Lobo Lurker
First Post
This is the world: Over 6,000 years ago, Gregor the Lion conquered what is now known as the 12 Freeholds. The Freeholds sprawl across the Khineblack Mountans and down into the verdant Boar Plains. Each of the Freehold stand beside, near or astride one of the 12 great rivers of of the gods.
To the East... [sBlock]Far to the east, over trackless wastes and freezing deserts lies the dwarven kingdom of Khalided. The dwarves aren't travelers and thier prediliction for hard work and unity is well known amongst the people of the Freeholds, though no one has actually seen a dwarf in several decades, save for the odd merchantile concern and high-dignitaries of each freehold.
Khalided's borders have always been closed and the dwarves always ignore any pleas for aid or refuge.[/sblock]
To the South... [sblock]To the south, in the land of the river deltas, lies the savage goblin kingdom of Gnash. Goblinoid farmers trade the fruit of thier labors all over the world and are well-known as excellent sailors and warriors (hobgoblins anyway). Gnash's king has worked hard over the last six decades to protect his kingdom from outsiders (borders being well-defended and closed to non-goblinoids) and to raise a defensable and self-sustaining civilization to compete with the other humanoids; he has been largely successful in this endeavor. Gnash produces most (80%) of the fruits, vegetables, beers and breads consumed by the other kingdoms and has grown rich and fat off of its profits.[/sblock]
Freeholders tend to think of thier country (or rather, thier city-state) as the center of the world. Through trade pacts and simple location, they control most of the transport and shipping throughout the lands and thier diplomats are often consulted by the other humanoid races. Halflings and Gnomes, while nominally members of Freehold city-state near them, generally set themselves apart. While not everyone in the Freeholds has actually seen a Gnome or Halfling, everyone at least knows someone who's actually met and had an ale with one.
There are two other human nations, Natal and Tariqasia in the Western mountains and in the desert beyond the goblin-kingdom of Gnash. Freeholders don't know too much about them though due to thier isolation and distance; thier governments maintain diplomatic ties and embassies, however.
The Freeholds have enjoyed over 300 years of peace and prosperity. King Jerod the fifth has reigned for 40 years as his wife has born him 12 children (all daughters), as is custom.
Two weeks ago the King and his 12 Lord-Marshals sought a portent from the 12 great temples. Two weeks ago the gods fell silent. One week ago the sky rained fire. One week ago the Elves came.
Each of you hails from one of the 12 Freeholds. Each of you has lost family and friends to a lightning-quick invasion by intelligent, magically-apt humanoids who harbor a hatred of humans so intense that they take few prisoners and kill all diplomats. There will be no negotiation. 7 of the Freeholds have already fallen. As the greatest hero of your city-state, one whos name is uttered in hope by your fellow citizens, you were summoned to King Jerod's side yesterday. By means magical or mundane, you are here at his bedside surrounded by several of his daughters and thier remaining guardians. The sound of fighting can be heard outside as magical blasts detonate and war horns are sounded.
An old, balding white-haired man wearing the crimson and gold of the Kingsguard kneels at the Kings side and says, quietly, "Sire, they've arrived."
Ancient blue eyes, filled with terrible pain, regard you. "Thank you for answering my summons in these most difficult times." He pauses and laborously takes a breath. "I am not long for this world but I would see my daughters and my legacy survive."
"I want you to take them and the good captain here away, to safety. These invaders have outmatched us and I doubt we will survive another week of this." He pauses before continuing.
"They," he indicates his older daughters "... they'll want to do something, to fight back; Help them... but not today. Today get them to safety. To Gnash, to Tariqasia or Natal, or maybe just to the mountains. Get them away from here, round up the survivors and rebuild."
He coughs violently and when he removes his hand his lips are are flecked with blood. "This is the dying wish of your king. The Lord-Marshals are fighting back, they may win but I don't want you to concern yourself with that. Your concern is for my daughters, they must survive. Will you do this for a dying old man?"
____________________________________
Recently aquired knowledge:
* Invaders call themselves Elves.
* Invaders are, to a one, magically adept.
* Invaders seem intent on killing every man, woman and child.
* Invaders seem to make exentive use of magical rods and wands.
* Invaders are aided by Djinn.
To the East... [sBlock]Far to the east, over trackless wastes and freezing deserts lies the dwarven kingdom of Khalided. The dwarves aren't travelers and thier prediliction for hard work and unity is well known amongst the people of the Freeholds, though no one has actually seen a dwarf in several decades, save for the odd merchantile concern and high-dignitaries of each freehold.
Khalided's borders have always been closed and the dwarves always ignore any pleas for aid or refuge.[/sblock]
To the South... [sblock]To the south, in the land of the river deltas, lies the savage goblin kingdom of Gnash. Goblinoid farmers trade the fruit of thier labors all over the world and are well-known as excellent sailors and warriors (hobgoblins anyway). Gnash's king has worked hard over the last six decades to protect his kingdom from outsiders (borders being well-defended and closed to non-goblinoids) and to raise a defensable and self-sustaining civilization to compete with the other humanoids; he has been largely successful in this endeavor. Gnash produces most (80%) of the fruits, vegetables, beers and breads consumed by the other kingdoms and has grown rich and fat off of its profits.[/sblock]
Freeholders tend to think of thier country (or rather, thier city-state) as the center of the world. Through trade pacts and simple location, they control most of the transport and shipping throughout the lands and thier diplomats are often consulted by the other humanoid races. Halflings and Gnomes, while nominally members of Freehold city-state near them, generally set themselves apart. While not everyone in the Freeholds has actually seen a Gnome or Halfling, everyone at least knows someone who's actually met and had an ale with one.
There are two other human nations, Natal and Tariqasia in the Western mountains and in the desert beyond the goblin-kingdom of Gnash. Freeholders don't know too much about them though due to thier isolation and distance; thier governments maintain diplomatic ties and embassies, however.
The Freeholds have enjoyed over 300 years of peace and prosperity. King Jerod the fifth has reigned for 40 years as his wife has born him 12 children (all daughters), as is custom.
Two weeks ago the King and his 12 Lord-Marshals sought a portent from the 12 great temples. Two weeks ago the gods fell silent. One week ago the sky rained fire. One week ago the Elves came.
Each of you hails from one of the 12 Freeholds. Each of you has lost family and friends to a lightning-quick invasion by intelligent, magically-apt humanoids who harbor a hatred of humans so intense that they take few prisoners and kill all diplomats. There will be no negotiation. 7 of the Freeholds have already fallen. As the greatest hero of your city-state, one whos name is uttered in hope by your fellow citizens, you were summoned to King Jerod's side yesterday. By means magical or mundane, you are here at his bedside surrounded by several of his daughters and thier remaining guardians. The sound of fighting can be heard outside as magical blasts detonate and war horns are sounded.
An old, balding white-haired man wearing the crimson and gold of the Kingsguard kneels at the Kings side and says, quietly, "Sire, they've arrived."
Ancient blue eyes, filled with terrible pain, regard you. "Thank you for answering my summons in these most difficult times." He pauses and laborously takes a breath. "I am not long for this world but I would see my daughters and my legacy survive."
"I want you to take them and the good captain here away, to safety. These invaders have outmatched us and I doubt we will survive another week of this." He pauses before continuing.
"They," he indicates his older daughters "... they'll want to do something, to fight back; Help them... but not today. Today get them to safety. To Gnash, to Tariqasia or Natal, or maybe just to the mountains. Get them away from here, round up the survivors and rebuild."
He coughs violently and when he removes his hand his lips are are flecked with blood. "This is the dying wish of your king. The Lord-Marshals are fighting back, they may win but I don't want you to concern yourself with that. Your concern is for my daughters, they must survive. Will you do this for a dying old man?"
____________________________________
Recently aquired knowledge:
* Invaders call themselves Elves.
* Invaders are, to a one, magically adept.
* Invaders seem intent on killing every man, woman and child.
* Invaders seem to make exentive use of magical rods and wands.
* Invaders are aided by Djinn.