Post by The Lord of Blades on Aug 8, 2007 15:01:55 GMT -5
Chapter 1: Dawn of the DayStar
Excerpt from the Journal of a Nameless Scholar:
Journal said:
The proud city of Asharis survives underneath the oppressive reign of these religious fanatics... or as they prefer to call themselves, the "Aun'el". Despite the bad things said about them by the populace their control has been a lenient one. They don't approve of some of our actions, but rather than let the opposing segments of the city fall into rotting squalor, they've kept the peace... even if it was at the hands of their merciless Inquisition Dark Caste and the squads of Fire Caste soldiers in the streets. Whether this is truly for their Greater Good or whether they just don't want so many rabble-rousing freedom fighters... I can't be sure. Their DayStar has appeared just as they predicted, and now they are all nervous and things have gotten quite a bit more tense around here. Almost as if bees roused by some predator invading their hive. Yet, for some reason, I can't help but feel as though it is not the DayStar which has the Aun'el forces occupying Tash'n (as the city is now called) so anxious and frightened. The Ethereals and their master Shas'O Kais are in the city, and the EtherGate in town is sending in frequent Khen'Zai reinforcements and ambassadors under the guidance of Shaserra Kais. This can only mean that something large is going to occur, not in the far lands, not in the skies above nor another world... but right here. Something is coming, and I believe it has the Aun'el terrified. Whether they fear something that threatens themselves, or threatens the world I'm unsure, but I know that anything which scares the currently (I do not presume to declare that the Aun'el are timeless, a thousand years will see their religion turned to dust or perverted from it's original form... as time does to all things) most powerful religious and military movement in the world (and multiverse too I would wager were I such an individual) does not bode well for anyone in the poor city of Tash'n.
Current Theme
For Reth'noctis:
The Aun'el citadel was abuzz with activity, particularly amongst the air caste researchers. Strange phenomena had been cropping up all over the city as of late and many blamed the DayStar's coming. As a member of the Dark Caste you've efficiently handled several "disturbances" around the town, and your superiors are currently quite pleased. There's been a large increase in that actions of the Ethereals as of late, many of them taking a direct hand in affairs. The numbers of the Aun'el faithful continue to swell day by day, however, rumors of a resistance group calling themselves "The Children of Asharis" continue to grow, supposedly being led by a survivor of the 12 Hour War, the infamous General Homam. Homam is adamantly opposed to the Greater Good and has, as of late, taken to hiring several mercenary groups as well as rallying all of the beastial, primitive races (trolls, orcs, etc.) under his banner to assist in his campaign of guerilla warfare against the Aun'el occupation of Tash'n. In addition to this mild threat to the Aun'el, there is the soon-to-be-held ceremony of induction for the newest Ethereal, Adashara the Watcher. A young girl who, before the occupation, was the princess of Asharis. She willingly converted to Aun'el and believes it to be a noble and just cause. She displayed immense talent, but must be kept safe from outsiders, and from herself. As a higher ranking officer of the Dark Caste you are free to perform your own duties as you are trusted to uphold the greater good with your actions and plans.
For Dakavar:
Living in your family manner in Tash'n you've noticed several extremely bizarre events taking place at regular intervals. Due to your reading you recognize the gate in town is indeed an Ether Gate, and that the beings coming through it, the Ethergaunts or Khen'Zai as they call themselves are far from friendly to most native life. You've managed to lay low, pay a few loyalty fines, but otherwise maintain your independance from the Aun'el even to the degree of not being a member of the Gray Caste. You've heard many rumors of mercenary bands, guerilla warfare, and have also bared silent witness to the conversion of Princess Adashara of Asharis. Whether you act or not is up to you, but with the way the Aun'el have been stirred up lately, you imagine that there's quite alot going on. You also have recently begun to suspect, from reading and from your knowledgeable studies, that there may be something quite more to the city of Tash'n for the Aun'el to so heavily occupy it with nearly all their forces.
For Sochur:
In your mercenary career and from your friendship with Dakavar, you know much of what's going on in the city. You know overall that there are incredible amounts of opportunity for one of your skills and persuasion. Whether aiding the Aun'el in minor tasks, or siding with the guerilla fighters against them, or simply running cleanup on the abundance of monsters which seem to be appearing as of late, there is no shortage of mercenary work. Simply seeking work will allow you to find it, although one must always be careful of who's boots they tread upon.
For Moriarti: Arriving in the city you are quickly pressed upon by religious worshippers of "Aun'el Shi'ores" and His "Greater Good" they leave you alone after becoming aware that you are indeed an incredibly foreign foreigner. The languages are similar enough that you can speak, although most will easily recognize you because of such a bizarre accent. You quickly learn to pass it off as saying you are from a land to the Far (insert cardinal direction here of your preference). You quickly learn much about the state of affairs of the world as a whole, although specifics somewhat elude you (you discover a good chunk of the info presented in the campaign information and etc. without me having to spend 30 posts of getting you oriented, we'll just assume you're smooth enough to figure out what's going on). While hesitant, you can tell there is no shortage of powerful figures, (criminal, holy, and even alien) within the walls of the city. You are free to choose whatever actions you wish, but would be advised by many anti-Aun'el individuals that such an unusual 'visitor' as yourself will not likely go unnoticed by the large patrols of Fire Caste soldiers for long unless you work to keep it that way.
Ok folks, allow me to explain a very key factor of my game. There will not frequently be driving motives or NPCs to push you towards random noble quests. Your motives must be your own, your actions must be your own, your decisions... must. be. your. own. This may do well for some, others may find themselves lost and with no discernable place to go. If that ends up being you, PM me and I'll try to give you advice as to where to go. Otherwise folks, you're on your own unless you make friends, join a party, or have superiors who can assign missions and tasks. Also, please be aware that this game is far from merciful and can very easily be PVP. So the odds are VERY against you that the DM will "come to the rescue" of an interparty conflict or foolish move. If you die, you die and probably did something foolish to deserve it (as I will likely pull some more severe punches if I randomly get multiple crits in a row. Fuck you Dave and your club NPCs .), thems the ropes. Also, until people's actions merge with eachother, my posts will be seperated as I have above. Enjoy!
Notable Locations (As of the moment that many of you know of):
×The Damsel: a bar run by the crimelord of the city, a person known as Lossterat
×The Demon's Slumber: an inn that caters to particularly 'unique' needs.
×MTA Headquarters: Mercenary Taskforce Administration building, controlled by the Aun'el currently, used to be free lance mercenary work, now most jobs are altered to suit the Aun'el. However, many employers have their own jobs to offer out to brave souls. While risky, the dangers are often associated with highly increased pay and a fair deal of reknown amongst the Mercs. and likely access to further jobs that can only be entrusted to particularly talented individuals or groups.
×The Librarium: a public library with ascending tiers of information based on rank and standing within the Aun'el. Civilians and Gray Caste members are greatly limited in research capacity during the occupation of Aun'el forces.
×The Phenomena Sites: various locations of strange occurences have been cropping up all over Tash'n as of late, these must be investigated individually to discover what each location may be or yield. They are almost all under Aun'el control as hazards to the public.
×Druidic Vale: A natural park and preserve located near the heart of the city, a very popular place for both relaxing citizens, Aun'el faithful, and local druids and rangers.
×The Sewers: Recently a location that became popular due to the mmense network of tunnels beneath Tash'n. Secret deals, resistant movements, and anything else the Aun'el would frown upon usually take place here.
×The Bulwark: A supply store of almost every kind, a superstore that would even give competition to some planar metropolis stores. Run by an assortment of Mercanes and other beings that have entered town with the permission of the Aun'el through the Ether Gate.
×The Ether Gate: A massive pair of obelisks constructed that, when opened, allows passage to and from the Ethereal Plane with unrivaled ease.
×The Reflectory: A place where both high rank and low rank Aun'el worshippers flock to on a regular basis to be amongst friends and to enjoy their prayer, reflection upon their duties, and overall tranquility. A small piece of the Greater Good they hope to achieve, emobodied in a serene, tranquil templegrounds.
×The Attonement Temple: Where one goes to be forgiven of sins and allowed to join the Aun'el Gray Caste before proceeding into other Castes after a mandatory waiting period that ensures faith and loyalty.
×Bluegrass Retreat: A bar catering to very high class customers that also doubles as an Inn. Very expensive, yet always top notch and usually a good place to go to see many high ranking Aun'el officers and nobles of the kingdom of what was Asharis, but now is Tash'n. They kept much of their station since the Aun'el did not alter much royal status except the unfortunate demise of King Asharis II.
That's all for now! If you have any questions please post/PM/ask away!