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− | == | + | ==Giants of Estvald== |
− | + | The western mountains are ruled over by the giants, a country they | |
− | + | call Estvald, which they seized control from the Dwarves nearly 500 | |
− | The western mountains are ruled over by the | ||
− | call Estvald | ||
years ago. It is filled with great mountain cities. It is actually | years ago. It is filled with great mountain cities. It is actually | ||
an eastern extension of a larger giantish kingdom to the west where | an eastern extension of a larger giantish kingdom to the west where | ||
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Dwarves and other outsiders are unwelcome in giantish lands, although | Dwarves and other outsiders are unwelcome in giantish lands, although | ||
− | the | + | the occaisional gnome may be found within the mountain kingdom. |
Humans of the giantish kingdom are fully integrated into giantish | Humans of the giantish kingdom are fully integrated into giantish | ||
culture and have little in common and no sympathy for the human | culture and have little in common and no sympathy for the human | ||
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orcish. | orcish. | ||
− | ===Humanoids of The Northern Forest | + | ==Humans== |
+ | ===Humans of The Republic=== | ||
+ | Humans comprise two great empires. The island empire of the north, | ||
+ | called the Republic of the Isles, or more commonly, "The Republic", | ||
+ | and the continental empire of the south, the Empire of Rhode, or | ||
+ | "Rhode". The two empires are currently in a war that has lasted | ||
+ | for more than 20 years. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The humans of the Republic are seafaring masters and are skilled at | ||
+ | naval combat as well as coastal raiding. This from long years of | ||
+ | fighting off pirates from the northern coastal regions. (Some say | ||
+ | from an infusion of northern viking blood from all the raiding as | ||
+ | well.) The northern empire's official religion is the Order of Man. | ||
+ | The emporer is a hereditary figure-head. The actual rulership comes | ||
+ | from the house of lords where each founding nation's noble families | ||
+ | meet in Nolton for 2 months in the summer to pass laws and discuss | ||
+ | national policy and by a group of ministers elected from within those | ||
+ | lords to administer the country. There are currently 15 ministerial | ||
+ | posts, including a prime-minister, a minister of defense, a minister | ||
+ | of justice, and several others. These ministers are the true | ||
+ | rulership of the empire. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Humans of The Empire of Rhode=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | The empire of Rhode is, in fact warring on two fronts, with the | ||
+ | northern humans in the north and the also at war with the elves of the | ||
+ | Shadowwood forest on the south. The economic and military might of | ||
+ | Rhode is great, due to the large amount of fertile land, the temperate | ||
+ | weather and good supply of natural resources, bolstered by Rhode's use | ||
+ | of slave labour. They appear to be doing well in both wars. The | ||
+ | rulership of the south is an imperial monarchy. Lands are divided | ||
+ | into principalities, duchies, counties and baronnys and ruled and | ||
+ | administered by their hereditary nobility. All pay tribute to the | ||
+ | Emporer, both in levies and troops. | ||
+ | |||
+ | All land is owned by the nobility, by law. Most land and businnesses | ||
+ | are also administered by hirelings of the noble families but there are | ||
+ | a small number of commoners who rent from the nobility and run their | ||
+ | own operations. Being low-born is a great impediment in the southern | ||
+ | kingdoms, little better than being a slave, but there is a rising | ||
+ | middle class and growing unrest. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Slavery of non-human races is legal in the south. Humanoids like Orcs | ||
+ | and Goblins are considered too foul to enslave and are always | ||
+ | killed. The most common slaves are half-orcs and halflings. Half-orcs | ||
+ | have been subjugated by the Church and have been taught that there | ||
+ | rightful place in the hierarchy of life is as slaves to humans. | ||
+ | Halflings are mostly Golanites and are pacifists, and as such they are | ||
+ | easy to capture and are model slaves, although their small size makes | ||
+ | them unsuitable for heavy work. Gnomes are also quite common although | ||
+ | they are seen as more troublesome than halflings and just as | ||
+ | unsuitable for heavy labour in addition their mastry of illusion has | ||
+ | led to several slave breakouts. Dwarves are prized for their | ||
+ | craftmanship, but are known to be troublesome slaves. They are | ||
+ | regarded as worth it and are always well guarded. Some wood elves | ||
+ | have been taken as slaves. So far, little gain has come of it, many | ||
+ | wood-elves dying in their attempts to escape, sometimes taking some of | ||
+ | their slave masters with them. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Humans of Prolia== | ||
+ | |||
+ | The northern coasts, "Prolia", are inhabited by humans and half orcs, | ||
+ | although they are more a loose collection of towns and villages more | ||
+ | than a kingdom. These towns pay tribute to the giants of the | ||
+ | mountains, but pre-date the giantish invasion. The orcish blood is | ||
+ | new to Prolia however and has come about by the close ties with the | ||
+ | giantish kingdom. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Prolia was once a unified knigdom. There are ruins of guard towers | ||
+ | along the border to the northern forest, where once Prolian soldiers | ||
+ | kept the goblinoid raids from the north out of the country. Now after | ||
+ | years of paying heavy tribute to the hill giants, Prolia is on the | ||
+ | verge of collapse. Each town and village struggles to survive to feed | ||
+ | itself and to satisfy the Hill Giants. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Prolia exists mostly because the giants are uninterested in the | ||
+ | flatlands near the coast and like the tribute without having to | ||
+ | administer the area. Prolia is however in danger of being overrun by | ||
+ | the goblinoids of the northern forest, who would like better access to | ||
+ | the southlands, but lack the organization to mass in numbers | ||
+ | sufficient to take all of Prolia and who also do not wish to upset the | ||
+ | giants. Rumors of a great hobgoblin leader who has been dealing with | ||
+ | the giants for the right to take prolia persist, but so far only the | ||
+ | northernmost town of Prolia has fallen, and the goblins did not stay | ||
+ | to occupy the area, but retreated to the forest. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Humanoids of The Northern Forest== | ||
The Northern Forest is far reaching and covers all the area north of | The Northern Forest is far reaching and covers all the area north of | ||
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northern humans beyond the hobgoblins, but no one has confirmed this. | northern humans beyond the hobgoblins, but no one has confirmed this. | ||
− | + | ==Dragons== | |
Dragons are not-color coded based on alignment. Although there is | Dragons are not-color coded based on alignment. Although there is | ||
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Dragons commonly allow humanoid towns or villages, and nomadic people | Dragons commonly allow humanoid towns or villages, and nomadic people | ||
− | access to their lands for tribute. Usually tribute is in gold, | + | access to their lands for tribute. Usually tribute is usually in gold, |
− | sometimes in trade goods or craftwork, | + | sometimes in trade goods or craftwork, occaisionally in livestock. |
Some dragons are more involved in the affairs of lesser species, but | Some dragons are more involved in the affairs of lesser species, but | ||
usually limit their involvement to individuals, such as artists, | usually limit their involvement to individuals, such as artists, | ||
crafters, researchers, or adventurers. | crafters, researchers, or adventurers. | ||
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==Elves== | ==Elves== | ||
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===Elves of Shadow Wood=== | ===Elves of Shadow Wood=== | ||
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prized. They are master crafters of wood, leather and stone. Most | prized. They are master crafters of wood, leather and stone. Most | ||
wood-elves are barbarians. Leaders often have Druid levels. | wood-elves are barbarians. Leaders often have Druid levels. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Wood Elves of Alia have the [http://www.d20srd.org/srd/races.htm#elves standard D20 traits for elves], with the following modifications: | ||
+ | * +2 Dexterity, -2 Intelligence. | ||
+ | * Weapon Proficiency: Elves receive the Martial Weapon Proficiency feats for the long spear, longbow (including composite longbow), and shortbow (including composite shortbow) as bonus feats (not rapiers or longswords). | ||
+ | * Favored Class: Barbarian (instead of Wizard). A multiclass elf’s barbarian class does not count when determining whether she takes an experience point penalty for multiclassing. | ||
===Other Elves=== | ===Other Elves=== | ||
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equals, and are fully integrated into human society. They are not | equals, and are fully integrated into human society. They are not | ||
subject to slavery in Rhode (if they have citizenship papers). In the | subject to slavery in Rhode (if they have citizenship papers). In the | ||
− | Republic a few half high elves hold noble titles | + | Republic a few half high elves hold noble titles. Almost all half |
− | |||
elves come from high elf ancestry, and there is some rumor that high | elves come from high elf ancestry, and there is some rumor that high | ||
− | elves, in fact have some distant human ancestry. | + | elves, in fact have some distant human ancestry. High elves have the |
− | + | [http://www.d20srd.org/srd/races.htm#elves standard D20 traits for elves]. | |
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− | + | ==Dwarves (Scattered and of Cragmore)== | |
− | ( | ||
− | |||
− | + | Dwarves are known for their lost empire in the mountains to the west. | |
− | |||
− | Dwarves are known for their lost empire | ||
Their downfall to the might of the giants casts a shadow over all of | Their downfall to the might of the giants casts a shadow over all of | ||
them. The dwarves greatest desire as a people is to re-capture their | them. The dwarves greatest desire as a people is to re-capture their | ||
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many giants, a dwarf will retire as a respected hero, take the title | many giants, a dwarf will retire as a respected hero, take the title | ||
of thane, marry several young dwarf women, sire as many children as he | of thane, marry several young dwarf women, sire as many children as he | ||
− | can and start his own clan-like family. About 1 in | + | can and start his own clan-like family. About 1 in 5 Dwarf men reach |
retirement, and about half of those are awarded the title Thane by the | retirement, and about half of those are awarded the title Thane by the | ||
council of Thanes. Typically a Thane is a 10th to 15th level | council of Thanes. Typically a Thane is a 10th to 15th level | ||
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their adult life. Often they train as clerics of Umos. | their adult life. Often they train as clerics of Umos. | ||
− | Dwarf women are supportive of these social changes | + | Dwarf women are supportive of these social changes eve though this was |
not the way of the old Dwarves. There are a few who refuse to live a | not the way of the old Dwarves. There are a few who refuse to live a | ||
− | cloistered life. | + | cloistered life. Also, some who have proven to be infertile and have |
joined with the men in their quest. One famous rebel, who left to | joined with the men in their quest. One famous rebel, who left to | ||
fight giants in the west, is the venerable "Thane" Griselda, who is | fight giants in the west, is the venerable "Thane" Griselda, who is | ||
responsible for the deaths of more than twenty giants, and who lives | responsible for the deaths of more than twenty giants, and who lives | ||
in a manor in Nolton with three aging Dwarven Keeper husbands. She | in a manor in Nolton with three aging Dwarven Keeper husbands. She | ||
− | bore | + | bore 7 children in her childbearing years (more than average), two of |
whom have are well on their way of becoming Thanes in their own right. | whom have are well on their way of becoming Thanes in their own right. | ||
Although it is a break from their new tradition, most Dwarves | Although it is a break from their new tradition, most Dwarves | ||
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Cragmore is the largest dwarven community, and is located some 200 | Cragmore is the largest dwarven community, and is located some 200 | ||
− | miles north of Nolton, and is home to 500 Thanes, | + | miles north of Nolton, and is home to 500 Thanes, 500 Keepers and a |
− | population of about | + | population of about 15000 (and about 5000 Dwarf adventurers who call |
it home). Many smaller Dwarven communites are scattered throughout | it home). Many smaller Dwarven communites are scattered throughout | ||
the northern empire, most are Clan-homes (Thanes and Keepers from the | the northern empire, most are Clan-homes (Thanes and Keepers from the | ||
− | same family) with typically | + | same family) with typically about 100 dwarves in residence: 3 Thanes |
− | 3 Thanes (10 | + | (10,12,14), 3 Keepers (5,7,9), 30 Wives (5 level 1, 10 level 2, 10 |
level 3, 5 level 4), 60 children/young adults, non-combatant). A | level 3, 5 level 4), 60 children/young adults, non-combatant). A | ||
− | typical Thane has | + | typical Thane has 10 wives, each having 4 children (2 of which are |
− | + | still at home). A community such as this would support 30 adventuring | |
− | A community such as this would support | + | dwarves with same level distribution as the wives, (and 30 dead in the |
− | dwarves with same level distribution as the wives. | + | clan). Typical activities in a clanhome include crafting of armor and |
− | Typical activities in a clanhome include crafting of armor | + | weapons, and magic items for adventuring children. (Many Thanes and |
Keepers take up the mantle of Master Crafter after retirement.) | Keepers take up the mantle of Master Crafter after retirement.) | ||
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− | + | Dwarves of Alia have the [http://www.d20srd.org/srd/races.htm#dwarves standard D20 traits for Dwarves]. | |
===Dwarves of the Depths=== | ===Dwarves of the Depths=== | ||
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traditional ways. They do not send out their sons to prove | traditional ways. They do not send out their sons to prove | ||
themselves, but rather, all fight side by side protecting the family. | themselves, but rather, all fight side by side protecting the family. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Deep Dwarves of Alia have the [http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/dwarf.htm#deepDwarf standard D20 traits for Deep Dwarves] | ||
==Gnomes== | ==Gnomes== | ||
+ | ===Rock Gnomes of Greenhill=== | ||
− | Gnomes have two separate ancestries, | + | Gnomes in the south have suffered a similar plight as Dwarves in |
− | who | + | regards to slavery. Gnomes have two separate ancestries, wood gnomes |
− | and | + | who lived at edges of the great southern forest, and rock gnomes who |
− | + | lived in the foothills near the fallen dwarven empire. | |
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− | When the dwarven empire fell to the giants, the | + | When the dwarven empire fell to the giants, the gnomes of the hills |
− | fought along side the dwarves | + | fought along side the dwarves, but after their defeat, after the |
− | dwarven halls fell, the | + | dwarven halls fell, the rock gnomes decided to make peace with the |
giants and to pay tribute to them. The remaining dwarves, who had | giants and to pay tribute to them. The remaining dwarves, who had | ||
nowhere to rally were forced to flee into human lands where they | nowhere to rally were forced to flee into human lands where they | ||
− | settled | + | settled. Although the Dwarves were incensed with the Gnomes after |
+ | their betrayal, the years have softened their hearts and Dwarves have | ||
+ | forgiven their surrender and remembered their support before the | ||
+ | defeat, realizing that the Gnomes did not need to sacrifice themselves | ||
+ | in vengeance against the dwarves. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Rock Gnomes have paid tribute to the giants since then and with | ||
+ | the heavy tribute to the giants and without the trade with the great | ||
+ | dwarven empire their kingdom has stagnated, no longer the great center | ||
+ | of learning and magical research that it was. They now covertly | ||
+ | support the Dwarves in their dream of eventual return. | ||
− | + | Rock Gnomes have [http://www.d20srd.org/srd/races.htm#gnomes the standard D20 traits for Gnomes]. | |
===Wood Gnomes of Shadow Wood=== | ===Wood Gnomes of Shadow Wood=== | ||
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Recently the wood gnomes have lost thier communities near the edge of the Shadow Wood to the expansion of the southern empire. Some were enslaved, some fled to the north, others fled deeper into the forests and joined with the wood elves, a few traveled to the kingdom of the Rock Gnomes. More than half the Wood Gnome villages have been conquered. | Recently the wood gnomes have lost thier communities near the edge of the Shadow Wood to the expansion of the southern empire. Some were enslaved, some fled to the north, others fled deeper into the forests and joined with the wood elves, a few traveled to the kingdom of the Rock Gnomes. More than half the Wood Gnome villages have been conquered. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Wood Gnomes have [http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/gnome.htm#forestGnome the standard D20 traits for Forest Gnomes], with the following difference: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Favored Class: Ranger. A multiclass gnome’s ranger class does not count when determining whether he takes an experience point penalty. | ||
===Gnomes of the Depths=== | ===Gnomes of the Depths=== | ||
− | + | Some gnomes have joined the Deep Dwarves in their colonization of the | |
+ | depths. The Deep Gnomes, like the Grey Dwarves do not differ significantly | ||
+ | from their surface brethren, with one exception. They are adapting to | ||
+ | the dark and have gained limited Darkvision. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Deep Gnomes have [http://www.d20srd.org/srd/races.htm#gnomes the standard D20 traits for Gnomes] with the following additional racial trait: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Darkvision out to 90 feet. | ||
+ | * Light Sensitivity: Deep gnomes are dazzled in bright sunlight or within the radius of a daylight spell. | ||
==Halflings (Scattered)== | ==Halflings (Scattered)== | ||
Few know it, but the gentle, rural halfling folk of the land were once | Few know it, but the gentle, rural halfling folk of the land were once | ||
− | a fierce and strong empire covering the western part of the | + | a fierce and strong empire covering the western part of the empire of |
− | + | rhode. They were nomadic barbarians that ruled the plains, riding on | |
fierce riding dogs trained for war. Much of the old ways are lost to | fierce riding dogs trained for war. Much of the old ways are lost to | ||
the halflings who now mostly exist in scattered enclaves throughout | the halflings who now mostly exist in scattered enclaves throughout | ||
− | the Republic, and as slaves in Rhode. Many halflings are Golonites | + | the Republic, and as slaves in Rhode. Many halflings are Golonites, |
− | + | and the three halfling towns that exist in Rhode are within Dragon | |
+ | fiefdoms. | ||
− | + | Halflings of alia have the | |
+ | [http://www.d20srd.org/srd/races.htm#halflings standard D20 traits for Halflings], | ||
+ | with the following modifications: | ||
− | + | * Favored Class: Druid (instead of Rogue). A multiclass halfling’s druid class does not count when determining whether she takes an experience point penalty for multiclassing. |