Hey there I'm still looking for some help. Here is a copy of the handout I'm going to give my players. I'm still looking for NPC's. Especially, stable owners, nobles, gladiators.
Please Help me ENworld, you're my only hope!
Gladiator Campaign
Player Handout
Campaign Background:
General Overview
The world is large and much of it is unknown, it is home too many races both standard and fantastical. Each tries to carve out there own niche in an unforgiving world. The most successful of these are a mix of human and elves that sought to bring order to a world of chaos. They formed what is now know as the Empire of Theed, what was once only a band of humans and elves a Millenia ago, now spans across three continents and has subjugated countless other races and countries, stealing their culture, magic and ideas. What had started over a thousand years ago as a noble pursuit was slowly perverted over time. Now the empire exists as a decadent and degenerate society. Filled with political intrigue, strife, back stabbing, over-indulging in immoral activities, bureaucracy. The empire itself is ruled by powerful and rich noble families who are constantly vying for power. Alliances are constantly formed and broken, and the smaller nobles and merchants are constantly nipping at their heels looking for bigger scraps to be thrown their way.
Life in the Empire
There are basically only three different types of people in the empire, Noble, Free, and Slave.
Nobles are at the top of the food chain and generally belong to rich and powerful families, however, for the right price a Freeman can move up the food chain; this tends to happen fairly infrequently. The life of a noble is usually very easy (except for the occasional knife in the back) and nobles are the only class that is usually educated. That means most wizards are of noble birth. They are the only ones that can afford the extensive training. This is not to say that only nobles are wizards just that this is usually the case. Sorcerous magic is highly frowned upon as uncivilized, wild and chaotic and in some places in the empire is considered illegal.
Freemen sit in the middle somewhere and make up a large majority of the population. They consist of merchants, bakers, blacksmiths, cobblers, farmers, soldiers, etc. They are not allowed to hold a position of authority, but they have many rights that slaves do not have. All Freemen and women must serve in the military for a period of no less than 2 years. If there is need Freemen can be called back into service, and as a Freeman you can choose to remain in the military as a career. Life as a soldier is tough, but it is here were you are most likely to get noticed and change your station.
Slaves are the lowest common denominator; they are your criminals and conquered people. Slaves have no rights, slaves are mistreated and abused. The life of a slave is usually very hard and often very short. Slaves are often used for hard labor, the front line in military actions, and forced to fight in the arena for the entertainment of the people of the empire. It is possible for a slave to become a freeman, but first the slave must survive and prove to his owners his loyalty to the empire. Usually years of dedicated service (possibly generations), or in the case of gladiators occasionally freedom can be won or bought.
Entertainment
The empire offers many types of entertainment in the form of theatre and music, but the most popular and common form of entertainment for the masses are gladiatorial matches. Almost every city in the empire has some sort of gladiatorial entertainment, from small pits to huge coliseums. Your common slave/criminal usually doesn¡¦t survive their initial encounter in the ring, but those who rise above are auctioned off into stables. A stable usually consists of an owner (usually a noble, but occasionally a merchant), several trainers, a priest and 20-30 gladiators (depending on what the owner can actually afford). Keeping and training gladiators is not cheap, but sometimes the rewards can be quite lucrative. Stables compete against one another throughout the year in various types of contests. Once a year each region holds a championship where stables can prove once and for all who is the best. The winners of the regional contests receive recognition, prestige and of course a large prize as well as the chance to compete in the capital for the Mithril shield, the most prestigious of any award. Many nobles use the games as an extension of their political ambitions and many grudges are settled in the ring.
Although healing magic and restorations are available, life in the ring is far from safe. To the contrary the life of a gladiator is filled daily with danger both in and out of the ring. When political ambitions run rampant it is usually the gladiators that suffer first and foremost. However, as a slave what could be more exciting? Many successful gladiators that have proved their worth in the ring have been granted their freedom, of course many have died trying to achieve that same goal. The life of a gladiator is precarious at best, but at least it¡¦s exciting right?
The Fringe
The empire itself is rather large and consists of many different regions with slightly different cultural and economic backgrounds. However, those regions that lie on the fringe of the empire tend to be a little rougher and less stable. Most of the nobles in that region have been sent there out of exile and are carefully plotting their way back into the fold. You for some reason have wound up in the region known as Vordania, one the more recently created provinces of the empire. Its major commodity is lumber, which is highly valued throughout the empire. However, many of its neighbors are not happy with its occupancy. The large military presence in Vordania has already quashed several rebellions and defended against a few invading barbarian hordes. There are several small settlements that dot the countryside and one larger walled city, called Vordan which is the hub of the entire region. Vordon, also boasts a large arena and plenty of slaves, barbarians, and fantastical creatures and animals to entertain the masses. Living on the fringe is dangerous, but where there is danger there is also great reward.
Beyond the Empire
The land outside of empire control is wild and chaotic. Little of what lies deep beyond the borders is known, and can only be guessed at. Most who have braved the wilds have not returned to tell their tales, and those who have are considered liars and braggarts. The empire is the only known bastion of civilization. Beware those that step beyond the boundaries.
Character Creation:
„h All players handbook classes/races are available for character creation
„h All prestige classes will have to be reviewed by me before approval
„h Characters will be created using a 32-point buy
„h Some monster classes will be allowed (if your interested just ask)
„h Characters will start with 0 gp (i.e. no equipment, familiars, etc.)
„h 1 page background (more is acceptable) describing your characters history, family friends, mentors etc. The more juicy tidbits I can take adva¡Kerr use in the campaign the better. If you want feel free to make up and design your hometown that would be great. The more help I get the better. Also make sure to come up with a good reason why you are a prisoner/slave.
When creating your character min/maxing will not be necessary. Just make your character interesting! Try to make something that will be fun and interesting to play, but also try not to create an anti-party character. Although the title of the campaign suggests a combat heavy game, this will not be the case. Role-playing will be highly encouraged and rewarded.
Delgar
