Mythological Age
The time before humanity (including all sentient humanoids) is a time of much speculation among scholars. Little is known about this time, as we have little information to go on. Various myths about this time have been shared from the oldest known tribes and some evidence of activity has survived to be uncovered by modern scholars.
During this time, the Ancient Ones still walked the realm and shaped the world. However, they are believed to leave the plane when (or perhaps shortly thereafter) humanity was formed. The Ancient Ones now only exist in the demi-plane of Heathandrus. When they left, the most powerful beats and animals of the world competed for control of a world now open for conquest.
Prehistoric Age
Before his time, the beasts and wilderness of the realm ruled supreme. The prehistoric age is the time when mankind was just another creature trying to survive; when his civilization was nothing more than small, family-like clans of hunter/gatherers who had no means of writing, no unifying language, no distinct culture, nor any land they called home. They worked with stone or wood tools and eked out a living by surviving the elements of nature to the best of their ability.
This is a time when the large, gray wolves ruled the land, massive squids ruled the sea, and the majestic owls soared supreme through the sky. Man was one of the hunted, and would only venture out so far as to keep his clan fed, but he would not hold dominion over any land he wandered through.
The biggest achievement mankind had was survival. He was successful at spreading out, and clans migrated across the whole of the continent. It is believed that the earliest tribes of mankind split off and wandered the world. Once isolated from other clans, their descendants became the various races that now are familiar throughout Scandiaca. It is believed that the various sentient races descended from some original species of proto-humans.
The invention of agriculture marks the end of this era, for it allowed humanity to settle down, and lay claim to lands that would give rise to the first settlements in Scandiaca.
Dawning Age
With the discovery of agriculture, mankind was able to form permanent settlements in Scandiaca. Agriculture gave rise to domestication of animals, and that eventually led to communities which formed around the common desire for food, shelter, and protection. The first settlement was called Brylor, and it would eventually become the largest city the continent would ever see (the city which is now called “Three Rivers”). Towns and villages began to show up anywhere a population could be sustained.
The beasts which held dominion on the realm were held at bay; and some were even driven out of lands which they had ruled for centuries. This is when humanity became the dominant creature in Scandiaca. Many of the beasts from the prehistoric age became pack animals, food, or pets. Mankind conquered not only the land, but also the sea. Ships were built and nearby islands were settled.
City-states were the largest organization which existed, however. Other than controlling one large settlement, and perhaps some nearby villages, man was not organized enough to maintain an entire nation. However, after the founding of Brevikia, the Dawning Age came to a close.
Kingdoms Age
Brevikia was the first of many nations. For the first time in history, mankind had control over more than just a settlement. Borders emerged as cities were unified. National governments were founded and lands were claimed. These kingdoms were both a great benefit for the people, and an agonizing bane.
Many kingdoms sought further expansion and control, and those nations found themselves warring with nearby kingdoms. This era is usually known as the bloodiest era in Scandiaca’s history. As soon as nations arose, they also fell to other kingdoms.
Although many powerful nations were in existence, their ambitions of controlling the whole of Scandiaca never was realized. At no point did any kingdom reach even 20% control over the land area. There simply were too many other nations which held power, and no effective way to rule over such a large area of land.
Halcyon Age
The dawning of the Eruben empire began this age. It began in Brendis Ban, and the Eruben nation grew outward. However, although some expansion was due to conquest, the Eruben nation expanded diplomatically just as effectively. The fledgling empire was the first true democracy to exist, and the populace loved their freedoms.
At the height of the Eruben Empire’s power, it controlled the northern territory all the way east until it reached the Elder Weald forest. It controlled the entire west coast all of the way down to modern-day Korid. Even Kingsburgh was within its domain. Though the Eruben empire did not control the entire continent, its influence was felt throughout Scandiaca.
The Eruben empire brought in an age of enlightenment which was enjoyed by the entire realm. Those who were not part of the empire sought to join it, or at least emulate it.
Feral Age
It was not a foreign power nor internal corruption which brought down the mightiest empire the world has ever seen. It was the wilderness itself which broke it apart. It is during this time when we see the emergence of large, intelligent beasts. It is said that some saw wolves which were the size of an elephant, and snakes as long as a river. These beasts were unprecedented, and drove the people away from the forests.
The forest itself underwent a massive change. It grew wild and erratic; it emerged fast and the edges of the forests and swamps of the land expanded. Small hamlets were overgrown by the wilderness, or wiped out by attacks from feral beasts. This happened across the entire continent. Those who survived sought shelter in larger towns. But as time went on, the size of the settlement which were being attacked or lost grew. Eventually no small settlements remained. Then small villages were removed; eventually, even decent-sized towns were lost.
Mankind retreated behind the highest, strongest walls of the largest cities. Because of this, humanity’s presence in Scandiaca became sparse. Outside of the large city-states, there were few other protected areas which were deemed safe. This made travel between cities dangerous and fewer caravans braved the wilderness. As a result, the city-states lost contact with each other. Each one adopted their own cultures and laws. The Eruben Empire fell apart even though each city-state still believed they were in the same empire.
Eventually, after time went by, those larger than life beasts simply disappeared, and the advance of the wilderness halted. However, the world was immeasurably changed. One thing that did not return to the way it was before was plant life in general. More species of intelligent plants emerged and are still around today.
Modern Age
This age is still debated by scholars. Those who believe we have entered a new age attribute the decline of wilderness hostilities and the reclamation of lands lost from the Halcyon Age. The presence of mankind across the land has expanded now that the threat seems to have subsided.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Friday, July 22, 2016
Adventure 01 - Rude Awakening
Adventure 01 - Rude Awakening
2016-07-20
3rd Month (The Gale), days 12 through 16
The PCs were on a caravan heading northeast toward the town of Breezeway when it was attacked by a number of figures wearing black, hooded cloaks. Those attackers took down all who were part of the caravan. Luckily, the PCs managed to self-stabilize, but no one else was as fortunate. (The adventure officially begins here.)
The PCs awoke and found the bodies of the other passengers, but they also saw one of the passengers, a woman named Nyma, killed execution-style with a sign hung upon her which simply said "witch". The PCs survived an attack by some wild dogs then continued onto Breezeway.
They arrived in town to find a large crowd surrounding a debate between the mayor (Nasa Grey) and a member of the Trakias Wolf Trade Emporium, Keyvoos, debating the power of the city versus the power of the guilds. The PCs were spotted by members of the Dark Horse mercenary guild. When two of the PCs broke off from the rest, they were attacked. However, the PCs survived this assault and the surviving atacker, Jalend Vaso, fled the scene while onf of his guards (Ocadm) was taken into custody.
The PCs arranged another meeting with Jalend and this time they defeated his guard Ocadm again, then they were able to find out that Dark Horse was specifically hired to find Nyma by a person named Lyte. Lyte believes Nyma to be a witch who cursed his son and killed him with a disease.
The PCs found more information about Nyma's faction, the Silver Tree Witchdom, from a woman named Tidha. Now, the PCs are preparing to seek out Lyte.
Reputation Modifiers
Information Gathered
Contacts
2016-07-20
3rd Month (The Gale), days 12 through 16
The PCs were on a caravan heading northeast toward the town of Breezeway when it was attacked by a number of figures wearing black, hooded cloaks. Those attackers took down all who were part of the caravan. Luckily, the PCs managed to self-stabilize, but no one else was as fortunate. (The adventure officially begins here.)
The PCs awoke and found the bodies of the other passengers, but they also saw one of the passengers, a woman named Nyma, killed execution-style with a sign hung upon her which simply said "witch". The PCs survived an attack by some wild dogs then continued onto Breezeway.
They arrived in town to find a large crowd surrounding a debate between the mayor (Nasa Grey) and a member of the Trakias Wolf Trade Emporium, Keyvoos, debating the power of the city versus the power of the guilds. The PCs were spotted by members of the Dark Horse mercenary guild. When two of the PCs broke off from the rest, they were attacked. However, the PCs survived this assault and the surviving atacker, Jalend Vaso, fled the scene while onf of his guards (Ocadm) was taken into custody.
The PCs arranged another meeting with Jalend and this time they defeated his guard Ocadm again, then they were able to find out that Dark Horse was specifically hired to find Nyma by a person named Lyte. Lyte believes Nyma to be a witch who cursed his son and killed him with a disease.
The PCs found more information about Nyma's faction, the Silver Tree Witchdom, from a woman named Tidha. Now, the PCs are preparing to seek out Lyte.
Reputation Modifiers
- +1 Reputation with the Silver Tree Witchdom
- -1 Reputation with Dark Horse Mercenary Guild
Information Gathered
- "The Banaxia family has not paid enough attention to the outlying settlements" (Rumor from Breezeway Inn)
- "I wonder if the Elder Weald can ever be tamed?" (Rumor from Breezeway Inn)
- The village of 3rd Moon in southern Brazenwood has never been reclaimed. (Exploration option)
- Down river from Breezeway are some hillside caves which may be worth a look. (Exploration option).
Contacts
- Nasa Grey - Mayor of Breezeway
- Keyvoos - Trakias Wolf Trade Emporium
- Jalend Vaso - Lieutenant of Dark Horse
- Tidha - Breezeway resident; Silver Tree Witchdom member
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Aedok Territory - Town of Breezeway
Breezeway is a small town of around 700 citizens which is located near the beginning of the Brawlings River which flows downstream (north) to Nix, Aedok, and eventually, Bright Point, and the Northern Ocean.
Breezeway was named after the Breezeway Inn, which was built here a few hundred years ago. At that point, there was a road, but no other settlements nearby. After the Breezeway Inn was founded, it attracted some other merchants who moved in to setup their own stroefronts and the inn turned into the central point of a small hamlet.
Unfortunately, about 30 years ago, the Breezeway Inn burned down (a lantern was tipped over in the adjoining stable and quickly spread fire through the building), removing the landmark which this city was named. The town was able to survive this incident and a new Breezeway Inn was created.
The land around Breezeway is not well suited for farming, though there are several good places for herding animals. Breezeway does import food from surrounding farms and from locations such as Nix. Because Breezeway lies between two large city-states (Aedok to the north and Norvino to the southwest), it does see travelers and merchants. Since it lies near the end of the river, it sees travelers as they switch from river to road and vice versa.
Adventure Notes:
The campaign, "Northern Odyssey" begins here in Breezeway. The PCs are part of a caravan heading north into the town. The caravan includes numerous travelers, as is common through the Scandiaca wilderness, most of whom are moving onto Nix or, more likely, Aedok itself. The PCs should have their own reasons for traveling into the territory of Aedok. It is not necessary for any of the PCs to "know" each other prior to this first adventure, though all PCs will be aware of all other caravan travelers by the time the adventure starts.
The caravan includes two wagons with various cargo, one coach, and a total of 18 people (including the PCs).
Breezeway was named after the Breezeway Inn, which was built here a few hundred years ago. At that point, there was a road, but no other settlements nearby. After the Breezeway Inn was founded, it attracted some other merchants who moved in to setup their own stroefronts and the inn turned into the central point of a small hamlet.
Unfortunately, about 30 years ago, the Breezeway Inn burned down (a lantern was tipped over in the adjoining stable and quickly spread fire through the building), removing the landmark which this city was named. The town was able to survive this incident and a new Breezeway Inn was created.
The land around Breezeway is not well suited for farming, though there are several good places for herding animals. Breezeway does import food from surrounding farms and from locations such as Nix. Because Breezeway lies between two large city-states (Aedok to the north and Norvino to the southwest), it does see travelers and merchants. Since it lies near the end of the river, it sees travelers as they switch from river to road and vice versa.
Adventure Notes:
The campaign, "Northern Odyssey" begins here in Breezeway. The PCs are part of a caravan heading north into the town. The caravan includes numerous travelers, as is common through the Scandiaca wilderness, most of whom are moving onto Nix or, more likely, Aedok itself. The PCs should have their own reasons for traveling into the territory of Aedok. It is not necessary for any of the PCs to "know" each other prior to this first adventure, though all PCs will be aware of all other caravan travelers by the time the adventure starts.
The caravan includes two wagons with various cargo, one coach, and a total of 18 people (including the PCs).
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
City-State of Aedok and Surrounding Territory
Aedok is a large city-state in north-central Scandiaca. It is home to over 110,000 people and is ideally located along a long river and near a large forest. Aedok has many elevation changes within the city and the roads are short and twisted. Many are still just dirt and grass instead of stone which adds to frustrations for visiting caravans. Navigation is difficult given the layout of the city and the roads, and this creates natural divisions within the city.
There is a large port on the river side of the city which handles traffic from upstream (Breezeway and Nix) and downstream (to Bright Point and the Northern Ocean).
Aedok is ruled by the Banaxia family as a traditional monarchy. The Banaxia family have ruled for five generations now. The current monarch, King Madrison Banaxia, ascended to the throne in 3340.
History
Aedok was settled relatively late in the Dawning Era by people known as the Ridi. They were a tribal and pastoral people who made their home along the hills and river basin of Aedok. It is estimated that there were a total of 16 major tribes known collectively as the Ridimok; each of them with their own religious practices (mostly shamanistic). Generations of conflict between them in an effort to control the Aedok territory resulted in the eventual consolidation of most tribes. However, none of the consolidated kingdoms ever wielded full control over the territory. Over time, Ridoran, the greatest tribe emerged and held influence over all other tribes (though the Ridoran people did not see a need to drive out other tribes).
The tribes of the Aedok territory were eventually overrun or absorbed into the Eruben empire during the Halcyon age. It was the first territory outside of Brendis Ban to fall under the control of the Eruben. Although they were allowed their tribal ways, eventually, much of the old ways before the conquest were lost.
Unfortunately, due to its proximity to the Elder Weald, it was also the first territory to fall during the Feral age that followed. Once isolated from the Eruben capital, it eventually gained its independence again and the city of Aedok became the monarchy which exists today.
Cities
Bright Point - Bright Point sits at the mouth of the Brawlings River which empties into Bright Point Bay. There are almost 20,000 residents in this bustling seaport.
Shawsburgh - Along the southern edge of the Soulspine forest sits the city of Shawsburgh. There are 12,500 permanent residents in this city.
Thron’s Branch - Thron’s Branch is the last significant settlement before entering the vast Elder Weald. It holds around 8,000 people within the city.
Towns
Breezeway - The hilltop town of Breezeway sits at the beginning of the river which flows down through Nix, Aedok, and eventually, Bright Point. It has almost 700 citizens in the town.
Ensal - Ensal is a large fishing and farming town on the northern coast of Scandiaca. It has a population of over 2,700 people.
Kavis - A town with a population of 1,500 citizens, Kavis serves as the mid way point between Aedok and Thron’s Branch.
Nix - Nix is a large town located further upriver from the city-state of Aedok. A lot of traffic goes through this town and this contributes to the town’s booming population of nearly 4,000 citizens.
Wells - Wells started as a logging town, but has grown significantly once the road through Shawsburgh was completed. Now the town holds over 2,000 citizens and remains a significant contributor to the logging needs of the surrounding area.
There is a large port on the river side of the city which handles traffic from upstream (Breezeway and Nix) and downstream (to Bright Point and the Northern Ocean).
Aedok is ruled by the Banaxia family as a traditional monarchy. The Banaxia family have ruled for five generations now. The current monarch, King Madrison Banaxia, ascended to the throne in 3340.
History
Aedok was settled relatively late in the Dawning Era by people known as the Ridi. They were a tribal and pastoral people who made their home along the hills and river basin of Aedok. It is estimated that there were a total of 16 major tribes known collectively as the Ridimok; each of them with their own religious practices (mostly shamanistic). Generations of conflict between them in an effort to control the Aedok territory resulted in the eventual consolidation of most tribes. However, none of the consolidated kingdoms ever wielded full control over the territory. Over time, Ridoran, the greatest tribe emerged and held influence over all other tribes (though the Ridoran people did not see a need to drive out other tribes).
The tribes of the Aedok territory were eventually overrun or absorbed into the Eruben empire during the Halcyon age. It was the first territory outside of Brendis Ban to fall under the control of the Eruben. Although they were allowed their tribal ways, eventually, much of the old ways before the conquest were lost.
Unfortunately, due to its proximity to the Elder Weald, it was also the first territory to fall during the Feral age that followed. Once isolated from the Eruben capital, it eventually gained its independence again and the city of Aedok became the monarchy which exists today.
Cities
Bright Point - Bright Point sits at the mouth of the Brawlings River which empties into Bright Point Bay. There are almost 20,000 residents in this bustling seaport.
Shawsburgh - Along the southern edge of the Soulspine forest sits the city of Shawsburgh. There are 12,500 permanent residents in this city.
Thron’s Branch - Thron’s Branch is the last significant settlement before entering the vast Elder Weald. It holds around 8,000 people within the city.
Towns
Breezeway - The hilltop town of Breezeway sits at the beginning of the river which flows down through Nix, Aedok, and eventually, Bright Point. It has almost 700 citizens in the town.
Ensal - Ensal is a large fishing and farming town on the northern coast of Scandiaca. It has a population of over 2,700 people.
Kavis - A town with a population of 1,500 citizens, Kavis serves as the mid way point between Aedok and Thron’s Branch.
Nix - Nix is a large town located further upriver from the city-state of Aedok. A lot of traffic goes through this town and this contributes to the town’s booming population of nearly 4,000 citizens.
Wells - Wells started as a logging town, but has grown significantly once the road through Shawsburgh was completed. Now the town holds over 2,000 citizens and remains a significant contributor to the logging needs of the surrounding area.
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