Author Topic: Verold  (Read 5097 times)

Offline EjoThims

  • Honorary Mod
  • *****
  • Posts: 531
  • The Ferret
    • View Profile
Verold
« on: November 15, 2011, 07:51:13 PM »
Verold:

Verold is a large, blooming continent, but its borders drop into stark cliff faces and deep, endless mists. Sea travel is non-existent, and even knowledge of oceans beneath the mists is obscure.

Verold is basically set into a loose caste system from a millennium of essentially stagnant society. No major outside influences. No major internal upheavals.

But that is all about to change.


History of Verold:
(click to show/hide)


Religion of Verold:

(click to show/hide)


Factions of Verold:

(click to show/hide)
« Last Edit: August 18, 2013, 02:48:18 PM by EjoThims »

Offline EjoThims

  • Honorary Mod
  • *****
  • Posts: 531
  • The Ferret
    • View Profile
Races
« Reply #1 on: November 15, 2011, 07:51:34 PM »
The Clans:

The Clans make up the vast bulk of Verold’s population throughout its history. There were originally seventeen Clans including Man, though now only twelve remain.

Wolf: Remnants of their shattered packs, Wolves have to hide from society and often have power hungry motivations.
Bear: Strong in heart and body, the lumbering Bears are steadfast friends and frightful opponents.
Boar: Stubborn and quick to anger, Boars travel in nomadic tribes to avoid long contact with the other Clans.
Fox: The quick-witted Foxes use their sharp tongues and affinity with illusion to manipulate the other Clans to their own advantage.
Viper: Slim storytellers and musicians, Vipers are the historians of the Clans, and they always seek new tales to tell.
Ferret: Not much holds the attention of the hyper and curious Ferrets for long, but even the simplest things can seem an adventure to them.
Rat: Preferring shadows and treachery to real companionship, Rats are the bulk of the criminal underworld of the Clans.
Tiger: The meditative Tigers seek to balance their minds and bodies into a perfect union to represent the ideal of their naming.
Raven: Studious and intelligent, the Ravens are scholars and mages, ever seeking to unlock the next mystery.
Coyote: Shameful and withdrawn, the Coyotes blame their gifts to Man for the loss of the fallen Clans.
Python: Competition is the ultimate drive for the athletic Pythons.
Crane: Bureaucracy and diplomacy has stolen most of the zeal from the once fanatic Cranes, but many still serve their fellows with an unwavering will.

Racial Ability Adjustments
RaceLevel AdjustmentFavored Class
Wolf+2 to any three abilities, LA +1Any
Bear+2 Str, +2 Con, -2 Int, -2 DexBarbarian
Boar+4 Con, -2 Int, -2 Wis, -2 ChaFighter
Fox+4 Cha, +2 Int, -2 Str, -2 ConSorceror
Viper+2 Cha, +2 Int, -2 StrBard
Ferret+2 Dex, +2 Int, -2 Str, -2 Con, -2 WisRogue
Rat+4 Dex, +2 Cha, -2 Str, -2 ConHexblade
Tiger:+2 Dex, +2 Str, +2 Wis, -2 ChaMonk
Raven+4 Int, +2 Wis, -2 ChaWizard
Coyote+4 WisDruid
Python+2 Str, +2 Dex, +2 Con, -2 Int, -2 WisMonk
Crane+2 Dex, +2 Wis, +4 Cha, -2 ConPaladin


All Clans:

All Clans can switch between their Human and Animal forms as a standard action. In Animal form they retain all class abilities, as well as the ability to speak, though they cannot normally cast spells. All armor and equipment is incorporated into the animal form, though only magic items are still useable. Magic armor and equipment worn provide all their magic bonuses, though none of their mundane bonuses are transferred. One available melee weapon transfers its magic bonuses to the Animal form's natural attacks. Each Clan can also communicate with natural animals of its type, and has a +4 on all Charisma based checks in relation to such animals. Only Wolves start play with the ability to take a Hybrid form. In Hybrid form, all equipment resizes to accommodate their new form, but they can choose to still have one available melee weapon meld into their form, transferring its magic bonuses to the Hybrid form's natural attacks.

The Clans do not transmit Lycanthropy with a bite, either to each other or to outsiders, nor can they contract the disease.



Cursed Lycanthropes:

The Clans are the only Lycanthropes native to Verold, however more traditional Lycanthropes (such as those in the Monster Manual) are occasionally found scattered across the land. Whether bitten or born before arriving, the Clans refer to them as “Cursed Lycanthropes” and usually either pity or shun them for the disease they carry. When spending time within Clan cities they are usually found in the company of Rats and making up the bulk of a Wolf’s seedy contingent. Those of a more friendly nature tend to cluster in Coyote or Ferret communities, where their affliction is most easily overlooked.

 


Other Races:

Other races have little, if any presence in Verold, and even the most benign of travelers are often treated as monsters and demons, especially humans and those most resembling them. More savage races and those with animal qualities, such as Shifters and Rakshasas are more readily accepted, though they are still viewed as outsiders in even the most forgiving of communities.

 


Vital Statistics:


Age: All Clans age at roughly the same rate as Gnomes, and use their tables for starting age and aging effects.

Height and Weight: You can choose your character’s height and weight based on the ranges below, or you can randomly generate them.

Random Heights and Weights:

RaceBase HeightHeight ModifierBase WeightWeight Modifier
Wolf, male5’10”+2d6140 lbx (2d4) lb
Wolf, female5’4”+2d6110 lbx (2d4) lb
Bear7’+1d12340 lbx (2d10) lb
Boar, male3’8”+3d4240 lbx (4d4) lb
Boar, female3’8”+3d4180 lbx (3d4) lb
Fox2’10”+1d430 lbx 1 lb
Viper, male2’+1d610 lbx 1 lb
Viper, female1’10”+1d410 lbx 1 lb
Ferret, male3’   +1d1015 lbx 1 lb
Ferret, female2’8”+2d612 lbx 1 lb
Rat, male4’8”+2d4180 lbx (2d4) lb
Rat, female4’10”+1d8170 lbx (1d6) lb
Tiger, male7’4”+2d4150 lbx (2d6) lb
Tiger, female6’10”+1d10140 lbx (2d4) lb
Raven, male3’+1d1250 lbx (1) lb
Raven, female3’4”+1d645 lbx (1) lb
Coyote, male5’2”+1d4140 lbx (2d4) lb
Coyote, female5’4”+1d690 lbx (1d4) lb
Python7’6”+1d8140 lbx (2d10) lb
Crane, male5’6”+1d460 lbx 1 lb
Crane, female5’4”+1d480 lbx (1d4) lb

Offline EjoThims

  • Honorary Mod
  • *****
  • Posts: 531
  • The Ferret
    • View Profile
Classes
« Reply #2 on: November 15, 2011, 07:52:02 PM »
Barbarian:

The majority of Barbarians in Verold are Bears, and most take the Bear racial substitution levels. In the older forests and communities, however, many who still follow the old ways of remaining in touch with the animals they guard follow the Barbarian’s path and are likely to choose from the Animal Spirit series of alternate class features.

Bard:

The storytellers and historians of Verold, most Bards are Vipers or Ferrets, though each Clan has their own individual tales to spin and those who dedicate their lives to weaving the tapestries.

Cleric:

The loss of the Deer Clan was a major blow to the organized faith in the Creator Gods, and the oppressive rule of the Wolves ground many remaining places of worship into dust. Few any more feel the devotion and connection necessary to become true Clerics, and most communities have turned to the Coyotes and other Druids to provide them with spiritual guidance.

Druid:

Druids are one of the few remaining links the Clans have to their life before the Great Wars, and lead most of the remaining reverence for the Creator Gods. Druids from all Clans are often the leaders of small communities or wilderness tribes still devoted to their respective animals, but Coyotes compose the majority of the Druids’ ranks.

Fighter:

Fighters come from all Clans, and can range from city defenders to thugs to competitors in arenas. Most Boars find the straightforward approach of the fighter appealing, especially since their already bulky frame suffers little from the additional weight of armor.

Hexblade:

Hexblades in Verold are almost solely Rats or those associated with them, though some Foxes find appeal in the Hexblade style of fighting and deception. Regardless of their Clan of origin, Hexblades compose a large part of the criminal activity in Verold’s cities and larger communities.

Monk:

Tigers and Pythons are the most likely to give themselves to the pursuit of balance and control that characterizes the Monk philosophy on Verold, though anyone with similar goals would be welcomed to the Tigers’ isolated monasteries or the Pythons competitive arenas.

Paladin:

Traditionally all Cranes were brought up with the zeal and training to be Paladins devoted either to the Creator Gods or a strong personal cause, but in the current world members from all Clans showing such strong devotion are called to the class, as most Cranes have become lost in politics. Those Cranes who take levels in the class often follow the Truthseeker’s path, while most others are trained to focus on the Power of Self alternate class feature.

Psionic Classes:

Psionics is a rather new and greatly feared phenomenon in Verold. It has so far only been seen in Foxes, Rats, Ferrets, Ravens, and Boars. When discovered, those with psionic powers are often shunned and hunted, by both authorities and those they previously thought to be companions. Showing psionic abilities is looked upon as a threat much like the reemergence of the Hybrid form or the rumors of a Wolves’ Den. Some lucky psionic individuals who are discovered are secreted away by a small group of Ravens, known as the Conspiracy of Minds, dedicated to studying this phenomenon. Suspected of having psionic abilities themselves, this group does it’s best to stay out of the public eye, though it openly theorizes that the emergence of psionic abilities and the return of Hybrid forms may be linked. When psionic attributes manifest, those who pursue their study are most likely to progress as Wilders, and they pose a powerful threat if they can keep their presence hidden.

Psychic Archer:

“Moving things with the power of your mind may not be the pinnacle of mental prowess, but I’ve got very good at it indeed.” –Maldeve Barem, Raven Pyschic Archer

With the help of the Conspiracy of Minds, a small number of naturally telekinetic individuals among the Clans have learned to harness their ability as a weapon and simultaneously disguise it to appear as more mundane magic.

Ranger:

Trackers and Hunters from all Clans, as well as many of those devoted to fighting the crime and corruption in the larger cities find appeal in a Ranger’s methods, though their connection to the wild makes them more common on the fringes of society, often grouping with Druids and Barbarians to continue their watch of the animal charges.  Many Rangers choose either the Champion of the Wild or the Solitary Hunter variant class feature to enhance their Hunting prowess while working closely with Druids.

Rogue:

In Verold Rogues are most commonly Ferrets who apply their skills and abilities as much to the skills to get them through every day life as to getting them out of the trouble their curious natures can cause. Rogues from other Clans are usually either part of powerful crime rings or members of city defense forces, though some of the shiftier Clan members use the Rogue class to tread a delicate life just short of criminal. Many rogues in smaller towns and in the wild take the Wilderness Rogue substitution.

Sorceror:

Most Sorcerors in Verold are tricksters, calling upon their innate magical nature to perform illusions and entertain audiences, though others, especially Foxes, turn these tricks to a darker end, manipulating those around them for personal gain. Many dedicated Sorcerors in Verold choose the Arcane Reabsorbtion alternate class features.

Warlock:

The majority of Warlocks in Verold gain their powers from sources other than Fiends. Many in the forests, especially a carefree and mischievous clan of Ferrets, gain their power through bonds with or family ties to Fey. Others allow a maddening voice from beyond the stars to twist power through their minds in intricate displays of insanity. And a few who tend to the Lost come to seek the energies that power them well before their own demise.

Wizard:

The studious Ravens and other scholars at their universities and libraries often turn their attention to the study of magic through the discipline of the Wizard class, though the majority of the Clans and their members place a greater emphasis on the tangible and physical aspects of their life and world. In smaller communities especially, a Wizard’s arcane magic is seldom seen, sometimes even mistrusted, while the divine magic of Paladins and Druids is seen as a mundane occurrence.

Other Classes:

Incarnum users, Martial Adepts, Truenamers, Shadow Magic, Dragon Magic, and Pact Magic are all very rare, if not unheard of, in Verold. For those few that do exist, Martial Adepts can usually be found studying with Tiger or Python monks, adapting the philosophy of the Monk schools. Shadow Magic is most often used by Rats and Foxes in criminal activity, though a few Ravens may utilize it in their studies. Pact Magic, Dragon Magic and Truenaming are almost exclusively encountered through an esoteric Raven who has dedicated life to studying their obscure powers, though there’s rumor of a gang of Rats who stumbled upon one such Raven’s research and now use Truenaming for their own ends. Incarnum is most often used by Vipers if it can be found, and many of the more obscure legends the Vipers carry tell of a small group of it’s users being vital in bringing the Clans together to topple the Wolves in the Second Great War.
« Last Edit: August 18, 2013, 02:48:47 PM by EjoThims »

Offline EjoThims

  • Honorary Mod
  • *****
  • Posts: 531
  • The Ferret
    • View Profile
Feats
« Reply #3 on: November 15, 2011, 07:52:24 PM »
Feats


(click to show/hide)


Prestige Classes


(click to show/hide)
« Last Edit: August 20, 2012, 02:01:13 PM by EjoThims »

Offline EjoThims

  • Honorary Mod
  • *****
  • Posts: 531
  • The Ferret
    • View Profile
Skills
« Reply #4 on: November 15, 2011, 07:52:45 PM »
Handle Undead: This works similar to Handle Animal, but affects Mindless Undead. Mindless Undead can learn a number of tricks equal to twice their HD.

Speak Language:

(click to show/hide)
« Last Edit: November 15, 2011, 07:54:38 PM by EjoThims »

Offline EjoThims

  • Honorary Mod
  • *****
  • Posts: 531
  • The Ferret
    • View Profile
Spells
« Reply #5 on: November 15, 2011, 07:53:02 PM »
Ribbon Dance
(click to show/hide)
« Last Edit: November 15, 2011, 07:54:49 PM by EjoThims »

Offline EjoThims

  • Honorary Mod
  • *****
  • Posts: 531
  • The Ferret
    • View Profile
Items
« Reply #6 on: November 15, 2011, 07:53:22 PM »
Magic Items:
(click to show/hide)



Mundane Items:
(click to show/hide)
« Last Edit: August 18, 2013, 02:50:16 PM by EjoThims »

Offline EjoThims

  • Honorary Mod
  • *****
  • Posts: 531
  • The Ferret
    • View Profile
Locations
« Reply #7 on: November 15, 2011, 08:00:36 PM »
Locations:

Reth-Hi:

(click to show/hide)