SableWyvern
Adventurer
Before the Rose, Mendalia was doomed to eternal strife, perpetuating itself unto the death of all.
Then came the Time of Quiet, and with it visions of the Final Conflict. But the demonic armies that the sages heralded did not come, and finally Mirdallis, High Priestess of the Sacred Order Above spoke on behalf of the gods.
The silence of the gods had not portended the End, but instead the coming of the Rose, who would restore peace and stability to the Islands. Thus, with the aid of the first Chevaliers de Fleur, Cyanith, First Rose of Falarence rose to the throne and brokered peace between the Arcanus Conclave and the Crystalists.
All glory to the Queen, Chosen on High, Keeper of the Peace and Rose of Falarence.
Final liturgical passage in the Ceremony of Annointing
What’s this then?This story hour will document a side campaign I am running while working out of town. For those of you reading the Tales of the Obsidian Hammers, the campaign is set in the same world, but in an area far distant from Amoria. Although both Amoria and Mendalia have limited contact with some minor, interposing nations, there is no real contact between them.
The Region Mendalia is sprawling archipelago, set between three small continents, each largely unexplored/colonised. The archipelago itself is made up of five major islands running NW to SE over a distance of about 1,500 miles, as well as a one to two hundred smaller, scattered islands, islets and atolls.
The Balance of Power The single most powerful individual entity within the region is the Queendom of Falarence. This occupies the southernmost, and largest island. Unified under the first Queen, around 200 years ago, Falarence is a stabilising influence in the area, boasting the only standing professional military, mainly made up of the large Royal Navy and the smaller but elite Royal Marines. The Royal Navy helps keep pirate activity to a minimum along major trade routes, and Falarence itself is the trade hub of the region, allowing antagonists to trade, negotiate and otherwise interact without fear. Falarence is also home to the Arcanus Conclave, a loose organisation of Arcane spell users, and it is also the location of the major headquarters of the Artisans and Freetraders Guild, and the Brotherhood (aka the Merchant Seaman’s Guild).
Outside of Falarence, the Mendalia is filled with innumerable independent and semi-independent city-states, islets and small nations. Many tiny islands serve as home to bands of smugglers and pirates. Most major states outside of Falarence fall under the dominion of one crystalist or another, however. The archipelago is full of scheming psionicists (referred to crystalists), who spend most of their time forming ever-changing alliances with each other in an opportunity to gain the upper hand over their brethren. Before Cyanith halted the impending war between the Crystalists and the Arcanus Conclave, the psionicists had been more disposed to working freely together. With any direct threat from the arcanists gone, however, they began to turn subtly on one another.
The major surface races in the region are Humans, High Elves, Wood Elves and Dwarves. Major aquatic races are Aquatic Elves, Kuo Toa, Locathah, Sahuagin and Merfolk.
The Chevaliers de Fleur
Cyanith, the first Queen of Falarence, was helped to power by a group of masked heroes known as the Chevaliers de Fleur. These champions had been selected by the Church of the Sacred Order Above, who follow a nameless, True Neutral god that is patron of Mendalia (all other gods are from the Greyhawk pantheon).
Since that time, subsequent Queens have had two elite and absolutely loyal units at their disposal – the Blade Singers, who make up her personal guard of 111 elves (this unit was first granted as a gift to Cyanith by the elves of Armanil, on her coronation), and the Chevaliers de Fleur. Chevaliers are selected to begin their training at the age of 3, from amongst any who wish to give up their children for this honour. They are kept hidden from all save the queen from the moment they are taken in, and are always masked when in public. They are also provided with a magical tattoo on their inner thigh, whose power is tied to the life-force of the rightful queen, and which protects them from all scrying. As such, they can carry out all manner of unconventional missions on behalf of the throne, from a position of anonymity. With their masks removed while away from the palace on their official business, none know them for who they truly are.
Style As one might imagine, this campaign is to be one of political intrigue and subterfuge, although it will also contain elements of hack ‘n’ slash, as well as the possibility of some subtle horror.
Note to readers of The Obsidian Hammers
Power level: this campaign is using a default power level, rather than the magic low setting in Amoria.
Psionics: Although psionics will potentially play a substantial role in this campaign, psionics are virtually unknown in Amoria, and are pretty much limited to the use of Mind Flayers and perhaps a few other rare psionic beasties in that campaign.
PC Profiles
At the moment the PCs don’t even have names, let alone fully fleshed out personalities. I’ll add details after the first session.
Cordel Walker
Neutral Good Human Ranger 5/Deepwood Sniper 3
While neither the smartest nor the most inspiring of the group, Cordel is most certainly the wisest, most insightful member of the Cheveliers. Generally keeping his opinions to himself, when he does speak up, the others tend to listen. He is also the least likely amongst them to act rashly, and can generally be expected to keep his head in any situation.
Muric Yandrin
Chaotic Good Human Sorcerer 6/Dragon Disciple2
Muric is a somewhat impulsive young man, with a craving for adventure and excitement. He revels in danger, and loves his magical affinity, as well as the gradual changes he is undergoing as his blood begins to show it's potent draconic origins.
Ralnor
Neutral Good Gnome Illusionist 5/Rogue3
Ralnor is almost as impulsive as Muric, and has something of a kleptomaniac streak. He loves using his more subtle abilities, and can rarely contain himself when the opportunity to swipe something comes along. He is most proud of his abilities as an escape artist though, and considers himself the highest example of the art - due to the fact that he has never been caught. After all, not being caught is the greatest of escapes.
Dora Vastek
Lawful Good Dwarf Cleric of Mordin 6/Warpriest 1
A quiet, self-confident character, Dora seems to pay little heed to life as it happens around him. That isn't to say that isn't actually paying attention, merely that he takes everything in his stride, and never seems to be fazed by anything.
Damas Melare
Lawful Good Human Cleric of Pelor 5, Cohort of Dora
Damas was accepted into the Chevaliers quite a few years after the others, and as such is a subordinate member of the group. Impressed with Dora's ability with divine magic, he soon became quite loyal to the dwarven priest, who makes sure his young cohort stays out of trouble.
Glognar Cren
Lawful Neutral Dwarf Fighter 6/Dwarven Defender 1
Glognar is a very simple individual. He loves battle, and is terrifying with his huge greataxe. As grim, silent, dwarven fighters go, Glognar is the archetype.
Then came the Time of Quiet, and with it visions of the Final Conflict. But the demonic armies that the sages heralded did not come, and finally Mirdallis, High Priestess of the Sacred Order Above spoke on behalf of the gods.
The silence of the gods had not portended the End, but instead the coming of the Rose, who would restore peace and stability to the Islands. Thus, with the aid of the first Chevaliers de Fleur, Cyanith, First Rose of Falarence rose to the throne and brokered peace between the Arcanus Conclave and the Crystalists.
All glory to the Queen, Chosen on High, Keeper of the Peace and Rose of Falarence.
Final liturgical passage in the Ceremony of Annointing
What’s this then?This story hour will document a side campaign I am running while working out of town. For those of you reading the Tales of the Obsidian Hammers, the campaign is set in the same world, but in an area far distant from Amoria. Although both Amoria and Mendalia have limited contact with some minor, interposing nations, there is no real contact between them.
The Region Mendalia is sprawling archipelago, set between three small continents, each largely unexplored/colonised. The archipelago itself is made up of five major islands running NW to SE over a distance of about 1,500 miles, as well as a one to two hundred smaller, scattered islands, islets and atolls.
The Balance of Power The single most powerful individual entity within the region is the Queendom of Falarence. This occupies the southernmost, and largest island. Unified under the first Queen, around 200 years ago, Falarence is a stabilising influence in the area, boasting the only standing professional military, mainly made up of the large Royal Navy and the smaller but elite Royal Marines. The Royal Navy helps keep pirate activity to a minimum along major trade routes, and Falarence itself is the trade hub of the region, allowing antagonists to trade, negotiate and otherwise interact without fear. Falarence is also home to the Arcanus Conclave, a loose organisation of Arcane spell users, and it is also the location of the major headquarters of the Artisans and Freetraders Guild, and the Brotherhood (aka the Merchant Seaman’s Guild).
Outside of Falarence, the Mendalia is filled with innumerable independent and semi-independent city-states, islets and small nations. Many tiny islands serve as home to bands of smugglers and pirates. Most major states outside of Falarence fall under the dominion of one crystalist or another, however. The archipelago is full of scheming psionicists (referred to crystalists), who spend most of their time forming ever-changing alliances with each other in an opportunity to gain the upper hand over their brethren. Before Cyanith halted the impending war between the Crystalists and the Arcanus Conclave, the psionicists had been more disposed to working freely together. With any direct threat from the arcanists gone, however, they began to turn subtly on one another.
The major surface races in the region are Humans, High Elves, Wood Elves and Dwarves. Major aquatic races are Aquatic Elves, Kuo Toa, Locathah, Sahuagin and Merfolk.
The Chevaliers de Fleur
Cyanith, the first Queen of Falarence, was helped to power by a group of masked heroes known as the Chevaliers de Fleur. These champions had been selected by the Church of the Sacred Order Above, who follow a nameless, True Neutral god that is patron of Mendalia (all other gods are from the Greyhawk pantheon).
Since that time, subsequent Queens have had two elite and absolutely loyal units at their disposal – the Blade Singers, who make up her personal guard of 111 elves (this unit was first granted as a gift to Cyanith by the elves of Armanil, on her coronation), and the Chevaliers de Fleur. Chevaliers are selected to begin their training at the age of 3, from amongst any who wish to give up their children for this honour. They are kept hidden from all save the queen from the moment they are taken in, and are always masked when in public. They are also provided with a magical tattoo on their inner thigh, whose power is tied to the life-force of the rightful queen, and which protects them from all scrying. As such, they can carry out all manner of unconventional missions on behalf of the throne, from a position of anonymity. With their masks removed while away from the palace on their official business, none know them for who they truly are.
Style As one might imagine, this campaign is to be one of political intrigue and subterfuge, although it will also contain elements of hack ‘n’ slash, as well as the possibility of some subtle horror.
Note to readers of The Obsidian Hammers
Power level: this campaign is using a default power level, rather than the magic low setting in Amoria.
Psionics: Although psionics will potentially play a substantial role in this campaign, psionics are virtually unknown in Amoria, and are pretty much limited to the use of Mind Flayers and perhaps a few other rare psionic beasties in that campaign.
PC Profiles
At the moment the PCs don’t even have names, let alone fully fleshed out personalities. I’ll add details after the first session.
Cordel Walker
Neutral Good Human Ranger 5/Deepwood Sniper 3
While neither the smartest nor the most inspiring of the group, Cordel is most certainly the wisest, most insightful member of the Cheveliers. Generally keeping his opinions to himself, when he does speak up, the others tend to listen. He is also the least likely amongst them to act rashly, and can generally be expected to keep his head in any situation.
Muric Yandrin
Chaotic Good Human Sorcerer 6/Dragon Disciple2
Muric is a somewhat impulsive young man, with a craving for adventure and excitement. He revels in danger, and loves his magical affinity, as well as the gradual changes he is undergoing as his blood begins to show it's potent draconic origins.
Ralnor
Neutral Good Gnome Illusionist 5/Rogue3
Ralnor is almost as impulsive as Muric, and has something of a kleptomaniac streak. He loves using his more subtle abilities, and can rarely contain himself when the opportunity to swipe something comes along. He is most proud of his abilities as an escape artist though, and considers himself the highest example of the art - due to the fact that he has never been caught. After all, not being caught is the greatest of escapes.
Dora Vastek
Lawful Good Dwarf Cleric of Mordin 6/Warpriest 1
A quiet, self-confident character, Dora seems to pay little heed to life as it happens around him. That isn't to say that isn't actually paying attention, merely that he takes everything in his stride, and never seems to be fazed by anything.
Damas Melare
Lawful Good Human Cleric of Pelor 5, Cohort of Dora
Damas was accepted into the Chevaliers quite a few years after the others, and as such is a subordinate member of the group. Impressed with Dora's ability with divine magic, he soon became quite loyal to the dwarven priest, who makes sure his young cohort stays out of trouble.
Glognar Cren
Lawful Neutral Dwarf Fighter 6/Dwarven Defender 1
Glognar is a very simple individual. He loves battle, and is terrifying with his huge greataxe. As grim, silent, dwarven fighters go, Glognar is the archetype.
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