Legacy of Caledis - Alnor

[SimVig]

Here is some setting description about the RP. Sign up in the separate sign-up thread. I will make the first post here when I have enough people.

 

Disclaimer: You may find certain similarities with different works of fiction in this RPG. I certainly do not claim that everything here is my idea from beginning to end. In fact I have actively used different stories to make my own.

 

Setting

 

General Geography

 

The game is set on an island named Caledis. Because of magical and non-magical reasons the island contains various mountain ranges, deserts, grasslands, lakes etc. The climate is temperate, thought the winters are usually mild, snow being a rarity. The forests are generally pine-forests to the north and mixed forests southwards.

 

General Politics

 

There are two countries on the island, both under human rule. The vast majority of population in both is also humans. There are occasional dwarves in some cities. A man can call himself very fortunate if he happens to see an elf in his lifetime. Same situation with gnomes. (Note: although the rules I use include Halflings, there are no such creatures in this world.)

The countries are Alnor to the west and Sorlak to the east. Their history consists of wars for territory with peace periods in-between. Currently they have been in a state of war for 2 years and there is no peace in sight. The juiciest lands are in the west, belonging to Alnor. This leads many to believe that they are what Sorlak is after. However, most of the wars were started by Alnor, including the current one.

 

The game starts in the capital of Alnor – Relington.

 

Alnor Geography

 

Relington is situated in the north of the island, beside the great river Alcaran. Near the city, before reaching the sea, the river flows in a bend creating ample land suitable for farming. To the east lie the Downs of Dolor, where the border runs between two countries. West of Relington is a great Desert of Death. Some nomadic tribes wander there, though little contact has been made with them (although there is trade with them). Northwest of the desert is an inland sea Firlon. The river Alnorad flows from the sea into the ocean to the north. Near the river is the city Lostor. On the sea’s eastern shore there are ample salt deposits, and Lostor oversees the mining operations. In the southeast is the chain of Andalas, where river Alcaran starts. The city of Starlight is situated not far from the chain, for in these mountains live the dwarves in their ancient city of Khoz, and trade goes very well between the two races. West of the chain is the great Forest of Mist, where Alnor gets most of its timber. To the southwest of the island is the chain of Urason, where giants live. Beyond that is uncharted territory, for none have yet been able to pass through the Valley of Blood. Jarlon’s Keep guards against occasional attacks by the giants.

 

Alnor Politics

 

Alnor is a strict feudal monarchy. The king has absolute power over every aspect of life. To take the strain off him, the king has trusted advisors dealing with the most important kingdom-wide aspects. The advisors are: Military Advisor, Overseer of Magistrates, The Royal Archmage and the Agricultural Advisor. Minor cities are ruled by mayors who only need to pay the king taxes. Major cities are run by magistrates who answer directly to the Overseer in their actions. Farms and villages answer to the local landlord who has military obligations to the king.

 

Sorlak Politics

 

Sorlak can be considered a parliamentary monarchy. There is a senate along with the king, and it does the duties of advisors. They can also change laws, but nothing will pass without the king’s approval. The rest is just like Alnor.

 

History

 

It is now the year 476. The first written records come from the year 0, and this is taken as the basis. According to the compiled knowledge of Alnor, the two kingdoms had already existed in the time those documents were written in. They have also been warring throughout the known history, with occasional peace periods. Nothing whatsoever is known of the years before that. Contact with dwarves was made around the year 20 and trade with them has been going on ever since. The kings also hired dwarves as mercenaries in their wars. The king has not yet hired the dwarves for the current war.

 

 

First post as well as quest information will follow when players are in.

[SimVig]

Quests

 

There will be several main quests, taken on the choice of players. While doing them you will stumble on various side-quest, though most will have to do with the main job. The quests are all long, so one party will probably stick with one quest. This also means that new parties can be formed in the future while there are still quests to be done.

 

The unfinished navy

For some reason the new navy that the king ordered to be constructed has not reached completion. Because of the king’s own paranoia, he has only the most trusted advisors, and none of these have the attention to spare to find out what is wrong. The king wishes that someone find out the reason and report to him. That person or persons must also then see that the work is reached completion. So far none have volunteered.

 

The expensive salt

The price for salt has steadily increased in recent months, and the supply has diminished. The king wishes to know the reason. This will most likely lead to the salt mines near Lostor.

 

The western wastes

A local great mage believes there is more to the western Wastelands than most people suspect. Because his divining attempts have been futile he has put forth a call towards adventurers to go there and determine why he has failed, and more importantly bring proof of his suspicions of ancient magic there.

 

The silent fortress

There have been no messages from Jarlon’s keep near the chain of Urason lately. The king has no men to spare to send there, so he needs adventurers to investigate the matter.

 

The dwarven stronghold

The dwarves have significantly reduced their amount of trade goods and they refuse to give any reasons. The king wants someone to find out why it is so.

 

This is all common knowledge, so you don’t have to start asking around. You may wish to visit the appropriate people for details though.

 

 

First Post

 

Relington, Alnor – 4. April, 476.

 

The hour is late and some travelers enter the tavern “Gleeful Ward” one after another, and remain standing near the door in search of a spot to sit down. The shops have already closed and the taverns are the only places still open. This particular tavern happens to be quite full. In fact, there is only one table remaining in the far corner – away from the bards. The barkeep is busy producing drinks, and the barmaids delivering it. A couple of bards are playing local popular songs and otherwise entertaining the patrons – juggling, doing acrobatics, and so on. There is quite a lot of room in the tavern normally, but now that it’s so stuffed with people you think you can barely get around there. There are more than 25 tables in all – apparently quite a well-to-do establishment.

Over the background chatter, you can hear occasional laughter breaking out, a couple of insults and other tavern noises. Suddenly, a very harsh insult booms across the room. It echoes from the walls, and before you can find the source of the disturbance, you hear water splashing and a glass breaking. The next moment the barkeep is striding to the middle of the room yelling: “Damn you, Garo! That’s enough out of you! Get out of here, and don’t come back until you’ve washed that ale out of you!” He ‘politely’ escorts Garo past you and out of the tavern door. Then he spots you. “Welcome, welcome, welcome, weary travelers! I don’t recall seeing you around here before.” His eyes fall on Doroth. “Well, always good to see a dwarf here! I’ve been wanting to ask you about…” He considers some time. “Ah, no use… You either don’t know or won’t tell. Anyway – I have all the drinks you could ever desire! I am sure you want a bed to rest it, and some food after the road. There are still many rooms available. You see, all these people,” he gestures towards the patrons, “are locals. They have their own beds to sleep in. They just come here in the evening for the drinks and the news. There’s still one table free there in the corner. If you’d settle yourself in, I’ll be there in a moment with whatever you want… What do you want?”

[Adrian Laguna]

Nikita sits down on the table and looks to the Bartender, "A pint of Ale."

 

Nikita looks at the dwarf and the short woman, motioning them to come over, "Good evening, my name is Nikita. Come, sit down."

[Tilindra Melir]

Sinela nods to the barman. "The same for me as well, please." She takes a sit next to Nikita. "My name is Sinela, It's always interesting to meet new people." She looks around at all the regulars. "Its certainly very crowded here. I wonder if there is a healer in town."

[Kethruch]

Doroth scowls at the sight of the packed inn. "Too many people." He mumbles under his breath. Seeing the drunk get carted out only reinforces his feelings about places like this. However, beggars can't be choosers. He knew that there'd be nights like this, he just didn't expect them so soon. The barkeep's interest in him only serves to put him deeper into his shell, but the interest, even if it were feigned, is noted and silently filed away for later.

 

Nikita seems all right, not really like the rest, and being a member of a small group in the corner is always preferable to not being a member of a large group. Doroth's ears angel up with Sinela's thoughts. Perhaps these are two with whom he can deal. Perhaps he might stay with them, at least until he can get on his own, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

 

"Thank you, milady." He says to Nikita, bowing deeply, a move to show respect that he knows simply exaggerates his lack of height compared to the humans. "I would be honored to join you. I am Doroth, obviously a Dwarf. Born in Khoz, though I currently call no place home."

 

He turns and bows to Sinela as well. "Hail and well met, lady Sinela. I am afraid I do not share your enthusiasm of meeting others. However, your mention of a healer is of some interest to me. Are you wounded? I have some skills in this area, and would be more than happy to help one such as yourself."

[Emry]

Celiorion enters the tavern and grins as the wash of noise and light assault his senses. A fine establishment... full of warmth and merriment. This is a good place to be. he thinks to himself. Looking around for the proprietor, his eyes widen when he recognizes a dwarf on the other side of the room. A smile flickers across his lips as he thinks, "A rockbrother! Truly, I am blessed this evening. But first things first.."

 

He walks carefully over to the proprietor, waiting respectfully for him to finish his current conversation. When the innkeeper looks his way, he begins to speak in his low, melodious voice.

 

"Good evening, goodsir. My name is Celiorion, and I am a traveller from the east. I am in need of lodging for the evening, but, to be honest, I am currently without funds. I gave the last of my coin to a poor family who was burned out of their home a few days ago. There need for the coin was greater than mine. I was wondering if there was any work which needed to be done in trade for my sleeping in the stable's hayloft. Perhaps chopping wood or mucking out of the stables?"

 

He waits patiently for the innkeeper's answer.

[SimVig]

April 4 - 22.30

 

OOC: I am assuming that Celiorion is wearing a hood to hide his pointy ears.

 

The barkeeper takes a good look at Celiorion. After a while studying him, he says "Another one, huh. Alright. Can you sing or play something? If so, those there," he motions at the bards "have already earned their rooms. Go and replace them. You can take the instruments from the table there." There are several musical instruments on the table he directed you to - lutes, flutes, gongs, a glockenspiel and a viola.

After dealing with Celiorion the barkeep gets the drinks for Sinela and Nikita and brings them over. "What would you like, good Dwarf?"

Then he speaks to all of them. "Have a good evening. Tell me when you want to go to bed."

[Tilindra Melir]

Sinela looks appreciatively at Dolroth. "Thank you for your concern, good sir, but I am perfectly well. My interest is because I am a healer myself. I travel around, healing those that need it."

[Emry]

Celiorion nods his thanks to the innkeeper and walks over to the table with the instruments. Looking over the selection, he picks up a carved wooden flute. Winding his way to the corner he takes a stool and sits upon it and then frowns to himself. "I can't play with my hood on. Oh well, they will find out what I am soon enough. Let's make this a night for these good people to remember...." he thinks to himself.

 

He lowers his hood, brings the flute to his lips and begins to play an Elven melody that his father taught him.

[SimVig]

April 4 - 22.35

 

As the short-lasting silence if broken by Celiorion’s melody, several eyes turn to look at the new performer, including the barkeeper. After several moments of complete stillness in the tavern, the barkeeper mutters in a low voice “Well I’ll be… Wonders never cease. A fairy-tale, a legend – right here in my inn! I am truly blessed this evening. An elf! No-one will believe this…”

Suddenly there is a lot of murmuring around the tavern. The patrons are all looking at Celiorion and discussing him with their friends. The barkeep is listening to him playing, and has apparently completely forgotten the travelers at the table next to him.

When Celiorion finishes his song, the barkeeper hurries towards him. “You are an elf! I never thought your kind were real. Oh, I should have listened to my brother. He always said that legends don’t come from nowhere. I now see that there are many wonders still to experience in this world. Oh, but I forget my manners. You are welcome to stay here as long as you like! Would you like to eat something – it’s on the house.”

He continues muttering in front of Celiorion, having completely forgotten everything else.