omiroth The Nine Books of Magic are a set of texts reported to be the foundation of magical knowledge in the realm. Between their covers are said be all the known spells and magical lore passed down from the fathers of magic. Legend has it that long ago other races of the world petitioned the Omiroth to pass on a portion of their arcane knowledge. Whether it was the result of some form of coercion or their own generosity, the Omiroth agreed and set to composing the 9 books of magic. Each house of the Omiroth contributed 1 book to the set, with the exception of the house of Fandir which contributed two. Within each was detailed the formulae for the most basic magics known to that house. Once the books were completed, the Omiroth entrusted them to the Mystic Council, a group of 12 scholars from human and demi- human races who became the first non-Omirothian mages. The Council, in turn, established the Unseen University to teach magic to other members of their races who showed the necessary proclivities. The Nine Books were housed at the university up until the time of its destruction in 350, during the Vasti Wars. Even before that time, portions of the books were copied and reproduced to insure the survival of magic despite their loss. They are, however, the origins of all spells known in the realm. Over the years the original 9 books resurfaced from time to time, and each brought great power and distinction to their owner. Finally, in 1135, a mage by the name of Terribend Modrake set out to find the books and reform them as a set. After a lifetime of searching and braving great peril, he succeeded in his task. Once they were all together, he took them to a small island off the southern coast and founded what is known a Modrake's Academy of Magic. There the books have remained to the present day. The books are described as being large, square and approximately 2 feet on a side. They are fashioned of parchment bound between slabs of wood and sewn to the white hide of an unknown creature, which has been stretched over the boards to form a cover. Each bears the emblem of the Omiroth house that created it and varies in width. They are reported to be indestructible, contained guards and wards that protect them from abuse and mishandling by the unskilled. DEITIES ~~~~~~~ All races worship the same gods. The following table gives the pertinent statistics for all the gods in Rathillien. First, the name of the deity is given, followed by their domain. Next is listed their alignment and last is their sex. Ardath Love, Beauty, Art CG f Darius Wealth, Prestige, Business LN m Everard Strength, Honor, Justice LG m Ingemar Darkness, Evil, Nightmares NE m Jarfax Stone, Metal, Mountains, Gems LN m Leota Fate, Destiny N f Melantha Nature, Animals, Weather NG f Merlock Intellect, Knowledge, Magic N m Mortimer Lakes, Rivers, Seas, Oceans NC m Necrum Deceit, Treachery, Murder LE m Perdita Hate, Envy, Jealousy, Lies CE f Selena Peace, Mercy, Truth NG f Silvanus Forests, Trees, Woodcraft CG m Tarcell Humor, Riddles, Wine CG m Valeska Death, Decay, Sickness NE f Zada Luck, Gambling, Risk CN f Valeska ~~~~~~~ All races pay homage to Valeska. This does not mean, however, that everyone worships her or even likes her. In fact, in many circles she and her followers are resented and feared. People recognize that she, as the embodiment of death, will eventually have to be faced, but that does not mean they like it. Added to this is the fact that not long ago, about 100 years, clerics of Valaska were known fulfill her teachings by hastening death to the living. That is, they killed in order to increase Valeska's domain. Over the past century, their practices have changed for reasons that none other than the followers of Valeska are clear on. Now they view that all beings should fulfill the natural course their life and go to Valaska when their time comes. They do, however, view that life prolonged by unnatural means is abhorrent and undead are the most evil of all creatures. Nowdays, clerics of Valaska serve as society's undertakers. The rituals of death **for all races** are the rituals of Valaska. Again, they may be feared, and even hated by some, but in general people accept her priests as having a necessary place and give them grudging respect. Racial Relationships ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As for the relationship between races, half-elves are generally looked down upon by purebred elves. Thought not dispised because of their parent's choice, they are viewed as tainted by their human half. There is no hostility, but in general a current of prejudice runs between elves and halfelves. This is not the case with humans and half-elves. If anything, human like half-elves better than pure elves, viewing the latter as somewhat arrogant and flighty. Again this is just a general attitude and people fall in a broad spectrum within it.