Hi Guys,
Sorry for being a little slow in replying to things, but once things clear up at work and on the home front, we'll be ready to play by the Xmas holiday!
WargamerX-- I haven't gotten Shadowspawn's guide yet... it's out in PDF format but I prefer to get the book for this one. I'll snatch it as soon as my local game store gets it. From what I have heard, it has info about outlying areas in the world, as well as some additional backgrounds, cultures and maybe prestige classes. It also has the Ur Words (a new form of magic) in it... until I see that I'm not sure how I'll like it, but since it's part of the official book I would probably allow it.
Borson, you suggested I post some of my background info that I sent you by email, so here is an excerpt, with a few additions, about the Rankene and Ilsig empires and other topics:
There are many drugs, poisons and herbs in Thieves'
World, and there are character types that can
specialize in using them, such as healers and
assassins. In fact, healing is a bit different in
Thieves' World. There is no Cure Light Wounds.
Instead, the version of the spell for TW converts
lethal damage to non-lethal damage. Lethal damage heals slowly,
and in fact you can get diseases and infections if you
don't take care of it properly, which can lead to
permanant damage to your stats, HP, etc. Herbs can
help with healing and preventing disease.
The Rankan Empire is a large empire that rules the
eastern part of the continent. Think of them as
something like the Roman Empire, large, old, with a
great army. Very prideful people set in their ways,
used to elegance and luxery. For them, Sanctuary is a
scum pit and about the only reason they would go there would
be to make money on something. They'd look down upon
most inhabitants. The current ruler of Sanctuary is a
member of a Rankan royal family, Prince Kadakithis. He's idealistic and is trying to make the best of his situation and clean up the town.
Ilsig is a competing kingdom on the western part of the continent that is separated from the Rankan empire by a long mountain range that cuts the continent in half north to south. I envision them as an "Classical Oriental" sort of an kingdom in flavor, not as powerful as Rankene but still a force to be reckoned with. in
fact, Sanctuary was founded by escaped slaves from the
Ilsig Kingdom. So, Ilsig people see Santuary
residents as little more than freed slaves. It's
possible that Ilsig would like to take over Sanctuary
and reclaim it's inhabitants as slaves at some point. The Ilsig Kingdom is viewed as decadent by its neighbors and was conquered at one point by Rankene. However, with the recent decline of Rankene, Ilsig is seeing opportunities to gain more power. Inhabitants of Ilsig tend to be well educated and concentrate on building their skills.
Note, Sanctuary is located at the south end of the
continent and is in a slightly strategic postion
astride some sea trade routes between these two
powers. Its strategic value fluctuates depending on
relations between the various nations.
Wrigglies are natives of Sanctuary. Wrigglie itself
is a derogatory term, though I suppose if they call
one another that it's OK. They'd prefer to be called
Sanctans, or by their neighborhood in the city.
The Maze is the rotten center of Sanctuary. It's the
baddest neighborhood in the town (especially in the
age we're playing in, in later times the whole city
goes sour). They call it the Maze because it is
unmapped, and those who are not familiar with it tend
to get lost inside. There are narrow alleys,
abandoned buildings, dead ends, tunnels full of rats
and worse inside-- the perfect place for ambushes and
muggings. The Vulgar Unicorn is one of the most
reknowned taverns in the Maze. Still, many people
live there and you are generally going to be OK as
long as you watch your back. But that can go for
anywhere in Sanctuary.
). Finished skills and feats last night, and should round out by Friday night. In general I've got, for party listing purposes;
