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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Raduin_Nimblegrund" data-source="post: 137184" data-attributes="member: 2347">I haven't done a whole lot of development at this point, but I am thinking about designing a campaign that revolves around these 9 dukes.  This takes place on a small continent, divided into 9 regions, each one ruled by a different duke.  These dukes and regions have been handed down the centuries by the first emperor, known as the Lawgiver.  Political strife and even wars have and do erupt between opposing dukes.  It is the emperor's job to maintain peace, however the current emperor is on his deathbed.  He has yet to chose from one of the 9 dukes to become emperor, which has caused considerable upheaval.  For now, the emperor's first advisor must choose the king's heir at the king's death from one of the nine.  The nine dukes are:Tristan the White: A bold and upright leader from the north.  He seems to be the favorite and most likely to be chosen.  He seeks the throne to lead the country to enlightenment, however, there are numerous dark forces working against him.  Tristan's younger brother is somewhat of a coward, however.  (I think I need more ideas for Tristan, he seems a bit bland at the moment.)Ketel the Black: the second favorite of the people.  He rules the Shadowgate mountains in the east.  The seat of the Black has traditionally been the seat of the highest dwarven clan, but Ketel's father uprooted the dwarves' "vile stench" and took their seat from the table.  Since, the Black Duke has schemed to gain the throne of the emperor himself.  Ketel has undertaken that legacy with a vengeance.Jaris the Red; Duke of the lands surrounding the Firemount in the northeast.  He is a kind, just and prudent leader, but he is woefully slow to action.  He puts his region first in keeping the peace, and prefers to stay out of the affairs of the other dukes.  Hence, Jaris has little influence over the nine.Velsidar the Yellow; Duke-Heirophant of the southern plains.  Velsidar's region is a theocracy of the Shining One, baldur, and his seat has been traditionally been that of the Heirophant of Baldur.  Velsidar has little patience with any others who do not see things his way, and is considered a zealot by others outside his region.  Inside, to worship any other than Baldur is to be an outcast, or worse, criminal.  The southern plains have slowly become isolated as Velsidar seeks the throne to convert all the realms to his religion.Anou the Orange; Elven Duke of the High Forest.  Anou is nearly the only demihuman left on the council, since the Black seat was taken over by humans.  Anou's power is sapping, for his people, the Elves, are a race that is seen little outside the high forest, and even then, are rare within it.  The Elves are a dying race, and Anou's power is dying with it.  This has attracted others who would have his seat.Phayed the Green; Warlord Duke of the Highlands.  Phayed has long been a brutal warlord.  He seeks to conquer the others, especially his two neighbors, Jaris and Anou.  He knows the time of the elves is at hand, and desires the Orange Seat for his own son.  He also senses weakness on the part of Jaris, and has taken some of his lands already in his war against the High Forest.  Jaris does not want to get into a conflict with Phayed, due to his obviously superior millitary.Bron the Purple; Half-Orc Duke of the Wastes.  Bron is the bastard son of Torgun, who bedded his mother during one of his conquests of the orc tribes.  The orcs have been resisting the Purple Seat for centuries, and by a fluke Bron was the only living heir to Torgun, his despised father.  He has taken the seat to his advantage, trying to unite the orc tribes, but their conflicting views and rivalries keep the orc tribes apart.  He fears joining the council of nine has made him more enemies than he needs.Salee the Blue; Woman-Duke of the Western Coast.  Traditionally, the council seats have been exclusively the province of men for centuries.  Dukes were always cautious to have a male heir, and keep him protected from the other seats.  However, Salee's father was the first to make such a mistake when his ship mysteriously sank, taking himself and all of his brothers down with it.  Salee was the only heir left, and to avoid upheaval, she was maked Duke.  (many have resisted calling her Dutchess, and other seats such as Ketel, Phayed, and Velsidar have refused to acknowledge her rule.)  In the meanwhile, Salee has taken this opportunity to turn this patriarchy into a matriarchy.  Many say she has gone too far, creating women city guards and soldiers, and excluding men from these positions.  It is rumored that she is seeking out Illegal Sorceries to ensure that all her offspring are female, as to maintain the seat's position for women.Astilus the Grey: High Archmage of the Western Hills.  Astilus has a very influential position indeed, as being the realm's only high archmage.  All wizards must swear thealty to Astilus, no matter where they are.  (nearly all Wizards are located in the Western Hills.)  All other wizards are "rogue wizards" or criminals.  Because Sorcery is not taught, all Sorcerers are considered "rogue wizards" as well.  All legal Wizards are required to limit their power as a specialist, save Astilus himself and his chosen apprentice.  In this way, the Grey Seat has maintained this monopoly on magic for centuries, and they do not intend to stop now.</blockquote>

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