Diesel & Demons
Prologue:
Sunday, 1st of First Summer, 1924:
Today is the first day of summer in the city of Tollan, the capital city of the Orlan Coatl Colony. It is a city of 750,000 people in a world of 2 billion. And like 20% of the people who live in the city, you're unemployed. For the last two years the Orlan Kingdom and its colonies have been suffering from a devastating economic depression with no end in sight. This morning you found yourself in The Dumps, a slum in the worst part of the city as you were looking for work. Often perspective employers would come through looking for day labourers. And this morning one such employer hired a group of people which included yourself to explore some ruins on the north of the island. Your employer identified himself as Doctor Joshua Weiss, a professor of archaeology at Tollan University. He was a white man in his late 40's, clean shaven with short graying black hair and was wearing a dark brown 3-piece suit and trilby hat. He was offering to pay you 250 silver each for accompanying him on his expedition, he said he might need people to help carry things and that he'd feel safer in a group. He was alone but driving a truck and along with your fellow day labourers you climbed into the back of the truck and traveled to the ruin.
You traveled through a seemingly normal cave, due to equipment in and around the cave you could see evidence that an archaeological expedition was taking place but there was nobody around other than yourselves and Dr Weiss. Using electric lanterns and flashlights to light up the dark you continued into the ruins of an ancient Coatl temple. You were entering right into the heart of the temple and saw a black obsidian cube about the size of a lantern on a black obsidian altar on the far side of the room. The professor's eyes lit up as he saw the cube and almost ran over to it. "It's here." said Weiss with joy in his voice as he approached the altar. "Now all I have to do is find out how it works..." said Weiss as he reached out to touch the cube but upon touching it tiny runes on the cube began to glow purple and stream of purple energy traveled from the cube to the nearby wall. For only a second a black portal appeared on the wall and purple energy shot out into your torso and the torsos of the other day labourers Weiss hired.
The energy felt like electricity rippling through your body. You fell to the ground in pain along with the other day labourers. The portal closed and the cube returned to being entirely black. Weiss looked at the cube and a smile came to his face. "It works! Though I'm still not sure how it works..." said Weiss. You could then hear the noisy sounds movement coming from the way you entered the temple. Weiss looked at the day labourers on the floor. "Damn. I'm sorry to have to leave you like this, I was hoping I'd have more time." Weiss added before running off further into the temple.
As the footsteps from the people running into the temple grew louder, the pain inside you dissipated. Strangely you felt peaceful as you slipped into unconsciousness. You just had your soul bound to a demon and now in your slumber you began to dream of a life once lived.
Diesel & Demons:Prologue:
Sunday, 1st of First Summer, 1924:
Today is the first day of summer in the city of Tollan, the capital city of the Orlan Coatl Colony. It is a city of 750,000 people in a world of 2 billion. And like 20% of the people who live in the city, you're unemployed. For the last two years the Orlan Kingdom and its colonies have been suffering from a devastating economic depression with no end in sight. This morning you found yourself in The Dumps, a slum in the worst part of the city as you were looking for work. Often perspective employers would come through looking for day labourers. And this morning one such employer hired a group of people which included yourself to explore some ruins on the north of the island. Your employer identified himself as Doctor Joshua Weiss, a professor of archaeology at Tollan University. He was a white man in his late 40's, clean shaven with short graying black hair and was wearing a dark brown 3-piece suit and trilby hat. He was offering to pay you 250 silver each for accompanying him on his expedition, he said he might need people to help carry things and that he'd feel safer in a group. He was alone but driving a truck and along with your fellow day labourers you climbed into the back of the truck and traveled to the ruin.
You traveled through a seemingly normal cave, due to equipment in and around the cave you could see evidence that an archaeological expedition was taking place but there was nobody around other than yourselves and Dr Weiss. Using electric lanterns and flashlights to light up the dark you continued into the ruins of an ancient Coatl temple. You were entering right into the heart of the temple and saw a black obsidian cube about the size of a lantern on a black obsidian altar on the far side of the room. The professor's eyes lit up as he saw the cube and almost ran over to it. "It's here." said Weiss with joy in his voice as he approached the altar. "Now all I have to do is find out how it works..." said Weiss as he reached out to touch the cube but upon touching it tiny runes on the cube began to glow purple and stream of purple energy traveled from the cube to the nearby wall. For only a second a black portal appeared on the wall and purple energy shot out into your torso and the torsos of the other day labourers Weiss hired.
The energy felt like electricity rippling through your body. You fell to the ground in pain along with the other day labourers. The portal closed and the cube returned to being entirely black. Weiss looked at the cube and a smile came to his face. "It works! Though I'm still not sure how it works..." said Weiss. You could then hear the noisy sounds movement coming from the way you entered the temple. Weiss looked at the day labourers on the floor. "Damn. I'm sorry to have to leave you like this, I was hoping I'd have more time." Weiss added before running off further into the temple.
As the footsteps from the people running into the temple grew louder, the pain inside you dissipated. Strangely you felt peaceful as you slipped into unconsciousness. You just had your soul bound to a demon and now in your slumber you began to dream of a life once lived.
Diesel & Demons is a Play by Post RPG set in an original universe I created. It's a Dieselpunk Fantasy RPG, so think 1920s/1930s and you have the right idea. As indicated in the above prologue you start out as an unemployed resident of Tollan who agreed to work for the mysterious Dr Weiss on an expedition into an ancient temple where they found a strange artifact which opened some kind of black portal for a few seconds. Although after what happened you can't help but wonder if they really are Dr Weiss. Out of that portal came a strange purple energy and you now find your soul bound to a demon. You are a mage.
Note, the above is applicable to people joining before the game starts. You can join afterwards but things won't be the same, we can figure that out if/when we come to it.
If you have any questions, ask away.
World Information
Hidden:
Map of Earth:
Continents:
North: Auroran Frosts
South: Baile Bán
Central Large: Hearthome
Central Small: Coatl
Key:
Light Red: Orlan Kingdom
Dark Green: Orchid Empire
Grey: Baumberg Confederation
Yellow: Emerald Empire
Purple: Sunrise Republic
Dark Red: Zor Princedom
Orange: Orlan Colonies
Light Green: Orcish Colonies
Dark Brown: Emerald Empire Colonies
Light Brown: Baile Bán (Former Emerald Empire Colonies)
White and Pink Square: Tollan City
White: Auroran Frosts
Blue: Ocean
Local Map: City of Tollan
Index:
Blue: Water
Grey things over the water: Bridges. Western bridge is called The Canopy Bridge, Northern Bridge is called Puma Bridge.
Dark Grey: Mount Tollan
Light Green: Wilderness
Pink: Central
Red: Royal Quarter
Orange: Wildflower Heights
Yellow: Puma Beech
Lavander: The Canopy
Brown: The Dumps.
Purple: The Docklands
Dark Green: Agriculture and Suburbs
The city of Tollan is built on Tollan island which is about 2/3 the size of our Manhattan. In the middle of the island is Mount Tollan, an extinct volcano. The fertile soils around the volcano are believed to be the reason people first settled there.
Earth and Solar System
Calendar:
Holidays:
Countries:
Colony Names:
Environments:
Languages:
Currency:
Death, Souls and Reincarnation:
Gender and Sexuality:
Demons and Magic
Religions:
History:
City of Tollan:
Historical Figures:
Modern Figures:
Politics in Orlan and the Orlan Coatl Colony:
Law and Crime:
Education and Healthcare:
Technology:
Culture:
Creatures:
Spoiler:
Continents:
North: Auroran Frosts
South: Baile Bán
Central Large: Hearthome
Central Small: Coatl
Key:
Light Red: Orlan Kingdom
Dark Green: Orchid Empire
Grey: Baumberg Confederation
Yellow: Emerald Empire
Purple: Sunrise Republic
Dark Red: Zor Princedom
Orange: Orlan Colonies
Light Green: Orcish Colonies
Dark Brown: Emerald Empire Colonies
Light Brown: Baile Bán (Former Emerald Empire Colonies)
White and Pink Square: Tollan City
White: Auroran Frosts
Blue: Ocean
Spoiler:
Index:
Blue: Water
Grey things over the water: Bridges. Western bridge is called The Canopy Bridge, Northern Bridge is called Puma Bridge.
Dark Grey: Mount Tollan
Light Green: Wilderness
Pink: Central
Red: Royal Quarter
Orange: Wildflower Heights
Yellow: Puma Beech
Lavander: The Canopy
Brown: The Dumps.
Purple: The Docklands
Dark Green: Agriculture and Suburbs
The city of Tollan is built on Tollan island which is about 2/3 the size of our Manhattan. In the middle of the island is Mount Tollan, an extinct volcano. The fertile soils around the volcano are believed to be the reason people first settled there.
Earth and Solar System
Spoiler:
The solar system is called the solar system.
The Sun: The star at the center of the solar system.
Quicksilver: The closest Planet to The Sun. Is a small rocky planet. Very similar to our Mercury.
Morningstar: Home to a dense atmosphere filled mostly with Carbon Dioxide. Very similar our Venus.
Earth: Similar to our earth. However it slightly smaller, 95% the size of our earth. It is also slightly closer to the sun with a year lasting 360 days. Has a single moon known as The Moon.
Aurora: A Blue ringed gas planet. Is much further from earth than Quicksilver and Morningstar, is on the other side of an asteroid field. Named after the god Aurora.
Antonio: Discovered only 30 years ago by people in Orlan City University shortly after the coronation of King Antonio Orlan. Was named after the King. This is a small icey planet at the furthest reaches of the solar system.
The Sun: The star at the center of the solar system.
Quicksilver: The closest Planet to The Sun. Is a small rocky planet. Very similar to our Mercury.
Morningstar: Home to a dense atmosphere filled mostly with Carbon Dioxide. Very similar our Venus.
Earth: Similar to our earth. However it slightly smaller, 95% the size of our earth. It is also slightly closer to the sun with a year lasting 360 days. Has a single moon known as The Moon.
Aurora: A Blue ringed gas planet. Is much further from earth than Quicksilver and Morningstar, is on the other side of an asteroid field. Named after the god Aurora.
Antonio: Discovered only 30 years ago by people in Orlan City University shortly after the coronation of King Antonio Orlan. Was named after the King. This is a small icey planet at the furthest reaches of the solar system.
Spoiler:
A year is 360 days long. Are 4 Seasons in the Year, 3 Months in a Season, 30 days in a month, 5 days in a week and 24 hours in a day.
Seasons and Months:
Are 4 seasons in year. The year starts with Spring. Are three months in a Season named after which month of the season they are. Months are 30 days long, based on rotations of the moon.
List of Months:
First Spring
Second Spring
Third Spring
First Summer
Second Summer
Third Summer
First Autumn
Second Autumn
Third Autumn
First Winter
Second Winter
Third Winter
Days:
Sunday = Start of the week. Named after the sun.
Moonday = Second day of the week. Named after the Moon.
Midday = The middle of the week, named as such.
Fireday = The day on which cremations and burials typically occur. Thus, Fireday.
Endday = The end of the week, named as such. Often considered a day off with the other 4 days being work days. Is also called the weekend.
Dates follow the non-American standard. So 21/1/1922 would be the 21st of First Spring, 1922.
Seasons and Months:
Are 4 seasons in year. The year starts with Spring. Are three months in a Season named after which month of the season they are. Months are 30 days long, based on rotations of the moon.
List of Months:
First Spring
Second Spring
Third Spring
First Summer
Second Summer
Third Summer
First Autumn
Second Autumn
Third Autumn
First Winter
Second Winter
Third Winter
Days:
Sunday = Start of the week. Named after the sun.
Moonday = Second day of the week. Named after the Moon.
Midday = The middle of the week, named as such.
Fireday = The day on which cremations and burials typically occur. Thus, Fireday.
Endday = The end of the week, named as such. Often considered a day off with the other 4 days being work days. Is also called the weekend.
Dates follow the non-American standard. So 21/1/1922 would be the 21st of First Spring, 1922.
Spoiler:
New Year’s Day= First day of year, big celebrations. Start of spring. Associated with rebirth.
Hearts’ Day= 15th of Second Spring. Associated with love.
Fools’ Day = 30th of Third Spring. End of Spring Celebration, is a festival of tricks and laughs.
Roland Day = 8th of First Summer. Important day in Baumberg, associated with remembering Charlotte Roland. Was her date of Birth.
Orlan Day = 28th of First Summer. Orlan Day. Celebration of the birthday of King Orlan, observed only in Orlan Kingdom and colonies.
Midsummers Day = Day in middle of Summer, 15th of second summer. Celebration associated with nature.
Independence Day = 4th of third summer. Special day for just Sunrise Republic.
Enchantment of the Sea = 30th of third summer. Priests of Aurora bless the seas, pray for bountiful catches and safety of sailors.
Harvfest = 15th of Second Autumn. Celebration of Harvest.
Samhain = 30th of Third Autumn. End of Autumn, start of winter. Associated with witches and magic. Revered by people of Baile Bán, it is when they celebrated the end of harvest. Considered their holy day. Has been turned into more light hearted festival of fright.
Festival of Light = Holiday in Honour of Aurora. 25th of Second Winter
New Year’s Eve = The last year of the year. People celebrate the end of winter. Associated with death.
Hearts’ Day= 15th of Second Spring. Associated with love.
Fools’ Day = 30th of Third Spring. End of Spring Celebration, is a festival of tricks and laughs.
Roland Day = 8th of First Summer. Important day in Baumberg, associated with remembering Charlotte Roland. Was her date of Birth.
Orlan Day = 28th of First Summer. Orlan Day. Celebration of the birthday of King Orlan, observed only in Orlan Kingdom and colonies.
Midsummers Day = Day in middle of Summer, 15th of second summer. Celebration associated with nature.
Independence Day = 4th of third summer. Special day for just Sunrise Republic.
Enchantment of the Sea = 30th of third summer. Priests of Aurora bless the seas, pray for bountiful catches and safety of sailors.
Harvfest = 15th of Second Autumn. Celebration of Harvest.
Samhain = 30th of Third Autumn. End of Autumn, start of winter. Associated with witches and magic. Revered by people of Baile Bán, it is when they celebrated the end of harvest. Considered their holy day. Has been turned into more light hearted festival of fright.
Festival of Light = Holiday in Honour of Aurora. 25th of Second Winter
New Year’s Eve = The last year of the year. People celebrate the end of winter. Associated with death.
Spoiler:
Orlan Kingdom: A Kingdom on Orlan Island off the coast of Hearthome. Their island and their capital city is called Orlan. Think of it as something of a cross between France and Italy. Its natives are Black. Absolute Monarchy which delegates most things to a two house Parliament consisting of a House of Lords and House of Commons, Upper and Lower house respectively.
Orchid Empire: Think of it as cross between England and India. Its natives look similar to Indians (as in the subcontinent, not Native Americans.) Capital is Orchid City. Absolute Monarchy which delegates most things to a two house Parliament consisting of a House of Lords and House of Commons, Upper and Lower house respectively.
Emerald Empire: Think of it as similar to China, its natives look like Chinese people. Capital is the Emerald City. Absolute Monarchy which delegates most things to a single parliamentary house, The House of Commons.
Baumberg Confederation: Think of it as a cross between Germany and Poland. It's natives look like Poles. An Oligarchical Council ran by those believed to be best suited to run the county, people from various groups, religious, economic, military, etc. Members of the Council elect new members, delegate a lot of things to civil servants. Capital is Roland City.
Zor Princedom: Think of it as similar to our Persia. Its natives look like Arabs. Absolute Monarchy which delegates most things to a two house Parliament consisting of a House of Lords and House of Commons, Upper and Lower house respectively. Capital is Khalid.
Sunrise Republic: Think of it as similar to our USA. It a complete melding pot, like the rest of the world various ethnic groups live in the country, but as was once part of Orlan Kingdom the largest group is black but not by much. A Representative Democracy with a single house of Parliament. The leader of Government is called the President. Capital is Twilight.
Baile Bán: Referring to the independent land which was once a colony of Emerald Empire. Is no one centralized government, for years have been various smaller scale settlements with smaller governments. Various kinds of governments in these settlements, military dictatorship, theocracy, anarcho-communism, direct-democracy, etc. Natives look like the Irish.
It should go without saying but people of various ethnic groups live in all parts of the world, just like in our world. Not mentioned here but Coatl natives look like Pacific Islanders. The northern most continent, Auroran Frosts, is similar to Antartica, no humans live there.
Orchid Empire: Think of it as cross between England and India. Its natives look similar to Indians (as in the subcontinent, not Native Americans.) Capital is Orchid City. Absolute Monarchy which delegates most things to a two house Parliament consisting of a House of Lords and House of Commons, Upper and Lower house respectively.
Emerald Empire: Think of it as similar to China, its natives look like Chinese people. Capital is the Emerald City. Absolute Monarchy which delegates most things to a single parliamentary house, The House of Commons.
Baumberg Confederation: Think of it as a cross between Germany and Poland. It's natives look like Poles. An Oligarchical Council ran by those believed to be best suited to run the county, people from various groups, religious, economic, military, etc. Members of the Council elect new members, delegate a lot of things to civil servants. Capital is Roland City.
Zor Princedom: Think of it as similar to our Persia. Its natives look like Arabs. Absolute Monarchy which delegates most things to a two house Parliament consisting of a House of Lords and House of Commons, Upper and Lower house respectively. Capital is Khalid.
Sunrise Republic: Think of it as similar to our USA. It a complete melding pot, like the rest of the world various ethnic groups live in the country, but as was once part of Orlan Kingdom the largest group is black but not by much. A Representative Democracy with a single house of Parliament. The leader of Government is called the President. Capital is Twilight.
Baile Bán: Referring to the independent land which was once a colony of Emerald Empire. Is no one centralized government, for years have been various smaller scale settlements with smaller governments. Various kinds of governments in these settlements, military dictatorship, theocracy, anarcho-communism, direct-democracy, etc. Natives look like the Irish.
It should go without saying but people of various ethnic groups live in all parts of the world, just like in our world. Not mentioned here but Coatl natives look like Pacific Islanders. The northern most continent, Auroran Frosts, is similar to Antartica, no humans live there.
Spoiler:
All colonies are areas which are ultimately ruled over and governed by a parent political entity without being a part of that country.
Orlan Colonies (orange on map):
The Meadowlands - North West Hearthome
Orlan Coatl- Coatl
Orlan Bán - Baile Bán
Orlan Red Sands - East Hearthome
Orcish Colonies (light green on map):
Orcish Coatl - Coatl
Orcish Bán - Baile Bán
Orcish Red Sands - East Hearthome
Baumberg Colonies (pink on map):
Baumberg Coatl - Coatl
Baumberg Bán - Baile Bán
Baumberg Red Sands - Just east of Baumberg
Vincent - Far East Hearthome
Emerald Colonies (brown on map):
Emerald Red Sands - East of Emerald Empire
Orlan Colonies (orange on map):
The Meadowlands - North West Hearthome
Orlan Coatl- Coatl
Orlan Bán - Baile Bán
Orlan Red Sands - East Hearthome
Orcish Colonies (light green on map):
Orcish Coatl - Coatl
Orcish Bán - Baile Bán
Orcish Red Sands - East Hearthome
Baumberg Colonies (pink on map):
Baumberg Coatl - Coatl
Baumberg Bán - Baile Bán
Baumberg Red Sands - Just east of Baumberg
Vincent - Far East Hearthome
Emerald Colonies (brown on map):
Emerald Red Sands - East of Emerald Empire
Spoiler:
Orlan Island is home to Plains and Tropical forest.
Coatl Rainforest - Is a tropical rainforest on that continent.
The White Forest - Boreal Forest in Baile Bán.
The Aurora Frosts - A cold desert similar to our Antartica.
Sunrise Forest - A temperate forest in east Hearthome.
Couldscratch Mountains. - Separates the Sunrise Republic and Vincent from rest of continent. Are the tallest mountains in the world. Often home to earthquakes and volcanic activity, site of a tectonic plate boundary. Stretch the continent.
The Black Forest - a forest in the western Buamberg Confederation
Yong Mountains - Goes through central Baumberg and Emerald Empire named after first Emerald Emperor. This mountain range isn’t as large as the Cloudscratch Mountains
Ebony Plains - Grassland Plains in the north and north west of Hearthome.
The Tigerpaw Forest - a Tropical rainforest in central Orcish Empire
Emerald Forest – The large forest in Emerald Empire.
The Red Sands - A Large Desert in northern Zor Princedom and where a lot of colonies are. They are called the Red Sands after all the battles said to occur there.
The Sapphire Savanna – An arid savannah land in the southern Zor Princedom.
The Lionpaw Savanna - An arid savannah land in Northern Red Sands Colonies.
Auroran Ocean - Is the Northern Ocean.
White Sea - The sea between Baile Bán and Hearthome
The South Sea - The sea south of Hearthome
The Boundless Ocean. - The vast ocean between east and west Hearthome which contains Coatl Continent.
Coatl Rainforest - Is a tropical rainforest on that continent.
The White Forest - Boreal Forest in Baile Bán.
The Aurora Frosts - A cold desert similar to our Antartica.
Sunrise Forest - A temperate forest in east Hearthome.
Couldscratch Mountains. - Separates the Sunrise Republic and Vincent from rest of continent. Are the tallest mountains in the world. Often home to earthquakes and volcanic activity, site of a tectonic plate boundary. Stretch the continent.
The Black Forest - a forest in the western Buamberg Confederation
Yong Mountains - Goes through central Baumberg and Emerald Empire named after first Emerald Emperor. This mountain range isn’t as large as the Cloudscratch Mountains
Ebony Plains - Grassland Plains in the north and north west of Hearthome.
The Tigerpaw Forest - a Tropical rainforest in central Orcish Empire
Emerald Forest – The large forest in Emerald Empire.
The Red Sands - A Large Desert in northern Zor Princedom and where a lot of colonies are. They are called the Red Sands after all the battles said to occur there.
The Sapphire Savanna – An arid savannah land in the southern Zor Princedom.
The Lionpaw Savanna - An arid savannah land in Northern Red Sands Colonies.
Auroran Ocean - Is the Northern Ocean.
White Sea - The sea between Baile Bán and Hearthome
The South Sea - The sea south of Hearthome
The Boundless Ocean. - The vast ocean between east and west Hearthome which contains Coatl Continent.
Spoiler:
Orcish = Spoken by the people of Orlan Kingdom and Orchid Empire. Identical to our English.
Baumbergish = Spoken by the people of the Baumberg Confederation. Identical to our German.
Huach = Spoken in the Emerald Empire. Identical to our Chinese.
Zorbic = Spoken by the people of the Zor Princedom and various locals in Red Sands colonies. Identical to our Arabic.
Caint =Spoken by the people of Baile Bán. Identical to our Irish.
Coatl = Is a dead language. Once spoken by the people of the Coatl Empire. Now only really studied by academic and even they don't fully understand it. Identical to our Nahuatl.
Baumbergish = Spoken by the people of the Baumberg Confederation. Identical to our German.
Huach = Spoken in the Emerald Empire. Identical to our Chinese.
Zorbic = Spoken by the people of the Zor Princedom and various locals in Red Sands colonies. Identical to our Arabic.
Caint =Spoken by the people of Baile Bán. Identical to our Irish.
Coatl = Is a dead language. Once spoken by the people of the Coatl Empire. Now only really studied by academic and even they don't fully understand it. Identical to our Nahuatl.
Spoiler:
Orlan Kingdom: Orlan Silver. 100 Copper makes one Silver. The symbol "$", the symbol we use for the dollar is used for Orlan Silver. So $50.25 would be 50 Silver and 25 Copper.
Orchid Empire: Tulips. 100 Poppies makes one Tulip.
Baumberg Confederation: Chits. 100 Bits make a Chit.
Emerald Empire: Kuo. Is a single denomination currency.
Zor Princedom: Stones. The area is home to many gems so the currency named after them. 100 Garnets (red) makes a Topaz (blue.) 100 Topaz makes an Amethyst (purple.)
Baile Bán: Has no centralised currency.
Orchid Empire: Tulips. 100 Poppies makes one Tulip.
Baumberg Confederation: Chits. 100 Bits make a Chit.
Emerald Empire: Kuo. Is a single denomination currency.
Zor Princedom: Stones. The area is home to many gems so the currency named after them. 100 Garnets (red) makes a Topaz (blue.) 100 Topaz makes an Amethyst (purple.)
Baile Bán: Has no centralised currency.
Spoiler:
Reincarnation is considered a fact of life and in this world. Reincarnation happens to everyone, it is generally accepted that only humans (although some also believe demons) are reincarnated and that reincarnation happens in a linear fashion in time. So you can't be reincarnated into the past. It is believed human souls pass on to the otherworld upon death where they remain until they are reincarnated. Most people remember nothing of past lives outside of glimpses in dreams which are usually quickly forgotten or hard to differentiate from regular dreams, almost everyone at some point dreams of past lives. Some people remember more, but still not a lot. How long a soul takes to be reincarnated is unknown.
All souls eventually pass on to the otherworld but sometimes the souls of the dead which have yet to pass on linger around for a while. These are known as ghosts.
Rare individuals known as 'soultouched' are able to remember a significant amount about their past lives and through meditation with others can help other people remember more of theirs. While these people exist, many people claiming to be soultouched are little more than frauds. And there are plenty of people who claim to be the reincarnation of a famous historical figure.
It is said mages, those bound with demons, become far more in touch with their soul and their past lives following the binding.
All souls eventually pass on to the otherworld but sometimes the souls of the dead which have yet to pass on linger around for a while. These are known as ghosts.
Rare individuals known as 'soultouched' are able to remember a significant amount about their past lives and through meditation with others can help other people remember more of theirs. While these people exist, many people claiming to be soultouched are little more than frauds. And there are plenty of people who claim to be the reincarnation of a famous historical figure.
It is said mages, those bound with demons, become far more in touch with their soul and their past lives following the binding.
Spoiler:
Discrimination based on sex, sexuality and gender isn't a thing in this setting. It just isn't. Part of it may have to do with the fact that most people will have been a different sex and sexuality in a past life, one's soul has little to do with their body. Really you should just throw concepts of heteronormativity aside. They don't apply here.
People view sex and gender as two separate things. No gender is seen as inferior to any other gender, sexism and transphobia isn't a thing in this world and things aren't segregated based on sex or gender. There are unisex bathrooms as far as the eye can see. When it comes to pronouns and the like people are refereed to based on their gender, not their sex. In this world people who identify as neither male or female (or male and female, or both, gender identity is complicated like that) are called Xan. You often see Xan people use Mx (pronounced Mix) instead of Mr or Ms and X instead of M or F. Many Xan people use the singular they as a pronoun to refer to themselves with but he and she aren't uncommon. "Ser" is used as a gender-neutral honourific similar to "sir" or "ma'am"
Much like gender nobody faces discrimination based on what one's sexuality is. People in this world don't really 'come out' because society isn't heteronormative, there isn't a stigma related to being anything other than heterosexual or cisgender. A man liking men and not women matters as much to people as liking redheads but not blonds. In short, gender, sex and sexuality are a complete non-issue.
People view sex and gender as two separate things. No gender is seen as inferior to any other gender, sexism and transphobia isn't a thing in this world and things aren't segregated based on sex or gender. There are unisex bathrooms as far as the eye can see. When it comes to pronouns and the like people are refereed to based on their gender, not their sex. In this world people who identify as neither male or female (or male and female, or both, gender identity is complicated like that) are called Xan. You often see Xan people use Mx (pronounced Mix) instead of Mr or Ms and X instead of M or F. Many Xan people use the singular they as a pronoun to refer to themselves with but he and she aren't uncommon. "Ser" is used as a gender-neutral honourific similar to "sir" or "ma'am"
Much like gender nobody faces discrimination based on what one's sexuality is. People in this world don't really 'come out' because society isn't heteronormative, there isn't a stigma related to being anything other than heterosexual or cisgender. A man liking men and not women matters as much to people as liking redheads but not blonds. In short, gender, sex and sexuality are a complete non-issue.
Spoiler:
Demons are beings which typically inhabit another realm of existence. There are various names for this realm, the Otherworld, The Underworld, Hell, etc. Little is known about it, it is not believed that any human has ever traveled there. The most powerful demons are known as Demons Lords. Views on demons vary. Some people believe all demons are evil, some think demons can be good or evil and others believe that demons and humans share the same soul and that one can be reincarnated as the other. Demons can be male or female but most are Xan. And yes, demons can be hurt and killed (or at least banished back to the otherworld, it isn't entirely clear which happens) by conventional means.
All magic comes from the Otherworld and demons. Magic is a mysterious and seemingly unknowable force which goes against the typical rules by which reality operates. Nobody is truly sure just what magic is capable of. Many people believe demons care little for the human realm and they are rarely seen here. It is believed a lot of magical energy is required to pass between the worlds.
In order for a human to use magic they must bound to a demon who can manipulate magic. This binding can be willing or unwilling. Once a person is bound to a demon, the only thing that can break the bond is death. Many people consider it a mercy to kill a mage so that next time they may live a life free of a demon's influence. It is said a demon can communicate telepathically with their host however some are more talkative than others. And this telepathy isn't always words, sometimes it's just a feeling, a mage may be overcome with feelings of dread when their demon feels they are in danger.
It is said the more the duo experiences together the stronger the bond becomes and as time goes on a human can use new magical abilities and abilities they already have become more powerful.
Views on magic and demons vary. Some think all demons and by extension magic users for they are bound to demons are evil. Others think they can be good or evil. One of the most famous mages of all time was a man named Gamlen Taylor. Taylor raised an army of zombies which he planned to use to conquer the world. Zombies are the undead servants of a Necromancer possessed with a sliver of magical power which allows them to rise, they can be human or animal. How many zombies a necromancer can raise and for how long depends on how powerful of a mage they are. A zombie's eyes glow a dark purple, purple being a colour often related to magic. A shot to the head will not kill a zombie. Instead all you can hope to do is immobilize them and have the necromancer give up on controlling them or have enough time pass that the magical energy which powers them dissipates. Of course killing the necromancer would also work. The magical energy which sustains the undead is centered on their head, so decapitation is an effective way to disable them. But general dismemberment, incineration and just damage is also effective. The wounds a zombie has, including those they had when they died will never heal. Likewise a zombie will continue to decay naturally. Once a zombie has been risen by magic once, they can never be risen again. The War of the Dead Gamlen Taylor started over a thousand years ago is a key reason why the dead tend to be cremated and why people still fear magic.
In all remember, both magic and demons are rare in this world and superstition isn't uncommon. Maybe a curse was placed on your child by that old woman down the road which made her get sick however it is far more likely that your child simply got sick and that woman has no magical ability or relation to demons at all.
All magic comes from the Otherworld and demons. Magic is a mysterious and seemingly unknowable force which goes against the typical rules by which reality operates. Nobody is truly sure just what magic is capable of. Many people believe demons care little for the human realm and they are rarely seen here. It is believed a lot of magical energy is required to pass between the worlds.
In order for a human to use magic they must bound to a demon who can manipulate magic. This binding can be willing or unwilling. Once a person is bound to a demon, the only thing that can break the bond is death. Many people consider it a mercy to kill a mage so that next time they may live a life free of a demon's influence. It is said a demon can communicate telepathically with their host however some are more talkative than others. And this telepathy isn't always words, sometimes it's just a feeling, a mage may be overcome with feelings of dread when their demon feels they are in danger.
It is said the more the duo experiences together the stronger the bond becomes and as time goes on a human can use new magical abilities and abilities they already have become more powerful.
Views on magic and demons vary. Some think all demons and by extension magic users for they are bound to demons are evil. Others think they can be good or evil. One of the most famous mages of all time was a man named Gamlen Taylor. Taylor raised an army of zombies which he planned to use to conquer the world. Zombies are the undead servants of a Necromancer possessed with a sliver of magical power which allows them to rise, they can be human or animal. How many zombies a necromancer can raise and for how long depends on how powerful of a mage they are. A zombie's eyes glow a dark purple, purple being a colour often related to magic. A shot to the head will not kill a zombie. Instead all you can hope to do is immobilize them and have the necromancer give up on controlling them or have enough time pass that the magical energy which powers them dissipates. Of course killing the necromancer would also work. The magical energy which sustains the undead is centered on their head, so decapitation is an effective way to disable them. But general dismemberment, incineration and just damage is also effective. The wounds a zombie has, including those they had when they died will never heal. Likewise a zombie will continue to decay naturally. Once a zombie has been risen by magic once, they can never be risen again. The War of the Dead Gamlen Taylor started over a thousand years ago is a key reason why the dead tend to be cremated and why people still fear magic.
In all remember, both magic and demons are rare in this world and superstition isn't uncommon. Maybe a curse was placed on your child by that old woman down the road which made her get sick however it is far more likely that your child simply got sick and that woman has no magical ability or relation to demons at all.
Spoiler:
The Children of Aurora (Aurorans): They believe there are two gods. Aurora and Umbra. The god of light and good and the god of dark and evil. God and The Devil. Us humans have the souls of the spirits that served Aurora, Demons are the spirits which served Umbra. Fire and light plays key role in their belief and rituals. They believe we must find a way to flee our mortal coils and return to Aurora. Aurora and Umbra are both referred to as they, they are both Xan. Their sacred text is The Book of Light, written by a priest called “The First Illuminator” who apparently talked to Aurora. Little is known about who this person was. The leader of their church is called the Illuminator. Currently lead by Illuminator Elizabeth the Third. Most popular religion in the Kingdom of Orlan, Orchid Empire and Sunrise Republic.
The Reformers of Aurora (Reformers): Have a different interpretation of The Book of Light. That we actually are Aurora, that Umbra split our soul into billions of parts, that we need to reform together and must all become whole again. And when we do we will be one and shall remember everything. That is why we reincarnate and remember, we are all the same being, Aurora. They think that demons are just lesser spirits, may or may not serve Umbra, can be good or evil. They think the same is true of magic and magic users. They have no organised central leader like Illuminator Elizabeth. Most popular religion in the Zor Princedom.
Followers of Harmony (Harmonists): Harmonists don’t revere gods, rather they accept that existence is composed of a nameless force which consists of two parts, Ying and Yang. Light and Dark, Male and Female, Order and Chaos, Hot and Cold, human and demon. These two forces are in everything and in everyone and they aren’t in conflict like the Auroran dualistic good/evil view of the world. Rather they look to try and find harmony between the two. The three central tenants of followers of harmony are Compassion, Humility and Moderation. They also believe in the idea of Wu Wei or doing by not doing, that sometimes the best thing to do is not intervene and let things play out how they will. They believe that demons and magic users can be good or evil. There are of course debates over when and how one should interfere. It is unknown exactly which philosopher first came up with the concept but it has been part of Emerald Empire belief since before the formation of the empire itself. They have no organised church or priesthood, they are more a philosophy than a religion. Most popular faith in the Emerald Empire.
Order of Roland (Paladins): They are the remnants of the Paladin Order founded by Charlotte Roland in 878ME. They believe there are no gods watching over us, only demons out to prey on us and that we humans must be on guard against them. They stomp out demons and magic. Most popular faith in the Baumberg Confederation.
Pagans: Religion of the people of Baile Bán and has of course spread beyond there. They believe humans and demons are both spirits and that either can be reborn as either. That demons can be good or bad, think the same of magic. They hold some Demons to be sacred but all of this is very localized rather than widespread. Different communities, often different families will venerate different demons which they think help them. Pagans who are bound with demons and able to use magic are known as witches.
Raveleans/Existentialists: Often named after 19th Century Orcish Philosopher Keira Ravelean. These people are irreligious. They believe there are no gods, just powerful demons. That demons can be good or bad. They don’t think there is any objective meaning or force that guides the universe, the only meaning in life is the meaning you find for yourself. However they are by no means glum about this. Instead they embrace the freedom they have and still value being good to others and enjoying one’s life.
The Coatl Pantheon: This is the term academics and everyday people use, not what the Coatl themselves used. The Coatl had a polytheistic faith revering many powerful Demon Lords and lesser demons which they considered to be gods. Their religion has no known modern practitioners. Not a lot is known about their religion, the empire was gone long before people from Hearthome arrived on the Coatl continent. However magic and demons played a huge role. The lower classes often had their dead either burned or taken by mages to be used as zombies. The elite of society always were interred in catacombs. The great pyramid of Tollan seems to be a mix between a holy temple and the home of the royal family.
Most people burn their dead upon death to stop them rising up as undead. This practice became very popular after The War of the Dead in which Gamlen Taylor’s army consisted mostly of undead he had risen up. Often urns containing ashes are buried in the ground along with gravestones to mark the burial site.
The Reformers of Aurora (Reformers): Have a different interpretation of The Book of Light. That we actually are Aurora, that Umbra split our soul into billions of parts, that we need to reform together and must all become whole again. And when we do we will be one and shall remember everything. That is why we reincarnate and remember, we are all the same being, Aurora. They think that demons are just lesser spirits, may or may not serve Umbra, can be good or evil. They think the same is true of magic and magic users. They have no organised central leader like Illuminator Elizabeth. Most popular religion in the Zor Princedom.
Followers of Harmony (Harmonists): Harmonists don’t revere gods, rather they accept that existence is composed of a nameless force which consists of two parts, Ying and Yang. Light and Dark, Male and Female, Order and Chaos, Hot and Cold, human and demon. These two forces are in everything and in everyone and they aren’t in conflict like the Auroran dualistic good/evil view of the world. Rather they look to try and find harmony between the two. The three central tenants of followers of harmony are Compassion, Humility and Moderation. They also believe in the idea of Wu Wei or doing by not doing, that sometimes the best thing to do is not intervene and let things play out how they will. They believe that demons and magic users can be good or evil. There are of course debates over when and how one should interfere. It is unknown exactly which philosopher first came up with the concept but it has been part of Emerald Empire belief since before the formation of the empire itself. They have no organised church or priesthood, they are more a philosophy than a religion. Most popular faith in the Emerald Empire.
Order of Roland (Paladins): They are the remnants of the Paladin Order founded by Charlotte Roland in 878ME. They believe there are no gods watching over us, only demons out to prey on us and that we humans must be on guard against them. They stomp out demons and magic. Most popular faith in the Baumberg Confederation.
Pagans: Religion of the people of Baile Bán and has of course spread beyond there. They believe humans and demons are both spirits and that either can be reborn as either. That demons can be good or bad, think the same of magic. They hold some Demons to be sacred but all of this is very localized rather than widespread. Different communities, often different families will venerate different demons which they think help them. Pagans who are bound with demons and able to use magic are known as witches.
Raveleans/Existentialists: Often named after 19th Century Orcish Philosopher Keira Ravelean. These people are irreligious. They believe there are no gods, just powerful demons. That demons can be good or bad. They don’t think there is any objective meaning or force that guides the universe, the only meaning in life is the meaning you find for yourself. However they are by no means glum about this. Instead they embrace the freedom they have and still value being good to others and enjoying one’s life.
The Coatl Pantheon: This is the term academics and everyday people use, not what the Coatl themselves used. The Coatl had a polytheistic faith revering many powerful Demon Lords and lesser demons which they considered to be gods. Their religion has no known modern practitioners. Not a lot is known about their religion, the empire was gone long before people from Hearthome arrived on the Coatl continent. However magic and demons played a huge role. The lower classes often had their dead either burned or taken by mages to be used as zombies. The elite of society always were interred in catacombs. The great pyramid of Tollan seems to be a mix between a holy temple and the home of the royal family.
Most people burn their dead upon death to stop them rising up as undead. This practice became very popular after The War of the Dead in which Gamlen Taylor’s army consisted mostly of undead he had risen up. Often urns containing ashes are buried in the ground along with gravestones to mark the burial site.
Spoiler:
Ancient Era: The time before the coronation on the first Emerald Emperor and formation of Emerald Empire. It was during this time that the Coatl Empire rose and fell. It is unknown what lead to the collapse of the Empire which stretched across that continent. In the distant past before that was the Ice Age, considered when people from crossed from Baile Bán to Hearthome across an ice bridge. Before even that, the leading geographical theory is that all of the earth was one large continent. Also believe in the very distant past earth was home to little more than volcanoes and toxic gases.
Modern Era
1ME: The coronation of Emperor Yong, the great uniter and founder of the Emerald Empire. At the time technology was similar to ancient Rome.
126ME: The First Illuminator (any person information about them including age and gender is unknown) founds the Church of Aurora in what will become the Orchid Empire.
392ME: The Northern War finally ends and Jessica Orchid is named the first Emperor of the Orchid Empire after uniting their people.
476ME: A civil war finally ceases and the Kingdom of Orlan is established with Anthonio Orlan as their first king. At this point technology is in what we consider to be the middle ages.
512ME: The Zor Princedom is founded, it was just one of many Kingdoms and Princedoms in the region but would eventually rise in prominence
577ME: The Great Schism. Priests of the Children of Aurora in the Zor Princedom split off to found the Reformers of Aurora.
601ME: People of Hearthhome first begin to interact with the people of Baile Bán on a regular basis.
877ME: The War of the Dead begins as a King Gamlen Taylor in what would become Baumberg Confederation and a mage raises and army of undead with intentions to conquer all of Hearthome.
878ME: Charlotte Roland, the 21 year old daughter of a minor noble establishes the Templar Order, also known as the Order of Roland to battle the undead hordes. Has a Skymetal Mace created when the order is founded. Travels with Prince Vincent Khalid of the Khalid Kingdom of the East. The Khalid Kingdom would eventually become part of the Zor Princedom.
881ME: The War of the Dead Ends. Charlotte Roland married Vincent Khalid. The Baumberg Confederation is created with Charlotte Roland serving as the First Lord Protector of the Realm.
901ME: The Kingdom of Orlan conquer and establish the Meadowland Colonies.
993ME: See the establishment of colonies subservient to the Political Powers of Hearthome in Baile Bán.
1172ME: Gunpowder is discovered in the Emerald Empire. The technology begins to disperse around the world and with it explosives, cannons and firearms.
1451ME: The Age of Exploration. Orlan sailors discover the Coatl Continent and the remains of the once great Coatl Empire. Colonies are quickly established.
1501ME: The First Circumnavigation of the Earth. The expedition is led by an Orlan Prince.
1533ME: The Establishment of the Orlan Sunrise Colonies and Baumberg Vincent Colonies.
1783-1785ME: The Sunrise Rebellion. Ends in the victory for the rebels led by Arthur William. See the creation of the Sunrise Republic.
19th Century ME: The 19th Century sees the Industrial Revolution and development on a scale never seen before.
1897ME: Baumberg born Gertrude Diesel creates the first Internal Combustion Engine using Diesel Fuel which she also discovered the uses for. The fuel and engine is named after herself
1898ME: Diesel follows up her internal combustion engine with the automobile using the engine. Over the next decade Diesel becomes the most popular energy source in the world.
1914ME: The Coatl Rebellion. A rebellion which begins in the city of Tollan in the Orlan Coatl Colony led by Ernest Leslie fails after 6 months. All local elected government is suspended indefinitely.
1916-1920ME: The War of Red Sands. A long and bloody war which resulted in millions of deaths over the establishment of colonies in the Red Sand desert. The desert is home to vast reserves of Diesel. The desert originally got its name from the battles which occurred there. The war had two sides, The Baumberg Confederation and Zor Princedom against the Orlan Kingdom and Orchid Empire. Caught in the middle were various small countries ripe for colonisation. The Sunrise Republic and Emerald Empire both stayed out of the war, the latter bribed by the Baumberg Confederation with the promise of colonies which they received after the war in return for staying neutral. The Baumberg Confederation and Zor Princedom won. The Baumberg got the pick of the best areas for colonisation and the Zor Princedom crushed century old enemies and massively expanded their territory and importance.
1919ME: The Baile Bán Anarchy. The huge Emerald Empire colony in Baile Bán collapses. What it leaves are several smaller groups of locals and colonists who stuck around. Have Anarcho-Communism, Direct Democracy, Monarchy, Military Dictatorship, all sorts of political systems.
1922ME: The Orlan Kingdom and its colonies fall into Economic Depression following a banking collapse in the aftermath of The War of Red Sands. Standard of living drops, unemployment and poverty skyrockets.
1924ME: Present Day.
Modern Era
1ME: The coronation of Emperor Yong, the great uniter and founder of the Emerald Empire. At the time technology was similar to ancient Rome.
126ME: The First Illuminator (any person information about them including age and gender is unknown) founds the Church of Aurora in what will become the Orchid Empire.
392ME: The Northern War finally ends and Jessica Orchid is named the first Emperor of the Orchid Empire after uniting their people.
476ME: A civil war finally ceases and the Kingdom of Orlan is established with Anthonio Orlan as their first king. At this point technology is in what we consider to be the middle ages.
512ME: The Zor Princedom is founded, it was just one of many Kingdoms and Princedoms in the region but would eventually rise in prominence
577ME: The Great Schism. Priests of the Children of Aurora in the Zor Princedom split off to found the Reformers of Aurora.
601ME: People of Hearthhome first begin to interact with the people of Baile Bán on a regular basis.
877ME: The War of the Dead begins as a King Gamlen Taylor in what would become Baumberg Confederation and a mage raises and army of undead with intentions to conquer all of Hearthome.
878ME: Charlotte Roland, the 21 year old daughter of a minor noble establishes the Templar Order, also known as the Order of Roland to battle the undead hordes. Has a Skymetal Mace created when the order is founded. Travels with Prince Vincent Khalid of the Khalid Kingdom of the East. The Khalid Kingdom would eventually become part of the Zor Princedom.
881ME: The War of the Dead Ends. Charlotte Roland married Vincent Khalid. The Baumberg Confederation is created with Charlotte Roland serving as the First Lord Protector of the Realm.
901ME: The Kingdom of Orlan conquer and establish the Meadowland Colonies.
993ME: See the establishment of colonies subservient to the Political Powers of Hearthome in Baile Bán.
1172ME: Gunpowder is discovered in the Emerald Empire. The technology begins to disperse around the world and with it explosives, cannons and firearms.
1451ME: The Age of Exploration. Orlan sailors discover the Coatl Continent and the remains of the once great Coatl Empire. Colonies are quickly established.
1501ME: The First Circumnavigation of the Earth. The expedition is led by an Orlan Prince.
1533ME: The Establishment of the Orlan Sunrise Colonies and Baumberg Vincent Colonies.
1783-1785ME: The Sunrise Rebellion. Ends in the victory for the rebels led by Arthur William. See the creation of the Sunrise Republic.
19th Century ME: The 19th Century sees the Industrial Revolution and development on a scale never seen before.
1897ME: Baumberg born Gertrude Diesel creates the first Internal Combustion Engine using Diesel Fuel which she also discovered the uses for. The fuel and engine is named after herself
1898ME: Diesel follows up her internal combustion engine with the automobile using the engine. Over the next decade Diesel becomes the most popular energy source in the world.
1914ME: The Coatl Rebellion. A rebellion which begins in the city of Tollan in the Orlan Coatl Colony led by Ernest Leslie fails after 6 months. All local elected government is suspended indefinitely.
1916-1920ME: The War of Red Sands. A long and bloody war which resulted in millions of deaths over the establishment of colonies in the Red Sand desert. The desert is home to vast reserves of Diesel. The desert originally got its name from the battles which occurred there. The war had two sides, The Baumberg Confederation and Zor Princedom against the Orlan Kingdom and Orchid Empire. Caught in the middle were various small countries ripe for colonisation. The Sunrise Republic and Emerald Empire both stayed out of the war, the latter bribed by the Baumberg Confederation with the promise of colonies which they received after the war in return for staying neutral. The Baumberg Confederation and Zor Princedom won. The Baumberg got the pick of the best areas for colonisation and the Zor Princedom crushed century old enemies and massively expanded their territory and importance.
1919ME: The Baile Bán Anarchy. The huge Emerald Empire colony in Baile Bán collapses. What it leaves are several smaller groups of locals and colonists who stuck around. Have Anarcho-Communism, Direct Democracy, Monarchy, Military Dictatorship, all sorts of political systems.
1922ME: The Orlan Kingdom and its colonies fall into Economic Depression following a banking collapse in the aftermath of The War of Red Sands. Standard of living drops, unemployment and poverty skyrockets.
1924ME: Present Day.
Spoiler:
The city of Tollan was once the capital of the Coatl Empire, even today it contains many remnants of those days including the great Pyramid of Tollan, a huge structure (and what we would consider a Mesoamerican Pyramid) believed to once be home to the royal family. Archaeology suggests the empire spanned the entire Coatl Continent from roughly 3000AE to around 500AE. It is known that magic and demons were used and played an important part in the running of the empire. By the time people from Hearthome arrived on the Continent the empire was long gone, however various tribes still lived on the island, many of which in places believed to be built by the Coatl Empire. Unfortunately for the locals, they were no match for the colonizers. When the Orlan Kingdom colonized the region they made Tollan the colony’s capital city. The city is located on an island just off the coast of the main continent, the island is also home to an extinct volcano, the fertile soils around the volcano is believed to be the reason humans first settled in the area. Today the city and surrounding area is home to 750,000 people. The Orlan Cotal Colony itself is home to 5 million people. The city can be divided into several districts.
The city is home to an extensive tram network, buses and roads for cars. No subway exists unlike in other parts of the world. The city also has a few general train stations but these are typically used for people and freight to come to and from the city. The Docklands is unsurprisingly home to a regular port but also contains an airport for zeppelins and aeroplanes. In terms of architecture city is a mix of its Coatl roots (think Aztec buildings) and what was created by colonizers (think 1920’s North American cities like New York or Chicago.)
Dark Grey: Mount Tollan – Mount Tollan is a rather large but thankfully extinct volcano located on Tollan island. Tollan observatory is located on the mountain and is used to study various terrestrial and celestial events.
Light Green: Wilderness – This is the wilderness, land mostly uninhabited by humans although is home to some logging and mining. It is part of the vast Coatl Rainforest, a rainforest with which covers a large amount of the continent.
Pink: Central – Central is home to the Central Business District of the city. It is mostly home to commercial businesses but also has some residential areas.
Red: Royal Quarter – The royal quarter is home to commercial and residential areas but is best know for its various government buildings and is the location of Tollan University. The great pyramid of Tollan, various public offices, the world class Pyramid Hotel and the governor’s residence are all located in the Royal quarter.
Orange: Wildflower Heights – Wildflower heights is an upper class residential and commercial area.
Yellow: Puma Beach – Puma Beach is a commercial and residential area located near the large and beautiful, Puma Beach. The beach and pier are also home to various attractions.
Lavander: The Canopy – The Canopy has a bit of everything, residential, commercial and industrial but it is mostly a residential area known for various apartment blocks. It is also home to both “Emerald Town” and “Little White”, areas known for their significant Emerald Empire and Baile Bán ethnic residents respectively.
Brown: The Dumps. – “The Dumps” is the unofficial name for the poorest part of the city, this isn’t the only place known as “The Dumps” other places with the same name have sprung up around the Orlan Empire due to the recent economic depression. The Dumps is officially part of the canopy but people don’t really consider it as such. It’s a slum filled mostly with homeless squatters.
Purple: The Docklands – Almost all of the industry in the city is located in The Docklands. Naturally it is also home to the docks where shipping takes place. The Docklands also contains Tollan Airport where Zeppelins and Aeroplanes come and go from.
Dark Green: Agriculture and Suburbs – Off the island are various suburbs and also some agricultural areas.
The city is home to an extensive tram network, buses and roads for cars. No subway exists unlike in other parts of the world. The city also has a few general train stations but these are typically used for people and freight to come to and from the city. The Docklands is unsurprisingly home to a regular port but also contains an airport for zeppelins and aeroplanes. In terms of architecture city is a mix of its Coatl roots (think Aztec buildings) and what was created by colonizers (think 1920’s North American cities like New York or Chicago.)
Dark Grey: Mount Tollan – Mount Tollan is a rather large but thankfully extinct volcano located on Tollan island. Tollan observatory is located on the mountain and is used to study various terrestrial and celestial events.
Light Green: Wilderness – This is the wilderness, land mostly uninhabited by humans although is home to some logging and mining. It is part of the vast Coatl Rainforest, a rainforest with which covers a large amount of the continent.
Pink: Central – Central is home to the Central Business District of the city. It is mostly home to commercial businesses but also has some residential areas.
Red: Royal Quarter – The royal quarter is home to commercial and residential areas but is best know for its various government buildings and is the location of Tollan University. The great pyramid of Tollan, various public offices, the world class Pyramid Hotel and the governor’s residence are all located in the Royal quarter.
Orange: Wildflower Heights – Wildflower heights is an upper class residential and commercial area.
Yellow: Puma Beach – Puma Beach is a commercial and residential area located near the large and beautiful, Puma Beach. The beach and pier are also home to various attractions.
Lavander: The Canopy – The Canopy has a bit of everything, residential, commercial and industrial but it is mostly a residential area known for various apartment blocks. It is also home to both “Emerald Town” and “Little White”, areas known for their significant Emerald Empire and Baile Bán ethnic residents respectively.
Brown: The Dumps. – “The Dumps” is the unofficial name for the poorest part of the city, this isn’t the only place known as “The Dumps” other places with the same name have sprung up around the Orlan Empire due to the recent economic depression. The Dumps is officially part of the canopy but people don’t really consider it as such. It’s a slum filled mostly with homeless squatters.
Purple: The Docklands – Almost all of the industry in the city is located in The Docklands. Naturally it is also home to the docks where shipping takes place. The Docklands also contains Tollan Airport where Zeppelins and Aeroplanes come and go from.
Dark Green: Agriculture and Suburbs – Off the island are various suburbs and also some agricultural areas.
Spoiler:
Emperor Yong Emerald the First: The first Emperor of Emerald Empire and a powerful ruler. Known as the great Uniter for making all fall under his banner. He used male pronouns but was Xan.
Emperor Jessica Orchid the First: She was the first Emperor of the Orchid Empire.
Prince Aisha Zor the First: She was the first prince of the Zobic Princedom. Was the child of a the king of the Khalid Kingdom, established a Princedom as not to appear to be after his power. In time the Princedom grew and became more powerful.
King Antonio Orlan the First: He was the first king of the Orlan kingdom.
President Arthur Williams: He was the leader of rebel forces in what would become the Sunrise Republic. After succeeding in the war, he was elected first president of the Sunrise Republic.
The First Illuminator: This unknown figure (or possibly figures) wrote “The Book of Light” which is considered a sacred text for different religions.
Gamlen Taylor: One of many kings in the area which would eventually become the Baumberg Confederation. He was also a powerful mage. He raised an army of the undead in an attempt to conquer Hearthome. Was eventually killed by forces led by Charlotte Roland.
Charlotte Roland: Charlotte Roland was the daughter of a minor noble and at the age of 21 founded the Paladin Order also known as The Order of Roland to battle Gamlen Taylor and his army of the dead. When the order was founded she had a skymetal mace forged, said mace is still on display in a Museum in Roland City. When the war was over she established and became the first Lord Protector of the Baumberg Confederation, a confederation that oversaw various kingdoms. There has been recent academic debate over her views towards magic and demons, some saying she saw all magic and demons as evil, others that those beliefs were imposed upon her after her death and that she did believe magic could be used for good and that the modern day Order of Roland is a alteration of her own beliefs. Married Vincent Khalid and had two children, one of which became Lord Protector after her death. That bloodline continues on to this day.
Vincent Khalid: He was a prince from the Khalid Kingdom. He moved to the area which would become the Baumberg Confederation. Was known for fighting with a spear. Became romantically involved with Charlotte Roland after the two were companions during The War of the Dead, eventually married her.
Keira Ravelean: She was an influential mid-19th Century philosopher from the Orchid Empire. Known for writing about existentialism.
Friedrich Karls: Another influential mid-19th Century philosopher. Born in the city of Roland in the Baumberg Confederation. Author of The Communist Manifesto and The Condition of the Working Class in Orlan. Considered to be the father of many leftist political ideals.
Ernest Leslie: Leader of an attempted rebellion in the Orlan Coatl in 1914. The rebel organisation was known as The Ferrets. He killed Peter Andrews, the man who was Governor of the Orlan Coatl colonies. He was ultimately captured, tried and executed. Aged 34 at time of death.
Peter Andrews: Was governor of the Orlan Coatl until his death 10 years ago. Aged 60 at time of death.
Emperor Jessica Orchid the First: She was the first Emperor of the Orchid Empire.
Prince Aisha Zor the First: She was the first prince of the Zobic Princedom. Was the child of a the king of the Khalid Kingdom, established a Princedom as not to appear to be after his power. In time the Princedom grew and became more powerful.
King Antonio Orlan the First: He was the first king of the Orlan kingdom.
President Arthur Williams: He was the leader of rebel forces in what would become the Sunrise Republic. After succeeding in the war, he was elected first president of the Sunrise Republic.
The First Illuminator: This unknown figure (or possibly figures) wrote “The Book of Light” which is considered a sacred text for different religions.
Gamlen Taylor: One of many kings in the area which would eventually become the Baumberg Confederation. He was also a powerful mage. He raised an army of the undead in an attempt to conquer Hearthome. Was eventually killed by forces led by Charlotte Roland.
Charlotte Roland: Charlotte Roland was the daughter of a minor noble and at the age of 21 founded the Paladin Order also known as The Order of Roland to battle Gamlen Taylor and his army of the dead. When the order was founded she had a skymetal mace forged, said mace is still on display in a Museum in Roland City. When the war was over she established and became the first Lord Protector of the Baumberg Confederation, a confederation that oversaw various kingdoms. There has been recent academic debate over her views towards magic and demons, some saying she saw all magic and demons as evil, others that those beliefs were imposed upon her after her death and that she did believe magic could be used for good and that the modern day Order of Roland is a alteration of her own beliefs. Married Vincent Khalid and had two children, one of which became Lord Protector after her death. That bloodline continues on to this day.
Vincent Khalid: He was a prince from the Khalid Kingdom. He moved to the area which would become the Baumberg Confederation. Was known for fighting with a spear. Became romantically involved with Charlotte Roland after the two were companions during The War of the Dead, eventually married her.
Keira Ravelean: She was an influential mid-19th Century philosopher from the Orchid Empire. Known for writing about existentialism.
Friedrich Karls: Another influential mid-19th Century philosopher. Born in the city of Roland in the Baumberg Confederation. Author of The Communist Manifesto and The Condition of the Working Class in Orlan. Considered to be the father of many leftist political ideals.
Ernest Leslie: Leader of an attempted rebellion in the Orlan Coatl in 1914. The rebel organisation was known as The Ferrets. He killed Peter Andrews, the man who was Governor of the Orlan Coatl colonies. He was ultimately captured, tried and executed. Aged 34 at time of death.
Peter Andrews: Was governor of the Orlan Coatl until his death 10 years ago. Aged 60 at time of death.
Spoiler:
Emperor Mei Emerald the First: Current Emperor of Emerald Empire. Aged 68.
Emperor Richard Orchid the Second: Current Emperor of the Orchid Empire. Aged 35.
Prince Joseph Zor: Current ruler of the Zor Princedom. Aged 42.
King Antonio Orlan the Sixth: Current ruler of the Orlan Kingdom. Aged 58
Lord Protector Peter Dietrich: Current Lord Protector and thus ruler of the Baumberg Confederation. Aged 39.
Sebastian Dumas: Prime Minister of the Orlan House of Commons. Aged 63.
Illuminator Elizabeth the Third: Leader of the Children of Aurora. She's aged 71, lives in Orlan City.
Gertrude Diesel: Born in Roland City Baumberg, still lives there. Inventor of Diesel and the internal combustion engine. Head of the Diesel Corporation. Aged 52.
President Benjamin Reed: He is the current president of the Sunrise Republic. Aged 43.
Kyle Howard: An entrepreneur from the Sunrise Republic. Known for his Zeppelins, Aeroplanes and weapon’s technology. Lives in the city of Tollan. Is the wealthiest man in the city. Aged 28.
Governor Alex Orlan: They are the second of three children and prince of the Orlan Kingdom. After the death of Peter Andrews they were made governor of the Orlan Coatl colonies. Xan. Aged 34.
Emperor Richard Orchid the Second: Current Emperor of the Orchid Empire. Aged 35.
Prince Joseph Zor: Current ruler of the Zor Princedom. Aged 42.
King Antonio Orlan the Sixth: Current ruler of the Orlan Kingdom. Aged 58
Lord Protector Peter Dietrich: Current Lord Protector and thus ruler of the Baumberg Confederation. Aged 39.
Sebastian Dumas: Prime Minister of the Orlan House of Commons. Aged 63.
Illuminator Elizabeth the Third: Leader of the Children of Aurora. She's aged 71, lives in Orlan City.
Gertrude Diesel: Born in Roland City Baumberg, still lives there. Inventor of Diesel and the internal combustion engine. Head of the Diesel Corporation. Aged 52.
President Benjamin Reed: He is the current president of the Sunrise Republic. Aged 43.
Kyle Howard: An entrepreneur from the Sunrise Republic. Known for his Zeppelins, Aeroplanes and weapon’s technology. Lives in the city of Tollan. Is the wealthiest man in the city. Aged 28.
Governor Alex Orlan: They are the second of three children and prince of the Orlan Kingdom. After the death of Peter Andrews they were made governor of the Orlan Coatl colonies. Xan. Aged 34.
Spoiler:
The Orlan Kingdom is an absolute monarchy, the king holds absolute political power. However seeing as it would be completely impractical for the king to run everything himself most affairs are delegated to Parliament which consists of the Upper House, The House of Lords which the King appoints and consists mostly of nobles and the Lower House, The House of Commons which is elected, citizens over 21 can vote. Elections occur every 5 years, the next election is due in 1925. However this system has received a lot of criticism as there is nothing stopping the upper house or even the king vetoing anything the lower house passes making it a very limited democracy. Even many royalists who are happy to have the king as head of state dislike this system and would prefer something like the Emerald Empire which has but a single parliament house, the elected House of Commons.
Colonies of the Orlan Kingdom are ruled directly by their colonial masters in Orlan. Colonies themselves are ruled over by a governor and can usually hold local elections for members of city councils and to go to Orlan city to sit in the House of Commons. However all elected government in the Orlan Coatl colony was suspended indefinitely following a failed rebellion a decade ago. The colony is now ruled by the Governor Alex Orlan and directly appointed officals.
Political Parties don’t exist in the House of Lords, however family plays a role of continued importance. The house of commons currently consists of 2 major parties, 3 minor parties and various independent MPs.
In terms of social welfare, unemployment benefit is non-existent but old age pension, child benefit and pay to the families of people who died/were severely wounded during the war all exist.
Major:
Conservative Party: Right-Wing. The majority party in parliament, elected in the aftermath of the Great War following Orlan’s defeat. Believe in fiscal conservatism. Many blame them and their lack of regulation on banks for the Economic Depression.
Liberal Party: Centre-Right. Believe in what we consider Laize-Faire economics, lack of government intervention in the economy. Were the majority party during the Great War, many blame them for the country’s failure.
Minor:
Labour Party: Centre-Left. Social Democrats. Some members want simply social democracy, some want to gradually lead into a full socialist means of production. Are most popular minor party, expected to become more popular in the next election.
Socialist Party: Left-Wing. Socialist (duh.) Want to gradually lead to socialist means of production. Expected to become more popular in the next election.
Home Rule Party: Single Issue Party. A party made up of people from across the political spectrum, are a single issue party who want only to have home rule, for the various colonies to remain loyal but self-govern. Least popular party.
Colonies of the Orlan Kingdom are ruled directly by their colonial masters in Orlan. Colonies themselves are ruled over by a governor and can usually hold local elections for members of city councils and to go to Orlan city to sit in the House of Commons. However all elected government in the Orlan Coatl colony was suspended indefinitely following a failed rebellion a decade ago. The colony is now ruled by the Governor Alex Orlan and directly appointed officals.
Political Parties don’t exist in the House of Lords, however family plays a role of continued importance. The house of commons currently consists of 2 major parties, 3 minor parties and various independent MPs.
In terms of social welfare, unemployment benefit is non-existent but old age pension, child benefit and pay to the families of people who died/were severely wounded during the war all exist.
Major:
Conservative Party: Right-Wing. The majority party in parliament, elected in the aftermath of the Great War following Orlan’s defeat. Believe in fiscal conservatism. Many blame them and their lack of regulation on banks for the Economic Depression.
Liberal Party: Centre-Right. Believe in what we consider Laize-Faire economics, lack of government intervention in the economy. Were the majority party during the Great War, many blame them for the country’s failure.
Minor:
Labour Party: Centre-Left. Social Democrats. Some members want simply social democracy, some want to gradually lead into a full socialist means of production. Are most popular minor party, expected to become more popular in the next election.
Socialist Party: Left-Wing. Socialist (duh.) Want to gradually lead to socialist means of production. Expected to become more popular in the next election.
Home Rule Party: Single Issue Party. A party made up of people from across the political spectrum, are a single issue party who want only to have home rule, for the various colonies to remain loyal but self-govern. Least popular party.
Spoiler:
Many of the common laws you would expect like murder, theft, trespassing, fraud, sexual assault exist here.
Tobacco, Alcohol, Cannabis and Gambling are all legal in the Orlan Kingdom and Colonies. Prostitution and various other drugs like heroin and cocaine are illegal. When it comes to firearms, you can apply to the government for a licence for a shotgun, semi-automatic pistol, revolver and semi-automatic/bolt action rifles. Automatic weapons, heavy weapons and explosives however are outlawed. Of course, this doesn’t mean people don’t use them and plenty of people who aren’t licensed have guns. You have to apply separately to the government for a permit to carry concealed weapons on your person, PIs commonly do this. Open carrying of weapons in public spaces isn’t allowed.
Magic and consorting with demons is officially considered illegal and includes punishments which can include life imprisonment and death. However many believe that some government agents do practice magic. It should go without saying but membership in a rebel organisation is illegal.
Law Enforcement can be broken down into three ranks, Police, Public Security Bureau and Military. The police are what you think they are, a police force for the city. They tend to be named after whichever city/county they serve in. The Police in Tollan are known as the Tollan City Police Department. The Public Security Bureau are basically a state law enforcement agency like the USA’s FBI, DEA or ATF. The military are well, the military, home to various divisions the army, the navy and air force. They also contain Special Forces and Military Intelligence agencies.
There are three main criminal gangs that operate in the city along with various smaller gangs and independent criminals.
White Wolves: A purely local gang made up mostly of immigrants from Baile Bán. Relatively recent, only sprung up in the last few years but grew quickly in power.
Crimson Poppies: The local branch of an international criminal organisation. The organisation originated and is based in the Orchid Empire, far more aristocratic than other gangs. Known for their strong control of the illegal opiate trade.
The Night Hags: The local branch of the oldest criminal organisation in the world. However their structure is a lot looser than the Crimson Poppies. Originated in Medieval Baumberg, got their name from how they were originally underground magic users but these days magic mostly takes a back seat.
Tobacco, Alcohol, Cannabis and Gambling are all legal in the Orlan Kingdom and Colonies. Prostitution and various other drugs like heroin and cocaine are illegal. When it comes to firearms, you can apply to the government for a licence for a shotgun, semi-automatic pistol, revolver and semi-automatic/bolt action rifles. Automatic weapons, heavy weapons and explosives however are outlawed. Of course, this doesn’t mean people don’t use them and plenty of people who aren’t licensed have guns. You have to apply separately to the government for a permit to carry concealed weapons on your person, PIs commonly do this. Open carrying of weapons in public spaces isn’t allowed.
Magic and consorting with demons is officially considered illegal and includes punishments which can include life imprisonment and death. However many believe that some government agents do practice magic. It should go without saying but membership in a rebel organisation is illegal.
Law Enforcement can be broken down into three ranks, Police, Public Security Bureau and Military. The police are what you think they are, a police force for the city. They tend to be named after whichever city/county they serve in. The Police in Tollan are known as the Tollan City Police Department. The Public Security Bureau are basically a state law enforcement agency like the USA’s FBI, DEA or ATF. The military are well, the military, home to various divisions the army, the navy and air force. They also contain Special Forces and Military Intelligence agencies.
There are three main criminal gangs that operate in the city along with various smaller gangs and independent criminals.
White Wolves: A purely local gang made up mostly of immigrants from Baile Bán. Relatively recent, only sprung up in the last few years but grew quickly in power.
Crimson Poppies: The local branch of an international criminal organisation. The organisation originated and is based in the Orchid Empire, far more aristocratic than other gangs. Known for their strong control of the illegal opiate trade.
The Night Hags: The local branch of the oldest criminal organisation in the world. However their structure is a lot looser than the Crimson Poppies. Originated in Medieval Baumberg, got their name from how they were originally underground magic users but these days magic mostly takes a back seat.
Spoiler:
Primary School education is free and mandatory ending at the age of 12. Secondary School education isn’t free or mandatory but is inexpensive enough that just before the depression 10% of eligible people attended secondary school education. Third Level Education in a university is much rarer and is also very expensive. If you aren’t from a wealthy family you likely won’t attend however would be students can get loans to pay tuition fees or scholarships.
Healthcare is also not free, however the government does pay for people who work for the state (police, public security, military) who are injured on the job and require on going medical treatment. While simple medical is usually affordable more advanced medical care can be beyond the reach of many average people and might put them on debt.
Healthcare is also not free, however the government does pay for people who work for the state (police, public security, military) who are injured on the job and require on going medical treatment. While simple medical is usually affordable more advanced medical care can be beyond the reach of many average people and might put them on debt.
Spoiler:
When it comes to technology it is mostly the same as our 1920s. So you have radio, film (films with sound only came into existence 3 years ago,) cars and weapons like what you would see in the 1920’s, aeroplanes, zeppelins, typewriters, submarines, telephones, electricity, etc.
There is some more fantastical technology, like electrified gauntlets, electromagnetic boots which let one stick to metal surfaces and railguns but such technology is mostly experimental at this stage and would probably be found only in government or corporate research facilities.
There is some more fantastical technology, like electrified gauntlets, electromagnetic boots which let one stick to metal surfaces and railguns but such technology is mostly experimental at this stage and would probably be found only in government or corporate research facilities.
Spoiler:
Culture is similar to our 1920s although as mentioned people are far more accepting when it comes to gender, sexuality and race (although there is still some discrimination based on nationality.) Sports are mostly the same as our sports, football, rugby, baseball, basketball, horse racing, boxing, etc. When it comes to music, while classical still attracts people of course the most popular style of music in the world is Jazz which originated in the Sunrise Republic and has taken the world by storm in recent years. While television doesn’t exist radio and films are both massively popular and people enjoy various other forms of art like literature, painting, etc. Once again dress sense is similar to our own 1920s.
Spoiler:
Most flora and fauna are the same as the plants and animals you would find on our own earth. Some exceptions occur in Baile Bán where some ice age creatures like Mammoths and Saber Tooth-Tigers still roam. Many fantastical creatures are demons who take interesting forms like dragons. Others are creatures which have been corrupted by magic like hellhounds. Some are entirely fictional like unicorns. Ghost exist, they are the disembodied souls of the dead who have yet to pass on. These incorporeal spectres are rare and mostly harmless and in time do pass on to be reborn. Ghosts glow a light blue and are of a humanoid shape but they lack defining features. It is possible to communicate with a ghost. Remember despite what has just been said, the world is vast, all manner of unknown creatures could inhabit it. And who knows what creatures lie beyond it?
Hidden:
CASPIE:
Skills:
Magical Abilities:
Spoiler:
Think of CASPIE as Fallout's SPECIAL without luck. You get 1 point in every CASPIE and then 29 points to spend in what attributes you want. All stats are capped at 10 or 1.
C= Charisma
A= Agility
S= Strength
P= Perception
I= Intelligence
E= Endurance
Charisma= A combination of appearance and charm.
Agility= Coordination and the ability to move quickly.
Strength= Raw physical strength.
Perception= The ability to see, hear, taste and notice things others may miss.
Intelligence= Knowledge, wisdom and the ability to think quickly.
Endurance= Stamina and physical toughness.
1 Very Bad
2 Bad
3 Poor
4 Fair
5 Average
6 Good
7 Very Good
8 Great
9 Excellent
10 Heroic
For the majority of people all their CASPIE stats would be between 3 and 8 inclusive. I don't want to see min-maxing for character creation purposes, have stats that make sense in relation to your character rather than putting points into stats you think are the best.
If you change bodies at any point (it isn't as unlikely as it might sound, magic has been known to cause people to permanently swap bodies and possession is one of the spells you can use from the start) your Intelligence will remain as it was, Strength and Endurance will by that of the new body. Charisma, Agility and Perception are where it gets complicated, those attributes are all a combination of both the mental and the physical. Lack of division between mental and physical is one of the biggest problems with CASPIE as a system but it shouldn't be too much of an issue, we'll deal with it if and when it happens on a case by case basis.
When things need to be rolled I will be using two D10 dice to create a percentage. So that percentage could be anywhere between 0% (Two 0s) or 99% (Two 9s.) There will be no set measurement of damage however when people are hurt it will be described.
C= Charisma
A= Agility
S= Strength
P= Perception
I= Intelligence
E= Endurance
Charisma= A combination of appearance and charm.
Agility= Coordination and the ability to move quickly.
Strength= Raw physical strength.
Perception= The ability to see, hear, taste and notice things others may miss.
Intelligence= Knowledge, wisdom and the ability to think quickly.
Endurance= Stamina and physical toughness.
1 Very Bad
2 Bad
3 Poor
4 Fair
5 Average
6 Good
7 Very Good
8 Great
9 Excellent
10 Heroic
For the majority of people all their CASPIE stats would be between 3 and 8 inclusive. I don't want to see min-maxing for character creation purposes, have stats that make sense in relation to your character rather than putting points into stats you think are the best.
If you change bodies at any point (it isn't as unlikely as it might sound, magic has been known to cause people to permanently swap bodies and possession is one of the spells you can use from the start) your Intelligence will remain as it was, Strength and Endurance will by that of the new body. Charisma, Agility and Perception are where it gets complicated, those attributes are all a combination of both the mental and the physical. Lack of division between mental and physical is one of the biggest problems with CASPIE as a system but it shouldn't be too much of an issue, we'll deal with it if and when it happens on a case by case basis.
When things need to be rolled I will be using two D10 dice to create a percentage. So that percentage could be anywhere between 0% (Two 0s) or 99% (Two 9s.) There will be no set measurement of damage however when people are hurt it will be described.
Spoiler:
When making your character you pick 3 Tag Skills which your character is very proficient with. These are by no means the only skills your character has, only where they excel. You can mention other skills your character possess in your character sheet but they won't be as good at them. Every skill is derived from a CASPIE attribute. Skills follow along with descriptions of what the skills are:
Charisma:
Speech = Skill at persuading, seducing, deceiving and overall manipulating people by talking to them.
Agility:
Marksmanship = Skill at using ranged weapons like firearms.
Sneak = Skill at remaining unseen, moving unheard and stealing.
Strength:
Melee = Skill at engaging in combat with your bare fists and with melee weapons like knives, clubs, axes, etc.
Perception:
Explosives = Skill at using and knowledge of various kinds of explosives like grenades, mines, radio controlled explosives and flamethrowers.
Lockpick = Skill at picking locks.
Intelligence:
Repair = Knowledge of how to create, operate and repair equipment and machinery.
Academia = One's knowledge of science and humanities, will usually but not always relate to some manner of third level education. Knowledge of topics such as biology, chemistry, physics, history, geography, archaeology, philosophy, sociology, the occult, etc.
Medicine = Impacts one's skill at treating wounds and understanding of the human body.
Endurance:
Survival = Practical knowledge of the outdoors, knowledge of tracking and the ability to live off the land.
Charisma:
Speech = Skill at persuading, seducing, deceiving and overall manipulating people by talking to them.
Agility:
Marksmanship = Skill at using ranged weapons like firearms.
Sneak = Skill at remaining unseen, moving unheard and stealing.
Strength:
Melee = Skill at engaging in combat with your bare fists and with melee weapons like knives, clubs, axes, etc.
Perception:
Explosives = Skill at using and knowledge of various kinds of explosives like grenades, mines, radio controlled explosives and flamethrowers.
Lockpick = Skill at picking locks.
Intelligence:
Repair = Knowledge of how to create, operate and repair equipment and machinery.
Academia = One's knowledge of science and humanities, will usually but not always relate to some manner of third level education. Knowledge of topics such as biology, chemistry, physics, history, geography, archaeology, philosophy, sociology, the occult, etc.
Medicine = Impacts one's skill at treating wounds and understanding of the human body.
Endurance:
Survival = Practical knowledge of the outdoors, knowledge of tracking and the ability to live off the land.
Spoiler:
Player characters are going to be mages, humans with souls that are bound to demons allowing them to access magical powers. As time goes on and the mage becomes both more proficient with their magical abilities and more in touch with the demon they are bound to their power grows. Some magical abilities are always active, others must be activated. Some abilities require no cool down, others need time to recharge. More details will be listed under each ability. For the purposes of this RP Magic Points or MP will be used by players to unlock new abilities. All characters will start with 2 MP they can invest in anything they want. You can gain more MP and unlock new abilities as the game goes on. Naturally in order to unlock the second rank of an ability you must already have access to the first rank. What follows are a list of magical abilities. These are by no means the only things magic can do but are what you’ll be able to do with magic.
Ventriloquism:
This ability allows the user to mimic the voices of others and throw their voice.
Rank I. You can mimic any voice you have heard perfectly although the voice still comes from your own mouth.
Rank II. You can throw your voice to make it come from anywhere within your line of sight. However it can only come from one location at a time and your mouth still moves when you talk.
Ignus:
This ability allows the user to manipulate fire. It also makes the user immune to fire and the harmful effects of heat.
Rank I. Your hand or hands erupt into flames. You can use this ability to light up the dark, put your hands to things you want to light or punch somebody with a flaming fist. You also become immune to fire and the harmful effects of heat.
Rank II. You can shoot a continuous blast of flame from your hand. It has a maximum length of 3 metres.
Amnesia:
This ability causes the target(s) to become forgetful and lose a portion of their short term memory. For those curious it can be used on yourself, useful if you overhear people talking about the ending of your favorite film serial when you haven’t seen it yet. Be wary however, careless use may arouse suspicions.
Rank I. To use this ability you must pass your hand in front of your eyes. It causes one target to become confused and forget everything that happened in the last 15 seconds. Target must be within 5 meters of user. Can only be used once every 60 seconds.
Rank II. To use this ability you must pass your hand in front of your eyes. It causes up to three targets to become confused and forget everything that happened in the last 15 seconds. Targets must be within 5 meters of user. Can only be used once every 60 seconds.
Possession:
This ability allows your soul to pass into body. Your regular body falls into a deep sleep while you are possessing another. It is said masters of this ability can possess someone indefinitely, surviving by jumping between bodies. If the possession ends and your original body has been killed you will become a ghost until you eventually pass on. When the possession ends the person/animal who was possessed has no recollection of the experience. Can be resisted by those with high willpower. You must make eye contact with the target to possess them. Possession may be willingly ended at any time, when a certain amount of time passes or if the body which you are possessing dies. All magical abilities can be used when possessing another human but not when possessing an animal.
Rank I. This ability allows you to possess any animal for 20 minutes. Can only be used once every hour.
Rank II. This ability allows your to possess any human for 20 minutes. Can only be used once every hour.
Vigour:
Vigour makes you magically hardier and more likely to survive.
Rank I. You no longer need to breathe. This means among other things you can survive underwater indefinitely.
Rank II. You are immune to all conventional poisons and diseases and can stay awake indefinitely. You have peak human healing, you heal from wounds at the peak human rate.
Cat Eye:
Magically improves your vision in a variety of ways.
Rank I. Allows you to see in low light like a cat. Note, low light, not night vision, this won’t help you see in complete darkness. You can also change your iris colour at will.
Rank II. Thermal vision. When activated this ability makes the world become black and white and the warmer an object is the whiter it becomes. This can effectively allow for night vision and helps greatly in finding people.
Fleetfoot:
This power greatly improves your acrobatic abilities.
Rank I. You can jump up to 3 meters in height. You no longer take damage from falling.
Rank II. A magical charge is emitted from your hands allowing you to climb walls much like a spider.
Necromancy:
This ability allows you to create a zombie thrall who will follow out your orders. Zombies are the bodies of the dead possessed with a sliver of magical energy which allows them to rise. Once a corpse has been made a zombie once it can never become a zombie again. A fuller description of these undead can be found under “Demons and Magic.” Zombies are issued orders through a telepathic link between thrall and master. You will only be able to create one zombie, animal or human at a time. The creature must be dead before it can become a zombie. The magical energy leaves the zombie after a certain period of time or when you will it.
Rank I. Sends a stream of purple magical energy from your hands into the body of an animal turning them into your zombie thrall. Lasts 10 minutes, max 1 zombie at a time. Takes an hour to recharge.
Rank II. Sends a stream of purple magical energy from your hands into the body of a human turning them into your zombie thrall. Lasts 10 minutes, max 1 zombie at a time. Takes an hour to recharge
Ventriloquism:
This ability allows the user to mimic the voices of others and throw their voice.
Rank I. You can mimic any voice you have heard perfectly although the voice still comes from your own mouth.
Rank II. You can throw your voice to make it come from anywhere within your line of sight. However it can only come from one location at a time and your mouth still moves when you talk.
Ignus:
This ability allows the user to manipulate fire. It also makes the user immune to fire and the harmful effects of heat.
Rank I. Your hand or hands erupt into flames. You can use this ability to light up the dark, put your hands to things you want to light or punch somebody with a flaming fist. You also become immune to fire and the harmful effects of heat.
Rank II. You can shoot a continuous blast of flame from your hand. It has a maximum length of 3 metres.
Amnesia:
This ability causes the target(s) to become forgetful and lose a portion of their short term memory. For those curious it can be used on yourself, useful if you overhear people talking about the ending of your favorite film serial when you haven’t seen it yet. Be wary however, careless use may arouse suspicions.
Rank I. To use this ability you must pass your hand in front of your eyes. It causes one target to become confused and forget everything that happened in the last 15 seconds. Target must be within 5 meters of user. Can only be used once every 60 seconds.
Rank II. To use this ability you must pass your hand in front of your eyes. It causes up to three targets to become confused and forget everything that happened in the last 15 seconds. Targets must be within 5 meters of user. Can only be used once every 60 seconds.
Possession:
This ability allows your soul to pass into body. Your regular body falls into a deep sleep while you are possessing another. It is said masters of this ability can possess someone indefinitely, surviving by jumping between bodies. If the possession ends and your original body has been killed you will become a ghost until you eventually pass on. When the possession ends the person/animal who was possessed has no recollection of the experience. Can be resisted by those with high willpower. You must make eye contact with the target to possess them. Possession may be willingly ended at any time, when a certain amount of time passes or if the body which you are possessing dies. All magical abilities can be used when possessing another human but not when possessing an animal.
Rank I. This ability allows you to possess any animal for 20 minutes. Can only be used once every hour.
Rank II. This ability allows your to possess any human for 20 minutes. Can only be used once every hour.
Vigour:
Vigour makes you magically hardier and more likely to survive.
Rank I. You no longer need to breathe. This means among other things you can survive underwater indefinitely.
Rank II. You are immune to all conventional poisons and diseases and can stay awake indefinitely. You have peak human healing, you heal from wounds at the peak human rate.
Cat Eye:
Magically improves your vision in a variety of ways.
Rank I. Allows you to see in low light like a cat. Note, low light, not night vision, this won’t help you see in complete darkness. You can also change your iris colour at will.
Rank II. Thermal vision. When activated this ability makes the world become black and white and the warmer an object is the whiter it becomes. This can effectively allow for night vision and helps greatly in finding people.
Fleetfoot:
This power greatly improves your acrobatic abilities.
Rank I. You can jump up to 3 meters in height. You no longer take damage from falling.
Rank II. A magical charge is emitted from your hands allowing you to climb walls much like a spider.
Necromancy:
This ability allows you to create a zombie thrall who will follow out your orders. Zombies are the bodies of the dead possessed with a sliver of magical energy which allows them to rise. Once a corpse has been made a zombie once it can never become a zombie again. A fuller description of these undead can be found under “Demons and Magic.” Zombies are issued orders through a telepathic link between thrall and master. You will only be able to create one zombie, animal or human at a time. The creature must be dead before it can become a zombie. The magical energy leaves the zombie after a certain period of time or when you will it.
Rank I. Sends a stream of purple magical energy from your hands into the body of an animal turning them into your zombie thrall. Lasts 10 minutes, max 1 zombie at a time. Takes an hour to recharge.
Rank II. Sends a stream of purple magical energy from your hands into the body of a human turning them into your zombie thrall. Lasts 10 minutes, max 1 zombie at a time. Takes an hour to recharge
